TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 23: Naval Forces on Western Waters (April 12, 1862 - December 31, 1862) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1910 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 PROM TER UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT THROUGH THR SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS 506 Rev. Stat. prohibits the withdrawal of this book for home u e. 780 Title Page Page R001 OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. PUBLISHED UNDER TIlE DIRECTION OF The Hon. GEORGE V. L. MEYER, Secretary of the Navy, BY MR. CHARLES W. STEWART, Superintendent Library and Naval IVar RecOrd8. BY AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JULY 31, 1894. SERIES IVOLUME 23. NAVAL IPORCE S ON WESTERN WATERS FROM APRIL 12 TO DECEMBER 31, 1862. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1910. V Page R002 i~J Page R003 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 1. Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862. VOLUME 2. Operations of the cruisers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864. VOLUME 3. Operations of the cruisers from April 1, 1864, to December 30, 1865. VOLUME 4. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico from November 15, 1860, to June 7, 1861. Operations on the Atlantic coast from January 1 to May 13, 1861. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from January 5 to December 7, 1861. VOLUME 5. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from December 7, 1861, to July 31, 1865. Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 4 to July 15, 1861. VOLUME 6. Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron from July 16 to October 29, 1861. Operations 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 May 5, 1864. VOLUME 10. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6 to October 27, 1864. II Page R004 Iv CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 11. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 28, 1864, to February 1, 1865. VOLUME 12. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from February 2 to August 3, 1865. Operations of the 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 Sep tember 30, 1864. VOLUME 16. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1864, to August 8, 1865. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from June 7 to December 15, 1861. VOLUME 17. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from December 16, 1861, to February 21, 1862. Operations of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 22, 1862, to July 17, 1865. VOLUME 18. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 21 to July 14, 1862. 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. VOLUME 21. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from January 1 to December 31, 1864. VOLUME 22. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from January 1, 1865, to January 31, 1866. Operations of the naval forces on Western waters from May 8, 1861, to April 11, 1862 Table of Contents Page R005 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. List of illustrations Preface Order of compilation of Series I xiii, xiv List of vessels of Naval Forces on Western waters XV Calendar Naval forces on Western waters: Principal events Union reports Operations against Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 12 to June 5, 1862, including engagement at Plum Point Bend, May 10 354 Destruction of railroad bridge over Bear Creek, Tennessee River, April 13, 1862 5961 Capt. C. H. Davis ordered to relieve temporarily Flag-Officer A. H. Foote of command of naval operations on Western waters, May 9, 1862 86 Battle of Memphis, Tenn., and occupation of the city by Federal forces, June 6, 1862 118139 Capture of steamer Clara Dolsen, June 13, 1862 157159 Operations in the White River, June 13 to July 9, including cap- ture of batteries at St. Charles, Ark., June 17, 1862 159197 Flag-Officer A. H. Foote relieved of command of naval opera- tions on Western ~aters by Capt. C. H. Davis, June 17, 1862... 213 Operations against Vicksburg, Miss., June 28July 25, 1S62.... 231244 Joint expedition for the recapture of Henderson, Ky., July 1924, 1862 262265 Loss of the U. S. S. Sallie Wood, July 21, 1862 272274 Joint expedition from Helena to mouth of White River, Ark., August 5 to 8, 1862 282285 Combined expedition from Helena, Ark., down the Mississippi and up the Yazoo, including the capture of Confederate steamer Fairplay, August 1627, 1862 294300 Naval operations in the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers, August 23, 1862, to October 21, 1863 309322 Expedition from Helena to Eunice, Ark., for the capture of a wharf boat, August 28 to September 3, 1862 326329 Capture of U. S. transport W. B. Terry, August 31, 1862 332 Transfer of vessels serving on XVestern waters from War to Navy Department, October 1, .1862 388 Raid into Commerce, Mo., by Confederates, October 19, 1862... 427 Capture of Confederate scouting party at Hopefield, Ark., October 25, 1862 447 Page R006 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. Naval forces on Western watersContinued. Page. Principal eventsContinued. Union reportsContinued. Cooperation in attempted army expedition, via White River, against Arkansas Post, November 1621, 1862 488492 Expedition in view of expected attack upon Hickman, Ky., December 12, 1862 523-527 Joint army and navy operations against Vicksburg, Miss., and in the Yazoo River, December 7, 1862, to January 3, 1863 538610 Naval operations with the army in the Tennessee River, De cember 1218, 1862 626629 Naval cooperation with the army for the defense of Columbus and Hickman, Ky., December 2426, 1862 652656 Confederate reports Operations against Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 12 to June 5, 1862, including engagement at Plum Point Bend, May 10 5459 Battle of Memphis, Tenn., and occupation of the city by Federal forces, June 6, 1862 139, 140 Operations in the White River, June 13 to July 9, including capture of batteries at St. Charles, Ark., June 17, 1862 197206 Capture of steamer Fairplay, August 18, 1862 301304 Attempted Federal expedition against Arkansas Post, November 16-21, 1862 492,493 Joint Federal operations against Vicksburg, Miss., and in the Yazoo River, December 7, 1862, to January 3, 1863 610615 Orders, reports, and correspondence 69571 List of Illustrations Page R007 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. United States steamer Marmora Frontispiece. Map of Mississippi River from Memphis, Tenn., to Vicksburg, Miss 3 Confederate States ram General Sterling Price 55 Diagrams of United States mortar vessels 279 United States ram Switzerland 300 Drawing of torpedo taken from Yazoo River 549 Sketches of Yazoo River and vicinity 575, 609 VI Page R008 Page R009 PREFACE. The work of preparing for publication the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies, which was begun July 7, 1884, was organized under the superintendency of Professor J. R. Soley, U. S. Navy, at that time librarian of the Navy Department, afterwards Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In August, 1890, the work of collecting these 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. I Page R010 x PREFACE. II. The second series embraces the reports, orders, and correspond- ence relating to 1. The condition of the Union Navy in 1861, before the com- mencement of hostilities, and to its increase during the progress of the war, including the annual and special reports of the 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 R011 PREFACE. xl 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 twenty-second volume of the records (Series I, vol. 22), which has recently been published by the Department, gives the operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from January 1, 1865, to January 31, 1866, and the operations of the Naval Forces on Western Waters from May 8,1861, to April 11, 1862. The present volume (Series 1, vol. 23) gives the operations of the Naval Forces on Western Waters from April 12 to December 31, 1862. The reports and correspondence are placed chronologically, with a distinct heading for every paper. In the record of events in which both sides took part the Confederate reports (where they could be obtained) immediately follow the Union reports, while the miscella- neous Confederate correspondence is placed at the end of the volume. Reference to the table of contents will show the context of these Con- federate papers. It is believed that the chronological arrangement of the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each volume, will afford ample means of reference to its contents without other subdivision or classification. In reports of special or single events, in which the papers bear specific relation to those events, the chronological order has been somewhat modified, and such documents have been placed together in the compilation. CHARLES W. STEWART, Compiler. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., May, 1910. 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 ar Page R012 IT PREFACE. published, until the publication is completed; and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein shall be sold by the Secretary of the Navy for cost of publication, with ten per centum added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of the Navy shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may 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 Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Navy, be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to send the undis- tributed copies of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and of the Confederate navies, to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated before the meet- ing of the next Congress by the Representatives in the Fifty-fourth Congress of the districts whose Representatives in the Fifty-third Congress failed to designate the distributees of their quota of said Official Records or any part thereof, as authorized by the act of Con- gress approved July thirty-first, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, and the joint resolution approved March second, eighteen hundred and ninety-five, to the extent and in the manner and form provided in said act. The following is an extract from the act of Congress of May 28, 1896, which increased the edition from 10,000 to 11,000 copies: * * * For printing, binding, and wrapping one thousand addi- tional copies of series one, volumes one, two, three, and four, for supplying officers of the Navy who have not received the work, two thousand four hundred dollars Page R013 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. Ahandonment and destruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard. Home Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N. 4. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, 18611865. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Ward, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Captain Craven, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Lieutenant Wyman, U. S. N., 1861-1862. Potomac Flotilla, under Commodore Harwood, U. S. N., 1862-1863. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, U. S. N., 1863-1865. 5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Strlngham, U. S. N., May 13 to Sept. 23, 1861. West India Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Barron, C. S. N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Goldahorough, U. S. N., 1861. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldshorough, U. S. N., 1861-1862. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer 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., 18641865. 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 Harhor, 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 Ilarhor, South Carolina, undcr Flag-Officer Tucker, C. S. N. Naval Defenses of Savannah, Ga., under Flag-Officers Hunter and Tattnall, C. S. N. XIII * The Confederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the suhject wlllcommunlcate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Page R014 xlv ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. 6. Gulf Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1861-1862. *Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. N., 1862-1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Captain Greene, U. S. N., 1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Stribling, U. S. N., 1864-1866. 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. *Moblle 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. *Mohlle Defenses, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer, U. S. N., 18641865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 186.5. *Mohlle 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 Hollins, 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 3. H. Carter, C. S. N. * The Confederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have anyCoufederate naval documents upon thesubject will conunlWlcatewith the Officeof Naval WarRecords, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Special Index Page R015 UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE WESTERN FLOTILLA,a APRIL H TO DECEMBER 31, 1862. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Guns. Abraham b Alfred Robb Baron De KaIb c Benton Black Hawkd Brilliant Cairo Carondelet Chillicothe Cincinnati Clara Dolsen Conestoga Eastport Essex Fairplay Fern e Forest Rose General Bragg f General Lyon g General Pillow General Price A Glide Great Western Hyacinth i Indianola Intrepin - Judce Torrence Juliet Laurel k Lexington Little Rebel 1 Louisville Marmora Mistletoe m Mound City New Era New National New Uncle Sam a Pittsburg Rattlero Red Rover Restless p Romeo Fourth.... St. Clair Fourth... - St. Louisq Sallie Wood Signal Fourth.... Silver Lake Fourth.... Sovereign Fourth.... Spiteful r Spitfire 8 Sumter I Fourth.... Thistle a Fourth.... Tyler Fourth.... Win. 11. Brown Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Third Third Fourth.... Third Third Fourth.... Third Third Fourth.... Third Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Fourth.... 800 75 512 1,000 902 226 512 512 395 512 1,200 512 700 1,000 800 50 260 700 1,200 50 633 127 800 50 511 600 157 50 448 400 326 207 50 512 157 1,000 165 786 203 Paddle.wheel steamer Stern-wheel steamer Ironclad do Side-wheel steamer Stern-wheel steamer Ironclad do do do Side-wheel steamer do Ironclad steamer Ironclad (center wheel) Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer (tug) Stern-wheel steamer Side-wheel steamer (ram) Paddle-wheel steamer Side-wheel steamer (ram) do Stern-wheel steamer Side-wheel steamer (ordnance) Screw steamer (tug) Ironclad (side wheels and screw).... Side-wheel steamer Stern-wheel steamer Screw steamer (tug) Ironclad Screw steamer (ram) Ironclad gunboat (center wheel).... Stern-wheel steamer Tug Ironclad Screw steamer Steamer (naval transport) Ironclad (center wheel)..... iii: Paddle-wheel steamer Side-wheel steamer Stern-wheel steamer do Steamer (naval transport) 190 Stern-wheel steamer 236 do 800 Paddle-wheel steamer 400 Ram 50 Paddle-wheel steamer 575 Side-wheel steamer 800 Paddle-wheel steamer 4 14 16 8 4 13 14 2 14 1 5 10 8 4 0 6 3 1 2 4 6 3 0 2 I 6 0 8 3 14 8 0 14 6 6 4 6 0 0 10 1 a Called Mississippi Squadron after October 1, 1862. 1 Formerly C. S. S. Little Rebel. Formerly Victoria. m Known also as Restless. Known also as St. Louis. ii Known officially as U. S. S. Black Hawk. d Known also as New Uncle Sam. a Known also as Florence Miller. Known also as Intrepid. p Known officially as U. S. S. Mistletoe. f Formerly C. S. S. General Bragg. q Known officially as U. S. S. Baron De Kaib. g Known also as De Soto. r Known officially as U. S. S. Thistle. A Formerly C. S. ram General Sterling Price. a Known officially as U. S. S. Hyacinth. Known also as Spitfire. I Formerly C. S. ram General Sumter. I Known officially as U. S. S. Fern. u Known also as Spiteful. k Known also as Erebus. X Page R016 OAJLE TflDALE~ - 1862 A~RII~~ SEPTEMBER Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun, M. T. W. T. F. Sat. -- -- 1 2 3 4 5~ 1 2 3 4 5 6 67 8 9101112 7 8 910111213 13114 151617181914151617181920 20~21 222324252621222324252627 2728 29 30 28 29 30 QCTOBEI~ 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 45 6 7~8 910 5 6 7 8 91011 1112 131415161712131415161718 1819 20 21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23~24 25 25~26 2728293031262728293031-- crtxN~E.. ~O~EMB2JR~ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 8 91011121314 23 4 5 6 7 8 15161718192021 9~10 1112131415 22123 2425 26 27 28 1617 18 19 20 21 22 29130 23~24 25 26 27 28 29 30 J1JIY~. XEOEMBER ___ I _________ -- -- 1~2 3 4 5~ 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 78 9101112 7 8 910111213 13~14l151617 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20121222324252621222324252627 2728 2930 31 -- -- 28 29 30 31 ~JJG-tYST~ -- 1 2 3~ 4 5~6 7 8 9 10 11 12~13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31 x Page R017 Page R018 UNITED STATES STEAMER MARMORA. I Page 1 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. FROM APRIL 12 TO DECEMBER 31, 1862. 49518N XV RVOL 2309 Page 2 Page 2A Page 2B ~7 IPPI RIVER FII OM MEMI lBS VICKSI3UII( ~3CAL E 0 0 20 30 40 N~L Page 3 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS FROM APRIL 12 TO DECEMBER 31, 1862. Operations against Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 12 to June 5, 1862, including engagement at Plum Point Bend, May 10. [Telegram.j CAIRo, April 12, 1862. (Received 10 a. in., 13th.) The flag-officer left New Madrid at noon with the flotilla and mortar boats en route for Fort Pillow. A large body of troops accompanied. A. M. PENNOCK, Senior Officer. CHIEF OF BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Nacy Department. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of the flotilla at New Madrid, Mo., en route to Fort Pillow. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, New Madrid, April 12, 1862. SIR: I arrived here last evening with the flotilla, consisting of gun, mortar boats, tugs, towboats, and transports, and would this morning have proceeded down the river, but am detained for the present by the army, but hope that General Bufords two or three reg!ments will be ready early to-morrow, in which case I shall pro- ceed down the river to Fort Pillow, or any place where opposition is made to our progress toward Memphis. I am informed that there are lying about 15 miles from this place, down the river, some seven rebel gunboats, mounted with six and seven rifled and large caliber guns, upon an average; these are the General Polk, Pontcliartrain, Livingston, M(;Rae, fry, and one other, name not known. It is hardly probable that these boats will make a stand, but will run as we approach them till they reach the cover of their heavy batteries. The fortifications at Fort Pillow, 80 or 90 miles above Memphis, I am also informed on good authority, consist of a long line of breast- works (some 3 to 5 miles), with a ditch and timber in front or before Page 4 4 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. it, or in face, the fortifications being on top and at the front of steep bluffs and running inland, with quite a number of guns placed along the breastworks at the salient points. There are, or rather were, on the 17th March, upward of forty heavy guns mounted at Fort Pil- low, and 1,200 negroes working on the batteries still, to strengthen this stronghold. The guns mounted are heavy rifled, some five or six 10-inch columbiads, some 8-inch, and remainder 32-pounders. We may also meet with some opposition at Osceola in running down the river, as a battery is said to be planted there. As General Buford is prevented from accompanying us by Gen- eral Popes directions, 1 shall proceed immediately toward Memphis with the flotilla. General Pope, I believe, designs to follow this eve- ning or to-morrow with quite a large force. Please excuse this hurried communication, as the mail boat is wait- ing and we are getting underway. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, regarding the movement of the flotilla and transports under Major-General Pope, U. S. Army, to Fort Pillow. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 14, 18612. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 11th instant I pro- ceeded with the flotilla from Island No. 10 to New Madrid, and left that place with all our force on the 12th instant, and anchored the same evening near and just below the Arkansas line, 50 miles distant from New Madrid. Early in the morning General Pope, with transports conveying his army of 20,000 men, arrived from New Madrid. At 8 a. m. five rebel gunboats rounded the point below us, when the gunboats, the Benton in advance, immediately got underway and proceeded in pur- suit and when within long range opened upon tbe rebels, followed by the Carondelet and Cincinnati and the other boats. After an ex- change of some twenty shots, the rebel boats rapidly steamed down the river and kept beyond our range till they reached the batteries of Fort Pillow, a distance of more than 30 miles. We followed them until within a mile of Fort Pillow, within easy range of their bat- teries, for the purpose of making a good reconnoissance, at consider- able exposure, however, but it was not till we had rounded to, and ran some distance upstream, when the enemy opened fire upon us, and then with no effect, their shot, most of them, going beyond us. Hav- ing accomplished our object, I tied the flotilla up to the banks on the Tennessee side out of range of the forts for the night. General Pope, with Assistant Secretary Scott, came aboard at 3 p. in., when it was arranged that the mortar boats should be placed in the morning on the Arkansas shore, within range of the forts, to be protected by the gunboats, and General Pope, with most of his force, should land 5 miles above, with the view of getting his army Page 5 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 5 if possible, to the rear of the fortifications and make the attack in rear while we should, with gun and mortar boats, attack them in front. This place has a long line of fortifications, with guns of heavy caliber; their number or the number of their men I have not yet been able to ascertain. The secession feeling here, as I learn from several persons coming on board, is very strong, and they express the opinion that the resistance will be very determined. 3 p. m.General Pope has returned with his transports, and informs nie that he is unable to reach the rear of the rebels from any point of the river above, and proposes to cut a canal on the Arkansas side, which will enable us to get three or four of the gunboats below and thus enable him to cross the river below the upper forts, and thus cut off the batteries. We shall thus have three ironclad boats above and four below, which, I presume, will be all that will be required in case the six gunboats of the rebels make an attack upon either division, as three of our gunboats ought successfully to cope with six of theirs. The mortars are now firing and have driven the rebel gunboats out of range down the river. I shall continue to keep the Department informed of all movements. The effect of my wound has quite a depressing effect upon me, from the increased inflammation and swelling of my foot and leg, which have induced a febrile action, depriving me of a good deal of sleep and energy. I can not give the wound that attention and rest it absolutely requires until this place is captured. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. H. Foom, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-O~7icer. Secretary of the Navy. [Telegram.] CAIRO, April 15, 1862. (Received 16th.) The flotilla has been within three-quarters of a mile of Fort Pillow and then, returning, took up a position ~ miles farther up. The rebel gunboats escaped below the fort. Ten mortar boats are in position and had opened fire. This is up to 6 oclock last evening. General Popes command oc- cupy the Arkansas side of the river. A. M. PENNOCK, Senior Naval Officer. CHIEF OF BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department. [Telegram.] PTTTSBURG LANDING, [TENN.], April 15, 1862. I have ordered General Popes army to this place, but I think you had best continue the bombardment of Fort Pillow, and if the enem Page 6 6 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. should abandon it, take possession or go down the river as you may deem best. General Pope will leave forces enough to occupy any fortifications that may be taken. H. W. HALLECK, Flag-Officer FOOTE, Major-General. JIiS8z88ipp~ River. [Telegram.] CAIRo, April 16, 1869?. (Received 17th.) The mortars opened fire on the 14th and soon cleared the river of all vessels, the shells falling in the rebel camp. The rebel works are strong and extensive, and there will be much labor to get in their rear. Two deserters came on board the gunboats and say Thomas [B.] Huger is in command at Fort Pillow and Hollins gone below. A. M. PENNOCK, Senior Officer. CHIEF OF BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department. Letter from Major-General Pope, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of orders from Major-General Halleck. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISsIssIPPI, On board 8tealner J. D. Perry, April 16, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to enclose copy of dispatch this moment re- ceived from General Jialleck. I will leave with you two strong regiments, sufficient to garrison Fort Pillow when it is evacuated. I move with my command to-night. I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, II[ajor- General, Commanding. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Flotilla. [Enclosure.] PITTSBURG LANDING, April 16, 1869?. Move with your army to this place, leaving troops enough with Commodore Foote to land and hold Pillow should the enemys forces withdraw. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. Major-General JNo. POPE Page 7 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 7 Letter from Major-General Pope, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of orders issued to Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, regarding cooperation. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, On board 8teamer J. D. Perry, April 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose copy of order delivered to Colonel Fitch, commanding Indiana brigade. I shall leave between 5 and 6 oclock to-morrow morning. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, Commanding Flotilla. [Enclosure.] hEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Mississippi, On board 8teamer J. D. Perry, April 16, 1862. COLONEL: The main portion of this army will move to-night. You will remain at this place with the two regiments under your com- mand on board two steamers, which will be furnished to you by Prigadier-General Palmer. Although not under the command of Flag-Officer Foote, command- ing the flotilla, you will render him every possible assistance in his operations upon the river, communicating and cooperating with him as may be necessary. You will continue the examination of the flats and bayous in this vicinity, to determine if it be practicable to cut through to the river a passageway for boats, and if it be found practicable, you will com- mence the work at once, and will hasten it to completion with the troops under your command. In case Fort Pillow should be surrendered or evacuated, you will immediately occupy the place with your command. You will report by letter at every opportunity to the general com- manding this army your progress and position, giving a detailed and full account of all matters pertaining to your command, and directed to Pittsburg, Tenn. By order of General Pope: SPEED BUTLER, A8sistant Adjutant-General. Colonel GRAHAM N. FITCH, Commanding Indiana Brigade. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, announcing the withdrawal of the forces under Major-General Pope, U. S. Army, for operations In the Tennessee River. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 17, 1862. Sn~: I have the honor to inform the Department that yesterday and the day preceding I had, with General Pope, made such arrange- ments, by combining our own with the forces of the army, that our possession of this stronghold seemed to be inevitable in less than si Page 8 8 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. days. I had even stronger hopes of this desirable result than I enter- tained even at [Island] No. 10 till the actual surrender was tendered. Our object then, after leaving a force to garrison the place, was to proceed to Memphis immediately, where, I had good authority for stating, we would have been received without opposition. But the sudden withdrawal of the entire army of General Pope this morning, under orders to proceed directly up the Tennessee River to join Gen- eral Hallecks command at Pittsburg, has frustrated the best matured and most hopeful plans and expectations thus far formed in this expedition. Two volunteer regiments under command of Colonel Fitch were left here by Genera ope to cooperate with the flotilla. While I deeply regret the withdrawal of General Popes command, I am not at all questioning the propriety and even the necessity of its presence at Pittsburg, and I shall use every exertion, with the force remaining, to accomplish good results. It is a great object to obtain early possession of this place and Memphis, as ten of the rebel gunboats are now at Fort Pillow and ten others are reported as en route to Memphis and daily expected at that place. It is reported that Commander Hollins left Fort Pillow on Sunday to bring up the heavy gunboat Loui8iana, now about com- pleted at New Orleans. With the exception of this latter vessel, how- ever, we have little to apprehend from the other rebel gunboats, according to the representation of the foi~r or six deserters lately coming to us from the gunboats at Fort Pillow. At all events, the Department may rest assured of every exertion being made on our part to accomplish the great work entrusted to this expedition. I send herewith copies of orders from Generals Halleck and Pope, from which it will be seen, by one from the latter to Colonel Fitch, that, while I am acting under the orders of General Halleck, and the gunboats absent from my immediate command are acting under those of the generals where they are, that even a colonel here is wholly independent of my. orders and command. If this be right, I presume that this command is also equally independent of the army, and that I am to govern myself accordingly. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, iVaskington, P. C. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, expressing regret at the delay caused by the withdrawal of troops under Major-General Pope, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 19, 1862. Sum: I have the honor to inform the Department that, since my last communication of the 17th instant, we have been occasionally throw- ing shells into the rebel fortifications from the mortar boats, which have been returned from their rifled guns without producing any effect. Ours have compelled one encampment to remove its quarters; and from several deserters we learn, have otherwise discomfited them Page 9 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 9 One or two examinations made by Colonel Fitch, commanding the two regiments left to cooperate with the flotilla by General Pope on withdrawing his army, have been unsuccessful thus far in finding a bayou for our boats and a position below Fort Pillow where a bat- tery can be placed to command the river below. I shall again render him assistance by sending our small boats, in hopes that at a distance farther up the river we may be able to discover a bayou leading into a lake in which water sufficient may be found for our gunboats, with a view of erecting a battery under their protection which will block- ade the river below and enable his force, although not exceeding 1,500 men, to come upon the rebels in rear, while, with the remaining gunboats here, we attack them in front. I am greatly exercised about our position here, on account of the withdrawal of the army of 20,000 men, so important an element in the capture of the place. Fort Pillow has for its defense at least forty heavy guns in position and nine gunboats, six of them, however, being wooden boats, but armed with heavy guns, with a force of 6,000 troops. Our force consists of seven ironclads and one wooden gun- boat, sixteen mortar boats, only available in throwing shells at a distance and even worse than useless for defense, and a land force of two regiments not exceeding 1,500 troops. Under these circum- stances an attack on our part, unless we can first establish a battery below the fort under the protection of the gunboats, and to cooper- ate with it after its completion, would be extremely hazardous, although its attempt might prove successful, and even be good policy under other circumstances, but it can hardly now be so regarded, as a disaster would place all that we have gained on this and other rivers at the mercy of the rebel fleet, unless the batteries designed to command the river from below are completed at No. 10 or at Co- lumbus, which I very much doubt. I therefore hesitate about a di- rect attack upon this place now, more than I should were the river above properly protected, although by it, and loss of time, the rebels may succeed in getting up to Fort Pillow their entire fleet of gun- boats. As I stated in my last communication, had not General Popes army been withdrawn, we have every reason for believing that a plan we had adopted would have insured the fall of Fort Pillow in four days, and enabled us to have moved on Memphis in two days after- wards. It has always been my expectation that a large army would cooperate with the gunboats, and now the fall of Corinth and move- ment of our, troops on to Memphis seem to be essential to our holding this place and reaching Memphis with the flotilla. I am surprised to see published in the papers that I have informed the War Department that several gunboats are beloW Fort Pillow, and that Commodore Foote regards its early capture as certain. I have not, of course, communicated with the War Department at all, neither have I ever said anything to warrant any portion of the fabricated notice in the papers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa6hington, D. C Page 10 10 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] CAIRO, April 19, 186210 p. m. News from the flotilla to 18th, morning. The mortars continued firing to the annoyance of the enemy. The flag-officer thinks the fort would have been taken in a few days the army had not been withdrawn. General Popes army left to-day, upward bound. No communication with Cairo by rail nearer than Mound City. Magazines flooded; ammunition saved and stored in scows and steamers. River rising, and nearly over top of levee. Let us know in time if flag-officer is to officer the rams building at Pittsburg and Cincinnati. A. M. PENNOCK, For Flag-Officer. CHIEF OF BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., April 19, 1862. On the evening of the 16th General Pope received an order from General Halleck to move his army immediately to Pittsburg Landing, leaving with gunboats force enough to garrison Fort Pillow, if evac- uated by the enemy. Our fleet left Fort Pillow next morning at day- light, and will all pass Cairo during this night. Two regiments were left with gunboats. I report fully by mail, and will go up Tennessee, reporting daily by telegraph and mail if possible. THOMAS A. SCOTT. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, regarding continued bombardment of the batteries at Fort Pillow. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that since my last communication, with the exception of a day or two, when the heavy rains caused the mortars to recoil dangerously on the wet plat- form, we have been shelling the rebel batteries at Fort Pillow, and most of the time kept their gunboats beyond our range. Colonel Fitch, in command of the 1,200 infantry left here by General Pope, has been examining bayous and creeks with a view of getting guns to blockade the river and prevent the new gunboats from coming up from New Orleans and Memphis; but, as the rebels are in great force, and no tools or conveniences for cutting through the swamps were left by General Pope when his army, so unfortunately for us, was withdrawn, he has made as yet no satisfactory progress. I am doing all in my power toward devising ways and means pre- paratory to a successful attack on the forts, and shall continue to do so, but as the Capture of this place was predicated upon a large land force cooperating with the flotilla, or its being turned by the army marching upon Memphis; and considering the difficulties of fighting the flotilla downstream with our slow boats, compared with upstream work, the Department will not be surprised at our delay and havin Page 11 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 11 made no further progress toward the capture of this stronghold of the rebels. I shall, however, do all in my power to be successful here, and exert myself even beyond my impaired health and strength to- ward the accomplishment, of this great object. The rebels are strongly fortified on land, and have eleven gun- boats lying near, or rather below their fortifications. A resident of the place informs me this morning that thirteen gunboats are now here, seven of which, however, are mere river steamers, with boilers and machinery sunk into hold and otherwise protected, but they carry from four, six, to eight guns of heavy caliber, some of which are rifled. The other boats are iron-plated or filled in with cotton. The large steamer of sixteen or twenty guns, being plated and named the Louisiana, has not arrived, but is daily expected from New Orleans. I have thus given the Department the best information I can obtain from the most reliable sources from resident Union men and the twelve deserters from the enemy whose accounts, however, are conflicting, many of them giving fabulous numbers of men, guns, and gunboats. We have not force enough to hold the place if we take it. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. Foom, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.In a picket skirmish yesterday the rebels lost one killed, and one or two wounded, no loss on our side. A. H. F. [Private.] Mrs. General Brickner, when here from Columbus, said that there they feared the gunboats, and only the gunboats, and she was anxious to visit them. The rebel papers and prisoners all say that the gun- boats demoralize their army. In Pillows official report, who says that he and Floyd were in Fort Donelson, and that the gunboats made a most desperate attack upon it, and did the fort great injury, but that the fort sunk two of the gunboats and disabled the other two. The rebels in person and in their papers speak with great respect of the gunboats. An army major told me that we were purposely held back from Nashville that General Buell might take it, although that officer sent for a gunboat, which went off Nashville before he entered the city. General Halleck refers to General Smith taking possession of Clarksville and says not a word about gunboats, whereas three days before, I took possession, hoisted our flag on the forts, and issued my proclamation. [A. H. Fooni.] Pillows official report was destroyed by mistake. I get this infor- mation from Lieutenant Shirk. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, proposing au initiative movement by running the blockade of Fort Pillow. FLAG- STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that, from infor- mation deemed reliable, the rebels have thirteen gunboats and ram Page 12 12 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. a few miles below Fort Pillow, and that on the 27th instant, at 3 a. in., an attack was contemplated by those boats on the flotilla, and preparations made accordingly. The attack, however, has not taken place. The reason assigned for its delay, or abandonment, as given by several deserters, is that a council of war was held and the rebels concluded the attack was impracticable. We are prepared for an attack at any moment, but unless there is an additional number of rebel gunboats reinforcing them, I question whether the attack will be made. Should it be made, however, our position here is a bad one, as our slow steamers can hardly stem the current, and in grap- pling with the enemy we should drift under the guns of the fort, which are but 4 or 5 miles below the upper gunboats. In view of this, there are strong reasons for our taking the initiative, and in a dark night, by running the blockade, get below the fort and attack the rebel boats and rams with our seven ironclad gunboats. I should much prefer this course, and our officers and men are ready for the hazardous service, which, if successful, would enable us to turn from below, after destroying the rebel fleet, and attack the fort upstream, and afterwards proceed to Memphis. On the other hand, the objections are that in running the blockade we might leave one or two rebel steamers behind us, which would come up to destroy our transports, mortar boats, and command the river above us, soon leaving us without coal or ammunition below; and, added to this, we have but 1,200 troops, a portion, or one regi- ment of which, a military officer of rank informs me, is not in all respects efficient, and thus the force is not equal to holding the place, while we should proceed on to Memphis; and again, if dis- aster should occur to us, the rebel gunboats would have complete possession of the river or rivers above us, as I believe that No. 10 is [has] not even yet had its guns mounted to command the river, al- though I have strongly urged it. Had General Pope not been ordered away with his 20,000 troops, we should, before this, humanly speaking, [have] been in possession of Fort Pillow and Memphis, and even had the general left a sufficient number of troops under General Buford, who so effectually cooperated with me at No. 10 and wanted to remain with me with his 2,000 men, we would have been able to do more than we can do now, although Colonel Fitch is an officer of the highest intelligence and gallantry, but wants more men. The Department will see from this statement the difficulties and embarrassment of my position. My course of action must soon be decided upon, and I shall act with a single eye to what is deemed best, under the circumstances, to insure success in our operations. I must beg the indulgence of the Department for the appearance of this communication, as I am especially weak and unfit for writing to-day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant. A. H. FOOTE, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag Officer. Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, D. C Page 13 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 13 Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Louisville, to report for duty at Fort Pillow or below. U. S. FLAG STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 10, 1862. SIR: On the receipt of this order you will immediately get under- way with your vessel and make all possible dispatch in reporting yourself to me at this point or below. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Commander B. M. DOVE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Louis cille, Hickman, Ky. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to the captain of Bell-Boat No. 8. U. S. FLAG STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 10, 1862. The captain of the Bell-Boat No. 8 will be pleased to make all pos- sible dispatch in reaching this squadron. The services of the boat are required for the Government use imme- diately, and whatever private engagements the boat may have they must be for the present disregarded. C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. [Telegram.] FLAGSHIP BENTON, Above Fort Pillow, Mississippi River, May 10, 1862. (Via Cairo, Ill., 11th.) The naval engagement for which the rebels have been preparing took place this morning. The rebel fleet, consisting of eight iron- clad gunboats, four of which were fitted with rams, came up hand- somely. The action lasted one hour. Two of the rebel gunboats were blown up and one sunk, when the enemy retired precipitately under the guns of the fort. Only six vessels of my squadron were engaged. The Cincinnati sustained some injury from the rams, but will be in fighting condition to-morrow. Captain Stembel distinguished him- self. He is seriously wounded. The Benton is uninjured. Mortar boat No. 16, in charge of Second Master Gregory, behaved with great spirit. The rebel squadron is supposed to be commanded by Com- modore Hollins. C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Mississippi River pro ~tem. Secretary Navy Page 14 14 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding Mississippi Flotilla pro tern., regarding engagement at Plum Point Bend, above Fort Pillow. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that yesterday morning, a little after 7 oclock, the rebel squadron, consisting of eight ironclad steamers, four of them, I believe, fitted as rams, came around the point at the bend above Fort Pillow and steamed gal- lantly up the river, fully prepared for a regular engagement. The vessels of this squadron were lying at the time tied up to the bank of the river, three on the eastern and four on the western side, and (as they were transferred to me by Flag-Officer Foote) ready for action. Most of the vessels were prompt in obevi follow the motions of the commander-in-chief. ng the signal to The leading vessels of the rebel squadron made directly for mortar boat No. 16, which was for a moment unprotected. Acting Master Gregory and his crew behaved with great spirit; during the action he fired his mortar eleven times at the enemy, reducing the charge and diminishing the elevation. Commander Stembel, in the gunboat Cincinnati, which was the leading vessel in the line on that side of the river, followed immedi- ately by Commander Kilty, in the gunboat Mound City, hastened to the support of the mortar boat, and were repeatedly struck by the enemys rams, at the same time that they disabled the enemy and drove him away. The two leading vessels in the middle of the enemys line were successfully encountered by this ship. The boilers or steam chest of one of them was exploded by our shot, and both of them were dis- abled; they, as well as the first vessel encountered by the Cincinnati, drifted down the river. Comander Walke informs me that he fired a 50-pound rifle shot through the boilers of the third of the enemys. gunboats of the west- ern line, and rendered her, for the time being, helpless. All of these vessels might easily have been captured if we had possessed the means of towing them out of action, but the steam power of our gunboats is so disproportionate to the bulk of the vessels that they can accom- plish but little beyond overcoming the strength of the current, even when unencumbered. The action lasted during the better part of an hour, and took place at the closest quarters. The enemy finally retreated with haste below the guns of Fort Pillow. I have to call the especial attention of the Department to the gallantry and good conduct exhibited by Commanders Stembel and Kilty and Lieutenant Commanding S. L. Phelps. I regret to say that Commander Stembel, Fourth Master Reynolds, and one of the seamen of the Cincinnati, and one of the Mound City, were severely wounded; the other accidents of the day were slight. The Cincinnati and Mound City are injured, and must, sooner or later, go up the river to be repaired. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Mi8& i8sippi Flotilla pro tern. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, lVashington, D. C Page 15 NAVAL FORGES ON WESTERN WATERS. 15 Report of Commander Walke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, regarding engagement at Plum Point Bend. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, lIay 10, 1862. SIR: About half past 6 oclock this morning the rebel fleet, con- sisting of eight gunboats, made their appearance, steaming up the river toward our mortar boat and the gunboat Cincinnati. I had all hands called, beat to quarters immediately, and prepared for action. About 6:30 got underway by your order and steamed down the river toward the enemys leading boat, which appeared to be a ram, intent on running down the Cincinnati. Being about three-eighths of a mile distant, I opened fire on her with our bow guns. The ram ran into the Cincinnati, striking her on the starboard quarter as she attempted to avoid the enemys prow, fir- ing her broadside and bow guns into her before and during the colli- sion. Both vessels turned, the Cincinnati heading up the river, and the ram down the river, evidently disabled and unmanageable, as she dropped down without firing a shot, as far as I saw or can ascertain. I kept our bow guns fir upon her until two other rebel gunboats came up, steaming rapidly for the Cincinnati, when I turned our bow guns on them, bringing our port broadside guns to play upon the ram. As the enemys second and third gunboats approached the Cincinnati, we fired a 50-pound rifled shot (apparently) through the boilers of one of them while running into the Cincinnati, as they exploded immediately, and she dropped downstream, helpless, leaving her consort above us. By this time we had drifted down below the rest of our fleet. Our head being up the river, we kept our broadside and stern guns constantly firing on the enemys fleet until they re- treated out of sight. We were struck by fragments of an exploded shell; also by two grapeshot, amidships, which appeared to come from the gunboat Pitt8burg. She fired several shot just over us and we were at the time more in dread of her shot than those of the enemy, but provi- dentially there were no killed or wounded on board the Carondelet. ~Te expended fifty-seven 64-pounder, 32-pounder and rifled solid shot, and three rifled shells. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commanding 2Jii88~8sippi Flotilla. Report of Second Master Gregory, U. S. Navy, regarding engagement at Plum Point Bend. MAY 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with your order, I have opened fire from mortar boat No. 16 upon Fort Pillow at 6 oclock a. m. After firing five shells the enemys gunboats rounded the point above the fort in full view and not more than three-fourths of a mile distant. I at once trained my mortar upon them, loaded for that short range, and fired, bursting my shell directly over them. I con Page 16 16 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. tinued that practice during the engagement that ensued, which lasted about forty minutes, in which our whole fleet of gunboats were en- gaged as also were theirs. During the ac+~ n I received two 32-pound shots through my boat above the deck- Several appeared to go over us. We had no one hurt. The enemy r& tired, with what damage I do not know. I continued to fire after their retreat until 5 p. in., when I received orders to cease firing. I have expended 57 charges during the day. All of which is respectfully submitted. T. B. GREGORY, Second Master, in charge of one division of the mortar boats. Capt. HENRY E. MAYNADIER, Commanding U. S. Mortar Boats on the Western IVaters, near Fort Pillow. [Enclosure.] Mortar boat No. 16, in charge of Second Master Gregory, partici- pated in the engagement, firing the first shell and continuing the firing during the action. A rebel gunboat, supposed to be the Sumter, came within 60 feet of the mortar boat and fired two 32-pound shot through the iron blinds, and two volleys of musketry, which did not penetrate. The crew of the boat consisted of the second master and 14 men, none of whom were injured. Respectfully submitted. HENRY E. MAYNADIER, Captain, U. S. Army. [Telegram.] CAIRO, May 11, 1862. The rebel gunboats and rams made an attack on our flotilla yester- day morning. Two of their gunboats were blown up and one sunk. The remainder returned with all possible haste to the protection of their guns at Pillow. WM. K. STRONG, Maj or-General HALLECK. Brigadier-General. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing the death of Fourth Master Reynolds, of the U. S. S. Cincinnati. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON Off Fort Pillow, May 12, 1862. SIR: It is with great regret that I have to inform the Department that Mr. G. A. Reynolds, fourth master of the U. S. gunboat Cincin- nati, died this morning at 2 oclock from the wound received during the engagement on the morning of the 10th instant Page 17 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 17 He was a young man of unblemished character, and distinguished himself during the engagement and while at the closest quarters with the enemy, by courage and devotion to his duty. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your u dient servant, C. 1. DAvis, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Misissippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding injuries to vessels, Captain Stembels wounds, and the valor of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hoel, of the U. S. S. Cincinnati. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 12, 1862. Sni: The gunboats Mound City and Cincinnati were so much in- jured by the enemys rams that it was necessary to run them on the banks. When the former was freed from water it was discovered that it was impossible to repair her here; she was therefore sent to Cairo yesterday. The Cincinnati is not yet clear, but I have sent for the necessary means. I am in hopes, when we are able to examine her injuries, that we shall find it possible to repair her with the means in our own hands. The severity of Captain Stembels wounds rendered it expedient, according to medical advice, to send him to Cairo. After he was wounded, the command of the Cincinnati devolved upon Acting [Volunteer] Lieutenant William R. libel. I can not j)raise more than they deserve his high valor and ability. He sets the highest example to those below him, and if it were possible to give him a permanent position worthy of his merits, the Navy would be the gainer as well as himself. Our scouts report the enemy employed in repairing their gunboats. The present reduced number will probably be increased by additions from below. Flag-Officer Foote thought it might be the intention of the enemy to pass the flotilla and ascend the river, and if they should attempt to do so, such is their vast superiority in speed, that pursuit would be hopeless. Everything indicates an intention on the part of the enemy to come up again; and if there are rams, as I understand there are, being fitted up under the direction of the War Depart- ment, at Pittsburg, Cincinnati, or elsewhere, for service in this river, now is the time to make them useful. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Endorsement 1.1 DEAR GENERAL: Cant the rams be hurried? Yours, Fox. 49518N w BVOL 2309 Page 18 18 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Endorsement 2.] Mr. Watson says that all that can be done to hurry up the rams is already done. Of the two heaviest vessels, one started for New Albany last night and the other will start to-morrow night, guns or no guns. These are the last. Yours, respectfully, M. C. MEIGS. G. V. Fox, Esq., A88i8tant Secretary Navy. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, referring to the position of the flotilla since the action at Plum Point. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 13, 1862. SIR: Since my communication of yesterday nothing of real im- portance has transpired. As a result of the engagement of Saturday the flotilla occupies a position nearer to Fort Pillow than before. Hoping to profit by this, the enemy fired mortars and heavy guns during the whole night, but without doing us any injury. At noon a flag of truce from below brought up Doctor William R. Thrall, U. S. Army, released on parole in exchange for Doctor Yan- dell of the other side. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding lVestern Flotilla pro teim, Missi8sippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the iVa~y, Wa8hington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton, regarding the engagement at Plum Point Bend. U. S. GUNBOAT BENTON, 0/f Fort Pillow, May 11, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: You will have heard of the fight yesterday morn- ing. Eight rebel gunboats came up to the point, and four or five of them proceeded at once toward the Cincinnati, then covering the motar boat, one of the rebel boats, with masts, being considerably in advance. Captain Stembel, in the most gallant manner, steamed up, rounded to, and opening fire, stood down for the rebels. As he approached the fire was withheld, the ram striking Stembels vessel in the quarter and swinging both broadsides to, when, the muzzles absolutely against the rebel boat, a broadside was poured into her, making a terrible crashing in her timbers. The rebel swinging clear made downstream, with parting salute of other guns, in a helpless condition. By this time the J3enton, Mound City, and Carondelet were far enough down, half way at least, to Stembels assistance to open an effective fire; the Pittsburg not yet clear of the bank and th Page 19 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 19 Cairo just sending a boat out to cast off her hawsers. The St. Loai8 came down pretty well; two rams were making for the Cincin- nati and one again hit her in the stern, receiving the fire of the stern guns. That boat struck Stembel twice doing little damage, but using sharpshooters to such effect as to dangerously wound Stembel and the fourth master, Mr. Reynolds, and one man in the leg. By this time we were in their midst and I had the satisfaction to blow up the boilers of the ram that last hit the Cincinnati by a shot from our port bow 42 rifle. I fired it deliberately with that view, and when the ram was trying to make another hit. Another ram had now hit the Mound City in the bows, and had received the fire of every gun of that vessel in the swinging that followed the contact. We interposed between another and the Mo and City and the rascal, afraid to hit us, backed off, when he also blew up from a shot I fired from the same rifle, hitting only a steam pipe or cylinder. All their rams drifted off disabled and the first one that blew up could not have had a soul remaining alive on board, for the explosion was terrific. We could have secured two or three of them a we had steam power to do so, but as it was, saw them drift down helpless under the fort, and one is said to have sunk in deep water. The mortar boatmen acted with great gallantry, firing away to the end. The rebels fired two 32-pounder shots through the mortar boat and two volleys of musketry into her, without hiirtinga man. The Mound City had her bow pretty much wrenched off and was run onto the shoal opposite where we had been lying. The Cincin- nati ran to the bank below where we laid when you left, and sunk in 11 feet water. The Champion, steamer, fortunately arrived, having on board a 20-inch steam pump, and the iliound City is now afloat, but greatly damaged. The Cincinnati will be raised in twenty-four hours. My plan of logs suspended is immediately to be tried. The wounded of the squadron are 5; killed, none. Stembel we hope will recover. He did splendidly; so all did, saving as above stated. The loss of the rebels must be very heavy; their vessels were literally torn to pieces, and some had holes in their sides through which a man could walk. Those that blew upit makes me shudder to think of them. I have written very hastily, knowing that you would be anxious to hear and would find excuses for my style and writing, in remember- ing with what busy circumstances we must be surrounded just now, and I am very nervous from an unwonted amount of exertion and movement. I count off the days, anxious for them to roll around, when you will return, and the Ea8tport, with some power, come to the squadron with your flag flying. All hands went into the fight with a will. We have no news from below. Colonel Fitch will land his force in the morning. This I believe is the first purely naval fight of the war. May heaven bless you, my dear sir, and restore you to us in health very soon. Respectfully and very truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U, S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio Page 20 20 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding the engagement at Plum Point Bend. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, May 13, 1862. M~ DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Mr. Mitchell has just arrived here on the Pollard with Captain Stembel, who is attended by Doctor Beau- champ, of the Great TVe8tern. I am most happy to be able to state that the captains wound, al- though very severe, and causing him a vast deal of suffering, will not prove fatal. The ball entered his shoulder just above the shoulder blade, on the right side, and passing through the neck, came out in the front of the throat, directly under the chin. The surgeon is of the opinion that no arteries have been severed and that no secondary hemorrhage will ensue,, particularly as at the present time he is so rapidly improving in his breathing. The attack, it appears, was not intended to be a general one on the part of the rebels, but merely an endeavor to sink the gunboat guard- ing the mortar, to cut the latter loose and allow it to drift down with the current and then secure it for their own use. The rebel fleet made its appearance at a few minutes past 7 oclock on Saturday morning eight gunboats and rams and two or three tugs. They made directly for the mortar which ha.d greeted their appear- ance by a shell which exploded directly over the largest boat. The Cincinnati was guarding the mortar, and immediately slipped her hawser, and stood out to meet them, apparently endeavoring to get below and fight them bow on, but failed. One of the rams then made for her and struck her twice astern, doing but little injury. The other was preparing to assist her when the hound City came into the fight, thus leaving the Cincinnati but one antagonist. At this juncture Captain Stembel so handled the Cincinnati, and at the same time shooting the pilot of the ram, she veered and struck the Cincinnati on the plating amidship. As she struck a broadside was poured into her from the Cincinnati, which disabled her, and she drifted away from the action and at the same moment Captain Stembel was shot from the deck of the ram; one of the sailors killed the man who shot him immediately. All of the boats were engaged by this time. The Benton fired into one of them and it is said blew her up. The Cincinnati had received a blow on her starboard quar- ter, which opened her clear to the shell room, and when the rebels retreated she was run out on the bar, immediately below where the Benton formerly lay, and where she settled in 12 feet of water. The hound City received a blow in the bow which damaged her con- siderably, and she ran her head on the bank and rigged a temporary bulkhead. She arrived here to-day for repairs. As soon as I re- ceived word that she was coming I sent for Mr. Hambleton and made arrangements for having her hauled out immediately. She will be ready for service in about four days. Fortunately for us I had sent down the steamer Champion, whose boats have pumps rigged for pumping out sunken vessels, and after she had pumped the water out of the Mound City, and assisted her part of the way up the river, she started back to raise the Cincinnati. I also sent down the submarine bell boat and I hope in a short time to be able to infor Page 21 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 21 YOU that she is raised. The Louisville has also joined the flotilla. I sent to-day your keys and the letter of General Villepigue by mail. Trusting that a change of scene and climate may speedily insure your return to the flotilla, I remain, my dear flag-officer, Very respectfully, yours, A. M. PENNOCK. [Flag-officer Foo~um] Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Colonel Hogg, U. S. Army, regarding the services of a gunboat. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow ,May 11, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 9th instant, to which I have given the most careful consideration. In the action with the rebel fleet yesterday morning two of my gunboats, the Cincinnati and Mound City, were placed hors de com- bat. The enemy, having still a considerable force, lies below the guns of Fort Pillow and is actively employed in repairing damages. It is possibly his intention to renew the engagement. Under these cir- cumstances I must have the Louisville with me until the Cincinnati and Mound City are ready for service. This will be very soon. I w-ill leave you the least possible time without a o~unboat I am expecting some of Mr. Ellets rams sown the river every moment, and I will send you, if not the Louisville, a vessel that will afford sufficient protection to the post you command as soon as this juncture of affairs is terminated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. TI. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant-Colonel HARVEY HOGG, Commanding U. S. Forces at Hickman, Ky. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, referring to the condition of the U. S. steamers Cincinnati and Mound City. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that nothing new has transpired since yesterday. The vessels containing the requisite m4ans for clearing the Cincin- ~ati have arrived, and we are now at work with every promise of suc- cess. I mentioned in my last dispatch that the Mound City had been sent to Cairo. I have since learned that her injuries are more serious than we thought. I hope to be able to send the Cincinnati to Cairo to-day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IVashington, D. C Page 22 22 NAVAL FO1~CE~ ON WEST1~RN WA~tERS. Personal letter of congratulation from Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, to Cap~ tam Davis, U. S. Navy, on the engagement at Plum Point Bend. CLEVELAND, May 15, 1862. M~ DEAR DAVIS: I congratulate you and hope that a vote of thanks and passage of the naval bill will make you an admiral for your ready coming to my relief when too ill to do my duty, and making such a glorious fight. I was interested to find those fellows so plucky, and must confess to some little envy in not being able to have taken a hand in your dash- ing affair. I reached here with less fatigue than I anticipated, but was bored by the good people everywhere to speak and show myself. I feel it to be unmerited on my part, this wonderful attention, and it is particularly unpleasant, associated with my leaving to you liability for another fight at any moment. I am in a great hurry to return and relieve you; my heart is with the flotilla, but I was in a condition wholly unfit to command when I left, and did right, in leaving, as the interests of the flotilla required it. * * * I feel rather better, and hope in two weeks to leave for Cairo to join you as soon as possible. Excuse my incoherent note. Yours, ever affectionately, A. H. FoolrE. Letter of congratulation from the Acting Secretary of the Navy to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, forwarding promotion for Acting Master Gregory. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 16, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch of the 11th instant, reporting your successful engagement on the 10th instant, is received. You have performed your whole duty. The officers and men of the flotilla educated to victory under Flag-Officer Foote have ful- filled the expectations of the Department. Promote Acting Master Gregory to an acting [volunteer] lieu- tenant. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, G. V. Fox, Acting Secretary. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding (pro tern) the iVestern Flotilla, Cairo. Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, transmitting order for Captain Maynadier, U. S. Army, commanding mortar feet. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 16, 1862. SIR: I enclose herewith an order upon Captain Maynadier, com- manding the mortar fleet, for the detail of the crews of the nav Page 23 NAVAL FOIICES ON WI~StERN WATERS. 23 howitzers to be landed in the proposed expedition; each howitzer will be accompanied by a seaman from the squadron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Ifaters. Lieutenant-Commander LE Ro~ FITCH, U. S. Navy, Commanding Steamer Judge Torrence, Mississippi River. [Enclosure.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, 0/f Fort Pillow, May 16, 1862. SIR: It is the intention of the colonel commanding to take with him four of the mounted navy howitzers in the proposed expedition, and I will thank you therefore to detail from the mortar fleet a sufficient number of men for crews for these howitzers. This number will be fixed by Lieutenant Commanding Fitch. One man from the squad- ron will accompany each howitzer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Force8, iVestern Waters. Captain H. E. MAYNADIER, U. S. Army, Commanding Mortar Fleet, Mississippi River. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of ilijured naval vessels and referring to discussion of plan of attack upon Fort Pillow. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 16, 1862. SIR: The gunboat Cincinnati left for Cairo last evening. The injury she sustained proved to be much more serious than at first reported. It is reported to me that the repairs on the Mound City are nearly concluded. General Quinby, from Island No. 10, visited me this morning early, in company with Colonel Fitch, commanding the brigade at this place. A plan of combined operation having for its object the capture of Fort Pillow was discussed and agreed upon. The preliminary steps are now in progress. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River, pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding various matters of interest. U. S. GUNBOAT BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 17, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: Since my very hurried letter after the fight the other morning I have absolutely been unable to write Page 24 24 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The Cincinnati was only raised night before last and got off for Cairo. The bell boat had no crew, and .we had trouble about the machine. Mr. libel was left alone. One master killed and two sick. We ran the Benton to the stern of the Cincinnati and remained there till she left, and I assisted Mr. libel, besides getting logs, chains, railroad iron, etc., with which to secure the boats against rams. We are put- ting railroad iron about the stem of this boat, which is her weak part. General Quinby is coming down with some artillery, cavalry, and in- fantry, and a combined attack is to be made on the fort in about three days time. Everything has been quiet about the fort and where the gunboats lie below. Two of their rams are missing. Deserters say that 108 were buried from their vessels after the fight. A good many deserters and refugees are coming in and passing up to Cairo, some 30 to 50 per day. We are now anchored across the river a little below where we lay when you left. Captain Dove is here with the Louisville. Now we have the Cairo, Pittsburg, and Louisville to count among the six vessels of the fleet. I would rather have either one of the other two than all three. Kilty did handsomely in the fight. Neither the Pittsburg nor Cairo got into it, and the St. Louis can hardly be said to have done so. Commander Davis now has got the run of matters very well. The plan of attack proposed is the old oneland on the bluff, open heavy mortar fire, and follow up with attack by gunboats. What the rebel boats can do remains to be seen. The great craft building in Memphis has been taken up the Yazoo to be finished, and a mechanic from there says it will be fifteen days before she will be ready. We must catch her there before she can be fitted out. I have not time this morning, being so much inter- rupted, to write about all the little matters of the fleet of which I know you would like to be informed. Suffice it to say that things go much as before. I miss ypu a great deal, as all do, though, of course, with such a gentleman as Captain Davis there could be nothing but the most agreeable relations. Captain Pennock writes that the East- port will be ready in thirty days. I trust then you may be entirely recovered and come to realize a little pleasant cruising in what will be the dashing vessel of the fleet. Thirty days make but a little count and will soon pass. I am, respectfully and very truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio. Appointment by Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, of Robert ~. Smith as fourth master on the U. S. S. Cincinnati, for faithful performance of duty. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER, BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 18. 1862. SIR: In consequence of the faithful and energetic manner in which you have performed the duties of executive officer of the gunboat Cincinnati since our late engagement, made known to me by the r Page 25 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 25 port of Acting [Volunteer] Lieutenant Hoel, you are hereby ap- pointed fourth master of that vessel, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the gallant and lamented Mr. Reynolds. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Of/leer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western lVaters. ROBT. B. SMITH, Esq., Fourth Master Gunboat Cincinnati, Cairo, ill. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing the arrival of reinforcements. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 21, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to say to the Department that General Q uinby arrived last evening with reinforcements. He is employed to-day in a reconnoissance, which is to determine the route to be taken by the troops. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. I-I. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding iVestern Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D .C. [Telegram.] CAIRO, May 21, 1862. (Received 22d, 12 :15 a. in.) Advices from flotilla announce probable evacuation of Fort Pillow. The steamer ]iennett, which went down with flag of truce with num- ber of prisoners to be exchanged, returned to flotilla without seeing any signs of life at the fort, or as far as could be seen below it. General impression is that enemy has fallen back on Fort Randolph, 12 miles below. Two hours after the Kennett returned, rebel steamer with flag of truce came up from below, took off prisoners from Kennett, and steamed down the river. H. E. THAYER. Colonel E. S. SANFORD. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, acknowledging Departments letter of commendation. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the very gratifying letter of the Department of the 16th instant. Its ap- proval and commendation of the conduct of the officers and men o Page 26 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WA~PER~. the Western Flotilla in the naval engagement of the 10th instant will be an additional stimulus to them to perform their duty again on a similar occasion. In compliance with the orders of the Department, I shall have the pleasure to promote Acting Master Gregory to the rank of acting [volunteer] lieutenant, dating the appointment on the 10th instant. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding We8tern Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of tile Navy, Wa8hington, D. C. Semiofficial report of Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding matters of interest. U. S. GUNBOAT BENTON, Near Fort Pillow, May 22, 1862. Mx- DEAR SIR: * * * The Mound City is now here ready for service again, and the Cin- cinnati will be ready in about one week. It is strange how that inevi- table month in the case of the Ea8tport drags its slow length along, never beginning, always one day in advance of present time. To-days mail informs us that she will be ready in one month; so did the mail on the 2~d of April last. General Quinby examined the river bank opposite Fulton to-day, and the guns have arrived to put in battery there, so that by day after to-morrow we may hope to have something doing. The commodore sent Captain McGunnegle down with the party reconnoitering. Seven gunboats are reported at Fulton. They are all, except one or two, strangers to the colonel, those exceptions being the rams, that came up before to attack. All the boats there now are probably rams. Driving those away with a battery, so as not to be in our way while under the fort, is, of course, leaving us free for the main work. Some of the boats are secured to a consid- erable extent about the bow and stern, and all have logs suspended along the sides where is no plating. We are putting railroad iron on the stern and quarters of this vessel. The rebels have dismounted nearly every gun on their vessels, depending on small arms and rams. Jeff Thompson, the nightmare of every post commander on the Mis- sissippi, is the commander of the rebel fleet just below us, yet the commandant at New Madrid this night lies in an unquiet bed, assured that the immortal Jeff is after him with those naked and starved swamp rats. The Tyler and Lexington are forced out of the Ten- nessee by low water, and will join the fleet here, being much needed. Will you believe it, application was made for them to remain at Cairo to protect that place, there being considerable apprehension? The Cone8toga is to look after Hickman and Columbus and will be within call of Cairo. Affairs go on much as usual with the squadron. Some few changes among the lower officers caused by sickness. Mr. Thomas M. Parker has gone as fourth master to the Louisville. I fear he will fail. Mr. Reed has applied for a masters mateship on board the Great Western. I suggest sending Mr. Henry Wilkin Page 27 NAVAL FORCES OI~ Wi~TER~t WAT1~R~. there and keeping Mr. Reed here, as the better of the two for our purposes. Captain Walke I have not seen for several days. Little Thompson is very busy getting his vessel secured, so that when the rebels come around the point again he can pitch into them. Of the Cairo nothing is known except that she was heard of to-day as wanting coal, being about out of that commodity and pretty much run ashore for provisions. The St. Louis, I am satisfied, will now be found up to time everywhere. That hospital boat has not yet come down. It takes so long to do anything. There are a good many sick; in this vessel more than one-tenth. * * * * * * * Very respectfully and truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio. Order o~ Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. St. Louis, to assist in army reconnoissance. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 22, 1862. SIR: You will report yourself this Thursday morning at 7: 30 oclock to Brigadier-General Quinby, commanding the military forces of the United States at this point, to take part in a reconnoissance to be made under his direction at and near Craighead Point, [Ark.]. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Nacal Forces, lVestern iVaters. Lieutenant Commanding W. MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat St. Louis, Mississippi River. Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Blodgett, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. Conestoga, to assist in army reconnoissance. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTOK, Off Fort Pillow, May 23, 1862. SIR: On the receipt of this communication you will consider your vessel at present subject to the orders of General Quinby. Any pre- vious orders conflicting with this are hereby canceled. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding G. M. BLODGETT, U. S. Navy Commanding Gunboat Conestoga, Mississippi River Page 28 28 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant Blodgett, U. S. Navy, of receipt of orders. U. S. GUNBOAT CONESTOGA, Off Hickman, Ky., hay 23, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of my orders, dated May 22, 1862. I shall act in obedience to them and inform you if anything of importance transpires. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. BLODGETT, Lieutenant, Commanding, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Raters. Report of Lieutenant Blodgett, U. S. Navy, of receipt of orders. U. S. GUNBOAT CONESTOGA, Off Columbus, Ky., May 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have received your communication dated May 23, 1862, placing this vessel under the orders of General Quinby. xTery respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. BLODGETT, Lieutenant, Commanding, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, giving the results of a reconnoissance by Brigadier-General Quinby, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the result of General Quinbys reconnoissance is that he considers a greater num- ber of troops than that which he has with him necessary for the suc- cess of the operations we have had in contemplation. He has returned to Hickman with his command, where he will wait for reinforcements. We have reliable information concerning the enemys force on shore and afloat. The force on shore numbers about 3,000 men, in- cludino~ a well-trained Louisiana regiment of 1,200 men. The force afloat ~Tias recently been increased by the addition of another gun- boat or ram. Since I last wrote the Department, Lieutenant Colonel Ellet has brought down four of the rams, hastily prepared for service. I have no doubt that they will be useful in the event of another engage- ment. The Mound City has rejoined the flotilla. All the gunboats are to be defended forward and aft in their weak and unprotected parts by a framework of cypress logs Page 29 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 29 It is far from my expectation that the rebel gunboats will venture to renew the attack. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Itli88i88ippi River, Pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, inform- ing him of the operations of the enemy in strengthening the works at Fort Pillow. HEADQUARTERS, On board Steamer Henry Von PAul, May 26, 1862. DEAR SIR: The enemy in Fort Pillow have within the past few days repaired and remounted one battery near the water line, and have a considerable force now at work upon another, which is assum- ing somewhat large proportions. These facts I know from personal observation had this p. m. from the shore of the main channel of the river opposite the fort. They may have been previously known to you, yet I deem it my duty to communicate them, notwithstanding the seeming probability from the long silence of our mortar fleet that the policy concluded upon may be to permit the enemy to quietly complete his works. Yours, respectfully, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Commodore DAVIS, Commanding Flotilla. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet off Fort Pillow, ready for aggres- sive action. ABOVE FORT PILLOW, hay 26, 1862. I arrived at my fleet yesterday, leaving one of my boats at New Albany, ready to follow in twenty-four hours. The others are all here. I visited Commodore Davis immediately to obtain his views and offer cooperation. The commodore intimated an unwillingness to assume any risk at this time, but will communicate with me again, after further reflection, touching my proposition to him to run below these batteries and surprise the enemys fleet and transports before they can escape up the tributaries. To me, the risk is greater to lie here with my small guard and with- in an hours march of a strong encampment of the enemy, than to run by the batteries and make the attack. I shall, if necessary, repeat the proposition the moment the Switzerland arrives with the barges Page 30 30 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. have prepared to shelter the boats. I wish to take advantage of the high water. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Hon. E. M. STANTON, Colonel, Connuanding. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. Report of Brigadier-General Quinby, U. S. Army, commanding District of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE Mississippi, Columbus, Ky., May 24, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit for the information of the major-general commanding the following report: On the 19th instant I proceeded to the flotilla above Fort Pillow with such troops as could safely be withdrawn for a short time from the several posts within this district. I was induced to do this on representations made me that there was a very small rebel force in and about Fort Pillow, and that our troops already there, under the command of Colonel Fitch, needed to be only slightly reinforced to enable us to make a demonstration by land, which, in connection with an attack by our gun and mortar boats, would insure a speedy sur- render of the rebel works. On reaching the flotilla I began to inform myself of the position and character of the enemys works and of the number and dispo- sition of his troops. A personal reconnoissance satisfied me that his position was very strong, and that a land approach with my small command was impracticable. Spies, deserters, and refugees all con- curred in stating that there were in and about the fort three old and well-filled regiments, averaging at least 1,000 effective men; that there was, besides near by a battery of six 6-pounder pieces, and on Chick- asaw Bluff, about, 6 miles from the fort, another battery of four 12- pounders. During my stay at the flotilla I had frequent and free consultations with Captain Davis, commanding the fleet, and at all times found him ready and anxious to cooperate with me in any plan that might seem to give reasonable promise of success; but he was unwilling to attempt running by Fort Pillow with part of his gunboats and place them between it and Fort Randolph unless we had shore batteries on the Arkansas side of the river, under which the boats could take refuge in the event of their being crippled either by the guns of the fort or the rebel gunboats. There was no possible means of establishing a battery on the side of the river opposite to and below the fort in the present condition of the ground, except by carrying the guns and ammunition along a levee for a distance of 3 miles, the whole of which is completely commanded by rebel batteries. This, hazardous as it was, we were about to undertake, and had already repaired the breaks in the levee at those points where the brush and timber con- cealed the workmen from observation on the other side. The suc- cess of the undertaking required that the battery should be con Page 31 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 31 structed in a single night, and that all should be in readiness before daylight the following morning. On Thursday, the 22d, the repairs of the levee were made as far as it could be prudently done, and a strong picket was thrown out to prevent the landing of the enemy and the discovery of our work, and consequently of our intentions. During the night one of the men who, without the knowledge of the rest, went in front of the line, re- fused on his return to answer the challenge, and was shot dead by two of our pickets firing on him at the same instant. The noise alarmed the enemy, and a strong detachment was immediately sent over the river, which attacked and drove in our pickets. Our work must have been discovered by them, and it would be charging them with gross stupidity not to suppose our plan betrayed; besides, on Friday morning, a heavy rain set in, which of itself would have ren- dered a delay of at least two days necessary in the prosecution of our work. In the meantime rumors were reaching me of the concentra- tion of a strong rebel force in the vicinity of Trenton, for the object, it was reported, of attacking Hickman and Columbus. As these rumors were confirmed by the refugees from the conscription, and as I saw no good that could be accomplished by remaining longer at the flotilla, I started back on Friday afternoon, and the troops are now distributed in the district as they were before the expedition sailed. In conclusion, permit me to express the opinion that with a prop- erly organized force of 5,000 men I doubt not the easy, and perhaps bloodless, capture of Forts Pillow and Randolph so soon as the roads leading from the river, by which the rear of their works can be gained, become practicable for artillery; but in the present condition of the country about here it would be unwise to withdraw from the different posts within this district troops enough to constitute an ex- pedition sufficient for such an undertaking. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding District. Captain J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Mississippi. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting pass for an official messenger. STEAM RAM QUEEN OF THE WEST, May 26, 1862. Colonel Ellet wishes to send the bearer, Mr. Roberts, with a mail and official dispatches to the Secretary of War; and will be obliged to Commodore Davis, if it is compatible with the discipline he has established, to order that a pass from Colonel Ellet shall be sufficient to allow his messengers to go on the mail boats 6n public business, so as to avoid detention and the necessity of establishing a separate line for his fleet. Commodore DAVIS Page 32 32 NAVAL FORGES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, furnishing pass requested by the latter. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 26, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have the pleasure to send you herewith a pass for your orderly, Mr. Roberts, which I have put in a general form in order that. he may make use of it from day to day. If Colonel Ellet should desire to add a second messenger, a steward, or servant, he can do so upon his own order, which the captains of the mail boats will be required to respect as a sufficient authority. I have the pleasure to be, colonel, with great respect, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Colonel Ellet, etc., Colonel E. will be obliged to make provisions for the subsistence of his orderly, etc. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, proposing to run below Fort Pillow and attack the Confederate fleet. STEAM RAM QUEEN OF THE WEST, Above Fort Pillow, May 28, 1862. Coi~uIoDoRE: Referring to the suggestion which I submitted when I called on you the 25th instant, for a combined movement with a view to surprise and destroy the enemys gunboats, rams, and trans- ports, now lying below the guns of Fort Pillow, I beg leave to sug- gest, in addition that, unless such a movement is promptly made, I fear the opportunity for it may possibly be lost altogether. The river is now in good condition but falling rapidly. Commo- dore Farraguts fleet is probably advancing, and as it approaches Memphis the rebel steamers of all classes will doubtless seek to hide in tributaries which are now navigable for them to enter, but which, if our advance is delayed, may not be navigable for us when we wish to pursue. I would be pleased, therefore, if the proposition, after the consid- ciation you have given it should meet your concurrence, to join the whole or a portion of rams under my command to the whole or even a single one of your gunboats, and placing them all under the shelter of barges which I have prepared for the purpose, and hope will very soon arrive, run below Fort Pillow by daylight and attack the rebel fleet wherever it can be found. The stern-wheel boats which I have provided and fitted up as rams will make excellent towboats for carrying along any amount of coal v~ hich may be needed to run as far as we may wish and return. The importance of this movement is, I think, likely to be very great, in view of the battle which is now daily expected at Corinth. If that battle results in our favor, by occupying the river below and by destroying the rebel fleet, we will deprive the defeated army of its means of crossing the Mississippi and renewing the contest on the other side. If the battk should result in our defeat, we can still Page 33 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 33 afford most valuable service by cutting off the river supplies of the enemy. Submitting this suggestion again for your consideration, I have the honor to be, commodore, with high respect, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding, etc. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer of the ?JIis8i88ippi Gunboat Squadron. Minutes of conversation between Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, and Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, above Fort Pillow, May 27, 1862. I proposed an advance of our joint fleets, pass Fort Pillow, sur- prise and attack the enemys gunboats, etc., below, and hold the river there. The commodore would consider it, and did not feel disposed at present to incur any risk. He was apprehensive of a movement be- low, but in case of disaster the commerce and cities above might be exposed to the rebel gunboats. March 27.2 oclock p. in., received a message from the commo- dore requesting me to send a boat down the river to protect some mortar boats which had just commenced shelling the enemy. He had sent the Carondelet. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, proposing mode of attack upon Fort Pillow and Confederate fleet. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 28, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have thought over a great deal the subject of our con- versation on Monday morning, and have come to the following con- clusion: It will be most expedient and proper that the gunboats should take the front rank in a naval engagement with the enemy, and that the rams, coming up in the rear, should watch for an opportunity, either to take the enemy in the flank, to assail any straggler, to assist any disabled vessel of our squadron, and to pounce upon and carry off any disabled vessel of the enemy. The gunboats of the flotilla and the rams bear to each other the relation of heavy artillery and light skirmishers; to expose the latter to the first brunt and shock of battle would be to misapply their pe- culiar usefulness and mode of warfare. It is my wish, therefore, in the event of a naval ellgagement, that the rams under your command should follow in the rear and on the wings of my squadron; particular instructions being given to their captains to profit by every opportunity of assailing a vessel of the enemys flotilla, or making a prize of one of his disabled boats. If these directions are agreeable to you, I will thank you to com- municate them to the captains under your immediate command; if not, we will confer again upon the subject. 49518N W RVOL 2& 09 Page 34 34 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. When one or more of the mortar boats go down to take the station for bombardment I will thank you to direct one of the rams to go down also and take a station near them, and to be ready to encounter a sudden dash on the part of one of the rebel rams. But I take the liberty to say, colonel, that the rams, being, as they are, unarmed, incur an unnecessary risk in running under the range of the enemys guns as the ram now on guard has done this morning, and that it would be a matter of great mortification if any vessel of our combined squadron were to suffer an injury from the guns of the rebels without the means of retaliation. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Afis8~ssipp~ River. Colonel ELLET, Steamer Queen of the West, Mississippi River. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding method of cooperation. QUEEN OF THE WEST, Above Fort Pillow, May 28, 1862. DEAR Sin: I have just received your note of to-day, touching the subject of our conversation of Sunday morning and the mode in which the rams can best cooperate with the gunboats in resisting an attack by the enemy. The enclosed communication, which I had written this morning and was about to send to you when I received your note, will explain the current of my own thoughts on the same subject, my view being, as you will perceive, to act as soon as possible, on the offensive. I will be much obliged to you for your views on the suggestions which I have ventured to submit in this note, whenever your conclusion is formed. I concur in your opinion of the needless exposure of the rams to the enemys guns, to which you allude, and had myself gone out to forbid it, and to direct them to lie above the mortars which it is their busi- ness to guard. But I was myself on board the little tug which subse- quently dropped down below Craighead Point, wishing to see the posi- tion of the batteries which it may presently be necessary for me to pass by, and to obtain a precise knowledge of the bearing of the chan- nel from the pilots on board. Allow me to add, commodore, that almost the only efficient service these rams can render is that for which they were specially built, viz, to run into the enemy, with good speed and head on, and sink him. With that view my instructions which I have given have been to wait while we remain here until the enemy advances so far above the Point that he can not refuse the collision and retreat, and then go in, each boat for itself, and strike wherever the blow can be delivered to the best advantage. I fear it would be unsafe to change this order at this late hour for to-night, but I will be very happy to confer with you fully on th Page 35 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 35 whole subject, so that the orders for the future may be well under- stood and made as simple as possible. I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commodore ~. ~. DAVIS, Colonel, Commanding, etc. Flag-Officer, etc. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, regarding measures for the relief of refugees. MAY 29, 1862. COLONEL: It was my intention to have the Conestoga up the river [Mississippi] to afford relief to the refugees along its banks and to bring them to this place [Fort Pillow?] for protection or for pas- sage to Cairo. But the state of affairs at Hickman and in that vicinity renders it expedient that the Conestoga should remain under the orders of General Quinby. Under these circumstances it will be necessary to employ a trans- port for this service, in execution of which I invite your cooperation. I will put a howitzer on board the steamer IVisconsin or Champion, her under the command of Lieutenant Erben, of the Navy, if von will have the goodness to put on board what, in your judgment, will be a sufficient number of troops with their subsistence for a day. You will dispatch her as soon as possible after receiving your reply to this communication. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your most obe- dient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag Officer. Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi Ricer. Colonel G. N. FITCh, Commanding Brigade, A7car Fort Pillow, Jean. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Maynadier, U. S. Army, giving information obtained from a deserter regarding mortar practice. MAY 29, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: A very intelligent deserter came in this morning, who told us, among other things, that the mortar practice had been very good yesterday and the day before and that a piece of one of the~bombs had gone through General Villepigues quarters. The name of the man about whom Captain Pennock wrote and I spoke to you about the other day is John Driscoll. Yours, truly, C. H. DAVIS, Flag Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. H. E. MAYNADIER, Captain, Tenth Infantry, Commanding Mortar Fleet Page 36 36 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, proposing to move alone against Fort Pillow and Confederate fleet. Mississirri RIVER, Above Fort Pillow, May 30, 1862. Immediately on arriving here, five days ago, I called to see Commo- dore Davis on the flagship Benton, and then suggested a joint move- ment to destroy the enemys fleet and command the Mississippi below Fort Pillow. The commodore promised to communicate with me again on that subject after giving it further consideration. Not hearing from him, 1 renewed the suggestion in a note three days afterward, and was promised a reply yesterday. Up to this time I have not received it. I shall inform him to-day of my readi- ness to move alone next Monday morning, unless, in the meantime, he should conclude to allow one or more of his gunboats to partici- pate. Delay will be fatal to the usefulness of this fleet. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Letter from Brigadier-General Quinby, U. S. Army, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regretting inability to cooperate. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE Mississippi, Columbus, Ky., May 30, 1862. COMMODORE: Your favor of the 28th instant was received last even- ing, and, though I have nothing of importance to communicate, I re- ply to it thus promptly to express my high appreciation of its kind and cordial tone, and also my unqualified conviction of the wisdoni of your policy in remaining in your present position until events fur- ther develop themselves. I deeply regret my inability, as now situated, to cooperate with you effectively. The safety of the different points within my district is of the first importance, and I feel that it would be unwise to withdraw from them, even temporarily, troops enough to aid materially in re- ducing the rebel works before you. I have both written and tele- graphed for reinforcements, and hope that Major-General Halleck can find it in his power to send them. Should he do so, I will call upon you at once and consult upon the place of operation. The De Soto has just arrived with your second note and the Mr. Jones, escaped from Fort Pillow. His statements are evidently col- ored by his feelings and his desire to have his persecutors punished. As he was a close prisoner while at Fort Pillow, he could have had but little opportunity to judge of the strength of the works and the number and disposition of the rebel forces. I am disposed to take his statements with some abatement. The package of tea was duly received, for which, and your instruc- tions to the captain of the B. to accept my passes, you will please ac- cept my heartfelt thanks Page 37 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 37 I am, commodore, with high respect, your friend and obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Fort Pillow, Tenn. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding a rumor of the proposed evacuation of Fort Pillow. MAY 31, 1862. DEAR SIR: Please examine these men, this morning from the fort. According to their statement the fort is about to be evacuated to-day or to-night, although such statements do not accord exactly with the further statement that General Price is expected there. I propose to have the reported expected arrival of four transports to-day watched, and shall myself go down to take a look at Island 34, where the pres- ence of a party was yesterday reported. I will send another small party around Craighead Point to opposite the fort. Respectfully, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding. Commodore DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Flotilla. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding an intended attack upon Confederate gunboat. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 1, 1862. DEAR SIR: I am just now informed that a rebel gunboat is lying opposite the point on the Tennessee shore. I propose, therefore, to send down a little tug and try to bring her within reach of a couple of rams which I will hold in readiness in the bend on the Arkansas side. Yours, very respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding, etc. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, etc. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, stating his intention of running the batteries of Fort Pillow. MISSISSIPPI RIVER, Above Fort~Pillow, June 1, 1862. CoM3IoDoRE: I am very anxious, for the reasons already submitted, to avoid further delays; and I am therefore preparing to run below Fort Pillow, in accordance with my previous suggestions to you, weather permitting, at early dawn next Tuesday Page 38 38 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The hope of obtaining the support of at least one gunboat has in- (luced me to postpone this expedition from day to day, being not only deeply impressed with the influence which the presence, bearing, and example of a portion of your brave command would have on my raw recruits, but also with a sense of the substantial addition to the strength of my fleet, which the guns of a single armed boat would afford. But should you not deem it expedient to allow even one gunboat to share this enterprise, permit me to say that I would be very munch gratified to have on board my vessels, as volunteers, the com- pany of a few of the gallant gentlemen and brave men of your com- mand, for the sake of the example alone which all connected with the Navy are sure to offer whenever the opportunity is presented to them to engage in a daring and patriotic enterprise. I remain, commodore, with high respect, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding, etc. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, etc. Instructions of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding proposed attack upon Confederate gunboat. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 1, 1862. A rebel gunboat or ram is reported on the Tennessee shore below Craighead Point. Lieutenant George E. Currie will go on board the tender Dick Fulton and take command of Lieutenant Hunters de- tachment and direct Captain Cadman to drop down toward the rebel boat, but well off from the point, the object being to incur as little risk as possible from the fire of the fort, though enough, if the posi- tion of the rebel boat permits it, to induce her to endeavor to capture the Fulton. Lieutenant Currie is instructed to drop down stern foremost when nearing the point, so as to be always ready to retreat. He will move on his retreat so as to expose the pursuing steamer to an attack from the Queen of the lVest, the Lancaster, the Lioness, and the Homer, which will be kept in position in the bend on the Arkansas side, far enough above the point to enable them to gain headway at the moment of collision. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, who will command the Lanca8ter, Lieu- tenant Crandall of the Lioness, and Lieutenant Davis on the Homer, will all act in accordance with their instructions, and judge by the motions of the Queen, which will be the flagship in this movement, when to make their attack. If either boat should be disabled she should anchor at once, and it will be the duty of the others to bring her off. [C. ELLET, Jr.], Colonel, Commanding Page 39 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 39 Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, extending good wishes for success. BENTON, June 1, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have received your note proposing to bring a rebel gunboat within reach of your rams. I heartily wish you all possible success. Very respectfuly, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Captain, Commanding IVe8tern Flotilla. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commanding, etc. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, declining cooperation. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, Jane 2, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of yesterday. I decline taking any part in the expedition which you inform me you are preparing to set on foot to-morrow morning at early dawn. I would thank you to inform me how far you consider yourself under my authority; and I shall esteem it a favor to receive from you a copy of the orders under which you are acting. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding We8tern Flotilla Aii& u8~ippi River. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet, 2llis8i8sippi Ricer. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding Western Flotilla, stating his view of their relations. MISSISSIPPI RIVER, Above Fort Pillow, June 2, 1862. COMMODORE: I have received your note of this morning, informing me that you decline taking any part in the expedition I have been preparing to set on foot to-morrow morning at early dawn, and requesting me to inform you how far I consider myself under your authority, and also desiring me to furnish you a copy of the orders under which I am acting. While regretting sincerely your indisposition to cooperate in a movement against the enemys fleet, lying within easy reach, I take great pleasure in giving you all the information you ask for. I do not consider myself at all under your authority. My fleet was fitted up under the orders of the War Department, and was sent for- ward in great haste, in the hope that it might be here in time to con- tribute to avert such a disaster anticipated at the Department as that which recently befell two of the gunboats when assailed by the rebel rams Page 40 40 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I will, with pleasure, send you such portions of my instructions as have any relation to my duties here to-morrow morning, merely stat- ing to you now that it is the expectation and intention of these in- structions that I shall not move against the enemy without your concurrence, provided you consider the particular movement which I propose as bearing hurtfully upon the general operations which you are conducting. In that case it is intended that your disapprobation shall restrain me. But. I do not understand that you are to be held in any way responsible for my operations, or are at liberty to interfere with them if they merely involve hazard to my own command. Should you have received any instructions at all conflicting with these I would be obliged to you to inform me of the discrepancy. In the meantime, permit me to say that I came here to do good service, and for nothing else, and to that end I shall waive all question of your right to indicate to me any attack proper to be made; and will respond to your call with the utmost alacrity, and give you as instan- taneous and complete use of my whole force as if you had the right to command it. I trust, therefore, that no question of authority need be raised. It is my intention to continue, as I have done, to communicate all my plans to you in advance, and to keep prepared to aid in the execution of all yours as soon a~ you deem it proper to intrust me with them; to do nothing contrary to your wishes, but to move against the enemy the moment you intimate that you are yourself ready, or that my advance will not interfere with your own programme. I continue, commodore, with high respect, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Connuanding, etc. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the spirit of his instructions from the War Department. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Above Fort Pillow, June 3, 1862. SIR: My instructions received from the honorable Secretary of War run through various dispatches, the greater portions of which are wholly irrelevant to the points which now interest you. In a dispatch dated April 25, the honorable Secretary uses this language: It is unnecessary to say, except to guard against misapprehension, that the expedition must move upon the enemy with the concurrence of the naval com- mander on the Mississippi River, for there must be no conflicting authorities in the prosecution of war. If any doubt should arise in your mind and you need further instructions, please telegraph, etc. A part of my reply to this dispatch, of the same date, April 25, I will also quote, as the best means of showing you the spirit of my instructions: The clause in your instructions requiring the concurrence of the naval com- mander on the Mississippi might embarrass me much. That officer might no Page 41 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 41 have confidence in my mode of warfare. My purpose has not been to remain with the gunboats, or even to sho~v my fleet there, until ready to push on, pass the batteries, drive my rams against the enemys armed vessels and transports wherever they can be found, relying much on the suddenness and audacity of the attack for its success. I fear that the naval commander might not concur in the propriety of such a movement, which is not in accordance with naval usage, and that he might compel me to lie idle above some fortified position until the flood abated, and the opportunity to surprise the enemy in my own way would be lost. I trust you may think proper to reconsider this limitation of my authority, and leave me free to act on my own judgment, but of course with respectful deference to the gallant officer in command on the Mississippi, by whose good advice I certainly shall not fail to profit. In response to this, April 26, the honorable Secretary uses the fol- lowing language: The peculiarity of the enterprise which you have undertaken induced the expression concurrence, instead of placing you distinctly under the command of the naval commander. There ought not to be two commanders on the same element in war operations. But, as the service you are engaged in is peculiar, the naval commander will be so advised, and will be desired not to exercise direct control over your movements, unless they shall manifestly expose the general operations on the Mississippi to some unpardonable influence, which is not however anticipated. The expression, unpardonable influence, is doubtless a tele- graphic misprint, but means some irreparable injury. From this you will be able to gather the spirit of my instructions, which contemplate an advance beyond these fortified positions, when- ever I may think it practicable or advisable to go by, with the single reservation that I must respect your objection to the movement, if, in your opinion, the success of your general operations will be jeopar- dized by that which I propose to undertake. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, etc. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, of proposed attack on Con. federate gunboat. ABOVE FORT PILLOW, June 3, 1862. I am about to move with two of my boats against a rebel gunboat lying under the guns of Fort Pillow. An exaggerated view of the powers of these rebel rams has spread among my fleet from the gun- boats, and I feel the necessity of doing something to check the exten- sion of the contagion. I am fully impressed with the hazards of this enterprise, but I deem the object sufficient to warrant the movement. I will take command of the Queen. My brother, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, will follow with the Monarch, so as to double the chance of reaching the rebel boat. I wish you to understand, however this enterprise may turn out, that it is not a rash act, but one which I have deliberately contem- plated with a definite and sufficient object. I wish also to place on record the fact that for whatever ill befalls this fleet you are not responsible, for you have given me from th Page 42 42 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. commencement all the support and aid which it was in your power to contribute. I shall take volunteers only on both boats. Respectfully, [C. ELLET, Jr.], Colonel, Comananding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding results of a reconnoissance. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Above Fort Pillow, June 3, 1862. SIR: .1 sent out a small party last evening under command of Lieutenant-Colonel lEllet, and accompanied by a detachment from the command of Colonel Fitch, and also by several pilots from this fleet, with a view to ascertaining whether the rebel gunboat was still lying off the point and in a position where I could reach her with one of my rams without exposing her too long to the enemys batteries. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet has reported to me that the gunboat had left, and that he then allowed two of his men to go over to a tow-head where they could examine the fortifications on the opposite shore at closer view. The conclusion at which he arrived, from what he and his party saw, was that Fort Pillow is being evacuated. I propose to send out another party to-day, if the weather is clear enough for observation, to go farther down the river, with a view to ascertain whet.her the enemys fleet may not have also evacuated, and if it has not, what facilities its position presents to assaft it, intend- ing, if the report should justify the advance, to move immediately against it. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, etc. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, defining the relations between them. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, June 3, 1862. COLONEL: I have had the honor to receive your letters of the 2d and 3d instant, the latter containing a copy of the instructions of the War Department defining your position. I understand from these instructions that your vessels are not under my control, that I am not responsible for their movements, and that your undertakings do not necessarily require my concurrence or approval. On your arrival here I communicated to you a general outline of the plan of operations agreed upon between General Quinby and myself, and when the time arrives for putting it into execution Page 43 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 43 shall have the pleasure to make you acquainted with all the details, and to invite your cooperation. In the meantime I have no desire to oppose or circumscribe your movements. My opinion is unfavor- able to your attack, as I understand it, but your mode of warfare is novel, and the service is peculiar: and under the circumstances of the case I willingly defer to your judgment and enterprise. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Mi8si88ippi River. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Commanding Ram Fleet, Mi8sissippi River. P. S.I shall wait with interest to hear the result of your recon- noissance of to-day. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, informing him of the continuance of the reconnoissance. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 4, 1862. DEAR Sm: I think it most prudent to let you know that I have just sent out a very small party to start below the open field, near the cabins, and move down the levee toward Fulton, to continue the recon- noissance commenced yesterday. I give you this information to guard against any mishap from the possible meeting of your scouts and this little party if you should have any out. Yours, truly, CHARLES ELLET, JR., Colonel, Commanding. Colonel G. N. FITCH. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding the expedition against the Confederate gunboat. MISSISSIPPI RIVER, Above Fort Pillow, June 4, 1862. SIR: For the purpose of testing the temper of a doubtful crew and ascertaining the strength of the enemys position, I determined yes- terday to take the Queen of the iVest and try to reach a rebel steamer lying around Craighead Point under the guns of Fort Pillow. The captain, two out of three of the pilots, the first mate, and all the engineers, and nearly all the crew, declined the service, and were allowed to go off with their baggage to a barge. Hastily forming a new crew of volunteers, I took command of the boat and directed Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet to follow in the Monarch at supporting distance. The captain, David M. Dryden, and all the crew of the ilonarch stood at their posts. The rebel steamer slipped lines and escaped before I could reach her. The firing of the fort was at short range, and quite brisk, but I think only revealed about seven or eight guns, corresponding with the count previously made in tw.o land reconnoissances by Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet. My boat was not hit. While the strength of the rebel batteries seems to be greatly overrated, their fleet of rams and gunboats is much large Page 44 44 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. than mine. It consists of eight gunboats, which usually lie just be- low the fort, and four others at Randolph, a few miles tarther down. Commodore Davis will not join me in a movement against them, nor contribute a gunboat to my expedition, nor allow any of his men to volunteer so as to stimulate the pride and emulation of my own. I shall therefore first weed out some bad material and then go without him. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Hon. E. M. STANTON, Colonel, Commanding, etc. Secretary of War, 1Va8hington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding steam ram Monarch, regarding the part taken by that vessel In the expedition against the Confederate gun- boat. HEADQUARTERS STEAM RAM MONARCH, June 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that, in accordance with your instructions received yesterday, the steam ram 211 onarch was got underway immediately after the Queen of the lVe8t started and fol- lowed her down the river, keeping at such a distance as not to impede in any way the action of the Queen and yet near enough to afford assistance or protection if she should be fortunate enough to engage the enemy ig action. The Monarch was held in this position until she had been for some minutes in fair range of the enemys batteries, and until the enemys gunboat, toward which you were directing the Queen, was observed to have made good her retreat, and the Queen was rounding to return upstream. I then ordered the Monarch to be put about and returned unharmed through the enemys fire to our tormer anchorage. It affords me great pleasure here to state that not one man on this 1)Oat, from the first master to the cabin boy, accepted the offer to re- main behind if they did not like the expedition; every man went. And it is but justice here to say that each one acted coolly and pru- dently in his own department, and did his duty manfully and well, handling the boat under the enemys fire with as much coolness as if on a holiday excursion. Most respectfully submitted, etc. ALFRED W. ELLET, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding the Steam Ram Monarch. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commanding Steam Ram Fleet. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding the appointment of engineers. Mississirri RIVER, Above Fort Pillow, June 4, 1862. SIR: When all the engineers of the Queen declined the hazard of the expedition of last evening two young men from my military guar Page 45 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 45 offered to handle the engines and run the boat wherever I wished to take her, and did so coolly and skillfully. I trust that I have not exceeded my authority in detailing R. L. Groomes and W. W. Jackson, both privates of Company G, Sixty- third Illinois Regiment, and giving the first the position and pay of chief, and the second the position and pay of first assistant engineer, for which they have licenses. I must have men who will stand by the engines and wheel under all circumstances. Not one of the soldiers on board hesitated to share the fate of the steamer. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding, etc. Hon. E. M. STANTON, AStecretary of War, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] FORT PILLOW, TENN., June 5,18624:30 A. ~r. Arrangements were completed for a combined assault on the fort at 7 a. m. at a weak and accessible point, but the works were abandoned last night~ and the guns and commissary stores destroyed. We are in possession, but propose proceeding to-day toward Memphis. I report by mail. G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Major-General POPE, Commanding District of Mississippi. Report of Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, regarding an entended reconnoissance. FORT PILLOW, TENN., June 5, 18624:30 a. m. On June 1 a laborious reconnoissance was made, which developed the fact that behind Flower Island, parallel with the chute between that island and the main shore, an approach to Fort Pillow could be made by infantry to Cole [Cold] Creek, within 30 yards of the enemys outer works and near the junction of the creek and Flower Island chute. * * * The following morning this reconnoissance was renewed and its results verified, and it was also ascertained that at the point where Cole [Cold] Creek could be crossed not a gun from the batteries could be brought to bear, while the ridges in the rear of and overlooking the fortifications would enable our infantry to approach and com- mand them. On the third morning three companies of this command, under Major Bringhurst, of the Forty-sixth Regiment of Indiana Volun- teers, was ordered to open a road parallel with the chute, secreted from observation by the timber on Flower Island and the main- land. * * * Unfortunately, four of Colonel Ellets rams, not knowing this detail had been sent forward, dropped around Craig Page 46 46 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. head Point, for the purpose of observation, and were fired upon by the enemy, and the shot overreaching the boats, fell in the vicinity of the working party in the woods, whereupon the major command- ing deemed it prudent to retire and abandon the work. It being too late after this unfortunate movement to do anything more that day, Captain Schermerhorn, of the Forty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, was ordered the next morning, with a detail from that regiment and the Forty-third Indiana Volunteers, to finish the contemplated works. This he promptly accomplished undis- covered by the enemy. * * * All the troops were ordered on board the transports the~same evening, with the intention of surprising and storming the fort, and all arrangements perfected for having a com- bined attack between the land forces and the gunboats last evening; but appearances, as well as the statement of a deserter last evening, made us apprehend that the enemy was evacuating. Therefore in- stead of marching by the contemplated route, I dropped down at. 3 a. m. with a small party on one of the transports (the Hattie Gilmore), preceded by open rowboats, containing Captain Sill and Lieutenant Troxell, with a few men. We dropped directly but cautiously toward the fort, and found our apprehensions verified. The enerhy was gone, having left at about 1 or 2 oclock this morn- ing. * * The Hattie Gilmore, in passino the ram fleet and Ben ton, gave notice what her signal would be i~ the enemy had left and what if they remained, and was followed very soon by Colonel Ellets rains, and after an interval by the gunboats and the other transports, the signal that there was no enemy in sight having been given. I am not able to state at this time the amount of property in the fort, but my impression is that it can not be properly garrisoned without a new armament and a corps of artillerists. For all practical purposes one or two gunboats would be more effective than my com- mand of infantry. I propose, therefore, to proceed directly toward Memphis this p. in., leaving one company here to collect the property. Captain Davis, commanding flotilla, leaves also one gunboat. I await orders. Yours, respectfully, G. N. FITCH, Major-General JOHN POPE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Commanding Di8trict of Mi8si88ippi. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of a delayed dispatch announcing the evacuation of Port Pillow. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, lJIempki8, June 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department a copy of a telegraphic dispatch which I sent from Fort Pillow, but which, through a misapprehension of the captain of the mail boat, was not delivered. I received this morning your telegraphic dispatch of the 10th, which I have answered by telegraph Page 47 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 47 A division of the squadron, under Commander A. H. Kilty, was on the point of sailing for White River to form a junction with General Curtis, but will now be delayed until Colonel Fitch can prepare the commissary transports to accompany it. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS Flag Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River, pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [EnclosureTelegram.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Fort Pillow, Thursday morning, June 5, 1862. Fort Pillow is evacuated; the last of the rebels left between 1 and 2 oclock this morning. The artillery and commissary stores are mostly destroyed. Preparations were set on foot for a combined attack which was to have taken place on Wednesday morning, but was unavoidably post- poned until this morning, when it was anticipated by the retreat of the enemy. I am making preparations for moving down the river with the greater part of my force, accompanied by transports having on board Colonel Fitch and his brigade. C. I-I. DAvIs, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IVashington, D. C. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing the evacuation of Fort Pillow by the Confederate forces. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Fort Pillow, Thursday Morning, June 5, 18628 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that on Tuesday Colonel Fitch communicated to me the result of an important recon- noissance on the Tennessee bank of the river, which he had just com- pleted. This reconnoissance led to the discovery of a mode of approach to an unguarded point of the enemys works, laid open by the falling of the water, but the construction of a floating bridge over Coles [Cold] Creek and other similar preparations were necessary for the passage of the troops. It was agreed between us that a combined attack should take place on Wednesday morning as soon after daylight as possible, but an unforeseen occurrence, by interrupting the construction of the bridge, compelled us to postpone the attack until this morning. Yesterday, however, the works at Fort Pillow were abandoned by the rebels, the last of whom disappeared. between 1 and 2 oclock this morning Page 48 48 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. We are now in possession of the works, where we find the artillery and a great amount of commissary stores destroyed. I am not yet informed whether any of the great guns remain uninjured. I am moving down the mortar fleet, the ordnance and store vessels, towboats, barges, etc., and preparing to proceed down the river. Colonel G. N. Fitch, at the head of the whole or a portion of his brigade, will accompany the squadron in his own transports. It is our intention to occupy Memphis with the least possible delay. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Mi88i88ippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Na cy, Wa8hington, D. C. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, [D. C.], June 5, 1862. I have a dispatch from Colonel Ellet, commander of the ram fleet at Fort Pillow, dated at that place yesterday. He informs me that he has been there a considerable time, and has made repeated appli- cations to Captain Davis, commander of the gunboats, for leave to attack the enemys fleet, but has been uniformly refused. Captain Davis not only refuses to join Mr. Ellet or give him the protection of a single gunboat, but also refuses to allow Ellet to attack on his own hook, nor will he allow any of his force to volunteer with Ellet. I regret the President would not place the fleet under your command. Ellet, however, made one demonstration, but the rebels slipped anchor and escaped. He says the strength of the rebel batteries is greatly overrated. He declares his intention to go on without the gunboats. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Major-General HALLECK, Corinth. [Telegram.] FORT PILLOW, June 5, 1862. (Received 11.40 p. m. 8th.) On my return to Fort Pillow I found the gunboats moving down the river. I presume that there will be no further obstacle unless we encounter one at Memphis. CHAS. ELLET, Jr., Commanding Rain Fleet. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, announcing the evacuation of Fort Pillow. OPPOSITE RANDOLPH, 12 MILES BELOW FORT PILLOW, June 5, 1862. SIR: To my mortification the enemy evacuated Fort Pillow last night. They carried away or destroyed everything of value. Early this morning Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet and a few men in a yawl wen Page 49 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 49 ashore, followed immediately by Colonel Fitch and a part of his com- mand. The gunboats then came down and anchored across the channel. I proceeded with three rams 12 miles below the fort to a point oppo- site Randolph, and sent Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet ashore with a flag of truce to demand the surrender of the place. Their forces had all left, two of their gunboats only an hour or two before we approached. The people promised to respect the flag which Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet planted. The guns had been dismantled and some piles of cotton were burn- ing. I shall leave Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet here in the advance and return immediately to Fort Pillow to bring on my entire force. The people attribute the suddenness of the evacuation to the attempt made night before last to sink one of their gunboats at Fort Pillow. Randolph, like Fort Pillow, is weak, and would not have held out long against a vigorous attack by water. The people express a desire for the restoration of the old order of things, though still professing to be secessionists. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of IVar. [Telegram.] CAIRO, June 6, 1862. Dispatch boat just arrived; reports the evacuation of Fort Pillow and occupation by our troops. Most of the flotilla had passed below Randolph. A. M. PENNOCK, Commander, etc. Hon. G. WELLES, Secretary Navy. Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, regarding condition of affairs in Fort Pillow after evacuation. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, 0/f Fort Pillow, Tenn., June 8, 1862. SIR: I find, on examination of the works here, the rebels have done but little damage to the works before they left, and they are in a good conditon to be occupied by either party. Some of the guns are indifferently spiked, others are not spiked at all, the carriages having only been fired. In the fort are carriages upon which, for ordinary use, the guns can be easily mounted, and will effectually command the channel. I respectfully request to know if I shall spike the guns. There is also scattered about the works a large quantity of shell, grapeshot, etc., which can be easily removed by teams. I learn many of those residing back in the county are violent seces- sionists, and several farmers have come in requesting permission to go up the river to avoid guerilla bands they say are organizing. 49518N W BVOL 2309--- Page 50 50 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I hear of a man residing some distance in the country endeavoring to get a band organized. One or more guns could easily under cover of night be mounted, or with musketry from behind the earthworks, hills, etc., they could suddenly at night annoy considerably our transports, and before I could bore through the embrasures, etc., to harm them, they could retreat to a place of safety. I would respectfully state I am of the opinion to occupy their works will tend much to avoid annoyance to our transports, give an asylum to those that love the Union, and keep the back country quiet. I learn the rebel authorities have had small bands roaming through the country destroying cotton, etc., to avoid its falling into our hands. Of those coming in to go up the river is an individual who has furnished information to the squadron. He says he has been posted on their blackboard and has to secrete himself in the woods until he can get his family ready to leave. I respectfully request to know if conveyance will be afforded for those desiring to leave, and what answer shall I give them. I have two and a hdlf days coal, full steaming, on board and re- quest to know where I am to get coal. In obedience to your orders, I secured the anchor and cable which was used for the coal barges and have it now on board. It is of con- siderable weight, and I would like to dispose of it as soon as con- ~renient I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EGBERT THOMPSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander CHARLES H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Flotilla. P. S.Two deserters, representing themselves from the rebel army at Memphis, have come on board, requesting to go up the river. I will forward them by the first boat. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting report after examination of the works at Fort Pillow by Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, and Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 15, 1862 SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I requested Lieutenant Commanding S. L. Phelps, of this ship, to employ a p art of our brief stay at Fort Pillow in making a rapid inspection of the works, in company with Colonel Fitch, and I have the pleasure to transmit herewith, for the archives of the Department, the report containing his description of their extent and strength. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River, pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 51 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 51 [Enclosure.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Fort Pillow, 7lienn., June 5, .1862. Sn~: In conformity with your directions I made a hasty examina- tion of the works at this point, only, however, having time to pass over the more prominent portions. The outer line of entrenchments, flanking upon Cold Creek, at a point some 600 yards above the water battery, ascends the bluff in an irregular zigzag, to a prominent and narrow ridge lying between the Hatchee River and the Mississippi, whence it trends away, at a sharp angle, along the ridge in the direction of Fulton and flanks upon the bluffs on the Mississippi above that landing, making a circuit of from 4 to 5 miles. These lines consist of a heavy embankment, planked upon the inner face, with a dry ditch of an average of 8 feet depth and width. Con- siderable numbers of pieces of artillery have once been mounted along this extended line. An abattis of fallen timber is cut without the entire length. There is an inner line of works of similar construction, though not of one unbroken circuit as in the case of the outer line, and altogether it is estimated the entrenchments are 10 miles in length. The entire land embraced within the circuit of these works is ex- ceedingly rough and broken, sharp ridges, deep gorges, and valleys, with small spring runs, traverse it in all directions, while the greater part of the surface is covered with a heavy growth of timber. There are prominent points along the inner line of defense from which artillery swept the outer works, while the entrenchments and rifle pits were disposed to enfilade and command the approaches effected by the broken surface. Two crescent batteries are also erected near the summit of the river bluffs to assist in the landward defenses. The water batteries are constructed at the base of the bluffs in the face of it, and in the gorges by which it is broken. The water battery proper consisted of ten guns, but was much injured in the late flood. A heavy columbiad was mounted in a casemated work constructed in a ravine higher up the river and above the level of the ten-gun bat- tery. This work is destroyed by fire. To the left and higher up is a sunken battery of six heavy guns, and still higher up is a 10-inch columbiad occupying another ravine and sweeping over a large arc. On the river below the ten-gun battery, and constructed by excavation from the bluff at some elevation, is a bastioned work of six heavy guns in front and several flanks. In this is a 13-inch mortar, burst. Still higher up on the bluff are other columbiads, mounted mostly in works across ravines and in batteries of one and two guns. Single guns (32-pounders) are also placed in position along the bluffs to as far as Fulton, 3 miles below the fort. These works are constructed and disposed with great skill and with vast labor; but a fatal mistake had been made in the depression that could be given the guns in all save the water battery, since, in a mod- erate stage of the river, our boats could have hugged the shore and passed under their fire. I will here mention that Colonel Fitch, commanding Forty-sixth Indiana Regiment, had constructed a road through swamps on th Page 52 52 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. upper side of Cold Creek, where no such attempt seems to have been anticipated, and had made preparations for crossing the creek and entering there within the lines while the fleet should open fire in front. From thence he could easily have captured, by a rear attack, the cres- cent battery on the bluff above, after which the different river bat- teries would have been entirely exposed to his riflemen, firing from above and in rear. The movement was made in accordance with this plan, adopted and prepared for during several previous days, but the rebels had fled from the works during the night, burning everything in their power. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant, Commanding, and Acting Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer CHAs. H. DAvis, U. S. NAVY, Commanding (pro tern) Flotilla We8tern Waters. Extracts from diary of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding Western Flotilla, pro tem., Nay 13 to 31, 1862. illay 11, [1862] .The enemy came up yesterday in very gallant style; the vessels were commanded by spirited fellows, who had evi- dently made up their minds to take it at the closest quarters and in the roughest way. We had scouts out yesterday, and we find that they are hard at work repairing damages, though only six of their gun- boats were in sight. These gunboats of the rebels were built, I be- lieve, by individual subscriptions; and Colonel Fitch, the military commander here, had in his hands day before yesterday two numbers of a Memphis paper in which the severest comments were made upon the inefficiency of their commanders. Colonel Fitch said, when he told me of it, that he thought they would be stimulated to some effort of a desperate nature. It is evident that the public opinion, such as it may be, demands some effort, some display of earnestness and determination, on the part of these people, who have collected a force without, at first, any apparent purpose of using it. I have no doubt we shall have another fight soon if our gunboats do not come up the river, or if Corinth and Memphis do not fall. * * * If the Cincinnati and Mound City were not so completely crippled, Colonel Fitch and I would be already engaged in the execution of a plan for reducing Fort Pillow, of which he is the author, and which I found on the tapis when I came out. As it is we must wait for several days. hay 21, [1862] .General Quinby came down last evening with re- inforcements, and last night we had a council of war. According to the best information, they (the rebels) have very few people now at Fort Pillow. The story is that they have gone down to Randolph. * * * Their gunboats are not in their usual anchorage. Our plot is a good plot. We require a little luck to carry it out successfully. There are at Cairo and St. Louis, on the stocks and unfinished, vessels that would make us perfect masters of the river and every- thing in it. But they will not be finished till the war is over. Is not this truly provoking? * * Page 53 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 53 I can not tell what damage I did to the rebel fleet. Two of their vessels dropped out of action, enveloped in steam and smoke, in the first fifteen minutes, and one appeared to sink as she rounded the point. The information given by the refugees (who are numerous) is that she was kept afloat twenty-four hours and then sank, and that we killed 108 of the rebels. This is the least estimate; others give more. I am doing nothing just now. General Quinby, after reconnoiter- ing the ground, came to the conclusion that he had not men enough to undertake the combined movement we had agreed upon, and he has gone back to wait for more. * * * May 28, [1862] .A party of deserters from the fort came in day before yesterday and another yesterday. They agree in the number of troops, etc., and also in portraying the condition of the rebel soldiers as one of suffering from want of good and sufficient food, and of gen- eral disgust and discontent. * * * May 29, [1862] .I have now an addition of five or six rams to the squadron, and the gunboats have received the protection of cypress logs and iron rails in their weakest parts. If I could get at them (the enemys fleet), I should make the attack myself, and my own anxiety is now, not to avoid, but to renew the fight clear of the guns of Fort Pillow. * * * I am sending a steamer up the river to-day to pick up the poor refugees, who stand on the banks begging our mail boats to take them on board with their families. * * * May 31, [1862] .Fort Pillow has neither been evacuated nor rein- forced. We know its status pretty well from day to day (the de- serters are frequent), and to-day is the first time we have had any intimation of a movement looking toward evacuation, and today we receive intelligence, which we think reliable, of the evacuation of Corinth. Our scouts are always on the alert. Of one thing be assured, that, if ever I get near that rebel fleet again, I shall destroy it, unless they anticipate me themselves. * * * * * * * June 3, [1862]. * * * There has been a little skirmish be- tween two scouting parties, in which a rebel officer was killed; and further, there have been some movements during the night and during the two previous days, indicating an intention on the part of the rebels to evacuate. * * * If General Quinby were here we would try to anticipate their movements. June 5, [18621 .Colonel Fitch discovered several days ago a weak and assailable point by which he proposed to attack the enemys works by land while I encountered the batteries in front. It was agreed between us that this should come off yesterday morning, but a fool- ish movement of Colonel Ellet prevented it in a way that could not have been foreseen. The movement was then to have been made this morning, as soon after daylight as possible. But the rebels retreated yesterday and last night, after, as usual, destroying everything. * * * These works are very extensive and very strong. * * * I am now lying under the batteries of Fort Pillow, waiting for Colonel Fitch to return from some examinations he is making. As soon as he comes back we will make our preparations for goin Page 54 54 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. down the river. I do not believe that there is any force at Randolph. If not, there is probably no interruption between here and Mem- phis, except, perhaps, the enemys gunboats, and they would detain us but a short time. Report of Brigadier-General Thompson, C. S. Army, regarding the operations of the enemy. C. S. iRIvER DEFENSE SERVICE, Gunboat General Bragg, Sunday, May 4, 18623 p. m. GENERAL: We are patiently awaiting the turn of events, and do not see much prospect for a fight at the present time. The enemy have changed their position since I came here, and keep their gun- boats on each side of the river in a position to command a long stretch, where we can not reach them without being under a cross fire for from forty to fifty minutes. They have twelve mortar boats, but never have more in position than two, which fire at irregular periods during the day, but are towed away each night. We have eight boats of the river-defense fleet here. The navy boats are dis- mounting their guns. We are doing a good service by keeping the enemy at a distance from Fort Pillow, but I have not the confidence in the fleet which I was led to expect by the representations made me. The majority of these boats are not fast enough to catch a retreating boat, but any that may pass Fort Pillow are at our mercy, and should any of their boats be imprudent enough to lie at the point they occu- pied when we came here, we caIi sink them with our three fast boats. We will wait arfd watch and hope. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF THOMPSON, Brigadier-General, Mis8ouri State Guard, Commanding 1Iarines~ and Gunner8. Major-General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C. S. Army, Corinth, Mis8. [Endorsement.] Already answered as follows: Hope ere long you will be able to test with success the efficiency of your boats, which are now the last hope of closing the river to the enemys gunboats. Should you not have speed enough against the boats upstream, I hope you will be able to destroy those of the enemy reported to be coming up from New Orleans. G. T. BEAUREGARD. Report of Brigadier-General Thompson, Missouri State Guard. CONFEDERATE STATES RIVER DEFENSE SERVICE, Gunboat General Bragg, May 10, 186210 p. m. GENERAL: At a council of war held last night by the captains of the fleet it was determined to attack the enemy this morning, to cut out a gunboat which for the past two days has been guarding the mortar boat Page 54A Page 54B CONFEDERATE STATES RAM GENERAL STERLING PRICE Page 55 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 55 We started at the commodores signal at 6 a. m. and steamed round the point in front of Fort Pillow. The boat guarding the mortar boat immediately started into the current and ran for the shoal water on Plum Point. The General Bragg, Captain Leonard, which had the lead, ran rapidly at her (supposed to be the St. Loui8), strik- ing her a glancing blow on the starboard bow and receiving a broad- side at 10 feet distance. The Bragg then backed out, and the Sumter, Captain Lamb, passed on, striking the same boat on the starboard quarter, and continued up stream to strike another. The Van Dorn, Captain Fulkerson, which came next, went up to the mortar boat and fired into it at 20 yards distance, and, passing for larger game, ran into another large gunboat, and then, unfortunately ran ashore, where for several minutes she sustained a terrific cannonade until she backed oil. The Price, Captain flenthorne, which was third in the line of attack, went gallantly in and struck a l~trge gunboat, sup- posed to be the Benton, and also received several point-blank shots. The other boats of this fleet, viz, the Beauregard, Colonel Lovell, Jeff lihomp8on, and Little Rebel, were not able to get into the fight, except with their guns, but it is worthy of note that the gunners on the open forecastle and sterns served their guns steadily amid a shower of missiles without one casualty. The Little Rebel was Commodore Montgomerys flagship, and ran about amid the storm as heedlessly as if charmed. A tiller rope on the General Bragg was accidentally cut, which pre- vented her from again returning to the charge, and as the difference in speed had opened the gap between our boats so far, and as the enemys boats were enough injured to repay our attempt and damage fourfold, the commodore hoisted his recall, and we fell back, cheer- ing and shouting. Our loss has been: W. W. Andrews, steward on the Van Dorn, killed; , third cook on the Bragg, mortally wounded, and eight or ten slightly wounded, among whom is Captain Fulkersona con- tusion on the hand, more painful than dangerous. Where all acted so handsomely it would be invidious to discrimi- nate, and I will simply state that the captains and crews of this fleet deserve the confidence which has been reposed in them, and my officers and men acted, as they always have, bravely and obediently. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF THOMPSON, Brigadier-General, ~1Ji88o uri State Guard, Commanding Confederate Troops on Fleet. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C. S. Army, Corinth, Miss. Report of Captain Montgomery, Commanding River Defense Fleet. FLAGBOAT LITTLE REBEL, Fort Pillow, Tenn., May 12,18f~N?. SIR: I have the honor to report an engagement with the Federal gunboats at Plum Point Bend, 4 miles above Fort Pillow, May 10 Page 56 56 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Having previously arranged with my officers the order of attack, our boats left their moorings at 6 a. m. and proceeding up the river, passed round a sharp point, which brought us in full view of the enemys fleet, numbering eight gunboats and twelve mortar boats. The Federal boat Carondelet was lying nearest. us, guarding a mortar boat that was shelling the fort. The General Bragg, Captain H. H. Leonard, dashed at her. The Carondelet [Cincinnati], firing her heavy guns, retreated toward a bar where the depth of water would not be sufficient for our boats to follow. The Bragg continued boldly on under fire of nearly their whole fleet, and struck her a violent blow that stopped her further flight, then rounded down the river under a broadside, fired and drifted until her tiller rope that had got out of order could be readjusted. A few moments after the Bragg struck her blow, the General Sterling Price, first officer Thomas E. Henthorne, ran into the same boat a little aft of her starboard mid- ship, carrying away her rudder, sternpost, and a large piece of her stern. This threw the Carondelet8 [Cincinnati8] stern to the Sumter, Captain W. W. Lamb, who struck her, running at the utmost speed of his boat. The General Earl Van Porn, Captain Isaac D. Fulkerson, running according to orders in the rear of the Price and Sumter, directed his attention to the Mound City, at the time pouring broadsides into the Price and Sumter. As the Van Porn proceeded, by skillful shots from her 32-pounder, W. G. Kendall, gunner, silenced a mortar boat that was filling the air with its terrible missiles. The Van Porn, still holding on the Mound City8 midship, in the act of striking, the Mound City sheered, and the Van Porn struck her a glancing blow making a hole 4 feet deep in her starboard forward quarter, evi- denced by splinters left on the iron bow of the Van Porn. At this juncture the Van Porn was above four of the enemys boats. As our remaining boats, the General M. Jeff Thoinp8on, Captain J. H. Burke, the Colonel Lovell, Captain James C. Delancy, and the General Beauregard, Captain J. H. hurt, were entering boldly into the con- test in their prescribed order, I perceived from the flagboat that the enemys boats were taking positions where the water was too shallow for our boats to follow them, and, as our cannon was far inferior to theirs, both in number and size, I signaled our boats to fall back, which was accomplished with a coolness that deserves the highest commendation. I am happy to inform you, while exposed at close quarters to a most terrific fire for thirty minutes, our boats, although struck repeatedly, sustained no serious injury. Our casualties were 2 killed and 1 wounded (arm broken). General M. Jeff Thompson was on the General Bragg; his officers and men were divided among the boats. They were all at their posts, ready to do good service should an occasion offer. To my officers and men I am highly indebted for their courage and prompt- ness in executing all orders. On the 11th instant I went on the Little Rebel in full view of the enemys fleet. Saw the Carondelet [Cincinnati] sunk near the shore and the iliound City sunk on the bar. The position occupied by the enemys gunboats above Fort Pillow offers more obstacles to our mode of attack than any other between Cairo and New Orleans. But of this you may rest assured, if we can get fuel, unless the enem Page 57 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 57 greatly increase their force, they will never penetrate farther down the Mississippi. I am with great respect, your obedient servant, J. E. MONTGOMERY, Senior Captain, Commanding River Defen8e Service. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding C. S. Army of the We8t. Report of Brigadier-General Thompson, Missouri State Guard, regarding the action of the rams in the river. C. S. RIVER DEFENSE SERVICE, Gunboat General Bragg, off Fort Pillow, May 13, 18628 p. m. GENERAL: Your telegram suggesting our trying the slow boats down- stream is received. Upon reflection you will find that none of the rams will answer downstream, except when manned by a forlorn hope to accomplish some specific object. After the first butt downstream whether it be fair or foul, your boat is lost, for you can not back upstream to strike again, and in drifting down you will be at the mercy of the enemy. This matter was fully demonstrated on the 10th, for the Bragg, which is the best and fastest boat, went in the lead, and after striking her first blow simply fouled a tiller rope and had to drift out of the action. Our only hope is to make ourselves useful upstream, and we will keep the enemy at this point in check until they are largely reinforced. The enemys boats above Fort Pillow are now moored in narrow channels behind sand bars, where we can not attack them again, but we will wait and watch for another opportunity. Should gunboats pass Vicksburg and the fort at that place remain in our hands, then we can run downstream and sink everything we hit between here and there, and then return to this post. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF THo1~IrsoN, Brigadier-General, Missouri State Guards, Commanding Confederate Gunners. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding C. S. Army, Corinth, Miss. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, TENN., June 3, 1862. If not already done, for Gods sake order the River Defense Fleet to defend every bend and dispute every mile of river from [Fort] Pillow here. I am willing, and believe I am able, to hold the river if Commodore Montgomery will cooperate, which I believe he will. M. JEFF THOMPSON. GENERAL DANIEL RUGGLES, Grenada Page 58 58 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, June 3, 1862. Without it was a strategic movement, it was useless to evacuate Fort Pillow. If we are allowed to place the mortars on rafts and permitted to use the transports and play strategy back on the enemy, I will con- tract to hold this river above Memphis for a month. M. JEFF THOMPSON. GENERAL RUGGLES. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS~ Grenada, June 3, 1862. I wish you to take command at Memphis and hold your forces in such position as to cover it and contribute to its defense. This is on the presumption that your previous orders do not conflict and that you have evacuated Fort Pillow. The new gunboat Arkan8a8 will reach Memphis in a few days to join the cotton gunboat fleet. I hope to be in Memphis to-morrow morning. Can you furnish some heavy guns for Memphis? Answer. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier- General, Connnanding. Brigadier-General VILLEPIGUE, Al empKs. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, June 3, 1862. I will promptly obey your instructions. I will do the best I can to hold the enemy in check at all points. I think that the fleet ought to be kept above. Shall I detain remainder of troops as they arrive? The troops have only five days rations. Rations had better be forwarded to Hernando, if I detain them here, so that if they run short they can be procured easily. No bat- teries of any kind here, except those that will arrive to-night. THOS. H. ROSSER, General RUGGLES, Colonel, Commanding Po8t. Grenada. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, June 3, 1862. The Golden Age passed down this morning from Fort Pillow with troops for Vicksburg. We may have about 200 troops here on whom to depend, and can make no defense except against a very meager force Page 59 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 59 We shall remain till everything is shipped and as much longer as possible. Nearly everything has been forwarded. Will finish to-day probably. THOS. H. iROssEii, General RUGG~S, Colonel, Commanding Po8t. Grenada. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, June 3, 1862. Fort Pillow is evacuated. I left the fort this morning myself. The remainder of the ammunition and 600 troops were taken by steamer Golden Age this morning to Vicksburg. The remainder of the troops, with General Villepigue, are coming by land. There is neither arms nor powder here. In view of the importance of holding Memphis, public meetings have been held and addressed by General Thompson, Colonel Rosser, and Captain Baird, with the most discouraging results. Colonel Foute will leave on the evening train for Grenada and will explain to you the true condition of things here. Captain Baird will accom- pany him. CHARLES JONES. General RUGGLES, Grenada. De8truetion of railroad bridge over Bear Creek, Ten~ie~~ee River, April 13, 1862. Report of Lieutenant Gwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tyler. U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Pittsburg, Tenn., April 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the Tyler and Lexington convoyed two transports, containing 2,000 troops, infantry and cav- alry, under the command of General Sherman, to Chickasaw, Ala., where they disembarked and proceeded rapidly to Bear Creek Bridge, the crossing of Memphis and Charleston Railroad, for the purpose of destroying it and as much of trestlework as they could find. I am happy to state that the expedition was entirely successful. The bridge, consisting of two spans, 110 feet each, was completely destroyed (i. e., superstructure), together with some 510 feet of tres- tlework and half mile of telegraph line. The rebels made a feeble resistance to our cavalry, 120 in number, but soon made a hasty retreat, losing 4 killed; our loss none. I regret to state that in firing a salute on the 12th, John D. Sey- more, boatswains mate, was so much injured by the premature dis- charge of a gun as to cause his death yesterday morning Page 60 60 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Allow me to congratulate you and those under your command on your great success at Island No. 10. Enclosed I send you Lieutenant Commanding Shirks report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. GWIN, Lieutenant, Commanding Division of Gunboats on Tennessee River. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters. Report of Brigadier-General Sherman, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, Camp Shilok, April 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to verbal orders from General Grant, ratified in person by General Halleck, I em- barked on board the transports Tecumseh and White Cloud, ~during the evening of the 12th instant, 100 men of the Fourth Illinois Cav- alry, under command of Major S. M. Bowman, and the brigade of General Fry, and, escorted by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, Commanders Gwin and Shirk, proceeded up the Tennessee River to Chickasaw Landing, where all the troops were disembarked at 7 a. m. the. 13th instant. By my orders Major Bowman proceeded rapidly on the road to luka, the enemys pickets retreating before him, and destroying, themselves, by fire, a road bridge across Bear Creek, which I had ordered General Fry to destroy, to secure the right flank of the move- merit on the Bear Creek Bridge. This bridge, about 7 miles from Chickasaw, being destroyed, Major Bowman proceeded rapidly up the road 8 miles farther, and on approaching the railroad bridge across Bear Creek he found it guarded by the enemy. * * * * * * * Having thus fulfilled well their orders, Major Bowman and Gen- eral Fry returned to Chickasaw with their commands, reaching the boats about 9 p. in., having marched about 30 miles. Having thus succeeded in the main purpose of the expedition, I wanted to.proceed 20 miles farther up the Tennessee, and there make another break, as well as to push on to Tuscumbia Landing and Florence. At Florence there is a very fine bridge for a branch rail- road that connects Florence with Tuscumbia, with a road bridge un- derneath, but it was the unanimous opinion of all the pilots that the gunboats, and even one of the transports, could not pass Bee-tree Shoals or Colbert Shoals, both rock bottom, on which it would not do to risk the gunboats. Having no personal knowledge on the sub- ject, and bound to defer to the opinion of pilots who had navigated the rfennessee for thirty years, I was reluctantly compelled to aban- don the latter part of your designthe destruction of the Florence Bridge. I am still ready to undertake it with boats of light draft, made secure by some fieldpieces and bales of hay, or to march by land from Waterloo, just above Chickasaw, to Florence. Our cavalry, unde Page 61 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 61 Major Bowman, moved finely on this occasion, and the infantry column of General Fry sustained their well-earned reputation for steadiness and discipline. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Fifth Division. Captain JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General to General Grant. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON CITY, April 13, 186210:30 a. in. Three hundred and seventy-eight sailors are now ready to be sent to Cairo in accordance with the request from Flag-Officer Foote. Shall they be sent? Answer. H. A. WISE, Assistant Inspector Ordnance. Commander PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON CITY, April 14, 18622:45 p. in. Your telegrams received and you will be duly informed respecting the armaments of the rams. Cannon primers and other articles required are going to you by express, and a paymaster is ordered for the navy accounts. Telegraph fully all of interest in the progress of the flotilla. H. A. WISE, Assistant Inspector Ordnance. Senior NAVAL OFFICER, Cairo. [Telegram.] CAIRO, April 14, 1862. (Received 2: 30 p. in.) I will inform you when to send the men. I have been directed by Flag-Officer Foote to arm and equip and man the steam rams building at Cincinnati and Pittsburg when they are ready. We have no official information thus far respecting them, and can not act understandingly until that is furnished. Yesterday at 7 a. m. the squadron was underway and expected to arrive off Fort Pillow in a few hours. Five rebel gunboats were in sight, and unofficial information says the squadron opened fire on them and they retreated. A. M. PENNOCK, For Flag-Officer Foote. CHIEF OF BUREAU OF ORDNANCE. Navy Department Page 62 62 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from~ the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, mak- ing certain enquiries with a view to construction of vessels on the Western waters. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 14, 1862. SIR: For purposes connected with the construction of gunboats on the Western waters, I have the honor to request the following infor- mation, which is presumed to be in the Bureau of Topographical En- gineers, viz: Average depth of water on shoals in the Mississippi River between Cairo and New Orleans for each month of the year; same between Cairo and St. Louis; same between Cairo and Cincinnati on the Ohio; same between Cincinnati and Pittsburg. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] APRIL 14, [1862]2.45 p. m. Your telegram received and you will be duly informed respecting the rams. Cannon primers and other articles required are going to you by express, and a paymaster is ordered for the navy accounts. Telegraph fully all of interest in the progress of the flotilla. H. A. WISE, Assistant Inspector Ordnance. SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER~ Cairo. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of medical board after examination of his wound. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 15, 1862. SIR: I am suffering so much from the effects of my wound at Fort Donelson, and being apprehensive from its increasing inflammation, that it will even still more seriously prevent my giving that attention required to my responsible duties as flag-officer, I have considered it to be my duty to the Government to have the case examined by three competent sure mitted. ~,eons, whose opinion in writing is herewith sub- I place this matter solely on the ground of what will best promote the efficiency of the flotilla, not on personal grounds, as I am ready, if called upon, to sacrifice my life in vindication of the flag of my country. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, D. C Page 63 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 63 [Enclosure.] FLAGSHIP BENTON, April 15, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order we have made a careful examni- nation of the condition of your foot, which was wounded during the action at Fort Donelson, and find that its condition is such, arising from increasing inflammation, inducing already considerable febrile action, which seriously threatens an increase, which, if neglectedas it must be more or less with your necessary exertions in tbe discharge of your duties herethat it would probably soon totally unfit you for the performance of your important duties as flag-officer; and we would therefore respectfully suggest that for the future interest of the flotilla you be permitted to return home to recover your health. Respectfully, your obedient servants JOHN LUDLOW, M. D., Assistant Surgeon, Benton. J. S. MONEELEY, M. D., Assistant Surgeon, Carondelet. GEO. E. JONES, M. D., Assistant Surgeon, iliound City. Flag-Officer A. H. Foo~. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, advising that Captaim~ Charles H. Davis, U. S. Navy, be assigned to command the flotilla. Unofficial.J U. S. S. BENTON, Fort Pillow, April 15, 1862. M~ DEAR Sn~: I send the written opinion of three of our best sur- geons in my case. Should you relieve me, I would respectfully name Captain Charles H. Davis as the officer to succeed me. It is only under the apprehension that necessary things will be neglected while I am confined on account of my foot that induces me to lay these papers before you. Although Lieutenant-Command- ing Phelps, the flag captain, is qualified to command any squadron, you will see, by his being a young officer, he can not act for me when I am laid up without exciting a feeling among officers ranking him that would prove injurious to the efficiency of the flotilla. The flag-officer should be physically and mentally qualified to perform duties for which he is responsible. In haste, and with respect and great esteem, Your obliged friend, A. H. Foom. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant IlicGunnegle, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Cincinnati and Pittsburg for information regarding vessels. U. S. GUNBOAT BENTON, Near Fort Pillow, April 17, 1862. SIR: Proceed without delay to Cincinnati and Pittsburg and ascer- tain what vessels, if any, at those points are being converted into gun Page 64 64 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. boats or rams, and under whose Supervision; also the characters of the boats and the alterations being made in them, as well as the time when they may be expected to leave for this service. Inform me by letter at the earliest possible date of the result of your enquiries, giv- ing me information upon any point connected with those boats you may consider likely to prove of interest. Return at once to St. Louis after complying with this order and resume your present duties. I am, respectfully, yours, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Lieutenant W. MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy, St. Loui8. Petition from ordinary seamen and landsmen. on the U. S. S. Caron- delet for increase of pay. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, April 17, 1862. SIR: We would respectfully call your attention to a subject which is of vital importance to ourselves and families. We understand that the men aboard of some of the gunboats are all receiving $18 per month, and we think it strange that an exception should be made in our case. The men who shipped out West, mostly landsmen, also re- ceive $18 per month, while we get only $12 and $14. We think that we are equally entitled to this increase of pay, for as far as efficiency is concerned we acknowledge no superior in the flotilla. Eloping that this may meet with your official approbation, and that you will grant our request, we remain, Respectfully, yours, THE ORDINARY SEAMEN AND LANDSMEN OF THE CARONDELET. Flag-Officer Foon~. [Endorsement.] Of course the gallant men of the Carondelet shall have the same pay as other men in the other boats. A. H. Foom. [Telegram.] CINCINNATI, April 17, 1862. (Received 4 p. in.) The Switzerland, at Madison, and the Lancaster and Queen of the West, here, are progressing rapidly. Boats at all suitable are very scarce. The Monarch will be here to-night, and will be purchased by Mr. Butler at my instance, subject to your sanction, for $14,000. I propose, if you confirm the bargain, to send her immediately to New Albany to be prepared. I will leave for Pittsburg in tbe morning. CHAS. ELLET, Jr. Hon. E. M. STANTON Page 65 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 65 Letter from~ Charles Filet, jr., to the Secretary of War, regarding matters connected with the Ram Fleet and its organization. PITTSBURG, April 19, 1862. My dispatch of the 17th from Cincinnati, asking authority for Mr. Butler to purchase the Monarch for $14,000 and send her to New Albany to be prepared for service, has not yet been answered. Please inform me whether the authority is granted. I now report that three boats at Pittsburg and one, and possibly two, at Cincinnati, will be ready as soon as I can man them. I re- spectfully request authority for the committee here to purchase 100,- 000 bushels of coal and the barges to carry it, so that I may take thirty days supply with me down the Mississippi. The contract for this coal should be made forthwith; also authority to me to engage the crews, and to promise them fair current Mississippi IRiver wages in their several departments, with stipulated allowances for extraord- mary dangers and enterprise. The engagement will be very short. What we do with these rams will probably be accomplished within a month after starting the first boat. Success requires that the steamers should be run down below the batteries, after which they will be isolated, unable to return, and compelled to command the Mississippi or be sunk or taken. I think if I can get my boats safely below Memphis I can command the river. A months wages is no adequate compensation for the volunteer crew. I propose therefore, that, in addition to their currenl wages, they all be allowed an extra months pay for every forl i tied rebel position they pass below; also, as you have suggested, prize money if they capture prizes, in accordance with existing regulations. But, as the arrangements of this expedition are not favorable to taking and holding prizes, but are calculated essentially tc destroy the enemys floating war property and cripple his means of transporta- tion, that for all services of this character which may be rendered, such compensation shall be allowed as in the judgment of the Sec- retary of War is equitable. If these suggestions are not approved, I ask to be instructed as soon as possible on those points. I propose to furnish each steamer with a military guard of twelve to twenty men under a lieutenant, with an officer of higher grade in command of the whole, in addition to the ordinary crew of the boat, to do guard duty at all times and assist in the defense of the boats when necessary. This military guard should, of course, be composed of volunteers drawn from the Army. If this suggestion is approved, I would ask permission to nominate the officer who would select and command the guard. The total force on board all the seven steamers and two picket tenders will be, including guards and crews, about 350 men. I wish to have in the fleet two small but swift coal towboats as tenders and pickets, which can be purchased here for about $10,000 each; and I would be obliged to you, if the suggestion is approved, to authorize their purchase by the committee. I propose to provision the boats, as is customary on river steamers, at the owners, in this case the Governments, expense. 49518N W RVOL 2309 Page 66 66 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I ask to be relieved of all financial cares, and to be furnished with a clerk to make the needful purchases and keep the accounts after the expedition sets out. A volunteer surgeon and assistant, if competent men can be had, would be desirable. I will designate the few arms that are needed in a subsequent dis- patch. Respectfully asking for an early answer, CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, P. C., April 19, 186210.12 a. in. Three rams are being constructed by Mr. Ellet and nearly com- pleted at Pittsburg, and three at Cincinnati. I will ascertain how soon they will be ready. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary, Cairo. [Telegram.] CAIRO, [ILL.], April 19, 1862. I have reason to know that Commodore Foote has written to the Secretary of the Navy, stating the condition of his wounded limb, with an opinion from three surgeons. As a change may be effected, please have it deferred until you receive a report by mail from me in regard to reorganization THOMAS A. SCOTT. Hon E. M. STANTON, Secreatry of War. [Telegram.] CAIRO, [ILL.], April 19, 1862. Before leaving the fleet Commodore Foote desired me to ascertain whether steamers were being converted into rams or gunboats at Pitts- burg, Cincinnati, and St. Louis; also the number at each place, and the time they will be ready. If he is to provide commanders and crews, he must be getting ready. Please telegraph me at Cairo. THOMAS A. SCOTT. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 67 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 67 Personal letter front Brigadier-General Ru ford, U. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, regretting removal from cooperation. STEAMBOAT MCGILL, Near Cairo, April 19, 1862. DEAR SIR: I was very much disappointed at being removed from the opportunity of Cooperating with you in restoring the Mississippi River to the Union. I shall always recollect with singular pleasure the intercourse I have had the honor to hold with you and the naval officers under your command. I am pleased with the approbation ex- pressed by you for myself and the troops under my command in your order of the 11th instant. Trusting that Providence will continue to crown your valor and patriotic efforts with victory until the Union is restored, I have the honor to be, your friend and obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier-General. Flag-Officer FOOTE. Commanding Flotilla. Repot of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Nacy, regarding the application of Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, for duty in the flotilla. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 19, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 14th instant, asking if I desire the services of Commander Winslow, who has applied for orders to report to me for duty, has been received. I should be extremely pleased to have Commander Winslow ordered to the flotilla, but as the gunboat Cairo, assigned to him, is now in command of Lieutenant Commanding Bryant, and there being no available gunboat for Commander Winslow at present, the only command that he can have, without depriving some officer already in command, which I can Dot consent to do after their hard and effi- cient service, will be the Eastport or some other vessel to be fitted out. If Commander Winslow is ordered with this understanding, to wait until a new gunboat is ready for him, I shall be very happy to have him ordered to report for duty in the flotilla. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Fleet Captain Pennocic, U. S. Navy, regarding various matters. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, April 20, 1862. SIR: Two hundred and sixty-four men arrived here last night. To facilitate matters in getting them here safely (railroad communica- tion having ceased), I sent an officer with the Dan Pollard to Moun Page 68 68 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. City to receive them on board and bring them to this place. The officers that came on with the draft did not report here, but delivered the men to the one officer at Mound City and left in the cars. The number being too great for one officer to take charge of, the conse- quence was that some of the men became intoxicated and I fear that ~some two or three of them fell overboard and were drowned during the passage from Mound City. The Keystoac has made fast to two coal barges and will leave as soon as the wind falls. I received a letter from Assistant Secretary of War Scott on the eve of the departure of the Shingiss, which I handed Lieutenant Hall to deliver to you. Colonel Scott requests that you will forward any letters of his that may come to the fleet to me at this place. The Sallie lVood is loaded with powder and shell. All of the ammunition is removed from the magazines here and is safely stored. The shell are still in the foundry at Mound City, but are very difficult to get at. I am much indebted to the extraordinary efforts of the ordnance officer, Lieutenant Byron Wilson, in removing the ammunition to a place of safety. We are constantly receivino lar ~e invoices of ordnance, and it would greatly facilitate matters it you would have some of the steamers bring up the wharf boat, which you mention in your letter, to be used for stowing these stores. The river is still rising. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, Commctnding U. S. Na cal Forces on the JVestern Waters. Personal letter from Quartermaster lVise, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Nacy. CAIRO, April 20, 1862. M~ DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Very sorry to hear that you are so much under the weather. I wish you could come up and see us for a few days. as the change might be of benefit to you. As you appear now condemned to only keep watch and ward on Fort Pillow until the army moves above, I think you might make one more visit before going farther down. We send telegrams regularly to Washington~ although lately rather destitute of news of interest. Cairo is almost under water and the cars can not come nearer than Mound City, to which place our mail is carried by water. There is considerable ap- prehension that the levee will give way, as at our landing the water is only a foot or two from the top. From my room I can look down upon Cairo, and sociable visiting is carried on in boats, while first floors are used as bath rooms and fish ponds. The St. Charles Hotel. there is a probability, will be cleaned, as the river is expected to make a new channel through it. There is much alarm among the boarders, and Mrs. Pennock and Mrs. Stembel have both taken refuge on board our ark Page 69 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 69 Lnclosed I send you a blank, to be receipted, for the large amount of coal that I have sent lately, as you requested. I sent this coal without any formal order, and it is necessary for some commissioned officer to receipt for it to me. I do not put any amount on the re- ceipt, only the number of barges, as, until I can get to the coal depot, I do not know the number of bushels. Henry is going to send me immediately from Washington a gentle- man of experience in navy accounts. I have telegraphed to General Meigs that I have not funds for the daily expenses of the office. Cap- tain Porter telegraphs me that the work on the Essex will have to be abandoned unless he receives funds, and wishes to know if he is to. be sacrificed a third time. As I do not think he is a fit subject for a sacrifice at this time. I will do all I can to prevent. * * * * * * * Very truly and respectfully, yours, GEO. D. WISE. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, Commanding iVa?al Forces Western Waters. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, assigning him to duty on Western lVaters. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 22, 1862. SIR: Upon the completion of your present duties you will proceed to Cairo, Ill., without delay and report to Flag-Officer A. H. Foote for such duty as he may assign you in the naval forces under his command. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Captain CHARLES H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, New York. Semiofficial letter from Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Flag- Officer Foote, U. S. Navy. CAIRO, April 22, 1862. M~ DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I deeply regret to learn that your foot troubles you so much and that your general health is affected by it.. Do give yourself a little more rest. You need it, and should take it, not only for your own sake but also for that of your country. A great deal depends upon you. It would be a national calamity if you were obliged to give up your command, and it would create confusion and disorganization in the flotilla. I hope to hear that you are better and taking good care of yourself. The weather here has been exceedingly disagreeable, but it has not kept us from working. I was greatly relieved when our Cairo maga- zines were emptied. I sent you by the De Soto the articles you desired. Call upon me always, for it gives me great pleasure to attend to your wants Page 70 70 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I am snugly domesticated on board of the wharf boat. I have two rooms nicely fitted, thanks to friend Wise, who is never so happy as when he is contributing to the comfort of others. Mrs. Wise, Stembel, and Pennock enjoy their new home. We are decidedly more com- fortable than we were at the hotel. If the river continues high we may have to take to salt grub, but no one will mind that. We commenced to-day getting on board Porters IX-inch guns, preparatory to shipping them to St. Louis; dragging them through mud and water is no easy task. If the Department does not give us official information with regard to the rams now building at Pitts- burg and Cincinnati, and there is delay on that account, we must not be blamed for it. It will take time to select suitable pilots and masters for them. I have telegraphed to Wise that if you were expected to officer the rams, timely notice should be given. If I can secure good masters and pilots for the Fastport, had I not better do so? If Cap- tain Porter has no need of the services of Lieutenant McGunnegle, had he not better be ordered here? I do not hear of any rams being built at St. Louis. No such telegram as the one you referred to in your letter of the 19th instant was sent from this office. I distinctly stated, and after- wards saw it published, that you had gone to within three-quarters of a mile of Fort Pillow. Remember me kindly to Phelps. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. Flag-Officer FOOTE. Unofficial letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, reque8ting him to retain the po8ition of flag-officer. WASHINGTON, April 23, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: In writing you a hasty unofficial note on the 21st, I mentioned that Captain Davis would be ordered to report to you; but on no account do I wish to detach you from the position you occupy. If you deem it necessary to go to Cairo, or St. Louis, you will still remain flag-officer in command, and Captain Davis will be next in command under you. Your name and prestige I deem important, and therefore do not wish the rebels to know that you are disabled now. At this time Captain Davis is in New York, chairman of a board on the Ste~en8 Battery, but it is not anticipated he will be long de- tained and has already, as stated, been ordered to report to you as soon as his present labors are completed. Let the enemy suppose that they have you to combat them. I shall be glad to hear of your speedy recovery, and it will give me pleasure to have you write frequently and freely in all respects and to make suggestions, etc. Very truly, yours, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE Page 71 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 71 Letter from Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, to the Quartermaster- General of the Army, transmitting report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, urging the need of funds for completion of U. S. S. Essex. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 23, 1862. SIR: I enclose a letter just received from Commander Porter, in St. Louis, who makes application for funds immediately, as being necessary to the prompt and economical equipment and readiness of the Essex for sea service or to join the flotilla. At this distance from St. Louis and Cairo, and in my state of health, which is very feeble, resulting from the great inflammation in my left foot and leg, arising from my wound at Fort Donelson, pre- venting my stepping on the ground for the last sixty-four days and keeping my whole system in a febrile state, with weakness and loss of appetite, greatly debilitating me, I have been unable almost to attend to the pressing duties of the flotilla here. I have therefore done com- paratively nothing toward expediting the fitting out of the Essex, especially as Commander Porter is in communication with the War Department and has authority to fit out the rams for the flotilla; but as an increased force at the earliest possible moment is essential to us toward counteracting the large number of gunboats now nearly com- pleted by the rebels, I hope that means may be devised to dispatch with all possible haste the completion of such gunboats to reinforce us as the Department may have directed. Unfortunately for us a few days after our arrival here, and when General Pope and myself had made such arrangements which, hu- manly speaking, must have resulted in the capture of Fort Pillow, he (General Pope) was suddenly ordered to leave with his army of 20,000 men to reinforce General Halleck near Corinth. He imme- diately left with his army, leaving but two regiments of infantry, without proper implements for mounting guns and opening bayous to blockade the river below, while the gunboats or a part of them could be placed in a commanding position below the forts and the remain- ing gun and mortar boats attack the rebels above. As it is, we have been doing, although not very successfully thus far, all in our power to accomplish good results with our feeble means. As you are aware our gunboats are not well adapted to fighting downstream, for want of steam power and other causes; while the exposed state of the river above, in case of defeat, would prove ex- tremely disastrous. The fall of this stronghold was predicated upon the fall of Memphis or our having a large land force to cooperate with us, and now we are left without means hardly commensurate with the work we are expected to accomplish. We have not troops enough to occupy even if we take this place. I have to-day, as well as previously, informed the Secretary of the Navy of the state of things here, and from the most reliable authority I can command the rebels have at least 6,000 men in their fortifications and eleven gunboats. The latter we keep mostly below the forts with our mortars. It is reported that the heavy ironclad steamer Louisiana is daily expected, with several other gunboats, from New Orleans. We are as well prepared as possible with our means for an attack Page 72 72 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERI~ WAT1~RS. offensive or defensive, and I shall do all in my power to secure the great object of the expedition. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Quartermaster-General M. ~. MEIGS, Flag-Officer. Wa8hington, D. C. P. S.Jn a picket skirmish yesterday the rebels lost 1 killed and 1 or 2 wounded; no loss on our side. [Enclosure.] ST. Louis, [Mo.], April 20, 1862. SIR: The E88ex will be off the dock on Tuesday next. I have only received in money a little over $3,000, and, in consequence of delays under your order to postpone the work for a time, my expenses have increased. At the time you required my estimates, and the delay caused by the time required to furnish them, I could have purchased timber for $27 per thousand, but in the meantime this material was bought up for private purposes, and I was therefore compelled to pay a higher price; and, besides this, the want of funds placed me completely at the mercy of the dock company, as I was compelled to take their materials very much against my own inclination. I purchased the Alec Scott for the sum of $8,500. The hull of this Vessel I had examined before making the purchase. Her machinery, with some little repairs, as well as boilers, are good enough. Besides, she is fast and has a spacious hold. I expect her here next week, when I will at once get to work on her. I have already opened nego- tiations for another, which will be closed in a day or two. The War Department informs me the funds will be supplied here. If you want the services of the Es8e~e, funds must be at once sup- plied to complete her. At present we must pay for labor or stop the work; if so, she will be a serious loss to the squadron. The materials are all here. We now only want money for labor. This is indis- pensable. I have done all in my power to push the work, and no doubt the mental anxiety which I have undergone has retarded my recovery, but at present I am improving rapidly and am out of the hands of the doctor. You are well aware I do not seek personal aggrandizement, but only aim to be useful to the Government, and hence, when I complain, it is not on my own account, but it is that the affairs of the vessel that I command or am attending to should progress rapidly and be made useful to the country. For myself I have nothing to ask; but for the benefit of the public service everything. Grant me only that which will add to the efficiency of the vessel, which will enable me to join the squadron at an early date and be of service, and it is all that I desire. I have had two spies among the rebels. One has reported to me at this place; the other, by the name of Tressel, was sick at Island No. 10 when captured. I hear he is at Cairo; if so, he may be able to give you some valuable information. I sent you a tracing of Fort Pillow and its surroundings. I have a person who is getting in- formation among the prisoners here, and will send you such informa- tion as may be of service Page 73 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 73 Last, not least, may I again beg of you to have forwarded $5,000 or $6,000 at once. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commander. Flag-Officer ANDREW H. Foo~ri~. Letter from Charles Filet, jr., to the Secretary of War, regarding the purchase of two vessels for tenders. PITTSBURG, [PA.1, April 24, 1862. In accordance with the authority given in your dispatch of yester- day, the committee have purchased two small and swift boats for tendersone for $9,000 and the other for $11,000also 80,000 bushels of coal in eight barges, all to be delivered by Wednesday next. The high water has caused some delay, but it is now falling rapidly and the boats in preparation here, which are too long for the locks, must be run down below the falls at an early day. Respectfully, CHAS ELLET, Jr. Hon. E. M. STANTON. Letter from Charles Filet, jr., to the Secretary of War, requesting the appointment of Alfred W. Filet as second in command of the Pam Fleet. PITTSBURG, April 25, 1862. I think that your instructions of to-day, just received, will serve to secure a crew of the right stamp. Personally, I have two points to submit to you. I would prefer not to hold a military rank unless you deem it indispensable; and in that case, even though it will be only a temporary appointment, and for a specific duty, I would much prefer that it should be a grade higher. To command the military guard, and to stand second to myself in command of the fleet, I would ask leave to name my brother, Captain Alfred W. Ellet, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, now in south- ern Missouri, a man of dauntless energy and devoted patriotism, who will carry this enterprise through if he survives and I am disabled. It would be well, I think, if this suggestion receives your assent, in communicating the commands of the Department to Captain Ellet, to authorize him to bring a limited number of reliable men of his own selection from his regiment. The clause in your instructions requiring the concurrence of the naval commander on the Mississippi might embarrass me much. That officer may not have confidence in my mode of warfare. My purpose has been not to remain with the gunboats, or even to show my fleet there until ready to push on, pass the battery, and drive my rams against the enemys armed vessels and transports wherever they can be found, relying much on the suddenness and audacity of the attack for its success Page 74 74 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. It is not my purpose, either, to stop voluntarily anywhere and give the enemy below me time to prepare, but to push on with the current and the high flood as rapidly and as far as I can go. I fear that the naval commander might not concur in the propriety of such a move- ment, which is not in accordance with naval usage, and that he might compel me to lie idle about some fortified position until the flood abated and the opportunity to surprise the enemy in my own way would be lost. I trust you may think proper to reconsider this limitation of my authority, and leave me free to act on my own judgment, but of course with respectful deference to the opinions of the gallant officer in com- mand on the Mississippi, by whose good advice I certainly shall not fail to profit. The work on the boats here has been much retarded by the flood bat they will all be ready as soon as I can engage their crews and get their outfits aboard. I will put a captain and engineer on the AL ingo immediately. I wish to consult each captain in the choice of the crew for his own boat. I have no reason to doubt that the boats in preparation at the cities below will be ready as fast as I can proceed down the river from point to point and man and equip them. