TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 21: West Gulf Blockading Squadron (January 1, 1864 - December 31, 1864) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1906 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 I. V 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. PUBLISHEL) UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. CHARLES J. BONAPARTE, Secretary of the Navy, BY MR. CHARLES W. STEWART, Superintendent Library and Naval Wa.r Records. B~ AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JULY 31, 1894. SERIES IVOLUME 21. WEST G-ULIP IBLOCIiLADING~ SQ lIJADIRON FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. WASHINGTON. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1906 Page R002 1 / 4 -1-F -1 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 Atiantic 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 S. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from September 5, 1862, to May 4, 1863. VOLUME 9. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 5,1863, to M~y 5, 1864. VOLUME 10. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6 to October 27, 1864. II Page R004 IV CONTENTS OF 1~RECEDING 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 South 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 15. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 21 to July 14, 1862. VOLUME 19. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from July 15, 1862, to March 14, 1863. VOLUME 20. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from March 15 to December 31, 1863 Table of Contents Page R005 TABLE OF CONTENTS. List of illustrations VI Preface VII Order of compilation of Series I Xl List of vessels of West Gulf Blockading Squadron XIII Calendar XVI West Gulf Blockading Squadron: Principal events Union reports Communication of H. B. M. S. Virago with British consul at Mobile 611 Combined expedition from Pass Cavallo, January 20, 1863 4751 Engagements with Texan shore batteries, February 69, 1864 7476 Seizure of British brig Scio at Brazos Santiago, Tex 8590 Bombardment of Fort Powell, February 1629, 1864 90105 Firing on the Confederate steamer Matagorda 151152 Capture of the Confederate schooner Mary Sorly, formerly U. S. revenue cutter Dodge 164165 Capture of the Confederate schooner Julia A. Hodges, April 6, 1864 169171 Capture and loss of tbe Mexican schooner Juanita 179182 Combined expedition in MatagQrda Bay, April 1224, 1864 188190 Escape of three Confederate steamers from Galveston, April 30, 1864 223234 Capture of U. S. steamers Granite City and Wave, May 6, 1864...~ 246264 Loss of schooner Sting Ray and Federal prize crew 293296 Capture of blockade runner Isabel, near San Luis Pass, May 28, 1864 305310 Capture of the steamer Donegal off Mobile, June 6, 1864 321323 Chasing ashore and subsequent destruction of steamer Ivanhoe at Fort Morgan 353357 Destruction of Confederate steamer Matagorda, July 8, 1864 364-365 Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, including operations August 223, 1864 397601 Combined expedition to Bon Secours and Fish rivers, September 811, 1864 629638 Attack of U. S. S. Sebago on Confederate batteries near Mobile, October 9, 1864 676677 Capture of steamer Susanna, November 27, 1864 740741 Sinking of U. S. S. Narcissus by torpedo, December 7, 1864 752754 Abstracts of log books, diaries, etc 780857 Confederate reports Engagements with Texan shore batteries, February 69, 1864 76 Bombardment of Fort Powell, February 1629, 1864 103105 Firing on the Confederate steamer Matagorda 151152 Capture of Confederate schooner Julia A. Hodges, April 6, 1864~ 170171 Escape of three Confederate steamers from Galveston, April 30, 1864 232234 Capture of U. S. steamers Granite City and Wave, May 6, 1864~~ 261264 Loss of schooner Sting Ray and Federal prize crew 296 Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, including operations August 223, 1864 555-601 Confederate retorts, orders, and correspondence 857936 Confederate plan for the recapture of New Orleans 860862 Attempted expedition against Fort Pickens 915-928 List of Illustrations Page R006 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Confederate States ram Tennessee, view Frontispiece. United States steamer Hartford, view 396 Diagrams of line of battle, August 5, 1864 404, 422 423 United States steamer Hartford, outline drawing, showing hits received in battle of Mobile Bay 436 Confederate States ram Tennessee, deck plan 582 Confederate States steamer Gaines, from picture loaned by Mr. George S. Waterman, formerly midshipman, C. S. Navy 596 Map, battle of Mobile Bay 600 Sketch, Confederate States ram Nashville 646 Sketch, Confederate States ironclads Tuscaloosa and Huntsville 663 Sketch, device for cutting rope obstructions 697 V Page R007 PREFACE. The work of preparing for publication the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies, which was begun July 7, 1884, was organized under the superintendency of Professor J. R. Soley, U. S. Navy, at that time librarian of the Navy Department, afterwards Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In August, 1890, the work of collecting these records and their clas- sification was ably continued by his successor, Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Wise, U. S. Navy, who, having received orders to sea, was relieved by Lieutenant-Commander Richard Rush, U. S. Navy, in May, 1893. The long-delayed publication was finally authorized by act of Con- gress approved July 31, 1894, and begun by Mr. Rush. The first five volumes were published under his efficient administration, and the important duty of organizing the office for the distribution of these volumes was accomplished. In March, 1897, Mr. Rush, having been ordered to sea, was suc- ceeded by Professor Edward K. Rawson, U. S. Navy, as superintend- ent, under whose able administration volumes 614 were published. 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 contemporaneous naval records of the war, which is divided into three series, in the following order of arrangement: I. The first series embraces the reports, orders, and correspondence, both Union and Confederate, relating to all naval operations on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and inland waters of the United States during the war of the rebellion, together with the operations of vessels acting singly, either as cruisers or privateers, in different parts of the world. These reports are accompanied by occasional maps and diagrams. In this series the papers are arranged according to squadrons and flotillas, chronologically; and, as far as possible, the Union reports of any events are immediately followed by the Confederate reports. V Page R008 viii: 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 Secre- tary of the Navy and chiefs of the various bureaus. 2. The construction and outfit of the Confederate Navy, in- cluding 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 repro- duced 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 records are not equally complete, due to the great difficulty found in collecting them, and also to the fact that a large part of the archives of the Confederate Navy Department was burned at the close of the war. Frequent careful searches throughout various parts of the country, conducted by a special agent of the Department, have brought to light many duplicates of these papers, found among the personal files of participants. It is hoped that the publication will revive the interest of participants in the events referred to, and lea Page R009 PREFACE. Ix 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 twentieth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 20), which has recently been published by the Department, gives the operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from March 15 to December 31, 1863. The present volume (Series I, vol. 21) gives the operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from January 1 to December 31, 1864. 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 orderhas been somewhat modified, and such documents have been placed together in the compilation. CHARLES W. STEWART, Compiler. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., October, 1906. 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, 1904): * * * Of said number, six thousand eight hundred and forty copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, two thou- sand one hundred and twelve copies for the use of the Senate, and one thousand and forty-eight copies for the use of the Navy Department and for distribution by the Secretary of the Navy among officers of the Navy and contributors to the work. The quotas herein author- ized of said publication for the Senate and House of Representatives shall be sent by the Secretary of the Navy to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Rep- resentatives, 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 by th Page R010 x PREFACE. 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 individuals. The Secretary of the Navy shall inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. The following joint resolution regarding the distribution of the work was approved January 30, 1896: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Con!~ress 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, for supplying officers of the Navy who have not received the work, two thousand four hundred dollars Page R011 ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. SERIES 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 ilarwood, U. S. N., 1862-1863. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, U. S. N., 1863-1865. 5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Stringliam, 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 Goldsborough, U. S. N., 1861. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, U. S. N., 1861-1862. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Tattnall, 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 Tattnall, C. S. N. * Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Ingraham, C. S. N. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Dahigren, 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. * 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. X Page R012 XII ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. 6. Gulf Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer MeKean, U. S. N., 1861-1862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer MeKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. N., 1862-1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under captain Greene, U. 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. N., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 1865. * Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Farrand, C. S. N. 7. Operations on the Western Rivers, 18611865. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Commander Rodgers, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. N., 18611862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. .S. N. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Davis U S N 1862 * Mississippi River Defense Fleet, under Captain Montgomery, C. S. A. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander R. F. 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 R013 UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQ UADRON, JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. Name. Albatross Althea Antelope Antona Arizona Arkansas Aroostook Arthur Augusta Dinsmore Bienville Bloomer Bohjo Brooklyn Buckthorn Calhoun Carrabasset Cayuga Charlotte Chickasaw Chocura Colorado Commodore t Conemaugh Constellation Cornubia Corypheus Cowslip Elk Estrella Fearnot Fort Gaines~ Fort Morgan Galena Genesee Gertrude Glasgow Glide Granite City Hartford Henry Janes Hollyhock fl Horace Beals Rate. Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Third Fourth... Fourth... Third ......... Fourth... Fourth... Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Fourth... First..... Fourth... Third Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Tonnage. Class. 378 72 173 565 959 752 507 554 850 1,558 130 196 2,070 128 508 202 507 70 970 507 3,425 80 955 1,425 600 100 220 162 438 1,012 80 1,248 738 803 350 252 232 315 2,900 260 300 296 Screw steamer do Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do Bark Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer Brig Screw steamer .do Side-wheel steamer . . . .do Screw steamer Schooner Ironclad steamer Screw steamer do Side-wheel steamer do Ship Side-wheel steamer Schooner-yacht Side-wheel steamer .do do Storeship Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do do do Side-wheel steamer do do Screw steamer Mortar schooner Side-wheel steamer Barkentine * No rolls. ~ Formerly Commodore. t Name changed to Fort Gaines Sept. 1, 1864. Formerly Admiral. Crew. 95 15 (*) 56 82 75 83 32 66 185 16 34 259 22 68 45 78 14 138 80 626 (*) 100 225 76 21 36 65 57 45 56 82 139 113 68 30 45 69 302 35 42 39 Guns. 7 1 6 4 6 6 7 6 2 11 2 6 25 1 4 6 6 2 4 5 50 4 10 24 3 2 3 6 6 4 5 11 8 6 6 7 26 3 3 3 Formerly Reliance. XII Page R014 XIV LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864Continued. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. Ida Itasca I. C. Kuhn Jasmine John Griffith John P. Jackson Kanawha Katahdin Kennebec Kickapoo Kineo Kittatinny Lackawanna Manhattan Maria A. Wood Metacomet Meteor Milwaukee Mohile I Monongahela Narcissus New London Nightingale Nyanza 0.11. Lee Octorara Oneida Orvetta Ossipee Owasco Pampero Pemhina Penguin Penohscot Pensacola Philippi Pink Pinola Pocahontas Port Royal Portsmouth Potomac Princess Royal Queen Rachel Seaman Richmond Rodolph Rose Sam Houston Sarah Bruen Sciota Sea Foam Sebago Seminole * No rolls. Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Fourth... Fourth... Third Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Third Fourth... Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Third Third Second.... Third Fourth... Fourth... Second.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Third 104 507 888 122 246 787 507 507 507 970 507 421 295 1,034 344 974 221 970 1,275 1,378 101 221 1,066 203 199 829 1,032 171 1,240 507 1,375 507 389 507 158 311 184 507 694 805 989 1,708 828 630 303 1,929 217 96 66 233 507 251 832 801 Screw steamer do Bark Screw steamer Mortar schooner Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do do Ironclad steamer Screw steamer Schooner Screw steamer Ironclad steamer Mortar schooner Side-wheel steamer do Ironclad steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do do Ship Sidewheel steamer Mortar schooner Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Mortar schooner Screw steamer do Ship Screw steamer do do do Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do do Side-wheel steamer Ship do Screw steamer do Mortar schooner Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Schooner Mortar schooner Screw steamer Brigantine Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer I I Formerly U. S. S. Tennessee. (*) 70 61 19 39 99 87 78 78 123 81 66 298 91 25 162 44 127 217 176 19 47 51 4(1 37 118 166 43 141 91 50 91 71 82 269 41 29 75 173 131 161 331 90 83 13 261 60 19 12 35 65 35 148 104 .4 2 2 3 6 4 7 4 4 4 4 5 2 2 10 6 4 5 12 2 4 S 10 10 3 13 4 4 4 7 4 23 2 1 4 6 S 22 34 7 7 2 22 6 1 1 S 3 3 10 Page R015 LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. Xv UNITED S TA TES VESSELS OF WAR SER VING IN THE WEST G ULF BLOCKADING SQ UADRON, JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, l864Continued. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. South Carolina Third 1,165 Screw steamer 96 8 Stockdale Fourth 188 Side-wheel steamer 63 6 Tallahatchie Fourth 171 do 51 6 Tecumseh Third 1,034 Ironclad steamer 85 2 Tennessee * Third 1,275 Side-wheel steamer 217 5 Tennessee t Third 1,273 Ironclad steamer 99 6 Tritonia Fourth 202 Side-wheel steamer 26 1 Vincennes Third 700 Ship 162 19 Virginia Fourth 581 Screw steamer 61 7 Wave Fourth 229 Side-wheel steamer () 6 Win. G. Anderson Fourth 593 Bark 102 7 Winnebago Third 970 Ironclad steamer 118 4 * Name changed to Mobile. 1 Formerly C. S. ironclad ram Tennessee. ~ No rolls Page R016 OAIJEL~F]DAI~ 1864 JNTLALR7Y~. JTYIY~ Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. T. F, Sat. 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 rG-LTST~. -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 SJS~EB~I~ -- -- 1 2~ 3 4 5 -- -- 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 -- -- 25 26 27 28 29 30 ALEI~IL. OCTOB8I?~ 1 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 8 91011121314 6 7 8 910.1112 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 ~FLTN~BL 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 -- -- 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 x Page A001 Page A002 CONFEDERATE STATES RAM TENNESSEE Page 1 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. PROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. N W RVOL 21 1~ Page 2 Page 3 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. Letter from Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, referring to the chase of a blockade runner. U. S. S. COLORADO, January, 1,1864. M~ DEAR CAPTAIN: I have scratched off hurriedly a copy of the letter which I have written to go with yours. I trust it may have the desired effect and that either the Hartford or Brooklyn may take your place on their arrival. The admiral would find the Richmond as good as any other for the defense of New Orleans, and as far as I can learn either of the others are steady compared with the Richmond I well knew that you could do little or nothing the other night at chasing. At no time was the runner in sight of this ship, but the Richmond was, we think, close upon his heels and the Gertrude directly after him. Neither have yet returned. They must have had a long chase, and we can ill spare them so long. They are now, 9 p. in., forty-eight hours absent. Thirty pair of good eyes failed to discover the out-running craft. She frequently changed her course, after giving us a good berth, as we saw by the Richmonds movements. I hope your picket boat got alongside safely. The Gertrude under- took to tow them in. My boat returned, crew all wet with spray. I am, very truly, H. K. THATCHER. Captain JENKINS, etc. - P. S.Acting Master Hanrahan, commanding my pilot boat, reports as follows: We were both in tow of the Gertrude and had proceeded about a mile when one of the crew told me that the Richmonds boat had cast off her towline to pick up her rudder without giv- ing any notice to the steamer or the Colorados boat that she intended to cast off; but as soon as Mr. Hanrahan discovered that she had cast off he notified the Gertrude, when Captain Wade stopped, but could see nothing of her. He then turned the steamer and cruised some time in pursuit. Not finding her he came to this ship and hailed, asking if the Richmonds boat was here or if we had seen her. I then recalled our boat and ordered Captain Wade to go in pursuit of your boat and to speak the Richmond. II. K. THATCHER. Captain JENKINS. Page 4 4 WEST GULF BLOCKADDTG SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding his expected departure for the South. ASTOR HOUSE, NEW YORK, Saturday, January 2, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commum- cation of the 30th ultimo, at 9:20 a. in., respecting the forces under Admiral Buchanan at Mobile, and in reply I have to state that I went over to the yard and found that Admiral Paulding had given orders for the transfer of the men from the Niagara, and I hope to get to sea by to-morrow evening. Very respect~1ly, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington City, D. C. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival of the U. S. S. Itasca at New Orleans. U. S. S. PENSACOLA New Orleans, January 2,1864. Sin: I have the honor to report to the Department the arrival at this place of the U. S. gunboat Itasca, on the 31st day of December. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tern. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding informatwn regarding the Confederate ram Tennessee. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 3, 1864. Sin: I transmit herewith a copy of a dispatch, dated the 30th instant [ultimo], received from Major-General Hurlbut, at Memphis, in relation to the rebel steamer Tennessee at Mobile. She is repre- sented uO be a ram more formidable than the Merrimack. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, New York. [EnclosureTelegram.] MEMPHIS, TENN., December 30, 1 8634 :30 p. m (Received 7 p. in., January 2, 1864.) The Tennessee at Mobile will be ready for sea in twenty days.. She is a dangerous craft. Buchanan thinks more so than the Merrimack Page 5 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 5 She is a ram, makes 8 knots, armed with 10-inch columbiads, and has heavy Blakely guns. This news just received. S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Bermuda, to proceed on supply trip to the West Gulf Sguadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 4, 1864. SIR: On the 5th instant, or as soon thereafter as the arrival of the Departments mail for the squadrons, proceed with the U. S. S. Bermuda on another supply trip to the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Touch at Port Royal and Key West on your outward trip, and land passengers, mails, etc.; also at those p laces on your return trip to receive mails, passengers, etc. You wil a so touch at Hampton Roads on your return trip, and after forwarding from that point your mails and communicating with Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, as usual, continue your course to Philadelphia. Very respectfully, etc. GIDEON WELLES,~ Acting Volunteer Lieutenant ~. W. SMITH, Secretary of Navy. Commanding U. S. S. Bermuda, Philadelphia. Instructions from Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jen- Icins, U. S. Navy, upon transferring the command of the Mobile blockade. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off Mobile Bay, January 4, 1864. SIR: The following is an extract from a letter received from Commo- dore H. H. Bell, commanding the West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem: Turn over the command of the blockade of Mobile Bay and the adjacent waters to Captain Thornton A. Jenkins, of U. S. S. Richmond, together with all the orders pertaining to the blockade, and proceed to the South West Pass, Mississippi River, etc. The blockade now consists, in addition to your own ship, of the Port Royal, Lieutenant-Commander George U. Morris; the Octorara, Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low; the Genesee, Lieutenant-Com- mander E. C. Grafton; the Kennebec, Lieutenant-Commander William P. McCann; the Pinola Lieutenant-Commander [0. F.] Stanton; the Gertrude, Acting Master Commanding H. C. Wade; the Albatross, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding T. B. DuBois, and the Penguin, Lieutenant-Commander J. R. Beers. The latter vessel has been ordered to cruise for fifteen days between the longitudes 870 and 880 W. and the latitudes 270 30 N., for the purpose of intercepting vessels bound in or out, at the end of which time to go to Pensacola fo Page 6 6 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRO1~. coal, and then to report here for further orders, when she is to be relieved by the Albatross, to cruise until her coal is exhausted, and then to proceed for coal as the Penguin, alternating in this important service until this squadron is sufficiently strong to admit of both of these vessels being sent on this service. The Oneida and Lackawanna belong to this blockade, but are now under repairs at New Orleans, and the former may be expected to report here in three weeks for duty. The gunboat Itasca is to be sent here also, having reached New Orleans from the North. A copy of the order for night picket service is herewith enclosed for your information. You are already aware of the station assigned to the various vessels employed here. The Mississippi Sound cruisers are the J. P. Jackson and Calhoun, with the Vincennes at Ship Island. Their respective commanders are Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pennington, Lieutenant- Commanders Greene and Bigelow. I have directed the gunboats going and returning from Pensacola to run along the coast, closely scrutinizing the waters at the entrance of the Perdido. The only papers relative to this blockade in my possession are here- with enclosed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. TIIALTCHER, Commodore. Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commanding U. S. S. Richmond, off Mobile Bay. Correspondence with commanding off cer of H. B. M. S. Virago regarding communication with the British consul at Mobile, January 4 to February 2, 1864. Order of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off Mobile Bay, January 5, 1864. SIR: Last evening H. B. M. S. Virago arrived and anchored near this ship, and her commander, W. G. H. Johnstone, called upon me, presenting an official letter on her Majestys service, stating that he had been instructed by Admiral Milne, commanding her Britannic Maj- estys forces, North America and West Indies, to deliver certain dis- patches from the foreign office to her Britannic Majestys consul at Mobile in person, or through a suitable officer of his ship, and saying to me that he must either go himself or send his second lieutenant (his first being under arrest). He left it to me to point out to him in what manner he could execute his trust, and I suggested that he could either go in with one of our gunboats with a rowboat and her crew, under a flag, and embark for Mobile in a Confederate steamer, or send for his consul to come down the bay, which proposal was entirely satis- factory to him. As I may not remain here to see this officer returned to his ship, I have herewith euclosed a copy of my orders to Lieutenant- Commander McCann, of the Kennebec, for your information, and wil Page 7 WEST GULl? I3LOCKArnNG SQUADRON. 7 thank you to have the latter part carried into effect, should I be absent with this ship at the time of this officers return. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Captain T. A. JENKINS Commodore. Commanding U. S. S. Richmond, off Mobile Bay. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off Mobile Bay, January 7, 1864. COMMODORE: Herewith I enclose correspondence with Commander William G. H. Johnstone, commanding H. B. M. S. Virago, which vessel arrived here on the evening of the 4th instant, in relation to his apjili.. cation to me to deliver dispatches to her Britannic Majestys consu at Mobile from the British foreign office. Also instructions to Lieutenant- Commander William W. Low, commanding U. S. gunboat Octorara, relative to conducting a flag of truce between that vessel and the Con- federates. Although the Virago arrived on the 4th instant, the state of the weather has been such as to render all communication with the shore difficult, if not impracticable; indeed, the state of the weather has prevented my visiting the Virago until to-day, but I propose permit- tmg a communication with Fort Morgan through a flag of truce at the earliest moment the weather will allow. The same reasons have operated to prevent my departure in this ship for the South West Pass. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Commodore H. H. BELL, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy. U. S. STEAM SLOOP RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 1 , 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith for your information copy of a letter from Commander Johnstone, commanding H. B. M. S. Virago, now off this place, and copy of my reply to that communication. The Octorara was sent inside of the bar on the forenoon of the 10th, in compliance with previous arrangement by Commodore Thatcher, but the boat did not make its appearance, and three shots having been fired at the Octorara from Fort Morgan I made signal of recall. The b~oat may be expected when the weather becomes better. The presence of foreign vessels of war off a blockaded port is necessarily embarrassing at all times, but especially so when detained a long time. Foreign vessels of war having been permitted to go into the harbor of Charleston, the restrictions here place the commanding officer in an - unpleasant, if not a false, position Page 8 8 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I would be pleased if this subject were brought to the notice of the Department, with the view to the issuance of specific and positive instructions in regard to communicating with the enemy. It is important, too, in my judgment, that foreign vessels of war, when in sight of a blockaded port or place, should be required to mask their lights at night. Restrictions of this sort, however, belong more properly to the treaty-making powers than to naval officers, unless in cases of gre at urcrency. You will, no doubt, recall to mind the difficulties at this place last year (at about this time), growing out of the arrival and stay of II. B. M. S. Vesuvius, which resulted in the issuing of a generat order by Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, commanding the North America and West India Station, on the subject of flags of truce, etc. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Ojilcer Present. Commodore H. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, transmitting correspondence. U. S. STEAM SLOOP PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith copies of correspondence between Commodore Henry K. Thatcher and Commander Jolinstone, of II. B. M. S. Virago, in reference to communicating with her Britan- nic Majestysconsul at Mobile. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Endorsements.] Calls them Confederates, and recognizes the act of Jeff. Davis in suspending the consuls. F[ox]. We do not admit the legitimacy of the so-called Confederate Gov- ernment, and the use of their assumed titles should not take place with foreign officials. W[ELLES]. [Enclosures.] H. B. M. S. VIRAGO Off Mobile, January 4, 1864. SIR: In compliance with directions received from Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, K. C. B., commander in chief, J have the honor to request that you will be pleased to grant me permission to cQmmunl- cate [with] her Britannic Majestys consul at Mobile and to deliver to him the dispatches I am the bearer of, from the commander in chief (foreign office). I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, W. G. H. JOHNSTONE, Commander. The SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, 6ommanding the United States Vessels off Mobile Page 9 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 9 U. S. S. COLORADO, Qif Mobile Bay, January 5, 1864. SIR: With every desire to extend all courtesy to the friendly Gov- ernment which you represent, I have the honor to inform you that since our conversation (soon after your arrival in this roadstead last even- ing) in relation to delivering dispatches to her Britannic Majestys con- sul at Mobile, it has occurred to me that I have seen a statement that her Majestys consuls within the limits of the Confederate States had been deprived of their official functions by the Confederate Executive. Subsequently, in a conversation with an intelligent gentleman of Mobile (now a prisoner of war), I have been informed that he is personally acquainted with the late British consul at Richmond, Va., but who. now resides at Mobile, and that this gentleman disclaims holding that office or any other position than that of a private citizen since the decree of the Confederate Government names in the foregoing. I can not assert, nor can I believe, that my information is correct on this subject, but am disposed to believe that I have been misinformed, particularly on referring to the following quotation from your letter of as evening, re qnesting permission to communicate with her Britannic Majestys consul a t Mobile and to deliver him the dispatches you are the bearer of from the commander in chief (foreign office). I respectfully request that you will be pleased to give me any infor- mation which you may possess in relation to this subject, that I may be enabled to perform my duty satisfactorily to my Government. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Commander W. G. H. JOHNSTONE, Commanding H. B. M. Steam Sloop Virago. H. B. M. S. VIRAGO, Off Mobile Bay, January 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 5th instant, and beg to inform you that I am ignorant of the statements which have been made to you respecting her Britannic Majestys consuls h~ving been deprived of their official functions by the Confederate Executive. The dispatches with which I am intrusted are directed F. J. Crid- land, esq., her Britannic Majestys acting consul at Mobile, and left the foreign office on the 17th October, 1863. I have therefore no doubt that this gentleman is still acting as such, and would beg that I may be permitted to carry out my instructions. I would observe that if on communicating with Mobile it should be found that the functions of her Majestys consuls have been suspended that the dispatches will be retained. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, W. G. H. JOHNSTONE, Commander. U.S. S. COLORADO, Off Mobile Bay, January 7, 1864. SIR: You will please take in tow a rowboat, with four men as her crew and an officer from H. B. M. S. Virago, under a flag of truce, t Page 10 10 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. a point inside or to the north of Sand Island, and if this flag is re- sponded to by the Confederate authorities you will permit the British officer to telegraph to her Britannic Majestys consul at Mobile to come down to the fort (Morgan) to receive dispatches from the British foreign office which are addressed to him. Should the British officer be detained for a reply, you will be author- ized to receive him with his boats crew on board y our vessel until the consul shall have arrived from Mobile, which will be made known to you through a flag of truce from the bay. You Will not permit the Confederate vessel to pass outside of you under any consideration. The English officer must wear his proper uniform. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Lieutenant-Commander WM. W. Low, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Octorara. H. B. M. S. VIRAGO, Off Mobile Bay, January 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you (that with your permission), should the boat belonging to this ship not return by noon to-day, that it is my wish to proceed in off the bar in her Majestys steam sloop under my command and send a boat in to ascertain what has become of her, as by the instructions given to the officer he should have returned to the ship before this. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, W. G. H. JoHNsToNE, Commander. The SENIOR OFI1ICER, Commanding U. S. Squadron off Mobile. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, January 11, 1 8648 a. m. SIR: I have had the honor this moment to receive your letter informing me that with my permission, should the boat belonging to your ship not return by noon to-day, that it is your wish to proceed in off the bar in her Majestys steam sloop under your command and send in a boat to ascertain what has become of her. In reply I beg to say that under my instructions, and in accordance with the practice hitherto in such cases on this blockade, I would not be justified in consenting to allow her Majestys steam sioop under your command to pass inside of the line of the blockade represented by this ship. It will afford me pleasure to carry out to the best of my ability the arrangement entered into by yourself with Commodore Thatcher, and shall continue to keep one of the gunboats on the lookout for the approach of your boat from Fort Morgan to take her in tow when near enough to our lines to do so. In the meantime, in case your boat does not return and you still wish to communicate again, I will gladly send one of the vessels unde Page 11 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 11 my command under a flag of truce with one of your boats in tow over the bar to await a reply from Fort Morgan. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer off Mobile. Commander W. G. H. JOHNSTONE, Commanding H. B. M. S. Virago, off Mobile Bar. H. B. M. S. VIRAGO, Oft7 Mobile Bay, January 12, 1864. SIR: J,consider it my duty to thank you officially for your cordial cooperation in assisting me to carry out my instructions from the commander in chief, as well as the civility and attention I have received at your hands during the time this ship has been at anchor off Mobile Bar. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, W. G. H. JOHNSTONE, Captain T. A. JENKINS, Commander. Senior Naval Qifficer, Commanding U. S. Squadron off Mobile Bay. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 2, 1864. SIR: Commodore Bell has forwarded to the Department, under date of the 16th ultimo, copies of correspondence between Commodore Thatcher and Commander Johnstone, of H. B. M. S. Virago, in refer- ence to communicating with the British consul at Mobile. It is observed that Commodore Thatcher in his letter to Commander Johnstone uses such expressions as the Confederate States, the Confederate Executive, and Confederate Government. We do not admit the legitimacy of the so-called Confederate Govern- ment, and the use of these assumed titles should not take place with foreign officials. Such terms as the rebel or the insurgent Gov- ernment would be better. In these remarks it is not intended to intimate that in the necessary intercourse with the rebels themselves there should be any want of personal courtesy or any refusal to recognize their claims to titles in necessary official interviews. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans Page 12 12 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, aclcnowledging infor- matior& regarding the Confederate ram Tennessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Brooklyn Navy Yard, January 5,1864. Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of January 3, enclosing the copy of a dispatch from Major- General Huribut, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, in relation to the ram Tennessee. We have been detained two days in making the transfer of men from the Niagara. It is now snowing very heavily, but we will go to sea the moment the pilot will take us out, and the Department may be assured that Commodore Bell and the officers off Mobile are fully aware of everything that is going on in Mobile Bay. How far we may be able to contend with the Tennessee time will have to show, but I believe that Commodore Thatcher will do his duty. I have a good report of him. I hope to be there, however, before the issue is made. They have my orders as to the manner of attack with the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Instructions frorh Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regard ~ng the Mobile blockade. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 5, 1864. SIR: The Itasca, Lieutenant-Commander George Brown, is sent to join the blockading force off Mobile Bar. I would suggest the propriety of keeping the vessels on blockade constantly underway in foggy weather to avoid surprise from the enemy inside. This would render necessary some well-arranged signals to avoid accidents among your own vessels. You will please manage about coaling in such a manner that two vessels on blockade will never run short at the same time. Two coal vessels have been at Ship Island for a long time at heavy expense; yet it is necessary that one shall be there all the time with coals for the vessels in the sound. You will please give me timely notice for sending thither more coals in anticipation. Please forward to the navy yard, Pensacola, by the first opportunity, the mails which are on board of the Itasca for that station. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Captain THORTON A. JENKINS U. S. S. Sloop Richmond, Jomdg. Blockading Forces Off Mobile Bar Page 13 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 13 Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Itasca, to proceed to duty on the Mobile blockade. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, January 5, 1864. SIR: As soon as the Itasca is ready for sea proceed to Mobile Bar and report to Captain T. A. Jenkins, U. S. S. Richmond, commanding the blockade there, for duty. You will please touch at Ship Island and place the officers of the Port Royal on board the Vincennes, to be forwarded to that vessel in the sound near Grants Pass. I am, very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Lieutenant-Commander GEORGE BROWN, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Itasca, New Orleans. Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, requesting that the steamer Alabama be turned over to the Navy. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, January 5, 1864. GENERAL: The enclosed papers will acquaint you with the circum- stances under which the steamer Alabama passed into the service of the Army. Having pressing necessities for vessels of her draft in this squadron, I would request that she be turned over to me, according to the original understanding. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11.11. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General NATHANIEL P. BANKS, 6Yommander in (thief, Department of the Gulf, New Orleans. Order of the the Navy to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to send Acting Ensign Chapman, U. S. Navy, to Liverpool as witness ~n the case of Confederate rams built in England. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 5,1864. SIR: You will detach Acting Ensign George T. Chapman from the U. S. S. Lackawanna and order him to proceed by the earliest cdnvey- ance to Liverpool, England, and report to Mr. Thomas H. Dudley ,the U. S. consul at that port. Should there be be no conveyance from New Orleans, he will proceed immediately to New York and take the steamer thence. Mr. Dudley requests that he be sent with the least delay, as he is a material witness in the case of the rams built in Eng- land for the rebel Government. You will also direct him, on the co Page 14 14 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. pletion of his duty in England, to return to the United States and report by letter to this Department. You are authorized to advance him three months pay, if required. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Commodore H. H. BELL, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. (pro tern.) Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding his departure in the U. S. S. Hartford. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Sandy Hook, January 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report this vessel off Sandy Hook on her way to her station. We left the navy yard at 1 p. m. in a snowstorm. Very respectfully, your obedient sermnt, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding light-draft vessels for the Texas blockade. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, January 6, 1864. ADMIRAL: The tinclads Nyanza and Stockdale reported to me on the 3d instant, and their pilots were next day detached and ordered to proceed to Cairo; the masters mates and crews will be forwarded with- out delay to the Essex for transportation to Cairo. I regret you can not spare the crew and officers, for neither can be obtained here, especially assistant engineers, without crippling other vessels. Light-draft vessels of 3 or 4 feet are wanted for Texan waters; if you could supply a half dozen such, staunch enough in top hamper, boiler, chimney, hog braces, and wheels to stand a moderate sea in running down the coast to their destinations, you would do good public service. The class of vessels can not be obtained here, while the upper waters within your command abound with them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER Commanding Missi~sippi Fleet Page 15 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 15 Reports of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of Confederate schooner John Scott. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off Mobile Bay, January 8, 1864. SIR: Herewith I forward the report of Lieutenant-Commander Wil- liam P. McCann, commanding U. S. gunboat Kennebec, of the capture of Confederate schooner John Scott, from Mobile for Havana, with cargo of cotton and turpentine: At 1:30 a. in., while at anchor in main ship channel, I discovered a small boat drifting out to sea. The cable was slipped and the boat picked up with a Mobile pilot named William Norval, from whom I learned that he had piloted out the Swash Channel the evening previous the rebel blockade runner John Scott. I immediately steamed to the southward and east- ward and about 8 a. m. discovered a sail to the southward and gave chase and fired a shot to heave her to. She did not hoist her colors, but commenced throwing overboard part of her deck load of cotton and hauled by the wind to the southward and westward. On coming within range I opened fire, and at the tenth shot she rounded to and was boarded and proved to be the rebel schooner John Scott, bound from Mobile to Havana with cotton and turpen- tine, and the same vessel the pilot Scott [Norval] had brought out of Mobile Bay the evening previous. The papers found on board proved her to be a rebel. I at once transferred the master and five other persons to this vessel as prisoners, took her in tow, and returned to this squadron. I have transmitted all the papers and writings found on board to the U. S. dis- trict judge at the port of New Orleans. This vessel is an American-built pilot boat, built at Newburgh, N. Y., and her foreign name was Victoria. The only colors found on board were an English and a Confederate flag. There was no other vessel in sight at the time of the capture, which was in latitude 290 28, longitude 890 48. I transmit herewith a list of officers and men attached to this vessel entitled to share in the prize to the U. S. district judge. The following is a list of persons found on board the J. Scott,viz: William Brown, captain, Liverpool; John Mahony, sailor, England; Charles Johnson, sailor, Sweden; N. A. Bowford, sailor, Nassau, New Providence; Alexander Sabio, sailor, Italy; S. D. Handcock, cook, Liverpool. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Commodore H. H. BELL Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO Off Mobile Bay, January 8,1864. COMMODORE: I deem the information communicated to me by Lieu- tenant-Commander McCann of sufficient importance to make it the subject of an especial letter. This William Norval, the pilot who brought out the prize schooner John Scott, now a prisoner, is sent to New Orleans to be delivered to your orders with the crew of the prize. He is the man who piloted out all the blockade runners, according to his own confession, and therefore a very important personage to the rebels, and had he been able to return to Mobile would doubtless have been employed by that Government to pilot their armed vessels should they conclude to make a raid upon this squadron, and you will per- ceive the importance of rct~aining this prisoner in security. From al Page 16 16 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. accounts Mobile pilots are now very much reduced in numbers and difficult to be procured. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Commodore H. H. BELL, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jen7~ing, U. S. Navy, regarding the Departments order in reference to entisted men. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 7, 1864. SIR: The following extract from the honorable Secretary of the Na vy is for the information of commanding officers of vessels on blockade,underyourcommand: You are authorized by law to retain men whose terms of enlistment are out, whenever their services may be required, and you will issue no discharges except by order of the Department. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commanding Blockading Forces off Mobile Bar. Lett er from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding consular information. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 8, 1864. SIR: I consider it proper to communicate the following extracts from consular dispatches received by the Secretary of State and referred to this Department for your information: From consul at Quebec, under date of December 26, 1863. In re- ferring to rebel desperadoes mentioned in a previous dispatch he says: Letters have been received here from them by their friends now sojourning in Quebec, who are in full sympathy with the rebellion, in which they say that they have concluded not to enter the South by the way of Wilmington, N. C., from Nassau, New Providence, but they intend to run the blockade at the port of Mobile, Ala. From consul at Bermuda, under date of December 22, 1863: There is at these islands at the present time a large number of desperate men Vrom the Southern States, some fifty having arrived prom Halifax last week, one of which, report says, is John H. Morgan. About one hundred have been here for some time; their board is paid by Confederate agents. Some piratical scheme is evidently contemplated by them. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans Page 17 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 17 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding information regarding Confederate movements at Mobile. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 8, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a dispatch from Rear-Admiral Porter, dated the 29th ultimo, with a copy of the letter* that accom- panied it, giving information in regard to the movements of the rebels at Mobile. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Commanding Western Gulf Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Lowrie, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Stockdale, for the transfer of officers and men for transportation to Cairo, Ill. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 8, 1864. SIR: You will transfer all the officers and crew of the U. S. S. Stock- dale, under your command, except yourself, the engineer, and pay- master, to the U. S. S. No. 21, of the river fleet, for transportation to Cairo. Paymasters steward is also excepted. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron pro tem. Acting Ensign LOwELE, Commanding U. S. S. Stoclcdale, New Orleans. [Order of same date and like tenor to Acting Ensign James Wilson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nyanza.] Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer of certain qificers and men to Cairo, Ill. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 8, 1864. SIR: I have ordered the crew and officers of the gunboats Nyanza and Stockdale to be transferred to gunboat No. 21 for transportation to Cairo, their commanders, engineers, paymasters, and paymasters stewards being excepted. The stewards being attach6s of the pay- masters I consider them as coming under the head of those who were to remain by the vessel, as designated by yourself. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Fleet, Cairo, Ill. * See vol. 20, p. 727. N W RYOL 21 Page 18 18 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer from Rear-Admiral Porters command of the two tinclads, Nyanza and Stoclcdale. U. S. STEAM SLOOP PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 8, 1864. SiR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the Nyanza and Stockdale, two tinclad, stern-wheel river boats, were reCeived here on the 3d instant from Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, the admiral requesting all the officers and Crew, except their commanders, chief engineers, and paymasters, to be sent back to Cairo. These vessels, although well calculated for bayou service, are too frail and insufficiently braced to be trusted in a sea for five minutes (if it should be desirable to pass them by sea into adjacent bayous) with- out first receiving considerable additional expense. Even then the sea should be smooth. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 11.11. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, naming the qificers appointed to command the U. S. gunboats Nyanza and Stockdale. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, January 8,1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I have ordered Acting Master Thomas Edwards to the command of the U. S. gunboat Stocledale and Acting Master S. B. Washburn to the command of the U. S. gunboat Nyanza, the former from the Oneida, the latter from the Pensacola. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, regarding the return to Cairo, Ill., of the qificers and crews of the tinclads. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 9, 1864. SIR: Rear-Admiral Porter, in transferring gunboats Nyanza and Stockdale to the Gulf fleet, requested that their officers and crews should be returned to Cairo by sending them to the Essex and thence by the divisional commanders of the river fleet Page 19 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 19 I have in compliance therewith put the masters mates and crews of said gunboats on board of the No. 21, to be returned to Cairo by your- self in your own way. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tern. Commander ROBERT TOWNSEND Commanding U~ S. gunboat Essex, off Donaldsonville, La. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the sending North of the U. S. S. Colorado. U. S. STEAM SLOOP PENSACOLA Off New Orleans, La., January 9, 1864. SIR: The Colorado has been ordered to the South West Pass to ren- der her transfers of men, in lieu of those of expired enlistments, on board of ships in this port. She will be dispatched to the North as soon as this is effected. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Hon. GIDEON IATELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Commodore Bell, U. & Navy, regarding the arrival at New Orleans of the U. S. S. Queen. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, January 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival at this port of the U. S. S. Queen. I have discharged her ordnance stores and shall place her on block- ade on the coast of Texas. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. ~C. [Endorsements.] Copy of Bureaus order of December 1,1863, to Commodore Mont- gomery, in reference to the Queen: SIR: As soon as the Queen is loaded and ready for sea you will please direct her to proceed with all dispatch to New Orleans, via Fortress Monroe and Port Royal, S. C., delivering the ordnance stores consigned to those places Page 20 20 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Unless otherwise directed by the officer commanding the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, the Queen will return to New York immediately after discharging her freight at New Orleans. I am, sir, etc., R. AULICK, Assistant Chief of Bureau. P. S.Any freight for Pensacola is to be landed at New Orleans. R.A. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, January 23, 1864. The Bureau would like very much to have the Queen transferred back as an ordnance transport if the exigencies of the service will permit. H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of a steamer off Mobile. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, January 10, 1864. SIR: A walking-beam side-wheel steamer ran ashore yesterday morning ander Fort Morgan and remained there during the day in spite of our efforts to destroy her. She was gotten off during the night while under the fire of two of the gunboats. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and genior Off cer Present. Commodore H. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tern., New Orleans. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Gertrude, Acting Master Wade, U. S. Navy, command %ng. January 9, 1864.Off Mobile. At 9 a. m. got underway and ran down to the flagship. At 10 captain went on board the Richmond. Returned on board with orders to restore Acting Third Assistant Engi- neer Philip Ketler to duty; at same time started ahead and ran in toward the fort. Fleet commenced firing on a rebel steamer aground on the bar. At 11 :30 a. m. fired three shots at the rebel steamer. At 7 p. m. came to anchor off Pelican Channel. At 8 p. m. heard heavy firing to the eastward. January 10.At meridian the Octorara steamed up the Main Ship Channel under a flag of truce toward Fort Morgan. At 12:40 fort fired three shots at her, hauled down flag of truce, and returned to the fleet. January 12.At 8:45 p. m. saw a blockade steamer running out Ship Channel. Slipped our chain and gave chase and called all hand Page 21 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 21 to quarters. Burned No. 2 Coston signal. At 9 burned No. 3 Coston an d rocket. January 13.At 5:15 p. m. sighted our buoy. At 9:05 came to with our port anchor. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Port Royal. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, January 10, 1864. SIR: The Port Royal came in a few evenings since, reported to Com- modore Thatcher, and the next afternoon left for Ship Isfand, as I was informed by Commodore Thatcher to reerect his smokestack, which had been carried away during the night by one of the gaffs. My own opinion is that the Port Royal is not particularly needed in the [Missis- sippi] Sound at this time while our force here is not large. The com- mander of that vessel will most likely disregard Commodore Thatch- er s verbal order to return here without unnecessary delay. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Commodore II. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Metacomet. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 11, 1864. SIR: As soon as the U. S. S. Metacomet is ready for sea proceed with her to New Orleans, touching at Key West on the way, and report to Rear-Admiral Farragut for duty in the Western Gulf Bloc ading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Lieutenant-Commander J. E. JOUETT, Commanding U. S. S. Metacomet, New York. Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Stone, U. S. Army, requesting a~td ~n removal of cargo of prize steamer Grey Jacket. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, January 11, 1864. GENERAL: I have to request the loan of a keel or canal boat for removing the cargo from a prize steamer [Grey Jacket] aground at Pass a lOutre Page 22 22 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. All such craft being in the hands of army authorities, I can find one nowhere else. I observe two or three near Algiers, apparently unoc-~ cupied. The boats are wanted immediately, if they can be spared. I am, very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, 11.11. BELL, Commodore. Brigadier-General C. P. STONE, Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf. Letter from Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Wash- burn, U. S.. Army, regarding operations in the ne%ghborhood of Pass Cavallo. U. S. S. MONONGAHELA, Pass Cavallo, Tex., January 11, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: The Aroostoole came down this morning. I had to send her to Galveston, but have a gunboat up the coast and will keep one there. Captain Hatfield reports that the rebels have thrown up works at San Bernard and at the Caney [Creek] , but no guns as yet mounted. From Caney he was fired upon by field guns night before last, but when he shelled them this morning he got no reply, so I take it the guns were only brought there for the occasion, but I shall endeavor to stop their proceedings. Only about 100 cavalry were seen. I shall have to send the G. C. [Granite City] up to Galveston, but she will return immediately. I have coal here for the Estrella. Hope to get on shore in a day or two to see you. Yours, truly, J. H. STRONG. [Major-General C. C. WASHBURN.] Abstract log of the U. S. S. Penobscot , Lieutenant-Commander Benham, U. S. Navy, commanding, January 11 to February 10, 1864. January 11, 1864.At 1 p. in., steaming up the coast [of Texas], saw a sand battery with two guns mounted at San Bernard. At 2:25 p. in., standing down the coast, saw a number of men building a sand battery at Caney Creek. Stood in toward shore, cleared ship for action, fired 2 5-second shell from XI-inch pivot, 2 10-second and 2 15-second from 20-pounder Parrott, one shell bursting near the muzzle. Fired 3 shell from 24-pounder howitzer, driving the rebels from their works. Stood offshore; came to anchor. At 4:45 p. m. got underway and stood in; opened at short range on a battery building by the rebels. Expended 3 Parrott shell, 3 XI-inch shell, and 4 24-pounder howitzer shell, bursting about the battery and three short. No reply. At 5:30 saw a steamer bearing S. W. At 7 p. m. stood inshore; cleared ship for action; opened fire on rebel battery. Expended 1 15-second shell, 20-pounder Parrott, 15-second shell, XI-inch pivot. No reply, shell bursting over the battery. January 13.At 8 a. m. opened at short range on the enemys breastworks and fired from XI-inch pivot 2 10-second shell and 1 15-second shell; from Parrott 20-pounder, 2 15-second shell. Shel Page 23 WEST GULF RLOCKADING SQUADRON. 23. exploding over the works. U. S. S. Owasco also firing. At 8:20 ceased firing, and at 8:35 started.for Galveston blockade. January 14.At 11:10 a. m. saw a boat with a flag of truce standing out, also a white flag on the fort at Galveston. Sent a boat with an officer and a flag of truce to communicate with strange boat, Bolivar light-house bearing N.W. by W., Spindle W. by N. At 1 flag-of-truce boat returned from communicating, bringing letters from prisoners, etc. Sent them to the Oss~pee. February 10.At 9:45 a. m. second cutter, in charge of Mr. Jack, executive officer, went inshore off Fort Point to communicate and land their paroled prisoners under flag of truce. At 2:15 p. m. second cutter returned with paroled prisoners; did not communicate. At 2 :25 schooner with flag of truce started out from the Fort Point toward the fleet. At 4:30 sent in flag-of-truce boat with prisoners to commnicate with a schooner coming out. At 5 schooner stood back toward the fort. At 5 :10 our boat turned back. At 6:45 Mr. Jack returned on board with prisoners. Report of Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, referring to batteries being erected at Caney Creek and San Bernard River. U. S. STEAM SLOOP MONONGAHELA Off Pass Cavallo, Tex., January 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose you Acting Master Lamson s report of the part taken by the Granite City in the V te expedition up the coast. The rebels are at work putting up works at Caney Creek and San Bernard. I have a gunboat sLtioned there to interrupt them s much as possible. Provisions have arrived for the army. No prospect yet of a for- ward movement. I have the Estrella inside. The Granite City hi s gone to Galveston for coal. The Owasco came up from the Rio Grande yesterday. No news there. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. H. STRONG, Comma~der. Commodore H. H. BELL, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. Flagship Pensacola, New Orleans, La. P. S.I have just heard that General Dana arrived this morning. He is to relieve General Washburn. J. H.S. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Aroostook, Lieutenant-Commander Hatfield, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 7, 1864.Off Pass Cavallo. At 1:45 p. m. fired on some rebel cavalry and a battery which they were erecting. Expended 3 XI-inch 5-second shell; 4 20-pounder Parrott shell, and 4 24-pounde Page 24 24 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. howitzer. At 5:55 came to off San Bernard. Expended 1 XJ-inch shell, 5-second; 1 15-pound charge and 1 20-pounder rifle, 20-second shell, and 1 2-pound charge. January 8. At 9 40 passed San Bernard. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Expended, firing at rebel cavalry, 5 12-pound howitzer shrap- nel, 3 20-pounder rifle 20-second shell, and 85 pounds of powder. January 9.At 9 a. m. steamed in toward the enemys earthworks and opened fire with rifle and XI-inch guns. Expended 19 XJ-inch shMl, 2 XJ-inch shrapnel, 19 20-pounder rifle shell, and 3 24-pounder howitzer shrapnel. January 14.Off Galveston. At 11:10 a. m. saw sloop with flag of truce. Gunboat Penobscot sent a boat to communicate. January 19.Off San Bernard. At 8:30 a. m. stopped at a rebel battery on San Bernard, who fired at us twice with great guns. At 8:40 went to general quarters and commenced shelling the rebel bat teries at San Bernard. Fired from XI-inch gun 1 10-second, 6 15- second, and 3 15-second shell; from rifle gun, 3 10-second and 10 15- second shell. At 10:15 ceased firing and stood S. W. ~ S., running along the land. At 11:20 wore ship and stood N. E. ~ E. At 1:10 p. m. got up to rebel batteries and expended 2 15-second XJ-inch shell. January 21.At 4:45 got underway and stood in toward the ene- mys battery. Expended 4 15-second and 3 10-second XJ-inch shell and 5 15-second 20-pounder rifle shell. January 28.At 8:10 a. m. got underway and stood to the south- ward and westward. Boarded English schooner Cosmopolite, from Tampico to New Orleans, with an assorted cargo. Stood inshore again to cover troops. From meridian to 4 p. m. running along shore in company with Sciota and Queen; our army on shore. At 6:50 p. m. came up with strange sail; fired 2 rifled shell to bring her to. At 7 boarded her. Proved to be the same vessel boarded in forenoon. At 8:45 took on board crew of 7 men from British schooner Cosmopolite, captured in latitude 28~ 32 N., longitude 950 45~ W. Order of Commodore Bell, U.. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Dyer, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Pass ~ lOutre to float the prize steamer Grey Jacket. U.S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 12, 1864. SIR: You will provide the following necessaries and such other arti- cles as may occur to you, for getting the prize steamer Grey Jacket afloat, which lies aground off Pass ~ lOutre, viz: 1 lighter, 1 launch, 2 anchors, weighing 2,000 pounds or 1,500 pounds each; 1 14-inch hawser from the ~Tennessee; 2 pieces 14-inch (60 and 40 fathoms) on board the Hollyhock; 1 10-inch from the Portsmouth, hauling lines, purchases, spun yarn, viol blocks, cotton hooks, dogs and crowbars. Mr. Ross will know where to find them. Mr. Ross, boatswain of the Portsmouth, and twelve men will accom- pany you to work on board of the Grey Jacket for saving the vessel and cargo Page 25 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 25 As soon as YOU are ready proceed to Pass ~ lOutre for that purpose. Employ a pilot for the occasion. Arrest Pilot Osgood, who ran her ashore, and bring him here. I am, very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tern. Acting Ensign N. M. DYER, Commanding U. S. S. Eugenie, New Orleans. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rolando, U. S. Navy, to give the reason for ordering the U. S. S. Arizona to Sabine Pass. U. S. S. PENSACOLA Off New Orleans, La., January 12, 1864. SIR: I have received a dispatch from Acting Master H. Tibbits, commanding the Arizona, at Brashear City, where he is stationed, informing me that you have sent the Chocura to Atchafalaya to order the Arizona to Sabine Bar. You will please inform me of the neces- sity for an increased force at that point. I have required the Arizona to remain at Brashear City and adjacent waters for the present. IRespectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Commander H. ROLANDO, Commanding U. S. S. Seminole, off Sabine Pass. Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, off Donaldsville, regarding lumber. U. S. S. EssEx, Off Donaldsonville, La., January 12, 1864. COMMODORE: I have been unable to send a vessel to New Orleans for some three weeks past. Plaquemine the seized Ben Franklin, and the sawmill have pretty well occupied their attention. As the first two exigencies have been met and satisfied they are now a little more at leisure. As to the mill, they have been doing pretty well there with the new wheels until the recent unprecedentedly long spell of frosty weather came to interrupt temporarily their operations. It seems that the water in the pump was frozen so solidly a few mornings since that when the mill was started the resisting ice broke the pump lever. But Captain Gregory informs me that the accident could not cause more than a couple of days delay. Still, these accidents, the frost and the holidays, have considerably retarded the work there, and I presume Captain Morong, who bears this, will not be able to take down to you more than 8,000 or 10,000 feet of lumber. This is not all that the mill has produced since the last shipment; but I have had to take some 3,000 or 4,000 feet to cover the barge, our workshop, and Colonel Fiske, contrary to my expectations, fell back upon me for about 6,000 feet. - But this will be his last reclamation; his really creditable barracks are nearly finished, and I have lent him a barge which goes to-morrow t Page 26 26 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Bayou Goula for the lumber that will complete the work. But as I write, commodore, I have reflected that I can not work on the barge for a few days to come. I have therefore concluded to send you by the Argo8y the 3,000 or 4,000 feet I had intended to devote to that purpose, thus increasing the present shipment to 12,000 or 14,000 feet. I appreciate your great needs in the way of lumber, and know that the slight addition will help along somewhat, whilst I can very well wait a few days. I have borne in mind your request in regard to ash for oars, but I am sorry to say that I have not been able to procure any. I sent Captain Gregory up to a place where he had seen an ash log, some distance back from the bank, duly provided with whipsaws to cut it into suitable lengths for conveyance to the water, but the log had been cut up. I then authorized him to engage men to go into the woods and cut and get out a number of ash logs; but the swampy nature of the country, the rise in the river, and the rains would not admit of sending horses into the woods, and of oxen, which it seems do not get mired, there are none hereabouts. So that attempt also proved abortive. After all our prospecting I have been compelled to con- clude that we can not find any ash logs from Red River to New Orleans. Should I chance to hear of a single one you may.rest assured I will send one of my gunboats after it. By the way, I was speaking to Fleet Paymaster Dunn, of the Mis- sissippi Squadron, when here on his way to New Orleans, of your great want of oars. lie told me that they were plentiful at Cairo or St. Louis, and if you would write to Admiral Porter L e would send you all you might require. I enjoined it upon Mr. Dunn to inform you of this fact. I hope he remembered to do so, and that your requisition is already on its way to Cairo. I beg leave to acknowledge the reception of the communication you sent me by the Robb. The officers and men will be sent up by tie first opportunity. I am glad to see you are receiving such an accession to your light-draft force in the way of tinclads. They must prove very serviceable in the shoal-water operations of your squadron. Enclosed herewith I send requisitions, which I most respectfully ask you to approve. You see, Commodore, that I am constantly com- pelled to depend upon your obliging kindness, and I do so with every confidence that it will not fail me in the midst of my necessities. As you will perceive by my pencil marks in tLe margin, many of tI e things are for Le cabin tlat I have so long and perseveringly been engaged in building. When finished, it wIll 1 ave quite a Lttle history of its own as an unpretending monument of makesl ifts in f e revamping of old and the adaptation of new materials; but it will be comfortable and pleasant and will look pretty well. After all, the cabin is but an epitome of the ship herself. Captain Morong will give you by word of mouth the news in this quarter and reports from the Red River region. From Admiral Por- ters stationing such of his vessels as can be used as rams at or near the mouth of Red River (he has just taken the General Price from me for that purpose) I presume he does not give full credence to ti e pretty well-authenticated reports that the rebel ironclad Missouri is a failure. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commodore HENRY H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Gulf Blocicading Squadron Page 27 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 27 Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Malor-Gen& ral Banks, U. S. Army, renewing his request for the transfer of the prize steamer Alabama. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 12, 1864. GENERAL: I addressed a note on the 29th December last to Briga- dier-General Stone, chief of staff, to have the prize steamer Alabama now in the service of the Quartermasters Department of the Army, delivered over to me for the naval service, agreeably to a previous understanding consented to when you were absent on the Rio Grande. Having received no reply to my note, I next addressed you a note on the same subject on the 5th instant, enclosing copies of the corre- spondence between Brigadier-General Stone and myself, by which you were put into possession of all the circumstances under which the Alabama passed into the hands of army authorities. That com- munication also remaining unanswered to this date ,and observing the said steamer Alabama with steam up, lying against the wharf near the ship, I again address you, general, requesting your action on the subject of my note addressed to you on the 5th instant, and I invite your attention to the fact of hearty cooperation which this fleet has given the army under your command whenever there has been any immediate necessity for its assistance, notwithstanding the pressing necessities of the blockade with which it is intrusted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General NATHANIEL P. BANKS, Commander in Chief, Department of the Gulf, New Orleans. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition of ves- sels on the Mobile blockade, and referring to the escape of a blockade runner. U. S. STEAM SLOOP RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, January 12, 1864. SIR: In reply to that part of your letter of the 5th instant relating to the coaling of the vessels on the blockade so that only one shall be absent at a time, I beg to say that if coaling and provisioning the ves- sels only were to be taken into consideration, as a general rule there would be but little difficulty in complying with your suggestion- indeed that was the plan when I was in command here last year but when a vessel (as was the case lately of the Port Royal) leaves the station to have repairs requiring, as reported, only about six days, is absent seven weeks; another, in fine weather, the first night after her arrival, her smokestack is carried away by her gaff; the Itasca, which broke the anchor stock of her only reliable anchor the first twenty-four hours she was on the station; the Genesee, which after a long stay at New Orleans is constantly complained of as being unseaworthy; the Penguin, which went to Pensacola to have work done that ought to have required at most two days, is delayed a week, etc., it is beyond the power of war to carry out any system- - atic plan Page 28 28 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Commodore Thatcher left here in the afternoon. At that time the Penguin was absent, but overdue. The Port Royal left fGr Ship Jsland to have her smokestack reset, and the next day the Pinola was out of coal, in addition to the Cenesee that left for Ship Island a few hours after the departure of the Colorado. The Albatrosss rud- der is again out of order, and I must send her to Pensacola to have it repaired. A steamer ran out on the night of the 10th. The Octorara and Pinola chased until daylight without overhauling her. The Octorara returned at about 1 p. m. next day without anchor, and the weather was such as to prevent the possibility of her recovering the one she had slipped when she went in chase; consequently I had to send her to Pensacola for three or four anchors for herself and the itasca. Thus four vessels are absent, and two, the Pinola and Albatross, ought to be. When I was captain of the fleet last year, I had requisitions made upon the bureau for a number of anchors for the third-class sloops and gunboats. If I am correctly informed all that were sent to Pen- sacola upon that requisition have been expended except three, and those there have now been required for the Octorara and Itasca, and unless there are some of 1,300 to 1,800 pounds weight in New Orleans, our vessels here will be in a sad plight soon. If the Octorara or Pinola had had the requisite speed they, or one of them, would most certainly have captured the steamer that ran out on the 10th instant. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Ojficer Present. Commodore BELL, etc. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding orders sent to Lieu- tenant- Commander Morris, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Port Royal. U. S. S. RICHMOND Blockading off Mobile, January 13, 1864. SIR: Having learned from the commander of the Genesee that he left the Port Royal at Ship Island this morning, and understanding that Lieutenant-Commander Morris did not intend to return here at all, and as he has not gone to Grants Pass, I have sent him a written order to report himself and vessel to me here. If this course is not entirely in accordance with your orders or wishes, please inform me by the Albatross. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Commodore H. H. BELL, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron pro tem, New Orleans Page 29 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 29 Order of commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master iJrowell, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. J. P. Jackson. U. S. S. PENSACOLA Off New Orleans, La., January 13, 1864) SIR: When Acting Volunteer Lieutenant L. W. Pennington shall resign the command of the U. S. S. J. P. Jackson, you will assume command of her temporarily. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Acting Master MINER B. CROWELL, U. S. S. J. P. Jackson, Ship Island. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the reported presence of one hundred blockade runners at Nassau, New Providence. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 13, 1864. SIR: I have just learned from one of the officers of this ship that he was yesterday informed by a responsible and respectable person, recently at Nassau, that at the time he left there it was reported that there were 100 vessels loaded and ready to leave for this place and Wilmington, N. C. Since the Government has increased the force blockading off Wil- mington to, as I am informed, 25 vessels, it is a fair presumption that many of these Nassau vessels will attempt to run this blockade. In this connection I may add that in the first watch last night a steamer was discovered well to the westward and chased by the Kenne- bec and Gertrude. The Gertrude continued the chase until 7 this morn- ing, when, having lost sight of the strange vessel at midnight, she re- turned to the squadron. The Kennebec has not yet returned. I have no doubt this vessel was trying to get in through th 11am channel by running close along the shore. The only satisfaction we have in these cases is that the reason we do not capture the vessels is for want of speed. The steamer Grey Jacket was captured in consequence of her ma- chinery giving out, and the schooner [John] Scott (from Newburg, N. Y.) in consequence of calm. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commodore H. H. BELL, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival at Key West, Fla. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Key West, Fla., January 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that after leaving Sandy Hook we ran with a northwester for three days; the wind the Page 30 ~3O WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. hauled round gradually to the eastward. To avoid the bad weather, and having a green crew, I took the Hole in the Wall, or Providence Channel Passage; had pleasant weather and arrived here on the night of the 12th, and entered on the morning of the 13th, making the pas- sage in six days and a half. Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey gave me coal and kindly offered me everything at his disposal. I shall sail this evening for Pensacola. I regret that I have to report the death of one of the crew of the Hartford from colica. Th~ report of Commodore Palmer is here- with forwarded. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the weakness of the Mobile blockade. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 13, 1864. SIR: In consideration of the often-repeated reports, made within the last few months to the commanding officers of the blockading squadron at this place, that the enemy in and about Mobile has been for a long time, and is now, engaged in making active preparations of a formidable character for an early attack upon this squadron; of the reputed invulnerable character of at least one of the enemys ironclad vessels to be employed in this threatened attack, and in view of the great necessity that in my judgment exists for maintaining our posi- tion at this point at all hazards and beyond all peradventure against all enemies, I deem it my imperative duty to respectfully call your attention to the present weakened state of my command. Any disaster to our vessels at this point at this time would neces- sarily benefit the enemy far more than at any previous period of the war or at any other point on the blockaded coast. The raising of this blockade by driving off or totally destroying all of our vessels, with the prospective advantage of capturing or of destroying by a rapid raid upon our numerous sailing vessels and sup- plies at Pensacola and Ship Island and the opening, even for a short time, of the coast from Pensacola, at the eastward, to the lakes in the rear of New Orleans, to the southward and westward, is too great a temptation to an active and enterprising enemy, not to say a desper- ate one, to be wholly disregarded by us. Whatever may be the intention of the enemy inside of Mobile Bay or of their friends elsewhere who have threatened to come to their assistance at this point, it certainly is our duty to be well prepared to act, not only on the defensive, but to attack with the assurance of possible, if not probable, victory in case the opportunity is presented. The information received from the commander in chief of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron (and from other sources of which he has doubtless been informed by my predecessors in command here) leave Page 31 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 31 no doubt in regard to the fact that the enemy has at this time afloat inside of Mobile Bay and at Mobile a more effective force in guns and calibers than we have on this blockade when all the vessels belonging to it are present and irrespective of the comparative character of the enemys and our own vessels. There are at present attached to this blockading squadron nine vessels, including this ship. (I do not embrace the gunboat Port Royal in this list, inasmuch as the officer commanding that vessel has not returned to this place in obedience to the orders of Commodore Thatcher to him to do so without unnecessary delay, nor made any report at all to me.) Of these nine vessels (one, and frequently two or three, are absent in chase for supplies of coal and provisions or for repairs) three (the Penguin, Albatross, and Gertrude) would be of very little, if indeed of any service in action, either offensively or defensively, with the enemy. As picket or lookout vessels and for chasing blockade runners they are only better than ncne. Of the remainder of the vessels the Gcnesee and Octorara (side-wheel gunboats) have very fair armaments for vessels of their class, but both are reported to be in such a condition that it may become my duty at any time and without previous warnIng to send them into port. The Kennebec, Finola, and Itasca are small gunboats, having far inferior armaments to either one of the enemys steamers constructed of wood and not armored. The smallest number of gunboats or other steamers on this blockade should, in my judgmrnt, be at all tImes superior in armament in the aggregate to that of all ef the enemys wooden ves- sels, with at least two vessis (wooden) of heavy armam~nt to engage each of the enemys ironclads in case a regular combined attack is made. Brave men, endowed with steady nerves, an indomitable will, and strong arms, may be relied upon to do not only their duty to their cause andeountry, but if need be to hazard everything in striving for victory; but all these may not avail against too great odds. In conclusion, I must be permitted to say that, in my judgment, our present weakness at this point, and the incalculable benefits to accrue in the event of success, are a most tempting invitation to the enemy to attack us and endeavor to raise the blockade by capturing or destroy- ing our vessels and to open the way to other successes. Come what may, I trust and believe we shall all do our duty to our- selves and to our country. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Commodore H. H. BELL Commanding West duif Blockading Squadron pro tern, New Orleans. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Nav~j, regarding reported preparations for combined operations of Confederate forces with a view to the recapture of New Orleans. U. S. STEAM SLOOP PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 14,1864. - SIR: Information has been given to the naval and military author- ities here of a combined operation of the irenclads and rams at Mobil Page 32 32 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and in Red River and the rebel troops on both sides of the Mississippi being in preparation for the recapture of New Orleans. The commanding officer off Mobile bar has been apprised of the threatened raid, and I have heard to-day, by an arrival from the river fleet, that Rear-Admiral Porter has assembled some of his rams at the mouth of Red River for intercepting the rams from that direction. Although we have frequent reports of the rams in Red River and Mobile being failures, we do not confide in them, and are prepared to meet them with every prospect of success on our side, if they shall come, although the Pensacola and river boats are the only available vessels; the machinery of all other steamers here being apart and undergoing repairs. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tern. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding measures of cooperation against the operations of the enemy. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 15, 1864. SIR: The naval and military authorities of this department of the blockade have information of a contemplated movement for the recap- ture of New Orleans and the river by the concerted action of the rebel rams and ironclads in Red River and Mobile Bay and the troops in Louisiana and Mississippi. The Mobile rams are first to attack the fleet on blockade there and then proceed into the river to meet those from Red River. I have nothing but the Pensacola and the river steamboats to defend this point with, all the gunboats here having their machinery apart undergoing repairs. By transferring the officers and crews from them to the river b6ats the latter may be made to smother the rams in flames. The success of this would of course depend upon the boldness and skill of the individual commanders, and it is feasible. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tern. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Fleet, Cairo, Ill. P. S.Reports are industriously circulated that the rams and iron- dads are failures, drawing too much water, etc. They are not to be believed. H. H. BELL, Commodore Page 33 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 33 Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, informing him of the proposed operations for the recapture of New Orleans by the Confederates. Confidential.] U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, January 16, 1864. SIR: I would apprise you that reports have reached me of a con- certed movement having been planned for the recapture of New Orleans. The rams and ironclads on Red River and in Mobile Bay are to force the blockade at both points and meet here, whilst the army is to do its part. Being aware of these plans, we should be prepared to defeat them. The reports in circulation about their ironclads and rams being fail- ures may be true in some degree; but we should remember that they prevailed about the redoubtable Merrimack before her advent. I am, very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Commander R. TOWNSEND, Commanding U. S. S. Essex, off Donaldsonville. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Fickett, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Glide. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 15, 1864. SIR: You are hereby detached from the U. S. gunboat Kanawha, and you will assume command of the U. S. gunboat Glide. Respectfully, 11.11. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Acting Ensign L. S. FICKETT, U. S. Gunboat Kanawha, New Orleams. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado, regarding the readiness of that vessel for sailing from South West Pa,ss. U. S. S. COLORADO, Off South West Pass, Mississippi River, January 15, 1864. COMMODORE: I have now made nearly every preparation to sail hence, but shall be detained this p. m. to bury a man who died of dis- ease of heart. The Arkansas could not possibly take on board another heavy gun with its carriage and equipments. She has a full cargo of stores from gunners; carpenters, boatswains, and sailmakers depart- ments, as well as a large quantity of engineers stores. Invoices of aJBI N W BVOL 21 Page 34 34 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. have been duly forwarded to you, and I have retained duplicates, re- ceipted. Shall sail to-night or early in the morning, 16th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Commodore H. H. BELL, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Pensacola, New Orleans. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow, U. S. Navy, to give information of movements of the enemy in Grants Pass or Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND Blockading off Mobile, January 15, 1864. SIR: You will keep me fully advised in regard to the duties and movements of the steamers Calhoun and J. P. Jackson, stationed to guard Grants Pass and the Mississippi Sound generally. One of the small vessels employed off this bar will be sent occasionally, when the weather will permit, to communicate by signal across the land or by boat through Petit Bois [Island] Pass. Any unusual activity or movements of the enemy that may be observed from Grants Pass or from or at any point in Mississippi Sound you will not fail to report to me without unnecessary delay. A constant and strict watch must be kept off Grants Pass at all times. Respectfully, etc., THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Lieutenant-Commander GEORGE A. BIGELOW, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Calhoun. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, forwarding detailed statement regarding the Confederate enses of Mobile. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 15, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith for your information a detailed statement of the vessels and armament, forts and their armament, and of all the defensive and offensive means of the rebels in the bay,harbor, etc., of Mobile. The information embraced in this statement is in such strict aceord- ance with that obtained through our sources at different times that I am inclined to consider it reliable. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer, Commanding off Mobile. Commodore H. H. BELL, Comdg. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron pro tern., New Orleans, La Page 35 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 35 [Enclosures.] Statement of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the source of the information regarding the defenses of Mobile. U. S. STEAMSHIP RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 15, 1864. The following statement in regard to rebel vessels and works in and about Mobile Bay, harbor, and city, has been furnished by a mechanic belonging to the State of New Hampshire, who was at the South when the rebellion broke out and took work as a mechanic at Mobile on half wages to escape conscription. That is his story. He got (recently) a short respite to visit his father, who is some- where in Alabama or Florida, when he succeeded in getting inside of our lines at Pensacola. He is now on board of the gunboat Octorara, Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, to whom I am indebted for this statement. This man claims to have been employedamong other things in preparing and filling torpedoes and iron plating ironclads. THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Armament of steamer Morgan.l 63-cwt. 8-inch gun, 9 57-cwt. 32- pounder guns. Steamer Gaines.8 57-cwt. 32-pounder guns. Steamer Selma (late Florida) .2 9-inch Dahlgren guns, 1 8-inch rifle gun. Steam ram Tennessee.235 feet in length; has casemate plated with iron 2 inches x 10 inches, three plates in thickness. Speed, 7~ knots on trial trip, without armament, stores, or provisions on board; may not be ready for some weeks yet; is intended to mount 4 10-inch columbiads of 16,000 pounds, 2 7k-inch Brooke rifles, 19,000 pounds. NoTE.Jnformation received yesterday from a fugitive at Pensacola, is that the Tennessee is on Dog River Bar, on her way to the bay, and that the camels made to float her over have to be made larger. T.A.J. Steam ram Baltic.Was a towboat; is mailed with railroad iron, laid edgewise; countersunk and bolted with rivet heads and nuts and screws inboard. This vessel is condemned as unfit for service. Mounts 1 42-pounder gun, 2 32-pounder guns of 57 cwt., 2 12-pounder howitzers. Ram Tuscaloosa.Is plated with iron like that on the Tennessee, 2 inches x 10 inches, but only two plates thick; will steam but about 3~ knots. Mounts 1 Brooke rifle of 6 inches, weighing 14,000 pounds, 4 32-pounders of 42 cwt. Ram Huntsville.Js similar in every respect to the Tuscaloosa, and mounts I Brooke rifle of 6 inches, weighing 14,000 pounds, 432-pound- ers of 42 cwt. There are also in the bay 5 floating turrets, covered with railroad iron, mounted on an octagonal-shaped scow with 1 8-inch columbiad mounted on a circle; they have motive power, are intended to be moored in the channel-way, but can not withstand the shock of an 8-inch shell. The steamer Morgan has a small black wheelhouse on the platform forward of the paddleboxes; the Gaines has nothing of the kind. From the end Qf the piles that cross the flats from Fort Gaines- (about three months ago) thirty torpedoes were laid down on lin Page 36 36 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bearing S. E. by compass across the Main Ship Channel; they are shaped like a can buoy, with a chamber in each and 75 pounds of powder. They are anchored with mardla rope, with about the third of a bar of railroad iron, 2~ inches. A number of them broke adrift and floated up the bay. At Cedar Point there is an earthwork, reported to mount 4 rifled 32-pounders of 7,000 pounds weight. ~tthe mouth of Spanish River there is a battery clad with railroad iron, mounting 6 rifled 10-inch columbiads. At the mouth of Tensas River and at the head of the bay near Mobile there are 5 batteries. The fortifications in the rear of Mobile are very strong, with a ditch 30 feet wide and a strong redoubt every 400 or 500 yards. Fort Morgan mounts, on bastion No. 1, N. E.: 2 32-pounders, weighing 7,000 pounds; 1 24-pounder, rifled, which throws Read and Skates shot and shell shaped like Mini~ balls. East curtain: 3 10-inch seacoast mortars, 1 32-pounder, weighing 7,000 pounds. Bastion No. 2, E. S. E.: 1 10-inch columbiad of 14,000 pounds; 2 32-pounder rifles, of 7,000 pounds. Bastion No. 3: 2 32-pounders, rifled, of 7,000 pounds; 1 10-inch columbiad of 16,000 pounds. South curtain: 2 24- pounders, rifled, of 11,000 pounds, and throwing 68-pounder projectiles; 1 10-inch columbiad of 14,000 pounds. Bastion No. 4: 1 24-pounder rifle 1 10-inch columbiad of 16,000 pounds, 2 32-pounders, rifled, of 7,000 pounds. West curtain, facing channel: 2 Blakely guns (from England), weighing between 11,000 and 12,000 pounds, throwing a shell of 160 pounds and a shot of 196 pounds with a charge of about 14 pounds of powder; 3 10-inch columbiads of 16,000 pounds. Bastion No. 5: 2 32-pounder guns, smoothbore. North curtain: 1 8-inch smoothbore. Flank casemate guns: On each flank of each bastion are 2 24-pounder howitzers, making 20 flank casemate guns. Within the fort, in the center of terreplein, is a citadel having ten sides, loop- holed for musketry, and quarters on each side for 100 men, constructed of brick, 4 feet thick. Lighthouse Battery.1 1 32-pounder guns of 7,000 pounds, smooth- bore. At Grants Pass, on the site of the old light-house, there is an earth- work, very strong, mounting 1 100-pounder rifle gun, 1 64-pounder rifle gun, 2 32-pounder smoothbore. Fort Gaines mounts: 1 10-inch columbiad, weighing from 14,000 pounds to 18,000 pounds, 14 32-pounder smoothbores, 1 32-pounder, rifled; 5 24-pounder siege pieces. (NoTE.The Boston, which has been lengthened 25 feet and con- verted into a rebel privateer, is not embraced in the foregoing state- ment, as he said he thought she had left on a cruise. This vessel appeared to be fast (when seen in the bay), with two guns, and, I have every reason to believe, is now awaiting a good opportunity to run out. The person who has furnished the foregoing statement gave a full account to the officer of the army commanding at Pensacola, who, no doubt, communicated it to General Banks. The description of the land embankments around Fort Morgan, not embraced in this state- ment, are well worth examining.THoRNToN A. JENKINS. There is at least one fast steam tug in the bay, seen daily almost. This says there is one there.T. A. J. Page 37 WEST GULF I~tOCKADING SQUADRON. 37 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant-Commander Watters, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kineo. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 16, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Kinco to New Orleans and report to Rear-Admiral Farragut for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Lieutenant-Commander JOHN WATTERS, Commanding U. S. S. Kineo, Baltimore. Report of Acting Master Wade, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gertrude, regarding the capture of the Confederate schooner Ellen, of Mobile. U.S. S. GERTRUDE, Off Mobile, January 16, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the capture of the rebel schooner Ellen, Captain Levi Webster, of Mobile, from Havana, bound to Mobile, with an assorted cargo. At 6 a. m. discovered a sail bearing E. by N., steering along the land toward Mobile. I immediately slipped my cable and stood for her, when she hauled in toward the land, with the apparent intention of running ashore. Before I got within rifle range I saw a boat leave her and go on shore. A.t 7 a. m. sent a boat alongside, took possession of, and claimed her as a prize to this vessel; found the captain of her on board. The schooners papers had been taken by the crew of the boat that had left her. I did not deem it prudent to land a boats crew for the sake of capturing the small boat, as the men had all left her. The U. S. gunboat Kennebec was the only vessel in signal distance at the time of capture. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY C. WADE, Acting Master, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, announcing the sending of the prize schooner Ellen to New Orleans. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 16, 1864. SIR: I send the prize schooner Ellen, of Mobile, L. Webster, master, to New Orleans, in charge of Acting Ensign Walter, of the Gertrude, and a prize crew. This vessel was captured this morning about 25 miles to eastward by the Gertrude, the Kennebec passing at the time in signal distance on her way to Pensacola for coal and other supplies Page 38 38 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The prize list of the Kennebec will be forwarded for transmission to the Department immediately after her return to this place. The mas- ter of the prize is sent in her. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Commodore II. II. BELL, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading S~juadron pro tern. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Owasco, Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 12, 1864.At 9 a. m. came to anchor off Pass Cavallo. January 13.At 6:30 a. m. got underway and stood up shore. At 7:30 discovered a battery and opened on it. Fired from the rifle 5 shots, from the XJ-inch 5 shots, and the howitzer 3. At 10:15 called all hands to quarters and trained the battery on the starboard; put about and steamed downthe coast, heading S. W. Meridian to4 p. in., steaming slowly up and down the shore past the battery. Fired 3 shots from starboard howitzer, 3 from XI-inch, and 2 from rifle. At 12:30 fired 1 shot from XJ-inch and 3 shots from howitzer. At 1:30 1 shot from XJ-inch. At 2:30 p.m. 1 shot from howitzer. At 4:50 1 shot from howitzer. At 4 stopped the engine. At 5 p. m. inspected the crew at quarters, steaming around slowly in sight of the battery. At 6 hauled offshore into 7 fathoms water and came to anchor. January 14.At 8:30 a. m. got underway and ran inshore. Saw men on battery. Opened fire on them; fired 4 shots from XJ-inch, 2 from rifle, and 1 from howitzer. Steaming off and on. At 1:45 p. m. fired 1 shot from howitzer; then started down the coast, our course S. W. At 3 p.m. turned and steamed up the coast; course N. E. At 4:45 fired a shot from rifle gun and one from XJ-inch at the battery. At 5:30 came to anchor. January 15.At 8:30 a. m. got underway and steamed along the land. At 9:30 fired a shell at the battery from the XJ-inch gun. Heading up the coast. At 12:30 discovered a battery, ran inshore within range, and threw a shell at it from the XI-inch; went on, head- ing down the coast, until the other battery was made. Fired at it, and at a steamer which was discovered in the river back of it, 9 shots. At 4:20 p. m. fired a shot from our rifle. At 6 came to anchor. January 16.From 8 to meridian: Communicated with the Monon- gahela. Monongahela and Estrella fired several shots at a~ steamer inside and at the battery. The Estrella then steamed down the coast toward Pass Cavallo and the Monongahela steamed toward the N. E. At 8:45 fired 2 shots from XJ-inch and 2 from port howitzer. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Monongahela, Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 16, 1864.At anchor off Pass Cavallo, Tex. At midnight got underway in company with the gunboat Estrella and stood to the northward. At 3:30 a. in. passed a steamer standing south. At 6:3 Page 39 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 39 made sail to the east, which proved to be the Granite City. Same time saw the Owasco to the northward, the land in sight. At 7:30 stopped the engine and communicated with the Granite City. Soon after the Granite City stood for Pass Cavallo and we stood to the N. E. At 7:45 made signal to the Owasco and Estrella, when the captain of the Owasco and a pilot from the Estrella came on board. Saw a rebel steamer in a creek leading from Matagorda Bay. At 8 took on board the coast pilot from the Owasco and stood to N. E. until we reached Velasco; changed our course to southward and westward. At 8:20 called Nos. 1 and 3 guns crews to quarters and fired 14 shell at the enemys earthworks and rebel steamer at Caney Creek. At 11 fired 2 rifle shell at earthworks at San Bernard. At 12:40 p. m. saw a ves- sel ahead. At 1 made general signal to the Owasco. At 1: 15 stopped the engine and the captain of the Owasco came on board. At 1:25 started ahead again. At 2, when abreast of Germantown, saw a steamer and two schooners in Matagorda Bay. At 6:10 sent Major- General Dana and staff in third cutter to the Granite City. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, announcing his arrival at Pensacola, Fla. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Pensacola Navy Yard, Jqmnuary 17, 1864. SIR: I am happy to announce to you my arrival at this station. I shall visit Mobile blockade, touch at Ship Island, and then New Orleans. I should go direct to New Orleans but for the report that it is Buchanans intention to come out with the rams and attack the blockaders. I have therefore ordered back the Colorado for a short time longer; but I hope you will not get out of patience. The Depart- ment is a little uneasy about the Tennessee, which Buchanan says is superior to the Merrimack. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore II. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting the services of two monitors to assist in repelling the attack of the Confederate ram Tennessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Pensacola Navy Yard, January 17, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I find that Admiral Buchanan, of the rebel Confed- eracy, has impressed the Government of the United States with the idea that he will be able to raise the blockade of Mobile with the Ten- nessee, a ram recently constructed at Selma. The admiral considers her superior to the Merrimack. I am there- fore anxious to know if your monitors, at least two of them, are not completed and ready for service; and if so, can you not spare them to assist us? If I had them, I should not hesitate to become the assailant instead of awaiting the attack. I must have ironclads enough to lie in the bay to hold the gunboats and rams in check in the shoal water Page 40 40 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Please let me hear from you at as early a day as possible. I will be glad to get the small boats of light draft for operating in the shallow waters of Texas, etc. I have just arrived here and will be in New Orleans, I hope, in a day or two. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant DuBois, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Al~atross,to proceed as bearer of dispatch to South West Pass. PENSACOLA NAVY YARD, January 17, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the South West Pass of the Mississippi and deliver the enclosed dispatch to Commodore Thatcher, of the Colorado, and gain all the news you can from that officer or the officers of the ship in relation to the movements of our army in Texas, etc., and then return to Mobile and report to me. If you find that I have left Mobile for Ship Island or New Orleans, you can then return to Pensacola and finish your repairs and coaling. Very respe~tfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. [Acting Volunteer] Lieutenant Commanding DUBOLS, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy. PENSACOLA NAVY YARD, January 17, 1864. SIR: You will return to Mobile for the present and await my future orders. It is not deemed expedient for you to go North just yet. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore HENRY K. THATCHER, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Frigate Colorado. [Endorsement.] The Colorado sailed before this reached her. Order was sent to the South West Pass by the Albatross. [FARRAGUTi. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gibson, U. S. Navy, regarding instructions for the commanding officer of the U. S. bar/c Horace Beals. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, January 18, 1864. SIR: You will direct Acting Master Heath, of the Horace Beals, to turn over his vessel temporarily to the paymaster or whichever of he Page 41 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADR0~. 41 officers you may consider most competent; after having transferred his ammunition to the other vessels, to proceed to New Orleans and there ship ~ crew to take his vessel North. This to take effect only in case a sufficient number of men can not be obtained from the Sportsman for that purpose. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain ALEXANDER GIBsON, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Potomac. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Fitz- hugh, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Sebago. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 18, 1864. SIR: You will relieve Lieutenant-Commander Joseph E. Dellaven in command of the U. S. S. Sebago and prepare her for sea without delay. Respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Lieutenant-Commander W. E. FITzIIUGH, New Orleans, La. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Chapman, U. S. Navy, to report to the U. S. consul at Liverpoolfor duty as a witness. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, January 18, 1864. SIR: You are hereby detached from the U. S. S. Lackawanna, and you will proceed by the earliest conveyance and with the least possible delay to Liverpool, England, and report to Mr. Thomas H. Dudley, the U. S. consul at that port. Should there be no conveyance from this place, you will proceed immediately to New York and take the steamer thence. Mr. Dudley considers you a material witness in the case of the rams built in Eng- land for the rebel Government, and it is important that there should be no delay. After you shall have completed this duty in England, you will return to the United States and report by letter to the Navy Department. The paymaster of the Lackawanna will be directed to advance you three months pay if you require it. Respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Acting Ensign GEO. T. CHAPMAN, U. S. S. Lackawanna Page 42 42 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jerdeins, U. S. Navy, to push operations in Mobile Bay, looking to the destruction of the C. S. ram Tennessee. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 18, 1864. SIR: The major-general commanding this Department is in posses- sion of a dispatch, received last night from Fort Jackson, stating that the rebel troops in Fort Morgan have mutinied, 200 of them taking refuge with the fleet outside, and 90 on Round Island, opposite Pasca- goula, and that the rebel gunboats were driven off by the guns of Fort Morgan. Moreover, that the gunboats Jackson and Calhoun had patched up their boilers and started for Grants Pass yesterday, the 17th instant, to assist. I trust you will boldly push any advantage that may offer, occupy the fort with 100 men, enter the bay with all your force, and send the double-enders straight up the Dog River Bar (where your note of the 14th informed me the ram Tennessee was reported as lying aground). The double-enders to sink or drive off the camels and her supports and to capture or burn the ram. Refugees report that she was to take in her battery at Fort Morgan. The Oneida and Sebago, double-enders, will leave here to-night to join you at Mobile Bar. The Arkansas will leave to-morrow or next day, taking in tow a coal vessel for your use. You will please e~xercise your judgment about coaling. If you can not coal where you are, send the coal vessel to Ship Island. I trust you will establish yourself in the bay of Mobile without delay, if practicable. The general will dispatch troops to occupy the forts as soon as he is better informed. I have received not a word from the officers in the sound or yourself in reference to the state of affairs there referred to. I am, very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commanding Blockading Forces off Mobile Bay. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, in view of expected attack by Confederate rams upon the blockading fleet. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, January 18, 1864. SIR: After the departure of the steam tug Jasmine to-day I received a dispatch from Major-General Banks, informing me of the presence in Mobile Bay or the Alabama River of seven rebel rams, the Tennessee and Nashville being very powerful as rams, and of the determination of the rebel authorities to make this attack on the blockading force shortly. My letter of to-day apprised you of the approach of the Oneida and Sebago, the Arkansas with a coal vessel in tow to follow immediately. These are the only vessels nearly ready for sea Page 43 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 43 I will try to send you two powerful packet steamers for ramming purposes, to be used at your discretion. I am, very respectfully, your obdient servant, H. H. BELL, Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commodore, Commanding. U. S. S. Richmond, off Mobile Bar, Commanding the Blockading Forces. [Telegram.] SIR: A report reached here last night that an extensive mutiny occurred two days ago in Fort Morgan, Mobile Bay; nothing official. Nine steamers are there on blockade. Captain Jenkins in command. The Oneida and Sebago will start to-night for that station. To-mor- row the Arkansas will start with 700 tons of coal in tow for the same, the Richmond being in want of them. I am ready, if need be, to join you with this ship. The Lackawanna and seven other gunboats are here repairing; they can not get out for some weeks. Respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. S. Hartford, South West Pass. Letter from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, acknowledging dispatch regarding affairs in Alabtma River and Mobile Bay. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, January 18, 1864. GENERAL: I have had the honor of receiving your dispatch of to-day concerning affairs on the Alabama River and in Mobile Bay. Every precaution within my power has been taken to meet the emergency. The brave hearts and skill of the officers in command of the vessels must meet and overcome the danger when it really appears. I am, most respectfully, general, your obedient servant, 11.11. BELL, Commodore. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greene, U. S. Navy, desiring information regarding reported mutiny in Confederate forts in Mobile Bay. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, January 19, 1864. SIR: Three men who left the steamer Jackson yesterday have arrived and reported that a mutiny exists in the rebel forts on Mobile Bay, and that the report had been forwarded to you from the Port Royal, lying near Grants Pass Page 44 44 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. I have received no information of the circumstance from yourself or any other officer in that direction. If any such event has transpired, you will please forward an officer to me with a statement of all the facts as far as you are informed. I am, very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore. Lieutenant-Commander C. H. GREENE, U. S. Ship Vincennes. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. vessels Granite City and W. C. Anderson. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 19, 1864. SIR: You will please order the Granite City without delay to pro- ceed to Brashear City, Berwick Bay, and report his arrival there by telegraph to the senior naval officer here present at New Orleans. Also order the bark W. C. Anderson to proceed without delay to the South West Pass and report his arrival by telegraph. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron pro tem. Captain JOHN P. GILLIs, Commanding Blockading Forces on the Coast of Texas. Report of Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, regarding operations on the Texas coast from January 19 to February 26, 1863, including the capture of the schooner Henry Colthirst. U. S. S. OsswEE, Off Galveston, Tex., February 21, 1864. ADMIRAL: I had the honor to address you per the Queen on the 12th instant. Lieutenant-Commander Hatfield, of the Aroostook, reports having on the 19th of January shelled the enemys battery at San Bernard Creek [River], and again on the 21st, driving the rebels from their works, and on the 22d, in company with the Sciota and Queen, pro- tected a reconnoitering party under General Ransom, the rebels hav- ing shown themselves about 4,000 strong near Caney Creek. On the 23d she captured the schooner Cosmopolite. The Queen drove on shore a schooner near Caney Creek on the 3d February, which was broken up. The Presidents proclamation was sent on shore at different points within the enemys lines. An extract from Lieutenant-Commander Perkinss (of the Sciota) letter of the 16th instant, from Pass Cavallo, says, I have kept myself constantly posted in regard to movements at Rio Grande, having frequent communication with the commanding general at Browns- ville, also from. army transports which tou6h here on their way to New Orleans. Everything is quiet along the coast to the southward. The Queen left here on the 12th instant for New Orleans with her prize in tow, the Louisa, laden with arms and ammunition Page 45 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 45 22d February.A sail reported in sight this morning to the south- ward and westward; the Ossipee stood for her; she proved to be a prize the U. S. S. Virginia had just seized near San Luis Pass, schooner Henry Colthirst, Whiting, master, from Kingston, Jamaica, 8th ultimo, with 200 kegs powder, 250,000 percussion caps, 500 ounces of quinine, also coffee, hardware, and dry goods. Sent her to New Orleans for adjudication. We returned to our anchorage. On the 25th picked up a boat containing three refugees from Gal- veston Island. One, Samuel Gray, a native of Pennsylvania, and two farmer boys, who were conscripted. Gray gives various rumors, among them that two barks up the bay are loading with cotton to run out. Harriet Lane was sold to a Mr. House, of Houston, for fifteen hundred thousand dollars, Confederate scrip. She is to be run out with cotton; General Magruder and a Polish engineer to take passage in her, their destination France. She has now 6 guns on boardto be taken out and left here, etc. Fast tug may be of great service here. 28th February.The A. Dinsmore has just arrived from the Rio Grande. She reports the barks Herbert and Aisterdam there, the first laden with cotton bagging, rope, etc., the second with coal; no ammu- nition or arms; so stated by U. S. consul. Lieutenant-Commander Perkins writes me from Corpus Christi, 26th instant: The Herbert and Aisterd am, mentioned in your letters, have both arrived at the Rio Grande. Their cargoes consist of bag- ging, cordage, and general merchandise; no arms or ammunition. I forward to you a communication received by a flag of truce. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. GILLIS, Capt. and Senior Ojflcer 2d Div. W. Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron, Coast of Tex. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blkdg. Squadron, Flagship Hartford. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs off Mobile upon his arrival there. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, January 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here on the even- ing ot the 18th and found Captain Jenkins, of the Richmond, in com- mand of the blockade. He was in possession of all the information I had received from the Department in relation to the rams and gun- boats now in Mobile Bay, and all the most minute details of their construction and armament. It is said that the ram Tennessee is now upon Dog River Bar, drawing 2 feet more water than there ever is on that bar, but they are endeavoring to float her over with camels. Their first essay, I understand, failed, and they are now enlarging the camels. I will send by the mail steamer from New Orleans (which will probably arrive before this) a detailed account of the enemys whole foi ce, as given me by a refugee, who was ordnance sergeant in Fort Morgan, and who a p pears fully informed, as you will perceive by his statement. I beg a iso to state to the Department that immedi- ately on my arrival I wrote to Admiral Porter to say that if two of his - monitor ironclads were ready for service I would be greatly obliged t Page 46 46 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. him to let me have them, as it would enable me to take the offensive against this flotilla when it best suited my convenience, and so soon as the Department can spare me two of the monitor class from the North, it will render this fleet perfectly secure and allay the apprehensions which are now severely felt in Pensacola and New Orleans. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEQN WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Franklin~, U. S. Navy, detaching him as fleet captain. U. S. S. HARTFORD, New Orleans [Mobile], January 20, 1864. SIR: You are hereby relieved of the duties of fleet captain underM Commodore Bell, and you will report~ to Commodore James S. Palmer, first divisional officer of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, for such duties as he may assign you. Very respectfully. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander [S. R.] FRANKLIN, U. S. Navy, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monongahela, to proceed to the Mobile blockade. Mississi~~i RIVER [MOBILE], January 20, 1864. SIR: You will take in coal from the vessel off Pilot Town and then proceed to the blockade off Mobile, and upon your arrival you will report to the senior officer in, charge, Captain Jenkins. You will use all dispatch, as your presence is required to enable the Richmond to leave for coal. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain J. H. STRONG, U. S. Navy, Commanding lI7~ S. S. Monongahela. Abstract log of the U. S. S. J. P. Jackson, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Crowell, commanding. January 20, 1864.Lying at anchor at Ship Island. At 2 a. m. up anchor and stood up the sound. At 4:30 anchored near the stake. At daylight got our anchor and stood into South Channel. Saw the Calhoun near Grand Battue Spit. At 10 anchored off Grand Battu Page 47 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 47 near the Calhoun and sent a mail on board. At 11:30 got underway and stood toward Grants Pass. At 1 p. m. anchored near Dauphin Island, fired a gun and hoisted signals to attract the attention of the. Mobile blockading fleet for the purpose of communicating, but no attentjon was paid to it. Saw three vessels off Mobile Bar. Saw a rebel gunboat, a high-pressure steamer, and several small craft in Mobile Bay, a small sloop at anchor near Cat Island. At 3:35 saw a smoke in the direction of Horn Island; stood toward it. January 21 .Lying at anchor off the east end of Petit Bois Island. At 6 a. m. stood to the eastward. Saw a gunboat and a high-pressure steamer in Mobile Bay, near Shell Bank. At 7 anchored near Dauphin Island, two of our blockading vessels in sight off Mobile Bar. From 8 to 12: Saw three of the fleet off Mobile Bar and a steamer to the westward. At 11:30 fired a shell to attract the attention of the fleet outside for the purpose of communicating. From 12 to 4 p. in.: Saw a barge lying at Shell Bank, a gunboat to the northward of it, and a high-pressure steamer going up Mobile Bay. At 1 p. m. saw two of the outside fleet approaching us. At 1:30 communicated by signal with gunboats Kennebec and Itasca. Sent a boat ashore on Dau- phin Island and delivered a mail to a boat from the Kennebec. At 10:15 heard the report of a heavy gun to the eastward. January 22.Lying at anchor off the east end of Petit Bois Island. At 7 anchored off the middle of Dauphin Island, near Grants Pass. From 8 to 12: Saw a rebel gunboat lying at the Shell Bank and a high-pressure steamer going up Mobile Bay. At 6:15 p. m. anchored off the middle of Petit Bois Island. Saw a vessel having a light set outside, apparently coming in Horn Island Pass; got our anchor and gave chase. After arriving at the pass saw nothing unusual; laid to a short time, then stood to the eastward again. Heavy dew falling, horizon unusually hazy. Combined expedition from Pass Cavallo, January 20, 1864. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, January 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith the report* of Acting Master C. W. Lamson, commanding the U. S. S. Granite City,in reference to affairs at Pass Cavallo; also one from Lieutenant-Coin- mander G. H. Perkins, commanding U. S. S. Sciota, on the same subject. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, New Orleans. *Not found Page 48 48 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota. U. S. GUNBOAT ScIoTA, Off Pass Cavallo, Texas, January 27, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order I reported to Captain Strong for duty on January 18. On the 20th instant I received orders from Captain Strong to accompany an army expedition up the coast about 40 miles. At 12 oclock that night I got underway in company with the Granite City, which had on board 400 troops, and assisted her in landing them at Smiths Landing the following day, remaining with them, protecting their rear while they were marching down the [Matagorda] Peninsula. January 21st the Granite City was relieved by the gunboat Queen. On the 24th I arrived off this place, found the bark W. C. Anderson, and, not having any wind, she has been obliged to remain here. The coal schooner Pequonnocic, of Bridgeport, arrived here on the 24th, with 325 tons of coal for the navy. Being short of coal I have taken this opportunity to fill up. The Estretla has broken her piston rod, which will probably lay her up for a month. Everything is quiet in relation to the army. At present lying out- side the bar are four army transports, coal schooner, bark Anderson, Queen, and Sciota. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. H. PERKINS, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain JNO. P. GILLIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Coast of Texas. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Nonongahela, Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 20, 1864.At 6:30 p. m. Colonel Hesseltine, of the Army, and the captains of the Granite City and Sciota came on board. At 7:25 the above-named officers left the ship. Called for volunteers to go on an expedition up the coast. Selected the following men from amongst them, viz, Andrew J. Florence, Charles Peterson, Frank Han- son, James West, George August, Thomas Johnson, Robert J. Waters, Henry Earle, John Noel, Frank Brogan, Alden Moulton, John Gordon. Lowered the first launch and put into her a 12-pounder smoothbore howitzer, 3 boxes of shrapnel, 2 boxes of shell, and 1 box of canister. H. Walton Grinnell in command of the expedition. At 8:10 p.m. Acting Ensign Grinnel and party left the ship in the first launch and went on board the Sciota for passage up the coast. At 11:25 the Granite City and Sciota stood to northward and eastward. January 22.At 8:45 a. m. Ensign Grinnell and party returned on board, also first launch and second cutter. Captain of the Sciota came on board. At 9:05 steamed ahead again. January 23.At 10:30 p. m. came to anchor, South West Pass light bearing IN.E. byE. ~ E Page 49 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 49 Abstract log of the U. S. S. Sciota, Lieutenant-Commander Perkins,U. S. Navy, commanding. January 21, 1864.Off coast of Texas. The Granite,City came in. At 12:15 p. m. lowered all boats to land troops from the Granite City. At 2:20 p. m. boats returned, got underway, and convoyed troops down the coast. From 4 to 6 p. m. Running down the coast abreast of the troops. From 6 to g p. m. Sent boat to communicate with army. From 8 to midnight. Made a large fire bearing W., S. W., ran down and communicated by boat. At 11:50 sent boat ashore with provisions and water. January 22.At 11 a. m. captain communicated by boat with the army. At 12:20 p. m. captain returned in company with Brigadier- General Ransom. At 1 started up the coast. At 2:30 fired three shots from the XJ-inch gui~ at the Caney Creek batteries. At 3 turned and steamed down the coast. At 3:20 the general went on shore. January 23.At 5:30 a. m. sent second cutter on shore to the army. At 6:30 second cutter returned. At 7:50 got underway and steamed to the southwest. Troops marching down the coast. At 9:30 inspected crew at quarters, sent the first and second cutters on shore for the howitzer and crew. At 11:30 boats returned. At 11:45 sent second cutter on shore again. Troops marching down the coast. At 12:30 p. m. sent first cutter on shore. At 2 p. m. boats returned with disabled soldiers. At 3:50 saw a rebel steamer in the bay. January 24.At 2:30 p. m. came to off Pass Cavallo. Lowered the second cutter and sent the soldiers on board the pilot boat. Report of Major-General Dana, U. S. Army, commanding U. S. forces in Texas. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES Matagorda Peninsula, January 28, 1864. SIR: The reconnoissance made by my order, under direction of Brigadier-General Ransom, who marched from here on the 21st instant, was entirely successful. He returned three days ago without loss or accident, except the sad death of Captain Charles R. March and the wounding of Private Heald, of the Thirteenth Maine, both by an acci- dental shot fired by one of the sailors from a gunboat. The enemy were closely reconnoitered at Caney Creek, 60 miles from here, and discovered in some force. His pickets were driven in, and although none were captured, they were compelled to abandon their horses and hide in some swamps, and their horses were captured. General Ran- som saw 3,000 cavalry, 1,000 infantry, and some artillery drawn up in the open ground just outside the works, preparing to repel his expected attack. One deserter came in from there night before as and reports 30,000 men up there. This is, of course, false. Three deserters came into our lines at Indianola last night, having left Matagord~ the night before. They report 10 regiments and 2 bat- teries of fieldpieces at Caney and Magruders main force just behind the San Bernard, just in rear of the force at Caney. They report the steamboats Carr, Cora, Lucy Gwin, and Lizzie La/ce and the schooners Annie Dale and George Buc/chart as above the surf in Matagorda Bay, and that the surf is impassable, the channel having been filled up. N w NVOL 21~ Page 50 50 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The two first-named steamers are cotton dads, the other two ply with stores and supplies between Caney and Matagorda. The two schoon- ers are arme4, one with a 12-pounder, the other with a 6-pounder. The armament of the Carr has lately been changed, and she now has a 30-pounder Parrott, taken from the gunboat Westfield. Our reconnoissance up the peninsula was considered so threatening that this was taken from her and mounted in one of the works at Caney, together with another of the same kind, but it has since been returned to her. The Cora has a 24-pounder howitzer. Oh, for some cavalry. If I only had even two good regiments of cavalry, I could do good service. Believe me, chances are being thrown away, which are seriously to be regretted. Do send me cavalry, as much as you can; but if no more can be had, send me two good regiments, and I can use them profitably, well, glo~riously. I hope I shall know soon what regiments, if any, are to be withdrawn from here. I dare not stir now, under the information of your last letter. Dont post- pone sending my engineer officer and ordnance officer, also the quar- termaster. With much respect, N. ~. T. DANA, Major-General. Lieutenant-Colonel W. B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant-General Thirteenth Army Corps. Report of Brigadier-General Ransom, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Decrows Point, Tex., January 25, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the orders of the general commanding, I marched at noon on the 21st instant to make a reconnoissance up Matagorda Peninsula, my command consisting of the First Brigade, Colonel W. J. Landram, commanding; one gun of Whites battery and 40 men of Fousts and Whites batteries as mounted infantry, Lieu- tenant Throop, commanding. On the night of the 21st instant encamped at Harklins place, having marched 14 miles; marched 25 miles on the 22d, and on going into camp sent forward mounted men to communicate with Lieutenant-Colonel Hesseltine, Thirteenth Maine Infantry, who, with his regiment and boat howitzer from the U. S. S. Sciota, had landed at noon on the peninsula, about 45 miles from Decrows Point. The entire command continued the march on the 23d. Met rebel pickets at Idelbachs place, 10 miles from camp No. 2. Pushed forward rapidly, leaving tbe transportation at Idel- bachs under guard. Arrived at Hills and Fcrresters places and found more rebel pickets. Captured 3 horses, the riders escaping on the bay. I halted the infantry and sent forward the mounted men, in charge of Captain Dana, who went up beyond the head of the penin- sula without meeting any opposition. Finding that I could gain no more information by land without attacking the rebel works on the Caney River, I went on board the steamer Sciota and moved up the coast close inshore, and from the masthead of the ship I obtained a fine view of the enemys position and strength. His works are not formidable, and seem to consist of 2 or 3 detached fieldworks, the one on the coast being the most extensive. They are situated about Page 51 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 51 miles from and front toward the head of the peninsula. The ground in front is a level plain, and, excepting a strip three-fourths of a mile wide on the coast, is reported marshy. No guns mounted on the works. The rebel troops were plainly distinguished in the opening bordering on the Caney River and appeared to be in line preparing for an attack. I estimated the calvary in sight at 3,000 and infantry at 1,000, and saw one piece of field artillery. Discovering a body ~f rebel cavalry moving down toward our forces, I immediately returned to my command, and having accomplished the object of the recon- noissance, I withdrew to Idelbachs place and encamped for the night. On the following day the command moved back to Duffeys place, 26 miles, and on the 24th returned to this post, marching 27 miles. The settlers on the peninsula are generally at home and seem well disposed toward Federal troops. They are poor and scantily sup- plied with subsistence. Most of the stock that was formerly so abundant on the island has been driven off by rebel troops. We experienced difficulty in procuring water, and for 15 miles between Freemans and Idelbachs places there is no habitation and no water to be had by digging. I regret to be obliged to report the death of Captain Charles R. March, of the Thirteenth Maine Infantry, who died on the 23d instant of a wound in the head, received from a shot fired by a sailor of the steamer Sciota, who had landed with Colonel Hesseltines regiment to get a beef. Private Samuel Heald, Company C, of the Thirteenth Maine Infantry, was wounded in the neck by the same shot. Captain March was buried at Forresters place, 7 miles from the head of the peninsula. The conduct of the troops was good. Lieutenant George Throop, of Mercantile Battery, and the officers and men under his command, and Captain Dana, of the staff of the general commanding, deserve and receive my thanks for the efficient manner in which they discharged the arduous duties assigned them. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. B. G. RANSOM, Captain HUGH G. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Volunteers. Assistant Adjutant-General U. S. Forces, Texas. Order of Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, upon receiving unexpected orders to proceed to Mobile blockade. MONONGAHELA, Off Pass Cavallo, Tex., January 21, 1864. SIR: I have most unexpectedly been ordered to Mobile. I will send the Queen up to take the place of the South Carolina, as she (the Sceuth Carolina) has to go to Berwick Bay. I wish you would get my officer and men off from the shore and supply their places from your vessels. I will call by at daylight for my men and boats. The gun you can send me by the provision steamer. Bad luck to Mobile: My regards to all my late command. Yours, truly, J. H. STRONG. Captain PERKINS or Captain HATFIELD Page 52 52 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, commending the good work of the U. S. vessels Commodore and Corypheus in Lake Pontchartrarn. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, January 22, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to transmit herewith communications* from Acting Master J. R. Hamilton, commanding U. S. S. Commodore, and Acting Master Francis H. Grove, commanding U. S. schooner Cory- pheus. The Commodore, a small stern-wheel steamer, and the Corypheus are stationed on Lake Pontchartrain, and have been doing good serv- ice there in intercepting supplies for the rebels and in destroying salt works and tanneries. The commanding officers of these vessels have performed their duty with zeal and ability. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving facts and sugges tions regarding the Mobile blockade. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, January 22, 1864. SIR: (1) On the morning of the 20th instant I made a reconnois- sance of Forts Morgan and Gaines. I went in over the bar in the gun- boat Octorara, Lieutenant-Commander Low, taking the Itasca in com- pany as a precaution against accident. We passed up to Sand Island and laid abreast of the light-house on it. The day was uncommonly fine and the air very clear. We were distant from the forts 3 and 3~ miles, and could see everything distinctly, so that it was easy to verify the statements of the refugee McIntosh in respect to the number of guns visible on the bastions of the forts. I could count the guns and the men who stood by them; could see the piles that had been driven across from Fort Gaines to the channel opposite Fort Morgan, the object of which is to force the ships to keep as close as possible to the latter. There were no vessels in the bay except one transport steamer. (2) I am satisfied that if I had one ironclad at this time I could destroy their whole force in the bay and reduce. the forts at my leisure by cooperation with our land forces, say, 5,000 men. We must have about 2,500 men in the rear of each fort to make regular approaches by land and to prevent the garrisons receiving supplies and reinforce- ments, the fleet to run the batteries and fight the flotilla in the bay; but without ironclads we should not be able to fight the enemys ves- sels of that class with much prospect of success, as the latter could lie on the flats where our ships could not go to destroy them. Wooden vessels can do nothing with them unless by getting within 100 or 200 yards, so as to ram them or pour in a broadside. (3) I am told by Mr. Shock, the fleet engineer, that two of the iron- dads now being constructed at St. Louis are finished, and that three *N~ found Page 53 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 53 or four ought to be by this time. If I could get these I would attack them at once. (4) The rebel ironclad Nashville, I am told by a refugee, will not be ready before March, and he says that Buchanan made a speech to his men saying that as soon as she is finished he will raise the blockade, etc. It is depressing to see how easily false reports circulate out here, and in what a state of alarm the community is kept by the most absurd rumors. If the Department could get one or two of the ironclads down here it would put an end to this state of things and restore confi- dence to the people of the ports now in our possession. (5) I feel no apprehension of Buchanans raising the blockade of Mobile; but with such a force as he has in the bay it would be unwise to take in our wooden vessels without the means of fighting the enemy on an equal footing. B reference to the chart you will see how small a space there is for the ships to maneuver. (6) I beg to urge upon the Department the necessity of expediting the departure of the Brooklyn and Galena, as it is always indispen- sable to keep a force on the blockade sufficient to allow one of the ships to go to Pensacola for coaling or for repairs, as the case may be. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival of Rear- Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, off New Orleans. U. S. STEAM SLOOP PENSACOLA, Off New Orleans, La., January 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, in the U. S. S. Hartford, arrived off New Orleans at 3p.m. yesterday, 22d instant, when I hauled down the broad pennant which was worn by the Pensacola during his absence from this station, saluting him with 15 guns. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy,for the return to New York of the U. S. S. Queen. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 23, 1864. SIR: The U. S. S. Queen, recently sent to the Gulf with ordnance stores and placed by Commodore Bell on blockade on the coast of Texas, is desired by the Ordnance Bureau as a transport, and you will please order her back to New York for that purpose. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Gommanding West Gulf Blockading Sguadron, New Orleans Page 54 54 WEST GUll BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, requesting information regarding the Confederate ram Ten- nessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, January 25, 1864. DEAR CAPTAIN: The Monongahela is now Coaling at the South West Pass with orders to report to you, so that you can go to Pensacola and coal, if you have not already done so. This ship will soon be ready for blockade duty, ~tnd the ships will then be able to take turns in going to Pensacola. You can let the gunboats and others take turns in the same way. It will give the officers and crew a little respite from the ceaseless vigilance which is so distressing to the nervous system. Let me know the moment you get certain information in relation to the rams being on Dog River Bar or over it. I am trying to decide as to the best manner of acting in the premises. Yours, truly and respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Commanding Blockade off Mobile. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to commandant navy yard, New York, regarding the U. S. steamers Cowslip and Narcissus. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 25, 1864. SIR: As soon as the Cowslip and Narcissus are ready for sea direct them to proceed to New Orleans and report to Rear-Admiral Farragut for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral HIRAM PAULDING, Commandant Navy Yard, New York. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Cillis, U. S. Navy,for information regarding conditions on the Texas coast. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, 0/f New Orleans, January 25, 1864. Please, by the return of the Bermuda, let me know the state of things existing on the coast of Texas in relation to the army and navy accord- ing to your own views,so that I may be properly informed. I hope to make you a visit in the course of a few weeks. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain JOHN P. GILLIS, U. S. NAVY, Senior Officer off Galveston Page 55 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 55 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, to forward letters to consular ojlicers. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, ~January 25,1864. SIR: It having been requested by the Secretary of State, you will please forward these letters to their destination, one to the American consul at Matamoras, the other under flag of truce to the Prussian con- sul at Galveston. Very respectfully, your obedient servant D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-A lraira~. Captain J. P. GILLIS, Senior Ofticer, Coast (if Te~ras. Instructions for night service, nigh t distinctions for vessels, and special and other uiight signals for the blockade off Mobile, January25, 1864. [NoTESpecial signals delivered in manuscript, answering to certain numbers in the Naval General Signal Book, but not to be incorporated into it except in pencil, are to be used when necessary only on this blockade.] 1. Vessels approaching the blockade in the day, either to join it or to return to it, will make their numbers in the usual way from the list in the Naval General Signal Book or from a manuscript copy of it furnished to those who have no Naval General Signal Book. Vessels having only the boat code may make their numbers in the day by that code, using the union jack and the number opposite the name of the vessel in the list (pages 142 to 146). See page 142. The day distinguishing pennants are the same throughout the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. 2. Any vessel of the iNlobile blockade discovering a strange sail running in or out of the harbor will, at the moment of firing, slipping, or chasing, show or hoist where it can be seen to the best advantage a red lantern light and keep it exhibited while within the limits of the line of blockade. In case there is firing all the vessels of the blockade near the one engaged, or at least within range of fire, will also hoist a red lantern light and keep it exhibited diliring the engagement or until the vessel or vessels engaged are out of the line of the blockade or until they haul down their lights. In case the strange vessel seen should exhibit lights to attempt to deceive or mislead the chasing or engaging vessels, the vessel first making the discovery will haul down the red lantern light and hoist instead the proper night lantern lights, representing her night dis- tinction within the limits of this blockade. 3. Vessels having to get underway at night for any other reason than to chase, while changing stations, going to their stations, or to communicate with any other vessel on the blockade, will, when in the line or range of the guns of the blockading vessels, exhibit the lantern lights representing their night distinction, which will be answered by all. 4. Vessels approached by a white lantern light shown from the poop, peak, forecastle, or over the side or quarter, as circumstances may -require, to prevent collisions and being fired into by a blockading vessel Page 56 56 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. No vessel will move from her station at night without giving warn- ing; if in chase by hoisting a red lantern light, or in the other prescribed cases by hoisting the night distinction lights. Vessels approaching the Fne of blockade after dark from seaward will invariably report their names and numbers as recorded in the Naval General Signal Book or in the manuscript list furnished with Coston lights in the following manner, viz: 1st. Burn the Coston P (preparatory), which must be answered by the senior officer or the commander of the vessel nearest to which the signal is made. 2d. Send up a rocket and follow it. 3d. By burning the Coston number representing those of the vessel, as indicated above, immediately after which the vessel approaching will hoist her night distinction lights and keep them up until she anchors, or the vessel approached communicates or hauls down her white lantern lights or her night distinction lantern lights, as the case may be, but the approaching vessel must not attempt to pass inside of the line until authofized to do so. Vessels belonging to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron that are not provided with a copy of the Naval General Signal Book or with a list in manuscript of the numbers and names of the vessels will make themselves known at night when approaching the Mobile Squadron or a vessel belonging to it by making the numbers of the vessel as recorded in the boat code of signals in the following manner, viz: 1st. Burn a navy-blue light, which should be answered by a Coston A (answering). 2d. Send-up a rocket and follow it immediately. 3d. By burning the Coston numbers representing the name and number of the vessel recorded in the Boat Code. (See pages 142 to 146.) Special night signals. 5. To be used only by picket boats and by all vessels on the Mobile blockade. The following Coston lights to be burned without the preparatory signal being made: Coston No. 1.Interrogatory: May or shall I do that which I shall ask by signal to be made immediately? After this froub the Boat Code by Coston lights or as a preparatory to asking for information or asking a question by signal from the Boat Code. Coston No. 2. Strange sail in sight to the westward, to be followed immediately, if a steamer, by a rocket sent in the direction she was steering when last seen. Coston No. 3.Strange sail running out of this pass, to be followed immediately, if a steamer, by a rocket sent in the direction was seen steering. Coston No. 4. Strange sail outside of me to the southward, to be followed immediately, if a steamer, by a rocket sent in the direction the steamer was steering. Coston No. 5. Enemy coming out. If but one vessel one rocket to be sent up; but if in force or more than one vessel two rockets will be sent up in succession immediately after burning the red light. To be repeated if necessary after a short interval of time. Coston No. 6. Strange sail running in. If a steamer, to be followed immediately by a rocket. Coston No. 7.Negative. No, do not, or refusal to grant request made. Coston No. S. Suspicious movements of the enemy inside. Coston No. 9. In need I am of assistance. Coston No. 10. Strange sail to the eastward. If a steamer, to be followed immediately by a rocket. 6. No vessel of the Mobile blockading squadron will leave her station at night to chase out of signal distance, unless she sees a vessel, and then not more than two of the blockading vessels will be author- ized to chase a single vessel unless specially ordered to do so by the senior officer p resent by signal or otherwise. 7. Vessels leaving their stations at night to give chase to a vessel or vessels seen by them will return to the blockade in case they do not see the escaping vessel or her smoke at daylight the following mormng, unless reliable information is obtained from vessels fallen in with, which will give reasonable assurance that she or they may be overtaken Page 57 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 57 8. When special signal No. 5 is made, all the vessels of the blockade will slip and concentrate in line in order of their stations upon the senior officer, taking care, however, not to do so in so precipitate a manner as to make the movement a rapid retreat, but to withdraw in good order, keeping the enemy at bay to allow time for the whole squadron to concentrate in line of battle well outside of the shoals. If the enemy is discovered by the picket boat or vessel stationed inside the bar, signal No. 5 will be made immediately, and that vessel or boat will retreat toward the nearest vessel stationed in that quarter, give the information by speaking, and continue to do so to all the vessels near which it will have to pass in proceeding to the senjor officers vessel. 9. In case of firing being heard within the limits of the blockade at night, those vessels stationed nearest will slip immediately and proceed to the scene of action to take part, if necessary, and all other vessels will be on the lookout, and if the firing is continuous, they will lose no time in proceeding to the scene of action also. The bearings of all vessels of the blockade and of all prominent objects on shore should be taken by the blockading vessels after taking their respective stations for the nights, and in the event of having to fire during the night to be careful in pointing their guns so as not to run any unnecessary risks of hitting friends. All the vessels will, if possible, keep themselves during the day within good signal distance, unless in chase, at discretion, or when sent on particular duty beyond signal distance. Two vessels will, as a general rule, be sent in chase of all vessels to be chased to the seaward. Vessels sent in chase will keep the com- manding officer on the blockade informed from time to time by signal of character or appearance of the strange vessel to enable him to send additional force in case the stranger should have the appe ar- ance of being armed. 10. The foregoing special signals should be repeated after an inter- val of five or ten minutes, either by the vessel first making the signal or by one of those nearest to it. The answer will be such signals as the commanding officer may consider necessary under the circum- stances. The foregoing instructions, special signals, etc., take the place of all previous ones on this blockade. THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Qfficer Present. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, January ~7, 1864. Additional inetructions for the commanders of vessels ort the blockade off Mobile. 11. Commanders of vessels on the Mobile blockade are authorized to leave their positions temporarily during the day (but to be resumed before or as soon after dark as circumstances ma y require) to commu- nicate with or to lie near the senior officers vessel, whenever they may Consider it necessary or convenient, if the state of the atmosphere and weather is such as to justify the withdrawal of their vessels. 12. Commanders of vessels wishing to communicate with or to p ass any of the blockade after dark will hoist their night distinction lan Page 58 58 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. tern lights. When near the vessel or vessels approached, they will be answered by the exhibition of a white light lantern until the approach- ing vessel is within hail or shall have passed. If the approaching vessel wish to communicate, either by speaking or by boat, the night distinction lights will be lowered and the engine stopped. If the vessel is only passing, the light will be keptr up, and she will proceed on her course, unless required to stop to enable the approached vessel to identify her. 13. No vessel on the blockade must proceed at night when hailed by another vessel on the blockade until the hailing vessel is satisfied of the identity of the one hailed. 14. No strange vessel is to be permitted to pass inside of the line of blockade at any time, but more especially at night. Any vessel attempting to pass inshore of any blockading vessel or inside of the line ot the blockading vessels must be dealt with promptly and, if necessary, summarily. Neither national flags nor signals are to be regarded in such cases, due warning having been previously given, either by blank cartridge or by speaking. 15. The night distinction lantern lights of the vessels on the blockade moving at night within the lines or immediately outside of them, in going to or returning from a station, must be answered by all vessels of the blockade near which they may pass by a single white light lan- tern exhibited in such a manner as to mask it from all except those on board of the passing vessel. 16. Whenever an armed vessel is discovered approaching the block- ade, the commander of the vessel making the discovery will promptly report the fact by signal and get underway or slip immediately and proceed in the direction of the approaching vessel, taking care to keep inside of the stranger and to turn his vessels head in the direction he may be steering in time to insure keeping ahead of him. As the stranger is approached, signal is to be made of the appearance, flag carried, and supposed character. 17. Vessels on the blockade discovering the enemy approaching or seeing signals reporting an armed vessel or foreign man-of-war approaching will get underway or slip immediately without waiting for a signal from the commanding officer and take position to prevent the possibility of running the blockade through either of the guarded channels. 18. When vessels of war of friendly nations approach the blockade and express a wish to communicate with the commaiiding officer, they must be accompanied by no~ less than two of the vessels of the blockade (one on either bow and a little ahead of the stranger) to an anchorage a short distance outside of the senior officers ship, where he must be requested to anchor. The accompanying vessels will not anchor, but keep their positions near the stranger until otherwise ordered by the commanding officer. 19. When the signal is made to chase during the day the vessels so ordered will either slip or get underway as the urgency or otherwise of the case may require. 20. When the enemy is discovered at night, signal is made of his approach, or when signal is made to prepare for battle, form line of battle, or rally upon the senior officers ship, all the vessels of the blockade will slip, spread fires, and place themselves in position and in readiness for vigorous action immediately Page 59 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 59 21. When two or more blockading vessels are in chase, if in the day- time, the vessels in sight of the one chased will keep the other vessels in chase fully informed by signal of the movements of the chased vessel. If at night, the course will be indicated by the exhibition of a white lantern light over the stern or quarter, masked from the vessel chased. 22. When it can be avoided, vessels belonging to the blockade will not return to it at night unless they were in sight and recognized by signal before dark; but in case a vessel should have to approach the line of blockade after dark, the name and number must be indicated, first, by Coston signals, and to be recognized and answered by hoisting and keeping up the night-light lantern distinction until near the senior officers vessel and until that vessels white lantern light is withdrawn or hauled down. 23. When vessels belonging to the blockade are sent away for sup- plies, the commanding officers are expected and required to fill up with coal, provisions, and small stores and return to their stations on the blockade in the shortest possible time. 24. When vessels are sent for supplies they are not to be detained in port for refitting, overhauling, or making repairs beyond the time necessary to take on board the supplies which may be required. 25. When vessels are on the ev& of departure from the blockade for supplies, their commanders will inform the senior officer present (in case any refitting, overhauling, or repairing is needed which might detain the vessel in port for a longer time than would probably be required to take those supplies on board), the length of time required and the extent of overhauling, refitting, or repairing needed, and obtain his authority for the necessary detention before commencing the work. 26.. It is desirable that none of the vessels on the blockade be detained after the coal on board is reduced to the quantity equal to four days full steaming. Commanding officers are therefore requested to keep the commanding officer fully informed in regard to the state of their coal to enable him to make provision accordingly. 27. Commanders of vessels on the blockade are expected and required to see that the coal bunkers are properly trimmed down and stowed to the full extent of their capacity and that on leaving port to return to the blockade there is not less than two months full supply of provisions, clothing, and small stores on board for the full comple- ment of men. THORNTON A. JENKINS captain and Senior Officer, Blockade off Mobile. U. S. S. RICHMOND, January 28, 1864. Instructions for picket vessels and rowboats. U. S. S. RICHMOND, January 27, 1864. As a general rule the picket vessel and boat, or one or the other alone, as the case may be, will proceed from their day positions or ships in time to cross the bar of the Main Ship Channel as soon after dark as it may be deemed proper, having due regard to concealments from the enemy inside the bay Page 60 60 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The picket vessel will tow the picket boat over the bar. The picket boat will return to the picket vessel at or before the dawn of day. The picket vessel will return from the anchorage inside of the bar at early daylight with the picket boat in tow and take her to the vessel to which she belongs. In case the water inside the bar should become rough during the night the picket boat will lose no time in returning to the picket vessel. In like case the picket vessel will come outside of the bar with the picket boat and anchor until daylight or take the picket boat to the vessel to which it belongs, as may be deemed best, having due regard to the state of the weather and sea. The picket vessel will be sent in the afternoon near the vessel whose turn it may be to send the picket boat for the night. In case a picket boat is sent inside of the bar alone the officer in com- mand will regulate his movements in regard to crossing the bar, remaining in the channel, returning to his vessel, etc., as hereinbefore directed. In case the weather becomes suddenly bad, the sea rongh, with the current too strong to allow the boat to remain in the channel with safety, the officer in command will proceed immediately to the vessel nearest to him or to the one most easily reached, having regard to the force and direction of the wind and tide. Picket boats are not to go beyond the northern point of Sand Island unless specially directed to do so. Ordinarily the picket boat should remain within 600 or 800 yards to the northward of the picket vessel. The commanding officer of the picket boat will keep his boat under- way or at anchor, with a light boats anchor (in the latter case taking care to see the boat does not drift), as circumstances may permit. In general, especially in dark, foggy, or hazy nights, the boat should pull about the channel. A sharp lookout must be kept at all times while on picket duty to prevent surprise. No vessel or boat is to be allowed to approach the picket boat from the bay, or, indeed, from any quarter. In case enemys vessels or blockade runners or pilot or other boats are discovered, warning must be given immediately by burning the prescribed signal lights, taking care, however, to get out of the way of a superior force by pulling into shoal water before making the signals. The following signals will be made to meet the prescribed cases: 1st. If an armed vessel of the enemy is seen approaching or coming out, the Coston light No. 5 (the present corrected number, red) must be burned, followed immediately by a rocket. 2d. If two or more vessels of the enemy are seen approaching or coming out, the Coston light No. 5, red, will be burned, followed imme- diately by two rockets in quick succession. Signals Nos. 1 and 2 must be repeated by the picket vessel or the vessel or vessels near the main channel entrance. 3d. If a vessel is seen running out, the Coston light No. 3 (white and red) must be burned, and if a steamer, to be followed immediately by a rocket sent up in the direction the steamer was last seen or in the direction of the course she appeared to be steering when last seen inside of him Page 61 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 61 4th. In case the picket boat or vessel needs assistance, Coston light No. 9 (green and white) must be burned, and repeated after a short interval if necessary. The picket vessel (in case the enemys armed vessel or vessels app ear at night) will, after making the prescribed signal; proceed towarcl7 the commanding officers vessel and communicate what he may have seen by speaking to the commander of each vessel he has to pass near to in doing so. The picket boat must have an officer in charge, one coxswain, and not less than eight oarsmen. The officer and crew are to be completely armed with carbines or rifle muskets, revolvers, and ships cutlasses; the arms to be protected against rain and spray. A full supply of ammunition (carefully put up and secure against wet in proper packages and properly marked for each description of firearms) must be provided. There must be a grapnel, with a suitable line attached, kept in the bow, and one in the coxswains box of the boat for grappling small vessels or boats. Agrapnel or boats anchor of the necessary weight, with a good length of line, for anchoring must be provided. A complete set, with a few extra mufflers for the oars; a boats com- pass; a lead line marked to feet; a breaker of fresh water; a bag of hard bread; a supply of Coston lights, Nos. 3, 5, and 9, and not less than three rockets, with their staves fitted, and a rocket chute for firing them; a lint stock (slow match), flint steel, and tinder (tinder box); two tourni uets; two tin ans and pots; a bucket for bailing; (1 . one hatchet; one l~oat ensign an~ a few nails (assorted sizes and differ- ent kinds), felt or lead, or both, for covering holes either of shot or rocks; a lantern, with a painted cover to fit snugly over it, but easily removed, and a nights supply of candles. A password will be given to the officer of the picket vessel stationed inside of the bar, or he will select one himself in case he does not receive one for the night from the commanding officer, which he will communi- cate to the officer commanding the picket boat, to be given to the picket vessel in answer to a hail from her. The words selected should be short and easily repeated, and written on a slip of paper for the officer of the deck and the officer commanding the picket boat. The officers and boats crews sent on picket duty are to be thickly or comfortably clad in blue, with pea-jackets, good shoes and stock- ings, etc. The ammunition and bread must be covered by a tarpaulin. The commanding officer of the picket boat will be held to a strict account in the performance of his duties. He must not, under any pretense whatsoever, endanger the safety of the boat or the men unnecessarily, and he will not be excused for going beyond the limits of his prescribed beat for any purpose unless specially ordered to do so. lie will use his arms and all the force under his command prudently, but firmly and vigorously, if oppor- tunity should present itself or necessity compel him to use them at all. In case of stress of weather or of accident he will endeavor to reach (or to obtain assistance from) the vessel of the blockade most accessible to him. In going into the station and also during the stay there a careful - watch should be kept upon Sand Island, as well as the channels, to prevent surprise Page 62 62 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The senior officer will inform the commander of the vessel who is to furnish a picket boat for the night by signal in advance of the picket vessel. THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior OJ/icer, Blockade off Mobile. Letter of commendation from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, granting leave of absence by permission of the Department. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, January 27, 1864. DEAR COMMODORE: Having completed the duty of turning over the papers, etc., connected with your temporary command of this squadron for the last five months, during much of which time you have had to colitend with the evils of a sickly season, in addition to the harassing duties of your position, I take great pleasure in expressing to you my satisfaction at the state in which I find things, and the hope that your long and faithful services will be fully appreciated by the Department, and that you may be further rewarded by a short and pleasant passage home and a happy meeting with your family. The Department having authorized your return North upon my arrival, you can avail yourself of the first suitable opportunity, and believe me, very truly Your friend and obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Late Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banns, U. S. Army, in the interests of the construction of new build- ings at Pensacola navy yard. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, January 27, 1863 [1864]. DEAR SIR: Commodore Smith, in command of the navy yard at Pensacola, in obedience to orders from the Navy Department to build a hospital and other houses in the yard, made a contract with Captain S. P. Griffin to saw lumber for those purposes, and I have to request that you will give the necessary orders to the commanding officer of the military forces in Pensacola Bay, so that he may not be prevented or interfered with in his work. It appears that Captain Griffin placed his mills on Santa Rosa Island, which I presume General Asboth conceives to be an infringe- ment upon his premises and has refused to let him have the logs which drift upon the Island and which broke loose from the yard. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS, U. S. Army Commanding Department of the Gu~f, New Orleans Page 63 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 63 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the United States Marshal at New Orleans, regarding the disposition of foreigners cap- tured on blockade runners. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, January 28, 1864. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 26th, in which you desire to have my opinion in relation to the confinement or disposition of the British blockade runners. The only instructions I have received on the subject from the Department directed the release of foreigners after the condemnation of the vessel, but believing as I do, that there should be no such dis- tinction made, I would gladly avail myself of your instructions and turn them over to the court. We are in the habit of sending to the North all persons found on board captured vessels except a sufficient number to appear before the court for her condemnation; but if they are not confined on their arrival there, we only offer them a greater facility for getting back to Nassau, Havana, or England to try their fortunes again. My opinion in relation to those placed in possession of the court is that they should be turned over to the provost-marshal for confine- ment as prisoners of war for exchange. We have no place of security for them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. JAMES GRAHAM, Esq., U. S. Marshal, New Orleans, La. Memorandum of C. Forscheimer and P. Helman regarding the defenses of Mobile. Left Mobile on the 20th January. Reinforcements from Johnstons army arrived that day, about 3,000. It was stated that 10,000 were expected. Major-General Maury and Admiral Buchanan are still the com- manding officers. Commodore Farrand is the second naval com- mander. Several thousand negroes are continually working on the fortifica- tions, which are nearly completed from the old lighthouse to the ter- minus of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad,near the city, inside the swamps, and Three Mile Creek. The garrison at Fort Morgan, 1,000 strong, had laid down their arms, but were induced by General Maury to take [them] up again. Provisions and all supplies very scarce. Ammunition plenty, as two Government steamers ran in three weeks ago loaded with ammu- nition. Prices of everything very high. Flour, $160 per barrel; coffee, $12 per pound; boots from $120 to $200 perpair; common overcoat, $200; and common suit of clothes from $200 to 300. The spirit of the people is broken, but the officers determined to defend the city to the last. The Mobile and Montgomery Railroad is not guarded Page 64 64 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The terminus of the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad is 10 miles aboye Blakely, at Halls House, the depot entirely surrounded by swamps and aecessible within 3 miles only on the trestlework. Trains run regularly once a day from and to. The small steamer Boston is still there, but ready to run the block- ade, well provided with ammumtion. G. FORSOHEIMER. P. HELMAN. JANUARY 29, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the proposed conversion qf the U. S. vessels Bohio and Kittatinny into colliers. No. 111.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, January ~9, 1864. SIR: I find that the sailing vessels Kittatinny and Bohio are of no use as vessels of war, and I think that the best thing I can do with them is to convert them into colliers and send them down on the coast of Texas to supply the vessels of war blockading that coast. The chartering [of] vessels for that purpose is attended with great expense, as it is also at great risk. The ship Sportsman, which has been in attendance on the squadron as ordnance ship, has been ordered to be discharged. By using the Nightingale we will be able to store the ordnance stores in her. She will require some repairs, being much wormed above her copper. We will have to put on one or two streaks of copper also. I am doing all in my power to dispose of the sailing vessels and take their officers and crews for the steamers. I hope to leave here to-morrow or the day after for Mobile and Pen- sacola. All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy. ,~f Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Strong, Order Navy, regarding discharge of men whose terms of service have expired. ~. ~. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, January 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have received the petition of the men of your ship whose terms of service have expired. Be pleased to state to the men that I have already written to the honorable Secretary of the Navy upon the Subject of their discharge; but let them know that we are led to believe by the best information that the rebels are about to make a dash at the blockading fleet, which is the strongest reason for detaining them for that purpose; that con- flict once decided, I shall do all in my power to have them discharged, but thus far I have not the right to discharge anyone without the sanc- tion of the Department. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain J. H. STRONG, U. S. Navy, Rear-Admiral. Monongahela Page 65 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 65 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, referring to the blocade runners Isabel and Boston. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, January 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have received your several communications and sent those forward intended to go to the Department. I see by the papers that the Isabel did get out, as you supposed, and arrived at Havana, but threw overboard 150 bales of cotton in a gale or in a chase. And that the Boston was all ready to run, as you sup- posed, and has done so by this time. I hope you will catch her. I am making every exertion to get off; hope to be with you in two or three days. I was delighted to hear of the surrender of the company of soldiers at Pensacola. I think there will be more of that done in a short time. Tell Commodore Smith we will lend him the first of our boats that arrives out, to relieve the Jasmine, so as to have her propeller fixed. Very truly and respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain T. A. JENKINS, (~ommand%ng Blockade off Mobile. Rear-Admiral. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Bige- low, U. S. Navy, to furnish info& ation regarding affairs in Missis- sippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, January 30, 1864. SIR: Having failed to find either the Calhoun or J. P. Jackson off GIants Pass since I have been in command of the blockade and not having received any reports, either from you or the commanding offi- cer at Ship Island by the Jasmine on her last trip from New Orleans via Ship Island, I have determined to send a vessel to Ship Island to ascertain what is now going on, and what has been done in Mississippi Sound during the last twenty-five days. You will please report the cause of the withdrawal of the steamer from before Grants Pass, and why reports have not been made to me of your movements, etc., in the Sound. Respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer, Commanding Mobile Blockade. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. A. BIGELOW, U. S. S. Calhoun, Mississippi Sound. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Gertrude, Acting Master Wade, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 30, 1864.Off Mobile. At 4:15 p. m. got underway and ran into Main Ship Channel. Saw a small raft inside the bar, sup- posed to be a torpedo; lowered a boat and went alongside of it, found it moored, cut the moorings and took it in tow and started for the N W RVOL 21 Page 66 66 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Richmond. At 6:30 hove to off the Richmond. At 7 left Richmond and steered for Pensacola with suspicious raft in tow. January 31 .At 7:30 a. m. came to off Pensacola Bar. At 9:30 got underway and steered in over Pensacola Bar. At 11: 40 came to off the navy yard. At 2 p. m. hove up anchor and left torpedo that we had brought from Mobile fast to the Potomacs launch. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado, regarding arrival at Marthas Vineyard, en route to Ports- mouth, N. H. U. S. S. COLORADO, Marthas Vineyard, [Vineyard] Sound, January 31,1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I sailed in this ship from the South West Pass, Mississippi River, on the 16th instant for Portsmouth, N. H., but in consequence of bad weather and a dense fog I anchored here last night to await a favorable change, and shall leave for Portsmouth on the first favorable moment. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Per- kins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota, regarding the U. S. bark William 0. Anderson. U. S. STEAM SLOOP OSsIPEE, Off Galveston, January 28, 1864. Sm: Please inform Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith where the bark Anderson may be found. He takes orders for her to proceed without delay to South West Pass and report by telegraph to Rear- Admiral Farragut at New Orleans. Let me know by letter the condition of affairsnaval and military. Respectfully, yours, JNO. ~. GILLIS, Comdg. 2d Div., West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast of Texas. Lieutenant-Commander G. H. PERKINS, Commanding U. S. S. Sciota. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant-Commander Wells, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty in the West Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 1,1864. SIR: As soon as the U. S. ironclad * steamer Galena is ready for sea proceed with her to New Orleans and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. * Formerly an ironcladCOMPILER Page 67 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 67 Farragut for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, touching off Mobile on the way and communicating with the senior naval officer there. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Lieutenant-Commander C. H. WELLS, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Galena, Philadelphia. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Bennis, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty at Sabine Pass. U. S. S. HARTFORD, New Orleans, February 2, 1864. Sin: Transfer your crew to the U. S. ship Portsmouth, stores of every description to the naval storekeeper, and deliver the Sam Houston to Acting Master Jones, and then take passage in the steamer Augusta Dinsmore, or the first steamer going to Sabine Pass, and on your arrival report yourself to Lieutenant-Commander Chester Hatfield for duty on board the U. S. S. Aroostook. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master S. V. BENNIS, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Aroostook. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greene, U. S. Navy, to furnish wr~tten reports regarding affairs in vicinity of Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, February 2, 1864. Sin: I have dispatched the Octorara, Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, to Ship Island and the Mississippi Sound, to ascertain the state of affairs in that quarter. You will transmit through Lieutenant-Commander Low to me reports in writing of all rumors and information obtained from refu- gees and others in regard to the operations and movements of the enemy in Mississippi Sound and vicinity. You will also inform me what coal vessels are at Ship Island, the quantity of coal on board each, the rates of demurrage of each vessel, and the quantity of coal, on an average, required to supply the Jack- son and Calhoun, as at present employed. You will be careful to transmit full reports to the senior officer at this place of all matters of a public nature by every opportunity, either for this anchorage or for Pensacola direct. Respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Commanding Blockade off Mobile. Lieutenant-Commander CHAS. II. GREENE, 6Yommanding U. S. Ship Vincennes Page 68 68 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Bige- low, U. S. Navy, to furnish written reports regarding affairs in vicinity of Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, February 2,1864. SIR: I have dispatched Lieutenant-Commander Low, commanding U. S. S. Octorara, to Ship Island and the Mississippi Sound to examine into and report the state of affairs in that quarter. You will give him all the informatio~n that you may have received from refugees and from any other sources in regard to the operations and movements of the enemy in Mississippi Sound, at Cedar Point, Grants Pass, and their vicinities, and also forward to me a written report of the same. Yon will report how and where the steamers Jackson and Calhoun have been employed since the 8th ultimo, giving dates of arrival at and departures of both vessels from places inside by them during that period of time, specifying particularly the time of arrival at and depar- ture from Grants Pass of each of the steamers, and the name of the relieving vessels. The instructions in regard to taking in coal and other supplies to be strictly carried out. The vessels employed in Mississippi Sound are not to lie at anchor off the residence of Mrs. Waters, nor of that of any other residence on Horn Island, nor are officers or men or others to be allowed to absent themselves from their vessels, or go on fishing, hunting, or other excur- sions. Respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Commanding Blockade off Mobile. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. A. BIGELOW, Commanding U. S. S. Calhoun. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Bige- low, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for the protection of Grants Pass. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, February 2, 1864. SIn: A steam vessel must be kept always off the station at Grants Pass; the Calhoun and J. P. Jackson will relieve each other in the per- formance of that duty until further orders. Should either vessel break down or require repairs, the fact must be reported by signal across Dauphin Island to the vessel stationed nearest to Grants Pass on this side or by boat through Petit Bois or Horn Island Pass, as circumstances, weather, etc., may permit. The vessel not employed in watching Grants Pass will patrol the sound, and, when not required to be underway, to be anchored at night close to Horn Island Pass, to intercept vessels which may attempt to run in or ont through that pass. When communication is desired by the commanding officer on this side of Dauphin Island, the vessel st Page 69 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 69 tioned off Grants Pass or the other one, if not on other duty in the sound, will do so by signal. Respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, ~Captain, Commanding Blockade off Mobile. Lieutenant-Commander G. A. BIGELOW, Commanding U. S. S. Calhoun. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado, announcing arrival at Portsmouth, N. H. U. S. S. FRIGATE COLORADO, Portsmouth, N. H., February 3, 1864. SIR: I had the honor to address the Department on the 31st ultimo from Marthas Vineyard, [Vineyard Sound], at which port I anchored with this ship under my command on that day to escape a storm. On the 2d instant she sailed from that anchorage and we arrived here this evening. I sailed from the South West Pass, Mississippi River, on the 16th ultimo, under orders from Commodore H. H. Bell, commanding squadron (pro tem.), to proceed to this port, and on the 20th ultimo touched at Key West for coal, and sailed thence on the 23d. The terms of service of 452 men of this ships company have expired, and 231 men from this ship whose terms of service had not expired were exchanged into various vessels of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron for those whose terms of service had expired. All the ammunition of the Colorado, except sufficient for the prob- able emergencies of the passage north, was transferred to the ordnance vessel on the day previous to my departure from the passes, by order of the coxnmander of the squadron, also a 150-pounder rifled Parrott gun. All the stores of the ship belonging to the engineers, boat- swains, carpenters, and sailmakers departments, except sufficient for the necessities of the passage home, were left at New Orleans. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs on the coast of Texas, and transmitting letters relative to ship Alsterdam and bark Herbert, under charter to transport arms to Matamoras, Mexico. No. 14.1 U. S. FLAG5HIP HARTFORD, Off Ne~b Orleans, February 4, 1864. SIR: (1) Since my last communication I have received information from the coast of Texas in relation to the movements of the enemy. General Magruder is supposed to have about 20,000 infantry and artillery and about 5,000 cavalry. Our people in the neighborhood of Brazos Santiago have had a little skirmish with them, but our, gun Page 70 70 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. boats drove them off, and our troops, having made their reconnois- sauce, fell back to their intrenchments. (2) Captain Gillis expresses his regret that our army was not able to follow up its successes, as the enemy have been very active in fortify- ing their positions, especially Galveston. They have now, it is said, some 39 guns mounted on the several forts and several gunboats in the bay, two of which are reported to be ironclads. I do not give much credit, however, to this last item, nor do II believe they have as many guns in Texas. (3) Captain Gillis sent up by the supply vessel ten or twelve deserters and refugees, also the crew of a small captured schooner. By the same vessel I received (through General Banks) a communica- tion from our consul at Altona, [Germany], to Mr. Seward, and also one, from Mr. Seward, directing that any naval officer who might be so fortunate as to fall in with the vessels named therein should capture them. Also a letter from General Herron (a copy of which is enclosed), showing that he has probably made capture of the Herbert. In hopes of overtaking the other, the ship Aisterdam, I immediately sent a vessel down to the mouth of the Rio Grande. On receiving the dis- patches of Captain Gillis I was disappointed to learn that we had no vessel at the mouth of that river; but he informed me that his force was too limited to spare anything from Galveston under the circum- stances. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES ON THE RIO GRANDE, Brownsville, Tex., January 26, 1864. GENERAL: Enclosed please find copies of letters from Mr. Marsh, United States consul at Altona, to Secretary Seward, and letter from Seward to Mr. Pierce, relating to the movements of a Mr. Adams. The letters will explain themselves. Mr. Adams has just arrived at Matamoras, and has the brig Herbert lying outside. He has proposed to sell the cargo to us, and the brig is ordered around to Brazos. I will seize her upon arriving there, and send forward full statement of the case. Mr. Adams expects another vessel in a few days and I would suggest that the naval officer commanding Gulf Squadron be notified of it. I would also suggest that a gunboat be ordered to this point, as she would be useful in cases like the present. Nothing new from the interior of Texas. With great respect, Your obedient servant, F. J. HERRON, Major-General, Gommanding. Brigadier-General C. P. STONE, Chief of Staff. [Endorsement.] Ordered the Dinsmore to the coast of Texas to carry supplies and to aid in seizing the vessels named within. D.G.F Page 71 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 71 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 28, 1862. Sm: I enclose herein a copy of dispatch No. 29, received this day from W. Marsh, United States consul at Altona, giving information of two vessels, the ship A isterdam, Captain Benson, lying at Bremerhaven, and the bark Herbert, Loud, at Antwerp, chartered by agents of the so-called Confederate States to carry arms and ammunition to Matamoras. You will immediately after the receipt of this dispatch convey the above information to the commanding officer of any United States vessel of war in your vicinity, that a strict lookout may be kept for the said vessels and if they or their cargoes should be found in United States jurisdiction they may be seized as prizes. If, however, they unfortunately succeed in landing their cargoes at Matamoras, you will take all proper steps to prevent the whole or any part thereof from coming into the possession of the insurgents. I am, sir, your obedient servant, F. W. SEWARD, Assistant Secretary. LEONARD PIERCE, Jr., Esq., United States Consul, Matamoras. Letter from Major-General Dana, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant-Coin- mander Cooke, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for the encourage- ment of desertion from the Confederate forces. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Matagorda Bay, February 4, 1864. Two commissioned officers and one private, deserters from the enemy, have come in this morning. They report that so many lies are told Jhem about the way in which they are treated here that it is very necessary that some of the orders I have had printed and Gov- ernor [Andrew J.] Hamiltons address should be circulated among them. Can it not be arranged for a gunboat to send an armed boat ashore, in calm weather, at points anywhere between 5 and 15 miles from the head of the peninsula l These orders can be put in singly (a single copy of each) in a slit in the end of a stick fastened in the sand on the beach. They would be sure to be picked up. The pickets of the enemy go in pairs only, and two of them start down the beach from Caney every two hours. They ride down 16 miles to a house called Idlebachs, and then ride back. A few copies of the orders left at the house or at points above it would be picked up by the pickets. I have also some letters written by the deserters to their comrades, relating the kind of reception they meet with here, which I would like to have disposed of in the same way. If a gunboat would put ashore two or three of these sticks every two or three days, or less frequently, the information would certainly get to the men who are desirous of deserting. I can supply copies of the documents whenever the matter is decided upon by your arm of the service. I understand from these men that the demenstrations whic Page 72 72 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. are occasionally made by the gunboats near Caney are very annoying and troublesome to them; they often think we are about to make a landing, and send them miles off for cavalry, which comes down and keeps in the saddle all night. These stampedes have occurred so fre- quently that their horses have been very much run down and the men overworked and disgusted. I hope demonstrations of threatening to land by shelling and lying in close and getting out boats will continue. I have the honor to remain, with great respect, N. J. T. DANA, Major-General. Captain COOKE, LYommanding U. S. Gunboat Estrella, Senior Officer [resent. Report of Ca tam Scott, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Dc Soto, regard%ng ~ne capture of the British steamer Cumberland. U. S. S. DE SoTo, Off Mobile, February 5,1864. Sin: I have the honor to inform the Department that I captured at 10:30 a. m. this day the British steamer Cumberland, side-wheel iron steamer of 700 tons, in latitude 29~ 40 N., longitude 870 30 W., attempting to run the blockade. She has an assorted cargo, con- sisting of dry goods and provisions, also 100 barrels of gunpowder and a large number of arms. I have sent her, in charge of Acting Master L. H. Partridge, to Key West for adjudication. No other vessels were in sight at the time of the capture. A complete list of the officers and crew entitled to a share in the capture is herewith enclosed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. H. SCOTT, Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Laclcawannct, to proceed to duty i~ Mobile Bay. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, February 6,1864. Sin: So soon as your vessel can be prepared for sea you will at once proceed to the blockade off Mobile and report to the commanding officer for duty on that station. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Lackawanna Page 73 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 73 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Tibbits, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Arizona. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, February 6, 1864. SIR: You will come to this place with the U. S. S. Arizona and report on your arrival to Commodore Palmer or the senior officer present. Respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rea, -Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Block ing Squadron. Acting Master H. TIBBITS, Commanding U. S. S. Arizona, off Brashear City, La. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, referring to the loss of two important prizes. FEBRUARY 6, 1864. SIR: I send down the Dinsmore with provisions and other articles required by your vessels on the coast of Texas, but you are not to delay him a moment longer than you can help, as you will perceive by his orders that his duty at the Rio Grande is urgent. By not having a vessel there we have lost two most important prizes with arms and munitions of war. I also ~nd you a copy of an order from the Secre- tary of State to capture these vessels if they are fallen in with, unless in neutral waters, etc. As soon as the Princess Royal arrives out you will send up the Semi- nole for repairs. The Princess Royal is expected to get off on the 10th. I will have you relieved as soon as I possibly can. Inform the surgeon that I will do the best we can to accommodate him, but medical officers are scarce. As to the ironclad gunboats in Galveston, I do not believe they have iron enough in Texas to cover one, and if they come out I expect the Ossipee to whip the whole fleet of tin vessels. I only wish there was water enough to get into the port without such gr eat risk of running aground, and we would soon test the question. I see by the Secretary of the Confederates (Mr. Mallorys) report the Harriet Lane is ready for sea. You say she has no masts in. These reports are circulated to deceive us and keep us uneasy, but they only keep us on the alert. D. G. FARRAGUT. Captain J. P. GILLIS, tiJomdg. th~ Second Div. of the Gulf Squadron, Off the coast of Texas Page 74 74 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Hartford. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, At Sea, February 7, 1864. SIR: You will take command of the U. S. steam sloop hartford, but will not consider it as relieving you from the duties of captain of the fleet. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain PERCIVAL DRAYTON, U. S. NAVY, Captain of the Fleet. Engagements with batteries at Caney Bayou, San Bernard River, and Velasco, Tex., February 69, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota. U. S. GUNBOAT SCIOTA, Off Pass Cavallo, Tex., February 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: February 1.The Aroostook arrived here for coal, and, learning through a rebel deserter to the army that a steamer was expected to run the blockade at Brazos, I ordered the Queen to relieve the Aroostoole off Velasco until she returned. The Queen arrived here from the Brazos on the 7th. General [N. J. T.] Dana being anxious that a reconnoissance should be made up the coast and that some general orders and Presidents proclamations should be landed at different points within the enemys lines, I left this place on the 7th to carry out his wishes, leaving the Queen here. February 8.While passing San Bernard, was fired upon by a bat- tery of three guns. I returned the lire. February 9.In company with the Aroostoole, attacked the batteries at Velasco and San Bernard River. Found six guns, about 32- pounders, 33 hundredweight, I should judge, at Yel asco, and three 12-pounders at San Bernard. We anchored off Caney Creek that night. The battery at Caney has one 30-pounder Parrott and about four 32-pounders, 33 hundredweight, and should judge that they had a force of about 4,000 or 5,000 troops there. I returned here on the 10th instant and filled up with coal. On the evening of the same day the Augusta Dinsmore arrived. I sent the coal schooner Pequonnocle inside with the Estrellas machinery, and I p resume that she having 125 tons left, the Estrella will take the balance, when I shall send her direct to New Orleans. I have keja myself constantly posted in regard to movements at the Rio Gran e, having frequent communications with the commanding general here, who hears weekly from the commanding general at Brownsville, also from army transports which touch here on their way to New Orleans. Everything is quiet along the coast to the sound. The only block- ade running now seems to be at Velasco. Owing to four or five army transports lying outside without protection, I have not deemed it proper to be absent from this place unless with sufficient reasons fo Page 75 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 75 so doing. The Aroostoolc reports having seen a bark-rigged steamer burning black smoke about 30 miles off this place. February 16.Received a communication from the commanding general at this place, stating that in the attack at San Bernard and Velasco, February 9, three of the enemy were killed and several wounded, which he learned through a rebel deserter. The Estrella came out this morning on her trial trip. I shall leave for Aransas this evening and return to-morrow, there having been no communica- tion with that place for some time. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. H. PERKINS, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain JoHN P. GILLIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Coast Texas. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Sciota, Lieutenant-Commander G. H. Perkins, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 8, 1864.At 1 p. m. opened fire on the rebel batteries at San Bernard River. Fired 11 shots from the XI-inch gun. At 2:20 p. m. ceased firing. At 2:30 saw the Aroostoolc. At 8:30 p. m. came to anchor off Velasco. February 9.At 10 a. m. got underway. At 10:20 went to gen- eral quarters and opened fire on the forts at Velasco, which was returned by the forts. At 11 ceased firing and stood to the southward along the coast in company with the Aroostoolc. At 11:50 fired shot from the rifle gun at a wagon on shore. At 1:15 p. m. went to quar- ters and opened fire on the batteries at the mouth of the San Bernard River, which fire was returned with three guns. At 2 ceased firing and stood to the southward along the coast with the Aroostook. At 11:30 p. m. anchored off the rebel batteries at Caney Creek. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Queen. Acting Master Robert Tarr, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 7, 1864.At 6 a. m. weighed anchor and steamed down the coast. At 7:30 came to about 10 miles below Qaney Creek and sent first cutter ashore in charge of Ensign Nelson, with the proclama- tion of the President and the address of Governor [Andrew J.] Ham- ilton to the people of Texas, which he succeeded in posting up on the beach without seeing any of the rebels At 7:50 the boat returned. At 11 a. m. passed a body of our troo1 on the beach picking up fire- wood. At 12 m. made the Sciota lying off Pass Cavallo; bore up for her. At 1:30 came to anchor off Pass Cavallo in 5~ fathoms. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Aroostook, Lieutenant-Commander Chester Hatfield, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 6, 1864.At 6:30 a. m. saw strange steamer. At 8:30 made strange sail to be a friend. Stood to westward. Saw dismasted schooner under battery at Caney Creek. Took in all sail and co Page 76 76 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADROi~. ~nenced firing at battery, which returned our fire. Expended 5 XI- inch shrapnel and 12 XJ-inch shell, 13 24-pounder howitzer shrapnel, and 25 20-pounder rifle shell. Fore-topmast stay and fore guy shot away. February 7.At 9:30 a. in., while passing rebel batteries at Caney Creek, was fired upon, two shot passing over us. At 10:15 came to anchor off Caney Creek. February 9.Off Velasco. At 9:30 a. m. got underway, beat to quarters, and engaged rebel battery at Velasco, they returning our fire. Expended 16 XI-inch shell and 11 20-pounder rifle shell. At 10:30 stood along the shore. At 1 p. m. engaged a rebel battery off San Bernard River. Expended 23 XI-inch shell and 14 20-pounder rifle shell, 10 24-pounder howitzer shrapnel, 4 12-pounder howitzer shell, 23 XJ-inch 15-pound charges, and 14 2-pound rifle charges. The rebels fired in return, hitting us twice, carrying away our fore-topgal- lant backstay and sent a shot through our quarter-deck bulwarks. At 3:30 ceased firing. At 4:15 came to anchor off Caney Creek. Report of Brigadier-General Bee, C. S. Army, regarding the engagement at Caney Bayou. HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD, Ewings Plantation, February 7, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report that the enemy fired 66 shots at the fort at the mouth of Caney [Bayou] with great accuracy, wound- ing 3 men and 3 horses. The command behaved with great coolness. When an official report is made I will forward a copy for the informa- tion of the major-general commanding. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General SLAUGHTER Chief of Staff. Order of Captain Cillis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, to keep a strict lookout for the approach of the blockade runners Herbert and Aisterdam. U. S. STEAM SLOOP OssIPEE, Off Galveston, February 8, 1864. Sin: I hope you have availed yourself of the opportunity afforded by the return of army to Pass Cavallo from reconnoissance along the peninsula to visit the Rio Grande, the necessity for which I verbally stated to you before your departure from this anchorage, and had written Commander Strong on the subject. The U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, en route for the Rio Grande, where she may remain two or three weeks, will leave stores and mail for you and other vessels at Pass Cavallo. You will keep a good lookout along coast to southward, as the bark or brig Herbert and ship Alsterdam are supposed to be at the Rio Grande or on the coast, intending to run the blockade with arms and ammunition. Rear-Admiral Farragut orders their capture, if not i Page 77 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 77 neutral waters. The brig is supposed to be under English colors, and the ship probably under Hamburg colors. Captain Loud commands the former and Captain Benson the latter. Have you any news, military or naval? Yours by Anderson received. Very respectfully, JNO. P. GILLIs Comdg. Second Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast of Texas. Lieutenant-Commander G. H. PERKINS, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Sciota. The Queen leaves for New Orleans via Galveston on arrival of A. Dinsmore. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the discharge of seamen in the Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 9, 1864. SIR: I have received your No. 137, relative to the order of the Department of December 11, 1863, to Commodore Bell, not to dis- charge men from the Navy without its sanction. The obj ect of the order was to prevent the depletion of the crews of~ the vessels of the Gulf Squadron. That squadron on the Gulf Station is looked upon in the light of a foreign station, and therefore our sea- men can not claim their discharge there. (See section 17, law of July 16, 1862~) Those who shipped at New Orleans may be discharged there, but those who enlisted in the Atlantic ports should not be. They can, as you suggest, be sent home in the first vessel coming north after their expiration of service, or when they can be spared without manifest injury to the service. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant of the navy yard, New York, regarding the U. S. tugs Rose and Pink. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 9, 1864. SIR: Order the U. S. tugs Rose aiid Pink to proceed carefully to New Orleans and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty in the Western Gulf Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral HIRAM IPAULDING, Secretary of the Navy. (~ommandant Navy Yard, New York Page 78 78 WEST GULP BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Bruner, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. schooner Sarah Bruen. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Pensacola Navy Yard, February 10, 1864. SIR: You are hereby detached from the U. S. S. Nightingale and you will report for the command of the U. S. schooner Sarah Bruen without delay. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master E. D. BRUNER, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. schooner Sarah Bruen. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant of the navy yard, Pensacola, regarding the construction of a scow and buoy. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola Navy Yard, February 11, 1864. COMMODORE: I wish you to have a scow built for the use of the yard, and a buoy to support the offshore moorings off the mouth of the dock. They must both be coppered, the buoy to have a hole through the center for the chain to pass through and a shackle on the top. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. SMITH, U. S. Navy, Commanding Pensacola Navy Yard. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the conversion of certain vessels into colliers. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 11, 1864. SIR: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your No. 138, dated the 29th ultimo, and approves of your proposition to convert the sailing vessels Bohio and Kittatinny into colliers and send them down the coast of Texas to supply the blockading ships there. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, New Orleans Page 79 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 79 Capture by the U. S. S. Queen, otT Brazos River Pass, of the schooner Louisa, February 11, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. U.S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island, February 21, 1864. SIR: I am informed by Captain Gillis, commanding off Galveston, Tex., that on the 8th instant the steamer Queen drove on shore, under the batteries of Caney Creek, a small schooner, and on the 11th cap- tured one called the Louisa, of about 100 tons, laden with powder and arms, which she towed to New Orleans. The schooner was rep orted from Havana, bound to Brazos, in the neighborhood of which she was captured. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy. Report of Acting Master Tarr, U. S. Navy, commandir~g U. S. S. Queen. U. S. S. QUEEN, Off Galveston, Tex., February 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the schooner Louisa, of Nassau, New Providence, 3 miles north by west of the Brazos River Pass [San Luis Pass ?], running for the mouth of that river, on the 11th instant, at 12 noon. In reply to my hail he answered he was from Havana, bound some- where along the coast of Texas, and did not know of what his cargo consisted,, but upon boarding him he gave up to my officer a British certificate of registry and his shipping articles, remarking at the same moment he gave his vessel up as a lawful prize to this ship. Upon a hasty examination, his cargo proves to be powder, Enfield rifles, salt, cigars, and whisky, and the schooner is about 85 tons, in good order. I placed a prize crew on board, with all the necessary papers, and ordered the prize master to report to the commanding officer at New Orleans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TARR, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Acting Master, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 19. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Light-House Inspector Bonzano, regarding buoys. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, February 12, 1864. DEAR SIR: I find the buoy gone from the tail of the middle ground, and the one on the east is out of its place Page 80 80 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The spar buoys require chaining and coppering. Will you please have them attended to, as we are now running in and out of this har- bor day and night, and are likely to do so for some time to come. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Dr. M. F. BONZANO, Light-House Inspector. Order of Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, referring again to the expected arrival of the blockade run- ners Herbert and A isterd am. U. S. STEAM SLOOP OsSIPEE, Off Galveston, Tex., February 13, 1864. Sin: The Arkansas leaves to-day with stores, mails, etc., for our vessels to the sound; she goes to the Rio Grande to communicate with the A. Dinsmore, and will call on her return for letters, etc. I regret you did not visit the Rio Grande after return of our troops from reconnoissance up the peninsula. It is important to keep a strict lookout for blockade runners along the coast, which I verbally stated previous to your departure from this anchorage, and that the presence of one of our vessels was required at the Rio Grande. I have in former communication mentioned the Herbert, brig or bark, English, and Alsterdam, ship, Hamburg, with arms and ammu- nition for rebels, to be captured if not in neutral waters. Valuable prizes if you can fall in with them. Very respectfully, yours, JNo. ~. GILLIS, Comdg. 2d Div. Westcrn Gulf Blkdg. Squadron, Coast of Texas. Lieutenant-Commander G. H. PERKINS, Commanding U. S. S. Sciota. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 13, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: I am sorry there has been so much confusion about the circulars. I directed the admirals clerk to enclose them to commanders of divisions, and he told me expressly he had done so; but he is very young, and although willing, like all pups, is thought- less and makes hiistakes. I could not give my immediate attention to the matter in the pressure at New Orleans, but can for the future have this and many other things better regulated. I am just now getting into shape the mass of papers and orders handed over to me by Bell, mostly half endorsed and without order, and as Palmer had removed everything pertaining to the office which offered any chance or facility of filing away. As to departmental circulars and orders, they are almost all missing, and I suppose I shall only discover their existence through the raps for noncompliance with their require Page 81 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 81 ments. I was regularly installed as captain on our leaving you, which enabled the admiral to get a good nights rest, which, otherwise, I should have taken myself. The mortar schooners all left this morning for Grants Pass, where the Octorara will follow them to-morrow. The Tennessee will touch at your squadron to-morrow, en route to New Orleans. If she can find any potatoes in New Orleans they will be brought you on her return. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond, off Mobile. The admiral talks of leaving here on Monday, but if you are ready to come in, I would not, I think, wait for him, as we might be delayed. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, to forward ammunition to Pensacola. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola Navy Yard, February 14, 1864. SIR: Send around to this place barks Anderson and Kittatinny and send in them about 1,000 13-inch shell. Let one of them stop at Ship Island to supply the n!ortar boats in the [Mississippi] Sound. Send the fuzes and Coston signals, as per enclosed requisition, by the Tennessee. We have plenty of coal of both kinds here for our use, and can send you some should you need it. If either of the light-draft vessels arrive at New Orleaiis, send them around here to me. Whenever you have an opportunity, send a few 13-inch shell, from 50 to 300, as the vessel can accommodate. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT. Commander JAMES S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, First Divisional 9fficer at New Orleans. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greene, U. S. Navy, regarding the naval workshop at Ship Is land. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, February 14, 1864. SIR: I send the Gertrude to Ship Island specially to obtain the work ordered some time since for vessels at this place. The very tardy manner in which orders for work on the shop at Ship Island have been executed invariably at that place have resulted in 4reat inconvenience to the service here. en light work is ordered for vessels employed actively on block- ade service, all other work should give way to it. You will please furnish me by the first opportunity that presents itself a list of the names, rates, and daily compensation of all persons in any way con- nected with the naval workshop at Ship Island, specifying particularly The machinists, boiler makers , blacksmiths, founders, andl aborers. N W BVOL 21 Page 82 82 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. You will also transmit to me at the same time an abstract statement of labor and material and the cost of each, respectively, of the different work and the purposes to which applied since the 8th day of January last. For the future a weekly report made up to Saturday night of each week is to be prepared, duly signed by the foreman and the per- son in charge of the shop, and duly authenticated by you or the com- manding officer at Ship Island, and forwarded as soon thereafter as possible. You will send by the Gertrude any reports that may be ready, but that vessel is not to be detained for any purpose. All force stationed in Mississippi Sound, except the Vincennes, is required to proceed immediately to Grants Pass, if not already there, and report to Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, of the Octorara, prepared for mmediate active service with the enemy. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Oaptain, 6lomdg. Third Division Western Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander CHAs. 171. GuELNE, commanding U. S. Ship Vincennes, Ship Island. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, command- inq U. S. S. Virginia, regarding the capture of the British schooner Mary Douglas. ~ S. S. VIRGINIA, Off the Coast of Texas, February 15,1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the English schooner Mary Douglas, under the following circumstances: At 8 a. m. of this day, while off San Luis Pass, I sa~ the Mary Douglas running inside the pass. After firing a few shots at her she was abandoned by the officers and crew and I sent in my first and second cutters, the former under charge of Acting Ensign and Executive Officer E. H. Thomas, the latter in charge of Acting Ensign J. H. Rogers. She was found to be on fire, but it was soon extinguished, and the vessel was brought out over the bar in safety. I have sent her, in charge of Acting Ensign J. H. Rogers, to New Orleans. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Vok;rbteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virg~n%a. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant (~. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 15,1864.San Luis Pass, Tex. At 6 a. m. got underway. At 8 a. m. sight of a sail; gave chase, and at 9, seeing her crew trying to tow her inside the pass of San Luis, we fired at her 9 12-pounder shells from No. 2 division, 2 percussion time-fuze shell from the pivot gun, then the crew left in her boats. At 9: 15 sent away the first and second cutter under command of Acting Ensigns Thomas and Rogers Page 83 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 83 with armed crews in each, to bring her out. Boarded her at 9:30 and found her deserted, an attempt having been made previously to set her on fire by upsetting the galley stove. Extinguished the fire, slipped the chain, and proceeded over the pass under jib and foresail. She came to under our stern. At 10 sent a hawser and took her in tow to Galveston Roads. She proved to be the schooner Mary Douglas, from Tampico to New Orleans, with a cargo of bananas, coffee, and linen. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding the control of the U. S. tug Jasmine. U. S. S. HARTFORD Pensacola, February 15, 1864. COMMODORE: The tug Jasmine belongs to this yard and was sent out to Commodore Smith for the purpose of keeping up the commu- nication between New Orleans and Pensacola, and he very properly protests against your removing the captain of her without consulting him. You must not remove him nor interfere with him, except to expedite him on his return to this place with the mails and such arti- cles as may be required here. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, First Divisional Ofticer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant- Commander de KraJJt, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival at New Orleans. U. S. S. CONEMAUGII, New Orleans, February 15, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to repoft my arrival this day at this place, in obedience to your order of November 16, 1863. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. C. P. DE KRAFFT Lieutenant- Commander U. S. Narn. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from (Qmmodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, in reference to contemplated operations in Berwick Bay. U. S. S. PENSACOLA, New Orleans, La., February 15, 1864. GENERAL: I have received your ,communication of this date, arfd have the honor to inform you in reply that the Arizona was ordered to this place by Admiral Farragut before his departure. I propose to send three gunboats to Berwick Bay, which, together with the one already there, will make up the number required for the contemplate Page 84 84 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. movement. II shall use all possible dispatch to have them there by the 1st March. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES S. PALMER, Commodore, Commanding at New Orleans. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, requesting a decision in the matter of approving iiperatwns of a private mill on Santa Rosa Island. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 16, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: There appears that an order has been given to Gen- eral Asboth not to permit private mills to be put up in his district. Mr. Clapp has put his mill np on Santa Rosa Island, about 4 miles from Fort Pickens. The general says that the commanding officer (his predecessor) objected to it, but Mr. Clapp persisted, npon the ground that he had the right to put his mill anywhere upon public land. The general says he told Mr. Clapp that as he was sawing for the navy hospital it might proceed until that was finished, and unless he obtained your permission by that [time] it should be removed. Now, I do not wish to interfere with this matter, as the general has been very courteous to me, and, as far as I can understand, equally so to the other parties, telling them they had no right to put up their mills without the military permission, which he had not, either from the Army or Navy, and must take the consequences. I therefore only wish you to decide the case as to the propriety of making him remove the mill from Santa Rosa Island or not, as it is for you to judge as to the propriety of having it there or not. The general not only did not wish to interfere with our sawing, but said the army mill should saw day and night if it were necessary to supply the lumber. My object is simply to do both parties justice. I think the general to be a true soldier, and one who only wishes to do his duty by obeying his orders. All of which is submitted by, very respectfully, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding the removal of the mill on Santa Rosa Island. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 16, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I have written to General Banks to-day upon the subject of the mill on Santa Rosa Island, in which I have stated th Page 85 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85 facts as you related and told him that I believed you had no other desire than to do your duty, and that you had offered to saw all the lumber for me that was necessary, if you had to work your mill day and night, nor have you any desire to interfere with the mill until it had completed the work for the yard, but that you desired to have the mill removed unless the matter should be otherwise settled by his order. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Brigadier-General AsBom, U. S. Army, Commanding U. S. Forces, Pensacola, Fla. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banns, U. S. Army, regarding rumored movements looking to an attack upon Mobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 16, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: We received intelligence from a refugee of respec- tability, whom we know, that when last heard from McPherson was at Brandon, [Miss.]; had a skirmishwith the enemy; they told him with some of Johnstons forces; that, I presume, is a mistake. They appear to think that they are ready for him at Mobile, for they say he is advancing upon the city with 30,000 men; so you see they look for a grand attack upon Mobile. Of course you know that the number of troops at Mobile is greatly exaggerated, as wt~ learn by the engineer who came in here the other day. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. B. BANKS, U. S. Army. Seizure of the British brig Scio, in the harbor of Brazos Santiago, Tex., by the U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, February 16, 1864. Report of Rear-Admirals Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting correspondence. No. 56.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Pensacola, March 8,1864. SIR: I have the honor to call the attention of the Department to the case of the English brig Scio, seized by the U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, Acting Master William Hamilton, commanding, in the harbor of Bra- zos Santiago, Texas, for violating the blockade. The circumstances as reported by Acting Master Hamilton are in substance as follows: The Scio originally cleared from New York with a cargo of provi- sions and forage for Matamoras. She entered there and discharged p art of her cargo. Major-General Dana, the commanding genera I in Texas, wanting forage, it is said, gave her a permit to enter Brazos -Santiago. She went there without having pleared from Matamoras Page 86 86 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. General Dana purchased the forage and paid for it in cotton. The pro- visions were sold to the people of Brownsville. The brig, loaded with cotton and, in addition, with a quantity of hides, which were smuggled on board, was ready to sail, having received a permit to go to sea, when Acting Master Hamilton seized her for violating the blockade and placed a prize crew on board. Acting Master Hamilton acted in accordance with the instructions of the Se& retary of the Navy, under date of September 21, 1863. These instructions were imperative, in these words: You will not regard what are called permits from any officer except the Secretary of the Treasury, War, or Navy, authorizing the ingress or egress of any ves- sel in violation of the blockade. Acting Master Hamilton, having taken possession of the vessel, was preparing to tow her over the bar, when the assistant quartermaster at Brazos, Captain Pitkin, informed him that he had orders not to allow the vessel to proceed to sea. On receiving this information Acting Master Hamilton addressed a communication to Major-General Herron, under date of February 22 (enclosure marked No. 1), to the effect that he had seized the Sejo, placed a prize crew on board, and protested against the order and requested that it might be annulled. On the day following he received a letter from General Herron (enclosure marked No. 2), in which the general gave his reasons for detaining the Scw, claiming at the same time exclusive jurisdiction in the harbor. On the day following, February 25, General Herron again wrote to Acting Master Hamilton (enclosure marked No. 3), ordering him to release the Scio, which Acting Master Hamilton, not wishing to have a collision with the army, did, at the same time, how- ever, under protest (enclosure marked No. 4). The Augusta Dinsmore sailed on the 26th of February for New Orleans, and I am told the Scio sailed the day following for New York. At the time of these occurrences Brazos Santiago was not an open port, and, consequently, under the instructions of the Secretary of the Navy, before referred to, General Dana had no authority to grant a permit to the master of the Scio, and the latter vessel, being engaged in trade with a blockaded port against law, was properly seized by Acting Master Hamilton, and the said vessel ought to be considered as a prize to the Augusta Dinsmore and libeled as such on her arrival at New York. In this connection I beg to refer the Department to the decision of Judge Fraser in the case of the Sea Lion. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Endorsement.] Write Secretary of War, stating the case, and that the blockading force know of no authority on the part of any military officer in Texas to grant permits for trade, etc. [WELLEs. Page 87 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 87 Letter from Acting Master Hamilton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore to Major-General Herron, U. S. Army, protesting against military restrictions placed upon the prize. U. S. S. AUGUSTA DJNSMORE, Off Brazos Santiago, Tex., February 23, 1864. GENERAL: Captain Pitkin, assistant quartermaster, informed me this morning that he had received an order from you directing him not to allow the brig Sejo to leave the harbor or shift her anchorage with- out first receiving a written order from you. I have seized the Scio and have placed a prize master and crew on board of her, and it is my duty to make all possible haste to send her to the nearest port for adju- dication. Such being the case, I respectfully protest against this order, and request that you will have it annulled and allow the vessel to proceed. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM hAMILTON, Acting Master, U. S. Navy. Major-General F. J. HERRON, U. S. Army, Comma ing U. S. Forces on the Rio Grande. Letter from Major-General Herron, U. S. Army, to Acting Master Hamilton, U. S. Navy, stating the cause of the detention of the prize. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES ON THE Rio GRANDE Brownsville, Tex., February 24, 1864. DEAR SIR: Your communication of the 23d instant regarding the Scio is received. It is my intention to retain the brig in the harbor at l3razos until the return of Mr. H. W. Peeler from New Orleans, whither he has gone to lay his case before the proper authorities. From L. Pierce, jr., U. S. consul at Matamoras, and from all other loyal men of this vicinity, I learn that Mr. Peeler has been throughout an uncondi- tionally loyal man, has furnished a large amount of funds to refugees from Texas, and I know that he has rendered aid to the Government officers since the occupation of this place by our forces. I am not willing, therefore, while his vessel is in the harbor and under my pro- tection to see him treated as a blockade runner until he has had oppor- tunity of laying his case before the authorities. If he or any officers of the brig have been engaged in any unlawful acts, I will be the last person to shield them. I can not, of course, recognize your right to seize the Soio while she lay in the harbor by my permission. When she crosses the bar, you have the undoubted right to do so. Under a strict construction of the law, therefore, your action in placing a prize crew on board while she lay in the harbor is not correct, but I make no objection whatever to it or to their remaining there until Mr. Peeler returns. I have ordered Captain Pitkin, assistant quartermaster at Brazos, to retain her in the harbor until my further orders. I am, with very great respect, your obedient servant, F. J. HERRON, Major-General, Gommanding. Acting Master WILLIAM HAMILTON, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore Page 88 88 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Major-General Herron, U. S. Army, to Acting Master Hamilton, U. S. Navy, to transfer the charge of the prize to the quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES ON THE Rio GRANDE, Brownsville, Tex., February 25, 1864. DEAR SIR: You will please release the brig Scio, now lying in Brazos Harbor with a prize crew from your vessel on board. Captain Pitkin, assistant quartermaster at Brazos, will then take charge of the vessel. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. HERRON, Major-General. Acting Master W~i. HAMILTON, U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore. Letter from Acting Master Hamilton, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Herron, U. S. Army, protesting against the release of the prize. U. S. S. AUGUSTA DINSMORE, Off Brazos Santiago, Tex., February 26, 1864. GENERAL: Under my most solemn protest I have released the brig Scio and withdrawn the prize cre~v, in obedience to your order of the 25th instant, received by me this morning. I beg leave to inform you that I intend leaving for New Orleans this day. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HAMILTON, Acting Master. Major-General F. J. HERRON, U. S. Army, Commanding U. S. Forces on the Rio Grande, Brownsville, Tex. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Hamilton, U. S. Navy, expressing approval of his conduct. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 9,1864. SIR: Your communication in relation to the Scio has been received and all the circumstances fully made known to the Navy Department, with the suggestion that the Scio be seized on her arrival at New York. Your conduct is approved, with the exception that you should have waited the departure of the brig and seized her after she passed the bar. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Master WM. HAMILTON, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, New Orleans. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, rehearsing the facts in the case. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 4,1864. SIR: I have the honor to call your attention to the proceedings of Major-General F. J. Herron in the case of the British brig Scio, whic Page 89 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 89 vessel was seized in the harbor of Brazos Santiago, Tex., on or about the 23d of February last, by the U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore for vio- lating the blockade. The circumstances as reported by Rear-Admiral Farragut are as follows: The Scio originally cleared from New York with a cargo of provi- sions and forage for Matamoras, and on arriving at the latter port, and having partly discharged her cargo, Major-General Dana, wanting for- age, it is said, gave her a permit to enter Brazos Santiago. She went there without clearing from Matamoras. General Dana purchased forage and paid for it in cotton; the provisions were sold to the people of Brownsville; the brig was loaded with cotton and a quantity of hides, which were smuggled on board, and having received a permit was ready to sail when she was seized by Acting Master Hamilton, of the Augusta Dinsmore, for violating the blockade and a prize crew put on board. He was preparing to tow her over the bar when he was informed by Assistant Quartermaster Pitkin, at Brazos, that he had orders not to allow the Scio to proceed to sea. Acting Master Ham- ilton protested in a letter to Major-General Herron, from whom the authority for the detention of the Scio emanated, against the proceed- ings and asked that the order might be revoked. This General Herron declined to do, giving his reasons for his action and claiming in the same communication jurisdiction over the harbor. On the 25th of February Acting Master Hamilton was ordered by Major-General Herron to release the Scio, which he did under protest, not wishing a conflict with the military authorities, and turned the vessel over to Assistant Quartermaster Pitkin. The foregoing is a brief statement of the case. Brazos Santiago is not an open port, and the blockade of it has not been relaxed by execu- tive proclamation. I am aware of no authority which warrants the issuing of permits by officers of the Army for vessels to enter block- aded ports and trade in the insurrectionary region in violation of the rules and laws of blockade. The officers of the blockading squadrons have instructions not to regard what are termed permits from any officer except the Secretaries of the Treasury, War, or Navy for the ingr~ss or egress of any vessel in vio a ion of the blockade. Acting Master Hamilton in this instance appears to have been but discharging his duty in seizing the Scio and in preparing to send her in for adjudication when he was arrested in his proceeding by order of Maj or-General Herron. That you may be acquainted with the grounds of Maj or-General Herron in detaining the Scio and subse- quently ordering her release, and with the position which he has taken and the control which he proposes to exercise in the unopened port of Brazos Santiago, I inclose you a copy of his letter to Acting Master Hamilton. Rear-Admiral Farragut has advised the libeling of the Scio as a prize to the Augusta Diusmore on her arrival in New York, but I[ am not prepared to recommend such an extreme measure without your concurrence. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 90 90 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, Acting Master W. Hamilton, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 16, 1864.At 5:30 p. m. came to with starboard anchor, 20 fathoms chain, 6 feet of water; entrance of the Rio Grande bearing W. ~ S., distant 4 miles. At 1 p. m. Acting Ensign H. M. Pierce, executive officer, with a prize crew of three men, viz., D. Mime, Alexander Mulligan, and John Driscoll, boarded the Eng- lish brig Sejo, of Barbados, lying inside the bar at Brazos, and claimed her as a prize. At 2 p. m. the American bark Powhatan, of New York, hoisted American ensign, union down. Sent a boat aboard; found her crew in a state of mutiny. At the captains request took two of the leaders on board the Din8more and confined them in single irons. February 21.William Donald, John Smith, Lndsman, and George Dixon were ordered for duty on board the English brig Scio, a prize to the U. S. S. Augu8ta Din8more. Also sent on board 6 revolvers, with 2 rounds of ammunition each, and 6 cutlasses. February 23. At 10 a. m. sent ten days provisions for the prize crew on board the Sejo. February 26.From meridian to 4p. in.: Acting Ensign H. M. Pierce and D. Milnez, Alexander Mulligan, John Smith, John Driscoll, George Dixon, and William Donald returned on board, having left the brig Scio, prize to the Diusmore, by order of General Herron. February 27.At 4:30 p. m. opened fire with rifled battery on Caney fort, distant 4 miles. Bombardment of Fort Powell, February 16 to 29, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, proposing to cooperate by apparent activity in Mississippi Sound. No. 17.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mississippi River, February 7, 1864. SIR~ Having made all my arrangements for relieving and supplying the different vessels in the fleet, I have transferred Commodore Palmer to the Pensacola, he being my second in command, and left him in charge at New Orleans to attend to the duties of repairin~g, supplying, and signing the various passports to vessels running in and out of New Orleans. I then had a consultation with General Banks, who furnished me with extracts of instructions he had received from the commanding general, and fully informed me of his intentions and of his inability to cooperate with me anywhere on the coast, but by these extracts I per- ceived that I might do something to aid in the general movements by apparent activity upon the coast of Mississippi Sound and off Mobile, and otherwise to keep up the idea of an intended attack upon Mobile. I shall therefore amuse myself in that way for the next month, unless the ironclads should come out, as the refugees all say they will, so soon as the Tennessee and Nashville are ready. I shall continue to keep a good lookout for them, and whenever the army can give us 5,000 men, we will see what can be done with the forts. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 91 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 91 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, for the preparation of six mortar boats for service in Mississippi Sound. U.S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, February 8, 1864. SIR: I wish the six mortar boats prepared at once for service and sent around into Mississippi Sound to move up as near as prudence will dictate to the Light-House Island Battery in Grants Pass for the purpose of shelling that place. You will make up all deficiencies of their crews from your ship. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander ALEX. GIBsON, U. S. Navy, Commanding Afloat, Pensacola. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition of the iiortar boats. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 10, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: Nothing new here. The admiral left the Pen-, gum, as he wanted to write. The bombers are in a most dilapidated condition, no officers or men, and altogether rather used up; nor do I see exactly, were they not so, what particular use they can be in the [Mississippi] Sound unsupported. They are, however, better there than inthis harbor, rotting out for want of work. I send you a few letters, which please forward when opportunity offers. I dont know how long we shall remain here, but not long, I suppose. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Senior Ojjicer off Mobile. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, referring to the departure of mortar boats for Mississippi Sound. U.S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 11, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I am going ahead with my part of the pro~- gramme to assist General Sherman. I will have my six mortar boats pounding away at the fort in Grants Pass by the time this reaches you, as they all leave here to-day for the Mississippi Sound; but I do wish you each could let General Asboth have a few cavalry to cut that rail- road at Sparta, [Ala.]. It would be as great a move as General McPhersons, as that is the road by which all the troops are now com- ing into Mobile. An engineer of the road came in yesterday who says that about 7,000 men have already passed down that road to Mobile, and thinks there are about 10,000 there now. They evidently expect an attack daily, and with 2,000 or 3,000 men (soldiers) I will gratif Page 92 92 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. them in a week. I am all ready at a moments notice. I can hear nothing new of the Tjrnnessee, but she is not yet over the bar. I think the raid upon the railroad at Sparta could all be done in two days. My light-draft boats have not yet arrived, which distresses me much. Please present me kindly to Mrs. Banks, and believe me, Most truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Grafton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Genesee, to assume command of the force in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, February 12, 1864. SIR: Immediately after the arrival of the Oneida at this anchorage, you will please proceed in the U. S. S. Genesee, under your command, to Ship Island, and ascertain from the senior officer at that place the state of affairs there and in Mississippi Sound. You will proceed thence up the sound to Grants Pass, and for the present take charge of the duties in that quarter, making the best dis- position of the force stationed in the sound for guarding it. The steamers Calhoun and J. P. Jackson are to be employed with the Genesee and such other vessels as may from time to time be sent there in the performance of this service. You will communicate by a signal across the land, or by boat through the Petit Bois [Island] and Horn Island passes, as occasion may require and opportunities present themselves. One vessel, if pos- sible, must be kept off Grants Pass day and night until regularly relieved. But in case of absolute necessity, the vessels stationed for the time being off Grants Pass may leave there at night and take posi- tion for the night in the middle of Horn Island Pass, returning at day- light to Grants Pass. Horn Island Pass must be guarded by one vessel every night, and another should be stationed off Petit Bois [Islandi Pass, if available. Pascagoula should be watched closely and the sound well patrolled. You will instruct Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow, of the Calhoun, and Acting Master Crowell, of the J. P. Jackson, in regard to the movements of their vessels. The general instructions, special signals, etc., for this blockade are in force in the Mississippi Sound and Ship Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Third Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander E. C. GRAFTON, Commandirtq U. S. S. Genesee, off Mobile Bay. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Low, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the naval force in Mississippi Sound and open fire. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, February 12,4864. SIR: You will return to Mobile Bar and report to Captain Jenkins that I wish you to take charge of the naval forces in Mississippi Soun Page 93 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 93 for the purpose of reducing Fort Powell, or what is commonly known as the Shell Bank Battery. You will then proceed to Horn Island Pass and take charge of the mortar boats and the gunboats that may be assembled in the sound and proceed up to the head of the bay, place your vessels to the best advantage for shelling the battery. and commence firing, slowly at first nutil you get the range well, and try and drive the troops out, and, if you succeed in so doing, move up and take possession of the fort and commence upon the fort at Cedar Point. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander Low, U. S. S. Octorara, o/f Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to commanding officers of mortar schooners to report for duty in Mississippi Sound. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, February 12, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Horn Island Pass with your vessel and enter through it into Mississippi Sound as soon as you can, and there wait for further orders from Lieutenant-Commander Low, of the U. S. S. Octorara. Respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant D. C. WooDs, Commanding U. S. Brigantine Sea Foam. [Order of same date and like tenor to acting volunteer lieutenant commanding U. S. mortar schooner John Cr%ftlth; Acting Masters Enos 0. Adams and E. D. Bruner, commanding, respectively, U. S. mortar schooners Orvetta and Sarah Bruen; Acting Ensigns Joseph A. Chadwick and D. F. OBrien, commanding, respectively, U. S. mortar schooners Henry Janes and 0. H. Lee.] Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, commanding off Mobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola Navy Yard, February 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have given Lieutenant-Commander Low his orders to go into the sound with the mortar boats, and I wish you to send the Port Royal and Jackson in with him. I ho e that will be force enough to drive them. out of the Shell Bank andCedar Point batteries. I will be down there myself day after to-morrow. All your vessels returned to their stations to-day. None of my light vessels have arrived yet. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, U. S. Navy, Senior 0,/fleer, Commanding off Mobile Page 94 94 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. P. S.Please send my letters to Admiral Smith, Commodore Por- ter, and for the North generally, down to the month of the Mississippi by the Pengwt;n, to be put on board the Pampero, to be sent to New Orleans. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Fitzhugh, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sebago, to proceed to duty in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, February 14, 1864. Sin: You will please report to Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, Commanding the U. S. S. Octorara, with the U. S. S. Sebago, under your command, for duty in the sound until further orders. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Third Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander W. E. FITZHUGH, Commanding U. S. S. Sebago, Mobile Blockade. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Beers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Penguin, to proceed off Fort Powell and report operations. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, February 16, 1864. SIR: Our fleet inside of Mississippi Sound are bombarding Fort Powell and probably a fort on Cedar Point at Grants Pass. I wish you to run to the westward, get as near the outer islands as convenient, to see and report proceedings by signal. If you think proper, you can send a boat in through the islands to communicate with the inside fleet, but under all circumstances, unless of the most absolute necessity, I wish you to return to this place by sunset. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding J. R. BEERS. Letterfrom Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, referring to the difficulties of the undertaking. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, At Ship Island, February 19, 1864. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL: I truly congratulate you on your great good fortune in the capture of the C~umberlar& d by the De Soto. On my way down from Pensacola to Mobile I fell in with the De Soto. Cap- tain Scott came on board and informed me of his good fortune. He was also kind enough to give ~ e a chart which had been marked by his pilot, laying down the obstructions and fortifications in Mobil Page 95 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 96 Bay, which may be useful to me, although I have generally found that I could see them in time to prepare for them. I fear that I shall lead a life of idleness for a month or two, as the Government appears to plan the campaigns, and Mobile does not appear to be included just yet. I expect to hear in a day or two of quite a handsome raid of our troops from Vicksburg down to Meridian, destroying the railroads communicating with either North or South. At the last accounts they were down as low as Brandon, had a smart fight at Jackson, and beat the rebels. I shall have to content myself going along the coast and pestering all the people I can get at. I am now trying to clear out Grants Pass. The enemy have established a very strong battery of about six or eight guns about the middle of it, and I wish to remove them if I can, but the difficulty is the shallowness of the water. I can not get within 2 miles of them. I hope when the wind changes to the southward it will enable me to get within three-fourths of a mile nearer. We have had a very cold norther blowing for the last three days, but I hope it is at an end. I have been quite indisposed during the last week, and I sincerely hope that is at an end too. To-morrow I hope to be able to go up and take a look at the mortar boats at Grants Pass. As yet I have heard of none of my light-draft vessels. Not one of them has arrived at New Orleans, and Scott told me that he had seen two of them a week ago bound for that place. The Conemaugh has arrived there, and I am told it will take three weeks to repair her wheelhouse, the damage done by running into the Metacomet at Key West. I received a mail from New Orleans yesterday, but it contained nothing new, and as the transport is about getting off with a regiment of troops for Key West, I must close by subscribing myself, Very truly, your friend, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Unofficial letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, referring to the operations. U. S. S. CALHOUN, February 24, 18G4. M~ DEAR JENKINS: I am sorry you were hurried out before your engines were in order by the absurd report of the Tennessee, or rather the untrue one, because her coming out, if there is any pluck in the rebel Navy, ought not to be long deferred. We are hammering away at the fort here, which minds us about as much as if we did not firethat is, the fortfor the men skedaddle as soon as the fire is at all brisk, although they will keep up anything like a fair fight, as they did with me for two hours yesterday in the Orvetta, and until the others commenced action, when they retired. We can not get inside of 2 miles at the nearest, and to do this every vessel is at least a foot in the mud, so that should the tide fal Page 96 96 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. suddenly God knows when we would get off, although I suspect you people, who are rolling about outside, would be delighted to remain a week [or] so in such a quiet berth as this is. I cant write any more, for in spite of all attempts to stop him, I am obliged to listen to a from Morris. long rigmarole story of nothing in particular I dont know when we leave here, but I suppose in a day or two. Yours, very truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond, off Mobile. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. Flagship Hartford, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, on returning from Grants Pass. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, February 27, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: We have just returned from Grants Pass, where the tide was too low to do anything, but will go back probably to-morrow. Two deserters were picked up yesterday, just from Fort Morgan and Mobile; left the latter place last Saturday. The Tennessee was then off the town, being prepared for floating over the bar, but it was thought doubtful whether the attempt would succeed. Yours, in haste, P. DRAYTON. Captain JENKINS, Senior Officer otT Mobile. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the hopelessness of reducing Fort Powell. No. 33.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island, February 28, 1864. SIR: I have been shelling Fort Powell, on Shell Island, in Grants Pass, Mississippi Sound, during the past week, but have made but little impression upon it, as we can not approach nearer than 4,000 yards, and then we got hard aground in the Calhoun, drawing only 8A feet. It required two steamers besides her own power to get her off. This I did because I saw the wind hauling round to the northward, which blows the water out of the sound, and I feared we might be kept there a week or longer before the water would rise sufficiently to enable us to get off. The enemy at the time were throwino their shot three- fourths of a mile over and beyond us. The ammunition of the vessels being nearly all expended, and fearing I might not receive a supply in less than two days, I hauled all the vessels out where they could float. The weather became thick and has continued so for the last two days. I have now received a fresh supply of ammunition and will recommence the work tomorrow, the 29th, but I have no hope of reducing the fort, as the steamers lie on the opposite side of it to take the people aboard, if necessary, or to relieve the garrison Page 97 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 97 We can not get within 800 yards in the small boats, so as to assault it, but it assists General Sherman by keeping up the idea of an attack upon Mobile, which is looked for hourly by the Confederates. Would that were true; now is the propitious time. The Tennessee is at Mobile getting the camels under her, and if their intention is to get her over Dog River Bar, which I doubt, she will have to take the chances of being destroyed in doing so. If we had only two or three thousand troops to make their ap- proaches on the peninsulas the ships will run in, I think, easily. We might have done it long since, but General Banks is ordered to be ready to move in concert with General Sherman, and of course is not willing to risk being out of place at the moment he is called upon to march. After th9 Tennessee gets over Dog River Bar it would be imprudent to go in without an ironclad, as I before stated, because she could lie in shoal water where our ships could not get at her, and could knock our vessels to pieces, but if we go in before she gets over the bar, our gunboats will destroy her on the bar if she attempts to cross with camels. I am ready the moment the army will act with me, but there is no doing anything with forts so long as their back doors are open; besides which my communication must be open for supplies, which can not be done without troops to cut off all their forts from the land communica- tion with Mobile. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy, Washington. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing the appearance of the C. S. ram Tennessee in the vicinity of Fort Powell. No. 34.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island, March 1, 1864. SIR: In my last dispatch, No. 33, I informed you that the ram Tennessee, in Mobile Bay, had not yet cro~sed Dog River Bar; but to-day to our great surprise she appeared in full view in the bay oppo- site Grants Pass, where I was at the time, having been at work all day yesterday shelling Fort Powell. I do not know what impression we made upon the fort. They opened upon our mortar boats with five heavy-rifled 100-pounder guns and struck the John Griffith four times in succession. We silenced the fort in one hour and a quarter, and they did not again open fire, but kept their flag flying until after sunset, when we ceased firing. This morning at 7 a. m. we perceived three gunboats and two iron- dads lying near the fort; about one hour afterwards the Tennessee made her appearance, coming down the bay. The wind freshened and she came to an anchor. Since 11 a. m. it has been blowing a gale from the N. N. W. As soon as I was satisfied that she was really the Tennessee, I came down to join the Hartford and will be off Mobile as soon as the weather moderates. N W RVOL 21 Page 98 98 WEST GULF BLOCKADIXG SQUASDRON. Unless she fails in some particular, I fear that with the present force they have inside it will be much more difficult for us to taker Mobile with our wooden vessels than it would have been one week ago. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding intended withdrawal from Mississippi Sound FLAGSHIP CALHOUN, Mississippi Sound, March 1, 1864. DEAR CAPTAIN: The Tennessee, ram, has just passed down in full view of us. The other four gunboats are all lying off Shell Island. The Baltic and the Tennessee appear to be the only rams casemated. I will go down to bring up the Hartford to the bar to your assistance. I will withdraw the forces from this place, except the two boats hereto- forein the sound, and will send the Port Royal to Pensacola for coal and to apprise them to be on their guard in case any one of the rams should slip out in the night. No vessel should be allowed to go in during the night. Very truly and respectfully D. G. FARHAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Senior OjJicer, Commanding BlocA~ade off Mobile. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Octorara, Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 16, 1864.At 6:20 a. m. hove up anchor and the fleet also got underway. We took the mortar brig Sea Foam in tow. From 8 a. m. to 6p. in.: Anchored the Sea Foam in position for firing. Went to general quarters, then commenced firing at Fort Powell. The flotilla followed in rotation. This ship fired 17 short shell from No. 1 gun. Bracket for No. 1 gun showed signs of giving away. Lashed a stand of grape on breech of gun. At 2 came to anchor out of range and let men leave their quarters. At 3 got underway and called No.1 guns crew to quarters. Fired 1 short time shell, 1 long time shell, and 15 percussion long shell from No. 1 gun. One shot from fort fell under the bow while backing. The John Griffith, Henry Janes, and 0. H. Lee made signals. At 5 p. m. the Jackson burst her rifle gun, no one hurt. She left the fleet and made signals to vessels outside. At 8:30 p. m. the first cutter left, in charge of Acting Master Howell, with orders to mortar schooners. At 11:30 boat returned. February 17.From 8 to meridian: Sent first and second cutters to assist the mortar schooners aground inshore. At 10 the mortar schooners succeeded in working clear. February 22. At 7 a. m. got underway. The Gertrude sighted out- side. Stood to the westward and sent a boat to communicate wit Page 99 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 99 the Gertrude over the land. At 4p. m. the Calhoun arrived, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut. February 23.At 10 a. m. the Port Royal opened fire on Fort Powell. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Mortar schooners Port Royal and Calhoun engaged in bombardment of Fort Powell. At 2:40 p. m. called first division to quarters and opened fire upon Fort Powell from the 100- pounder Parrott rifle. At 4:20 p. m. Calhoun made signal. Asked and received permission to continue firing. Engaged all the watch firing at Fort Powell. All shots made hit some part of fort. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Ran down and came to anchor on starboard side of the Calhoun; went to quarters and cast battery loose ready for action. Fired in action of to-day 45 100-pounder percussion fuze Parrott shell, 4 100-pounder time fuze Parrott shell; 49 10-pound Parrott charges. February 24.At 8:45 a. m. hove up anchor and steamed down and laid by until 11 and then ran down, came to, and commenced firing at Fort Powell. At 4 p. m. called first division to quarters and opened fire on Fort Powell from 100-pounder Parrott. At 5 ceased firing. February 25.At 6:30 a. m. called first division to quarters. At 7 Fort Powell opened fire on the Port Royal. Was replied to by this vessel from the 100-pounder Parrott. At 7.30 the Port Royal and mortar schooners opened fire on Fort Powell. At 8 ceased firing aboard this steamer. From 8 to meridian: Firing at intervals during this watch. In action to-day fired from No. 1 gun, 100-pounder Par- rott, 3 100-pounder shell, percussion, long; 11 100-pounder shell, per- cussion, short; 11 100-pounder shell, time, short. February 29.At 9 a. m. the Calhoun signaled. At 9:15 got under- way and stood toward Fort Powell. At 9:30 went to general quarters and commenced firing on the fort from 100-pounder Parrott. The fleet also commenced. The Jackson made signal that she had burst her rifled cannon. At 1:30 p. m. commenced firing again from 100- pounder Parrott. Fired 34 shell during the watch. At sundown all the powder, and shell for 100-pounder Parrott was expended. Made signal to the Calhoun. At 6 came to anchor off the Calhouns star- board beam. At 6:30 mortar schooners made sail and stood to the westward out of range of Fort Powell. In action to-day fired from No. 1 gun 39 100-pounder percussion shell, long; 25 100-pounder time shell, long; 35 100-pounder time shell, short; 97 10-pound cartridge bags; 970 pounds No. 7 cannon powder. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Calhoun, Lieutenant-Commander George A. Bigelow, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 15, 1864.At anchor off Horn Island. At 6 a. m. got underway in company with the Sebago, went down to Horn Island Pass, spoke the Jackson, and went outside to pilot the mortar boats over the bar. At 8:30 a. m. mortar boats came inside the [Mississippi] Sound and proceeded up the sound toward Grants Pass. At 12:50 p. m. came to anchor off Dauphin Island in company with the Octo- rara, Sebago, and Jackson. February 16.From 4 to 8 a. in.: Light winds from northward and westward. Steamed alongside the mortar schooner Sarah Bruen and towed her up in position; bearings of Fort Grant N.E. by N., and point of woods on Dauphin Island E. S. E., by compass. At 7 cast off th Page 100 100 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. lines from schooner and ran alongside the schooner John Griffith and made fast. At 8:25 a. m. cast off from the schooner John Griffith, fort bearing N.E. and west point of woods bearing S. E.byE., by compass. At 8:30 U. S. S. Port Royal joined the fleet. At 9:20 U. S. S. Octorara opened on the fort, followed by the mortar boats. At 10 opened on the fort with our after Sawyer and Parrott guns. At 10:15 went to the assistance of the Sebago, she being aground. We succeeded in pulling her off; let go of her and opened on the fort again. At 11 went to the assistance of the Sebago and took a hawser from her, she being aground again. Fired during the watch 2 Parrott shell and 5 Sawyer shell. At 12:30 p. m. made signal; answered by the Port Royal. She sent us a hawser to assist in hauling off the Sebago. Succeeded in getting her off; she proceeded on down the sound. Fleet still bombarding the fort. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Fired 2 shots from the Sawyer, very good shots. Fleet still engaged in bombarding the fort. February 17.Commences and until 4 a. m. still at anchor guard- ing the mortar schooners. At 7: 15 a. m. got underway and stood up toward the mortar boats. At 7:20 discovered two men on Dauphin Island; sent the second cutter, in charge of an officer, after them. At 8 a. m. the Octorara made signal and mortar schooner Sarah Bruen made signal for assistance. We stood up for her and towed her off. At 9 cast off from her. At 9: 10 a. m. second cutter returned with two deserters from rebel steamer Morgan. At 11 came to anchor. Port Royal stood down the sound. February 18.At 3:45 p. m. came to anchor off Ship Island. Found the U. S. S. Hartford, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral D. G. Far- ragut, U. S. S. Tennessee, J. P. Jackson, and sloop of war I7incennes. February 22.At 9:10 a. m. Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut came on board with his staff. At 9:15 hoisted the admirals flag at the mast- head. At 9:20 got underway and proceeded up the sound. At 12:30 p. m. stopped off Horn Island and sent the second cutter on shore. At 12 :35 second cutter returned with A. K. Aikan, refugee from Biloxi. At 2 p. m. sighted the fleet off Dauphin Island, the Gertrude outside. At 3 picked up a boat with 3 rebel deserters from Bayou Battery [Labatre]. At 3:45 p. m. came to anchor off Dauphin Island and the captains of the fleet came on board to pay their respects to the admiral. February ~3. At 6 a. m. fleet got underway and stood toward Grants Pass. From 4 to 6 p. m. fired 6 shell from after Sawyer. February 24.At 9:30 a. m. took out the kedge astern to haul the ship around to bring our forward guns to bear. During the watch fired 28 shots. Meridian to 4 p. in., still engaging Fort Powell. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Fired during the watch 4 Sawyer and 1 Parrott shell. From 8 to midnight: Still lying at anchor off Dauphin Island in com- pany with the fleet. February 25.At 7 a. m. the fort opened on the fleet. At 7:05 the fleet opened on the fort. At 9 a. in. went to quarters and opened on the fort with the Parrott and after Sawyer, fired during the watch 10 Sawyer and 16 Parrott shell. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Fleet still at anchor off Dauphin Island. At ip. m. fleet opened on the fort. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Fleet ceased firing. At 10:30 had 7 feet 3 inches water alongside, started the engine, tried to get off, but could not. At 11 :30 the Port Royal came up and gave us a hawser to tow us off. At mid- night still aground Page 101 WEST GULF I3LOCRADJNG SQUADRON. 101 February 26.At 5:30 a. m. got afloat. At 10:30 got underway and steamed down the sound toward Ship Island. Fleet still at anchor off west end of Dauphin Island. Total number of fires during the engagement of Fort Powell, 86 Sawyer and 37 Parrott and 132 car- tridges and shell and shot. At 7 came to anchor off Ship Island. February 28.At 5:10 p. m. came to an anchor off Ship Island; Rear- Admiral Farragut and Captain Drayton left the steamer. At 6:30 Rear-Admiral Farragut and suite returned on board and we proceeded up the sound. From 8 to midnight steaming up the [Mississippi] Sound toward Grants Pass. February 29.At 2 a. m. came to anchor off Sand Island. At 6:30 came to anchor off Dauphin Island in company with the fleet. At 9:30 got underway and stood up toward Fort Powell and engaged the enemy. At 10 dropped anchor and got a kedge under our port quar- ter, hauled around to briiig the starboard broadside to bear on the fort; several shots from the fort passed over us. From meridian to 4p.m.: Still at anchor off Dauphin Island in company with the fleet, engaging the fort. At 4:10 p. m. got underway and steamed to the northward and opened on the fort. At 5:40 steamed back to the southward and anchored. Banked fires and ceased firing for the night. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Still at anchor off Dauphin Island. Total number of rounds fired during the day, 49 Sawyer cartridge and shell and 33 Parrott car- tridges, shot, and shell. March 1.At 11 a. m. Rear-Admiral Farragut and suite left the vessel. At 11:18 U. S. S. Glasgow got underway and steamed down toward Ship Island with Real-Admiral Farragut and suite on board. At 4 p. m. steaming up the sound toward the fleet. At 5 came to anchor off Dauphin Island. Abstract log of the U. S. S. 3. P. Jackson, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant 1W. B. Crowell, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 16, 1864.From 12 to 4 a. in.: At anchor with the fleet off Dauphin Island. Moderate breezes from N. N.W. Saw several lights on the north shore and one on the Shell Bank. At daylight got our anchor, went alongside the schooner Orvetta, took her in tow, placed her in 7position, she stopping in the mud, Shell Bank bearing E., west point of Dauphin Island woods bearing S. B. ~ S. Returned for another schooner. At 8 took the 0. H. Lee in tow and placed her in position; Shell Bank bearing EL by N., woods S. K Returned and took the Henry Janes into position at 9. :30; Shell Bank bearing B. by N. ~ N., west point of woods on Dauphin Island bearing S. E. ~ S. At 9 oclock U. S. S. Port Royal arrived from westward. At 9:30 the first shot was fired by U. S. S. Octorara. At 10 oclock took our station on the left as far to northward as we could get, in 8 feet 6 inches water, between the Orvetta and 0. H. Lee, and engagefl rebel works with Saw- yer rifle. At 12:40 ceased firing, having fired 42 shell, 23 of which tak- ing effect inside the enemys works. Up to this time none of the mor- tars have struck the fort. Saw a steamer, sloop, and schooner outside. The enemy returned our fire briskly at times, most, of the shot fell short. From 12 to 4 p. m. moderate wind from N. N. W. All the mortar boats moving nearer to the fort under sail. At 2:30 p. m. the Sebago stood to the westward. At 3:30 we commenced action again. -At 3:50 the fifth shell was fired, when the Sawyer rifle split in the vent Page 102 102 WEST GULF BL0CKADU~G SQUADRON. about five inches long, which rendered it useless. During the after- noon action was continued by the steamers and mortar schooners with but little success. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Communicated with the senior officer. The rebel gunboat Gaines came down Mobile Bay and anchored near the Shell Bank. At 5: 15 withdrew from action; stood to S. to communicate with outside fleet. Saw a gunboat outside standing to eastward. At 6:30 stood nearer the fleet. At 7 anchored in our former position. February 17.At 6:40 a. m. went within hail of the Octorara. All the mortar schooners getting underway and withdrawing out of range of the enemy. From 8 to 12 went within hail of Octorara, took ten boats in tow, steamed toward the Orvetta to assist her in getting afloat. At 9 all the mortar schooners were out of range of the enemy. At 9:45 started for Ship Island. February 21.At 1 p. m. got underway and proceeded up the [Mis- sissippi] Sound to the eastward. At 7 p. m. arrived at the fleet and anchored. February 22.From 4 to 8 a. in.: Saw two rebel gunboats and the high-pressure steamer off Shell Bank. Saw several of our blockading fleet outside. At 7:30 steamer from outside fleet approaching with numbers set; made her out to be the Gertrude. The Octorara sent a boat to communicate across the land. From 8 to 12: Saw, one rebel gunboat and two steamers off the Shell Bank. Several fires in sight on the north shore. At 12 saw a large fire in Dauphin woods. At 4 p. m. steamer Calhoun arrived with Admiral Farragut. Saw a small boat coming from the north shore, which was picked up by the Cal- houn. February 23.From 12 to 4 a. in.: Saw a light in the direction of Shell Bank, which judge was from the rebel gunboats. At 5:30 a. m. got underway and went within hail of steamer Calhoun. Steamers and schooners got underway and moved in for action. At 7 steamed around the fleet; one of the schooners fired, but could not reach. The Gertrude approached from the southward. From 12 to 4p. in.: Mortar schooners firing on Shell Bank. At 2 saw a gunboat and two other steamers in the bay. Six of our blockaders in sight outside. From 4 to 6 p. in., gunboats and mortar fleet still in action. February 24.At 5:30 a. m. arrived off Ship Island. At 7:30 went alongside the Hartford and took on board one 30-pounder Parrott rifle and equipments, also ammunition for Parrott gun. Saw a high-pres- sure steamer off Cat Island. Took on board one tank powder for 30-pounder Parrott rifle and 3~tanks for 100-pounder Parrott rifle. At 8:45 started up the sound with Captain Giraud, of the Tennessee, on board. At 1 p. m. sighted the fleet engaged in action with the Shell Bank. From 4 to 6 p. m. fleet still firing at the Shell Bank. February 27.Received from Hartford one Sawyer rifle, equipments, and ammunition. February 29.At 9:30 a. m. got underway and went into our station for action; moored ship head and stern and began firing on the Shell Bank. Fired 24 rounds with the Sawyer rifle. At the 25th discharge gun burst, injuring decks and slightly injuring 7 men, using an ordinary charge of 8 pounds of powder and an elevation of 13 degrees. At 11:30 got our anchors and laid by in readiness to assist mortar schooners if required. At 2: 15 p. m. Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut and Captain Draytoli came on board and inspected the rifle gun which burst. A Page 103 WEST GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. 103 2:30 they left the ship. Two gunboats and a ram lying near the Shell Bank. At 5:30 the Calhoun made signals to cease firing and with- draw out of range; also signalized the J. P. Jackson to assist mortar boats. Steamed up to them and offered to tow. They replied that they would rather sail out of range than tow. Laid by them until all withdrew, then steamed out and anchored near the Calhoun. [Telegram.] MOBILE, February 15, 1864. (Received 16th.) Farragut is moving to attack Grants Pass with a fleet of mortar and other boats; about fifteen reported so far. He ing. No transports reported yet. may attack this even- D. H. MAURY, General S. COOPER. Major-General. Report of Major-General Maury, C. S. Army, referring to the proposed attack upon the defenses at Grants Pass. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Mobile, Ala., February 15, /864. M~ DEAR SIR: * * * An escaped prisoner from Pensacola reports Farragut there on last Wednesday with eight mortar boats and four steamers, preparing to attack Grants Pass, that his fleet recently brought from the North lies off the bar of Mobile Bay. The weather has been so hazy for sev- eral days that our pickets can not see anything of such a fleet if it is there. The line of Grants Pass is 30 miles from here. It is weak, and the difficulties of fortifying it are very great, while our means have not sufficed to make such defensive arrangements there as will certainly resist a determined effort of the enemy to force a passage. The line between Forts Morgan and Gaines is also very liable, from the same causes, to be forced. The channel is too wide and deep to defend or obstruct effectually. The battery to have been placed in the channel is not yet quite ready, nor has the admiral yet been able to move the Tennessee into the lower bay. The enemy will probably, therefore, be able to occupy the lower bay with his fleet of war ships, and will do so preliminary to the siege. The whole effective force of the department is about 10,000. Deduct the garrisons of Forts Morgan, Gaines, Grants Pass, and Cedar Point, and two regiments of cavalry, about 1,700 in all, which will not be available for the defense of the city, and my effective gar- rison for Mobile will be about 8,300. I ought to have 6,000 or 7,000 additional troops to stand a siege successfully. There are breadstuffs enough here for 20,000 men six months, besides a fair supply of other subsistence as compared with our stock elsewhere. The quarter- master reports that the supply of grain in his storehouses, not consid- ered in the above estimate, will give rations to 4,000 horses for six Inouths. The ordnance supplies give most anxiety. At the outer line I have about 250 rounds to each cannon. In and about the city Page 104 104 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. have not more than about 200 rounds for each siege gun. Of musket ammunition I have only about 200 rounds for the present force. I know the difficulties in procuring these things, and therefore submit these, statements in no spirit of complaint, but in order that you may clearly decide how far the exigencies of the service elsewhere will admit of increasing my defensive means. I have received a dispatch this morning saying the enemys vessels were advancing in direction of Grants Pass. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DABNEY H. MAURY, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va. P. S.At 11 a. m. the enemys fleet passed Pascagoula towafd Grants Pass. They had twe~~~e or thirteen vessels, including the flagship. [Telegram.] MOBILE, February 18, 18649 p. m. * * * The storm has prevented Farragut from doing anything for two days past. I think there is no great force coming here from New Orleans. I can not hear of any. * * * D. H. MAURY, Major-General, Commanding. Lieutenant-General POLK. [Telegram.] MOBILE, February 19, 1864. Major Cummins has just returned from Quitman. Reports the enemy (about. 1,000 or 1,200 strong) to have left Quitman, [Miss.,~ on Wednesday evening to return to Enterprise, [Miss]. They stated to the people that they destroyed the bridges to prevent forces from Mobile interfering with their pursuit of Loring, whom they hoped to catch at Demopolis, [Ala.]. That e attack on Fort Powell is a feint to detain troops here. * * * I think Farragut will endeavor to reduce Fort Powell, to open Grants Pass, and to get possession of the lower bay. The weather has prevented a renewal of his attack. Only four boats can go up the Tombigbee in addition to those already there. * * * D. H. MAURY, Major-General. Lieutenant-General POLK. [Telegram.] MOBILE, February 19, 1864. Farragut has not renewed his attack on Grants Pass. His fleet lies off the pass in the [Mississippi] Sound. Weather too bad for action Page 105 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 105 Shermans corps not advancing down Mobile and Ohio [rail]road. No landing has yet been reported in direction [of] Pascagoula. D. H. MAURY, Major-General, Corronanding. Lieutenant-General POLK. [Telegram.] MOBILE, February 20, 1864. The mortar fleet increased this morning off Fort Powell. There are now ten mortar boats and two gunboats off that place. Firing not yet opened. DABNEY H. MAURY, Major-General, Commanding. Lieutenant-General POLK. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, forwarding information obtained from deserters sent from Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. LACKAwANNA, Off Mobile, February 18, 1864. SIR: Six Confederate deserters were sent on board this ship to-day from the vessels in Mississippi Sound, who came off to them in boats last night. Four of them deserted from the Twenty-first Alabama Regiment, one seaman from the Morgan, and one fireman from the Tuscaloosa. The two latter escaped from Mobile on Friday last, 12th instant in a skiff, and slowly found the way down. The soldiers came off in a boat from Cedar Point last night. William Ihlo, the seaman, is a Swede, and said that on Friday he had been at work getting camels under the ironclad ram Tennessee, then near Mobile; that she was sheathed with two thicknesses of iron, each 2~ inches in thickness, to the waters edge, below which was wood; that the deck from which the iron roofing commenced was a little over a foot or 18 inches above the waters edge; that the guns, four broadside and one forward and one aft, were on the deck and that they were mounted on ordinary carriages, with lower port sills a foot or 18 inches high. The shape above must, from his descrip- tion of her appearance above the deck, be like the New Ironsides, with a foot walk on the deck outside of the roofing. Her draft was 14 feet, and was told she would make 7 or 8 miles an hour. The rudder was exposed like all propellers, the propeller being between the rudder and sterupost. She has no masts or flag- staff, but hoists her flag from an iron bar projecting from her single smokestack. He said that in the early part of January he was employed on a vessel and assisted in placing obstruction~ in the Main Ship Channel directly west from a point some yards north of Fort Morgan light- house across to the shoal water opposite. These obstructions were 24 strings of solid wooden buoys, moored with three or four pieces of railroad iron banded together at 25 feet apart, across the channel Page 106 106 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. leaving a passage for vessels only close to Fort Morgan. Each string had 8 hard-wood buoys 2 feet long and a foot square, 25 feet apart. Each string being moored by itself had the buoys secured between 3 tarred manila ropes of an inch each in diameter, between which ropes the buoys forming a string were seized. Hence each string of buoys is 200 feet long and trend with the tide. The object of the buoys is not only to break the paddles of side-wheel steamers and being entangled by the blocks catching in the wheels, but that propellers may also catch the ropes, by which all will be detained under the heaviest guns in the fort and a five-gun battery by the light-house, which is designed for using hot shot. Torpedoes have been used, gen- erally made of sheet iron, but from being long in the water have rusted and sunk, or have been washed away. From Ihlo and the soldiers I learned that they have 20 torpedoes on the wharf, made of copper, but they do not intend to plant them until they see our vessels col- lected to make an attack; then it is thought they will be closely placed in the Main Ship Channel near the fort. The soldiers say that the little steamer Gnnnison is prepared to plant the torpedoes. The Morgan, Gaines, and Selma are the only other man-of-war steamers that can be used in the lower bay. The Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, flat-bottom propellers, can not come down the bay, but lay up at Mobile as floating batteries, each having 4 guns mounted. It was said that the crew of the Boston (which was fitting out for a privateer, having a 6-pounder forward and a 12-pounder aft, her only armament) designed running out and selling her, and that Jeff. Davis telegraphed to have her seized and her crew conscripted into the army, which was done, and she is lying at Mobile. The Morgan, Gaines, and Selma ordinarily have a crew of 75 per- sons, officers and all, five-sixths of the men being drafted from the army and that for many months they had only men enough to work three guns. Pat Murphy has again command of the Selma, but by desertion of three boats crews his vessel has not more than 15 men on board. Ihlo, the seaman, said that the Austin ran out ten or twelve days ago, and the Isabella about Christmas. The Denbigh is nearly ready to come out cotton laden. The other steamers in the bay are the Dick Ke?!s, Magnolia, Natchez, and Virginia Pearl, which communicate between the forts and Mobile. The latter vessel is very old and worthless. One schooner is laden with cotton at Mobile ready to run out. Terence Conway, Charles Robinson, James McPhillips, and Michael McBurk, the four soldier deserters, were in Mobile on the 12th instant and say that on that and the few preceding days 20,000 rebel soldiers reached there from Dalton, [Ga.] , to protect Mobile from an attack of our army and navy. That a few days previously 5,000 soldiers had been sent to Meridian, 120 miles distant, to retard the advance of General Sherman, who was approaching with an army from Jackson, Miss. That Sherman had captured 7,000 rebels of the troops under Bishop [Leonidasi Polk. They also stated that breastworks ex- tended all around Mobile, at some distance from the city, and that they saw only one part of those breastworks, which was on the Shell Road leading to the S. W., where a few guns were placed. The other portions of the breastworks they did not see, but were informed that they had very few if any guns, none being to spare to place on them Page 107 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUAD1~ON. 107 One regiment, the Twenty-first Alabama, was stationed from Fort Powell and Cedar Point to the westward along tho coast in small detachments. Nine companies compose that regiment, two of which are in Fort Powell and two at Cedar Point. Two 24-pounders axre placed in batteries on southwest side of Cedar Point, and from there to the south point of Cedar Point are breastworks for musketry and field- pieces. They think that Fort Powell has an armament of four guns, viz: One 32-pounder rifle, one Dahigren, and two 8-inch guns. Fort Morgan has a garrison of about 500 men and Fort Gaines an equal number. The former is provisioned for six months and the latter for three or four. The soldiers give a confused account of a hawser with buoys upon it stretched across the Main Ship Channel from Fort Morgan, but I think that Ihlosthe seamansstatement of the obstructions is the true one, as he assisted in putting them down. I neglected to mention in the narration of Ihlo and the fireman that on their way down the bay they passed the Tennessee on Tuesday night (16th instant), at which time she was below Dog River Bar. Also that the Tennessee had an iron beak, steel-pointed, from her cut- water some distance below the water line. In reference to her size, they separately said she was not much more than half as long as the Lackawanna, and as to beam, not so great, for when the opposite broadside guns were run in they touched each other. Herewith I send diagrams of Forts Morgan and Gaines, with the position and caliber of the guns, also a deck plan of the position and contracted quarters at the guns on board the Tennessee. These diagrams were made from verbal descriptions. The caliber of the guns on board the Tennessee were unknown to my informants, but they said that they were smaller than the Lacicawannas 9-inch broad- side guns, were cast rough, and some, if not all of them, were rifled. Very respectfully, your obedient servant J. B. MARCHAND, Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain. Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragiii4 U. S. Navy, transmitting correspond- ence* with Vice-Admiral Mime, R. N., regarding questions of inter- national law connected with the seizure of vessels off Matamoras. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Ship Island, February 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose for your inspection the copy of a letter addressed by Admiral Milne to Commodore Bell and lately received by me, and my reply to it, which, if appro.ved, the Depart- ment will please forward through her Britannic Majestys minister at Washington to the admiral, as I do not know where a letter would at this time reach him. 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. * See also correspondence April 7, 29, and May 24, 1864 Page 108 108 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosures.] [H. B. M. S.] NILE, At Barbados, December 23, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to acquaint you that I have received reports from Captain [Rochfort] Maguire, of her Majestys ship Galatea, the senior officer of her Britannic Majestys ships in the Gulf of Mexico, relative to the seizure off Matamoras of the British ships Mat amoras, Volante, Science, and Flying Scud, by United States cruisers, which I understand are serving under your orders. I have on a previous occasion, with a view of promoting the continu- ance of amicable relations between our respective governments, taken the necessary steps to bring to the notice of the United States Govern- ment certain proceedings on the part of United States cruisers that appeared to me to be in violation of international law, and which resulted in the issue by your Government of instructions which were communicated to Lord Lyons in August, 1862, and which were con- sidered satisfactory by her Majestys Government. If, however, the information which has recently come to my knowl- edge is correct, I can not but entertain the belief that the United States cruisers employed off Matamoras have much nuiisunderstood the scope and spirit of those instructions. I have therefore deemed it my duty to lose no time in addressing her Majestys minister at Washingtononthisimportantsubject,whichlcannotdoubtwillbe brought ~to the notice of your Government and will receive immediate attention; but, as considerable delay must take place before the ques- tions raised are determined on, I am sure that I shall not be misunder- stood by you when acquainting you with the principal points which I regard as very questionable in an international point of view, if I express the hope that (should, on investigation, my facts and my interpretation of the law of nations both prove to be correct) you will see fit to anticipate what I can not doubt will be the decision of your ownGovernment by prohibiting the cruisers under your orders, (1st) From capturing ships for having carried contraband of war after the contraband has been actually landed; (2d) From capturing ships lying in Mexican waters; and, (3d) From claiming and exercising the right to seize neutral ships lying within three leagues of the coast.of Texas for alleged trading with the enemy, irrespective of any questions of blockade or of contraband. Before concluding, permit me to assure you that it will afford me very great pleasure to learn that you are disposed to treat these ques- tions in the same spirit as that in which I am now addressing you, and which has for its sole object the prevention of questions arising likely to embarrass the relations between our respective governments. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, ALEX. MILNE, Vice-Admiral and Commander in Chief Commodore BELL Commanding the United States Naval Forces on the Coast of Texas. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, February 16, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- inunication addressed to Commodore Bell (who in my absence wa Page 109 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 109 temporarily in command of the United States naval forces in the Gulf of Mexico), and stating that certain named British vessels had been seized by our cruisers off Matamoras (or, as I suppose you intend, off the mouth of the Rio Grande); that on a previous occasion, with a view to promote amicable relations, you had brought to the notice of the United States Government acts which you considered as an infrac- tion by our cruisers of international law; and that, accordingly, instructions on the subject had been issued by our Government which were satisfactory to that of her Britannic Majesty; that, if you are correctly informed, you must believe that the scope and spirit of those instructions have been much misunderstood by our cruisers; that you have again, through her Britannic Majestys minister at Washington, brought the matter before the United States Government; and that to avoid delay, and for the prevention of questions arising likely to embarrass the relation of our respective governments, you desire that I should anticipate what you consider will undoubtedly be the action of my own., by issuing certain orders which you are so good as to indi- cate, for the government of our cruisers in the Gulf should, on inves- tigation, your facts and your interpretation of the law of nations both prove to be correct. I have not yet had the honor of receiving from you any facts beyond a bare statement of the seizure of certain vessels and your expression of a belief that our cruisers have much misunderstood the scope and spirit of their instructions, if certain information received by you be correct, which information, or the purport of it, has not yet been com- municated to me. Nor have I received any interpretation of the law of nations other than might be inferred from the tenor of the orders which you are pleased to suggest, and which I will proceed, with respect, severally to consider. That Iprohibit ourcruisers, (1st) From capturing ships for having carried contraband of war after the contraband has been actually landed. But I find it laid down by learned jurists that the liability to seizure of a blockade runner continues after the commission of the offense until by the intervention of at least one innocent voyage she is in some sort cleared of the odium and responsibility of her act. (1 Stairs Decisions, 529; also cases of the R. Rye, schooner Elizabeth, Major Barbour, 1K. H. Tome, etc.) And as the landing of contraband is at this time customarily conducted in violation of blockade, of course, such landing is necessarily mostly involved with the other offense, and only enhances the liability. Contraband is further char- acterized by an eminent writer as infectious and capable of contami- n~ting the whole cargo; so that if a neutral with such on board should touch at an enemys port, though ostensibly for other traffic, the whole property becomes liable to seizure and confiscation. And (though opposed to other of his decisions) it has been held by a learned judge (Sir William Scott) that under certain circumstances the return cargo of a neutral ship which had carried out contraband was liable to seizure and condemnation. (2d) From capturing ships lying in Mexican waters. Our orders always direct that no captures are to be made in neutral watersviz, within a marine league of a neutral shore. But, sir, as you are aware, where the dividing line between neutral and blockaded territory in a river emptying into the Sea, like the Rio Grande, suc Page 110 110 ..WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. line is held to be taken from the center of the bar, and thus it is diffi~ cult so to define the marine league that at times the rights of one or the other party may not be infringed upon; and as the parties can not be disinterested it is well, perhaps, in such cases to refer the matter to the United States courts, who are better able to define the law. (3d) From claiming and exercising the right to seize neutral ships lying within three leagues of the coast of Texas for alleged trading with the enemy, irrespective of any questions of blockade or of contraband. The wording of this suggested order seems to me somewhat obscure, as it is difficult to conceive how neutral ships lying near our coast could be seized for alleged trading with the enemy, without questions of blockade or of contraband being involved. Presumption of such trading would raise both, and, if sufficiently strong, would properly subject such vessels to the adjudication of the courts. If you me~n that neutrals have a right to lie within three leagues of that coast dur- ing the blockade without being subject to seizure by our vessels on the customary grounds, I fear that we do not entertain the s~me views of the rights of neutrals on the coast of Texas. But your meaning, I apprehend, must be that neutral vessels shall not be seized on such a charge, simply for lying within three leagues of a certain part of our coast. It must, however, be remembered that suspicious approach and proximity to the enemy has always been held to be strong pre- sumptive evidence of a design to eva dethe blockade or to land con- traband of war, and that especial care has ever been taken that such vessels, under frivolous pretenses for approaching a blockaded coast,~ shall not acquire the opportunity (as Chancellor Kent has it) to slip in. My officers have been supposed to know their duties sufficiently well not to seize a vessel without pretty clear evidence of her intention to violate the law of nations, and when occasionally a mistake is made, they are liable to pay the penalty of their error, and the injured party is indemnified, according to the usage of all civilized nations, by the decision of the prize court (vide Blanche). If any such understanding as may be implied from the tenor of your dispatch (especially of orders 1 and 3) has been entered into by our Government, it has never been communicated to me. I know nothing of the particulars of the captures to which you refer, but will collect the facts and transmit them (with a copy of your letter and of this) to our Government(to which you have doubtless supplied information of a more definite nature), that they may communicate on the subject in such manner as they shall deem proper with her Bri- tannic Majestys minister at Washington. I shall always endeavor to enforce and maintain all instructions heretofore issued or which may be issued to me by our Navy Depart- ment at Washington for the government of our vessels in the Gulf, but I can not undertake, as you suggest, fo anticipate (or, as it might be, contravene) the action of our Government by promulgating novel ones of my own nor assume to initiate precedents of international law. The laws of nations, so-called, on the subject of blockade, are intended evidently, as far as possible, to protect the innocent and afford them the opportunity of being distinguished from the blockade runner, who, according to my reading, has no rights beyond those of any other criminal, viz, the opportunity of a fair trial Page 111 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 111 You are pleased to imply a ground for apprehension that in the event of my present nonaction in the matter, a possibility might arise of embarrassment in the relation of our respective governments. Such apprehension I can not share, believing that those at home charged with our diplomatic relations would not allow any error of mine or of my officers to disturb the existing good understanding, and considering that in the present case, on the information so far received by me, and with my construction of the law of nations, there is nothing to justify a compliance with your request. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Sir ALEXANDER MILNE, Vice-Admiral, Commanding H. B. Aili.s Naval Forces, North American Station. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting the proclamation of the President opening the port of Brownsville. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 19, 1864. SIR: The enclosed copy of a proclamation by the President, opening the port of Brownsville, Tex., is forwarded to you for your information and guidance. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. New Orleans, La. [Enclosure.] By the President of the United States of AmericaA Proclamation. Whereas, by my proclamation of the nineteenth of April, one thou- sand eight hundred and sixty-one, the ports of the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas were, for reasons therein set forth, placed under blockade; and whereas the port of Brownsville, in the district of Brazos Santiago, in the State of Texas, has since been blockaded, but as the blockade of said port may now be safely relaxed with advantage to the interests of commerce: Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, pursuant to the authority in me vested by the fifth section of the act of Congress approved on the 13th of July, 1861, entitled An act further to provide for the collection of duties on imports, and for other purposes, do hereby declare that the blockade of the said port of Brownsville shall so far cease and determine from and after this date that commercial intercourse with said port, except as to persons, things, and information hereinafter specified, may, from this date, be carried on subject to the laws of the United States, to the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and, until the rebellion shall have been suppressed, to such orders as may be promulgated by the general commanding the department, or by a Page 112 112 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. officer duly authorized by him and commanding at said port. This proclamation does not authorize or allow the shipment or convey- ance of persons in or intending to enter the service of the insurgents, or of things or information intended for their use, or for their aid or comfort, nor, except upon the permission of the Secretary of War, or of some officer duly authorized by him, of the following prohibited articles, namely: Cannon, mortars, firearms, pistols, bombs, grenades, powder, saltpeter, sulphur, balls, bullets, pikes, swords, boarding- caps (always excepting the quantity of the said articles which may be necessary for the defense of the ship and those who compose the crew), saddles, bridles, cartridge-bag material, percussion and other caps, clothing adapted for uniforms, sailcloth of all kinds, hemp and cord- age, intoxicating drinks other than beer and light native wines. To vessels clearing from foreign ports and destined to the port of Brownsville, opened by this proclamation, licenses will be granted by consuls of the United States upon satisfactory evidence that the ves- sel so licensed will convey no persons, property, or information, excepted or prohibited above, either to or from the said port, which licenses shall be exhibited to the collector of said port immediately on arrival, and, if required, to any officer in charge of the blockade, and on leaving said port every vessel will be required to have a clearance from the collector of the customs, according to law, showing no viola- tion of the conditions of the license. Any violations of said condi- tions will involve the forfeiture and condemnation of the vessel and cargo, and the exclusion of all parties concerned from any further privilege of entering the United States during the war for any purpose whatever. In all respects except as herein specified the existing blockade remains in full force and effect as hitherto established and main- tained, nor is it relaxed by this proclamation except in regard to the port to which relaxation is or has been expressly applied. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this eighteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth. [L. s.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Ship Island, February 21, 1864. COMMODORE: The Admiral arrived here last night and I send her off to-day; she has so many articles to land in New Orleans that I had to send her there. As I only wish her to make one trip to the city, you will put on board such articles as you have to send North, so that he can come from Texas directly to me at this place or Pensacola Page 113 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 113 My boats are coming at last. I understand from Captain Eaton that some of them have arrived. Send them around as soon as they are fit for service. I wrote for you to send me the Glasgow (Eugenie) to run the mail through the [Pontchartrain] Lake. It is only 60 miles from this island to Lakeport, back of New Orleans. The rebel rams are on the bar trying to get over; now is the time to attack them. If I only had 2,000 men to attack Fort Gaines in the rear, I would go in with the force I have without waiting for the Brooklyn, but I should have the Brooklyn and Galena both; they would be a great help to me in such a case. I want a passage opened in the rear, so as to run my supplies and coal into my vessels. If I had one ironclad I could go up and destroy the Tennessee where she lies (on Dog River Bar). Admiral Porter writes he will have two more tinclads down to you m a day or two. He also says he has upward of 100 boats on the river, beside ironclads, etc., so the general will not need anything from us. Tell the general that from the last deserters we find that the rebels have sent 5,000 men from Mobile to Meridian to resist the attack upon that place. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, First Divisional Officer, Western Gulf Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S. Virginia, regarding the capture of the British schooner Henry Colthirst. U. S. S. VIRGINIA, Off San Luis Pass, Texas, February 22, 1864. SIR: I have to report the capture by this vessel of the English schooner Henry Colthirst, from Jamaica,~ bound ostensibly to Mata- moras, with a miscellaneous cargo, comprising 200 kegs of gunpowder, etc. When first seen, about 8:30 this morning, she was standing directly in for the land, being about two miles distant from San Luis Pass. On our taking position, however, between her and the shore, she altered her course, endeavoring to get to sea. She had no log book whatever. Considering her a lawful prize, I send her this day to New Orleans for adjudication. Very respectfully, etc., CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. N w RYoL 21 Page 114 114 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Captain Marchand, U. . Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Low, U. S. Navy, to furnish information regarding the position of the enemys vessels. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, February 22, 1864. Sin: When the weather permits, a vessel from the outside blockade will go as near to you as possible. Should no communication by boat take place, I will thank you to signalize what enemys vessels are in sight from you in Mobile Bay, as from your position in the sound you have a better opportunity of knowing than we have here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain and Senior Officer. Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, Senior Officer, Mississippi Sound. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding supposed violation of custom-house laws by the schooner Pelican State. U. S. S. LACKAwANNA, Off Mobile, February 22, 1864. Sin: Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, of the Octorara, and senior officer in Mississippi Sound, reports that the schooner Pelican State, which had a proper clearance from the custom-house at New Orleans and regular passes signed by yourself and other military authorities to trade with the fleet in Mississippi Sound, exhibited to him his invoice of prices, which differed so materially from the retail prices as to cause him to demand an explanation. The reply was that the goods cost more than was marked on the invoice, and that the invoice which had the permit attached wa~ only a form supplied at the custom-house. From Lieutenant-Commander Lows statement, it appears that a fraud was committed and the full export duties not paid at the custom- house. The subject is submitted for your consideration or that of the cus- toms officers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain and Senior Officer. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Comdg. First Div. Western Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, senior officer off Mobile, re- garding general matters. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, February 22, 1864. Sin: Everything remains quiet on the outside blpckade. The atmosphere being clear to-day, an opportunity offered to see a considerable distance up Mobile Bay, but nothing was visible of the rebel vessels Page 115 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 115 On the arrival of the Gertrude from Pensacola on the 20th instant, I sent, agreeable to your orders, the Albatross to assist in getting the prize steamer Grey Jacket, near Pass ~ lOutre, afloat, since which time I have learned that she had been gotten off and was met by the Jasmine going up the Mississippi River on the 19th instant. Hourly I expect the return of the Albatross. The Richmond arrived here yesterday from Pensacola, and this morning went back again to finish her repairs. John Bond (colored), landsman, of this ship, died yesterday of dysentery. The following vessels are at present on the blockade, viz: Lacka- wanna, Monongahela, Oneida, Pinola, Sebago, Genesee, Kennebec, Pen- guin, and Gertrude. Very respectfully,, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain and Senior OJ/icer. Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, referring to the captured steamer Grey Jacket. U. S. S. LACKAwANNA, Q/J Mobile, February 24, 1864. SIR: My informant must, I doubt not, have been in error in relating that the Grey Jacket was afloat and met by the Jasmine going up the Mississippi River, as the Albatross, which went to her assistance; has not returned. The only accession to the force here since I last informed you is the return of the Itasca from coaling at Pensacola. Herewith I have the honor to send a copy of the instructions to the blockading vessels in relation to meeting the enemy. These instruc- tions were not issued upon the probability, but a remote possibility, of their coming out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain and Senior Qtjicer. Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] Additional instructions. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, February 22, 1864. No. 28. In the event of an attack by the enemy on the blockading vessels in the nighttime, it will in all probability be done through the Main Ship Channel by the Tennessee, Morgan, Gaines, and Selma. To screen their attack some other lightly armed vessels may precede them by the Swash Channel to entice our vessels to that point. Therefore, if the alarm takes place in that quarter, the three inside blockading vessels nearest the land are deemed sufficient to prot3e Page 116 116 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. that entrance, whilst the remainder of the vessels;on the blockade will slip their cables, approach a reasonable distance from the senior officer, prepared to meet the enemy from either point. If the enemy should come through the Main Ship Channel without a feigned attack through the Swash Channel, the blockading vessels will rally near the senior officer with or without signal. No commanding officer will err in risking his vessel by running down the enemy, but the destruction of the ironclad Tennessee should be the aim of all. Should the enemys designs partially succeed, and any of their vessels get to sea, they must be followed, or, if possible, preceded, keeping them in sight, giving them the utmost annoyance, and mak- ing such signals as will warn others of their character. This has more especial reference to the ironclad Tennessee. Under no circumstances, however, is the blockade of Mobile to be raised by the withdrawal of all the vessels in chase or otherwise. Therefore, the three vessels before mentioned, stationed off the Swash Channel, will undertake the blockade. Should they be disabled, the three nearest them to the eastward will do so, unless the senior officer by signal or otherwise designates others to remain. J. B. MARCHAND, Captain and Senior Qificer. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, authorizing that vessels of the East Gulf Squadron join the attack upon Mobile. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 26, 1864. SIR: Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey states that he would consider it a great favor to participate, with such of his vessels as may be fit for the service, in the attack upon Mobile, and feels confident that he could render good service. Should you deem it necessary, you are authorized to call upon Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey for such force as he can spare for the purpose mentioned. Very respect~lly, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron off Mobile. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, announcing the arrival of the brig Alsterdam and ship Herbert in the Rio Grande. U. S. GUNBOAT SCIOTA, Off Corpus Christi, Tex., February 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have received your communications per steamers Bermuda, A. Dinsmore, Arkansas, and Corinthian. I left Pass Cavallo on the 21st instant for a cruise to the sound. The brig Herbert and ship Alsterdam, mentioned in your letters, have both arrived at the Rio Grande, and their cargoes consist of bagging Page 117 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 117 cordage, and general merchandise; no arms or ammunition. I shall be compelled to return to Galveston soon for coal, there being none at Pass Cavallo. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. H. PERKINS, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain JNO. P. GILLIS, Commanding U. S.. Naval Forces, Coast of Texas. Report of Rear-Admiral Farra~jut, U. S. Navy, regarding orders issued to Lieutenant-Commanders Johnson and Irwin, U. S. Navy. No. 157.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island February 27, 1864. SIR: I have relieved Lieutenant-Commander P. C. Johnson of the command of the Katahdin and given him permission to return North by the first opportunity, directing him to report on his arrival to the Navy Department by letter. I have ordered Lieutenant-Commander John Irwin, who arrived at New Orleans in the Metacomet, to relieve Lieutenant-Commander Johnson. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Dyer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Glasgow, to proceed on special duty to New Orleans. U.S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island, February 27, 1864. SIR: Proceed to New Orleans, via Lak~ Pontchartrain, and report to Commodore James S. Palmer. You will return to me either here or at Grant s Pass, Thaving New Orleans for that purpose on Monday morning. Bring back the 2,000 friction primers which have been required, and deliver the two deserters that I send to you to the provost-marshal at Lake City, [Lakeport, La.]. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Master N. M. DYER, Commanding U. S. S. Glasgow, off Ship Island Page 118 118 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, regarding vessels to be sent to New Orleans. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Ship Island, February 27, 1864. SIR: You will, as soon as vessels arrive to relieve them, send to New Orleans such vessels in your division as are in want of repairs, as well as those which suffered most from sickness last year. I will dispatch the reliefs as early as possible. Respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain J. P. GILLIs, U. S. S. Ossipee, Commanding off Galveston, Tex. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Benham, U. S. NaUg, commanding U. S. S. Penobscot, regarding the capture by that vessel of the British schooner Lilly. U. S. GUNBOAT PENOBSOOT, Off Velasco, Tex., February 28, 1864. SIR: I have the hondr to inform the Department that a.t 6:15 a. m. of this date, I captured the English schooner Lilly, of and from Belize, Honduras, for an attempted breach of the blockade of this place. The Lilly is a schooner of 43 tons register, with a crew consisting of seven persons. Her cargo, according to manifest, consists of 45 packages of dry goods, part of which I discovered on examination to be powder. I shall send her to New Orleans for adjudication, in charge of Acting Ensign Thomas McL. Miller. No other vessels were in sight at time of capture. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. K. BENHAM, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon~ GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Benham, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Penobscot, regarding the capture by that vessel of the schooners Stingray and John Douglas. U. S. GUNBOAT PENOBSUOT, Off Velasco, Tex., February 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the schooners Sting- ray and John Douglas by the Penobscot, under my command. These vessels left Velasco this morning, the Stingray bound for Kingston, Jamaica, and the John Douglas for Belize, Honduras. The former has a cargo of 60 bales and 52 half bales, and the latter 125 bales of cotton. a send both vessels to New Orleans for adjudication. No vessels were in sight at time of capture. Enclosed please find complete list of officers and crew of this vessel. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. K. BENHAM, Lieutenant-Commander. Hon. GmEoN WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 119 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 119 Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S. Virginia, regarding the capture of schooner Carnilla and destruction of sloop Cassie Holt near Ga7veston Island. U. S. S. VIRGINIA, Off Coast of Texas, February 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to ordera from Captain Gillis, I proceeded this morning to San Luis Pass, and run- ning into 16 feet of water, I discovered a sioop and schooner, cotton loaded, anchored inside of Galveston Island. I immediately sent in the first and second cutters, under charge of Acting Ensign E. H. Thomas, executive officer, and Acting Masters Mate F. E. Brackett, to capture and bring them out. Mr. Thomas succeeded in bringing the schooner out safely, but the sloop having been run aground by her crew on the approach of our boats, Mr. Brackett was unable to get her afloat. After bringingout the schooner, Mr. Thomas returned to the assistance of Mr. Brackett, but although they threw overboard the sloops deck load, she still grounded hard, and it being very dark and rainy, Mr. Thomas set fire to the cotton and returned to the ship at 7:30 p: m. There was a picket guard of cavalry on the point of Galveston Island, but they made no attack on our boats, and as I had them within easy range of my guns I did not consider it was risking too much to cut out the vessels. The schooner proved to be the Camilla, with about 75 bales of cot- ton; the sloop destroyed was the Cassie Holt, with 25 bales. With the approval of Captain Gillis, I shall send the Camilla to New Orleans for adjudication. Enclosed please find prize list. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding. February 29, 1864.At 2 p. m. came to anchor at San Luis Pass; discovered a sloop and schooner inside the pass. Immediately sent first and second cutters, under charge of Acting Ensign E. H. Thomas and Acting Masters Mate [Frank E.] Brackett, to cut them out. Succeeded in bringing the schooner Camilla out safely and returned at 4:30 to the assistance of the sloop Catherine Holt, but she being hard aground, and all efforts proving unavailing to get her off, set her on fire and returned to the ship, where we arrived and hoisted boats, set watches, and piped down Page 120 120 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watters, U. S. Navy, commanding U.S. S. Kineo, en route from Baltimore to New Orleans. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEo, At Sea, February 29, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report this vessel off Cape Henry and on her way to report to Rear-Admiral Farragut at New Orleans, in pursu- ance to orders from the Navy De artment. All the repairs being compieted~ an dthe experiments satisfactory, i left Baltimore Saturday, 27th, at 3 p. in., and to avoid cutting the engines steamed down the bay, at a moderate rate. The wind being against us, we did not average above 5 miles an hour, but hope to get a better rate after the engines have been used a few days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN WATTERS,, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Stations of vessels composing the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, March 1, 1864. No. 37.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island, March 1, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report to the Department the following as the position of each vessel attached to my squadron, viz: Off Pensacola.Bloomer, Arthur, Kittatinny, Jasmine, Anderson, J. C. Kuhn, Arkansas, Charlotte, Nightingale, and Potomac. Off Mobile Bar.Albatross, Kennebec, Oneida, Penguin, Itasca, Genesee, Lackawanna, Octorara, Port Royal, Sebago, Gertrude, Monon- gahela, Pinola, Richmond. Off New Orleans.Arizona, Ida, New London, Seminole, Fearnot, Metacomet, Narcissus, Cayuga, Katahdin, Pensacola, Glide, Ports- mouth, Conemaugh, Hollyhock, Meteor, Pembina, Bohio, M. A. Wood, Cowslip. Off Sabine Pass.Aroostook, Virginia, Chocura, Princess Royal. In Mississippi Sound .Calhoun, Henry Janes, Sarah Bruen, 0. H. Lee, John Gr?jJith, Orvetta, and Sea Foam. Off Ship Island .Glasgow, Tennessee, Hartford, Vincennes, J. P. Jackson. Off Galveston.Antona, Penobscot, Kanawha, Sciota, Ossipee. In Lake Pontchartrain.Commodore, Nyanza, Corypheus. Off Rio Grande.Augusta Dinsmore. Off Texas Coast .Estrella. In Berwick Bay.Granite City and Stockdale. Off Pass Cavallo.Owasco. Off South West Pass.Sam Houston and Pampero. 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 121 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 121 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, referring to the movements of the C. S. ram Ten- nessee. MARCH 1, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I see that the rebels have succeeded in getting the ram Tennessee over the Dog River Bar, and she is now in full sight of us. As they have two or three of these vessels, they might get one of them past the fleet in a night attack upon us, and I would therefore suggest that it would be well to forbid all vessels from enter- ing the harbor of Pensacola at night, so that you will be able to dis- tinguish friend from foe. I am also expecting ironclads from the North, but God knows when they will arrive. We have heard nothing from General Sherman as yet. General Banks will move early next week. D. G. FARRAGUT. [Brigadier-General A. AsBoTir.] Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Ship Island, March 1, 1864. COMMODORE: If you have not already sent the tinclad for this sound you need not send her until you get another ready. She will be more needed perhaps in Berwick Bay. The Cowslip and Narcissus will be sufficient for the sound. When those vessels were purchased it was not supposed that any ofthemwoulddrawover7feetandsomeofthemnotover4or5feet, and such were my instructions to Captain Boggs, who purchased them I~ will write you a letter in reference to those men whose terms of enlistment have expired. I will dispatch several vessels home in April, and will send some of these men in each, and none whose terms have not expired. I do not see how any doubt can arise as to their not being entitled to the increase of pay after the expiration of their term of enlistment if retained in the service. So soon as I can spare Lieutenant-Commander Low from his duties here, I will send him to take command of the Seminole. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAS. S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. First Div. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. P. S.Lieutenant Mahan, whose permission to return North I for- ward by this mail, will remain by the Seminole until Lieutenant- Commander Low assumes command, unless some other officer should previously arrive from the North for that position. . I have forwarded Mr. Shocks letter to the Bureau, and I have writ Page 122 122 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ten also to the Department urging the necessity of purchasing imme- diately for the Pensacola yard all the tools for the machine shop. I am glad to hear that he has already purchased a punching and shearing machine. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, referring to the movements of the C. S. ram Ten- nessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Ship Island, March 2, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I received your kind notes, for which I am much obliged. The time has now passed when you could act to the same advantage in taking the forts at Mobile. The ram Tennessee came down the bay yesterday, and was full in sight of us off Grants Pass, lying in the middle of the bay. She appeared to me to be very slow. A gale of wind came on from the north, and I am anxious to hear how she stood it. You will readily understand that she can be in shoal water along- side of the beach inside of the peninsula and prevent the approach of your troops toward Fort Morgan, and that our ships, even after pass- ing the forts, will not be able to get at her, at least none but the small vessels, who would not be able to make any impression upon her, so that now Mobile will ha~e to be left until the arrival of ironclads. When that will be, God only knows. I only ask for two, and will go in with one. I fear we put off the attack too late, but it is a great consolation to us to know that it was neither our wish nor fault that Mobile was not taken last year or last month. Very truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding a Swedish naval officer ser~ng in his command. No. 43.] U. S. S. HARTFORD, Mobile, March 3, 1864. SIR: Acting Ensign A. F. West, attached to the Pensacola, repre- sents himself as an officer of the Swedish navy on furlough, which, he says, expires on the 1st of May, and in consequence of this, and the troubles in Denmark, he desires to resign. I have detached him from the Pensacola and sent him North, directing him to report to the Department by letter. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington Page 123 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 123 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Giraud, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tennessee, to cruise for blockade runners. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, March 3, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to the southward, about the 29th degree of latitude, and cruise for blockade runners east and west; run in every three or four days and communicate with me or the commanding officer off this bar. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant GIRAUD, Commanding U. S. S. Tennessee. P. 5.Be careful not to come in collision with the De Soto, cruising in that parallel of latitude. D.G.F. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, U. S. Navy, to proceed to St. Marks, Fla., to investigate rumor of the occupation of rai road terminus by Fed eralforces. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, March 3, 1864. SIR: Proceed with your vessel to the neighborhood of St. Marks, Fla., and find out, if it can be done without much risk to your vessel or crew, whether there is any truth in the report recently brought to Pen- sacola that our troops have occupied the terminus of the railroad which leads to Tallahassee from that place. After having performed this duty, fill up your vessel with coal at Pensacola and then return to the blockade here. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. E. JOUETT, U. S. S. Metacomet, off Mobile. Instructions from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U.S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, At Sea, March 3, 1864. COMMODORE: The Narcissus overtook me, leaking so that they were reduced to baling. I send her back again; she is much better for you as a tug, and the Cowslip best for me, as she draws less water. Have the necessary repairs made to her. Do not pay one dollar to the owners of the Reading Press, unless compelled by law, as it now appears that all of Hillmans business was a fraud, he being only the agent of A. B. Reading. The case must be referred to the Depart- ment. I will write immediately on the subject to the Secretary. - You are right about the Bohw. I did not intend that she should go to New Orleans for coal, but to Pensacola Page 124 124 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I have directed the captain of the Narcissus to tell the tinclad at the mouth of the river to await orders from you to go to Berwick Bay; I can wait for another. You can send the Albatross up the river to be cleaned out, if neces- sary. Send no men in those vessels which go up but those whose times are out. You had better let the Grey Jacket go before the court and be sold. Do not send a coal vessel to Ship Island, as one is going there from Pensacola. Very respectfully, etc., D. G. FARRAGTJT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAS. S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. First Div., West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Admiral, to proceed to Boston. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 5, [1864]. SIR: You will give passage North to three refugees from Galveston, Tex., and on your arrival at Boston report to the commandant of the navy yard. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WM. B. EATON, Commanding U. S. S. Admiral, off Pensacola. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, urging the need of fresh provisions. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, March 5, 1864. SIR: II beg to call the attention of the Bureau to the fact that the medical officers of the blockading vessels state that the want of fresh provisions is beginning to tell upon their crews; that they do not receive one-quarter Qf the vegetables necessary for health, and have only had fresh beef sixteen days in six months. I will have to purchase at New Orleans, which compels the men to pay high prices for them, and will only increase the discontent. I hope the Bureau will endeavor to relieve us in this particular. I feel assured it has the disposition, but may not have the means. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Paymaster BRIDGE Chief, Bureau of Provisions and Clothing Page 125 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 125 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Galveston with order for medical survey on Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, March 4, 1864. SIR: After taking in coal at Pensacola proceed with your vessel off Galveston, and should the medical survey decide that it is necessar.y for Captain Gillis to go North, relieve him in the command of the divis- ion of the West Gulf Squadron off the coast of Texas. Give Captain Gillis the accompanying dispatch and order for a medi- cal survey, after having filled up the latter with the names of the three oldest surgeons within reach. Vt~ry respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain J. B. 1VfARCHAND, U. S. Navy. Commanding U. S. S. Lackawanna. Report of Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, commanding District of West Florida, regarding affairs in that neighborhood. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, March 4, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit in connection with my report of February 23, No. 86, the following additional information in regard to affairs in my neighborhood, received from refugees and deserters. There are at present 12,000 to 15,000 rebel troops at Mobile * * * with about 1,000 cavalry. General Maury was urging noncombatants to leave the city at once. * * * The people of Mobile seem pre- pared to surrender as soon as the railroad communication with Mont- gomery is cut off. The rebel iron ram Tennessee succeeded in getting over the Dog River Bar, in the Mobile Harbor, and as it becomes thus one of the possibilities in prospect that this formidable vessel, aided by others of similar power, may pass our blockading fleet and at- tempt an entrance into Pensacola Harbor, I issued, at the suggestion of Admiral Farragut, the enclosed Special Orders, No. 46, directing the commanders of Forts Pickens and Barrancas to prevent the en- trance of any vessel at night until its character is satisfactorily ascer- tained, requesting, at the same time, Commodore Smith, commanding the navy yard, and Captain Gibson, senior officer afloat here, to secure for the two ports a seasonable information of the approach of any vessel of suspicious appearance. * * * Jam, very respect~lly, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General CHARLES P. STONE, Brigadier-General. Chief of Staff, Department of the Gul Page 126 126 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA No. 46. * Barrancas, Fla., March 2, 1864. * * * * * * IV. It being one of the possibilities in prospect that the iron ram Tennessee, which the rebels have succeeded in getting over Dog River B~r, in Mobile Harbor, may p ass, with the aid of other smaller vessels, our blockading fleet off Mobile and attempt an entrance into Pensacola Harbor, the commanding officers of Fort Pickens and Barrancas will stop all vessels approaching the harbor during the night until their character is fully ascertained. By order of Brigadier-General Asboth: E. T. SPRAGUE, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistqnt Adjutant-General. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding capture of the schooners Henry Colthirst, Lilly, Stingray, John Douglas, and Camilla. No. 48.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 5,1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture by the U. S. S. Virginia of the schooner Henry Colthirst, near San Luis Pass, on or about the 20th of February. The schooner was from Kingston, Jamaica, and her cargo is reported to consist of 200 kegs of powder, 250,000 percussion caps, and 500 ounces quinine; also coffee, hardware, and dry goods. She has been sent to New Orleans for adjudication. Also the capture by the Penobscot, Lieutenant-Commander Benham, of the English schooner Lilly, on the 28th February, about 8 miles from Velasco, Tex. She was from Belize, Honduras, 43 tons register, and has a cargo consisting of 45 packages, a part of which is powder Also the capture by the Penobscot, on the 29th February, of the schooners Stingray and John Douglas, off Velasco, Tex. The Stingray has a cargo of 60 bales of cotton and 52 half bales. The John Douglas has 100 bales. The vessels have been sent to New Orleans for adjudication. Also the capture by the Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Charles H. Brown, of the schooner Camilla, and the burning of a sloop by the same vessel, both cotton loaded, the details of which have not yet been received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from Rear-Admiral, Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Engineer Shock, U. S. Navy, regarding matters pertaining to the department of the latter. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 6, 1864. SIR: I visited our machine shop yesterday evening on my arrival and find it improving, although its ability to do work has as yet no Page 127 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. .127 much improved, as the chief articles have not yet arrived. We have neither heavy bellows nor heavy anvils, and consequently are unable to get a high heat. The coppersmith is at work, and as soon as your piece of shafting comes they will be ready for work on the lathes, etc. The Nasmyth hammer, I am informed by Mr. Isherwood, has been purchased and ordered out to New York, so I presume that some of your requisitions must have been sent to the Bureau of Engineering instead of Yards and Docks. I shall not remove anything more from Ship Island, except the workmen. The few tools they have there are necessary for the con- stant repairs required on the vessels in the [Mississippi] Sound. It will be entirely out of the question for you to go to St. Louis with such an amount of work as you have on your hands at this time. I would be very glad if it were otherwise, as we are in great want of Mr. Eads vessels; and nothing can be depending on you for their completion. I presume that it is a mere gratification that he desires to have your approval of things before he sends them out. I regret that he is so unwell as not to be able to give his personal attention, as everything will suffer more or less when the master hand is not at work. I have sent forward your proposition for the machine shop by the last mail and urged the honorable Secretary to make the purchase, and I have no doubt but that he will do so. Send forward the heavy anvils, bellows, shears, punch, and piece of shafting by the first opportunity. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Fleet Engineer WILLIAM H. SHOCK, U. S. Navy, New Orleans, La. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Pal- mer, U. S. Navy, referring to rumors regarding the fate of the C. S. ram Tennessee. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 6, [1864]. COMMODORE: I sent the Arkansas back.to you, that you might keep the two vessels (she and the Dinsmore) running back and forth to the Rio Grande about once in ten days to supply them with such things as may be required by the blockaders, to bring up telegrams, and keep up the police of the coast. Send two of the tinclads to Calcasieu; let them take advantage of a ood start, but do not let them go until you have trusty commanders ~or them; do not send one vessel alone. If any of the light-draft ves- sels arrive from the North, send one of them and one tinclad. We are in the dark as to the fate of the ram Tennessee; some say she has not yet crossed Dog River Bar; some that she has come down, I among the latter; those who were looking at her when the norther struck her say (some of them) that she went down, others that she went up the bay in tow of the other steamers. The deserters I sen Page 128 128 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. you will say that she never came over the bar, but I saw a vessel that I do not believe could be anything but the Tennessee. She was at least 300 feet long, casemated only, 3 and not 2 feet out of water. A very intelligent man who had worked on her pronounced her to be the Tennessee the moment he saw her; still these men say it was too important an affair not to have been blazed forth. I send you the court-martial approved. Apply to have the man put in the Parish Prison, and I will send the other home as he desired. The claim for sinking the vessel should be referred to Admiral Por- ter for payment; Have the man who killed the other on board the Pampero turned over to the criminal court in New Orleans. It will be impossible to allow Mr. Shock to go to St. Louis at a time like this. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander Jas. S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, tiomdg. First Div. Western Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron, New Orleans, La. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, referring to tinclads. U. S. S. HARTFORD Pensacola Navy Yard, March 7, 1864. COMMODORE: * * * I have sent orders to the fleet surgeon to visit this place by the first opportunity. He can take advantage of some gunboat coming around and he ~an return in the mail boat. I haye changed my mind about sending the tinclads to Calcasieu until they are coppered. As soon as I have a reliable person to put in charge of the vessels, I will send two of them to the Rio Grande to patrol the river. I send you a letter from a number of sailors belonging to our fleet who have enlisted in the Army. See if you can get them back. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore James S. PALMER. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, referring to the rumored occupation of St. Marks, Fla., by Federal troops. No. 52.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, 0 Pensacola, March 7, 1864. SIR: Having heard a rumor that St. Marks was occupied by Federal troops, I dispatched yesterday the Metacomet, Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, to that post. He has returned with the news that no such occupation had taken place. He found there only one gunboat under Lieutenant-Com- mander Harmony, who informed him that if he had only known of General Gillmores intended movemexit in Florida, he could have mad Page 129 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 129 an important diversion in his favor. It is deeply to be regretted that such information had not been communicated to me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGTJT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockaaing Sguadron. Hon. Gideon WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [This report was transmitted to the Secretary of War by the Sec- retary of the Navy, March 23, 1864.] Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Dyer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Glasgow, to proceed on special duty to New Orleans. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacala, March 7, 1864. Sm: Proceed to New Orleans, via the Lake [Pontchartrain], and communicate on your way with the vessels off Mobile, Grants Pass, and Ship Island. Remain at New Orleans long enough to get the mails ,for the squadron, and then return to Ship Island, transferring them to the Jasmine, should she be there, otherwise to Captain Jenkins off Mobile, who will send in what belongs to me to this place. Deliver t6 the provost-marshal at Lakeport the two deserters from Fort Gaines that you received from the Octorara. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT. Rear-Admiral, Acting Master N. M. DYER, Commanding U. S. S. Glasgow; Pensacola. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding changes necessitated by robbery of signal book. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 7, 1864. Mv DEAR JENKINS: Nothing new here. We are coaling and will, I suppose, come out before very long. The admiral desires you to send the Tennessee in here as soon as you can catch her. You will perceive that there is another change of signals, caused, it is understood, by the robbery of a book on the Mississippi. This is the worst yet, as there are two books and two sets of signals. Tell me again your plan for avoiding this, and I will write to Davis in support of it. Hope you are well again. Yours, very truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Off Mobile. N W NVOL 21 Page 130 130 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, acknowledging information regarding the violation of custom-house laws by the schooner Pelican State. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, March 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th instant, enclosing a communication from the collector of customs in relation to a violation of the custom-house laws by the schooner Pelican State. In reply I have to state that she was last seen about three weeks ago off Mobile on a trading voyage and was expected to return to New Orleans soon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Commodore James S. PALMER Capta~n. Commanding First Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding. March 8,1864.At anchor off San Luis Pass. Midnight to 4 a. m: Several lights seen ashore in the neighborhood of the pass during the watch. At 8:45a.m. hove up anchor and hove ship to, heading E. by N., drift N. N. W. At 9:40 strange sail reported bearing N. N. E. At 9:45 took in all sail and stood for strange sail bearing N. ~ W. At 10:15 came to anchor with 15 fathoms chain in 6~ feet water. Sent a boats crew in charge of Mr. Thomas to board strange sail; returned and reported her the sloop Randall, from New Orleans, ostensibly for Matamoras. At the time of capture the Randall was within 2~ miles of the beach and had on board a flag such as flies on the forts at Velasco, which has been ascertained to be a signal for friendly vessels running into that place. Received on board the crew; names as below: Captain William Dickinson; William Taylor, August Poe, seamen. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, referring to the C. S. wonclads Tennessee and Selma. No. 57.1 FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 9,1864. SIR: I am much gratified to be able to contradict my letter of the 1st instant, in which I stated the rebel ironclad Tennessee had crossed Dog River Bar, for although the vessel was pronounced the Tennessee by a man on board one of our vessels the moment he saw her, yet it is now reported by an engineer refugee, who left Mobile with his wife en route to New Orleans on the 1st of March, that the Tennessee was then along- side the wharf at Mobile, with the camels alongside and that the rebels have but little hope of raising her sufficiently to get her over the bar, but he also states that the ironclad that came down the bay did sink, as we supposed, in the blow which came out from the north that morning. He called her the Selma, but we have never heard of a Page 131 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 131 ironclad of that name in Mobile Bay. We think it was the Tuscaloosa or Huntsville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Albatross. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 9, 1864. SIR: As it is now too late to gain anything by sending the Albatross up the [Mississippi] River, order her to this place and I will send her home later. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Comdg. First Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron,New Orleans. Orders of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monongahelcv, to proceed with that vessel to New Orleans. U. S. S. RICHMOND, - Off Mobile Bar, March 10, 1864. SIR: Admiral Farragut directs that you proceed to New Orleans with the U. S. S. Monongahela under your command. You will please send Mr. Kutz, your chief engineer, on board to-morrow by the Pen- guin to close up the proceedings of the Board of Engineers exami- nation, after which you can proceed to New Orleans. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Commander JAMES H. STRONG, Commanding U. S. S. Monongahela. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding a distinguishing color for the double-enders. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, March 10, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: There is so much trouble in distinguishing the double-enders from each other, as also the gunboats, that the admiral wants their smokestacks painted differently. The Metacomet is now red on top, the Genesee will be green. You can arrange the others. I see no objection to the double-enders and gunboats using the same colors. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond Page 132 132 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Capture of the schooner Syiphide, March 10, 1864. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S S. Virginia. U. S. S. VIRGINIA, Off San Luis Pass, Tex., March 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders from Captain John P. Gillis, I took station off this pass March 6 for block- ade duty. At 3:30 p. m. on the 9th instant we saw a sail standing to the south and west. I immediately gave chase, and upon being seen by the stranger she tacked to the eastward. I fired a shot as a signal for her to heave to, but not until a number of shells burst near her did she do so. She, proved to be the schooner Syiphide, from Tampico, bound ostensibly to Havana. Her flag was of swallow-tail shape, with black, white, and black bars horizontal. When first seen she was standing with a fine wind to the S. W., and being very far from the true position which she should have been in if really bound for Havana, there was no doubt as to her intention to violate the blockade. Her cargo consisted of salt, bagging, bale rope, coffee, cigars, bundles of flat and bar iron, and percussion caps. The latter article, however, was not mentioned on the manifest. I have captured her as a prize to the United States, and with the approval of Captain Gillis send her to New Orleans for adjudication. The prize lists accompany this report. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHAs. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 87.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture on the 9th [10th] instant, by the U. S. S. Virginia, off San Luis Pass, coast of Texas, of the schooner Sylphide, attempting to run the blockade. It was only after being fired at repeatedly that she hove to. Her nationality could not be ascertained. Her cargo, as per manifest consisted of salt, coffee, cigars, bagging, etc., but 20,000 percussion caps were found on board, which did not appear on any of the papers. She was sent by the commander of the Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, into New Orleans for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington Page 133 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 133 Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding. March 10, 1864.Off San Luis Pass. At 3 p. m. sail reported from masthead bearing S. E. by B. Gave chase, and after three hours heavy steaming succeeded in overhauling her. She proved to be the schooner Syiphide, from Tampico for Havana, with an assorted cargo. Fired several shots before we compelled her to heave to. Took the captain and crew, (3onsisting of 6 persons, on board, and sent Acting Ensign [PIiilo PJ Hawkes, with a prize crew, to take possession. Proceeded on our return to our station, where we anchored at 8:30, schooner lying to anchor on our port bow. Schooner at time of sight was steering S. S. W., but immediately on discovering us went about and stood S. S. K. Crew of the Syiphide: T. H. Brown, mate; M. Rodriques, F. Mar- tinez, N. Depeyspio, seamen. Order of Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Per- kins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. SCota, to proceed to Gal- veston for coal. Off Galveston, Tex., March 11, 1864. SIR: If your presence is not particularly necessary at Pass Cavallo, you will come to this anchorage for coal. On your arrival a vessel will be dispatched to that place. At this time one can not very well be sent to relieve you. Captain Marchand has arrived in the Lackawanna and will take command of this division. We go to Mobile. Very respectfully, yours, JNO. P. GILLIs, Commanding Second Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. H. PERKINS, Commanding U. S. S. Sciota. Regulations for the picket boats. MARCH 11, 1864. The vessels present will take turns in sending in a picket boat at night. Said boat will be in charge of a competent officer, and both officer and men will be fully armed. The boat must be provided with a timepiece and binnacle and the necessary fireworks. She will not leave before dark and must return before daylight. It will be the duty of the picket boat to watch the movements of the enemy inside, and for that purpose she will pull in for the wreck of the Morning Light and be prepared to give the following signals, viz: Steamer coming put to the eastwardCoston signal No. 8 (all green). Steamer coming out to the westwardCoston signal No. 5 (all red). Should the weather be foggy, fire two muskets in quick succession and burn light if going west Page 134 134 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. If going east, four muskets and light. Should the steamer run directly out iu mid-channel, the boat will avoid her, make no signal, and return to her own or the nearest vessel. Should the steamer turn to the eastward, the boat will pull rapidly to the westward, and vice versa, until out of musket range, then make her signal. The picket boat will not approach nor engage any of the enemys picket boats unless chased or attacked. And in event of being chased she will pull for our nearest vessel. It is deemed unnecessary to send out boats in clear moonlight nights~ M. B. WOOLSEY, Commander, Senior Ojjicer present off Sabine Pass. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Nyanza, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant S. B. Washburn, cornmand~rtg. March 11, 1864.At 6 a. m. made signal to the Glide; up anchor and steamed up the river, accompanied by the Glide. At 10 a. m. saw a boat sailing along the shore. Appearing suspicious, Mr. J. F. -Beyer, in charge of a boat and 8 men, well armed, went off for the strange boat and returned at 12 with the same and a man and two children as prisoners; the man was well armed with a soldiers musket and knives; he had also $147 Confederate and $10 U. S. Treasury money. From noon to 4 p. in.: Proceeded on up Grand Lake. At 2 p. m. landed at Chicot Pass; took on board an iron money safe; left this place and went farther up the river, accompanied by the Glide. At 6 p. m. anchored in Mosquito Lake. March 12.At 6 a. m. got up anchor and steamed up [Atcha- falaya ~] River, by direction of the river pilot. At 7:50 all hands to quarters; got the battery and sharpshooters with muskets ready for action. From 8 to noon: All hands to quarters ready for action; proceeded onward for Butte-a-la-Rose. At 9 a. m. encountered a cam of rebel soldiers on the right-hand bank of the river (going up), consisting of about 35 or 40 men. Opened fire on them with forward broadside guns and muskets, but the rebel soldiers ran into the woods and escaped. Mr. J. F. Beyer, in charge of 8 men, landed, captured some soldiers muskets, leather clothing bags, and destroyed the camp buildings by fire, then returned down the iiver and destroyed several boats and scows. At 2 p. m. anchored in Mosquito Lake. Our ves- sel suffered some damage from the firing of our own guns, viz, No. 1 gun on port side tore a considerable part of tl~ ~ side out of their fastenings; one shell of the starboard gun exploded in the forecastle and tore up some of the forecastle deck planks, also many window glasses and lamp chimneys broken from the concussion. March 13.At 6 a. m. up anchor and steamed through the lake down river. At 1:15 p. m. anchored off Brashear City. The captain went on shore, also the soldiers in charge of Lieutenant Pinckney. March 14.From 8 a. m. to noon: Sent the prisoner, Mendoza, and his two children on shore. March 15.At 5:45 a. m. hove up anchor and steamed down the Atchafalaya River in charge of pilot, Mr. Lewis. At 9 a.m. saw a schooner two points off our port bow; steered for her. At 10 fired the port forward gun to bring the schooner to, which hove to instantly an Page 135 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 135 anchored. Mr. J. F. Beyer received orders to board the schooner. The starboard boat was lowered, and as the boat tackle could not get unhooked soon enough, owing to too much headway of the steamer, the boat capsized and endangered the lives of the boats crew, who were all thrown overboard. After some struggle three were saved and Henry Eberly drowned. He could not swim at all. Lowered the gig, boarded the schooner, which proved to be the J. W. Wilder, Captain Laganne. Capture of the British schooner M. P. Burton, March 11, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 117.fj FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE; Off New Orleans, April 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the U. S. S. Aroostoole captured, in latitude 28~ 50 N., longitude 950 05 W., on the 11th March last, the British schooner 111. P. Burton, loaded with iron (bar, rod, and sheet) and shot. She cleared from Havana and purported to be bound to Matamoras. When first seen she was steering direct for Velasco, some 200 miles out of her course. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Hatfield, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Aroostook, forwarding prize list. U. S. S. AnoosTooK, Rio Brazos, March 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward a prize list of this vessel for the schooner M. P. Burton, captured by this vessel about 10 miles E. S. E. from Velasco on this date. The Burton cleared from Havana with a British provisional register for Matamoras, loaded with iron of various sorts and shot. Very respectfully, C. HATFIELD, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Aroostook, Lieutenant-Commander C. Hatfield, U. S. Navy, commanding. March 11, 1864.Off Velasco. At 6:20 p. m. a sail reported bearing S. E., got underway. At 6:30 made all sail. At 7:30 took it in and boarded schooner Mary P. Burton, from Havana. Expended one 12-pound howitzer cartridge. At 10:45 p. m. anchored in 10 fathom Page 136 136 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. water. Schooner anchored near us. Took her crew, consisting of the following persons: Charles Nages, mate; R. L. Hand, second mate; N. Natwell, John Williams, B. Wilson, iR. Totywan, and Edward Maine. Sent an officer and four men to take charge of her. Sent on board prize crew, bags, and hammocks, stores, etc. Capture of the schooner Marion, M4rch 12, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 801 FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March, 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture, on the 12th instant, of the schooner Marion, by the U. S. S. Aroostoolc, Lieutenant-Comman- der C. Hatfield, oft Rio Brazos. She was bound to Havana from Tampico,with an assorted cargo of but little value. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Hatfield, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Aroostook, forwarding prize list. U. S. S. ARoosTooK, Off Brazos River, March 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward a prize list of this vessel for the schooner Marion, captured this morning 15 miles E. S. E. from Velasco. Very respectfully, C. HATFIELD, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Aroostook, Lieutenant-Commander Chester Hatfield, U. S. Navy, commanding. March 12, 1864.Off Velasco. At 5:30 a. in., a sail reported bear- ing S. E., got underway and went in chase. At 6:20 fired a howitzer; sent a boat in command of Acting Master S. V. Bennis and boarded her. He sent her captain and crew on board of us. She proved to be the schooner Marion. Put a prize crew on board. At 11:30 prize schooner got underway for Galveston. March 14.Off Galveston. The prize schooner hoisted her ensign at half-mast, union down, at 8:20 a. m. At 8:30 got underway and ran down to her, found she was leaking badly. Made fast alongside, took all her cargo on board, consisting of salt and iron. Dismantle Page 137 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 137~ her of rigging, sails, and blocks. Took prize crew and captain and one man belonging to the schooner on board, sent carpenter on board the schooner, who cut a hole through her deck. Carpenter returned cast off from schooner. At 2 p. m. fired 24-pounder into schooner, which caused, her to fill and capsize and sink. At 4 got underway and destroyed schooner. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U: S. Navy, announcing arrival of vessels for his command. No. 62.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the arrival of the following vessels to form part of the squadron under my command: Conemaugh, Metacomet, Narc& ssus, Cowslip. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Instructions from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, U. S. Navy, senior officer off Sabine Pass, for the restriction of contraband trade. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, March 12, 1864. SIR: Herewith I send Admiral Farraguts order in relation to the change of signal flags and Coston signals in the general signal book; also a proclamatlon of the President of the United States; an order from the Secretary of the Navy, and decision of prize court in relation to capture of vessels having illegal papers; circulars; reports of Sec- retary of the Navy, etc., which please distribute amongst the vessels under your charge off Sabine Bar. The admiral designs sending several light steamers to operate on this coast, drawing from 6 to 8 feet water, and wishes to know how and where they can be advantageously employed in the rivers, bays, etc. I will thank you to give me such information as may guide the admiral in designating the service upon which they may be engaged. The admiral is under the impression that contraband trade tQ some extent is carried on through Calcasieu River and Lake. It would be desirable, if you have the force, to keep a watch occasionally on that place also. On the southwestern part of the coast many small schooners are now engaged running the blockade; such may be the case on that part of the coast of which you have charge. It is very desirable that a stop should be put to such illicit trade. I will be much gratified to hear from you when opportunities occur. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Commander M. B. WOOLSEY, Captain. Comdg. U. S. S. Princeds Royal, Senior Officer off Sabin~ Jik~ss Page 138 138 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding blockade runners and blockading vessels on the coast of Texas. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, March 12, 1864. DEAR Sin: On our way here we had extremely bad weather and encountered two gales, which, with chasing vessels, drove US SO much out of the way that when the position of the ship was ascertained we were so near Galveston that to have gone to Sabine Pass would have been the delay of a whole day; consequently I ran here, and Captain Gillis, on his way to Mobile, will deliver the orders for change of signals to Captain Woolsey, off the Sabine. As yet I can form no definite opinion as to the places which the several small steamers that the admiral intends sending to this coast can be advantageously employed. I will endeavor to obtain the information and let the admiral know as soon as possible. Captain Gillis will see the admiral and yourself and from his knowledge of the coast will give information upon that subject. A brisk trade seems to be carrying on by the blockade runners on the coast between Matagorda and Galveston Bay, as appears by frequent captures, and it is possible on other parts of the coast, yet we have not a sufficient number of vessels to prevent it. By the present arrangement three steamers (Princess Royal, Chocura, and Antona) guard Sabine Pass and look at Calcasieu River; five steamers (Lackawanna, Kanawha, Caynga, Owasco, and Aroos- took) are off Galveston watching the Harriet Lane, a bark, brig, and several schooners, apparently prepared to run out, besides the steam- boats in the bay; one steamer (Virginia) at San Luis Pass; one steamer (Penobscot) at Brazos River, off Velasco; one steamer (Sciota) stationed at Pass Cavallo and occasionally to run to the Rio Grande, touching at Corpus Christi and Brazos Santiago, and the Estrella inside of Pass Cavallo, in Matagorda Bay, occasionally in good weather to run along the coast as far as Caney Creek. For want of blockading vessels none are permanently stationed south of Pass Cavallo. The Aroostook has just been withdrawn from the Brazos River, off Velasco, and her place taken by the Penobscot, that she may have some temporary work done to her boiler here, and in all probability before long she may have to return to New Orleans. The character of the small steamers intended to be s~nt here by the admiral I do not know, but hope some may be of assistance on the outside blockade in the absence of more effective ones. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain. Fleet Captain PERCIVAL DRAYTON, U. S. Flagship Hartford Page 139 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 139 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant of navy yard, Pensacola, urging the progress of repairs to vessels of Mobile sguadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP HAliTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 12, 1864. COMMODORE: I have directed Mr. [Andrew] Cosgriff to report to you as master machinist at this yard, intending to make this yard his per- manent station. As you want persons, tools, or materials from Ship Island, let me know, and if the repairs on vessels at that place will admit of it, they shall be immediately ordered up to you. I wish you would drive the machine shop, smithery, and casting cupola ahead as fast as possible, so as to afford us the means of repairs to the Mobile squadron, and spare us the necessity of sending the vessels to New Orleans for any but the most important work. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander WM. SMITH, Commanding Pensacola Navy Yard. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Low, U. S. Navy, regarding the for- warding of two prisoners of war. U. S. GUNBOAT OCTORARA, Off Grants Pass, March 14, 1864. M~ DEAR Sin: The Calhoun has not yet returned; the Jackson went on a cruise down the sound and along north shore this morning, to be back to-night; she may find some supplies; and, if so, I will send you some by the first opportunity. I send two prisoners of war, picked up from the beach yesterday; they seem to have but little news. They say, however, that the troops and people are discussing the expediency of calling a meeting of the people to decide by vote whether the war shall be continued or they shall give up. We have coal for four days and a half of full steaming (54 tons), and by borrowing a little sugar and butter from the schooners, provisions will last till the 24th. With much respect, very truly, yours, W. W. Low. Captain T. A. JENKINS. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of the ship Sportsman regarding the discharge of that vessel. PENSACOLA, March 15, 1864. SIR: If possible, the cargo of the Sportsman will be transferred to the U. S. bark Kuhn, beginning to-morrow, if possible, when she will be - discharged from the service of the United States Page 140 140 WEST GULF BLOCKADENG SQUADRON. To prevent delay occurring, you will please make immediate arrange- ments for putting on board what ballast may be required, as there must be no interruption to the unloading when it has once commenced. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commanding OFFICER, Ship Sportsman. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to officers commanding divisions of the West Gulf Squadron to furnish semimonthly lists of vessels undertheir command. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 15, [1864]. COMMODORE: You will please report to me the names and positions of all vessels of the squadron within the limits of your division on the 1st and 15th of every month and forward the same to me as soon thereafter as possible. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. [Order of same date and like tenor to Captain Thornton A. Jenkins, U: S. Navy, on the U. S. S. Richmond, commanding off Mobile, Second Division, and to Captain J. B. Marchand, U. S. Navy, on the U. S. S. Lackawanna, commanding off Texas, Third Division, West Gulf Block- ading Squadron.] Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Pensacola, March, 15, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: My intention in retaining the old numbers for the boat code was to make use of them entirely, keeping the general signal book for times when we are in the presence of the enemy, so that we may decrease the chances of the regular signals getting into the hands of the Confeds, which seems to be the case now every few months. I enclose you the original order of the Bureau, which, as it is marked confidential, do not leave about. The Union arrived yesterday, bringing several officers, and among them one lieutenant-commander, Maxwell. If Gillis leaves, the admiral thinks of sending him to the Ossipee to take charge until Walker comes out. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. I send you Parkers Steam Tactics for each vessel having a regular officer in command. They are for the libraries Page 141 WEST GULF BLOCIKADLNG SQUADRON. 141 Stations of vessels belonging to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP WESTERN GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, Off Pensacola, March 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the following as the position of the vessels of my squadron, viz: Off east end of Santa Rosa Island.Steamer Bloomer and sailing vessel Charlotte. Off Pensacola.Steamers Hartford, Genesee, Pinola. Sailing ves- sels Arthur, Potomac, W. C. Anderson, J. C. Kuhn, Nightingale. Dis- patch steamer Cowslip. Coal vessel Bohio. Off Mobile.Steamers Richmond, Monongahela,~ Oneida, Cone- maugh, Ossipee, Metacomet, Sebago, Itasca, Port Royal, Penguin, Octo.. rara, Kennebec, Tennessee. Off Ship Islarid.Steamers Calhoun, J. P. Jackson. Sailing ves- sel Vtncennes. In Mississippi SoundlThe mortar vessels 0. H. Lee, Orvetta, Sarah Bruen, Henry Janes, John Griffith, Sea Foam. In Lake Pontchartrain.Steamers Nyanza, Commodore. Sailing vessel Corypheus. At the S. W. Pass of Mississippi River.Sailing vessel Pampero. Off New Orleans.Steamers Pensacola, Albatross, Cayuga, Gertrude, Pembina, New London, Seminole. Steam tugs Narcissus, Hollyhock, Ida. Tinclad Meteor. Coal vessel M. A. Wood. In Berwick Bay.Steamers Granite City. Tin dads Stockdale, Glide. Off Sabine Pass.Steamers Aroostook, Estrella, Chocura, Princess Royal, Virginia. Off Galveston.Steamers Lackawanna, Kanawha, Penobscot, Katah- din. Off Pass Cavallo.Steamers Antona, Sciota. Off the mouth of the Rio Grande.Steamer Owasco. The steamers Arkansas and Augusta Dinsmore are employed as supply and dispatch vessels between New Orleans and the coast of Texas, and the tugs Glasgow and Jasmine between New Orleans and the vessels at Pensacola. The steamer Arizona has gone up the Mississippi River on account of the health of her crew. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, commanding Second Division of West Gulf Squadron, regarding the vessels of his command, U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, March , 1864. SIR: I have respectfully to report, in obedience to your order of the 15th instant, that the following vessels attached to this division were at this anchorage on the 15th ultimo, viz: - Richmond, Oneida, Pembina, Kennebec, Sebago, Penguin, Port Royal, Itasca, Metacomet Page 142 142 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. That the Calhoun and Jackson, steamers, and the bomb vessels were in Mississippi Sound at that time. That the Genesee and Pinola were in Pensacola at that time. That the Monongaheia, on the 12th, and the Octorara, on the 14th, left for New Orleans. The Gertrude was in New Orleans when last heard from. Where the Atbatross, Ossipee, and Conemaugh are I am unable to say. I am, very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Div. West. Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. Flagship Hartford. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of vessels of the Third Division of West Gulf Squadron. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, 9ff Galveston, March 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that yesterday the Katahdin, Lieutenant-Commander John Irwin, joined the blockade of this coast from New Orleans, and that the Aroostook, Lieutenant-Commander Hatfield, left for the same place for repairs to her boilers. The same evening the Arkansas reached here from Pass Cavallo and continued along the coast on the way to New Orleans. The Sciota arrived to-day from the Rio Grande, touching at all points along the coast. Neither she nor the Arkansas brought information of importance. Nearly the same disposition remains of the blockading as when Captain Gillis left, viz: Princess Royal, Chocura, and Antona at Sabine Pass; Lackawanna, Owasco, Kanawha, Katahdin, and Sciota off Galveston; Virginia at San Luis Pass; Penobseot at Brazos River, off Velasco; Estrella at Pass Cavallo, in Matagorda Bay, occasionally in good weather to come outside and coast as far to the northward and eastward as Caney Creek. The Cayuga will leave this evening to take the place of the Sciota, whose station was off Pass Cavallo, and occasionally to examine all parts of the coast from San Bernard River to the Rio Grande and aid the land forces if necessary. The schooner Marian, of 12 or 18 tons burden, laden with a few sacks of salt and bundles of iron, captured by the Aroostook off Velasco about the 9th instant, and reported to you by Captain Gillis as being in an unseaworthy condition; sunk at her anchorage off this place on the 14th instant in a gale, not, however, before the cargo was removed to the Aroostook, which latter vessel has taken it to New Orleans for adju- dication. The Harriet Lane, with all masts down, still lies under the guns of the fort at Pelican Spit, protected by steam guard boats and an encamp- ment of the enemy on Pelican Island. About seventy persons are represented to be on board. Acting Master E. A. Terrell, formerly of the Owasco, who had been sent to New Orleans as a witness to the district court, returned as pa Page 143 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 143 senger in the Katahdin. I have ordered him temporarily on duty on board the latter vessel in consequence of a deficiency of officers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast of Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding Confederate forti- fications between Galveston and Matagorda Bay. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, March 16, 1864. SIR: In reference to the employment of the small steamers you pro- pose sending to this part of the blockading fleet, I have made enquiries and learn that there are but few inlets on the coast unoccupied by our land forces into which they could go. Sabine Pass has ordinarily 7 feet of water on the bar and is the only one on the coast with muddy bottom; all the rest have hard sand bars. Vessels drawing 10 feet may, under the most favorable circumstances of a southerly gale and heavy swell, be forced through the mud into the Sabine River. Calcasien, to the eastward of Sabine Pass; San Luis and Brazos River, at Velasco, have each nearly 7 feet on the bar. On the bar at San Bernard River 3 feet is obtained. The remaining placesCedar Creek and Caney Creekare so nearly closed by sand that the water ripples on the bars in light weather. The enemy appear to be fortifying the coast between this place and Matagorda Bay. Captain Gillis informed me that they had erected a fort on the west end of Galveston fsland to guard San Luis Pass. From other sources I learn that they have a fort on each side of the entrance of the Brazos River, each having about four guns, smooth- bore. On the east side ot San Bernard River a fort exists of tour guns, two of them smoothbore and the remainder rifled guns of about 12- pounder caliber. At Cedar Creek a small battery stands with light guns, and at Caney Creek, on the east side of the entrance, is a fort with four guns, three of them smoothbore and one 30-pounder rifle with a range of about 3 miles. The forts and batteries at San Bernard River and Cedar and Cane y creeks do not appear to have been constructed to prevent our gun boats going in, as so little water is found upon the bars, but to resist the advance ot our land forces from Matagorda Peninsula toward Velasco. Many rifle pits and pits for the use of fleldpieces have also been con- structed between the Brazos River and Caney Creek, especially between the former place and San Bernard River, apparently with the design of preventing our land forces disembarking on that part of the coast. Of the defenses of Galveston doubtless Captain Gillis has given you full information, as on his leaving he took with him a chart locating the position of all the strengthened points. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain. Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 144 144 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 17, 1864. DEAR CAPTAIN: 1 suppose you have heard nothing new of the ram Tennessee lately. I saw by a Mobile paper great lamentations about their having anchored her in 5 fathoms water above Dog River Bar that is, they said a vessel that great things had been expected from, etc., not calling her by name; but I am so suspicious of the rebs that I feared it might be to take us in, as they did about the Merrimack. I see that they fired on one of their blockade runners the other night, in passing Fort Gaines, by mistake, showing that our suspicions are true that they run out through Pelican Pass. Walker, the spy, told me he knew that they did. I have sent a little vessel for the sound, the Cowslip. She will be a very efficient vessel, so soon as the captain learns something about the sound. I must try and do something for the late commander of the Jackson. He is a very good officer. The fact is, there will not be one in five of those who come out ~n these vessels fit to command them as vessels of war. We have given him an ensign to exercise his crew at the guns, etc., and as she only draws 6 feet water, she will be able to run all over the sound. Please let me have a note from you by every vessel you send in for coal, etc. I dont mind reading the letters; let me know all the news. Yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Commanding Second Division. Hoist your Second Division pennant. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the quiet conditions at Pensacola, Fla. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 17, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: Where is the Ossipee and where the Oneida, which you said were to be in here to coal last Tuesday? The admiral is imagining all kinds of accidents on the coast of Texas, or elsewhere, as the cause of detention. There is an entire lull of excitement at this place, and it is only better than the blockade because quieter in an elementary sense. The admiral seems to chafe a little at inaction, but yet even he can scarcely bring himself to believe that there would be any object in running the gantlet of the forts without soldiers to give stability to the movement; and if Banks has no better luck than Gillmore, I am afraid there will be no soldiers to spare for some time. What a stupid movement that whole Florida one seems to have been. Had it been only connected with a demonstration on this side, which could have easily been made, its chances of success would have been much greater; but I suppose they wanted a monopoly of the glory and got a beating, which, had the enemy only followed up the victor Page 145 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 145 (which neither of us ever do), would have ended in the total destruc- tion of our army. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. Letter from Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banics, U. S. Army, responding to a reguest for a gunboat in Red River. U. S. S. PENSACOLA,. Off New Orleans, La., March 18, 1864. GENERAL: I have received your communication of this date with the request that a gunboat may be sent up to the mouth of Red River for the purpose of preventing unauthorized trade from this city. I have to inform you that Admiral Porters fleet controls the police of the river above Donaldsonville. At this moment I learn that there are three of his vessels at the mouth of Red River, which doubtless will prevent any illicit intercourse that may be brought to their notice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES S. PALMER, Commodore, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, New Orleans. Major-General N. P. BANKS, U. S. Army, Commanding Army of the Gulf. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gillis, U. S. Navy, to rovide passage to New Orleans for deserters from the C. S. S. Se ma. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 18,1864. SIR: You will give passage in your vessel as far as New Orleans to the following deserters from the rebel steamer Selma: Thomas Keats, Malcolm Chalmers, Hugh Kelly, and John F. Simmons; and to R. B. Holley, a masters mate, whom they brought off and delivered up as a prisoner. You will direct Commodore Palmer to deliver them to the provost- marshal, with a statement of the circumstances. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain J. P. GILLIs, Rear-Admiral. Commanding U. S. S. Ossipee, off Pensacola. Letter from Rear-Admiral F U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding outlays upon wonclads. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 18, 1864. COMMODORE: We will have to stop the outlays upon the ironclads, if so expensive; but I can nQt tinderstand why it should cost so much as N W RVOL 211 Page 146 146 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. $8,000, when they told me it would only cost as many hundreds, to haul up one and about $2,000 to copper her, including the copper or metal. It is nonsense to send these vessels into salt water, where the worms bite, without protection against them. As soon as Ii can get suitable coThmanders for these vessels I must send two of them down to the Rio Grande and one of light draft to Calcasien. I have been obliged to send the Calhoun into fresh water for fear of her sinking. Yery respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, U. S. Navy Commanding First Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Navi- gation, regarding signals. PENSACOLA, FLA., March 20, 1864. ADMIRAL: You will have to do something to simplify the signals. It has now become a matter of the greatest anxiety to the officers in this fleet. There are nothing but mistakes with two sets of signalsthe regu- lar and the boat code. Can not the thing be simplified by keeping the signal book, numerical signals, and flags always the same, and when it becomes necessary to change the signals by loss of a signal book do so by adding and subtracting a number you may decide upon; for exam- ple, No. 43 reads Anchor. The officer making the signal adds 2 (or any number you please); the signal officer reads it 45, but sub- tracts 2 from it and looks in the signal book and finds (as intended). Of course, it would not be necessary with common signals, such as for lowering sails or a boat, etc. It is a matter of no consequence who knows the ordinary signals. The change, perhaps, would only be nec- essary in matters of importance. When it is necessary to be particu- lar, indicate it by a signal which shall mean that the number 2 is now to be added and subtracted. It occurs to me that this would obviate all the difficulty we have at present, which I assure you no one can comprehend except those who have to use them. The signals have been changed so frequently that we scarcely learn the flags before they are altered. I really beg that you will give this subject your attention, for I look for some disaster daily. The Ossipee was fired at by the Mobile blockading vessels at night. There is a general complaint in the squadron. Yery respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Rear-Admiral C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Chief of the Bureau of. Nav%gatton Page 147 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 147 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Yards and Docks, regarding the inadequate means for repairs to vessels. PENSACOLA, March 20, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your kind communi- cation of the 27th February, 1864. I do not expect the Bureau to do more than Congress will permit, but I am perfectly aware that it is difficult for either Congress or your- self to comprehend the true state of the case, because I, who am the sufferer, find it difficult to explain. The facts are simply these: My ,fleet consists of more vessels than our whole Navy did a few years back, three-fourths of them steamerssay 59. The dockyards at the North can not do half the work required of them in time. I send a vessel North for repairs which we have not the appliances to make, and she remains eight weeks, and returns to me and requires to go to New Orleans for one or two months to repair before she can take her station on the blockade. Anything we have the machinery and appliances generally to do we can do in half the time it is done at the Northern dockyard, simply, I suppose, because they are overworked. At New Orleans the work is done by the job and days work. They sent me vessels from the Upper Mississippi for the shallow waters of the Gulf, but they will be eaten up by the worms in two months without copper, so they must be hauled up and coppered and much strengthenedtogo outside to get to their stations. Our blockaders are from 300 to 500 and 7OQmiles from New Orleans. It is necessary that we should have the means of repairing our block- aders at a nearer port. Pensacola is the nearest (only 40 miles from Mobile), where we have 20 vessels on the hardest possible service, liable to break down every moment, and obliged to keep steam up all the time. At Pensacola I have a fine depot of everything we need, except the appliances for repairs, and, thank God, they are progressing rapidly. We have a good harbor, fine dock for the vessels to haul into when necessary for particular work, and good stone wharves for coaling, etc., with a fine pair of shears and cranes, and will soon have a fine hospital, able to accommodate 200 to 300 sick. You say that I d~id not state the size of the Nasmyth hammer; I think I did, from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. I will be thankful for any- thing. I think that there must be some mistake in the course my requisi- tions took, for I am informed by the engineer-in-chief that a hammer had been ordered from New York. You speak of the cost of boilers and steam power enough for all pur- poses. My boilers are set and at work, running two lathes, a drill- press, and I will soon have the puncher and shears added to it. The machine shop is beginning to look like work, but owing to our not hav- ing the large bellows we are unable to get a heat upon large pieces of iron. The old smiths shop is alongside of the machine shop, and I wish three rooms of the old building roofed over; the first for the smithery, which will contain six forges, two of which will be for the use of the steam hammer. When that is done we will be able to do almost any wrought-iron work for the fleet. The second room will be for th Page 148 148 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. foundry; we have the cupola, etc., and the molding sand left by the rebels. The third room will be for any boiler work. The whole expense of the above will be that of cleaning and laying the brick and putting on the roof. Ship Island is at the entrance of th6 Mississippi Sound, and protects the entrance to New Orleans by the lakes [Pontchartrain and Borgne]. We have been obliged to keep a small force in the sound all the time. I select for this work the vessels which are unable to go outside by reason of worn-out machinery, boilers, or hulls. These vessels require constant patching and repairs, and we have made the lame ducks do astonishing service in this way during the last twelve or eighteen months; so that The Ship Island shop is very necessary, but it is a very small affair, and will be reduced still more by bringing the work- men to Pensacola (say 7 or 8); the machinery is very limited, and small but sufficient for the place. You must bear in mind that vessels in the sound can not be risked to Pensacola, but those in the lake or sound can all go to Ship Island for repairs and coal with perfect safety. Still, it is a rough place to lie, except with a southerly wind. I have been there a week without being able to go on shore without being drenched, and therefore did not go. I have written you this long letter, admiral, to convince you that I am not an unreasonable man, and, in conclusion,will pledge myself to do all in my power to reduce the rebels to submission within the next season, as you desire. We are ready to go ahead whenever the order is given; but we must have soldiers stop up the back doors of Gaines and Morgan. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Rear-Admiral JOSEPH SMITH, U. S. Navy, Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Washington, I). C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, restricting passengers on naval vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 20, 1864. COMMODORE: Hereafter no officer or other person must be permitted to take passage in any naval vessel from New Orleans without a writ- ten order or permission from yourself or the senior officer present. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, U. S. NAVY, Comdg. First Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, New Orleans. [Similar orders sent to Captain T. A. Jenkins, U. S. Navy, off Mobile. Page 149 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 149 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, March 21, [1864]. SIR: In answer to your letter of the 19th instant, received by the Jasmine, i[ have heard all the news respecting the movements of the army. I can not spare the Cowslip, as she is the only vessel I have in Mis- sissippi Sound except now and then one taken from the blockade. As soon as vessels of light draft arrive, I will send them down to look after Vermilion and Calcasieu bays. As to the Octorara, let Mr. Shock go ahead and repair her as fast as he can. I will send north for the tubes. Let him send his requisitions here for what he wants and send copies with the specifications to the Bureau of Steam Engineering. As to galleys, she fitted [them] out as they are, and so let them be. If I send every vessel home that is likely to have the fever, I fear that I shall have no squadron left. If the Dinsmore is not likely to be ready in time, send the Arkansas down the coast again in about a week, instructing the captain to keep close into the shore, particularly between Vermilion and Calcasien. I do not wish a new screw for the Jasmine, she [illegible] northeast wind than usual. I want to know what work Mr. Shock is doing for the Richmond that he talks so seriously about her going into port to have fixed. We have something more than moral effect to deal with out here. They all talk about sending vessels north as if there was a superabundance of them, when we have not actually a vessel to send down on the coast. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, off New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting letter from the prize commissioner at New Orleans, regarding the disposition of captured munitions of war. No. 79.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Pensacola, March 21, 1864. SIR: I forward herewith a communication from the U. S. prizc commissioner at New Orleans, referring to the cargoes of prize vessels, which, consisting as they do of munitions of warpowder, muskets, pistols, etc.intended for the rebels, can not be sold in New Orleans in consequence of orders issued by the provost-marshal-general. He suggests that these articles be appraised here and turned over to the Navy at their appraised value, crediting the captors therewith. I approve of the suggestion, but submit the matter for the decision of the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Hon. GIDEON WELLES Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 150 150 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] OFFICE 29 COMMERCIAL PLACE, UNITED STATES PRIZE COMMIssIONERs OFFICE, New Orleans, March 19, 1864. SIR: In the capture of prize vessels running the blockade from Nas- sau, Havana, and other ports to Alabama and Texas, in their assorted cargoes, which are sold at auction, the proceeds to be divided as prize moneys among, we find powder, percussion caps, muskets with bayo- nets, navy pistols, etc. All were intended for the Confederacy, which can not be sold here by order of the provost-marshal-general; the pow- der (500) kegs and other munitions of war are of superior quality and workmanship, and I respectfully suggest that they be appraised and turned over to the Navy here, and their value credited to the different vessels making the captures. But for some such arrangement, these things will be lost to the Navy, and their value under any circum- stances deteriorated. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. B. THORPE, Prize Commwswner. Admiral DAvID G. FARRAGUT, Department of the Gulf, New Orleans. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding in ormation from the U. S. consul at Tampico, regarding breach of b a e NAvY DEPARTMENT, March 21, 1864. SIR: The honorable Secretary of State has submitted to my perusal two dispatches, of date the 8th and 15th ultimo, received by him from the U. S. consul at Tampico, from which the following are extracts: February 8.I am much gratified at the prompt measures which you were pleased to take for the purpose of checking the traffic of blockade runners between Texas and this port, which has increased to an alarming extent. From the 6th of September to the 17th of December, inclusive, of 1862, eleven of those vessels arrived at and loaded in this port, 1,519 bales of cotton, averaging in weight 450 pounds to the bale. February 17.Yesterday a steamer called the Emma, which has been for several months past under the British flag as a towboat, cleared for the port of Havana; Fredk. Grisser, Esq., the reputed owner of the steamer in question, and consul for Hanover for this port, invested that vessel with the nationality of his country. I was permitted by the Spanish consul to examine the manifest of the cargo of the Emma, which is composed of imperial white and brown sheetings, salt, coffee, and one crate, said to contain delftware, but in all probability it was filled up with small arms, as it is well known here that the vessel is actually bound for a port of Texas. Yesterday I had the mortification to witness the arrival in this port of three small vessels under British colors and one under the rebel flag, all from Galveston, bringing, together, 120 bales of cotton. I am fearful that our Navy is not on the alert on the coast of Texas. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-AdmiralD. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans Page 151 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 151 Firing on the stranded steamer Matagorda by the U. S. S. Penobseot, March 21 and 22, 1864. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Penobsoot, Lieutenant-Commander A. E. K. Benham, U. S. Navy, commanding. March 21, 1864.At 11:30 a. m. fog raised; saw a large side-wheel beam steamer, painted lead color, bearing N. by W.; got underway and stood inshore. Heavy sea running from N. E. At 4 p. m. went to quarters and opened fire on strange steamer ashore on the bar fire being returned by the forts, two of their shell passing over and bursting close to us. Hauled offshore, none of our shell taking effect. Expended 4 15-second XJ-inch shell, 4 20-pounder charges of powder, 15 primers, and 5 charges compressed powder, 3 percussion and 2 15- second shell for 20-pounder Parrott. Ship rolling heavily during the action. At 5:30 let go starboard anchor in 6 fathoms water veering to 30 fathoms chain. March 22.At 12:30 a. m. saw a light bearing N. E. ~ N. At 1 a. m. proved to be a three-masted propeller, standing southward and west- ward. At 12:15 p. m. saw a vessel on shore which yesterday was taken for a signal station. Got underway and stood for her. She proved to be a three-masted schooner, high on the beach. Went to quarters fired 2 10-second and 1 15-second XI-inch shell, 3 15-second 20-pounder shell, 3 20-pound charges of powder for the XJ-inch pivot, 7 primers, without taking effect. Deeming it imprudent to send boats, as a strong guard was on shore to intercept them, we hauled off and stood to our station. At 3:20 p. m. came to anchor. Report of Captain Herndon, C. S. Army, commanding post. HEADQUARTERS POST, Velasco, Tex.,March 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that about 4:30 oclock yesterday the blockader, a schooner-rigged propeller, passed up to the eastward some 3 miles from the forts and then came back, just out the range of our guns5 with the wind and sea, and opened fire on the steamship Matagorda, which was still aground. She fired four shots from a Par- rott gun, all passing over the vessel and exploding some distance to the rear. The enemy then passed to the eastward again, not being able with so much wind and sea to fire going up, and the second time came down within range of both batteries. The enemy fired three shots, one of them, a shell, exploded within a few yards of the Matagorda, one exploded so near Doctor Seeds that he was covered with cinders and smoke, and a solid shot knocked down a horse at the bridge on the bayou. Our guns shot remarkably well, since six shots from our bat- teries came very nearsome went over, some a little short, glanced (ricochetted), and, I think, struck the vessel, and a 32-pounder shell, thrown from the Velasco side, exploded directly over the vessel of the enemy, which drove the gunners from their guns and the men from off the deck, and the vessel remained in an unmanageable condition for about ten minutes, when she backed out to sea without firing any more. The enemy came to anchor about 3 miles out. There were Seven shots fired by the enemy and fifteen shots by our batteries Page 152 152 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. To-day is a beautiful day for the enemy to lire at the steamship, and they certainly will during the day. A three-masted vessel passed here going westward last night. The steamer Matagordas crew all aban- doned her yesterday evening, but a few went aboard last night to watch and signal the guards on shore. She is about 18 inches in the sand; considerably listed on the larboard side. The captain thinks he can save her; others entertain a different idea, and believe her a wreck. The schooner Emily still on the beach. All her cargo is here safely housed; the supercargo left for Houston on the Mary Hill. * * * * * * * The crew of the Matagorda have gone on board to endeavor to get her off but it will be a difficult task. Nothing from San Bernard this mormng. The enemy still at anchor 3 miles out. Nothing further of importance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. HERNDON, Colonel JOSEPH BATES, Captain, Commanding Post. Commanding, etc. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Jouett, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Metacomet, to proceed to duty in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off New Orleans, La., March 2~, 1864. SIR: I enclose a copy of an order from Rear-Admiral Farragut, directing one of the vessels of this division to be sent into Mississippi Sound, and I have determined to send the steamer Metacomet, under your command, for the first tour of duty off Grants Pass. You wili please carry out the instructions embraced in the order referred to. In case the bomb vessels need water before they can reach Pensacola, and you can not supply them from your vessel, you will please send them in pairs to Round Island to take in a sufficient supply, and with injunctions to be careful to keep their boats, officers, and men under their guns while watering ship. A buoy has been placed in Petit Bois [Island~ Pass, and I under- stand that there is another on the beach at Dauphin Island, which can be easily recovered. It is probable that pieces of spars, chain, and other means to construct temporary buoys may be had between Grants Pass and Ship Island. Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow, whose orders I enclose, will turn over to you copies of all instructions relating to duty in the sound. Very respectfully; THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES E. JOUETT, Commanding U. S. S. Metacomet, off Mobile Bar Page 153 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 153 Report of Major-General McClernartd, U. S. Army, giving information obtained regarding Confederate operations in Texas. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Matagorda Island, Tex., March 23, 1864. COLONEL: A number of colored refugees escaping from Port Lavaca brought within our lines last night the rebel schooner Fanny Fern, which has been turned in to the quartermaster as United States prop- erty. The same refugees report that Greens rebel brigade left Lavaca River about two weeks since, and that Duffs regiment was under marching orders, both for Louisiana. They also report that Bracken- ridge, with three companies of cavalry, now occupies Powderhorn (Indianola); that families declining to come away with us and remain- ing there are harshly treated and ordered to leave next week (when the town is to be burned), and that two schooners remain in Lavaca Bay, the Neptune and Angeline, the latter loaded with cotton and-com- manded by Poindexter, who professes the intention to run the block- ade, of which I have advised Lieutenant A. P. Cooke, commanding the U. S. gunboat Estrella, now here. Captain Armstrong, commanding Texas scouts, reported last night, through the line of couriers running between the extremities of this island, that a small rebel force, probably a reconnoitering party, showed itself yesterday on the mainland beyond Oyster Shell Reef,but soon disappeared. To-day I made a personal reconnoissance in that direction, but neither saw nor heard further of the party. Our defen- sive works, at the rate they are now progressing, notwithstanding the wasting action of the wind upon the sand of which they are composed, will be soon pushed to completion. They could be made available now as a partial defense. Their permanency will be secured as far as possible by the use of grass sods. Before concluding this dispatch I can not forbear expressing the while opimon that now, the enemys attention and most of his uu~ are drawn eastward to the Red River, a most favorable opportunity offers for concentrating a force at this point and penetrating into Texas. With the Thirteenth Army Corps reinforced by a due propor- tion of cavalry and cooperated with by a few vessels of war, I am con- vinced that Houston, Galveston, and the hostile works near the mouth of the Brazos River might be taken, and the way thus opened to the speedy overthrow of the rebel power throughout Texas. My best endeavors, and life, if necessary, are at the disposal of the general com- manding ~to carry into effect so important an object. Y our obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Colonel RICHARD B. IRWIN, Major-General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Grafton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Genesee, to relieve the U. S. S. Metacomet in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, March @6, 1864. Sm: You will proceed on Tuesday morning next (if the weather is suitable, otherwise the first suitable morning thereafter), with th Page 154 154 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. U. S. S. Genesee, under your command, to the vicinity of Grants Pass, via Horn Island Pass, and relieve Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, commanding the U. S. S. Metacomet, of the command of that portion of the Second Division doing duty in Mississippi Sound, and in time to enable Lieutenant-Commander Jouett to reach the blockade squad- ron stationed off the bar of the main entrance to Mobile Bay before dark of the same day. You will receive from Lieutenant-Commander Jouett the instruc- tions and unexecuted orders relating to duty in Mississippi Sound. The steamer Cowslip will, for the present, be the only vessel sta- tioned for guarding the passes and patrolling the sound. You will communicate by signal when necessary with the vessel that may be sent for that purpose, or the one that may be stationed off the Middle and Pelican channels. The mail boat will communicate with you when the weather will permit, both going and returning. As soon as Petit Bois is properly buoyed, the mail boat will enter and leave the sound through that pass. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander EDWARD C. GRAFTON, Commanding U. S. S. Genesee. Letter from Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, March 26, 1864. SIR: Your report of the 23d instant from Mississippi Sound, explain- ing the cause of your having abandoned the station assigned you at your own request on Sundaylast, has been received. To admit the propriety of a commanding officer abandoning a sta- tion assigned to him off a blockaded place in anticipation of a coming storm, or for any other reason, before attempting to communicate with the senior officer in command, would be virtually authorizing the officers in command of blockading vessels to raise the blockade estab- lished by the Government whenever, in their separate and independent judgments, they ought to seek harbors either before or during gales. I therefore can not admit that you were justified in leaving the station assigned to you, as you did a little before dark on Sunday evening, the 20th instant, and steering to the westward of the Middle and Pelican channels, and also out of signal distance, in violation of the instructions which have always existed on this blockade and which have been repeated since I last assumed the command. I am unwilling to believe that you designed to lead me to infer from the remarkthat Admiral Farragut said to me in Pensacola he thought it well for the double-enders to run inside the sound for shelter that Admiral Farragut intended to instruct or authorize any officer in com- mand of a double-ender to leave his station on the blockade without the knowledge or authority of the senior officer present. Admiral Farragut commands the fleet, and with that fleet he com- mands me as one of the senior officers of it; but he only command Page 155 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 155 this division through me, whom he properly holds responsible for the proper execution of the duties assigned to it. The anchorage off the Middle and Pelican channels is well protected against winds from the N. N. E. around to the northward and west- ward, as you state the wind was on the 2 1st. With reference to the ability of the Metacomet to ride out an ordi- nary gale, I have no means of forming an opinion; but two of that class of vessels (and among the oldest) have ridden out most of the gales of the past winter off Mobile Bar without damage. On Sunday, March 20, at 4p. in., on board of this ship the barometer is recorded 30.07 inches; at 6 p. in., 30.06 inches. On Monday, March 21, it was recorded at 8 a. m. 29.88 inches; between Sunday afternoon (2 p. in.) and Wednesday noon (23d) the lowest record of the barometer was at 11 p. m. of the 21st and at 2 p. m. of the 23d. It then stood 29.76 inches. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander J. E. JOUETT, Commanding U. S. S. Metacomet. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Meteor. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 26, 1864. COMMODORE: You will dispatch the ironclad Meteor to Pass ~ LOutre, with orders to move between that pass and the Head of Passes as guard boat. This is done to meet the suggestions of General T. W. Sherman. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, off New Orleaw~. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Commander Skerrett, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty off the coast of Texas. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 26, 1864. SIR: In accordance with the orders of the Navy Department, you will proceed by the first opportunity off the coast of Texas and report to Captain J. B. Marchand, commanding Third Division, for the com- mand of the U. S. S. Aroostook, relieving Lieutenant-Commander C. Hatfield, ordered north. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander JOSEPH S. SKERRETT, Off New Orleans Page 156 156 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of CommUnder Woolsey, U. S. Navy, senior officer off Sabine Pass, regarding the disposilion of refugees and deserters. U. S. S. PRINCESS ROYAL Off Sabine Pass, March 29,1864. Upon the arrival of deserters or refugees on board any of the vessels of this blockade the commanders of the vessels to which they come will cause them to be cautiously and carefully examined, and all infor- mation of value, including plans of forts, etc., must be transmitted to the senior officer present in such form that it may be officially for- warded to the admiral. And all such persons must be kept away from the engine room and hatches while on board. They must be forwarded to New Orleans, subject to the order of Commander James S. Palmer, with list of names, etc., and report of particulars by the first naval vessel going there. M. B. WooLsEY, Commander, Senior Officer Present off Sabine Pass. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition of the U. S. S. Pensacola. No. 89.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Pensacola, March 29, 1864. SIR: I have, in consequence of the urgent suggestions of the fleet surgeon and surgeon of the Pensacola, ordered that vessel to prepare for home. I do so because my instructions from the Department require me to do it as soon as she can be spared and particularly before the warm weather. The Albatross will also have to go North. I shall send her to Portsmouth, N. H., on account of the state of her hold. She has had the fever two years in succession, last year very badly, and her hold can not be cleaned out (so reported to me) without taking out the boilers or garboard strake. There are several other vessels, such as the Hollyhocic, Estrella, and all the mortar boats, which were very sickly last year, but as they have been well cleaned out I see no reason why they should be unhealthy this year; still, that appears to be the doctrine of the day among the surgeons. I shall not send them home, however, until May. I hope the Brooklyn and Galena will arrive soon to replace these vessels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGIJT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Culf Blockading Sguadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington Page 157 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 157 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Yards and Docks, requesting an opinion in the matter of the disposition of timber collected in Pensaco a Ban. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 29,1864. ADMIRAL: On my arrival here I found that there had been a little difficulty between Commodore Smith and the commanding general, Asboth. The latter had an order to collect some timber in Pensacola Bay for the repair of the forts, and also some ship timber (as the quartermaster denominated it) for the repairs of the transports that was to be sent to New Orleans. The commodore seems to think that he had no right to permit the Army to collect logs for the above pur- poses, because he had orders to collect all in Pensacola Bay for the Navy, and that, having made a contract to that effect with Messrs. Griffen & Co. he had no right to deprive them of any of the lumber, and therefore referred the general to Washington for an order and refused to permit his contractor to collect any logs in the Bay of Pensacola. General Asboth addressed to me a letter on the subject, which, with rny~reply, is herewith enclosed. In the latter I have taken a different view and have allowed the general to collect lumber for the necessary repairs of the fort; etc., but not to take the 35-foot logs, as you require them for the Navy. It is due to the general to say that he has always been ready to oblige us, and that he has sawed a large amount of lumber for us to enable the mechanics to complete the hospital and other work now in progress at the yard, and is continuing to do so. This matter is respectfully referred for the opinion of the Bureau. Very respectfully, your obedient si~rvant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rear-Admiral JOSEPH SMITH, Bureau of Docks and Yards, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 29, 1864. GENERAL: Your communication of March 25 is received in relation to the refusal of the pass to collect timber for the use of the Army, and I have had an interview with Commodore Smith upon the subject. I am satisfied that the commodore does not think he has the right to grant such permits, as he is required to collect and seize all the timber in Pensacola Bay for the Navy, and to contract with parties, etc., to send it to the navy yards at the North, and he further states that he has always been ready to give the Army any lumber or logs they may require in the repairs of the public works, and that he has ~done so on other occasions, and appeals for confirmation to the quartermaster of the district. All this is to show that he has been actuated purely by a sense of duty and a desire to obey his orders, and not from any dispo- sition to disoblige the Army or in any way to run counter to the gen- eral weal of the Government, but he has. thought that you should hav Page 158 158 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. refeyred the matter to the Department, so that the order to him might have been changed. But as I do not consider that the Chief of Bureau or the honorable Secretary of the Navy ever contemplated such a difficulty, I shall have no hesitation in giving the order to permit your people to collect timber according to your order, except ship timber, which the commodore has orders to seize and send North for the use of the Navy, say, logs 35 feet in length, and which I understood you to say that you did not want. These logs are deemed indispensable for naval purposes, and I can not imagine the necessity for such lengths for the repairs of ordinary steamers. I trust that the em- ployed parties will not raise difficulties by claiming each others timber. There should be enough in the bay and its tributaries for both the Army and Navy for some time to come. Respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Brigadier-General ASBOTH, Commanding U. S. Military Forces, Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant of the navy yard, Pensacola, to permit the collection of logs in Pensacola Bay by the Army. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, March 30,1864. COMMODORE: You will permit the Army to collect such logs as are required for their repairs at the forts in Pensacola Bay and its adja- cent tributaries. The general has informed me that he will not interfere with timber collected for the Navy, and I have excepted from his quartermasters order logs of 35 feet and above that length, as being necessary for our purposes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore WILLIAM SMITH, Pensacola Navy Yard. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding operations on the Texas coast, and transmitting report regarding the destruction by the Confederates of the late U. S. S. Clifton in Sabine Pass. U. S. STEAM SLOOP .LACKAWANNA Off Galveston, March 30, 1864. SIR: Since the more effectual closing of eastern ports, the blockade runners are making this coast their field of operations. From four German refugees, who came off to th~ squadron on the 19th inst., and two deserters from the rebel Army., on the 26th instant, I have learned that three vessels have succeeded in getting into Galveston within the last month, two of them since this ship has been here. They were two schooners and one small steamer, all from Havana. Th Page 159 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 159 steamer is the well-known blockade runner Isabella, now under Brit- ish colors, and effected her entrance on the night of the 18th instant. Oh that night there appeared more than usual activity amongst the four rebel steam picket boats inside of the bar, and unfortunately two of the gunboats stationed to the southward and westward of the Main Ship Channel were for an hour and a half absent from the sta- tion, about 2 miles distant, endeavoring to capture a schooner appar- ei& tly attempting to violate the blockade, which schooner on being boarded proved to be a coal vessel for this squadron. At that unlucky time it is supposed that the Isabella ran in. Evidently she had been expected, from the unusual number of rebel steam picket boats cruis- ing far down the channel. The four German refugees above referred to came off to avoid being forced into the rebel Army; neither they nor the rebel deserters brought off important information. All, however, unite in saying that the rebel Army are massing on the frontier of Texas, toward Berwick Bay, and on the Red River. I will send them for disposition to Commodore Palmer at New Orleans. The British steam sloop of war Lily, Commander A. C. F. Heneage, arrived on the 20th instant with dispatches to his consul; communi- cation by boat was permitted, and on the 23d she started on her return to Tampico. In a northeast gale on the 23d instaiit many bales of cotton floated by the squadron and large pieces of partially burned wood, like plank- ing, etc., of a vessel. As the cotton was unpressed, it was known to have come from a more northerly port, and upon the gale abating I sent the Virginia to cruise along the coast to the northward and east- ward and communicated with Commander Woolsey off Sabine. On her return the information I had before received from deserters was confirmedthat the Clifton, cotton-laden, in attempting to run out of Sabine Pass, grounded upon the bar, and to prevent capture by our blockading vessels was set on fire and burned by her crew, after inef- fectually throwing overboard her deckload in trying to get her afloat. Apparently no vessels have attempted to run out from this place; daily they are counted and examined with glasses by our vessels. Two schooners, deeply laden with cotton, anchored close to Pelican Spit Fort and amongst the rebel steam picket boats, are prepared to run out. The Harriet Lane and Isabella lie close above the same fort, protected also by the steam picket boats and cotton-clad ram Bayou City. One of the refugees, who came off on the 19th instant, stated that he was the army butcher and had the day previous served fresh beef for a crew of 70 persons on board the Harriet Lane. A discrep- ancy exists in the statements of deserters and refugees with regard to the latter vessel receiving a cargo of cotton, none of them ever having been on board of her. From an officer who has just come from the Penobscot, off the Brazos River, I have learned that the steamer Alice, a blockade run- ner, succeeded in getting into that river about the 1st of this month, and a few days ago, in a fog, a~ttempted to come out laden with cotton, but grounded on the bar. The Penobscot attempted to destroy her by shelling, but the rifle guns from the forts at the entrance of the river prevented her approaching sufficiently near, and the A lice returned to the river, where she is now lying ready, with six cotton- laden schooners, to run out on the first favorable opportumty Page 160 160 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Herewith I have the honor to send the report of Commander Woolsey in relation to the destruction of the Clifton and operations of the blockading vessels off Sabine Pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. Third Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. PRINCESS ROYAL, Off Sabine Pass, March 27, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the state of affairs here: A memorandum statement of the coal, oil, etc., with the reports of the Chocura and Antona, were sent by the Virginia yesterday. The only event of any importance which has transpired here was the burning of the Clifton on Monday last (21st). A little before 6 a. m. the officer of the deck reported to me that there was a fire in the [Sabine Pass]. Upon examination with my glass I recognized the Clifton on fire fore and aft. At daylight, the fog clearing away partially, I discovered that she was outside and hard aground on the west side of the channel. The boats had left. The supposition is that, finding she could not get out without passing in sight of our vessels, she attempted to return or to turn to the westward and got aground, and after finding every effort to get her off ineffectual she was fired. She was almost immediately enveloped in flames and soon burned to the waters edge. The next morning I ordered the Chocura to get as near to her as possible and send a boat in. She was completely destroyed above water and her hold was covered. One bale of cotton was all that could be recovered. There was too much sea to send boats in at the time she was burned, and had it been smooth I would not have sent them at that time, because the risk of having the boats blown up by an explosion of the boilers was greater than the necessity. I had been and still continue to keep a picket boat in at night, but on that night the Antona, whose turn it was, did not send one, in con- sequence of the boisterous state of the weather. After dark on Wednesday night (23d) I went to Calcasieu and re- mained there at anchor in 2 fathoms of water until morning. I then went to the eastward as far as Mermentau River, then returned along the coast in 4 fathoms of water, thus obtaining a good view of the en- tire coast. In Calcasien River there was a small sloop and a sailboat. I ran the shiD in as close as I could without getting aground and was still out of range: There was too much surf on the bar to go in with my boats, consequently I returned to Sabine. It has been too rough since for any vessel to get out. I came out into 5 fathoms of water on Friday (25th) to clean the boilers. So soon as I get up steam it is my intention to make another night trip to Calcasieu. Had I four vessels here, I could keep one off that part of the coast. This place can not be guarded by less than three vessels, excepting in clear moonlight nights. The Princess Royal and the Chocura are in good condition, but the Antona is a little better than nothing, excepting ~ a signal or guar Page 161 $Iwwin~ points of CoUisiowofdimerent Vessels upon/the RAM. 0. TEN/AESSEC CCNCSEE ~SCOAGC ~PCMO/CA C,CNCCCCE SECOND CONFLICT 3 I L E MANNATTA// t/ARTF~ TENNESSEE So CC CCC CON/C CNCME I CSC/PCC~ LACCA AC A W/CCCCOI/CC MOCONCA CE/A F/C CMOCO SC/MA B A AT TEl/S HO/NT TENN~$5E7C SURRFNDERED CC/CCASAC/ Y WACCE CE PC//COOl 9. TSU~ 0105/p BATTLE OF MOBILE BAY August 5~ R~64. 11CC NOCC/C CECOS CC. NASH/COCOS, C C. VCCOCL 5 55 I; \ P/COL Page 162 Page 163 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SGUADRON. 163 Regulations to be observed by the blockading vessels off Sabine Pass. APRIL 1,1864. Before dark the vessels will take their stations as follows: The Chocura will anchor to the westward of the channel, in 2j to 3 fathoms water, the Princess Royal barely visible to the naked eye (at night) in clear weather. The Antona will anchor in 3 fathoms water, the wreck of the Morning Light a little open to the westward of Texas Point. The Princess Royal directly in front of the channel, in 3 fathoms water, the light-house bearing N. W. by N., and the entrance of the pass open between the Clifton and Morning Light. In bad weather the vessels may, if necessary, haul off into 4~ or 5 fathoms water, showing their distinguishing lights until underway, then hauling them down. The lights not to be answered. If a vessel is seen coming out at night, go to quarters, blow a long whistle, and slip or get underway. Should it be necessary to define positions at night, it will be done by showing a red light at the peak, which must be answered with the same, and immediately hauled down. No lights must be shown at night excepting signals. While the ves- sels are achored in sight of each other, it is unnecessary to burn signals or show lanterns at night, unless there is a doubt; in which case the following will be the Challenge.A white light shown twice, four seconds each time, with an interval of four seconds. The answer will be a white light shown four sdconds. Should the challenge be repeated, the answer will be made with a red light. The distinguishing lights not to be shown excepting in the case before mentioned, or in answer to a vessel approaching. In the latter case the lights will be shown by none but the vessel which has gone out to speak strange sail. Signals to be made in case of necessity, without preparatory: Cos- ton signal No. 1 (W. R. G.).Enemy coming out. Coston signal No. 8 (G).Assistance I need. Coston signal No. 0 (G. R.).Annuls signals of alarm. All signals at night not here enumerated are Boat Code. No bells to be struck at night or during a fog. The inner anchorage must not be left without one of the steamers, which will occupy the best station for observation during the day, and immediately signal to the commanding officer anything of importance which may be transpiring within the pass. The vessels will keep slip ropes and buoys bent; and at night chains unshackled, excepting in stormy weather. M. B. WOOLsEY, Commander, Senior Officer Present off Sabine Pass Page 164 164 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Behrn, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cornubia. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 4,1864. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. (~ornubia to New Orleans, and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty in the Western Gulf Blockad- ing Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. F. W. BEHM, Commanding U. S. S. Cornubia, Boston. Capture by the U. S. S. Sciota of the s~chooner Mary Sorly, formerly U. S. revenue cutter Dodge, April 4, 1864. Report of Captain Narchand, commanding off Galveston. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA Off Galveston, April 4,1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that about 2 oclock this morn- ing the U. S. gunboat Sciota, Lieutenant-Commander George H. Perkins, captured the rebel schooner Mary Sorly, of Galveston, Tex., of 75~ tons burden, whereof Charles Diericks was master, having a crew of 8 persons, including the master, together with 2 passengers, laden with 257 bales of cotton, bound to Havana. The Mary Sorly was formerly the U. S. revenue cutter Dodge, seized by the rebels at the commencement of the insurrection in Texas, but at the time of leaving Galveston was owned (as appears by her regis- ter) by Thomas W. House, of Houston, Tex. The gunboat Sciota, which made the capture, was one of the ves- sels on the blockade of this place, watching the southwest channel. Two hours and a half previous to the capture the Mary Sorly was seen coming out of Galveston in a gale; the Sciota gave chase and after running S. by W. about 25 miles made the capture beyond signal dis- tance of any of the blockading vessels. All the official papers were found on board. The vessel will be sent to New Orleans for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast of Texas. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Captain Narchand, U. S. Navy, to the U. S. district judge at New Orleans. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 4,1864. SIR: Before daylight this morning the U. S. gunboat Sciota, Lieu- tenant-Commander George H. Perkins, captured the rebel schooner Mary Sorly, of Galveston, Tex., of 75~ tons burden, belonginga Page 165 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 165 appears by her registerto Thomas W. House, of Houston, Tex., ladc~n with 257 bales of cotton, for violation of the blockade. She was bound for Havana and had a crew of 7 perspus, independent of the master (Charles Diericks) and 2 passengers. The capture was made by the gunboat Sciota 25 miles S. by W. from Galveston, and, as represented by Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, beyond signal distance of the vessels of the blockading squadron. The circumstances of the capture are as follows: The Sciota, em- ployed on the blockade of this place, was at her station at the south- west channel; another gunboat saw the Mary Sony coming out of Galveston Harbor and made signal to that effect. The Sciota gave chase, fired upon, and captured her after a chase of two and one-half hours. The Mary Sony was formerly the U. S. revenue cutter Dodge, seized by the rebels at Galveston at the commencement of the insurrection in Texas, but at the time of capture was apparently owned by Thomas W. House, of Houston, Tex. Herewith I send the register, manifest, shipping articles, bill of health, and four private letters, being the whole of the papers found on board at the time of capture. Her late master, Charles Diericks, will be sent in her to New Orleans as a witness, and the crew and passen- gers in a few days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Corndg. Third Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Hon. THE JUDGE OF U. S. DISTRICT COURT, New Orleans, La. Letter from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, giving list of crew and passengers sent to New Orleans. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 7, 1864. SIR: Herewith are eight persons, comprising the crew and passen- gers of the rebel schooner Mary Sorly, captured by the Sciota on the 4th instant while attempting to run the blockade of Galveston: W. H. Dark, Frank Williams, William Hall, H. E. Murphy, H. M. Smith, seamen; Benjamin Smith, J. T. Simpson, John C. Walter, pas- sengers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. Third Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Commodore JAMES L. PALMER, Comdg. First Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. NoTE.The above-mentioned Frank Williams is a good pilot, and William Hall an old blockade runner Page 166 166 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant navy yard, New York, to send the U. S. S. Pink to the West Gulf Sguadro~. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 5, 1864. Sn~: Enclosed is an order to the Mattabesett to accompany the two ironclads to Hampton Roads, the Proteus having been assigned to other duty. You will send the tug Pink along with the ironclads also, which will save chartering a steamer. Give the Pink orders to pro- ceed, after accompanying the ironclads as far as Hampton Roads, to New Orleans and report for duty in the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Let the Onondaga and Tecumseh go to sea next Monday or Tuesday, should the weather be favorable; otherwise the first favorable day thereafter. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral HIRAM PAULDING, Commandant Navy Yard, New York. Stations of vessels composing the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. No. 99.1 U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE Off New Orleans,April 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the following as the position of the vessels of my squadron, viz: Off east end of Santa Rosa island .S ailing vessel Charlotte. Off Pensacola.Steamers Hartford, Tennessee, R%chmond (coaling), Sebago (coaling), Itasca (coaling), Pembina (repairing), Bloomer (repairing); sailng vessels Arthur (off town of Pensacola), W. 0. Ander- son and Kittatinny (guard the narrow pass above navy yard and town of Pensacola), Potomac, J. C. Kuhn, Nightingale; mortar vessels 0. H. Lee, Orvetta, Sarah Bruen, John Griftith, Sea Foam, Henry Janes. Off Mobile.Steamers Oneida, Conemaugh, Jlletacomet, Port Royal, Pinola, Penguin, Albatross, Kennebec, Genesee. Off Ship island .Sloop of war Vincennes. in Mississippi Sound.Steamer Cowslip. in Lake Pontchartrain.Steamer Commodore, tinclad Stockdale (No. 42), yacht Corypheus. Off New Orleans.Steamers Pensacola (soon to leave for the North), Octorara (repairing), Monongahela (repairing), Seminole (repairing), Ossipee (repairing), Aroostook (repairing), J. P. Jackson (repairing), New London (repairing), Gertrude (repairing), Calhoun (repairing); tinclads Elk (No. 47), Wave (No. 45), Tallahatchie (No. 46), Rodolph (No. 48), Carrabasset (No. 49); sailing sloop Portsmouth; steam tugs Narcissus, Hollyhock, ida; sailing vessels Fearnot (ordnance), M. A. Wood (coal). At Head of Passes of Mississippi River.Tinclad Meteor (No. 44). At mouth qf South West Pass.Sailing vessel Pampero. in Berwic Ba .Tinclads Nyanza (No. 41), Glide (No. 43); steamer Granite City. Off Sabine Fass.Steamers Princess Royal, Chocura, Antona Page 167 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167 Off Galveston.Steamers Lackawanna, Owasco, Katahdin, Sciota, Kineo, Virginia; sailing vessel Bohio (coal). San Luis Pass.Steamer Kanawha. Off Velasco.Steamer Penobscot. Pass Cavallo.Steamer Estrella. Pass Cavallo and coast to Rio Grande.Steamer Cayuga. The steamer Arizona has gone up the Mississippi River on account of the health of her crew. Dispatch steam tugs running between New Orleans and Pensacola. Tugs Glasgow, Jasmine. Dispatch steam vessels running between New Orleans and the Texas coast.Steamers Arkansas, Augusta Dinsmore. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, I?ear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding off San Luis Pass, regard- ing movements of blockade runners. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 5, 1864. Sin: Several deserters from the rebel Army and refugees from Galveston came off to the squadron this morning and amongst other information reported that five or six schooners laden with cotton had left Galveston through the West Bay to run the blockade at San Luis Pass. The schooners designed waiting at the entrance of the pass for a favorable wind or thick weather. The refugees and deserters state that one or more schooners accom- panied them, armed with two 12 or 24 pounders, and manned each by about 40 soldiers. The armed schooners have bales of cotton on their decks, so as to appear like ordinary blockade runners, in hopes of capturing any boats that might be sent to cut out the schooners, as was done on a former occasion, or, if a favorable opportunity occurred to go out and take by strategem or boarding the blockading steamer. Whether the information is reliable or not it is worthy of notice, and may.be the means of preventing disaster. Very respectfully, etc., J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. Third Division West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant CHARLES H. BROWN, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia, off San Luis Pass Page 168 168 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Johnstone, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Seminole. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, New Orleans, April 5, 1864. SIR: You will proceed with the Seminole under your command off Mobile and report for blockading duty to the senior officer present. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JOHN5TONE, U. S. S. Seminole, off New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Strong, U. S. Navy, to proceed north in command of the U. S. S. Pensacola, U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, New Orleans, April 5, [1864]. SIR: You are hereby temporarily detached from the U. S. S. Monon- gahela and ordered to the temporary command of the U. S. S. Pensa cola for the purpose of taking that vessel North. On assuming command you will get the ship ready for sea with all dispatch, previously landing four of her guns, viz, two rifle and two IX-inch. You will then proceed to Pensacola, taking in there coal and pro- visions, but of the latter only enough for the passage home. You will next proceed to Hampton Roads and on your arrival report by telegraph to the Department, asking to what port you shall take the ship. You will send by mail to Secretary of the Navy a copy of these orders, and unless otherwise directed by him you will return to New Orleans and resume command of the Monongahela. It is expected that you will be here for that purpose by the time her repairs are completed. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander STRONG, Monongahela. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 5, 1864. COMMODORE: On the reporting of Commander Strong, you will con- sider yourself detached from the U. S. S. Pensacola, delivering over the command to that officer, to whom I have given full instructions Page 169 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 169 You will then hoist your divisional flag on board the Monongahela, assuming, at the same time, the command of that vessel until the return of Commander Strong. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, off New Orleans. Capture by the U. S. S. Estrella of the Confederate schooner Julia A. Hodges, April 6, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Estrella. U. S. GUNBOAT ESTRELLA, Matagorda Bay, April 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 3d instant the enemy sent a flag of truce to this point on a schooner. I met her and sent Acting Master Pomeroy to learn its object. Afterwards I commu- nicated with the commanding general, who sent an officer to attend to the flag. Mr. Pomeroy informed me there were several officers of the rebel gunboat J. F. Carr on the schooner. They came with the flag of truce, doubtless to make a reconnoissance of our situation here. The weather prevented the schooner from returning till next day. On the 5th instant the same party came again in a different schooner on a trivial errand with a flag of truce, but returned immediately. On the morning of the 6th instant I took a cruise up the bay, and when off Indianola discovered the schooner which had been down the day before on a flag of truce lying in the bayou at the town. I fired a shot at her, whereupon a white flag was hoisted at her masthead and two men came off in a small boat. They were detained as prisoners, and an armed boat sent in to bring out the schooner and a little sloop which was lying there. Two other men were brought off with the schooner. I ascertained that the men were all in the employ of the enemy. They gave their names as follows: Captain Green Hall, C. S. Navy, commanding Confederate gunboat J. F. Carr; Joseph P. Hanna, first pilot, gunboat Carr; James Delaney, pilot, transport steamboat Lucy Gwinn; and William Austin, commanding dispatch boat Julia A. Hodges, which is the name of the schooner captured, a fast little vessel of S Lons burden. I brought the boats down to the anchorage of the Cavallo and turned the prisoners over to the provost-marshal of the forces at this point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. COOKE, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, Commanding Third Division Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Lackawanna Page 170 170 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Estrella, Lieutenant-Commander A. P. Cooke, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 6, 1864.Got underway at 6:30 a. in.; steamed up the bay toward Indianola. At 7 discovered several small craft in the bayou at the town. At 8 called all hands to quarters, anchored abreast the bayou, fired pivot gun at small vessels in bayou. The principal schooner hoisted white flag; ceased firing. Two men came off in small boat; detained them as prisoners. Sent boats crew in and brought out a schooner of 8 tons and a small sloop. Took four prisoners in all. Towed the boats to Pass Cavallo; turned the prisoners over to provost- marshal at [Fort] Esperanza. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Owasco, Lieutenant-Commander E. W. Henry, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 6, 1864.B olivar Channel. At 5:30 a. m. turned round and steamed in for the land. At 5:45 discovered a schooner under the land to the southward and westward; hauled up and ran for her. She proved to be a rebel schooner, which her crew had run on shore and deserted. As she was lying broadside on with the sea breaking over her it was impossible to board her. Commenced firing at herfrom the rifle gun, 3 percussion shells; from the XJ-inch gun, 1 10-second shell and 3 5-second shell and 5 shells from. the howitzers. At 7:30 steamed up the coast. Report of Major-General McClernand, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 9,1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the following persons were captured by the U. S. gunboat Estrelia, on the 6th instant, at Indianola: Captain Green Hal ,late commanding Confederate gunboat Carr; Joseph P. Hanna, late first pilot of the Confederate gunboat Carr; James Delaney, late seaman of the Confederate gunboat Carr; William Austin, captain Confederate dispatch and mail schooner J. A. Hodges. They came within our lines on a flag-of-truce boat on the 3d instant and again on the 5th instant, during my absence on the Rio Grande. There is little doubt that this was with some ulterior motive. They pretend to some claim of protection from the flag of truce they came into our lines with, but at the time of their capture they had returned to the place from which they started with the flag, had arms on board, and were in communication with an armed force of rebels on land. Their return to Indianola was on the previous day, and there are no grounds whatever for their pretended claim. It is reported that the commodore, the same who captured the Harriet Lane, is at Matagorda, and it is believed that he purposes some similar movement in sending these men down here, 45 miles from their vessel, to spy out, under cover of a flag of truce, our defenses and the posltlQn of our vessels in our harbor. Joseph P. Hanna is said to be the last regular pilot of this portion of the coast they had, and his cap- ture has rendered their gunboats in Matagorda Bay almost useless Page 171 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 171 They will be forwarded to the provost-marshal-general in charge of Captain J. D. Brewster, aid-de-camp. The schooner Julia A. Hodges, used as a mail and dispatch boat by them, and a small sloop were cap- tured at the same time. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Major-General, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel RICHARD B. IRwIN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. S. TENNESSEE, April 6, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: I am too busy to do more than write a few lines to thank you for the books. I send the paper, and will the cap by next opportunity; so far I have not been able to go on shore by daylight to select it. The Pensacola will be with you in a few days. Palmer takes the Monongahela temporarily, vice Strong. The Seminole left yesterday for Mobile, and we hope to get the Ossi pee off this week for same place. No particular news from Red River, but I think it looks very much as if we had been licked at Alexandria. Send the Glasgow back as soon as she can be conveniently got ready, but not later than twenty- four hours, as the admiral would like to have her before going to Texas, for which place he will, I think, leave in a few days. Yours, very truly, ~. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Richmond. Let [Martin] Freeman, the pilot of Hartford, come back in the Glasgow for the trip, unless his services are required on board. As the Glasgow loses nine men, who go home in the Pensacola, you must give her some from the Potomac, and you might also lend an engineer from the Hartford for the next trip, until we can give her a permanent one. P.D. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regard ~ng the disposition of prize property. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 7,1864. SIR: Your letter of the 21st ultimo, No. 79, enclosing a copy of a communication from the prize commissioner at New Orleans, has been received. The Department declines to direct that the munitions of war referred to be turned over to the Navy without necessity and without discrimi- nation. What is already needed, and can not otherwise be so well obtained, may be taken at the appraised value. It is presumed that when prize property is found unsalable in New Orleans the prize court has authority to order its sale in some othe Page 172 172 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. district. This appears to have been the course adopted by the court at Key West. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the impaired condition of the vessels of his command and referring to the reported destruction of the U. S. S. Clifton. No. 104.] U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 7, 1864. SIR: I found my blockading vessels breaking down so rapidly that I determined to run around here and look into the condition of things. I found 11 vessels undergoing repairs, viz, the Ossipee, Monon- gahela, and Seminole (3 of my largest vessels), and 8 gunboats, some requiring two or three months repairs. The Monongahela was run against the wreck of the sunken ironclad at the bar at South West Pass and knocked off her entire cutwater and stern down to the keel. This was done, perhaps, through the want of skill in Mr. Jones, the pilot, but the error was in going out when it was too dark to see; but as I seldom have occasion to find fault with overzeal in repairing to the blockade, I passed it over by telling them not to do it again. I left four vessels in Pensacola. I only give this account that the Department may see that it is not always in my power to prevent an occasional escape of a schooner on the coast of Texas. These little vessels can run close along the shore until out of sight of the block- aders, but I think that Mr. Chase, the consul at Tampico (extracts from whose reports are given in your dispatch of March 21) does not show a large amount of cotton escaped, and the vessels he describes under English colors could not be seized. Only 2 of my small vessels have as yet arrived. I fear some of them have been lost. They are indispensable for the blockade of this coast. We have a report by the Arkansas from the coast of Texas that the Clifton attempted to run out of Sabine Pass, got aground, and the enemy destroyed her by setting her on fire. Our vessels, it is said, could not get near her. I have nothing official on the subject. I still hear from refugees and deserters that the ironclad Tennessee has not crossed Dog River Bar, but that the rebels are making new pontoons to float her over. I never did think they intended to get her over unless they could do so with ease, as they could not get her back without greater difficulty; but I am told that it is determined to keep her near the city for its defense. I shall nevertheless continue to wat~h her until I have the proper force, viz, soldiers to land on the peninsula and Dauphin Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. (3. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 173 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 173 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the departure of the U. S. S. Pensacola for Hampton Roads. No. 105.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that the U. S. S. Pensacola, under the command temporarily of Commander James H. Strong, detached from the Monongahela for that purpose, leaves to-day for the North. Commander Strong has orders to proceed first to Pensacola for coal and afterwards to Hampton Roads, reporting his arrival there by tele- graph to the Department and to await the further orders of the honor- able Secretary of the Navy as to the disposition of the vessel. Commodore Palmer has been directed to hoist his divisional flag in the meantime on the Monongahela. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of communication regarding a difficulty aris- ing from misapprehension of neutral rights by blockading vessels on the coast of Texas. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 7, 1864. SIR: The Department has had under consideration your dispatch of February 19, enclosing a copy of a letter addressed by Admiral Milne to Commodore Bell, and your proposed reply to it. A correspondence which has taken place between this Department and the Secretary of State has rendered the transmission of your pro- posed reply to Admiral Milne unnecessary. The Department approves of your course in submitting it for inspection. You will perceive from the copy of a communication to the Secretary of State, herewith enclosed, that further difficulty or misunderstanding might have ensued had you forwarded your reply to Admiral Milne without the knowledge of the Department. If any inst uctions should have been issued to officers under your command contrary to the tenor of the enclosed paper the Department desires that you will recall or modify them. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. [Enclosure.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to receive your letter of the 3d instant and accompanying papers in relation to a difficulty which has seemed likely to grow out of a misapprehension of the instructions given to our cruisers in the Gulf and on the coast of Mexico. I do not understand our Government to claim the right of captur- ing ships for having carried contraband of war after the contraban Page 174 174 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. has been landed, unless the contraband has been landed by them in a blockaded port and they are on the return voyage from such port, nor the right of capturing ships in Mexican waters or in any neutral waters, nor the right to capture neutral ships on a bona fide voyage from one neutral port to another, though laden with articles which would be contraband if carried to an enemys port; nor the right to capture neutral ships bound to an enemy s port not blockaded, unless such ships have contraband on board; nor the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction to the extent of more than a marine league from our coast. With respect to the point last mentioned, any misapprehension which exists may have arisen partly from what may have been an inadvertence, analogous to a clerical error, in the treaty with Mexico and partly to our municipal law, under which merchant vessels bound to the United States may be boarded by the revenue officers when within 4 leagues of our coast. Other nations have similar municipal laws, which are to be regarded merely as prescribing the conditions on which trade is permitted. We claim the belligerent right of search ubique, except in neutral waters; the right of seizing enemy s property on board merchant vessels anywhere, with the same exception; and the right of capturing any merchant vessel returning from the blockade port, after violating the blockade, such right to exisLat any time during the return voyage. It is not improbable that the commanders of some of our cruisers in the Gulf are not accurately informed of the extent of the neutral rights herein referred to, and the Department will lose no time in placing the matter properly before them. The whole coast of Texas, except such port as may be necessary for access to the port of Brownsville, is to be regarded as under blockade. The documents are herewith returned. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Commander Donaldson, U. S. Navy, to assume command of U. S. S. Seminole. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Pensacola, April 8,1864. SIR: Learning unofficially that you are a passenger on board the U. S. supply vessel Admiral, now in this port, under orders to report to the commander in chief of the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron for duty as commander of the U. S. S. Seminole, now off Mobile Bar, you will on arriving at that place report yourself to Commander William E. Le Roy, senior officer present, and take command of the Seminole. Very respectfully, TIIORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Commander EDWARD DONALDSON, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Admiral Page 175 WEST GULF BLOCKADENG SQUADRON. 175 Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, forwarding for disposition desert ers from the Confederate Army. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Otf Galveston, April 8, 1864. Sin: Herewith I send for your disposition three deserters from the rebel Army and one contraband, who came off to the Penobseot on the morning of the 5th instant, named as follows: H. D. Peterson, P. Vanorsdale, William Flord, Wilbur Watson, contraband. Also six deserters from the rebel Army and one refugee from Galveston, who came off to the Kineo on the 5th instant, named as follows: Antonio Orluffe, First Texas rebel artillery, Company 0; Peter Berg, First Texas rebel artillery, Company 0; Fred Rudolph, First Texas rebel artillery, Company 0; Henry Aytoun, First Texas rebel artillery, Company 0; Martin Reicke and Fred Hahn, army butchers; Frank Teichman, refugee from Galveston. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. Third Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Comdg. First Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Position of blockading vessels of the Third Division West Gulf Block- ading Squadron. COAST OF TEXAS, April 9, 1864. Sabine Pass. Princess Royal, Chocura, and Antona. Off Galveston.Laclcawanna, Penobscot, Katahdin, Kanawha, and Kineo. Off San Luis Pass. Virginia. Brazos River, off Velasco.Owasco, Sciota. Pass Cavallo.Estrella. Pass Cavallo, and occasionally to run along coast to Rio Grande. Cayuga. J. B. MARCHAND, Captain Comdg. Third Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAwANNA, Off Galveston, Tex. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, commanding on the coast of Texas, giving information received from deserters regarding the movements of blockade runners in those waters. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 9, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that on the 4th instant the U. S. gunboat Kineo, Lieutenant-Commander John Watters, arrived from New Orleans, which permitted my sending a second gunboat to blockade the entrance of Brazos River. On the following day thre Page 176 176 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. deserters from the rebel Army and two contrabands came off to the blockading vessels at that place and stated that there were nearly a dozen small schooners, cotton laden, in that river reudy to run out, and that the steamer Alice, formerly the iViatagorda, had made two attempts to come out when partially cotton loaded, but grounded upon the bar, and that all the cotton (350 bales) was about being taken out of her and sent to Galveston, where she would go to reload. The deserters further state that signal stations have within the last two months been established along the coast and the lookouts in- structed to keep a strict watch, especially for the China fleet, which is to raise the blockade. This China fleet [isi composed (they say) of several vessels built in England for the Chinese Gov- ernment, but subsequently sold to rebel agents in China. The information in relation to the China fleet was said to have been brought from Richmond by a bearer of dispatches some time ago. These deserters say that the Alice is the only steamer that has run into the Brazos River, but that a large trade has been carried on there by small schooners, which, however, within the last three months, has greatly decreased. Those schooners carry in rope, bagging, etc., and occasionally arms and ammunition, only enough cargo to purchase cotton for outward trips, and run to Havana, Jamaica, Mexican ports, and Honduras. One of the contrabands above referred to will, at his own request, be detained on board the Penobscot as part of the crew. I was happy on the 4th instant to communicate information of the capture of the schooner Mary Sorly, formerly the U. S. revenue cutter Dodge, laden with 257 bales of cotton, by the Sciota off this place in attempting to run out. The Dodge was seized by the rebels at the commencement of the rebellion whilst in Galveston Bay. By the destruction of the Clifton on the 21st ultimo, reported in a former com- munication, and the capture of the late Dodge, the rebels are beginning to lose their ill-gotten spoils. They still hold four vessels captured by them, viz, the Sachem, in Sabine River on 8th September, 1863, and the Harriet Lane and barks Cavallo and Elias Pike, in Galveston Har- bor on the 1st January, 1863, on the reoccupation of that place. The two latter were laden with coal at the lime of their capture. From rebel deserters I have learned that a noted blockade runner of Galveston named John Davisson has recently left to take command of the Sachem at Sabine Pass, and that another one named Maynard has the command of the Harriet Lane, which is being laden with cot- ton preparatory to going out. On the 5th instant six deserters from the rebel Army and one ref- ugee, all Germans, who had emigrated to Texas immediately before the rebellion, came off to the squadron off this place. They all repre- sent that the Harriet Lane is about being laden with cotton to go to Havana, and that the blockade running steamer Isabella is already laden and ready to run out. They further state that a few days ago several small schooners, cotton laden, left Galveston through West Bay to run out of San Luis Pass and were acompanied that far by one or more like-looking schooners, whose decks also are partially cov- ered with cotton bales, each armed with two 12 or 24 pounders and manned by about 40 soldiers, to prevent boats from the blockading vessel cutting out the cotton-laden schooner, as was done upon a for Page 177 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 177 mer occasion, and to run out, and, by stratagem or boarding, take our steamer stationed off that place. Very respectfully, yottr obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. Third Div. West Gulf BlocA+ng. Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blocicading Squadron. Letter from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to the senior ofticer off Sabine Pass, giving information regarding the movements of bloc/cad e runners and referring to the China fleet. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA Off Galveston, April 9, /864. DEAR SIR: Your letter of yesterday has been received, together with the accompanying communications a h you sent. here , nd I am obliged for t e informa- on the 4th instant by the Sciota capturing the schooner Mary Sony, f6rmerly the U. S. revenue cutter Dodge, seized by the rebels at the commencement of the rebellion. At the time of her capture she was coming out of Galveston laden with 257 bales of cotton. Deserters frequently come off from Galveston. The last say that a noted blockade runner of Galveston named John Davisson left a few days ago for the Sabine to take command of the Sachem, but they did not know for what purpose the Sachem was designed. The rebels are said to be fitting out schooners, each to be armed with two 12 or 24 pounders and manned with 40 soldiers, their decks to be covered with cotton bales to give them the appearance of blockade runners in order, by stratagem or boarding, to take boats that may be sent to cut out the schooners or to capture any of the blockading ves- sels which may not be on their guard. The blockade runner Alice (late Matagorda), partially cotton laden, has made two ineffectual attempts to cross the bar and come out of Brazos River. She is said now to be discharging her cargo and sending it to Galveston, where she proposes to run in and reload. The Isabella is fully laden here and ready to run out the first favor- able opportunity, and the Harriet Lane is said to be lading with cotton to go to Havana. Two other schooners in sight inside have been ready to come out nearly a month. The last preceding two days have been foggy, rainy, and thick, giv- ing the most favorable opportunities for the blockade runners to come out, and I was extremely apprehensive that they would avail them- selves of it, but to-day the weather has been clear and they are still seen inside. I have learned that within the last two months the rebels have estab- lished signal stations along the coast, or rather increased the signal stations and corps with instructions to vigilance and especially to report the arrival of the China fleet. This China fleet, they rep- resent, is composed of several vessels built in England for the Chinese Government and subsequently purchased by rebe a ents~ N W NVOL 211 Page 178 178 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The rebels say that with their floating forces in the harbor, aided by the China fleet, they will sweep away the blockade. Truly, yours, J. B. MARCHAND, Capta%n. Commander M. B. WOOLSEY, Commanding U. S. S. Princess Royal and Senwr Officer off Sab~tne Pass. Report of Captain Jlfarchand, U. S. Navy, regarding blockade runners in Galveston Bay, and other matters in that vicinity. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA Off Galveston, April 9,1864. DEAR SIR: The monthly reports of the Sciota and Virginia for 1st March, referred to in your note, were forwarded a few days before its receipt. Since the capture of the late revenue cutter Dodge everything remains in the former condition in Galveston Bay. The English block- ade runner Isabella and the Harriet Lane are lying tci the northward and close under the fort on Pelican Spit, two schooners, cotton ladenthe Tip Top and Higherclose to them. The Cavallo near one of the wharves at Galveston. Several light-draft schooners, loaded with cotton, reported by deserters as having gone through West Bay to run out through San Luis Pass accompanied by armed ones, as referred to in my letter to the admiral. I have written to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, of the Virginia, giving him that information. With the two vessels at Brazos I hope that blockade running will be checked there to some extent. For some time the weather has been bad and foggy along the coast, giving most favorable opportunities for blockade running. The report about the China fleet, I presume, has been circulated by the rebel authorities to encourage the people and cause the coast lookouts to vigilance. The deserters from Brazos River agree in stating that nearly all the rebel troops along the unimportant points of the coast, between Gal- veston and Pass Cavallo, have been withdrawn and sent toward the Red River, leaving only small guards behind. The rebel military force at Galveston still amounts to about 2,000 men. I was glad to hear yesterday from Commander Woolsey that after he had sent the chief engineer of the Princess Royal to examine the boiler of the Antona the latter vessel has performed better and steams at the rate of 6 and 7 miles an hour. A survey has just been holden on the engines and boilers of the Penobscot and reported in a bad condition. She will have to go to New Orleans for repairs in the course of a couple of weeks. - The boilers of the Virginia are again leaking, and I will be under the necessity of bringing her here for three or four days work upon them as soon as the nights become more moonlight. Herewith I send the position of the blockading vessels on the Texas coast. Very truly, yours, ~. B. MARCHAND, Captain. Fleet Captain PERCIVAL DRAYTON, U. S. Flagship Hartford Page 179 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 179 Semi-official letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jen- icins, U. S. Navy, referring to vessels at the Pensacola navy yard, and affairs at New Orleans. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, New Orleans, April 10, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: Old Smith is a regular marplot and seems deter- mined neither to do anything himself nor to permit anyone else. Until his return the admiral desires that Mr. Williamson shall merely superintend the work required by our steamers, not interfering With the workshops if Commodore Smith objects. He will arrange the matter when he comes to Pensacola. About the Jasmine there must be some mistake; she belongs to the yard, and has been always looked upon as under the control of the commandant there. If you received orders from the admiral to take charge of her it must have been through some misunderstanding. The Ossipee leaves in the course of a few hours for Mobile, and the Arizona has just come down from Cairo. I think we shall go to Texas about the 13th, and hope to be in Pen- sacola before long. I sent the papers by the Glasgow, and a cap by the captain of the Jasmine. The second device I will get on Monday; when a new lot is expected. Nothing particularly important from the Red River, but everything is going on well, and the prospect is that the rebs will be entirely cleaned out if the river does not fall too soon, which it threatens. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond, Pensacola. I have not time to write to Williamson, so you must tell him what I have said. If you have not already sent the Glasgow to us here, do so at once. Your boat and other things required will be taken round in the Arkansas, which leaves in a day or two with machinery for Pensacola. If the two engineers ordered home by the Pensacola per Jasmine do not reach in time, they must be sent by the new supply vessel. Capture by the U. S. S. Virginia and subsequent loss of the Mexican schooner Juanita, April 11, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding additional reports. No. 124.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture on the 11th instant off San Luis Pass by the Virglma, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. [H.] Brown, commanding, of the Mexican schooner Juanita, ostensibly bound for Havana. The particulars appear in the enclosed communi- cation from Lieutenant Brown (marked No. 1). A prize crew was put on board and the vessel dispatched for New Orleans. I have further to report that on the following day the vessel was lost. She was discovered from the Virginia to be among the breakers Page 180 180 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. but how she got there Lieutenant Brown is unable to explain. The crew are supposed to be prisoners; their names are given. See the enclosed communications from Lieutenant Brown, marked Nos. 2 and 3. I have heard from Captain Marchand that by deserters it is stated that the schooner was run on shore by the helmsman when drunk, the prize master being at the time asleep. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Enclosure No. 1.] U. S. S. VIRGINIA, Off San Luis Pass, Tex., April 11, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully report the capture by this vessel of the Mexican schooner Juanita, from Matamoras, bound ostensibly to Havana. She was first seen from this vessel soon after 8 oclock this morning, and after a moderate chase was brought to and boarded. All the official papers of the vessel indicate that she was bound to Havana, the only evidence to the contrary being the assertions of the captain and a private note purporting to come from her owners direct- ing the captain to proceed to New Orleans. The vessel having unquestionably cleared for Havana and being widely out of her course to that port, I send her to New Orleans as a prize for adjudication. She carries no cargo whatever. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure No. 2.] U. S. S. VIRGINIA, Off San Louis Pass, Tex., April 12, 1864. SIR: I have to report the loss of the Mexican schooner Juanita, a prize to this vessel, under the following circumstances: Having been captured yesterday morning, according to my previous report, she was dispatched for New Orleans at 10 in the evening, under the charge of my second officer, Acting Ensign N. A. Blume. At the time the schooner got underway there was a light wind from the southward and eastward, which fell away during the night to nearly a calm. At daylight this morning the Juanita was discovered about 2 miles distant, inside the line of breakers, with her head toward the beach and nearly out of water, the vessel being of very light draft. as near the schooner as was possible, I discovered that abandoned and that several of the enemy were stationed in various positions close by Page 181 WEST GULF BLOCI~ADING SQUADRON. 181 It is of course impossible at present to give any further details or to account for the loss of the vessel, the wind having been fair while it lasted and the schooner having two good anchors on board, with chains, etc. Mr. Blume, the officer in charge, has hitherto shown himself worthy of confidence as a seaman and navigator, and has taken two vessels, prizes to the Virqin~a, from this coast to New Orleans. This forenoon he was seen to come (lown the beach in company with some of the rebel soldiers arid remove his effects from the schooner to the picket station. I endeavored during the morning to destroy the Juanita with shell, but owing to rolling badly was unable to do so. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure No. 3.] Lixt of prize crew of the Mexican schooner Juanita, at present supposed to be held as prisoners in the State of Texas. N. A. Blume, acting ensign; Guiseppe Cantemodina, captain of fore- castle; Felix Sulia, Arthur Adams, seamen; Timothy McDermed, landsman; Ernest Dubreuil, officers steward. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GaAs. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, forwarding passengers and crew of the prize. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 16, 1864. SIR: Herewith I send for your disposition five persons, passengers and crew of the prize schooner Juanita, captured by the Virginia on the 11th instant near San Luis Pass, named as follows: Juan Car- bonell, passenger; Jose Chaquarutie, Eugene Euterbe, seamen; Pedro Rameros, mate; Jose Lopez. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg., Squadron, Coast Texas. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S Navy, commanding.. April 10, 1864.Off San Luis Pass. At 8:30 a. m. called the first guns crew to quarters, fired 8 shot and shell at two steamers inside o Page 182 182 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the land. At 10:45 several rifle shots were fired at us by soldiers ashore. Called all hands to quarters and fired 17 24-pounder shells and 4 34-pounder rifle shells at them. April 11 .At 5:50 a. m. sail reported bearing S.W. by S. At 6 got up anchor and stood for strange sail; vessel proved to be the Rachel Seaman. Taking in stores from the Rachel Seaman. Got underway and stood in chase of a sail to the southward. The bolt of the main trysail gaff gave way. Expended one solid shot. At 3 p. m. Mr. Thomas boarded the schooner, and brought the captain withhis papers, on board. The papers showed her to be bound from Matamoras to Havana, but beitig found so far off her course, steering direct for the mouth of the Brazos River, was taken as a prize. At 3:15 came to anchor in 9 fathoms water. Mr. Brackett with a prize crew went on board the schooner; the boat returned, bringing the schooners crew and things on board. At 4 got underway and steered for San Luis Pass. At 9 p. m. Mr. Blume went on board [the schooner] as prize master; Mr. Brackett returned. At 10 p. m. the schooner got under- way, apparently steering N.N.E. At 11:30 lost sight of her. At that time she bore from us N. by W. Her name was the Juanita. April 12.At daylight discovered the schooner inshore, bearing N.W. by N. At 6 got underway and stood in toward her and found her to be our prize on shore inside the breakers. Could not discover any persons on board of her. At 6:30 a. m. came to anchor in 2 fath- oms water. At 7:30 fired 3 24-pounder shells as schooner. At 9 a. m. saw three persons coming down the beach. One of them proved to be Mr. Blume in charge of two soldiers; went on board the schooner and took his baggage out of the schooner, and was last seen going up toward some houses. At 12:35p.m. called the broadside gunscrew to quarters and shelled the prize schooner. At 3:35 fired 2 shells at schooner. At 6:30 fired 2 shells at schooner, one of which struck her stern. At 7:20 got underway and came to anchor in 5 fathoms water. Letter from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. S. Navy, giving in ormation from Confederate deserters regarding the China fleet an pro osed operations. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA Off Galveston, April 11, 1864. SIR: From information received by deserters on th& 5th instant, I have learned that within the last two months the rebel signal stations along the coast have been increased, and the corps instructed to vigi- lance, and especially to report the arrival of the China fleet. This China fleet, they represent, is composed of several vessels built in England for the Chinese Government, but subsequently sold to rebel agents. With this fleet the rebels say it is their intention to sweep away our blockade. I have also learned that the rebels are fitting out schooners with cotton bales on deck, armed with two 12 or 24 pounders and manned by about 40 soldiers to deceive our blockading forces and capture if possible any boats which may be sent to cut out the schooners, or, if opportunity offers, to run out and capture, by stratagem or boarding, our blockading vessels Page 183 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 183 Whether the information is reliable or not, it is worthy of notice and may be the means of preventing disaster. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Cajilain, Commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast of Texas. Lieutenant-Commander E. W. HENRY, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Owasco, Brazos River, off I7elasco. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the deficiency of vessels for the blockade of Texas. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 11, 1864. SIR: I regret having to send you another gunboat for repairs, viz, Sciota, which has nearly broken down by reason of the after bearing of the shaft wearing away and causing the propeller to strike upon the shoe. The Penobscot having been surveyed (the result of which was sent to you) will have to go to New Orleans for repairs as soon as the nights become moonlight. From the Virginia I have just heard that her boiler tubes leak and will require three or four days with fires out to repair. She will come here for that purpose. From the condition of the above vessels it will be seen that the blockading force here is insufficient, and I sincerely trust that you will send other vessels as soon as practicable. This coast is becoming a principal field of operations for blockade runners. Three steamers and many schooners are in Galveston Bay laden and ready to run out; at Sabine Pass the Sachem and several schooners are also ready for the same purpose; at San Luis Pass six. schooners are similarly waiting, and at Brazos River a steamer and fleet of schooners are prepared to run the blockade. The coal brig Imogene arrived here three days ago from the South West Pass with 526 tons coal for the squadron. To-morrow I expect to be able to complete discharging the coal brig Ward, except about 40 tons of coal for ballast, and, having no instruc- tions in relation to her disposition, I will send her to the South West Pass of the Mississippi to report to the senior naval officer there, with instructions to telegraph to you for further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND Captain, Commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans Page 184 184 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the commandant of navy yard, Pensacola, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy,for cooperation in case of expected attack. COMMANDANT S OFFICE, Pensacola Navy Yard, April 11, 1864. SIR: We are threatened with an attack here by a large rebel force. In case of an attack the signals in the yard will be, by day, a red flag at the gaff of the flagstaff andthe long roll; by night, a rocket, followed by a blue light and long roll, or either of them. Should you see the signal you will please land your marines at the old central wharf and send them to the western gate of the yard; and send as many of your boats as you can spare (with reduced crews) to the same wharf, to assist in removing the people from the yard to the shipping in case of necessity. Shoufd your engine be ready, you will have steam got up, to move as circumstances may require. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SMITH, C7ornmodore, Commanding. Captain THORNTON A. JENKlN5, Commanding U. S. S. Richmond, off Navy Yard. Order o~ the Secretary of the Navy to Lientenant-tiiommander Jones, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pocahontas. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April ii, 1864. SIR: Proceed with U. S. S. Pocahontas to New Orleans and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Lieutenant-Commander M. P. JONES, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Pocahontas, Philadelphia. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Master Seaver, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Philippi NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 11, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Philippi to New Orleans and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Master JAs. T. SEAVER, U. S. Navy, (~oinmanding U. S. S. Philippi, Boston Page 185 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 185 Letter from Brigadier-General Gooke, U. S. Army, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, requesting services of a gunboat. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, Baton Rouge, La., April 11, 1864. Your dispatch received. There is not a Navy vessel in the second district. I wish a gunboat for a few days. P. ST. GEORGE COOKE, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Captain T. B. GREGORY, U. S. Navy, Commanding, Donaldsonville, La. Lette; from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, U. S. Navy, referring to the China fleet and proposed opera- tions of the Confederates. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 12, 1864. Sin: I have received your interesting report in relation to the rebel dispatch schooner Julia A. Hodges and the capture of the rebels in her; also your communication about the burning of a cotton-laden schooner in Matagorda Bay on the 28th ultimo. Both have been sent to the admiral. If possible, it would be desirable to obtain the names of all the yes- sels destroyed or captured. Sometime since I was told that no naval general signal book was furnished the Estrella, and so informed the admiral. Will you be pleased to let me know if I made an erroneous statement to him l From information received by deserters, I have learned that within the last two months the rebel signal stations along the coast have been increased and the corps instructed to vigilance and especially to report the arrival of the China fleet. This China fleet,~ they represent, is composed of several vessels built in England for the Chinese Govern- ment, but subsequently purchased by rebel agents With this fleet the rebels say it is their intention to sweep away our blockade. I have also learned that the rebels are fitting out several schooners, with cotton bales on deck, armed with two 12 or 24 pounders, and manned by about 40 soldiers, to deceive our blockading forces, and capture, if possible, any boats that may be sent to cut out the schooners; or, if opportunity offers, to come out and capture, by stratagem or boarding, our blockading vessels. Whether the information is reliable or not, it is worthy of notice and may be the means of preventing disaster. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Coin. Third Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Lieutenant-Commander A. K COOKE, Commanding U. S. S. Estrella, Matagorda Bay Page 186 1 S6 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADROI~. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. S. Navy, to fuinish, when possible for record, the names of vessels seen or chased. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 12, 1864. Sin: I was glad to hear verbally through Lieutenant-Commander Perkins that on the 6th instant, you had driven a blockade runner, which was coming out of the Brazos River into the breakers, and which since that time has nearly gone to pieces. In order that the record of the Navy Department may be properly kept up, it is desirable to know the names, if practicable, of all vessels captured or destroyed. I will thank you, if possible, to ascertain through deserters, refugees, or other means, the name of the vessel you caused to run ashore, as well as the name of the vessel which had been seen ashore by the Penobscot before your arrival at Brazos River. I shall be pleased to hear from you on all occasions, whether of important information or not. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Coin. Third Div. West Gulf Blocleng. Squadron, Coast Texas. Lieutenant-Commander E. W. HENRY, Commanding U. S. S. Owasco, Brazos River. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regardin~j the disabled condition of schooner Lovet Peacock, laden with naval stores for the West Gulf Squadron. FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, Off Newport News, Va., April 12, 1864. SIR: On the 10th instant the master of the schooner Lovet Peacock informed me that he had put into Hampton Roads in distress from the effects of a gale of wind, and that he is bound to New Orleans with naval supplies for the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. He asked for and received permission to pass the guard vessel, that he might go to Norfolk for examination and repair. This morning the master of this schooner hands me the enclosed communication, containing the report of examiners at Norfolk, indi- cating that the Peacock requires such repairs as make it necessary to discharge most if not all o1~ her cargo, and her master desires to go to Baltimore to make them, saying that the army occupies the shipyards at Norfolk and that he can not get repaired there. I have accordingly instructed the guard vessels to let him pass. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 187 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 187 Letter from Major-General Httrlbut, U. S. Army, to the Secretary of the Navy, regarding the preparation by the Confederates of a submerged torpedo boat. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPs, Memphis, April 12, 1864. II am informed, and I believe credibly, that a submerged torpedo boat is in course of preparation for attack upon the fleet at Mobile. The craft, as described to me, is a propeller about 30 feet long, with engine of great power for her size, and boiler so constructed as to raise steam with great rapidity. She shows above the surface only a small smoke outlet and pilot house, boats of which can be lowered and covered. The plan is to drop down within a short distance of the ship, put out the fires, cover the smoke pipe and pilot house, and sink the craft to a proper depth; then work the propeller by hand, drop beneath the ship, ascertaining her position by a magnet suspended in the pro- peller, rise against her bottom, fasten the torpedo by screws, drop their boat away, pass off a sufficient distance, rise to the surface, light their fires, and work off. The torpedo to contain 40 pounds of powder and work by clockwork. As near as my informant can give the plan, I send you a rude sketch. One of the party has gone North for a magnet and air pump. I expect to catch him as he comes back. The boat is to be ready by 10th May. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Copy of this letter sent to Rear-Admiral Farragut, April 26, 1864.] Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP TEN.NESSEE, New Orleans, April 12, 1864. MY DEAR JENKINS: Get the Sportsman off as soon as you can, for she is one of those swindles handed over from early times of the war, which it is disagreeable to contemplate. The admiral gave notice to the captain that there must be no detention for ballasting, as per his letter in lette book, which you can see on board of the Hartford. Walker will go round to join the ship in a d~y or two, per Arkansas, and when your vessel is ready again for sea he will go to Texas; but that will not bi~, I suspect, before our return. The admiral says you must judge for yourself as to what is best to be done about the buoys, and if Grinnell is not competent or is care- less, select some one else to attend to the matter. Take the whole thing into your own hands, either directly or through Gibson, as you may think proper. If you can arrange to send the Jasmine round and take a few days to put the house on the Glasgow, it would be well to do so; otherwise I suppose she must come now and await a more convenient oppor- tunity Page 188 188 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The admiral talks of going to Texas about Thursday, and again of not going at all, but returning at once to Pensacola. The Narcissus (tug) has been sent to Mississippi Sound. I have been so busy all day disposing of the fifty officers that I can scarcely write this. I suspect you will not be wanted outside with the force now there, so you had better take a good rest while a chance offers. The Gertrude was in a shockingly dilapidated condition; she will now be out in a couple of weeks. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. Combined expedition by the U. S. S. Estrella and U. S. Army trans port Zephyr in Matagorda Bay, April 12~4, 1864. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, commanding the coast of Texas. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to send a communication from Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, of the Estreila, accompanied by one from Acting Master Pomeroy, of the same vessel, relating to their cooperation with the Army on an expedition to Lavaca City. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Estrella, Lieutenant-Commander A. P. Cooke, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 12, 1864.At 6:30 a. m. got underway in company with the Zephyr and steamed up the bay. At 9 discovered a rebel steamer and two schooners inside Matagorda Reef; called all hands to quar- ters; steamed for rebel, steamer until we grounded. Opened fire at about 3 miles distance; fired 13 solid shot, 4 percussion, and 1 time- fuzed shell from 30-pounder Parrott, but could not get sufficient elevation. At 11:30, in company with the Zephyr, proceeded down- stream. At 2:20 p.m. anchored,, with the Zephyr, and sent an escort of troops ashore to bring off a Union family desirous of coming within our lines. At 4:10 troops returned withUnion family. At 4:40 weighed and continued down the bay. At 9:20 anchored, in coin- pany with the Zephyr, off Alligator Head light-house. April21 .Matagorda Bay. At 8:20 a. m. Acting Master Pomeroy, with armed boats crew, went on board steamer Zephyr; she, with the steamer Warrior, steamed up the bay. At 9:30 weighed anchor and followed. At 11 passed lindianola. At 10:40 Warrwr an Page 189 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 189 Zephyr, [army steamers], anchored inshore; this vessel anchored off- shore in 7 feet water. At 6:30 went to quarters, cast loose, and prepared for action. April 22.The Zephyr and Warrior underway and steaming in toward Lavaca. At 9:30 the Zephyr and Warrior not in sight. April 23.At 6 a. m. saw the Zephyr and Warrior oif Lavaca. Weather squally; thunder and lightning. At 1:30 weighed anchor, steamed up the bay, and at 4:15 returned and anchored about 4 miles to the southward and westward of Indianola. April 24.At 9 a. m. weighed and steamed down the bay; steamed outside. At 5:30 weighed and steamed inside. At 6:40 p. m. anchored and found the Zephyr and Warrior alongside the wharf at Fort Esperanza. At 7 Acting Master G. P. Pomeroy returned on board. Letter from Brigadier-General Warren, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, commending the services of Acting Master Pomeroy, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Estrella. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Matagorda Island, Texas, April 27, 1864. ADMIRAL: I shall be pardoned, I hope, for expressing to you my obligations to, and appreciation of, the services of Lieutenant [Acting Master] G. P. Pomeroy, of the gunboat Estrella, during an expedition of four days to Port Lavaca. He took general charge of two steam transports, and by his atten- tioi~i, industry, and good seamanship impressed me most favorably as to his qualities for command and a higher position. I beg to add that I make this acknowledgment of my indebtedness without any suggestion from him, or even knowledge of my act. I only do an act of justice to a good officer, who, although out of my branch of service, is no less a cooperating agency in the great work in which we are all engaged. I am, admiral, with high respect, your obedient servant, FITZ HENRY WARREN, Brigadier-General. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Fleet. Special order of Major-General McClernand, U. S. Army. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 77. f Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864. I. Brigadier-General Warren, commanding First Division, will detail a company 35 to 50 strong, with at least 2 officers, to report on board the naval vessel Estrel la to Lieutenant-Commander A. P. Cooke. The men will be supplied with 100 rounds of ammunition. They will take their knapsacks and light-mess furniture with them, and will carry two days rations in their haversacks. The company will remain with Lieutenant-Commander Cooke until relieved by him or by orders from these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 190 190 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of i~ajor-General lYlcCiernand, U. S. Army, to Brigadier-General Warren, U. S. Army, to hasten the movement of cooperating forces. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864. GENERAL: The two companies of infantry ordered to report on board the Estrella and Zephyr have not yet done so. You will hasten their movements. They must be aboard before daylight to-morrow morning. By command of Maj or-General McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Brigadier-General WARREN, Commanding First Division. Report of Major-General McClernand, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 15, 1864. COLONEL: I am directed by Major-General McClernand to report that the transport Zephyr, with two guns, and the gunboat Estrella, each with a company of infantry, left here on the 12th instant under orders from these headquarters to sail up Matagorda Bay and gain information respecting the movements of two vessels seen inside the peninsula. On approaching Matagorda Reef the gunboat Carr and the armed schooner Buckhart, two rebel vessels, were seen on the other side of the reef. Shots were exchanged without any other effect than temporarily to drive the rebel gunners from their guns. Two rebel scouts were seen on the peninsula, who fled upon seeing a party disem- bark from our vessel. The same evening the Zephyr ran down a small sloop on her way from Matagorda city to Port Lavaca, her crew jump- ing oVerboard into shallow water and escaping. Next day the Estrella and Zephyr sailed to ~IIndianola and thence to Olivers Point in Trespa- lacios Bay, where they captured another small sloop and two small boats and burned still another sloop. All were brought to this land- ing excepting the burned sloop and turned over to the quartermaster. Lieutenant-Colonel Sinclair, inspector-general of this corps, com- manded the Zephyr and Lieutenant-Commander Cooke the Estrella. Lieutenant-Colonel Warmoth, of the Staff, accompanied the latter. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, SAMUEL CALDwELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Lieutenant-Colonel Iii. B. IRwIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the capture by the U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman of the British schooner Maria Alfred, April 13, 1864. No. 140.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith the report of Acting Master Charles Potter, of the Rachel Seaman, detailing the circum- stances of the capture by that vessel of the British schooner Mari Page 191 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 191 Alfred, on the 13th of April, with an assorted cargo. The vessel was sent by the captors to New Orleans for adjudication. (No. 1.) Enclosed also is a prize list of the officers and crew of the Rachel Seaman. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Enclosure.] U. S. SCHOONER RACHEL SEAMAN, 36 miles south of Mermentau River, La., April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that at 11:30 a. m. this day a suspicious looking schooner was discovered from this vessel, steering N. by E., the wind at the time being from the,east. I gave chase and sent a boat on board at 1 p. m. She proved to be the British schooner Maria Alfred, of Nassau, from Havana, bound to Matamoras, with an assorted cargo. As her captain (Joseph Williams) did not give a good reason for being found in his present position, and steering in for the coast now in possession of the rebels, I decided in putting an officer and prize crew on board and sent her to New Orleans for adjudication. I herewith enclose muster roll. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES POTTER, Acting Master, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of the Acting Light-House Engineer at New Orleans, regarding the buoys at the entrance to Pensacola Bay. OFFICE OF LIGHT-HOUSE ENGINEER, 8TH AND 9TH DISTRICTS, New Orleans, April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 9th instant, in relation to the buoys at Pensacola entrance. The apparent neglect of the aids to navigation in that important place will, I trust, be found on explanation to be due to obstacles beyond the control of this office. In January last a lot of 100 spar buoys were sent out, but instead of being completely rigged, as the invoice stated, no moorings, chains, or sinkers were sent with them. During last month a lot of 40 iron buoys were received. They are in sections and have to be put together and riveted here. At the time when these buoys were ordered (August, 1863) boiler makers could easily have been obtained, but by reason of the great demand for this class of mechanics, in consequence of the increased number of public and private steamer,s in these waters, I have thus far failed in all my efforts to get a gang of men to do this work, even at $3.50 a day and rations. There is now but one iron buoy on hand. In December last I received information that the Pensacola buoys were displaced, and shortly after Commodore Gibson recommende Page 192 192 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Mr. Grinnell as a proper person to be charged with the keeping of the buoys. This recommendation was anticipated by my application to him to give the job to Mr. Grinnell. Shortly afterwards I received through Commodore Bell a letter from Mr. Grinnell, endorsed by you, and referring him to this office; thereupon I wrote you, under date of January 25, of which letter I herewith enclose a copy. On the occasion of the visit of Admiral Farragut to this city a couple of weeks ago I had the honor to wait upon him and to learn from him that nothing had as yet been done to the buoys, and that it was his desire to have the matter attended to. I informed the admiral that I had just dispatched the schooner Martha, Captain Williams, to Pensa- cola for this purpose. The Martha having but few days work to do at the Passes, I calculated that she should have reached Pensacola about the 10th instant. Much to my surprise and regret I received, shortly after receiving your letter of the 9th, information to the effect that the Martha was delayed at Pass ~ lOutre, in consequence of two of her crew having fallen sick and being sent back to the city. I send to-day two other men to complete her crew, but in consequence of this unf ore- seen delay and in view of the necessity of taking off a gang of work- men from Chandeleur Island to Ship Island (their work at the former station being supposed to have been accomplished), it becomes now necessary to change my first plan of sending the Martha direct from Pass ~ lOutre to Pensacola and to let her go first to Chandeleur to take the men to Ship Island, where she is to leave them and then pro- ceed to Pensacola. This delay will enable me to send, in addition to the spar buoys and appurtenances now on board, some more sinkers and chains and the iron buoys spoken of. I shall now instruct Captain Williams to remain in Pensacola until the work is completed to your satisfaction. If you deem it desirable that Mr. Grinnell be employed to keep the buoys in order, I shall be happy to agree to any bargain you may see fit tQ make with him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. F. BONZANO, Acting Light-House Engineer. Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, U. S. Navy, Gomdg. 2nd Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Richmond, Pensacola. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding information of active blockade running from Tam- pico, Mexico. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 13, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of dispatch No. 11, dated the 2d ultimo, received from the U. S. consul at Tampico by the Secretary of State and communicated to this Department, relative to active movements of blockade runners between that port and the coast of Texas. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Squadron, New Orleans Page 193 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 193 Letter from the Secretary of ~he Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding statement regarding the increase in importation of cotton into England. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 13, 1864. Sin: Transmitted herewith is a statement furnished by Mr. Ed. Atkinson, of Boston, of the imports of cotton into England ifi 1862 and 1863 from various prominent points. You will perceive that the imports for 1863 nearly treble those of 1862, and that the great bulk and great increase are from the Bahamas, Bermudas, and Mexico, Atlantic ports. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master 11am- ilton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, to per- form blockade duty on the coast of Texas and Mexico. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 13, 1864. Sin: You will proceed off Galveston and report to Captain J. B. Marchand, commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squad- ron, for duty on the coast of Texas and Mexico. You will then run down to Tampico and cruise between that port and the Rio Grande for blockade runners. The consul informs me that there are a large number of small ves- sels running the blockade from the coast of Texas to that port and a short distance above. Make no captures within less than 6 miles of the land when off the coast of Mexico. You will cruise there until relieved or obliged to enter Galveston for supplies or coal. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master ALEXANDER HAMILTON, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, .U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Tibbit~, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Arizona, to proceed to duty at Sabine Pass. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 13, 1864. SIR: So soon as ready for sea you will proceed with the Arizona off Sabine Pass, reporting for blockading duty to the senior officer pres- ent and relieving the Antona, ordered here for repairs. Report by letter to Captain Marchand. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Acting Master H. TIBBITS, Rear-Admiral. Commanding U. S. S. Arizona, off New Orleans, ~{ W RVOL 21 1 Page 194 194 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Capture of the schooner Mandoline in Atchafalaya Ba?!, April 13,1864. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Washburn, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nyanza. U. S. S. NYANZA, Berwick Bay, April 14, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that I yesterday captured the schooner Mandoline (with 20 bales of cotton), hailing from Bonfouch6 [Bonfouca]. Her register says that she belongs to Franklin, La. When captured, she was running out of Atchafalaya Bay, having run out of Vermilion Bay during the night. The schooner had a Confed- erate register, manifest of cargo, crew list, bill of health, and a military pass. She cleared from the Mermentau River for Tampico and a market. Her papers showing her to be a lawful prize, in my opinion, I have seized her and put a prize crew on board and ordered her to proceed to New Orleans and report to the prize commissioners. Very respectfully, s. B. WASHBURN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Nyanza, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant S. B.Washburn, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 13, 1864.From 4 to 8 a. in.: Steamed down the river into Atchafalaya Bay and proceeded to the westward. At 6:30 a. m. saw a sail ahead; fired starboard forward gun to bring her to. At 7 boarded her, found her to be the schooner Mandoline, Bonfouca, from the port of Franklin, La., bound to Tampico, Mexico, with a cargo of 20 bales of cotton; master, David Raggio. Sent Acting Ensign Wilson and 6 men as prize crew on board of her, then pro- ceeded to the westward. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, U. S. Navy,for the services of the U. S. S. Antona off Galveston. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 14, 1864. Sin: On the 19th of this month I will thank you to send the Antona to serve temporarily on the blockade of Galveston. I regret the neces- sity for withdrawing her from Sabine Pass, but we will then be reduced to but three vessels unless she comes. The Sciota broke down and was sent to New Orleans a few days ago; the Penobseot is in nearly the same condition, and she will have to leave on the 20th for New Orleans; the Virginias boilers leak, and she will have to lay with fires out for some days to repair, and one of the gunboats will have to take her place at San Luis Pass. Three steamers, amongst them the Harriet Lane, and several schooners are laden and prepared to come out; hence the necessity of having the Antona to guard one of the four channels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gu~fBloc1cdg. Squadron, Coast Texas, Commander M. B. WOOLSEY, ~$enior 6~jJtcer off Sabine Pass Page 195 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 195 Chasing ashore and burning of the sloop Rosina at San Luis Pass, April 15, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 125.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April ~O, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the destruction by the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. [H.] Brown, commanding, of the sloop Rosina, whilst attenipting to run the blockade off San Luis Pass. When first observed, on the morning of the 13th instant, the Rosina was running close to the breakers, and upon chase being given she was headed for the beach and ran hard aground. On account of the heavy sea running no boats could be dispatched to secure the cargo, but on the 15th instant, the wind blowing offshore, two armed boats boarded her, and after taking out her mast, some rigging, and an anchor the vessel was set on fire. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Bear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Captain Narchand, U. S. Navy, forwarding report of the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Virginia. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAwANNA, Off Galveston, April 16, 1864. SIR: Herewith I send a report from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Charles H. Brown, commanding the U. S. S. Virginia, of the destruc- tion of the sloop Rosina on the 15th instant at San Luis Pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, c3ommanding. April 13, 1864.Off San Luis Pass. At 5 a. m. discovered the schooner to be on fire, also discovered a schooner standing down the beach. Up anchor and stood down toward her, when she was run ashore by her crew. Fired 5 24-pounder shells at her. At 7 came to anchor as near as we could. At 8:30 fired 2 shells at the sloop. At 10 got underway and stood out in 5 fathoms water and anchored. At 11 fired 2 30-pound shells at the sloop. At 12:30 p. m. fired 2 30-pound shells at the sloop; fired 8 12-pound shells. From 4 to 6 p. -in.: Fired 8 percussion shells from 12-pounder. From 8 to 12: Heavy lightning, with rain, all this watch. Sloop was the Ros& na Page 196 196 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the suppress%on of traffic between Tampico, Mexico, and the coast of Texas. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 15, 1864. Sin: Herewith I have the honor to return the communication from Franklin Chase, esq., cou~sul at Tampico, to you, in relation to illegal traffic between Tampico and the coast of Texas, having taken a copy of it. At present no vessel can be spared from here to cruise in the track of blockade runners between the two ports, but the vessel which cruises from Pass Cavallo southward to the Rio Grande will be instructed in regard to it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. B. MARCILAND, Captain, Commanding ~ii hird Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Stations of vessels composing the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, April 15, 1864. No. 128.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the following as the position of the vessels of my squadron on the 15th instant: Off east end of Santa Rosa lsland.Steamer Bloomer; sailing ves- sel Charlotte. Off Pensacola.Steamers Hartford and Richmond; sailing vessels Arthur, W. G. Anderson, Kittatinny, Potomac, J. C. Kuhn, Nightin- gale; mortar vessels 0. H. Lee, Orvetta, Sarah Bruen, John Griffith, Sea Foam, Henry Janes. Off Mobile.Steamers Oneida, Sebago, Itasca, Conemaugh, Meta- comet, Port Royal, Pinola, Penguin, Albatross, Kennebec, Genesee, Seminole, Ossipee. Off Ship island .Sloop of war Vincennes. In Mississippi Sound.Steamers Cowslip, Narcissus. In Lake Pontchartrain.Steamer Commodore; tinclad (No. 42) Stockdale; yacht Corypheus. Off New Orleans.Steamers (repairing) Octorara, Monongahela, Aroostook, J. P. Jackson, New London, Gertrude, Calhoun, Pembina, Sciota, Arizona (returned from Cairo), Granite Cit~, (repairing); tin- dads (No. 47) Elk, (No. 45) Wave, (No. 46) Tallahatchie, (No. 48) Rodolph, (No. 49) Carrabasset; sailing sloop Portsmouth; saihng ves- sels (ordnance) Fear Not, (coal) M. A. Wood. At head qf the passes in Mississippi River.Steamer, tinclad (No. 44) Meteor. At mouth qf Southwest Pass.Sailing vessel Pampero. in Berwic Ba .Steamers, tinclads (No. 41) Nyanza, (No. 43) Glide. Off Sabine Pass.Steamers Princess Royal, Chocura, Antona Page 197 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 197 Off Galveston.Steamers Lackawanna, Kineo, Penobscot, Kanawba, Katahdin. San Luis Pass.Steamer Virginia. Brazos River.Steamer Owasco. Pass Cavallo. Estrella, and occasionally along the coast to Rio Grande, Cayuga. Bohio, coal vessel, is also off Galveston. The dispatch steam tugs Glasgow and Jasmine run between Pensa- cola and New Orleans. The steam tugs Ida and Hollyhocic are used in the Mississippi from New Orleans to the mouth. The dispatch steam vessels Arkansas and Augusta Dinsmore run between New Orleans and the Texas coast. The Tennessee, on a cruise between New Orleans and the coast of Texas, has just returned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the blockade of Galveston. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 13th instant seven deserters from the rebel Army came off to the blockading squadron here. They are all Frenchmen by birth, and represent that they left a small fort on the coast named Mannahassett, located 7 miles south- west of Sabine Pass, with the intention of going to the blockading ves- sels off that place, but the heavy northerly winds drove them along the coast, and after being sixteen tours at sea reached our vessels here. To-day two other deserters came off from Bolivar Island. They are Irishmen by birth, but neither party brought information of impor- tance. The term of service of the Cayuga on the southern coast having expired, I have ordered her to this place, and on her arrival will send the Kanawha to cruise between Pass Cavallo and the Rio Grande. In a few days I will have the Virginia relieved at San Luis Pass by one of the gunboats from this place, in order that she may come here, draw fires, and repair boilers. By these necessary changes the blockading force will be reduced at this place to three effective vessels, whilst four channels are to be watched, and in order that this, the most important point, may be guarded I have ordered the Antona from Sabine Pass to come here, and will detain her until the repairs of the Virginia are completed. Frequently reports of commanding officers of this division are incomplete in relation to the names of vessels taken, destroyed, etc. I have instructed them that when practicable to give the names of aB such vessels, that the records of the Navy Department may be com- ~plete Page 198 198 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Since writing the foregoing I have seen an intelligent person, cap- tured by the boats of the Virginia near San Luis Pass, who for eighteen months past belonged to the signal corps of the rebel Army. His statements, although not new, are confirmatory of those heretofore made. by deserters. This prisoner was captured yesterday and had seen an announcement in a Houston newspaper of rebel successes on the Red River in which 3,000 Federal soldiers and 35 cannon were captured. He further represents having seen six cannon, from 32s to 100-pounders, made from the shafts of the Westfield. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Division, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutnant-Commander Morris, U. S. Navy, regarding the request of Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, for an armed launch in Bayou Grand. U. S. S. RICHMOND Pensacola Bay, April 16, 1864. Sin: With reference to the request of General Asboth to send your launch armed with a howitzer into the Big Bayou [or Bayou Grand], and which I agreed to, it did not occur to me at the moment that it will not do to keep a boat in that vicinity, for the reason that the ves- sels stationed near the mouth of the Big Bayou have orders to open fire up the whole length of it in case of an attack, either at night or in the day. I am not satisfied that the navigation of the bayou is such as to war- rant hazarding a boat and crew, even if the above objections did not obtain. If a boat can operate in the bayou, which has its mouth near Fort McRee, I see no objection to your launch being sent there. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Commanding Second Division, West Gulf Blockading Squadron. tieutenant-Commander GEO. U. MORRIS, Commanding U. S. S. Port Royal. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Taylor, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kanawha, to proceed to Pass Cavallo as cruising headquarters. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 17, 1864. Sin: You will be pleased to proceed with the U. S. gunboat Kana- wha under your command to the southern part of the coast of Texas. Pass Cavallo will be considered your headquarters, but you will fre- quently cruise along the coast from Caney C reek to the Rio Grande Page 199 WESI? GULF BLOGICAPING SQI~AD1~ON. 199 remaining at the latter place two or three days at a time. You will also render such assistance to our land forces as within your power. The consul-general of the United States (Franklin Chase, esq.) at Tampico represents that blockade running is very active between that place and the Texas coast, particularly to the ports of Velasco and Galveston. It is presumed that those illegal traders, after leaving port, keep for 20 to 30 miles from the southern part of Texas coast; therefore it would be advisable in your cruising to run off that dis- tance from the shore, at intervals, for observation. Trade with Brownsville has been permitted, under certain restric- tions, by proclamation of the President of the United States, dated February 18, 1864, a copy of which you have been furnished, and which will be your guide of action. Accompanying I send extracts in relation to the blockade off Rio Grande. A coal vessel is off Pass Cavallo, from which you will draw your sup- plies, and at the expiration of a month you will please return to this place unless circumstances compel you to remain a longer or shorter period. It is desirable that you keep the commanding officer at this station informed of events by evei?y opportunity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texws. Lieutenant-Commander B. B. TAYLOR, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Kanawha. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. S. Navy, regarding the cap- ture of the British schooner Lily off Velasco, Tex. U. S. S. OwAsco, Off Velasco, April 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I seized as a prize the English schooner Lily this morning. At the time of capture she was about 10 miles from this place and bound here. The captain had no papers and says he does not know what the cargo consists of. I have ordered the officer in charge to take her to New Orleans for adjudication. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. HENRY, Lieutenant-Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Owasco, Lieutenant-Commander E. W. Henry, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 17, 1864.On and off the entrance of Brazos River. At 7 a. m. a strange sail was reported off to the southward and eastward. Gave chase. At 8:10 a. m. came up in range of schooner and fire Page 200 200 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQU & DRON. a shell from rifle gun; she then hove to. Sent the second cutter along- side of her in charge of Acting Ensign Baker. The schooner proved to be the Lilly, from 1-Javana, bound to Brazos. She had no papers on board, and Mr. Baker took charge of her and sent the captain and crew on board of this ship. The schooner had an assorted cargo. Sent on board Acting Ensign Baker with four men to take charge of her and proceed to New Orleans. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing the transfer, by direction of the Secretary of War, of 1,000 seamen for sermee ~n the squadron. NAvY DEPARTMENT, April 18, 1864. Sin: In reply to an application from this Department for the trans- fer of 1,000 seamen from the Department of the Gulf to the squadron under your command, the Secretary of War informs me that Maj or- General Halleck, Chief of Staff of the Army, has been directed to issue the necessary orders. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,. Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Capture, by the U. S. S. Owasco, of the British schooners Fanny and Laura, April 19 and 21, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. 8. Navy, regarding the capture of the schooner Fanny, April 19, 1864. U. S. S. OwAsco, Off Velasco, April 19, 1864. SII~: I have the honor to inform you that I seized as a prize this morning the English schooner Fanny, from Havana, bound to Brazos River. The captain says he does not know what her cargo consists of, but in the manifest there are 8 packages for General Magruder, of the Confederate service. This, I think, is one of the seven which started for the coast of Texas from Havana. The captain, when asked where he was bound, said Nowhere in particular. I will send her to New Orleans under charge of Acting Ensign A. P. Gibbs. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. HENnY, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT Commanding West Gulf Bl~ckading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. 8. Navy, regarding the capture of the schooner Laura, April 21, 1864. U. S. S. OwAsco, Off Velasco, April 21, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that I captured this morning off this port the English schooner Laura, from Havana, bound No- where in particular, though the captain told me afterwards he wa Page 201 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 201 trying to get in here. He said it was his first attempt at running a blockade, and that it was very unfortunate he should be captured. The only papers he had were a register and a list of the crew. He does not know what the cargo consists of. I will send her to New Orleans for adjudication, under charge of Acting Ensign W. L. Titcomb. I am, sir, very Yespectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. HENRY, Lieutenant~. Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, in forwarding the crews of the prize schooners. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA Off Galveston, April 25, 1864. SIR: Herewith I send as prisoners the crew of the prize schooners Fanny and Laura, captured by the Owasco on the 19th and 21st instant for attempting to run into Velasco in violation of the blockade, named as follows: Fanny.Henry Johnson, John Brown, James Williams, George Lang, William McCormick. Laura.Manuel Peter, Manuel Rosnef, Peter Joseph, Frederick Flint, Joseph Rider, Manuel Joseph. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Capt., Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bllcdg. Squad. Coast Texas. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans. Note.The above-mentioned crew of the Fanny are believed to have run the blockade before. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Owasco, Lieutenant-Commander E. W. Henry, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 19,1864.At 8 a. m. a strange sail reported to the S. and E.; gave chase. At 8:30 fired a shot from the rifle gun and hove her to. Boarded her and brought her captain and crew on board this vessel. She proved to be the Fanny, from Havana, bound to Velasco. From 6 to S p. in., laying off Brazos River. April 21.Off Velasco. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Steaming off and on. At 4:45 a sail reported from the masthead to the southward and east- ward; ran for her; set foresail and jib. At 7:45 fired a shell from rifle gun across the schooners bow. A gunboat astern steering toward us. At 8:10 a. m. fired another shot from rifle gun across the schooners bow, when she hove to and set English colors. At 8:15 spoke the schooner, which proved to be the schooner Laura, from Havana. Sent Acting Master, [Thomas D.] Babb on board, who took charge of her and sent the captain and crew on. board of this vessel. The cap- tain said he was bound to Velasco Page 202 202 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, announcing the arrival at Hampton Roads of the U. S. S. Pensacola, en route to New York. FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, Off Newport News, Va., April 19, 1864. SIR: The Pensacola arrived at Hampton Roads this afternoon and I directed Commander Strong (in temporary Command of her) to take in necessary coal and proceed to New York, agreeably to the Depart- ments order of 16th instant. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Capture of the Mexican schooner Alma, from Matamoras, April 19, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports. No. 139.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 25, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith the report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, of the U. S. S. Virginia, of the capture of the Mexican schooner Alma. She has been sent to New Orleans for adjudication. Enclosed is a list of the officers and crew of the Virginia. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Virginia. OFF COAST TEXAS, U. S. S. Virginia, April 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture by this vessel of the Mexican schooner Alma, from Matamoras, bound ostensibly for New Orleans. As she had not a certified manifest from the Amerlcan consulate, I took her as a prize to the United States and send her to New Orleans for adjudication. The nature of her cargo was such as to make it evident that she intended to violate the blockade. It consisted of blankets, bagging, iron hoops for bales, files, writing paper, etc., also some packages of dry goods, directed to persons in Galveston. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. I7irglrna. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 203 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 203 Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, in forwarding four of the crow and passengers of the prize. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 20, 1864. SIR: Herewith I send for your disposition four persons, consisting of the crew and passengers of the Mexican schooner Alma, captured by the U. S. S. Virginia on the 19th instant named as follows: William Lee, pilot and navigator; John Bartee, cook; Nicholas Housardu, Manuel Kodten, seamen. I also herewith enclose a communication from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, commanding the Virginia, relative to the charac- ter of the men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Thv%s%on West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Commodore JAs. S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding. April 19, 1864.At 5:30 a. m. got underway for Galveston. At 10:25 came to anchor near the flagship. At ii got underway and stood down the coast, made all sail. Meridian to 4 p. in.: Standing down the coast. At 2 p. m. saw a strange sail bearing S. by W.; steered for her. At 4:15 p. m. hove to and sent an officer on board the schooner Alma from Matamoras to New Orleans. At 9:30 p. m. the prize schooner Alma left, in charge of Mr. Philo P. Hawkes, ensign, for New Orleans, with a prize crew of four men. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, U. S. Navy, regarding a change of duty for the U. S. S. Chocura. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 20, 1864. SIR: As the Chocura has been on the blockade of Sabine Pass for five months, the admiral desires that she should be employed else- where. You will therefore be pleased to send her here, and I will send the (~ayuga to take her place off Sabine. Until the arrival of the latter the Penobseot wiji assist ii the blockade under your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Commanding Third Divtswn I Vest Gulf Blockading Squadron, Coast Texas. Commander M. B. WOoLsEY, Commanding U. S. S. Princess Royal, and Senior Officer off Sabine Pass Page 204 204 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in Mataqorda Bay, Texas. No. 127.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 20, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report to the Department that on the night of the 28th March Lieutenant-Commander A. P. Cooke, com- manding the U. S. S. Estrella, blockading in Matagorda Bay, dis- covered a light up the bay and on approaching it found a small schooner on fire, aground, and deserted. Endeavors were made to save the vessel, which, however, proved fruitless. Nine bales of cotton and some loose cotton were taken from her. IL have further to report that on the 6th instant Lieutenant-Com- mander Cooke made a cruise up the bay, and when off Indianola dis- covered a schooner and small sloop, both of which he captured, together with four prisoners, all of whom were in the rebel service. These he delivered over to the military authorities, retaining the vessels. The schooner is only of 8 tons burden. It appears that on the 3d instant the rebels sent a flag of truce to the point near the anchorage of the Estrella. On returning from boarding the schooner carrying the flag, the executive officer of the Estrella reported that there were several officers of the rebel gunboat J. F. Carr on board. The vessel, however, was not detained. On the 5th instant the same parties came again with a flag of truce on another schooner upon some trivial errand, but went back again immediately, and it was on the following day that Lieutenant-Com- mander Cooke made the reconnoissance above referred to, in which he captured the schooner last mentioned. Enclosed is his report* of the circumstances, addressed to Captain Marchand (marked No. 1). Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs on Texas coast. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, New Orleans, April 21, 1864. My DEAR JENKINS: We arrived here early this morning from Texas, where all is right, except the usual amount of breakdowns. There does not really seem to be a healthy engine out here. Marchand looks very well, and is watching for the Harriet Lane closely. The admiral says he will leave here on Saturday, but may be detained until Monday. There is nothing new to tell you, and with the hope of meeting soon, I am, yours, most truly, ~. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. *See p. 169 Page 205 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 205 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of seamen. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 21, 1864. SIR: II transmit herewith a copy of an order issued b the War Department on the 19th instant, directing Major-General Banks to transfer not exceeding 1,000 men from the army under his command to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, calling the Depart- ments attention to the disposition of persons captured on blockade- running vessels. No. 134.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 22, 1864. SIR: In your letter of February, 1864, to the United States marshal of New Orleans, you directed him to retain all British blockade run- ners until further orders. On referring to the letter of the honorable Secretary of ~tate, dated July 23, 1863, to Lord Lyons, there appears to be a little discrepancy, as he concedes to Lord Lyons that blockade runners are not to be detained beyond a certain limit. What that limit is II do not know, unless it be the time required to give in their testimony before the court. I beg, however, to call the attention of the Department to the fact that among these blockade runners are many passengers, some of whom are evidently in the employ of the rebels, and when turned at liberty are free to pursue their mission by way of New York or Havana, as the case may be. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 24, 1864. Send the Tritonia, Heliotrope, Althea, and Cactus to Rear-Admiral Farragut. He is anxious for them. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. COMMANDANT OF THE NAVY YARD, New York Page 206 206 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in vicinity of Pensacola, Fla. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, [Forts Barrancas, April 24, 1864. DEAR CAPTAIN: I beg to thank you for your kindness. Mr. Moores statement Confirms all my former information. The larger poition of the troops concentrated at Pollard, [Ala.], have left [for ~ Dalton or Richmond, but yet the number of rebel forces left in our neighborhood is sufficient to enjoin upon us continual vigilance. I will take pleasure in furnishing you, before evening, copies* of information received. In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. AsBoTH, Brigadier-General. Captain JENKINS, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Second Div. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, that two gunboats be kept in Matagorda Bay. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, New Orleans, April 25, 1864. SIR: As the land forces have been to a large extent withdrawn from the vicinity of your fleet, I desire that two gunboats, if possible, may be kept within Matagorda Bay. The Granite City, I suppose, is the only one at your command, excepting the Estrella, which can cross the bar. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. S. Lackawanna, Commanding Blockade of/the Coast of Texas. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Walker, U. S. Navy, to assume commar~d of the entire coast of Texas. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, April 26, 1864. SIR: You will proceed with the U. S. S. Ossipee under your com- mand to the blockade off Galveston, Tex., and relieve Captain J. B. Marchand in command of the Third Division of Western Gulf Block- ading Squadron, which will then assume the name of Second Division of Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Your command will extend along the entire coast of Texas and down to Tampico. Very respectfully, . D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain W. M. WALKER, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Ossipee. *Not found Page 207 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 207 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty on the Mobile blockade. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, April 26, 1864. SIR: As soon as relieved by Captain W. M. Walker of the command of the blockade off coast of Texas, you will proceed with the U. S. S. Lackawanna off Mobile and report to Captain T. A. Jenkins, com- manding Third Division, or in his absen~e take charge there. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain J. B. MARCHAND Comdg. Third Div. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer U. S. Navy, regarding Confederate mail captured in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 27, 1864. COMMODORE: I am informed that a mail captured in Mississippi Sound was sent to you. If so, please turn it over to General Bowen, as it may be of importance to him. I understand that a regular communication is kept up with New Orleans by the sound and the lower part of the Mississippi River, through boats engaged in the oyster and fishing business; please inform the general of this. We have captured four boats, three of them with cargoes, only one with letters; the communication is through Louisiana marsh. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Provost- Marshal- General at New Orjeans, regarding captured letter from General Beauregard, C. S. Army. U.S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, April 27, E1864]. GENERAL: I forward herewith a letter from General Beauregard, captured with others lately in Mississippi Sound, which you may wish to read. You can exercise your own discretion whether it shall be forwarded to its destination or retained. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. General BOWEN, Provost- Marshal-General, New Orleans Page 208 208 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Cruising instructions from Captain Walker, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Itasca. U. S. S. OsswEn, Off Mobile Bar, April 27, 1864. Sin: With the vessel under your command you will proceed to take the station assigned to you in the annexed programme, and by morning and evening observations, preserve your position with banked fires and under I ow steam until you shall descry some vessel apparently attempting a violation of the blockade, when you will give chase to her, and on coming up with the stranger you will carefully examine into her character, when, should she clearly appear to be a prize, you will convoy her into Key West by the northwest passage, should the draft admit of your doing so. On arriving at Key West you will deliver the prize into the custody of the United States district court, and after having made report to the judge and district attorney you will next report to the commanding officer of the Navy at that station. After having made the necessary declaration to the court, and furnished to the prize commissioners the necessary affidavits, you will immediately ask to be discharged by the court, when you will return to this anchorage without delay and report your proceedings. I think it not j~ecessary to specify more minutely the proceedings to be taken by you in case of making a prize, presuming you to be familiar with the laws and regulations established in such cases. In the event of meeting with national ships you will remember that national ships on the high seas recognize no other jurisdiction than that of the government to which they owe allegiance. In the exercise of our belligerent rights you will be careful to associate with firmness the utmost courtesy. On arriving at Key West, should you be in want of coal, you will represent the fact to the commanding officer and request a supply. Unless soonerrecalled you will return to this anchorage on the 16th day of May, leaving your station at 7 a. m. on that day. I. am, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. WALKER, Commanding Second Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander GEORGE BROWN, Commanding U. S. S. Itasca. [Enclosnrej Qffshore stations of Second Division Wevt Gulf Blockading Squadron. Latitude. Longitude. Vessel. A 3O~O5 87~1O Metacomet. B 29~ 37 87~ 15 Itasca. C 29~2O 87~43 Sehago. D 29~2O 88~17 IVenguin. E 29~25 88~i35 F 2~r 00 87~40 Seminole. G 29~O6 87~10 Kennebec. II 29~26 8f3~46 Pinola Page 209 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 209 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving information of the departure of Ex-Governor Morehead from Europe. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 27, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of dispatch No. 169*, dated the 8th instant, received by the Secretary of State from the U. S. consul at London and communicated to this Department, relative to the move- ments of Ex-Governor Morehead, who is said to have left Europe recently for Richmond, via Mexico, having with him important papers. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of Navy. Commanding Western Gulf ffiockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Wells, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. a ena, transmitting correspondence with the U. S. consul and the governor at Nassau, N. P., in the matter of coaling vessel in that port. U. S. S. GALENA Key West, Fla., April 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that Ii arrived off the port of Nassau, New Providence, on the night of the 18th, after a passage of eight days from Hampton Roads. In the morning I dispatched an officer on shore to communicate with the U. S. consul particularly with reference to entering the harbor, with a view of obtaining a sufficient quantity of coaJ to enable me to reach Key West, Fla., my nearest port. The governor was informed of all the circumstances by our consul which made it necessary for me to seek the port of a friendly nation, having but three or four tons of coal on board and possessing no sail- ing power of any consequence unless I could have depended upon fair winds. After a vexatious delay of two days off the harbor, underway, which reduced my small stock of coal to within a dozen buckets, I received a verbal message from the consul that I could enter the harbor for the purpose I had asked, and, on anchoring, for the first time I received a letter from Mr. Thompson, U. S. consul, and one from the governor of the place; a copy of each I herewith enclose. When I called to see the governor, shortly after my arrival, he impressed me with the idea that he had very reluctantly assented to my coming in on account of the Queens neutrality proclamation, but had given way to the professional opinion expressed by Captain Preston, R. N., commanding H. B. M. S. Medea, that I could not pro- ceed on my voyage without running considerable risk on account of having little or no coal on board, which made it a necessity. The friendly representations of this officer no doubt influenced the governor in my favor, and he seemed to regret that I had nolzr received a copy of the dispatch he had written to the U. S. consul, so that I *Not found. N W liVOL 21 1 Page 210 210 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. could have been in the port a day sooner. I also obtained his permis- sion to transfer 50 tons of anthracite coal from the American merchant schooner Typhoon, which had put into Nassau in distress from being overloaded with coal. This vessel was bound to New Orleans with her cargo for the U. S. naval service. The coal was obtained with the consent also of the agent of the underwriters, so that the expense of purchasing in open market was saved. While at Nassau I fired a national salute of 21 guns, with the English flag at the fore, previously having ascertained from Governor Bayley that it would be returned, as it was, gun for gun. During my three days stay at Nassau, coaling, I obtained a list of the blockade runners in port, which I enclose. Some of these vessels on my arrival flew the English and rebel flag. I conceived it to be my duty to call the attention of Captain Preston to this, who partially had it stopped, though it was done in one or two in- stances afterw~ds, particularly in the case of the rebel merchant steamer A. D. Vance, with the rebel flag at the peak, burgee, with her name at the main, and the English flag at the fore, as she passed out of the harbor in the most exulting way amidst the cheers or yells of those on board. As that steamer passed the Galena she barely escaped touching her lower boom, but had he done so I should have felt it my duty to have fired into him. The occasion of the yells on board of the A. D. Vance was, I learned afterwards, given to a boat near her filled with rebels and part owners of her cargo, but I considered it nothing more than a mean, contempti- ble way of insulting this vessel. I was the more exasperated when I saw her dip her flag to H. B. M. S. Medea, which returned it, to my great surprise. In my interview with the commander of that vessel, a few hours after the occurrence, I spoke of this matter. He replied that he acknowledged the salute of the A. D. Vance just as hewould to a man on shore who should raise his hat to him, and that he was indiffer- ent as to which side in the United States would be successful. I then asked him if he acknowledged the rebel flag. He replied, Yes; as a belligerent. I then put the question to him, if in the case of a blockade-running vessel flying the rebel colors (for by so doing it would be acknowledging the so-called Southern Confederation). I could not obtain from him a decided answer to this question. Myself and some of my officers were on several occasions grossly insulted while on shore by the lower orders. They were, I learned, paid to do this by the rebels on shore. No personal attack was, however, made upon anyone attached to this vessel, but had there been, the law of self-defense would have been strictly carried out. It is but just to say that when I spoke of this matter to the governor, the day on which I left, it met with his strong condemnation, remarking that had I re- ported the individuals to him he would have had them arrested by the police. The authorities I found were polite and attentive, but I am somewhat afraid that the governor of Nassau is inclined toward the rebel cause, as he not only very reluctantly assented to my coming in the harbor, but manifested no little impatience (as I ascertained un- officially) at my remaining as long as I did, three days, although every dispatch had been made. When I called to take leave of him he re- marked that he hoped that he had not appeared discourteous in hurry- ing us off, and he trusted he would have the pleasure of seeing us again under more favorable circumstances. He also said that he had re- ceived other instructions than those contained in the Queens ne Page 211 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 211 trality proclamation about belligerent vessels of our nation which were so binding in their character that he could not exercise any dis- cretion, having done so in one case, for which he was censured by his Government. I could not ~help telling him that if I had received his letter before anchoring in the harbor I would have endeavored to have re~iched some place on the banks where I could have remained until an oppor- tunity should have offered for communicating with Key West, though I was nearly out of coal and had but a few days supply of fresh water on board. He then read to me from a dispatch from his Government endeavoring to show how completely he was bound down to a literal compliance with his orders, which I did not see in the same light that he did. To Captain Preston I am therefore indebted for the permis- sion I received to enter the harbor of Nassau, for had he expressed himself adversely I believe that the governor would not have 5omplied with my request. My passage from Hampton Roads contained noth- ing of special interest except chasing a blockade runner when about the longitude of Wilmington, near the outer edge of the Gulf Stream, on the 12th instant. Finding, that I could not possibly overtake her, she being very fast and steaming dead against the wind and sea, I was obliged, in the course of a few hours, to abandon the chase. This steamer, the Anna, arrived at Nassau a few days before us. She had run out of Wilmington with some 400 bales of cotton. The steamer A. D. Vance, the Nassau people say, is the regular merchant vessel un- der the flag of the so-called Southern Confederation, and has been a very successful blockade runner. I have, in order to show the unfriendly spirit of Governor Bayley to- ward the United States, thought proper to send a copy of my corre- spondence with him and others at Nassau. The Galena arrived this morning from Nassau, having left on the evening of the 23d. Her consumption of coal, full steaming, is 16 tons. So far, under the most favorable circumstances, using sails and wind fair, her maximum speed is about 81 knots, and should the wind and sea be ahead it is reduced to 4 and 5 knots. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. WELLS, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieut~nant-Commancler, U. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enc1o~ures.] U. S. S. GALENA, Off Nassau, New Providence, April 18, 1864. M~ DEAR SIR: I am very much surprised to hear from the officer I sent on shore to communicate with you on the subject of taking in a sufficient quantity of coal to enable me to reach Key West that the authorities hesitate about granting permission. The Queens proclamation expressly states that a vessel of war of the United States can take in coal to carry such vessel to the nearest port of her own country. A copy of the section I herewith enclose. The U. S. S. Galena was delayed by head winds on her passage from Hampton Roads, which I did not anticipate at this season of the year, and as a matter of course necessity has obliged me to make the nearest port to obtain enough coal to carry me to Key West. I have but on Page 212 212 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. or two tons left, hardly sufficient to keep this vessel underway; besides I depend on coal for distilling purposes, so that I may be fairly in the condition of a vessel that has been obliged by stress of weather to seek the port of a friendly nation. I feel assured that a proper representation of the facts to the gov- ernor will remove the difficulties of the case. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. WELLS, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Galei~a. Mr. THOMPSON, U. S. Consul, Nassau, New Providence. U. S. CONSULATE, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, April 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of yesterday and to-day, and to state in reply that his Excellency the governor has informed me by a dispatch through the colonial secre- tary that if the commander of the Galena states that he is proceeding straight to Key West, and is not about to cruise in this neighborhood, his Excellency is quite willing to allow him to take in 50 tons of coal, as his Excellency is assured by Captain Preston, R. N., is the quantity required and sufficient to take the vessel to Key West. He further states that he does not wish this to be considered as a precedent for future acquiescence. I will forward to his Excellency a copy of your letter, as you request. IL have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. CHAS. THOMPSON, Acting U. S. Consul for Nassau and Dependencies. Hon. CLARK H. WELLS, Lieutenant-Commander of the U. S. S. Galena, Off Nassau Bar and Harbor. P. S.Allow me to add to the above that the absence of my servant and my own ignorance of the localities hereabouts have prevented my sending a pilot up to this time. I enclose the name and titles of myself and his Excellency, as you request. GOVERNMENT HOUSE, Nassau, April 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated April 19. On the understanding that you intend to proceed direct to Key West, I have no objection to allow of your taking in 50 tons of coal, which I am informed is the quantity required to carry you to that port. From the enclosure in your letter I infer that Acting U. S. consul, Mr. Thompson, did not transmit to you a copy of the more recent instructions conveyed in the Duke of Newcastles dispatch of 13th January, 1864, which, in my opinion, restricts the occasions on which belligerent vessels may be permitted to anchor here to cases of more urgent necessity than that which I understand has constrained you to resort hither. However, I have allowed myself to give you th Page 213 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 213 benefit of the very slight doubt which attaches to the interpretation of these instructions, and to permit you to take in the quantity of coal which I have specified above. But as am by no means sure that this course will be approved by her Majestys Government, I would guard against being supposed to establish as a precedent a decision which it may ultimately appear it was the intention of her Majestys ministers to prevent me from giving. You are of course aware of the general provisions of the proclamation of March, 1861, to which any bellig- erent man-of-war becomes liable on entering this port. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, C. J. BAYLEY, Governor. Captain WELLS, U. S. NAVY, [U. S. S.] Galena, etc. U. S. S. GALENA, Off Nassau Harbor, April 19, 186411 a. m. M~ DEAR SIR: Last evening I was told by my executive officer that I had permission to enter the harbor in the morning about 10 a. m. It is now an hour after that time, and yet no pilot has made his appear- ance. What is the matter? This course I consider inexplicable. The letter which I sent you last evening, I would like you to send a copy of to the governor. That gives a faithful condition of matters on board of my vessel. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. WELLS, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. Mr. THOMPSON, U. S. Consul, Nassau, New Providence. U.S. S. GALENA Harbor of Nassau, New Providence, April 19, 1864. SIR: Having understood from the U. S. consul that it would be nec- essary to have a permit from you to obtain the amount of coal I require to carry me to Key West, Fla., I respectfully request that you will grant that permit, so that I may take the coal from one of the two United States merchant vessels now in the port of Nassau. These vessels I learn put into Nassau in distress, one from being overloaded and the other with the loss of her masts. Their coals are for the use of the United States service, and being of the quality I use anthraciteit would be to the interests of the Government of the United States that I should obtain it in this way, for I presume there would be no infraction of the Queens neutrality proclamation by allowing this transfer of coal under existing circumstances. I herewith enclose a copy of my letter to Mr. Thompson, U. S. consul, showing the reasons which made it necessary for me to seek this port, which I trust will remove the difficulties of the case. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. WELLS, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. - His Excellency Governor BAYLEY, Nassau, New Providence Page 214 214 WEST GULP BLOORAIYfl~G SQIYAIYRON. List of Confederate and blockade running vessels at Nassau, April 21, 1864. 1st. A large side-wheel steamer, painted black, two low fore-and-aft masts without topmasts, a fast sailer, one white smokestack, no bowsprit. 2d. A three-masted propeller, called the Greyhound, nearly new, painted light lead color, with red streak; has three fore-and-aft masts, and wears the Confederate flag; about 400 tons; a fast sailer. 3d. Steamer with no name in sight, about 800 tons; two loiv masts, fore-and-aft rig; has two smokestacks, one forward of the wheels and one aft; has a large house on deck; side-wheels painted lead color. 4th. A lead-colored steamer, large vessel, 2 black pipes, 2 low fore- and-aft rigged masts, flush deck, side-wheels. 5th. A large side-wheel steamer, walking beam, promenade deck, side-wheel, painted white; evidently a New York river built boat; about 800 tons; no name visible; one pipe painted white. P. 5. Steamer No. 5 is the Young Republic; was originally the Conqueror; built near New York; went to Matauzas and ran between that p lace and Havana. It is said that another like her was sent from New or to Cuba and she is now expected here. 6th. A low-built, long, fore-a nd-aft rigged black steamer, 2 pipes standing opposite, painted red, side-wheel, about 300 tons. 7th. A very fine three-masted propeller, painted black, with red streak; has yards on foremast, 2 red pipes close together, standing fore and aft. 8th. Steamer A. D. Vance, carrying the Confederate flag at the peak; is a large side-wheel steamer, two masts, fore-and-aft rigged, 2 pipes, round stern. 9th. Steamer Anna, square stern, two red pipes, two fore-and-aft rigged masts, side-wheel,~ small house aft; ship painted lead color; carries a Confederate flag. 10th. A large lead-colored, side-wheel, two-piped steamer, red bot- tom; iron boat; two fore-and-aft rigged masts; a fast irnd splendid vessel; square stern. 11th. Square stern, two-pipe steamer, painted lead color, pipes athwart, two masts fore-and-aft rigged; has a bowsprit and is about 600 tons. 12, 13, 14, 15. Steamers of about 200 tons, propellers, none of them having names in sight and looking alike; 2 masts, painted lead color, hull, one pipe, two of them deep, apparently ready to leave. C. H. WELLS, Lieutenant- Commander. U. S. S. GALENA, Nassau, April 22, 1864. M~ DEAR SIR: I could not think of leaving Nassau without thank- ing you for the many acts of courtesy I have had extended me by your- self during my brief visit. I shall not fail to communicate them to the Secretary of the Navy, and to let him know that if it had not been for your friendly interference I should probably not have been allowed to anchor in the harbor of Nassau, although necessity obliged me to seek shelter in the nearest friendly port in consequence of running very short of coal and having no sailing power of any importance unless I could have depended upon fair winds Page 215 WEST GULF 13LOCI(ADLN~G SQUADt~ON. 215 I must also thank you for prohibiting blockade runners from making use of the flag of your nation in connection with the rebel flag, though I learned this morning that a steamer passed out with the English flag at the peak and the rebel flag at the fore. This was the act of those on board in defiance of your orders. With the exception of several insults I have received on shore from the rabble, when in company with you, and which met with your strong condemr~ation, and which happened to some of my officers also, particularly the other night when I sent a boat in charge of an officer after the one stolen from this vessel by three deserters, he was grossly insulted by some person standing on the deck of a blockade runner, who wanted to know, What the d d Yankee son of a b h wanted near his vessel, I have nothing to complain of. I shall there- fore carry away with me some agreeable impressions of Nassau. I am naturally sentitive, as you have doubtless perceived in my sev- eral conversations with you, in all that pertains to the honor, dignity, and glory of the flag of the United States. Wishing you long life, health, and promotion, I remain, sincerely, yours, C. H. WELLS, Lieutenant-Commander, U~ S. Navy. Captain PRESTON, R. N., Commanding H. B. M. S. Medea. ROYAL NAVY STEAMER MEDEA, Nassau, April 22, 1864. MY DEAR SIR: In answer to your letter of this morning I must thank you for your kind wishes, and assure you it has been a pleasant duty to me as the commander of the ship here to offer you those little attentions that were in my power. I can not, however, admit that you are indebted to me for obtaining permission to bring your ship in here to coal. His excellency the governor gives or withholds permis- sion to belligerent vessels of war to enter the port as he deems it his duty to do, in compliance with his instructions from the supreme Gov- ernment. He asked me for my opinion professionally, as a naval officer, as to whether it was a case of Teal necessity that your vessel should be allowed to come in here for coal, and my opinion being that it was he gave an affirmative reply to your request. I should not consider myself deserving of blame from you had my opinion been different, and I can not think I am in any way deserving of your thanks concerning it now. I regret that the negro men and women should have shouted low epithets after us ashore, but considering who the aggressors were I imagine that, like myself, you were but momentarily annoyed by their abuse. I am sorry that anybody on board a ship in this port should have made use of improper language to the officer and crew of your boat, particularly as it was on board an English vessel that the man was who used it. I can not find any authority to prevent Eliglish merchant vessels displaying foreign ensigns at their foremast-head, but should I find it to be illegal I shall in this case recommend the punishment of th Page 216 216 WEST GULF BLOCRADI~G SQUADRON. offender, as it may be reasonably supposed to have been done for annoyance. I have expressed my opinion to one of the vessels about it, and until the vessel you speak of went out to-day there has been no instance since your arrival in port of an English ship hoisting at the fore the flag used by the Confederate States I remain, dear sir, yours, faithfully, DARCY ,S. PRESTON. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival of the U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore off Galveston in damaged condition. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LAcKAwANNA, Off Galveston, April 28, 1864. SIR: I regret to inform you that the Augusta Dinsmore arrived here this morning with her rudder so much damaged as to render her diffi- cult to steer. I will send her at once to New Orleans, but I anticipate a long passage if the weather should becQme bad. Permit me to renew the request for coal to be sent without delay to this place and to Sabine Pass and Pass Cavallo as soon as possible. Should fuel not reach here soon, the vessels will have to go to New Orleans for it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Block. Squad., Coast Texas. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Giraud, U. S. Navy, to cruise for blockade runners. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 28, 1864. SIR: Proceed to sea and cruise for blockade runners in a southerly direction from Mobile and about 60 miles distant. When your coal is nearly expended, return to this place, where you will receive further orders. Very respectfully. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant PIERRE GIRAUD, U. S. Navy, (ommanding U. S. S. Tennessee. Instructions from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Chief Engi- neer Williamson, U. S. Navy, in the matter of vessels of the squadron under repair at the Pensacola navy yard. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 28, 1864. SIR: You will, upon the arrival of each vessel of the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron from sea at this port, repair on board and exam Page 217 WBST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 217 me the state of her engines and boilers and receive the report of the engineer in charge as to the work required to be done while in port, and if you agree with him you will direct him to submit his requisition for repairs to his commanding officer, and when approved by him it will be sent to me for my approval, and then taken by the engineer in charge to the commandant of the navy yard; but nothing is to be done at the machine shop without the knowledge of the commandant and master machinist. To the latter you will explain all the details of the work to be done, and from time to time look after the work on board the vessel to see that it progresses as fast as possible and in a workman- like manner. If there is any fault to be found in any particular, you will make known the fact first to the master machinist and then to me; but you have nothing to do with the shop, except as above directed. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Chief Engineer TITOM WILLIAMSON, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Hartford. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farra- gut, U. S. Navy, requesting additional vessels in the Red River. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 28, 1864. ADMIRAL: Admiral Porters fleet is above the rapids and can not fall below on account of the low stage of the water. There are but few boats between Alexandria and the mouth of the river. It is desirable that you should send such boats as can navigate the river for the pur- pose of keeping open our communications. The enemy threaten this line in considerable force. I beg your immediate attention to this subject. Our situation is in nowise embarrassing, except that the fleet is detained above the rapids, and the movements of the army are depend- ent upon its relief. The army is in excellent spirits and condition and fears nothing. The enemy is reported in force about us, and it is quite probable that we may have a general engagement within a few days, for which we are fully pre are N. P. BANKS Major-General, Commanding. Admiral FARRAGUT, or OFFICER COMMANDING FLEET AT NEW ORLEANS. P. S.I am unable to suggest the number of boats or their draft. They should, however, be of sufficient itrength to vindicate our posses- sion of the river. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting the Depart- ment to define his error in questions of international law discussed in correspondence with Vice-Admiral Milne, R. N. No. 141.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation, dated April 7, with its enclosure, relative to the dispatch of Sir Alexander Milne Page 218 218 WEST GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. I am glad if there was anything in my letter calculated to produce evil effects that it was not sent to that officer. I am always ready to submit to the better judgment of the Department in such cases, but I certainly have not been able to see wherein the Department differs materially from me on the three points raised by Sir Alexander Milne, in reference to which my reply, in substance, was as follows: First. That we claim the right of capturing ships for having carried contraband of war, after the contraband has been actually landed in a blockaded port, at any time during the return voyage. Second. That we do not capture ships in Mexican or other neutral waters. Third. That we do not claim the right to seize a neutral ship lying within 3 leagues of the coast of Texas, irrespective of any question of blockade or contraband, with the proviso, however, that she is on a bona fide voyage from one neutral port to another, but if there are suspicious circumstances in the case, even when her papers may be apparently fair, such as being out of her course and in close proximity to a blockaded coast, she can be seized and sent in for adjudication, the court to determine the legality of the seizure. I have not been able to perceive the difference between the instruc- tions contained in the Departments communication to the Secretary of State and my letter to Admiral Milne, nor wherein further difficul~ty or misunderstanding could have ensued had my reply been forwarded to that officer; nor do I see any justification for Sir Alexander Milnes demand that the points raised in his communication should be con- ceded and orders given to the vessels of fny squadron, when it seems clear that international law is against him. I have, however, caused copies of your letter to the Secretary of State to be printed and distributed among the commanding officers of thevesselsofmysquadronfortheirguidance,butlshouldbepleased to know from the Department wherein I have erred in my letter to Sir Alexander Milne, and in what points I am in conflict with the law as laid down in the Departments communication to the Secretary of State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, -~ D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander LeRoy, U. S. Navy, transmitting dispatch for Captain Walker, U. S. Navy, removing him from the command of the Mobile blockade and annulling. his orders. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 30,1864. SIR: You will proceed with the Oneida off Mobile, and if you find Captain Walker there deliver to him the enclosed dispatch. Should you fall in with any of the vessels belonging to the Second Division, or Mobile squadron,. you will inform the commanding officers that it is my orders that they proceed immediately to their stations off the bar as heretofore and that they are to consider the orders of Captai Page 219 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 219 Walker as annulled in every particular. Should you not fall in with Captain Walker, you will, so soon as you have a light vessel to spare, send her out to the distance indicated in his order to the other vessels (a copy of which is hetewith enclosed) and direct the commanding offi- cer to say to him that it is my orders that he repair to Pensacola to await my further orders. You will also direct the commanding officers of all the vessels as they fall in with each other to say that it is my order that they return to their stations off Mobile, and that the order of Captain Walker is annulled. The Albatross and Tennessee may remain in the offing, and when the senior officer thinks he can s p are one or two of the light fast vessels from the inshore he can putthem in t he offing. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander W. E. LEROY, U. S. S. Oneida, off Pensacola. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, April 30, [1864]. Sin: To my surprise, I learned from the commander of the Rachel Seaman, which arrived here on the 28th, that he only found two small gunboats off Mobile. I could not account for this most extraordinary desertion of the bar and the exposure of two small gunboats to the hazard of being destroyed by the enemys force, which is so very superior. On the 29th, at about noon, the Itasca arrived for coal; not from off Mobile, but a cruise on the coast. Upon getting Lieutenant-Commander Brown s orders I was astonished to find that you had not only with- drawn the vessels from Mobile Bar, but that you had presumed to issue orders directly contradictory to mine, assuming to yourself the right to send the vessels of my squadron to Key West, with their prizes, etc.a liberty I would not take except under the most pressing necessity. The whole order, when it is considered that I, the commander-in- chief of the fleet, am within three hours run of your station, is an assumption of authority unprecedented, and which I certainly did not expect from an officer of your long service and intelligence. In fact, there appears to be no consideration for anything but capturing the blockade runners, totally ignoring the fact that the great object of the Government is to prevent the egress of the ironclads and other gunboats, with the first to force an entrance into the Mississippi and Pensacola, and with the others to prey upon our commerce. The capturing of the blockade runners, although important as crip- pling the enemy in the sinews of war, is nevertheless of little considera- tion as compared with the close blockade of the port, to prevent ingress and egress of vessels of war. You will, on the receipt of this, repair to this port and await my further orders. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain W. M. WALKER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Second Din sion of Western Gulf Blockade Squadron Page 220 220 WEST GULF BLOCRADflW SQUA1M~ON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Comman- der Brown, U. S. Navy, annulling instructions from Captain Walker, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHfl? HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, April 30, 1864. SIR: You will proceed off Mobile Bar and blockade as heretofore, and consider your order from Captain Walker as annulled in every particular. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander GEORGE BROWN, Commanding U. S. S. Itasca. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Commodore Palmer, lii. S. Navy, commanding at New Orleans, urging the need of addi- tional vessels in the Red River. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 30,1864. SIR: Since writing my letter to the admiral (or to yourself~ as com- manding the fleet at New Orleans), I have, had an interview with Admiral Porter. He expresses a strong desire that such boats as can be spared may be sent to the Red River. The tinclads that lately have been sent down can be used to advantage. I hope, myself, that you will send some strong boats. It is not impossible that the naviga- tion of the river may be severely contested. We are in good condition and the best possible spirits. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Commodore PALMER, Commanding Fleet at New Orleans. Capture of the schooner Judson, off Mobile Bar, April 30, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander de Krafft, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conemaugh. U. S. S. CONEMAUGIT, Off Mobile Bar, May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honoi to report that on the morning of the 30th of April, 20 miles east of Mobile Bar, I captured the schooner Judson, L. H. Thompson, master, from Mobile, having run the blockade of that port the evening before, with a cargo consisting of 40 bales of cotton. Eleven of these were on account of the rebel Government and con- signed to C. J. Helm, at Havana. The Judson was furnished with complete Confederate papers, and at the time of capture was under the American flag. She has been sent, with her papers and necessary witnesses, to New Orleans for adjudication Page 221 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 221 I enclose herewith a list of the officers and crew of this vessel, as required. No other vessel was in sight at time of capture. I am, with great respect, yeur obedient servant, J. C. P. DE KUAFET Lieutenant- Comm gnder. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander de Krafft, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conemaugh. U. S. S. CONEMAUGH, Off Mobile Bar, April 30, 1864. SIn: I have to report that at daylight this morning a small schooner was discovered bearing about east, and apparently beating up for this anchorage. At about 7 oclock she was observed to bear away to the south and east, when the Conemaugh gave chase, and at 9 p. m. came up with and captured the schooner Judson, 20 miles east of Mobile Bar, no other vessel being in sight. The captain, L. H. Thompson, master, reports that he ran the block- ade at Mobile last night through the Swash Channel. His cargo con- sists of 40 bales of cotton (17,832 pounds); his papers are all in due form, and clearance for Havana, 11 bales being on Confederate account. The captain, with his crew of three men, one of them claiming to be a partner, all claim to be good Union men and glad to get out of Mobile. Captain Thompson reports several other vessels ready to run the blockade, the steamer Denbigh having gone out upward of a week ago, also that a buoy is placed about 100 yards west by south ofthe end of the sand spit under Fort Morgan, and th~at between this buoy and the western channel bank of the main channel are placed 60 tor- pedoes about 50 yards apart, leaving the only clear channel way into Mobile Bay under the sand spit at Fort Morgan, and not over 100 yards wide. This information is derived from persons on board the steamer employed in p lacing the torpedoes. He confirms the reported burning of the camels intended to be used in getting the Tennessee over the bar, and that this vessel has returned to Mobile. He reports a double row of obstructions, consisting of piling and sunken vessels, in Dog River, and that the high-pressure ram Baltic has been twice down to the lower bay. I have myself seen the Baltic once in sight from the blockading fleet. I shall send the captured vessel and papers to New Orleans unless otherwise directed by Captain Walker. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. P. DR KRAFFT, Lieutenant-. Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 222 222 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander de Krafft, U. S. Navy, to the judge of the U. S. district court at New Orleans, forwarding captured papers. U. S. S. CONEMAUGH, Off Mobile Bar, April 30, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture this day of the schooner Judson, 16~-~ tons burden, from Mobile last night, with clearance from Havana, having on board 40 bales (17,832 pounds) of cotton. This vessel was discovered at daylight, bearing east, apparently beating up for the anchorage. At 7 a. m. she was discovered to bear away to the south and east, whereupon the Conemaugh gave chase, and at 9 a: m. came up with the Judson, heading for Pensacola, to which place the captain said he was going and where he had sent his family two weeks ago. On being hailed and asked where he was from, he replied Mobile, cargo consisting of cotton. At the time of capture the vessel bore from Mobile Bar about east, distance 18 miles, no other vessel being in sight. I send herewith the master, L. H. Thompson, and Warren D. Gerror, whom he claims as his partner; also all the writings and papers found on board. The master, L. H. Thompson, frankly admits that he ran the block- - ade last night through the Swash Channel, and that 29 bales belong to himself and partner; the remainder, 11, being on account of the Con- federate Government. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. P. DR KRAFET, Lieutenant- Commander. Judge of U. S. DISTRICT COURT, New Orleans. [Enclosure.] List of papers found on board of schooner Judson and sent to judge of U. S. district court New Orleans. 1. Bill of lading of 12,306 pounds cotton, consigned to Rafeal Penst, Santa Maria, Cuba. 2. Bill of lading of 5,526 pounds cotton, consigned to Colonel C. J. Helm, Havana, Cuba. 3. Bill of health from Spanish consul at Mobile to Spanish author- ities at Havana. 4. Manifest of cargo. 5. Clearance. 6. Manifest of cargo. 7. Register. 8. Shipping articles and crew list. 9. Military pass, C. S. A. 10. Grew list Page 223 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 223 Escape from Galveston of Confederate steamers Harriet Lane, Isabel, a~ Alice (or ~atagorda),loaded with cotton, April 30, 1864. Memorandum from papers of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. U. S.~FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 5, 1864. I will, as far as in my power lies, aid and assist the owners of the cot- ton to secure the same, provided the vessel Harriet Lane is delivered up in good faith by running out to the fleet and showing a light as soon as beyond the guns of the enemy. We will deliver up the cargo to the special agent of the Treasury De- partment, or the owners, as the law may require, retaining, however, the vessel for the Government. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. The schooners Elias Pike and Cavallo will be received on the same conditions as above set forth in the case of the Harriet Lane. D.G.F. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding applications for permission to run cotton out from enemys ports. No. 109.] U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 9, 1864. SIR: Much embarrassment arises in the many applications now made to me to run cotton out of the enemys ports in conformity with the construction put by the applicants upon the Additional Regula- tions of January 26, 1864, for commercial intercourse with insurgent States. Some Qf the applications are of a very novel character, and my desire to get hold7 of the vessels referred to may, I fear, induce me to go beyond what the Department may deem the intention of the law. For example, an individual has informed me that if I will receive and conduct to New Orleans the Harriet Lane, with her cargo of cotton, that he will guarantee to run her out to the blockade, provided that Ii will secure to him the cotton she has on board. Another has offered to me to run out of Mobile the Morgan and the 61ctines, gunboats loaded with cotton, in the same way, in all cases paying to the Government the regular dues and fees. I was informed by one of these men that the Clifton might have been had on the same terms. All this, I am informed, arises from a resolution of the rebel Govern- ment to dispose of those vessels nonironclads, with a view to depend- ing entirely on the ironclads where they are necessary, and investing, according to their law, one-third of the proceeds of the cargo for the benefit of their Government. I would be pleased to learn the views of the Department on this subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rea~r-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretariy of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 224 224 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Endorsement.] Admiral Farragut will make such arrangements in the cases herein referred to and in similar cases, should any occur, as, in his judgment, may best promote the public interest. w. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regard- ing a proposed strategy for securing the steamer Harriet Lane and her cargo. Confidential.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off New Orleans, April 11, 1864. SIR: It has been reported to me that the Harriet Lane is ready for sea and about to run the blockade, and by certain strategy she can be had in the following manner: The part owner is a loyal man, residing in this city, and he engages to give up to us the Harriet Lane and two schooners and will deliver over the vessels cargoes to the special agent of the Treasury Depart- ment at New Orleans, the vessels only to be retained by the United States and the captors. I have therefore to direct that when a man accompanied by a woman comes to you to communicate with the shore at [illegible], you will send a flag of truce on shore to deliver the enclosed letters addressed to the consuls of France, etc. Another man, whose name the woman will give you, will meet the boat on shore; you will simply inform him that she is on board and he will come on board to see her, and then the arrangement for running out the Harriet Lane will be made. You will require her, and the schooners also, to show a light the moment she is outside the range of the enemys batteries as an evi- dence of [illegible] directly to the blockading fleet. If, on the other hand,, the vessels make the slightest effort to pass the blockade, you will seize them and send them in as prizes. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain [J. B. MARCHAND]. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, stating the difficulty of executing the proposed instructions. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, April 14,1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation in relation to sending into Galveston a boat with flag of truce. A difficulty presents its6lf in carrying out your instructions, as, by the rebels understanding of an arrangement made by them with Com- modore Bell in February, 1 863now in force, a copy * of which I here- with sendboats from our vessels with flags of truce are to go at or near the tripod beacon east of Fort Point, where communication would be held with them, and that, should such boats pass beyond the designated * See series 1, volume 19, p. 836 Page 225 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 225 place, a blank cartridge as warning would be fired, to be followed by hostile demonstration if the boat proceeded. The tripod beacon referred to is still standing in shoal water near the bar, and at a dis- tance of about 2~ miles from the enemys forts, east of the town of Galveston. If necessary, I will endeavor, however, to carry out your instructions by sending a fast pulling boat from the beacon, which possibly may be enabled to reach the land. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blocicading Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, granting liberty of judgment in disposing of propositions relating to cotton. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 26, 1864. Sin: I have received your No. 109 in reference to the frequent appli- cations that are made to you to run cotton out of the insurgent ports. You are at liberty to make such arrangements in the cases specially referred to, and in any other like cases should they arise, as, in your judgment, may best promote the public interest. Very respectfully, etc., - GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of Navy. Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, announcing the escape of the blockade runners. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAwANNA, Off Galveston, May 15, 1864. SIR: Herewith I have the honor to send a Galveston newspaper of the 3d instant, announcing the departure of three steamers on the night of the 30th ultimo, which steamers were the Harriet Lane, Isabel, and Alice, formerly Matagorda. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Corndg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports. No. 184.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, off Pensacola, May 16, 1864. SIR: I have nothing to communicate to the Department ei~cept that, as I feared would be the case, the parties in Texas intended to N W ilVOL 21 1 Page 226 226 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. defraud the parties in New Orleans in relation to the Harriet Lane. That vessel and three others ran out of Galveston on the night of the 30th ultimo, and Lieutenant-Commander Irwin, who saw her, chased her, but, as you will perceive by this report, did not give the signal or fire at her, and next morning found himself among four blockade run- ners and unable to catch any one of them. I believe they all got safely to Havana. I inclose his report of the affair (No. 1), as well as that of Captain J. B. Marchand (No. 2). Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear~Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Captain Xarchand, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the chasing vessel. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 5, 1864. SIR: I regret to inform you that the Harriet Lane, which had been sold by the rebel Government to T. W. House, of Houston, Tex., and which had had her masts and guns taken out, escaped from Galveston Bay on the night of the 30th ultimo, laden with cotton. The early part of that night was dark, squally, and rainy, and to prevent her escape the blockading vessels were as usual close to differ- ent entering channels, the extreme of those channels being 8 or 9 miles. The Owasco was off Bolivar Island [Peninsula 3] Passage, the Ari- zona and New London at the Cylinder Channel, the Lacicawanna at the side of, and the Kineo at, the Main Ship Channel, and the Katahdin at the South West Channel. From 8 to 10 oclock that night the darkness was so great that from the central position of this ship the Arizona, New London, and Kineo only could be seen. About the latter hour a few discharges of heavy guns were heard to the southward and westward, nearly in the direc- tion of the Virginia, which was blockading San Luis Pass, on the coast below, but I could not entertain the suspicion that any vessels attempted to violate the blockade of this place until the following morning, when it was seen that the Harriet Lans and two other steamers were no longer at their usual anchorage, and at the same time observed that the Katahdin was not in sight, having left in the night without making the preconcerted signal to enable me immedi- ately to place another vessel at her station. [It was thought that] * the Harriet Lane and the other vessels escaped through the Southwest Channel, k~eping close to Galveston Island, in which is 7~ feet water, whereas from information received the Harriet Lanes draft was 9 feet, and she could only pass out at the Main Ship Channel. Had it been known to a certainty that those vessels had escaped, two or more of the blockading vessels, especially the Laclcawannct, * Inserted from correction furnished by Captain Marchand, May 28, 1865.CoMPILER Page 227 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 227 would have gone in pursuit. When the Harriet Lane was not visible in the morning, it was thought that she might again have been run up Gal- veston Bay beyond sight, where she had been concealed for some months after her capture by the rebels, as a ruse, to induce the prin- cipal blockading vessels to go in pursuit, leaving the channel but par- tially guarded; nor did I learn, and that through deserters, that she had actually gone to sea until the forenoon of the 2d instant. The Southwest Channel had been considered an important one, and to its blockade would have been added the New London, which lately arrived; but a few days previously the rebels had planted a buoy leading to the Cylinder Channel, giving the impression it would be used, as being wider and less intricate; hence the New London was stationed there. On the morning of the 3d instant the Katahdin returned. Her commander reported that he had left his station between 8 and 9 oclock p. m. of the 30th instant, in chase of a vessel running out, whether a steamer or sailing vessel was not known to a certainty, owing to the darkness of the night; and that at daylight the following morning four blockade-running steamers were in sight. He chased the Harriet Lane until 4 oclock in the afternoon oT 1st instant, when she ran out of sight, being about 25 miles from the western coast of Louisiana, and then followed the Alice until after dark close into the same coast, when she also was lost to sight. Herewith I have the honor to send the report of Lieutenant-Com- mander Irwin, of the Katahdin, relating to the occurrence, and a diagram showing the position of the blockading vessels on the even- ing of the 30th ultimo. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d District West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Irwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin. U. S. S. KATAHDIN, Off Galveston, May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the unsuc- cessful chase of the steamers Harriet Lane and Matagorda: At 9:15 p. in., April 30, while at anchor off Galveston, blockading the Southwest Channel, discovered a large steamer passing rapidly inshore of and very close to us, moving to the southward and west- ward. Believing it to be a light-draft steamer, because it is not sup- posed that others can use the Southwest Channel, I slipped the cable and stood after her, but before we could get sufficient headway to turn she had disappeared in the darkness. I would have instantly made a signal to you if it had been possible to see anything a half mile to the northward and eastward, and the nearest station is 2 miles from where I was anchored. At no time after dusk could I distinguish any one of the blockading fleet, although I endeavored to do so to get their bearings. At the time the steamer passed us, a dense rain squall was passing between this vessel and the rest of th Page 228 228 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fleet, and it had just reached this vessel. The steamer that dashed past us was just clear of it, or she could not have been seen one hun- dred yards from us. If I had fired a gun it would have drawn you away from the Main Ship Channel, and it would have given the Har- riet Lane a fine chance to escape by that channel, the only one that it was believed she could use. As soon as I lost sight of the steamer I determined to cross her track and to make every effort to capture her. I believed her to be the Matagorda, and knew that she was slow. I then shaped the course seaward, and at 10:30 sighted the steamer again and fired four shell at her to bring her to, but did not succeed in stopping her. We again lost sight of her. I then shaped our course to intercept her in the morning, and at daylight, May 1, in latitude 28~ 23 N., longitude 940 16 W., discovered a steamer bear- ing east. Stood for her and made sail in chase. In a very short time I round that we were gaining rapidly on her. At 5:30 a. m. discov- ered the smoke of three other steamers, all burning soft coal or wood. At 6 a. m. made out the chase to be the Harriet Lane; gained on her rapidly until 8 a. in., when the wind drew rapidly ahead and I was forced to take in sail. The Harriet Lane then commenced to gain on us (for she had us at the worst point for a medium-powered pro- peller), and her captain changed his course with every change of wind, so as to keep it a head wind for us. At 9 a. m. we were steer- ing N. E. and the wind was N. E. At this time a large steamer crossed our bows, running an E. S. E. course. This steamer I recognized as the Matagorda. She passed about 4 miles ahead of us. At 10 oclock the Harriet Lane, still gaining on us rapidly, the Matagorda bearing from us E. S. E., determined to make a dash for her under all sail, and if successful I intended to take soft coal from her to enable me to keep up steam and to make her join in the chase of the Harriet Lane. I would have lashed alongside of her, steering after the Harriet Lane, until I had taken coal from her to answer my purpose. I kept off for her under all sail, but her captain brought his vessel head to wind immediately. That course brought him across our bows and in long range. I immediately opened fire with the Parrott rifle, but could not stop him. I then took in all sail again and stood after both steamers, steering N. E. At 11 a. m. the wind moderated and we gained rapidly on the Matagorda, and she commenced throwing overboard her deck load of cotton; kept on firing at her until all of our Parrott shell were expended. At this time we were within 2,500 yards of her. We now fired Hotchkiss and Schenkle shell at her, every one of which turned end over end and proved to be perfectly useless as pro~ectiles. There was a short head sea, which destroyed the accuracy oi~ the aim, or we should have disabled the Matagorda. At 1:15 p. in., when we were within 2,500 yards of the Matagorda, the wind freshened suddenly and she commenced gaining on us rapidly. The Harriet Lane was at this time distant about 12 miles and bearing two points on our starboard bow. The wind again lulled and we gained rapidly on the Matagorda; kept on after her, hoping that the Harriet Lane would run off again on her course for Havana and allow this vessel to get to windward of her; but at a few minutes past 2 p. m. she finally disappeared, bearing E. N. B. We were heading N. B. at the time and the wind was N. B. Kept on in chase of the Matagorda, as we were gaining rapidly on her at this time, hoping to capture her and take from her enough coal t Page 229 WEST GULF I3LOOKADING SQUADRON. 229 enable me to make a fresh effort to intercept the Harriet Lane. Until 6 p. m. the wind varied in force and direction, but did not change more than a point either way, and we gained or lost ground as the wind freshened or lulled. At 6p. m. we were again gaining rapidly and were running for Bayou Mermentau, on the west coast of Louisiana. I determined to force her captain to run her on shore and destroy her if I could but keep her in sight. At 8 p. in., when within 5 miles of Bayou Mermentau, lost sight of the Matagorda. The early part of the night was again very dark, and unfortunately for us there were large swamp fires near the mouth of the bayou. They emitted dense vol- umes of smoke, and as w~ neared the land it was impossible to see anything, although every glass in the vessel was in use. I now deter- mined to make a final effort to intercept the Harriet Lane or, failing her, the Matagorda. I stood off to seaward again under sail and steam to cross their track in the morning; kept on at full speed until after broad daylight May 2, but saw nothing. I would have kept on after the Harriet Lane to intercept her before she could reach Havana,~but unfortunately we had but 15 tons of coal left, and that of very poor quality, and the di~tance was 600 miles. I was reluctantly compelled to abandon the chase to the eastward, but ran so as to cross any pos- sible course either vessel might have taken on her way for Havana. I was not fortunate enough to sight either vessel, and I had barely coal enough left to get back to my station. I enclose a chart, with all of the positions and courses marked, so that all of the incidents of the chase will ~be perfectly clear to you. With a fair wind, or even in a calm, this vessel could certainly have captured both steamers; but this vessel can not be driven over 7 ~ knots against an ordinary head wind. In the endeavor to keep up steam we used what little soft coal we had, all of our firewood and lumber, and all of our pork and tar. We made~au average of 82 revolutions of the propeller. Nothing but the repeated changes in the force and direction of the wind saved those steamers from capture. It is a bitter mortification to me to have to report a failure, but I need not assure you that no effort was spared to enable me to report a success. The captains of the Harriet Lane and the Matagorda showed good judgment in the management of their vessels, for they never gave me a chance to get to windward of them from the time of the first change of wind. During the chase we compelled the Matagorda to throw overboard at least 300 bales of cotton, for we had counted 248 bales at 1 p. in., and we passed a great many afterwards. The highest speed of the Harriet Lane and Matagorda is not over 9 knots, and they can not average over 8 ~ knots for twelve hours. The Harriet Lane is the faster of the two against a head wind, and that is the only difference in their speed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN IRWiN, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. Navy, Comdg. 3d Div. We t Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Lacicawanna, off Galveston, Tex Page 230 230 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, May 28, 1864. SIR: In my report to you of the 5th instant, in reference to the escape of the Harriet Lame from Galveston Bay, I stated that the Harriet Lame and the other vessels escaped through the Southwest Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, making correction to previous report Page 231 WEST GULF ELOOKADING SQUADRON. 231 Channel. It should read It was thought that the Harriet Lane and the other vessels escaped through the Southwest Channel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, censur- ing the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Katahdin. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 13, 1864. SIR: I received with great regret the report of Lieutenant- Commander Irwin of the chase of the Harriet Lane and Alice, as it is evident to me that your ship, or almost any vessel on the blockade, would have caught them both, and his reasons for not firing a gun or burning a light that you might have been induced to leave the chan- nel unguarded are inadmissible, as you were the proper judge of such propriety. It turned out, as I feared it would, that the parties only wished to have the chances to escape, but I will have no more such arrange- ments. They will hereafter be all prizes when taken. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. S. Lacicawanna, Commanding 3d Division, off Texas. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Irwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, censuring him for derelictioff in duty. U.S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, Ma~q 13, 1864. SIR: I have received the report of your chase of the steamers Harriet Lane and Alice, and I regret to say that I attribute the escape of those vessels to your not firing a gun and burning lights to give notice to the squadron of their running out. That you were afraid it would draw Captain Marchand from his station was not a proper reason for so great a dereliction of duty, as he was the proper person to judge of the propriety of leaving the channel unguarded and not you. It is evident that if the Lackawanna had chased, both the steamers would, in all probability, have been captured, and the blockade have escaped further rebuke of the Navy Department. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander JOHN IRWIN, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Katahdin Page 232 232 WEST GULP BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, imputing blame to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Katahdin. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 8, 1864. SIR: The Department has received your No. 184 and enclosures, relative to the escape of the Harriet Lane and three other vessels from Galveston on the night of the 30th of April last. The blame apparently rests upon Lieutenant-Commander John Irwin, of the Katahdin, in not giving the concerted signal. Let that be as it may, it can not but be looked upon as a miserable business when six good steamers, professing to blockade a harbor, suffer four vessels to run out in one night. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of Navy. Coradg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Letter from Major-General Smith, C. S. Army, to Major-General Magruder, C. S. Army, re garding the running out from Galveston of vessels loaded with cotton. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT Shreveport, La., January 23, 1864. GENERAL: In the reply to your letter of the 6th allusion was made to your plan as presented of using the prize vessels harriet Lane, Clifton, bark Gavallo, and revenue cutter Dodge for the purpose of exporting cotton and securing the arms from Vera Cruz. In my answer the ground was taken that such procedure as you proposed would be an assumption of authority, more properly taken, if assumed at all, by the commanding general on the spot, fully cognizant of all the facts, as also the necessities of the military service. My atten- tion has been called to the fact that as the appearance of these vessels in a foreign.port prior to recognition of our nationality might inyolve their seizure, their sale now by the Confederate States marshal under a decree of the admiralty court would prevent the Government from obtaining their value, and it would therefore be better, in or(ler to prevent a sacrifice, to have them purchased by some foreigner selected by the cotton o represent the Government a office t . , nfl your project to get arms might then be carried out through Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchins, who is very desirous of serving you, and, with his associates, is perfectly competent to manage this description of business. It is believed that 1,200 or 1,500 bales of cotton, judiciously han- dled, would pay for the guns and give us the means to purchase other things, and thus obviate the necessity of ultimately furnishing 8,000 or 9,000 bales to Mr. House, as is intimated in your letter might be required. It must appear clear to you that if this business can be managed at all it can be better managed through enlightened shipping merchants, such as compose the c~tton board, than through Mr. House. It would certainly be much less expensive and would reduce the responsibility incident to an irregular procedure, if backed up and supported by trusted agents of the Government, who have the con- fidence of the authorities at Richmond. The expenses to be incurred by Messrs. House & Co. in such an enterprise, if undertaken by them Page 233 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 233 can not be accurately estimated here; but it is not difficult to see that if they ultimately get possession of 9,000 bales of cotton, as computed by you, and have permission to export it to England, its value will be, at the current price in Liverpool, 60 cents per poundsay $300 per bale$2,700,000, which would purchase in our money, at the present gauge in Houston, $67,500,000. If not asking too much, do me the favor to discuss this matter with Mr. James Sorley, who indicates in his letter a very high appreciation of yourself personally. He may discover great inaccuracy in the fore- going reasoning; but, if not tasking too much the time due your mili- tary matters, I desire that you investigate the results of this enterprise through the agency of some good business man and, if possible, reach the merits of the case. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH. Major-General J. B. MAGRUDER. Report of Major-General Magruder, C. S. Army, forwarding report for the Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ARKANSAS, In the Field, Near Monticello, Ark., September 29, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to enclose a report to the Secretary of War on the subject of the Harriet Lane. etc. Please lay it before General Smith and then forward to Richmond. It is important that it should not fall into the hands of the enemy. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General BOGGS, Major-General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, In Field, Monticello, September 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of th~ 1st of August, 1864, in regard to the steamer Harriet Lane and her cargo of cotton. - I beg leave in reply to submit the following statement: By my orders some 16,000 stand of arms, which had been released in our favor by the French at Vera Cruz in the spring of 1863 had been con- centrated at Havana. Before any steam blockade runners had entered our harbors in Texas, I, finding that the Harriet Lane and other ships captured by me were useless as cruisers at sea, and after the building of the forts useless for the defense of the harbors, placed their guns in the forts, and having the arms above mentioned at Havana, which could only be procured by sending the cotton or specie for them, I proposed to General Kirby Smith, commanding the Trans-Mississippi Depart- ment, to send out these ships loaded with cotton,. and to sell the ships and their cargoes for the purpose of buying these arms and a fast steam blockade runner, with which to bring in these arms. Genera Page 234 234 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Smith informed me that I could send them out in this way on my own responsibility. It was so obviously right that I did not hesitate a minute. The ships were lying useless, rotting, and in danger from the enemy. The arms were absolutely necessary, and we would at that time procure them in no other way than by sending cotton or specie abroad with which to purchase them. The Government had no cotton. Arrangements were made by me with Mr. T. W. House, a merchant of Houston, Tex., who advanced the cotton, paying the freight, and, to save the ships on their arrival in a foreign port from the danger of a successful claim by the U. S. consul, they were passed through a prize court and were sent abroad as the property of a private individual, being as such protected by the Spanish authorities. Captain Robert B. Scott, as special agent of the Government, was sent out, and was kept in ignorance of the real ownership of the Harriet Lame (the only ship yet out), and Mr. C. J. Helm, Confederate States agent at Havana, was not informed of the transaction lest he might be called upon in a Spanish court as a witness to testify as to ownership, and the claim of the United States be thus allowed. Mr. Helm is still in ignorance, and should remain so until the ships are disposed of. The U. S. consul did claim the Harriet Lame on her arrival at Havana, but in consequence of these prudential arrangements she has not been given up. The plans, contracts, papers, etc., were all arranged on full consulta- tion with the C. S. district attorney, Mr. George Mason, and with the approval of the cotton office, Lieutenant-Colonel W. J. Hutchins, Mr. James Sorley, C. S. depositary; Mr. B. A. She p herd, and Mr. Ball, of the firm of Ball, Hutchings & Co., Houston, Tex.,being the members who compose what is called the cotton office for the District of Texas, etc., and which is under the exclusive control of General Smith. The details of the transaction were arranged by Brigadier-General J. E. Slaughter, then chief of my staff, and t~e~e gentlemen, after full and frequent consultation. If these ships and their cargoes get out, we shall at once be able to pay for the arms, and if these arms can then be run in successfully, incalculable benefit will result to this department. So far we have been successful with the Harriet Lame. The others may be equally fortunate. We lost one, the Clifton, which, striking on the bar at the entrance to Sabine Pass, was burned by us. It may be proper to state that the Harriet Lame was condemned as a cruiser by Commander Barney, C. S. Navy, sent to command her, and was therefore turned over by the Navy Department to the War Department. I have not thought it prudent to send you an account of these transactions for fear that the papers mig a into the possession of the enemy while being taken across the Mississippi River, and the information might lead to the seizure of these vessels by the U. S. Government. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKIIEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Commanding District of Arkansas. [The SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va. Page 235 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 235 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Reynolds, U. S. Army, referring to the delay in forwarding arms to Pensacola. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 1, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I avail myself of this occasion to drop you a line on the subject of our last conversation. First,I find that notwithstand- ing all we said about the arms being sent to General Asboth, not a musket or a saber has ever been received by him, and he has 500 men waiting for arms, as heretofore stated. My supply vessel has brought down a paymaster with $2,000,000 for the army, and I suppose will be quarantined, although the captain informs me that there is no truth in the fever being at Pensacola or Key West, but I let the vessel go to the river, as I was not willing to risk so much money in the small mail boat. Do let me know if you have anything cheering from the army, for everything appears to be going wrong with us. Very respectfully and truly, yours, Major-General [J. J. ] REYNOLDS, Commanding New Orleans. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Stations of vessels composing the West GulfBlockading Squadron, May 1, 1864. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola Navy Yard, May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the following as the disposition of the vessels of my squadron og the 1st instant: Name. Station. Class. Bloomer Charlotte Hartford Richmond Arthur W. G. Anderson Kittatinny Potomac J. C. Kuhn Nightingale 0. H. Lee Orvetta Sarah Bruen John Griffith Sea Foam Henry Janes Ossipee Oneida Sebago tasca..~.. Metacomet Pinola Penguin Albatross Kennebec Genesee Seminole Tenessee Vincennes Port Royal Cowslip Narcissus Pampero Nyanza (41) Glide (42) Off east end of Santa Rosa Island Steamer. do Sailing vessel. Off Pensacola Steamer. do Do. do Sailing vessel do Do. do Do. do Do. do Do. do Do. do Mortar vessel do Do. do Do. do Do. do Do. do Do. Off Mobile Steamer. do Do. do Do. do Do. do Do. .do Do. .do Do. .do Do. .do Do. .do Do. .do Do. .do Do. do Do. Off Ship Island Sailing sloop. Mississippi Sound Steamer. do Do. do Do. Mouth of South West Pass Sailing vessel. In Berwick Bay Steam tinclad. do Do Page 236 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQ1YADRON. Stations of vessels composing the Wtst Gulf Blockading S~juadron May 1, 1864Continued. Name. Station. Class. Wave Granite City Princess Royal Cayuga New London Lackawanna Owasco Katalidin Kineo Arizona Bohio Virgima Chocura Estrella Kanawha Commodore Stockdale Corypheus Monongahela Octorara Aroostook J. P. Jackson Gertrude Callioun Pembina Sciota Antona Penobscot Tallahatchie (No. 46) Elk (No. 47) Rodoiph (No. 48) Carrabasset (No. 49) Portsmouth Fearnot M. A. Wood Meteor Calcasien .do Sabine Pass do .do Off Galveston do do - .. . .do do - . .do San Luis Pass Brazos River Pass Cavallo Along the coast to Rio Grande Lake Pontchartrain do .do Off New Orleans (most of them undergo- ing repairs). do do do do do do do do do do .do do do do do do do Steam tinclad. Steamer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Sailing vessel (coal). Steamer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Steam tinclad. Yacht. Steamer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Steam tinclad. Do. Do. Do. Sailing sloop. Sailing vessel (ordnance). Sailing vessel (coal). Steam tinclad. The dispatch steam tugs Glasgow and Jasmine run between Pensa- cola and New Orleans. The steam tugs Ida and Hollyhocic are used in the Mississippi from New Orleans to the mouth. The dispatch steam vessels Arkansas and Augusta Dinsmore run between New Orleans and the Texas coast. These two latter vessels are now in New Orleans repairing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON W~LLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding order issued to Lieutenant-Commander Gillis, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 1, 1864. COMMODORE: I have ordered Lieutenant-Commander J. H. Gillis, just arrived by the Union, to report to you for the command of the tlnclad which I directed you to send to Lake Pontchartrain. He will be the senior officer in command there. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Commodore J. S. PALMER, Rear-Admiral. Commanding First Division, off New Orleans. 23 Page 237 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 237 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Alden, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S.S. Brooklyn, to proceed to duty in the West Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 2, 1864. SIR: Proceed with all practicable dispatch with the U. S. S. Brook- lyn to the Gulf of Mexico and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Captain JAMES ALDEN, U. S. Navy, Secretary of Navy. Commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, New York. Report of Lieutenant-Commander de Krajjft, U. S. Navy, regarding pro- posed ~%nfederate operations in the Passes of the Mississippi River. U. S. S. CONEMAUGH, May 2, 1864. SIR: I have to report that L. H. Thompson, late master of the prize schooner Judson, informs me that there is now fitting out at Mobile, an expedition consisting of 60 men and three boats for the purpose of operating about the Passes of the Mississippi River, and capturing such trading vessels and small steamers as they may be able to come up with and surprise. Their principal rendezvous is to be in Grand Bay, eastward of Pass ~ lOutre, and their communication with the river is to be kept up. by means of a small skiff boat running through a canal which connects the Pass with the bay. This expedition will be ready to leave Mobile in about a week or ten days. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. P. DE KKAFFT Lieutenant- Commander. Captain WILLIAM M. WALKER. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Cherardi, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chocura, regarding the capture by that vessel of the British schooner Agnes, May 2, 1864. U. S. S. CHOCURA Off Brazos River, Tex., May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that at 11:40 p. in., on~ the 2d instant, a vessel was discovered standing out the harbor of Velasco, Tex. I immediately slipped my anchor and ran for her, overhauling her on the morning of the 3d of May, at 12: 15) in 4~ fathoms of water, the entrance to Brazos River bearing about W. N. W. by compass. The vessel proved to be the English schooner Agnes, which I shall send to-day to New Orleans for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obediex~t servant, BANCROFT GRERARDI, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C Page 238 238 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officers of the U. S. steamers Cowslip and Narcissus, regarding the abuse of fhe flag of truce. -~. ~. S. HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 2, 1864. I have understood that since the Narcissus and~ Cowslip have been in the [Mississippi] Sound you have been using flags of truce, on all occasions, for communicating with the rebels on the coast of Mississippi, and that you have also frequently fired upon the harmless people on the shores. I hope that these things are not true, but you will bear in mind that you have no right to use the flag of truce except to communicate with Government authorities, and that you shoul no e upon unarmed people. There are a great many Union people on that coast, and you should have good reasons for firing upon those who do not fire upon you. You will report to me your action in this matter. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. COMMANDING OFFICERS OF THE COWSLIP AND NARCISSUS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Virginia, regarding the capture of the schooner Experiment. U. S. S. VIRGINIA, Q/J Coast of Texas, May 3, 1864. SIR: I have to report the capture by this vessel at 11:30 this morn- ing of the rebel schooner Experiment, from Galveston, bound to Tam- pico, with 31 bales of cotton. The schooner being unseaworthy I have dismantled and destroyed her after removing her cargo. Enclosed please find a list of officers and crew attached to the Vir- g%n%a. Very respectifully, your obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROwN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Virginia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. H. Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding. May 3,1864.At 10 a. m. made a sail to the southward; steered for her. At 11:30 sent a boat on board of her. She proved to be the schooner Experiment, and had run out of Galveston the night before, and had on board 31 bales of c~ton. At 1 p. m. hauled the schooner alongside. All hands engaged in hoisting cotton on board, the schooner not being considered seaworthy Page 239 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 239 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the capture by the U. S. S. Chocura of the Prussian schooner Frederic the Second. No. 196.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 22,1864. SIR: I forward herewith the report of Lieutenant-Commander B. Gherardi, of the Chocura, of the capture by that vessel of the Prussian schooner Frederic the Second, off Brazos River, on the 3d instant, laden with 114 bales of cotton. She has been sent to New Orleans for adju- dication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. CHOCURA, Off Brazos River, Tex., May 3, 1864. Sm: I have the honor to report that early this morning, while trans- ferring a prize crew, etc., to the English schooner Agnes, a light was reported to the southward of this place. As soon as I could dispatch the Agnes I got underway and steamed a few miles to the southward, when a strange sail was reported, which I chased and overhauled in latitude 280 35 N., longitude 950 01 W. (dead reckoning), which proved to be the Prussian schooner Frederic the Second, who had run the blockade at Brazos River in company with the English schooner Agnes, having on board 114 bales of cotton. I have this day dispatched her to New Orleans for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BANCROFT GRERARDI, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Win- chester, U. S. Navy, to assume command of U. S. schooner Sarah Bruen and proceed to Philadelphia. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 3, 1864. SIR: You are hereby temporarily detached from the command of the U. S. bark W. 0. Anderson and will assume that of the U. S. schooner Sarah Bruen. As soon as that vessel is ready for sea proceed with her to Philadelphia, and on your arrival report to the command- ant of the navy yard and by letter to the honorable Secretary of the Navy, stating to him that you have been ordered North with three men, in obedience to his letter of April 15, to give evidence in the case of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hill. You will take the log book of the Anderson and keep on board the men whom you take with you as witnesses until you receive orders for their disposition. When released by the honorable Secretary of the Navy, if not otherwise directed, yo Page 240 240 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. will return here by the earliest opportunity and resume command of the W. 6k Anderson. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master J. F. WINCHESTER, commanding U. S. bark W. C. Anderson, Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Woods, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. brigantine Sea Foam, to proceed with that vessel to New York. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 3, [1864]. SIR: When the U. S. S. Sea Foam is ready for sea, proceed with her to New York and report to the commandant of the navy yard, showing him these orders. Your vessel is sent home in consequence of having suffered severely from yellow fever last year, and in order that her mortar may be replaced, it being much worn and scarcely to be depended upon for either accuracy or endurance. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant D. C. WOODS, Commanding U. S. brigantine Sea Foam, off Pensacola. Report of Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding certain vessels of the squadron and referring to the withdrawal of the Calcasieu exped%- tion. U. S. NAVAL HEADQUARTERS, No. 148 Canal Street, New Orleans, La., May 3, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to enclose herewith a report of a survey upon the Arkansas. I fear that the purchases here are not sufficient to take her up on the ways. The Dinsmore has returned with her rudder disabled, so that it will be necessary to get a dock under her. I shall send the Pembina to Mobile instead of Texas, on account of her liability to break down, as her engine is considered a very weak one. She will sail to-morrow morning. The Gertrude, Sciota, and Aroostook will all be ready this week, and will be sent to the coast of Texas. I have placed in confinement, on board the Portsmouth, two engineers, one for desertion, the other for drunkenness and mutinous, treasonable conduct. The commanding officer of Nyanza reports another, for declining to take the oath sent by the Department, with the confirmation of his appointment, from you. I enclose you the papers of Nolans case. I also enclose report of captain of the Wave, at Calcasien. The pay- master of the Wave, who cam up with dispatches, informs me that about twenty refugees came in since the accompanying report wa Page 241 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 241 written. Both the Granite City and Wave are inside. I hope they will be able to hold their own against any attack. I have been obliged to strip our ships here in order to man the tin- dads, and if you can possibly spare any men I wish you would send them here. I shall withdraw the Calcasieu expedition, as the only object in our haying vessels there was to enlist men for the Navy. The Army have already brought off a large amount of livestock, and there is no longer any object in keeping our vessels there; besides that, I wish to place the tinclad at Pass ~ lOutre, to take the place of the Meteor, which I have sent up to Red River. I send this by the Union which leaves this morning, she having been detained here twenty-four hours on account of her boilers. Very respect~lly, JAS. S. PALMER, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT Commodore. Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report ~of Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding a request from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, for additional vessels in Red River. U. S. NAVAL HEADQUARTERS, No. 148 Canal Street, New Orleans, La., May 3; 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to enclose you letters of General Banks to you and to myself. The only boats that I can make at all available are three tinclads. The Tallahatchie, No. 46, went up lest night. I have been obliged to withdraw the Meteor, No. 44, from Pass ~ lOutre; I hope to get her off for Alexandria this afternoon, although some work is required upon her engine. The other, a coppered one, the Elk, No. 47, and which I had intended for Lake Pontchartrain. I have given Lieutenant-Com- mander Gillis the command of her, and hope to send him above by day after to-morrow. This is all I can possibly do for them. You will observe by Porters letter that the whole party are in a critical condition. General B., I learn, has orders from Washington to abandon the Alexandria expedition and get his army over onto the east bank of the Mississippi, preparatory to an attack on Mobile. The question is whether he will stick by the gunboats (nine of which ironcladsare above the falls) or abandon them to their fate. Por- ters letters will express what his apprehensions are; the whole affair has been most disastrous, and the end is not yet. I have heard of the safety of the Calcasieu vessels, though nothing from them direct. The rebel guerrillas, some 800 strong, attacked Brashear City, but were driven off by the gunboats. It is reported that General Polk is massing a strong force at Camp Moore, on the Jackson Railroad, for an attack upon this city, which is simply ridiculous. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. PALMER, Commodore. - Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Comdg. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Flagship Tennessee N W RVOL 211 Page 242 242 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, proposing operations for the destruction of the C. S. ram Tennessee. No. 146.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 3,1864. SIR: I have just returned from a visit to the commanding general of this station (General Asboth). I found there a lad, not quite 16 years of age, who left the city of Mobile about the 26th of last month; he is remarkably bright and intelligent, and appeared to be very ingenuous; answered all questions with great frankness and apparent knowledge of the subject. From him I learned that the camels for floating the Tennessee over the bar, which were nearly finished, were one-half burned on the stocks. He said it was explained by Admiral Buchanan that while working by candlelight a man dropped a candle into a par- cel of cotton which they were using for calking, and there being so many chips around and the shipyard being so far from the engines in the city that before they could obtain help everything was in a perfect blaze; but that they have g one to work again constructing new ones, and that the rebels are confi dent of soon being able to get her over the bar. I feel assured that if I had Eads boats down from up the river, which he informs me are ready for service, I cquld go into the bay and destroy the ram before she can get over the bar. It is now evident to me that whatever may be the desire of the authorities, the pressure of the public opinion is so great that they will have to get the ram Tennessee over the bar and make an attempt to raise the blockade by the destruction of our vessels. How far she will venture out I can not imagine; she might come outside in a calm day, but these people are so much influenced by their success that no one knows how far they will go. The disastrous retreat of General Banks army has so elated them that it is with difficulty they keep down. Their success with the torpedoes also has given them great hopes, and they will continue that system with increased energy; but only give me the ironclads built by Mr. Eads on the Mississippi and I will find out how far Providence is with us. If I saw any great importance that these vessels would be to Admi- ral Porter I would not ask for them, but I do not, nor do I see the least hope of my getting any from the North, as each of the admirals com- mar ding the Atlantic squadrons have never yet thought they had force enough, nor are they likely to think so now, when they have to make increased efforts. But of all these things the Department will be the judge and give the ironclads to those who require them most. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West GulfrBlockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washingtom Page 243 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 243 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Ord- nance, regarding mortars. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 3, 1864. SIR: In compliance with the directions contained in your letter of the 9th of March, I have had impressions taken of the vents and worst fissures of all of the mortars out here, and these go North in the Union to the care of the ordnance officer at New York for you. The mortars are much worn, and I would recommend their withdrawal from use. I enclose herewith a report of the number of fires and description of the mortars. I have ordered all the vessels North, both that the mortars may be conveniently replaced and because the yellow fever, from which their crew suffered much last year, would undoubtedly show itself again with the warm weather. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Carey, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. bark, W. C. Anderson. HARTFORD Off Pensacola, May 4, [1864]. SIR: Acting Master J. F. Winchester having been temporarily detached from the U. S. bark W. C. Anderson, you will take command of that vessel until further orders. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Corndg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Ensign R. H. CAREY, U. S. Bark W. C. Anderson. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Kinc, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Henry Janes, to proceed wi~ that vessel to New York. U. S. S. HARTFORD Off Pensacola, May 5, 1864. SIR: When the U. S. schooner Henry Janes is readyior sea, proceed with her to New York and report to the colnmandant of the navy yard, showing him these orders. Your vessel is sent home in consequence of having suffered from yellow fever last year and in order that her mortar may be replaced, it being much worn and scarcely to be depended upon for either accu- racy or endurance. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Acting Ensign L. B. KING, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Schooner Henry Janes, off Pensacola Page 244 244 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy,forwarding a communication relating to the schooner Alma. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 6, 1864. SIR: I enclose herewith a copy of a letter * which has been commu- nicated to this Department, dated the 30th of March, addressed by Major [William] Hyde Clark, chief of Major-General Herrons staff, to Brigadier-General Stone, relative to the schooner Alma, which is sus- pected of a design to run the blockade at Galveston. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of Navy. New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banns, U. S. Army, regarding the dispatching of additional vessels to the Red River. U.. S. S. HARTFoRr, Off Pensacola, May 6, 1864. GENERAL: Commodore Palmer has anticipated your wishes and my action by sending all the suitable boats we have for Red River (the ironclads). He will send them as fast as he can get them ready. Could we have foreseen such a disaster they could ihave been there before, but, believing that Admiral Porter had an abundant supply of boats, I never anticipated anything but the difficulty of getting them down over the falls before the next rise in the river. I am deeply pained at the sad result. We can illy afford the loss of one ironclad at this time, when the rebels appear to be redoubling their exertions at every point. I hope Porter will not be compelled to lose his vessels. When I was in Texas an intelligent person who gave me the first account of the battle at Mansfield informed me that the rebels could not raise over 23,000 troops if all the p arties arrived in time, which, it is said, they had done, so I had everyhope of your success in the over- land march to Shreveport, and I still hope it will be accomplished. Very truly and respectfully, yours, etc., D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral~ Gommandinq Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General N. P. BANKS, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of affairs in the Red R~ver. No. 1~8.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 6, 1864. SIR: I have received by the mail to-day several communications from General Banks and Admiral Porter, requesting assistance in the * Not necessary to publish Page 245 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 245 way of gunboats for the purpose of keeping the communication between Alexandria and the mouth of Red River. Commodore Palmer responded to call at once and sent them three of the tinclads and hoped to have two more in the course of a day or two. They are the only vessels that I have suitable for that river, as my seagoing vessels draw too much water. As I presume both of these officers have communicated with the Department, and their situation is precisely understood, it may not be necessary to repeat it. The great fear is, as I understand it, that the Red River may not rise sufficiently to enable Admiral Porter to get his vessels over the bar at Alexandria, and that the army will be compelled to remain there to prevent the necessity of destroying the gunboats. I learn that the enemy is threatening Baton Rouge and Port Hud- son, but General Reynolds informs me that he thinks both places are well protected. Our people had a brush with a reconnoitering party at Baton Rouge and drove them back, but we lost Colonel [Frederick A.] Boardman (killed) and JO wounded. This is all the intelligence that I have to transmit to the Depart- ment, but it may rest assured that I shall use every exertion to aid those officers in their present difficulty through the medium of Com- modore Palmer, but I can not leave here, as I am hourly expecting the rebel ram Tennessee out of Mobile Bay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to the commanding oflicer of coal schooner Louisa A. Johnson. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 6, 1864. SIR: You will be pleased to proceed with the schooner Louisa A. Johnson off Pass Cavallo, Texas, and deliver 50 tons of coal to the U. S. gunboat Kanawha, and 50 tons to the U. S. gunboat Estrella, at that place, and return to this station as early as practicable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Captain R. S. CULvER, Comdg. Schooner Louisa A. Johnson, off Galveston. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to the senior naval off cer off Pass Cavallo, regarding coal. U. S. SThAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 6, 1864. SIR: We have but a small quantity of coal here and I have sent the schooner Louisa A. Johnson off Pass Cavallo to furnish the Kan Page 246 240 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. wha and Estrella, each, with 50 tons, which is all that can be spared at the present time. I am in hopes that coal vessels will be here from New Orleans soon, when one will be stationed off Pass Cavallo. It is important that the Kanawha and Estrella should take their coal as soon as possible, that the schooner may return here, as we are in want of her remaining cargo. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. The Senior Naval OFFICER, Off Pass Cavallo, Texas. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, of the arrival at Pensa- cola of the U. 5 S. Buckthorn. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 6,1864. Sin: I have the honor to report to the Department the arrival at Pensacola of the steam tu~ Buclethorn on the 4th instant. No news of the Galena or Onondaga as yet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Capture of U. S. steamers Granite City and Wave, at Calcasieu Pass, May 6,1864. Order of Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Loring, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wave. U. S. NAVAL HEADQUARTERS No. 148 Canal street, New Orleans, La., May 4,1864. SIR: I have received your letter by the Ella Morse. So soon as the object of the expedition has been accomplished you will return to South West Pass with the Granite City and Wave and report to me by telegraph. You understand that you were sent there to assist the army in get- ting stock, and to pick up recruits for the Navy. When, in your opinion, you have accomplished these things, you will obey your orders as instructed above. Communicate with me by the Ella Morse, and direct your dis- patches to besent to me from Brashear City by telegraph. You can judge of the situation of affairs where you are better than I can, so you must use your own discretion about leaving there. Respectfully, JAMES S. PALMER, Commodore, Commanding at New Orleans. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant BENJ. W. LORING, U. S. S. Wave, No. 415 Page 247 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 247 First report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 179.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 13, 1864. SIR: I regret to inform the Department of the capture, in Calcasieu Bay, near the Sabine River, of two vessels of my squadron, the steamer Granite City and steamer (tinclad) Wave. How the event took place has not yet been ascertained. I only know the simple fact without particulars. By the next mail I may be able to give definite information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Bear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Second report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports. No. 192.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, May 18, 1864. SIR: I have already informed the Department in my dispatch No. 179 of the capture of the Granite City and the Wave, at Calcasieu, and I regret to be obliged to report the additional loss of a boat and boats crew of the New London at the same place. The circumstances appear to be as follows: I had directed Captain J. B. Marchand, commanding the Texas division, to send into Mata- gorda Bay a light-draft vessel in addition to the Estrella to protect the army, as a considerable portion of the force there had been withdrawn to assist General Banks when hard pressed in the Red River, and had named the Granite City as a proper vessel, from her tiraft, for that purpose. Captain Marchand, on the 9th instant, dispatched the New London (Acting Master Lyman Wells) to Sabine Pass, with the necessary orders to the commanding officer of the Granite City. After communicating with Commander Woolsey, senior officer there, Acting Master Wells proceeded to Calcasieu in search of the Granite City, neither Com- mander Woolsey nor Acting Master Wells being aware of the disaster that had occurred at Calcasieu. Acting Master Wells reports that he anchored outside about 5 miles from the Granite City at 11:30 a. m. of the morning of the 10th instant, and tried to communicate with her by signals, but the weather being misty he could not make out her answer, and sent in a boat with Cap- tain Marchand s dispatch, under the charge of his executive officer, Acting Ensign H. Jackson, accompanied by A. T. Vanzile, coast pilot, and four men, all armed. The boat did not return, but Acting Master Wells supposed that he was detained in consequence of the increasing wind and sea, which began to break heavily upon the bar. The next morning he got underway and ran nearer in until within 3 j miles of the Granite City, when he again made signals, but without eliciting any reply. He then sent in a second boat with a flag of truce Page 248 248 WEST GULF BLOCKADING ~QUADI~ON. in charge of Acting Ensign H. Z. Howard, who soon after returned with the following report: That Acting Ensign Jackson had ap- proached the Granite City until within distance of small arms. He saw the rebel flag at her peak, but supposed, as the men said, that it was flying as a joke and fired on it, when he was immediately killed by a shot from the Granite City. The rest of the boats crew were taken prisoners. He further reports that he was informed that the Granite City and Wave were captured on the morning of the 6th instant by the rebel land forces after one hours engagement. Enclosed are copies of the reportof Acting Master Lyman Wells and of Acting Ensign Howard, marked Nos. 1 and 2, and also a list of the officers and men killed and taken prisoners and of the property cap- tured, marked No. 3. These are all the facts connected with the loss of the Granite City and Wave which have as yet come to my knowledge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Master Wells, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. New London, transmitting additional information. U. S. S. NEW LONDON, Off Galveston, May 11, 1864. Sin: I regret to inform you of the loss of the U. S. S. Granite City and a tinclad gunboat, name unknown, captured by the rebels at Cal- casieu on the 6th instant, and a boat and boats crew belonging to this ship on the 1 ~kh instant, under the following circumstances: Pursuant to your orders,~on the 9th instant I went with this ship to Sabine Pass and communicated with Commander M. B. Woolsey, senior officer there, and then proceeded to off Calcasien, arriving at 11:30 a. m. on the 10th instant. I found that the Granite City was anchored inside and I came to anchor in 2 ~ fathoms about 5 miles from her; set my numbers, but it being somewhat misty and the wind blowing on shore, I could not make out her answer. I therefore sent in your dispatch in charge of Acting Ensign H. Jackson, executive officer, accompanied by A. T. Vauzile, coast pilot, in my third cutter, with coxswain and four men, all armed. I charged Mr. Jackson to be cautious in proceeding and to return as soon as possible. The boat left the ship at 12 m. He did not return, but I thought that the increasing wind and sea was the cause of his detention, as it began to break heavily on the bar. This morning at daylight, the wind having shifted to N. W., and sea smooth, I got underway and proceeded inshore and came to anchor, the Granite City bearing N. N. W., about 3~ miles distant. Set her number, but there was no reply. At 9 a. m. we fired a gun. At 10:30 a. m. sent in a boat with flag of truce, in charge of Acting Ensign H. Z. Howard, a copy of whose report, marked A, I enclose, as also Page 249 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 249 list, marked B, of officers and men killed and captured, and statement, marked C, of property belonging to this ship captured by the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. WELLS, Acting Master, Commanding. Captain JOHN B. MARCHAND, U. S. Navy, Comdg. 3d Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squad., off Galveston, Tex. Report of Acting Ensign Howard, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. New London. U. S. S. NEW LONDON, May 11, 1864. SIR: The loss of Mr. Jackson and boats crew is as follows: The boat got within distance of small arms on board the Granite City with a Confederate flag at the peak. Mr. Jackson, thinking, as our men said, that the flag was flying as a joke or lark, fired on it. Immediately after he was shot dead by a shot from the Granite City. There was no other shot fired. The remainder of the boats crew was taken prison- ers on board the Granite City. It was also stated that the Granite City and one tinclad were captured on the morning of the 6th of May by the rebel land force, after one hours engagement, and that Mr. Jack son might have known that they were captured, as the Granite City was so much shattered by shot. This was stated to me by the officer in command of boat. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. Z. HOWARD, Acting Ensign. L. WELLS, Acting Master, Commanding. [Enclosure.] List of officers and men in New Londons boat. Acting Ensign Henry Jackson, killed; Coast Pilot A. T. Yanzile, Coxswain John Hurly, Seaman George Miller, Seaman Charles Wil- son, Seaman George Curry, Ordinary Seaman John Dunn, prisoners. List of property captured. One boat with oars, etc., 7 Sharpes carbines and equipments, 4 navy pistols, 4 navy revolvers, 5 navy sword, 1 navy cutlasss, 120 rounds ammunition for carbines, 25 rounds ammunition for pistols, 6 rounds ammunition for revolvers, 50 caps for revolvers, 200 caps for carbine and pistols. Third report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting further information. No. 199.] . FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 23, 1864. SIR: I have just received from Captain Marchand (whom I have - recalled from the coast of Texas to reinforce my blockading force here) two letters, herewith enclosed, one written by Acting Master Lamson Page 250 250 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. of the Granite City, and the other by Acting Assistant Surgeon Boy- den, of the Wave, from which it appears that they had come to the con- clusion, as most of those gentlemen do, that there is no danger in the enemys country so long as you do not see it. They were lying with- out steam or any precaution against attack, and the enemy, about 300 infantry and 4 pieces of field artillery, opened upon them at the dis- tance of perhaps 100 yards. They say that each vessel made a most gallant defense, but finally had to surrender, having so many killed or wounded, while the letters show that there were only 10 wounded on board the Granite City, two of whom have since died, and 8 wounded on board the Wave, all flesh wounds. This was the desperate fighting that caused them to surrender. The enemy was on shore without cover of any kind. It is very mortifying to see my vessels behave so badly, but I have none else but these volunteer officers to send in them, and Acting Mas- ter Lamson was accused of acting badly in the Sabine affair, the pro- ceedings relative to which I sent to the Department. The assistant surgeon says the commander of the IVave fought a gun himself, and fought forty minutes longer than the Granite City, and his vessel received two shots through her boilers before he surrendered. He also says that a small amount of vigilance would have prevented the disaster. The soldiers who were on shore were also captured. If I had any of my light-draft vessels I would try and recover them, and hope to do so yet, but I must confine myself to this place for the present, and as soon as I have some vessels I will send them there. The enclosed letters were sent out by flag of truce. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Bear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Fourth report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, transmitting additional information. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 9,1864. SIR: I forward herewith (marked No. 1) a report made to Commo- dore Palmer by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Benjamin W. Loring, late commanding officer of the tinclad Wave, captured in Calcasieu. I find nothing in this report to change the views expressed by me in my dispatch No. 199. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Loring, U. S. Navy, late commanding U. S. S. Wave. HousToN, Tex., May 9,1864. SIR: By flag of truce I inform you that the U. S. S. Wave and Granite City, while lying at anchor in Calcasieu Bayou, on the morning of Ma Page 251 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 251 6, at daylight, were attacked by a superior force of the enemy, consist- ing of a battery of artillery and several hundred sharpshooters, who were posted in a dense chaparral about 100 yards from the Granite City. Their incessant fire at her ports was so severe that after discharging about thirty rounds from her guns and nearly all the guns crews being wounded, she was obliged to surrender. The Wave having received a shot through the steam drum, escape became impossible. I surrendered her after a contest of one hour and thirty-five minutes. Both vessels are severely cut up. The lieutenant of the squad of soldiers surrendered his command without firing a shot, although posted on the opposite side of the river. Our pickets that were posted on the line of the enemys march (Sabine Pass) have not yet been heard from. On board the Wave were 5 men severely wounded (but will all recover), 5 slightly wounded and able to march. On board the Granite City were killed John W. Tindall, quartermas- ter; Joseph Johnson, seaman, mortally wounded; John Jacobs, quar- termaster; William H. Hayden, ordinary seaman; Acting Ensign S. R. Tyrrell, was dangerously wounded; Acting Ensign A. H. Berry, severely wounded; John Scott, seaman, one arm shot off. Slightly wounded, 8. A boats crew from the Granite City, consisting of 8 men, under command of Acting Masters Mate Thomas R. Marshall, away above, on night picket duty, were not present during the action, but were captured on their return. The officers and crew of the Wave behaved in the most gallant man- ner during the action. Ensign Howard, being severely wounded in the left hand (losing one finger), remained at his station. Captain Lamson, of the Granite City, informs me that his officers and men performed their duties to his entire satisfaction, remaining at their guns as long as there was enough to work them. The surgeons of both vessels remain behind in charge of the wounded, but will join us at this place. We are well treated and cared for. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJAMIN W. LORING, Late Commander Wave. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, New Orleans. Report of Major Simpson, Second New Orleans Infantry (Union). NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 10, 1864. GENERAL: I have to report the capture of the detachment sent to Calcasieu, La.; also the gunboats Wave and Granite City at that place. I arrived at Calcasieu Sunday, 8th instant, at 7 a. in., on the steamer Ella Morse, Captain Pepper. We crossed the bar and entered the river, and when within about 500 yards of the gunboats, things looking a little suspicious, stopped our boat. The tide swung her around; we dipped our flag as a signal, and were answered by a broadside from the Granite City. We immediately put on steam and ran down the river, the Granite City throwing shot and shell at us for about half a mile, an Page 252 252 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. then we were attacked by sharpshooters from either shore. Our pilot was wounded by the first shot. Captain Pepper took the wheel and ran the boat out. We know nothing further in regard to the capture. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. SIMPsON, Major, Second New Orleans Volunteers. Major-General JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS, Commanding District of New Orleans. Report of Captain Narehand, U. S. Navy, commanding off Galveston. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 11, 186411 oclock p. m. SIR: The New London has just arrived with the mortifying intelli- gence that the Granite City and a tinclad had been captured by the rebels in Calcasieu River on the 6th instant, also that a boat and boats crew belonging to the New London, which had gone into that river to communicate with the Granite City, was also captured. Herewith I have the honor to forward the reports of Acting Master Lyman Wells, of the New London, on that subject. I have directed the New London, in consequence of her light draft of water, to return immediately and report to Commander Woolsey, off Sabine River, for the blockade of Calcasieu. To-morrow I will send another vessel for the same purpose. Neither the Granite City nor the tinclad referred to had reported as portion of this division of the blockading squadron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blocicading Squadron. Report of Captain Karchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the execution of the order for two gunboats in Matagorda Bay. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 16, 1864. SIR: By the arrival of the Sciota on the 9th instant I had the honor to receive your communication of the 25th ultimo, directing that if possible two gunboats should be kept in Matagorda Bay, and suggest- ing that the Granite City should be sent there to act in conjunction with the Estrella. Not knowing, except by rumor, that the Granite City was somewhere in the vicinity of Calcasieu River, I immediately dispatched the New London for her, with the following written order to Acting Master C. W Lamson, commanding the Granite City: You will repair without delay with the Granite City to this place and report to the senior offi- cer, and which order was reported as having fallen into the hands of the rebels, on the capture of the New Londons boat Page 253 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 253 Soon as possible after hearing of the loss of the Granite City, I ordered the Arizona here from San Luis Pass to coal, and on the 13th instant dispatched her to Matagorda Bay. Her draft was 7 feet, which was thought would enable her to cross the bar. The orders to her commander were not to attempt to cross the bar unless with entire safety. Very respectfully, your obedient sexvant, J. P. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, referring to the capture. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 15, 1864. SIR: As I advised you in my communication dated 11th instant, near midnight, the New London left this place an hour afterwards for Calcasieu and was followed on the morning of the 12th by the Owasco for the same place. The Arizona would have been serviceable there on account of her light draft, but she was destined for Matagorda Bay after learning of the loss of the Granite City. The Aroostoole arrived yesterday from Calcasieu, where she had left the Owasco and Pocahontas; the latter to leave for repairs at New Orleans on the arrival of the New London from Sabine Pass. Lieuten- ant-Commander Skerrett, of the Aroostoolc, represented that the ves- sels at Calcasieu were unsuccessful in endeavoring to injure either the Granite City or Wave by shot, on account of their distance up the Cal- casieu River. The rebel officers bearing flags of truce which have come out at this place give significant gesticulation, but no information as to the cap- ture of the Granite City and Wave. They, however, delivered news- papers, giving some accounts of the capture and movements of the prisoners taken in them. Those newspapers I herewith enclose. The flab of truce also brought letters for the families and friends of late o cers and men of the Granite City and Wave viz, from Acting Master C. W. Lamson, late commanding the Gran%te City; Acting Third Assistant Engineer M. F. Rogers and Acting Masters Mate Charles Cameron, of the Wave, ~nd two from persons belonging to the crew. One letter states that 2 were killed and 8 wounded in the Granite City and 7 wounded on the Wave. Mr. Rogers represents that the vessels were surprised. The letters all bear date Houston, May 12, and unite in saying that they are on the eve of being sent to Hemp- stead, Tex., for confinement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 254 254 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Narchand, U. S. Navy, forwarding letters from officers and men of the captured steamers. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 15, 1.864. Sin: Herewith I send letters received by flag of truce from officers and men of the Granite City and Wave, captured by the rebels in Cal- casieu River. Their contents go to show that of the crew of the former 2 were killed and 7 wounded, and of the Wave 7 were wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, (~aptain, (~omdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Te.xas. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding list of casuaPies. No. 303.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 15, 1864. Sin: I forward herewith a. list of the casualties on board of the Granite City and Wave at Calcasieu on the 6th of May last, made out by the rebel authorities, No. 1. It was sent by flag of truce off Galveston to Commander M. B. Woolsey, of the Princess Royal, commanding the Texas Division, together with a letter from the surgeon and medical director, also enclosed, No. 2. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Loring, U. S. Navy, late commanding U. S. S. Wave. NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, March ,[1865]. Sin: In the. accompanying report I have been governed by your order requiring minute particulars regarding the loss of the Wave; also believing these particulars necessary to relieve myself from the disgrace reflected upon me by the publishment of Admiral Farraguts reports and opinions respecting that affair, which, in all respect, I can not but believe were formed without sufficient evidence to justify the censure implied. I feel much aggrieved to have learned, but a few days ago, that, thinking that I had done my duty well, and while suffering imprison- ment in Texas, I am remembered only as disgraced. From Commodore Palmer I requested a copy of the orders under which I was acting, that you might judge whether they were suffi- ciently explicit or not. I was vouchsafed no verbal information nor held any conversation with anyone regarding our expedition prior to sailing from New Orleans. The request for copies of my dispatches, written between the tim Page 255 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 255 of sailing and the capture, resulted in the receipt of a communication dated but two days previous to our capture, which Commodore Palmer knew had not been received by me; therefore, why forward it now. Even it would have given no satisfaction as to the repeated request for coal and for men and arms before we could proceed with the work before us. It orders me to return to the South West Pass as soon as the expedition is accomplished, etc., without coal or the necessary means to accomplish our object. You will observe that the papers I requested were forwarded to Admiral Farragut. I would respectfully request that they may be produced to verify these statements. Admiral Farragut formed his opinions from letters written by Cap- tain Lamson and Doctor Boyden. I think Captain L. was present and cognizant of the arrangements made for the duties of the night of May 5, and it was to him personally the order was given to send a boat from the Granite City up to the lake on picket, for that duty had been performed by the Waves boats the two previous nights. The admiral undoubtedly knows that I would not be expected to make a confidant of my surgeon, who was but a boy, and a very simple one, too. When produced, those dispatches will show that I was perfectly aware of the dangers of our situation, and, being so, the neglect to per- fect all precautions in my power for security would stamp me void of good sense. Enclosed you will please find a statement from Mr. Smith and his son, who was placed in command of one of the picket stations upon the night of May 5. It is intimated also that our resistance was insufficient, because there were no men killed. I confess to the weakness of congratulating myself that there were none. The situation at the time of surrender may be summed up thus: Steam power completely destroyed. The Granite City in the hands of the enemy, whom I had seen taken on board by her crew a long time before, and she was lying below the Wave; the positions gained by the enemy could not be reached by our guns, thus rendering us perfectly helpless; from their protected positions an incessant cross fire upon our ports was maintained, whereas nothing could be discerned of them but flashes of smoke; their artillery was posted well upon the star- board bow, and our only bow gun that could be brought to bear upon them was disabled; the broadside guns could be trained to reach them only as the vessel gave a favorable swing well to port, even when loaded, which had become a very difficult matter. Therefore, believing the salvation of the vessel hopeless, I deemed the best measure remaining was to destroy the munitions of war, which was performed successfully. In conclusion, I beg that nothing contained in this communication may be interpreted as disrespectful, for nothing is further from the intent ion, although laboring under a sense of great injustice, and the belief that the whole transaction has forever barred my future advancement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. W. LORING, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C Page 256 256 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Detailed report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Loring, U. S. Navy, late commanding U. S. S. Wave. U. S. NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, D. C., February ~8, 1865. SIR: In obedience to your order dated December 31, 1864, and received February 2,1865, I have the honor to present the following statement regarding the loss of the U. S. S. Wave, by capture, May 6, 1864: In pursuance of orders received from Commodore James S. Palmer, dated New Orleans, April 15, 1864, to proceed with the U. S. steamers Wave and Granite City to Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana, and receive such refugees as may be willing to enter the Navy of the United States, receiving further instructions regarding the expedition from a Mr. Smith, whom I was directed to receive as a passenger. I left New Orleans on the evening of April 15, and the South West Pass on the morning of the 17th Adverse winds and incompetent pilotage forced us to enter Atchafa- laya Bay to repair damages and if possible procure another pilot. While there I forwarded a dispatch to Commodore Palmer, informing him of the injuries received, requesting a more competent pilot, and that the Wave had but three days consumption of coal remaining, half of which was consumed going to the South West Pass of Vermilion Bay, where there would be smoother water necesssry before we could repair the vessel. During strong head wind, we lay two days ready to proceed, during which time the tug Ella Morse arrived with a pilot for the Wave. April 23, at 6 p. in., took tow from the Ella Morse and proceeded. A tow was necessary when there was a 6-knot breeze near ahead, for the Wave then became unmanageable. Daylight, April 24, off Mermentau Pass, was obliged to furnish the Morse 3 tons of coal. Arrived off Calcasien about 11 a. in., discharged several shell at the old fortification, receiving no response, steamed directly into the pass, leaving the tug outside, awaiting signal before entering, which was subsequently made. Anchored 2 miles above the mouth of the pass, opposite Mr. Smiths house. The stream being very narrow, having barely room to clear the banks at turn of tide by dropping anchor in mid-channel with but 8 fathoms scope of chain, The Granite City arrived two days after and entered the pass on or about the 28th, anchoring a few hundred yards below the Wave and where the stream was somewhat wider. A guard of 25 soldiers, who were attached to the expedition, were landed from her and quartered upon the east bank. From the 27th labored diligently, preparing to fulfill the objects of the expedition, as I had understood it from Mr. Smith, collecting horses, saddles, and all the arms that could be found among the citi- zens. The bridge across Mud Bayou was destroyed. Two parties sent to perfect its total destruction, and a third one under the command of Acting Ensign Latham, the executive officer of the Wave, was sent, to be certain that not a vestige of it remained. Twice afterwards armed parties were sent to examine and to see that no effort had been made to cross or repair it. A small bridge across Oyster Bayou was destroyed. Mr. Smith, [who] was an old resident of the place, emphatically assured me tha Page 257 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 257 it was impossible for the enemy to cross Mud Bayou after the destruc- tion of the bridges and that it could not be rebuilt at that season of the year. Gathering refugees to drive cattle ai~id form a force for protection was one of our objects. Scouts were scattered through the surround- ;ing country to inform them of our presence. Scouting parties were on the alert, day and night, endeavoring to capture rebel soldiers and dis- affected citizens. Pickets were stationed at prominent points by day and night, and a boat, in addition, at the head of the pass by night. To do all this labor there were but 25 soldiers and 8 or 10 refugees, who had returned from New Orleans with Mr. Smith and belonged to his party. Ten more were added, and only 10, during the time we remained, from April 24 to May 6, the day of the capture. Many prisoners were brought in and confined to the Granite City. A b?at expedition was sent to the head of the lake [Calcasien] returning with two prisoners. Mr. Smith was a very visionary man and required constant watching to keep him at the required work. Each evening I met him and perfected the required arrangements for the following days duties and the stationing night pickets, who were partly composed of refugees, the soldiers having an entirely insuffi- cient force ~or that duty, and often complained of inability to perform the requirements from exhaustion. Using refugees for picket duty was a necessity. The Ella Morse was sent to Brashear City with dispatches and furnished with about 7 tons of coal, which left the Wave with but a ton. The chief engineer in- formed me that he had made a mistake in his calculations of several tons. In the meantime the engineers department wa~ engaged in cutting wood for emergencies. The officer of the deck was frequently instructed to be exceedingly vigilant; that we were surrounded by enemies, where eyes were upon us both day and night. I made a practice of visiting the deck often during the night watches, and it was two or three nights previous to the 6th that during a night round I had detected a sentry asleep while on watch upon the upper deck. He was placed in irons for future trial by court-martial. The second dispatch to Commodore Palmer advised him of our being destitute of coal and of the small number of refugees that claimed pro- tection. The third informed him that we had been there ten days and but 10 refugees had made their appearance, and that we were obliged to furnish arms to some. That all preparatory operations were con- cluded and we were then lying idle for want of sufficient force to continue, and thereby giving the enemy opportunity to organize against us. That, in order to continue our work, I should require 200 men armed, and spare arms for the refugees who were to assist us. Again, that we had no coal; that I would like to be informed when our part of the expedition was supposed to be accomplished, for I had received no orders when to leave there. I should not have left there without such orders, even if full of coal. The night previous to the capture I met Mr. Smith near his house, as usual, to arrange the pickets for the night. I always consulted him, because he and his sons had control of the refugees, the sons generally taking charge of the parties and acting as guides for the scouts. Four - points were picketed that night, viz., one near the bayou to the north- N W itVOL 21 1 Page 258 258 WEST GULF. BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ward, one to the southward and westward, on the Mermentau road; one on the west side, near Mr. Thayers house, in the Sabine Pass road, and one at the head of the pass, at the lake, by a boat from the Grwnite City. A scouting party, to consist of 10 men with the lieutenant in command of the squad, to examine the country 15 miles on the Mer- mentau road, toward the pass of that name. All of the parties were necessarily small, and we experienced considerable difficulty in pro- curing even a small number for each station. A citizen in charge of one of the picketing parties came on board with me and was furnished arms for that service. I have been more minute in details than neces- sary for reasons that I will give at the end of this report. On the morning of the 6th of May, at daybreak, I was awakened by the report of artillery, proceeding from an attack by the enemy; dis- covered them by the smoke posted well upon our starboard bow, abreast of the Granite City, upon the west side of the bayou. The banks were raised somewhat above the level of the surrounding country, and the whole covered with tall prairie grass, which entirely prohibited us from seeing the enemy, judging of their position by their smoke. A large number of sharpshooters were behind the bank, firing toward the Granite City. It was at them I directed the bow guns should operate, under the charge of Acting Ensign Latham, the executive officer, while I, with a crew of volunteers, worked the broadside howit- zers at their artillery. It was only at times when the vessel would take a favorable sheer that the broadside guns could be brought to bear. The engineer was ordered to get up steam and was progressing favorably until shots had penetrated the steam drum and boilers. The action had progressed sometime, I know not how long, for I made no note of time, when the quartermaster informed me that the Granite City had surrendered. The whole force of the enemy was then directed to the Wave. The second discharge of one of the broad- side guns carried away the pivoting bolt, requiring considerable time to shjft it to another port. The port bow gun was a Sawyer rifle, for which the only projectile on board was percussion shell, which, with the difficulty of training it to fire across the forecastle, rendered it of but little use. The other bow gun, a 32-pounder, was struck at the muzzle and split 4 feet, rendering it useless. The enemy, in sweeping around to get astern of the Wave, was discovered and treated to canister from the howitzers, and I afterward learned that they suffered severely. The engineer reported the boilers disabled and also the steam drum and starboard engine. Finally, the enemy obtained a position upon our starboard bow and quarter, and opened a cross fire upon the ports, lying concealed in the grass and so far aft and forward that our guns could not be trained upon them, even when loaded, which had been a very difficult operation for the cross firing at the ports. At this stage of the action, believing it impossible to save the vessel, I ordered the destruction of all munitions of war; all muskets, pistols, revolvers, cutlasses, percussion primers, percussion caps, boarding pikes, etc. The paymasters safe and signal books were thrown overboard; the guns spiked; elevating screws broken into pieces, and compressor handles thrown overboard; the magazine flooded, and the vessel sur- rendered after one and one-half hours action. Upon examination, I found the vessel to have received the following injuries: Three of the four hog chains cut; one of the fantail stay Page 259 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 259 ditto; starboard engine disabled; one gun struck at muzzle and split; two shot through boilers; two ditto through steam drum; boats and davits cut away; the upper decks were cut into chips; several rooms were stove into one; stoves, crockery, and lumber strewed around; officers clothes, trunks, bedding, etc., destroyed. Fortunately, and most miraculously, our loss was but 10 men wounded, only one of whom since died of his wounds. The force of the enemy consisted of the whole Sabine Pass garrison (with the exception of 10 men left as guards), of 4 pieces of heavy artillery, and 350 sharpshooters. The guard of soldiers stationed upon the opposite side of the river from the point of attack gave us no assistance. The enemy subsequently reported the Wave struck by 65 artillery shot, besides grape, considerable of which was used. Their loss, by report of the rebel surgeon, was 20 killed; no mention made of wounded. We were permitted to take all our personal effects, and were well treated while in the hands of our immediate captors. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,. BENJ. W. LORING, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C. [Newspaper extract.] The following letter, received this morning from Paymaster John Read, of the gunboat Granite City, captured at Calcasievi Pass, Louisi- ana, on the morning of the 6th of May last, will be read with interest by those having friends on board that vessel. Mr. Read was at first reported killed. SABINE PASS, May 9, 1864. DEAR FATHER: You have probably ere this heard of the loss of our vessel and the capture of all on board. I write merely to state that I am uninjured and very well. We reached here last night and started to-day for Houston. Our vessel was engaged one hour and a half and was completely riddled. I am well treated. I enclose a list of casual- ties, which you will please have published for information of friends of the wounded. [JOHN READ.] WILLIAM READ, Boston. Charles W. Lamson, commanding, prisoner; A. H. Atkinson, execu- tive officer, prisoner; John Read, paymaster, prisoner; E. C. Ver Meulen, surgeon, prisoner; S. R. Tyrrell, ensign, arm shot off, danger- ous; A. H. Berry, ensign, shot through the leg; Stewart Green, engi- neer, prisoner; D. M. Schryver, engineer, prisoner; J. engineer, prisoner; Lucius Harlow, engineer, H. Rollirigs, prisoner; David Hull, masters mate, prisoner; Thomas E. Ashmead, masters mate, pris- oner; Thomas R. Marshall, masters mate, prisoner; Henry I. S. Fan- ning, paymasters clerk, prisoner; John W. Tindall, quartermaster, killed; Jos. Johnson, seaman, killed; John Scott, seaman, arm shot off; John Jacobs, quartermaster, shot through thigh, dangerous Page 260 260 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The casualties among the seamen were as follows: William H. Hay- den, shot through both thighs, badly; William Fitzpatrick, arm, slight; Ira Loucks, foot, slight; John Gogin, leg; Jos. Schoenmuger, leg; Michael McNamara, leg; Henry Spencer, arm, slight; Theo. Simpson, arm, slight; Edward McCullum, shoulder, slight. The remainder of the crew prisoners. Abstract log of the U. S. S. New London, Acting Master Lyman Wells, U. S. Navy, commanding. May 10, 1864.At 11:15 a. m. came to anchor in 21 fathoms water, veered to 15 fathoms on port anchor. At 12 sent an armed boats crew in with dispatches for the Granite City, in charge of Acting Ensign Henry Jackson, executive officer, and Abraham Yanzile, pilot, Cal- casieu bar bearing N. N. E. At 8 p. m. sent a rocket up, also signal light at mizzen peak. May 11.At 5:40 a. m. got our anchor and stood inshore. At 8:20 a. m. fired No. 1 gun with blank cartridge. At 9 quarters for inspec- tion and fired No. 2 gun, blank cartridge. At 10:15 hoisted a flag of truce at the fore and sent a boat inshore in charge of Acting Ensign H. Z. Howard. At 11 the Granite City set a flag of truce and changed her ensign. At 11:35 our boat communicated with one from the enemy at the bar under a flag of truce. At 11:46 the boats parted company. At 12:10 p. m. the boats returned alongside and we hauled down the flag of truce. She brought the news of the capture of the third cutter and crew and the death of Acting Ensign Henry Jackson, commanding the boat. The boat also brought the news of the cap- ture of the Granite City and the tinclad (name unknown) on the 6th of May by the rebel soldiers. The third cutters crew consisted of the following officers and men: Acting Ensign Henry Jackson, in charge of boat; A. T. Vauzile, coast pilot; Charles Wilson, seaman; John Hur- ley, coxswain; George Miller, seaman; George Curry, seaman; John Dunn, ordinary seaman. At 1 p. m. got our anchor and stood to the westward. At 11:06 came to anchor off the starboard quarter of the flagship. May 13.At 4:45 a. m. stood to the southward and eastward. At 8:50 a. m. came to anchor, Calcasieu entrance bearing N. N. W. At 10 the Pocahontas stood inshore and fired 3 shots at the enemy and then hauled off. At 10:30 the Granite City underway, with the tin- clad in tow, heading up the river. At 10:50 the Pocahontas came to anchor, also the Aroostook. At 11:30 the Granite City and tinclad came to anchor. At 2:25 p. in. the Princess Royal came to anchor off our starboard beam. May 19.At anchor off Calcasieu. At 10:30 a. m. the Granite City came down under steam as far as the entrance of the river and then proceeded back again and came to anchor. May 23.At 9:30 a. in. weighed anchor and stood in to 10 feet of water, Granite City bearing N. I W., distant 2~ miles. Fired 8 shell from broadside guns 5-second, 10-second, and 15-second, also 3 shell from Parrott gun, 1 5-second and 2 10-second, at the Granite City. Came to with port anchor, veered to 15 fathoms cable in 11 feet water with a spring on the cable, Granite City bearing N. I W., distant 2~ miles. Fired 3 10-second shell from Parrott gun, also 1 10-second shell from VIJI-inch side gun at the Granite City, all of the shells f all- ing short of the enemy Page 261 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 261 May 24June 8.Granite City near mouth of Calcasieu. June 9.At 4:30 a. m. the Granite City at anchor in the river with steam up. At 6:20 the schooner got underway and stood down to the mouth of the river~ tacked ship, and stood back again. At 9 p. m. saw a light near the Granite City, also one at the entrance of the river. June 10.At daylight rebel vessels inside had steam up. Tinclad (Wave) moved upstream and came to near the Granite City. June 14.At 10:45 a. m. discovered a boat with a flag of truce and rebel ensign pulling out from the mouth of Calcasieu River toward this steamer. Answered it and sent the first cutter in charge of Acting Ensign H. Z. Howard. At 11:10 got our anchor and started ahead slow. At 11 : 12 the boats came together. At 11 :24 boats separated. At 11:40 our cutter came alongside, stating that the enemy wanted to get some chloroform to perform a surgical operation on Acting Ensign [A. H.] Berry, late of the Granite City. At 11 :50 Bolty Crossley (quartermaster) was confined in double irons for pulling down the flag of truce without orders from commanding officer. Supplied the chlo- roform, and at 11:50 first cutter left the ship with orders to deliver it and return immediately. At 1:05 p. m. first cutter came alongside. Hauled down the flag of truce. At 2p. m. Granite City hauled down her flag of truce. June 15August 10.Granite City and Wave at Calcasieu. August 24.At anchor off Galveston. At 12:30 p. m. saw a small sloop standing out toward the bar with a flag of truce. At 12:45 cloth- ing, belonging to our boats crew captured at Calcasieu and now prison- ers of war, was sent on board the flagship to be sent to them per flag of truce. At 2p. m. the flagship got underway and stood in toward the bar. At 2: 10 she hoisted the white flag at her fore. At 2:25 she came to anchor to the westward of the Spindle, bearing from us W. by N. At 3:20 boat left the Princess Royal with a flag of truce. At 3:35 met the enemys boat. At 5:30 boats parted company and returned to their respective places. [Telegram.] HOUSTON, May 6, 1864. No landing of troops at Calcasieu. Two gunboats over the Calca- sieu bar and in the river. Griffin was to attack them this morning at daylight. P. 0. H1~BERT, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Major-General J. B. MAGRUDER, Shreveport. [Telegram.] HOUSTON, May 7,1864. Colonel Griffin attacked the enemy at Calcasieu yesterday morning; captured gunboats Granite City and Wave, 16 guns and 80 prisoners. Can youspare Cooks regiment, or five companies of it, to guard prison ers at Hempstead ~ JAMES E. SLAUGHTER. Brigadier-General HAwEs, Galveston Page 262 262 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Message from Brigadier-General H~bert, C. S. Army. SHREVEPORT, May 7, 1864. * * * I have just received from General H6bert the following dispatch, dated at Houston to-day: Griffin attacked the enemy at Calcasieu yesterday morning; captured 2 gunboats (Granite City and Wave), 16 guns and about 80 prisoners. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. General E. KIRBY SMITH, Camden, Ark. Reports of Colonel Griffin, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS SABINE POST, Sabine Pass, May 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as amendatory of my report * on the late engagement with the enemy at Calcasieu Pass: Owing to the hurried manner in which I wrote out my report and the multiplicity of other business on my hands, I omitted entirely to men- tion the names of the officers of the medical staff engaged with me on that occasion. Great credit and praise are due to Assistant Surgeons [John T.1 Barton, Gordon, and [Geo. H. Bailey for the indefatigable and energetic manner in which they discharged their duties. At the commencement of the battle a hospital was established at a vacant house, to which all wounded were carried as fast as possible. As soon as the wounded of my command were disposed of, they lent all their aid to the Federal medical officer. Only one capital operation was performed upon the soldiers of my command, but there were nine cap- ital operations performed upon the officers and crew of the Granite City. I thought it very strange when I went on board the Granite City that there were so many seriously wounded and so few dead. It will now be explained. Five dead bodies have washed ashore, to which weights had been attached and then thrown overboard. How many more dead were thrown overboard of course will never be known. I was aboard the Granite City when the knave ran up the white flag. I could after that plainly see pistols, guns, swords, etc, being thrown over- board. It is said an iron safe was also thrown into the pass. They attempted to throw overboard two Dahlgren howitzers, but failed in doing so. The probability is, therefore, that some 15 or 20 of the enemy were killed in the late battle. It is due to Dr. Gordon to say that all operations performed on the Granite City, with one exception, were performed by him. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. H. GRIFFIN, Colonel 21st Texas Infantry, 61ommanding. Captain L. G. ALDRICH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston, Tex. *Not found Page 263 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 263 HEADQUARTERS SABINE POST, Sabine Pass, Tex., May 17, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following more detailed state- ment of the captured prisoners, the killed and wounded, in the late engagements with the enemy at Calcasieu Pass on the 6th and 10th instant: Federal pr%soners. Captured on the 6th instant 166 Captured on the 10th instant 7 Captured since on the Mermentau River 1 Total captured 174 Of the above there were Commissioned officer of the Army Commissioned officers of the Navy Noncommissioned officers and privates of the Army Petty officers, seamen, etc., of the Navy Negroes (7 Northern and 8 Southern) Captain Jack Nelson 1 27 27 103 15 1 Total 174 133 1 19 13 1 1 1 1 4 Total 174 Sent to Houston May 9, 1864 Captain Jack Nelson sent to Houston Sent to Houston May 12 In hospital on steamer Wave In charge of Colonel Griffin In charge of Major McReynolds In charge of Assistant Surgeon Gordon In charge of Captain Lubbock Died from wounds Negroes captured. Sent to Houston May 9, 1864 In charge of Colonel Griffin In charge of Major McReynolds In charge of Assistant Surgeon Gordon In charge of Captain Lubbock - In hospital on Wave (cook) 10 1 1 1 1 1 Total 15 Besides the prisoners who have died from their wounds 7 others were severely wounded and 11 or 12 slightly. It will be impossible to ascertain the number who were killed in battle, as they were all thrown overboard. Several have broken loose from their weights and floated ashore, and others have been fished up from where they had been thrown. From the best information that I have been able to ascer- tain I suppose that from 15 to 20 were killed in action and thrown overboard. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Twenty-first Texas Infantry. Captain L. G. ALDRICH Assistant Ad jutant.~General, District of Texas, etc., Houston, Tex Page 264 264 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Return of casualties in the Confederate forces at Calcasieu Pass, May 6, 1864. [Compiled from nominal list of casualties.] Killed. Wounded. Command. Aggre- Officers. Men. Officers. Men, gate. Twenty-first Texas 5 * 1 3 9 Dalys battalion 2 t2 4 Spaights battalion t 1 1 Creuzbaurs battery 1 $ 6 7 Total 8 1 12 * Lieut. N. E. Iglehart, wounded. f One man mortally wounded. $ Two men mortally wounded. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Adams, U. S. Navy, Government coal agent at Philadelphia. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 7, 1864. COMMODORE: Your letter in relation to the Coal has been received. We do not want coal sent to Ship Island. I send it there as we require it by a Government vessel. The demurrage of the New Eng- land at Ship Island last year would have paid for her. This port and New Orleans are the only places where coal is wanted. Commodore Palmer sends the vessels, as they arrive at South West Pass, down the coast of Texas. We require about two-fifths of the entire quantity for the Mobile blockade. You can send any draft of vessel below 22 feet to this place; but to New Orleans they should not be of more than 12 or 14 feet. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. A. ADAMS, U. S. Navy, Government Coal Agent, Philadelphia. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commanding o,fflcers of the U. S. S. Oneida and U. S. ship Potomac, transferring them to command ironclads. U.S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 7, 1864. Sin: You are hereby detached from the U. S. S. Oneida and you will report to Commodore James S. Palmer, commanding Fir~t Division Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, for the command of one of the ironclads. You will take passage to New Orleans in the Buclet horn. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master EZRA LEONARD, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Oneida. [Order of same date and like tenor to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George D. Iipham, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. ship Potomac. Page 265 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 265 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Godfrey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Buclethorn, to proceed to New Orleans, carrying mail for the s~juadron. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 7, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed with the U. S. S. Buckt horn under your corn- mand to New Orleans and report to Commodore J. S. Palmer, com- manding First Division of the Western Gulf Squadron, to whom you will deliver the mail. You will run directly from Pensacola to Pass ~ lOutre and will not approach the blockading squadron off Mobile. I am thus particular, to prevent your creating a second time the difficulty and loss to the Government you caused by your ignorance of everything like moral order and discipline, in running within the line of blockade; and it appears that you were actually running into Mobile Bay, when one of the gunboats slipped her cable, lost her anchor, and gave chase to you, believing that you were a blockade runner trying to enter the port, and then, to make things worse you permitted him to chase you 26 miles before you hove to, and it was then only by a shot. But for the fact of your good conduct before Port Hudson, for which I recommended you for promotion to the Government, I should now have recommended you to a court-martial. Respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant GODFREY, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Buckthorn. P. S.Since writing the above I find that it is necessary that your vessel should.stop off Mobile. Your orders are therefore so far modi- fied that you will communicate with Captain T. A. Jenkins, of the Richmond, delivering the dispatches addressed to him, and then pro- ceed to Pass ~ lOutre. D. G. FARRAGUT. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding articles to be shipped from New Orleans. U. S. S. HARTFORD Pensacola, May 8, [1864]. SIR: I send the Buckthorn to New Orleans for the purpose of getting her guns and anything else which may be there for her. Put on board also copper enough for another streak, and if she will carry them, the guns for the other tugs which are ordered out here, and any portion of their iron bulwarks. The instant the above things are shipped send her back to this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore PALMER, Comdg. First Division West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron Page 266 26~ WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. P. S.This place is perfectly healthy, so telegraph to Fort Pike to prevent any detention of the Glasgow, which will be there, most likely, before this reaches you. D. G. F. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Owasco, regarding block- axle duty. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 9,1864. SIR: You will be pleased to proceed without delay with the Owasco to Sabine Pass and report to Commander M. B. Woolsey for the blockade of that place or Calcasieu River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. Third Division West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant Commander E. W. HENRY, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Owasco. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to commanding ojjlicers on the Mobile blockade. U. S. STEAM SHIP RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, May 9,1864. Commanders of all vessels on the blockade off Mobile Bay, and at Grants Pass, in Mississippi Sound, will have one or more guard boats rowing guard within half a mile distance of their respective vessels and between them and the entrances of the bay from which the enemy might approach, from dark until daylight every night when the weather is suitable. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. Second Division West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to the senior naval officer off Pass Cavallo, regarding the coal schooner Louisa A. Johnson. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 9, 1864. SIR: Since the coal schooner Louisa A. Johnson left here, another coal vessel has arrived. You will therefore keep the Louisa A. John- son at Pass Cavallo until her cargo is discharged, and then direct her to return to the South West Pass of the Mississippi. Should, however, ~a coal vessel reach Pass Cavallo with orders direct to that place (as I anticipate there will), then you will please send the Louisa A. Johnson to this place to be finally discharged. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. The Senior OFFICER, Off Pass Cavallo, Texas. Page 267 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 267 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding an anticipated attack by the enemy upon the blockading vessels off Mobile. No. 166.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 9, 1864. SIR: All the late accounts from Mobile agree in representing Buchanan as making exertions to get camels large enough to float the ram Tennessee over Dog River Bar, and no doubt is felt of his success, and the public mind in the rebel States is in such a state of excitement, in consequence of the disaster of General Banks and the success of the rebel ram in North Carolina, that they say he will be compelled to coihe out and attack us with his whole force, which, as I have before informed the Department, consists of seven vessels (four ironclads and three wooden gunboats), besides the Nashville, which is finished with the exception of the plating. She is a facsimile of the Tennessee. The Tennessee is plated with 6-inch iron and armed with six Brooke rifles of 6 and 7 inch caliber. The Tuscaloosa and Huntsville are plated with 4-inch iron. The other boats all have one or two Brooke rifles of from 100 pounds to 150 pounds, and the rest of their battery IX-inch guns. The Morgan, Gaines, and Selma are much the same as our gunboats, perhaps better armed for long fighting, but if they come outside that will not serve them. Thus you perceive that I am in hourly expectation of being attacked by almost an equal number of vessels, ironclads against wooden ves- sels, and a most unequal contest it will be, as the Tennessee is repre- sented as impervious to all their experiments at Mobile, so that our only hope is to run her down, which we shall certainly do all in our power to accomplish; but should we be unsuccessful the panic in this part of the country will be beyond all control. They will imagine that New Orleans and Pensacola must fall. New Orleans is well defended. The forts have each two XV-inch guns, and at range that I think would destroy any vessel; but this place has not a gun that would hurt a 4-inch plated vessel at the dis- tance the forts will be compelled to fire at them. X-inch shell guns are the heaviest they have and only four of them, all on different bas- tions. One ironclad in Pensacola would be worth all the forts under the p resent circumstances; their ironclads would be afraid to come out to threaten New Orleans or Pensacola. If New Orleans, one ironclad would be on his trail up the river. If Pensacola, she would probably have an overmatch in the ironclads XV-inch gun and which, if placed between the forts, would lessen the distance to be fired at one-half. I fully understand and appreciate my situation. The experience I had of the fight between the Arkansas and Admiral Daviss vessels on the Mississippi showed plainly how unequal the contest is between ironclads and wooden vessels in loss of life, unless you succeed in destroying the ironclad. I, ~therefore, deeply regret that the Depart- ment has not been able to give us one of the many ironclads that are off Charleston and on the Mississippi. I have always looked for the latter, but it appears that it takes us twice as long to build an ironclad as anyone else. It looks as if the contractors and the fates are against us. While the rebels are bending their whole energies to the war, our people appear to be expecting the war to close by default, -and if they do not awake to a sense of their danger soon it wfll be so Page 268 268 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQI7ADRON. But be assured, sir, that the Navy will do its duty, let the issue come when it may, or I am greatly deceived. Ii think you have many ready and willing to make any sacrifice their country can require of them. All I ask of them is to do their whole duty; the result belongs to God. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting additional guns for the protection of Pensacola Harbor. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 9, 1864. SIR: I would most respectfully suggest that an application be made to the War Department to have two XV-inch guns placed on the old Spanish battery at Barrancas and two in an earthwork on the beach on the western front of Fort Pickens, as I think they would be sufficient to render this port safe against the entrance of almost any enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding disposition of captured blockade runners. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 9,1864. SIR: I have received your No. 134, dated the 22d ultimo, relative to the disposition of blockade runners. The letter of February last, to retain all British blockade runners, is revoked, and the enclosed instructions will be observed in future. Please furnish the U. S. marshal at New Orleans with a copy of them. Very respectfully; etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of persons captured on blockade runners. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 9,1864. SIR: The following instructions will hereafter be observed with regard to the disposition of persons found on board vessels seized for breach of blockade Page 269 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 269 1st. Bona Tide foreign subjects captured in neutral vessels, whether passengers, officers, or crew, can not be treated as prisoners of war, unless guilty of belligerent acts, but are entitled to immediate release. Such as are regarded as witnesses may be detained for that purpose, and when their testimony is secured they must be unconditionally released. 2d. Foreign subjects captured in vessels without papers or colors or those sailing under the protection and flag of the insurgent Govern- ment or employed in the service of that Government are subject to treatment as prisoners of war, and if in the capacity of officers or crew are to be detained. If they were passengers only and have no interest in the vessel or cargo and are in no way connected with the insurgent Government, they may be released. 3d. Citizens of the United States, captured either in neutral or rebel vessels, are always to be detained, with the following exceptions: If they are passengers only, have no interest in vessel or cargo, have not been active in the rebellion or engaged in supplying the insurgents with munitions of war, etc., and are loyally disposed, they may be released on taking the oath of allegiance. The same privilege may be allowed to any of the crew that are not seafaring men, of like antecedents, and who are loyally disposed. 4th. Pilots and seafaring men, excepting bona Tide foreign subjects, captured m neutral vessels, are always to be detained. These are the principal instruments in maintaining the system of violating the blockade, and it is important to hold them. Persons habitually en- gaged in violating the blockade, although they may not be serving on board the vessels, are of this class, and are to be likewise detained. 5th. When there is reason to doubt that those who claim to be for- eign subjects are in reality such, they will be required to state under oath that they have never been naturalized in this country, have never exercised the privileges of a citizen thereof by voting or otherwise, and have never been in the pay or employment of the insurgent or the so-called Confederate Government. On their making such state- ment they may be released, provided you have not evidence of their having sworn falsely. The examination in cases that are doubtful should be rigid. 6th. When the neutrality of a vessel is doubtful or when a vessel claiming to be neutral is believed to be engaged in transporting sup- plies and munitions of war for the insurgent Government, foreign sub- jects captured in such vessel may be detained until the neutrality of the vessel is satisfactorily established. It is not advisable to detain such persons under this instruction unless there is good ground for doubting the neutrality of the vessel. 7th. Parties who may be detained under the foregoing instructions are to be sent to a Northern port for safer custody unless there is a suitable place for keeping them ~vithin the limits of your command and the Department furnished with a memorandum in their cases, respectively. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans Page 270 270 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to transfer the command of the third division and pro- ceed off Mobile. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 10, [1864]. SIR: If you have gotten out the Harriet Lane, or she has been aban- doned by the parties who made the offer, I wish you to turn over the division to Commander Woolsey and come up to Mobile, so that I can have the use of your ship and your head here in a case of great impor- tance, and at the same time send the men home whose times have expired. It is now supposed that the rebels have become so jubilant that they have determined to attack New Orleans by land and sea. Bu- chanan has been delayed with the ram Tennessee, but is now likely to succeed in getting her over Dog River Bar, and will then make an attack upon us, and if he can drive us off he will run for the Mississippi and go up to New Orleans, if he can, and the army will come in from above, and the people rise in the city at the same time, so that I want all the heavy vessels here at present. He will be out in a week, so says my informant. This is now the plan Walker has gone home, and I shall keep the Ossi pee here also. I hope you have been more successful down on the coast of Texas in blockading than here. Vessels have made two or three trips with- out being seen even. After this great depression is overin other words, after we have a success we will be able to make a change again. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, Comdg. Third Division Western Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Morr%s, U.S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Port Royal, to proceed off Mobile. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, May 10, 1864. SIR: At daylight of the following day after receiving this order you will proceed from Mississippi Sound to this place and report yourself in the U. S. S. Port Royal, under your command. Respectfully, etc., THORNTON A. JENKINS, Second Division Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. U. MORRIS, Commanding U. S. S. Port Royal, Mississippi Sound Page 271 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 271 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander Maxwell, U. S. Navy, to assume temporary command of the U. S. S. Octorara. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 10, [1864]. SIR: Your orders to the Lacicawanna are hereby revoked, and you will proceed by the first opportunity to New Orleans and report to Commodore J. S. Palmer for the command temporarily of the U. S. S. Octorara. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES G. MAXWELL, On board the Pinola, off Pensacola. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Brown, U. S. Navy, for the transportation of deserters to New Orleans. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 11, 1864. SIR: The following deserters from the rebel Army came off to this squadron on the 2d instant. You will be pleased to take them to N~ew Orleans, subject to the order of Commodore Palmer, command- ing naval forces there: Bernard Aysen, William Koch, Oscar Meane, Julius Ludwig, Anton Hess, August Haman, John G. Rein, Henry Cook. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squad., Coast Texas. Acting ,Volunteer Lieutenant CHARLES H. BROWN, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia, off Galveston. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, regarding the sending of the U. S. S. Virginia to New Orleans for repairs. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 11, 1864. SIR: The arrival of the Gertrude has permitted me to order a survey on the Virginia. A report of the board, stating that immediate repairs are required, which can not be done at sea, I have the honor herewith to send. The Virginia will leave to-day for New Orleans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 272 272 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Commandant navy yard, New York, to Captain Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn. NAVY YARD, NEW YORK, May 11, 1864. Sin: The Department directs that the Brooklyn, under your com- mand, will leave, in obedience to the orders you have received, as early as possible. Respectfully, your obedient servant, II. PAULDING, Commandant. Captain JAMES ALDEN, Commanding U. S. S., Brooklyn, New York. Memorandum.Received off Mobile, June 21, 1864, we having sailed the day previous to its date. J.A. Report of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, of operations of Third Divi- swn West Gulf Blockading Squadron. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report transactions in the Third Division of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. On the 26th ultimo the Arkansas arrived after delivering stores at Pensacola, Ship Island, Pass Cavallo, etc., leaking badly. After a few hours delay she proceeded to New Orleans via Sabine Pass, agreeably to orders given by Commodore Palmer. The Augusta Dinsmore, which had been dispatched down the coast as far as Tampico, returned to this place on the 28th ultimo with dis- abled rudder and was immediately sent to New Orleans, also by the way of Sabine Pass. The night of the 29th ultimo being dark and foggy, a small schooner succeeded in running into Galveston Bay, by keeping close to Galves- ton Island, but not without being seen and chased by the Kineo into shoal water and afterward by her boat nearly inside the guns of Fort Point. On the morning of the 5th instant a steamer was seen for a few moments in Galveston Bay; the weather was thick and it is unknown whether it was one that succeeded in running in. The deserters who subsequently came off knew nothing of her. Your communication of the 25th ultimo, directing that the Granite City should be sent to aid the Estrella in Matagorda Bay, was received by the Sciota, which arrived here on the 9th instant. The Granite city has not yet reported as being on the Texas blockade, but learning that she was off Calcasieu, I immediately dispatched the New London for her. Neither of the two latter vessels have yet come. Deserters from the rebel Army came off to the squadron on the 2d instant, 8 came on board, but bringing no especial news. Coal for the squadron had become a subject of anxiety, and I dis- patched a schooner from this place with 100 tons to be divided be- tween the Kanawha and Estrella at Pass Cavallo. Since then another has reached here with 370 tons available coal, and I have been informed that a coal brig is on her way from the Mississippi River to Sabine Pass Page 273 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 273 Since my last report the following vessels have been captured, viz: Schooner Alma, from a Mexican port, with army blankets, etc. Schooner Lilly, from Havana. Schooner Fanny, from Havana, with arms, etc. Schooner Laura, from Havana. Schooner Agnes, from Velasco, with 155 bales of cotton. Schooner Frederick II, from Velasco, with 114 bales of cotton. Schooner Experiment, from Galveston, with 31 bales cotton. And from the cargo of the steamer Alice, which was thrown over- board whilst being chased by the Katahdin on the 1st instant, the Vir- g~n~ta picked up about 80 bales of cotton and the Chocura about 21, as it drifted by San Luis Pass and the Brazos River. The schooner Experiment, above referred to, was found unsea- worthy, and Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, of the Virginia, took out her cargo and burned the vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGIJT, Commanding We~st Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-c1ommander Morris, U. S. Navy, defining position on blockade. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Blockade off Mobile, May 12, 1864. SIR: You will occupy the position with the U. S. S. Port Royal, under your command, at present occupied by the Albatrossthat is to say, the center of the Main Ship Channel leading into Mobile Bay, with the remains of Sand Island light-house bearing by compass N. N. W~ ~ W., and in between 8~ fathoms and 7~ fathoms water. The Albatross will withdraw immediately on your assuming her position. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Capt., Comdg. Second Division, Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. U. MORRIS, Commanding U. S. S. Port Royal. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding various matters pertaining to the squadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Pensacola, May 13, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: The Bermuda~ has just arrived, and I have no time to write. I will try and get your vessels out. The Lackawanna is ordered up, and the Brooklyn must be out in a day or two, and the Gal ena is at Key West. I send yow60 Navy Registers for distribution; more later. The Glasgow leaves to-night for New Orleans, the Bermuda perhaps not before morning Page 274 274 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. They say some ironclads are coming out to us; if they dont soon, and Buch. gets out, I doubt if we can, with all our ramming, do him much harm, and if he does us any, I believe the stampede in New~ Orleans will be such as to risk us the city. Fortune has certainly deserted us, whether through our own fault or her fickleness I dont know, but I think a good deal of the first. I cant say any more without keeping the Ossipee. I have ordered to you a third assistant, brother of your chief engi- neer; you can keep him as a spare. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, desiring information regarding the C. S. ram Tennessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 13,1864. Mv DEAR JENKINS: Cant you get us some information about the Tennessee ~ You may depend on it that in their high state of exhilara- tion the enemy will be out on us as soon as he can. Let them keep an occasional lookont at Grants Pass, and try and pick up some refugees, although now, that fortune is turning, they will stop running, I suppose. One hundred and forty-eight men were sent for us by Bermuda, and Bailey seized them en route, on some excuse or other, and the worst of it [is], they say, does not stand in need of them. Albatross goes home. Seminole and Penguin will be out in a day or two. Kennebec and Pinola in two weeks. I have sent in Navy Registers to Vincennes, Narcissus, and Cowslip. Please let me know how many you give to each vessel. Your brasses from Ship Island ~o by Cowslip. Yours, tin y, P. DRAYTON. Captain JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. Letter from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to the senior naval officer at Pass Cavallo, regarding vessels for Matagorda Bay. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 13, 1864. SIR: It is desirable that two armed vessels should, for the present, be stationed in Matagorda Bay. I have therefore ordered the Arizona, the lightest draft gunboat available for that purpose, if she can safely cross the bar and be useful. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Capt., Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. The SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, Pass Cavallo, Texas Page 275 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 275 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding certain vessels of his command. FLAGSIIrP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the arrival at New Orleans of the U. S. S. Cornubia on the 8th instant, and of the Pocohontas on the 9th. I have heard by the Bermuda, which arrived this morning, that the Galena was at Key West undergoing some slight repairs to her machinery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary ?f the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding the forwarding of guns to Pensacola. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 13, [1864]. SIR: Send the Cornubia round here as soon as she is ready for service and you can spare her. I do not feel satisfied at leaving our large guns at New Orleans. Whenever an opportunity offers, send them here. Some may come, perhaps, by the Cornubia, and I will send you the Tennessee when I can for the others. I want particularly the rifle guns, beginning with the heaviest. I am, very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Comdg. 1st Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, U.S. Navy, to assume command of the naval force on coast of Texas. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 13, [1864.] Sn~: On the receipt of this, you will at once proceed to Galveston, where Captain Marchand is directed to turn over to you the charge of the vessels on the coast of Texas. He will give up whatever orders he has, by which you will be guided, and under them make the best disposition of the forces under your control. Whenever it is possible to do so, keep two vessels inside of Matagorda Bay, as I do not consider one to be secure from surprise Page 276 276 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Hereafter do not listen to any proposals which have in view the per- mitting of cotton to come out of anyp ort in your blockade. 11 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander M. B. WOOLSEY, U. S. S. Princess Royal, Sabine Pass. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Maxwell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pinola. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 13, [1864]. SIR: You will take command of the U. S. S. Ossipee and proceed with her off Mobile, where you will be relieved by Commander W. E. Le Roy. On being relieved you will then assume command temporarily of the Oneida. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. G. MAXWELL, On board the Pinola, Pensacola Bay. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Le Roy, U. S. Navy, regarding change of command. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, Fla., May 13, [1864]. SIR: You are herebydetached from the U. S. S. Oneida and you will take command of the U. S. S. Ossipee. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAG-(JT, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. E. LE Roy, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Oneida. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Maxwell, U. S. Navy, regarding change of command. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 14, [1864]. SIR: On being relieved by Licutenant-Qommander W1.~ W. Low of the cQmm~nd of the Oneida, you will proceed on the first opportunity to New Orleans and report to Commodore Palmer for the command of the U. S. S. Octorara. Very respectfully, lID. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral.... Li~utenant-Oommander J. G. MAXWELL, U. S. S. Oneida, off Mobile Page 277 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 277 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Beers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Penguin, to proceed on special duty to Key West. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 14, [1864]. Sm: So soon as your vessel [U. S. S. Penguin] is ready for sea you will proceed at once to Key West, Fla., and report to Acting Rear- Admiral Bailey, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron, delivering the accompanying dispatch. You will bring back with you the recruits which he will deliver you. If there is the least suspicion of there being any yellow fever at Key West, you will allow no communication whatever with the shore, except such as may be necessary to comply with the above order. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JAMES R. BEERS, U. S. Navy. ~Enc1osure.] U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 14, [1864]. DEAR ADMIRAL: There appears to have been a very serious mistake made by somebody (I do not know who) in transmitting the orders, accounts, etc., of 144 men recently sent from the North to the Western Gtilf Blockading Squadron. I understand from Captain Smith, of the Bermuda, that you had a letter from Commodore Stribling, stating that he believed the men were for the Eastern Gulf Squadron; which certainly was some justifi- cation for your keeping them, but if you had noticed it the transfer and accounts were sent to Fleet Paymaster Edward T. Dunn, and I herewith enclose you a copy of the letter from the Bureau of Equip- ment and Recruiting to me, which will, I hope, satisfy you that they were intended for this squadron and not for yours; and as we are at this moment exceedingly cramped for both officers and men, I have to request that you will send the men over to me in the Penguin, Act- ing Volunteer Lieutenant James R. Beers, who will deliver this letter to you. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Acting Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, U. S. Navy, Comdg. East Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Key West, Fla. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Low, U. S. Navy, to proceed to the Mobile blockade. MAY 14, 1864. Take passage in the Seminole for the Mobile blockade and report to Captain T. A. Jenkins for the command of the U. S. S. Oneida. [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. - Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, U. S. Navy Page 278 278 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, proposing to 8end the U. S. S. Albatross north for cleaning. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 14, 1864. SIR: I am sending the Albatross north, because the fleet and other surgeons consider her a pesthouse. She has had the fever each sum- mer, and last year lost many men, and the commissioners who examined her reported that it was impossible to clean out her bilge without removing the garboard strake. I therefore send her to Ports- mouth, N. H., as the fever has never been known to exist in that quarter. The vessel otherwise requires but little to be done to her. I part with this vessel and her commander with great reluctance; she is one of the finest blockaders in the squadron; has always been one of the most prompt and active vessels, and her commander, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Theodore B. Du Bois, one of the most energetic captains, and I therefore beg that the Department will not remove either the one or the other from this squadron. Very respectfully, 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 Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, forwarding Confederate newspapers. - U. S. STEAM Sioor LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 15, 1864. SIR; I have the honor herewith. to send a number of rebel news- papers received by flag of truce. They daily chronicle the movements and number of theblockading vessels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, N. S. Navy, regarding matters pertaining to the Texas blockade. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA. Off Galveston, May 15, 1864. SIR: The Sciota has been ordered for your disposition, either on the blockade of Sabine Pass or Calcasien, as you may deem necessary, and on her arrival please send the Owasco here for temporary repairs. At the time the Owasco was sent to you I had remaining here only the Chocura, Sciota; and Gertrude. The former had recently come from Sabine Pass by the admirals order. The Sciota was laden with stores for the vessels below, and the Gertrudes draft and light battery pre- vented her from going Page 279 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 279 Previously, when the Cayuga was sent to Sabine Pass, I had no recollection of any defect in her machinery. After hearing of the loss of the Granite City it became necessary to recall the Arizona from San Luis Pass and order her into Matagorda Bay, as she is the only vessel on the blockade that can cross the bar, otherwise she should have been dis? atched to you. On the Sciota leaving, there wil remain to blockade this place and send assistance elsewhere, if required, only the Chocura, Aroostook, and Gertrude. Shortly the Katahdin will have to come here from San Luis Pass and lay with fires out for three days to repair boilers. The Kanawha is expected soon from the Rio Grande and another vessel will be required to take her place. Most, probably she will require repairs on her return. Thus, with the injured Katahdin and Owasco, I can only keep a nominal blockade of this place. It has always been a source of anxiety to me to reinforce you, and especially so since the Harriet Lane escaped, but I have been so cramped for vessels as to render it impossible. From your letter of the 10th instant I have entertained every hope that the Cayuga was getting into rutining order, after the receipt of the valve from New Orleans, especially having heard nothing to the con- trary since that time. It is to be hoped that the admiral will send more vessels for the blockade of this coast on hearing of the loss of the Granite City and Wave, and I will make it a point that you shall have a fair proportion of them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant ~. B. MAROHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Commander M. B. WOOLSEY, Comdg. U. S. S. Princess Royal and Senior Ofticer off Sabine Pass. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U.S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 15, 1864. Sin: You will be pleased to proceed with the Sciota to Sabine Pass and report to Commander Woolsey, senior officer there, for the block- ade of that place or Calcasieu, as he may direct. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Captain, Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Coast Texas. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. H. PERKINS, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Sciota. Order of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Henry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Owasco, to proceed to Gal- veston. U. S. STEAM SLOOP LACKAWANNA, Off Galveston, May 15, 1864. ~as SIR: On the Owasco being relieved by the Sciota or such other vessel Woolsey, the senior officer on that part of the coast Page 280 280 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRO:N. may send, you will please return to this p lace with the Owasco, com- municating on the way with Commander Woolsey and exhibiting these instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Capt., Comdg. 3d Div. West Gulf Blkdg. Sguadron, Coast Texas. Lieutenant-Commander E. W. HENRY, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Owasco. - Report of Lieutenant-Commander Taylor, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kanawha, regarding the capture of the Mexican schooner Amanda. U. S. GUNBOAT KANAwHA, Off Pass Cavallo, Tex., May 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I seized the Mexican schooner Amanda on the 14th instant, on suspicion of attempting to violate the blockade. At the time I made the capture Espiritu Sahto Pass bore per com- pass W. I N., distant about 6 miles, we being in 9 fathoms water. She claimed to be from Havana, bound to Matamoras. She is a small schooner of from fifty to sixty tons, and laden with an assorted cargo. I placed a prize crew on board and sent her into New Orleans. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. B. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Eqmpment and Recruiting, regarding draft of men intended for the West Gulf Squadron. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 16, 1864. SIR: In sending out a draft of men in the supply vessel Bermuda the descriptive list was sent to the paymaster of the East Gulf and the accounts to the paymaster of the West Gulf Squadron, and nothing to the commanding officers of either squadron, except that Commodore Stribling wrote to Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey that he had no doubt but that the men were intended for his squadron. The commanding officer of the Bermuda, who had the accounts, said he thought other- wise, but Admiral Bailey said he would keep them upon Commodore Striblings letter, and I do not blame him. I have now sent over for the men, but do not know that he will send them. I have recently had to send home for discharge some 200 or 300 men, some of whom have been detained six months over their times. I have not men to man the ironclads to send up to the assistance of General Banks and Admiral Porter. I hope, on another occasion, the Bureau will direct the commandant of the yard to write the officer commanding the squadron on the sub Page 281 WEST GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. 281 ject, that there may be no mistake, for such mistakes must be fatal to me, for, being at the extremity of the line, nothing will be likely to reach me. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Commodore A. N. SMITH, U. S. Navy, Chief of Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, Washington. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of a boats crew from the U. S. S. Stocledale, May 16, 1864, and trans- mitting report of the commanding ofticer. No. 200.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 24, 1864. SIR: I have to report the capture of Acting Ensign John Lowrie and Acting Third Assistant Engineer Samuel [James] Lockwood, and the death from wounds of Acting Masters Mate Gilbert H. Moore, all of the U. S. S. Stoclcdale (tinclad), now stationed in the lake. The circumstances are detailed in the enclosed report (marked No. 1) of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Thomas Edwards, commanding the Stoclcdale. I regret to say that the capture of the officers and the death of Mr. Moore were the consequence of the great indiscretion of the officers or that of Acting Ensign Lowrie. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGTJT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washirqjton. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. STOCKDALE, Lake Pontchartrain, May 17, 1864. SIR: It becomes my painful duty to respectfully report to you the loss of three of my officers, Acting Ensign John Lowrie and Acting Third Assistant Engineer Samuel [James?] Lockwood, taken prison- ers, and Acting Masters Mate Gilbert H. Moore, severely wounded and since died. The circumstances of the capture are the following: On Monday morning, May 16, about 6 oclock a. in., I went into the mouth of the Tchefuncta River, where the smugglers make it a practice of running whenever the opportunity affords. After I came to anchor the execu- tive officer, Mr. Lowrie, reported to me he would like to go on the point at the mouth of the river and get some sand. I gave him the order to go and sent Mr. Moore as officer of the boat, with five men, well armed, and to have the bow gun trained upon the point. The boat went to the point and got the sand and came on board. Not having enough sand, Mr. Lowrie said he would like to go himself this time. I told him to go and be [back] as soon as possible, as I was going to get underway. He went, but instead of going to the point after the sand, he went about 400 yards up river from the oint into the mouth of a small bayou, where it was thickly woodecF dthe a Page 282 282 WEST GULF BLOCRADING SQUADRON. moment the boat struck the shore a whole company fired into them. The men immediately jumped overboard (three colored men and one white man) and the officers, by their staying in the boat, stopped to fight them, I think. I immediately commenced firing my bow guns (30-pounder Parrotts) with 5-second shell, and they left, but taking Mr. L owrie and Mr. Lockwood with them, leaving Mr. Moore over- board wounded. As I was lying about 400 [yards] from where the boat landed, I immediately steamed up to where my men were and got them and the boat, still shelling the woods, but wounding only two or three, which I have since learned. I then went to Mandeville; sent on shore by flag of truce to get my officers, if killed. I was informed that Mr. Lowrie was wounded in the shoulder and Mr. Lockwood in the hand. I also gained intelligence that this was an expedition of cavalry, commanded by a Lieutenant-Colonel Hill for the purpose of capturing the Stocledale, should she go into the Tchefuncta River on Sunday night. For this purpose they~ad six boats at Lewisburg, but on Sunday afternoon I went and took them all and did not go into the Tchefuncta River on Sunday night. They also had a man in a small boat to make a signal should I come in the river; him I took as a pris- oner. I also have learned since that they have three. companies of cavalry about 3 miles back of Lewisburg, [La.] I also respectfully report the capture of a man in a small boat running the blockade on Sunday morning; he threw everything overboard before I reached him. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS EDWARDS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. Stations of vessels composing the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. - FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the following as the disposition of the vessels of my squadron on the 15th instant: Name. Station. cless. Bloomer 011 east end of Santa Rosa Island charlotte do Hartford Off Pensacola Seminole do Kennebec do Pinola do Penguin do Albatross do Tennessee do Buckthorn do Arthur do W. G. Anderson do ICittatinny do Potomac do J.c.Kuhn do: Nightingale do conemaugh Off Mobile Genesee do Itasca do Metacomet do Oneida do Steamer. Sailing vessel. Steamer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Steam tug. sailing vessel. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Steamer. Do. Do, Do. Do Page 283 WEST GULF J3LOCKADING SQUADRON. 283 Stations of vessels composing the West Gulf Blockading SquadronContinued. Name. Station. Class. Ossipee Off Mobile Steamer. Pem bina do Do. Port Royal do Do. Richmond do Do. Vincennes Off Ship Island Sailing vessel. Sebago . In Mississippi Sound Steamer. Cowslip do Steam tug. Narcissus do Do. Commodore In Lake Pontchartrain Tinclad. Stockdale do Do. Corypheus do Sailing vessel. Monongahela Off New Orleans (most of them undergoing repairs) Steamer. Octorara do Do. J. P. Jackson do Do. Calhoun do Do. Antona do Do. Penobscot do Do. Virginia do Do. Cornubia do Do. Tallahatchie (46) do Tinclad. Elk (47) do Do. Rodolph (48) do Do. Carrabasset (49) do Do. Portsmouth Sailing vessel. M. A. Woo4 Do. Fearnot Do. Meteor At head of the Passes of Mississippi River Tinclad. Pampero At South West Pass Sailing vessel. Nyanza In Berwick Bay Tinclad. Glide do Do. Pocahontas Off Calcasien Steamer. Aroostook do Do. Princess Royal Off Sabine Pass Do. Cayuga do Do. , Lackawanna 01! Galveston Do. Owasco do Do. Katabdin do Do. Chocura do Do. Sciota do Do. Gertrude do Do. New London do Do. Arizona San Luis Pass Do. Kineo Brazos River and off Velasco Do. Estrella Pass Cavallo Do. Kanawba Pass Cavallo and coast to the Rio Grande Do. The dispatch steam tugs Glasgow and Jasmine run between New Orleans and Pensacola. The steam tugs Ida and Hollyhock are used in the Mississippi from New Orleans to the mouth. The dispatch steam vessels Arkansas and Augusta Dinsmore run between New Orleans and the Texas 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. ~J. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 17, [1864]. COMMODORE: You can let Mr. Shock go home if you can possibly spare him on the 2 1st, as he wishes. I think he will be able to do something in the way of getting the articles for our repairs Page 284 284 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Our shop is going very finely; all we want is the steam hammer and a gate to our dock, and we will be able to repair any of our vessels. I find that the governor-general of Cuba does not object to docking his vessels on the private docks. I can not tell what to do about the vessels at Calcasieu until Lieu- tenant-Commander Gillis comes down the river, then I think ~I will send an expedition down of ironclads and one or two light-draft ves- sels and see if we can not cut them out. Notify Marchand or the officers in the vicinity to give them assistance. I have permitted a Miss Curren, who has a pass from Generals Reynolds and Bowen, to go round on the Tennessee. I wish you would send us round the large Parrott rifles and all the small guns and armor for the light-draft vessels coming out, so that I will not have to send them round to New Orleans. Give no more p asses to persons trading in the [Mississippi] Sound or off Mo bile. The officers of the blockading vessels complain, and say they are only smugglers of liquors; they dont want them. The Department has expressly said that officers must take the usual oath. Enclosed I send copy of the dispatch of the Secretary of the Navy to whom I referred the matter. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT. Commodore PALMER. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding orders given to six mortar vessels. No. 190.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 18, 1864. SIR: I have ordered North the six mortar vessels, viz, Sarah Bruen, John Griffith, 0. H. Lee, Orvetta, Sea Foam, and Henry Janes, the last of which left this anchorage on the 10th instant. These vessels have been sent North, partly in order that their mor- tars may be replaced, but principally because, in the opinion of the surgeons, the yellow fever which infected them last year would cer- tainly break out again as soon as the warm weather sets in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, proposing to send the U. S. ship Nightingale to Boston as unfit for use in his command. No. 189.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 18, 1864. SIR: Having nothing particular for the Nightingale to do, and find- ing that the surgeons consider her a pesthouse and are urging me to get her out of the fleet, I have determined to send her to Boston Page 285 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 285 This ship has something peculiar in her construction; she damages her cargo so much by dam p ness that I am unable to make a storeship of her, and she could not be of the slightest service to me otherwise. She takes home as her crew some sixty men, with a view to their discharge from the service. Her commander, Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant E. D. Bruner, is a good officer, and I will be glad to have him back under my command after he has made his visit to his family. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving cause of de lay in forwarding materials for the squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 18, 1864. Sin: I have received your letter of the 27th ultimo, with regard to the delay in sending out materials required for your squadron. The Peacock, as I advised you on the 5th instant, had to be sent to Baltimore for rep airs, having put into Hampton Roads in distress, and sailed again on tlie2sth ultimo. Efforts will be made to prevent simi- lar delays in future. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape into Mobile of a blockade runner, supposed to be the steamer Denbigh. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile Bar, May 18, 1864. Sin: At 3:30 oclock this morning (a few minutes after the moon had set) one of the picket boats in the Swash Channel made signal that a strange steamer was running in along the beach. The Itasca, Lieutenant-Commander George Brown, keing nearest to the picket boat and to the beach running east and west, slipped for the purpose of cutting her off from the port, he being at the time very near the beach; but, unfortunately, in spite of all the precautions which that zealous and attentive officer had taken~to prevent fouling his propeller, the slip buoy rope was caught and prevented his moving farther than a few yards, enabling the blockade runner to get safely into port. The vessel was a side-wheel steamer, supposed to be the Der~bigh. In her passage in she encountered another picket boa~t, which promptly made the prescribed signal; but at that time she was too far in for the blockading vessels nearest to her to cut her off. The officer in charge of the boat was well to the eastward of the outermost Vessel and within 400 yards of the beach, yet he assert Page 286 286 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. that this vessel crept along so slowly and so close to the beach until after he had made his signal that he was very near not seeing her at all. There seems to be a very perfect system of night signals in use by the rebels and blockade runner6, many of which are no doubt masked from us. I have thought it advisable to send the Itasca to Pensacola in tow of the Conemaugh, the latter vessel to proceed then to New Orleans to have her rudder repaired, unless you direct other- wise. Very respectfully, etc., THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain, Comdg. 2d Div. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Pensacola, May 18, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: The admiral is going to give a leave to [G. U.] Morris, who, of course, wont return, so you will get rid of your black crows. I will try and get off some of the vessels here, but they are in a very b~d condition and will require near two weeks more to get out. The Port Royals boilers, Mr. Williamson, our chief, says, are leaking very badly. I send you the latest paper and a report from one later. Between you and me, I dont believe much in the present on to Richmond, and am afraid it will be a failure, as the others, both armies being of about the same relative force and material as heretofore. As to Butler~s advance on the James River, I doubt its having much influ- enc~ on the campaign, and the ironclads, beyond what are necessary to guard the river, should be here. I suspect we will, now that the presence of such vessels is required to keep up the blockade, soon settle the question of whether the moni- tors are seagoing vessels or not, and whether, if the are, they can cast loose a gun more than one day in a month outsi e of port. The Glasgow will come along at daylight. Try and get some information about the Tennessee. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. We look for the Penguin in a day or two, and hope that she will bring us our men from Key West. Maxwell will come in to take charge of the Port Royal. If Morris does not come back, she will be offered to the lieutenant-commanders according to seniority, which is, I think, fair. What do you think? You have given the Ossi pee the same lights as the Tennessee had received from youone red and three white lights. ~. D Page 287 WEST GULF BJ400KADING SQUADRON. 28~T Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Comman- der Maxwell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Oneida. U. S. S. HARTFORD Pensacola, May 18, [1864]. Sin: When relieved by Lieutenant-Commnader W. W. Low in the command of the U. S. S. Oneida, you will return to this port and assume the command of the U. S. S. Port Royal. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. G. MAXWELL, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Oneida. Letterfrom Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Contructor Hanscom, U. S. Navy, requesting advice in regard to certain work in the dock- yard at Pensacola. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 19, [1864]. Mv DEAR Sin: Having both stuck to the General Government, and still being employed by it in the same manner as when we first met, it is not unnatural that we should now and then call upon each other for information in our respective departments. I happen to be in one of your first fields of operations, and having been employed for some time in very much the same way as yourself reorganizing a dockyard. If I mistake not, you constructed the dock- yard at this place. I think it was intended simply to support the dry dock, but I wish to construct it into a dry dock of itself by building a new floating gate. I presume it was originally intended to dock the dock for repairs in case of necessity, and therefore I suppose the bottom is sufficiently firm to stand the upward hydraulic pressure; but if you think it is not I wish you would let me know, so as to prevent a great waste of labor. I dont think there were ever any pumps or engines fixed for pumping it out, but I will soon be ready to construct them, if I can procure the money simply to pay for the labor. Please give me any information which you think may be of service to me. I would much rather depend upon your judgment than my own. By dint of perseverance I have at last succeeded in getting a pretty good machine shop; everything is running by steam, and so soon as I get my Nasmyth hammer and my dry dock I shall feel pretty inde- pendent of the North and will be ready to set up for myself. My kind regards to Mrs. Hanscom. I remain, very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Mr. ISAIAH HANscOM, Naval qor~,structor, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va Page 288 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding vessels arriving from the North. Li S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 19, 1864. SIR: Whenever vessels which come from the North with orders to report to me telegraph their arrival from the Passes [of the Mississippi River], direct them to come at once to this place without going to New Orleans and send a copy of this order to the Pampero. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Comdg. 1st Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squad., New Orleans. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the dispos%tion of persons captured on blockade running ves- sels. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 19, 1864. SIR: On the 9th instant instructions were sent to you relative to the disposing of blockade runners. As the forts North are sometimes very crowded, they can not accommodate conveniently this class of persons and they are kept for some time on board the receiving ships, which is not desirable. A short time since the Secretary of War stated, in reply to an enquiry from this Department, that he knew of no place except the Tortugas where there were ample accommodations for the blockade runners. Should, therefore, a large class of these persons come into your hands, it would be well to send the most noto- rious ones, citizens of the United States, to the Tortugas. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Squadron, New Orleans. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 19, 1864. Send the Courier to New Orleans to return after discharging. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary. Rear-Admiral S. [H.] STRINGHAM, Commandant Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding general matte~rs. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 20,1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: We have papers here two days later, 17th, from Mobile, than those brought by Narcissus. The telegraph is evidentl Page 289 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 289 interrupted north of Petersburg~, so that there is no reliable intelli- gence. The two refugees brought by Narcissus I keep. I think we have enough of these fellows running loose. We have a traitor, I believe, in everyone we favor in any way. Break up the trading business as soon as you can, and you will, I am satisfied, do us a good service. The Buclcthorn will be along in the morning, when I will write more fully. Having had enquiries about yeomen, etc., made to me, I have printed the regulation and sent it to you for distribution. P. DRAYTON. The admiral says you can send your paymasters clerk to New Orleans. P.D. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, to refuse passes to vessels wishing to trade with the Mobile fleet. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 20, [1864]. COMMODORE: Hereafter it is my direction that no boat or vessel be given any pass to trade with the fleet off Mobile or in Mississippi Sound. It is simply an excuse to go that far, and if they see no one in sight, owing to thick weather or other cause, they avail themselves of it to run into Mobile or other place within the enemys lines, and the blockaders would much rather supply themselves at Pensacola or New Orleans, or from the supply vessels. I find these boats using my passes to carry on the above-mentioned trade with the enemy, as well as to smuggle liquor to the men on board our vessels. The fishermen and oystermen you can still grant permits to, but inform them that they will be captured if found with goods in their boats for trade. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, off New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Jones, U. S. Navy, regarding the restriction of privileges to trading boats. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 20, [1864]. SIR: Your communication * of the 16th instant, referring to the sloop Leila, has been received. Under the circumstances, as stated by you, the boat should not have been delivered up, and I have so informed Commodore Palmer. Hereafter no passes will be granted to any boats to trade with the fleet, either in Mississippi Sound or off Mobile. You will therefore stop all boats with passes, take the passes from them, and order the boats back to New Orleans, giving the captains a certificate that you are doing this by my orders. * Not found. N W RVOL 21 1 Page 290 290 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. You will proceed with the Narcissus at once to Mississippi Sound, and report to the senior officer present, stopping off Mobile, if you can do so before night. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Acting Ensign WILLIAM G. JONES, Commanding Narcissus. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding operations off Mobile, Ala. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, May 20, [18641. M~ DEAR JENKINS: Fire away, but the admiral says that you must not expend shot, but shell. The orders of sailing have been distributed, except those to the Seminole, Pembina, and Genesee, which I send. The admiral sends you some turtle, received from Key West. Bailey wont send the men, and makes out a very good case for himself. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Report of Acting Master Potter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, regarding the movements of that vessel and arrival at New York. U. S. SCHOONER RACHEL SEAMAN, Brooklyn Navy Yard, May 21,1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department my arrival at this station, having performed the voyage agreeably to your orders of March 16, calling first at Brazos Santiago, April 8, then northward, stopping at all the passes and inlets on the coast, ending at Sabine Pass, and then to New Orleans, where I reported to Commodore Palmer on the 16th, and received orders on the 25th to proceed to Mobile and Pensacola; a copy of which I herewith enclose. Sailed from Pensacola April 29 and stopped into Key West to avoid a heavy gale from the northward. Reported to Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, who gave me orders to receive on board the battery of the late U. S. bark Amanda and a quantity of cotton captured in the sloop Oscar, a copy of which orders I herewith enclose. I also enclose a list of the vessels supplied by this vessel, and a list of the officers now attached to this vessel. Hoping the voyage has been performed in a manner to meet the approval of the Department, I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES POTTER, Acting Master, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C Page 291 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 291 Orders of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, previous to departure of the former for Mobile. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 21, [1864]. SIR: I shall leave the port this morning and repair off Mobile, where I understand the ram Tennessee has made her appearance. As soon as the court-martial has closed its labors, you will send Mr. Jones and such other persons as may have been in attendance on the court to this ship in the Glasgow, after she has delivered her mails here. Should the Penguin bring the men from Key West, and there should be no disease brought with them, you can take them on board your ship, station them at the guns, and exercise them, and be ready -to deliver them to the ships as they may require them. Should there be disease among them, you will consult with Commo- dore Smith as to the best locality where they [cani be put on shore and attended to. I will send orders in relation to the Albatross as soon as the Lacica- wanna arrives. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander ALEX. GIBSON, U. S. Navy. Orders of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Pensacola, preparatory to the departure of the former for Mobile. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Pensacola, May 21, [1864]. COMMODORE: I learned last night that the ram Tennessee is over Dog River Bar and down to the forts. I shall go out to the blockade this mormng. You will please to hurry the repairs on the different vessels as much as possible. Have the prow made for the Ossipee and this ship as soon as your blacksmiths work will justify it; the Ossipees first. Have the Calena coaled with all dispatch and sent off Mobile. Please inform General Asboth that the ram is down and may come out at any moment, so that he may have his heavy guns prepared for her. I have sent to New Orleans for some 200-pounders, which, when they arrive, he may have temporarily placed in the Battery Call, Fort or Battery Cameron, under Pickens; [illegible.] Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. [Commodore WILLIAM SMITH, U. S. Navy, Commandant Navy Yard, Pensacola, Fla. Page 292 292 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Du Bois, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Albatross, to proceed with that vessel to Portsmouth, N. H. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 21, 1864. SIR: As soon as you have received by the Glasgow the men from the Lackawanna and other vessels of the Texas division, as well as the sick who will be ordered to you by Commodore W. Smith, you will proceed with the Albatross under your command to Portsmouth, N. H., report- ing on your arrival to the commandant of the naval station there and through him to the Navy Department by letter. Your vessel is sent North in consequence of her having had the yel- low fever on board last summer, and, in the opinion of the surgeons, it would not be safe to keep her here during another hot season. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. B. DU Bois, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross, Pensacola Bay, Florida. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Pensacola, regarding measures for fortifying Battery Cameron, for the protection of Pensacola. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 21, 1864. COMMODORE: On the arrival of the Tennessee, you will offer the use of two of the 200-pound Parrott guns to General Asboth, to be placed on Fort Cameron, just to the westward of Fort Pickens. I do so because I know they have no guns on either fort capable of producing the slightest effect upon the ironclads if they were to attempt to make a raid upon Pensacola by slipping by us in the night. The other guns and ammunition can be put on board the Kuhn and Potomac. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore W. SMITH, Commanding Pensacola Navy Yard. instructions of Captain Marchand, U. S. Navy,for the night picket boats. U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, Off Mobile, May 22,1864. A boat will leave the ship before dark to keep between her and the east end of Sand Island, at a ~distance of 150 to 250 yards from the ship. Should a vessel be seen coming out, a white light will be held steadily up in the boat until the officer slowly counts ten. Should a supposed torpedo be seen, the light will be waved slowly from side to side, and the bo& t to pull for and ascertain its character Page 293 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 298 If it should prove a torpedo, as many muskets to be fired from the boat as possible to notify the ship of danger. When an object is seen, whether vessel or torpedo, the officer of the boat will notify the ship through a speaking trumpet. Should the ship go in chase, the picket boat will go to the nearest vessel for shelter. The picket boat on approaching any vessel or boat will either be hailed or hail, then lay upon the oars, the answer to be Lacicawannas picket boat, but not to go alongside of any vessel until ordered. Should the picket boat be required to return to the ship, the pipe for side boys, or three white flashes from a lantern will be made. J. B. MARCHAND, ________ Captain. Report of captain Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, announcing arrival at Key West from New York. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Key West, May 22, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report that we have just arrived here after a long and tedious passage of twelve days from New York. The weather was, for the most part, fine, but the wind, varying only in strength, continued persistently ahead during the whole time. Our en~ines work badly, too, and will require more or less adjustment be ore leaving. This and coaling, however, will not detain us more than four or five days. Respectfully, I am, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN, Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Loss of captured British schooner Sting Ray and prize crew, off Velasco, Texas, May 22, 1864. Report of Lieutenant Watters, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kineo, transmitting report of officer in charge of prize. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEo, Blockading off Velasco, Brazos River, Tex., May 23, 1864. Sin: I regret having to report the loss of Acting Ensign Paul Borner, of this vessel, and 4 men under his command, viz, John Smith, seaman; Charles Zimmerman, seaman; Daniel Hennessy, ordinary seaman; John Griffin, landsman. They (with 3 others belonging to the boats crew, who escaped) had charge of a schooner which they were unable to manage, in consequence, as I learned finally, of being drunkin a beastly state of intoxication. The vessel was run ashore and they were captured by the enemy. I respectfully submit the following account of what we saw, and accompanying is a statement of the officer captured, which I received by flag of truce the following day: At daylight on the 22d instant, when cruising before the mouth of the Brazos River, 5 or 6 miles from the town of Velasco, coast o Page 294 294 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON.. Texas, chased and brought a schooner to by firing. I sent Acting Ensign Paul Borner to board her, with orders to examine all papers and ascertain what cargo she had and any other information concerning her. He returned and reported the British schooner Stingaree [Sting Ray], from Havana to Matamoras, Mexico, and her papers correct, as far as he had seen; she had no bill of lading; was said to be in ballast, with only a few bales of bagging and some coils of rope in her hold. This did not satisfy me, the vessel being a great distance off her course if bound to Matamoras, and I determined to seize her for a further exami- nation, intending, if I could establish no facts or evidence against her, to finally let her go. With this view I ordered Mr. Borner to take charge of her, giving him a boat and 7 men to sail her in, following us to our anchorage in sight of the town of Velasco, from which we were then distant about 15 miles, and had been absent some time, which I did not wish unnecessarily to prolong. Before getting to the anchorage,Iobserved that the schooner was very badly managed, and apprehending that she might get too near the shore, having already fallen to leeward, I ordered the vessel about and steered toward her to tow her up, the distance not being greater than 1 mile. When within a very short distance of her, she suddenly kept away and ran straight for the shore, our boat which she was tow- ing with one man in it being at the same instant cut awa we ursued quickly, intending to run her down if we could get to be ore she should be in too shoal water, firing at her at the same time with the 20-pounder bow gun, hoping to cripple her. One of our men was seen to go overboard from the schooner; her boat was also thrown out with a man in it we recognized as one of ours. The schooner still kept toward the shore, and by this time we had run into water so shoal that we could pursue no farther without getting aground and were reluc- tantly obliged to desist, seeing her go soon after plump on the beach, which was soon lined with cavalry ofthe enemy, rendering it improper to send our boats. We also ceased firing, lest we should injure our own people. We picked up our men who escaped from the schooner; one, the fellow who was in the Water swimming, enlisted our first attention, and when we got him on board, were surprised to find the chief of the party, the coxswain of the boat, William Morgan, seaman, in a beastly state of intoxication, crazy drunk and howling; one of the others, Joseph Fernandez, ordinary seaman, a negro, was also very drunk; the con- dition of these two enabled us to surmise the cause of this deplorable affair, although they were unable to give any account of themselves. The next dayi. e., to-day, I received by flag of truce a report from the officer, Mr. Borner, a copy of which I have the honor to append. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN WATTERS, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Gunboat Kineo. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] VELASCO, TEx., May ~3, 1864. SIR: Through the kindness of Colonel Brown, commander of this post, I am enabled to state to you the circumstances that brough Page 295 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 295 about the capture of myself, Charles Zimmerman, John Smith, John Griffin, and Hennessy. It is my earnest desire to exonerate myself from the odious charge of having neglected my duty, and I hope that the following statement, which I pledge my honor to be a faithful and correct one, will convince you and everybody else that no blame can be attached to me. Having taken charge of the schooner Stingaree [Sting Ray] and brought her to the course given to me, I went down in the cabin to investigate and possibly to find proofs for her condemnation, ordering Morgan, boatswains mate, to look out for the vessel. When I came up on deck again, I found it entirely deserted with exception of the helm. It appears that the schooners crew invited them into the hold, where they gave them as much liquor as they desired. I ordered them up, some of them being, to my surprise, so far gone as to be unable to get on deck without assistance. Ihad the hatch closed immediately, and thus prevented them from going down again. However, a short time after, Zimmerman and Morgan lay helplessly on deck and the rest were so drunk that they did not know what they were about. Several times after I prevented the schooners crew from supplying them with liquor, which I then suspected was done with some design. When near enough the Kineo, I intended to go about and sent two men nd the jib sheet, keepi forward to atte n~ two aft at the main sheet; she, however, missed stays, the men in their drunken officiousness hauling the jib sheet to windward. Keeping her off to get some headway, I tried it again, when four of the schooners crew pounced upon me, one of them holding my arms behind and the captain of the schooner dis- arming me. I struggled hard to get my revolver, but was unsuccess- ful, nobody coming to my assistance. John Smith made the only attempt to resist, picking up a handspike, which he was hardly able to hold, but he was soon disarmed. Morgan, being startled by the noise, tumbled up and, losing his balance, fell overboard. The cay tam of the schooner hove a spar overboard to save him if possible.Theboat in which Edwards was boat keeper had been cut adrift. It a pp ears that the schooners crew intended to go on shore in the boa an cave the schooner in our hands. Their boat was hoisted out and some carpet bags thrown in, when Fernandez jumped into her and cut the painter. With the rest you are no doubt acquainted. A company of soldiers received us on the beach and conducted us to headquarters. I have been treated very gentlemanly and kindly by everybody thus far. Captain [John ~] Payne, commanding the Mary Hill, is the officer in charge of the flag of truce. He will give you more particulars and will receive mine and our mens clothes on condi- tion that the two carpet bags taken out of the schooners boat are returned to him. I have every reason to believe Captain Payne a gentleman of honorable principles, and I am convinced that anything you see fit to send to me or the men will be safely delivered to us. Hoping that my statement will be deemed sufficient to clear me from any charges, and begging to grant my request for me and the men captured with me, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PAUL BORNER, Acting En8ign, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander -JOHN WATTERS, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Kineo Page 296 296 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Ueport of Colonel Bates, Thirteenth Texas Infantry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND SUBDISTRICT, Camp Barnard E. Bee, May P3,1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following special report: Yes- terday morning the blockader at the mouth of the Brazos gave chase to a schooner which appeared in the offing southwest of Velasco. After passing out of sight the schooner, which proved to be the Stingaree [Sting Ray] , McCloskey, master, was captured and placed in charge of a prize crew, consisting of an ensign and 6 men, Captain McCloskey and his crew remaining as prisoners on board the schooner. The steamer then sailed back toward her anchorage, the schooner following in her wake. Captain McCloskey then produced some liquor, and in a short time succeeded in getting the prize crew drunk; and at the proper momenb with the aid ofhis crew, secured their arms, made prisoners of the prize crew and resumed command of his vessel. Captain McCloskey continued in the wake of the steamer until within about 4 miles from Velasco, when he changed his course and made all sail for the beach. The steamer immediately gave chase, firing several shots without effect. The schooner succeeded in beach- ing about 2 miles from Velasco, west. In the meantime Lieutenant- Colonel Cayce, commanding post, Velasco, seeing the movements of the schooner, sent to her assistance one company of cavalry and 25 infantry. During the contest on board the schooner two of the prize crew escaped in a small boat. Captain McCloskey reports the two men who escaped as being wounded or killed. He also reports having lost 1 of his crew overboard. The result of all this is that Captain McCloskey, after having been captured by a Federal gunboat and placed under charge of a prize crew, succeeded in recapturing his vessel and bringing her safely to shore, with 5 out of the 7 Yankees who, with arms in their hands, were placed as a guard over him. I can not close this report without testifying my high appreciation of the bold and patriotic heroism of Captain McCloskey and his crew in this affair. Such devo- tion to the interests which he represents and to the honor of his coun- try should not go unrewarded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J[osEPH] BATES, Colonel, Commanding Subdistrict. Captain L. G. ALDRICH, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding the reported movements of Confederate ironclads and other armed vessels in Mobile Bay. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, Barrancas, May P4, 1864. MAJOR: I beg to submit, in connection with my report of 15th instant, No. 324, the following additional information, received from refugees and deserters: The iron ram Tennessee is over Dog River Bar and is now lying above Fort Morgan, with three other smaller ironclads and five wooden armed vessels, ready to come out at an Page 297 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 297 moment. Admiral Buchanan is in command, with the Tennessee as flagship. They practice daily, and intend, after the arrival of the two additional gunboats, to raise the blockade and then proceed, if successful, direct to New Orleans and farther up the Mississippi River. The rebels are working day and night a large number of negroes in building three lines of fortifications between Fort Morgan and Pilot Town. Rebel reports from Pensacola claim that Beauregard, reinforced by Lee, defeated Butler, driving him back to the protection of the gunboats. I confidently hope this news to be untrue. Mr. Moore has not yet returned, nor has he been heard of. I have five Florida men out in the same direction and expect two of them in to-morrow. Now is again the time to make a forward movement from my isolated position; but I have only a small company of cavalry; no horses or arms for my 500 Florida men, wh~ are anxious to prove their loyalty by deeds; no horses for my battery, and no steamers or land trans- portation for my infantry. Two steamers, with 26 mule teams and one good regiment of cavalry, with 600 additional horses, would enable me to accomplish great successes for the furtherance of our cause in West Florida. ASBOTH, Major JOHN LEVERING Brigadier-General. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Iileadquarters Defenses of New Orleans. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, referring to late correspondence with Vice-Admiral Milne, R. N. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May ~4, 1864. SIR: Your dispatch of the 29th ultimo (No. 141) has been received. It did not app ear to the Department that your proposed letter to Admiral Mime was intended to assure him that he had misappre- hended the cruising instructions of which he complained. The pur- pose of the letter to the Secretary of State, of which a copy was trans- mitted to you, was to remove the cause of complaint, and it is pre- sumed to have had that effect, as the matter has not again been brought to the attention of the Department. It is probable, therefore, that a difference was perceived between the instructions contained in the Departments communication to the Secretary of State~~ and the cruising instructions, as understood, or misunderstood, by Admiral Milne and his Government. To prevent misunderstanding hereafter, it is desirable that the instructions of the Department should be strictly adhered to and no material addi- tions made to them without previous reference to it. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans Page 298 298 WEST GULF I3LOORADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting additional force to operate against the C. S. ram Tennessee. No. 207.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, May 25, 1864. Sin: My mail from New Orleans this morning is very discouraging. Our army is not only falling back to that most demoralizing of places, New Orleans, but I am informed by Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, at Matagorda, that General Banks has ordered Matagorda to be aban- doned and the forts and earthworks to be destroyed. The general is in New Orleans; the army said to be at Morganza, just above Port Hudson, on the western shore. I ran inshore yesterday and took a good look at the ironclad Ten- nessee. She flies the blue flag of Admiral Buchanan. She has four ports of a side, out of which she fights, I understand from the refugees, four 7-inch Brooke rifles and two X-inch columbiads. She has a tor- pedo fixture on the bow. Their four ironclads and three wooden gun- boats make quite a formidable appearance. I see by the rebel papers Buchanan is advertised to raise the blockade so soon as he is ready. As I have before informed the Department, if I had the military force to place on the isthmus and on Dauphin Island, say 3,000 men and one or two ironclads, I would not hesitate to run in and attack him; but if I were to run in, and in so doing get my vessels crippled, it would be in his power to retire to the shoal water with his ironclads (in fact, all their vessels draw much less water than ours), and thus destroy us without our being able to get at him; but if he takes the offensive and comes out of port, I hope to be able to contend with him. The Department has not yet responded to my call for the iron- dads in the Mississippi, which I was led to believe were intended for this squadron. I am placing heavy iron cutters on the bows of my vessels, and shall also have torpedoes, to place me on an equality with my enemy, if he comes outside. No doubt he will have the advantage of me inside, as they are planting them every day; we can see them distinctly when at work. Torpedoes are not so agreeable when used both sides; therefore I have reluctantly brought myself to it. I have always deemed it unworthy of a chivalrous nation; but it does not do to give your enemy such a decided superiority over you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGIJT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Rear- Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding the expected conflict with the C. S. ram Tennessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 26, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I am satisfied that the commodore, Stribling, was right in supposing that the draft was intended for your squadron, but where the men are for this squadron is a mystery, but I suppose all will be right before long; everything depends upon the great battles i Page 299 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 299 Virginia and Georgia. I am watching Buchanan in the ram Tennes- see; she is a formidable-looking thing. There are 4 others and 3 wooden gunboats. They say he is waiting for the 2 others to come out and attack me, and then raid upon New Orleans. Let him come; I have a fine squadron to meet him, all ready and willing. Ii can see his boats very industriously laying down torpedoes, so I judge that he is quite as much afraid of our going in as we are of his coming out, but I have come to the conclusion to fight the devil with fire, and therefore shall attach a torpedo to the bow of each ship and see how it will work on the rebelsif they can stand blowing up any better than we can. The news from the North is still very good by our papers, and not bad by the rebel papers. They only claim to have whipped Butler and repulsed Grant. Very respectfully and truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Rear-Admiral T. BAILEY. P. S.If any vessels of my squadron should stop at Key West, direct them to come to Pensacola to report to me, and not to New Orleans. D.G.F. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding the disposition of guns removed from New Orleans. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May ~6, 1864. GENERAL: I have sent to New Orleans for my heavy guns to prevent some rebel from spiking them in an evil hour of excitement. Will you be kind enough to allow them to be placed on the Fort Pickens wharf, or if you can mount them to advantage on the Fort Cameron, I think it would be well. They say that Admiral Buchanan intends to raid on New Orleans, but that is no sign that such is the fact; he could raid on Pensacola with more ease, and yet I think he will not find much ease in either. Although I have never yet encountered an ironclad, I am at their service, and will do the best I can to amuse them. Very respectfully, youi obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Brigadier-General ASBOTH, Commanding Department Pensacola, Barrancas, Fla. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general affairs. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, May 26, 1864. COMMODORE: I did not answer your request to build ways to haul up vessels. When I see that it costs me just three times as much as the estimate to build a railroad, which I thought was so simple, with nothing to pay for iron, I do not think I will undertake any othe Page 300 300 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. speculation of the kind without authority. Had Mr. Cox been there to superintend it, I believe it would not have cost over $3,000. I will approve the bills, but they should have been audited by some one. Mr. Cook, the paymaster, could have kept the roll every Satur- day night; the estimate was for $2,500. You say I seem to think you can get men from the Army; the Department writes me that they are getting them, and even expect me to send them the surplus North. I return you some letters of fel- lows in a jail, requesting to be released; please look to them. I shall write General Banks by this mail. I thought you had made the request of him before, or of General Reynolds. I am disgusted with the manner in which we abandon plans and sacrifice our friends. Matagorda abandoned also. If this Ensign Blume was the commander of the prize that ran on shore on the coast of Texas, I will try him by court-martial. I wish you had sent the men belonging to the Antona in the Ber- muda to me, and I would have sent them home. You write to me as if I was keeping the men, when I am trying all I can to get them dis- charged. Admiral Bailey wont let one go, and the Department does not contemplate it. The Department says I may discharge at New Orleans as soon as we get some men from the Army. You may discharge any who shipped at New Orleans, and you may discharge any who have been left, whose times have been out some time. Send the Pocahontas and Cornubia to the coast of Texas. I expect the next thing to hear that the Granite City and Wave have gobbled up the New London unless the spirit of poor Read protects her. I have no officers or men to give you. I must be ready to fight and I hope to give a good account of the Tennessee if she comes out. I think well of the disposition of the tinclads. I should not be sur- prised if the Texans followed Banks into New Orleans. If I had the ironclads and soldiers to guard the back door on the peninsula and Dauphin Island I would go in at once, but I will not go into the bay without them. If Buchanan comes out here I will endeavor to amuse him. I have written to the Department time and again about the ironclads of the Mississippi, but it is of no use; they will listen to nothing until the fight is over at Richmond, which God grant may finish this month. Very respectfully and truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockade Squadron. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Comdg. 1st Div. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squad., New Orleans, La. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banns, U. S. Army, regarding the transfer to the Navy of seafaring men undar the command of the latter. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, May 26,1864. GENERAL: I have received orders from the Navy Department to call upon you for the seafaring men in the army under your command and have been informed that orders to that effect have been sent to you, o Page 301 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 301 in other words, to each of the commanding generals of the departments to turn over to the Navy all such men. Being very much in want of sailors, I beg that you will take the earliest opportunity of making the transfer of such as you may have over to Commodore Palmer that he may send them to the fleet under my command. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf Report of Acting Ensign OBrien, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Oliver H. Lee, regarding arrival at i3eaufort, N. C., en route to Hampton Roads. U. S. SCHOONER OLIVER H. LEE, Beaufort, N. C., May 26, 1864. Sm: I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel at this place in a disabled condition. I left Pensacola, Fla., on the 7th instant, bound to New York, in obedience to orders of Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut. On the 11th instant experienced a moderate gale, which caused the vessel to leak freely. On the 17th the vessel then leaking 14 inches per hour, broke out the fore hold and discovered a leak some 4 feet below the water line, which p roved to be the effects of a shot received at Port Hudson, La. As the planking outside was entirely cut away and the water running in with great force, I did not deem it prudent to proceed on my course with the vessel in such con- dition. I hauled up for this port and at 4 p. m. on the 17th spoke the U. S. gunboat V%cksburg, Lieutenant-Commander D. L. Braine, who kindly offered to tow me into this port. I arrived here at 2 p. m. on the 18th instant and reported the condition of the vessel to the senior officer present, who furnished me with every facility at his command. On the 19th ran the vessel ashore at high water in order to get at the leak, and at low water succeeded in nailing canvas and zinc over the hole and hauled off again at high water. On the 22d got underway and proceeded out to sea, but before we had got to Cape Lookout the vessel had 2 feet of water in the hold and gaining on us fast; had to reduce sail and put back to this port, the vessel being so weak and strained forward it was impossible to carry sail on her. I am now waiting for a steamer to tow the vessel to Hampton Roads, where I shall await further orders from the Department or the senior officer at that place. I have not asked for a survey on the vessel, as we can easily keep her free when not under sail. I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, DOUGLASS F. OBRIEN, Hon. GIDEON Acting Ensign, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 302 302 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Lctter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy, transmit- ting consular informatIon from Havana, regarding proposed scheme for the capture of United States mail steamers. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington,May 27, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a dispatch (No. 148), received from our vice-consul-general at Havana, conveying important information in regard to a scheme to capture steamships plying between New York and New Orleans. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Endorsement No. 1.] Owners and Treasury should be notified. [Endorsement No. 2.] Copy sent to Secretary Treasury, June 8, 1864. The owners are aware of this scheme. Watch was kept by the pas- sengers of the last vessel that came in from New Orleans to prevent surprise. J. W. H. [Enclosure.] U. S. CONSULATE, Havana, May 14, 1864. SIR: In my dispatch No. 147 I mentioned a scheme of a number of rebels to seize one or more of our mail steamers. My informant assures me that there are at least twenty-five men who, will take part in the enterprise. The scheme was first concocted in Mobile, but sub- sequently transferred to this place, it being even asserted that the sum of $10,000 was sent out to the rebel agent, Helm, to carry out the same, for which reason the leaders are said to be very angry with Helm who refused them the money for the purpose. It is alleged that Helm feared his expulsion from this island by order of the authorities if they discovered that he was engaged in sueh schemes. From what I have been able to ascertain the leading ma~ is a Captain Edwards, a Ken- tuckian, who formerly belonged to our Navy, was taken prisoner in the defense of Fort Jackson, New Orleans, and though paroled was, as he alleges, kept one month in prison in New Orleans by order of Gen- eral Butler, and was exchanged about three months after the date of his capture. He has a commission from the Confederate Government and keeps his papers in the lining of an old coat. He and the other men concerned with him appear to have plenty of money and to spend it freely. Edwards is a man of from 38 to 45 years of age, fair com- plexion, side whiskers, black and thin. The original plan was for several of the gang to take passage at New York upon a given steamer (one of the New York and New Orleans line touching at Havana to be selected), others at Havana, and seize her on the voyage to New Orleans, and then run her into Mobile. Four of the gang went to New York in the latter part of last month on either the Columbia or Matamzas; three more in the Mormin~g Star o Page 303 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 303 the 3d of this month; another was to go in the same steamer, but was taken sick. These parties have a rendezvous in New York or its neighborhood, and several of the men have papers under assumed names. As owing to the quarantine laws of New Orleans none of the steamers plying between New York and that port will touch here, their plans must of necessity be changed. There are two other persons in this city who evidently are engaged in some plot against the United States, the object of which I have not been able to learn. One of them is a Frenchman, called Dr. Mouthrey de Lasalle, and the other is called Colonel Phelps. Dr. Mouthrey is about 45 years old, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches in height, thick set, and very strongly built; lived formerly in California and came in a coolie ship lately from China. Phelps is said to have been born in the neighbor- hood of Richmond. He is very tall and slim; wears moustache, imperial, and goatee, very black; has a slight Irish brogue at times~ wears on the little finger of the right hand a gold ring, with a diamond of the size of the third of a 5-cent piece, what in French is called a Chevalier. He is represented to have been a member of the Charles- ton convention and to have served in Mexico under Robert E. Lee in some capacity; conceals the fact of being a colonel, but is evidently a military man. It is suspected that he is bound upon a secret mission for the rebel cause. I am positively assured that he goes to New York in the steamer Havana, the same steamer that conveys this dispatch, underwhatnamelcannottellasyet. Mouthrey has a Portuguese passport, but I am led to believe that he is not going to New York immediately. In my opinion it would be very important to arrest Phelps and secure such papers as may be in his possession. This is all I know at present. I will endeavor to discover more. With great respect, THOMAS SAVAGE, Vice-Consul-General. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of War, forwarding information regarding affairs at Galveston, Tex. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, May 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information a statement in regard to the condition and designs of the rebels in Texas, taken from a communication made to our vice-consul-general at Havana by a recusant blockade runner. From the circumstances of the case, as narrated by Mr. Savage, the Department is inclined to think it worthy of attention. The informer was in a position to know the facts, and no good reason appears to discredit his recital of them. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 304 304 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] Confidential.] HAVANA, May 17, 1864. Sin: * * * Now I will tell you something about Galveston, which I left on the first of this month. There are 2,000 troops sta- tioned there. They have 5 land forts, with about 20 guns, none heavier than 48-pounders, except two guns made from the shaft of the steamer Westfield. They are 64-pounders, and are expected to throw a shot 6 miles. The remains of the Westfield are still visible. The steamer that captured the Harriet Lane, the Bayou City, is still lying in Galveston and keeps up steam day and night. She is an old high- pressure river boat and has cotton piled up as high as the hurricane deck all around her, boarded in. She has one 64-pounder on the lower deck and a 32 on the upper deck. * * * * * * * Letter from Lieutenant Benner, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding operations under Brigadier-General Weitzel, U. S. Army. SIGNAL STATION, Springfield Landing, May 27, [1864] 6 p. m. ADMIRAL: The jiews from the front is good. It is reported on good authority that at 4 p. m. Weitzel carried enemys outside earthwork. All our troops have closed up this p. m. There has been very little infantry fighting to-day. We have dislodged several of their largest guns, with quite a small loss. The Twenty-first Indiana, Sixth Michi- gan, and a cavalry company charged their breastworks this p. in., but were repulsed, with considerable loss. MILTON BENNER, Lieutenant and Signal Officer. D. ~ FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Flagship Monongahela. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Behm, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cornubia, to proceed to Pensacola, Fla. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 28, 1864. Sin: You will proceed with the Cornubia, under your command, to Pensacola Bay and report to Commander Alexander Gibson, senior officer afloat. You will also report to Commodore William Smith, commandant of the Pensacola navy yard, for any repairs or coal which you may require. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer-Lieutenant C. F. W. BERM, Commanding U. S. S. Cornubia, off Mobile Page 305 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 805 I?eportofActing Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U.S.S. Virginia, regarding cotton captured by that vessel. Th S. S. VIRGINIA, May 28, 1864. SIR: In accordance with your order, I have the honor to make the following report of 94 bales of cotton picked [up] by this vessel on the 7th and 8th of this month. Being off San Luis Pass, while cruising to seaward in search of blockade runners, at 4 a. m. we stood to the E. S. E. and at daylight sighted a bale of cotton, which we picked up and stood in for purpose of finding more. We soon saw many bales, and took on board 54 bales. At night we anchored and noticed the drift, which was to the W. S. W., and at 4a.m. we again weighed anchor and stood in that direction, and the second day took on board 40 bales. On the 11th instant we were ordered to New Orleans, where we arrived on the 13th and reported to Commodore J. S. Palmer that we had 94 bales of cotton, picked up at sea, and was ordered by him to store it in the Reading Press until further orders. On the 17th instant I received orders from Commodore Palmer to hand the report of the cotton to the prize commissioners, which I immediately did, and it is now in the charge of the U. S. marshal. After hearing the evidence, the U. S. district attorney said that it was subject to be libeled as a case of salvage, and it is now in the court on that charge. Not knowing the course to pursue in this matter, I have obeyed the orders of my superior officers in every step and shall report to you the decision of the judge as soon as it is rendered. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHAS. H. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Virginia. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Capture of the blockade runner Isabel by the U. S. S. Admiral, near San Luis Pa.Ss, Texas, May 28, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 222.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the isabel, an old offender, by the U. S. S. Admiral, off or near San Luis Pass, Tex., on the night of the 28th ultimo, after a long chase, in which Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. B. Eaton was obliged to use not only shell but small arms. The Isabel was sent to South West Pass until the Admiral. could arrive, and I am sorry to say sank in the Mississippi, near the Quaran- tine [Station] , having been either injured by the fire of the Admiral or by the blockade runners before surrendering. N W RYOL 212 Page 306 306 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Acting Vohmteer Lieutenant W. B. Eaton will give the Department full details. The Kanawha and Kineo claim to share, and I have for- warded this prize list. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Admiral. U. S. S. ADMIRAL, Off Velasco, Tex., May 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the blockade runner Isabel was captured by this vessel during the night of the 28th instant while attempting to run into the port of Galveston. The Isabel is a steamer of much notoriety, having made upward of twenty successful trips between Havana and the ports of Mobile and Galveston. The chase was an arduous one; the night being dark, it was with great difficulty the Isabel could be kept in sight, and her commander an led her with great skill and desperate courage, not surrendering until he had received two broadsides at short range, every shot hitting his vessel and our fire from small arms literally driving the men from the wheel. One of her crew was badly wounded, our surgeon having found it necessary to amputate his left arm and three fingers of his right hand. The prize was one of the three steamers that ran out from Galveston on the night of the 30th April last. The prize had in as cargo powder, arms, percussion caps, hardware, and medicines. The powder and some other portion of her cargo were thrown overboard during the chase. This will be forwarded from New Orleans by the officer in charge of the prize, together with complete price lists of officers and crew of this vessel. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Aeting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Later report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. S. Admiral. U. S. S. ADMIRAL, Hampton Roads, Va., June 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that this vessel, in obedience to the Departments order, has stopped at this place to forward mails and dispatches Page 307 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 307 During this voyage she has supplied vessels of the West Gulf Block~ ading Squadron as far as Pass Cavallo, Texas, giving them ample sup- plies of fresh provisions, delivered and received mails, etc. On the night of the 28th May, ultimo, this vessel captured the steamer Isabel, blockade runner. A detailed account of the capture was forwarded to the Department from New Orleans by the prize master in charge. I regret to state that the Isabel on her arrival at Quarantine Station, June 1, on her way to New Orleans was detained; also this vessel, hav- ing on board the former crew of the Isabel. The prize was reported to me that night in a sinking condition, and notwithstanding the most strenuous exertions on our part she could not be kept afloat. On the 2d of June we hauled her up alongside the bank of the river and made her fast with hawsers and lines to the trees. During that night she parted her fastenings, slid off the bank into deep water, and sank. I have no doubt it was entirely owing to the mismanagement of the officer in charge, or the engineer in charge of the engines, in allowing his steam to run down. Had steam been kept up until the steam pumping apparatus, which I had telegraphed to New Orleans for, had arrived, we would no doubt have prevented her from being, I am afraid, a total loss. On the 3d of June I received orders from Commodore Palmer to land my prisoners at Fort Jackson and proceed on our course. While landing the prisoners at Fort Jackson, the captain and chief officer of the Isabel (who were given their parole on board) were found missing. On immediate search being made the captain was found secreted in the hold and the chief officer in one of the staterooms. I then put them in irons and delivered them over to the commander of the fort and proceeded to sea, arriving at Pensacola on the 4th of June. The supply steamer Circassian also arrived there the sameday. Left Pensacola June 5 and proceeded to Key West, arriving there on the 8th instant; received on board passengers, mails, and a large num- ber of supernumeraries. A few cases of yellow fever were reported there. Left Key West June 9, Port Royal June 11. During the passage from Port Royal to this place the Admiral encountered a severe gale from the northward and eastward of forty- eight hours duration. I am happy to state that her engines have worked well during the whole voyage. I enclose herewith the usual abstracts required by the Department. Also a list of prisoners captured on the prize steamer Isabel. The mails and dispatches from the squadrons are forwarded from this place. I have the hono~ to be very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 308 308 WEST GULF BLOOKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Taylor, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kanawha, claiming a share in the prize. U. S. GUNBOAT KANAWHA, Off Velasco, Tex., May 29, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully inform the Department that this vessel sailed from Galveston on the 28th instant in company with the U. S. S. Admiral under command of Volunteer Lieutenant William B. Eaton; that at about 6 p. m. we discovered the blockade runner Isabel and gave chase; at sunset discovered that the chase was distancing us, but being rapidly overhauled by the Admiral. Kept along the land, thinking she might attempt to run on shore; was within signal distance during the whole chase, seeing distinctly the flash of the guns and the bursting of the shells, and altered our course from time to time as seemed necessary for intercepting the chase, and at the time the last gun was fired and the vessel surrendered the Kanawha was less than 5 miles distant from the Admiral and her prize and within easy signal distance; that I exchanged numbers with the U. S. S. Admiral and anchored in company with her before Captain Eaton had finished transferring his prisoners from the prize to the Admiral, and loaned him my irons for the purpose of securing them; furthermore, that I sent my surgeon on board the prize at Captain Eatons request to assist in caring for the wounded. In view of these facts I hereby claim, on behalf of the officers and crew of this vessel, a share in the proceeds of said capture, and have duly forwarded a prize list to the Navy Department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. B. TAYLOR, Lieutenant-Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Endorsement.] Inform him that he must present his claim to the court. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Watters, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kineo, claiming a share in the prize. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEO, Off Galveston, Tex., May 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that this vessel, under my command, was within signal distance of, and presents claim as joint captor with the U. S. storeship. Admiral and the gunboat Kanawha in the capture, on the 28th instant, of the steam blockade runner Isabel, near Velasco, coast of Texas, and I herewith have the honor to forward a list of officers and crew. The chase passed within 2 or 3 miles of our blockade station before the town of Velasco, Tex., at the mouth of the Brazos River. We saw the flashes and heard the guns at 10 p. m. on said date; immediately got underway.and moved about in order to prevent the chase running on shore or entering the port of Velasco, by keeping the ship inside the line of firing. We made the usual signal and fired a gun to denote ou Page 309 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 309 presence to render assistiince. At 11:40, the firing having ceased and some lights being displayed to the eastward, steamed off in that direc- tion, making our night number as we approached, and 2 miles from the blockade station at Velasco spoke the gunboat Kanawha and the supply steamer Admiral, having as a prize the steamer Isabel. I have the honor to be sir, very, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN WATTERS, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Admiral, on arrival at Hampton Roads. U. S. S. ADMIRAL Hampton Roads, Va., June 15, 1864. M~ DEAR SIR: I have just arrived here after an absence from New York of thirty-two days) our trip having been a very pleasant one with the exception of the last three days, during which time we expe- rienced a heavy gale from the northward and eastward of forty-eight hours continuance. It seemed more like winter weather than the summer month of June. The ship behaved beautifully. You will doubtless have learned from Rear-Admiral Farragut of the movements of the enemys naval forces at Mobile. The ram Tennes- see and four other rams or ironclads are distinctly visible under the guns of Fort Morgan. All accounts received from deserters and refugees agree in asserting that Admiral Buchanan has promised the people of Mobile that he would, without further loss of time, come out and destroy or disperse our blockading fleet off that port. If he does, God help him; neither he nor his vessels will ever return. It gives me much satifsaction to be able to inform you that on the night of the 28th May I captured off the coast of Texas, some thirty- odd miles to the southward of Galveston, the blockade runner steamer isabel, commanded by a man by the name of Blake, who has, during the entire war, been in command of blockade runners and has made, it is said, some twenty-odd trips in the isabel between the ports of Mobile and Galveston and Havana. The chase commenced at 6 p. in., and the isabel surrendered at 12 midnight. The night was dark and it was with great difficulty the steamer could be kept in view. She was ably handled, and her com- mander evinced the most desperate courage, not surrendering until two broadsides at close quarters had been poured into him, and our marines pouring in such an incessant fire of musketry that not a man could remain on deck, and not until then did the captain of her show a light as a signal of submission. Having taken her crew out of her, I sent her in charge of an officer and prize crew to the South West Pass and proceeded down the coast of Texas to supply the vessels off Pass Cavallo. On our return to South West Pass I found the prize had just reached there, and with her proceeded up the river as far as Quarantine Station, where we were detained by the health officer. The isabel was found to be making water freely, and notwithstanding the most strenuous exertions on our part she could not be kept afloat Page 310 310 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and on the second day of June we hauled her up on a bank and made her fast to the trees. During that night she parted the hawsers and slid off the bank in deep water. Three or four shots had hit her between wind and water. I have no doubt it was entirely owing to the bad management of the officer in charge of the engines in allowing his steam to go down that the prize was, I am afraid, lost to us. Howeyer much I, in common with the rest of the ships company, regret our loss of prize money, I am, however, gratified and consoled in the fact of having discharged my duty by destroying a vessel cele- brated in the Gulf above all others of her class, and in having received the congratulations of Admirals Farragut and Bailey and all the officers of the East and West Gulf squadrons. The Isabel made during the chase 12~ knots, this vessel making 14~ knots per hour. I was not surprised to ascertain from Captain Blake, so thorough is the information of the blockade runners, that the reputation for speed this vessel has acquired was well known to them in Havana. In fact, from, his statements to me, this is the only vessel in the Gulf they fear, and their departures are so arranged, as far as possible, to prevent f all- ing in with this vessel. My official report in regard to the capture of the Isabel has, I pre- sume, reached the Department. Hoping the movements of the Admiral meet your approbation, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your old friend, WM. B. EATON, U. S. Navy. Hon. GUsTAvUs V. Fox, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding stations of certain vessels. MAY 29, 1864. DEAR JENKINS: The admiral says to send the Rodolph off the Swash Channel, also Metacomet. The Oneida can lay as you suggest, halfway between you and Pembina. The Tennessee will remain near us. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain JENKINS. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding operations off Mobile. U. S. S. HARTFORD, May 30, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: I send you the paper and a terrapin, referred to by telegraph. Dont you think, in case of a night attack, we would want some more simple designation than our distinguishing lights ~ A red light might be easily imitated by the enemy. I think Buck will come out the next dark night. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON Page 311 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 311 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding guns transferred to the care of the lat- ter, in view of expected attack by Confederate ironclads. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, May 30, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the recei t eral letters. I am much obliged to you for la the p of your sev- p cing heavy guns on the Fort Pickens shore until this raid w~ch the rebels appear intent upon has passed over. The burning of the steamers at New Orleans is only what I feared would take place if the rebels had the least hope of success in Virginia. I find all your news by the refugees true, except the number of the rams; they are not here. The Tennessee and Baltic are all the iron- dads they have here at present. I know they have two more, the Huntsvilte and Tuscaloosa, at Mobile, and three wooden gunboats. I have a beautiful fleet to meet them, ready and willing on any day in the week; he may hurt us a good deal, but be assured we will hurt him a little. Our affairs appear to look well just now. Sherman has driven Johnston down to Cassville, and has Rome and Kingston; and Grant says Lee is falling back toward Richmond. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Brigadier-General ASBOTH, Commanding at Pensacola. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. S. HARTFORD Mobile Bar, May 31, [1864]. COMMODORE: I have received your communications, and the burn- ing of the steamers is what I have been looking for, and I feared that if the rebel army was at all successful in Virginia they would attempt something of the kind with our Reading Press. I send you the only engineers I have to spare. I have the Monon- gahela and a fine squadron generally. I have sent the Cornubia to Pensacola to try and reduce her con- sumption of coal; if I can, I will send her to Texas also. I am gind you have gotten off the Penobscot and Pocahontas. I hope you will have no use of vessels to defend New Orleans; if you do, they must be ironclads, for if we can not manage Buchanan in the ocean you could not in the river with those wooden vessels; but the Government appears to think that everything is needed North, and we must take care of ourselves as best we can. I do not think any launches could get out of Fowl River and Biloxi with the four vessels I have there; besides I am going to send in and capture them. You can keep the Philippi at present, but I am much in want of her as a picket boat. I have no small boat for any such pur- poses, and have to keep the small ships boats out every night. I have received a letter from General Banks, saying that he would give us the men Page 312 312 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. We will have to stop discharging men until more come out or we shall be without men to man our guns. I have sent up in the Glasgow some grain, etc., captured by the Nar- C%55U5. I have never been able to get at anything Lamberta was entitled to; he was connected with Colonel Butler, and they took everything from Mrs. McBrides husband and got all mixed up. Very respectfully, D. G~ FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Wcstern Gulf Block Jding Squad ron. Commodore JAs. S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, Commanding First DW& sion, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Fitzhugh, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed expedition. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, May 30,1864. Sia: You can go up in the Cowslip, as you suggest, but you must take two boats, one to help the other, in case of accident getting on shore. I think it would be well to have a large boat along, but Ido not wish you to pass over the bar if there is any risk of getting ashore inside, as the next thing will be that you will have to burn the steam- ers; so be sure you get two of the little steamers over the bar before you advance, and look out for the light troops. Yours, respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander W. E. FITZHUGH Commanding Gunboat Sebago, in the [Mississippi] Sound. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War with endorsements regarding the strengthening of Pensaco a e enses. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, [D. C.], May 31,1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith a copy of a dispatch from Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, dated the 9th instant, in which he states as his opinion that if two XV-inch guns are placed on the Old Spanish Battery at Barrancas, and two in an earthwork on the beach on the western front of Fort Pickens, the port of Pensacola will be ren- dered safe against the attacks of almost any enemy, and to request that prompt measures may be taken by the War Department to carry out the suggestion of Rear-Admiral Farragut. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of the Navy. Secretary of War Page 313 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 313 [First endorsement.] WAR DEPARTMENT, June 4, 1864. Respectfully referred to Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff. By order of the Secretary of War: JAMES A. hARDY, Colonel and Inspector-General. [Second endorsement.] JUNE 6,1864. Resj~ectfully referred to Chief Engineer and Chief of Ordnance for H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. [Third endorsement.] ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, June 11, 1864. Respectfully referred to the Chief of Ordnance. Captain Pa lfrey is now engaged in arrangements for repairing Fort Pickens. He is about arranging the works for an armament of the existing model of the Ordnance Department, and will introduce the guns recommended by Admiral Farragut as soon as the nature of the case permits. RICHARD DELAFIELD, Brigadier-General and Chief of Engineers. [Fourth endorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, June 14, 1864. Respectfully returned to Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff. I approve of the recommendation of Admiral Farragut, believing. that .guns of heavier caliber than are now mounted are wanted for the fortifications of Pensacola Harbor. The four XV-inch guns will be supplied by this Department, and with implements, carriages, and ammunition, whenever the arrangements for mounting them are completed and a requisition for them is made to this office. GEO. D. RAM5AY, Brigadier-General, Ordnance. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Pensacola, regarding alterations to the U. S. S. Cor- nubia. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 2, 1864. COMMODORE: Mr. Williamson, the chief engineer of this ship, visits Pensacola navy yard for the purpose of superintending some altera- tions I desire to have made in the boilers, etc., of the Cornubia to reduce her consumption of fuel. Please allow the machine shop to assist him in the work. Should General Asboth desire to have any of the ammunition for the large guns brought round by the Maria Wood, you can let him have it on requisition. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. SMITH. Commandant Pensacola Navy Yard Page 314 314 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau o] Equipment and Recruiting regarding coal. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Mobile, June 2, 1864. SIR: There is an immediate and pressing necessity for at least 3,000 tons of coal at the Pensacola station for the vessels off Mobile. The supply now on hand will be exhausted in about three weeks. The monthly consumption for the Mobile blockading vessels is at present 2,000 tons, and it seems advisable to be always supplied with enough for two months ahead. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Commander A. N. SMITH, Chief of Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Ciraud, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tennessee. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Mobile, June 2, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed with the Tennessee under your command to NeW Orleans and report to Commodore Palmer. As soon as you have received on board the articles which I have required from the stores of the Peacock you will return at once to Pensacola, stopping off this place. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant P. GIRAUD Commanding U. S. S. Tennessee; off Mobile. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Comman- der Gillis, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 2, 1864. SIR: On the reporting of Commander J. H. Strong you will consider yourself detached from the U. S. S. Monongahela and take passage by the first opportunity for New Orleans, reporting there to Commodore Palmer for the command of the U. S. S. Octorara. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. H. GILLIs, U. S. S. Monongahela, off Mobile Page 315 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 315 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding consular information from Havana regarding pro- posed Confederate operations. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June ~, 1864. SIR: I herewith transmit for your information a copy of extracts from a dispatch * received at the Department of State from the vice- consul-general at Havana in reference to the rebel defenses at Gal- veston, Tex., of an expedition said to be on foot for the capture of a Vessel in Berwick Bay. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Letter from the Bureau of Ordnance to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding reports on torpedoes. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department, Washington City, June ~, 1864. SIR: The Bureau encloses herewith their reports upon rebel tor- pedoes, thinking that the information contained therein may be of value to you in your operations in the Gulf. Should any further information upon this subject be received by the Bureau it will also be forwarded. I am, sir, your obedient servant, R. AULICK, Assistant Chief of Bureau. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, calling for promised reinforcements of boats and men. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, June 3, 1864. SIR: I beg to call the attention of the Department to the fact that my vessels are getting short of men, and yet I prefer having half a crew of satisfied men to a whole crew of dissatisfied, and therefore sug- gested the discharge of the men as their times expired, but now, with this formidable enemy before me, I must stop discharging until I either get more men or the enemy comes out. I also beg to state to the Department that as yet I have received but three of my small vessels out of twelve I purchased in New York, and those I am obliged to employ in Mississippi Sound, and have not one tug in my squadron to run as a picket boat, but have to use my small boats for all such purposes. I would not reiterate this call for my boats and men, but that I hear from the officers who came out here recently that there are plenty of men in the receiving ship at New * See enclosure Seward to Stanton, May 27, 1884 Page 316 316 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. York, but I suppose they are landsmen. I am content to have lands- men; I oniy want force. I have very few but landsmen in this ship, and yet I defy any navy to produce a better drilled crew at their guns. Good officers soon make a good fighting ship of a steamer with plenty of force, and we are fortunate in both in this ship. We also need fire- men and coal heavers very much. I have to court-martial the engi- neers made out here almost as fast as we appoint them. I have two under sentrys charge now on board the Portsmouth for desertion, and shall try them so soon as I have the officers to convene a court at New Orleans. All of which is respectfully submitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretar~i of the Navy, Washington, D. C. 1?eport of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival of three vessels for his command. No. 219.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department the arrival of the following vessels: May 24, steamer Philippi, at New Orleans. May 25, schooner Lovet Peacock, at Pass ~ lOutre. May 31, screw sloop Brook[yn, off Mobile. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting statement of refugees from Mobiles No. 223.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD. Off Mobile, June 4, 1864. SIR: As the Admiral has arrived here on her way North, I avail myself of the opportunity to inform the Department that we are in statu quo. Admiral Buchanan is lying at Fort Morgan in the Tennes- see, and refugees report that they are getting the Nashville over Dog River Bar, and that there are two other ironclads which have come down from Selma within a few days; that it is not true that Admiral Buchanan intends to leave Mobile Bay; he only intends to destroy Farraguts fleet. It has been heretofore stated that New Orleans was their main object, but I enclose the testimony of the last refugees. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 317 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 317 [Enclosure.] Statement of James Nicoll, an alien, from Liverpool, England, who came in to-day from Mobile via Bon Secours Bay: Left Mobile last Sunday morning and Bon Secours Bay yesterday evening. There are in Mobile Bay, over the Dog River Bar, the Ten- nessee, Baltic, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville, ironclad rams, and the wooden gunboats Selma, Morgan, and Gaines. The Nashville was not yet over the bar, but they had already the camels under her, and she must be over by this time; her bow, stern, and pilot house are only partly ironed. There are two more rams at Mobile not yet plated, and one just completed at Selma and aground above Mobile. There are also at Mobile near the dry dock four iron-plated floating batteries; one of them sank. [FORT] BARRANCAS, June 2, 1864. Order of Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Brigadier-General Ganby, U. S. Army, regarding operations against Mobite. ALLATOONA CREEK, GA., June 4, 1864. Your dispatch of May 26 is received. I agree with yqu that you can attempt nothing offensive in West Lousiana this year. Prevent, how- ever, any of Kirby Smiths force from coming across the Mississippi; and I would like a strong feint or real attack on Mobile via Pascagoula in connection with Admiral Farraguts fleet. General A. J. Smiths division, reinforced by troops that I can spare from Vicksburg, in all 10,000, would be sufficient. I know from prisoners taken that all the troops in Alabama are here with Johnston, and he is calling for every man from the southwest. W. T. SHERMAN General E. R. S. CANBY, Major-General, Comman~1ing. Comdg. Division of West Mississippi, via Cairo. Order of Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, regarding operations against Mobile. HDQRs. MILITARY Div. OF THE Mississippi, In the Field, Allatoona Creek, June 4, 1864. Make up a command of from 6,000 to 10,000 men, including your division, out of the force that can be spared at Vicksburg, and make, in connection with Admiral Farragut, a strong feint or demonstration on Mobile by way of Pascagoula. Even if you make a landing it will draw troops from Georgia; butl know there is little or nothing left at Mobile, and if you move rapidly you can take the city and hold it. Show this to General Canby, and General Slocum may take a copy and construe it into an order to make up your command to 10,000 men if possible. What is done should be done at once. W. T. SHERMAN, General A. ~. SMITH, Major-General, Commanding. Comdg. Division on Mississippi River, via Cairo Page 318 318 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Ban/cs, U. S. Army, expressing disapproval of the proposed evacuation of Matagorda. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, June 4, 1864. GENERAL: I hear from my officers that you are making prepara- tions for the evacuation of Matagorda. I sincerely hope such is not your intention. It is one of the best ports on the coast ,has from 8~ to 9 feet water, and will enable the enemy to carry any goods and mimi- tions of war to the very center of Texas when they run the blockade, and it will require almost as many vessels to blockade it as Galveston, while it appears to me that 500 soldiers, with one of our gunboats lying inside will hold it forever. Unless this is an order of the Government I hop~ you will reconsider the subject and conclude not to evacuate it. We will never get it again. We have had experience enough to know that in ports of shallow water vessels can not contend with forts, because they are so shallow in the hold that their machinery is all above water and exposed to shot. Very respectfully, Major General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of Gulf. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Stations of vessels of th3 West Gulf Blockading Squadron, June 1, 1864. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the disposition of the vessels of my squadron on the 1st instant: Stations of vessels of the West Gulf Blockadin~j Sguadron, June 1, 1864. Name. Station. Class. Bloomer Off east end of Santa Rosa Island Charlotte do Itasca Off Pensacola... Cornubia do Arthur do W. G. Anderson do Kittatinny do Potomac do J. C. Kuhn do Hartford Off Mohile Richmond do Lackawanna do Brooklyn do Seminole do Monongahela do Galena do Ossipee do Oneida do Pemhina do Metacomet do - Genesee do Port Royal.. do Tennessee do Kennebec do Pinola do Penguin do Conemaugh do Sehago In Mississippi Sound Cowslip do Buckthorn do -- Narcissus do Steamer. Sailing vessel. Steamer. Do. Sailing vessel. Do. Do. Do. Do. Steamer. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Tug. Do. Do Page 319 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 319 Stations of vessels of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, June 1, 1864Continued. Name. Station. Class. Vincennes Ship Island Sailing vessel. Bohio do Coal brig. Commodore In Lake Pontchartrain Steamer. Stockdale do Tinclad. Corypheus do Sailing yacht. Portsmouth Off New Orleans Sailing vessel.. Fearnot do Do. M. A. Wood do Do. Octorara do Steamer. J. P. Jackson do Do. Calhoun do Do. Antona do Do. Penobscot do Do. Virginia do Do. Pocahontas do Do. Philippi do Do. Elk do Tinclad. Rodolph do Do. Tallahatchie do Do. Meteor Head of the Passes, Mississippi River Do. Pampero South West Pass of Mississippi River Sailing vessel. Nyanza In Berwick Bay Tinclad. Glide do Do. Carrabasset do Do. Princess Royal Off Galveston Steamer. Kinco do Do. Cayuga do Do. Katahdin do Do. Aroostook do Do. Estrella ..do Do. Gertrude do Do. Kanawha Off Velasco Do. New London Off Calcasien Do. Owasco Off Sabine Pass~ Do. Sciota do Do. Arizona Off Pass Cavallo Do. Chocura Pass Cavallo and down the coast to the Rio Grande. Do. The steam tugs Hollyhock and ida are used in the Mississippi River from New Orleans to mouth. The dispatch steamers Arkansas and Augusta Dinsmore run between New Orleans and the coast of Texas, and the Glasgow and Jasmine between New Orleans and Pensacola. 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. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, 0/f Mobile Bar, June 5, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge th~ receipt of your communications by the Glasgow, and the statements of the refu- gees. I was surprised to find that Buchanans fleet had so increased, and was not a little gratified to hear that he did not intend to take Pensacola and New Orleans. I regret that we can not all be accommo- dated, but I suppose we outsiders must await the capturing of Rich- mond and Charleston before they will begin to consider us. I have just written an appeal to General Banks not to abandon Matagorda Page 320 320 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. which he is doing as fast as he can. I regret to learn that some mis- understanding has arisen between the provost-marshal and Captain Gibson on the beef question; he complains that the provost has stopped his butcher from bringing him beef, etc. I wrote him word that I had no doubt but that you would look into the affair if it was treated with proper discretion. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blocicading Squadron. Brigadier-General AsBOTH, Commanding at Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Owasco. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 5, 1864. SIR: If the Owasco is in bad condition, as I understand she is, send her to Pensacola for repairs. D. G. FARRAGUT, Very respectfully, Rear-Admiral. Commander M. B. WOOLSEY, U. S. S. Princess Royal, Commanding Division off Coast of Texas. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Woolsey, U. S. Navy, regarding the necessity for cleaning the U. S. S. Prin cess Royal. -~. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile Blockade, June 5, 1864. SIR: I understand that the captain of the blockade runner isabel, in speaking of your vessels, said they did not regard them at all, as they knew they could not catch anything, and I am told that your vessel is so foul that she ought to be cleaned off. So soon as I have vessels enough on the coast of Texas to spare the Princess Royal I will let you come up to Pensacola to clean her and scale her boilers, etc. I wish all vessels sent to Pensacola for repairs during the sickly season. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander M. B. WooLsEy, U. S. Navy, Commanding Blockade, Coast of Texas. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Beers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. en uin. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 5,1864. SIR: You will proceed with the Penguin under your command off the coast of Texas and report to Commander M. B. Woolsey, com- manding the Texas division, for blockading duty Page 321 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 321 On your way you will communicate with the vessels off Sabine Pass and deliver such mail as you may have for them. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. R. BEERS, Commanding U. S. S. Penguin, off Mobile. Capture of the steamer Donegal, or Austin, by the U. S. S. Metacomet, off Mobile, June 6, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 224.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile Bar, June 7, 1864. SIR: I have the gratification at last to report the capture of another famous blockade runner, the Donegal, or Austin. The first is her English name and the, last her American. She was built in Wil- mington, Del. My squadron is no larger than it was formerly, but it is much more efficient, from the fact that I have a depot under my own eye and can keep my vessels in repair. I have but one vessel at Pensacola now, and she was accidentally run into by another gunboat on the night we took the Donegat. I had 7 there three weeks ago. When I went to New Orleans, some two months since, I found 23 vessels; now I have only 3, which have been awaiting the tubes which recently arrived in the Peacock, so that I am enabled to keep six or seven light vessels on the lookout for the blockade run- ning, while the large ships do the same for Admiral Buchanan. We chased two blockade runners last night, but they evaded our vessels and made their escape; but I think we will make it a very difficult business for them for the future; still, they have advantage and are very skillful. The Department has notified me of the permission to send the men taken in these vessels to Tortugas, but we will rarely have any to send there, as I find by the rolls of this vessel, which is a fair type of them, that all the crew are foreigners, the captain and pilot included. The captain of the Isabel and the pilot were the most desperate characters, and shall not be released by my orders. The captain of the Donegal I will send North in her for the condemnation of the vessel; the pilot Twill hold as one of the principal men who, with Duke, captured the Boston, off South West Pass, but all the rest I will put through the strictest examination and oath in relation to their citizenship in the United States, and then discharge those who take it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. N W RVOL 21 .2 Page 322 3Q2 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Additional report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Metacomet. No. 225.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith the detailed report of Lieutenant-Commander J. E. Jouett of the Capture of the prize steamer Donegal, or Austin, by the Metacomet, under his Command, while attempting to run into Mobile Bay. She was taken not long after daylight of the 6th instant, after four hours Chase. On account of the character of her Cargo, supposed to be munitions of war, and which, therefore, can not be disposed of here, and having a number of men on board the vessels off Mobile whose times have expired, I have concluded to send the prize to Philadelphia. She is under charge of Acting Ensign John White, of the Metacomet; her prize crew consists entirely of men whose times are out. The captain, W. H. Smith; mate, W. Brown, and two of the crew, with a Mrs. Gadsden, a passenger, go in the vessel; the rest of the crew have been sent for the present to the U. S. ship Potomac, as I have mentioned in my previous dispatch, No. 224. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, U. S. Navy, commanding ~J. S. 6. Metacomet. No. 8.] U. S. S. METACOMFT, Off ~ June 7, 1864. SIR: At 1:40 a. in., on night before last, being with my ship, under my command, at anchor, in my station to tL east of Mobile Point, the pickot boat I had sent to the eastward of me made private squadron signal, signifying that she discovered a strange steamer to the east- ward, heading to the south. VV e immediately slipped and stood toward the east close to L e beach, made signal to the admiral, fired two guns, and threw up a rocket in the direction of th~ flagship; at 3 a. m. discovered a steamer to the eastward, but very soon after lost sight of her; shaped a course E. S. E. At daylight made out a steamer broad on the starboard bow, standing about southeast; stood for her, hoisted our colors, and fired three rifle 12-pounder shell. The strange steamer hoisted English colors; after the lapse of half an hour exploded a shell from the 100-pounder rifle over her stern, at which period she hauled down her colors and stopped the engine. After a chase of four hours boarded and took possession of the steamer Donegal, formerly the Austin; placed a prize officer and crew on board and took possession of her papers (she had no manifest aboard), which I have forwarded to the judge of the United States district court of Philadelphia, and steamed back to the squadron off Mobile with the prize in company. ILIYer cargo is an assorted one, consisting principally of munitions of war, etc Page 323 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 323 At the time of capture Mobile Point bore per compass W. j N., dis- tant 49 miles, Pensacola light bearing per compass N. W. ~ N., distant 21 miles. There were no United States vessels of war within signal distance at time of capture. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. E. JOUETT Lieutenant- CommaXder. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Nicholson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Manhattan, to proceed to Pensacola,Fla. Confidential.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 7, 1864. SIR: Proceed with all possible dispatch to Pensacola with the U. S. S. Manhattan and report for duty to Rear-Admiral Farragut. You will report at New York to Commander Mullany, who, with the Bienville, will accompany the Manhattan to Pensacola. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Commander J. W. A. NICHOLSON, Commanding U. S. S. Manhattan, New York. Order of Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding picket duty near Sand Island. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile, June 7, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: The admiral has ordered that a picket boat go in near Sand Island every night. I commenced last night, and it is your turn now. Send a boat to the Phi lippi before dark, and she will, tow her in and bring her out. Your pilot must go, too, to look out for the steamer, if you have one. I would have ordered your masters mate, had he come a half hour sooner. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of the Treasury, forward%ng consular ~nformatwn from Havana, regarding proposed scheme for the capture of United States mail steamers. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a dispatch* addressed to the Secretary of State by the United States vice-consul- * See May 27, 1864 Page 324 324 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRCN. general at Havana and communicated to this Department, in regard to a scheme said to be on foot to capture the steamships plying between New York and New Orleans by persons taking passage and seizing them while en route. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nav~. Hon. S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury. Letter of censure from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to First Assistant Engineer Atkins, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD,. Off Mobile, June 8,1864. SIR: I have received the report of Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, relative to your conduct on the occasion of his having directed some- thing to be done in the engine or fire room. It is not convenient at the time to submit cases of this kind to a court-martial, nor d~ I desire to do so, inasmuch as your commander does not appear to make any charge of incompetency against you, but that you assume to yourself the right to regulate your own department without the interference of the commander. That right you can never possess, but the only way to avoid such interference is to keep it in such good order as not to justify the slightest fault to be found with the department; but the sooner you get rid of such notions the better, for on the next occasion you manifest that spirit of insubordination I shall assuredly bring you before a court-martial. I shall direct Lieutenant-Commander Jouett to restore you to duty in the hope that he will have no further manifestation of bad spirit and that you will hereafter do your duty with cheerfulness and obedience. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. First Assistant Engineer JAMES ATKINS, U. S. S. Metacomet. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 8,1864. COMMODORE: I think it much better to wait for the dock if you are sure it is coming; the hauling up is a great strain on an old vessel. All right; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Crowell is a very good com- mander for the Dinsmore. We have two or three more very good men, Mr. [Ezra] Leonard and [Charles G.] Arthur. Send us the men as fast as you get them from the Army. I have informed the Department of the sale of the Calhoun. I am aware that it will be difficult to try any one, and have so informed the Department, but I will do it here if possible. I care but little for the commanders of the Granite ~iJity and Wave. They ought to have whipped off four times the force, and they surre Page 325 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 325 dered before they had any one killed on the Wave and only 2 on the Granite City; besides, they took no precautions. I read the letters that passed through my hands from the surgeon and Captain Lamson and the odd accounts. I did not mean to say I expected anything to be done by you in the case of the isabel. If you could have saved anything for the Govern- ment or captors it was our duty to do it, but I understood that she had sunk and was a total loss. It was evidently either the act of the captain or the grossest neglect of the prize master and crew. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, New Orleans Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the special agent of the Post-Office Department at New York, regarding the rifling of mail. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 8, 1864. SIR: I am very much obliged to you for your suggestions in relation to the opening of our letters. It is not the first I have heard of it. Several persons have lost money and complained of it. Even my wife has informed me that her letters hadb een opened, no doubt because they thought from their size that they contained money, but it so happens that I never sent money by letter otherwise than by draft. Our system is this: Letters are placed under a sentinels charge until they go to the mail boat that conveys them to New Orleans or to the supply vessel that takes them North. I have examined those who have lost money from this ship. One officer sent his letter by the Admiral, supply steamer. That letter must have opened on board the Admiral or in the post-office, New York. Another officer sent his letter by our mail boat to New Orleans on the 5th March, containing $30. His friends returned the envelope to him, as it was not in his handwriting. It had been directed by one of his messmates, but he noticed that it had been mailed in New Orleans on the 2d May. It is therefore probable that that letter was opened either on board the mail boat or in the post-office at New Orleans. My own mailthat is, the official mail and my private letters come from New Orleans in a mail bag I had made for the purpose, with one key in the post-office and one in the hands of my secretary on board. I did this because I suspected some one of opening my letters for the purpose of obtaining information; but be assured I will give this thing my strict attention. The other vessels generally send their letters in the same way, but not through this ship, except occasionally. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. J. GAYLER, Esqr., Special Agent, Post-Oflice Department, New York Page 326 826 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Burea~u of Ord- nance, regarding mortar vessels. U. S. FLAGSHiP HARTFORD, Mobile Bar, June 9,1864. SIR: In reply to your communication of the 19th ultimo, I have to state that I have no further need of mortar vessels in this squadron, and therefore do not desire them to be sent out. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Sguadron. Commander II. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Washington. Report of Acting Enaign OBrien, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner 0. H. Lee, of arrival at Boston. U. S. SCHOONER 0. II. LEE, Boston Navy Yard, June 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this yard from Pensa- cola, Fla., via Beaufort and New York, this day. I put into Beaufort on account of having sprung a leak, and reported to Rear-Admiral Paulding at New York. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DOUGLASS F. OBRIEN, Acting Ensign, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from the Secretary of th~ Navy to Acting Masters Mate Brown, U. & Navy, U. S. S. Katahdin, forwarding medal of honor. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 9, 1864. SIR: I have the pleasure of transmitting herewith the medal of honor awarded to you by the Navy Department in General Orders, No. 32, for gallant conduct whilst serving on board the U. S. S. Albatross in the action with Fort De Russy, May 4, 1863. Please acknowledge its receipt. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Masters Mate JAMES BROWN, U. S. S. Katahdin, off Galveston. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding prisoner taken on blockade runner off Gal- veston. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, June 9,1864. COMMODORE: The Department has written to me about a man named Horace M. Smith, said to be confined on the Portsmouth, taken on a blockade runner off Galveston Page 327 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 327 His father, it is stated, is a citizen of Connecticut, and the man himself only wanted to escape from rebeldom, and therefore shipped on a vessel running a blockade. If there is nothing beyond this in his case and he is willing to take the oath of allegiance, administer it to him and let him go. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding boats in store at New Orleans. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile, Jun~e 9, 1864. SIR: Whenever you can possibly do so, send to Pensacola at least one-half the boats now in store at New Orleans, as we stand greatly in need of them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Comdg. First Div. West Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Crowell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June , 1864. SIR: You are hereby ordered to take command temporarily of the U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant M. B. CROWELL, U. S. S. Augusta Dinsmore, New Orleans. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitzhugh, U. S. Navy, regarding cap- tured boats. U. S. S. SEIIAGO, Off Grants Pass, Mississippi Sound, June 9, 1864. SIR: In my communication of the 4th instant I had the honor to inform you of the capture of a number of yacht-built boats and a small steam boiler. Since then I learned that there is on board the Buclcthorn a small hoisting engine that is not used. I have sent Mr. Morris, the senior engineer of this vessel, to see if it could be applied to one of the boats. From my description of the boat, supposed to hav Page 328 328 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADROTh belonged to a man by the name of Lafayette, and the size of the boiler he thinks that at a trifling expense a steam yacht might soon be fitted up. I understand that most of the boats were more or less injured in towing them to Ship Island. If so, I fear if an early disposition is not made of them, they will soon be destroyed. One of the small boats I have here and shall keep until some dis- position can be made of her. She is about 2 tons and of little value. Lieutenant Godfrey, the commander of the Buclethorn, expresses himself perfectly satisfied with Mr. Maycock as pilot. Should I require another pilot for this vessel (Sebago), I should not hesitate to trust him. I herewith enclose three Mobile papers, received by refugees recently arrived at Horn Island. I have nothing unusual to communicate concerning Grants Pass. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. K FITzHuGH, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Hartford, off Mobile. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Bruner, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. ship Nightingale, of arrival at Boston. U. S. SHIP NIGHTINGALE, Off Boston Naval Station, June 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of this ship, under my command, in obedience to an order from Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, a copy of which order is herewith enclosed, marked A. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, B. D. BRUNER, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure A.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, May 17, 1864. SIR: When the Nightingale is ready for sea, you will proceed with her to Boston and report to the commandant of the yard, showing him these orders. Your crew will be composed of men whose times have expired and who are sent North to be discharged. You will report also to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. The Nightingale is ordered North because she is supposed to be infected with the poison of yellow fever, which, for the safety of the squadron, requires her to be withdrawn from this neighborhood. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant B. D. BRUNER, Commanding U. S. Ship Nightingale, Pensacola Bay Page 329 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 329 Order o/the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. storeship Cour~er. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 9, 1864. SIR: The U. S. storeship Courier sailed on the 27th ultimo for New Orleans with stores for your squadron. Be pleased to direct her, after discharging her cargo, to stop at Port Royal, on her way North, and report to Rear-Admiral Dahlgren or the senior officer present for duty there in place of the U. S. ship Supply. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, etc., New Orleans. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding ironclads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 9, 1864. SIR: Your No. 207 has been received. The Department has informed Rear-Admiral Porter of the importance of sending to you without fail some of the new ironclads building on the Mississippi, and directed him to try to hurry them forward, if they are not ready. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of Navy. Comdg. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Capture o,f the Sloop Yankee Doodle by the U. S. S. Elk, June 10, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 253.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture on the 10th instant of the sloop Yankee Doodle, coming out of the middle entrance of the Pearl River, Mississippi Sound, by the U. S. S. Elk, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Nicholas Kirby, commanding. The vessel and cargo, consisting of 8 bales of cotton, were taken to New Orleans for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington Page 330 330 WEST GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kirby, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Elk. U. S. S. ELK, No. 47, New Orleans, La., June 13, 1864. SIR: I most respectfully beg leave to report that on Friday, the 10th instant, I captured the sloop Yankee Doodle, coming out of the middle entrance of the Pearl River with a cargo consisting of 8 bales of cotton, and as she had not the proper papers I took her to Fort Pike, from which place I telegraphed to Commodore Palmer and received orders from him to bring her to this city and turn her over to the court, which order I have this day carried out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, NIcHoLAs KIRBY, Acting Vo luntee~ Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, off Mobile. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding consular information from Havana regarding the movements of blockade runners Mail and Denbigh. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 10, 1864. SIR: The following is from a dispatch dated the 30th ultimo received by the Secretary of State from the U. S. consul-general at Havana and submitted to the perusal of this Department: The blockade-running steamer Mail cleared from Havana on the 28th of May for Nassau, but it is believed that her destination is Galveston. This morning the Denbigh arrived from Mobile, having made the passage in two days. Some effort should be made to put a stop to the career of this vessel. For some time past her arrival here, when due, has been looked for with the same degree of certainty of any steamer regularly running to this port, and so far she has not disappointed expectations. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to. Lieutenant-Com- mander Fitzhugh, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sebago, in view of reported plan for capture of small Federal vessel near Pascagoula, Miss. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 11, 1864. CAPTAIN FITZHUGH: I learned yesterday that it was no doubt the intention of the rebels stationed around Pascagoula to attempt the capture of one of our small steamers, and that the plan was to make some excuse for a flag of truce and draw the captain or an officer with a boats crew on shore and in a little while, by way of evincing their good feeling, offer liquor freely and get the men drunk and, I suppose, send some on board the steamer. In the meantime they would pre- pare a vessel with cotton bales around to protect their men and go ou Page 331 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 331 and board the steamer. The Narcissus was the boat they most desired. Mark the moral that our men are such drunkards that they can calculate with almost certainty on it to capture our vessels. Two vessels have recently been captured in this manner on the coast of Texas. In one case the officer says he left the deck for not over ten minutes in charge of the best man he had, the acting boats- wain of the Kineo, and when he came on deck the whole prize crew were beastly drunk, and the boatswain so crazy that he jumped over- board and was the only man saved from prison. The rest were captured. I wish you would have these facts made known to the men of your crew and the other vessels in the [Mississippi] Sound and guard them against having any flags of truce or exposing their men to the tempta- tion of liquor. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant Commander FITZHUGH, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Sebago. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Arthur, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cowslip, to proceed to Pensacola. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 11, 1864. SIR: Proceed to Pensacola with the U. S. S. Cowslip, and on your arrival report to Commander Gibson, the senior officer afloat, and to Commodore W. Smith at the navy yard for coal and any repairs that may be required. Land the 30-pounder Parrott, with the ammunition belonging to it, and get in its place a 20-pounder Parrott. Have your vessel prepared for service as soon as possible and let me know when such is the case. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. G. ARTHUR, U. S. S. C~owslip, off Mobile. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Bureau of Ord- nance, urgtng the procuring of steel shot for use against ironc fads. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, June 11, 1864. Sn~: As I perceive by the Scientific American that steel shot pene- trates with great ease all the ironclad armor as yet .presented for experiment, do you not think that, if possible, to procure them we who have this momentous question of wood against iron to settle should have them ~ We have nothing but common cast-iron sho Page 332 332 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. (solid) to encounter 6-inch iron armor, and although I hope that if Ad- miral Buchanan comes out we will give such an account of him and his seven vessels as becomes the Western Gulf Squadron, I think it my duty to call on~ the Bureau for the best means to encounter this new system that can be procured. I hope the Bureau will give this request its earliest and earnest consideration. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 13, 1864. COMMODORE: I received your communication by the Glasgow, and in reply have to say that unless we receive some coal vessels very soon I shall have to send our blockaders to New Orleans for coal. We have had no arrival for upward of a month and have only 1,000 tons at Pensacola, and nearly the whole fleet to coal within two weeks. You can haul up or take on the dry dock, if it arrives, the Arkansas as soon as you please, but let me know if the dock comes down, as we have one or two vessels that must be taken up on it. I will send the engineer for the trial of the Meteor. I will also send the Tennessee for the remainder of the articles I require. I received four carpenters, who have been working constantly upon the rams. They are now breaking up the old Baltic and putting her iron on the Nashville forward and aft 3 inches thick, but I fear they will not come out; yet if they do, it will be in the night. Buchanan was very much surprised when he came down and saw my fleet maneuvering. He said, why he thought he would get out upon us before we could collect any more vessels, and says now that he must have all his vessels before venturing out; but that wont make us slacken our vigilance in the least. I think the statement sent by your provost-marshals friend was the greatest tissue of lies I ever read about the Tennessee. That fellow is either a traitor or a fool. He, I think, wants to scare us off. What an opportunity for gallantry, to make a diversion in Sher- mans favor by coming down upon Mobile; but I have long since given up all hopes in the Department of the Gulf, but still trust that it may resuscitate. The Circassian had orders to run up to New Orleans on her return from Texas unless stopped at Quarantine. Should she be detained there, you will have to communicate with her at that place. Since writing the above a coal schooner sent by you arrived off the bar this evening, and I sent her to Pensacola to discharge. It was a great relief to me. Continue to send them to Pensacola as they arrive off South West IPass until I notify you that others are beginning to arrive at Pensacola direct. You appear to have enough to last you for four or five months Page 333 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 333 I wish you to ascertain from the founders where the molding sand is procured on the Mississippi River, and send us to Pensacola at least 150 tons of it. Paymaster Clark will pay for it. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding First Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Far- ragut, U. S. Navy, regarding orders given to furnish military informa- tion to the latter. HDQRS. MILITARY Div. OF WEST Mississippi, New Orleans, La., June 13, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy* of a com- munication received through the honorable Secretary of State, and furnished to these headquarters by the honorable Secretary of War. The information as to the numerical strength of the force at Galveston coincides with that derived from other sources. I have the honor, further, to inform you that I have instructed Colonel Albert J. Myer, Chief of Bureau of Signal Corps at these head- quarters, to furnish from time to time for your information copies of whatever information relating to the enemy within your sphere of operations may be collected at that bureau. With assurances of high consideration, I am, admiral, very respect- fully, your obedient servant, ED. R. S. CANBY, Major-General, (~omdg. Military Division West Mississippi. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gulf Squadron, off Mobile. Letter from Brigadier-General Bowen, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwqrding a sword presented by the Loyal League of New York. OFFIcE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, 208 Carondelet street, New Orleans, June 14, 1864. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL: I am most happy to be the medium of trans- mitting to you the accompanying sword, presented by the Loyal League of New York, as a testimonial of the sense in which your dis- tinguished services to the Union are held by that association of loyal men. The presentation ought to have taken place on the waters of the Mississippi and in front of the city now compelled to return to its alle- giance. It should have been made in the presence of the Army and Navy, that they may learn to emulate your glorious achievements by * See p. 304 Page 334 334 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. seeing how a grateful people appreciate them, nor would the lesson have been without its value on this population, whose seeming loyalty is maintained only by the guns directed at them. But you are away watching over the interests of the country for which you have done so much, and the presentation must be made without its fitting circumstances and appropriate witnesses. I remain, my dear admiral, with great respect, your obedient servant. JAMES BOwEN, Brigadier-General. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, referring to the captured steamer Donegal, or Austin. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 14, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: As you are in the line of business called blockade catching, and apparently a little in the way of running, I thought I would send you a letter we took in the Donegal, or Austin. It appears that all these vessels have two names. Jouett caught her on Monday morning, the 6th. We came very near catching the Denbigh also the next night, but he was too smart for us and doubled us all and got in and now lies under the fort (Morgan). I do not know why, unless some of our boats struck her, which they certainly would have done but for fear of firing into each other. I am in hopes we will do better hereafter. I keep the large vessels to look after Buchanan, and the light gunboats for the blockade running. I sent the Donegal to Philadelphia, seeing that you had no court, and we can not sell a cargo of arms and munitions of war at New Orleans; besides, I am not sorry to have a good reason for sending her North, as our charges have been very heavy. Now comes the business part of my letter. The inclosed let- ter from Beckwith t~ Samuel Brock, of Havana, will let you know how you are patronizing the business, and it may give you a chance to watch the parties named therein, as I take it for granted that those who are so reliable for Brock and Beckwith are not very reliable for you. I would also like you to find out ~a little, if you can, in relation to Mrs. Gadsden. She is evidently an English woman, and has now gone to Philadelphia in the Donegal. Says she was going to get her father away from Mobile. She is either a spy or the mistress of the captain. The pilot, I will, by the first opportunity, send to Tortugas; he is one of those who captured the Boston off the South West Pass. The cap- tain is an old offender; says he has run the blockade twenty-one times and expects to run as often again~ he thinks he jill ge~ off as an Eng- lish subject. I catch you pilfering again; the Circassian brought us, as we supposed, some , but they found claimants at Key West. I expect to have a long account to settle with you before this war is over; but keep your boys on the lookout for the Denbigh and Mary. They say the latter is very fast, and a screw. We nearly had the Den- high; she has not moved from the fort yet, so she must have been hit by some of the shot fired at her; but he is a bold rascal, and well he ma Page 335 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 335 be, for if I get him he will see the rest of his days of the war in the Tor- tugas. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT. Rear-Admiral T. BAILEY, Commanding East Gulf Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the Assistant Sec- retary of the Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 14, 1864. DEAR SIR: We are still lying here watching Buchanan. I took 4 German refugees yesterday from Mobile; they were all carpenters, and had been at work upon all the rams. They inform me that they are now breaking up the old Baltic and plating the Nashville with her iron, forward and aft and oii the outside of the wheelhouses. They say we disappointed Buchanan very much; he thought our fleet was very small, and when he came down was greatly impressed at se& ng the large vessels here, and took up several persons upon suspicion of having given us information of the Tennessee getting over the Dog River Bar, but they say they think he will come out yet, but it must be when the weather suits him, very smooth, and that he will come with his whole force, and at night. I wrote to Wise to send me some steel shot, as I see by the experi- ments in Prussia that they penetrate viron with great ease. I hope to do well, but the steel would do better. I have good cutters on the bows of several of the heavy vessels and will soon have them on all. I am preparing torpedoes and will soon be able to fight the devil with fire. I can hear nothing from the army lately, which we consider a good sign; if there is bad news they send it immediately. The refugees say that all you can get out of them in Mobile is that they are whip- ping our army in every fight. I am not the judge, but it appears to me that if General Canby was to come down to Mobile that he could take it with great ease. They have no troops except just enough to man the forts. If we had one ironclad we could go in at any moment, and that is [useless] because we could not get at their ironclads after we got in, and they could choose their distance on the flats to cut us up. I am very anxious to hear the true account of the fight between the ironclad in the sound and our gunboats. I can not believe the statement I see in the newspapers. I mean the last fight, where the Sassacus beat her off and she retreated up the river. There is a young man who was formerly in this squardon, Mac- kenzie. I am told that he has had some difficulty with his com- mander. I have no interest in the young man, never saw him but once ; but he is the friend of my young friend and flaglieutenant, Crittenden Watson, and he begged me to see if I could not get him ordered down here. If there is no good reason why he should not be, I would be glad to oblige them both Page 336 336 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. We are beginning to intercept the blockade runners a little. There are only two left, but they can soon multiply them. The Denbigh we ran very close the other night, but she was too quick for us. Very truly and respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT. [G. V. Fox.] Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, in case of attack by the enemy off Mobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile Blockade, June 14, 1864. In case the enemy should come out, either at night or during the day, the right wing, composed of the Richmond and vessels to the east- ward, is to attack him in flank and endeavor to prevent his getting back inside the bar. The heavy ships should keep as close to each other as possible, run at the ram Tennessee and strike her, if practicable, just abaft the casemate, firing only when within a few yards, and then concentrating at the water line and ports. If the broadside guns will bear, direct one or two to throw grape into the ports when they are opened. The Brooklyn and heavy vessels to the westward will attack in the same way on the other flank. This is communicated now, as it might not be possible to make signals clearly understood at the time of encounter. [D. G. FARRAGUT] Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding conditions at Mobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 14, 1864. GENERAL: I am very much obliged for the information you sent me, but I had taken 4 refugees, carpenters, who have been working on all the ironclads in Mobile. I sent them to Pensacola; they are all Danes. I am well posted in all that relates to Mobile now; they are taking the iron off of one of the dads to put on the Nashville. The fact that they can hear nothing in Mobile about the army is sufficient to me that all is going right with us. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Brigadier-General ASBOTH, Commanding at Pensacola, Fla Page 337 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 337 Letter of censure from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Com- mander Gibson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Potomac. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 14, 1864. SIR: I have read with regret the explanations and documents of General Asboth in relation to your difficulty with him and his com- mand, and I say with pain that I do not see a line from you to justify the course you have taken, and, moreover, if the papers are true copies (which I do not doubt) and I had the officers and the public interest would justify it, I would prefer charges against you and bring you before a court-martial and thereby save myself the onus of becoming judge in the case. The case is simply this: To begin, you gave certain men (Jones, Roach, and Alba) permission to butcher cattle on the Live-Oak plantation, a matter you had nothing to do with, and then because the provost-marshal would not let these people go back and forth without his consent, you threatened General Asboth that you would send armed boats to enforceyour permits to those men, whom you say you know to be loyal. Mr. Watte deposes upon oath that he is charged with the care of the Live-Oak plantation and that he for- bade them to butcher cattle there. The next outrage you commit is that, notwithstanding you had an understanding with the general to carry out the order of Commodore Bell, the then commanding officer of the station, by not giving any pass without the endorsement of the commanding general, by way of evading that understanding, or rather, I should say, order of Com- modore Bell, you gave a person by the name of Goolsby an order to go to East Pass, in the Industry, and deliver certain articlesflour, coffee, empty barrels, etc.after which return to this place and report on board this ship, all of which was a fraud, as the said Goolsby had no connection with the Navy. You had no right to give him any such order, and the articles were not intended for the men under your command, which it was evidently your desire to convey to the general; but as the order was given by a commander in the Navy, the general allowed the men to go free, because he saw that he had no knowledge of the contents of the paper given him, believing that it was a simple pass to take these articles to East Pass to trade. This, sir, is the state of your case, and unless you can make it appear in a different light to me I shall send a copy of this paper to the hon- orable Secretary of the Navy and request the withdrawal of my letter in your behalf and the removal of you from this station. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander ALEX. GIBSON, Commanding U. S. Ship Potomac, Pensacola, Fla. N W RVOL 21 2 Page 338 338 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Giraud, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tennessee,for transportation of ordnance to Pensacola. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, June 16, 1864. Sm: Proceed to New Orleans and report to Commodore Palmer for the purpose of bringing round to Pensacola certain articles of ord- nance, etc., which have been written for. Use all haste in getting the things on board, when you will at once leave for Pensacola, communicating with me off this place on your way. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant P. GIRAUD U. S. S. Tennessee, off Mobile. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding articles to be forwarded on the U. S. S. Tennessee. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile Blockade, June 16, 1864. SIR: You will send by Tennessee four of the XI-inch guns, with car- riages and equipments, as many boats as can be carried, 500 100- pounder shot and shell, one-half of the anchors and chains remaining on hand, and any stores in any of the departments that can be opened. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, U. S. Navy. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the landing of ordnance stores at Pensacola. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 17, 1864. SIR: You will land the ordnance stores that are to be sent out in the Bermuda on the coming trip at Pensacola, but before doing so you will communicate with the senior naval officer off Mobile as to the pro- priety of your entering that port. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. W. SMITH, Commanding U. S. Supply Steamer Bermuda, Navy Yard, Philadelphia Page 339 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 339 Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U~ S. Navy, referring to operations against Richmond. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, June 17, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: Enclosed are your requisitions. I must confess that I can make nothing out of the newspapers, and as everything must depend on a battle, both in the case of Grant and Sherman, try and keep as cool as possible. In the case of the former, I scarcely see how his position is better than McClellans, except in the fact of his being a man of more energy. As to besieging Richmond on one side, that is simply ridiculous. The end may be near, but I see no sign of it yet. Could we have occupied the railroad south and west, as was planned, then the whole face of affairs would have been changed and might have been likened to Vicksburg; now it is only Sebastopol. Did you send out any of the admirals orders for attacking the ram? I gave two copies to Alden and Strong, respectively. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond. Report of Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, regarding preparations for attacking Mobile. HEADQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., June 18, 1864. (Received 3:10 p. m.27th.) The preparations for a demonstration against Mobile are progressing favorably. The force required for this purpose is greater than General Sherman indicates in his telegram to me. I will be able to send a force twice as great without endangering anything. The forces collecting at Memphis, which must be now quite large, I will not draw upon while there is any danger to be apprehended for General Sherman~ s commu- nications. I have just returned from the fleet off Mobile. Admiral Farragut will render any assistance that may be in his power, and is now quietly conducting some preliminary examinations that are necessary. ED. R. S. CANnY, Major-General H. ~. HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding. Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Bowen, U. S. Army, acknowledging the sword presented by the Loyal League of New York. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, June 18, 1864. M~ DEAR GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind note, informing me of your having been assigned the agree Page 340 340 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. able duty of transmitting me a sword presented by the Loyal League of New York as a testimonial of the sense in which my services to the Union are held by that.association of loyal men. I sincerely thank you, general, for your good intentions of a public presentation and the high-toned and flattering sentiment you express, that it might serve to stimulate the military and have, at the same time, a salutary effect upon the citizens of New Orleans. But, as you say, general, I am away watching over the interests of our country, and literally watching its enemies, who, like hawks, are ready to dart upon us at the first unguarded moment. Had I been able, however, to be present and have received the sword in the man- ner you desired, I could only have expressed, under the fair canopy of heaven and in the presence of thousands, my grateful sense of the high appreciation of my services to the country by the Loyal League in the presentation of this most appropriate testimonial. I beg you to say to the presiding oflicer of the league that I received the sword with a full appreciation of the great honor thus conferred; and as my whole life has been devoted to my country, I hope that in the due course it will descend to my only son, who, like his father, will always be ready to draw it in defense of the Union and against its enemies. With great respect, general, I remain, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Brigadier-General JAMES BOwEN, Provost-Marshal-General, Department of Gulf. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, regarding the crew of the U. S. S. Glasgow. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 19, 1864. SIR: As it is important that the crew of the Glasgow should be trusty persons, you will permit Acting Master Dyer to exchange one seaman and one ordinary seaman now on board of his vessel, and allow him to retain those men that he borrowed from the Potomac, you replacing them from those for general service, and do not give him any men who are in debt. Bring the Bloomer to the navy yard for repairs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. GIBSON, U. S. Ship Potomac. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, offering cooperation in preparing for attack upon Mobile~. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 20, 1864. GENERAL: I had the [Mississippi] Sound pilots on board yesterday, ~nd find that you can carry 8 feet water up to Pensacola wharf, or Page 341 WEST GULF BL0~KADTNG SQUADRON. 341 feet up to within 100 yards of the shore at Portersville. The road is good from Portersyille up to Mobile; the Pascagoula road is also good, except in two or three places in wet weather. If you desire it, send an engineer officer down to me, and I will send an experienced officer, Captain Jenkins, whom I believe you know, to make all the necessary explorations. There are two lighters at Ship Island that will do to land the troops at Portersville, if you select that place. Please let me hear from you. Commodore Palmer will give all the assistance in his power when you call upon him in the way of tinclads. Very respectfully, D. 0. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral Maj or-General CANnY, Commanding Department of the Gulf New Orleans. Letter from Brigadier-General Dwight, U. S. Army, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, enquiring regarding naval defenses in Berwick Bay and La Fourche district. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New OrleQns, June 20, 1864. COMMODORE: The commanding general desires me to request of you the following information: What amount of naval force is there in the waters of Berwick Bay and those waters adjacent, and number on the defense of the La Fourche district? Can that naval force be increased or rendered more effective? The commanding general desires this information in view of the fact that without the aid of the navy the La Fourche district will not be safe if invaded by a large force of the enemy. The general requests an answer at your earliest convenience. I am, commodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding, etc. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding coal. No. 254.1 U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Mobile, June 20, 1864. SIR: I have been very uneasy about my supply of coal at Pensacola, and have been compelled to stop my fleet exercises in consequence. By my orders two vessels have been sent round from New Orleans lately, which enables me to replenish this months consumption. In this connection I would call the attention of the Department to the very large consumption of some of the vessels. The Circassian will take the cargo of one of the coal vessels to take her down t Page 342 342 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Texas and back. The captain informed me that he consumed as high as 40 tons per day coming from Key West to Pensacola. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Stations of vessels composing the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, June 15, 1864. No. 259.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following disposition of the vessels of the squadron on the 15th instant: Ofi east end of Santa Rosa Island, steamer Bloomer and sailing ves- sel Charlotte. Off Pensacola steamers Owasco, Tennessee, Metacomet, Lacka- wanna, Seminole, Conemaugh, Pembina, Cowslip, Narcissus, and Cornubia, coaling and repairing. Sailing vessels, Arthur, W. G. Anderson, Kittatinny, Kuhn, Potomac, and Maria A. Wood. Off Mobile, steamers Hartford, Richmond, Brooklyn, Monongahela, Ossipee, Galena, Oneida, Genesee, Port Royal, Kennebec, Pinola, Itasca, and Philippi. In Mississippi Sound, steamers Sebago, Buckthorn, and Elk (tin- clad). Off Ship Island, sailing sloop Vincennes and brig Bohio. In Lake Pontchartrain, steamers Commodore and Stockdale (tin- clad) and yacht Corypheus. Off New Orleans, steamers Octorara, J. P. Jackson, Antona, Vir- ginia, and (tinclad) Tallahatchie and Meteor. Sailing sloops Ports- mouth and Fearnot. At Pass ~ lOutre, Rodolph (tinclad). At South West Pass, Pampero. In B6rwick Bay, steamers (tinclad) Nyanza, Glide, and Carrabasset. Off Calcasieu, steamer New London. Off Sabine Pass, Sciota and Kineo. Off Galveston, Princess Royal, Katahdin, Pocahontas, Kanawha, Fenobscot, Cayuga, Penguin. Off San Luis Pass, Gertrude. Off Velasco, Aroostook. Off Pass Cavallo, Chocura, Arizona, and Estrella. The steam tugs Hollyhock and Ida are used in the Mississippi River from New Orleans to mouth. The dispatch steamers Arkansas and Augusta Dinsmore run between New Orleans and the coast of Texas, and the Glasgow and Jasmine between New Orleans and Pensacola. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FAREAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 343 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON~ 343 Letter from Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenlcin8, U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer of men to the vessels off Mobile. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC Pensacola, June 24, 1864. SIR: I received orders last night from the admiral to transfer a cer- tain number of men to the vessels off Mobile which have not received their complement and to send them by the first vessel that should leave this place for Mobile, but the orders arrived at so late an hour the accounts Could not be prepared in time for the men to go by the Cowslip, even if she could take them. I should be glad, therefore, to know when there will be an opportunity to send them. The men for the Itasca, Port Royal, and Seminole are now ready for the Cowslip (27 in number). The men for the other vessels off Mobile are 80. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. GIBSON, Commander. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Comdg. Second Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Rear-. Idmiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding the return to New Orleans of Major- General Canby, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, June 24, 1864. M~ DEAR GENERAL: Your note was duly received. General Canby would not go on to Pensacola, although I rather urged him to do so, but said he must be back in New Orleans by working hours the next morning, so I sent him back after dinner. I would like to see some confirmation of Sherman being in Atlanta. I have no doubt but that he will get there; still he is a great way from his base; but I hope he will come to Pensacola or Mobile for his supplies. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding We3t Gulf Blockading Squadron. Brigadier-General ASBOTH Commanding Military Station, Pensacola. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U.S. Navy, requesting the services of light-draft monitors in Missis- s~pp~ Sound. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., June 24, 1864. In some operations that are about to be undertaken two or three light-draft monitors would be very useful in the shallow waters of Mississippi Sound; but as this is within Admiral Farraguts comman Page 344 344 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I did not think it proper to make any suggestions in relation to it with- out his concurrence. Commodore Palmer informs me that the admiral would be glad to have them if you can spare them. It is the opinion of the commodore that monitors like the Winnebago and Chicicasaw can be sent into the sound or into Mobile Bay without danger. Can you spare them; and, if you can, will you give the necessary orders ~ They should be sent as soon as possible. ED. R. S. CANBY, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER Comdg. U. S. Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding additional ironclads for his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 25, 1864. SIR: Referring to my letter of the 9th instant, I have to inform you that Rear-Admiral Porter has been instructed to send to New Orleans, to report to you by letter from that point, the new ironclads Winne- bago and Chwkasaw. At the same time I deem it proper to commu- nicate for your information a copy of Rear-Admiral Porters No. 155 relative to those two vessels. The ironclad Manhattan left the capes of the Delaware on the 20th instant, in tow of the Bienville, to join your squadron, and the ironclad Tecumseh will be sent to you in the course of a week or ten days. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, off Mobile. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to a committee of presentation, acknowledging the sword given by the Loyal League of New York. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 25, 1864. GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, or scroll of presentation, with the sword presented me by the Union League of New York. I was informed of its arrival in New Orleans by a most courteous and flattering letter from Brigadier-General Bowen, to whom I sent my answer, requesting him to say to the Union League that I received the sword with a full appreciation of the great honor thus conferred upon me. This letter will no doubt be laid before you in due course of time, but it gives me great pleasure to repeat to you, gentlemen, my sincere thanks for this testimonial of your high appreciation of my services to the country to which my whole life has been devoted Next to the feeling of having done your duty is that of knowing that your efforts are appreciated by your countrymen Page 345 WEST GULF BLOCI(ADIINEf SQUADRON. 345 I receive this gift as one of those gratifying evidences, and you may rest assured, gentlemen, that it will be duly cherished by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Messrs. HENRY L. PIERSON, THE. ROOSEVELT, FRANK E. HOWE, Committee of Presentation. Letter from jAlajor-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, in the matter of transfers of menfrom the Army to serve in the West Gulf Squadron. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST Mississippi, New Orleans, La., June 25, 1864. SIR: I am directed by the major-general commanding this military division to transmit, for the information of the naval authorities at this point and the Gulf Squadron, the following endorsement made upon an application for a transfer from the land service to the Navy: HDQRS. MILITARY Division OF WEST Mississippi, New Orleams, La., June 25, 1864. Respectfully referred to the major-general commanding the Department of the Gulf. The commanding general has been advised that the efficiency of the fleet under the command of Admiral Farragut will be seriously impaired unless 500 men can be transferred to it from the Army. He therefore directs that the orders from the War Department in relation to the transfers be published to every company serving in the department and that the transfers necessary to fill the quota assigned to the Department of the Gulf be made at once. The disposition of the company commanders to retain their men must not be allowed to delay or interfere with the execution of the law, and the name of any officer who may attempt to evade it will be reported to these headquarters. By order of Major-General E. R. S. Canby: DE WrrT CLINTON, Captain and Aid-de-Clamp, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DE WITT CLINTON, Captain and Aid-de-Camp, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding. Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. Report of Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding naval guns loaned for temporary use at Forts Picicens and Barrancas. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, Fla., June 26, 1864. MAJOR: I beg to report that some heavy guns, kindly loaned by Admiral Farragut, were moved to Forts Pickens and Barrancas and partly mounted, according to enclosed special order, but having just received the enclosed note from the admiral, I have detained two 150- pounder Parrotts at Fort Pickens wharf awaiting the orders of the com - manding general, and would request for instructions whether I shal Page 346 346 WEST GOLF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. have the 100-pounder rifled gun dismounted and held also ready on the wharf for shipment and to what place. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Major C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Div. of West Mississippi. [Endorsement.] The heavy guns loaned by Admiral Farragut can be mounted as originally intended, as they are not now required for use elsewhere. GENERAL ASBOTH. [Enclosure No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF WEST FLORIDA, No. 135. Barrancas, Fla., June 8, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. The sixteen heavy guns kindly supplied by Admiral Farragut for temporary use at Forts Pickens and Barrancas will be mounted as fol- lows: Four 150-pounder rifled Parrott guns at Fort Pickens, four 9-inch smoothbore Dahlgren guns at Fort Barrancas, one 100-pounder rifled Parrott gun and two 11-inch smoothbore Dahigren guns at Old Spanish Fort, and four 20-pounder rifled Parrott guns and one 18-pounder rifled Parrott gun at Barrancas Redoubt. Lieutenant F. Rettig, First Florida Battery, acting assistant ord- nance officer, will superintend the mounting of those guns accordingly, and the quartermasters department will furnish the required material, mechanics, and laborers. By order of Brigadier-General Asboth: SAML. T. BUELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Enclosure No. 2.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, , 1864. GENERAL: You will please reserve, if not already mounted, two of the 150-pounder rifled guns and all 100-pounder rifled guns, as General Canby has made a request that I should supply him with some. The Tennessee takes some 11-inch guns, which you can use in place of the rifled guns if you desire them. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Brigadier-General ASBOTH, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of Pensacola. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding a loan of navy guns for temporary service in the field. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., June 26, 1864. SIR: The commanding general desires me to express his obligations to you for the tender of the eight 30-pounder Parrott guns for tempo Page 347 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUAIA~ON.~ ~47 rary service in the field, and to say that Brigadier-General Arnold, chief of artillery, will make the necessary arrangements for receiving the guns. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DE WITT CLINTON, captain and Aid-de-Camp. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. frigate Potomac, regarding guns for the U. S. S. Oneida. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, June 26, 1864. SIR: You will deliver to Lieutenant-Commander W. W. Low, for the U. S. S. Oneida, eight 8-inch guns, with the necessary ammunition, receiving in exchange three 30-pounder Dahlgren rifles and four 32- pounders of 33 hundredweight, with their ammunition and equipment. Also, if you have them on board, deliver two 24-pounder howitzers, with boat carriages (adapted to the ports if possible), otherwise have them supplied from the Kuhn, and a 30-pounder Parrott, with a pivot carriage. These guns are to have the usual amount of ammunition and necessary equipments. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. GIBSON, U. S. Ship Potomac, Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Gillis, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. MOBILE, June 26, 1864. SIR: You will, so soon as an opportunity offers for the coast of Texas, consider yourself detached from the Octorara, and, taking advantage of it, relieve Lieutenant-Commander G. H. Perkins in the command of the U. S. S. Sciota. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. H. GILLIS, U. S. S. Octorara, New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, regarding the loan of guns. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, June 27, 1864. GENERAL: Your note was duly received, but I have had a little breakdown among my small vessels, and the yellow fever having been importQd into Pensacola has prevented my answering sooner Page 348 :348 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQiITADEON. I had sent all my spare guns to Pensacola and told General Asbotb to mount them if he pleased. I have now told him that you want the 100-pounder rifles, and that he must be content with the 11-inch guns for the forts. I have only one 100-pounder Parrott and two 150- pounder Parrotts; but, general, anything that we are not using will be at your service at all times. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Maj or-General CANBY, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Orders of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, June 27, 1864. COMMODORE: By the Union we received 436 men and boys for the fleet, but in consequence of their stopping at Key West, together with the filthy condition of the men, the fever has broken out, and we will now have to take great care to prevent its spreading. I hear you have cases in New Orleans also; still, I know they will say that it is healthy, and quarantine our boats. If they do, I will fix Wednesday as the day we will have our mail at the Quarantine, and you must send a tug down with the return mail, and for ours. I think, if you can, you had better hire one of the little coasting schooners to bring the molding sand for the foundry round to us. I have orders to send Lieutenant-Commanders Newman and Per- kins home and give Lieutenant-Commanders Gillis and Maxwell their vessels, so send Gillis down in the Virginia or Antona, whichever is first ready, to the coast of Texas to the Sciota. You need not send any more coal vessels here, as we have had two or three arrivals from the North. If you have [a] 100-pounder Parrott rifle, we can let General Canby have it. I have but one at Pensacola. I will write him to-day. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding First Division West Gulf Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, to send a tinclad to take the place of the U. S. S. Elk. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, June 27, 1864. SIR: I find that the Elk is completely broken down, and it is reported to me that her boilers are very old and utterly worthless. This being the case, I havethought of turning her into a hospital vessel, to be sta- tioned in the sound, and would like you to send me another tinclad to take her place, coppered, if possible, and to which at least a large por- tion of the crew of the Elk could be transferred Page 349 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 349 Judging from the report of her commanding officer, which I enclose, you will perceive that the engine and boilers are not alone in an effi~ cient condition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Please return the report. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, tran~mitting letter from the U. S. consul at Malta, suggesting means for preventing torpedo attacks. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 27, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a dispatch dated the 24th ultimo, addressed by the U. S. consul at Malta to the Secretary of State, and referred to this Department, containing a suggestion for preventing torpedo attacks on our vessels of war. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. [Enclosure.] UNITED STATES CONSULATE, Malta, May 24, 1864. SIR: Having recently read an account of the torpedo attack on the Minnesota, may I beg to make the following suggestions for the pur- pose of preventing any such occurrences in future, when our ships are cruising on an enemys coast or at anchor in rebel waters. I would strongly recommend that armed boats, the crews with their double-barreled rifles and the officers with their regular watch- words, should be kept rowing round the ships of war all night, the men relieved as they would be if serving in a night watch on deck. Had this simple precaution been adopted it would have been alto- gether impossible for the Minnesota to have been thus suddenly attacked and the rebels to have altogether escaped, for the guard boats could have thrown up rockets as a signal of their approach, while the crews could have given them a volley or two from their rifles and the frigate have sent a broadside into the craft, the guns being always shotted for the purpose and the seamen at a moments call ready to work them. Doctor Ward, of an English ship of war, [says] a well-drilled crew will be at quarters and fire a broadside in less than five minutes after being called from their hammocks. Can we not do the same? In these days of steam and torpedoes, you may rest assured that outlying picket boats and a steam tug at all hours ready to move are not sufficient protection for our ships of war, where a squadron is a Page 350 350 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. anchor. They require something more, and this should be in having their own boats rowing round all night, so that in a measure every ship should protect itself. If this precaution be not taken, any vessel in a dark and foggy night could be blown out of the water, even while a watchful sentry on board might still have his cry of Alls well yet on his lips as the fiendish act was accomplished. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, WM. WINTHROP, U. S. Consul. F. W. SEWARD, Esq., Assistant Secretary of State, Washington. Report of Commander Mullany, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Bien- yule, of the arrival of that vessel at Port Royal, S. C. U. S. S. BIENvILLE, Harbor of Port Royal, S. C., June 28, 1864. kAR: I have the honor to inform you that I put in here for the pur- pose of coaling the ironclad Manhattan, and am now about to proceed m accordance with the Departments order of the 7th instant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. M. MULLANY, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, regarding guns. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, June 29, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: In reply to your note in relation to the guns, I will let you know the moment I receive a letter from General Canby, who wrote to know if I could spare him two 100-pounder Parrott guns. I replied in the affirmative; that by taking them from you I could do so. I do not know what effect the fever will have upon his present oper- ations, but I will send for the guns if he desires them, and I really hope you will be called upon to join in any work that may be undertaken. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. [Brigadier-General ASBOTH, U. S. Army Commanding Department of Pensacola.] Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of general order regar& tng the dispos~twn of waif No. 268.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, June 29, 1864. Sni: I enclose herewith a copy of a general order, No. 7, issued by me as to the disposition of cotton and other merchandjse picked up ~ Page 351 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 351 sea and commonly denominated waif. The Department will per- ceive by this order that I have directed that such cotton or other mer- chandise be delivered over to the United States courts for adjudication. This matter has become of some importance lately, as a large amount of cotton thrown overboard by steamers running the blockade has been subsequently picked up at sea by our cruisers. I have for- warded a communication addressed to the Department by Lieutenant Commander Gherardi, enclosing therewith a list of the officers and crew of the Chocura at the time he picked up 19 bales of cotton, which we subsequently sent to New Orleans and delivered into the United States court. I presume the court will decide whether merchandise thus found is to be distributed as prize or whether salvage be allowed the finder. I shall be pleased to have the decision of the Department as to the legality and propriety of my general order, herewith enclosed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Sguadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, U. S. FLAGSHII HARTFORD, No. 7. Off Mobile, May 21, 1864. Perceiving the prevalence of an erroneous opinion in this squadron that the captors of cotton or other merchandise found at sea or on the beach, commonly denominated waif, have a right to appropriate the same or the proceeds arising from the sale thereof without the inter- vention of the courts of law, I feel it my duty to put a stop to all such appropriations, and to direct that all cotton or other merchandise picked up at sea or on shore must be taken into port and delivered up to the United States courts for adjudication, as though it had been captured, in order that the judicial authorities may distribute it as prize or award salvage to the captors. I issue this order because I have been unable to find any authority for such appropriation on the part of the captors, but, on the con- trary, all that is written on the subject seems clearly to discounte- nance it. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Sguadron. gTelegram.] FORT MONROE, June 29, 1864. (Received 8:20 a. in.) Will be ready for sea on Tuesday. Three engineers in hospital; have only assistants Pennington, Ustick, and Scott. Have projectiles been sent to my place of destination? T. AUGS. CRAVEN. Hon. SECRETARX OF THE NAVY Page 352 352 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Endorsement.] Bureau of Ordnance has telegraphed Captain Craven that a supply of projectiles has been sent. R. AULICK, Assistant Chief. JUNE 29, 1864. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, June 30, 1864. (Received 6:40 p. in.) The Eutaw is ready; has my shells on board. Am I to change to the Augusta, which can not be ready this week? The Eutaw has landed her battery. T. AUGS. CRAVEN, Commander. Hon. SECRETARY NAVY. [Answer.] As the Augusta is leaking, you will order Eutaw to accompany Te- cumseh, steamer Eutaw being reported ready. Answer by telegram. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Admiral, to proceed with supplies to the West Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 30, 1864. SIR: Proceed on the 2d proximo with the U. S. S. Admiral on another trip to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. The Admiral will not touch anywhere this side of Key West on the outward passage. In consequence of the quarantine restrictions imposed upon vessels arriving at New Orleans from Key West, you will not enter the latter port, -but will heave to at the outer buoy, communicate by signal for a tug, and transfer your passengers and mails to her. As the season for yell ow fever is at hand, you should take all necessary measures against contracting the disease or getting it on shipboard. On your homeward passage touch, as usual, at Port Royal and Hampton Roads, and enter the port of New York. Very respectfully, OIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WILLIAM B. EATON, Commanding U. S. S. Admiral, New York. Report of Lieutenant-Commander de Krafft, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conemaugh, regarding affairs in Mississippi Sound. U. S. S. CONEMAUGH, Mississippi Sound, June 30, 1864. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of sentences of general court- rnaxtial, dated, respectively, May 8 and~ 23 Page 353 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 353 I have to report that information has reached me by parties belong- ing to trading vessels in the sound, who are in communication with the north shore, to the effect that two (some say three) armed launches from Mobile are now in the vicinity of Grants Pass, waiting an oppor- tunity to get to Pascagoula, at which place there are two companies of rebel cavalry. One of these launches is armed with a revolving boat gun. The Buclcthorn is the only available vessel now in the sound. At night I keep her stationed off Point Aux Pins with a well-armed cutter from this vessel. That appears the best point for intercepting these launches. I should feel better satisfied if there were two light steam- ers for that purpose up from below. The Elk is at present at Petit Bois Island, ostensibly watching both passes, but in reality is patching both boilers. The work is being prosecuted with all vigor, but it will be at least a week before she can get up steam and be of any assistance to me. She is much in want of men and one third assistant engineer. I will endeavor to use the very limited force at my disposal to the best advantage until such time as other vessels can be sent into the sound. If there is any truth in the rumor that cotton-clad steamers are pre- paring in Mobile to come through the pass, in which there is 5 feet at high water, I hope the Jackson will be here to assist in their recapture. Her battery will be an important reinforcement. Four schooners are now in the sound, having passes from the author- ities at New Orleans. The sloop Selia passed down the sound yesterday with a cargo con- sisting of 9 barrels rosin and 3 of turpentine, from Pascagoula. This is the first success I have heard of; she is commanded? by one Captain Palermo, who seems to be regarded as a good friend to both sides. I regret to report the death on the 28th instant of James Ryan, landsman, on board the Elk, from the effect of an accidental gunshot wound, which terminated in lockjaw. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. P. DE KRAFFT, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT. Chasing ashore of the steamer Ivanhoe at Fort Morgan, June 30, and her destruction by boat expedition, July 6,1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 273.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 2,1864. SIR: It gives me pleasure to be able occasionally to announce to the Department the destruction of a blockade runner. On the night of the 30th ultimo, at 11 p. in., a steamer attempted to pass into Mobile, but the vessels had been placed in anticipation of it, and the little dispatch boat Glasgow was in the Swash Channel, and so soon as the eastern boat made the signal, Vessel running in, the Glasgow ran for the beach, soon discovered her, and fired five shots at her when the fort opened upon the Glasgow, but the blockade runner was aground. In the morning I sent the gunboats in to shell her, I pre- N W RVOL 212 Page 354 354 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. sume they have gotten her cargo out of her, but the vessel still lies on the beach and I hope effectively to destroy her. I do not know what vessel it is, but they say it is not the Denbigh. Very respectively, your obedient servant, - D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Sguadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 1, 1864. M~ DEAR JENKINS: I must confess that I could see no signs of the least damage to the blockader, although wonderful stories are told. And if we dont keep a pretty sharp lookout the enemy will get her off to-night. We will, however, try and stop it. I send the opera glasses that you ask for; at least, I suppose them to be yours. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. The admiral wants you to send an armed boat in to-night, as we shall. So have one alongside of the Cowslip a half hour before sunset. P. D. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Newman, U. S. Navy, for the destruction of the steamer. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile Bar; July 3, 1864. SIR: Make no effort to get the steamer off, but do all in your power to destroy her. After having fired into her some broadsides then let Lleutenant-Commander Terry try the torpedo upon her, and you will afford him every assistance in your power. You will guard him all night to keep the rebels from sending out their steamers to tow him in. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Sguadror& . Lieutenant-Commander L. H. NEWMAN, Commanding U. S. S. Pembina. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the burning of the steamer. No. 283.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 6, 1864. SIR: I am happy to announce to you the burning of the blockade runner which I informed you was run on shore by the Glasgow a few nights since, under the forts Page 355 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 355 Yesterday, the 5th, I permitted Captain Drayton to send in a boat expedition under the command of Lieutenant J. Crittenden Watson, my flag-lieutenant, composed of three boats from this ship in charge of Lieutenant H. B. Tyson, Ensigns William S. Dana, William H. Whit ing, and G. D. B. Glidden, and Masters Mate R. P. Herrick, and one boat from the Brooklyn in charge of Ensign C. H. Pendleton and Assistant Surgeon William Commons. The boarding party was covered by the gunboats Metacomet, Lieu- tenant-Commander J. E. Jouett, and Kennebec, Lieutenant-Comman- der W. P. McCann. The duty was performed promptly, the vessel boarded without re- sistance, and set on fire. We discovered the flames twenty minutes before 1a.m., and she burned until 3a.m. The party all returned by 2:30 a. m. The whole Was performed with great judgment and discretion. The enemys forces were lying within a short distance, but did not open fire on our people until the flames burst out. I take the liberty of enclosing a copy of Captain Draytons report and my general order, and hope the conduct of those of the expedition will be worthy of your notice. We have not as yet been able to ascertain the name of the vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of the steamer. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 6, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to report that it being important to destroy the blockade runner which was chased on shore near Fort Morgan on the night of the 1st instant, and the fire of our vessels having aj~parently failed to accomplish this object, Flag-Lieutenant Watson offered to go in and set her on fire. For this purpose he was given, last evening, three of the Hartfords and one of the Brooklyns boats, which were towed into position after dark by the Metacomet, Lieutenant-Commander Jouett, and the Ken- nebec, Lieutenant-Commander McCann, these vessels afterwards cover- ing the movement. About 1 a. m. this morning the blockade runner was boarded and set on fire in two places, from the effects of which she has, I should say, been rendered utterly useless. The boats then returned to the cover- ing vessels and were towed off to the fleet. ~he whole affair was well managed and very creditable to Lieu- tenant Watson, and to his assistants, Lieutenant Tyson, Ensigns Whit- ing, Glidden. Dana, and Acting Masters Mate Herrick, of this vessel, and Ensign Pendleton, of the Brooklyn, and although offering, as it proved, few difficulties of execution, still there was every reason to suppose beforehand that the enemy would not, without a stubbor Page 356 356 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. resistanee, permit a vessel to be destroyed so near a strongly gar~ risoned fort and immediately under the fire of its guns. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. DRAYTON, captain. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, off Mobile. General Order No. 9. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bay, July 6,1864. The admiral commanding has much pleasure in announcing to the fleet, what was anxiously looked for last night by hundreds, the destruction of the blockade runner ashore under the rebel batteries by an expedition in boats. Three boats of the Hartford, under command of Flag-Lieutenant J. Crittenden Watson, and in charge of Lieutenant H. B. Tyson, Ensigns William S. Dana, William H. Whiting, and G. D. B. Glidden, and Masters Mate Richard P. Herrick, and one boat of the Brooklyn, in charge of Ensign C. H. Pendleton, were dispatched for the purpose, and the boarding party was covered by the gunboats Metacomet, Lieu- tenant-Commander James E. Jouett, and Kennebec, Lieutenant-Com- mander William P. McCann. Assistant Surgeon William Commons, of the Hartford, accompanied the expedition as medical officer. The steamer was boarded and set on fire, and the entire conduct of the expedition was marked by a promptness and energy which shows what may be expected of such officers and men on similar occasions. They have the thanks of the admiral commanding for the manner in which they performed their respective duties. D. G. FARRAGTJT, Rear-Admiral, comrna~ding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, regarding expedition for the examination of the steamer. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 8, 1864. SIR: It being a matter of s6me interest to know the extent of injury done to the blockade runner by the burning to which she was sub- jected on the morning of the 6th instant, Lieutenant Watson volun- teered to go in for the purpose of examining and, if found necessary, of blowing her up last night. Two armed boats from this vessel were given him, and accompanied by Lieutenants Tyson, Adams, and Jones and Acting Masters Mate Hathorne, he was taken in by the U. S. S. Pinola, Lieutenant-Com- mander Stanton, but in the darkness the vessel could not be found, and the boats, while going along the beach in search of her, were several times hailed, thus giving the alarm, so that on approaching the steamer they were received with heavy volleys of musketry and grape. Pro- tected as they were, however, by the darkness, only one man, William Hawkins, was struck, and he with musket ball, from the effects of which he died to-day Page 357 WEST GtYL1~ I3LOCRADING SQUAflR0N. ~5~r The party being too weak for attack under the circumstances, with- drew and returned to the Finola without further accident. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ DRAYTON, Rear-Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Captain. Commanding West Gulf Blockadinq Squadron, off Mobile. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving the name of the blockade runner. No. 291.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that by the enclosed slip from a Mobile paper of the 5th instant the blockade runner we destroyed last week is the Ivanhoe, one of those named in our consular dispatches. We ran another on shore on the night of the 7th, very close under Fort Morgan, which made it more difficult to destroy her without sub- jecting our vessels to the similar risk of getting on shore. This steamer succeeded last night in getting off and running into the bay. She is also a new vessel, and we do not know her name. We shelled her at intervals for two days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Enclosure.] From below.Six of the Yankee fleet kept up a continual lire on the steamer Ivanhoe all day yesterday and on Sunday. We learn that seven or eight hundred shots had been fired at her. Some two or three had struck her near the water line, and it is presumed she will be lost. Her cargo, we learn, which is on Government account, will be saved, but more or less damaged. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. HDQRS. MILITARY DIvISoN OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., July 1,1864. ADMIRAL: For the reasons that I will explain to you personally in a few days, the operations against Mobile have been suspended. As soon as I am able to leave, and probably in four or five days, I will visit you at the fleet for the purpose of conferring with you upon mat- ters affecting our commands. The demonstrations in the direction of Mobile will be kept up by our preparations and a show of movements until the troops have reached their new destination. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. R. S. CANnY, Re~ar-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding Gulf Squadron, off Mobile Page 358 358 WEST GULP J3LOOKADING SQUADRON. O~der of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Bienville. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 2, 1864. Sin: After the arrival of the U. S. S. Bienville with her tow you will send her back to Hampton Roads. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Jomdg. Western Gulf Bikdg. Squadron, New Orleans, La. [Telegram.] MOBILE, JuLy 2, 1864. Sin: Order the Estrella to report to me off this place without delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander WooLsEy. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, July 3, 1864. COMMODORE: As fast as you have men to send out to us send them to the Vincennes at Ship Island as the depot. General Canby made a request of me to loan him two 100-pounder Parrotts. I have two 150-pounders at Pensacola, which I told him he could have, and one 100-pounder. Send me all the 100-pounder shot and shell, reserving fifty; they are much needed; and also as many cartridges as you can for the same~ also some cartridge stuff. No doubt you may want a light anchor occasionally, but we are losing them almost daily, slipping and chasing in the night. We have another steam blockade runner on the beach, but not yet destroyed. I will send you the Meteor~s witnesses as soon as possible. - I[ am anxious for the Jackson in the sound. It is best to send the molding sand round in a vessel. I believe it will cost less. Buchanan is still absent at Mobile, fitting the iron on the Nashville. When she comes down, I expect him out. The draft we received did nob more than fill up half the deficiencies, and they came in the most horrid condition. I had to report it to the Department. Almost every supply vessel takes home 30 to 50 sick, besides the men whose times are out. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admirat, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore J. S. PALMER, 61ommanding First Division, New Orleans Page 359 WEST GULF I3LOCKADrnO SQUADRON. ~359 [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, July 3, 1864. (Received 1:30 P. in.) Tecumseh is ready. Augusta may be ready to-morrow, but I fear is not reliable for a long tow. Will it not be prudent to take both Eutaw and Augusta, dividing between them my shells, which are now in the Eutaw? T. Auas. CRAVEN, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander, U. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, referring to the blockade runner Denbigh. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, LTuly 3], 1864. DEAR JENKINS: Hoist a flag at each masthead at 8 and salute with the Admiral at meridianseventeen guns. If the Denbigh is not destroyed to-night I trust that we will keep the Fourth by going in and doing it with our broadside. This long howl business is mere vanity and waste of shot. Yours, P. DRAYTON. Report of Commander Multany, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Bienmile, of arrival at Key West with the U. S. S. Manhattan. U. S. S. BIENvILLE, Q/f Sand Key Light, Key West, July 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I put in here yesterday to coal the Manhattan, and am now about to proceed with her in tow to Pensacola, where I expect to arrive on the 8th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. M. MULLANY, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding delivery at Galveston of sealed packet sent by the Department. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, July 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that the sealed packet torwarded to me in its dispatch of May 21 last was sent in by flag of truce at Galveston, and the receipt of it acknowledged by the rebel Brigadier-General J. M. Hawes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admirat, Comdg. Western Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washinqton, D. C Page 360 360 WEST GULF 1~LOCKAflING SQUADI~O~. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, expressing a wish to cooperate. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile Bar, July 7,1864. GENERAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your commumca- tion,* and in reply can only assure you that, alt~oughJ regret that any- thing should occur to prevent our demonstration upon the enemy in. this quarter; it will afford me great pleasure to aid you at all times. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Maj or-General CANBY, Commanding Division of West Mississippi, New Orleans. Letter from unknown writer to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, giv ing information regarding Confederate affairs in general. JULY 7,1864. GENERAL: The enclosed items are from a gentle~man well known to me who has recently been in Richmond, Atlanta, Montgomery, and Selma. Faithfully and very respectfully, His Excellency Maj or-General BANKS, Commanding, etc. P. S.There is a report here to-day from the interior that Sherman is in Atlanta. [Enciosur~.] Memorandum of conversati with a practical observer. 1st. The Confederate ram just launched at Montgomery is a poor affair. 2d. A small torpedo steamer, built upon the latest and most approved plan, very recently left Selma for Mobile. She makes 7 knots an hour, sinks with great facility, and is intended to act upon the blockading squadron. 3d. They speak confidently of an attack on the squadron. 4th. They are building a number of these torpedo boats at Charles- ton and Selma. 5th. The opinion prevails all over the Confederacy that an armed insurrection will take place in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Southern agents, with commissions from Richmond, swarm in Canada and the Western States. The postponement of the Chicago conven- tion was recommended from Richmond. 6th. It has been determined to burn all the cotton gins and sugar houses in Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, if possible. The plan is now maturing. 7th. The impression is general that the French (rebel) rams may be looked for every day, and that they will first appear off Mobile. * See letter of Canby to Farragut, July 1 Page 361 WESI GULF 13t001(ADING SQTYAD1~O~. 361 8th. Lees and Johnstons armies are both better fed than at any time previous since the war. 9th. Corn crops everywhere fine; wheat abundant, but injured by wet weather; pork more than last year by one-quarter. 10th. Guerrilla warfare to be organized on a large scale and encour- aged in every possible way. 11th. Desperate men, convicts, etc., at the North to be employed by rebel agents to burn steamers, ships, cities, etc. 12th. The defeat of Lee and Johnston to be followed by a general war of ambush and conflagration. LEndorsementi Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Canby, commanding divi- sion of West Mississippi. The writer is a gentleman of entire reliability who has the best opportunity for obtaining correct information within the rebel lines. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Memorandum forwarded by Colonel Myer, Chief Signal Qijicer, U. S. Army, of information given by a resident of Mo bile regarding Confed- erate vessels and defenses. HDQRs. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST Mississippi, New Orleans, La., July 7,1864. Mr. De Grow, introduced from the United States marshals office at New Orleans a citizen of Mobile, professing to be loyal, his family now in Mobile, wishes to ingratiate himself with the United States authori- ties, have the ultimate capture of the city. His business pur- suits caused him to be much upon the Mobile Bay and the incur- rent rivers. Mr. De Grow left Mobile on the 15th of April on the schooner Judson. This schooner lay for three weeks near Fort Morgan, then ran out and was soon after captured by the U. S. S. Coneinaugh. Mr. De Grow has knowledge of the following vessels and floating batteries: Rams built at Selma, Ala. Tennessee, Nashville, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville. Wooden gunboats.The Morgan and the Gaines. Commercial steamers altered to be used as gunhoats.The Florida and the Baltic. Unfinished rams.There are two rams, each 150 feet in length, unfinished. These were building on the Tombigbee River at the time of Shermans raid. There was danger that our troops might reach them. They were hastily launched as they were and were towed down to Mobile for protection. On April 15 the iron had not been obtained with which to plate them, nor had the rams been then attached to their bows. A sketch, D, from information accompanies this paper. Floating batteries.There are two floating batteries, built square, of heavy timber, inclining inward, plated with 4 inches of iron. Each battery is pierced for four guns. They are without motive power; when moved they are towed from point to point, a hawser being attached at one of the angles Page 362 WEST GUU~ t3L0C1CADI~ SQUAD1~O~. These batteries are clumsy, of such draft of water, and so difficultly managed as to be almost useless. A sketch, K, from information, accompanies this paper. The Tennessee.A casemated ironclad ram, over 200 feet in length, said by workmen who have served upon the Atlanta to be almost identical in structure with that vessel. Shows one smoke- stack, is a screw steamer, draws from 12 to 14 feet, said to be capable of making 8 knots per hour, which is fully as much as in the opinion of the informant she can do. Pierced with six ports, has a single bow, and a single stern port, casemated as follows: Casemate formed of heavy timbers, inclining inward at an angle of 45 degrees. Upon these timbers three coatings of iron plates. These plates are rather bars than plates, each bar or plate being about 12 or 14 feet in length, 4 inches broad, and 2 inches thick. Th~ first coating of these bars is laid upon the casemate, vertically as to their length. The second coating of bars is disposed horizon- tally as to their length. The third and exterior coating is laid ver- tically. The total thickness of plating thus given is about 6 inches. The port shutters are of iron about 4 inches thick. They are placed exterior to the plating, turning upon a pivot upon one side of the port. To open ports the shutters are raised by a tackle attaching to the side of the port, distant from the pivot, passing outside of the casemate for a few feet, then entering the casemate, from the inside of which it is worked. To close ports the shutters are allowed to fall back by their weight. The Tennessee with guns and stores on board floats very low, carrying her ports hardly 2 feet 6 inches above the water line. It is the opinion of the informant that she can not endure serious collision. In his phrase, She has no bearingsis below her bearings, and would be very easily pressed under. Asloping-stemmed vessel would, in his opinion, if striking her either fore or aft the casemate, go over her, or, striking square upon the case- mate, would climb upon her; in either case the Tennessee would be run down. Of the caliber of the guns of the Tennessee the informant has no knowledge Of the strength of the crew he is not informed. He believes them to be disaffected. A sketch, A, from information, accompanies this paper. The Nashville.A casemated ram, over 200 feet in length, will be, when completed, as formidable as the Tennessee. Is a side-wheel steamer; shows one smokestack. Wheel shafts protected by a kind of angular shield of heavy timbers to be hereafter ironclad. This vessel was ou April 15 without her mail, being clad only about the bows. She is to be ironclad in the same manner as the Tennessee. The steamer Baltic, formerly ironclad, is reported as laid up and as being stripped of her iron, the iron to be used to mail the Nashville. The Nashville carries a large ram and is complete with the exception of her mail. The casemate is pierced with six ports, showing one bow port and one aster port, two broadside ports on either side, forward the wheels. Of the speed of the vessel, caliber of the guns, 5r strength of the crew the informant has no knowledge. A sketch, B, from informa- tion, accompanies this paper Page 363 WE~I2 GULF t3LOCRADLNG SQUADRON. The Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.Casemated ironclad rams, 150 to 175 feet in length. Engines high pressure, taken from river boats. Casemate clad with 4 inches of iron and pierced for six guns. The engines of these boats are described as defective. Very little depend- ence is placed upon them. They are slow and unwieldy. They are said to be singularly shaped. The sketch5 C, accompanying this paper, illustrates the description. Wooden gunboats.The gunboats Morgan and Gaines are high- pressure, side-wheel steamers; engines taken from river boats. They show each a single smokestack. They carry each six guns. Of these guns, two, one forward and one aft, are upon pivots. The Florida is a high-pressure side-wheel steamer, altered as a gun- boat; carries eight guns. The Baltic is reported as now laid up and dismantled. Location.The Tennessee now lies inside of and near Fort Morgan. The Morgan, Gaines, and Florida serve on picket duty near the forts, relieving each other every two weeks. The ironclad rar~s Nashville, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa, the two unfinished rams from the Tombig- bee River, and the two floating batteries were, on April 15, lying moored in Choctaw Pass, inside of Pintos Island, opposite Hitchcocks Pass [press]. There is a kind of navy yard at this place. Defenses and obstructions.The five batteries shown upon the maps south of Choctaw Point, and just below the town, are small earth- works. They are now abandoned. There are no guns in these bat- teries. There is a battery at Choctaw Point, another due east of this and three-quarters of a mile distant, and a third (Spanish River bat- tery) due east of this and three-quarters of a mile distant from it. From the outer battery to Choctaw Point, and curving slightly to the southward, is a line of piles sawed off under water. Near the center of this line, and at a point commanded by the central battery, is an opening or passageway. On either side of this opening one or two piles are projecting above the water to mark the entrance. Near to this passage is kept a stone boat to be sunk to close it if necessary. There is a battery at Round Top [Battery Huger?] on the island at the junction of the Blakely and Apalachee rivers. There is another bat- tery on the west bank of the river one-half a mile above the last described. On the 15th of April this battery was garrisoned by one company of Louisiana troops. There are obstructions from the bat- tery at Round Top to the east bank of the river. An opening 200 feet wide, marked by piles projecting above the water, is left in mid- channel and as a passage. The batteries, shown upon the maps as at Blakely, are now abandoned. There are no batteries at this place. There are no batteries or obstructions upon the Alabama River. After passing the batteries at Round Top there is nothing to prevent vessels drawing 12 feet of water going up the Tensas River, crossing by the junction to Alabama River, and thence descending to Mobile. The batteries formerly at Twenty-one Mile Bluff (Fort St. Philip, probably) have been abandoned. There are supposed to be some obstructions, and possibly torpedoes, at Grants Pass. A line of piles 2 feet under water extends from Fort Gaines to the middle of the main ship channel. Thence across the channel torpedoes are anchored in line 2 feet under water. The eastern termination of this torpedo line is marked by a small black buoy. East of this buoy the channel is clear. The shore of Mobile Point is very bold, and 22 feet can be car Page 364 564 WEST GIThF BL0OT~ADING ~QUAIYROt~. ned anywhere. The line of obstructions has caused this portion of the channel to deepen considerably. Particular instructions were given to the schooner Judson when running out to keep to the east- ward of the black buoy above mentioned. In April last there were about 5,000 troops garrisoning Mobile and the forts. They were poorly clad, poorly fed, disaffected, and tired of the war. The same feeling was manifested by the sailors manning the fleet. It is the impression of the informant that neither the naval force nor those manning the forts will light with great spirit or deternu- nation. ALBERT J. MYER, Colonel, Signal Officer of the Army. Destruction on the coast of Texas of the steamer Matagorda, July 8, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting report. No. 309.] FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 16, 1864. SIR: I have the pleasure to report to the Department the destruc- tion of a blockade runner off the coast of Texas, which Commander Woolsey informs me is the well-known steamer Matagorda. She was destroyed on the morning of the 8th instant by the Kanawha, Penguin, and Aroostoole, after running out of Galveston. I forward herewith the report of Lieutenant-Commander B. [B.] Taylor, of the Kanawha. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. lox. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Taylor, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kanawha. U. S. GUNBOAT KANAWHA, Off Galveston, Tex., July 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that while lying at my station (Main Ship Channel of the entrance into Galveston) last evening, 7th instant, a steamer was discovered at 11 oclock standing to the south- west close under the land. I immediately slipped the cable, spread fires-, signalized the fleet, and started in pursuit, following as close inshore as was deemed safe, keeping the stranger in sight (although she was continually changing her course) until nearly daybreak, when, finding that she had stopped, and supposing she had run on shore, I ran down and spoke the steamer Pengu%n (blockading off San Luis Pass), ordering him to come up at daybreak to assist me in getting her off or destroying her. I then returned to the steamer and dis- covered that she was not ashore, but standing under the land to the northward and eastward and throwing overboard her cotton. I imme- diately opened on her with my guns and succeeded after three shot Page 365 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 365 in driving her on shore. IL kept up a brisk fire, being joined by the Penguin until the crew were compelled to quit the vessel. I then sent in three boatsone from this vessel and two from the Penguin under command of Acting Master Durham, of the Penguin, to see if she could be gotten off; if not, to set her on fire. The boats approached within about 30 yards of the vessel, when they were opened on by about 150 riflemen and compelled to return, the commanding officer being slightly wounded. The officer in charge reported that the vessel was sunk and it would be impossible to get her off. We then recommenced firing, and shortly had the satisfaction of seeing the vessel in flames. I would state that the U. S. gunboat Aroostoole pined us about half past 6 oclock and also opened fire on the steamer. We continued firing until the vessel was a complete wreck and on fire fore and aft. The blockade runner was a side-wheel, single-stack vessel, painted lead color, and very slow, the Kanawha having no difficulty in over- hauling her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. B. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- Commander. Commander M. B. WOoLsEY, Commanding Third Division, off Galveston, Tex. Abstract log of the U. 8. 8. Kanawlia, Lieutenant-Commander B. B. Taylor, U. 8. Navy, commanding. July 8,1864.From midnight to 4 a. in., steaming along the coast [of Texas] in chase of a strange steamer. At 3 lost sight of the chase, he having gone in close under the land. At 3:30 sighted a strange steamer ahead. Went to quarters and cJeared ship for action. Burned Coston preparatory signal and No. 30. Stranger proved to be the Pengutn. At 4: 15 spoke the Penguin, beat the retreat, and stood N. E. At 4:30 discovered the chase close inshore throwincr cotton overboard. After firing a few shots at her she ran on the beacb and was abandoned by the crew. The Penguin came up and joined us in shelling her, after which sent an expedition of three boats (one from this vessel and two from the Penguin) to board her; but the expedition being fired upon, the officer in charge wounded, it returned and it was resolved to destroy her, which was accordingly done. Fired 30 rounds of Parrott shell, 16 XJ-inch, 2 from 24-pounder how- itzer, the execution proving most excellent. At 6 the Aroostook made her number, stood in, and joined us in shelling the chase and beach. At 6:45 the whole body of the chase was a mass of fire. We stood for Galveston at 7:30. At 8 sighted the fleet off Galveston. At 10:15 came to anchor. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to (~ommander Mullany, U. S. Navy, to tow the U. S. S. Manhattan to Mobile Bar. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 8, 1864. Sn~: II have received your report, and sincerely congratulate you on your most successful accomplishment of your difficult duty Page 366 366 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I will send instructions to Commodore Smith to give to Conunander Nicholson every facility for coaling without working his men and to turn his whole attention to preparing her for this place, and as soon as she is ready you will take her in tow and bring her directly to this bar. I can place her in a snug port and, I trust, take good care of her, as well as our enemies. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain MULLANY, Commanding U. S. S. Bienville. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing the arrival of the U. S. S. Manhattan at Pensacola, towed by the U. S. S. Bienville. No. 286.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 8, 1864. SIR: I am most happy to announce the arrival of the U. S. iron- clad Manhattan, in tow of the Bienville, at Pensacola, but needing some repairs, coal, etc. I hope to announce her arrival at this place soon. If she is what she is represented, we are all right. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, in the matter of a claim for indemnity from a citizen of Donaldsonville. No. 287.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 9, 1864. SIR: The Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, under date of the 18th of May, wrote to the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, enclosing a translation of a communication from Mons. L. de Geofroy regarding one Jean Fortuni Henri Blanchay, who claims $2,769 for the destruction of his property at Donaldsonville, La., when that place was fired by my orders. The papers were referred by the War Department to Major-General Canby, and have since been referred by the military authorities here to me. I have considered it the proper course to write on the subject directly to you, by whom my answer can be com- municated to the Secretary of State. The facts connected with the partial burning of Donaldsonville are clearly set forth in my letter to the Department under date of August 10, 1862, a copy of which is herewith enclosed marked No. 1. I know nothing of the nationality of the individual who has mad Page 367 WEST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 367 his claim for indemnity. I only know that I never found any other than enemies in that neighborhood. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, for acts in the case of the steamer Tennessee, captured at New Orleans, claimed to have belonged to French and English subjects. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 9, 1864. SIR: A communication has been addressed to the Secretary of State by the French legation, and referred to this Department, in relation to the seizure of the steamer Tennessee, when New Orleans was captured. It is claimed that the vessel belonged to French and English subjects and carried the French flag as an indication of the nationality of the majority of her owners that she was waiting at New Orleans the reopening of the port in order to complete the French ownership of her, obtain French papers, and depart for Havre. I enclose herewith a copy of the letter of the secretary of legation on the subject, also of Mr. Sewards letter transmitting it. The Department is not advised of the steps that have been taken toward the condemnation as prize of war, of the vessels seized at New Orleans. It is presumed they are in court, at least they ought to be, so that the legality of the seizure can be passed upon. The Tennessee was appraised at $96,000, according to a report received by the Depart- ment from your squadron. Be pleased to communicate such facts bearing upon the case of the Tennessee as you may possess, to enable the Department to reply to the application for restitution of the vessel to the claimants made through the French legation. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of Navy. Commanding West. Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, urging the need of increase in the personnel of the squadron. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that we are very much in want of engineers, firemen, and coaI heavers in this squadron. The tinclads transferred to me by Admiral Porter I have been obliged to supply entirely from our own resources, which, moreover, are con- stant ly depleted by medical surveys Page 368 368 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I desire also to call the attention of the Department to the necessity of supplying me with more men to fill up the deficiencies resulting from the expiration of terms of service and sickness. If the Department would send me 100 by each store or supply steamer it would not be more than sufficient to make up those deficiencies. There is also need of five or six medical officers. The Seminole is without any, the doctor of the Portsmouth has resigned on account of his health, and one of the surgeons of the hospital at Pensacola navy yard was recently invalided. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farra- gut, U. S. Navy, transmitting letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the sending of two monitors to cooperate in Missis- sippi Sound. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST Mississnri, New Orleans, July 9, 1864. ADMIRAL: I am directed by General Canby, who has just returned safely from his trip to the Gulf, to transmit to you the annexed copy of Admiral Porters letter of the 1st instant, and to say that he will inform you as soon as possible how large a force he will be able to send and how soon it can be sent. I have the honor to be, admiral, your most obedient servant, C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Major, Assistant Adjutant-General. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, off Mobile, Ala. [Enclosure.] MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, July 1, 1864. SIR: Your communication of June 24 in relation to the expediency of sending down the monitors Chickasaw and Winnebago to cooperate in the shallow water of Mississippi Sound, in conjunction with some operations soon to be undertaken by your command, has been received. In reply, I beg leave to inform you that the two above-named vessels have been sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admirat. Major-General K. R. S. CANnY, Comdg. Mil. Div. of West Mississippi, Viclcsburg, Miss Page 369 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 369 Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding pilot for Mobile Bay. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Pensacola, July 17, 1864. Mv DEAR ADMIRAL: As you said you wanted pilots, I have nicked n up one highly recommended by Freeman as knowing every foot of Mobile Bay, and who besides is a pretty good bar pilot. He would, perhaps, do for the Manhattan or Broolclyn. He was in General Asboths employ, who was very loath to part with him. He is entirely without clothes and you will be obliged to order some given him. Yours, very respectfully, P. DRAYTON. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Myer, U. S. Army, regarding introduction by the latter into the Mobile Squadron of his system of signals. U. S. FLAGSHIP H4RTFORD, Mobile, July 11, 1864. SIR: In answer to your communication of the 6th instant in relation to the introduction of your system of signals in to the Mobile fleet, I beg leave to say that I will be very glad with that view to receive on board of this vessel an officer with the necessary number of assistants. An application to Commodore J. S. Palmer at New Orleans will obtain transportation for them to this place, should no more conven- ient means offer. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admi rat. Colonel A. J. MYER, Signal Ojjjicer of the Army, New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Belim, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. (ornubia. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Mobile Bar, July 12, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Galveston, running along the coast, and report to Commander M. B. Woolsey for duty on the coast of Texas. Respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant BEHM, Commanding U. 5. 5. Cornubia. N W NVOL 21 2 Page 370 370 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Capture by the U. S. S. Penobscot of the schooner James Williams, July 12, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of commanding officer. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, July 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose the report of Lieutenant-Com- mander Benham, of the Penobseot, detailing the circumstances of the capture of the schooner James Williams on the. morning of July 12, off Galveston, with an assorted cargo. She was sent to New Orleans for adjudication. Enclosed also is the prize list of the Penobscot. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Benham, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Penobseot. U. S. GUNBOAT PENOBSCOT, Off Galveston, Tex., July 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the schooner James Williams by this vessel. At daylight this morning the schooner James Williams was discovered standing in for the land on the port tack, the wind at the time being S. S. W. and fair for a vessel bound for New Orleans. As soon as she discovered us in chase she tacked and stood offshore. At 7:45 a. m. fired a shot across her bows and she hove to. On boarding her powder was discovered scattered about her decks and on the rail, and as the hatches were off and cargo broached I concluded they had been throwing it overboard. She was under English colors and has an assorted cargo, consisting of medicines, coffee, liquor, bar iron, etc. Her suspicious movements, her position very much out of the course from Tampico to New Orleans, for which port she was cleared, and the nature of her cargo, in my opin- ion justified her seizure as a prize. I shall send her to New Orleans fcr adjudication. The capture was made about 12 miles S. by E. of Galveston Bar. No other vessels were within signal distance at time of capture. Enclosed please find list of officers and crew. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. K. BENIIAM, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 371 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 371 Letter from Colonel Myer, Chief Signal Qfficer, U. S. Army,forwarding reports regarding Confederate forces and defenses. HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE WEST Mississippi, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER New Orleans, La., July 13, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to forward, by direction of the com- manding general, the accompanying reports of information received at this office, with sketches from description. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALBERT J. MYER, Colonel, and Signal Ofticer of the Army. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Gulf Squadron, off Mobile. [Enclosures.] HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF WEST Mississippi, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, New Orleans, La., July 9, 1864. John [S.] Jacobsin, private, Captain [J. M.] Carys company, First Battalion Alabama Artillery, attached to Third Brigade, [Western] Division, General [D. L.] Maury, commanding; battery, consisting of one 24-pound Parrott, one 12-pound Parrott, one 12-pound smoothbore, and one 6-pound Whitworth, is stationed up the beach about one mile and a half from Fort Morgan. Six companies in the battalion; not strong; his was 50. Major [James T.] Gee commands battalion; Lieutenant-Colonel Williams commanding Fort Powell, Twenty-first Alabama; Colonel Anderson in command of Fort Gaines. Two companies Twenty-first at Fort Powell, about 100 strong, and one company of cadets. Eight com- panies of Twenty-first at Fort Gaines, average about 50 each; General [Richard L.] Page commands this brigade. Two companies of Ten- nessee troops, four companies Alabama troops, about 500 strong, at Fort Morgan. General Pages and the battalion headquarters are here. Headquarters of General Maury at Mobile. Strength of garrison in and a out Mobile not over 6,000. No troops arriving or leaving. Wa~ on guard and escaped in a boat to gunboat Port Royal, about the end of June. Two others who escaped were sent to Pensacola. Depot of supplies for troops here is in Mobile; they reach here by Mobile and Ohio railroad. Rations. are corn bread, peas, bacon, and molasses; occasionally a little fresh beef. Depot of ordnance stores in Commerce street, Mobile. Guns and ammunition received from arsenal at Selma. Heavy ordnance, 8 and 10 inch guns, are cast there. News from Richmond reaches Mobile in from two to three days by telegraph. Does not know the condition of the railroads. The line of defense around Mobile extends about 3 ~ miles from the city. Does not know anything about the nature of them or the posi- tion of any of the redoubts, except one on the right of the Government road, 50 yards. Four guns en barhette at Fort Powell. Does not know their caliber; heavier than 32-pounders; can not say whether they were rifled or not. Magazine in center of bombproof; bank 12 feet thick; guns mounted o Page 372 372 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. south front, protected on either side by a thick sod. Bombproof is traversed by two passages connected at right angles in the center. Entrance to bombproof behind each gun; built of 24-inch of pine, cov- ered with 12 feet of sand; about 50 feet square. Four feet from outer slope is the water. A breakwater 4 feet high protects the work from the action of the sea. The fort occupies the whole island. Mens quarters in time of action in the bombproof; when not firing they occupy a building on the wharf; wharf about 80 paces long, running east; 4 or 5 feet of water alongside. Channel runs within 50 yards. Drinking water is brought in ves- sels from eastern shore, and kept in iron tanks and two cisterns; this is spring water. At the time of the bombardment ammunition was sent from Fort Gaines at night. One man was killed and four wounded. Damages repaired by negroes during the night. They draw ratioUs every two months; rations kept under bombproof. During the bombardment they received pure coffee. All the men of the battalion are armed with Springfield muskets. The two Tennessee companies work a water battery of seven guns (7-inch rifles and X-inch smoothbores, at least three of the latter) directly beneath Fort Morgan, commanding the channel. There are 18 guns mounted on the parapet of the fort; two Blakelys, 100-pounders, X-inch, one bearing toward Sand Island and the other due west. The others are 7-inch rifles and X-inch smoothbores. At the light-house is a battery of 8 guns, old 32-pounders, 5 of them rifled and banded. There are 3 other guns in position on the point, of which we could give no information. The line of obstructions extends across Pelican Pass Channel, from shoal water to edge of main channel; from thence three lines of tor- pedoes, about 4 feet under water, extend to within half a mile of Fort Morgan. This end of line is marked by small black buoy. Another line of obstructions just below the batteries near the city, extending from shoal water on west side one mile and a half south of the batteries to shoal water on the east shore; no torpedoes. About the middle of the obstructions an opening 75 to 100 feet is left to allow ships and boats to pass through. Before reaching the obstructions the channel is marked by posts appearing first on the right, then on the left, be- tween which the boats keep. At night lights are kept burning on these posts. He gives the same information concerning gunboats as derived from other sources. The Tennesssee, completed, and the Nashville, build- ing, are the only two formidable boats. He saw the Nashville in the dock. She is a side-wheeler, plated partially with iron taken from the Baltic. The latter is dismantled and put out of commission. Examination made by Captain Frank W. Marston, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. ALBERT J. MYER, Colonel, Signal Qffice, Army. HDQRs. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST Mississirpi, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, New Orleans, July 11, 1864. The extent and direction of the lines of obstructions and torpedoes in and near Mobile Bay are similarly reported upon by Mr. De Grow Page 373 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 3~78 a refugee, and Jacobsin, a deserter; the knowledge of both is from hearsay. In the case of Mr. De Grow, derived in part from instructions given in relation to the schooner Judeon, and in the case of Private Jacob- sin from conversation with a member of the torpedo party stationed at Fort Morgan. The torpedo party consists of seven men. The serv- ice of torpedoes seems to be a distinct branch of the service. The party is located at Fort Morgan. They are supplied with a large and unusually broad launch, or boat, which can be propelled by either oars or sails. The torpedoes are brought empty to Fort Morgan and are there charged. They are stored, prior to being filled, in a wooden building once used as quarters and standing just outside of Fort Morgan. The torpedoes are anchored in different locations, as circumstances from time to time seem to require. One of the torpedo crew informed Jacobsin that after being anchored under water they remained in good order for about six months. Structure .T he torpedo consists of a copper case, made conical and water-tight. This case is, in its long diameter, 2 feet, or perhaps a little more. The diameter of the base is about 18 inches. From the apex of the cone projects a firing rod from 3 to 5 feet in length. This rod is so ad- justed that a vessel or other body pressing against it fires the charge placed within the torpedo. The torpedo, being charged, is anchored with its base downward in the channel to be obstructed, the anchoring rope and the firing rod being made of such length that the top of the latter shall reach nearly to within about 2 feet of the surface of the water. Of the quantity of powder placed within the torpedo the informant had no knowledge. Those seen by him were of the char- acter described. Torpedoes of much greater size are known to have been used in the Mississippi. The informant thinks the torpedo is fired by the action of a spring. It would seem more probable, however, that the firing is caused by the action of chemical compounds set loose and mingled together by motion of the firing rod. Location of obstructions and principal torpedo line at entrance of Mobile Bay.A line of piles driven under water extends from the shoal water near Fort Gaines, across Pelican Pass Channel, and to the edge of the main ship channel. One informant describes this obstruction as five rows of piles driven closely together. The other informant does not know how many are the piles or how closely driven. It is possible the obstructions are of the character of those at one time in the harbor at Norfolk, i. e., groups of piles bound together in fives, the groups being separated by some little distance. In very low tides or when the wind has been blowing strongly from the north some of the piles are visible. From the western edge of the main ship chan- nel, where the fixed obstructions terminate, a torpedo line extends eastward across that channel to a point differently estimated as at 400 yards and as at nearly one-half mile from Fort Morgan. The eastern terminus of this line is described by each informant as marked by a small black buoy Page 374 374 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The torpedoes are said by the informant Jacobsin to be anchored in three lines and in quindunx order. This information was derived by the informant in conversation with one of the torpedo party at Fort Morgan. There are no means of determining its reliability. There are possibly some torpedoes in the vicinity of Fort Powell. The informants have no knowledge or reports of any located at the line of obstructions near the city or at that in the Tensas River. An illustrative sketch from description accompanies this paper. A tracing from description is also given, by which it is attempted to show the position of the guns on the batteries near Fort Morgan as they have been describedby Private Jacobsin. ALBERT J. MYER, Colonel, etc., U. S. Army. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, regarding service for the U. S. S. Estrella. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Mobile, July 14, 1864. SIR: Enclosed is an order to Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, to be delivered to him provided that the Department in its dispatch of June 15, which is in the archives, directed that this officer should go North. Acting Master G. P. Pomeroy I intend to take command of the Estrella for the p resent. I wish her gotten ready for service as soon as possible. I will place her in the sounds, as she draws but 6 or 7 feet water. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain P. DRAYTON, Captain of the Fleet. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Howison, U. S. Navy, to proceed to New Orleans for the inspection of monitors. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile Bar, July 14, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to New Orleans in the Cowslip and report to Commodore Palmer for the duty of inspecting the monitors and inform- ing him what, in your opinion, is required in order to be used in this squadron, as you have had considerable experience in ironclads. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant H. [L.] HowIsoN, U. S. Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, urging the need of coaL No. 302.] U. S. S. TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 15, P864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the draft of men, 230 in number, by the Admiral. This will ma e us comforti~b1 Page 375 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 375 for a short time, but the expiration of service and the medical surveys take men North very rapidly. My great apprehension now is the want of coal. I have been writing to Commodore Adams for some time urging a supply, and to-day I received a letter informing me that there are only two or three hundred tons at Pensacola. Will the Department please urge it forward? I am getting ready for coining events. The two monitors in New Orleans are preparing to come round here. They were intended for the river service and require some securities against the sea breaking over their hatches. General Canby informed me that he thought he could furnish a sufficient force in the rear of the forts to cut off the enemys commu- nications. The Manhattan took fire in the engineers storeroom on the night of the 10th, but it was extinguished in a few hours, and the damage amounts to very little. She will be ready for service by the 19th or 20th. I enclose, marked Nos. 1 and 2, the report of Commander Nicholson and of the board of survey. I have ordered a court of enquiry to investigate the matter. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGIJT. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding marines for the squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 16, 1864. SIR: Yours of the 20th ultimo, No. 255, has been received. The marines and music required by you will be furnished as soon as practicable. Owing to the requirements for marines, they are not assigned to vessels commanded by lieutenant-commanders. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Stations of vessels composing the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, July 15, 1864. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following disposition of the ves- sels of this squadron on the 15th instant: East Pass, steamer Bloomer and sailing vessel Charlotte. coaling and repairing, steamers Hartford KennelTec, Owasco, Pembina, Port Royal, Seminole, Bien: rille, Manhattan, and sailing vessels Potomac, Arthur, W. G. Ander- son, [J. C.] Kuhn, Kittatinny, M. A. Wood, and Bohio Page 376 376 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Off Mobile, Galena, Genesee, Itasca, Lackawanna, Metacomet, Monongahela, Oneida, Ossi pee, Pinola, Richmond, Brooklyn, Sebago, Tennessee, and Phi lipp~. In Mississippi Sound, Conemaugh, Cowslip, Buckthorn, Narcissus, and tinclad Elk. At Ship Island, Vincennes. In Lake Pontchartrain, steamers Commodore, Stockdale (tinclad), and yacht Corypheus. At New Orleans, Antona, J. P. Jackson, Octorara, Virginia, Meteor (tinclad), Rodolph (tinclad), Tallahatchie (tinclad), ~nd sailing ves- sels Portsmouth and Fearnot. At South West Pass, sailing vessel Pam p ero. In Berwick Bay, Carrabasset, Glide an Nyanza (tinclads). Off Calcasieu, Caynga and New London. Off Sabine Pass, Pocahontas and Arizona. Off Galveston, Princess Royal, Penobscot, Gertrude, Chocura, Kana- wha, Katahdin, Aroostook, K~neo, and Cornubia. Off San Luis Pass, Penguin. Pass Cavallo, Sciota. The Arkansas and A. Dinsmore have been used as supply vessels between New Orleans and Texas, the Ida and Hollyhock as tugs in the Mississippi, and the Glasgow and Jasmine as mail and dispatch boats between Pensacola and New Orleans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the retention of Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, for service on a Mis- sissippi monitor. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bar, July 16, 1864. SIR: Deeming the services of Lieutenant-Commander George H. Perkins of more value to the Government just now out here than they would be at the North, I will retain him a short time for duty on one of the Mississippi monitors, which have no officers. 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. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding the anticipated attack at Mobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 16, 1864. Mv DEAR ADMIRAL: Things a p pear to be looking better. There are some monitors getting down this way,b ut when they will be read Page 377 WEST GOLF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 377 for their work I can not say, as I have not yet seen them, but as soon as they are, and all things are ready in the army, we will take a look at Buchanan. Now is his time; the sea is as calm as possible and everything propitious for his ironclads to attack us; still he remains behind the fort, and I suppose it will be the old story over again. If he wont visit me, I will have to visit him. I am all ready so soon as soldiers arrive to stop up the back door of each fort. I can form no idea when we will make the attack, and will find it difficult to let you know so as not to take you from your station at such an important time while you have the force, etc. I hope you continue to enjoy good health. I see some of your vessels have suffered severely. The capture of the Alabama is glorious news. The Hatteras would have taken her but for that unfortunate shot in the boiler. She was a mere iron shell, but she struck the Alabama two shots to one. I only wish Winslow had bagged that looker on, Mr. Deerhound. Very truly, your friend, D. G. FAREAGUT. Rear-Admiral T. BAILEY, Commanding East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding the purchase of a tug. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Mobile, July 18, 1864. COMMODORE: Have the steamer that Mr. Shock and Mr. Stimson think worth the money they ask for her properly examined, and send me her draft of water and her name, etc. The Ida, Narcissus, and others, which do very well as tugs, did not cost half as much as any one of those steamers. They may not be as large, but are quite as useful. She may serve your purpose in the river, but I apprehend that all of them draw too much water for the shoal navigation on this coast, and they are good for nothing as vessels of war. Still, if you need a tug very much, I will purchase her. The Admiral will stop at New Orleans on her way back from Texas for sick and for men whose times have expired on or before June. Send in her the prisoner William Smith, of the Corypheus, lately tried by court-martial and sentenced to ten years imprisonment, etc. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore J. S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Engineer Shock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters pertaining to the depart- ment of the latter. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 18, 1864. Sm: We received by the supply steamer Admiral some tubes and boiler iron for your use at New Orleans, but Mr. Williamson though Page 378 378 WEST GULF I3L0CKADING SQUADEON. it better to land them at Pensacola, as the Admiral was going down the coast of Texas and we can send you what you wish by the Glas- gow. I thInk some were left on board and will be landed when she arrives at New Orleans on her way back from Texas. Your whole energies should be given to the monitors. The weather is so line that I think they will come round very easily, and I have a good harbor for them here. I do not find that my work at the navy yard, Pensacola, has pro- gressed as I expected since I left there. I dont know why. My steam hammer is very much wanted. It is my ironwork that is behind-hand. I am much gratified that Mr. Eads succeeded in getting the moni- tors sent down to me. No doubt they will do good work. I shall want you here so soon as active operations commence. Their machin- ery is so complicated that it will require some one to be on hand who understands it if anything should get out of order. Send round the scrap iron, etc., which you have ready for Pensacola by the Tennessee. Let the patterns purchased with the tools at Car- rollton be sold by Paymaster Cook. Your orders as fleet engineer to report, etc., have been received. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Fleet Engineer W. H. SHOCK, New Orleans. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U.S.Navy, giving plan of attack upon Confederate defenses in Mobile Bay. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Mobile Bar, July 18, 1864. COMMODORE: I send by the Glasgow Lieutenant-Commander Per- kins and for the monitors. I have detained Lieutenant- Commander Perkins for this work. [N. M.] Dyer also volunteered to go anywhere rather than go home at this juncture. I think they will make them efficient, and if it does not I will put others in them here. I expect the Manhattan to arrive to-day. Please express my thanks to General Canby or the officer to whom I am indebted for the ammu- nition. It puts me all right on that point. Coal is the only fear I have, and as the breeze was fine yesterday I am in hopes that some will arrive. I will assign [Acting] Assistant Paymaster Wheeler to the ironclads. I do not see how I could let you come around, as the rebels say Canby will [have] as much as he can do to hold his own, etc., so that I fear to take you away from New Orleans; but if I can, I will. I propose to go in according to programmefourteen vessels, two and two, as at Port Hudson; low steam; flood tide in the mornin~ with a light southwest wind; ironclads on the eastern side, to attac the Tennessee, and gunboats to attack rebel gunboats as soon as past the forts. Ships run up into deep water, seven vessels outside to assist the Army in landing on the beach and to flank the enemy; five or six in the [Mississippi] Sound to assist the Army to land on Dauphin Island. The signal to land will be the signal to form line, third order of steam- ing, and run in Page 379 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 379 Let me know when the monitors will be ready and I will send the Tennessee and Bierwille or some other vessel around to tow them. I may send them sooner. I wish you to send Mr. Stowell around here in the Tennessee. Very respectfully, - D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore JAS. S. PALMER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. First Div. West Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron, New Orlean3, La. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenint-Com- mander Perkins, U. S. Navy, to assume command of ironclad at New Orleane. U. S. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 18, 1864. SIR: You will proceed in the Glasgow to New Orleans and report to Commodore J. S. Palmer for the command of one of the ironclads now repairing there. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Lieutenant..Commander GEORGE H. PERKINS, Rear-Admiral. Off Mobile. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Far- ragut, U. S. Navy. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI New Orleans, La., July 18, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to state that in consequence of the changes resulting from the transfer of troops to the Army of the Poto- mac, there will be more delay in collecting the force to be sent to ., ou than I expected when I saw you. They will be ready, I think, -U. before repairs to the monitors now here are completed. I design send- ing about 4,000 men. I send over to-day Colonel Myer and Captain McAlester for the purpose of conferring in relation to some of the details. Will you do me the favor to give them any facilities and fur- nish them with any information that may be necessary? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. R. S. CANBY, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Major-General, Commanding. Comdg. Western Gulf BlIcdg. Squadron, off Mobile, Ala Page 380 380 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibs(m, U. S. Navy, regarding blockade runners. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 19, 1864. Snv You will send here in the ships as they come out the blockade runners referred to in your letter of the 17th, and I will have them sent to New Orleans. Very respectfully, D. G. - FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. GIBSON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Pensacola, urging forward the repairs to vessels. FLAGSHIP TENNESSEE, Off Mobile, July 19, 1864. COMMODORE: When will the Narcissus be ready for service? I am very much in want of her. I also wish the Loyall as soon as her condenser is finished, to attend upon the ironclads. I am anxious to have the cutter for the Hartfords cutwater finished as soon as possible. These are the articles I need most, and wish to have hurried up. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGIJT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. SMITH, Commandant Pensacola Navy Yard. [Telegram.] IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, July ~?O, 1864. Your telegram of the 7th has been received. You have already been advised that the force intended for the operation against Mobile have been sent to the Army of the Potomac. I am now preparing a smaller force to act in cooperation with the Navy in an attack which Admiral Farragut ~il! make in that harbor. This force will be ready in six days, and, although much smaller than was contemplated origi- nally, will no doubt have a good effect. General Asboth, at Pensacola, has been advised of General Rousseaus expedition, and will be pre- pared for it. * * * The diversion of so large a force from this command will limit our movements very materially, but I will do what- ever I can to facilitate yours. ED. R. S. CANBY, Major-General, Commanding. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi Page 381 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 381 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, approvin the isposition of cotton and other merchandise picked up at sea. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1864. Sm: I have received your dispatch of the 29th ultimo, No 268, enclosing a copy of a general order is sued by you as to the disposition of cotton and other merchandise picked up at sea. The Department approves of the order as far as it relates to cotton or other merchandise thrown overboard or lost from vessels at sea. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. (Jomdg. Western Gulf Blkdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding proceedings of a court of enquiry regarding ftre on the U. S. S. Manhattan. No. 314.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 21, 1864. SIR: I forward herewith the proceedings of the court of enquiry which I had ordered to ascertain the cause of the fire on the ironclad Manhattan. The opinion expressed is that it was the result of spon- taneous combustion. She caught fire a second time a few days ago in consequence of her galley pipe being too near the deck beams, but the damage was trifling and the evil has been remedied. She arrived off this anchorage yesterday afternoon in tow of the Bienville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, [D. C.]. The two ironclads at New Orleans, I expect, will be ready in a week. Instructions from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Newman, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of blockade runner ashore near Fort Morgan. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, July 22, 1864. Directions for destroying the blockade runner now on shore near Fort Morgan: Send in your small boats and sound and ascertain if there are any persons on board of her. If there are persons on board, range up as close as you can with safety and fire into her with all your battery on that side, then take a hawser to the vessel and make it fast to the haw- ser on her port quarter at the waters edge, cut it (the steamers ha Page 382 382 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ser) below your own, and heave away on board the gunboats and try to get her off. If you do not start her, then fire two broadsides into her and then send a boat with a boarding gang to destroy her with fire, but if you are opposed by force, then run round in a circle, firing in broadside until you are satisfied she is destroyed. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander L. H. NEWMAN U. S. S. Pembina, Senior Qfficer. Capture by a party from the U. S. S. Oneida of a Confederate picket guard in the vicinity of Fort Morgan, July 22, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports. No. 334.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, August 4, 1864. SIR: I beg to bring to the attention of the Department the gallantry of a little party landed from the Oneida, while on picket duty off the peninsula, about 5 miles from Fort Morgan, on the night of the 22d ultimo. Lieutenant Cotton and Acting Ensign John L. Hall were landed to lie in ambush for the picket guard (which Commander T. H. Stevens, of the Oneida, had seen pass up an down the beach frequently during his tour of duty in that locility), and if sufficiently strong, to attack and capture them, and the ship would send to their assistance. They had not been in ambush more than an hour before a horseman came along. The party rushed out and captured him, and they then com- pelled him to lead them to his picket. Mr. Hall took charge of the party and followed on for 3 or 4 miles, surprised and captured a lieu- tenant and 4 soldiers. Although the act was somewhat imprudent, it was nevertheless a bold one, and as he succeeded I think Mr. Hall fairly entitled to the favorable consideration of the Department, and I most respectfully recommend him for promotion to the grade of act- ing master. Enclosed, marked Nos. 1 and 2, are the reports of Commander Stevens and Lieutenant Cotton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Stevens, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Oneida. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Pensacola, July 23, 1864. SIR: The time being propitious I landed a art of 10 men from this vessel nearly abreast of our picket station ort epurposeofea Page 383 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 383 turing the cavalry patrol of the enemy, which for several nights we had observed from the vessel passing up and down the beach. The party was in charge of Lieutenant C. S. Cotton, of this vessel, and Acting Ensign J. L. Hall. The instructions were to land and secrete themselves in the woods, sending the boat back to the Oneida. The expedition resulted in the capture of the entire picket cavalry camp of the enemy, who were established some 4 miles to the east- ward of our position, with the exception of one man, who escaped. A lieutenant and 4 privates belonging to the Seventh Alabama Cav- alry, with their arms, horses, and accouterments, were taken. Subse- quently the horses were released. The prisoners I have to-day deliv- ered, according to your instructions, to the provost-marshal of this place. In connection with the execution of this affair I desire to bring to your notice the good conduct of both men and officers. Lieutenant Cotton speaks in warm terms of the gallantry and judgment displayed by Acting Ensign Hall upon the occasion. Enclosed please receive report of Lieutenant Cotton. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, T. H. STEVENS, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Cotton, U. S. Navy, in charge of expedition. U. S. S. ONEIDA, Qif Pensacota, July 23, 1864. Sia In obedience to your order, I landed, with Acting Ensign John L. Hall and 10 men of this ship, a short distance to the east- ward or the ships position on the night of the 22d instant. We secreted ourselves in a commanding position a short distance from the beach, and after having laid in ambush about one hour were rewarded by the capture of a patrol coming from the westward, arms, horse, and accouterments. From information gained from the pris- oner I deemed it proper and expediQut to detach a party of men under Mr. Hall to surprise and capture the patrol camp, situated some 3 miles to the eastward, and accordingly did so, sending the prisoner as guide. I remained with the balance and a smaller portion of the party to watch the movements of the patrols a short distance to the westward, and if possible to capture them. About 2a.m. Mr. Hall and men returned,having been rewarded by the capture of a lieutenant and 3 privates, arms, horses, accouter- ments, camp equipages, etc At 2:30 a. m. I returned to the ship with the party, prisoners, arms, and ammunition. It gives me very great pleasure to recommend to your notice the creditable and gallant manner in which Mr. Hall exe- cuted his duty and also the commendable conduct of the men. The results of the expedition werecaptured, 1 lieutenant and 4 privates of the Seventh Alabama Cavalry, arms and ammunition; 5 horses, with their equipments complete, and all the camp equipage and stores Page 384 384 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The sentry who was on post at the time Mr. Hall made his descent on the camp made his escape in the woods and gave the information of our presence to the enemy. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. S. COTTZN, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Commander Tilos. H. STEVENS, Commanding U. S. S. Oneida, Mobile Blockade. Or& r of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander de Krafft, U. S. Navy, regarding movements of coal vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, July 23, 1864. Sin: If the Bohio is not emptied of coal, have it done immediately and send her out at latest to-morrow, with orders to go to Pensacola; fill up again, and return to Petit Bois [Island] Pass, when you will be ready to tow her in. All dispatch should be used, as she will be much needed. I enclose orders for the Elk and Stockdale. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander J. C. P. DE KRAFFT, Commanding U. S. S. Conemaugh, Mississippi Sound. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Pome- roy, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command~ FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, July 23, 1864. Sin: On the arrival of the supply steamer Admiral at Pensacola, when Lieutenant-Commander Cooke will be detached from the U. S. S. Estrella, you will relieve him in the command of that vessel. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Master G. P. POMEROY, U. S. S. Estrella, Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu tenant Kirby, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Elk. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, July 23, 1864. Sin: You will proceed with the Etk under your command into Lake Pontchartrain and deliver the enclosed order immediately to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Edwards, of the Stockdale. After arrival a Page 385 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON 385 Lakeport you will report to Commodore Palmer for such repairs as your vessel may require. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant N. KIRBY, Commanding U. S. S. Elk, Mississippi Sound. Order of Rear-Admirat Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Edwards, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Stoclcdale. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 23, 1864. SIR: On the receipt of this order you will proceed at once with the Stockdale under your command into Mississippi Sound and report to the senior officer off Petit Bois [Island] Pass. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. EDWARDS, Rear-Admiral. U. S. S. Stockdale, Lake Pontchartrain. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greene, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Vincennes. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 23, 1864. SIR: So soon as the army forces appear in the sound you will put the Vincenri.es in charge of your executive officer and report to Lieu- tenant-Commander de Krafft, of the Conemaugh, to assist in the land- ing of the army. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Lieutenant-Commander C. H. GREENE, Rear-Admiral. Commanding Vincennes, off Ship Island. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 25, 1864. SIR: It is desirable, owing to the scarcity of officers, that no vessel commanded by a lieutenant-commander should have a lieutenant of the regular service as executive officer, except ironclads. In carrying out this rule, should there be an overplus of this grade you will send them North for other service. V3ry respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. N W RYOL 212 Page 386 386 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, regarding cooperative movement against Mobile. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 25, 1864. GENERAL: As the winds give some evidence in the last three days of an early fall, time is very precious with us, and I can not urge too strongly upon you the necessity of bringing all your forces up into Mississippi Sound and landing a force first in the rear of Fort Gaines. The menace is good, for they are now transporting everything over to Morgan from Gaines and doing everything they can to increase the strength of Morgan. But my reason is stronger than that. Gaines must fall to make my communication good. if I get inside, I think a small force will only be necessarysay, 1,000 men. When I once get inside I can approach within three-fourths of a mile, with the vessels, of Gaines, and as close as I please with the New Orleans monitors. I can give your forces perfect protection on Dauphin Island with the gunboats and they can be supplied with everything by the steamers with great ease. For the last three days it has been raining outside. I sent a small party on shore the other night and captured one of their pickets near the place we supposed you would land, in the rear of Fort or an. Captain Stevens reports that the landing was very good. We took the lieutenant and 4 men, horses, arms, etc., but unfortu- nately they let the horses go instead of killing them. I fear Asboth will meet with defeat for want of horses and by having traitors in his niidst, as we all have. We took 4 prisoners who arrived yesterday at Bar- rancas, and they state that the rebels knew all about his expedition before it left and sent to Mobile for troops,, which were sent to Pollard to meet him. I do not believe that any intention of attack is men- tioned in one of our departments that is not communicated indirectly to the rebels. I send you a Mobile paper of the 11th, speaking of you and myself, etc., as to our intentions and how you will be prevented. But, general, do not send the vessels out of the sound until the weather is propitious, and let a force be landed on Dauphin Island in the rear of Gaines. There is fresh water to be had by digging 4 or 5 feet any- where on the island or on peninsula in the rear of Morgan. There are also the fresh-water ponds on the latter, about 5 miles from the fort. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General CANBY, Commanding Department of the Culj. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Seaver, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Philippi, to proceed on special duty to the mouth of the Mississippi River. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 26, 1864. SIR: Proceed to the mouths of the Mississippi, where it is understood that some of the enemys armed launches have lately appeared. Try and find out their whereabouts and destroy them, or at least protect, as far as possible, Pilot Town and the shipping in that neighborhoo Page 387 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 387 on the arrival of other vessels; or should you have reason to suppose that the alarm is a false one, return here at once. Telegraph to Commodore Palmer on your arrival, and also when you are about returning, in obedience to this order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master J. T. SEAvER U. S. S. Philippi, off Mobile. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing his readiness for the attack upon Mobile. No. 320.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 26, 1864. SIR: By the timely arrival of the coal ship New England I have been able to fill up the vessels of the blockade, and am all prepared for the attack the moment the two monitors arrive from New Orleans, which Commodore Palmer writes me will be about 29th or 30th. The Manhattan is under Sand Island with vessels to look out for her, and the moment the other two and the army arrive I will commence. My great wants will be coal, and also ice for the sick and wounded. I think we have every arrangement made for the latter. The fleet surgeon has been untiring in getting things prepared at Pensacola, and the army and sanitary commission have been very accommodating to us. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Bloclcadirtq Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, in the matter of claims for indemnity for the capture of the Confederate steamer Tennessee at New Orleans. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile, July26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the Departments dispatch with enclosure referring to the steamer Tennessee, captured at the time of the taking of New Orleans. I have simply to state that the Tennessee, with other vessels cap- tured at the same time, are before the court at New Orleans for adjudication. I may add, however, that the Tennessee was a notorious blockade runner, and there is every reason to believe that any transfer of her, if made at all, was fraudulent. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy Page 388 388 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army ,to Rear-Admiral Farra- gut, U. S. Navy, regarding troops for attack on defenses of Mobile. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MississiPPi, New Orleans, La., July 26, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of yesterday. The troops will be ready to leave here at the same time the monitors do, and I will send them on seagoing ves- sels, so as to conceal the destination as much as possible. I will send about 2,000 men, which will be sufficient to secure the occupation of Dauphin Island, and by the time that you are ready I will be able to send an additional force for operations about Fort Morgan. I see by the papers you send me that they are making every exertion in Mobile to be prepared for you and are trying to scare us off by demonstrations against our lines. Kirby Smith has been moving a large force down the Red River, I think with a view of crossing the Mississippi. He may, however, attempt to cross the Atchafalaya at Morgans Ferry or Rose la Butte, at both of which places some demonstrations have been made within a few days. I am looking every day for about 3,000 troops from the coast of Texas, which will enable me to increase the force with you, if it should be necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. R. S. CANBY, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Mobile, Ala. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander de Krafft, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conemaugh, to cover the landing of troops on Dauphin Island. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, July 27, 1864. SIR: Major-General Granger proposes landing a body of troops on Dauphin Island within the next two days. You will render him every assistance in your power. Arrange your vessels to the best advantage for covering the landing and collect all the boats that you can, so as to enable as large a body of men as possible to be landed at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. C. P. DE KRAFFT, U. S. S. Conemaugh, Mississippi Sound. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, to send the U. S. ship Bohio to Petit Bois Island Pass. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile, July 28, 1864. SIR: Detail a master or ensign to take the Bohio to Petit Bois [Island] Pass, where she must anchor and make signal for a towboat. The officer on her arrival there can return to his vessel Page 389 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 389 Should you have none to spare yourself, show this to the senior officer in port, and tell him that it is my order that he supply a compe- tent person. The Bohio must get off at once and stay in the sound above the pass. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. GIBSON, U. S. Ship Potomac, Pensacola. Order of Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding buoys. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile, July 28, 1864. SIR We require three spar buoys, with the proper sinkers and chains for about 3 fathoms of water; also six smaller ones for inside of Pelican Pass [Channel] toward the piles. A few grate bars bound together with twisted iron, the end to form a loop for the buoy rope, might also prove very useful for trial buoys. The admiral desires that you say to Commodore Smith, it is his desire that you be supplied with material and workmen for the above purposes. There might be sent round by the Bohio a channel buoy for Horn Island Pass, where one is much required, in view of the coming army operations in this direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. DRAYTON, Fleet Captain. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U., S. S. Richmond, off Mobile. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Perkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chicicasaw, regarding the imperfect steering gear of that vessel. U. S. IRONCLAD CHICKASAW, Mississippi River, July 29, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully report the steering gear of this vessel unsafe and unapplicable. I have been compelled to anchor in conse- quence of the wheel ropes stretching and allowing the propeller to strike the rudder. The whole steering gear, in my opinion, is wrong. I will remedy the evil, as far as possible, in an hour or two and proceed to my desti- nation. I learn from the officers that the same accident happened twice before on her way down the river. May I beg that you will forward the spare wheel ropes as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient ser.vant, G. H. PERKINS, Lieutenant- Commander. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans, La Page 390 3~0 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tecumseh, of arrival in Pensacola Bay with the U. S. vessels Augusta and Eutaw. U. S. IRONCLAD TECUMSEH, Pensacola Bay, July 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that the injuries to the engines of this ship, referred to in my letter No. 37, from Port Royal, detained me at that place six days. Second Assistant Engineer Lane was, at my request, transferred by Admiral Dahlgren, and a good officer put in his place. The engines of the Augusta, in bad order from the start, exhibited so much weakness by the time Preached Port Royal I decided to bring the Eutaw on, in company, desiring to insure the utmost dispatch. I also had doubts of finding coal at the Tortugas, in which event I would be prepared to transfer all remaining coal to the best vessel and leave the other at those islands. At Cape Florida, the Augusta being nearly disabled, I transferred tow line to the Eutaw, and got along faster, the Augusta slowly fol- lowing. Through the courtesy of Colonel Hamilton, commanding at Fort Jefferson, I procured coal there, and pushed on for this place, reaching here on the 28th; both the Eutaw and the Augusta being badly crip- pled by the service. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, T. AUGS. CRAVEN, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, regarding embarkation of troops for Mobile. HDQR5. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST Miss., New Orleans, July 29, 1864. ADMIRAL: General Granger, with 1,500 infantry, two light and two heavy batteries, and a battalion of engineer troops, in all 2,400 men, is embarking to-day. We have much difficulty about transportation. Two of the steamers intended for the expedition have broken down, and I have been obliged to substitute a heavy seagoing steamer, which will involve the trouble and delay of lightering. The rebels appear to be concentrating in considerable force on the west bank of the Atcha- falaya. Their object is not yet developed. No troops have yet arrived from Texas; but I am looking for them daily. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. R. S. CANBY Major-General. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, off Mobile, Ala Page 391 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 391 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of Com- mander Craven, U. S. Navy, at Pensacola. No. 328.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival at Pensacola on the 28th instant, with the Eutaw and the Augusta, of the ironclad Tecumseh, Commander T. A. M. Craven, who reports that he will be ready in a few days. Very respectfully, your ebedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Stecretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Pensacola, urging the completion of lighter for the transportation of guns. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Qif Mobile, July 30, 1864. COMMODORE: I wish you would hurry up the lighter I directed to be built for the yard. I want it for landing guns. I also want the heavy guns that were sent to General Asboth, viz., two 150-pounders and four 30-pounders, ready to be sent round as soon as the lighter is fin- ished. They might be on the wharf, ready to be put on board of one of the vessels of the squadron and sent out the moment we are ready for them, which I hope will be in three or four days at farthest. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore WM. SMITH, Commandant Navy Yard, Pensacola. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, announcing his readiness for action upon arrival of the monitors from New Orleans. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, July 30, 1864. COMMODORE: I am delighted to learn that the monitors have left New Orleans. I have the other in a snug harbor inside the Light- House Island. She went in this morning very handsomely, so that my fears are quieted. The Tecumseh has also arrived in Pensacola and will be ready by Monday for service. I am all ready so soon as the monitors arrive from New Orleans. I can not give Captain Sartori the command of a gunboat; she is the command of a lieutenant-commander, and Greene wants her, and, as I told Gibson, there must be some officers left in the ports to protect the public interests and property Page 392 592 WEST GUlF BLOCI~ADING SQUADRON. We want vessels that can run in 3 or 4 feet water, and I have none to send against the launches; but, if I am successful here, I will give those pirates my attention, and give you anything I can to prGtect New Orleans, but Porter must have boats in the river to look after the Texans at Morganza. If they are looked after properly, they can not cross the river. If I can get Fort Gaines, I can keep up this blockade inside instead of outside. I wish you would make some arrangement by which we can get some soft coal from the army at Lakep~rt for the monitors. You can hire a vessel and send it down to me at Sand Island, which I shall make my depot so soon as I get the army to put a battery on it. General Canby told me he would do it, and now that we have~ the monitors, it can be done with perfect safety. You can pay half the amount for the guns and other articles depos- ited by Lamberton, if you can satisfy yourself that he is the proper person to whom it is due; but bear in mind that if we pay the wrong person we must, in the end, pay the right person should he appear hereafter. Appoint a board to decide the amount due for the rent of the Read- ing Press. Mr. Dunn wishes to be excused from the board as he is the treasurer of the Navy. Very respectfully and truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Commanding First Division, New Orleans. Report of Rear-Admiral Dahigren, U. S. Navy, of the arrival in Port Royal Harbor of U. S. tugs en route to West Gulf Squadron. No. 360.] FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, July 80, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to inform the Department that the tugs Rose, Pink, Althea, and Tritonia arrived in this harbor on yesterday, having put in for coal. Having completed this, they will leave for the Gulf Squadron and report to Admiral Farragut, as directed by the Department. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding prizes adjudi- cated at New Orleans. No. 327.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, OIL Mobile, July 30, 1864. SIR: The following vessels, viz., schooners Rambler, Rita, Union, Wilder, Reindeer, Montebello, Tampico, and Nymph, and the cargoes o Page 393 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 398 the Rambler, Tampico, Nymph, and Rita, were sold at New Orleans in 1863 for $54,108.71, which is the amount received by Fleet Paymaster Dunn from the Government and by him placed in the hands of the United States district court at New Orleans, to be distributed when- ever the said vessels and cargoes have been properly adjudicated. The captures of these vessels must have been duly reported to the Department, and are now on its files. I have no record of them. May I ask the Department to furnish me with copies of these reports, in order that all information may be given the court for the condemna- tion of these vessels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Major-General Granger, U. S. Army, regarding proposed cooperative movement against the defenses of Mobile. HDQRS. MILITARY DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, La., July 31, 1864. GENERAL: The force under your command is not in number or appointments as large or as complete as I designed to send, but I can not increase it until after the troops from Texas or from points above come within reach. The present object is simply that of cooperating with the Navy in the operations about to be undertaken by Admiral Parrag~t against the rebel works in Mobile Bay. Should these oper- ations open the way for more extensive ones, or call for a larger force, I will add to it as far as I have the means of doing. I do not give you any special instructions, as I know you will make the best possible application of the means under your control. Keep me advised as constantly as possible of your operations, and of whatever you may require to increase the efficiency of your com- mand, and give proper results to the work before it. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, E. R. S. CANBY, Major-General GORDON GRANGER, Major-General, Commanding. U. S. Volunteers. Order of Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the forwarding of shells from Pensacola. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, July 31, 1864. SIR: The admiral desires that you bring out in your vessel a few XV- inch shells, and that you direct all of the vessels to do the same. You might, perhaps, find place below for twenty, and the other vessels a lesser number; if the smaller ones managed to stow away in a saf Page 394 3~4 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. place only three or four, it would be something. The monitors are able to carry a very few, and it is of great importance that there should be more withintheir reach after we get inside. I send in the Philippi to coal and bring out some ammunition that is needed for the Octorara. We have got the Manhattan now inside of Sand Island as snug as possible. Send out all the coal bags that can be got filled with coal, to put on board of the two monitors; when emptied, they can be filled with sand for the use of the vessel. We must try and have the monitors full before starting. The light ones have left New Orleans, and we are looking for them hourly. Thank heaven we can put them at once into a good harbor. The army is supposed to have also left, but we are not certain, as its leaders are very mum, and one must be secesh, I suppose, to pene- trate their secrets. Yours, very truly, ~. DRAyTON, Fleet Captain. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond, Pensacola. Send for the commanding officer of the Kuhn and see whether that vessel is ready for coming out here. Also get off the Bohio. You had better make whichever vessel is about leaving give her a tow. [Telegram.] NAvY DEPARTMENT, August 1, 1864. SIR: Order the mortar schooners 0. H. Lee and John Gr~ffith to pro- ceed to the Gulf and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral S. H. STRINGHAM, Commandant Navy Yard, Boston. Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, refermng to the preparation of the U. S. S. Tecumseh. U. S. FLAGShIP HARTFORD, August 1, 1864. Mv DEAR JENKINS: I am sorry to find that there is no reform in the navy yard, but it is now so little to be hoped for that it is scarcely worth while worrying oneself about it. I dont see that you are particularly wanted until the Tecumseh comes out; so fill up and get ready for work. The weather is execrable here, and were it not for the inside harbor our monitors would come to grief. The Winnebago arrived safely there yesterday, and the other is in the Sound Page 395 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 395 Give Gibson orders if Starrett wants assistance to get the ordnance vessel ready; he must let him have it from the Potomac. Yours, truly, P. DRAYTON. Captain T. A. JENKINs, U. S. S. Richmond. P. S.The admiral talks as usual as if he were going in in the morn- ing, but he cant go against fate, which is here represented by the army and the ironclads. I think, myself, it would not be a bad thing to get also an idea of the obstructions, which, so far, on account of the weather, it has been impossible to manage, for it is evidently on them, not on the guns, the enemy depends for safety. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Pensacola, regarding preparations for attack upon defenses of Mobile. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, August 1, 1864. COMMODORE: I have given those letters to Fleet Engineer Shock and Mr. Starrett, the ordnance officer, for fear that it might not be practicable to give them in the hour of need, and I trust that you will do all in your power to carry out my views, as well as orders for the speedy repairs, if any such should be needed. The enemy is as active as possible; he knows the preparations we are making, for it was announced in the Mobile papers on the 11th that I would attempt to do something against Mobile. I have got the two monitors Manhattan and Winnebago inside very snugly; the Chickasaw is still in the [Mississippi] Sound, at Petit Bois [Island] Pass, and will come out so soon as the weather is milder. The Winnebago came down by herself, and performed very well. It was quite rough, but she was not at all inconvenienced by it. I fear my greatest regret will be not having my rope cutter for this ships bow, as they appear to be putting down ropes to catch our propellers. So please hurry up all you can. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. SMITH, Commandant Navy Yard, Pensacola. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the morvitors. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile, August 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: We have the Winnebago and Manhattan very snug inside of Sand Island. The Winnebago behaved beautifully yesterday, ran down by herself, dispensing with the tow of the Cows lip, and Freeman took her in Pelican Pass. The Chickasaw is at Petit Bois, and will come out so soon as the weather permits. I shall only wait for th Page 396 396 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Tecumseh, and you must all be here by the time she is. I believe she has been long enough in commission to have her guns well exercised, and that is the difficulty with the others, but I will send Commander Stevens on one, and the others know the ropes and the guns also. I have sent Starrett to get all the ammunition ready to bring out to us as soon as we commence operations. The coal vessels are here, and tell the commodore I will have her sent back so soon as she is empty. Very respectfully and truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Captain T. A. JENKINS, Senior Officer, Pensacola. Letter from Brigadier-General Asboth, U. S. Army, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the collection of empty grain bags. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, August 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: My quartermaster is collecting all the empty grain bags from the different regiments, and I will send them to you as soon as collected. I shall always consider it my pleasant duty to do anything in my power to assist the Navy, and especially you, from whom II have received so many favors. Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Richmond, Senior Officer Afloat, Present. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Stevens, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, August 2, 1864. SIR: You are hereby temporarily detached from the U. S. S. Oneida, and will take command of the ironclad Winnebago. Commander J. R. M. Mullany will relieve you in the Oneida. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander T. H. STEVENS, U. S. S. Oneida, off Mobile. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Shankland, U. S. Navy, giving reasons for relieving him of the command of the U. S. S. Chicicasaw. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Off Mobile, August 2, 1864. SIR: I have temporarily relieved you in the command of the moni- tor Chickasaw by ordering an officer of great experience in that clas Page 396A UNITED STATES STEAMER HARTFORD Page 396B Page 397 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 397 of vessel, lit is from no fault I have to find with you, because all your commanding officers have spoken well of you, but because the risk of the Government in this action will be great and demands of me to use the best experience and ability within my~ reach. You will take part in it, and I trust will lose nothing by this temporary change, and be restored as soon as possible. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WM. F. SHANKLAND, Commanding Chicicasaw. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Mullany, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile, August 2, 1864. SIR: You are temporarily detached from the U. S. S. Bienville, and will take command of the U. S. S. Oneida, leaving the Bienville for the present in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Howison, her executive officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Pear-Admiral. Commander J. R. M. MULLANY, U. S. S. Bienville, off Mobile. Operations in Mobile Bay, August 2 to 23, 1864, including battle of Mobile Bay and capture of C. S. ram Tennessee, August 6; evacuation of Fort Powell, August 6; surrender of Fort Gaines, August 8, and surrender of Fort Morgan, August 23, 1864. General order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. B. Navy. GENERAL ORDERS, U.S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, No. 10. f Off Mobile Bay, July 12, 1864. Strip your vessels and prepare for the conflict. Send down all your superfluous spars and rigging. Trice up or remove the whiskers. Put up the splinter nets on the starboard side, and barricade the wheel and steersmen with sails and hammocks. Lay chains or sand bags on the deck over the machinery, to resist a plunging fire. Hang the sheet chains over the side, or make any other arrangement for security that your ingenuity may suggest. Land your starboard boats or lower and tow them on the port side, and lower the port boats down to the waters edge. Place a leadsman and the pilot in the port quarter boat, or the one most convenient to the commander. The vessels will run past the forts in couples, lashed side by side, as hereinafter designated. The flagship will lead and steer from Sand Island N. by E. by. compass, until abreast of Fort Morgan; then N. W. half N. until past the Middle Ground; then N. by W., and the others, as designated in the drawing, will follow in due order until ordered to anchor; but the bow and quarter line must be preserve Page 398 398 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. to give the chase guns a fair ra