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, IVa8liington, D. C. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, April 26, 1862. In answer to your telegram of the 25th instant I proposed the rank of colonel of the staff because I thought it important, as I still think, that you should have some legal authority to command, and I named the highest rank in my power to give without the action of the Sen- ate, which would involve delay. If this is acceptable to you, your brother can be appointed lieutenant-colonel in the staff as your sec- ond in command, and he shall have the authority you request to take with him a limited number of reliable men from the regiment in which he is now serving. The peculiarity of the enterprise which you have undertaken induced the expression concurrence,~~ instead of placing you distinctly under the command of the naval com- mander. There ought not to be two commanders on the same ele- ment in war operations, but as the service you are engaged in is peculiar, the naval commander will be so advised and will be desired not to exercise direct control over your movements unless they shall manifestly expose the general operations on the Mississippi to some unpardonable influence, which is not, however, anticipated. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Esq Page 75 NKSTAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 75 Letter from Charles Filet, jr., to the Secretary of War accepting tem- porary appointment as colonel of the staff, and acknowledgin~j~ as- signment of Alfred iV. Filet to the Ram Fleet. PITTSBURG, April 26, 1862. I have received your dispatch of to-day, and think I understand your views perfectly. I will accept the temporary appointment of colonel of the staff, and thank you for placing my brother by my side with the rank you propose. Let me request that he be instructed to return immediately to St. Louis, with such limited number of offi- cers and men as he may select to bring with him. Time is very press- ing. I wish to go down the Mississippi on the present flood. Good men are scarce, but I am using every exertion to send off the Alingoc on Tuesday and the Lioness on Wednesday with the coal barges, if they are delivered. If there is any prescribed form of agreement which should be signed by the crews of the boats, I would be glad to receive a copy of it. An officer has just arrived with instructions from Commodore Foote to obtain information of what I am doing here, all of which I will give him. I would communicate directly with my brother by telegraph if I knew to what officer at St. Louis to address my dispatches. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War, IVashington, D. C. Letter from Lieutenant MeGunnegle, U. S. Navy, to Charles Filet, Jr., transmitting copy of orders to investigate and report on the work of construction going on at Cincinnati and Pittsburg. PJTTSBURG, PA., April 26, 1862. DEAR SIR: I herewith enclose a copy of an order received from Flag-Officer Foote, in obedience to which I came to this city. I am informed that you have the entire supervision of the construction of the rams referred to. You will therefore greatly oblige me by furnishing me such information in regard to them as will enable me to comply with my order. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MOGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy. CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Esq. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON CITY, April 26, 18621:35 p. m. Inform the flag-officer that two more 50-pounder Dahlgren rifles with equipment complete are ordered to Cairo, which is all that can be sent for some time Page 76 76 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The 30-pounders are very effective and far more safe than the 42- pounders; and the latter should at once be withdrawn from service. Captain Davis will leave here next Wednesday for Cairo. H. A. WISE, Assistant Inspector Ordnance. Senior NAVAL OFFICER, Cairo. 1?eport of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, transmitting report re- garding the capture by the U. S. S. Tyler, of the Confederate steamer Alfred Nobb. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, April 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to forward a report from Lieutenant Com- manding Gwin, commanding the gunboat Tyler, of the capture of the rebel steamer Alfred Robb, which name I have directed Lieu- tenant Gwin to retain for the vessel. I have directed Lieutenant Commanding Gwin to confer with Commander Pennock, in charge of the naval depot at Cairo, and have the boilers, etc., of the Tyler put in order as soon as the com- manding general at Pittsburg can dispense with the services of his vessel. Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, of this steamer, in conjunction with Colonel Fitch, commanding the two regiments left here by General Pope to cooperate with us, is examining bayous and sloughs for the purpose of finding a passage to run a number of the gunboats below Fort Pillow. Thus far they have been unsuccessful. We are occasionally throwing mortar shells toward Fort Pillow, which replies briskly with two mortars and rifled guns. No casualty thus far has occurred to the flotilla. Six refugees arrived from Memphis last night who represent the Union feeling to be strong in that city and rapidly increasing. The illness and absence of my secretary, with my own state of health, I trust will excuse my imperfect reports to the Department. I send the names and distances of places on the river, taken from a late Memphis paper, which will show that I am correct in the loca- tion of Fort Pillow, which seems to be questioned by several of the New York papers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. TI. FOOTE, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag- Officer. Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. P. S.The defenseless state of the river above leads me to be more cautious than I otherwise should be in the attack on Fort Pillow. Still, unless some passage is soon found to get some of the gunboats below, I may run the blockade or make an attack direct with the gun and mortar boats, although our 1,200 infantry are hardly sufficient to hold possession should we succeed in driving the rebels from their guns, who are represented as not being less than 7,000 in number Page 77 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 77 We are replacing our rifle guns, now so unsafe, with the new rifles as they reach us, but the latter are altogether too light and of too small caliber for the work before us. A.H.F. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Hamburg, Teun., April 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 21st I proceeded in this vessel as high up the Tennessee River as Florence, Ala., cap- turing the steamer Alfred Robb, which has been used as a rebel trans- port on the upper part of the river, not having been sunk as we sup- posed; burning the Dunbar, which had been used as a gunboat previ- ous to the fall of Fort Henry. I found the Dunbar some distance up Cypress Creek, which is 2 miles below Florence, Ala., sunk, the water being above her guards. It was impossible for me to raise her. The Robb (80 tons) is in good running order. I would like very much to keep her with us for many reasons. I have placed Second Master Goudy in charge of her, with 10 men as a crew, putting on board the howitzer of the Lexington. She xvill go down to Cairo this evening with dispatches, to bring back, if no other disposition shall be made of her, provisions and stores for the Tyler and Lexington. I am happy now to inform you that the rebels have neither a boat nor gun on this river. I captured their last gun at Florence. It is now on board of the Lady Foote (late Robb). I learned at Florence that their bridge was destroyed by the order of General Beauregard. The inhabitants were very indignant at such a wanton destruction. I regret to have to enclose to you a report of the engines and boilers of the Tyler. You will see from the report that they are in a very unsafe condition. The Tyler is also badly hogged, to the extent of 14 inches. I am anxious, however, to remain here until our forces leave the vicinity of the river. Then I think one gunboat, with the Lady Foote, will be sufficient for the protection of our interests on the Tennessee. The Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding Shirk, has been actively employed since my last report. Trusting that you may meet with your usual success at Fort Pillow, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Wi~i. GWIN, Lkutenant, Comdg. Division of gunboc4s on Tennessee River. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters. P. S.On board the Robb were found Joseph N. Smith, pilot; C. F. Hess, clerk; and two contrabands. One of the latter went ashore at Florence and did not return to the vessel. The other is still on board the Lady Foote (late Rob b). I have administered the oath of allegiance to Mr. Smith (pilot), and he is now employed on the vessel. The clerk I have discharged, allowing him to go to Paducah, he having taken the oath of allegiance Page 78 78 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, April 27, 1862. We have certain intelligence that New Orleans has been captured. There appears to be no doubt of the fact. Commodore Farragut has orders to push up immediately to Memphis and join Commodore Foote without waiting at New Orleans. You should lose no time in starting your fleet to the same point. Our squadron was at New Orleans two days ago, Sunday, 8 oclock p. m. EDWIN M. STANTON, CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Secretary of War. [Telegram.] PITTSBURG, April 27, 1862. By order of the hoHorable Secretary of War, I request the follow- ing instructions to be sent to Captain A. W. Ellet, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers. Proceed with all possible expedition to St. Louis. Bring with you not exceed- ing 6 officers of a grade not higher than first lieutenant, and not exceeding 50 privates, all to be volunteers, reliable men, to engage in a hazardous expedition down the Mississippi River, under my command. The number of men is less important than great expedition and reliable cour- age in the few selected. Bring good men or none. Lose no time but join me quickly. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, etc. Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD, Commanding U. S. Forces in Missouri. Letter from Charles Ellet, Jr., to Lieutenant ;JlcGunnegle, U. S. Navy, regarding the status of the Ram Fleet, and progress in its preparation. PITTSBURG, April 27, 1862. DEAR SIR: The following brief account of my proceedings in the preparation of extempore steam rams will, I think, enable you to respond to the enquiries contained in Commodore Footes letter of instructions to you. I was instructed by the Secretary of War, March 27, to proceed immediately and with the greatest expedition to Pittsburg, Cincin- nati, and New Albany, and select and prepare the most suitable steamboats I could find, in the least possible time, to act as steam rams to meet the rebel gunboats and rams on the Mississippi River, the honorable Secretary expressing the hope that not more than twenty days would be consumed in getting them ready for service. In response to that order, I selected three of the strongest and swiftest stern-wheel coal towboats at Pittsburg, of which the average dimensions are about 170 feet in length, 30 feet beam, and over 5 feet hold. At Cincinnati I selected two side-wheel boats, of which the largest is 180 feet long, 37~ feet beam in the widest part, and 8 feet hold Page 79 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 79 At New Albany I secured a boat of about the same length, but rather less beam; and subsequently I selected another at Cincinnati of about the same class as the last, and sent her to Madison to be fitted up. The work was distributed among these four cities by order of the honorable Secretary of War, for the purpose of obtaining command of mechanics and materials without the risk of producing delay by overdrawing upon the resources of any one place. I have thus in hand, at this time, seven rams, besides two very small stern-wheel towboats, for tenders, which I am strengthening up so that they also may, in an emergency, be used as rams. In addition to these steam- ers I have in preparation three large coal barges, bearing high bul- warks of oak, under which my steamers may be very much sheltered from the enemys fire. The preparation of these steamboats for the purpose of converting them into rams consists simply in running three heavy, solid, timber bulkheads, from 12 to 16 inches thick, fore and aft from stem to stern, placing the central one directly over the keelson; in bracing these bulkheads one against the other, and the outer ones against the hull of the boat, and all against the deck and floor timbers, and staying the hull from side to side by iron rods and screw bolts; in fact, making the whole weight of the boat add its momentum to that of the central bulkhead at the moment of collision. In addition, the boilers and machinery are held by iron stays in all directions, the pilot house protected against musketry, and the engines and boilers shielded by 2 feet thickness of oak timbers, well bolted together. The intention is to endeavor to surprise the enemys vessels, and aided by the current of the Mississippi, run these rams into them and, if possible, sink them. The boats are not large, but they are made very strong in one di- rection, and are quite swift, and will assuredly make their way through the hull of any ordinary transport or gunboat they may chance to hit fairly. The boats here are all well advanced, and some of them will be sent below early this week lest they may be caught by low water. I am not able to state the precise condition of those below, but I think they can be got ready for service in a few days after I reach the points where the work is in progress. I trust that I have given you all the information needed to enable you to respond to the enquiries of Commodore Footes letter of in- structions to you. Respectfully, yours, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Civil Engineer. Lieutenant NV. MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy. (Telegram.] PITTSBtTRG, April 28, 1862. Each day brings dispatches from the Secretary of War urging me to press forward my boats. Will you tell Mr. Jeffrey and Mr. Shields to spare no exertions to complete those in their charge with the greatest possible expedition Page 80 80 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I shall start two from here to-morrow morning, the others Wednes- day, and will myself leave for Cincinnati Wednesday. CHARLES ELLET, Jr. JOSEPH C. BUTLER, Esq., Cincinnati. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, April 28, 1862. The steam rams constructed by Colonel Charles Ellet at Pittsburg and Cincinnati are reported to be completed. The 2llingoe starts from Pittsburg to-morrow noon; the Lioness in the evening; the Sam ~8Ofl will start Wednesday. Two others are at Cincinnati and one at New Albany. They are under command of Colonel Ellet, spe- cially assigned to that duty. He will be subject to the orders of Commodore Foote, and will join him immediately. Lieutenant- Colonel Ellet, now in Arkansas, has been detailed to join his brother as second in command. I hope this arrangement will be acceptable to you. EDWIN M. STANTON. Major-General HALLECK, Pittsburg Landing. [Telegram.] PITTSBURG, PA., April 28, 1862. Your several dispatches have been received and acted upon. No efforts are spared to get the gunboats underway. The Alingoe will leave to-morrow noon, the Lioness to-morrow evening; both with coal barges. The Samson, I think, will start Wednesday. The tender Dick Fulton can overtake the tows before they reach Louisville. The other tender will wait for the sheltering barge, but I think will come up in time. Will the Department supply the clerk who is to act as paymaster, or shall the committee appoint one? Can arrangements be made to enable the wives of the men to draw a part of their pay if they should be detained below? This I find to be important. I will instruct my brother to meet me at Cairo. He will assuredly come rapidly. CHAS. ELLET, Jr. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers regarding enlistment of contrabands. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 30, 1862. SIR: The approach of the hot and sickly season upon the Southern coast of the United States renders it imperative that every precaution should be used by the officers commanding vessels to continue the e Page 81 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 81 cellent sanitary condition of their crews. The large number of per- sons known as contrabands flocking to the protection of the United States flag affords an opportunity to provide in every department of the ship, especially for boats crews, acclimated labor. The flag- officers are required to obtain the services of these persons for the country by enlisting them freely in the Navy, with their consent, rating them as boys at $8, $9, or $10 per month and one ration. Let a monthly return be made of the number of this class of persons em- ployed on each vessel under your command. I am, repeetfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Letter from Commander Wal1lce, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pen- nock, U. S. Navy, desiring the return of boats borrowed at New Madrid by Major-General Pope, U. S. Army. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, A bove Fort Pillow, May 3, 1862. DEAR SIR: On the 5th of April, while we were at New Madrid, General Pope wrote a note to me, requesting the use of our boats to enable him to get the steamboats through the slough into the Mis- sissippi River at that point. I immediately sent him the two large boats belonging to this vessel. I have ever since applied in vain to General Popethrough some of his generals and through the flag- officer and Captain Phelpsto have the boats returned. I succeeded in having one of the boats brought down from No. 10 a few days ago, badly used, minus oars, gratings, stern sheets, etc.; and yesterday the pilot whom you sent me says that the A leek Scott had her boat stolen by the prisoners who were on board of her at New Madrid, and that an army officer gave her (from his description) our largest and best boat. I have no doubt that the Scott has our boat, as she can not be found, and that the Government has purchased her a second time. If you can have her returned to this vessel, please let me know, or, if necessary, I will require another. Yours, very respectfully, HENRY WALKE, Commander, U. S. Na~y. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commanding at Cairo, Ill. Report of Captain Maynadier, U. S. Army, commanding mortar fleet, regarding expenditure of ammunition. U. S. S. JUDG1~ TORRENCE, Near Fort Pillow, May 3, 1862. SIR: I respectfully transmit herewith a report of the number of shells fired from the 13-inch mortars during the month of April. The quantity of powder used is about 19,000 pounds. All the mortars and boats are in good condition except one (No. 12), which leaks badly and is unserviceable. This boat was injured 49518N W RVQL 2309-----( Page 82 82 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. at Cairo by being run into by a towboat and has never been as tight and dry as the others. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY E. MAYNADIER, Captain, Tenth Infantry, Commanding Mortars. Flag-Officer A. H. Foo~, Commanding Naval Forces on the Western Waters. [Endorsement.] Respectfully forwarded. Captain Maynadier has done all in his power to render the mortar firing effective, and we have reliable information that the enemy has suffered considerably from it and been forced to move his encampments to the slope of the hills upon the Hatchee River, and has also had his commissary stores injured. How far the works have been damaged we are not able to determine. A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. [Enclosure.] Table showing the number of shells fired from the 13-inch mortars of the West ern Flotilla from April 1 to April 30, 1862. .3 Dayof Place. ~ Remarks. month. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 1 IslaudNolO 6 6 12 do 11 19 30 6 do 314 3 317 40 4 do 8 8 16 5 do 19 19 6 do 14 [4 do 5 9 14 8 do. * Island [No. 1] surrendered. 14 Fort Pillow 17 14 5 9 12 9 14 80 15 do 48 48 16 do. f Very stormy with high wind. 17 do 13 1016 8 47 18 do 11 10 .... 6 27 19 do.f Rainandwind. 20 do I 9 9 21 do 12 12 22 do 29 29 23 do 38 38 24 do 50 50 25 do 10 10 26 do 45 45 27 do 39 39 28 do 46 46 29 do 21 21 30 do 30 30 Total 676 10 *No firing until April 14. f None fired. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting description of dome gunboat. ST. Louis, Mo., May 6, 1862. SIR:1 have the honor to forward to the Department drawings * of a plan for a dome gunboat and ram. The dome is the plan of Mr. Rumbold, the architect for the city of St. Louis. This gentleman is a * Drawings omitted. They are outline drawings in elevation and plan and are filed with Officers Letters, vol. 236, p. 22.CoMPILER Page 83 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 83 true and loyal citizen, and stands high as an architect and gentleman. He proposes to put on a war vessel an iron dome of peculiar con- struction. He has already carried out his plan of dome on the court- house at this place. The hull of the vessel is after the plan of the E88ex, and has been fully and practically tested, as at Fort Henry nine solid shot struck the vessel at the water line and only one penetrated the outer hull, or sponson, and did not cause a leak. Mr. iRumbold, at my suggestion, has not shown any propelling apparatus, from the fact that these mechanical arrangements are so numerous that they have become mere matters of taste. The vessels, as drawn, are calculated for shallow water, and on this subject I will endeavor to give briefly information [such] as I have collected out here calculated for these waters. There are three modes of propulsion, namely, first, side wheels; second, stern wheels; third, center wheel or ferryboat. The objectidn to the center wheel is want of speed. The stern-wheel boats are used as towboats and have great power and speed, but are difficult to manage in the current and head winds, besides their pitman, or crank, as well as wheel, can not be protected from shot. The side-wheel boats have sufficient speed for any prac- tical mercantile purposes, and are mostly used as passenger and freight boats; they are easily handled in winds and currents, and their wheels can be sufficiently protected from shot. So far propellers are not in use on this river, nor do I think them practicable, for the fol- lowing reasons: Propellers must be accommodated to the shoalest depth of water, and for a large portion of the year the depth does not exceed, in many places, in the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Ten- nessee, and Cumberland rivers 6 feet, and hence this small diameter of propeller for steamers of large size is useless to obtain speed. There are other objections to the use of propellers on these Western watersthe snags, rafts, and the immense amount of floating timber, would, in a short time, break any number of propellers. This was tested in the small tugs lately built for the squadron, for, in about three weeks, they were all rendered for a time useless, in consequence of the loss of their propellers; besides the sand in the water cuts away rapidly the journals under water. I am, therefore, of the opinion that propellers can not be made serviceable in Western waters, for, if they could, the shrewd Western river men would have had them in use. Mr. IRumbold in his plan has put a wedge-formed metallic prow, but this can be modified, and any other shape adopted that may be deemed best. The iron dome can be made of any thickness, with or without india rubber, as the dome itself is elastic. The minutiae of the plan can only be explained by Mr. Rumbold in person. I respectfully think the plan has merit, and recommend it to the consideration of the De- partment. I had adopted portions of it before I became acquainted with Mr. IRumbold, but I think he has made them as perfect as any modern war vessel can be. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Conumander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 84 84 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] ST. Louis, Mo., May 6, 1862. DEAR SIR: In accordance with your desire, I send you elevations of two gunboats with round decks, on which are placed revolving war domes, also the detail of framing of dome, mail coating of deck, and sides of boat.. In making these designs it has been my study to present no perpendicular sides to the enemy, nor straight inclined planes above deck. In this plan the casemate is dispensed with, and the machinery, etc., is placed below deck, thus doing away with a great deal of weight and expense, besides making the boat more in- vulnerable. The sides of the boat will be divided with bulkheads and made perfectly water-tight; therefore, should they be pierced by an enemy, which will be difficult to do, that compartment alone will be filled with water. This will be done with the bottom also. Should von or the Government adopt this plan, I shall be happy to wait on you further. Respectfully, your obedient servant, Wm~i. RUMBOLD. Commander W. D. PORTER, St. Louis, Mo. [Endorsement.] The revolving war domes are on a similar principal to the turret in use. The wheel and screw for propulsion, etc., are subjects on which people differ; the descriptions are not clear; no specifications. J.L. MAY 16 1862. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 7, 1869?. On the arrival of Captain Davis you can consult your own feelings as to your residence, but you will not be detached from your command at present. I trust you will soon be able to follow the flag you have so faithfully served. GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Fort Pillow, Tenn. Report of Conunauder Jun slow, U. S. Aa~y, annoanctnfjj/ arrical at Cairo for duty in Western Flotilla. CAIRO, May 8, 1862. SIR: I have this day reported, in obedience to the order of the Department to proceed to Cairo and report to Flag-Officer Foote or senior naval officer. present, for duty in the U. S. naval flotilla, West- ern waters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Commander and Senior Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Washinaton Page 85 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 85 Repo:t of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival for duty under Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Nacy. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, Mississippi River, May 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I have this day reported to Flag-Officer A. H. Foote for duty, in obedience to its orders of April ~ Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. [Endorsement.] Respectfully forwarded. A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, May 9, 1862. The Secretary says you must go to Cleveland forthwith for your health. JOSEPH SMITH. Commander A. H. FoorE. Report Qf Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Nacy, of intended departure for Cleceland, Ohio, to recruit his health. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, 0/f Fort Pillow, May 9, 1862. SIR: Captain C. H. Davis reported this day for such duties as I may assign. I shall avail myself of the permission of the Department to visit Cleveland for my health, and I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of my letter of instructions to Captain Davis, in which I have assigned to him the duty of flag-officer during my absence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.I havQ communicated very freely on the circumstances and present situation of the flotilla with Captain Davis, and upon the general organization of the squadron, and the information he has thus obtained, added to the detailed knowledge of the business of the squadron possessed by Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, will be suffi- cient for his guidance. A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer Page 86 86 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 9, 1862. SIR: In consequence of the state of my health, arising from the wound I received at Fort Donelson, the Secretary of the Navy has directed you to report to me for the purpose of performing such duties as the circumstances of the flotilla requ4re. By authority of the Secretary of the Navy, and the advice of a board of surgeons, I leave the fl6tilla this day temporarily for the purpose of recruiting my health in Cleveland, Ohio, and you will be pleased, during my absence, to perform all the duties of flag-officer, and as such, and being hereby invested with flag-officers authority, all officers and others attached to and connected with this flotilla will obey your orders and act under your instructions. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Officer. Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Comdg. (pro tern.) U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters~ [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., May 10, 1862. (Received at 6:20 p. in.). I left Commodore Davis temporarily in charge of the flotilla yes- terday evening. Matters there look very satisfactory for a favorable result in four or five days. I am, excessively weak, but shall try to reach Cincinnati in a few days and from there proceed to Cleve- land, where I hope to recruit so that in the course of two weeks I shall be able to return to my command. A. H. FOOTE, Flag- Officer, Commanding, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to I. C. Gaylord, esq., placing with him an order for a new ironclad. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1862. The board of examiners having reported favorably upon your proposal for an ironclad boat for the Western waters, I am directed by the Secretary to inform you that you are the successful bidder for one vessel to be completed in 170 days from the 20th of May. Very respectfully, G. V. Fox. I. G. GAYLORD, Cincinnati, Ohio Page 87 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 87 Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to James B. Eads, esq., placing with him an order for two new iror& clads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1862. The board of examiners having reported favorably upon your pro- posals for ironclad boats for the Western waters, I am directed by the Secretary to inform you that you are the successful bidder for two vessels to be completed in 170 days from the 20th of May. Very respectfully, G. V. Fox. JAMES B. EADS, St. Louis. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to C. B. Allen, and Caty, McCune & Co., placing an order for an ironclad. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1862. The board of examiners having reported favorably upon your pro- posal for an ironclad boat for the Western waters, I am directed by the Secretary to inform you that you are the successful bidder for one vessel to be completed in 190 days from the 20th of May. Very respectfully, G. V. Fox. G. B. ALLEN AND GATY, MOCUNE & Co., St. Louis. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to commanding army officer at Paducak, Ky., requesting a detail of officers and men for his command. Mi~nISoN, IND., May 10, 1862. SIR: I am authorized by the honorable Secretary of War, in dis- patch of the 25th of April, which I enclose for your inspection, to make a requisition on the commander of any United States military post for a limited number of volunteer troops and a limited number of officers not exceeding the rank of first lieutenant, as aguardtoa special expedition down the Mississippi River, which the honorable Secretary has placed under my command. I have instructed Captain (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Ellet, my second in command, to call on you with the honorable Secretarys dis- patch, containing my authority to do so, to request you to give him the opportunity to select from your command such officers of the grade specified, not exceeding six lieutenants and seventy-five men, as may be willing to volunteer to accompany an expedition deemed extra hazardous, and whom Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet may be willing to accept. Time is most important for the success of the enterprise, and I therefore solicit such prompt cooperation as you can afford. Your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr. COMMANDER OF THE UNITED STATES FORCES AT PADUCAH. Duplicate at Cairo Page 88 88 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, of honors paid to Flag- Officer Foote, and condition of affairs in vicinity of Hickman, Ky. U. S. GUNBOAT LouisvILLE, Hickman, Ky., hay 10, 1862. SIR: I have just taken leave of our late beloved commander-in- chief, Flag-Officer Foote, to whom I paid the customary honors of three cheers and a parting salute of 15 guns. In conversation with him he told me that it was your intention to order this vessel down the river. I beg leave to say that the presence of a gunboat here is of vast importance. The country around is infested with rebel cavalry, variously esti- mated at from 1,500 to 2,500 men, who are only kept in check by us, and are anxiously waiting to make a dash into the town, overpower the small force, carry off or destroy the public property, and commit depredations on the well-disposed portion of the people who have returned to their allegiance and lawful pursuits. General Quinby has his headquarters at Columbus. He visits the different posts of his command frequently in the steamer Rob Roy, and I am in frequent communication with him. He is now organiz- ing an expedition by which he hopes to clean the country between this and the Tennessee River of these marauders. It would be best to have a vessel here in case of a reverse, and I know from my consul- tations with him that he calculates largely on the presence of a gun- boat for support. Flag-Officer Foote directed me to write to you at once and inform you of these matters, so as to anticipate any order you may have in view. I informed Lieutenant-Colonel Hogg, commanding this post, of the conversation between us, and he thinks it of such importance as not to wait and report it to General Quinby, but to write you a special letter on the subject, so as, if possible, to prevent any alterations of the present plans. I am happy to take this occasion to report the vessel in good con- dition and the men in excellent health. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJAMIN M. DOVE, Commander. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, IVestern IVaters. Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Hogg, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in vicinity of Hickman, Ky. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Hickman, Ky., May 9,1862. I beg leave to respectfully submit some considerations showing the propriety of the gunboat Louisville, Captain Dove, being permitted to remain at this point. There is a heavy cavalry force of the enemy in the interior country not far from this point. It is difficult to ascertain whether this forc Page 89 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 89 is supported by infantry and artillery, the reports on the subject be- ing conflicting. General Quinby is organizing against them, and I am expecting every moment that he ~vill be here with a part of the troops for the expedition. Our forces here are so weak that if the general takes the troops he intends we will have left only two companies of infantry and two field pieces to garrison the point. I know that it is General Quinbys desire that this point should be in such a situation that our force may retire upon it if that should become necessary. Without the Louisville I am satisfied that General Quinby has not the force at his disposal both to garrison this point and make the contemplated expedition. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, HARVEY lOGO. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, IVestern lVaters. Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, com~manding U. & S. Louis yule, to report for duty. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 11, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 10th instant. I fully appreciate the importance of all you say, but under the cir- cumstances (which I have explained to Colonel Hogg) it will be necessary for you to join me immediately on the receipt of this order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Commander B. M. DOVE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Louisville, Hickman, Ky. Report of Commander Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding fitting out of hospital boat, with enclosures regarding affairs in Tennessee River. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, May 10, 1862. SIR: The flag-officer left at 4 p. in. on the De Soto for Louisville. In accordance with his instructions, communicated to me through Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, I shall direct Quartermaster Wise to proceed with all possible dispatch to St. Louis to procure a good, comfortable steamer, to be fitted up as a hospital boat, with surgeon, steward. etc., complete. I enclose two communications, received this day, from Lieutenant Commanding Gwin, commanding gunboat Tyler. By directions of Flag-Officer Foote I shall write to him, directing him to remain in the river until further orders or until he receives the sanction of th Page 90 90 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTE1~N WATERS. commanding general to depart for this place, as there is no other gunboat to take the place of the Tyler. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PEN NOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding Flotilla, Western Waters. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Pittsburg, Tenn., 2lIay 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated Off Fort Pillow, April 26, enclosing the letter of the Secre- tary of the Navy, commendatory of the part taken by the Tyler and Lexington at the battle fought at Pittsburg Landing on the 6th of April. The letter was read, as directed, on board of both the Tyler and Lexington in presence of the officers and crew, all of whom were much gratified with its contents, and I am sure it will stimulate them to still greater exertions toward the suppression of this unholy rebellion. I have received the following information from a man by the name of Jolm Roberts, who left Memphis on the 3d instant: Hollins fleet is composed of Lizzie Simmons, 10 guns; Ivy, 5 guns; Pontchartrain, 6 guns; General Price, 5 or 6 guns; J. P. IVhan, 5 guns; Jackson, 8 heavy guns, and Baltic, 8 guns. All of the infantry have left Fort Pillow, leaving but the artillery- men. The rebel gunboats have a protection of railroad iron about their machinery, and also their bows are protected from the water line up, extending aft 10 feet. The guns all exposed with the exception of the Jackson, whose pivot guns, one forward and one aft, only are exposed. Three uncompleted gunbdats have been taken up the Yazoo River to Yazoo City. One gunboat at Memphis on the stocks, half completed. Gunboats said to have been captured or destroyed by our squadron at New Orleans: Hercules, Milledon, Whitney, and seven or eight others, names unknown. I enclose for your consideration a communication from the com- manding general. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, XVM. GwIN, Lieutenant, Commanding Division of Gunboats on Tennessee River. Flag-Officer A. H. FoorE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Flotilla Page 91 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 91 [Subenclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Mississippi, Monterey, May 8, 1862. -SiR: In reply to your communication of this day, delivered by Lieutenant Martin, I am directed by the general commanding to say that he thinks the Tyler should not leave the Tennessee River till some other boat is sent to replace her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. KELTOK, Assistant Adjutant-General. Lieutenant Wi~i. GWIN, Commanding Division of Gunboats on Tennessee River. Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, to proceed to special duty at St. Louis, Mo. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 12, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to St. Louis to assist Commander Porter in superintending and expediting the construction and outfit of the rams building at that place. I enjoin it upon Commander Porter and yourself to use all possible haste in the prosecution of this service. You are aware of its neces- sity and to the degree to which the public service would be promoted if those rams were now here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Captain, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Commander J. A. WINSLOw, U. S. Navy. Letter from Captain Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennocic, U. S. iVavy, regarding the equipment of hospital boat Red Rover. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BE~TON, Off Fort Pillow, May 12, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter in relation to the preparations and equipment of the captured steamer Red Rover as a hospital boat for the flotilla. You have pursued the most judicious course, and I am very much obliged to Mr. Wise for his activity in for warding this branch of the public service Page 92 92 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I am much obliged to you for your congratulations. The letter book has been received. II send you by to-days mail Flag-Officer Footes keys, also General Villepigues letter, together with a blank acting appointment, for which Flag-Officer Foote asked. Very respectfully, etc., C. H. DAvIs, Captain, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Mississippi Rmver. Commander K M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill. Reports of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs at Cairo, Ill. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, May 1211 oclock p. m. Sum: Captain Stemnbel has arrived and is easy. I have him on board the wharf boat. As soon as I received information that the bell boat was needed, I placed a crews on board in charge of an officer, and I shall dispatch her immediately. She has on board provisions for five days. Should this be insuffi- cient, please give an order on the quartermasters clerk on board the steamer J. H. Dickey. The engine which is used in hauling out boats on the ways at iNlound City is still partly submerged, and I fear it will cause a de- lay of a day or two in having the Mound City hauled out. I have sent for the proprietor, and will leave nothing undone to have her hauled out immediately. Your dispatches arrived just in time to be sent off in the midnight mail. In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captamn. Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding Flotilla, Western Waters. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, May 12, 1862. SIR: I enclose herewith a copy of the testimony against Gunner Adams, which was handed me by the flag-officer. * * * * * * * The Mound City has arrived. She will be hauled out to-night, and, by working at her day and night, I hope to have her ready for service in four days Page 93 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 93 A bolt in the mud drum of the steamer B needs replacing, and I am informed by the engineer in chief that it xviii be necessary to de- tain her until to-morrow. Jam happy to be able to state that Captain Stembel is doing very well. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore CHAS. H. DAvis, Commanding Flotilla, Western Waters. P. S.Upon examination it was found that. the injuries to the Mound City were much greater than it was supposed. I have re- ceived a verbal communication from Lieutenant Commanding Gwin that the river is falling fast, and in the course of ten or fifteen days he will be unable to leave it. I have directed him to inform the com- manding general of the fact. A. M. PENNOCK. Report of Lieutenant Gwin, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in Tennessee River. U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Pittsburg, Tenn., May 12, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to inform you that since my last report the Tyler and Lexington have been actively employed, cruising up and down the river, from Chickasaw, Ala., to the mouth, making Pitts- burg our headquarters. Nothing of interest has occurred. I am possessed of no official or reliable information regarding the movements of our forces near Corinth. I send, for your approval, an appointment as masters mate, which I respectfully request you will approve, a vacancy existing on board. Robert Wilkinson has been a quartermaster on board of this ves- sel, and has distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery more than once since I have been in command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~TM. GwIN, Lieutenant, Commanding Division of Gunboats on Tennessee River. Commodore C. H. DAvIs, IJ. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Flotilla. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, May 12, 1862. A telegram from Commodore Foote indicates great anxiety for the immediate descent of your rams. I-low soon will you be ready to start? P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary 0/f iVar. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr Page 94 94 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding refugees. HEADQUARTERS ON BOARD STEAMBOAT H. VON PHUL, Second Brigade, Third Division, May 13, 1862. SIR: I send you 4 men brought in this evening by my pickets repre- senting themselves as refugees from Memphis, having left there on Saturday. I as yet see no reason to doubt their statements. I send them to you for such information as you may be able to obtain from them and for a passage up the river. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. N. FITCH, Flag-Officer DAVIS, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Commanding Flotilla. [Telegram.] MONTEREY, May 13, 1862. We have reliable information that nearly all the rebel troops have been withdrawn from Fort Pillow and Memphis, very small garrisons only being left at each place. Is it not possible to prepare the gun- boats with cotton or hay bulwarks and run past the enemys works to Memphis? He has a large fleet of river boats there, but no formidable gunboats. By doing this you would cut ofF the enemys supplies from Arkansas and open a direct communication with the army of General Curtis. H. W. HALLECK, Flag-Officer FooTE. Major-General. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for the preservation of the U. S. S. Cincinnati. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 13, 1862. SIR: It is of the last importance that the Champion, with her pumps, or the bell boat, should be here at the earliest po3sible moment. The river is falling rapidly, and the preservation of the Cincinnati, which is lying at the bank, depends upon having the means of freeing her from water at once. It will be necessary for you to take the most active steps in this matter. Any responsibility you may assume in doing so will receive my sanction and support. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill Page 95 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 95 Letter from Flag-Officer Davi8, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pen- noc1c, U. S. Nacy, urging pro gre~s on the U. S. 8teamer8 Mound City and Fa8tport. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 14, 1862. SIR: Your several dispatches have been received. I will give im- mediate attention to the case of Gunner Adams, and send you the result to-morrow. I return herewith the appointment of Masters Mate Wilkinson approved. I thank you for your dispatch in the case of the bell boat; she has arrived. I rely with confidence upon your doing all in your power to hasten the repairs of the Mound City, and to advance the progress of the Eastport. With the latter vessel the squadron should be prepared for any emergency. Present my warmest regards to Captain Stembel. I am delighted to hear he is doing well, and now feel no further anxiety about him. He is a gallant fellow. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western IVaters. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] NEW ALBANY, May 15, 1862. Five of my boats ought to reach Cairo by to-morrow morning. These five are of the smaller class, and will be taken down to Fort Wright without delay by my second in command, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, and be held there ready to take part in any movement against the enemy. The sixth will overtake the fleet on the Mississippi. The seventh and most powerful boat will not be more than twelve hours behind. The eighth will leave Madison to-day, and ought to reach Fort Wright by Sunday, and I hope to be on board. The ninth and last will leave here Sunday morning, and report at Fort Wright. The arms ordered by me have not been received. Please send a dispatch to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet at Cairo authorizing him to make a requisition on the commander at that port, or any other source of supply not too distant, for 300 navy revolvers and 300 breech- loading or other short rifles to use between decks. If no surgeon is appointed for the fleet, please authorize Lieutenant- Colonel Ellet to engage Dr. James IRobarts, of Carbondale, Ill., who is well recommended and willing to serve. But my rams shall not be detained for want of arms or doctors. CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Hon. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War Page 96 96 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, May 15, 1862. You are authorized to make a requisition on the officer commanding at Cairo, or any other officer within reach who can supply you, for 300 navy revolvers and 300 breech-loading or other short rifles or car- bines, to use on vessels between decks where long guns can not be conveniently handled. You are also authorized to engage Dr. James Robarts, of Carbondale, Ill., as surgeon to the fleet. EDWIN M. STANTON, Lieutenant-Colonel ELLET, Cairo, Ill Secretary of War. Personal letter from Quarter~naster-General Meigs, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, referring to Quartermaster Wise, of the gunboat flotilla. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington City, May 16, 1862. M~ DEAR CO~Li~LODORE: I am glad to have received your note testi- fying to the zeal and fidelity of Capt am G. D. Wise, quartermaster of the gunboat flotilla. This is a very responsible and laborious position I know. He is mistaken in supposing that I censured him. I wrote and telegraphed to him that I found the service suffering for want of money, the appropriations exhausted, and owing to his having failed to send in the regular reports called for by the regulations, this office [was] without the knowledge necessary to enable it to make up such estimates and statements for Congress as would guide that body in making appropriations. This statement of facts carried its own weight with it. The great importance of the subject compelled me to call his at- tention to the failure. Regretting that your wound should have compelled you to leave the flotilla, built up by your exertions and led to victory and to most important results for the country by your skill and valor, before its work was all completed by a junction with the fleet from below, but congratulating you upon the successes you were allowed to obtain and upon the love and admiration which you have secured from all true Americans, I am, very truly and sincerely, your friend and servant, M. C. MEIGS, Commodore A. H. FOOTE, Quartermaster. Cleveland, Ohio. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Wilson, U. S. Navy, to assume command of U. S. S. Great Western. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 16, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to the flotilla to take command of the ord- nance steamer Great Western. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant BYRON WTh~ON, U, ~. Navy, Cairo, Ill Page 97 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 97 Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Flag-Of/leer Davis, U. S. Na cy, regarding ref ugees. ON BOA1~D STEAMBOAT HENRY VON PLIUL, May 17, 1862. SIR: The captains of your transports running to Cairo object to transporting persons upon my passes and your tugs refuse to take them from here. I send you eighteen refugees this morning to be disposed of as you think proper. With them I send you A. H. Rowe, who represents himself as a machinist, and John Alexander, as a blacksmith. I understand they wish employment. Of Mr. Rowe you can obtain some important information about the enemys gun- boats building at Memphis. If transportation is refused them, and your tugs refuse to take them over, I will be obliged to exclude them from my lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Captain DAVIS, Commanding Flotilla. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding an examination of Forked Deer River. STEAMER VON PHUL, May 17, 1862. DEAR SIR: The small stern-wheel boat I sent up Forked Deer River last evening has returned, her captain reporting the current up that river so swift he was apprehensive his boat could not be managed on her return. It is absolutely necessary to examine again, at this stage of the water, and immediately, that river and the approaches by it to the bluff. Will you be so kind as to furnish a tug to the bearer, Captain Schermerhorn, for that purpose? The captain has guides and an armed party with him and is prepared to start now. Very respectfully, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Captain DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Flotilla. Order of Captain Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant AicCunnegle, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 18, 1862. SIR: You are hereby ordered to take command of the gunboat St. Louis. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. NAVY, Mississippi River. 49518N XV RVOL 2309 Page 98 98 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Naval Constructor Hartt, U. S. Navy, to proceed to St. Louis for duty in connection with construc- tion of ironclads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Ma?, 19, 1862. Proceed to St. Louis and report to Captain J. B. Hull, and under his instructions superintend the building of the ironclad gunboats on the Western waters in all matters appertaining to the hull, cladding, equipment, and accommodations. It will be your duty to see that these vessels are built in conformity with the specifications and con- tracts, and the assistant inspectors of hulls will be under your imme- diate control. You will certify the bills for payment under the con- tract before submitting them to the captain superintending. With the steam machinery and parts connected therewith you will have nothing to do, but your certificate and that of the superintend- ing engineer must not, in the aggregate, exceed the amount of the separate payments named in the contracts. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. EDWD. HARTT~ Naval Constructor, New York. Report of Lieutenant Gwin, U. S. Navy, enclosing letter from Major- General Halieck, U. S. Army, regarding affairs in Tennessee Ri ver. U.S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Pittsburg, Tenn., May 20, 1862. SIR: Enclosed you will find a copy of a communication, received from General Halleck on the 17th instant in answer to one addressed to him by me. The Tyler and Lexington will have to leave the river in two or three days. Without further orders, both vessels will report at Cairo. Some- thing definite must certainly take place at Corinth in a few days. Yesterday skirmishing took place all along the lines; to-day skir- mishing on our center. A general engagement may take place any moment. I send, for your approval, an appointment as masters mate, there being a vacancy on board of this vessel. .Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. GWIN, Lieutenant, Comdg. Division of Gunboats, Tennessee River. Captain CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Flotilla, Western Waters. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Camp on Corinth Road, May 17, 1862. CAPTAIN: When you deem it absolutely necessary to fall down the river, you will of course do so, but I wish you to remain as long as you deem it safe. I think the Robb should be fitted up to render us all the assistance possible on the river Page 99 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 99 A few days more xviii decide the question of the possession of Corinth. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK~ Captain WM. GWIN, Major-General. Commanding Gunboats, etc. Letter from1 the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding progress on the ram fleet. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 20, 1862. SIR: Your communication of the 12th instant was received, in which you state that the rams constructing under the direction of the War Department would, if finished, be of great service. I am in- formed that all that can be done to hurry up the rams has been. It is hoped that they may soon be ready for service. I am, respectfully, your obedient segvant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding (pro tem.) IVestern Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Report of Commander IValke, U. S. Navy, regarding damage to three guns of the U. S. S. Carondelet. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Above Fort Pillow, May 21, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully inform you that three of the guns of this vessel have been damaged. One rifled gun, by long firing in most of the engagements of the flotilla, is so worn and scaled in her chamber that she is considered unsafe for firing. Two 32-pounders have been struck by shot, one on the reinforce by a 64-pounder, the other i3y a 32-pounder on the trunnion. I xviii take one of the Cairos 42- pounder rifled guns the first opportunity, as directed. I would like to have another gun in place of one of the 32-pounders, at least, as soon as you can make it convenient. Enclosed is the chief engineers report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commanding U. S. Naval Flotilla. Letter from Flag-Officer Daris, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Ketcltum, U. S. Army, transmitting copies of correspondence re- garding infected condition of certain exchanged prisoners. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, 0/f Fort Pillow, May 22, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit to you copies of a corre- spondence between General Villepigue and myself in relation to some of the prisoners recently passed through his lines by your order Page 100 100 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The subject may possibly be revived hereafter when it will be con- venient for you to know the manner in which it has been treated; at present it possesses no importance. I have the honor to be, general, Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Brigadier-General XV. SCOTT KETCHUM Headquarters, Department Mississippi, St. Louis, Mo. [Enclosures.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 18, 1862. GENERAL: The steamer Kennett arrived here to-day with a number of prisoners who are to be landed within your lines in compliance with an agreement between Generals Price and Curtis for the ex- change of prisoners An official [copy] of this agreement and also a copy of Major- General Hallecks instructions to General Ketchum in reference to this subject are herewith enclosed. I have now the honor, general, to request that you will be pleased to remove these prisoners from the steamer Aennett and give me a receipt for them on the list which will be handed to you for that purpose. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Cormdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Brigadier-General JNo. B. VILLEPIGUE, Commanding Headquarters, Fort Pillow, Tenn. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Pillow, Tenn., May 20, 1862. CAPTAIN: On yesterday evening, while temporarily absent from my headquarters, the second in command, Colonel A. Jackson, Jr., through inadvertance or carelessness, received at this post 202 con- federate prisoners of war, just from an infected prison at Alton, Ill., with two cases of smallpox among them, in exchange for the same number of United States prisoners, turned over to your authorities some time ago, free from infection. While I do not presume that you are in any way responsible for so barbarous an act as sending released prisoners to communicate to my command the loathsome and infec- tious disease of smallpox, I demand that your Government disown the act by receiving these prisoners back into its lines and caring for them until every symptom of the infection has disappeared from their midst. I am, captain, with high respect, your obedient servant, JNO. B. VILLEPIGUE, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Captain C. H. DAVIS, Commanding lVestcrn Flotilla, Mississippi River Page 101 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 101 U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 21, 1862. GENERAL: Your letter of the 20th instant has been received. I have not a sufficient knowledge of the circumstances of the case, as, for example, the condition of the building at Alton, Ill., in which the prisoners referred to have been confined, the health of the pris- oners at the perod of their release, or the possible change of health they may have undergone on their way to this place, to render it worth while for me to enter into the details of the subject. In order, however, to remove any grounds of complaint, and to make a suitable provision for an unexpected emergency, I propose that a temporary neutral hospital be established for the benefit of the prisoners suffering from smallpox. The place for this hospital may be determined by Captain Dove, the bearer of this letter, acting for me, and such officer as you may designate on your part. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western IVaters.~ Brigadier-General JNO. B. VILLEPIGUE, Commanding Headquarters, Fort Pillow, Tenn. HEADQUARTERS Fort Pillow, Tenn., May 21, 1862. COMMODORE: I construe your reply to my demand of yesterdays date to be a refusal to take back the persons who were sent here on the 19th instant from an infected prison under a flag of truce. As it would be exposing the three persons upon whom the disease has actually broken out to unnecessary risk and exposure to again remove them, I will decline doing so. I am, commodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. B. VILLEPIGUE, Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Near Fort Pillow, Ma 21, 1862. COMMODORE: If, as was undoubtedly the case, these prisoners re- ferred to in the communication you have just received from Fort Pillow were in apparent good health at the time of their release from Alton, Ill., no intentional wrong can be chargeable against the Gov- ernment of the United States or its agents. The mere fact that an infectious disease broke out among them while on their way to the place designated for transfer to the Confederate authorities can cer- tainly furnish no ground for complaint. If the smallpox does exist at the Alton Government prison, used exclusively for the confine Page 102 102 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ment of Confederate prisoners, it was probably introduced there by them, and it is all that can be justly claimed by the Federal Govern- ment that prisoners, when starting for their destination, should be free from disease. I am, co)iTlmodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY, Brig. Gen. Volunteers, Comdg. District of the 2llississipps. Commodore CHAS. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of U. S. S. Cincinnati, and enclosing report of Lieutenant Gwin, regarding affairs in Tennessee River. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, hay 21, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your instructions requiring me to report the extent of damage sustained by the Cincinnati, and the detention con- sequent in making repairs of the sam~, I beg leave to report that she received a severe blow abaft the iron plating on her starboard quarter, which broke the tops of the head timbers for about 14 feet. She also received two blows on the stern, one on each side of the rudder, which did considerable damage. The work of taking out the crushed timbers consumes more time than it will require to put the new ones in place. The bulkheads in the hold are down, and the greater portion of her stores, furniture, etc., is ruined, and she will require a new outfit. I am of the opinion that it will require two weeks constant work to put her in readiness for service. I enclose communication received from Lieutenants Commanding Gwin and Shirk. I respectfully request that if these boats are obliged to leave the Tennessee River that they may (if they can be spared from the flotilla) be allowed to remain on this station for the protection of public property along the shore from here to Mound City, and to go up the Ohio, Mississippi, and Tennessee rivers whenever it may be required. In accordance with the suggestion of General Halleck, in his letter of May 17, I shall prepare the Robb so as to protect her pilot house, etc., against rifle shots from the shore. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore CIJAS. H. DAvIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on Western iVaters Page 103 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 103 [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Off Pittsburg, Tenn., hay 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I, this morning, received a telegraphic dispatch from General Halleck, of which the following is a copy: CAMP ON CORINTH ROAD, Pittsburg Landing, May 22, 1862. Under existing circumstances it will be necessary to retain the gunboats at Pittsburg and Hamburg. If the water falls so much as to prevent their going down the river, we can remove their coal and armament and buoy them over the shoals. H. W. HALLECK. Captain GwIN. Nothing definite as yet in regard to Corinth; skirmishing every day resulting favorably to us. It is reported that General Sherman-cap- tured two rebel batteries yesterday; our loss 25 killed and wounded; rebel loss unknown. It is believed that a general engagement will take place to-day or to-morrow. \T~py respectfully, your obedient servant, W~i. GWIN, Lieutenant, Comdg. Division of Gunboats on Tennessee River. Captain CHAS. H. DAvIS, Captain, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, lVestern TVater~. Instructions from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Penn ock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, hay 22, 1862. SIR: I have received yours of the 21st and its enclosures. The damage to the Cincinnati proves to be more serious than I sup- posed. When the Tyler and Lexington arrive at Cairo you will send them both here. Enclosed is an order to that effect. The Conestoga will be kept stationed between Hickman and Columbus, with head- quarters at Columbus, subject to your call at Cairo, whenever an emergency may arise requiring her presence there. One of the other gunboats will be sent to Cairo as soon as she can be spared. Your fitting up the Robb was all right. The resignation of Mr. Lovejoy reached me in due time, but is not accepted without a medical survey, which you will order for the purpose. I mentioned to you in a preceding letter that I could not accept any lesignations or grant any leaves of absence; please say so to Lieu- tenant Hoel. It is my request that none be forwarded to me here- after except in cases which, in your judgment, may involve the im- mediate safety of the parties concerned. Please [do] not forget the ice by the mail boat. One short ton each day till the Red Rover comes down. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill Page 104 104 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting the use of a tug for a feint up Forked Deer Ricer. ON BOARD HENRY VON PHUL, May 22, 1862. SIR: Please let the bearer, Captain Schermerhorn, have the use of the tug Spitfire or such tug as has the mounted howitzer on it. It is to be used as a feint up the Forked Deer River. I remain, very respectfully yours, G. N. FITCH, Captain DAVIS: Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Commanding Flotilla. Letter from Captain Mayr~adier, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis. U. S. Navy, regarding mortar shell. U. S. S. JUDGE TORRENCE, May 22, 1862. SIR: The number of XIII-inch shell on hand is now about 2,500, and as about 1,000 more can be stowed on this steamboat, I would respectfully request that the transports running between Cairo and the fleet be directed to bring down about one hundred shells each trip until a thousand are delivered. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY E. MAYNADIER, Captain Tenth Infantry, Commanding Mortars. Captain C. H. DAVIS, Commanding TVestern Flotilla. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Hall, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Cincinnati. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 23, 1862. SIR: You are hereby directed to take command of the gunboat Cincinnati, and will report accordingly to Captain Pennock. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western IVaters. Lieutenant-Commanding J. P. HALL~ U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] MAY 23, [1862]11 :15 a. m. Your letter of 20th received. Please be more definite in respect to the number and class of guns you require. State precisely if yo Page 105 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 105 want regular navy pivot or truck carriages. Forward also deck plan for turret of new ram, unless you can make your own carriages. A. A. HARWOOD. Captain W. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, St. Louis. illemoran darn. The mode of protecting the forward and after parts of the gun- boats, adopted by the Carondelet, is recommended to the captains of the other gunboats, except Captain [Egbert] Thompson, who has already made the Pittsburg secure. The flagship will furnish the requisition material, and the iron- work will be done on board the Swallow, on application to the fleet captain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAs. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Mississippi Flotilla. To the Captains of the Flotilla Alississippi River: Hereafter in making signals, when the cornet is hoisted at the fore, it will indicate that the signal is telegraphic, and the number to be found in the boat signal book. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvis, Flag-Officer, Western Flotilla. OFF FORT PILLOW, May 24, 1862. Letter from Quartermaster Wise, U. S. Army, of the gunboat flotilla, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, regarding the work of construe- ti~n at St. Louis. ST. Louis, hay 25, 1862. M~ DEAR COIWNIoDORE: Your brothers letter of May 19, with one from General Meigs, which I return, were forwarded to me at this place. I never questioned the propriety of General Meigs requiring of me the usual monthly and quarterly returns and which, however, take an immense amount of labor and a large clerical force. As to the information which he speaks of in his letter to you, I could have any time furnished him with that, and which xvas sent within three days after being called for. The letter which you so kindly signed for me before leaving Cairo was hurriedly written, principally by Captain Pennock, and was intended to have testified on your part that I had done my duty. Everything is going on very well with me and the quartermasters department, and I shall soon fill all their requirements. General Meigs has sent me all the money I want. The crews of all the gunboats have been paid off, as well as most of our other indebtedness, and trusting in Providence and your goo Page 106 106 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. luck, the gunboat flotilla will arrive to a successful conclusion. I am in St. Louis preparing the Red Rover for a hospital for our sick and wounded. The Sanitary Commission have rendered me valuable advice and aid, and the Red Rocer will have every requisite for the purpose [for which] she is intended. I hope to take her in about eight days to Cairo. Captain Winslow is here, having been ordered by Commander Davis to assist Captain Porti~r and expedite matters in relation to the rams. The latter vessels will not be ready in less than two months, and Captain Winslow, who came out here for active duty, is not well pleased at thus being placed on the retired list, expecting to have had command either of the St. Louis or Cincinnati, both of which vessels have been deprived of their commanders without a prospect of their returning for the remainder of the war. Captain Winslow hopes that you will not go East, but remain with your brother until your health is sufficiently restored to resume your command. As long as you remain in Cleveland we feel that you are yet our dear flag-officer, only away for a short time, but if you go to New York we fear they wont let you come back. These are probably selfish considerations on our part, but we sincerely hope your health may be able to gratify us in them. I am paying off the bills of the Essex to the extent of the means placed at my disposal by General Meigs. I think she will cost near $40,000, twice the amount allowed by you to Captain Porter for her repairs and alterations. Notwithstanding this, she will be a very efficient gunboat, and her new arrangements, I think, will make her superior to any boat we have. She appears to me to present no vul- nerable point to an enemy. Her pilot house is a part of the vessel and only projects 3~ feet above the decks. The caseinates are high and she has two decks, the upper forming apartments for officers. The upper deck is arched and well protected, but will not afford a foothold to walk on except along the center. Porter has a large force at work on her and hopes to be ready in two weeks, which I doubt. If General Meigs had an idea of the cost of building the rams which Porter also has in hand I think he would be somewhat astonished, as new ones could be built sooner and better than altering these old steamboats. It grieves me to see such a waste of pub- lic money, but I have no control over the matter, and Major Allen~pays all the bills. General Meigs has also called my attention lately to the express charges for bringing heavy ordnance from Washington to Cairo. I answered his letter, saying that the guns were sent by orders from Washington, the reasons for which I have not been informed, and all I could do was to certify that .they did not exceed the usual charges of the express company. Heavy ordnance has been sent to us by express which has not been used for months after its arrival. Notwithstanding all this, our gunboat flotilla has not cost, including the building of the gunboats, $3,000,000 to this date. When we look at the results it has accomplished, the money has been well laid out, and if we balance it by the destruction and capture of the enemys property we shall be largely in pocket. I suppose you are kept well informed of what is going on at the fleet. I do not think the rebels will try it again, although it must be confessed they had their own way for a time, but, like all their successes, they are never able to follow them up. They are not good for a 4-mile race. It was fort Page 107 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 107 nate J had sent down the day before the fight a steamboat with a pow- erful pump, with which I designed to raise the rebel boat, the Gram- pus. This boat rendered efficient aid, I hear, to the lliound City and Cincinnati. I had sent this boat down without any orders. I am very sorry that Sanfords promotion could not pass the Senate, and hope something can be done for him. * * * Hoping to hear good accounts of yourself, I am, as ever, yours, truly and respectfully, GEo. D. WISE. Flag-Officer A. H. Foom, U. S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio. My thanks to your brother for his letter. GEO. D. WISE. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Filet, second in command of Ram Fleet, regarding ar~i?al at Cairo and readiness for cooperation. U. S. RAM LIONEss, May 26, 1862. Permit me to report to you the following, viz: That, pursuant to your orders, I left New Albany on Tuesday morning, the 13th instant, for Cairo, stopping, as you directed, at Carbondale, Ill., to engage Dr. James Robarts as surgeon for the fleet. Arrived at Cairo Wednesday evening about 6 oclock and re- ported immediately to General Strong, commanding the post, who at once took me over to the naval wharf boat and introduced me to the naval commander, Captain Pennock. These gentlemen expressed to me their very great apprehension for the safety of our gunboat fleet in the Mississippi under command of Commodore Davis, and their sense of the very great importance that your fleet of rams, or any part thereof, should be sent forward immediately to reinforce the gunboat squadron. Captain Pennock urged me to telegraph to you without delay to send forward one, two, or three rams, or as many as could be used, finished or unfinished, to the support of Commodore Davis. And for this purpose, with General Strongs assistance, to obtain me possession of the telegraph, I labored until 4 oclock the next day be- fore I could finally get a message through. I did not receive your reply informino me that the fleet of three rams and one tender had left New Albany for Cairo until Thursday night. On Friday morn- inG the boats arrived arid were reported to me by their respective cap- ta~ns. Your telegram, authorizing me to take command and proceed imiuediately to the gunboat fleet,~ I received on Friday morning, the 16th instant. I had not yet received the force from the commander of the post that my requisition called for to guard the boats, owing to causes unnecessary to mention in this report. I found upon taking command of the boats that many things were wanted, absolutely nec- essary to obtain, before the boats could proceed farther. After many difficulties and detentions I was finally enabled, with General Strongs assistance, to get 3 lieutenants and 48 men, who volunteered from the Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers, to accompany the expedi- tion. I also obtained all the additional supplies that I could without further detention. Telegraphed to Dr. James Robarts to join me immediately, which he did by first train. Drew what arms I coul Page 108 108 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. get at Cairo, all of which were entirely unsuited to my purpose, and some of which it is my impression are condemned arms; took on board such medical stores as the doctor could hastily collect, and, although by no means prepared, left Cairo on Sunday morning as you ordered, ready or not ready, and arrived here at the gunboat flotilla on the same evening of the 18th instant. I immediately reported to Com- modore Davis, as you directed, and offered the services of myself and fleet to aid him in the event of his again being attacked by the enemy. He proposed to confer with me upon the following day upon the proper mode for my cooperation, and offered to send for me for that purpose, but I heard nothing more from him until the evening of the 20th instant, when a lieutenant came, purporting to be from Commo- dore Davis, presenting the commodores compliments, stating that the enemy had sent up a flag of truce, and a request that I would drop my fleet of rams downstream, so as to make a demonstration for their benefit, as he wished them to know that he had received reinforce- ments. I replied by at ~nce complying with his request, all the fleet of six boats getting underway very quickly and passing down and through his line of battle, rounded upstream, and returned to our landing. Since which I have called once more upon the commodore without receiving any instruction from him, and again tendered my services and boats for any enterprise that he might choose to think us fitted for, offering, if he proposed, to run the blockade, to take the advance or follow his lead whichever he might prefer, since which I have heard nothing further from him. All of which is most respectfully submitted. ALFRED W. ELLET, Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commanding Ram Fleet. Letter from Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, regarding measures of protection for the gunboats again8t rams. U. S. FLAG-SHIP BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, May 28, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: * * * All the gunboats are being secured as far as possible against rams by putting railroad iron about the bows and sterns and slinging logs about the sides. This vessel is being secured extensively. I have had three bars of railroad iron secured between and along the fantails so as to prevent cutting there, and the two runs have been secured by heavy frames enclosing rudders and ironed with railroad iron. Along the casemate where the iron is light, I have had one-half-inch plates flanged and firmly bolted to increase the strength of the angle at that vulnerable point. If we have time to secure the bows with three-quarter-inch plates already here, we will be able to split any boat that hits us there. The Pittsburg is undergoing repairs about the boilers. General Quinby, after bringing his force down here and beginning operations, concluded by closer observation that his people were un- equal to the task, and he has returned till he can get more men. H Page 109 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 109 and his officers condemned Colonel Fitchs plans, and seemed to think that the colonel, by his careless reconnoissance, had exposed the plans and rendered them impossible of execution. The general seems to have gone away without imparting much of his future designs to the colonel, who, in consequence, and because the commander and general seemed to coincide in views, is in a towering rage, we are told. He has not been seen for several days. Colonel Ellet is here now with some half dozen rams. I am exceedingly glad no naval officers were asked for to take those same rams. They serve to count as it is, and if we can get among the rebel fleet and by our fire prevent the use of their guns, these rams might be of service in sinking the rebel craft, which, on account of their being so stuffed with cotton, is a difficult thing to accomplish with shot alone. * * * Respectfully and very truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio. Personal letter from Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding matters of general interest. CLEVELAND, May 28, 1862. M~ DEAR DAVIs: Your kind note of 26th instant just received. I am not feeling as well yesterday and to-day, but I hope there are still some favorable symptoms. I shall not wait to lay aside my crutches before I rejoin you, but return as soon as my general health will warrant it, as I am nervously anxious to resume my duties, and I presume that you are getting tired of the flotilla. I hope you may receive the vote of thanks with all my heart. I would lobby for you if in Washington, and will here do all in my power if the way can be suggested. Of late years I have had no friends, but dear old Commodore Smith, in Washington. I hope that you, with a land force, and Farragut below, will take Fort Pillow and your vote of thanks would be received beyond a peradventure. Winslow seems rather disappointed, as I hear indirectly, in not getting a command. You will find some blank appointments signed by me if you want to make appointments. My wife reciprocates your kind wishes, and she is my nurse. I ride occasionally about these beautiful drives. Jared Sparks and his wife, your strong friends, have called on me and enquired particularly after you and said that they would take my good ac- count and high estimate of you to Mrs. Davis. I want to see the Navy bill pass, and you made an admiral. I never expect anything from it, as my Western service will cripple me for my few remaining years. I hope that all goes on well with you, and I earnestly hope that you will be and feel compensated for coming to my relief. I have in conversation and addresses said that I had named you as being the best qualified officer in the service to take command of the gunboats in my absence. Do drop me a line when you are at leisure, as in you and the command I feel the deepest interest, and it is my earnes Page 110 110 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. desire, as I was instrumental in your coming out, th your interest promoted substantially by it. at you should have I feel rather blue to-day and hope that you will excuse my chi- rography and composition. I hope to-morrow to rally and go on improving. The panic of Washington being in danger is passing away. I trust that God will soon enable us to crush this wicked rebellion. To Phelps and all friends kindly remember me, and believe me ever your devoted friend. A. H. Foom. Porter writes me that he wants an officer to command one of his vessels. Will you write him in St. Louis? Letter from Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, referring to unjust criticisms on the inaction of the flotilla. CLEVELAND, May 30, 18G~?. M~ DEAR DAVIS: I have just noticed in the Cincinnati Commercial, a communication from a correspondent who is taking a dry land view of the operations of our flotilla, which severely criticises you for your inaction. It is not surprising that those upon terra firma should make some mistakes, nor that they should be impatient under our delays. But they should remember that if you expose that flotilla needlessly, though you may by it acquire reputation, you will needlessly expose the possession of the great Mississippi and all its wonderful tribmi- taries as well as all the magnificent cities on their banks. I am under great obligations to you for stepping in amid taking my place on the flotilla, and enabling me to dictate this from a quiet bed and home, while you assume the hardship and dangers, and you raise yourself in my estimation by looking to the great interest of the country, instead of mere reputation in thus discharging your duties. I know you well enough to be satisfied that you will do and dare all that a good and honest judgment will dictate, and you may rest assured that a discerning public will come to the same conclusion. You are at liberty to make such use of this, either with the Depart- ment or the public, as you deem best. Very truly, yours, A. H. FOOTE. P. S.The criticism upon your course in the management of the flotilla applies equally to mine as to yours, since I inaugurated and had pursued it some three or four weeks previous to your joining us. A.H.F. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Nacy, regarding the condi- tion of the hospital boat Red Ro cer. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, May 31, 1862. SIR: I have received a telegram and letter from Captain Wise stating that the Red Ro ver will be down next week. Upon examin Page 111 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 111 tion her hull was found to be defective and the work has been much delayed on account of the repairs necessary to put it in good order. I inclose a dispatch which I received to-day, confirming the news of yesterday. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commandant and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIS, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, announcing the readiness of that vessel for service. U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX, May 31, 1862. SIR: The Essex, under my command, will soon be ready to join the fleet, and as Commander Winslow will be fully informed on all mat ters relating to the construction of the gunboats, and as my health is completely restored, I will join the squadron as early as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER. Captain C. H. DAVIS. My orders are to repair the Essex and join the fleet as speedily as possible. W.D.P. Report of Captain Da cis, U. S. Na vy, referring to the approach of Federal gunboats up the ricer. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Fort Pillow, June 1, 1862. SIR: Numerous deserters have come in during the last week, all of whom agree in representing that great dissatisfaction exists in the enemys camp in consequence of bad and insufficient food and want of pay, and, moreover, that the common people are disaffected. It appears from the latest and best information I have that the state of things in and near Fort. Pillow has undergone no important change. I am in frequent communication with General Quinby, who will join me as soon as he is reinforced. I have made arrangements for communicating with our gunboats coming up the river as soon as possible. If, as I believe, they have already passed Vicksburg, the period of our junction can not be very far off. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Captain, Commanding IVestern Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, 1TTashington, D. C Page 112 112 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Captain Dacis, U. S. Navy, regarding the shipment of cotton. HEADQUARTERS VON PHUL, June 1, 1862. SIR: I send, per Hattie Gilmore, 37 bales cotton, belonging to Mr. Taylor, which are to be shipped up the river. You will please make the necessary arrangements to have it ship.ped on the first boat going up the river. The room occupied by the cotton we very much need. By shipping the cotton you will very much oblige, Yours,, respectfully, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Flag-Officer DAVIS. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 1, 1862. SIR: The Cincinnati has her planking on again, and an attempt. was made yesterday to take her off the ways, but, on account of their hav- ing settled, it was unsuccessful. Another trial was made to-day, which was attended with partial success, and I hope to have her at Cairo by this evening. She will be dispatched as soon as possible after getting on board her stores, ammunition, etc. I enclose you a letter received to-day from the provost-marshal. The Hattie Gilmore, I am informed, is employed by the Army and is lying near Fort Pillow. The amount of goods on board of her belonging to the United States amounts to about $2,000. So I am informed by the provost-marshal. With reference to the goods sent down by the Dc Soto, I recollect a Mr. J. W. S. Johnson presented himself here with a pass from Col- onel Fitch and a few articles directed to the care [of the] colonel, and which, as an act of courtesy to him (the colonel), I permitted to be sent down. He again presented himself here with a quantity of stores, too many, in my opinion, for private use, which he said were for Mr. Taylor, and as he had no authority from the commanding officer of the post for shipping them I declined to permit them to go down. Yesterday again he brought on board a quantity of bale rope and bagging, and when questioned by me in regard to his authority for so doing he replied that he had no pass from the provost-marshal, but a pass from Colonel Fitch. Had I permitted it to pass it would have interfered with the requirements of the commanding general of this post. Two barrels of molasses and 5 barrels of sugar were brought up to-day in the B. My attention was called to it by the captain of the B, who informed me that there was a person on board who claimed t Page 113 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 113 have charge of it, whom I questioned in regard to it. He informed me that he was formerly an officer in the Army and that the articles had been placed under his charge to dispose of for the benefit of the owners. I considered it my duty to inform the provost-marshal of the fact, and on the articles being landed he took possession of them. The provost-marshal informs me that he has reason to believe that many of the so-called refugees who are sent up here are disloyal. One of them, who came up yesterday, refused to take the oath of allegiance, and he w~is sent up under guard to St. Louis. As passes are frequently given at the various posts on the river to persons to come up and return in the dispatch boats belonging to the naval service, I herewith inclose you a copy of an order of the gen- eral commanding district of Cairo. With regard to the paying off the crew of the Benton, Paymaster Dunn informs me that until the arrival of Mr. Henriques, or until he has access to his books and papers, no accounts can be closed, as he has no data by which he can be guided. The plan of the gun and upper deck of the Fastport will be sent to you as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commandant and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Report of Na cal Constructor Hartt, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival at St. Louis for duty. ST. Louis, Mo., June 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that, in obedience to its orders of 19th May, I have arrived at this place and have as- sumed the superintendence of the building of the ironclad gunboats on the Western waters; but have not reported to Capt. J. B. Hull, as directed, from the fact that he has not yet arrived in this city. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HARTT~ Naval Constructor. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, iVashington. Letter from Brigadier- General Quinby, U. S. Army, to Captain Da cis, lii. S. Navy, foru~arding copy of instructions from Major- General Halleck regarding construction of railroad between Colum- bus and Corinth. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE Mississippi, Columbus, Ky., June 3, 1862. CoMMODoi~: In view of the great events now transpiring in our distracted country, I deemed it best to wait a short time before reply- 49518N W RVOL 2309 Page 114 114 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ing to your favor of the 31st ultimo, in order that we might have positive results to guide us in forming our plans of operations. My great fear is that the evacuation of Corinth, though perhaps a necessity forced on the rebels by the strategy of General Halleck, will result in the precipitating of their whole strength on General Mc- Clellan at Richmond. Yesterday afternoon the following dispatch was received from General Halleck: HALLECKS HEADQUARTERS, May 31, 1862. Brigadier-General QTJINBY: You will immediately commence a report of the repair of the railroad from Columbus to Union City and thence to Humboldt. Leave in the river batteries force enough to man guns and use all others for securing and repairing the railroad. The War Department will immediately furnish you locomotives and cars and a competent railroad engineer to superin- tend road. Push forward a sufficient force to protect yourself from any move- ment of the enemy from Grand Junction. You will receive a reinforcement of several regiments from Kansas, perhaps some from Indiana. Inform me immediately what you can do. H. W. HALLEcK, Major-General, etc. You will see from this that the intention is to open the railroad communication between this place and Corinth. I hope to accomplish this in a short time, and, when done, there will be no difficulty in throwing a strong land force in the rear of Fort Pillow to cooperate with you in reducing that place. I do not recover my strength, and really am unable to bear fatigue. Trusting that your health continues good, I am, commodore, with high respect, your friend and obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Acting Assistant Surgeon I3ixby to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, accepting appointment as assistant surgeon. U. S. NAVAL FLOATING HOSPITAL RED ROVER, June 3, 1862. DEAR SIR: Your favor containing my appointment as assistant sur- geon in the U. S. gunboat service has been received, and I accept with gratitude this notice you have seen fit to take of me, willingly sub- scribing myself amenable to the laws, regulations, and discipline of the Navy as they are or may be established by the Congress of the United States or other competent authority. I am, sir, yours, respectfully, GEORGE H. BIXBY, M. D., Assistant Surgeon in Charge. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River Page 115 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 115 Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters, and transmitting report of board of survey on the U. S. S. Tyler. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 3, 1862. SIR: I enclose for your consideration the appointment as first master, Jason Goudy; fourth master, Robert Wilkinson; masters mate, Lloyd Thomas. These officers are intended for the Alfred Robb. If approved, she will have (including officers) 30 persons on board. She will carry four howitzers and be well supplied with small arms, etc. I have built a bullet-proof bulkhead around her fore- castle and also iron-plated the pilot house. Lieutenant Commanding Gwin thinks that she will be equal to any emergency that may occur. I shall direct her commander to proceed to Tennessee River for the protection of our interests in that quarter, and, on his arrival at Pittsburg Landing, to report by telegraph to General Halleck the nature of his orders. The transfer accounts of the men from the receiving ship Ohio will be signed and forwarded to Paymaster Bates. With regard to the allotments, Paymaster Dunn informs me that he has written to the Fourth Auditor for instructions upon that subject. SATe succeeded last evening in getting the Cincinnati off the ways. I am equipping and shall dispatch her as soon as possible. The Lexington has arrived from above and is in comparatively good condition. I have directed Lieutenant Commanding Shirk to coal, and she will be ready for service by the time I receive an answer to my letter of yesterday concerning her. I enclose herewith the report of a board of survey which I ordered on the Tyler. Finding that I can not have her hauled out and re- paired at Mound City without very serious detriment to the work on the Eastport, I have determined to send her to St. Louis, provided the ways at that place are ready for her reception. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Connnander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters. The Alps can not be repaired for several days, and it will be a difficult matter for me to procure a steamer to tow the two ka.rges of coal which Lieutenant Commanding Phelps informs me will soon be wanted. Can not one of the towboats be spared from the fleet for the purpose? [Enclosure.] U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., June 3, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of this date, we have held a strict and careful survey upon the hull, machinery, and boilers of the gun Page 116 116 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. boat Tyler, and beg leave to submit the following report of their condition~ etc.: We find that she requires calking throughout; that the forward part of her hurricane deck needs to be sheathed and strengthened to support the 12-pounder howitzer, and this deck should be recan- vased, the present covering being much worn and leaking generally. The vessel is much hogged, the forward and after ends drooping several inches. This can be remedied only by a fore-and-aft hog chain and cross hog chains to support wheel timbers, and we would recommend that two 8-inch pumps, with hose, etc., be attached to the doctor. The doctor engine is broken and badly disabled; in fact, worn out. The cost of repairing it will be nearly equivalent to the cost of a new one, and we would recommend that it be replaced by a new one. The engines will require a general overhauling and repairing. The boilers are in a bad condition; so much so that it will be neces- sary to put in some four or five new sheets. Very respectfully, your obedient servant., J. P. SANFORD, Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer, Flotilla. WM. D. FAULKNER Engineer in Chief. J. K. MCGEE, Master Carpenter. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, Commanding Nacal Station. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding disposition of vessels under repairs. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 4, 18G2. SIR: The Alfred Robb left for Tennessee River last night. Finding that I could not have the Tyler repaired at Mound City without seriously retarding the work on the Eastport, I have sent. her to St. Louis. She left for that place to-day at noon. I have ordered Mr. Faulkner, engineer in chief, and Mr. McGee, master carpenter, to proceed to St. Louis and superintend the work upon her. The Lexington will be ready to leave by to-morrow evening. The Alps, which steamer will require extensive repairs, I have also ordered to St. Louis for the same reason as above. I enclose a letter received from George D. Wise, acting quarter- master. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters Page 117 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 117 Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Ogleer Foote, U. S. Na vy, referring to an abusive newspaper article. U. S. S. BENTON, Mississippi River, June 4, 1862. M~ DEAR FOOTE: I have received your very kind note of May 30, about the abuse in the Cincinnati Commercial. It has always been my rule to avoid newspaper contentions, if pos- sible, and so far as my feelings and self-respect are concerned I see no reason for departing from this rule in this instance. Do not, therefore, I beg of you, take any notice of it. I know the origin of the piece, though not its author. It resulted from the combination of pique and misunderstanding, which should have been directed properly to another person. Requiescat in pace. With my best regards to Mrs. Foote, and hopes for your speedy recovery and resumption of your command, I am, ever your friend, CHAS. H. DAvIS. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding progress upon vessels at St. Louis. U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX, St. Louis, June 5, 1862. This will be handed you by Commander Winslow. The Essex is progressing rapidly and I am in hopes of joining the fleet in a few days. Captain J. [B.] Hull is ordered here by the Navy Depart- ment to superintend the iron gunboats to be built here, but he will have nothing to do with the Fort Henry or Choctaw. By the time I am ready to leave here they will be so far completed that any competent person can carry out my plans. Should you desire it, I would feel gratified in having Lieutenant McGunnegle back again. I feel certain that the three gunboats, Essex, Fort Henry, and Choctaw, when completed, can not be excelled by anything now built, and you will find them well adapted to the river service. I only regret that they are not now ready. I believe the Fort Henry is alone sufficient to destroy the whole rebel fleet. I have already a large part of the iron plating on the Essex. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commander. Captain C. H. DAVIS. Yours of the 2d instant came duly to hand. W.D.P. List of signals. The following signals (if any) have been agreed upon between the colonel commanding land forces and Captain Davis, commanding flotilla, for June 5, and will be given from a skiff in the river nea Page 118 118 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the fort or from the shore as near the mouth of Cold Creek as the bushes will permit, or from the beach near the lower end of Flower Island: For gunboats to open fireBlue (regimental) flag. For gunboats to cease firingWhite flag. For gunboats and mortars to both cease firingBlue and white flags, both. For gunboats and mortars to both resume firing ahd for the former to cover retreat of infantryBlue flag and stars and stripes (national flag). For Alls well: Come on Stars and stripes waving. In all signals the several flags will first be waved to attract atten- tion, and then held still. By order of G. N. Fitch, Colonel, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division. Jos. D. CowDIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Colonel Filet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding the movements of the gunboats down the river. FORT PILLOW, June 5, 1862. On my return to Fort Pillow I found the gunboats moving down the river. I presume that there will be no further obstacles unless we encounter one at Memphis. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Hon. E. M. STANTON, Colonel, Commanding, etc. Secretary of War. Battle of Memphis, Tenn., and occupation of that city by the Federal forces, June 6, 1862. [Telegram.] U. S. S. BENTON Off Memphis, [June] 6, [1862]. (Received 8th, 11.30 a. in.) SIR: I arrived here last evening at 9 oclock, accompanied by the mortar fleet under Captain Maynadier, the ordnance steam storeships, etc., and anchored a mile and a half above the city. This morning I discovered the rebel fleet, which had been reinforced, and now consisted of eight rams and gunboats, lying at the levee. The engagement, which commenced at 5.30 a. m. and ended at 7, terminated in a running fight. I was ably supported by the ram fleet, under command of Colonel Ellet, who was conspicuous for his gal- lantry, and is seriously but not dangerously wounded. The result of the action was the capture or destruction of seven vessels of the rebel fleet, as follows: General Beauregard, blown up and burned; General Sterling Price, one wheel carried away; Jeff Thompson, set on fire by shell, burned, and magazine blown up; [General] Sumter, badly cut up by shot, but will be repaired; Lit- tle Rebel, boiler exploded by shot and otherwise injured, but will b Page 119 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 119 repaired. Besides this, one of the rebel boats was sunk in the begin- ning of the action; her name is not known. A boat, supposed to be the Van. Porn, escaped from the flotilla by her superior speed. Two rams are in pursuit. The officers and crews of the rebel boats endeav- ored to make the shore; many of their wounded and prisoners are now in our hands. The mayor surrendered the city to me after the engagement. Colonel Fitch came down at 11 oclock and has taken military possession. C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding pro tern. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Detailed report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding Western Flotilla. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 6, 1862. SIR: In my dispatch of yesterday, dated at Fort Pillow, I had the honor to inform the Department that I was about moving to this place with the men-of-war and transports. I got underway from Fort Pillow at noon, leaving the Pitt8burg, Lieutenant Commanding Egbert Thompson, to cooperate with a detachment of Colonel Fitchs command in holding possession of Fort Pillow and securing public property at that place; and also the illound City, Commander A. H. Kilty, to convoy the transport con- taining the troops not then ready to move. On the way down, I came suddenly, at a bend of the river, upon the rebel transport steamer Sovereign, which turned immediately to escape from us. I sent forward Lieutenant Joshua Bishop, with a body of small-arms men in a light tug, by whom she was captured. She is a valuable prize. The gunboats anchored at 8 oclock p. m. at the lower end of Island No. 45, about a mile and a half above the city of Memphis; the mortar boats, towboats, ordnance, commissary, and other vessels of the fleet tied up at Island No. 44 for the night. At daylight this morning the enemys fleet, consisting, of the rebel rams and gunboat, now numbering eight vessels, were discovered lying at the levee. They dropped below Rail Road Point, and re- turning again, arranged themselves in front of the city. At 4:20 the flotilla, consisting of the following five vessels, the flagship Benton, Lieutenant Commanding S. L. Phelps; the Louisville, Com- mander B. M. Dove; the Carondelet, Commander Henry Walke; the Cairo, Lieutenant Commanding N. C. Bryant; and the St. Louis, Lieutenant Commanding Wilson McGunnegle, got underway by signal, and dropped down the river. The rebels, still lying in front of the town, opened fire with the intention of exposing the city to injury from our shot. The fire was returned on our part with due care in this regard. While the engagement was going on in this manner, two vessels of the ram fleet under command of Colonel Ellet, the Queen of the West and the Monarch, steamed rapidly by us and ran boldly into the enemys line; several conflicts had taken place between the rams before the flotilla, led by the Bertton, moving at a slower rate, coul Page 120 120 NAVAL FORCES ON WRSTERN WATERS. arrive at the closest quarters. In the meantime, however, the firing from our gunboats was continuous and exceedingly well directed. The General Beauregard and the Little Rebel were struck in the boilers and blown up. The ram Queen of the West, which Colonel Filet commanded in person, encountered with full power the rebel steamer Colonel Locell and sunk her, but in doing so sustained some serious damage. Up to this time the rebel fleet had maintained its position and used its guns with great spirit. These disasters, however, compelled the remaining vessels to resort to their superiority in speed as the only means of safety. A running fight took place which lasted nearly an hour, and carried us 10 miles below the city. It ended in the capture or destruction of four of the five remaining vessels of the enemy, one only, supposed to be the Van Dorn, having escaped. Two of the rams, the Monarch and Lancaster, No. 3, pursued her, but without success; they brought back, however, another prize. The names and fate of the vessels comprising the rebel fleet are as follows: The Colonel Lovell, sunk in the beginning of the action by the Queen of the West; she went down in deep water, in the middle of the river, altogether out of sight. Some of her crew escaped by swim- ming; how many went down in her I have not been able to ascertain. The General Beauregard, blown up by her boilers and otherwise injured by shot, went down near shore. The Little Rebel, injured in a similar manner, made for the Ar- kansas shore, where she was abandoned by her crew. The Jeff Thompson, set on fire by our shells~ was run on the river bank and abandoned by her crew; she burned to the waters edge, and blew up by her magazine. The General Price was also run on the Arkansas shore; shehad come in contact. with one of the rams of her own party, and was otherwise injured by cannon balls; she also was abandoned by her crew. The Sumter was somewhat cut up, but is still afloat. The fine steamer General Bragg is also above water, though a good deal shattered in her upper works and hull. The Van Dorn escaped. Of the above-mentioned vessels the Sumter, General Bragg, and Little Rebel will admit of being repaired. I have not received the reports of the engineers and carpenters, and can not yet determine whether it will be necessary to send them to Cairo or whether they can be repaired here. The pump of the Champion, No. 3, will be applied to raise the General Price. No other vessels of the rebel flotilla will, I fear, be saved. I have not received such information as will enable me to make an approximate statement of the number of killed, wounded, and prisoners on the part of the enemy. One of the vessels, going down in deep water, carried a part of her crew with her; another, the General Beauregard, having been blown up with steam, many of her crew were frightfully scalded. I doubt whether it will ever be in my power to furnish an accurate statement of these results of the engagement Page 121 NAVAL PoRCRS ON WtS~?ERN WATERS. 1~1 The attack made by the two rams under Colonel Ellet, which took place before the flotilla closed in with the enemy, was bold and successful. Captain Maynadier, commanding the mortar fleet, accompanied the squadron in a tug and took possession of the Beauregard and made her crew prisoners. He captured also other prisoners during the action, and received many persons of the rebel fleet, who re- turned and delivered themselves up after their vessels had been deserted. It is with pleasure that I call the attention of the Department to his personal zeal and activity, the more conspicuous because displayed while the mortar boats under his command could take no part in the action. The officers and men of the flotilla performed their duty. Three men only of the flotilla were wounded, and those slightly; but one ship was struck by shot. I transmit herewith copies of my correspondence with the mayor of Memphis, leading to the surrender of the city. At 11 oclock a. m. Colonel Fitch, commanding the Indiana brigade, arrived and took military possession of the place. There are several prizes here, among them four large river steamers, which will be brought at once into the service of the Government. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHARLES HENRY DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Jii8~88ippi River, p~ro tern. Secretary of the Navy, IVashingtor& , P. C. [Enclosures.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Memphi8, June 6, 1862. SIR: I have respectfully to request that you will surrender the city of Memphis to the authority of the United States, which I have the honor to represent. I am, Mr. Mayor, with high respect, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding, etc. His Honor the MAYOR of the City of Memphis, Tenn. MAYORS OFFICE, Memphi8, June 6, 1862. SIR: Your note of this date is received and contents noted. In reply I have only to say that the civil authorities have no resources of defense, and by the force of circumstances the city is in your power. Respectfully, JOHN PARK, Mayor. C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer. Commanding, etc Page 122 122 NAVAL FOH~JES ON WESTERN WATEBS. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Jlfemphis, June 6, 1862. SIR: The undersigned, commanding the military and naval forces of the United States in front of Memphis, have the honor to say to the mayor of the city that Colonel Fitch, commanding the Indiana brigade, will take military possession of Memphis immediately. Colonel Fitch will be happy to receive the cooperation of his honor the mayor and the city authorities in maintaining peace and order; and to this end, he will be pleased to confer with his honor at the military headquarters at 3 oclock this afternoon. The undersigned have the honor to be, with high respect, your most obedient servants, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Afloat. Colonel G. N. FITCH Commanding Indiana Brigade. His Honor the MAYOR of the City of Memphis, Tenn. MAYORS OFFICE, Memphis, June 6, 1862. GENTLEMEN: Your communication is received, and I shall be happy to cooperate with the colonel commanding in providing measures for maintaining peace and order in the city, Your most obedient servant, JOHN PARKS Mayor. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS and Colonel G. N. FITCH. Report of Commander Walke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Alemphis, Tenn., June 6, 1862. SIR: I have the satisfaction most respectfully of reporting the particulars of the naval victory of this date which you have so nobly wdn to-day, with the capture of this city, so far as this vessel, with others, had the honor to participate. At 4 oclock a. m. I was called, and saw the city of Memphis in full view, about 2 miles off, with all the rebel fleet, consisting of eight ram gunboats, with heavy guns mounted on the bow and stern, lying at the landing, steaming up and preparing for battle. I immediately called all hands and cleared the decks for action, and at 4.20, when you made the signal, got underway. At 4.50 the rebel fleet steamed up the river, offering battle, our fleet firing upon them from the stern guns some fifteen or twenty minutes, when you turned the flagship downstream to attack the enemy, mak- ing signal to our fleet at the same time to follow your motions, which was simultaneously obeyed. At this time the Federal rams Queen of the IVest and Monarch steamed boldly down the river, passed us, and ran into the enemys rams and gunboats, several of which they sunk and disabled during the fight. As our fleet was now in full pursuit of the enemy, who began to retreat under the heavy fire of our bow guns, we passed our rams (which were partially disabled from the terrible collisions which they inflicted and received from th Page 123 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 123 enemy) and continued a running fight for about 5 miles down the river, and until all of the rebel fleet were either sunk or captured, except one, by our gunboats and rams. We then returned to take pos- session of our prizes and of this place; but unfortunately one of the largest captured gunboats took fire and blew up about 9 oclock a. m. We grounded a few minutes on our way down at the close of the action. We were struck by a heavy shot on the forecastle, which carried away our port iron anchor chock, sheave, and ring of the anchor; it then glanced over our temporary barricade, across our upper deck and over the boat, wounding but 3 slightly. We expended 52 solid shot (rifled and round) and 10 rifled 15-second shell. It affords me great pleasure to bear testimony to the unexception- able conduct of the brave officers and crew of this vessel. With my most cordial congratulation for this providential and brilliant success in the suppression of the rebellion. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Commander, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Flotilla, Mis8issippi River. Memorandum. JUNE 6, 1862. Confederate gunboats. 1. General Van Porn, escaped. 2. General Price, run down by rebel boat, wheel knocked off; sunk. 3. Colonel Lovell, sunk by Queen of the West. 4. General Beauregard, sunk by Queen of the West. 5. General J. Thompson, captured by our fleet, and blew up. 6. General Bragg, captured by our fleet; prize. 7. General Sumter, captured by our fleet; prize. 8. Little Rebel, captured by our fleet; prize. The number of prisoners taken ranges from 70 to 100, about 20 being officers. We can not get any details about the enemys loss in killed, though enough is known to induce the belief that it was fearful.Memphis Daily Avalanche, June 9, 1862. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of captured signal book. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Memphis, June 7, 1862. SIR: I have the pleasure to transmit to the Department a copy of the rebel signal book, captured in the gunboat General Beauregard in the action of yesterday. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHARLES HENRY DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C Page 124 124 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS~ [Enclosure.] Signals for the use of the Confederate States, 1862, taken from the rebel gunboat General Beaureqard, C. S. River Defense Service, on the 6th day of June, off Memphis, and sent to the Navy Department by C. H. Davis, flag-officer, commanding pro tem. General signals. 1. Action, prepare for. 2. Action, commence. 3. Action, withdraw from. 4. Assistance, I am in want of. 5. Board the enemy. 12. Boilers are damaged. 13. Captains, repair on board vessel making signal. 14. Coal, I am in want of. 15. Communication, I have for commanding officer. 21. Damage is repaired. 23. Disabled are the paddle wheels. 24. Disabled, not able to go into action. 25. Enemy, have you seen. 31. Enemy, I have seen. 32. Engine, or engines, are disabled. 34. Fire, this ship is on. 35. Follow the motion of the commanding officer. 41. Follow, do not, the motions of the commanding officer. 42. Follow your instructions. 43. Go ahead. 45. Get everything ready to attack to-night. 51. Hail, come within. 52. Hail, keep within. 53. Lights, show none to-night. 54. No. 123. Pilot, I am in want of. 124. Prepare for battle. 125. Prepare to board. 213. Prize, destroy. 214. Prize, take in tow. 215. Proceed on the service assigned you. 312. Sinking, this ship is. 314. Smoke, I see ahead; get ready for action. 315. Strange vessel is a friend. 412. Take me in tow, I am disabled. 413. Want, I am in, of a medical officer. 415. Want, I am in, of an engineer. 512. Yes, lower your name. Night signals. 1. Action, prepare for, to-night. 2. Action, commence. 3. Action, withdraw from. 4. Assistance, I am in want of. 5. Board the enemy Page 124A Page 124B (A1~ L 0 2 4 Page 125 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 125 6. Captains, all come aboard the vessel making signal. 7. Get everything ready to attack to-night. 8. I am disabled. 9. I am sinking. Order of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. U. S. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 5, 1862. The fleet will start at daylight to-morrow morning. The Queen will take the lead, and will be followed by the Monarch, then the Lancaster, and then the Switzerland. The Die/c Fulton and Homer will follow the Switzerland, and the Homer will be followed by the ifingo and Lioness. These boats are to keep a half-mile or more apart; will carry no flags, excepting as a signal of an enemy ahead, and will avoid crowd- ing and confusion. By order of CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Connnanding. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 6, 1862. The enemys gunboats made a stand early this morning opposite Memphis and opened a vigorous fire upon our gunboats, which re- turned it with equal spirit. I ordered the Queen, my flagship, to pass between the gunboats and run down ahead of them upon two rams of the enemy, which at first boldly stood their ground. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, in the Mo rch, Captain Dryden master, followed gallantly. The rebel rams endeavored to back downstream, theii to turn and run, but. the movement was fatal to them. The Q ucen struck one of them fairly, and for a few minutes was fast to the wreck; after separating, the rebel steamer was sunk. My steamer, the Queen, was then herself struck by another rebel ram and disabled, but. though damaged can be saved. A pistol-shot wound in the leg deprived me of the power to witness the remainder of the fight. The Monarch also passed ahead of our gunboats and went most gal- lantly into action. She first struck the rebel boat that struck my flag- ship and sank the rebel. She was then struck by one of the rebel rams, but not injured. She then pushed on and struck the Beaure- gard and burst open her side. Simultaneously the Beauregard was struck in the boiler by a shot from one of our gunboats. The IJIon- arch then pushed at the gunboat Little Rebel, the rebel flagship, and having but little headway pushed her ashore, the rebel commodore and crew escaping. The ilonarch then finding the Beauregard sink- ing, took her in tow until she sank in shoal water. Then, in compli- ance with the request of Commodore Davis, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet dispatched the Monarch and the Switzerland in pursuit of one re- maining rebel gunboat and some transports which had escaped. The gunboats and two of my rams have gone below. I can not too much praise the conduct of the pilots and engineers and military guard of the Monarch and Queen, the brave conduct o Page 126 126 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Captain Dryden, or the heroic bearing of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet. I will name all the parties in a special report. I am myself the only person in my fleet who was disabled. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Hon. E. M. STANTON, Colonel, Connnanding. Secretary of IVar, IVaehington, P. C. Additional report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. Orrosnm MEMPHIS, June 6, 1862. SIR: It is proper and due to the brave men on the Queen and Monarch to say to you briefly that two of the rebel steamers were sunk outright and immediately by the shock of my two rams. One, with a large amount of cotton, etc., on board, was disabled by acci- dental collision with the Queen and secured by her crew after I was personally disabled. Another, which was also hit by shot from the gunboats, was struck by the Monarch and towed to shore by that boat. Still another, also injured by the fire of our gunboats, was pushed into shore and secured by the Monarch. Of the gunboats I can only say that they bore themselves as our Navy always does, bravely and well. [C. ELLET, Jr.,1 Colonel, Con-unanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of TVar, Wa8hington, D. C. Order of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. U. S. RAM SWITZERLAND, June 6, 1862. The captain of the Monarch, the chief engineers, and the first mates both of the Queen and the Monarch, and the lieutenants in command of the military detachments on those boats, will, one after the other, come on board the Su~itzerland to-morrow morning after 9 oclock and report to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet the name of every man, each in his department, who distinguished himself or performed his duty so gallantly in the engagement with the rebel gunboats off Memphis this morning. They will cause the names of all who dis- tinguish themselves for their gallantry at that time to be written out in full in a legible hand, that the colonel commanding may trans- mit them to the Secretary. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding the raising of United States flags in Memphis. U. S. RAM SWITZERLAND, Oppo8ite Me?nphi8, June 7, 1862. SIR: Yesterday, after the engagement with the rebel fleet had nearly terminated, and the gunboats and one of my rams had passed below, Page 127 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 127 was informed that a white flag had been raised in the city. I imme- diately sent my son, Medical Cadet Charles Ii. Ellet, ashore with a flag of truce and the following note to the authorities: OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, Junc 6, 1862. GENTLEMEN: I understand that the city of Memphis has surrendered. I therefore send my son with two United States flags, with instructions to raise one upon the custom-house and the other upon the post-office, as emblems of the return of your city to the care and protection of the Constitution. CHARLES ELLET, Jr., (Jolonci, Commanding. To the Civil or Military Authorities of Memphis. The bearer of the flag and the above note was accompanied by Lieutenant [Warren D.] Crandall, of Company D, Fifty-ninth Illi- nois Volunteers, and two men of the boat guard. The following is the reply of the mayor of the city: MAYORS OFFICE, Mentphi8, Tcnn., June 6, 1862. SIR: Your note of this date is received and contents noted. The civil author- ities of this city are not advised of its surrender to the forces of the United States Government, and our reply to you is simply to state, respectfully, that we have no force to oppose the raising of the flags you have directed to be raised over the custom-house and post-office. Respectfully, JOHN PARK, Mayor. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commanding, etc. On receiving this reply, the small party proceeded to the post-office to raise the national flag, and were there joined by the mayor. It is proper to say that the conduct of the mayor and some of the citizens was unexceptionable, but the party was surrounded by an excited crowd, using angry and threatening language. They ascended to the top of the post-office and planted the flag, though fired upon several times, and stoned by the mob below; still I believe that this conduct was reprobated by the people of standing in the place. In- deed, jnany evidences reach me of an extensive Union sentiment at Memphis. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding Rain Fleet. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, lVa8hington, D. C. Letter of thanks from the Secretary of War to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. WASHINGTON, June 7, 1862. Your several dispatches have been received and your proceedings cordially approved. The Department regrets that you have had to encounter so much opposition in the employment of your force, and hopes that all the obstacles will give way before your energetic pur- poses. You will return the thanks of the Department to the gallant volunteers and soldiers of your command, of whose patriotism and generous courage honorable public notice will be given. You wil Page 128 128 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. please report the names and residences of those who exhibited special merit, in order that they may receive due honor and reward, and also of those who shrank from their duty. In [your] discretion and conduct the Department feels every confidence, and will not fail to support you and your command. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commander Ram Fleet. Report of First Sergeant E. W. Sutherland, commanding the ram Lancaster, expressing regret that that vessel was not ordered into action. ON BOARD U. S. RAM LANCASTER, No. 3, June 6~ 1862. DEAR SIR: Representing the soldiers and crew of the Lancaster, I have the honor to report that at the time the Queen of the West and the Monarch went into the engagement of this morning, the Lancaster was every way prepared to follow them. The engineers, both men of nerve, who knew their duty and did it, were at their posts, and reported 125 pounds of steam; the mates also were at their stations calmly but anxiously awaiting the encounter. The boat was manned by a crew whose courage had been tested, and by soldiers whc were most anxious to aid their gallant comrades on board the Monarch and Queen; every man was at his post. In view of the well-known strength and speed of the Lancaster and the tempting broadsides of more than one rebel boat, I hazard nothing in saying that we could have gone into action under more advantages than any other boat, and with a fair prospect of saving the Queen. At the time the Monarch and Queen appeared to be in the most imminent peril, the Lancaster was constantly shifting its position, so as to indicate that proximity to the enemy was purposely avoided. The statement that the engines were reversed for the purpose of avoiding the fire from our gunboats is preposterous; that statement was an excuse for an inexcusable act. The danger was before us, not in our rear. It is not complimentary to Commodore Davis to say that he fires at random, and, above all, colonel, I am not aware of your ordering the engines of the Queen to be reversed, although you were in much more danger than ourselves. The rudder was broken by running the boat ashore under a full head of steam; the commander was then leaning over the guards, and although admonished of the danger by the carpenter, failed to give the necessary command until within 30 feet of the shore. The boat was no longer serviceable, and the crew and detachment on board (through no fault of their own) must come under the ban of public reproach. It is possible that this casualty may be overlooked on the ground that it was caused by some mistake or misunderstanding of commands; but if any mistakes, etc., occurred, they might have been avoided by such precautions as the humblest soldier would have adopted. Therefore, the crew and detachment on board the Lancaster feel that their laurels have es- caped them through the cowardice or incompetency of some one of their superior officers; and believing an enquiry into the case woul Page 129 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 129 develop the guilty one, they desire me to say that they consider it due to them to have a full investigation. They would furthermore respectfully solicit an opportunity to retrieve their reputation. E. W. SUTHERLAND, First Sergeant. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, JR., Commander Rain Fleet. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regretting the failure of the rams Lancaster and Switzerland to engage the enemy. OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 8, 1862. SIR: There are several facts touching the naval engagement of the 6th at this place which I wish to place on record. Approaching Memphis, the gunboats were in the advance. I had received no notice that a fight was expected, but was informed, on landing within sight of Memphis, that the enemys gunboats had retreated down the river. Mv first information of the presence of the enemy was a shot which passed over my boat. I had four of my most powerful rams in the advance and ready for any emergency. The others were towing the barges. On advancing to the attack, I expected, of course, to be fol- low-ed by the iLonarch, the Lancaster, and the Switzerland. The iJIon- arch came on gallantly. Some of the officers of the Lancaster, which boat held the next place in the line, became excited and confused, and though the engineers behaved well, the pilot erred in his signals, and backed the boat ashore and disabled her rudder. The captain of the Switzerland construed the general sailing order to keep half a mile in rear of the Lancaster to mean that he was to keep half a mile behind her in the engagement, and therefore failed to participate. Hence the whole burden of the fight fell upon the Queen and the ilonarch. Had either the Lancaster or the Switzer- land followed me, as the Monarch did, the rebel gunboat Van Darn would not have escaped and my flagship would not have been dis.. abled. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Cominanding Rain Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of lVar, IVaskington, D. C. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, June 9, 1862. (Received at Cairo, 10th.) The news of your glorious achievement at Memphis reached here last evening, and our joy was only dampened by your personal injury. You will accept for yourself and return to your officers, eiigineers, pilots, soldiers, and boatmen the cordial thanks of this Department for the gallantry, courage, and skill manifested on that occasion. When your official report is received, official recognition 49518x w RVOL 2309 Page 130 130 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. will be made of their respective merits. I went in the evening to your house and as carefully as I could communicated to Mrs. Ellet your injury; she was, of course, deeply affected, but bore the in- formation with as much spirit and courage as could be expected. It is her design to proceed immediately to join you. I have furnished her with a pass and free passage, and she will be accompanied by your daughter. I hope you will keep me advised of your state of health and everything you want. To my official thanks I beg to add my personal regards. EDWIN M. STANTON, Col. CHARLES ELLET, Secretary of War. Commanding Ram Fleet, Memphis. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, forwarding list of the crews of the Queen of the West and Monarch. OrrosnE MEMPHIS, June 9, 1862. SIR: In the naval engagement with the rebel fleet at Memphis on the morning of the 6th instant the Queen of the 1 Vest and the Monarch did such gallant and effective service by passing ahead of the fire of our own gunboats and sinking three of the rebel rams and gunboats, and capturing two, that I deem it my duty to report the names of most of the parties who were on board those boats, and to specify particularly those who, in my judgment, are most worthy of your notice and commendation. The names of these parties will be found in the following lists, which I beg leave to submit for your consideration. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES ELLET, Jr Hon. E. M. STANTON, Colonel, Commanding. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. Enclosure.] List of the officers and crew and military guard who were on board the steam ram Queen of the West in the naval engagement off Memphis, June 6, 1862, when that steamer and the Monarch, by which the Queen was followed and most gallantly supported, ran into and sank three rebel rams and gunboats and captured two, all of whom are reported to the colonel commanding to have stood bravely to their posts: Joseph Ford, first master; Peter Brown, second master; Martin Trimp, third master; Alexander Ford, Richard H. Smith, Joseph M. Davis, pilots; George M. Doughty, watchman; William Curtis, chief-engineer; Jacob Lauber, first assistant engineer; John McCul- lough, second assistant engineer; John Skelton, blacksmith; Thomp- son Wood, coppersmith; Michael Whelan, steward; Thomas Harts- horn, cook; Joseph Ford, cabin boy; Henry Collins, pantryman; Thomas Spencer, James T. Morris, carpenters; William Bradley, Thornton Stewart, Barnes Payne, Charles Grinton, John Williams, Henry Butcher, Malvin Jenkins, David Riddle, John Ross, Alle Page 131 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 131 Stevenson, Joseph Gatewood, firemen; Henry Little, George Wetzel, Nelson Mitchell, William Nixon, James S. Nixon, Richard Kennedy, Levi W. Robinson, deck hands. Names of the military guard of the Sixty-third Illinois volunteers on board the Queen of the We8t, under command of Lieutenant James M. Hunter: Lieutenant James M. Hunter, Peter Light, George Flowerhouse, David Glathart, Charles Falconer, George Meffett, John Bates, Wil- liam Jackson, Thomas Jordon. In an engagement of this desperate character the heaviest respon- sibility, requiring the greatest coolness and determined resolution, necessarily falls on the pilots at the wheel and on the engineers who stand by the side of their engines. I therefore report as worthy of special commendation on this occasion Alexander Ford and Richard H. Smith, the pilots at the wheel of the Queen, and William Curtis, chief engineer; Jacob Lauber, first assistant engineer; and their respective seconds, John McCullough and John Skelton. I also deem it proper to report that Alexander Ford, pilot; Martin Trimp, second mate; William H. Nixon, deck hand; James S. Nixon, deck hand, and Levi W. Robinson, were also volunteers on board the Queen of the lle8t in the attempt to sink a rebel steamer under the guns of Fort Pillow, the 3d of June. The military guard under Lieutenant James M. Hunter, Sixty- third Regiment. Illinois Volunteers, on board the Queen, acted with deliberate coolness and gallantry, keeping up an incessant fire upon the enemys pilots and gunners as long as the vessels were at close quarters. A list of the officers and crew and military guard on board the steam ram Monarch, in the naval engagement off Memphis, June 6, 1862, all of whom are reported to the colonel commanding to have stood bravely to their posts: Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, second in command of the fleet; David M. Dryden, captain; Thomas Chippendale, first mate; Thomas J. Collins, Charles M. Jackson, pilots; Hiram Lanham, first engineer; Wilson T. Halstead, first assistant engineer; Michael Roach, second assistant engineer; Augustus M. Marsh, carpenter; Charles McCarty, first steward; Thomas M. Armstrong, second steward; Joseph Thorn- ton, first cook; Lewis Frew, watchman; William P. Jackson, Thoinp- son Brown, Daniel Scott, Morvil Jackson, firemen; John Little, Leroy Dawson, Stephen Scott, deck hands; James Price, George E. Wil- liams, Jacob Miller, Henry Weist, Albert Williams, firemen. Names of the military guard of the Fifty-ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers on board the Monarch, under command of First Sergeant E. W. Bartlett, of Company I, Fifty-ninth Regiment Illinois Vol- unteers, acting lieutenant.: James P. Dorman, Gilbert C. Hamilton, John Holland, George W. Bailey, Charles C. Isaacs, John Sawyer, Tobias N. Yoft, John De- laney, Isaac Tuller, William F. Warren. On board the 271 onarch the most distinguished praise is due to Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Ellet, second in command of the fleet; David M. Dryden, the captain, who himself stood at the wheel with Thomas J. Collins, pilot, and handled his boat in the most intrepid and skillful manner throughout the fight; to Hiram Lanham, first engineer; Wilson T. Halstead, first assistant engineer; Michael Roach Page 132 132 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. second assistant; to Sergeant (Acting-Lieutenant) E. W. Bartlett, and every man under his command, who kept up so hot and so accu- rate a fire that the enemy could not use his gun on his bow as the ram approached. The two privates of the Sixty-third Illinois Regiment, R. L. Groomes and XV. XV. Jackson, who volunteered to handle the engines of the Queen in the attack on the rebel steamer at Fort Pillow, had been transferred by the colonel commanding to the Switzerland to handle the engines of that boat after the engineers of that boat, appalled by the dangers before them, desired to be relieved from service. The captain of the Switzerland failed to bring that steamer into action before Memphis, and these engine~rs, with other brave men on board the Switzerland, were thus deprived of the opportunity to share the honors of the day. But the colonel commanding considers their conduct on the evening of the 3d, at Fort Pillow, as deserving of as high praise as the conduct of the engineers of either the Queen of the We8t or the Monarch in the engagement at Memphis, and that they should, in justice, be placed on an equal footing with those engineers. So, also, the conduct of Thomas OReilly, the mate of the Fulton; John Little, John Donovan, and Peter McAfee, deck hands of the Fulton, and George M. Doughty, watchman of the Queen; and the pilots, Rowley S. McKay and Aloah W. Hicks. who volunteered to go on board the Queen the night of the 3d of June to attack the rebel steamer under Fort Pillow, should be placed on the same footing as any of the parties in similar station who were in the engagement off Memphis. In point of fact, the daring of those brave men who were engaged at Fort Pillow more than anything else led to the decisive victory at Memphis. Detailed report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the details of the naval engage- ment of the 6th instant off Memphis, in which two of the rams of my fleet participated. A reconnoissance at Fort Pillow on the evening of the 4th, made by two of my steamers, satisfied me that the fort was evacuated. I approached with the Queen of the We8t close enough to invite the fire of the rebel guns, but received no shot, while very considerable smoke and flames indicated the burning of the property of the enemy. Before daylight the next morning Lieu- tenant-Colonel Ellet, at his own suggestion, went in a yawl with a small boats crew down to the fort, found it deserted, and planted the stars and stripes there. I followed almost simultaneously with a portion of my fleet. After a brief delay I proceeded with three vessels to Randolph and sent Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet ashore with a flag of truce. We there ascertained that the rebel forces had been hastily withdrawn the night before, after destroying their artillery, burning a good deal of cotton, and doing what other mischief they could in the short time they could venture to remain. Later in the day the gunboats, under Commodore Davis, moved down the Mississippi toward Me Page 133 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 133 phis, while I collected my fleet and passed the night on the Ten- nessee shore .some 18 miles above Memphis. Having seen the rebel fleet abandon a positioh whence they could choose their own time of attack, with Fort Pillow to fall back upon, I had no expectation that they would make a stand at Memphis, which was represented to be entirely unfortified. Nevertheless, I left the shore at daybreak on the morning of the 6th, keeping four of my strongest steamers in the advance prepared for any emergency. On approaching Memphis I found the gunboats under Commodore Davis anchored across the channel. I accordingly rounded to with the Queen, my flagship, and made fast on the Arkansas side, with the intention of conferring with Commodore Davis and collecting in- formation preparatory to the next movement. But my flagship, the Queen of the We8t, had been but a few minutes secured to the bank before a shot, which seemed to pass over her, announced the presence of the enemy. I immediately ordered the lines to be cast off, signified to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet on the Monarch, whose place was next in order, to follow, hoisted the flag, which was the signal I had prescribed for going into action, rounded to with head down- stream, and passing between the gunboats, which were then return- ing the enemys fire with considerable vivacity, bore down upon the enemy, expecting to be followed by the Monarch, the Lanca8ter, and the Switzerland in order. I found the rebel gunboats, all of which were rams armed with guns, heading boldly up stream toward our fleet, while the levee at Memphis was crowded with spectators. I directed my attack upon two rebel rams which were about the middle of the river, very close together, and supported by a third, a little in their rear and a little nearer to the Memphis shore. These two rams held their way so steadily, pointing their stems directly upon the stem of the Queen, that it was impossible for me to direct the pilots, between whom I had taken my stand, upon which to direct our shock; but as the distance between us and the enemy, short at first, becaiue dangerously small, the two rebel boats, apparently quailing before the approaching collision, began first to back water and then to turn, thus presenting their broadsides to my attack. It was im- possible to choose between these boats which to attack, for there was still a third ram within supporting distance to which I would be exposed if I struck the second, while the second would be sure to reach me if I selected the first. My speed was high, time was short, and the forward vessel presented rather the fairer mark. I selected her. The pilots, now animated by the deep interest of the scene, brought the prepared bow of the Queen of the West against the broadside of the rebel ram just forward of the wheelhouse. The crash was terrific; everything loose about the Queen, some tables, pantryware, and a half-eaten breakfast, were overthrown and broken by the shock. The hull of the rebel steamer was crushed in, [and] her chimneys surged over as if they were going to fall over on the bow of the Queen. Many of her crew, I have been told, leaped over- board, yet the rebel wreck, in consequence of the continued motion of the Queen, still clung to her bow. Before the collision the rebel made .a feeble effort to use her guns, and succeeded in firing a charge of grape and canister, which was lost in the water. In less than half a minute from the moment of collision, and before the Queen could clear herself from the wreck, she was herself struck by another rebe Page 134 134 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. steamer on her larboard wheelhouse. This blow broke her tiller rope, crushed in her wheel and a portion of her hull, and left her nearly helpless. All this, frbm the time of leaving the shore and passing the gunboats to the sinking of the rebel gunboat and the disabling of my flagship, I do not think occupied over seven or eight minutes. The moment the Queen was herself struck I left the pilot house and went out on deck, when I was instantly disabled by one of a number of shots from a rebel steamer which seemed to have come into acci- dental collision with the Queen, and was at that moment drifting by her but still in contact with her. From the moment of the colli- sion of the Queen with the rebel steamer to the time when I was brought to her deck could not have exceeded one minute, yet I saw from the deck the surface of the Mississippi strewn with the frag- ments of the sunken vessel. While these things were occurring, the Monarch, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet commanding, and Captain Dry- den, master, having followed the Queen and passed below our own gunboats, directed her shock (extreme) upon the rebel ram imme- diately following the one that struck the Queen, and sank her. The blow ~of the Monarch was so severe that piles of furniture were precipitated from the rebel steamer upon the forecastle of the IlIon- arch, and were found there in large quantities after the action. Many versions differing from each other entirely have been given by eyewitnesses of these occurrences, who stood in plain view on the levee at Memphis, in our own gunboats, and on the Arkansas shore. These discrepancies are attributed to the fact that there were three rebel rams and but two of our own mingled together and crashing against each other, and two other rebel steamers coming up and close at hand. In this confusion the different boats were mistaken for others, and the steamer struck by the Queen disappeared from view beneath the surface of the river. This uncertainty of view was doubt- less increased by the accumulation of smoke from the chimneys of so many boats and the fire of our own gunboats. The general impres- sion was that it was the Queen that went down and not the boat she struck. After being disabled the Queen worked herself to the Arkan- sas shore with only one wheel and without a rudder. The disabled rebel which had come in collision with the Queen worked herself into shore near the same place, and I sent a portion of the crew of the Queen at their own solicitation to take the rebel and secure her crew as prisoners. Our hope at first was to save this rebel gunboat, which is represented to be a very fine vessel, but she soon settled; but though Commodore Davis has sent a force to raise her, success, I understand, is regarded as doubtful. [C. ELLET, Jr.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Wa8hington City, D. C. Incidents of the naval engagement at Memphis. U. S. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 10, 1862. The rebel boats were all rams provided with guns, so as to serve both as rams and gunboats. My boats were not provided with guns. The rebel boats were very heavily plated with railroad iron. M Page 135 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 135 boats were without iron plating and had been spoken of in ridicule on the river as the brown paper rams. The General Lovell, [which] is reported to be the boat which was first struck by the Queen, had a crew of 86 men, of whom 18 only are said to have been saved. The Queen, which stuck her, had a crew of only men. The General Price, another rebel boat, which also came in collision with the Queen and was disabled, had a crew of 81 men, according to the count made by the crew of the Queen to whom they surrendered. The Queen and the Monarch together struck five boats, one of which was sunk instantaneously, another in a few minutes; a third floated long enough to be towed to shore by the boat that struck her; a fourth, the General Price, sank very slowly, and it was at first sup- posed could be easily raised. The fifth was chased to the shore by the Monarch and received but a slight blow, and will therefore be saved. These facts go to show that ram fighting and prizes are scarcely compatible. The boilers of the rebel boats, so far as we have had a chance to see, are placed below decks, and the hulls are consequently weak. The boilers of our rams were not lowered and their hulls therefore could be made as strong for ramming as we could desire. [C. ELLET, Jr.] Unofficial report of Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. flagship Benton. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphie, June 9, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: I have been most anxious to write to you since our battle on the 6th, but must, in justice to myself, confess that I have hardly known whether I have been on my head or heels most since that date. I had two days and nights of hard work and anxiety 1)efore the fight took place, and since then have had prizes, war ves- sels, and transports to save, send off, repair, and provide with people, to say nothing of a thousand wants of the people of Memphis to look after. I sent you yesterday a copy of the Memphis Appeal, con- taining a really fair statement of the fight, which was witnessed by thousands on the bluff. The rebel boats insisted on remaining before the city, notwithstanding that we were an hour underway i~ miles above, giving a fair opportunity for them to come up to the attack, if they intended fighting away from the city, or to drop below, where we could follow and attack them. The rebels forced us to fire on them without regard to the consequences to Memphis by opening upon us. We exchanged a number of shots, when Colonel Ellet, with the Queen of the TVe8t and Monarch, dashed down at the enemy, we at the time turning one slow length around for the same purpose. The rebels were evidently disconcerted by this move, and the Queen of the We8t, failing to hit the Beauregard, made a pass at the Colonel Lo nell, cutting her through, and that vessel sunk in a few minutes, many of her crew going down with her, and she is entirely out of sight. This is all the rams did, except the confusion created by them gave us better chances at the rebel craft. The Monarch missed the General Pi ice, and the Beauregard, missing the Monarch, cut away entirely the port wheel and wheelhouse of the General Price. Tb is ended all the rams doings, as rams, on either side. The Beauregard Page 136 136 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. in backing out from the General Price, gave me a broadside shot, at close range, with a 42-pounder, and I sent a shot into her boiler, blow- ing her up; some 14 of her scalded people are on our hands. HOW many were killed we do not know. The vessel soon sunk and has since gone to pieces. The Benton then, as throughout the action, was considerably in advance of the other vessels, seemingly the most speedy of them all, and pursued the now retreating rebels with an accuracy of fire and an execution really terrible. The Jeff Tlwmpson was disabled and set on fire by shells and was destroyed in a splendid explosion. The Sumter was soon disabled, and then the Bragg, which vessel had been fired by one of our rifled shot bursting in her cotton protection, and was with difficulty saved by us. The Little Rebel received a shot in the boiler about the same time the Beauregard did, and her fate was sealed. Mr. Bishop has command of the General Bragg, Mr. Erben of the Sumter, and Mr. libel will have the Little Rebel; the General Van Dorn escaped, but was badly injured. If the rams had done their duty she would have been captured also, but after the first dash we saw no more of them. Colonel Ellet was wounded by a pistol shot in the leg, and his vessel disabled by the Monarch. His dash was bold and well executed. There was some firing of small arms from the woods and at the same time cheers from the banks. This is a destruction of their fleet which there is no dodging; 15,000 people witnessed it. I carried the demand for the surrender of the city to the mayor, and was saluted by a number of ladies and passed through the immense crowd without molestation or evidence of an exasperated or bitterly hating people, and saw no scowling women. The city is quiet and things go on smoothly. I have been much distressed to hear of your continued ill health. I had hoped that by this time you would have been entirely recovered and ready to return to your fleet, but I fear this is as remote in pros- pect as at any time heretofore. I have not heard from you since about the 27th ultimo. Do let me hear as frequently as you can. You must know that my anxiety to hear of your condition is very great, being bound to you alike by personal attachment and a grateful sense of continued kindness and assistance. S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Flotilla, Western Water8, Cleveland, Ohio. Report of Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, on assuming command of the captured Confederate ram General Sterling Price. PRIZE STEAMER STERLING PRICE, Memphis, June 16, 186~1. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, agreeably to your orders of this date, I hare taken command of the prize Sterling Price, and that I am now ready to move when it suits your plea,ure. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Ro~ FITCH, Flag-Officer ~. H. DAVIS, Lieutcnant, Commanding. Commanding Naval Flotilla, Western Waters Page 137 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 137 Letter of thanks and congratulation from the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 18, 1862. SIR: Your report of the encounter with the rebel fleet on the 6th instant off Memphis, announcing your complete success, aided by Colonel Ellet with the Ram Fleet, in capturing the enemys flotilla, has been received and read with satisfaction. I congratulate you and your associates on the virtual annihilation of the rebel naval force on the Mississippi a~nd the surrender to you of the city of Memphis. These events are the sequel of gallant serv- ices rendered by our naval heroes and those who have been associated with them in a series of conflicts and triumphs on the Western waters for the maintenance of the rightful authority of the Govern- ment and the integrity of the Union. You and all who have been connected with you in this triumph are justly entitled to the thanks of the Government and country. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHARLES HENRY DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, acknowledging the thanks of the Department. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 24, 1862. SIR: The letter of the Department of the 18th instant, congratu- lating myself and the officers and men under my command upon the results of the engagement of the 6th instant, has been received and read with unalloyed pleasure. The satisfaction with the success of the day expressed by the De- partment, and its approbation generally, constitute at once the proof and the reward of service. I shall cause your letter to be read on board of every vessel in the squadron, embracing those not present on the 6th instant, that all may perceive that former services are not forgotten and that the De- partment, in viewing present events, still cherishes the remembrance of the long series of conflicts and triumphs of which those events are the sequel. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on the Mississippi and its Tributaries. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Narrative of Pilot Tennyson. At meridian of the 4th of June I received a note from Flag-Officer Davis, stating that he wished two pilots of the Mississippi to carr Page 138 138 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. dispatches to Commodore Farragut. I volunteered, and at 1 p. in., same day, Samuel Williamson and myself reported on board the flagship Benton, then above Fort Pillow. We were put in posses- sion of the dispatches, and received verbal instructions in case of loss. A small canoe, or diigout, was furnished us for the voyage, and a detail of men from Colonel Fitchs regiment, to carry the canoe across the land to a point on the Mississippi River 4 miles below Fort Pillow, the distance by water being 12 miles. We started at 3.30 p. in., intending to get at our point of em- barkation at sunset, but made it one hour before that time. We ~aw three of the enemys gunboats pass down. As soon as they had passed we embarked in our little canoe, being then fairly inside the enemys lines, with 460 miles to pass before we would see the stars and stripes again. We paddled out across the river and saw enough to know that Fort Pillow was evacuated. We passed Randolph, saw no lights, and began to congratulate ourselves on a speedy voyage. But, on turning the point below, three rebel gunboats, in line, with cutters near each shore rowing guard, became visible. The night was cloudy, but the moon was full. With a fine glass we saw a cutter approaching us. Neither of us spoke, but by signaling agreed to lay inshore. We happened to stop alongside of a large log, and the cutter sheered off, and as they did so we heard the remark, Thats no dugout; it is only a drift log. We also heard our names men- tioned, and that we were carrying letters from Flag-Officer Davis to bring Farraguts fleet up and get them between two fires. We waited until they were 100 yards above us, when we shoved out. After passing Island No. 35 we concluded to exchange our boat for the first skiff coming in our way, as the rebels had the dugout mark on us. This we expected to do at Pecan Point, 20 miles below Fort Pillow. On reaching that point we found three rebel gunboats lying at the Arkansas shore and a cutter near the Tennessee shore. We floated between the cutter and the gunboats without being seen, aim- ing for a point on the Arkansas shore where we might lay by, deem- ing it unsafe to attempt running during the day until we should get below Memphis. Our point gained, rest was out of the question; mosquitoes and gnats kept us busily engaged. At about 9 a. in. six rebel gunboats passed down, two passing on our side, carefully scrutinizing with their glasses. About 2 p. m. the transport steamer Soeereign passed up. An hour later we heard heavy guns firing, and saw the Sovereign coming down and shot falling near her, but could not see our gunboats. The first one coming in sight was a tug. A shot falling near the Sovereign de- terred us from embarking to join the Benton, now in sight at the head of our fleet. The Sovereign and tug l)assed us at about equal speed. The tug, by taking a short cut over the bar at the head of the chute of Island 37, gained on the So eereign, and brought her in range of the 12-pounder howitzer, which, after three rounds, drove the So oereign ashore with her safety valves weighted down, throttles closed, and fires full, with the intention of blowing her up; which purpose, however, was defeated by a loyal boy, 16 years old, who re- mained by her after she was abandoned by her crew. This lad, having some knowledge of what should be done, took off the extra weight from the safety valves, opened the throttles, and let her blow through; opened the fire doors and flue caps, and wet out the fires Page 139 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 139 Then he procured a sheet and signaled to the tug, which at this time, fortunately enough, was busily engaged endeavoring to unload their howitzer, haying rammed home a charge of fixed ammunition, shell first; and the delay caused by this blunder enabled them to see the boys emblem of surrender. The tug went alongside of the Sovereign, leaving her clerk and carpenter on board, and was afterwards piaced in my charge. JNO. S. TENNYSON. Report of Brigadier-General Ruggles, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Grenada, June 6 [7], 1862. Memphis surrendered to the enemy at 10 oclock yesterday morning. Six of Montgomerys gunboats were destroyed by the enemy in front of the city, and two escaped. I have just returned from Memphis. All public supplies were removed. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding illississippi Valley, Baldwyn, Mi88. Report of Brigadier-General Thompson, Missouri State Guards. GRENADA, Miss., June 7, 1862. GENERAL: I am under the painful necessity of reporting to you the almost entire destruction of the River Defense Fleet in the Mis- sissippi River in front of Memphis. I regret that I have to state I think the misfortune was occasioned by a misapprehension of orders or misinformation as to the surrounding circumstances. The evacuation of Fort Pillow was, from all accounts, well and orderly conducted after once determined upon, but by some means my men were sent to Memphis on a transport instead of being placed on the gunboats. The circumstances which may have caused the evacuation of Fort Pillow did not surround Fort Randolph, and I am satisfied that, even with the few troops that were at Pillow, Randolph could have been held for several days, with a sure and safe retreat when necessary, if ever. Our fleet, for want of coal, as represented, fell back to Memphis on the 5th, with the intention of returning to Island No. 40. The arrangements for this purpose were being made, but before 10 oclock p. m. on the 5th the tugs which were on picket above the city re- ported the enemys tugs in sight. This was discredited, but our boats anchored in the channel of the river, prepared for a battle. At 12.30 a. m. on the 6th your telegram giving Commodore Mont- gomery and myself the joint command of the river defense was re- ceived. I immediately wrote a note to the commodore, enclosing your telegram and asking what I should do to cooperate with him. He requested two companies of artillery to be sent on board at daybreak. (All of my men were at the depot, awpiting transportation to Gren- ada.) I at once ordered the companies to hold themselves i Page 140 140 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. readiness. At the dawn of day I was awakened with the informa- tion that the enemy were actually in sight of Memphis. I hurried on board to consult with Montgomery. He instructed me to hurry my men to Fort Pickering Landing and sent a tug to bi~ing them to the gunboats, which were advancing to attack the enemy. I hastened my men to the place indicated, but before we reached it our boats had been either destroyed or driven below Fort Pickering, and I marched back to the depot to come to this place to await orders. I saw a large portion of the engagement from the river banks, and am sorry to say that, in my opinion, many of our boats were handled badly or the plan of battle was very faulty. The enemys rams did most of the execution and were handled more adroitly than oursI think, however, entirely owing to the fact that guns and sharpshooters of the enemy were constantly employed, while we were almost without either. The Colonel Lovell was so injured that she sank in the middle of the river; her captain, James Delancy, and a number of others swam to shore. The Beauregard and Price xvere running at the Monarch (Yankee) from opposite sides when the Monarch passed from between them, and the Beauregard ran into the Price, knocking off her wheel and entirely disabling her. Both were run to the Arkansas shore and abandoned. The Little Rebel, the commodores fiagboat, was run ashore and abandoned after she had been completely riddled, and I am satisfied the commodore killed. The battle continued down the river out of sight of Memphis, and it is reported that only two of our boats, the Bragg and Van Dorn, escaped. It is impossible now to report casualties, as we were hurried in our retirement from Memphis, and none but those from the Lovell escaped on the Tennessee side of the river. So soon as more information can be collected, I will report. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF THOMPSON, Brigadier-General, Alissouri State Guard. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C. S. Army, Baldwyn, Miss. Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Erben, U. S. Nacy, to assume command of captured steamer Sumter. U. ~. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 6, 1862. SIR: You will take command of the captured steamer Sumter from this date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Commanding H. ERBEN, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Sumter, Cairo, Ill Page 141 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 141 Report of Captain Hull, U. S. Navy, acknowledging orders to pro- ceed to duty at St. Louis, Mo. PHILADELPHIA, June 6, 1862. SIR: I have just received, on my return from Boston, your dupli- cate order of the 16th of May last, directing me to proceed to St. Louis, Mo., and I shall leave here in obedience to it with the least possible delay. The court-martial of which I was a member ad- journed only on the 30th ultimo, and I remained a few days in New York. The original order has not been received. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. B. H., Captain. Hon. G. V. Fox, Acting Secretary of the Navy. Order of Captain Dark, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Bishop, U. S. Navy, regarding tran8fer of command. U. S. FLAG STEAMER BENTON, Jllemphis, June 6, 1862. SIR: You are hereby detached from the gunboat Benton and ordered to take command of the captured steamer General Bragg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Commanding J. BiSHOP, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat General Bragg, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davk, U. S. Navy, requesting aid in raising the Confederate steamer General Prince. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 7, 1862. Colonel Ellet would be very much obliged to Commodore Davis for the use of the Champion No. 3, to enable him to raise the rebel steamer General Price, which was sunk by the Queen yesterday. The General Price is reported to be a very valuable steamer, already armed for gunboat service. [C. ELLET, Jr.] Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from J. J. Updegra if, esq., to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, claiming to have in his possession plans of the fortifications at Vie/cs burg. COMMERCIAL HOUSE, Memphis, June 8, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have in my possession the plan of the fortification of Vicksburg, with the number of guns, their caliber, location, nu Page 142 142 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ber and distribution of troops, and other particulars. If this is valuable2you can have an interview with me. I am here on business of my own, and there is some suspicion against me here. Please be cautious as and perhaps difficulty. , it may incur inconvenience J. J. UPDEGRAFF, Commodore DAVIS. Formerly Colonel Fifth Illinoi8 Cavalry. Memorandum of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding the captured Confederate gunboat Little Rebel. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, June 7, 1862. Colonel Ellet presents his compliments to Commodore Davis and begs to say that the rebel gunboat Little Rebel, captured and beached by the Monarch yesterday, would be a very serviceable addition to Colonel Ellets iRam Fleet. This little gunboat is understood to be in condition to be put in immediate service, and as Colonel lEllet is about to dispatch an expe- dition down the river, he wishes to send this prize with the detach- ment, and~ would be obliged to Commodore Davis to put his engineers in possession of her. To this note Commodore Davis sent a verbal reply by Lieutenant Currie to the effect that the Little Rebel was a special pet of his, and that he could by no means think of giving her up, but gave no reason to explain why he should hold her because she was his pet. Though she was Commodore Daviss pet, she was Colonel Ellets prize. Letter from Colonel Ellet, co anding Ram Fleet, to Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, reque8ting an examination of the captured packet Conway. U. S. S. ISWITZERLAND, June 7, 1862. DEAR SIR: One of my steamers yesterday brought in a rebel steam packet-boat loaded down with stores, the Conway, now lying along- side the Monarch. The captain and part owner is said to be or to have been an officer in the rebel Army. I am not able to attend to the case of that steamer, being about to send a considerable expedition down the Mississippi, which will leave to-day. If you can find time to examine this case, so as to judge whether the steamer is a lawful prize, I will be glad to hand her over to you. Truly, yours, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel G. N. FITCH. Colonel, etc. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding certain captured vessel8 and the movement of hi8 fleet down the river. OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 8, 1862. SIR: Three of the rebel rams and gunboats which were struck by my two rams sunk outright and were lost. Another, called the Ge Page 143 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 143 eral Price, was but slightly injured, and I am now raising her and propose to add her to my fleet. I had hoped to have the rebel flagship also, which we captured, but Commodore Davis has a fancy to take her for his own use. I propose to start an expedition down the river to-morrow under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, and have been much surprised by receiving an offer from Commodore Davis to send a gunboat along. Of course I will not. decline, though I fear the slowness of the gun- boat will impede the progress of the expedition. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding Rain Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. Letter from~ Colonel Ellet, commanding Rain Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Na cy, regai ding the capture of the Confederate gunboat Little Rebel. OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 8, 186A?. Excuse me, ccmmodore, for calling your attention again to the circumstances attending the capture of the Little Rebel. I am informed by Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet and Captain Dryden that the Little Rebel attacked the ullonarch just after the Ill onarch had struck the Beauregard; that the Monarch met the attack and pushed on after the Little Rebel. To escape from the Monarch the Rebel made for shore. In approaching shore, one of two shots from a gunboat struck the Rebel, but she was still able to continue her retreat from the Monarch, by which boat she was overtaken and struck before she reached the shore and was beached by the blow. The Monarch then turned to save the crew of one of the sunken boats who were in the water, filling and clinging to a yawl, and then to tow the Beauregard, which she had previously struck, and which was sinking, to shore, and to take off her crew. In the meantime one of the tugs of your squadron visited the Little Rebel and took down her flag. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Commodore C. H. DAvIs, Cbmmanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, stating the impossibility of giving up the captured gun- boat Little Rebel. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 9, 1862. COLONEL: I have had the pleasure to receive your note of yesterday. I am not prepafed to enter into an enquiry of the facts of the case, some of which, as you state them, did not fall under my observation. I regret to be obliged to say, however, that it would not be in my power to give you the Little Rebel or any other one of the capture Page 144 144 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. vessels of the rebel squadron. To do so would interfere with my general plan of operation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Colonel ELLET, Commanding Rain Fleet, Mississippi River. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., June 8, 1862. Ascertain the condition of what was once the navy yard at Mem- phis and report to the Department. G.M. Fox, SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, Assistant Secretary. Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., June 9, 1862. By an intelligent officer, a prisoner, I learn that the buildings for the machine shops at the old navy yard at Memphis are good and with considerable machinery in them in good working order. For further information I have referred your telegram to Flag-Officer Davis, now at Memphis. A. MI. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. Report of Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Judge Torrence, requesting permission to attempt the raising of the Con- federate steamer General Price. U. S. S. JUDGE TORRENCE, Memphis, June 9, 1862. SIR: I visited the sunken steamer Price this afternoon and found that the Champion had broken her pump, and I believe abandoned the idea of raising her; at least for the present. From what I could see I do not think there will be any great diffi- culty in getting her afloat, and if you will sanction it I will move down there and endeavor to raise her. The officers on board are anxious to assist me in making the attempt, and if we can get the small pump from the steamer Champion when. we are ready for it I have no doubt but that our efforts will meet with success. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Roy FITCH, Flag-Officer ~. H. DAVIS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commanding Naval Flotilla, Western Waters Page 145 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 145 Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding P. 5. S. Pittsburg, regarding the capture of a small steamer in Hatchee Ricer. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Fort Pillow, Tenn., June 9, 1862. SIR: Having learned from two deserters belonging to Jeff Thomp- son s gang that deserted and came up from Memphis that a small steamer was lying at the bank in Hatchee River where they crossed, I, this morning, started an armed boat at early daylight to capture her and now have her alongside, putting her in order. I learn from these deserters, who are from Missouri and quartered here before the evacuation, that she was used by the fort to run between here and Randolph, and for scouting parties, transportation of munitions of war, etc. I hear also from other sources that she was used by the Confederate Army. She belonged to William Davis, deceased some two weeks since, and B. M. Turner claims to be the administrator. From all the facts obtainable, I have no doubt she is a legal prize. The two deserters staid at the administrators house the night they reached here, and heard at the house a man profess anti-Union senti- ments. The one I sent in the boat pointed out the house where they staid to the officer of the boat, which is the one occupied by Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner was informed by the captors, if the boat was not a prize, she would be returned and he was referred to you. She is 84 feet extreme length on deck, 17~ feet beam, 4 feet 2 inches hold, draft aft 2 feet 5 inches, forward 21 inches, and in good repair. She is a double side-wheel steamer, clear upper and main deck; outside of each engine she has two rooms in which cotton could be placed to protect her engine and boilers. A howitzer can easily be mounted forward, and, as she draws so little water, she may be used to advantage in the shoal rivers running into the Mississippi if she has only musketry to contend with. A barricade can be easily built around her to guard the men against musketry. She is lightly built, and has rather indifferent engines. I shall await an answer to this letter before I make any change. I would like to retain her as a tender. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EGBERT THOMPSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Flotilla. Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, eon& manding U. S. S. I/ittsb urg, requesting instructions regarding refugees fearing guer- rilla bands. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Fort Pillow, Tenn., June 9, 1862. SIR: I find there are many Union men around here fearful of guer- rilla bands. There are many desirous of leaving or having a place of protection to fly to. 49518N W BVOL 2309 1 Page 146 146 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I learn a Louisiana regiment which left this place is in the adjoin- ing county. ~XYill you please inform me what facilities will be afforded them for leaving? Many of the country people are coming in to learn what protection will be afforded them by us. They come in under the im- pression we have a force in the fort. I respectfully request the prescribed oath of allegiance will be for- warded to me, that I may administer it and thus test their allegiance and the object of their visit. A man representing himself as a scout from the Louisiana regiment, residing at Fulton, Tenn., has come in; I have paroled him three days. I have another deserter whom I paroled, and at the expiration of his parole, came in. I have pursued this course, having no accommoda- tion on board. I learn there are many rabid secessionists at Osceola, Ark., still ad- vocate the cause, and some advocate the organizing of guerrilla bands. I have the names and residences of some of the most prominent. I have the names and residence of two brothers, one of which was a delegate to the convention when the State seceded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EGBERT THOMPSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore CHARLEs H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding lVestern Flotilla. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, explaining delay in delicery of c/is patches announcing the ecacuation of Fort Pillow. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 9, 1862. SIR: I received this evening by the Dc Soto the enclosed dispatches, which came under cover of your official envelope and which should have been delivered to me by Captain Carroll on the 6th. I immediately called upon Captain Carroll for an explanation of his conduct, in justification of which he handed me the enclosed order from Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, which is of so extraor- dinary a nature that I feel it my duty to submit it to you for your official consideration and action. In consequence of this order, your dispatches were handed me too late to telegraph to the Secretaries of War [audi Navy and General Pope, who had in all probability been apprised of the evacuation of Fort Pillow by the enemy and subsequent occupation by our troops, etc. In justice to myself, I respectfully ask that Colonel Fitch may be officially informed that it was by no action of mine that the dispatches were not delivered in time to be telegraphed, as was intended. Some explanation in vindication of myself is also due those whose private dispatches came in your official envelope. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters Page 147 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 147 Letter froir& Colonel Filet, co~~~nding Ram Fleet, to Captain Dark, U. S. Navy, contending for the po88e88ion of the captured gunboat Little Rebel. U. S. RAM SWITZERLAND, Before Memphis, June 10, 186$?. SIR: I am not in a condition now to press my demand for the Little Rebel, which was taken by your orders from a guard which I had placed on board of her. I can not, however, forbear from re- capitulating the facts. In your note of the 3d instant after receiving my instructions from the War Department, you informed me that my vessels were not under your control and that you are not responsible for their movements. In the engagement of the 6th, one of my vessels, acting entirely under my own orders, attacked the Little Rebel, chased her into shore, butted her slightly, and left her beached. A portion of the crew of my flagship, then disabled, who had just secured the rebel steamer Price and all her crew, also took possession of the Little Rebel, fastened her to shore, with her own lines, accepted the sur- render of the three rebels whom they found on board, and by the order of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet remained to guard the prze. Now, commodore, it was not from the enemy, but from this little prize crew that your tugs took this vessel; and I do not ask you to give her to me, as your note assumes, but merely to restore her to me as she was before she was taken from me. She is mine, commodore, the spoils of my first and, I fear, my last naval engagement. I may afford hereafter to give her to you, but I can not, until she is returned to my possession, consent to her surrender. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, CHARLES ELLET, Jr. Connnanding Western Flotilla. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 10, 186?. SIR: The hospital boat Red Rover is expected here to-day, and will be dispatched to the flotilla as soon as possible. The General Bragg has broken down about 6 miles below this place, and I am just about dispatching the Wilson and Sallie Wood to tow her up. This will account for the nonarrival of the former. In accordance with letter received from Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, in relation to officers for the Sovereign, I sent down yester- day an engineer. For captain I have selected Mr. John K. Neeld, mate of the De Soto, who is highly recommended. Should this be approved by you, Mr. Neeld is instructed by me to hire a good mate. One of the transports, in coming down the Tennessee River a few days since, was fired into by a guerrilla party. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters. The Red Rover has just arrived and I hope to get her off to-night Page 148 148 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant Erben, U. S. Navy, regarding the leaky condi- tion of the U. S. S. Sumier. U. S. S. SUMTER, 14 miles above Memphis, June 10, 1862. SIR: After sending for assistance this afternoon, the leak increased so rapidly that my vessel would have sunk in the middle of the river if the W. H. Brown had not come to my assistance and towed me aground. The water is not above the deck, and with the help of a good steam pump I think I can get her up to Cairo. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. ERBEN, Jr., Lieu tenant, Commanding. Captain C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Report of Fleet Captain Pennoek, U. S. Navy, regarding the equip- ment of hospital boat Red Rocer. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 10, 1862. SIR: The Red Rorer, hospital boat, will leave here to-night or to- morrow. I herewith enclose a list of those employed on board of her, who are considered indispensably necessary. Doctor Bixby, the surgeon, has the highest recommendations, which he will show you, and I would recommend his appointment as assistant surgeon, to date from June 1. I have given no permanent instructions either to the captain or surgeon, leaving that matter entirely to your superior judgment. I have thanked Captain Wise, assistant quartermaster, for his untiring and successful exertion in the equipment of this boat, and I hope you will approve of all he has done. He informs me that she has stores on board for her crew for three months and medical sup- plies sufficient for 200 men for three months. She is also abundantly supplied with delicacies for the sick and has on board 300 tons of ice. A barge of ice can be sent down at. any time it may be needed. Captain Wise acknowledges his obligations to the Western Sani- tary Commission for the great interest they took in the equipment of this boat, for their advice and substantial aid, to the amount in dollars and cents of $3,500 gratuitously bestowed. The boat is supplied with everything necessary for the restoration to health of sick and disabled seamen. I have directed Captain McDaniel and the surgeon to report to you for orders and for assignment to their particular duties. I think that by mistake I enclosed in my letter by the De Soto your letter to me and also that of Mr. Baer, in relation to coal. The quartermaster informs me that no beef could be procured here to-day to send down by the De Soto Page 149 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 149 What instructions shall I give for the future movements of the Bragg and other vessels that may arrive here for repairs? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Na cal Forces on the Western Water8. Report of a board of survey on certain steamers. MEMPHIS, June 10, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of this date, we have held a survey on the following steamers and have valued them with all on board as follows, viz: H. R. W. Hill $6, 250 Victoria 8, 000 Kentucky 5, 750 New National 12, 750 Acacia 2, 750 Conway 2 250 Mark R. Cheek 1, 875 Jeff Davis 750 We also have the honor to make the accompanying report of outfits. Most respectfully, yours, HORACE E. BIXBY, Pilot. SAMUEL W. BORTWICH, Engineer. J. S. HURD~ [Actg. Vol. Lieutenant.] Captain S. L. PHELPS. Order of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Lieutenant Cran- dall, commanding Lioness, regarding runaway negroes. OPPOSITE MEMPHIS, June 11, 1862. SIR: I have received your note stating that you have four negroes and two white men representing themselves to be the owners of the negroes on board the Lioness. We have no room on this fleet for runaway negroes, and I have no time to adjudicate questions involving the respective rights of the slaves and their masters. You will set these men on shore in Memphis and not again receive on board any runaway negroes or any pursuer. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant CRANDALL. Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, responding to enquiries regarding the captured steamer. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Fort Pillow, Tenn., June 11, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 10th instant has just been received, and please accept my thanks for your complimentary mention of missing me on Friday Page 150 150 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I respectfully report in reply to my query in regard to the cap- tured steamer I have, that she can carry, with advantage, a howitzer forward, and with but little expense can be made a serviceable vessel for navigating the shoal rivers emptying into the Mississippi. She will answer admirably in the Tennessee or Cuinberland River to in- timidate bushwhackers, or can navigate the rivers below Memphis, where a light-draft vessel is needed, or can be used to tow boats up them. I shall build a rifle barricade around her deck, the lumber for which I can get out of the fort, and do the work with the carpenters of the vessel. By mounting a howitzer upon her and painting her black she can penetrate far into the interior and overawe the restless people residing along the banks. She can not stand artillery, as she is built very light, but made proof against musketry. She needs only new cams for her engine, as those in her are worn out, and some boiler iron to put around her pilot house and some other small repairs. The expense of fitting her out will be very little, and if you will please send me an order to Captain Pennock to send me the arti- cles necessary I will soon have her ready for service. Fuel for her can be found along the banks, or I can use coal. I shall need coal shortly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant., EGBERT THo1~wsoN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore CHARLES H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Flotilla. Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, transmitting report of board of survey on captured steamer. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Fort Pillow, Tenn., June 11, 1862. SIR: I have used the prize steamer and find some little repairs are necessary to make her reliable. I respectfully herewith forward a report of a survey held upon her and request she may go to Cairo to make the necessary repairs. It is advisable she should be towed up, as the engines may get out of order going up. She can be hauled about and towed as easily as a launch. I shall send a third assistant engineer and five or six men up in her to work at the engines and care for her up there. Some boiler iron is needed around the pilot house, and it can be cut to form much easier up there. All the carpenters work, mounting the howitzer, building the rifle barricade, I can do here, and will mount the ship howitzer. I can man her from the crew of this vessel. I would like to have permission to ship a man that is better posted up in handling an engine than those I have. I would like to have her as soon as possible. It is my intention to use her to lay alongside the fort during the day for those coming in to resort to, and have the paymaster on board to administer the oat Page 151 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 151 of allegiance, settle the uncertain feeling of those residing hereabouts in regard to what course the Federal Government will pursue with them, and thus quiet down the people. The rebels have circulated the report it is dangerous for any of them to fall into our hands, and many are intimidated from coming in. However, many of them ven- ture in and are pleased to learn that if they go home, attend to their own business, and have nothing to do with the bogus Confederacy they will not be molested. Some of them fear guerrilla bands. iC have learned the names and residences of some of the most prominent secessionists here. I send a scouting party out occasion- ally over the fort. I learn some of the people have cotton. Some of the unimportant articles laying around the back side of the fort have been taken. I shall try and stop it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EGBERT THOMPSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore CHARLES H. DAvIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding IVe8tern Flotilla. P. 5.I respectfully state I have received your letter of to-day. This letter was written to have ready for the Memphis steamer, and have not time to write another before the arrival of t.he down steamer. I will send the captured steamer down to you with a memorandum of the repairs I suggest making. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Fort Pillow, Tenn., June 11, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of this date we held a survey upon the steamer referred to, and respectfully report that we find the boiler new and in good condition, with the exception of the safety-valve lever, which requires to be replaced, the valve gear overhauled, and new cams put in, also the pitman overhauled and new jaw braces. We also deem it advisable for the cranks to be banded. In our opinion, the work can be done to much better advantage near a foundry, as we have poor facilities for doing the work here, and some castings have to be made. We recommend she be sent to Cairo, where she can be near a workshop. The work can be done in three or four days with ordi- nary labor. The cost, we suppose, will be about $200. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, GEO. H. ATKINSON. CHARLES W. BLESSING, Third A88istant Engineer. GEO. W. SANFORD. Lieutenant EGBERT THOMPSON, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Pitt8burg Page 152 152 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, regarding captured ve8sel. JUNE 12, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 11th instant, with the en- closed report of a survey upon the captured steamer. I approve of your proceedings, as far as communicated, wholly. Lieutenant Commanding Bryant will join you to-day with the Cairo and remain with you until you leave the station for repairs, in order that he may become acquainted with the duties and interests placed under his charge. If any i~ within your reach, and you can collect it or persuade the runners to bring it and send it to market, it can be put on board the towboat which I am about to send, with a barge to transport the guns. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Co?nmodore. Lieutenant Commanding EGBERT THOMPSON. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Bryant, U. S. Navy, for the collection and transportation of guns fron~ Fort Randolph. JUNE 12, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the gunboat Cairo to Fort Pillow and communicate with Lieutenant Commanding Thompson in relation to the guns at Fort Randolph, some of which are still in position. Tie will give you all the information necessary to enable you to take possession of these guns. Collect them together at a convenient place for embarkation and I will send a towboat and scow to carry them to Cairo. You will remain at Fort Pillow until further orders, exercising the utmost vigilance in the preservation of public property in regard to the motions of the enemy. You will also communicate with me from time to time by means of the mail boats. Very respectfully, C. H. DAvIS, Commodore. Lieutenant Commander N. C. BRYANT, Commanding Cairo. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Maynadier, U. S. Army, commanding mortar fleet, requesting a detail of men. JUNE 12, 1862. SIR: I will thank you to furnish to Captain Kilty, of the Mound City, ten men of the mortar fleet, to bring up a transport supposed to be below. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. H. E. MAYNADIER, Captain of Tenth U. S. Infantry Page 153 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 153 Letter front Captain Davi8, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. JUNE 12, 1862. SIR: I send you a telegraphic dispatch for the Secretary of the Navy. I return to you my letter of the 5th, because it contains directions concerning other matters besides the telegraphic dispatch. I send back also with it Mr. Baers letter of the 3d instant relating to coal. The mistake of Captain Carroll in regard to the dispatches seems to be one of those blunders that even the cleverest people are liable to commit. I enclose the acceptance of Charles M. Blasdell, engineer, gunboat Essecv. The Red Rover has not yet arrived, but I am momentarily expect- ing her. Very respectfully, C. H. DAvIs, Commodore. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. Letter front Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Doctor Robarts, of the Ram Fleet, granting permis8ion for removal of sick to hospital boat Red Rover. JUNE 12, 1862. SIR: It gives me great pleasure to conform with your request of this date, and to consent to the removal of the sick of the iRam Fleet to the hospital boat Red Rover, for which this will be your authority. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, Co modore. Dr. J. ROBARTS, Surgeon Rant Fleet. Letter front Quartermaster Wise, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, describing the new hospital boat Red Rover. OFFICE OF NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 12, 1862. M~ DEAR CO~LMODORE: * * * I wish that you could see our hos- pital boat, the Red Rover, with all her comforts for the sick and dis- abled seamen. She is decided to be the most complete thing of the kind that ever floated, and is every way a decided success. The West- ern Sanitary Association gave us, in cost of articles, $3,500. The ice box of the steamer holds 300 tons. She has bathrooms, laundry, ele- vator for the sick from the lower to the upper deck, amputating room, nine different water-closets, gauze blinds to the windows to keep the cinders and smoke from annoying the sick, two separate kitchens fo Page 154 154 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. sick and well, a regular corps of nurses, and two water-closets on every deck. We think that the gunboats have nearly finished their work, and that a different kind will be required for the future. The old boats will be used as floating batteries, to be stationed at New Orleans, Vicksburg, Memphis, and Island No. 10. Fast boats, with light, powerful armaments, will act as a river police and keep the river open. * * * Captain Pennock is as busy as usual. Winslow has gone down the river to take command of the Cincinnati. Sanford is now in Cairo. Porter is getting the Essex ready at about twice the expense author- ized by you, but if she does not draw too much water will be a very efficient vessel. * * * Respectfully and truly, yours, GEO. D. WISE. Flag-Officer A. H. Foo~, U. S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Na?y, regarding the delayed de- parture for Il7hite River, of a division of the squadron under his corn mand. JUNE 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department a copy of a telegraphic dispatch which I sent from Fort Pillow, but which, through a misapprehension of the captain of the mail boat, was not delivered. I received this morning your telegraphic dispatch of the 10th in- stant, which I have answered by telegraph. A division of the squadron was on the point of sailing for White River under Commander Kilty, to form a junction with General Curtis, but will now be delayed until Colonel Fitch can prepare the commissary transports to accompany him. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of War to Colonel Ellet, commanding Pam Fleet, forwarding appointments for surgeons. IY~TASHINGTON June 13, 1862. The appointments for Doctor Robarts as fleet surgeon and Doctor Lawrence as assistant have been made and forwarded to you by mail via Cairo. I am glad to learn that you are not entirely disabled, and hope that you may be able to give the finishing stroke to the enemy a Page 155 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 155 Vicksburg. Please send nie by mail a full description of the vessels comprising your fleet, its armament, force, and equipment, and where you prepared them, and the cost, suitable for a report to Congress. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Colonel CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Commander of United States Ram Fleet, off ilemphis. Report of Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Nary, regarding his physical con- dition, requesting a decision from the Departmerd regarding his future course. CLEVELAND, June 13, 1862. SIR: It becomes my unpleasant duty to inform the Department that my health, arising from my wound at Fort Donelson, in the esti- mation of the best medical advice of this city, is such as would un- peril my efficiency were I to resume my duties on the Mississippi River for two or three months to come. Under these circumstances, I submit to the decision of the De- partment whether I shall return immediately to my duties in the flotilla or receive a three months leave of absence, or even be detached altogether from my command, for the purpose of trying the effects of salt air, as recommended, with the hope of an early restoration to health and regaining the use of my wounded foot, now confining me, as it has done for the past four months, to the use of crutches. The physicians whom I have consulted all unite in the opinion that unless I can have two or three months rest for my foot that it will soon be in a condition which will leave me a cripple for life, although by rest in bed for the last fortnight it has sensibly improved, and its use, with my general health, would doubtless be restored in three months, could I have entire repose or command of my time for that period. I am aware that while there seems to be little or no prospect of further fighting on the Westerii rivers, which may now be said to be cleared of their powerful rebel batteries and gunboats, the reor- ganizing, arranging, and distribution of the flotilla to protect the peaceful commerce of the rivers against a guerrilla warfare, super- added to the great difficulties incident to the settlement of accounts arising from the past hybrid character of this peculiar service, re- quire an officer of experience, prudence, and good judgment; yet, as the grand object of my mission has been virtually accomplished, may I not, without detriment to the service or my professional standing, now be permitted to have the necessary time to recuperate my exhausted health, impaired in the arduous and responsible duties incident to the creation and the active and successful services of the flotilla under my command? I have given myself to my country, and wish the Department to decide my case solely with reference to the interests of the service. If it will not be considered premature, I wish further to remark that when this rebellion is crushed, and a squadron is fitted out to enforce the new treaty for the suppression of the African slave trade, as I have had long and successful experience in African cruising, as the Secretary of State is aware, and being perhaps favorably know Page 156 156 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. to English officers and statesmen for my services on the African coast, as illustrated by the remark of Mr. Everett to me a few days since that the Earl of Aberdeen expressed himself as highly pleased with my course there,, and that an officer of experience, firmness, and of conciliatory spirit is necessary to harmoniously carry out the said treaty, I should be pleased to have command of the African squadron; but so long as the rebellion continues it will be my highest ambition to be actively employed in aiding in its suppression. Enclosed is the certificate of my attending physicians. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, tran8mittflig report of officers after examination of navy yard at Memphis, Teun. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 13, 1862. SIR: Your telegraphic message to Commander Pennock concerning the navy yard at this place was referred to me. I have now the honor to transmit to you the report of Commander B. M. Dove and Lieutenant Commanding S. L. Phelps on the present status of that property. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHARLES H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Hon. G. V. Fox, Mississippi Ricer, pro tem. Assistant Secretary of the Navy,, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, Tenn., June 13, 1862. SIR: We have the honor to report that in obedience to your order we have examined the premises formerly occupied as a navy yard by the United States, and find that in the year 1856 the city of Memphis caused the property to be divided into lots, to be leased for the term of thirty years; and that nearly the entire premises are now occupied under such leases. That part of the old yard above the sea wall, divided in lots, is now built upon mostly with wooden houses of two stories. There are some twelve or fifteen of these tenements, and these are nearly all the buildings erected upon the ground, with the exception of some additions to the old Government buildings, now used as an oil mill, and a few very small houses. The Memphis and Ohio Railroad Company occupy a portion of the grounds and buildings for depot purposes. The Rope Walk buildings are complete, but now occupied for various mechanical purposes, one portion being used as a foundry for casting mortar, cannon, etc. The wall formerly enclosing the premises has been removed. The commandants quarters are occupied, but u Page 157 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 157 altered. The ground in front has been considerably enlarged by river deposit, and the water is not of good depth. It appears that the city of Memphis has mortgaged the entire property and pledged the rents and taxes, amounting to about $22,000 per annum, to secure bonds, in the sum of $300,000, issued by the city in aid of the M. & 0. Railroad Company. It also appears that all the leases expire in the year 1886. In closing this report, we would suggest that it is possible that the best position in the vicinity of Memphis for a navy yard was not selected, and that the sum necessary for the purchase of lease and mortgage claims on the old yard property might be more judiciously expended in a new location. The rebels have recently . constructed two gunboats of large size at. a point near Fort Pickering. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, BENJ. M. DOVE, Commander. S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant Commanding, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding (pro tern.) Gunboat Flotilla, Western Waters. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the capture of steamer Clara Dolsen, June 14, 1862. No. 87.] U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., November 15, 18693. SIR: The steamer Clara Dolsen, now used as a receiving ship, and fitted up at government expense, was captured up White River en- gaged in the service of the rebels. There is evidence enough to con- demn her, and hang half the persons on board of her. I see by the papers that the pretended owners are going to give bonds at $90,000, and have applied to the marshal to take possession. The half inter- est owned by Mr. Denning, her clerk, has been purchased by Captain Bart Able and Albert Pearce, of St. Louis. They propose to take the boat, and await the decision of the court before which the case is to be tried. She is now the property of the Government by the right of capture; a good deal of expense has been incurred in altering her for a receiving ship. She is one of the finest boats on the river, and I think it would be desirable for the Department to instruct the district attorney for southern district of Illinois to proceed with her condem- nation. There is more evidence on file against her than any vessel that has been captured, and it has caused remark that she should so long remain in court, when the case is so clear. I shall not deliver her up unless instructed by you to do so. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Alississippi Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. I have the honor to enclose a letter from Quartermaster George D. Wise on the subject. D. D. PORTER Page 158 158 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Endorsement.] The vessel having been captured and passed, as I suppose, into the possession of the courts for adjudication, the Department can not interfere in the matter. [Enclosures.] OFFICE OF Mississir~i FLOTILLA Cairo, Ill., November 16, 1862. SIR: In answer to your request for information as to the capture of the steamer Clara Dolsen, now in the service of the flotilla as a receiving ship, I have to say that she was first discovered at Helena by the gunboat Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding James W. Shirk, on the 13th of June, 1862, shortly after the fight at Memphis. The Lexington was part of a division under the command of Captain A. H. Kilty, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding Shirk was ordered to bring the Clara Dolsen to, but she started down the river with all speed and the Lexington was unable to overtake her. The gunboat Mound City and tug Spitfire fired several shots at her, to which she paid no attention. The chase was continued on the following day, and the armed tug Spitfire being in advance, proceeded up White River, and some dis- tance from the mouth of the river discovered the steamer hid away in a narrow slough, and coming upon her suddenly took possession. The Clara Dolsen is a fine new steamer and was appraised by a board of officers appointed by Admiral Davis at $31,000. All the documents to assist in her condemnation were furnished to Mr. D. L. Phillips, U. S. marshal, Southern District Illinois, whose address is Spring- field, and to Lawrence Weldon, esq., U. S. district attorney, Clin- ton, Ill. The case is not yet decided, although the marshal informed me that he had ample proof to condemn the boat. An influential firm in St. Louis, J. & E. Walch & Co., claims to be the owner of the Clara Dolsen, and that she was used by the rebels against their will. They say that the captain of the boat had orders, on the first opportunity, to deliver her to the Union forces. We know that he made every effort to escape from them. There were also over 100 bales of cotton on board, which they also claim, acknowledging at the same time that this cotton was purchased by their agent while the river was in the power of the rebels. The boat was also un- doubtedly used for public purposes by the rebel Government, and with the consent of the owners. Colonel Fry, the rebel officer, formerly in our Navy, who com- manded fort at St. Charles, on the White River, and was taken pris- oner at the capture of that fort, informed me that the Clara Dolsen was under his orders, and he had directed her to be brought into the White River to be sunk near the fort to obstruct the navigation. He also informed me that he had always understood she was owned at least one-half by Southern owners. The fact of it is, that in most of the steamers which remained South after the rebels took possession of the Mississippi, having ample time to escape if they had wished, it was found convenient to have two owners, one North and the other South, so that their bread would be sure to fall butter side up Page 159 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 159 It is also stated that the Cara Dolsen was sent South after the blockade was established. Walch & Co. have used every endeavor to get possession of their boat, and finding that the evidence they brought forward might impugn their own loyalty, of which they have not too good a record, they have made a sale of one-half their interest to certain parties in St. Louis supposed to have powerful influence, in order to push it through in that way. I hope it will be in your power to head off all these combinations, keep in your possession a boat very valuable to the squadron at this present time, and secure the officers and men who captured her their well-earned prize money. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEo. D. WISE, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, late with Gunboat Flotilla. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. On Friday, the 13th day of June, 1862, a division of United States gunboats, consisting of the Mound City, St. Louis, and Lexington, under the command of Commander A. H. Kilty, U. S. Navy, while steaming down the Mississippi River, came in sight of the town of Helena, Ark. Lying at the landing was the steamboat Clara Dolsen. Upon the gunboats heaving in sight, the people in charge of the Clara Dolsen got up steam in her boilers and steamed down the river. The gunboat Mound City and the tug Spitfire fired several guns at her to bring her to, to which she paid no attention. I, in command of the gunboat Lexington, in obedience to an order from Commander Kilty, gave chase to the Clara Dolsen in the vessel xvhich I had charge of, and chased her to within about 15 miles above the mouth of White River. Darkness and the superior speed of the Clara Dol- sen enabled her to escape from the Lexington. JAMES W. ShIRK, Lieutenant- Commander. Subscribed and sworn to before me at Cairo, Ill., on the 16th day of August, 1862. DAVID HANNON, ATotary Public. Operations in the White River, June 13July 9, including capture of batteries at St. Charles, Ark., June 17, 1862. Letter from Brigadier-General Strong, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting telegram from Major-General Halleck, U. S. Army, inviting co- operation. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Cairo, Ill., June 8, 1862. SIR: I have just received the enclosed telegram from Major-General Halleck to you, which I hasten to dispatch by the bearer, my assistant adjutant-general, M. G. V. Strong, who is charged to deliver the same to you in person. I also enclose copy of General Hallecks telegram to me, accompanying yours and received at same time, an Page 160 160 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. have dispatched the steamers Alkambra and La Crosse, with forage and commissary stores, as directed by telegram to me, of which I have enclosed you a copy. Please afford my assistant adjutant- general every facility for prompt return to Cairo. WM. K. STRONG, Flag-Officer DAVIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Flagship Benton. ilemphis. [EnclosureTelegram.] CORINTH, June 8, 1862. Send a steamer with following dispatch to Commodore Davis at Memphis; also send provisions and forage there, if you have them. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, Commanding. Brigadier-General STRONG. [SubenclosureTelegram.] CORINTH, June 8, 1862. It is of pressing importance that you immediately send some gun- boats down the Mississippi or up White River to Jacksonport, to communicate with General Curtis and capture enemys gunboats and steamers in White River, so that General Curtis can be supplied and reinforced by that route. It is the earnest wish of the War Depart- ment that this be done without delay. H. W. HALLECK, Commodore DAVIS, Major-General. Western Flotilla, Care General Strong. Letter from the Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting request from Major-General Halleck, U. S. Army, for cooperation of gunboats. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., June 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith a copy of a telegram re- ceived from General Halleck, and would earnestly request that orders may be given Commodore Davis to render the aid with his gunboats that is desired by General Halleck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of War. Secretary of the Nary. [Enclosure.] CORINTH, June 8, [1862]. Major-General Curtis wishes pernjiission to raise two regiments of infantry in Arkansas. He has been hard pressed by the enemy, and compelled to fall back behind White River. I have directed Coin Page 161 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 161 modore Davis to scud gunboats down the Mississippi and up the White River. If he will do so, I can supply and reinforce Curtis by that route. The roads are so bad in Missouri that it is almost impossible to reach him by land. The evacuation of Forts Pillow and Randolph is confirmed. The flotilla occupied Memphis without opposition. H. W. HALLECK~ Major- General. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 10, 1862. Use every exertion in conveying supplies up the White River to the army of General Curtis. GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla (pro tein.), Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] JUNE 12, 1862. Your telegraphic dispatch of the 10th is received. Immediate steps are taken to carry it into execution. C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the A~avy, Washington, P. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, transmitting report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, an extract from a communication, dated the 10th instant, received from Flag-Officer Charles H. Davis, commanding Western Flotilla pro tempore, relative to a contemplated expedition up White River. I am, very respectfully, your obedient Servant, GIDEON WELLES. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Enclosure.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, iiiemphis, June 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I am pre- paring an expedition to go up White and the Arkansas rivers in pursuit of the few remaining rebel gunboats, of which one only, the 49518N XV SVOL 2309 1 Page 162 162 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Van Dorn, that escaped on the 6th, is formidable. I received this morning a telegraphic message from General Halleck, urging me to open communication with General Curtis by way of Jacksonport. I shall, therefore, alter the original design of the expedition so far as to limit it to the waters of White River, so long as its presence may be necessary to give support to General Curtis. The captured gunboats, General Bragg and Sumter, have gone to Cairo for repairs. The Little Rebel will go to-morrow. I am now employed in raising the General Price. If the effort is successful we shall save four prizes. Lieutenant Commanding E. Thompson, of the gunboat Pitt8burg, stationed at Fort Pillow, has captured a small steamer. Lieutenant Joshua Bishop, on his way up the river in the General Bragg, cap- tured a rebel steamer with cotton on board. The circumstances have not yet been reported to me. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding lVestern Flotilla, iJIi88i8sippi River, pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8/lington, D. C. Report of Colonc~ Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, announcing intended departure of a portion of his command for cooperation in White River. OPPOSITE MEi~IPHIS, June 11, 18692. SIR: The expedition which I proposed to make in conjunction with the gunboats has been delayed. It is now proposed to set out to- morrow, the commodore contributing two gunboats and I three rams and a small tug. The destination of the expedition is up White River, to cooperate with General Curtis, and endeavor to capture some rebel gunboats which Commodore Davis supposes to be there. I can not spare Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet for this expedition, and shall place that portion of it which I contribute under the command of the bearer of this note, Lieutenant George E. Currie, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois, who has not yet had a chance to do much, but who I feel sure with oportunity will justify my confidence. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, lVa8hington, D. C. Letter from Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding plan of cooperation. BEFORE MEMPHIS, June 11, 1862. SIR: I received your verbal proposition this morning through Captain Phelps to send off a detachment of my fleet to-day to c Page 163 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 163 operate with two of the gunboats of your squadron in an expedition lip White River, the whole to be placed under the command of one of your officers. I find the notice is too short. All my boats are nearly out of pro- visions, and several of them were last night directed to blow off and clean out their boilers to-day. I know nothing, however, to prevent the expedition from starting to-morrow, if we can obtain subsistence for the trip from your fleet. But I think it would be better to keep the two branches of the expedition entirely distinct, that emulation may be excited and that some men of spirit in the Ram Fleet who had not a chance to distinguish themselves at Memphis may have it on this occasion. I could contribute the Lancaster, a side-wheel steamer, the best I have for that purpose, two stern-wheel rams, the Jlingo and Lioness, and the Homer as a tug, to tow a couple of coal barges. I propose to place the whole of this expedition under the command of the bearer of this note, Lieutenant George E. Currie, with instructions to cooperate in every respect cordially and energetically with your officers, taking either the advance or the rear, as they may prefer, but reserving for him the privilege of driving his rams against the enemy whenever he gets a chance. Let me call your attention to the necessity of having some con- certed signals by which our fleet may be known, to guard against accident, in the event that another expedition may be sent down the Mississippi. Very respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, acknowledging offer of cooperation. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 11, 1862. COLONEL: It gives me pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of to-day in reply to the communication I made you through the acting fleet-captain of this squadron. The intentions of the service in view would be retarded rather than promoted by the presence of a force acting under divided authority. The report received from the Sumter this morning is such as to justify the expectation that she will be able to follow the gunboats in a few days. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Colonel C. ELLET, Commanding Ram Fleet, Memphis, Iienn Page 164 164 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, requesting cooperation in the White River in opening communication with Brigadier- General Curtis, U. S. Army. JUNE 14, 1862. COLONEL: You are aware that in pursuance of telegraphic dis- patches from General Halleck and from Washington I have sent three gunboats into White River to open communication with Gen- eral Curtis. In consequence of the arrival to-day of the steamer iVliite Cloud with stores for Jacksonport, and in order to assist in meeting the requisitions made upon you by General Strong and Colonel Parsons for a safe escort or sufficient guard to accompany the lVhite Cloud, 1 have prepared the gunboat Conestoga, which vessel is now ready to sail as her convoy. But I have been very recently informed that a raft of wet and heavy timber has been sunk in the lower part of White River; I have therefore to request that you will accompany this expedition with the Indiana regiment under your command to assist in the removal of this raft and to protect the seamen while at work in the open river from the enemys guerrillas concealed in the thick timber. I beg leave, very respectfully, to remind you that the orders of General Pope provided for the cooperation of the force under your command with that of the flotilla, and I am satisfied that this is one of those instances in which that cooperation will contribute largely to the advancelnent of the public service, if indeed it is not actually indis- pensable to it. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore Commanding IVestern Flotilla. Colonel G. N. FITCH. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the departure of detachments under Commander Kilty, U. S. Navy, and Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, for White River. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the -Department that a detachment of this squadron, under command of Commander A. H. Kilty, con- sisting of the Mound City, St. Louis, and Lexington, sailed on the morning of the 13th instant for White River and Jacksonport, and that this morning a transport with provisions and another with the Forty-sixth Indiana Regiment, Colonel G. N. Fitch, sailed for the same destination, under convoy of the gunboat Conestoga. The business of Memphis is about to be resumed. Five transports and steamers arrived from above this morning. Merchandise for shipment, embracing sugar, cotton, and molasses, is gradually accumulating upon the levee. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient serv- ant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretamy of the Nacy, Washington, D. C Page 165 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 165 Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing the first report from the expedition. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that to-day I have received the first report from the expedition under the command of Commander Kilty. It had advanced up the White River as far as the Arkansas Cut- off, into the examination of which Commander Kilty was about to enter at the time of writing. The enemy is endeavoring to block up the river by sinking rafts of wet and heavy timber and by other means, working under the protection of two gunboats. Commander Kilty has captured and sent up the Clara Dolsen, one of the largest, handsomest, and in every respect finest steamers on the river. I am told that there is a great deal of cotton on the bottom lands of the St. Francis River. I shall enquire into this as soon as I have the means. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient serv- ant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer. Commanding Western Flotilla, IJlississippi River, pro tem. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, to First Master Duble, to assume command of the U. S. S. Mound City. U. S. GUNBOAT ST. LOUIS, White River, Junie 17, 1862. SIR: You are hereby ordered to take command of the U. S. Gun- boat Mound City. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. W. MCGUNNEGLE, Lieutenant, Commanding. First Master JOHN A. DUBLE, U. S. Gunboat Conestoga. Report of Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Louis, regarding the attack on St. Charles batteries and explosion on board the U. S. S. Mound City. U. S. GUNBOAT ST. LOUIS, St. Charles, iVhite River, Ark., June, 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the morning of the 16th instant, the Conestoga and transports having reached us, we got underway from a point called Arkansas Cut-off and stood up the river to within about 5 miles of this place Page 166 166 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. when we anchored for the night. Captain Kilty sent off a recon- noitering party in the tug. At 6 oclock the next morning we got underway and proceeded up the river in the following order, viz: Mound City, St. Louis, Lexington, Conestoga, and transports. When within 2 miles of the fortifications we discovered the enemys pickets. The hound City and the gunboats immediately opened fire; at the same time Colonel Fitch landed his regiment, and as we drove them in they followed them up. We continued to stand on, firing on either side and ahead as we went. Soon we came to a bend in the river, which I conceive to be about a mile in length. Almost at the upper end were sunk three boats across the river (they afterwards proved to be the rebel gunboat lii aurepas and river boats Eliza C. and Mary Patterson), and abreast of these obstructions, on the port hand, was a bluff, on which we imagined the battery would be situated, although we could not see a gun on account of the trees. Captain Kilty stood boldly on, closely followed by the other gun- boats, firing as we went. Soon the enemy responded. The moment we discovered the situation of the enemys battery the cannonading from our side became terrific. In a few moments the Mound City had advanced to within about 600 yards of the enemy, when a well- directed shot from a new battery situated a little higher up the bluff penetrated her port casemate a little above and forward of the gun port, killing three men in its flight and exploding her steam drum. So soon as this sad accident occurred many of her crew leaped over- board; all boats were instantly sent to their relief. The positions of the gunboats at this time were as follows: The Mound City, followed by the St. Louis and Lexington, the Conestoga being abreast of the latter vessel. The Mound City drifted down and across the stream. The Conestoga boldly came up and towed her out of action; the St. Louis and Lexington moved closer to the upper battery (the lower one being by this time silenced) and continued to pour in shot and shell, the enemy shooting the while at the St. Louis and the wounded of the Mound City struggling in the water. Some ten minutes after the explosion on board the Mound City Colonel Fitch made signal for us to cease firing, which I did, and in five minutes after we ceased firing he gallantly charged their bat- tery and carried it without the loss of a single man. Eight of the enemy were left dead, 29 were taken prisoners, including Captain Joseph Fry, commander of the post, late lieutenant, U. S. Navy, and all their guns and ammunition. Our victory was a complete one, but the loss of life on board the Mound City by the explosion of the steam drum is frightful. Their batteries consisted of two 12-pounder brass pieces, two 9-pounder Par- rott rifles, and two 42-pounder rifled seacoast howitzers. So soon as I was sure we had gained the victory I repaired to the Mound City, and to endeavor to describe the howling of the wounded and the moaning of the dying is far beyond the power of my feeble pen. Among the scalded and suffering was the brave Commander Kilty, who but a short time before I had seen proudly pacing his deck with the enemys balls whizzing past him. He fought his ship most gallantly. All honor to his name. My first care on assuming command of the gunboats was to make the best possible provisions for the wounded in this as in the recen Page 167 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 167 engagement with the enemy. Lieutenants Commanding Shirk and Blodgett rendered every assistance in the power of men. For their skill and bravery in action and the energy displayed by them to assist the wounded, they are deserving of the highest honors; and in this connection 1 will also mention that Dr. George W. Garver, of the Lexington, and Dr. William H. Wilson, of the Conestoga, were untiring in their attention to the wounded. The above four officers, I think, richly deserve to be especially mentioned. After consulting with the commanding officers it was decided to send the wounded to Memphis on board the Conestoga and Musseiman (Colonel Fitch kindly loaning the latter-named boat), with all the surgeons; but what to do with the Mound City was a more perplexing question. I was told by the pilots that it would take several days to tow her out of the river, it being so narrow and crooked. The sur- geons represented the delay would prove fatal to many whose lives might be saved. From what I had seen and heard on this river, I must push on with all haste, lest the enemy would fortify. After mature deliberation I concluded to get as many men from Colonel Fitch as he could spare, and with First Master John A. Duble in charge, together with two other officers and the men unhurt of her own crew, would leave her here and proceed up the river as far as I could prudently with the river falling as rapidly as it is. The only two officers that were not killed or wounded on board the Moand City were the first master, Mr. Dominy, and the gunner, Mr. McElroy. I deemed it best to send Mr. Dominy up to Memphis; not that he did not perform his duty well (for I am sure he did, as I saw him in the thickest of the fight, moving about on the upper deck), but simply for a change. He having witnessed the terrible catas- trophe, his mind appeared to be greatly exercised. Mr. McElroy is now on board the Mound City. We buried last night 59 of her crew; there now are 26 on board unscathed. Many, very many, must have been killed by the enemy while they were struggling in the water. I was quite close to the spot and distinctly saw and remarked on the cowardly act at the moment they were perpetrating it. An accident also happened to the transport New National. One of the bow guns of the Mound (7ty, being loaded, cocked, and primed, the lock string lying on the deck, one of the wounded men rolled on it, which set it off; it was loaded with grape. One of the shot passed through the steam pipe of the New National, fortunately injuring no one, but she will have to run on one wheel. I found your instructions to Captain Kilty, to guide him in this expedition, and be assured I will exert myself in every endeavor to carry them out. In conclusion, let me inform you that the officers I command dis- played gallant conduct during the action, and am happy to say there were no casualties on board this gunboat. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MOGUNNEGLE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIs, Comdg. lVestern Flotilla, iilississippi River. Memphis, Tenn Page 168 168 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant Shirk, U. S. Navy. U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, St. Charles, Ark., June 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 17th instant I got underway, in company with the gunboats Mound City, St. Louis, and Conestoga, in this vessel, in obedience to a signal from the senior officer, Commander A. H. Kilty, and followed him up the river until near the battery the enemy had erected at St. Charles. I then, in the Lexington, took the position assigned me on the right- hand side of the river going up, and at 9.14 commenced firing at the enemy. We were. unable, on account of the bend in the river, to see the rebel battery, but occasionally could see the smoke of their guns and fired at that place. At 10.03 a. m. the hound City, while close under the battery and advancing gallantly, was struck by a rifle shot, which penetrated her side and steam chest and completely disabled her. I still kept up firing until the battery was silenced, and then ceased. A few minutes afterwards an army officer attached to Colonel Fitchs com- mand hailed us and said, We have the battery. I then proceeded up and boarded the rebel gunboat Maure pus and transport Eli~a C, which were sunk in the middle of the river to obstruct our passage. On board of the former I found several official papers which I have handed over to Lieutenant Commanding McGunnegle, of the St. Louis. On board this vessel there were expended 14 Parrott shell, 4 Par- rott shot., and two 8-inch shell. During the action the officers and men whom I have the honor to command displayed their usual good and gallant conduct. I am happy to say that there were no casualties on board the Lexington. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant. JAMES W. SHIRK, Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAx~IS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commanding the U. S. Naval Forces on the Western lVaters, Flagship Renton, Memphis, Tena-~. Report of First Master Duble, assigned to command U. S. S. Mound City at the time of the explosion on board that vessel. U. S. GUNBOAT MOUND CITY St. Charles, Ark., lVhite River, June 18,11862. SIR: In prefacing these memoranda I can not help speaking of things which presented themselves to me on this vessel before I was appointed to take command of her by Lieutenant Commanding ~ McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, during the time of the horrible suffer- ing on board by the scalded. I beheld with extreme disgust a portion of the few men who were uninjured, drunk. A portion of the crew of the St. Louis, a portion of the crew of the Conestoga, also some of the soldiers of the New National were in the same beastly condition, and while so acts most scandalous were perpetrated on board. Men while lying in the agonies of death were robbed of their monk bags Page 169 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 169 money purses. Rooms were broken open, trunks, carpet sacks, etc., pillaged, and their contents scattered around and destroyed. Watches of the officers were stolen, and quarreling, cursing, and rioting, as well as robbifig, seemed to rule. Liquor was put in water casks, with water and ice, for the relief of the wounded, but these men had buckets full, pure, who drank for the purpose of debauch. My duties at the time called me on the Cone8toga, but I went myself with other officers from the vessel and tried to stop jt. I repeatedly called the attention of the first master of this vessel to the condition of things on board, and some men occupying position in this service seemed to lose their senses, for not the first particle of order was observed. While the Conestoga was backing the ho and City away from under the batteries of the enemy, after being injured, the New National was constantly in our way. First immediately under our stern, then upon our starboard, then ~~Ofl our port side, and after repeatedly re- questing her commander to get out of our way, as he delayed us much, she landed against the port side of the hound City in the stream, and an accidental shot from a wounded, frantic man came very near de- stroying as much life on her as there was on this vessel. He was standing scalded by his gun with lock string in his hand, and in his fall in the agonies of death, he pulled the lock string with him and discharged the piece. While our doctor and nurses were rendering all relief in their power to the suffering, a portion oi~ the crews of the boats named seemed bent on destruction and theft. I hope never again to be placed in such a position, where I am compelled to see so much misery, such depravity, and so much disorder. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. A. DUBLE, First hlaster, Conestoga. Captain CHARLES H. DAVIS, U. S. Nrvy, Commanding hlis8issippi Flotilla. [EnclosureMemorandum.] I received written orders from Lieutenant Commanding W. Mc- Gunnegle, U. S. Navy, commanding gunboat St. Louis, at 6 a. in., of June 17, 1862, to take command of the gunboat hound City, which had become injured in the action at St. Charles, Ark., and imme- diately repaired on board, and, on examination, found a great many dead, arid the most of the doors of the officers rooms broken open, their contents scattered around and destroyed. I took possession of Cap- tain Kiltys room and what things remained therein. At 8 p. m. the Lexington took us in tow from where we lay, 1 mile below the fleet, towed us rip, and made fast to the shore to bury the dead. I was furnished with a detachment of men by Colonel Fitch, and during the night buried 58 men who had been scalded. Jane 18, 1862.At 8 a. m. we were taken out to anchor by the Lex- ington, when I proceeded to clean ship, and on mustering her crew I found but 26 on board, a small portion unfit for duty by slight scald- ing. I also received from Colonel Iitch 58 men and a lieutenant, to help man the vessel and protect her. At noon of the 18th, I received a note from Lieutenant Commanding W. McGunnegle that the fleet of gunboats and transports, as well as all of the soldiers, would make an advance farther up White River, and that I should remain an Page 170 170 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. hold this vessel against any attack that might be made here against her. I then proceeded to organize the ship in half watches and guns crews, after appointing temporary officers to assist in carrying out the detail of ships duty. At 4 p. in., received on board 20 prisoners who had worked the battery on shore yesterday, and a guard of six men to watch them, by order of Lieutenant Commanding W. McGiinnegle, U. S. Navy, and Colonel Fitch, which I placed all in double irons. At 9 p. in. the tug returned here from the fleet above, which had advanced up 12 miles, bearing me the message that there was a large force of rebels marching on to this place to attack us. After carefully watching all night with the men at their guns, the night passed off without any alarm. June 19.The tug left for the fleet at 4 p. m. At 9 p. in. called to quarters, having formed crews for five great guns, and having pre- viously had all the firearms overhauled on board (which had become wet from steam) placed convenient to the selected men in case we might be threatened to be boarded; spent the forenoon in exercise. At 2 p. in. six impressed men came on board fleeing from the rebels. After taking their arms, I [gave] them temporary liberty of a certain place on board. They reported a number of our men wearing blue shirts, lying along the river below, 2 miles, dead. At 3 p. m. I caught one of our inemi in the river and found him shot through the forehead, and took off of his person one of our revolvers. At 4 p. in. I sent the lieutenant with a guard of six men on shore, for a reconnoiter around the town, when, returning, he reported seeino but very few persons, who said the citizens were afraid to return ~or fear of being taken prisoners. A man came on board, whom I told to circulate the report that they could all return to their homes without being molested by us so long as they remained peaceable; but that no act or expression of disrespect would be allowed against the Government of the United States, and at the same time I would not suffer any person or pickets of theirs to fire at us from the shore to annoy us, under the penalty of, possibly, the destruction of their houses and property. At 8 p. in., I placed one-half the ships company on watch, with strict instruction. All quiet during the night. June 20.At 9 a. in. the body of one of our men named Allen Wood, a fireman, raised up aside of ship, which I had caught and buried. At 1 :15 p. in. discovered smoke from a boat ahead up the river. Thinking possibly it was some rebel boat escaping, hid from our fleet, I called all hands to quarters, and at 2 p. in. our fleet hove in sight and came to anchor. At 7 p. in. two engineers from off the St. Louis and one from the Lexington came on board to repair our damages. The men worked till 3:30 a. in., when the Conestoga and Transport hove in sight from Memphis. June 21.At 6 a. in. the boiler makers came on board for work, with several of her officers, who had been absent, returned. At 10 a. in., after having cleaned up ship and got her again in order, I wa.s ordered back again by Lieutenant Commanding W. McGunnegle to the Conest~ga, being relieved by her first master, Mr. Dominy. When Mr. James 0. Canida, her pilot, and Dan Clements, her engineer, came on board, they reported to me Mr. Dominy told them the first thing he knew of my coming on board was, I was in the act of breaking open Captain Kiltys room, which he positively denied before them to me. I leave the question of veracity entirel Page 171 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 171 between themselves. Mr. Dominy then told me he had been sent back by Captain Kilty to look expressly for his money. He ex- pressed great surprise in not finding it where he supposed it was, and after suffering him to look sometime for it, I told him he should know what he [had] done with it, as he himself took it and it was counted in the presence of the second master of the St. Louis, and it was his duty as a gentleman to have given it to Captain Kilty at Memphis, instead of pretending to return here to look for what he had on his person. He then acknowledged he had it, and counted it over in the presence of the officers named, the same money he ex- posed to the masters of the Conestoga, and said it was his own per- sonal property. I charge, sir, he wanted to steal this money, from all the circumstances, and lay the blame on me, and am prepared to prove it. Your most obedient servant, JNO. A. DUBLE, First Master, Conestoga. Report of Plag.Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, forwarding information received from White River. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 19, 1862. SIR: The Conestoga, Lieutenant Commanding G. M. Blodgett, ar- rived here to-day from White River. She brings information of the capture of two batteries at St. Charles, 80 miles from the mouth; the first of which mounted four Parrott guns, and the second three 42-pounder rifled guns. These guns, it is understood, were taken from the gunboat Marsposa F Maurepas] , which, after being dismantled, was sunk. There is now but one gunboat remaining in White River, the Pontchartrain, mounting three or five guns, and having her machinery protected by iron and cotton. The enemy has attempted to block up the river by driving piles and by sinking boats, but no serious obstructions have yet been en- countered. The Conestogct will return to White River to-night, with rein- forcements, accompanied by an additional transport laden with commissary stores. The victory at St. Charles, which has probably given us the com- mand of White River and secured our communication with General Curtis, would be unalloyed with regret but for the fatal accident to the steam drum and heater of the Mound City, mentioned in my telegraphic dispatch. Of the crew, consisting of 175 officers and men, 82 have already died; 43 were killed in the water or drowned, 25 are severely wounded and are now on board the hospital boat. Among the latter is Captain Kilty. They promise to do well. Three officers and 22 men escaped unin ured. A Aer the explosion took place the wounded men were shot by the enemy while in the water, and the boats of the Conestoga, Lexington, and St. Louis, which went to the assistance of the scalded and drown- rng men of the Mound City, were fired into both with great guns an Page 172 172 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. muskets, and were disabled, and one of them forced on shore to pre- vent sinking. The forts were commanded by Lieuteuant Joseph Fry, late of the United States Navy, who is now a prisoner and wounded. The Department and the country will contrast these barbarities of a savage enemy with the humane efforts made by our own people to rescue the wounded and disabled, under similar circumstances, in the engagement of the 6th instant. Several of the poor fellows who expired shortly after the engage- ment expressed their willingness to die when they were told that the victory was ours. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Flag- Officer, Commanding We8tern Water8, Aii~~i~~ippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, announcing the attack on St. Charles batteries. ST. CHARLES (WHITE RIv1~R), ARK., June 17, 1862. SIR: On arriving 8 miles below here last evening, we ascertained that the enemy had two batteries here, supported by a force (num- bers unknown) of infantry. A combined attack was made at 9 a. m. to-day. The regiment under my command, Forty-sixth Indiana, landed 2~ miles below the batteries. Skirmishers were thrown out, who drove in the enemys pickets. The gunboat then moved up and opened on their batteries. A rifled shot from one of the latter pene- trated the steam drum of the Mound City, disabling, by scalding, most of her crew. Apprehensive some similar accident might happen to other of the gunboats and thus leave my small command without their support, I signaled the gunboat to cease firing and we would storm the bat- teries. They ceased at exactly the right moment, and my men carried the batteries gallantly. The infantry were driven from the support of the guns and the gunners shot at their posts; their commanding officer (Fry, formerly of the U. S. Navy) wounded and captured; and 8 brass and iron guns, with ammunition, taken. The enemys loss unknown. We have buried 7 or 8 of their dead, and others of their dead and wounded are being brought in. The casualties among my own command few and simple, the only real loss being from the escaping steam on the Mound City. She will probably be repaired ready to proceed with us up the river to-mor- row. A full report will be made as early as possible. G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding. Brigadier-General QUINBY, Commanding District of Mississippi Page 173 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 173 Detailed report of Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, regarding the capture of St. Charles batteries. ON STEAMER Wuim CLOUD, Ascending White River, Ark., June 19, 1862. SIR: Current events have hitherto prevented the detailed report of the affair at St. Charles, in this State, promised in my hasty dis- patch of the 17th instant. The vicinity of the enemy having been ascertained on the evening previous, a combined movement was arranged with a view to an attack between Captain Kilty, senior officer of the gunboats, for 6 oclock a. m. of that day (17th instant). At that hour the flotilla moved up to about 2j miles below the town. The land troops (Forty- sixth Indiana, disembarked and skirmishers were thrown out, who quickly drove in the enemys pickets and pushed forward to the foot of the bluff, upon which the village is built and the batteries were placed. Beyond the foot of the bluff the skirmishers could not ad- vance without being exposed to the fire of our gunboats. Their fire (gunboats) had up to this time been in the supposed direction of the batteries, but the precise location of the latter was not known, as they were concealed by thick timber on the brow of the hill. The position of the lower battery was first discovered by its firing upon the officers of the Forty-sixth Indiana while forming the regiment for an anticipated advance. Captain Kilty was informed that the pickets were driven in and the troops ready to storm the batteries, unless he desired to silence them by moving up with his gunboats. He preferred the latter alternative, and his fire was severe and well directed and briskly returned by the enemy. After its continuance some thirty minutes, a 64-pounder rifled shot from one of the guns of the upper battery entered the larboard forequarter of the Mound City, killing a gunner and passing through the steam drum. The crew were seen from the shore to spring through the portholes into the river. Scarcely had they done so before a party of the enemys sharpshooters descended the bluff from the batteries and, under cover of fallen timber on the river bank, commenced murdering those who were struggling in the water, and also firing upon those in our boats sent to pick them up. At the same time another party of the enemy, concealed in the timber on the opposite side of the river, pur- sued the same barbarous course. So strongly marked was the contrast between this conduct on their part and that of our sailors and soldiers at Memphis, who risked their lives to save those of the enemy who had been driven into the river by steam or flames, as to excite an intense desire upon the part of the land forces to end the scene and punish the barbarity, and aside from this desire well-grounded fears were entertained that other of the gunboats, St. Louis, Conestoga, and Lexington (the two latter wooden), might be disabled, and the expedition thus de- prived of its main support. The gunboats were therefore signaled to cease firing, that the troops might storm the batteries. The skir- mishers were again advanced, and ordered to pay particular attention to such of the enemy as had been shooting our men in the river. The main body of the regiment followed in line at 300 yards. On reaching the top of the bluff the line right-half wheeled to take the batteries flank and rear, and were put upon double-quick. Th Page 174 174 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. enemy had stationed one piece to the right of their lower battery in the direction of our approach, but finding the piece and its sup- porters flanked, they attempted to withdraw it to cover the rear of the battery. It was overtaken and captured near what was to have been its new position, and the capture of the battery quickly fol- lowed. The loss of the enemy is not accurately known. We have buried 8 or 9 of their dead. Others, skirmishers, are known to have been killed and wounded by our skirmishers in a corn field at the edge of the timber, but the necessity of moving on up the river as soon as possible and the fatigue of the men (weather very warm) compelled us to leave them to the care of citizens and surgeons of the vicinity, wli o promised and doubtless will bestow every attention. Among the dead buried was an officer we failed to identify. Their com- mander, Colonel [Lieutenant] Joseph Fry, an old officer of the U. S. Navy, was wounded and captured, and about 30 prisoners taken. Four of the guns captured have been sent to Memphis. The others, for want of transportation, were thrown in the river or otherwise rendered useless. The land troops lost none killed, and the injuries were few and simple. The loss from steam on the Mound City is great, nearly all her crew of more than a hundred being disabled, among them Captain Kilty. Half or more of them are dead. The injury to the ship is slight. I placed on board of her a new crew of infantry and mortar-boat men, all of whom had been serving with my command as gunners. The ship is under charge of a master. One of the wounded of the enemy, since dead, stated that Colonel Fry ordered the firing upon the crew of the lit ound City while in the water. It is but just to him, however, to say that he denies the charge. Opposite the upper battery the enemy had sunk their gun- boat Maurepas and two transports to obstruct the channel, but failed to accomplish their object. Every officer and man of the Forty-sixth did his duty. Very respectfully, yours, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Fort y-sixth Indiana Volunteers. Brigadier-General QUINBY, Commanding District Mississippi. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, requesting convoy up the river to Des Arc. ON BOARD WHITE CLOUD, June 19, 1862. SIR: Since our personal interview this morning, reflection upon the probable consequences to General Curtiss army of our failure to communicate with him and convoy to him the stores on board this boat, makes me so anxious to do so that if you will escort the trans- ports to Des Arc I will undertake with them alone to communicate from that point with General Curtis without subjecting the gun- boats to the riskwhich appears to be imminentof loss or deten- tion all summer in low water. Yours, respectfully, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Comnuitndin~g. Captain MOGUNNEGLE, U. S. Gunboat St. Louis Page 175 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATEES. 175 Letter from Lieutenant XcGunnegle, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, regretting his inability to offer convoy service as requested. U. S. GUNBOAT ST. Louis, June 19, 1862. COLONEL: Yours of this evening has been received. In reply I have to say that upon the advice of the pilots, both of this ship and the Lexington and the White River pilot, now on board with me, in connection with the fact that I have already to-day stirred up the bottom with the St. Louis, as seen from the Lexington by Lieu- tenant Commanding Shirk and the officers of that gunboat, and that the river is falling quite rapidly, I have concluded not to sub- ject the gunboats to the risk, which appears to be imminent, of loss or detention all summer by low water, by proceeding any farther up the river. You can not regret more than I the necessity which prevents our communicating with General Curtis, but under the circumstances I should not feel justified in risking my command. I will start down the river at 4 oclock to-morrow morning. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MCGUNNEGLE. Colonel G. N. FITCH, Steamer White Cloud. [Telegram I U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 19, 1862. (Received 11 :45 a. in., June 21.) The gunboat Conestoga, returning from White River, reports the capture of two batteries, mounting seven guns, at St. Charles, 80 miles from the mouth. The attack was commenced by Captain Kilty in the gunboats, who silenced the first battery. The second battery was gallantly carried by Colonel G. N. Fitch at the head of the Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. A shot caused the explosion of the steam drum of the hound City, by which the greater part of her officers and crew were killed and wounded. I write by to-days mail. C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Naiy. Report of Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, regarding further operations in White River. U. S. GUNBOAT ST. LOUIS, St. Charles, White River, Ark., June 20, 1862. Sn~: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 18th instant I got underway with the gunboats St. Louis and Lexington, followed by the transports New National and White Cloud. We ra Page 176 176 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. through the rebel blockade of sunken boats and proceeded up the river about 10 miles, where we anchored for the night. From here sent the tug back to remain by the Mound City until morning, when, she having rejoined us, we again started up, and at 1 :30 p. m. passed the town of Aberdeen, [Ark.]. Every house here was closed; not a sign of life was seen by us. Going on, we, at 2:45 p. in., reached Clar- endon, where I, in company with Colonel Fitch, landed and had con- versation with people on the bank. They said they were persons who attended to their own business and took no part in politics. We in- formed them that it was the purpose of the Government to protect loyal citizens, to enforce the laws, and uphold the Constitution of the United States. We also informed them that firing on the boats from the banks of the river would not be permitted, and if it was connived at by the citizens they would be held accountable and their property be destroyed. After remaining here about an hour we went on our way until, at night, having reached a place called Crooked Point Cut-off, 63 miles above here, and 151 miles from the mouth, we an- chored. Knowing that the river was falling, and being told by the White River pilot, by the pilots of the St. Louis and Lexington, that we could not, in a very few days, be able to get back on account of the shallowness of the water, and by the White River pilot of the White Cloud that we could not possibly get up farther than Des Arc, and then it would be a question whether or not we could get back again; and all this, taken in connection with the fact that I had already rubbed the bottom on that day, I, upon consultation with Lieutenant Commanding Shirk, of the Lexington, concluded that, as your orders to Commander Kilty were to communicate with General Curtis, or his command, which you (I) will be able to do upon your (my) arrival at Jacksonport, if not sooner, and to afford him and them every assistance in your (my) power, and as it would be impossible for us to do so without exposing the vessels to the risk of being de- tained in the river all summerto return to this place or some other spot in the river where I would be in no danger by the fall of water. I then called upon Colonel Fitch and acquainted him with the con- clusion I had arrived at. He at once saw the risks to which the gun- boats would be exposed and we both reluctantly gave up the idea of proceeding any farther. I left him with the understanding that we would start down the river at daylight. About two hours after I received from him a note, a copy of which I enclose, as also a copy of my answer. At daylight on the 20th we got underway and reached this place at 4 p. m. From about 20 miles above this place to above Clarendon the gunboats and transports were continually fired at by riflemen. We returned the shots and occasionally shelled the woods. I regret to inform you that Charles Wilson, first, seaman, was shot in the back of the shoulder and in the leg by buckshot, evidently from a double-barreled shotgun. Coming down, the St. Louis grounded upon a bar, where, the very day before, she had passed in safety. With the assistance of the tug we got her afloat after a short deten- tion. We also dragged over all the bars between Crooked Point Cut-off and this place, which fully convinces me that if I had been twenty-four hours later it would have been impossible to have gotten the St. Louis out of the river. At this stage of water the navig Page 177 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 177 tion of the White River with large boats is impracticable, and the water is still falling. The Cone8toga arrived this morning at 3: 30 oclock. The me- chanics of the St. Loui8 were put to work last night on board the Mound City; they were joined this morning by those who caine down in the Cone8toga. The work will not be completed until Monday morning. I will start for the mouth of the river to-morrow morn- ing, taking the hound City along in tow of the tug. The river is so narrow and crooked that it is impossible for the Lexington or Cone8- toga to do that kind of work with as large a boat as one of the ironclads. On my way I hope to meet Commander Winslow and will report to him for further orders. Colonel Fitch desires to hold this much of the river. I therefore send the Cone8toga with his dispatches. The Lexington I will leave to protect the transports. Since my return to this place I have been informed that three more of the bodies of the unfortunate crew of the Mound City have come up to the surface of the river were buried by the direction of First Master Duble. I hope my proceedings in this river may meet with your appro- bation. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MUGUNNEGLE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS. Report o~ Flag-Officei~ Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition of Commander Kilty, U. S. Navy, on board the U. S. hospital boat Red Rover. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 20, 1862. Sin: The number of wounded men on board the hospital boat Red Rocer is 41. The account given me yesterday was incorrect. I shall still wait for further knowledge before presenting a final report of the casual- ties attending the capture of the St. Charles forts. The Department will be gratified to learn that the patients are, most of them, doing well. The surgeon assures me that Commander Kilty is out of danger. But he is severely crippled in his hands and feet and suffers a great deal. He is a brave gentleman and a loyal officer. He has always been conspicuous is this squadron for acting his part in the best spirit of the profession. In the attack on the batteries at St. Charles he occupied the leading place and received his wounds at the head of his line in the zealous performance of his whole duty. Although himself wounded and helpless, he attended to the wants and comfort of his injured officers and men. I have gratefully to acknowledge our obligations to Major-General Wallace and to Dr. Robert B. Jessup, of the Twenty-fourth Indiana, 49~18N W BVOL 2309 1 Page 178 178 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and to Dr. William McClellan, of the First Nebraska regiments, for their valuable sympathy and assistance. Sister Angela, the superior of the Sisters of the Hoiy Cross (some of whom are performing their offices of mercy at the Mound City Hospital), has kindly offered the services of the sisters for the hos- pital boat of this squadron when needed. I have written to Com- mander Pennock to make arrangements for their coming. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. We8tern Flotilla, Mi88i8sippi Riier, pro tern. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Louis. U. S. GUNBOAT ST. LouIs, White River, June 23, 1862. SIR: It has come to my hearing that there were some injurious reports prejudicial to the reputation of this ship circulated around the flotilla on the arrival of the Cone8toga in regard to the part she took in the recent engagement with the enemy at this place. I will therefore give you a detailed account of my action after the unfor- tunate accident to the Mound City. About five minutes before the accident, the enemys shot whizzing over me rather closer than was comfortable, I got into my pilot house, and was there at the time of the accident. The St. Loui8 was then in the position last assigned her by Commander Kilty, viz, about a boats length astern. As soon as I saw something had happened to her, which was instantaneous, my boat was stopped. I leaped on deck, discovered in a moment it was steam escaping, started ahead again, sent off my boats to pick up the men in the water. By this time the Mound City was almost abreast of me, drifting smoothly and safely down. Mr. Dominy, the first master, standing on the stern, singing out, Come and tow me down; we are all lost; we are all lost. I hailed him and told him to keep quiet, he would soon drift to a position where the tug could come to him, which the tug and Cone8toga did so soon as she drifted under the lower bat- tery, which I knew had been silenced as I had passed above it. My guns never ceased firing in the direction of the battery until I was signaled to do so by Colonel Fitch, and five minutes after I ceased firing the victory was ours. At this time the St. Loui8 was above and more abreast the enemys battery than the Mound City was when she was disabled. I conducted the engagement after the disablement of the Mound City just, I am confident, as you would have done under similar cir- cumstances; instead of towing the hound City out of action, which, of course, would have taken me out, and the enemys guns turned upon our troops on shore, I stood on and fought the battery until I was signaled to cease. I would ask no greater boon on earth than to have had you witness my conduct on that day, for, although I say it, I did all that coul Page 179 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 179 be done, as commanding officers will doubtless bear me out and as the sequel proved. Three of my officers came down in the Cone8toga from the flotilla. It is by them I am informed of these injurious and basely false re- ports, and, also, that these reports must have been circulated by Mr. Dominy, first master of the Mound City, as they heard him say on the passage down that the St. Louis showed the white feather. Upon this information the enclosed correspondence has passed between Mr. Dominy and myself, which I beg you will peruse. You will perceive he denies emphatically having said that which these three officers on board my ship are ready and willing to testify he did say, so that if he made reports to you contrary to what I have here stated you can judge how much reliance to place on them. I repeat, the officers and crew of the St. Louis fought and behaved most gallantly throughout the whole action. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MCGUNNEGLE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIs, Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississsppi River. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 24, 1862. SIR: The hospital boat Red Rover will leave this evening for Cairo. On your arrival there you will report to Commander Pennock ahd consult with him as to the best method of disposing of the wounded from the gunboat Mound City. To transfer them either to the Mound City Hospital or to carry them still farther up to St. Louis seems to me altogether the best plan. Captain Kilty expresses a wish to go to the latter hospital. Doctor Jones, Pilot Young, Carpenter Manning, and Hospital Steward Seegur will take the earliest boat to Cincinnati, where they will be accompanied by Doctor McNeeley. Captain Wise will fur- nish them with funds, of which I have given him a memorandum, and for which he will take your receipt. I leave it to you and Commander Pennock to dispose of any other of the patients in whatever way you think best. It is a source of deepest gratification to me to know that these poor wounded men are in the hands of so able, attentive, and humane a physician as yourself. I have witnessed your devotion to them with profound gratitude, and I am sure you must enjoy the highest of all rewardsthe consciousness of having done your duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi Ricer. G. H. BIXBY, M. D., Assistant Surgeon, Hospital Boat Red Rover, Memphis, Tenn Page 180 180 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, transmitting list of casualties on board the U. S. S. Mound City. U. S. GUNBOAT CINCINNATI, lJIouth White River, June 25, 1862. SIR: I enclose herewith a list of the dead and wounded belQnging to the Mound City up to the 19th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Commander. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Gunboat Flotilla, Memphis, Teun. [Enclosures.] List of dead, belonging to U. ~. gunboat Mound City, to June 19, 1862. Oflleers.John M. Gunn, paymaster; William H. Harte, second master; John H. Kinzie, jr., third master; James A. Scoville, fourth master; John Cox, chief engineer; John C. McAfee, second assistant engineer; George W. Hollingsworth, third assistant engineer; Harry R. Browne, masters mate. Crew.John Knight, Robert Ashcroft, Robert Hendrie, Charles Maxwell, Edward Healey, William- L. Reid, William Philips, 1st, John C. McClintock, John McDonald, James McAnany, Fred. Eliot, James McCanna, George W. Moore, John Burke, Thomas Francis, John Doughty, Walter McLain, Gilbert Snyder, James Massie, Lewis Kern, A. J. Greer, Daniel S. Hines, Theodore Peterson, William Walker, James Byrne~, John Harris, James Carolan, Frederick Men- chink, John 1-lamilton, Emanuel Stoeker, Philip Goerner, Matthew Ryan, William Stansbury, Henry Hayward, Charles Crowley, Allen ~Tood, Jeremiah Lupole, Richard Chesterfield, Porter Summers, Pat- rick P. Vaughn, Ebenezer Freeland, George Abrams, Elmer Torrence, Alexander Robinson, Daniel Howell, Thomas Wyatt, Henry Hadley, James Dunham, Hiram Hamilton, G. W. Morgan, W. H. Persons, William Carrol, Nathaniel Gay, G. E. Small, Allen Arnold, James Lusby, Mathias Taylor, Adam Tome, Thomas Wynkoop, L. D. Hol- combe, G. H. Merritt, D. H. Davis, Albert McClintock, Joseph Costley, M. G. Griffin, NV. H. Fowle, Martin V. Seekins, Charles W. Armstrong, William A. Fox, John Gauter, Samuel J. Needham, John McKean, John Smith, James Brown, Thomas Handyside, John De- vine, Edward Wood, Fisher Webbon, Charles Smith, John Kelley, John S. Dayton, John NV. Briggs, John Castle, James Wallace, S. J. Bryant, John Camp, John Young, James Galbraith, John Brown, 2d, Valentine Gross, L. H. Small, John Tenis, William Harding, Thomas Hodges, James P. Lee. Total, officers, 8; men, 95. ATot belonging to the Mound City.B. F. Lawless, U. S. Army Signal Corps; Nixon, pilot, from Memphis. List of wounded. Commander A. H. Kilty, U. S. Navy, scalded; Surgeon George E. Jones, scalded severely; Pilot Charles B. Young, scalded severely; Carpenter Thomas Manning, scalded slightly; Hospital Steward L Page 181 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 181 M. Seegur, scalded slightly; NY. H. Nicholson, scalded severely; Ter- rence Keron, scalded slightly; George NV. Kimball, scalded slightly; Henry J. Steele, scalded severely; Abraham Pluff, scalded severely; Henry B. Ginty, scalded severely; Thomas Stevens, bruised in hip; Henry Hoffman, scalded slightly, Benjamin F. Eaton, scalded severely; Albert Crane, scalded slightly; H. P. Hellingsen, scalded slightly; John Wilson, scalded slightly; George W. Gilberson, bruised; Elisha Whitney, scalded slightly; John Tompkins, scalded severely; Jacob Miller, scalded severely; William H. Emory, scalded severely; J. E. Consaul, scalded severely; Giles Carpenter, scalded severely; Robert C. Talbot, scalded severely; Martin Hennick, scalded severely; A. L. Hoage, scalded slightly; John OBrien, bruised; George W. Scott (colored), scalded severely; Edward D. Jones, scalded severely; John Conroy, scalded slightly; D. F. Charles, scalded slightly; George W. Cromis, scalded slightly; James Jones, shot in knee, back, and leg; R. OBrien, scalded severely; Martin J. Conroy, scalded severely; James Dougherty, scalded severely. Report of Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cincinnati, regarding the abandonment of the position at St. Charles on account of low water. U. S. GUNBOAT CINCINNATI, Mouth White River, June 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at St. Charles in the Cincinnati on Saturday evening, the following day after my departure from Memphis. Having made myself acquainted with the dispatches from Lieu- tenant Commanding McGunnegle to you, by meeting the Conestoga, and his intention of leaving the White River on Sunday morning from apprehension of being shut up in the river, I immediately con- sulted with the pilots, and, from a subsequent conference with Colonel Fitch, in which he represented the great importance of hold- ing the position at St. Charles until dispatches could be received from headquarters, I resolved to hazard and remain, in hopes that dispatches would arrive by the 23d. On the 24th the pilot informed me that I must at once leave the river, and I notified Colonel Fitch of the decision, when it was agreed between us to abandon the place, a fter having first effectually destroyed all property which could be made available by the rebels. Accordingly, this object was carried out, and we dropped down to our present position, the mouth of White River, where I shall remain for further dispatches from you. As the ironclad boats can be of no further service in cooperation with the army in these rivers, I have dispatched Lieutenant INfJIc- Gunnegle, with the St. Louis and Mound City, as bearer of dispatches to Memphis. I have to report an attack on the gunboats by fire of guerrillas on Sunday, the 22d instant, in which George Sanderson (seaman), be- longing to the Lexington, and Frederick Redfox, mortar boat No. 12, were killed. I have also to report that during my absence to Indian Bay, [Ark.] on the 23d instant, which place I had left for with the Cincinnati, Lexington, and three companies of soldiers, on a reco Page 182 182 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. noissance and in hopes of cutting off some of the guerrilla parties, that a second attack was made on the Mound City and St. Louis, which resulted in no loss of life. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Commander. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Gunboat Flotilla, Memphis, Tenn. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Grant, U. S. Army, offering convoy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 26, 1862.. SIR: I have had the pleasure to receive your note of to-day. The gunboat Conestoga is ready at any moment to convoy the steamers to the mouth of White River. I will direct Captain Winslow, the commander of the naval de- tachment at that place, to give them convoy as far up the river as may be practicable. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Major-General U. S. GRANT, U. S. Army, Memphis, Tenn. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, regarding convoy for army transports. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, illemphis, June 26, 1862. SIR: The gunboat Conestoga convoys five steamers down to you. I wish you to give them a further convoy up White River as far as practicable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Commander JNO. A. WINSLOW, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cincinnati, White River, Ark. Report of Assistant Surgeon Bixby, U. S. Navy. NAVAL HOSPITAL RED ROVER, Mound City, June 27, 1862. DEAR SIR: In accordance to your ordei the naval floating hospital Red Rover left Memphis the 24th instant and arrived at Cairo the 25th. Captain Pennock telegraphed at once to the director of th Page 183 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 183 United States General Hospital at Mound City and procured accom- modations for the sick under my charge. It was deemed be~t for me to go that night to Mound City to see what accommodations could be found for Captain Kilty. Accord- ingly I went, was shown a large room connected with the hospital, but not in the large building. This room is situated on the second story, plenty of light, well ventilated, but not very nice. The next morning I placed the result of my visit before Captain Pennock, who thought it best to look further before deciding. Yesterday, June 26th, the Red Rover came up to this place, and I put off all but two of the scalded, Mr. Parker, several of my other patients, and two prisoners of war. The day being very warm indeed, I thought best to have Captain Kilty removed as soon as possible; so I accepted the room I saw the night before and saw him safely placed there. I am happy to say, after twelve hours, that he finds himself very comfortable and im- proving very fast indeed. The men are doing as well as could be expected. One has died since the arrival at the hospital. In my monthly report I will furnish you with the items of our transactions. We hope to be able to return to duty in about six days. Feeling as I ought, I trust, the charge entrusted to me, and that a man who has served his country for forty years deserves some little distinction, especially in a helpless condition, I manifested, I must confess, some indecision as to the disposition to be made of Captain Kil.ty, and I regret to say that such indecision called out some very unpleasant reflections from the medical officer in charge of the hospital, and had it not been a case of real necessity, I should have made great efforts to find another place. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, GEORGE H. BIxBY, M. D., A88t. Surg. in Charge, Naval Floating Ho8pital Red Rover. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIs, Commanding We8tern Flotilla. Report of Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Clncinna~tl, announcing arrival at mouth of White River convoying transports, and intended return to Memphis. U. S. GUNBOAT CINCINNATI, Near Mouth White River, June 27, 1862. SIR: I have to report the arrival of the Cqne8toga with her con- voy transports. Having advised you of the necessity, from shoal water, of the iron- clad gunboats leaving the White River, I have deemed it important, and on request of Colonel Fitch, have dispatched the Lewington and Cone8toga, with the tug Spiteful, to convoy the army expedition up the White River. I have directed Lieutenant Commanding Shirk to dispatch the Cone8toga to Memphis immediately on reaching the highest point practicable. I have but slight hopes that the expedition will reach, from the low stage of water, any point on the river which it would be advisable to attempt with so small a force, to communicate with General Curtis. Reports reached us, apparently well grounded, that the rebels were in force at Devalls Bluffs, supported by five guns taken from th Page 184 184 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. gunboat Pontcltartrain, and further that some 3,000 men were pre- paring to attack the post at St. Charles. It would, therefore, be hazardous, if these reports were verified, to move with so small a force as three regiments. I have to report to you that I shall leave immediately in the Cin- cinnati to rejoin you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Commander. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIS, Commanding lVestern Cunboat Flotilla, Memphis, /ienn. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the hindrance to operations in White River on account of falling water. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that, since writing las.t upon the subject, it has been reported to me by the officer in command in White River, that after reaching a place called Crooked Point Cut-off, 63 miles above St. Charles and 151 miles from the mouth, the expedition was obliged to turn back in conse- quence of the falling of the water and the danger of the boats being detained in the river all slimmer. It has been decided between General Grant and General Halleck to increase the force under Colonel Fitch by the addition of two regiments, and to endeavor to force the way up the river in trans- ports of light draft, well manned. A squadron of five transports sailed yesterday, under convoy of the gunboat Conestoga, with orders to Commander J. A. Winslow, now in command of the naval detachment in White River, to give them additional convoy as far up as the stage of water will allow; these transports carry the new troops. I have also recommended that small steamers of light draft be armed with howitzers and field guns, and protected from rifle shot in their machinery and pilot houses, for this special service. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. II. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Na cal Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Major-General Halleck, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, desiring to be informed regarding the movements of the flotilla. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI Corinth, llIiss., June 27, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 18th is received. I have received no official information of the gunboats in the Arkansas and White rivers. In operating with troops in Arkansas, it is of the utmost importance to know something of the movements of the flotilla there Page 185 NAVAL FORCES ON WFZTERN WATERS. 185 Corporal Warden will be sent to your command. I ou can negotiate the exchange of your prisoners through any Confederate officer with whom you can communicate. If you have not in your command the men for exchange, General Grant. on your requisition, will be ordered to furnish them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, Comdg. We8term Flotilla, Mississippi River, hemp/us, Teirn. Letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, expressing regret at the casualties on the U. S. S. Mound City. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 27, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch of the 19th instant., communicating informa- tion of the capture of two batteries at St. Charles and the removal of obstructions, which have probably given us the command of White River, has been received. The intelligence of the continued success of the Navy is most gratifying, but the victory at St. Charles is mingled with regret for the lamented dead and sympathy for the wounded, who were victims of the fatal accident to the Mound City and of their barbarous opponents who fired upon them after that great calamity. The contrast between these barbarities of a savage enemy at St. Charles and the humane efforts of yourself and your command to rescue the wounded and disabled at Memphis is honorable to the gallant men of the flotilla, and will be gratefully remembered. The nation, honoring the memory and sufferings of its heroes, sympathizes with the wounded survivors and the bereaved families of the gallant dead. Its noblest tributes are due to those who bleed for their coul~try and die in its cause. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding lVestern Flotilla, Memphis. Report of Lieutenant Shirk, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of notice to the in- habitants of Monroe County, and correspondence between Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, and Major-General Hindman, C. S. Army. U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, Clarendon, Ark., June 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose for your perusal a notice of Colojiel Fitch to the inhabitants of Monroe County in this State; a letter from Major-General T. C. Hindman, enclosing his General Order No. 17; and Colonel Fitchs reply. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAVIS, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces in the Western Waters, Memphis, Tenn Page 186 186 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosures.] Notice to the Inhabitants of Monroe County, Ark. Guerrilla bands raised in your vicinity have fired from the woods upon the United States gunboats and transports in White River. This mode of warfare is that of savages. It is in your power to pre- vent it in your vicinity. You will, therefore, if it is repeated, be held responsible in person and property. Upon the renewal of such attacks an expedition will be sent against you, to seize and destroy your personal property. It is our wish that no occasion for such a course shall arise, but that every man shall remain at home in pursuit of his peaceful avo- cation, in which he will not be molested unless a continuance of such barbarous guerrilla warfare renders vigorous measures on our part necessary. G. N FITCH Colonel, Commanding Forces. ST. CHARLES, ARK., June 23, 1862. IIEADQITARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT, Little Rock, Ark., June 25, 1862. COLONEL: A copy of your proclamation of 23d instant, addressed to the citizens of Monroe County, has come to my hands. I have the honor to enclose you a copy of an order recently issued by me, author- izing the formation of companies to operate at will, in the absence of specific instructions, against the force of the United States Govern- ment, and accepting all such into the service and pay of the Con- federate States. They are recognized by me, as the commander of this department, as Confederate troops, and I assert as indisputable the right to dispose and use those troops along the banks of White River or wherever else I may deem proper, even should it prove annoying to you in your operations. I have thought it just that I should furnish you with a copy of my order, that you may act advisedly, and I respectfully forewarn you that, should your threat be executed against any citizen of this dis- trict, I shall retaliate, man for man, upon the Federal officers and soldiers who now are, and hereafter may be, in my custody as prisoners of war. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. C. HINDMAN, Comnm~anding. %Dolonel G. N. FITCH, Major-General Commanding U. S. Forces at St. Charles. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT, No. 17. f Little Rock, Ark., June 17, 1862. 1. For the more effectual annoyance of the enemy upon our rivers and in our mountains and woods, all citizens of the district who are not subject to conscription are called upon to organize themselves int Page 187 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 187 independent companies of mounted men or infantry, as they prefer, arming and equipping themselves, and to serve in that part of the district to which they belong. 2. When as many as ten men come together for this purpose, they may organize by electing a captain, one sergeant, and one corporal, and will at once commence operations against the enemy, without waiting for special instructions. Their duty will be to cut off Federal pickets, scouts, foraging parties, and trains, and to kill pilots and others on gunboats and transports, attacking them day and night, and using vigor in their movements. As soon as the company attains the strength required by law, it will proceed to elect the other officers to which it is eiititled. All such organizations will be reported to these headquarters as soon as practicable. They will receive pay and allowances for subsistence and forage for the time actually in the field, as established by the affidavits of their captains. 3. These companies will be governed in all respects by the same regulations as other troops. Captains will be held responsible for the good conduct and efficiency of their men, and will report to these headquarters from time to time. By command of Major-General Hindman: R. C. NEWTON, A8si8tant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES TROOPS, St. Cha.rle8, Ark., June 28, 1862. SIR: Yours of the 25th instant was placed in my hands under a flag of truce this p. in., together with a copy of your General Order No. 17, dated 17th instant. You advise me that you have been placed in possession of a copy of my proclamation of 23d instant, to the citi- zens of Monroe County, Ark., notifying them that they will be held responsible in person and property for any injury they themselves or those raised in their midst might thereafter inflict in the name or under the guise of that savage warfare outlawed by the civilized world, known as guerrilla warfare. You will permit me to suggest that your objections to my proclamation come with ill grace from you, when accompanied with your own order above referred to which order is but an encouragement to rapine and murder upon tue part of those in this State, if there be such so lost to all sense of honor as to avail themselves of your permission to commit such depreda- tions. You must be aware that your captains of tens will soon become little else than highway banditti, more terrible to citizens of your own State than the soldiers and sailors of the United States. It was doubtless in pursuance of the policy indicated in your order that your troops, who defended this place on the 17th, fired upon a part of the crew of the Mound City who were scalded by an accident to the machinery of that boat, while helpless in the river, into which they had sprung to relieve their torture. It is believed that no troops of a civilized country would have dared to adopt such a course without being assured of being sustained by their commanding offi- cer, especially after the world knew that when a similar accident happened to a Confederate gunboat, during the late naval engage- ment at Memphis, the United States soldiers and sailors had riske Page 188 188 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. their lives to rescue these from the Mississippi, who, from the same cause had sought relief by jumping overboard. Your threat will not deter me from executing the letter of my proclamation in every case in which my judgment dictates its pro- priety or necessity. Very respectfully, yours, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding U. S. Forces. Major-General T. C. HINDMAN, Commanding C. S. A. Forces, Little Rock, Ark. Report of Lieutenant Shirk, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Lexington, regard- ing the impossibility, on account of low water, of communicating with Major- General Curtis, U. S. Army. U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, Clarendon, Ark., July 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report, that, in obedience to an order from Commander John A. Winslow, I left the Mississippi on the morning of the 28th ultimo at 2 oclock, and, followed by eight transports (con- taining General Fitchs command and the supplies for General Cur- tiss army) and the gunboat Conestoga, entered and ascended the White River. We reached St. Charles, the scene of the late engagement, on the same day. Here we found that the enemys cavalry to the number of 200 had left the place about two hours before our arrival. We re- mained at this place until 2 oclock the next afternoon. I took occa- sion of this delay to drag farther into the river the two rifled 42- pounder guns which had lately formed the upper battery of the enemys defenses, and which, thrown into the water, had shown them- selves by reason of the falling of the river. On the 29th we got underway and proceeded on up the river until 9 p. in., when the pilot of the Catahoula, who was ahead and acting as a guide to the rest of the fleet, ran a barge he had in tow on a snag and nearly lost it, when we anchored for the night. At daylight on the 30th we again started, and at noon had reached Clarendon, when we stopped. About a mile below Clarendon there is a bad bar in the river; coming up we found but Gj feet of water. After anchoring I sent a pilot and a master in the tug to sound, and they came back with the same result. As the water was falling at the rate of 5 inches in twenty-four hours, as there was a few miles ahead of us shoaler water, and as there would be, in three days more, only water enough to let us out over the bar below St. Charles, I reluc- tantly came to the conclusion that I could not venture any farther up the river with any certainty of getting the gunboats out with safety. The bottom of the river is filled with logs and stumps, and, being so sluggish, there are no breaks to show danger. From St. Charles to Clarendon the transports, were fired at very often from the woods by guerrilla bands. On board the transport steamer Ella 1 soldier was killed instantly and 6 others wounded, some of them, I fear, fatally Page 189 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 189 Enclosed please find copies of correspondence between Colonel Fitch and myself. On the 1st instant I went up the river about 5 miles and found that it would be impossible for the transports to proceed with their barges in tow on account of the narrowness of the stream. The water has fallen so much that it is not practicable for a steamer to make the turns with even one barge in tow. During my absence a scouting party which had been sent out in the direction of Devalls Bluff, returned and reported having heard heavy firing at that place from 5: 30 a. m. until 11 a. m. Being very anxious to learn whether General Curtis had come down the river, I determined to wait over night at Clarendon. This morning I took on board a company of sharpshooters and went up the river (with a White River pilot on board) about 15 miles. ~Te could obtain no information that we were not already possessed of, and that is that Devalls Bluff is strongly fortified and is guarded by from 7,000 to 10,000 men. Coming down we grounded once, and scraped over logs and stumps in the bottom several times. Our intention now is to leave this place in the morning at daylight and proceed down the river as far as St. Charles, from which place I will dispatch the Comestoga to report to you at Memphis. I would have done so from this place, but I did not think that it would be safe to have so many transports convoyed by but one gunboat through a part of the river~ the banks of which are filled with guerrilla parties. At St. Charles I propose to take on board this vessel a new pattern ViII-inch gun, now on the bow of the wreck of the Maurepas. I will remain with Colonel Fitch and aid him all that I can as long as I am able. When I can be of no further use, I will, in the absence of any further instructions from you, return to Memphis. I have not been able to discover a particle of Union sentiment in the river. If there is any, it is kept under through fear of the result of confessing it. I regret exceedingly that it is impossible to communicate with Gen- eral Curtis or his command. Even if the stage of water would per- mit, there is not force enough now here to pass Devalls Bluff, which is strongly fortified. We have certain knowledge of two 68-pounder guns and twelve smaller ones at that point. We also hear that the guns of the Pontchartrain, the rebel gunboat now in the Arkansas River, have been transported there from Little Rock. Please excuse the length of this communication, but my orders are to make a report of my proceedings. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters, Memphis. [Enclosures.] U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, Clarendon, Ark., June 30, 1869?. SIR: Upon consultation with, and the advice of the pilots of the Lexington and the White River Pilot of the White Cloud, I have re- luctantly concluded that I can not proceed any farther up this rive Page 190 190 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. with the gunboats. I will be compelled to leave this point to-morrow at the latest. Will you be pleased to inform me in what manner my command can be of further use to you. Respectfully, etc., JAMES W. SHIRK, Senior Na cal Officer Present. Colonel G. N. FITCH, U. S. Army, Commanding U. S. Land Forces, IVhite River, Ark. HEADQUARTERS INDIANA BRIGADE, Clarendon, Ark., June 30, 1862. SIR: Yours of this day received, in which you say that upon a consultation with, and the advice of the pilots, you have reluctantly concluded not to proceed any farther up the river with the gunboats. If it is unsafe on account of the stage of water for the gunboats to proceed, it must be equally so for the transports, as at least two of them draw as much water as the former. I shall be constrained therefore, being deprived of the support of the gunboats in any effort which might be made to ascend, to direct the transports to accompany them down the river. This I do, not only with an extreme reluctance, but under the conviction that the effect upon General Curtiss command will be disastrous. Did the number of troops under my command justify the effort, I would permit the heavy laden transports to return with you and proceed up the river with the lighter ones, but, under the knowledge we possess that Devalls Bluff is fortified, and a force of from 4,000 to 6,000 of the enemy stationed there, I do not feel justified in making the attempt, as it might result, when deprived of the support of the gunboats, in what I am particularly cautioned against in my in- structions from General Grant, namely, the supplies falling into the hands of the enemy or being destroyed. Under these embarrassing circumstances, the only further~~ aid you can render to my command, will be to remain, if you deem it safe for your ships, somewhere between this point and the mouth of the river until an effort can be made to communicate with General Curtis or General Grants further pleasure in the premises be known. G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Indiana Brigade. JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieatenant, Commanding, and Senior Naval Officer of U. S. Flotilla, Clarendon, Ark. U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, Clarendon, Ark., July 1, 1862. SIR: In reply to your communication of yesterday, I have to say that it will be my pleasure as well as my duty to remain in the river as long as the presence of the Lexington can be of any service to your command. Since hearing the reports of your scouting party that was sent in the direction of Devalls Bluff, I will remain over here unti Page 191 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 191 to-morrow, and then, at your suggestion, take on board a company of sharpshooters and, proceeding up the river, endeavor to ascertain the cause of the firing heard to-day. After our return to this place, I will feel compelled to drop down to St. Charles. I am, very respectfully, etc., JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant, Commanding, AS1enior Na cal Officer Present. Colonel G. N. FITCH, U. S. Army, Commanding U. S. Land Forces, TVhite River, Ark. Report of Lieutenant Shirk, U. S. Navy. U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, Crocketts Bluff, Ark., July 3, 1862. SIR: On our way down from Clarendon we met at this place two steamers with 600 troops on board as reinforcements for Colonel Fitch. The troops are bivouacked on this bluff. I will remain with them as long as possible. Hearing that the fleet had gone to Vicksburg, I have requested Lieutenant Commanding Blodgett to report to you at that place. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on IVestern lVaters, Flagship Benton. General instructions from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Shirk, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicks burg, July 5, 1862. SIR: I have received your interesting communication of July 2, together with the enclosed correspondence between Colonel Fitch and yourself. I entirely approve of all that you have done, and thank you for your zealous efforts to fulfill the wishes of the Government by opening a communication with General Curtis. I must rely upon your own judgment as heretofore to regulate the details of your conduct. My general instructions are that you will continue to render to Colonel Fitchs command all the aid in your power. At the same time you must exercise great prudence in regard to the navigation of the river, and be careful that you and your convoy are not detained during the dry season. Such a result would be a mere disadvantage attended, as far as I can see, with no countervailing benefit. This letter will be handed to you by Lieutenant Commanding Blodgett, of the Conestoga, whom you will either detain or dispatc Page 192 192 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. to me as YOU may think best, keeping me informed as far as possible of your movements. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding J. W. SHIRK, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Lexington, White River. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy, acknowledging receipt of complimentary letters. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 6, 1862. SIR: I acknowledge with pride and pleasure the receipt of the com- plimentary letters of June 27 and 28 which the Department has done us the honor to address to Commander A. H. Kilty and my- self, upon the late victory at St. Charles, achieved by the former in cooperation with the military forces under Colonel Fitch. The expression of the sympathy of the Department with the suf- ferings of Commander Kilty, added to its approval of his conduct, will contribute greatly to his recovery. His first enquiry when I met him after the accident was Have I done my duty? Even at this period of his greatest dan~er he thought more of his reputation than of his life. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Flag.Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Halleck, U. S. Army, transmitting copy of report of commanding naval officer in White River. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicks burg, July 13, 1862. SIR: I have the pleasure to transmit to you a copy of a report recently received from the commanding naval officer in White River, who has orders to second the operations of the army to the best of his ability. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Coindg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Major-General H. W. HALLECK, Commanding Department of Mississippi, Corinth, Miss. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, St. Charles, Ark., July 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that since the date of my last com- munication I have been actively employed with the vessel under my command in protecting the troops and transports in this river Page 193 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 193 On the 4th instant the fleet left Crocketts Bluff and proceeded up the river. Passing Adams Bluff, we were tired upon by a guerrilla band from the east bank of the river. We returned their shot with a shell. At this place I caused the destruction of a ferryboat. That night we laid at anchor in the river. At daylight the next morning we got underway again and at 8: 30 anchored off the town of Aber- deen. Here Colonel Fitch bivouacked his men. At 6: 30 p. m. a guerrilla band from shore fired at the Lexington, instantly killing Chief Engineer Joseph limber and wounding severely Fritz Repo (fireman). I immediately caused the woods to be well scoured with grape, canister, and shell. The fatal shot struck Mr. Huber on the right side of his back and came out from his right breast, severing in its passage the aorta. On Sunday, the 6th instant, Colonel Fitch, with about 2,000 men went out on a reconnoissance in force toward Devalls Bluff. At about 9 oclock in the morning his advance, consisting of about 200 men of the Twenty-fourth Indiana Regiment, came up with amid com- pletely routed a body of the enemys cavalry, consisting (by their muster roll) of 400 men. The enemy lost, by his own statement, 84 in killed and wounded. A flag of truce was sent in asking permission to bury their dead. This request was not granted, but thirty minutes were allowed them to gather up the dead and carry them off the ground. At the expiration of that time our forces again moved on, but after a pursuit of 3 miles returned to Aberdeen. The loss on our side was 1 killed and 21 wounded, most of them slightly. Colonel Fitch brought in 6 prisoners, among them one lieutenant. On the evening of the 7th the troops left again for the purpose of making a feint toward Devalls Bluff, the Lexington and transports going up the river to meet them at or just below the bar at Clarendon. On arriving there I found that the cane and underbrush were so thick that it would be impossible to cut a road to the military road from Little Rock to Clarendon, and therefore concluded to pass above the bar, although there was less water upon it than the Lexington was drawing. I did so. The troops came in at daylight, having surprised and routed a cavalry camp under the command of Colonel J. R. Shaler. In the evening, about dark, the colonel had his men ready for a march to- ward a place called Cotton Plant, on the Cache River, where report places a portion of General Curtis s army. At this time a steamer arrived from Memphis, bringing dispatches from General Grant, the tenor of which was that reinforcements could be sent here. As it is impossible for either of the gunboats or the heavy draft trans- ports to ascend the river any farther than Clarendon, and the force that he has at his command is much too small to cope with the enemy at Devalls Bluff, the colonel decided to return to St. Charles; there await until the 10th the arrival of a messenger that lie had dispatched on the 1st to General Curtis, and if he did not by that time hear from him to proceed to Memphis. As the steamer that came down yester- day was fired at from the shore only 35 miles below Memphis, I con- sider that I will be acting as you wish by convoying the transports to that place. Last evening the fleet anchored at Rock Row [Roe]. At daylight this morning we got underway and proceeded down the river until 10 49518N W BVOL 23091 Page 194 194 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. a. in., when we were detained for a couple of hours by one of the transports getting aground. Coming down, I met the Conestoga, Lieutenant Commanding Blodgett, who delivered your dispatches to me. We arrived at this place at 4 p. m. I will now take on board, if possible, the two guns on the bow of the Jfaurepas. * * * I will ask Lieutenant Commanding Blodgett to remain until to- morrow, when we will know what Colonel Fitch decides to do, and will then dispatch him to Memphis. I beg to call your attention to the accompanying report of First Assistant Engineer Meredith, in relation to the machinery of this vessel. Mr. Huber made a verbal report of the same tenor some weeks ago, but a desire not to be out of service at that time prevented me from making it known to you. As soon as I can find the proper form of death certificate I will send those of Mr. limber, Mr. Vroom or \~roon j, and of George Sanderson. I saw the death of Mr. Vroom in an official report of the Government undertaker at St. Louis. 1 have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lie atenan t, Coinniancling. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. Na?al Forces on iVestern Waters. P. 5.July 10th: I have directed Lieutenant Commanding Blod- gett to proceed to Memphis, and, after having filled up his crew and placed his sick on board the hospital boat, to return to this place. It is perfectly impossible for me to tell what the plans of the land forces are from one hour to another, they are changed so often. I will not go up the river any farther than this place, as I do not con- sider it safe. One of the transports ran upon a log and was sunk yesterday. She was raised again, but cargo was much damaged. JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant, Commanding. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER I3ENTON, Off Vielcsburg, July 12, 18G2. SIR: I have received your interesting letters July 9 and 10, giving a further account of the operations of the combined naval and military forces in White River. I shall send copious extracts from the letter to General Halleck. It. is out of my power to give you any special directions for the government of your future conduct in White River. In my opinion, St. Charles should be held by a competent military force ,fiankedby one or more gunboats as a means of maintaining possession of the river. I have written to Washington for authority to equip a small squadron of boats of very light draft sufficiently protected in the machinery and pilot houses for the exclusive purpose of navigating and controlling the St. Francis, White, and Arkansas rivers. The future movement of the squadron under my command must depend upon the action taken by the Government upon my recom- mendation Page 195 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 195 In the meantime I have only to renew my former instructions to give to the army the best possible support. But, I said before, you nmst remember that you alone are responsible for the safety of vessel or vessels under your command; that you are not to risk their detention in White River unnecessarily, and that you are to keep me informed as much as possible of all your movements. I hear with great pain of the death of Mr. Huber, and I will, upon your recommendation, appoint Mr. Meredith to succeed him. It will be absolutely necessary for you, as it appears from the report. of your chief engineer, to take the earliest opportunity to go to Memphis fOr the repair of your machinery. I hope you will find an opportunity to do so when the Conestoga returns. This I leave to your own discretion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western lVaters. Lieutenant Commanding J. W. SHIRK, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Lexington, White River. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON Off Vicksl3urg, July 18, 1862. SIR: I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 13th instant, giving me an account of your final cruise in White River and your communication with General Curtis, all of which is very interesting and well related. The services of the Lexington can not be spared at present for reasons which will be well known to you before you receive this letter. I am disappointed to hear that she is in want of repairs so soon after leaving the dockyard. The two men placed on parole not to serve until regularly ex- changed, mentioned in your letter of the 13th instant, will be sent to the receiving ship at Cairo with a letter of explanatioii to Captain Pennock. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Wcstern Waters. Lieutenant Commanding SHIRK, U. S. Navy, Commarnding Gunboat Lexington, Alemphis, Jienn. Extract of letter from Life of Charles Henry Davis, Rear-Admiral. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Memphis, June 6, 1862. My early rising yesterday morning, the fatigues of yesterday, the limited allowance of rest last night, and this mornings fight have left me so weary that I can only congratulate you on my success of this morning, which has nearly annihilated the rebel fleet an Page 196 196 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. removed it forever as a subject of anxiety. You will have the most excellent and ample description of the fight by Mr. Coffin, of the Boston Journal, who was happily in the fleet and a witness of the whole affair. Thank God for this great success. If the gunboats had fled before me, as their speed easily enabled them to do, they would still have been a thorn in our side. Now they can give us no further trouble; and, moreover, the blockading force of the river by the rebels is destroyed. You will not depend on me for the story, but keep all good accounts for iiie to see. * * * * * * June 19, [1862].We have a melancholy day to-day. A gunboat returned this morning from the expedition up White River, bring- ing an account of an engagement with two forts there by our vessels and the troops under Colonel Fitch, in which the former were cap- tured. It was a gallant little affair. The gunboats silenced the first fort and the troops carried the second by storm. But the victory was dearly purchased. An accidental shot from the enemys second battery penetrated the steam drum of the gunboat Mound City and scalded the greater part of the crew, after having killed four men outright. The complement of the Mound City is 175 men and offi- cers. Of these 82 are already buried, 43 were drowned or killed by the savage enemy while in the water, 25 are badly wounded (scalded), in which number is included Captain Kilty. The wounded promise to do well, and 25 only of the 1753 officers and 22 menescaped without injury. This scene of horror was rendered more frightful by the enemys shooting our wounded and scalded men in the water, and by firing into the boats of other vessels of the squadron which came to the assistance of the poor, helpless, drowning, and scalded victims. Contrast this with our humanity on the 6th, when our boats and tugs were busily employed in rescuing the disabled enemy in and out of the w~tter. This barbarous conduct on the part of the enemy will lead to ter- rible retaliation. The men of the squadron are now very much excited and vow vengeance. June 20.I find to my comfort that I have 41 of the poor fellows who were scalded with steam on board the Mound City in the hos- pital boat, instead of 25, as I wrote you yesterday. I have been to see them this morning and I find that most of them will recover. June 22.General Lew Wallace came on board yesterday afternoon by appointment, and we took a run down the river in one of the tugs to look at the buried, or mostly buried, remains of the Jeff Thompson and Beauregard. The former is the vessel that was blown up in her magazine. I landed on the river bank, which is strewed near the water with iron braces and fastenings and with charred remains of broken timbers. The smokestack of this vessel is still standing and visible to mark the spot where she descended. The Beauregard is irrevocably gone, but a good deal of her still shows above the water. * * * * * * * June 23.Our expedition to White River is in some measure a failure, owing to the shallow stage of the river. The boats have re- turned to the mouth of the river, having grounded several times and run the risk of being detained all summer * Page 197 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 197 June 28.Since finishing the enclosed letter I have received a mes- sage from Farragut asking me to come down and help him take X~icksburg. I am getting ready to go now * * Report of Major-General Hindnian, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssjssjppi DISTRICT, Little Rock, Ark., June 19, 1862. GENERAL: Constantly attacking General Curtis in front and flanks and threatening him in rear, I have compelled him to fall back 40 miles north of the line he occupied when I assumed command. If I had him only to deal with, I could destroy his whole army inside of twenty days; but the Federal gunboats and transports, three of the former and two of the latter, with between 1,500 and 2,000 infantry and two field batteries, entered White River on the 14th instant. Next day at 12 m. they engaged the little force I had posted at St. Charles, the first bluff, 110 miles above the mouth. I had there in rifle pits 50 infantry, under Captain Williams, of my staff, together with two 8-inch guns, manned from our gunboats Maurepa8 and Pont- ckartrain, under Captains Fry and Dunnington. The engagement lasted between two and three hours. No official report has yet reached me. I received, however, to-day by courier from the com- mander of a party of mounted scouts that had been sent there this information: That the enemy carried the position, taking our guns, killing 6, wounding 1, and capturing 1 of our men, with the loss to the Federals of 140 killed, 1 gunboat sunk, and 1 transport blown up, the boiler pierced by a shot. Our guns were spiked before their abandonment. Our forces retired toward Devalls Bluff. The Fed- eral fleet is reported to have passed St. Charles yesterday morning, having been detained by obstructions put in the river. With a little time, more men, and a reasonable number of heavy pieces and small arms, with ammunition in proportion, I could have made the position impregnable. But I could only arm 50 nien, giving them 100 rounds of ammunition. I had started an infantry regiment in ample time to reinforce, but had to hold it at Devalls Bluff till I could buy, beg, and impress powder by the pound, make and send to it by rail 40 rounds of cartridges. This delay kept it at Devalls Bluff till the morning of the 17th, when it moved down by steamers, and got within 10 miles of St. Charles before its capture. Another engagement with the Federal fleet will probably take place at. Devalls Bluff to-morrow. I have two 8-inch guns mounted there, with 1,000 infantry and 250 mounted men, but no obstructions in the river. We may sink another gunboat, but the fleet will in all proba- bility get by without a great deal of difficulty. Above for 30 miles both banks will be lined with sharpshooters. If an attempt is made, as I anticipate, to move across this place, my force of mounted men will destroy their train, and, by burning everything here, as I intend, they may vet be starved out and destroyed. This i~ a hasty and very imperfect sketch of things near at hand. Farther off, upon the Cherokee border, there is a Federal force of between 3,000 and 5~000 men. I have assembling at Fort Smith one regiment of mounted men, which will be in the field three days hence Page 198 198 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Another will follow the 30th of this month. I have also ordered Brigadier-General Pike to move in that direction and establish his headquarters at Fort Gibson. His force does not amount to much, but there is no earthly need of its remaining 150 miles south of the Kansas line throwing up intrenchments. My whole force in that region will equal the enemys before he is ready to move upon Arkansas, if that is intended, which I doubt. South of this there is yet no movement against me. I have ordered Brigadier-General Roane to Monroe, La., to organize a brigade, and have reason to believe he will succeed in a very short time. The difficulties that oppress me are great. I believe, however, that I will be able to overcome them all and report my entire district clear of Federals (except along the Mississippi) by the first frost, provided the suggestions made in my previous letter about enlarging my juris- diction and powers are approved and funds and arms and ammunition sent me promptly. I beg also to say in addition that the partisan rangers and State guard organizations will be likely to impede my efforts. One jurisdiction and one organization for this entire Trans- Mississippi region are, in my opinion, absolute essentials to success. Very respectfully, T. ~. HJNDMA~, Major-General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General. Extracts from detailed report of Major-General Hindman, C. S. Army, regarding operations in White River, Ark. IRICHMOND, VA., June 1~9, 1863. GENERAL: Heretofore it has been impracticable for me to make any connected report of my services as commander of the Trans-Mississippi District. Such a report is therefore submitted at this time. * ~ On June 3, anticipating the fall of Memphis, and that the Federal fleets would ascend White IRiver and the Arkansas to cooperate with Curtis, I took steps for obstructing both streams. * The point selected on White River was St. Charles, about 100 miles above the mouth, where the first bluff appears. * * * June 5, I pushed my cavalry boldly against Curtiss advance. * * * I had previously endeayored to impress Curtis with the belief that a large force came with me from Corinth and that heavy reinforcements had reached me from Texas. * * * The result answered my ex- pectations. After a very feeble resistance, the Federal cavalry fell back beyond Bayou Des Arc. I then ordered the )Jlaurepas up White River to capture or destroy the supplies collected at Grand Glaise and Jacksonport and to alarm the enemy by threatening his communication with Batesville. Cap- tain Fry executed these orders with admirable promptness and complete success. * * * * * * * On June 16 a Federal fleet appeared in White River, near St. Charles. It consisted of the ironclad gunboats St. Louis and hound City, each mounting thirteen guns; the Lexington and Conestoga Page 199 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 199 partially ironclad, each carrying seven guns; the tug Tiger, carry- ing one 24-pounder howitzer, and three transports, with between 1,000 and 1~300 infantry, under Colonel G. N. Fitch. The illaurepas was at St. Charles, but would have beeii useless against the enemys ironclad vessels. The obstructions being incomplete, she was sunk across the channel, together with two ~teamboats. Two rifled 32- pounders and four fleldpieces were put in battery on the bluff, manned by 79 men of the crews of the Alaurepas and Pomtckartra?n, under Captain Dunnington, of the latter vessel. Captain Williams armed men, 35 in number, were disposed as sharpshooters below; those not armed were sent to the rear. Captain Fry was placed in chief command. The Federal gunboats attacked about 9 a. in. on the 17th. After an engagement of nearly three hours duration, the Mound City was blown up by a shot from our batteries and the rest retired out of range. The infantry then landed and carried the position, our little force spiking the guns and retiring lip the river. Our loss was 6 killed, 1 wounded, and 8 missing. That of the enem was over 200. On the hound City alone 180 perished. Cap- tain Fry. the last to retreat, was severely wounded and made l)risoner. For further particulars of the heroic conduct of this officer and of Captains Dunnington and Williams, with the officers and men nuder them, I refer to the detailed report of the engagement heretofore for- warded through the headquarters of the Western Department. * * * * * * The expedition under Fitch was joined on the 17th and 18th by an additional gvinboat and six transports carrying troops, which raised his land force to 4,000 men or thereabouts. Evidently alarmed by the resistance met at St. Charles, lie moved very slowly upstream, fired npon from both banks by my cavalry, dismounted, and by citi- zens. His losses were considerable. At Clarendon, 25 miles below Devahls J3luff, he landed a reginient of infantry and moved it for- ward on the west side to reconnoiter, escorted by the tug Tiger. After advancing 5 miles it was compelled to retire with a loss of 55 in killed and prisoners. This repulse was given by Morgans squadron of Texans and four unattached companies of Arkansas troops under Captain P. II. Wheat, assisted by several independent companies of nonconscripts. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, T. C. HJNDMAN, General S. COOPER, IVajor-General. Adjutant and Inspector General. Report of Lieutenant Dunnington, C. S. Navy, regarding the engagement at St. Charles, Ark. C. S. GUNBOAT PONTCHARTRAJN, Little Rock, Ark., June 21, 1862. GENERAL: As the senior officer in command of the naval forces, in the absence of Captain Fry, C. S. Navy, I beg leave to submit th Page 200 200 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. following report of the engagement between our forces and the enemys gunboats at St. Charles, on the morning of the 17th instant: I reached St. Charles on Monday evening, 16th instant, about 6 p. in., with the men I carried with me to work the two rifled 32- pounder cannon, which I had previously placed there in battery. I found our forces there under arms. The smoke of the enemys gun- boats was plainly seen from the bluff, and the pickets who had come in reported two gunboats, one tug, and two transports below advancing. Owing to the unexpected approach of the enemy Captain Fry had not time to land his arms [guns], but immediately placed his ves- sel across the river above my battery of rifled guns, intending to resist their progress. Finding the enemy did not advance, after dark it was determined to sink the gunboat Illaurepas, the transports Eliza C. and Mary Patterson in a line across the river. The sinking of the gunboats was intrusted to Captain Leary. Captain Fry, with his own crew, sank the Maurepas, remaining on board until the gun deck was submerged. The blockading of the river was necessarily so hastily done that no ballast or weight could be placed in the transports. About day- break the last vessel was sunk, and the river blockaded temporarily. Supposing the enemy would make the attack at early daylight, one rifled Parrott gun and ammunition, in command of Midshipman [F. M.] Roby, was moved some 400 yards below the rifled battery and placed in position. The sailors who manned the different bat- teries were ordered to sleep within a few feet of their guns. Shortly after daylight, two rifled Parrott 8-pounder guns, that had been sent to the rear for want of ammunition, were brought up and placed in position near the guns commanded by Midshipman IRoby. These three guns were manned by the crew from the Maurepas, and Captain Fry in person superintended the fighting of them. One 12-pounder howitzer from the Jlaurepas, manned also by the crew, was sent down the river to assist Captain Williams in checking the enemys advance by land. At 7 a. in., on the morning of the 17th, the pickets reported the enemy getting imp steam. At 8: 30 they had advanced up the river to our lines, and two gunboats commenced throwing shell, grape, and canister among our troops on the right bank of the river. They advanced very slowly, attempting to find our heavy guns. When they arrived abreast of Captain Frys rifled guns, they opened on his battery very rapidly for three-quarters of an hour, endeavoring to silence his guns. Failing to do so, they slowly moved up the river until they came within point-blank range of one of our rifled 32- pounders. The leading gunboat stopped to fight that gun, but find- ing the gun still farther up was firing at her, she moved up the river to get its position, and in so doing placed herself between the two guns and in point-blank range. The other gunboat, in obedience to signal, I suppose, came abreast of the lower battery and opened a brisk fire upon us. About this stage of the action, 10 a. in., Captain Fry sent me word that the enemy were landing a large force below. All the available men that could be found were immediately sent to Captain Williams assistance. At 10: 30 a shot from the rifled 32-pounder farthest u Page 201 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 201 the river penetrated the leading gunboat and either passed through her boilers, steam chest, or pipe, filling the entire vessel xvith steam, and causing all that were not killed or scalded with steam to jump into the river. The vessel was completely deserted, and drifted across the stream into the bank near Captain Frys battery. He unmediately hailed and directed their flag hauled down. They fail- ing to do so, although the order was given by some of their own officers in hearing of our people, our own men were directed to shoot those in the water attempting to escape. The two rifled guns were immediately directed to fire upon the lower gunboat, which was still engaging us. She was struck several times and soon ceased firing, slowly dropping down the river, I think, materially damaged, as she made no effort to assist the boat we had I)lown up, or save their friends in the river. Near 11: 30 Captains Fry and Williams came to my battery and told me the enemy had completely surrounded us; the battery of small rifled guns had been spike(l, and our people were in retreat. I trained one of the rifled guns to take a last shot at the enemy, and as we fired their infantry appeared over the brow of the hill, about 50 yards distant, and opened on us with musketry. Captain Fry then proposed to make a stand with the sailors, and attempted to hold the guns, but they were only armed with single- barreled pistols, which they had fired at the enemy in the water. Nothing was now left but to save all the men we could, and, as the enemy had us under a cross fire, the men were ordered to retreat, the officers bringing up the rear, until scattered in the woods. I had confined in single irons at my battery, six prisoners captured by Captain Fry at Little Red River. Deeming it. inexpedient to bring them away, and as Captain Fry told me he had no positive proof against them, I left them for the enemy. The gallantry of Captains Fry and Williams was so conspicuous as to arouse general notice and remark. To my own officers and several of Captain Frys who served with me, I am particularly indebted. Mr. William Smith, acting master; Mr. William Barclay, engineer; Midshipman Roby~ who commanded one of the guns; Mr. XV. L. Campbell and Doctor Addison, of the ilaurepas, acted with great gal- lantry and displayed a coolness and courage unsurpassed by any one in the engagement. To Colonel Belknap, one of the citizens of St. Charles, we are all indebted for the untiring energy and zeal with which he assisted be- fore and during the action. He was always where he was needed, en- couraging the men and assisting the officers. I am unable to furnish a list of killed and wounded, but do not think the number exceeds 3 up to the time of the retreat. For the operations of the infantry I respectfully refer you to Captain Williams. I herewith enclose a rough sketch of St. Charles and the surround- ing country, including the position of our batteries and that of the enemys gunboats. I am, sir, with great respect, J. W. DUNNJNGTON, Comamandirtg Gunboat Pontchartrain. Major-General HINDMAN, Commanding Trans-Mississippi District Page 202 262 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTFRI~ WATEI~. Letter of transmittal from the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the Confederate States. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Navy Department, Richmond, AugU8t 21, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith, to be transmitted to Congress, copy of the report of Lieutenant John NV. Dunnington, C. S. Navy, of the engagement at St. Charles, on the White River, in the State of Arkansas. This report was only received to-day, and not in time to accompany my report to you of the 16th instant. With much respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, The PRESIDENT. Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] C. S. GUNBOAT PONTCHARTRAIN, Little Rock, Ark., June 23, 1862. SIR: Not being able to learn the whereabouts of Captain Pinkney, commanding naval forces on the Mississippi, I beg leave to submit to the Navy Department the following detailed report of an engage- ment which occurred on the lTth instant at St. Charles, on White River, between the enemys forces, consisting of two large ironclad gunboats, one tug, and two transports carrying one regiment of in- fantry, and our forces consisting of the officers and crew of the C. S. gunboat llaurepas, 30 men and 5 officers belonging to this vessel, and 35 infantry under Captain Williams, C. S. Army. At the request of Major-General Hiudman I had placed in battery at St. Charles (which is 90 miles above the mouth of the river) two rifle 32-pound guns belonging to this vessel and two rifle 3-inch fieldpieces that I found at the arsenal here. On the 4th instant Captain Fry arrived in the C. S. gunboat JIau- repa~ and landed all his stores, intending to land his guns and place them immediately in battery, but the enemys gunboats came within a few miles on the evening of the 16th. The Jiaurepas was immediately moored across the river as an ob- struction to the passage of the river. As the enemy had not advanced any farther that night, it was determined to sink the Jlaurepas and two transports across the river above my rifle battery, xvhich was accomplished before day. The two rifle 3-inch guns, with a brass rifle piece landed from the ilaarepas, was placed in position 400 yards below the rifle battery and commanded by Midshipman Roby, but under the immediate command of Captain Fry; a brass 12-pound howitzer, also landed from the Jlaurepa8, was put in charge of Engineer Scisson to assist infantry. At 8.30 a. m. the enemy had advanced as far up the river as our lines, and the gunboats commenced a heavy fire upon our infan- try, throwing shell, grape, and canister. When abreast of Captain Frys light battery, he opened upon the leading boat. The two boats stopped and engaged him for three-quarters of an hour and then moved slowly up the river until ihey came within point-blank range of the lower 32-pounder which immediately opened upon them, they stopping to fight that gun; but finding the gun higher up the river Page 203 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 203 which was masked by the undergrowth, had their range and was firing upon them, the leading boat advanced to find the position of the upper gun, which she did, and opened upon it a brisk fire, but in doing so she had placed herself in point-blank range of both guns; the lower boat then moved up abreast and commenced engaging the lower gun. At this stage of the action, 10 a. in., while all our forces were playing upon the gunboats, Captain Fry sent me word that the enemy were landing a large force from the transports. All the avail- able men that could be spared from the guns were immediately sent to assist the infantry under Captain Williams. About 10.30 one of the 32-pound shot from the upper rifle gun passed through the boilers, steam chest, or pipe of the leading gunboat, filling her ira- mediately with steam and causing all who were not killed to jump into the river. The vessel was completely deserted and drifted across the stream into the bank near Captain Frys battery. He immedi- ately hailed and directed their flag hauled down; they failing to do so, the order was given to shoot all in the water that attempted to escape. The rifle 32-pound guns were now directed to fire upon the other gun- boat, she returning the fire briskly for a few moments and then ceased firing, and evidently drifted or backed down the river clear of our battery, I think seriously injured, as she made no effort to tow or help out of our way her deserted and disabled consort. A few mo- ments later Captains Fry and Williams came to my battery and told me we were surrounded by a large force, the light battery of guns had been spiked, and our force was on the retreat. Captain Fry pro- posed to make a stand at the guns with my men, but they were only half of them armed, and they with single-barreled pistols, which they bad fired at the enemy in the water~ Nothing was now left but to save as many men as possible. The men were ordered to retreat, and the senior officers brought up the rear until we were scattered in the woods. Since the retreat I have been unable to ascertain our loss in killed and wounded and missing. Captain Joseph Fry, the enemy report, is badly wounded and a prisoner in their hands; they also claim to have killed and taken pris- oners 13, and acknowledge a loss of 160 on their side. Among the prisoners they took were 6 men, arrested by Captain Fry as traitors. I had them in irons at my battery, and as the proof against them was not sufficient to justify me in shooting them ,I left them for the enemy. The gallantry of Captain Fry was so conspicuous as to cause general notice and remark. His loss to us at this time will be seriously felt. To mv own officers and those of the Maurepas who took part in the engagement, I am particularly indebted for the gallantry, coolness, and courage they displayed and the efficient aid they rendered me at the guns. Midshipman F. M. IRoby, who commanded one of the light rifle guns, I must especially call to your notice as behaving with marked gallantry and fighting his gun manfully under a heavy fire and against great odds until ordered to spike and leave it. I submit the names of following officers who were at the different batteries and who deserve the highest. praise: Mr. William Smith, acting master; XV. S. Campbell, captains clerk; Mr. William Bar- clay, second assistant engineer; Mr. William Smith, third assistant engineer; Mr. Victor Egly, second assistant engineer; W. J. Addison, assistant surgeon. Mr. Mahe, clerk to Captain Fry, acted as aid t Page 204 204 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Captain Fry, and is reported to have behaved well. As my duty to the service I must also state that the following officers belonging to the Jlaiu epa8, who ought to have taken a part in the engagement, did not serve either with infantry or artillery, and I believe ab- sented themselves without permission, viz: Mr. John Mann, second assistant. engineer; Mr. George Jones, second assistant engineer; Mr. Joe Ramsey, third assistant engineer; Mr. Henry Wright, acting master; Mr. John T. Davis, acting master. Our losses were the C. S. gunboat ifaurepas, her entire armament and stores except a quantity of powder; two rifle 32-pound guns complete; a quantity of pro- visions, and all the clothing belonging to the 30 men detailed from this vessel. As soon as I am able I will furnish the Navy Department with a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, JNO. W. DUNNJNGTON, Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the zYdey, Richmond, Va. Extract Mobile Daily Tribune, Wednesday morning, July 2, 1862. We have been kindly furnished by a young officer of the Navy, who participated in the battle of White River, with the following account of the fight: After the fall of Memphis the enemy sent two ironclad gunboats and one tug, besides several transports laden with troops, up White River to regain the advantages wrested from them by the C. S. gunboat illaurcpas, as well as to double-bank that vessel and destroy her. The ilaurcpa8 had an armament of two smooth guns, which were almost useless in contending with the enemys boasted ironclads. Two rifle guns had been sent from Fort Randolph to St. Charles, on White River, and were at once mounted on a bluff by Lieutenant Commanding J. W. Dunnington, of the Confederate gunboat Pontchartrain, then at Little Rock. When the enemy arrived within 3 or 4 miles of the little two-gun battery, Captain Fry sank the Maurepas in the channel in order to bar the ascent of the enemy and make him fight our rifle guns. Two little fleldpieces were brou~ht overland from Little Rock and composed part of the means of defense. These were in charge of Lieutenant Commanding Joseph Fry. The eneniy sent a tug in advance, with a Confederate flag and flag of truce, both flying; but as soon as she discovered that our side was bent on fighting she returned to the Mound City and other gunboat. Very soon the former boat steamed around a point and advanced to within 75 yards of our battery. The rifle gnus were loaded with the Read projectile, and at the third shot a ball l)enetrated her ironclad side and passed through her boilers. The steam in an instant enveloped everything, and Captain Dunnington ceased firing in order to give her an opportunity to haul down her colors. The suffering must have been dreadful, even to the few that escaped, for many could be seen when the steam cleared away sitting on deck tearing the clothes from their scalded bodies, and all regardless ef the shot that were SOOII sent to destroy the small cutters of the other boat that had picked up some who had jumped overboard. The Mound Oily in the meantime drifted into the bank and some of our men put their hands on her anchor stock in token of the triumph. The fight now shifted. The enemy, having been foiled by water, landed 1,500 men and at- tacked the battery, which was defended by only 65 men with few small arms. The consequence was as might have been expected. Our men fought them bravely, but were overpowered, and the enemy were masters of the place and its defenses. Our casualties, as far as known, were 2 men killed. Captain Fry was shot in the shoulder and taken prisoner. Most of the officers and men escaped and are now on this side of the river Page 205 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 205 Report of Captain Williams, C. S. Engineers, regarding the engagement at St. Charles, Ark. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT, Little Rock, Ark., June 21, 1862. SIR: I have to report that on the evening of the 16th information was brought me that the enemys gunboats were advancing on St. Charles~ which was soon substantiated by advance of our pickets posted down the river. We immediately made preparations to re- ceive them, the artillerymen keeping their positions at the guns dur- ing the night and my command being thrown out to prevent a shr- prise. We also, to prevent the enemys gunboats passing our position, under orders from Major-General Hindman, scuttled the steamboats Eliza C. and ilary Patterson. Captain Fry, of the C. S. Navy, who was in command at St. Charles, scuttled the gunboat 2liaurepas, thus forming an obstruc- tion across the river that could not be moved until our batteries were silenced. The enemy, however, made no demonstration during the night. On the morning of tile 17th, about 8 :30 oclock, two gun- boats, two transports, and one tug appeared in sight and prepared to engage us. The men under my command, consisting of detachments from Captains [Ed. T.] Jones, [H. Th] Hearons, [William J.] Smiths, and [Jeptha C.1 Johnson~ s companies, Colonel Pleasants regiment, numbering about 35 men, were, by order of Captain Fry, deployed as sharpshooters, and posted along the river below the battery. At 9 a. m. we engaged the enemys pickets and drove them in. The firing disclosed our position to the gunboats. from which the enemy commenced a furious fire of grape and shell, before which my men fell back to a more secure position. At this time the enemy opened fire upon our light battery of four guns, manned by the crew of the llaurepas, to which they replied gallantly. At 10 a. m. the heavy battery under command of Captain Dunning- ton, C. S. Navy, opened fire on them and soon blew up one of their boats and silenced the other. When the explosion took place the boats crew jumped into the water and into boats to escape the scalding steam that xvas pouring out of every hole and crevice. I immediately ordered all the sharp- shooters that remained on the field, about 20 in number, to the river bank to shoot them; numbers of them were killed in the water. At this time about 11 oclock, I discovered the enemy landing below, and immediately ordered men to take possession of Colonel Belkuaps house for the purpose of holding them in check. When we reached the top of the hill near the house, the enemy poured into us a furious fire of musketry at a short distance. I at once made a reconnoissance of their position in person, and ascer- tained that we were almost surrounded by a force of several hundred men. I informed Captain Fry of our situation and was ordered by him to fall back to the battery, which I did with the few men who remained with me. When we reached the battery the enemy were on our front and right flank, and poured into us a galling cross fire of musketry. Captain Fry gave the order to retreat, and immediately the men scattered and ran the gantlet of a heavy cross fire for nearly half Page 206 206 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. mile, the officers bringing up the rear. I can not make an accurate report of our loss, not knowing who made their escape. It is, how- ever, very slight. The enemys loss must have been very heavy. They admit a loss of 140 killed, drowned, and scalded. All our stores and artillery fell into the hands of the enemy. ~ ~ call your attention to the coolness and intrepid bearing exhibited by Captain Fry, our commander, who, from disease, could not make his escape, and was, I understand, severely wounded and taken prisoner. Captain Dunnington in this engagement has proved to the world that the Federal gunboats are not invulnerable. You are respectfully referred to his report for more minute informa- tion. I would also call your attention to the gallantry of a portion of my command, some 20 in number, whose names I can not give, and particularly to the intrepid manner in which privates [J. H.] Bruce and [G. W.] Everett, of Captain Hearons company, behaved themselves. I take great pleasure in acknowledging the services of Colonels Belknap and Finch and Messrs. herman and Margins. The thanks of the country are due them for assistance rendered in encouraging and cheering the men and bringing them up. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. WILLIAMS, Colonel [ROBT. C.] NEWTON, Captain of Engineers. Assistant Adjatant-General. General Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy. JUNE 14, 1862. Hereafter the following regulations will be observed by the ves- sels of the flotilla in their communication with the hospital boat Red Rover. All sick persons in the fleet are not to be sent on board the hospital boat indiscriminately. It will be understood, on the contrary, that only those patients are to be sent to the hospital boat who it is to be expected to be sick for some time, and whose cases may require more quiet and better attention and accommodation than can be provided on board the vessels to which they belong. Slight disorders and accidents will be treated by the surgeon under whose care they may happen to fall. This being distinctly understood and uniformly adhered to, the following rules will be observed in the transfer of patients to the hospital boat. 1st. When such transfer is necessary in the opinion of the surgeon having care of the case, he will make a brief statement in writing to that effect to the captain of the vessel, who will forward it to the commander in hif This rule will remain in force as long as there is no fleet surgeon to the flotilla, or as long as the general regulations of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery can not be carried into execution. 2d. If the transfer be authorized by the commander in chief, the patient will be accompanied by a statement, giving the name of th Page 207 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 207 vessel to which he belongs, his own name, his rank, the diagnosis and treatment of his disease. 3d. The surgeon having charge of the case will, if possible, go with the patient on board the hospital boat. 4th. The patients on board the hospital boat Red Rover will con- tinue to be borne on the pay and muster rolls of their respective vessels, and will be furnished from their own vessels with whatever they may require in the way of clothing, etc., but their rations will be stopped while on board the hospital boat and credited to the Government. 5th. When restored patients are sent to their proper vessels, they will carry with them a discharge from the hospital boat, signed by the surgeon and attested by the captain of that boat. Additional.Hereafter all applications for ice from the Red Rover must be made between the hours of 8 and 9 oclock a. in., and no application will be entertained that is made after 9 a. m. The captain of the Red Rover has been furnished with a list, in accordance with which all supplies of ice will be furnished until further orders. C. H. DAvIs, Commodore. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Quartermaster Wise, U. S. Ar~rty, expressing approval of the new hospital boat Red Rover. JUNE 14, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have waited until I had an opportunity to make a per- sonal examination of the hospital boat Red Rover before expressing to you my great admiration for your success in this undertaking and the sincere gratitude felt toward you by myself and the officers and men under my command for the judgment and humanity with which you have executed this important work. No one but those who have witnessed it can comprehend the suf- ferings to which our sick have been exposed by the absence of proper accommodations on board the gunboats and by the necessity for frequent and sometimes hasty change of place. The wounded and the patients suffering from fever occupy, under the direction of the surgeon, those parts of the ship which are the most quiet and best ventilated. When the ship was cleared for action, as often happened when lying near Fort Pillow, it was necessary to take down their cots and hammocks more than quickly into out-of-way and uncomfortable places. This must always have been attended with pain and distress, if not positive injury. The arrival of the Red Rover will puf a stop to all this, promote the efficiency of the squadron by procuring comfort and the means of restoration for the sick. All the conveniences and appliances of a hospital are fully pro- vided, and to these are added the neatness and order essential to so large an establishment Page 208 208 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I improve this opportunity to say that I adopt with pleasure your suggestion for creating a coal depot at Memphis, leaving to you the selection of the site for the depot and of the custodian for the coal. I am alive to the necessity of reducing the expenses for the hire and subsistence of transports, and, accordingly, have given orders to discharge the Lake Erie, Wisconsin, and the Alps. A similar retrenchment, Colonel Fitch informs me, will be prac- ticed by the Army. I am, captain, xvith high respect and regard, your servant and friend, C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters. Captain and Quartermaster GEORGE D. WISE. Report of Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Judge Torrence, regarding the raising of the Confederate steamer General Sterling Price. ORDNANCE STEAMER JUDGE TORRENCE, Memphis, Jane 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the steamer Sterling Price is afloat and that her hull is apparently in good condition. The port shaft was hauled overboard and let go in about 4 fathoms of water by those who first attempted to raise her, and I regret to say that in consequence of the present sudden rise in the river I was not able to get hold of it. I succeeded, though, in finding its posi- tion, which I marked with a buoy. I would most respectfully acknowledge the very efficient services of Chief Engineer BickerstafV, Second Master Newton, and Pilot William G. Sheely. These officers worked in the mud and water for three days, with the most unbounded perseverance and energy, and I most earnestly request that they be transferred to that vessel with me. The captain and officers of the steamer Champion are also deserving of much praise for their cheerful and energetic assistance. ITery respectfully, your obedient servant, LEROY FITCH, Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commanding Na cal Flotilla, Western Waters. Letter from Captain Davis, U. S. Nacy, to Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, in appreciation of the efficient services of those who assisted in the raising of the C. S. S. General Sterling Ptice. JUNE 15, 1862. SIR: I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of this date, in which you inform me that the captured gunboat General Prwe is afloat and mention the efficient services of those officers and men who particularly distinguished themselves in the arduous and protracted labor of raising her from the bottom Page 209 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 209 Fbeg YOU will call the officers and men together and make known to them by reading this letter the very high estimate which I place upon the efficient services of Chief Engineer Bickerstaff, Second Master Newton, and Pilot NV. G. Sheely in this undertaking. I desire also to thank publicly the captain, officers, and. men of the steamer Champion for their cheerful and energetic cooperation. In emergencies like these everything depends upon the superior in- telligence of the directing minds and upon the faithful and untiring industry of the working hands. I shall be happy, when an occasion offers, to show my just appre- ciation of the manner in which both the intelligence and industry were displayed on this occasion. Very respectfully, etc., C. H. DAvis, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Commanding LE Ro~ FITCh, Commanding Judge /iorrence, Memphis, Tenn. Report of Colonel Filet, commanding Ram Fleet, explaining his non cooperation in iVhite Ricer. U. S. RAM SWITZERLAND, Before ilemphis, Jane K, 1862. SIR: I have received your dispatch informing me of your appoint- ment of Doctor Robarts as surgeon and I)octor Lawrence as assistant surgeon of my fleet, and requesting a detailed report concerning the rams. For the first few days after receiving my wound, my mind was incapable of traiisacting business. Since then great nervous prostration, with pain and fever, have rendered me entirely incapable of mental labor. I now have the measles superadded. I will prepare the report you ask for as soon as I am able to dictate it, which I hope will be in the course of two or threq days. I did not send a detach- ment up White River to act in conjunction with the gunboats, as Commodore Davis requested, because the commodore was not willing to receive my cooperation unless I placed my vessels under the com- mand of one of his officers. This, of course. I could not consent to do. Our successes at Memphis were gained by acting independently. Mr. Brooks has arrived with supplies for my fleet. Respectfully, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Hon. E. M. STANTON, Colonel, Commanding. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis. June 16, 1862. Three gunboats sailed for White River on the 13th instant. Commissary boat White Cloud sailed on the 15th instant under convoy of the gunboats and escorted by the Forty-sixth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Fitch. 49518N W RVOL 2309 1 Page 210 210 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The commanding officer is ordered to report, when communication is openeW with General Curtis. I will communicate his report to you. Yerv respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. TVestern Flotilla, Mississippi River. Major-General H. XV. HALLECK, Commanding Department of 1JIississ~pp?.. Letter from Captain Daeis, U. S. Naey, to Captain Pennock, U. S. Nacy, regarding general matters and referrzng to the eaptnre of the steamer Clara Dolsen. JUNE 16, 1862. SIR: I have received your communication of the 15th instant. The report of the survey of the Samter, which I herewith return, is entirely satisfactory. I have had half a mind to repair those captured gunboats here, but the organization which it would be necessary to establish in order to do it here as quickly as in Cairo has prevented me from undertak- ing it. I hope I do not press you too hard, and I hope above all things that you are not. obliged to suspend work upon the Eastport. Mumbonner had better be discharged, for when I come to investi- gate the witnesses I find that they shrink from investigation. It is not often that I am made the victim of rumors and reports. Is any one proposed in Ransoms place? Of how many petty officers, seamen, etc., does the crew of the East- port consist? Lieutenant Commanding Thompson, in the Pittsburg, will proceed to Cairo for repairs as soon as you are ready for him, and bring with him his captured steamer, which I have named General Pillow, in honor of that gigantic military genius. The only objection to the name is that the little thing is soUnd in her hull, which cant be said of General Pillow. However, she resembles the general in another particular; she has a great capacity for blowing and makes a noise altogether disproportionate to her dimensions. I hope General Strong will not be seriously affected by the intro- duction of this formidable name within the precincts of his military command. I return the passes belonging to you. You will be glad to learn that our gunboats now in White River have captured that magnificent steamer Clara Dolsen, which is now lying under my guns. Please transmit the enclosed telegraphic dispatch to General Hal- leck and furnish a copy to General Strong. I am in hopes to hear from the Tyler soon. What report does Captain Gwin make of his progress? Very respectfully, yours, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Ofileer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Commanding Post, Cairo, Ill Page 211 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 211 Letter from Captain Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Quartermaster }Vise, U. S. Army, regarding coal furnished to army vessels. JUNE 16, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have received your letter of the 14th and I xviii issue the order you request immediately. In fitting out the recent expedition for White River, which was done under the pressure of orders by telegraph, I was obliged to furnish coal to the army transports and supply vessels, which I hope you will make them pay back. Let us have our depot here, captain, and we will imitate the He- brew Jews in our economy of its use. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, iIi88iS8ippi River. Captain GEORGE D. WISE. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, regarding proposed transfer of command. U. S. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Before Memphis, June 16, 1862. SIR: Mrs. Ellet and my daughter joined me yesterday. I can not but suppose from your kind notes to Mrs. Ellet, telling her that I would be relieved, that you will approve of the temporary transfer of the chief command of my fleet to n~iy brother, Lieutenant-Colonel A. Y~V~. Ellet. The great prostration of my system points, I fear, to slow recovery. I can do nothing here but lie in my bed and suffer. I feel deeply the responsibility of transferring this fleet to anyone. Two weeks ago a demoralization, proceeding wholly from cowardice, began to agitate the fleet. My attack on the rebel steamer at Fort Pillow introduced a more wholesome state of feeling. The crew that left the Queen of the West and allowed volunteers to take their place came to me and expressed their deep humiliation, and begged me to give them another chance, promising never to fail me again. It is that same crew that fulfilled its promise so well at Memphis. There is now a most excellent spirit prevailing, and a desire on the part of those who declined, or had no opportunity to go into the late action, to have their share of fame or approbation. Whether this confidence amongst such a heterogeneous material can be transferred to another is to be tested. The conspicuous part acted by Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet at Memphis will make it easier for him to command it than any- one else. I do not propose to leave Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet any instructions. His own judgment will be a better guide to him than mine now. Respectfully, yours, CHARLES ELLET, Jr., Colonel, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 212 212 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. JUNE 16, 1862. SIR: You are hereby detached from the command of the ordnance steamer Judge Zforrence, and will take command of the prize steamer General Price. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. iVestern Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Commanding LE ROY FITCH. Report of Commander Sanford, U. S. Navy, regarding the sunken Confederate floating battery. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., June 16, 186g. SIR: I have examined, in connection with Messrs. Hambleton and Kendall, the floating batt cry that belonged to the rebels, now sunk on a bar about 1 mile above Point Pleasant, and find that she rests upon the upper point of the bar, with broadside to the current. She is much hogged and warped, but neither her planking nor her timbers appear to be broken. She has a battery at present of four navy 8-inch guns and one 32-pounder and one heavy 8-inch gun made in Richmond in 1861, all mounted complete. She was evidently intended to mount 22 guns, as there are eleven circles now exposed on her port side (the one which is not submerged). The army have already removed several guns. She bears the marks of several of our mortar shells. There are three chain cables and about 75 bars of railroad iron (T rail). There are two small engines with connections for pumping. I understand, also, that there is much valuable property on board which can not be got at until the river has receded and left the holds dry. The engine house is sheathed with heavy sheet iron. It was impossible for us to make any particular examination of the holds, engine, and boiler room, as they were filled with water and mud. I would recommend that the property on board of her be removed immediately, and the sheathing taken off from the engine house, and that means be taken to shore her up and secure her from receiving further injury. It is the opinion of the gentlemen that were with me that she can be reconverted into a dock at a small expense, compared with the Cost of a new one. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. SANFORD, Ordnance Officer, Flotilla. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain Page 213 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 213 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, appointing him flag-officer of the Mississippi Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 17, 1862. SIR: You are hereby appointed flag-officer in command of the U. S. naval forces employed on the Mississippi and its tributaries. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHARLES HENRY DAVIS, Ccnnmanding U. S. Naval Forces on the Mississippi and its tributaries, Cairo, Ill. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, expressing appreciation of the services of the latter. WASHINGTON, June 17, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: I can not be satisfied with a mere formal official letter detaching you from the flotilla where you have rendered such great service to the Department and the country without expressing in a more earnest and friendly manner my appreciation of your labors and achievements. The country feel and acknowledge their indebtedness to you, but few know, as I do, the difficulties you have been compelled to encounter and overcome in first creating the flotilla and then carrying it into a series of successful actions xvhich have contributed so largely to the suppression of the rebellion throughout the Southwest. It was with some reluctance that I gave the orders which carried you to the field where you have acquired so great and just renown, for, aware of some of the embarrassments, I saw that you would be tried. I saw also that the army failed to estimate the necessity and value of the naval branch of operations on the Western rivers. Some of these matters we talked over before you left, but I did not express to you all the discouragements that oppressed me then, and which you have since so well surmounted. The history of these matters is yet to be written, for only the results are now patent to the country. I have watched and participated in every movement that has been made, uninfluenced I believe by censure, or complaint, or denuncia- tion from the thoughtless and the designing which has been inflicted on the Department from the commencement of hostilities, and every victory obtained and advance made cheered my heart scarcely less than your own. Most sincerely do I regret the necessity which compels you to seek rest, and ask to be detached from that command which you have so much honored; but I am consoled with the belief that you will be able, in a brief period, with vigor and restored health, to again ele- vate your flag and render additional service. I shall bear in mind your request, and remembering our associa- tion .in boyhood, be happy, as a friend and an officer, to exhibit at all times my confidence and abiding friendship Page 214 214 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Please make my respects to your brother, accept them for yourself, and wishing you speedy restoration to health and to active service, I am, very truly and sincerely, your friend, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, Cleveland. Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting suggestions as to cooper- ation. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Opposite Memphis, June 18, 1862. In consequence of Colonel Ellets wound and subsequent severe illness, the command of the Ram Fleet has devolved upon me. Having just obtained the necessary subsistence supplies for my command, I am now prepared to move down the river. I should be pleased to receive from you such suggestions as will enable me to cooperate with any portion of your fleet for the advantage of the service in which we are both engaged. You will oblige me very much if you will furnish me with your signals, that I may be able to recog- nize your boats whenever I may meet them and especially at night. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, etc. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, responding to request for sugges- tions. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 18, 1862. SIR: I acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of your letter of this days date, and transmit to you herewith the distinguishing pennants of those vessels of this squadron which are now below on detached service. It does not occur to me to make any particular suggestions, such as you refer to. I am in hopes that the principal object of the expedition is already accomplished. The signal by which a recognition betwee~i yourself and the gun- boats at night may be established is the exhibition of two colored lights, which are hoisted and lowered alternately. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. ELLET, Commanding Ram Fleet, Memphis, Tenn Page 215 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 215 Peport of Lieutenant Sanford, U. S. Navy, of armament of tiw IVesterrt Flotilla. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 18, 1862. SIR: Enrlosed I hand you a record of the armament of the flotilla. Should you wish a gun record, which shows the marks and num- bers of the guns, I shall be pleased to furnish you with it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. SAN#ORD, Lieutenant. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding Flotilla, Western Waters. [EnclosUres.] Armament of the gunboats, May 10, 1862. 32-pd 80-pdr. 9-inch 10-inch 50-pdr. 30-pdr. 12-pdr. shot. 8-inch. rifle. Dahi. Dahi. Dahi. Dahi. Parrott how- rifle, rifle. itzer. 8,000 10,000 12,000 43 Cwt. 63 Cwt Lbs Lbs Lbs. iBenton 8 4 2 2 2. MoundCity 6 3 2 1 1 3. Carondelet 6 3 2 1 1 4. Cincinnati 6 3 2 2 5.5t.1~ouis 6 3 2 2 6. Pittsburg 6 3 2 2 7. Louisville 6 3 2 2 8.Cairo 6 3 3 1 *9 Essex 1 3 1 33 Cwt. 10. Eastport 4 4 11. (onestoga 4 59 21 19 5 1 8 3 8 11 1 1. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 * Will have 2 rifled guns, either 50 or 30 pounders. Two steamboats at St. Louis, Mo., are being altered into rams under the direction of Commander Porter. They will each have one XJ-inch Dahlgren gun, solid shot. Respectfully, J. P. SANFORD, Ordnance Officer, Flotilla Page 216 Arsnament of gunboats composing the Flotilla on the western waters June 16, 1862. Name of the vessel. 12-pdr. howitzer. Gunhoat Benton 1 Gunboat Carondelet 1 Gunboat St. Louis 1 Gunboat Plttsburg 1 Gunboat Louisville. 1 Gunboat Mound City.. 1 Gunboat Cairo 1 Gunboat Cincinnati 1 Gunboat Essex 1 Gunboat Conestoga. * 1 Gunboat Lexington 1 Gunboat Tyler 1 Ordnance steamer Great Western 1 Ordnance steamer Judge Torrence 1 Magazine steamer Illinois 1 Prize steamer Alfred Robh 4 Prize steamer Gen. Bragg (proposed) ..11111 Prize steamer Sumter Gunboat Eastport Total armament of Flotilla 19 Guns condemned 1 Transferred to Army Onhand Total guns received 32-pdrs. 13 cwt. 42 cwt. 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 1 4 1 1 4 30-pdr. Par ott. Dahlgren rifles. Total 42-pdr. __________________________ ____- battery army 8-inch. I 9-inch. 10-inch. exclu 60 cwt. rifle. Army Navy 3opdr 30-pdr. siv9of pattern, pattern, howitzer. 2 4 2 1 4 2 3 2~ 13 2 3~ 13 2 3 2! 13 2 3 ii 1 13 3 3 1~ 13 2 3 2! 13 3 1 2~ 7 I ! 4 7 2~ z:jjjjjj~ 7[8] ti 6 1 ~ 2 2 8 4 58 2 18 32 2 17 2 ~~K::IIIIIII 5 5 1 1 6 9 14 31 6 144 20 6 63 3 33 33 10 1 16 20 - 3 t 70 hundredweight. Captured guns. Lost overboard. J. P. SANFORD, Ordnance Officer, Flotilla. *Rffied. C 14 C z 14 LTJ z 112 I applied for two more 50-pounder Dahigren rifles and received in reply that two 30-pounder Parrotts had been forwarded. Respectfully Page 217 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 217 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, for the promotion of free navigation of the Mississippi River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 18, 1862. SIR: In transmitting to you the enclosed copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury on the 13th instant by Lewis Stagg, esq., of Louisville, the Department directs that you will render aid as far as you are able and deem necessary to promote the free navi- gation of the Mississippi and its tributaries. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Quartermaster Fitch, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, offering to transport confiscated cotton to St. Louis. POST QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Memphis, June 18, 1862. CoM1~IoDoRE: I am informed that your fleet has captured on board the steamer Clara Dolsen about 100 bales of cotton, which you propose turning over to the Government to be confiscated. If such is the case, I will, should you desire it, receipt for same, take it up on my property return, and ship it to headquarters, St. Louis, together with a quantity of sugar and molasses now in my charge. I intend sending a boat up to-morrow. I remain, commodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY S. FITCH, Captain and Quartermaster. Flag-Officer DAvIS, Ship Benton. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival at Cairo of the U. S. S. Tyler, needing extensive repairs. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 20, 1862. Sni: The Tyler has just arrived and I have detained the De Soto to communicate with you. She requires extensive repairs, which I will have done here if pos- sible; if not, I shall send her elsewhere. I shall examine her carefully to-morrow, and report more particularly by the next dispatch boat. I enclose you a communication from Lieutenant Commanding Gwin. His reasons for coming here I think are good. The Lexington is expected here to-morrow. Is it possible for you to allow her to remain in this neighborhood? If I do not receive further orders with regard to her, I shall direct Lieutenant Com- manding Shirk to report to you without delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters Page 218 218 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Instructwns from the Secretary of War to Lieutenant-Colonel Filet, commanding Ram Fleet, for cooperative action under the command- ing naval 0/fleer. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., June 20, 1862. I regret that your brothers illness deprives the Government of his skillful and gallant services, but have confidence that you will supply his place better than anyone else. You will observe that by his in- structions the Ram Fleet was placed under the general command of the commander of the gunboat squadron. The President desires you to consider yourself in the same position, believing that cooperative action will be more likely to produce good results than independent action, and that the commander of the gunboats should have chief command. I shall be glad to have full and frequent reports from you. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Col. ALFRED NV. ELLET, Commanding Ram Fleet, opposite Memphis. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Strong, U. S. Army, acceding to the transfer of the captured steamer H. R. W. Hill. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, lJlemphis, June 21, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to receive this morning your letter .of the 20th instant, requesting the transfer of the captured steamer H. P. W. Hill, now lying at Cairo, to the subsistence department of the district under your command. It gives me, general, pleasure to comply with your request. Captain Pennock will have the Hill properly appraised and duly receipted for. I improve this opportunity to express my sincere regret for the accident that lately happened to you. I am very happy to see by your signature that it does not prevent your attending to business. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. iVestern Flotilla, Mississippi River. Brigadier-General W. K. STRONG, Commanding Department of Cairo, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, June 21, 1862. (Received 12 in.) Colonel Charles Ellet, jr., died at this place this a. m. at 4 oclock, on his way to my house at New Albany to recruit his health to enable him to rejoin his fleet. The command will devolve upon Lieutenant Page 219 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 219 Colonel Alfred NV. Ellet, a good officer. The fleet started south from Memphis the 19th. JAMES BROOKS, Q uarte aster U. S. Ram Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to furnish list of prizes captured by the vessels of the Western Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 21, 1862. Siit: Will you please furnish the Department with a statement showing the names, character, and disposition made of prizes that have been captured by the Western Flotilla? No reports were re- ceived from Flag-Officer Foote on the subject. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLLS. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIS, Commanding We2tern Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Wal- lace, U. S. Army, requesting approval of accounts for repairs to seized and captured vessels. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 21, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the steamers Vic- toria, H. R. IV. Hill, General S. Price, Mark R. Cheek, and Acacia, captured or seized here by Colonel Fitch and myself (in addition to some others), have been more or less repaired by Captain H. S. Fitch, assistant quartermaster, in pursuance of an understanding between Colonel Fitch and myself. I have accordingly to request that you will approve the accounts for the repairs of these vessels, with the understanding, had between us last evening, that they would be employed in the public service above and below, as occasion may require. I am, very respectfully, etc., C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding, etc. Major-General LEW. WALLACE, General, Third Division, Memphis, Tenn. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Bryant, U. S. Navy, reporting vessel seen in Forked Deer River. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 21, 1862. SIR: The mail boat of yesterday brought me word that smoke of a steamer was observed in Forked Deer River, in passing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Commanding N. C. BRYANT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cairo, Fort Pillow, Tenn Page 220 220 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Wal- lace, U. S. Army, regarding convoy of supply steamers up White River. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis June 22 1862. GENERAL: I had the pleasure to receive your note to~dar, and I hasten to say to you that one of the gunboats will be immediately as- signed to the duty of convoying the supply steamers up White River. She will be ready to sail at 5 oclock p. m. I would suggest that it would be advisable to distribute a hundred more or less sharpshooters among the supply boats. Our information concerning the activity of the guerrilla bands on the banks of White River is very reliable. I am, general, most respectfully and truly, etc.,. C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Major-General LEWIS WALLACE, General, Third Division, Memphis, Tenn. Letter from Flag-officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Quartermaster Fitch, U. S. Army, referring to promise of convoy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 22, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have answered Major-General Wallaces letter by say- ing that a gunboat will be ready to convoy the steamers at 5 oclock p.m. I have heard nothing further from your father, but I am expecting to hear every hour. Very truly, your friend and servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Captain H. S. FITCH, Assistant Quartermaster, Memphis, Tenn. Report of Captain Davis, U. S. Navy, acknowledging receipt of ap- pointment as flag-officer. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, appointing me flag-officer in command of the United States naval forces employed on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. I transmit by this envelope a detailed report of the action at St. Charles from Lieutenant-Commander W. McGunnegle, the senior officer on duty after Commander Kilty was wounded Page 221 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 221 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the cominunica- tion of the Department of the 18th instant, transmitting a letter to the Hon. S. P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. IVestern Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Major-General Wali~ce, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting captured instructions from B~iga- dier-General Thompson, commanding Missouri State Guard. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, ETC., 2llemphis, June 23, 1862. COMi~IoDoRE: I beg leave to send you a precious document from a very precious scoundrel. Some days ago I heard Jeff Thompson intended to cross back into Arkansas. This paper corroborates the information and indicates the mode of the procedure. All the boats on the river are to be se- cured, numbered, and sent to certain designated places for the use of his command. Any plan you may devise to circumvent the traitor I will be happy to assist you in executing. Very respectfully, sir, your friend and servant, LEWIS WALLACE, General, Third Division. Commodore DAVIS. [Enclosure. I HERNANDO, Miss., June 19, 1862. MAJOR: I have been ordered to have all the ferryboats, wood boats, and skiffs properly secreted, so that the enemy can not destroy them, and we can use them to transport our friends and information across the Mississippi. I will not be able to give personal supervision to the matter on the whole river front, and must request some gentlemen to relieve me on certain sections of the river. I would, therefore, ask you to take charge of the river from Norfolk, or the mouth of Horn Lake Pass, up to Presidents Island, and have the boats on each side of the river hid in the bayous and passes on both sides of the river,~ keeping a memorandum and arranging signals, so that our friends only can have the use of them. Your speedy attention to this matter will be rendering a great service. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF THOMPSON, Brigadier-General, Missouri State Guard. Major BENJ. BYNUM, Horn Lake, Miss Page 222 222 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Daniel, regard- ing the hospital boat Red Rover. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, ilemphis, June 23, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to-night with the hospital boat Red Rover to Cairo in tow of the towboats Brown and Shin giss. On your arrival there you will report in person to Commander Pennock, the fleet captain of the squadron, from whom you will re- ceive orders for your further government. Please suggest to him the following changes: First, to put the gal- ley below and open the cabin aft for a circulation of air; second, a steam boiler for the clothes; thirds awning for the cabin upper side lights. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Jlississippi River. Captain DANIEL, Red Ro ver, ilemphis, Tenn. - Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting an immediate supply of seamen. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the accident to the hound City has deprived me of the services of 150 men; that sickness has still further reduced the efficiency of my squadron, and that the manning of the captured steamers and of the Eastport and Essex create a still further necessity for the addition of some men to the present force. I have, therefore, respectfully to request that 250 seamen, etc., may be sent me at the earliest opportunity. f have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. A~aval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington., D. C. Personal letter from Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy, previous to departure of the latter for home. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 23, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: Your letter, enclosing copy of surgeons certificate, came to hand two days since. I have been influenced to-day with varied feelings by the arrival of an appointment as Flag-Officer for Commodore Davis. I had foreseen that the Department, of necessity, would relieve you upon th Page 223 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 223 certificate; of necessity, because you would give yourself no rest, but let an uneasy mind and an anxious heart wear upon your feeble strength. Once free of all care or thought of responsibility, and with no hope deferred of the from time-to-time appointed day when you would return to this command, we may hope that you will mend apace and your friends for many years enjoy your presence among us. I have feared that this might not be realized; yet, now I look forward with confidence. There can be no contradiction in saying that while I esteem it great good fortune to be associated as I am with so superior an officer as the commodore, and one, too, whom I so much like, I yet feel that disappointment there is no shaking off in the breaking up of relations formed in a fullness of purpose and cemented by kindness and continued acts borne in grateful memory. We all, probably, indulge the imagination in pictures of the poivenir, and mark out a future associated with the friends about us. I have done this in this war with an intensity the greater because of its stern realities and the entire manner in which my sense of duty in it had taken possession of my mind and thoughts. When you induced me to withdraw that application, I did it designing to return to my duty in these waters with still greater earnestness of purpose; but the whole future was to be inseparably connected with you. What- ever I might hope the flotilla would accomplish was with you as the leader, the head and front. All we have passed through since you left has not sufficed to turn my thoughts from the plans, hopes, and wishes of the future confidently built upon months since. It does not yet seem natural that someone else should appear as chief actor in a so long grateful vista. I have more reason than all others com- bined to feel your absence, and I have more acts of benefit and kind- ness to remember and cherish than they; and I, too, have more reason to feel grateful for the foresight and solicitude that so soon led you to apply for and secure the commodore for your relief. But I have fallen upon a strange strain; one terribly egotistical; one in which I shall fail to make myself under~tood. A few words would have told all and infinitely more. If I were given that way, as the com- modore is, I should quote you Shakespeare. The hospital boat was dispatched from here last evening to get the poor sufferers from the Mound City to more comfortable quarters. That has been the most terrible accident known in these waters. No imagination can picture to itself the condition of those burned, scalded, and wounded who still live. It is the most piteous spectacle human suffering could present. Poor Kilty was, they said, doing well; but he suffers terribly. His heart is as tender as a womans. Scarcely any of them are recognizable. Doctor Jones is more pros- trated than Captain Kilty and less likely to survive. Mr. Dominy, first master, happened to be on deck and escaped. One engineer and one pilot were on Clara Dolsen. One engineer, the carpenter, and one other officer are still alive, but most sadly burned. One hundred and twelve have died so far. The Sisters of Charity, who caine down at once, advised all being sent to the Mound City Hospital, which they represent now as very perfect for its purpose. The Cincinnati (Captain Winslow, who wants to return to St. Louis when Porter leaves there, ~ow near at hand) is in White River with the St. Louis and Lexington. A crew is here for the Mound City, and will be sent down to-morrow, The White River has fallen so muc Page 224 224 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. that our vessels are obliged to leave it. I presume we will move down the river soon, as this place may be considered safe. General Grant arrived here last evening and takes command. Our troops are not very strong here, but will soon be increased. Colonel Webster is military commandant at Memphis (local). The place has rapidly improved since our arrival. There is one thing very evident, that it was very unfortunate for the rebel cause that their gunboats should have chosen this spot for their fighting ground. rfhere were too many witnesses. Captain Dove flourishes here. Walke is a perfect ship keeper. There is a prospect that the Eastport will be ready in one month. I flatter myself that I have arranged our quarters on board of her so as to promise the greatest amount of comfort. The Bragg has been fitted up with extra accommodations for the flag- officer in case of need. The Price will be repairedis now in Cairo so that we shall have to thank the rebels for three rams, to say nothino of the Little Rebel. The health of the squadron generally is good an~ the people in good spirits. I will now arrange with Commodore Davis about the mess affairs and will have the ration matters settled so as to send to you the proper amount. Your kind proposition so far as regards myselfmy share is so like you that I recognize only the same spirit of unceasing kind- ness. That india-rubber coat you had better let me send to you. It is a remarkably fine one and will keep perfectly well, and be useful to you frequently at home. The mortars I will send on to New Haven by express in a few days. Is there anything else here? Captain Wise and Paymaster Dunn were here to-day. Henriques is trying to settle his accounts, and lives on shore. He is not well yet. The commodore sends his best. love. I am now receiving letters from Mrs. Phelps regularly. I regret you could not have gone to my fathers. It will afford me pleasure to keep in mind the buck horns for Mrs. Foote. Pray make my best regards to her. I do trust this will find you greatly improved. Respectfully and very truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, Cleveland, Ohio. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding care of the sick of the flotilla. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 23, 1862. SIR: I entirely approve of Doctor Bixbys proposition to take nurses from the mortar fleet up with him to Cairo; but I think they had better return in the same vessel. The sick will probably most of them be landed at Mound City at the hospital, and these men can assist in their removal, after which the boat will return to her station here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Captain H. E. MAYNADIER, U. S. Army, Commanding Mortar Fleet, Memphis, Penn Page 225 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 225 Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, dispctching the hospital boat Red Rover to Cairo, Ill. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, Jane 24, 1862. SIR: The hospital boat Red Rover will report herself at Cairo, and my letters to the captain and surgeon will explain the object of her visit.. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. I)AvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. lVestern Flotilla, Jiississip~pi River. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Colonel Fitch, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Dacis, U. S. Na cy, expressing a wish for duty with the Flotilla. STEAMER WHITE CLOUD, Mississippi River, June ~ 1862. SIR: If the troops under my command are not ordered up White River and you are ordered to Vicksburg with your flotilla and desire land forces to accompany you, I would thank you to ask to have my regiment accompany you. Very respectfully, yours, G. N. FITCH, Colonel, Commanding Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. Commodore DAVIS, Commanding ;Jlississippi Flotilla. Instructions from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Assistant Surgeon Biwby, U. S. Na cy, regarding the disposition of the wounded from the U. S. S. Mound City. U. S. FLAGSHIP BENTON, ilemphis, June 24, 1862. SIR: The hospital boat Red Rover will leave this evening for Cairo. On your arrival there you will report to Commander Pennock and consult with him as to the best method of disposing of the wounded from the gunboat Mound City. To transfer them either to the Mound City Hospital or to carry them still farther up to St. Louis seems to me altogether the best plan. Captain Kilty expresses a wish to go to the latter hospital. Doctor Jones, Pilot Young, Carpenter Manning, and Hospital Steward Seegur will take the earliest boat to Cincinnati, where they will be accompanied by Dr. McNeeley. Captain Wise will furnish them with funds, of which I have given him a memorandum, and for which he will take your receipt. I leave it to you and Commander Pennock to dispose of any other of the patients in whatever way you think best. 49518w xv BVOL 2309 1 Page 226 226 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. It is a source of the deepest gratification to me to know that these poor wounded men are in the hands of so able, attentive, and humane a physician as yourself. I have witnessed your devotion to them with profound gratitude, and I am sure you must enjoy the highest of all rewards, the consciousness of having done your duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAY is, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, llississippj River. G. H. BIXBY, Al. D., Assistant Surgeon, hospital Boat Red Rover. General instructions from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Com- mander Winslow, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cincinnati. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 25, 1862. SIR: I send you with this a large load of coal and a hundred men for the Mound City on board the Champion. This vessel you may employ in raising the Maurepas, if, in your judgment, it is expedient, taking into consideration, first, the value of the vessel when raised; second, the necessary detention. Mr. Scoville, brother of the late Fourth Master Scoville, of the Mound City, goes down to receive the body of his brother, if possible; please assist him in this to the extent of your ability. I wish you to direct Mr. Wise and some other suitable person to take an inventory of all the provisions on board the Mound City before the crew is allowed to go on board from the Champion; or, in other words, before rations are served out to them from her stores. I wish you to send back the Conestoga, St. Louis, and the Mound City. General Grant, who is in command here, is in correspondence with General Halleck and the further prosecution of the expedition to White River. The result will probably be that General Fitch will be reinforced, and that boats of light draft will be hastily fitted up as gunboats, with pilot houses and machinery protected against rifle shot. Very respectfully, etc., C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Flotilla. Commander JNO. A. WINSLOW, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Cincinnati, Whitc River, Ark. Letter from the Chief Clcrle, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, giving information regarding the topography of Vicks burg. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE AND ITYDROGRAPIJY, Navy Department, Washington City, June 25, 18612. DEAR SIR: Having lived a long time in the region to which you are probably bound, there are a few items pf information that I be Page 227 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 227 leave to offer to you which may not occur to those not familiar with the country. They are these: Some 15 miles above Vicksburg is the Yazoo River; some 100 miles up is Yazoo City, a very large cotton depot. At high water boats carrying a thousand bales come out. Above the town run the Sunflower [Riven and Deer Creek, the finest cotton region in the State or elsewhere. Deer Creek is thickly set- tled by large plantations, and runs from 10 to 30 miles back (east), parallel with the Mississippi. At high water flatboats enter Deer Creek at Delta, Miss., a few miles below Helena, and trade down the creek, coming out the Yazoo. There mus~ be a large amount of cotton in this country. The next point is this: Some few miles, perhaps 5, below the mouth of Yazoo, on the opposite side, some 10 or 12 miles above \Ticksburo. the river runs thus: * This neck of land is not a mile across. Boats ascending and de- scending can be seen across, and it was always a source of fear that negroes would cut a ditch across some night and let the river through, leaving the town high up on a chute. This can be done. I have often seen the river flow over, but it then leaves a deposit and does not cut a channel. It is some 10 or 12 miles around. The third point is Vicksburg and its topography. The county of Warren is all hilly and rough. The Jackson Railroad runs out in a southeast direction from the southerly end of V[icksburg] through these hills to Big Black, over which is a bridge of high trestlework a mile long, the Big Black bottom being that wide; hence it is some 30 miles to Jackson, running eastward, through a level country. The road to Jackson runs out of the northeast corner of Vicksburg, crossing the railroad 2 miles out, and runs nearly parallel with it. I give these items as they may possibly be of use to your coadjutors. There is a large iron foundrycasting guns and shoton the bank of the river, at the lower end of the town, carried on by one A. B. Reading, probably a traitor by force of circumstances. There must be in the town a large element of latent Unionism, as the vote of the town was, in times past, always cast against that party which nursed secession in its cradle. Lawyer W. C. Smedes, from New York, and a Burwell, of Virginia, belonged to this class, opposing repudiation and all such schemes, and they are the two most prominent citizens. Hoping these items may prove of service, Jam, your obedient servant, R. A. WATKIN5ON, Chief Clerk. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Of/leer Dacis, U. S. Navy, proposby the opening of communication through neck of land opposite Vicksburg. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 25, 1862. Sw: The Department desires to call your attention to the narrow neck of land opposite Vicksburg, formed by a bend in the Mississippi River. the width of which is probably uot more than three-quarters * Drawing omitted Page 228 228 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. of a mile. The water sometimes flows over this, and it is thought that by opening a ditch the river will soon form a channel through, sufficient for purposes of navigation and thus obviate the necessity of passing Vicksburg. As soon as practicable you should examine into the feasibility of this measure. Flag-Officer Farragut is probably near Vicksburg, moving up the river in pursuance of instructions from the Department, and it is desirable that you should cooperate with him in the leading object in view, the opening of the Mississippi. It may be practicable to communicate with him across the neck of land to which I have ref~rred, and, if so, an object so desirable should not be neglected. Your movements, however, should be made with prudence and caution. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding West Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Walke, U. S. Navy, regarding men wishing to be transferred to the Army. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 25, 1862. SIR: I have received a communication from certain soldiers on board your vessel asking to be transferred back to their regiment. I have no authority to act in this case, and I wish you would make this known to those men who signed the application. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander H. WALKE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Carondelet, Memphis, Tenn. Letter from Flag-Officet Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Bryant, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cairo, acknowledging report. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 26, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 25th has been received. I have taken note of your report of the guns, gun carriages, shot, and shell at Fort Pillow. I am glad to hear from you that the Forked Deer River is clear. The movement of our troops on the railroad from Columbus to Grand Junction, [Teun.], will exercise a salutary influence over the guerrilla bands in that section. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Corn dg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Conimanding N. C. BRYANT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cairo, Fort Pillow, Tenn Page 229 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 229 Order of Flag-Officer Dacis, U. S. zVaty, to Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, regarding prisoners. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, IJIe?nphis, June 26, 1862. SIR: Yours of June 25 has been received. The prisoners were sent to you in the Little Rebel, which broke down 20 miles below Fort Pillow. You will have to run down and get them. You will also find on board of her one or more dispatches from me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant Commanding E. THo1~IPSoN, U. S. Navy, Commanding Pittsburg, Fort Pillow, Tenn. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the preparation of a list of prizes captured by the Western Flotilla. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 26, 1862. SIR: I have the hohor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June 21, calling for a statement of the names and character of the prizes that have been captured by the Western Flotilla and of the disposition made of them. I have given directions to prepare this statement, and it will be taken in hand immediately. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer; Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, IVashington, D. C. Report of Commander Pennocic, U. S. Nary, regarding affairs at Cairo, Ill. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, June 26, 1862. SIR: I enclose for your consideration the appointment of NV. F. Chess, masters mate; of Lewis D. Johnson, carpenter; also of Mr. McAllister, as third master. Mr. Chess is intended for the Sumter, Johnson for the Bragg. The sternpost of the Red Rover is broken from the keel up, and she will have to be hauled out on the ways for repairs. I will have the work done as soon as possible. I enclose herewith communication from Lieutenant Commanding Gwin, received by me this morning Page 230 230 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I hope to have the Sumter ready to leave by Sunday. We shall then be able to increase the force on the Bragg and have her ready in a short time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on the lVestern Waters. Report of Flag-OfJIce~ Paris, U. S. Nary, regarding hospital boat Red Rorer. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 27, 1862. SIR: It is reported to me this morning that William Cross, seaman, against whom charges were preferred by Lieutenant Commanding Gwin as a spy, has escaped from confinement at St. Louis, Mo. I have the honor to report to the Department that I have sent the hospital boat Red Rover to Cairo, by advice of the medical officers of the fleet. The scalded patients suffered excessively from the heat of the weather. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHARLES HENRY DAVIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Na cal Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. Letter from George H. Bixby, 11. P., to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding uoanded from the U. S. S. hound City. NAVAL FLOATING HOSPITAL IRED ROVER, Off Mound City, June 27, 1862. DEAR SIR: I can not resist acknowledging, with the deepest grati- tude, your kind approbation of my humble efforts toward the unfor- tunate victims of the past week. While your words send. a thrill of encouragement. through the heart of one anxious to serve his country, yet he feels that in the performance of ones plain and positive duty there lies no merit. The satisfaction of having endeavored to (10 my (lilly is mine, which, as you truly remark, is the greatest reward. our time, I aim Trusting I may be pardoned for this trespass on y Yours, respectfully, GEORGE H. BIXBY, M. D. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Western Flotilla, Mississippi Ricer Page 231 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 231 Operations against Virksbarg,* Jane 28July 25, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding proposals for cooperation from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 28, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I have this moment received a communication from Flag-Officer Farragut, below Vicksburg, inviting my cooperation in the reduction of that city. I leave at the earliest possible moment. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, (~omdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the impossibility of reducing Vicksburg without increased coop- eration. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Above Vicksburg, June 28, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I requested Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet to send you word that I intended to make an attack on this place in a day or two. We have been shelling it with the mortar fleet two days and made the attack with the fleet proper this morning at 4 oclock. We passed along the whole line, silencing the batteries for the moment; but the moment we had passed out of our range, they would up again and rake us with the guns that were intended for your fleet. I think, therefore, that so long as they have the military force to hold the back country, it will be impossible for me to reduce the place without your assistance and that of the Army. I have only about 3,000 sol- diers, under General Williams, associated with me, but they are not sufficient to land in the face of all Van Dorns division of Beaure- gards army. I shall request Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet to send you this letter, and then I shall pass down again below the city, where my supplies are. You can communicate across the peninsula, through General Williams, who is cutting a ditch to change the rivers course. We sustained a very heavy fire from the numerous batteries for a while; some of my fleet did not get through. I have not yet heard the amount of casualties. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet has just informed me that General Halleck is in or near Memphis. I will therefore address him a letter to ask the land force to take Vicksburg. It is impossible for us to take the place, as their troops lie in the rear of the hills. I will await your answer with great anxiety. My orders * See also Vicksburg, operations against, Series 1, volumes 18 and 19, Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies iii the War of the Rebellion, in which are published the reports and correspondence regarding the operations of the Western Flotilla and Mississippi Marine Brigade, with the vessels of the West Gulf Squadron nuder Flag-Officer Farragut.CoMPILER Page 232 232 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. are so peremptory that I must do all in my power to free the river of all impediments; that I must attack them, although I know it is use- less. The river will soon be so low that we will not be able to get our ships down. So you see my position. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding IVestern Gun boat Flotilla. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., June 29, 1862. (Received June 30, 10 a. in.) Flag-Officer Davis left Memphis for Vicksburg yesterday evening, having heard from Flag-Officer Farragut below Vicksburg. A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary ATavy. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of his force. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Commerce, Mississippi River, June 29, 1862. SIR: I left Memphis early this mornino with four gunboats and six mortar boatson my way to Vicksburg.~ I have sent two gunboats up White River, to accompany Colonel Fitchs brigade. I leave two gunboats at Memphis, by General Grants request, and one at Fort Pillow. This is all my disposable force at the pre~ent moment. The Bragg and Sumter will join me this week. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on Mis8issippi River and its tributaries. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Sec-retaiy of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Grant, U. S. Army, forwarding request to Major-General Halleck, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Island No. 67, June 30, 1862. SIR: I have received a communication from Commodore Farragut, saying it will be absolutely necessary to have additional troops t Page 233 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 233 occupy Vicksburg after the batteries are silenced. May I request you to communicate this to General Halleck? I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Major-General U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department West Tennessee, Memphis, Tenn. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, June 30, 1862. I have arrived at. Island No. 76 [67?] and am in communication with Flag-Officer Farragut. C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. [Telegram.] MEMPHIS, TENN., June 28, 1862. News has just. been received from Commodore Farragut. Gun- boats have left here to cooperate in the attack on Vicksbur~. A land force of 13,000 is said to be up from New Orleans. One, if not two, gunboats will be here in the morning from mouth of White River. I have sent a force from here, and thus opened again the telegraph communication; will endeavor to keep it so. I have written and telegraphed via Columbus, Ky. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. Maj. Gen. H. IV. HALLECK~ Corinth, Miss. [Newspaper clipping.] Later from Vicksburg.Official dispatches from Colonel Ellet to Secretary Stanton. Commodore Farragut with nine vessels passes Vicksburg. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Above Vicksburg, June 28, via Memphis, July 2. Since my dispatch informing you that I had communicated with Flag-Officer Farragut, I have been able to maintain constant. inter- course with his fleet through the active energy of General Williams. On the 26th instant I went up the Yazoo River with two rams, the Monarch and Lancaster, the latter under command of Medical Cadet Charles R. Ellet. I proceeded about 65 miles to a point where the river is obstructed by a raft built by the enemy, and protected by four guns in battery. My object was to capture or destroy three of the enemys gunboats that I was informed were lying before the raft, the Van Porn ,Polk Page 234 234 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and Livingston. I ran up close under the battery and was morti- fied to see the enemy set fire to the boats and start them adrift down the river upon us. I was obliged to leave the river to escape the con- flagration. The three boats were totally destroyed. The enemy did not fire upon us. It is with great pleasure that I announce the arrival of Flag- Officer Farragut, with nine vessels of his fleet, above Vicksburg. They passed up this forenoon, ab,out 5 oclock, through a severe fire from some thirty or forty of the enemys guns. Their loss, as far as reported, was 4 men killed and 13 wounded. ALFRED [W.] ELLET, Lieutenant-Colonel. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing the conjunction of his com- mand with that of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. U. S.. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vie/cs burg, July 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the fleet of, Flag-Officer Farragut and the flotilla under my command joined company at this place yesterday morning. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, IVestern Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IVashington, D. C. Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, offering a steamer for general service. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, July 3, 1862. Permit me to enquire if I may supply my fleet with ice by requisi- tion from your barge. I should be pleased to learn if you desire me to furnish a boat to carry the mail to Memphis to-morrow. It is entirely within my pow-er to furnish a steamer every third day, if desirable for the pub- lic service, and yet retain my command sufficiently strong at this point for any emergency that may probably arise during the progress of this siege. If it should occur to you that I may be of service in any way for public benefit, I trust that you will not forget that your suggestions will be received with pleasure. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, Lieu ten ant- Colonel, Commanding Pam Fleet. C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, etc Page 235 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 235 Letter from Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEA1~IER BENTON, iVear Vickslntrg, July 6, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: * * * The Ben ton, Cincinnati, Louis cille, and Carondelet, with the provision and ordnance boats and six mortar boats, left Memphis on the 29th, arriving here on the 1st instant. The Conestoga has since come down from White River; this is our force. At this point, some 5 or 6 miles above Vicksburg, we found Flag-Officer Farraguts fleet, which had run the blockade some three days before, or, rather, eight vessels of his fleet, his flag flying on board the Hartford. You may suppose there was great cheering at the meeting. The lower fleet has vessels of the class of the Rich- ?nond, Iroquois, and Winona, all beautiful specimens of each respec- tive class. How great the contrast of the two forces. We found the officers discouraged about the place they had passed and all satisfied that nothing could be done except with the aid of a land force. The batteries are on bluffs, are much scattered, and covered by a large army. These bluffs do not rise abruptly, but xvith a slope such that the batteries, placed at some distance from the river, sweep the slope and river shores. * * * It is presumed that the fleet will not linger here, but will run back to below the batteries very soon. One thousand negroes are working hard upon a canal across the point here, 14 miles long, which, if successful, will leave Vicksburg some 4 or 5 miles from the river. Commander Porter is shelling the bat- teries and town from below and Maynadier from above. We are soon to go up the Yazoo to destroy the Arkamsas and clear the river out. It is expected that a large land force will reach here from above. The Lexington is in White River; Colonel Fitch has some 3,000 or 4,000 men, but will have to retire, the river being too low for navigation. Nothing of the Essex yet. The Eastport will be ready in time, if enough be given. The Sumter is on her way down, and the Bragg leaves Cairo to-day. The St. Louis and Mound City are at Memphis and the Cairo at Fort Pillow. The Pittsburg is at Cairo for repairs. * * * Respectfully and most sincerely, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, New Ha yen, Conn. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, in view of the withdrawal of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, from Mississippi Uiver. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1862. SIR: Flag-Officer Farragut has been instructed to procee(l with his fleet to the Gulf for the purpose of conducting operations at some point or points on the coast, and to leave you in control and posses- sion of the Mississippi, or the greater part of it. The point south to which it may be advisable to extend your command will be deter- mined by Flag-Officer Farragut and yourself. The Department will rely upon you, assisted by the army at essential points, to keep the river open and to destroy any of the rebel gunboats that may be afloat in th.e Western waters. If your force te considered insufficient fo Page 236 236 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the efficient discharge of the duty confided to you, Flag-Officer Far- ragut will leave with you two or three of his light-draft steamers. If not actually necessary this should be avoided, as the Department desires Flag-Officer Farragut to have at his command for contem- plated operations all the available force possible. Forward to the Department as early as practicable a statemeiit showing the names, armament, complement, etc., of the vessels that will constitute your flotilla. I take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 23d, 24th, 26th, 27th, and 28th of June and the 2d and 4th of July. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIS, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, near Vick8burg, 111i88. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, proposing a combined attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas off Vlcksburg. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD~ Below Vicle8burg, July 16, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I find that we are peculiarly situated just now both in reference to the trust we have for the country and the great responsibility to which we would be held for any disastrous result from the escape of this ram and the evils attending such a misfortune. I can but think, as you have the ironclad boats, the country will expect you to cope with the ram better than my wooden vessels and will look to you for his destruction, but I desire to do my part and full share in this matter, and therefore have to propose that we make a combined attack upon him in Vicksburg, taking the fire of the bat- teries and looking only to the destruction of the ram, regardless of consequences to ourselves. Now, if you will come down in the morning, pass the first battery on the bend of the river before day, so as to arrive off Vicksburg at daylight, I will meet you with my forces, and we will fight the forts and the ram, while your ironclads look to the destruction of the ram particularly. We know by experience, having twice passed these forts, that we can keep them well employed, so that you can have full play at the ram, and we will be able to help you occasionally. I pro- pose, therefore, that you take this matter into consideration and name your day and hour. We will meet off Vicksburg. I will be there to support you and receive your support, and I trust that we may be able to dispose of this ram effectually. I have intended for the past two nights to attack him with my three ships only, but we were unable to see him last night, and all the officers and pilots think it will be the same to-night, as he has been moving about all the afternoon, which shows that he is able to move up and down the river. What his damage is I know not, but feel satisfied that we can take him in the way proposed. Very truly and respectfully, your friend, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding IVestern Flotilla, above Vicksburg Page 237 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 237 Extract from letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, responding to proposition for immediate attack upon the ram. U. S. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Off Vick8burg, July 17, 1862. Finally I will write you in reply to your letter of this morning this afternoon, and meaning to do so I will not detain your orderly any longer. But you will not be surprised that having myself learned a lesson of patience at Fort Pillow, and witnessed its exer- cise at Columbus and Island No. 10, I should be unwilling to put in jeopardy all the great triumphs and interests which are placed in my keeping. I have watched eight rams for a month, and now find it no hard task to watch one. I think patience as great a virtue as boldness, and feel anxious, above all things, to save that portion of the Republic which lies adjacent to and dependent upon the Missis- sippi from an alarm which would interrupt its business, destroy its peace, and affect the public credit at home and abroad. You must regard me always, with honest differences of opinion, as faithfully and cordially your friend, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy. Letter from Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, stating his reasons for not leaving the Upper Mississippi. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vick8 burg, July 20, 1862. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL (or Rear-Admiral, I believe it is): I wish Mrs. Farragut knew as much as we do; her mind would be at ease with regard to your passing down. I have come to the final determination, from which, indeed, I have hardly once deliberately departed, that it would be an inexcusable sacrifice of the greatest of the country to abandon the possession of the Upper Mississippi, and that this would be the unavoidable con- sequence of an attack, such as you propose. At the very moment when the extent of river in my keeping is increased threefold, I have also become responsible for the safety of General Curtiss army, and for its maintaining communication with its sources of supply. And at this very moment, also, I hear that the enemy are building boats which, in my absence, would give them the control of the whole trade and intercourse of the river from Vicks- burg up. And again, at this very moment there is not a vessel in my squadron which is not rendered inefficient by sickness and vacancies, while of the fourteen vesels of which the squadron is composed seven only are here, and of those seven one is below. I have 129 mortar men and 1 army officer here. Of this number of 130, 100 are sick. The proportion of the sick in the crews of the gunboats is not so enormous. In this vessel the number of sick and deficient is one in four; in the (Jarondelet it is one in two (every other one); in the Louis ville, one in three, about, etc Page 238 238 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. It will be with difficulty that I shall hold my own in the approach- ing sickly season. The anxiety we are called upon to bear, which, as you justly say, is too great to keep up, is a part of our condition as commanders in chief, and beloi~gs to all high and responsible stations in such tunes as these. It is like the watch the king keeps to maintain the peace. It is an old ache that, like a chronic disease, does not prevent sleeping and eating. I will send you Porter with the Essex. You will then have my largest ironclad boat and most powerful ironclad ram, provided it will relieve your mind from anxiety. In the meantime I shall keep lip an active fire with the mortars morning and night, not at noon. We struck the Arkai~sas with our bombs twice yesterday. I send you some late papers. Pray remember me to Mrs. Farragut when you write. Yours, always, truly, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer FARRAGUT. Flag-Officer. P. S.Captain Pike has just come on board to tell me that he has struck the Arkansas this morning twice again. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farra~ut, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed operations against the ram. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksliurg, July 21, 1862. DEAR ADMIRAL: The ram iS anchored between the two upper forts. We shall either drive her down to you, destroy her, or force her to come up the river; in the latter case, we are ready for her. I beg you not to think of passing the lower forts. This, you will remember, was the upshot of our conversation to-day. I will take all the coal now above Vicksburg, charged to your fleet., off your hands. Tell Captain Erben I expect the Sumter to do her whole duty. Most faithfully, yours, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Commanding 1 Vest Gulf Blockading Squadron, Below Vieksburg, Miss. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding operations below Vicksburg. U. S. FI~AGsrnr HARTFORD~ Below Vicksburg, July 23, 1862. Mx- DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I received by the hands of your young man, Mr. Post, a telegram from the Department yesterday, to drop down and not get caught in the river, but I really feel doubtful o Page 239 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 239 your having sufficient force below here for the control of the rebel ram, but of that you are the best judge. We were aroused this morning by a heavy firing about 10 miles below. Soon after, one of our army steamers, with the sick on board (she had been to take the negroes home), returned to the anchorage, stating that she had been fired into by a three-gnu battery and had been struck twelve times, and the captain of one of the companies killed. I had made all the arrangements for having an armed vessel to accompany each steamer and a gunboat the whole. Why this ves- sel was sent off in the night without this escort I know not. I have sent Commander Palmer to see the general, and will send a force down to shell them out, and as soon as all the arrangements are made I will drop down the ships to-morrow, I hope, at the furthest. rrhese fellows will give you great trouble. If Porter is overmatched, he can fall down upon our vessels below, but. I can not afford to keep a force of any consequence this side of New Orleans, where I shall have the Pensacola, iJiississ~pp~, and Portsmouth permanently, and almost always some other vessel there for temporary repairs, etc. Our great object in not letting the ram get below this is, that he can get coal or anything he wants from Natchez, Red River, etc. I will take all the ferryboats as I go down, to keep them from crossing troops, cat- tle, etc. If there is anything else that you think the public interest requires of me, please let me know, and if I can do anything for you per- sonally, you know that nothing would give me more pleasure. With my best wishes for a speedy release from this embarrassment by an increase of both land and naval forces. I remain, very truly, your friend, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Brigadier-General Williams, U. S. Army, to Fiag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, upon withdrawal of the former from Vicksburg. HEADQUARTERS, ETC., Opposite Viclcsburg, July 24, 1862. My DEAR SIR: I will not attempt to disguise that I regret to leave this exceedingly. I am really distressed to have effected so little at so much cost to my command in its effective strength, but with an increasing sick list, which must soon, if it has not already, reduced me below the ability for effective service, I have no alternatlve but to go. Please accept the ice boat and its contents, which I have directed to be turned over to you by the guard placed in charge, and accept the assurances of my high esteem, and my wishes for your continued and great success. Most truly amid respectfully, T. ~V1LLIAMs, Brigadier- General. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, etc., Comimamding Western Flotilla~, opposite Vicksburg Page 240 240 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1862. The Secretary of the Navy desires to know whether you have, or intend to have, any land force to cooperate in the operations at Vicks- burg. Please inform me immediately, inasmuch as orders he intends to give will depend on your answer. EDWIN M. STANTON. Maj or-General HALLECK. [Telegram.] CORINTH, July 15, 1862. I can not at present give Commodore Farragut any aid against Vicksburg. I am sending reinforcements to General Curtis in Arkansas and to General Buell in Tennessee and Kentucky. H. W. HALLECK~ Hon. E. M. STANTON. Major-General. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP BENTON, A& oce Vick8burg, July 25, 1862. SIR: The surgeon of this vessel sent me, this morning, the enclosed letter. Flag-Officer Farragut and Brigadier-General Williams xvent down the river yesterday. When I urged the latter to stay to keep open the communication above and below Vicksburg, he replied that of the 3,200 men brought here by him, only 800 were fit for duty; the other three-fourths of his command had died, or were in the hospital with fever. Sometimes as many as ten died in a day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretary of the Nacy, IVashinglon. [Enclosure.] FLAGSHIP BENTON, Near Vicksbarg, July 25, 1862. SIR: Having carefully noted the effects of this climate, with its combined influence of temperature and miasmatic poison, which at this season of the year exerts a most pernicious influence upon those coming from a more northern latitude, I feel it to be my duty, being a member of the medical department of this flotilla, to warn you, in time to save those under our charge from the diseases which in my opinion must eventuate in disabling our entire squadron. At the present time I find 40 per cent of our crews upon the sick lists of their respective vessels, and I can safely say, judging from personal observation, that by the daily increase of sickness we must soon report a much larger per cent of these unfit for duty and re- quiring the assistance of those who have not yet succumbed to the prevailing diseases. In this way you can plainly determine to what extent the expedition may be crIppled Page 241 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 241 I may also add in conclusionpardon me the liberty already taken upon your timethat from having had a personal knowledge of the diseases of this latitude for some years, I apprehend that the charac- ter of our maladies will take on a more serious turn, changing from the ordinary intermittent to the remittent congestion and typhoid fevers of this climate. Respectfully, II. BEAUCHAMP, Assistant Surgeon, lienton. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Flotilla, Mississippi River. Log of the ram Lancaster No. 3, 1862. Thursday, June 19, 1862.At 12 m. rain La aster left [Memphis] for Vicksburg, followed by the Monarch, Fulton, iilingo, and Lioness. Had on board about 300 sharpshooters from the Fifty-third and Fifty-ninth Illinois. Arrived at mouth of St. Francis River at 0 p. In., 90 miles below Memphis. Laid all night. Friday, June 20.Went up St. Francis River 50 miles; saw a great deal of cotton that had been burned, but found no boats and no signs of the enemy. Returning, we were informed by a party on the bank that there was a barge containing 150 bales of cotton, which had been concealed about 20 miles up; we found the barge, with all the cotton, burned. Arrived at the mouth of the river at 4 p. m. Landed on the Mississippi shore at Helena. Laid all night. During the voyage down met many men from Arkansas flying from the con- scription acts and at our landing place saw many men carrying pro- visions to refugees hidden near the shore of the Mississippi, where the impressment seemed to be far less obeyed than in her sister State. Saturday, June 21.Captured a ferryboat 3 miles below Helena, Which had been carrying rebel troops across the Mississippi. We sunk her. Perceived several squads of cavalry on the Arkansas shore; they made no demonstration as the rams passed. Overhauled fifteen men at 11 a. m. (trying to escape impressment in the rebel service) on their way to Memphis; they were allowed to continue their course, but they soon came back to the fleet and enlisted under the old flag, fearing that they never would reach Memphis. 11.30 a. m. landed at Friars Point, Miss. Colonel Ellet heard that the Van Dorn, the only rebel ram that escaped at Memphis, had gone up the Yazoo River. She was hurried down the river so fast she made no stop at Helena but threw out a bottle with the news of the fight at Memphis. She carried the white flag 40 miles down the river below Memphis before she thought of pulling down the symbol of truce. Left at 1 p. in.; found cotton burning on both sides of the river. Landed 5 p. m. for the night at Laconia, Ark. Sunday, June 22.Left at 7 a. m. and arrived at Laconia at 2 p. m. Whistled to land, when the members and preacher of the church ran out of the building. After the ram had landed some ten or twelve planters came on board. Colonel Ellet received them and assured them he had no design or disposition to molest unarmed citizens or interfere with the rights of private property. Left at 3.30 p. rn. Landed at Greenville, Miss., at 6 p. ni. for the night. The town 49~18N w i~Y0L 2309 1~ Page 242 242 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. almost deserted by the whites. Many negroes. Night very hot and smoky from cotton burning on the river banks. Monday, June 23.Left at 7 a. m.~ Day hot and very smoky; can not see the shore plainly. Pass Grand Lake, [Ark.], 35 miles below Greenville, at 10 a. m. Landed at Lake Providence 2 p. m. Planters came on board; they mostly wanted the late papers from the North. Negroes were the happiest set we had seen since we left Memphis. Saw one negro I had known for ten years; all he wanted to know was if he were free. Gave him a paper to read. Left at 3: 30 p. m. In sight of Island [No.] 98 at 5: 20 p. in., when we saw a great smoke to the left of the island. Monarch signaled for Lancaster to go in at head of the island, Monarch in at foot. Discovered it to be 200 bales of cotton on fire. Found we could not save it. Left at 6 p. m. Landed at Paw Paw Island, or [No.] 103, at 7:20 p. m. for the night. Tuesday, June 24.Left at 8 a. m. Day fine. Left Mingo and Lioness at Island [No.] 103 to guard the coal barges. The three others continued their way down the river. Going down we picked up a German in a skiff. He said he lived in Vicksburg and. that he had been rowing two deserters from the rebel forces there to a place of security. He declared himself a strong Unionist. He told Col- onel Ellet there were two batteries at Vicksburg, one above and one other below town, on the bluffs, and both of these mounted ten good- sized guns, whose caliber he could not tell. There might be other fortifications, but he had not seen them. Commodore Farragut was 3 miles below Vicksburg, but had not begun the attack up to that time; but he had shelled and burned the little town of Warrenton, 12 miles below Vicksburg, as the rebels had fired on his vessels. At that time there were two rebel regiments in Vicksburg and some 12,000 Confed- erate troops encamped within a few miles of the town. Desertions are very common. The soldiers complained on account of receiving no pay, poor provisions, and very inferior clothing. Anchored at Kings Point at 11 a. m. First boat to arrive in sight of Vicksburg from the river fleet. Found out that the Arkansas had been aground up the Yazoo and the Van Dorn had pulled her off. Wednesday, June 25.Day fine. Still at anchor. Charles R. Ellet, Lieutenant E. W. Bartlett, Ed. Davis, son of the flag-officer, William Warren, private in the Fifty-ninth Illinois, started in citi- zens attire and armed only with navy revolvers, accompanied by the German, for Farragut at 2 p. m. Are yet to return; near morning. Thursday, June 2G.Still at anchor. Weather clear and hot. 8 a. m. raised anchor and landed at shore on Youngs Point. 9 a. m. Charles K. Ellet and party returned from Farraguts fleet. The party reached Farragut after a number of narrow escapes from the rebels. When the party reached the fleet, Commodore Farragut was not on board and the officers were suspicious of the men, believing them to be spies, and declaring it very improbable that the rams had come all the way down to Vicksburg without molestation. Lieuten- ant Bartlett had a letter from the flag-officer of the rams, but as no one in the fleet knew Colonel Ellets chirography the letter was thought to be a forgery. After three hours delay the commodore arrived and complimented the officers and men of the IRam Fleet very highly and tendered his gratitude and admiration to Colonel Ellet for the success of the expedition. At 9: 30 a. m. started up the Yazoo IRiver with ram 2JIQnctrQh, b~nded ~t nvuth of Sunflower I~iver an Page 243 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 243 was told the rebel fleet was up at Liverpool, 25 miles below Yazoo City. When within 20 miles of fleet, oil was seen floating on the water. Picked up the carpenter of the Van Porn at 1 p. m. in a skiff, when he explained that the oil came off the boats at the raft, which were all oiled and tarred ready to be fired on our arrival. When we turned to the left-hand point below the fort, we came in view of all the fleet, Van Porn, Polk, Livingston, General Clark, all on fire and turned adrift; we were within a few hundred yards of the battery at Liverpool, which is on the east bank and 75 miles from the mouth. We backed down under the point, when the Van Dorn blew up, which shook the hills. Finding we could not get by, rounded to and started back. We had a good view of the Arkansas, lying above the raft. Arrived at Kings Point 9 p. in., and anchored. Friday, June 27.Still at anchor. Day fine and hot. Received orders at 11 a. m. from Farragut to guard mouth of the river, as he would pass Vicksburg that night or following morning. 1 p. m. got underway. Laid in mouth of river, kept in motion by our wheels; watch was changed every hour by the pilots and engineers all night, it being so hot in engine room and pilot house. Saturday, June 28.4 a. in., heavy firing heard at Vicksburg. Farragut passing the batteries. 5 p. in., nine of his vessels arrived at Kings Point and anchored, when the Lancaster dropped back and anchored at head of fleet. Sunday, June 29.Day fine. Received orders at 8 a. m. to be ready to go to Memphis with dispatches from Farragut. Left at 9 a. m. Passed Lake Providence at 1 p. m. Passed Greenville at 8 p. m. Foggy and very smoky all night. ilonday, June 30.Day fine, but heavy smoke all over the country. Landed at Gaines Landing to fix our locker. Lost seven hours. Passed Commodore Daviss gunboats at 5: 30 p. in.; anchored at foot of Island No. 75, or Ozark; landed and took on mail. Left at 6 p. m. Passed Napoleon at 6: 30 p. m. Night dark and very smoky. Tuesday, July 1.Had a very bad night. Fog and very smoky. Landed at Old Townsend [Old Town Bend or Landing] 3 a. m. Left at 8 a. m. Passed Helena 10 a. m. Fired on at Grand Cut, opposite point, by rebels on the Arkansas shore. Fire was returned by our sharpshooters. Arrived at Memphis 11 p. m. and anchored opposite the city. [The rest of her log is burned from July 2 to July 11, and from July 17 to August 6.] Saturday, July 12.Day fine. 11 a. m. boat from Farraguts vessel came alongside with seven officers, to be taken up the river on a for- aging expedition. Left at 12 m. Arrived at Willow Point, or Mrs. Newmans, 3:30 p. in., where they laid in a good supply. Left at 5 p. m. Arrived at fleet; anchored at 7: 20 p. m. Sunday, July 13.Day fine and very hot. All very quiet here and around Vicksburg. Two men came on board from a skiff and reported the Arkansas would leave Liverpool on the night of the 14th. They came from Beauregards army, then at Gradno rqrenada?]. They were taken to Colonel Ellet on board the flag- ship and there held as prisoners. ilionday, July 14.Day fine and warm. 10 a. m. boat left for shore with five sharpshooters. 1 p. m. boat returned. Captured some rebel mail on the way from Richmond, La., to Vicksburg Page 244 244 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Tuesday, July 16.4 :30 a. m. A. 0. Tyler stopped alongside for a pilot to go up the Yazoo River. Dick Smith was sent on board. Queen of the West and Carondelet followed after her. 6 a. m. heavy firing was heard up the Yazoo. Half an hour afterward the Queen and Tyler, followed by the Carondelet, badly crippled, reappeared around the bend above us hotly pursued by the Arkansas. The Lan- caster being anchored above the fleet, was the first to see the danger. Our anchor line was cut and we rounded to give her a little of our kind of warfare. When we were fully underway and about 100 yards from her, a 64-pound ball caine through our bulkwarks and 8 feet of coal, cutting off 3 feet of our steam dram. Our head engi- neer, John Wybrant, was knocked down and badly scalded; Second Engineer John Goshorn badly scalded and jumped overboard, where he was shot in the water; George Boggs, assistant engineer, killed; Christopher Padlock, Company C, Sixty-third Illinois, missing; S. Casor and J. C. Alcorn, Sixty-third Illinois, wounded, John Dowell, cook, badly scalded and died at 9 p. in.; Jim McCann, deck hand, both legs and one arm shot off and badly scalded, died in a few minutes; Johnson, deck hand, scalded and leg hurt. Two died, names unknown, at 11 a. m. and perhaps others from scalding, there being some ten or more others who are more or less scalded. Our pilot, Sylvester Doss, stuck to the wheel till he dropped from the platform, he being scalded inwardly, wounded in the left side, right shoulder broken, and teeth all blown out. The Lancaster is disabled, having been shot all to pieces. Her wheelhouse has eight balls through it; not a flange left on the shaft; three shots from our oxvn fleet, weigh- ing 128 pounds, one left sticking in our port side cylinder timber and one shell, 64 pounds, under port side cylinder, besides grape and canister all over. Eighty-six large balls and shells were foixid on board. Her crew, with sharpshooters, deck hands, and negrces, was 169, and but 6 negroes were left out of 43. The Lancaster was caught by the Q~ueen of the 1 Vest and brought back to her moorings. Her officers were Captain Thomas Reilly, of Pittsburg; Ira Noville, first master; Peter Sands, second; John Wybrant, first engineer;. John Goshorn, second engineer; Sylvester Doss, pilot, all of Ciii- cinnati. Dick Smith, pilot, of St. Louis, Mo. (on the Tyler that day); Joseph Connelly, carpenter, of Cincinnati; Lewis Serles, steward; Jack Dowel, cook; William Rice, second; George Boggs, assistant engineer; all from Cincinnati. 8: 20 p. m. Farragut passed down by the batteries with his nine vessels. lVednesday, July i6.10 a. m. 4 men died, names unknown. Ram Jlingo came alonside and took the Lancaster to Memphis to be repaired. Left at 1 p. m. avy, regarding the state of Report of Commander Winslow U S AT feeling prevailing in the Western States. U. S. GUNBOAT CINciNNATI, Near Helena, Ark., June 28, 1862. SIR: In the performance of the duty embraced in that part of your orders which relates to ascertaining the state of feeling in the region of country we have passed through, and the prospects for the renewa Page 245 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 245 of trade, I would beg leave to state that, however disguised the true sentiments of the people may be, there seems to be a unanimous ex- pression of desire that the former state of things may return and an early resumption of trade follow. This is no doubt the true sentiment of the poorer class of people bordering the rivers, for the character of the country is such, from its extreme flatness, as renders it at all times liable to the inunda- tions which have swept over it this season. This class of people being poor are dependent upon labor and such small crops of corn as they can raise for their support. The privations which they have endured in having been cut off from all supplies have no doubt added to this state of feeling, but more than all these, the impolitic step which led to the passage of the conscript law has carried most weight. This act turned many round who before were indifferent, and the swamps are filled, as I learn from refugees escaping from press gangs. We have given protec- tion to some ten or twelve who have fled in this manner. I learn that a large quantity of cotton, much of it sent from Mem- phis, lies concealed in various ways, which awaits only resumption of trade to find a market. It is my opinion, also, that there is little to be apprehended from the attacks of guerrillas on the Mississippi below Memphis. The people on the banks of the river, whatever be their sentiments, find their interest lies in having supplies furnished from trade, as their farms raise nothing but cotton and corn, and their sufferings have been too great not to desire earnestly a change to the former pros- perity. Their influence will be directed from this cause toward putting down this barbarian warfare. The width of the river and flatness of the country are obstacles toward successful operations in such attacks. These views are limited, however, so far as the immediate Missis- sippi boundaries are concerned. In the tributaries, which are nar- row streams, the country, as you recede, changes from lowland to upland, with thick growth of timber on the borders. It is, there- fore, extremely well adapted to lurking bands, and this mode of attack will no doubt be continued to less troublous times. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINsLoW, Commander. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, Commanding IVestern Gunboat Flotilla, Memphis, Tenn. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting the purchase of light-draft boats for special service. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Memphis, June 28,1862. Sut: Our recent experience in the navigation of White River has made it apparent that in order to acquire the control of the tribu- taries of the Mississippi, and to maintain that control during the dry season, it will be necessary to fit up immediately some boats of small draft for this special service. These boats will be sufficiently pro Page 246 246 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. tected about the machinery and pilot houses against musketry. They will be selected for their light draft, their capacity to receive a suitable armament of howitzers, tieldpieces, or other light guns, and to accommodate the requisite number of men; and, finally, for their susceptibility of protection. They will cost, fully equipped for service, from $8,000 to $10,000 apiece, provided, I venture to suggest, that the purchase and equip- ment of them are intrusted to one officer of judgment and experience. I have sent a copy of this letter to General Meigs, and I have the honor to request that the proposition may be brought to the notice of the honorable Secretary of War, if expedient and if approved by yourself. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on the Mississippi Ricer and its Tributaries. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, lVashington, D. C. Letter froni the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, stating the impossibility of furnishing men from the East. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 28, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 23d instant is received. It is not possible to furnish a single man from the East. More than 3,000 men are now wanted for the ships of war. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Bryant, U. S. Navy, to send the U. S. S. Pittsburg and captured steamer General Pillow to Cairo for repairs. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Co?nmerce, June 29, 1862. SIR: On the receipt of this communication you will please send the Pittsburg to Cairo for repairs, and with her the captured steamer General Pillow for outfit and repairs. This order with regard to the steamer captured by Lieutenant Commanding Thompson is peremptory. After she is properly equipped, she will return to you as a tender until further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Nacal Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding N. C. BRYANT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cairo, Fort Pillow, Tenn Page 247 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 247 Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Naey, regarding the trial trip of the U. S. S. Ls~ex. ST. Louis, Mo., June 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I made a trial trip on the 28th with the Lssea~her engines working welland we ob- tained as much speed as we expected. During the trip some disloyal citizens hung out a rebel flag from a mill. I ordered the flag to be taken and the men made prisoners, and handed them over to Briga- dier-General Schofield, who then placed a guard over the mill and sent the men to the military prison. I hope to leave this week. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commander. Flag-Officer C. II. DAvIs, Commanding Western Waters. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to lion. Preston King, inform- ing him that the gunboats on the TVestern waters and their crews were under the direction of the IVar Department. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you, in reply to yours of the 27th instant, that the gunboats on the Mississippi, and the men serving on them, are under the control of the War Department. The letter of C. W. Cochrane is herewith returned. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Hon. Pm~sToN KING, U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. iVary, referring to the U. S. steamers Little Rebel and Sumter. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., July 1, 1862. SIR: The Little Rebel arrived here yesterday. I shall have a sur- vey held upon her and report the result to you. The Sumter will sail this afternoon. Am I authorized to go on with such repairs as the Little Rebel may require with all possible dispatch? I am happy to be able to report Captain Kilty improving. The men generally are doing well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer CHAs. IL DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Nacal Forces, Western Waters Page 248 248 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Brigadier-General Grant, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting the services of a tender for hos- pital use. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Cairo, July 1, 1862. COMMODORE: Will YOU be good enough to authorize the use of one of the little tenders to run between here and Mound City for a few days to transport the sick to hospital and return the convalescents? I would like to have it make a trip this afternoon, and hereafter start at 10 oclock a. in., returning as soon as released by the surgeon in charge of hospital, making one trip per day. I will have a boat on the line in a few days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Commodore FOOTE [DAvIs], Commanding Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of certain vessels. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, 0/f Vicks burg, July 2, 1862. SIR: I find that I had the inventory in my possession; it is here- with enclosed. Please direct Lieutenant Commanding Gwin to follow me down here and Acting Lieutenant Commanding libel, in the Little Rebel, to report to Lieutenant Commanding Bryant for duty at Fort Pillow Station until relieved by the Pittsburg. The latter vessel will re- sume her station as soon as her repairs are completed, when the Little Rebel will report to Lieutenant Commanding McGunnegle, at Mem- phis, for duty at that station. Can you send me an encouraging word about the Eastport? We long to be on board of her. If Lieutenant Commanding Gwin should prefer the Mound City to the Tyler, let him bring the former down here instead of the latter, which will be left at Memphis. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Brigadier-General IVilliams, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, requesting transportation for a force of negroes. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, July 2, 1862. DEAR SIR: With the rapidly falling water, I must increase my working force of negroes with the greatest dispatch, and, therefore, send Major Boardman with 100 men to collect them. If Majo Page 249 NAVAL FORCES ON. WESTERN WATERS. 249 B [oardman] can get transportation on one of your light steamers this evening, he will save a day in time, which day saved may save the canal cut-off from failure. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet has kindly assisted us twice, but I would anticipate delay by writing to yourself. Truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General. Flag-Officer DAVIS, Etc., Near Vicksburg. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General lVilliams, U. S. Army, responding to request for transportation for a force of negroes. ~. ~. FLAGSTEAMER BENTON, Off Vicks burg, July 4, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I placed the steamer Champion at the disposal of Major [Frederick A.] Boardman immediately on receiving your note of night before last. Pray call upon me without hesitation whenever I can assist you in the execution of your grand project. Very respectfully, and faithfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western IVaters. Brigadier-General T. WILLIAMS, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding, etc. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the progress of the canal cut-off at Vicksburg. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicks burg, July 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to receive your letter of the 26th [25] in- stant, calling my attention to the narrow neck of land separating the two reaches of the river above and below Vicksburg and to the co- operation of the Western Flotilla with the fleet of Flag-Officer Far- ragut. The Department will already have learned with pleasure that the proposed cut has been commenced. I am informed by General Williams that the ditch will be finished to-morrow (Saturday) night. The river is now falling rapidly at this point; the immediate crea- tion of a new channel is not therefore to be expected. But I see by the Missouri Republican, of June 28, that late advices from the Missouri River state that the annual June rise is coming in earnest; that very heavy rains have prevailed on the upper rivers of late; that the upper rivers are all in good stage ; and, finally, that, the river at St. Louis is still rising rapidly. When the swell corresponding to this rise and these heavy rains reaches this place we may hope for the best results, provided the proper direction of the cut has been selected. The Department is no doubt aware that this operation has already been projected by the residents here and has been before the legisl Page 250 250 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ture of Mississippi. It is undoubtedly a feasible project, depending for its successful execution upon the rise of the river. A line of levels runs across the isthmus at the commencement of the present undertaking gave 3~ feet as the high water on this side above the plane of the river below Vicksburg, a fall sufficient for the rapid abrasion of the loose sand which forms the bottom of the ditch below the hardpan. How far this relation of the two water levels has been changed by the recent rapid fall of the river at this point I am not informed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Quartermaster iVise, U. S. Ai y, looking to the appointment of the latter as navy agent at Memphis, Tenn. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 4, 1869?. DEAR SIR: I have lately been called upon to furnish information to the Department concerning the old navy yard at Memphis. I have also seen by the papers that the Mississippi Flotilla will probably be transferred from the Army to the Navy. Combining these two things, it appears probable that a naval depot will be established at Memphis or some other point on the river and that a navy agency will be created at the same place. I am so strongly persuaded that the business of this flotilla would be in the highest degree benefited by your retaining a relation to it similar to that which you now hold, that I can not but urge it apon you to make the necessary application for the office of navy agent, provided it is created. I place so high an estimate upon your services that I shall deem it my duty to do all in my power to secure you this situation I beg you to make what use you please of this letter, and call upon me for any additional aid that I can render. Very truly and faithfully, your friend and servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Captain G. D. WISE, U. S. Army, Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to the chief clerk, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, acknowledging receipt of map of Vicks burg. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicks burg, July 4, 1862. SIR: I am very much indebted to you for your valuable letter of the 25th instant [ultimo], containing topographical detail of Vicks- burg and its vicinity Page 251 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 251 The information is valuable in many respects, and I shall have great pleasure to send a copy of your letter to the commanding general. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. R. A. WATKINSON, Esq., Chief Clerk, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, giving a summary of opera- tions, in JJ7dte Riier, of the U. S. steamers Lexington and Cone- sto go. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 5,1862. siR: I have already had the honor to inform the Department that when I came to this place I left two gunboats in White River. I selected for this service the Lexington and Conestoga, because they were the fastest sailers and could, therefore, keep up the most fre- quent communication. I have received from Lieutenant Commanding Shirk, of the Lex- ington, a report dated the 2d instant, of which the following is a summary: 1st. He again ascended White River, followed by 8 transports, containing Colonel Fitchs command and the supplies for General Curtiss army, as far as Clarendon, and was again obliged to put back, together with his convoy, on account of the want of water on the bars. 2d. It has been satisfactorily ascertained that Devalls Bluff is strongly fortified with earthworks, mounting two 68-pounders and twelve small guns, and garrisoned by between five and ten thousand men. 3d. The guerrilla parties abound on the banks of the river; and in this and preceding ascents three of our men have been killed and many have been wounded. 4th. The Government will have received through other sources the General Order No. 17 (of June 17; 1862), Major-General Hindman, instituting this guerrilla warfare. 5th. If it is the intention of the Government to make use of the rivers as a means of communication, I will venture again to suggest that it can only be done by means of suitable vessels of small draft, lightly but sufficiently protected against rifle muskets. I shall continue to furnish to Colonel Fitch all the aid in my power. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C Page 252 252 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Flag-Officer Da V18~ U. S. Na t~y, to iledical Director Franklin, U. S. Army, reque8tiug tran8fer to the North of certain navy patient8. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vick8burg, Jul~y 6, 1862. SIR: I have taken the liberty of sending to the Mound City Hos- pital a number of sick and wounded from the squadron of Flag- Officer Farragut, who is now lying alongside of us. It is the opinion of the medical gentlemen of the squadron that these patients will be greatly improved by going to a Northern cli- mate, while they will, at the same time, find better hospital accom- modations than those which exist at New Orleans. May I beg of you to receive these patients in behalf of the country, in the service of which they have encountered their wounds and diseases? Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, E. C. FRANKLIN, M. D., Flag-Officer. Brigade Surgeon and Medical Director, Mound City, Ill. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, July 6, 1862. SIR: One of the magazine boats is leaking badly and I think, as soon as possible, a permanent magazine should be provided on shore, where it would be free from liability to overflow. Surgeon Franklin has informed [me] that he is instructed to close the hospital at Mound City; they have 70 sick there at the present time. I have telegraphed Fox in regard to it. The Red Rover will be ready to leave on Tuesday and the General Bragg on Wednesday. Mr. Gillett, sent by a friend of Captain Phelps, has arrived here for the purpose of securing a paymasters appointment. I have di- rected him to report to Captain Phelps. I was obliged to send the Sumter away without a paymaster, not knowing a suitable person for the position. I have sent Paymaster Dunn to St. Louis to procure one and also one for the Mound City and Bragg, as it is very important to have a paymaster on board to receive the accounts of the men, the pro- visions, etc. I have visited the sick at Mound City and find nearly all of them doing well. Some of them are without their bags, which causes them much discomfort and anxiety. They say they are either on the gun- boats or lost. If the latter, what provision can be made for them? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer CITAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters, Near Vicksburg, Miss Page 253 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 253 Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Quartermaster Wise, U. S. Army, reguesting subsistence for crews of captured vessels. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 7, 1862. Sni: I have to request that you xviii furnish subsistence for the offi- cers and crews of the captured steamers De Soto, Victoria, Kentucky, Sovereign, and H. N. IV. Hill; of the latter vessel up to the date of her transfer to Quartermaster Turnley, by request of Brigadier-Gen- eral Strong. The above-named vessels are prizes, captured in the rivers and at Memphis. You will please inform me to whom I am to direct the certificates of disability or death in case of soldiers transferred from Army of Potomac to the flotilla. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Captain GEO. D. WISE, Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Cairo, Ill. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding the cause of delay in the preparatzon of the U. S. S. Eastport. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, July 7, 1862. SIR: The iron manufacturers, employed repairing the iron for the Eastport, have been very slow in supplying the requisite plates for that vessel. Her hull is all plated. I hope to have her in the water some time during the present week. Even after she is afloat, there will be a large amount of work to be done on her. It is very difficult to procure mechanics to work here at the present season of the year. I shall make every endeavor in my power to push the work on her forward to completion. Captain Gwin has arrived here with the Tyler, and will, in all probability, be able to leave to-morrow. The Esse~e is on her way down, and I expect her here this evening. She is short of men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on the IVestern Waters. Report of Commander Winslow, U. S. Navy, regarding request for return of slaves taken at St. Charles. GUNBOAT CINCINNATI, Off Vicksburg, July 7, 1862. SIR: The three negro boys, employed as stokers in this vessel, have given their names as James Wilson, James Mosely, Charles Webb. They deserted from Fort Pillow, where they were employed upo Page 254 254 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the works. They are rated on the books at $10 per month, from the 15th of May. They give as the name of their master a Mr. Emory. I would beg leave to state that there are also five or six firemen (slaves), who are on board the Mound City. These men were taken as prisoners at St. Charles, being part of the crew of the steamboats sunk there. On evacuating that place, I ordered them from neces- sity, in the fire department of the Mound City. An apjAication was made by a person acting for the owner, that they might be delivered up. Colonel Fitch replied that they were held as prisoners. A sub- sequent application to me was responded to, that the law of Congress was imperative, that if any officer, bearing a commission of the tTnited States, delivered up a contraband, that he should at once be dismissed the service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commander. Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Brigadier-General Williams, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant- Colonel Filet, commanding Ram Fleet, requesting special aid on the cut-off canal. HEADQUARTERS, ETC.~ July 8, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR~ We think, as I understand some of your stern-wheel captains do, that two or three of their wheels set in motion throwing the water into the mouth of the canal, would render capital service, and hasten very much its success, perhaps determine its success. Will you permit them to try their hand this afternoon and give the matter the benefit of a full trial? Respectfully and truly, T. WILLIAMS, Lieutenant-Colonel ELLET, Brigadier- General. Commanding Army Ram Fleet abote Vicksburg. Letter from Surgeon Robarts, of the Pam Fleet, to Flag-Officer Paris, U. S. Navy, responding for Lieutenant-Colonel Filet. [Endorsement dated July 11, 1862.] RESPECTED SIR: As Colonel Ellet is sleeping and needs a rest, I take the liberty to say that if it is possible to get the Lioness ready for the ~vork desired in General Williams note, it will be done with great pleasure and the boat there at the hour of 4 p. m. this after- noon. With much respect, I am, truly, your obedient servant, JAMES ROBARTS, Surgeon, Pam Fleet. Flag-Officer DAVIS Page 255 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 255 Order of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Nacy, to Lieutenant Bishop, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Bragg. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, July 9, 1862. SIR: Flag-Officer Davis orders that you proceed with the General Bragg to join his squadron with all possible dispatch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Lieutenant Commanding JOSHUA BISHOP, Commanding U. S. Gunboat General Bragg, off Cairo. Report of Lieutenant Bryant, U. S. Navy, referring to the sinking of the steamer Shingiss. GUNBOAT CAIRO, Fort Pillow, July 9, 1862. SIR: Residents of this vicinity inform me of certain men who have been active in the cause of rebellion, and who now intimidate the peaceably inclined. Their reports show that four are dangerous. Their names are Abner Pitts, John Glimp, Balentine Alstou, and David Glenn. Three others were named, less mischievous; all resi- dents of Lauderdale County. I took notes of their statements re- garding each of these men. In a previous letter I wrote of some in Tipton County. The inoffensive persons who inform are apprehensive of molesta- tion and desire protection. I have no authority to capture men for such alleged offenses, and I informed them that I had no force to march 14 miles into the country, but that I will make known their case to my chief. My informants would return here on the 19th instant. The few persons who come here express much gratification at the presence of this vessel. Some mounted . men, armed, were recently seen near the fort; their pretended purpose was hunting negroes. A report reached here that 50 bales cotton were recently destroyed at Randolph. Part of a lot of 75 bales of cotton was brought to the landing of the fort here to-day to be shipped. A messenger from the steamer Shingiss has just reached here, and reports that vessel struck a snag and sank.. She had wounded men from the lower fleet on board; they were removed to the shore, and I am going to their assistance. The wreck is about 7 miles below this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. C. BRYANT, Flag-Officer C. H. DA~TIs. Lieutenant, Commanding. The steamer Tycoon has come along, bound up river. I have de. sired the officer in charge to go to the wreck and receive the people, which he consents tQ do, and will convey them to their destination Page 256 256 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, requesting the services of a vessel as mail steamer. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 9, 1862. SIR: I owe you a thousand apologies for my apparent neglect of your note of July 3. It must have been laid upon my desk during my absence and beell accidentally covered tip by other papers, for, in cleaning up my desk, I discovered it for the first time this morning after breakfast. Happily, I had anticipated your wishes in relation to the ice, con- cerning which Captain Phelps wrote you at my request. But this explanation will account tor my not answering the other particulars of your note. I have the pleasure to say now that I shall be very glad to avail myself of the services of a mail steamer from your fleet, and, further, to add that if it should occur to me at any time to offer you any sug- gestions that may benefit and promote the public service, I will do so without hesitation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, JVestern Waters. Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. ELLET, Commanding Pam Fleet, ilississippi River. Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, offering a service. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND~ July 10, 1862. SIR: The steamer Santpsan is about to leave for Memphis. Any- thing the officers can attend to for you will be done with great pleasure. The captain, bearing this note, awaits your instructions. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. ELLET, Flag-Officer DAVIS. Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, introducing Captain Lessorsicy, of the Russian Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 12, 1862. SIR: This will be handed you by Captain Lessovsky, of the Rus- sian Navy, to whom you will extend all proper facilities for visiting the various vessels tinder your command. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAvIs, Commanding Flotilkt on Western TVaters, off Vicks burg Page 257 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 257 jietter of censure from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Bryant, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cairo. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vie/es burg, July 13, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 9th instant, informing me of the condition of things and the state of the public mind in the vicinity of Fort Pillow. However deeply we may lament the exposed condition of loyal citizens in the interior, it will be wholly impossible to attempt any relief without an independent military force; at the same time it is satisfactory to me to know that by the presence of your vessel and by your personal influence you do everything in your power to sustain and encourage the Union sentiment. The shipment of cotton is to be furthered as much as possible. I will thank you for further information in regard to the state of the Skin giss, the possibility of raising her or of saving her property and machinery. I again call your particular attention to my instructions in relation to contrabands; they are not to be~ received promiscuously on board the ships of the squadron. I have also received your letter of July 10, in answer to the com- plaint of F. C. Lawson, in which it is admitted that First Master Hazlett was guilty of a violation of the la~v, in extenuation of which he pleads the misconduct of Lawson; or, in other words, he makes a dereliction from duty on the part of a man a justification of a grosser dereliction from duty on the part of an officer. According to this mode of reasoning, I can not see the difference between a man-of-war, the discipline of which is supposed to be regulated by law and usage, and a privateer, for the government of which there is neither law nor usage. I am surprised at the conduct of Mr. Hazlett, but I am still more surprised at your attempt to justify it, for you who have been brought up in the Navy know as well as I do that personal vio- lence, swearing, and indecent language are considered, apart from their being a violation of law, as unbecoming the members of our profession. I shall take no further note of this subject at present than to observe that your letter to me acknowledging and justifying this outrage upon the discipline of the service would, if communicated to the Department, bring upon you its severest censure and produce Mr. Hazletts dismissal. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, lVestern Waters. Lieutenant Commanding N. C. BRYANT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cairo, Fort Pillow, Tenn. 49518N W BVOL 2309 1 Page 258 ~58 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of As8istant Surgeon Beauchamp, U. S. Navy, of ca8ualtie8 on U. S. S. Benton. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Near Vick8burg, July 13, 1862. SIR: I have the unpleasant duty to perform of reporting the casual- ties of this day, resulting from an action with the rebel batteries: John Grey (seaman), wounded, very slightly by shell, in face. William Travis (carpenters mate), wounded, not seriously, by shell in back part of head and neck. William H. Lewis (fireman), killed by shell, decapitated. Respectfully, H. BEAUCHAMP, Assistant Surgeon, Flagship Benton. Captain S. L. PHELPS, Commanding Flagship Benton. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant MeGunnegle, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty in superintending the construction of vessels. IJ. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 14, 1862. SIR: You will take passage in the mail boat to Cairo and proceed thence to St. Louis, where you will report to Lieutenant Hall to assist in superintending the construction of gunboats Choctaw and Fort Henry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, lVestern Waters. Lieutenant Commanding MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat St. Louis, Memphis, Tenn. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, referring to a reconnoi8- sance in the If azoo River. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON. Off I7icksburg, July 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I have dis- patched the Tyler up Yazoo River for the purpose of making a reconnoissance, preparatory to an expedition in that direction. Acting [Assistant] Paymaster Train has arrived here very ill, and by the advice of the surgeon of this ship I have given him permission to return immediately to the East. The General Bragg, on her way from Cairo, met the advanced guard of General Curtiss army at Helena, of which circumstance information has been sent to Memphis. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Coindg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 259 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 259 Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant McGunnegle, U. S. Navy, regarding men of the Mortar Fleet. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 14, 1862. Sin: I will thank you, on the receipt of this order, which you will deliver to your successor, if relieved before it is executed, to send all the men belonging to the Mortar Fleet, including the 27 who accompanied Colonel Fitch, to this headquarters by the earliest conveyance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. II. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy, Memphis, Tenn. Order of Flag-Officer Daiis, U. S. Navy, to Commander IVinslow, U. S. Nary, to assume command of naval station at Memphis. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 14, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in to-days mail boat to Memphis and take command of the gunboats St. Louis and Mound City, and of such other vessels as may be assigned to that station from time to time. You will consider yourself in charge of that post, so far as the naval forces are concerned, and I will thank you to keep me informed from time to time of the current duties of your station, and make such communications as you may think necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Comiuander JNo. A. WINSLOW, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cincinnati, Mississippi River. Order of Flag-Officer Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant iVilson, U. S. Nary, regarding transfer of command. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 14, 1862. Sin: You are hereby detached from the ordnance steamer Great Western and will take command of the gunboat Cincinnati, now lying at this point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding BYRON WILSON, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cincinnati, Mississippi River Page 260 260 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officers Davis and Farra- gut, U. S. Navy, forwarding copy of act of Congress abolishing the spirit ration. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 15, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose a copy of the fourth section of the recent act of Congress abolishing, from the 1st of September next, the spirit ration in the Navy and forbidding distilled spirituous liquors to be admitted on board vessels of war, etc. You will cause the provisions of this section to be carried out in the flotilla under your command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding, etc., near I7icksburg, Miss. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding, etc., near Vicksburg, Miss. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Gwin, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. gunboat Tyler to Memphis as soon as possible. On arriving there, you xviii transfer the officers and crew of the Tyler (with the exception of ten of the latter) to the U. S. gunboat hound City, transferring the officers of the latter vessel to the Tyler, reporting here to me in the hound City without delay. Instructions will be given to that effect to the commanding officer of that station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, TVestern Waters. Lieutenant Commanding WM. GWIN, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Tyler, Mississippi River. Letter from Major-General Curtis, U. S. Army, to commanding naval officer at iJlemphis, requesting cooperation against the enemy at Gaines Landing. HEADQUARTERS ARMY SOUTHWEST, Helena, Ark., July 16, 1862. I am credibly informed that General Price has been crossing troops at Gaines Landing below. I hope it will be in your power to send gunboats down to interrupt such a movement. I also desire to move my command, partly on transports; and gunboats seem necessary as convoys on the Mississippi and White rivers. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. IR. CURTIS, Major-General, U. S. Army. NAVAL COMMANDING OFFICER, Memphis Page 261 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 261 Order of Flag-Officer Dads, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Na vy, regarding the commanding officer of the hospital Iwat Red Ro cer. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, 0/f Vicksburg, July 18, 1862. SIR: Captain MeDaniells commander of the hospital boat Red Rocer, informs me that he is desirous of giving up his command. I will thank you to direct Quartermaster Wise to settle with him up to the date on which he presents this acceptance of his resignation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, JVestern Waters. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Conimanding U. S. Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. Instructions from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicks burg, July 18, 1862. SIR: I have sent the Tyler to you for repairs. Please dismiss William Blakely on her arrival; he was drunk dur- ing the several engagements of the 15th instant. Please enquire into Mr. Faulkners allowing the Sumter to come down with her delivery pipes in such a condition that they had to be renewed immediately. She was as useless on the 15th (dies infaustus) as a childs rattle. Masters Mate Faux may be discharged. Is he any relation to that saint on earth Guy Faux [Fawkes]? If he is, we will send him over to blow up the English Parliament. I have returned 1\lr. Buchanans papers in another envelope. Two men, James and Patrick Sullivan, seamen, of the Lexington, taken prisoners at Pittsburg Landing and now returned on parole not to serve until exchanged, will be sent by Lieutenant Commanding Shirk to the receiving ship with a letter of explanation to you. I shall send up several empty barges by a towboat and will thank Captain Wise to send down full barges of coal by her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Blodgett, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conestoga, to proceed to Cairo for repairs to that vessel, destroying en route everything useful to the enemy for transportation. ~. S. FLAGSTEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 19, 1862. SIR: I have received the reports of the surgeon, engineer, and carpenter of the Conestoga and, in compliance with their recoin Page 262 262 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. mendations and your own representations, you are hereby directed to proceed to Cairo for repairs and relief. You will remember that the services of your vessel are very much wanted at the present time, and you will therefore make all possible expedition in these repairs. It is reported by refugees that General Price is crossing the river at Gaines Landing. I wish you to take a good look in there and in at any other point, bay, bayou, or river mouth to which your attention may be drawn by the appearance of barges, scows, dat- boats, and ferryboats, and destroy everything that may be useful to the enemy for transportation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Force8, We8tern Water8. Lieutenant Commanding BLODGETT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Cone8toga, Missi8sippi River. Joint expedition for the recapture of Henderson, Ky., July 1924, 1862. [Telegram.] LOUISVILLE, 18th, 1862. Henderson is taken by the rebels. Governor Morton telegraphs Newburg taken and 200 stand of arms. Can you send force to Henderson? Order gunboat up the river. Can not the governor of Illinois send force to Paducah? J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. UNITED STATES COMMANDER, Cairo. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, forwarding telegram from the governor of Indiana. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, July 19, 1862. SIR: I received last night the following telegram from Governor Morton, of Indiana: Henderson, Ky., taken by the rebels. Evansville and Newburg also threatened. Can not you send a gunboat to Evansville? Lose no time. It is a matter of the first importance. I replied to him that there was no gunboat available, and that I would send an armed tug to Evansville as soon as possible. Since that time the excitement about the matter has been so great that I have armed the Clara Dolsem with four howitzers, gathered 125 sailors and 200 soldiers, and together with the tug Restless, mounting a 12-pounder howitzer, will start up the river immediately. I shall take command of the expedition myself Page 263 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 263 The Lexington arrived here yesterday. Her commander informed me his vessel was so much broken down that she would be unfit for any service until repaired, and that the repairs could not be made at Memphis on account of having to go on the ways. As I could not have the repairs made without great detention, I ordered her to proceed to St. Louis for thht purpose. She left yes- terday afternoon. I desire, respectfully, to recommend to the position of first master Mr. Charles G. Perkins, who, with the exception of about three months as second master of the Cincinnati, has been with me since the commencement of the flotilla, and whose services I value very highly. I wish still to retain him at the depot to assist me. Please give me a light gunboat for this station. Occurrences like the one mentioned in the first part of my letter may happen at any time. I have requested Captain Wise to communicate with you during my absence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces on the TVesteri~. Waters. P. S.A Mr. Green has reported to me as judge-advocate of court- martial to have assembled at Cairo on the 14th ultimo. Having no information about the matter, I refer it to you. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL.~ fitly 19, 1862. (Received 7:40 p. in.) I have received the following telegram from Governor Morton, of Indiana: Henderson, Ky., taken by the rebels. Evansville and Newburg also threat- ened. Cant you send a gunboat to Evansville? Lose no time. It is a matter of the first iml)ortance. I shall leave in an hour on steamer Clara Dolsen, receiving ship. Have four howitzers, 125 sailors and 200 soldiers; also a tug mount- ing a 12-pound howitzer. No gunboat available at present. A. M. PE~NOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department Fleet Captain Pennocks report of a joint naval and military expedition up the Ohio River to Evansville, Henderson, etc., undertaken in pursuance of a telegram from Governor Morton?, and having for its object the pursui Page 264 264 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and punishment of certain parties of guerrillas which had threatened Henderson. I invite the special attention of the Department to the promptness with which Captain Pennock, who took a leading part in this service, organized his forces and proceeded to the scene of action. The enclosed letter of General Love bears the most honorable testimony to Captain Pennocks conduct. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretary of the Navy, JVa8liington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, ill., July 24,1862. SIR: I reported to you on Saturday, the 19th instant, that in con- sequence of a telegram received from Governor Morton (a copy of which I forwarded to you), I would leave Cairo for Evansville with the U. S. receiving ship Clara Dol8en, armed with four 12-pounder rifled howitzers, J. M. Prichett, lieutenant commanding, and tug Re8tles s, armed with one 12-pounder howitzer, Master Ford, com- manding. I was accompanied by Colonel Moro, with a battalion of Sixty- third Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and Brigade Surgeon E. C. Franklin, who kindly volunteered his services for the occasion. I arrived at Evansville on Monday at 6 a. m. and had an interview with Major-General Love, who informed me of his plans to captu.re the guerrillas who had control of Henderson, Ky., and his intention to occupy that place. My cooperation, and that of the troops associated with me, was desired in carrying out the plans of the enterprise. The same afternoon Major [F. A.] Starring, chief of artillery of the District of Mississippi, arrived with the following force: Captain Robinson, Company A, Twentieth Battalion, Sixteenth Regulars, 60 men; Captain Noyes, Company H. Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, 48 men; and Lieutenant Becker, with one section Stenbecks Battery, Second Illinois Artillery, 25 men, who reported to me for cooperation by order of Brigadier-General Strong, commanding District Cairo. At the request of General Love, Major Starring, with his force on board steamer Rob Roy, went in advance for the. purpose of Occupy- ing and picketing the city, the Clara Dol8en following, with Major- General Love and staff, with an addition of 500 men, consisting of infantry and a section of artillery. After landing the stores and troops, Colonel Moro was ordered by Major-General Love to occupy and hold the city, xvhile the Indiana troops and the section of Stenbecks battery took up their line of march for the interior. During the day several arrests were made, including two of the guerrillas who were prominent in robbing the hospitals at that place and destroying government property, who were p laced in irons on board the Clara Dolsen, and subsequently delivere dl up to the provost- marshal Page 265 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 265 General Love having received a dispatch the following night that guerrillas in force were occupying Uniontown, with intent to cross the river to attack Mount Vernon on the Indiana shore, Major Star- ring was dispatched with a force to look after this matter in the Rob Roy, accompanied by the armed tug Re8tle88. Soon after I joined him at Uniontown, all being quiet at Mount Vernon. During the afternoon several arrests were made of prominent seces- sionists and a number of boats destroyed by order of Major-General Love. Toward evening Brigade Surgeon Franklin and Lieutenant Commanding Prichett, while reconnoitering the outskirts of the town, came upon a squad of guerrillas and captured three, who were brought in and sent on board Rob Roy under guard to be sent to headquarters at Henderson. Proceeding down the river we arrived early in the evening at Shawneetown, where I received dispatches from Captain Wise an- nouncing the presence of guerrillas on the Kentucky shore opposite Cairo, and having no force there, naval or military, he advised that a portion of the force under my command should return with all possible dispatch. Early this morning the Clara Dol8en and tug started for Cairo and arrived here at 4 p. m. with two companies of Major Starrings command, he returning with the remainder of his force to Henderson on the Rob Roy, aboard of which I had placed a 12- pounder howitzer. In conclusion, I regret to state that I found but littie Union feeling on the Kentucky shore and am of opinion that the interests of govern- ment and the safety of steamers navigating the Ohio require that light-draft gunboats should be kept moving up and down the river. Enclosed please find copy of letter received from Major-General Love. Acting Lieutenant libel, in conjunction with Mr. Sheely, of the General Price, and Mr. Perkins, my assistant, consented to act as pilots for the expedition. The latter also assisted me in other duties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. .M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. [Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy.] [Subenclosure.] HENDERSON, Ky., July 23, 1862. CAPTAIN: I can not permit you to leave me without expressing my sense of the gratitude with which the citizens of Indiana and of this locality will regard the prompt cooperation of yourself and your officers in this emergenc~~, which threatened their security and for the polite personal attention of yourself and Captain Prichett to myself and staff. I beg you to accept my sincere thanks and my best wishes for your safe return to Cairo. I am, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant, JoIIN LOvE, Major-General, Indiana Legion. A. M. P~ENNOCK, Fleet Captain Gunboat Flotilla, on board Clara Dol8en Page 266 266 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Quartermaster JV~se, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Foote, U. S. Navy, regarding affair8 on the Mississippi River. OFFICE OF NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, July 21, 1862. M~ DEAR COMMODORE: Your welcome letter of the 14th instant I have received, also the package of vouchers for Mr. Eads. I hope you received all the articles safe I sent you by express. I can not forward the private papers until Mr. Henriques returns from Mem- phis, which I expect will be shortly. I am glad to see that you have again taken the field, and if you can not use your legs as well as of old you have yet the full use of your tongue. That, you know, is a more mighty weapon than the sword; but he is doubly armed who can wield both. I should have been better pleased to have seen you commander-in-chief of a squad- ron than the head of a bureau, if that extremity of yours had not been an impediment. The bill for the gunboat transfer to the Navy has at last passed both houses of Congress. Commodore Davis and Captain Pennock have both written me a letter putting it in the light of a necessity that I should continue attached to the flotilla and in the capacity of naval agent. I have not yet decided whether to give up my posi- tion in the Army to accept a mere political appointment, although the pay would be much better. If I continued as quartermaster I would have leave of absence given me long enough to settle up my accounts and would be able to visit my family, which I have not done for nearly a year. Notwithstanding, if it is considered desir- able, I will work in any capacity in which I can be most useful. Sanford has gone home on a months leave of absence, and expects to see you before his return. I hope he will get some good and pay- ing position if not made commander. I will send your message to Henriqu~s, whose health I hear is much better. I forwarded your French cook to the Benton some ten days ago, in order that he might settle up his accounts. Our quiet atmosphere of Cairo has been unusually stirred up the past week. On Friday night last a telegram was received from Governor Morton, of Indi- ana, requesting that a gunboat be immediately sent up the Ohio, as Henderson had been taken by Morgan and his guerrillas, and several others on the Kentucky shore threatened. Mada Rumor also added a little by saying that two steamboats had been c4tured, the Ohio River blockaded, etc. We had no available gunboats at Cairo, few troops, less sailors, and hardly able to protect ourselves, much less afford assistance to others. Captain Pennock was sick up at Mound City, and I could not telegraph him in consequence of the operator being asleep at the other end of the line. In view of these adverse circumstances, I called a council of war, consisting of Captain Getty, a gunner, and one of my clerks. We unanimously decided to put boat howitzers on board two tugs, get steam on our new captured receiving ship, the Clara Dolsen, place on her the spare howitzers, and be ready to move by early next morning. By the time these preparations were in progress and I had turned in for the night General Halleck arrived from below. General Strong ordered a s Page 267 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 267 lute to be fired, which, being done from the fort in the style of dot and carry one, caused great alarm in the neighborhood, and par2 ticularly at Mound City, where Captain Pennock and Doctor Frank- un turned out ready to fight to the last. Captain Pennock made arrangements to set fire to the Pitt8lmrg and Eastport, both on the ways at Mound City, in case of necessity. Early Saturday morning communications were opened with Cap- tain Pennock by means of a tug, the telegraph still not working, the operator supposed to be at breakfast. The captain fortunately ap- proved of all our war measures, and his mind being relieved in rela- tion to the salute, General [William K.] Strong was applied to and furnished 200 men, under command of Colonel [Francis] Moro. The whole party got off late Saturday night, Captain Pennock being in command, the fleet consisting of the tug Restless and the transport Clara Dolsen. The greatest enthusiasm was manifested by all on the naval wharf boat. ~ * Our fleet has had another ram fight near Vicksburg with the rebel ram Arkansas. She was discovered up the Yazoo River on the 15th by the Tyler, Carondelet, and rain Lancaster. The Arkansas was armed with twelve 68-pounders, rifled. Our gunboats gallantly at- tacked the rebel, and a running fight was kept up to the mouth of the river, when the Carondelet closed and endeavored to board. Both boats used their steam pipes, which prevented boarding. In th& midst of the fight they grounded on a sand bar. The Arkansas being on the outside got off first, closely followed by the Tyler, who at length passed ahead to notify the fleet of what was coming. Unfor- tunately the transports were lying in range, preventing an effective fire from our gunboats, and the Arkansas ran the gantlet of the fleet and escaped under the batteries at Vicksburg. She was supposed to be much damaged. At night an attempt was made by Farragut to destroy the Arkansas, but after a terrific cannonade with the batteries the gunboat could not be found, having hidden behind a wharf boat. When our mail boat left preparations were being made for another attempt. In the fight Farraguts fleet ran below Vicksburg. It is said that none of our vessels was much injured. The Tyler had 6 men killed and 8 wounded, and Gwin is said to have fought his ship in a very daring manner. The Benton had 1 man killed. It is said if our fleet had [had] steam up that the Arkansas would not have es- caped. She is said to have been commanded by Brown, formerly of the Navy. I have just heard that guerrillas have been seen to-day opposite Mound City. We are making all the preparations we can if they attempt a raid on this side, but a very moderate force could at this time destroy all the property here. We have two Parrott guns mounted, one at each end of the wharf boat, and brass boat howitzers at other points. We shall keep two small steamboats patrolling to- night, and hope by to-morrow night to have the Pittsburg ready. Her commander is absent on leave and most of her crew with Pen- nock. We ought always to have a gunboat for this upper part. I think Pennock would prefer being with you if you take charge of a bureau; he is a good officer for equipment arid repairs, and his health is suffering from continued residence in this part of the coun- try. Kilty, after being given up by everyone, has rallied and is no Page 268 268 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. in a fair way of recovery. I have been unfortunate lately in losing by death my cash clerk, Mr. Cummings, whom you may remember. * * * Yours, very truly, GEO. D. WISE. Order of Flag-Officer Da~is, U. S. Navy, to Commander Walke, U. S. Nacy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, to proceed to Cairo for repair8 to that cessel. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 22, 1862. SIR: You will please make the best of your way to Cairo for refreshment and repairs, stopping to communicate with General Curtis at Helena and with General Lew Wallace and Captain Wins- low, the commanding naval officer afloat at Memphis. You will please stop also at Carlton Landing, where one of the mail boats ha~ recently been fired into, and take such steps as the existing state of things may require. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIs, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander H. WALKE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Carondelet, Mississippi River. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 23, 1862, 3:50. What date did Lieutenant Law arrive at Cairo? Has the dispatch from Commander Lee of the 19th instant been sent to him? GIDEON WELLES. SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, Cairo, Ill. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, forwarding regulations published by the Navy Department and calling attention to the transfer of the Western Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 24, 1862. SIR: Enclosed herewith are the regulations published by the De- partment for the admission of volunteer line officers into the Navy on temporary service. In appointing acting masters mates subject to the approval of the Department you will be guided by the regulation applicable to those officers. As Vacancies in the complement of lieutenants occur in the vessels of your squadron, you will appoint the most worthy acting masters mates as acting ensigns, subject to the approval of the Department. Acting masters and acting lieutenants will only be appointed directly by the Department according to the within regulations Page 269 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 269 A vessel of the Navy whose complement of lieutenants is six, so far as ihe exigencies of the service will permit, will have one lieutenant- commander as executive, one lieutenant will perform the duties here- tofore assigned to masters, to be styled navigator, and two masters and two ensigns as watch officers. In transmitting these regulations to you the Department is aware of the difficulty you would experience in strictly conforming to them, the service on which you are engaged being different and the officers at present on temporary duty in the flotilla not possessing generally the requirements of those employed on the coast. You will there- fore conform to them only so far as it can be done without incon- venience to the service. Transmitted herewith are a number of copies of the laws passed at the recent session of Congress relating to the Navy. You will have five or six copies of them furnished to each vessel in the flotilla. Your attention is particularly directed to Act No. 154, page 23, transferring the Western gunboat fleet from the War to the Navy Department. All matters pertaining to this transfer should be at- tended to as early as possible, and such as you do not feel authorized to act upon should be immediately referred to the Department to be disposed of. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding TVe8tern Flotilla. Letter from~ Major-General Grant, U. S. Army, to the Secretary of the Navy, commending Captain Henry Waike, U. S. Navy. CORINTH, Miss., July 928, 1869?. SIR: Understanding that promotions are to be made in the Navy for meritorious conduct, permit me to recommend Captain Henry Walke, who has served on the Western waters with distinction since the beginning of our troubles. Captain Walke has shown himself ever ready for any service the vessel commanded by him might be called for, and, if a landsman may judge, has sl~own both skill and personal bravery in all cases. He served in guarding our frontier all the time I commanded at Cairo (frontier of loyalty), protected our debarkation and reem- barkation at Belmont, besides doing good service in repelling the attack made upon our troops while embarking on that occasion; com- manded a gunboat at the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson, and was the comn7iander selected to run the gantlet of the rebel batteries at Island No. 10. which resulted in such advantages to our arms. In every instance Captain Walke has proven himself worthy of the confidence bestowed upon him, and I hope will receive the reward of his merit. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 270 270 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Flag-Officer Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant MeGunnegle, U. S. Navy, to superintend the construction of the U. S. steamers Fort Henry and Choctaw. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Mississippi River, July 29, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 23d inst. During Lieutenant Halls sickness you will please exercise such superintendence as may be necessary over the construction of the gun- boats Fort Henry and Choctaw and assume the especial command of the former. Please inform me immediately what the progress of these vessels is and when they will be ready for service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Lieutenant Commanding W. MCGUNNEGLE, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., July 30, 1862. (Received 5 p. in.) Have not heard from Flag-Officer Davis since 18th. Last dispatch boat up was fired into 9 miles above Vicksburg by rebels with field battery. Private boat to-day from Memphis reports ram Queen of the I Vest fired into on trip up and badly cut. Eastport ready for service in two weeks; will require 150 men. Tyler arrived for re- pairs; only 10 effective men on board; requires 115 men. Repairs on Pittsburg finished; detained for want of 50 men. Lexington and Conestoga repairing and want 60 men. Can not obtain men here. River wages for men from $40 to $50 per month. Services of these boats are urgently required below. A. M. PENNOCK. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Extract from diary of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy. Mississippi River, July 31, [1862] .In my last letter I believe I gave you a short account of our last attempt to destroy the Arkansas. It was a failure in every way. There was a want of cooperation, most unaccountable, on the part of Commodore Farragut, by which one important vessel was not brought into action and by which the sup- port of his squadron was withheld. I was informed by Flag-Officer Farragut immediately after the last attack on the Arkansas that he intended to move down the river at once, in obedience to orders from the Department, and at the same moment I learned from report that General Williams was to accompany him with the troops under his command. I wrote to General Williams, urging him to remai Page 271 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 271 and keep open communication above and below Vicksburg by rail- road, the means for constructing which were at hand. He replied that his orders obliged him to go, and that without them he would be compelled to move on account of the disabled condition of his command. He had brought with him 3,200 men, of Which 2,400 were dead or in the hospital. He could only muster 800 effective men and officers. His departure rendered it necessary that I should abandon the position I then held, because it gave the enemy the possession of the point from the ditch down. General Williams has, in making the canal, converted it into a means of defense by constructing a continued breastwork and rifle pit on the lower border and intro- ducing an angle where the levee crossed the canal on the upper border, so as to enfilade it. It was, therefore, no longer safe for my hospital, commissary, and ordnance boats to lie at the bank as they had done. I therefore moved up with my whole command to the mouth of the Yazoo. Vicksburg being thus abandoned above and below by the fleets and the Army, I had to determine on my next step. I had allowed the ram Sumter to go do down with Farragut, not only to assist in the attack on the Arkansas, but to assist also in maintaining the blockade of that vessel below; and in the same man- ner and with the same motive I consented to the Essex going down. I supposed that Commodore Farragut might go downhe told me that he had urged the Department to allow him to do sobut it never entered my head that I should be deserted by the Army, and it was my expectation to blockade the town on both sides, keeping up the communication between the two detachments of my squadron across the neck. * * * My squadron had been reduced to a comparatively weak condition. Both the vessels engaged with the Arkansas in the Yazoo River had been sent to Cairo for repairs, and having lost the Essex and the Sumter I was reduced to the Benton, the Cincinnati in a sinking con- dition, the Louisville, and the ram General Bragg. Sickness had made sudden and terrible havoc with my people. It came, as it were, all at once. * * * Taking into consideration all these things, I determined to return up the river as far as Helena, and am on my way there now. This decision is my own. I talked the matter over with one or two per- sons, but called no council of war. The responsibility is my own, and it will not worry me the least in the world if it is not approved of. * * * ~~ was not to be expected that I could take the city of Vicksburg with my squadron only without troops, and this being so I am as well at Helena as at any point lower down. As we approach Helena I am satisfied, from the reports received from the transports, towing vessels, etc., that if we had remained a week longer at Vicksburg I should not have had engineers nor fire- men enough to bring the vessels up. As it is we have depended very much on the contrabands to do the work in front of the fires. Helena, Friday, August 1.I anchored here last evening at 8 oclock with the whole fleet. I have not dropped a coal barge on the way, though you may well suppose that we have had a tedious time of it. There is no knowing what crazy project the Department may hav Page 272 272 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. in view or how this move of mine may be taken. But it seems to me that the only course now to be pursued is to yield to the climate and postpone any further action at Vicksburg till the fever season is over. Loss of the U. S. S. Sallie Wood, off Island No. 82, July 21, 1862. Report of Commander Walke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Jfempkis, July 3O~ 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Carondelet at this place. On the passage up, in the evening of July 23, I picked up Mr. Lucas, pilot of the steamer Sallie Wood, who informed me that that vessel was fired into by rebel light artillery at Carolina Landing and along the bend at Princeton and other points above, and that on the 21st instant the Sallie Wood was fired upon again at Ar- gyle Landing, and again at Island No. 82, where the rebel shot took effect in piercing her steam drum and stopped the engine. The pilot ran her ashore on Island No. 82, the rebels continuing to fire upon the boat until all of her passengers, officers, and crew were driven on the island. As the rebels, for want of a boat, did not board her imme- diately, Mr. Lucas, her pilot, returned to the Sallie Wood, launched her skiff, took his trunks, and descended the river as far as Island No. 84 and concealed himself at [sic] daylight, when he saw the light of his burning steamer. The following night he descended the Mis- sissippi, and hid 7 miles below Carolina Landing. Mr. Lucas in- formed me that there were about 35 persons on board the Sallie Wood, 31 or 32 of which were captured, most of whom were sick soldiers; the chief engineers wife and servant being the only females on board. I anchored below Carolina Landing until near daylight, when I got underway again and fired several shot and shell in and about the rebel masked battery, but perceiving no evidence of the enemys presence I continued on half a mile farther up to Princeton Landing, where the rebel battery halted and fired at the steamer passing. I fired four or five shot at the house, but receiving no answer I passed on to the next point and fired about the same number of 10-second shell at a house on Mr. Flournoys plantation, where the rebels were seen to halt and rendezvous. But as this place seemed to be deserted also, I passed on a quarter of a mile farther, opposite a house from which a rebel picket ran to the river bank and fired four or five rifle shot at the Sallie Wood. I returned the compliment with four or five shell. This place also appeared to be deserted. As we continued steaming up the river and passed Greenville no white people could be seen, except those who appeared to be very poor. The negroes, however, were very numerous, standing under the banks of the river and making signals to us at night, asking to be taken away. As we passed the spot where the Sallie Wood was fired at a third time, I shelled the point and woods, and (as an intelligent deserter has since informed me) came very near annihilating the party before they made their escape. From this point the rebels crossed over a peninsula to another opposite Island No. 82, where they burned the SaUje Wood. I arrived at No. 82 after dark, landed, and sent Page 273 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 273 party to a woodmans house on the island to enquire after the fate of the people who were on the Sallie JVood, but finding that the house, which was lit up for a few minutes before, was deserted, we passed on slowly (being very dark) by the remains of the ill-fated steamer and rebel batteries, blowing the steam whistle and stopping occasionally to hear if any of our people were still on the island, but not a sound was heard until we reached the upper part of the island, when the feeble voice of a man was heard calling to us to come quickly to his aid. This was done immediately, the boat returning with one of the noblest specimens of an American soldier (First Lieu- tenant Wing, Company G, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers), who had been three days without food, concealed in the driftwood, all of his companions except two others being captured by the close search of the rebels. In our search the Carondelet approached too close to the island and ran ashore, where she stuck fast until daylight, when we succeeded in sparring and hauling her off. There were no batteries or firing on the Arkansas side of the river. I picked up a deserter (a Mr. Montague, who was on picket) just above Island No. 82, who was an intelligent young gentleman, and I consider his word reliable. He informed me that their batteries were composed of four guns, two iron rifled 6-pounders and two brass 12-pounders. The negroes, he said, did not work the guns (as the pilot had told me), but they drove the teams and dug the rifle pits or trenches. He also informed me that I. N. Brown, formerly of our Navy, commanded the Arkansas, and talked of going to sea with his ram. He said that the Arkansas lost 8 men killed and 11 wounded in her fight with this vessel, by the bursting of one of our shell, which entered one of her ports. He also stated that a number of letters were taken from the Sallie Wood. Lieutenant Wing informed that our mail was thrown overboard with a weight attached, and that he saw it sink. Lieutenant Wing and servant took passage to Cairo on the ram Queen of the West, which passed us on the 28th. On the 27th we ran aground, which detained us eighteen hours. I called on General Curtis at Helena, according to your orders, and gave him all the information I had collected on my way up the river, for which he was very much gratified, as several boats had passed him ~vithout stopping. He said that he was in great want of the services of one or two small, fast gunboats to keep the river clear and prevent the enemy from crossing over to his rear. He expressed his readi- ness to go down to Vicksburg, but did not inform me of any con- templated movement at present. His army of about 25,000 at that place seems to be in a good condition. Our sick are improving generally, although our number (20) is about the same. I will coal and proceed on my way to Cairo imme- diately, duly apprising you of my movements and circumstances. I sent Mr. Montague to Cairo, in charge of Lieutenant Wing. I picked up (afloat) one contraband and seven refugees from Arkansas and brought them to Memphis. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Flag-Officer C. I-I. DAvis, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commanding U. S. Naval Flotilla, ill ississippi River. 49518N W RYOL 2309i Page 274 274 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Colonel Rawlins, U. S. Army. HDQRS. FIFTH DIvIsioN, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, IJlentphis, July 30, 18W?. SIR: I had the honor to write on the 25th instant, since which nothing has happened here in the vicinity worth reporting. * * * * * * * General Curtis, I am informed, goes to Little Rock very soon; indeed, I hear the army moves to-day. I have also learned that the navy boat Sallie Wood, with about 40 passengers of the fleet and army before Vicksburg, was disabled at Carolina Point, about 90 miles above Vicksburg, and run on shore. All passengers were made prisoners except three, who succeeded in reaching an island and get- ting on board the Carondelet. One of them, a lieutenant of a Wiscon- sin regiment, was my informant. Information has also reached us that our fleet before Vicksburg has raised the siege, the lower fleet returning to Baton Rouge, and upper on its return, maybe, to this place. This will embolden Van Dorn, and we must soon expect to hear from him. * * * * * * * I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. Colonel JOHN A. RAWLINS Headquarters, Corinth, Miss. Sketch of the history of the U. S. Ram Fleet. NEW ALBANY, IND., November 1, 1865. GENERAL: At your request made to me verbally a few days since I hand you a short sketch of the history of the U.S. Ram Fleet, got up under the direction of Colonel Charles Ellet, jr., afterwards increased by the addition of the Mississippi Marine Brigade, under the com- mand of Brigadier-General Alfred XV. Ellet.. Though not strictly connected with transportation, yet, as it was used for the transportation of the troops of that particular command and was under the control of the War Department, perhaps it belongs more properly to your branch of the service than to any other. The idea, I believe, of destroying the enemys fleet by the use of rams originated with Colonel Charles Ellet, jr., who, as you know, was a civil engineer, and stood at the head of his profession in this country. His views on the subject were known to the Government. About the last of March, 1862, the Secretary of War invited him to his office to consult on the subject, and ordered him immediately West to procure the boats and make the necessary alterations and repairs on them to fit them for service in the least possible time. Within about forty days from the time Colonel Ellet left Wash- ington he had procured nine steamers, and had them altered into rams, with two floating batteries, to use to protect the steamers in passing batteries on the river, and had them equipped and ready for service Page 275 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 275 As the use of this kind of vessel was new, Colonel Ellet got them. up in the most economical manner. His engineering experience enabled him to adopt a plan of strengthening the boats, simple, eco- nomical, and efficient. The entire fleet, with equipments, and pro- visioned and coaled for eighty days, cost something less than $300,000. It left here in the latter part of May, 1862, passed the batteries at Fort Pillow on the 4th of June, and was at Memphis on the morn- ing of the 6th of June, and participated in the battle before that place on that day. The result of that battle was a great triumph for the rains, and fully came up to the expectations of Colonel Ellet and the Government. A portion of the fleet had arrived early that morning, and landed about a mile above the city. The rebel vessels were opposite the city, and the United States naval vessels were just above them when the first intimation which Colonel Ellet had that a battle was coming off that morning was from the firing of a gun from one of the rebel boats, the ball passing over the points of land above, and striking the water near the flagship of the Ram Fleet. Colonel lEllet immediately ordered the four side-wheel boats of his fleet into the battle; he led the way with the Queen of the West, the other three boats to follow,, each a half mile behind the other, and to depend upon their capacity for destroying the enemys b~ats by ramming, none of the Ram Fleet being provided with guns. The Monarch, under the command of Lieutenant-~olonel Alfred W. Ellet, followed the Queen of the IVest at the distance ordered. The other two boats did not join in the fight, one from being dis- abled in her steering apparatus, and the other from not properly understanding the orders. The Monarch and Queen of the West sunk four of the enemys boats and ran the fifth ashore, where she was taken by the navy. The battle lasted but little over an hour. The whole fleet of the enemy was scattered and destroyed, and the American flag hoisted on the city that morning. N~i person was killed on either of the rams, and but one wounded. That was the brave and lamented Colonel Charles Ellet, jr., the commander of the fleet, who was wounded by a pistol shot in the knee, which caused his death some two weeks after the battle. In his death the country lost a brave and valuable officer. The naval boats at Memphis participated in this battle, and did good service, but I think it is generally conceded that it was the Ram Fleet which insured the success and destroyed nearly all of the boats of the enemy. Colonel Charles Ellet was obliged to leave the fleet a few days after the battle, in consequence of the severity of his wound. He started up the river with the intention of coming to this place and staying until his wound was sufficiently healed to enable him to resume the command, and died at Cairo on the 21st of June, 1862. He was suc- ceeded in the command by Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred W. Ellet. After the battle of Memphis it was thought desirable to furnish the rams with cannon to enable them to attack the batteries of the enemy on the river and otherwise to annoy them, where it would be impracticable to use the boats as rams. Having got their guns aboard, they started down the Mississippi about the 18th of June, in advance of any other boats. On this tri Page 276 276 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. two or three of the enemys boats were captured and an equal number destroyed. During that summer the fleet was constantly employed in annoying the enemy, destroying their boats and property, and driving off bands of guerrillas. In the fall of that year the rebel ironclad Arkamsas, which had been lying in one of the small rivers above Vicksburg, ran down past the entire naval and IRam Fleet and came in under the batteries in front of Vicksburg. On consultation with the naval commander, Commodore Davis, it was agreed that Colonel A. W. Ellet should go down on the Queen of the JVe8t and destroy the Arkamsas by ramming her, two of the naval ironclads to accompany him, to attack the batteries on shore while the Queen should destroy the Arkan8as. At the time agreed upon Colonel Ellet started with the ram Queen of the lVe8t to do the work. From some cause, not satisfactorily ex- plained, the ironclads did not accompany her, and she went down alone, with all the batteries firing upon her, and ran into the Ar- kansas, but owing to the eddy in the river at that point carrying the Queen too far around, she struck her a glancing blow, and failed to sink her, but so deranged her machinery as to disable her, and was the means of her destruction a day or two after. The Queen of the lVe8t returned again past the batteries up to the fleet, having received some thirty of the balls from the rebel cannon, which passed through her hull, cabin, and chimneys, but without killing a man. When we consider that this boat was unprotected except by a bulkhead of timber around the boilers, it is almost a miracle that she was not lost; and it reflects great credit upon the daring and bravery of Colonel Ellet and his brave crew. Some time after this the Queen of the We8t went down again past the batteries, under the command of Colonel Charles R. Ellet, and proceeded down the Mississippi, and captured and destroyed four of the enemys steamboats loaded with quartermasters and commissarys stores and cotton, and then went up IRed River and was captured, having got aground on a sand bar under the fire of one of the enemys batteries. The crew were obliged to desert her to prevent being captured. She was subsequently retaken by our forces and was destroyed. A full history of what was accomplished by this boat would make one of the most interesting features of the war. An old, ordinary steamer, stiffened up by bulkheads of timber running through her hull from stem to stern, properly braced, with her sides held together with tie bolts, and her bow filled with solid timber, to enable her to stand the shock of the crushing blows she struck, without protection except the timber protection around her boilers mentioned above, ac- complished more than probably any other vessel in the service of the Government during the time; certainly more than any on the inland waters of the United States. In March, 1863, General Grant wanted boats below the batteries at Vicksburg to transfer troops from the west to the east side of the Miss- issippi River. Two of the rams, the Switzerland and Lanea8ter, started down past the batteries; the Switzerland went safely past, except the loss of a steam pipe, which was shot off and which rendered her for a few days useless, until repaired Page 277 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 277 The Lancaster was instantly sunk by a large ball entering her stern, which appeared to have destroyed all her bottom timbers. The whole fleet performed efficient service, and captured and de- stroyed property to the amount of several millions of dollars. In November, 1863, the Secretary of War decided upon enlarging the fleet by the addition of what was known as the Mississippi Marine Brigade. In that month (November, 1863) I was ordered to purchase seven large steamers and fit five of them to carry each about 125 cavalry horses and men and about 250 infantry; the whole force to consist of 500 cavalry and 1,000 infantry; one boat for a supply boat for com- missarys and quartermasters stores or supplies, and one other for a hospital boat. This fleet was called the Marine Brigade, and was put under the same command with the Ram Fleet. The whole fleet consisted of three stern-wheel and four side-wheel steamers, in the Ram Fleet, two of the original rams, stern wheel, having been transferred to the quartermasters department at St. Louis, as unnecessary; the iRam Fleet having seven rams, with the seven boats named above of the Marine Brigade, made in all fourteen steamers, with two steam tugs used as messenger boats. As thus organized the fleet was used to patrol the Mississippi River to keep down guerrillas. The boats were so constructed as to land at points infested by guer- rillas and rapidly disembark their troops and pursue them into the interior. The presence of such a fleet, so organized on the river, was a terror to such parties and did efficient service. Though a very useful or- ganization in keeping the river free from guerrilla bands and pre- venting the erection of batteries, its benefits were not so apparent as those of the Ram Fleet. The boats and outfit required for the Marine Brigade cost about $350,000, besides the expense of the military on board. This fleet was continued in the service until August, 1864, when the War Department thought the necessity of such an organization no longer existed, and it was mustered out of the service and the boats turned over to the quartermasters below, to be used as transports. The above sketch is given from recollection, the time allowed for preparing it not being sufficient to allow reference to documents for a more accurate history of the fleet and its doings. Should it be necessary to get up a more elaborate report, I will take time to get up a full statement of all the facts connected with it, together with an accurate account of all expenses incurred by the Quartermasters Department in its equipment and continuance in the service. Respectfully submitted. JAMES BROOKS, Captain and Acting ;Jlaster, Chief Quarte%niaster U. S. Ram Fleet and Mississippi Marine Brigade. Brigadier-General L. B. PARSONS, Chief of Transportation Department, St. Louis, Mo Page 278 278 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, acknowledging commi& 9ion as Chief of Bureau of Navigation. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of my commission as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation in the Navy, from the 17th of July, 1862, and to return to the Department the accompanying oath duly subscribed and executed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IVashington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Hull, U. S. Navy, to forward weekly reports regarding progress on vessels under con- struction. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 1, 1862. SIR: The Department desires you to transmit to it, at the end of each week, a report of the progress and condition of the several steam- ers building under your superintendence. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo. Appointment from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Romeo Fri ganza, as ma8ter joiner. OFFICE OF GUNBOAT FLOTILLA Cairo, Ill., August 1, 1862. SIR: You are hereby appointed master joiner and gun-carriage maker for the flotilla in the Western waters, subject to the approval of the Navy Department. Your compensation will be at the rate of $2,000 per year. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. Mr. ROMEO FRIGANZA, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Captain Maynadier, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding mortars and mortar service on the Missis- sippi River. U. S. S. JUDGE TORRENCE, 0/f Helena, August 2, 186P. SIR: Agreeably to your request, I have the honor to submit the following remarks upon the mortars and mortar service upon the Mississippi River: The mortars connected with the Mississippi Flotilla were first fired at Island No. 10, on the 16th of March, and, with the exception o Page 279 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the time from June 6 to July 3, the firing was continued almost daily until the 25th of July. At Island [No.] 10 the position was favorable, as the enemys batteries were in sight and in good range; but the want of depth to the line of batteries made it diflicult to lodge shells suffi- ciently near the parapets to drive out the gunners. The effect of the shells at this place was to force the enemy to move his camps out of range and to resort to boomproof shelters in his batteries. Prisoners taken there freely acknow- ledged that the mortar firing was a great annoyance to the daily labors of the garrison, but the actual damage in- flicted was slight. At Fort Pillow the position was ex- tremely unfavorable, the batteries be- ing at long range, out of sight, and backed by clay bluffs, which caught and retained the shells. On this account most of the shells were fired with large charges over the bluff, with a view to reach the camps and storehouses in the hollow beyond; in this the success was very limited. At Vicksburg the position was ex- cellent for bombarding the town, but most of the batteries were out of range. We have had ocular demonstration and the evidence of refugees and de- serters, that the shells produced great destruction in the city. A large portion of the shells fired into Vicksburg were loaded with com- bustibles, but they nearly all failed to set fire to anything. The combustibles used were port- firesa mixture of gunpowder, sul- phur, and niterrags saturated with linseed oil, and sponges soaked in spirits of turpentine. In regard to their construction, the mortars and beds are all that could be required; the present plan of plac- ing the axis of the trunnions at the cen- ter of gravity, and thereby holding the mortar at any elevation by its own weight, is far superior to the old method. The beds are strong, durable, and well adapted to easy handling. 7VZQr .cvv. ~ fl-I L r V ~ II C 0 C- & S. ~- J~ C 0, o Page 280 280 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The boats are, in nearly every respect, defective, both in design and construction. Their shape renders it almost impossible to tow them without running them under the water, whilst their construc- tion is, as I shall endeavor to show, very badly adapted to resisting the effects of firing. The annexed diagram will serve to illustrate their shape. From these diagrams it will be seen that they are flat-bottomed, rectangular, with a pointed bow and stern, and vertical sides, thus offering very great resistance to the water whilst being towed. About one-third of the boat at the center is built of layers of logs at right angles to each other, forming a solid pile of timber, on which the mortar rests. This pile with the mortar and bed weighs about 26,000 pounds, which is a constant load on the middle of the boat, and has a tendency to spring the boat downward in the middle. Whenever the mortar is fired the recoil is transmitted in two direc- tions, and, as the elevation is uniformly 45O~ one component of the force of the recoil will be horizontal and the other vertical, and each will be one-half of the whole recoil. By computation, the vertical component P is about 100,000 pounds, whereby a sudden weight or shock of 20 tons is added to the 13 tons already weighing down the middle of the boat. This causes the middle to settle, the ends to rise, and opens the seams and the boats fill with water. This has been uniformly the case, and always, after two or three shots, the boats must be pumped out. The buoyancy of the solid timber prevents them from sinking. These defects can be remedied by adding to the bow and stern a crib, which will give them a slant upward and make their shape similar to that of the coal barges in use on the river, which are towed with perfect ease. For the other, it will be necessary to distribute the weight over the whole bottom of the boat by a system of braces and ties similar to those in a bridge-trap, and to stiffen the side tim- bers; it would be an advantage, also, to put the bottom planks on lengthwise. I am requested to give my opinion upon the question whether the advantages arising from the use of the mortars on the river have been commensurate with the labor, risk, and expense involved in using them. I have already given a brief account of what the mor- tars have done, and this is to be compared with the cost of doing it. I think that I may claim that the mortars were served as accu- rately and rapidly as they could be, and, from what I will deduce, that as much has been done as can be under similar circumstances. Laying aside the original cost, we have to deal with the expense of pay of officers and crews and their subsistence charter of towboats and cost of ammunition, which amounts to a very considerable sum, in an extended campaign. I think $2,000 a day a fair estimate of the cost of the present sixteen mortars and crews, exclusive of ammuni- tion. Each shot costs $15, and thousands can be fired away in a very short time. Our expenditure of shells amounts to 8 0 the firing has generally been slow. 00, and The conclusion to which I come, therefore, is, that, whilst the mortars have contributed as much as was in their power or could be expected of them toward the result of the campaign, still their services have not been near equal to their cost Page 281 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 281 There are very few places on the Mississippi where mortars can be effectually used, and here, as elsewhere, they are serviceable and valuable only against large cities and enclosed works. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY E. MAYNADIER, Captain, U. S. Infantry, Commanding Mortars. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Constructor Iiartt, U. S. Na vy, suggesting the use of ferryloats as police vessels. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 3, 1862. SIR: I am directed by the flag-officer in his absence to reply to your letter of the 20th ultimo, and to inform you that, the light drafts which you propose to fit up at Pittsburg for service as police vessels are probably not as well suited for the purpose as a class of ferryboats, which can be procured on the upper Mississippi and at a less expense than that named in your letter. He probably will communicate with you further upon this subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Captain, for Flag-Officer. E. HARTT, Esq., Naval Constructor, U. S. Navy, Pittsburg, Pa. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Phelps, U. S. Navy, announcing his departure for Cairo, with Brigadier-General Curtis, U. S. Army. 0 FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 3, 1862. SIR: General Curtis and myself go to Cairo to-day for the purpose of placing ourselves in closer communication with the Government. Commander Dove, of the Louisville, has been detailed to accom- pany the military expedition to White River. My flag will continue to fly on board this ship, from which will originate the details of duty of the squadron as usual. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Captain S. L. PHELPS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Flagship Benton, Helena, Ar Page 282 282 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Fleet Captain Phelps, U. S. Navy, to Commander Winslow7 U. S. Navy, regarding coal. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 4, 1862. SIR: By direction of the flag-officer, I send the Hammitt up to-day to Memphis for coal. It is essential that it should be got down here with all possible dispatch. If there is sufficient coal at Memphis, be pleased to send down by her three barges. Let her bring at least one barge if no more can be spared, and in this event it will be necessary to send a further supply at the earliest opportunity. If Mr. Goss, White River pilot, has not already left Memphis, please send him down by the Hammit, as we need his services. If the Hammit can turn back immediately, she will return in time for our operations to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Fleet Captain. Commander JNo. A. WINsLow, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat St. Louis, iIem~phis, Tenn. Joint expedition from Helena to mouth of White River, Ark., August 5 to 8, 186g. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 5, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: To-day General Steele informs me that the force destined for White River is detailed. I will leave with the Louis- ville at dusk this evening. I shall escort this force to the mouth of the river with the Benton and Bragg. Colonel Ellet will take down the Switzerland and Monardi. The ram coming up from picket duty below this point reports having heard of the Arkansas as far up as the mouth of White River. While I place little reliance on this report, I do not deem it prudent to let the Louisville go down alone. A flag of truce has been to-day forced up to the very headquarters of this army, coming out of the Arkansas and up the Mississippi all the way by water. There are evidences that the enemy in considerable force is hovering about the vicinity. These considerations render it desirable to have a movement on the river to show that any attempt at crossing forces or supplies, or any move of the Arkansas, like an attempt at a raid upon our camps, would be likely to meet with opposition. We will go down as far as Napoleon and return at once. Captain Gwin will remain in command here, and, if circumstances shall operate to detain us down the river, the Mound City will be ready to escort you down. Certain considerations, which I will ex-. plain verbally, have induced me to take the Bragg, though it would have been considerate to have left her for you on arrival Page 283 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 283 One of Colonel Ellets rams will remain at the mouth of White River until the force returns. S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer CHARLES H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed attack upon battery at Robinsonville. FLAG- STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 5, 1862. SIR: Since writing my letter of this date, I have received informa- tion of a battery of seven fleldpieces on the river at Robinsons [Rob- insonville] Landing. Colonel Hovey, commanding brigade 20 miles below this point, proposes to put part of his force on transports for the purpose of capturing this battery, and I shall take the Mound City in addition to the force proposed to act in conjunction with Colonel Hovey, so that the expedition to White River may not be de- tained. As soon as that duty is accomplished, the Mound City will return to this place, Robinsons [Robinsonville] Landing being only some 40 miles below here. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Report of Colonel Shepard, commanding Third Missouri Infantry. HELENA, ARK., August 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the execution of an order received the 5th instant to proceed on an expedition down the river. After reporting for instructions, as directed, to the flag-officer pro tem., Captain Phelps, of the gunboat Benton, I went on board the steamer fatan with five companies of my regiment, while Lieutenant- Colonel Bischoff embarked on the IVhite Cloud with the remainder. A gunboat fleet, consisting of the Benton, flagship, Captain Phelps; the Louis cille, Captain Dove, and the Mound City, Captain Gwin, together with the rams Bragg, Switzerland, and Monarch, formed the escort. At 10:30 p. m. the signal was given, and the fleet was soon under- way, except the White Cloud, which was detained until daylight in taking in coal. We reached Old Town at 3 a. in., where we anchored for two hours, while a large portion of the gunboats proceeded down the river in cooperation with Colonel Hovey, of the Thirty-third Illi- nois, in some subordinate enterprise. At 5 a. m. the Mound City stearne(1 up the river and left us, while the boats at anchor moved down 6 miles, joining the entire fleet, and all waited for the Whit Page 284 284 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Cloud to come forward, as she had not yet appeared. About 10 oclock she hove in sight, and the entire fleet proceeded without inter- ruption to the mouth of White River, reaching it about 6 oclock. There were no suspicious indications on either bank for the entire distance, except perhaps three horsemen observed at different points, who may have been scouts of the enemy. These men were upon the Arkansas shore; besides them but few persons were seen, and these all negroes. At the mouth of the river the fleet anchored, and Captains Phelps and Dove came on board the Zatan for consultation. It was~ determined that the Louisville and transports should proceed cau- tiously up the White River, while the remainder of the force dropped down to Napoleon. Accordingly, the boats indicated entered the mouth of the latter river and proceeded carefully for 3 miles to Mont- gomerys Cut-off, when the Louisville grounded, and was only got off the bar after an hour or more. Captain Dove again boarded the fatan, and was decided in his opinion that the river was so low that any farther advance would be at the extreme hazard of his vessel, and we therefore returned to our anchorage outside the mouth of the river and waited the return of the flagship and her attendants. The only observation in White River of any note was that it had fallen 3 feet within the last two weeks. A fleet of eight flatboats left at that time near the Cut-off by Captain Weaver had all been re- moved. At the northerly apex of the shore at the mouth of the river a roadway appeared recently to have been cut through the dense woods, as the fresh appearance of the stumps indicated. At 2 a. m. of the 7th the returning fleet signaled us. At 3 all were underway up the river. Daylight showed the same quiet appearance along the shore as in the downward passage, except that a much larger con- course of negroes was witnessed and here and there a flatboat could be seen on the shores of the bayous. Twenty-eight miles above the mouth of the White River, at Relief Station, I ordered at noon time a delay of the transports till the gun- boats came up, and I sent a yawl ashore for an intelligent-looking negro to come off on board for examination. From him I learned that no body of soldiers had crossed at this point for several weeks; that families from Arkansas occasionally passed the Mississippi, bound south, and such occurrences happened quite frequently; that within a day or two three soldiers had come from the Mississippi side, as he expressed it, sick ob de war, and one was then sick at a house in sight; but that most of the people had gone to the secesh Army some time ago. I could not discover that lie had heard of any move- ment on the river either above or below, nor of any rumors of any either past or meditated. While this conversation was going on a large crowd of colored persons had gathered on the river bank, and sending this man back I went ashore and talked with several others aside, who agreed very remarkably with the first statement made me. Learning that there was a musket in the house referred to, I sent my adjutant with a file of soldiers to secure it and make personal observa- tions. He found a young man there, apparently ill, who professed to have come from Kentucky, but not to be a soldier, and to know noth- ing of the whereabouts of troops. The musket proved to be loaded with ball, and a cap (evidently a Confederate officers) was found, both of which were brought away. The family professed to be stranger Page 285 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 285 to the young man, but some inconsistency in statements led me to believe this deceptive. I did not deem it best to make any arrest. I think it my duty to suggest that at this point, Relief Station, it seems to me wise to locate some force. It is a fine location for a camp. Directly across the channel is Island No. 64, of good size and easily crossed by troops. The channel here is not more than 300 yards wide, and beyond the island to the Mississippi shore is another of about the same width. Hence the passage in flatboats can easily be effected with very little drifting, and the place would naturally be selected for such purposes. Then, 2j miles in rear of the landing the main road from White River to Old Town passes, and is therefore a very acces- sible point. The country in the vicinity I learned was rich and rather densely settled. At 2 p. m. the fleet reached us, and joining it we proceeded up the river, arriving at Helena at daylight this morning. But a single casualty occurred on the trip. On the night of the 5th, Private McFadden, Company D, was lost. He slept near the rail on the forward deck, and starting from his sleep was seen to lose his balance and fall overboard, probably in a state of somnambulism, to which he was subject. The boat rounded to, and search was made for him, but without success. I can not justly dismiss this report without honorably mentioning the officers of the fleet, both the gunboats and transports. They ex- hibited a high degree of courtesy and devotion to the service, coop- erating in all my suggestions very heartily. I. F. SHEPARD, Colonel Third Missoum Infantry, Commanding River Expedition. Colonel F. HASSENDEUBEL, Commanding First Brigade, etc. Order of Fleet Captain Phelps, U. S. Navy, to. Commander Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding supplies of ice and vegetables. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 5, 1862. SIR: I dispatch the Wilson to Cairo for the purpose of bringing down ice and vegetables for the squadron. The supply of ice now on hand will last only five or six days. We have not vegetables for two days issue, and none can be procured here, while scurvy is making its appearance among the crews of the vessels, and the amount of fever cases has not diminished. It will be necessary to make all dispatch in sending the Wilson back with the ice and vegetables, for the numerous sick of the squad- ron will suffer for the want of them. I have procured two barges of coal from Memphis; this supply will last only a few days. As soon as coaled the steamer Swallow will leave for Cairo. The flag-officer directs that another suitable steamer shall be pro- cured at once to supply the place of the Swallow, as she is in a sink- ing condition and we have great difficulty in keeping her afloat Page 286 286 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Until the other boat shall have arrived the squadron will be without the means of making repairs, where heavy iron is used, for want of suitable forges. The contrabands on board the Swallow, sent with her to keep her afloat, had better be returned to the squadron in the new workshop. The Swallow is in charge of Third Master Marsh, superintendent of the workmen. Very respectfully, etc., S. L. PHELPS, Fleet Captain. Commander PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., August 5, 186211 a. m. (Received 1 05 p. in.) I am here with General Curtis to communicate with the Depart- ment upon plans of joint operations between the general and myself. General Curtis will communicate our views to the Secretary of War. C. H. DAVIS, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretary Navy. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., August 6, 18627 p. m~. The navy has abandoned Vicksburg and the fleet of Commodore Davis has united with my force at Helena. This leaves the Ar- kansas again in the power of the enemys gunboats, and may allow Hindman to finish his conscription. Commodore Davis is here. He concurs with me in the ability of our gunboats to go up White River, but such a move is inexpedient while the enemy seems to have power to command the mouth of the river. You perceive a wagon move- ment (which, as you ordered, I immediately commenced) can only extend to White River. It will probably return. Our Missouri friend erroneously apprehended the advance of Price. Your order, I infer, was given supposing our fleet held the mouths of the Arkansas and White rivers, and that gunboats could not go up the White River, both of which facts do not now exist. To go to Little Rock, you percei~~e,is not necessary, and I do assure you, with my train at this season of the year, it is not immediately possible. To explain: Forage is quite exhausted. Wagons need horses and horses need shoes; all of which I am trying to remedy as fast as pos- sible. But the clearing of the Mississippi seems a first necessity, for, when I leave the river with most of my force, the gunboats, I think, will not keep the river open, and my supplies will be immediately cut off, as the supplies to the gunboats at Vicksburg were cut off. Opening the Mississippi is therefore a condition precedent. If my requisition for boats had been met by the quartermaster, instead of delaying to disprove what I know to be a fact in regard to Whit Page 287 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 287 River navigation, my mobility would be different. Boats are now being obtained. Commodore Davis concurs in the idea of converting ferryboats into a sort of gunboat, and is trying to strengthen his force also by adopting them. I present, therefore, that General Grant and myself should unite with the navy in a new effort to scatter the batteries that have been erected below, and destroy the gunboats and rams of the enemy that now threaten to embarrass all our opera- tions besides on the river. Besides, a complete control of the Mis- sissippi is disastrous to the enemy. Commodore Davis is here, hardly [heartily?] ready to act with me. There was sad want of unity in the last effort off Vicksburg. The hopes of the West float on the Missis- sippi, and all my hope of reducing Arkansas and supporting Mis- souri depend on this river. By bringing out the gunboats and rams and ferryboats, and taking a large force on transport boats, con- veniently arranged for landing the troops, it seems to me the matter can be quickly accomplished. The transports shall be paid little or nothing, for what are they worth if the river is blockaded? I shall, with your consent, fortify Helena. My force, as you see, is about 18,000 strong. It is in good heart and condition, but all my generals concurred with me in the necessity of establishing our power on the river and before we depart beyond supporting distance of the fleet, which does not feel safe without our cooperation. In any and all ways, however, we are your obedient and faithful soldiers, SAMUEL IR. CURTIS, Major- General. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, to proceed to Helena, Ark., without delay. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., August 6, 1862. SIR: As soon as the Pittsburg is ready for service you will proceed to Helena, Ark., and report to the commanding officer afloat there with as much dispatch as is consistent with the following service: On your way down the river you will please destroy all the flat- boats, barges, skiffs, towboats, and ferryboats that you may meet with, unless you are satisfied that they belong to Union people and have not been employed in the service of the rebels. If you are fired into, you will inflict the most. summary chastisement upon the guilty parties, and destroy the houses and property in the vicinity if perfectly accessible and convenient. You will show these orders to Captain Winslow at Memphis and explain to him that the Pittsburg is not to be detailed, and that her presence is now peremptorily required at Helena. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIs, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant Commanding EGBERT THOMPSON, Commanding Pittsburg Page 288 288 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram. ~ NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 7, 1862. Have the Cincinnati boat prepared and armed at the most con- venient place. If sent to Cairo, Flag-Officer Davis will probably afford a gunboat to protect her. GIDEON WELLES, Captain J. B. HULL, Secretary of the Navy. St. Louis, jib. Letter from Captain Hull, U. S. Nacy, to Joseph Brown, esq., re- garding the station of the U. S. S. Chillicothe. NEW ALBANY, IND., August 8, 1862. SIR: Thinking it unsafe, under the present circumstances of rumors of rebel movements in Kentucky, to remove the gunboat Chillicothe below this place after her arrival here, I deem it proper to direct you to detain her here until you hear from me after my return to St. Louis. Very respectfully, J. B. HULL, JOSEPH BROWN, Esq. Captain, Superintending. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, referring to proposed cooperation with the army forces. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 2d instant. Since that dispatch was written the Department will have received my several communications informing it of the attacks upon the Arkansas and their results; of the retirement from before Vicksburg of Rear-Admiral Farragut and Brigadier-General Williams; and of my falling back upon Helena, together with the reasons and motives for taking this step. Upon interchanging views with General Curtis at Helena, I found, with pleasure, that he entertained the same opinions as myself on the importance of cooperation between the forces under his com- mand and the gunboat flotilla, and on the proper objects of this cooperation, and I acceded to his request to accompany him to this place to confer with the Government. I hope also by my presence here to hasten the work of construc- tion and repair on the new and old gunboats. I am not so unprepared for the vicissitudes of war as to look always for victory; neither do I desire to escape from the responsi- bilities of my position. But I take the liberty to say that if the Department will continue to extend toward me its confidence I hav Page 289 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 289 no doubt that, when I have collected my means and matured my plans, it will be satisfied with my efforts if not with my success. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H DAVIS Hon. GIDEON WELLES, . Commodore. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding enlistment of recruits. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 8, 1862. SIR: As it is likely the order for drafting will cause more persons to enlist in the Navy than would otherwise do so, you will advertise for recruits and authorize the officers under your command to re- ceive all proper persons who may present themselves for enlistment. Shipping articles and enlistment blanks will be sent you to-day, which you will cause to be forwarded to this Department monthly and weekly as are respectively directed on each. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Captain CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding, etc., Cairo, Ill. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Prichett, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of command. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 11, 1862. Sm: You are hereby detached from the U. S. receiving vessel Clara Dolsen, and ordered to report to Commander and Fleet Captain Pen- nock for duty as lieutenant commanding U. S. gunboat Tyler. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer. Lieutenant-Commander J. M. PRICHETT, U. S. Navy. Report of a board of officers appointed to examine the condition of certain mortar boats. U. S. GUNBOAT LOUISVILLE, Helena, Ark., August 11, 1862. SIR: In obedience to the order of Flag-Officer Davis, communicated in your letter of yesterday, we have carefully examined mortar boats Nos.. 7, 36, 22, 38, 9, and 23, and have to report their condition as follows: 49518x w BVOL 23091 Page 290 290 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. They are all water-logged, and the spaces left for the magazines are filled with water. Nos. 3G and 9 have their decks also half over- flowed. No. 23 does not stand the shock of a discharge of the mortar; in fact, there seems to be such a defect in their plan and construction that we do not hesitate to condemn them as unfit for further service. The mortars and their carriages are still almost perfect, although some of them have been fired so often. We recommend them to be removed as soon as possible from their present floating position The term mortar boats, applied to the contrivance on which they now stand, is a misnomer. It seems to be defective in form and con- struction, and if they are not soon removed there will be danger of the mortars being lost. We therefore recommend their being carefully towed up to Memphis and landed. The sheet-iron bulwarks may be applied to some other purpose, as well as their tackle; the boats themselves might be broken up or sold. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, BENJAMIN M. DOVE, Commander. BYRON WILSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. R. SHERMAN, Acting Gunner, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding S. L. PHELPS, Acting Fleet Captain, Flagship Benton. Letter from Abram Cook, esq., to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding apparatus for destruction of Confederate gunboats. DAVENPORT, IOWA, August 11, 1862. SIR: In all the accounts I have seen of the engagement with the rebel gunboat Arkansas she is shot-proof to shot, shell, and ram gunboat. I will promise to destroy the Arkansas or any other rebel gunboat on the Mississippi River, or on the Southern coast, if you will accept this offer and send me a pass to any named place. I will come and show you or your agent the drawings of the apparatus and the mode of applying it to a gunboat, and I will volunteer my service to the Government to construct and operate the apparatus gratis. N. B.Please answer this soon [as] convenient. Your most obedient servant, ABRAM COOK. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commander, etc. [Telegram.] ST. LOUIS, Mo., August 12, 1862. There are two good new boats here, such as you require, which I have decided to purchase. They draw 18 and 20 inches, light draft. Please inform me if this meets your wishes, and if you wish them pre- pared according to the plan proposed in the letter of Mr. Hartt, or otherwise, and how soon will they be required for service. J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Flag-Officer DAVIS, Cairo Page 291 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 291 Letter from Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, to Jo8eph Brown, esq., regarding Le88e18 under con8truction at Cincinnati, Ohio, and New Albany, md. ST. Louis, Mo., Augu8t 13, 1862. SIR: I have received an invoice of the guns and other articles for the boats at Cincinnati and New .Albany. When they arrive I desire you to have them placed where they will be most safe, until they can be put on board their respective boats. Those for the Chillicotlie I wish put in their places as soon as it can be done. If you wish any directions from Mr. Hartt about fitting them, please let him know soon. The boat will be kept at New Albany until further instructions from me. I am, very respectfully, yours, J. B. HULL, JOSEPH BROWN, Esq., Commodore, Superintending. New Albany, md. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of ve88e18 under con8truction. ST. Louis, Mo., Augu8t 12, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 1st instant, I have the honor to submit the following statement of the present condition of the gun- boats under my superintendence: The Osage and Neosho, two similar and small size boats, are con- siderably advanced; the bottom is riveted except at the bow, the bulkheads in place as far as can yet be done, and the side frame about half in place. The men are now at work on this part of these boats, and they are about equally advanced. In the Winnebago the bottom plates are laid and riveted, and bulk- head plates are being prepared to be put in. The bottom plates are in place for the Milwaukee. The two other large boats at this place have not yet been laid down. The Ozark, at Mound City, is in frame and considerable progress has been made in her planking, and in placing the keelsons, clamps, and beams. The work is progressing very well. In my visit to Cincinnati I found the Chillicothe nearly ready to be removed to New Albany for the purpose of putting on the side plating. In other respects she is nearly ready for equipment for service. She is a fine vessel and the work is well done throughout. She has by this time reached New Albany. The Indianola, also at Cincinnati, is far advanced. The deck is laid and the casemate formed; the engines and boilers in place, and the work is progressing very well and is well done. At New Albany the hull of the Tuscunibia is nearly done. They are now placing the boilers, putting up inside bulkheads and parti- tions for the different apartments and preparing to lay the deck. The work is being well done Page 292 292 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. On the boats at Pittsburg I hear that little progress has been made, owing to some delay in supplying the iron from the mills. As I can not have a very satisfactory knowledge of the progress and condition of the work at the distant places without occasional visits, I desire to be informed if I may use my discretion in making personal inspection. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. B. HULL, Commodore, Super-in tending. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Telegram.] CAIRO, August 12, 18629 p. m. (Received 13th, 9.45 a. in.) We are shipping men at Cincinnati, Olney, Chicago, and St. Louis for one year, expressly for the Western Flotilla. By an order Rear- Admiral Foote directed that every man in the flotilla below the rate of petty officer should receive $18 per month. I refer you to him for further information on this subject. I shall continue to ship men under the same terms until otherwise ordered by the Department. All the men in the flotilla are paid at this rate, and any reduction would interrupt shipping. C. H. DAVIS, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, urging the need of steamers fitting out for service in the small rivers. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 15, 1862. SIR: I have had a long conversation with Mr. Hartt this morning upon the manner of fitting the steamers purchased by you for service in the small rivers. I have fully explained to him the plan we have adopted to adapt these vessels to the particular duty on which they are to be employed. He leaves me satisfied that he possesses all the information I can give him on the subject, and it only remains for me to say that these vessels are very much wanted at the present moment to aid in the suppression of the guerrilla warfare now raging on the Upper Ohio and Tennessee. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commodore J. B. HULL, St. Louis, 211o Page 293 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 293 Instructions from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding steamers for service in the Upper Ohio and Tennessee rivers. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 15, 1862. SIR: Quartermaster George D. Wise, who goes to St. Louis this evening, will deliver you this letter in person. I have requested him to confer with you upon the purchase of two steamers of light draft and suitable dimensions, to assist in the pro- tection of the Upper Ohio and Tennessee rivers. I have given my ideas so fully on the qualities of these s~amers,in all respects, that I do not think it necessary to add anything in writing. If you and Captain Wise should agree on the selection of these steamers, and you are authorized to purchase them for the Govern- ment, under my sanction or otherwise, it will render valuable aid to the public service by helping to provide the means for restraining the excesses of the bands of guerrillas now prowling upon the banks of these two rivers. Captain Pennock has the plans for strengthening and protecting these vessels in a manner suited to the service in view, and therefore, if they are purchased, you will advance the public interest by sending them here with all convenient dispatch. In my opinion these vessels should not cost more than $10,000 each as they stand, without the removal of anything belonging to them whatever. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain JOSEPH B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Jib. [Telegram.] CORINTH, MISs., August 16, 18622 p. m. Colonel Sheridan, with three regiments of cavalry, made a forced reconnoissance on the enemys lines, extending from near Carroll- ville and approaching within 6 miles of Guntown, but found no water from the time he left until he returned to Rienzi. Brought back from Butternut 300 head of animalsgood mules, fair horses, cattle, a lot of contrabands, and the Mobile Advertiser of the 12th. This paper has very late news from New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Lieutenant Read, of the Arkansas, reports to Mobile Register that the Arkansas went down to cooperate with General Breckinridge in his attack on Baton Rouge and arrived in afternoon; engines gave out in the fight in the morning; Commodore Porter attacked her with the Essex, when she ran ashore, was set on fire and deserted, and blew up an hour afterwards. Advertiser further states that the New Orleans Deltas of the 12th, claims great Federal victory; Lovell killed and General Breckinridge lost an arm; two exclamation points. N Page 294 294 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. contradiction. Says large Federal reinforcements gone from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Federals expect to save entire army. W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier-General. Major-General H. W. HALLECK. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, assuring him of the confidence of the Department. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 16, 1862. SIR: I have received your communication dated the 8th instant. Rest assured that you have the confidence of the Department, and it has no doubt you will continue to deserve it. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, to rejoin the squadron at Helena, Ark. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 16, 1862. SIR: I wish you to make the best of your way in the Lexington to Helena, where you will rejoin the squadron and wait for further orders. Having on board the mails and Quartermaster Winslow, whose presence is of the utmost importance at General Curtiss headquar- ters, you will avoid all unnecessary delays. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant-Commander J. W. SHIRK, Commanding Lexington. Combined expedition from Helena, Ark., down the Mississippi and up the Yazoo, including the capture of Confederate steamer Fairplay, ~4ugust 1627, 1862. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., August 26, 18629:30 p. m. (Received 27th, 10:30 a.m.) The combined naval and military operation planned between Gen- eral Curtis and myself before leaving Helena has returned to the latter place, having accomplished its work with great success. The rebel transport Fairplay has been captured, containing 1,200 new Enfield rifles, 4,000 new muskets, with accouterments complete, Page 295 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 295 large quantity of fixed ammunition, 4 field guns, mountain howitzers, and small arms. Colonel Woods landed and captured the encamp- ment of the Thirty-first Louisiana Regiment, with arms, the enemy flying before him. He captured another camp with tents, baggage, and, provisions, burning the depot and eight cars, and destroying the telegraph. The combined expedition proceeded up the Yazoo, where it captured a battery consisting of 64-pounder, 42-pounder, and 32-pounder guns, and 24 and 12 pounder fieldpieces, with 7,000 pounds of powder, 1,000 shell, shot, and grape. Colonel Woods dispersed the rebel forces in several places. Will send further particulars by mail to-morrow. C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Naiy. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports. OFFICE U. S. GUNBOAT FLOTILLA, Cairo, August 27, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch of the 21st instant, transmitting a copy of a letter from General Curtis to the commander-in-chief, with the en- dorsement of the latter, has been received. The telegraphic communication I had the honor to transmit to the Department last night, and the enclosed reports, will satisfy the Department that I have not lost sight of my duty of keeping the Mississippi open, even to Vicksburg, and of destroying the enemys means of transportation across the river. The Department may rely upon the vigilance and activity of the squadron under my command in carrying out its orders and expec- tations in this respect. I am under the impression that the most perfect harmony of pur- pose and of cooperation exists between the Army and myself. We have already planned expeditions to White River and to the Lower Mississippi, of which last the enclosed reports contain the results, and if I were furnished with the remainder of the small vessels asked for we should now be in the St. Francis, White, and Arkansas rivers, suppressing and chastising the guerrillas. Having men and arms, I can not but urge that these vessels be placed at my disposal as soon as possible. I am fully sensible of the importance of a cordial, zealous, and ac- tive cooperation between the Army and Navy in this field of labor, and nothing shall be wanting on my part to secure it. I go down the river in the Eastport to-day, conveying the prisoners who are to be delivered or exchanged, as requested by the military au- thorities. May I ask of the Department the favor to publish Lieutenant-Com- mander Phelps report? Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GLIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 296 296 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Greenville, Mi88., A ugu8t 23, 1862. SIR: On the 16th instant I left Helena, Ark., with this vessel, the Mound City, Lieutenant-Commander Gwin, and General Bragg, Lieutenant Commanding Bishop, accompanied by the rams Switzer- land, Monarch, Samp8on, and Lione8s, under Colonel Ellet, and a land force commanded by Colonel Woods, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Southwest, composed of two regiments infantry, Fifty-eighth and Seventy-sixth Ohio; 100 cavalry, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bowen; and a section of artillery, light. At 2 a. in., the 18th, surprised and captured the rebel transport Fair- play, while lying at the shore, 20 miles above Vicksburg, and about to discharge a cargo of arms and munitions of war, destined for Ar- kansas, consisting in part of about 1,200 new Enfield rifles and 4,000 new muskets, with accouterments complete, a large quantity of fixed ammunition for field guns, mountain howitzers, and small arms. Dis- covering that a rebel force was in the vicinity, Colonel Woods at once landed his force and captured the encampment of the Thirty-first Louisiana ~Regiment, and with it a number of arms. Pursuing the rebels who had fled toward Richmond, 9 miles distant, Colonel Woods found another hastily abandoned camp, near the railroad sta- tion for that village, where he captured some tents and baggage and a quantity of provisions. He burned the depot and eight cars and destroyed the telegraph, bringing away the instruments. He had re- turned early in the afternoon after a march of 18 miles in an intense heat and suffocating dust. The camp equipage of the Thirty-first Louisiana Regiment was put on board the transports, but some 60 mules and a number of wagons could not be brought away. The fleet proceeded that even- ing to the mouth of the Yazoo. A flag of truce from Vicksburg, with enclosed dispatches, was received. After a reconnoissance on the following morning in the vicinity of Vicksburg, I proceeded up the Yazoo with the Benton and Mound City, the rams Monarch, Lione88, and Samp8on in company, Colonel Ellet having received on board of each of these vessels 100 infantry under Major Dister, Fifty- eighth Ohio Regiment. At the first bluff, about 20 miles above the mouth of the river found a considerable force in the act of erecting a battery, consisting of one 64-pounder rifled gun, two 42-pounder and one 32-pounder smoothbore guns, one 24-pounder brass howitzer, and one 12-pounder brass fieldpiece. A few shots dispersed the rebels, and we took possession of the six cannon and of about 7,000 pounds powder, 1,000 shells, shot, and grape a quantity of fixed ammunition, and a few muskets. The brass pieces were got on board the Monarch, but there was so much difficulty in getting the heavy guns on board, on account of shoal water, that I deemed it advisable to burst them, which was done. The next day proceeded up the Yazoo 35 miles, to the mouth of the Big Sunflower. Both the Sunflower streams were ascended by Col- onel Ellets light rams, and in the Big Sunflower he succeeded in ascending 20 miles and to within 4 miles of steamers lying in Lake George, but the water there became too shoal for the lightest vessel. The Yazoo itself was at too low a stage to proceed farther up, an Page 297 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 297 we were compelled to descend, having, however, ascertained that if we could not reach the vessels in the Yazoo and tributai~ies neither could the enemy remove them for military purposes. We reached the Mississippi the 21st and started upstream, carefully seeking by the way the batteries used by the enemy in firing our transports. I directed Captain Bishop to cruise with the General Bragg, the Mon- arch remaining with him, near the Yazoo, to prevent the enemy using the steamer Paul Jones and a small ferryboat he has at Vicksburg, on the river above. Destroyed the telegraph line from Providence to Vicksburg. Found and dispersed a small force of rebels near this place. Colonel Woods force is now on shore, making an examina- tion. I may here add that our appearance completely surprised Vicksburg, and it was evident that for thirty-six hours troops were being hurriedly assembled for its defense, the cars arriving and leav- ing incessantly. The prisoners are 2 quartermasters, ranking as captains, 1 lieu- tenant, and 34 privates. Second Master Thomas W. Bates, at present executive officer of this vessel, was painfully but not dangerously wounded. I beg to express my high appreciation of the hearty and zealous cooperation of all engaged in this expedition, and es- pecially my obligations to Colonel Woods and Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet. Lieutenant-Commander Gwin was, as usual, active and un- tiring. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,. S. L. PHELPS, U. S. Navy, Lieutenant-Commander and Acting Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters. Additional report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Greenville, Miss., August 23, 1862. SIR: I mentioned in my first report that we had dispersed a rebel force here. They were driven from rifle pits. Colonel Woods pur- sued them a few miles. His cavalry and light howitzers came up twice with the enemy, but he escaped with a few shots. The troops are reembarked and we proceed up river. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Commander and Acting Fleet Captain. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters. Later report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 27, 1862. SIR: In my last report, sent by the Switzerland, on the 23d in- stant, I informed you that we had found the enemy in some force a Page 298 298 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Greenville, Miss., and had dispersed him. I have now to report that as soon as Colonel Woods force had returned from the pursuit, it was reembarked and we proceeded up the river, stopping to examine every point where a rebel force was likely to be posted; but we were unsuccessful in again finding an enemy until we reached Bolivar, Miss. Colonel Woods then landed his infantry and cavalry and two mountain howitzers and soon discovered the rebels to the number of about 3,000, posted on a plantation above the town. I moved up with the Benton to support our small forcenot more than 500 menin its gallant attack, and effectively used the battery in clearing the fields. The enemy, after a brisk skirmish, fled, leaving 7 prisoners and 10 cavalry horses in our possession. Colonel Woods lost 1 man killed and 2 wounded. The loss of the enemy in killed is not known, but numbers of horses were running over the field without riders, and the negroes reported his loss quite heavy. From Bolivar to Helena, where we arrived this morning, we did not succeed in again encountering an enemy. The troops returned in good spirits and health, while the condition of the sick on board the gunboats was not injuriously affected by the eleven days cruise below. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant- Commander. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvis, Commanding Naval Forces, Western Rivers. Report of Major-Generai Curtis, U. S. Army. CAIRO, ILL., August 31, 1862. The troops and navy made a landing and attacked a rebel force at Bolivar, Miss., as they came up the river. Rebels were routed after a short conflict. Our loss, 1 killed and 2 wounded. Rebel loss much more. The force arrived at Helena with the prize Fairplay, loaded with arms and equipments. Large quantities of horses and mules were taken, which for want of transportation could not be brought away. Much alarm was carried into the country, especially into Louisiana, by our taking of Tallulah Station; also in Vicksburg, by our taking the battery on Yazoo River. It was my intention to strike the Yazoo River opposite Bolivar, but the enemy seemed too strong. I ought to have transportation for 10,000 men. That was my requisition on the quartermaster, but I could only procure enough of the right kind to move a brigade. The result shows the success of my plan. The navy and army, moved to any point on the Missis- sippi River, makes a new and unexpected base, from which the troops can dash into the country and carry destruction into the enemys line on the railroad or Yazoo or up the small streams of Arkansas, carrying death and desolation into the country. The navy or the army, or both, must have a number of light-draft boats, made safe against infantry and capable of carrying light artil- lery. Such boats are easily improvised, and the rivers of Mississipp Page 299 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 299 and Arkansas can be cleared and the adjacent country completely overpowered. * * * * * * * SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Ma jor-General. Maj or-General HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief, Washington, D. C. Report of Colonel Woods, U. S. Army, commaiiding Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry. U. S. FORCES ON BOARD STEAMER A. MCDOWELL, Greenville, Miss., August , 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report as follows respecting the expedition down the Mississippi River: On Saturday, the 16th instant, in connection with the gunboat fleet, under Captain Phelps, the following land forces embarked on board the transports Rocket and McDowell, under command of Colonel C. R. Woods, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Southwest, * * * The first landing was made at Island No. 65, on the Arkansas shore, about 40 miles below Helena. The only important item of information here received was the construction of a road from White River to the Mississippi, meeting the Mississippi some 15 miles below Laconia, Ark.; subsequent information made this a certain fact. Another landing was made at Laconia, Ark. Some armed men in the vicinity mounted their horses and took to flight so soon as the gunboats hove in sight. From a Mr. Benton a fuller account of the White River road was obtained. He also stated that he was a few days previous a visitor to General Parsons, who commanded about 1,500 men. Their camp was about 15 miles from the Missis- sippi River and 30 miles above the mouth of White River. Napoleon was passed at nightfall, and the fleet continued to sail down the river. The boats were just brought to anchor at Millikens Bend when word came from Captain Phelps, of the Benton, that the rebel trans- port Fairplay was captured with a large cargo of arms and ammu- nition. The Fairplay had arrived but three hours previously. It was further stated that some of the crew got ashore, and subsequent facts showed that there was a rebel force of 700 encamped there. Their camp was at once taken possession of and pursuit made. * * * The railroad depot was burned by our troops, and the telegraph destroyed where it went to Monroe, [La.], and Little Rock, probably by one line, and north to Providence, La., by another, both communicating with Vicksburg. Thirty-five prisoners were taken, and a large number of negroes brought off, who were in the employ of the Confederate States Government. At the depot we destroyed also 11 hogsheads of sugar and the whole telegraph apparatus. This trip imposed a march of some 20 miles, and too much can not be said for the brave men who tried every effort of patient en- durance and much fatigue under a burning sun to overtake and capture the retreating enemy. An effort was made to reconnoiter Vicksburg, but the fog and storm prevented Page 300 300 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The next point was up the Yazoo River. A detachment of 300 infantry, from the Seventy-sixth and Fifty-eighth Ohio, and two pieces of artillery, under command of Major Peter Dister, of the Fifty-eighth Ohio, manned the ram fleet. About 17 miles up the river a battery was come upon of four heavy 42-pounder guns and two fieldpieces. There were 2,500 of the enemy reported as not far off. The rebels fled from the battery, leaving it an easy capture to our naval and military forces. The heavy pieces were destroyed and the fieldpieces brought off. The expedition went up the Yazoo River above the Sunflower and a part went some distance u~ the Sunflower. Nothing more o# any importance was learned. On the return of the fleet from the Yazoo we turned up the Mississippi River, stopping at Morgans planta- tion (Wilton, La.). The telegraph to Providence was cut and about one-half mile of the wire was torn off. At Providence a landing was made, the telegraph apparatus re- moved, but nothing of the enemy discovered. When at Greenville, Miss., a point from which batteries were fired into our transports on former trips, the troops were landed, but too late. The enemy had been aware of the coming of the gunboats up the river and had carried off their battery about midnight. About 50 bushels of corn and a large quantity of light forage was destroyed by burning, at the cavalry camp. The enemy had about 200 or 250 men in all at this place. A small squad of cavalry was seen and chase given. The fleet is now approaching Bolivia, or Bolivar, Miss. Near this place the rebels crossed large forces to Arkansas about a week before the expedition came down the river. There is a small force of about a regiment at this place, but they always take flight when gunboats are seen. The rebels used four flatboats in crossing, and conveyed over about from 100 to 130 loaded wagons, three pieces of artillery, a large number of horses, and some infantry. One detach- ment was from Beauregards army, and the other came from Jackson, from General N. B.One of our prisoners let slip a few evenings since that Hiudman was reinforced by 25,000 men, some crossing the river as above described and some going by way of the Monroe and Little Rock road. The manner in which this was stated makes it worthy of confidence. CHAS. R. WooDs Colonel Seventy-stxth Ohio. Commanding Ecepedition. Report of Lieutenant.Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Off Helena, Ark., August 24, via Cairo, August 26, 1862. I have the honor to inform you that on Saturday, the 16th instant, by previous arrangement made with Captain Phelps, of the gunboat flotilla, I left Helena, Ark., with four of my rams, in company with that officer and three gunboats, two regiments of infantry, a sec- tion of field artillery, and a small detachment of cavalry from Gen- eral Curtiss command, all under General Woods, in two transport steamers, to make a reconnoissance down the river as far as Vicks- burg. When within 25 miles of that city, in Millikens Bend, w Page 300A Page 300B UNITED STATES RAM SWITZERLAND Page 301 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 301 came suddenly upon a boat lying at the bank and an encampment of the enemy on the shore close at hand. We immediately landed and took possession of the steamboat and encampment, the enemy having fled precipitately without firing a gun. The steamboat was loaded with armssome 5,000 and more of Enfield rifles and musketsa large amount of ammunition and a great many boxes filled with accouterments, etc., most of which was said to have been destined for Little Rock, Ark. We captured the camp equipage, tents, arms, horses, mules, and wagons for a camp of 1,000 men, besides other sup- plies, and took about 40 prisoners. After securing all the property of value, we proceeded to within a short distance of Vicksburg, and then, with my three lightest draft rams, each having a detachment of Colonel Woods command of 100 men on them, preceded by Captain Phelps in the Benton and followed by Captain Gwin, of the Mound City, we proceeded up the Yazoo River. At Haynes Bluff, 17 miles from the Mississippi River, we captured six pieces of ordnancetwo 42-pounders, two 31-pounders, one 12-poun derbrass fieldpiece, and 20-pounder brass coast howitzer with a large amount of ammuni- tionpowder, shot, and shellbesides some muskets and camp stores. We took on board everything of much value and destroyed the re- mainder. The four large guns were too heavy for us to handle with- out better preparations, and we were compelled to burst them. The enemy, although in considerable force, were prevented from offering any resistance in consequence of the fire from the gunboats, which kept them at a respectful distance while we accomplished our pur- pose. We then proceeded up the river to the mouth of the Big Sun- flower, when the water became so shallow that the gunboats and Monarch could proceed no farther. I sent the Samp8on and Lione8s up the Sunflower, which they succeeded in ascending a distance of 20 miles to within 5 miles of Lake George, where the enemy have a num- ber of fine gunboats secreted. They were obliged to return, the water becoming too shallow for them to proceed farther. We all returned to the fleet in the Mississippi River after an absence of two days and nights. I left the Monarch in charge of Sergeant E. W. Davis to assist the Bragg, left by Phelps to guard the mouth of Yazoo River and prevent any further communication from that river with Vicks- burg. We then started up the river, meeting with no interruption until we reached Greenville, where a body of the enemy was dis- covered and driven away by a few well-directed shells from the gun- boats. I then left the fleet in the Switzerland and proceeded in the advance to Helena without further interruptions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Earn Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War. Report of Brigadier.Generai Smith, C. S. Army, regarding loss of steamer Fairplay. HEADQUARTERS THIRD SUBDISTRICT, Vick8burg, Mis8., September iS, 1862. SIR: In compliance with your dispatch directing a report upon the loss of arms on the steamer Fairplay, the following, embodying al Page 302 302 NAVAL FORGES ON WESTERN WATERS. the circumstances that connect the occurrence with this district, is respectfully stated: About the time General Holmes passed this place on his way to Little Rock, arms and ammunition directed to Major J. L. Brent began to arrive and were stored until someone should be sent to claim them. Shortly after the last of the enemys fleet had disappeared an agent of General 1-lolmes by the name of Kennard arrived, claimed the property, and asked for transportation for it to Millikens Bend, where, he stated, arrangements had been made to transport it into the interior. The steamer Fairplay, just ordered out of the Yazoo, was loaded, the property safely delivered, and the boat sent on up the Mississippi after corn, with which she safely returned. In the meantime more stores had accumulated for the same department, and as soon as dis- charged the boat was a second time loaded, on application of the agent, Kennard, and on this same statement that transportation was ready for the other side, and again sent to the [Millikens?] Bend, a point distant some 25 miles from here, on the opposite bank of the river, within General Holmes department, and occupied by a detach- ment of troops under the command of General Blanchard. The boat arrived, according to report, at about 1 oclock at night and was surprised and captured between 3 and 4 oclock in the morn- ing, and all on board captured, except the captain, Agent Kennard, Major Govan, quartermaster, attached to General Holmes command, and two or three others, who had gone on shore to sleep. It is further stated that everyone on board the boat was asleep, no watch kept, and the command on shore were equally careless. Regarding the cor- rectness of this statement as to the carelessness of the troops, I have no means of knowing, they being in no way connected with my com- mand. I am satisfied the statement is correct regarding those on the boat. The boat was commanded by a Captain White, a citizen of the Bend, well known and highly recommended by all here; in fact, it was represented that the Government was fortunate in being able to secure his services. The foregoing are the facts of the case as far as known. I will now state what precautions had been taken on this side to prevent a surprise by the enemy, such as occurred: Immediately after the bombardment of Vicksburg ceased, a detach- ment of cavalry was sent up the river to a point nearly opposite Helena, with the double object of giving protection to the planters and watching the movements of the enemy. Communication with this detachment was kept up by a line of couriers, which it was sup- posed would always be able to convey information in advance of any of the enemys boats that might be seen passing down, a picket guard being stationed on the river bank with this in view. The command- ing officer was also directed to send across to the Jackson railroad, if that was found the better route, and communicate thence by telegraph. In addition, lookouts were placed on the highest hills in this vicinity overlooking the valley of the Mississippi to watch for the appearance of any smoke. These three methods of obtaining and transmitting information comprise all that are possible, I believe, in this section, and are the same that are relied on at this present time. The boats that d Page 303 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 303 scended were duly seen by the cavalry pickets to pass down and a courier promptly started for myh eadquarters with the information; before he arrived, however, the Fairplay had left and was at her destination. In reviewing the facts of the case in connection with the occurrence, I am not able to perceive that any precautions were omitted on my part, if the single fact of permitting the quartermaster to control the hour of departure be excepted. The boat could have been delayed and run only by daylight had there been the slightest intimation of danger. I am under the impression, however, that could precautions have been taken on the other side corresponding with those taken on this, the boat would not have been lost. This, however, is given simply as an impression, and I may very well be in error; but there is no doubt of the most culpable carelessness existing on board the boat while lying at the Bend. Unfortunately the captain and crew being unattached to the service, no punishment. can be meted out to them. Jam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War. Report of Captain McDonald, C. S. Army, regarding the loss of the steamer Fairplay. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Viclc8burg, 111i88., September 12, 1862. SIR: The fact of the loss of the steamer Fairplay, with Govern- ment arms and ammunition on board, has doubtless been reported to you. * * * * * * * Upon the requisition of Colonel Kennard the brigade quarter- master was ordered by Brigadier-General M. L. Smith to jpdace the Fairplay at his disposal to carry the quartermasters and ordnance stores then here to Millikens Bend. The Fairplay was loaded; pro- ceeded to Millikens Bend; the stores, comprising 2,000 Enfleld rifles, about 200,000 rounds of ammunition for small arms; accouterments and equipments; a section of mountain artillery battery, with ammu- nition, artillery harness, etc., also quartermasters stores. These were safely disembarked, transported to Monroe, and are now, I presume in the hands of troops. Upon the evening of August 17 the Fairplay again left Vicksburg with a cargo of arms and ammunition. Reached Millikens Bend about 2:30 a. m. of the 18th and was tied up to the shore. Major Govan and Colonel Kennard both went upon the boat about an hour after the boat landed, all being asleep or on shore except the watch- man. The enemys boats appeared; alarm was given; the boat was hastily abandoned, and, its cargo intact, taken possession of by the enemy. These are the circumstances as they have been communicated to me. What measures, if any, were taken to prevent a surprise I do not know. The point selected for the landing of the stores was a Page 304 304 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. eligible one, and I think that if proper vigilance had been exercised by the troops then in the neighborhood of Millikens Bend no sur- prise could have been apprehended. * * * * * * * M. MCDONALD, Captain and Ordnance Officer, Third Brigade. Colonel GORGAS. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting report of Major-General Curtis, urging more vigilant restriction of the enemy on the Mississippi River. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., August 18, 1862. SIR: The Secretary of War directs me respectfully to call your attention to the enclosed communication of the 20th ultimo i~rom Major-General S. R. Curtis, addressed to the general in chief, Major- General H. XV. Halleck, respecting the supplies of small arms, ammu- nition, and ordnance for the use of the rebels lately passed over the Mississippi River in the vicinity of Gaines Landing; and also to the suggestions of Major-General Halleck endorsed thereon, upon the importance of preventing the enemy from occupying the banks of the river between Memphis and the mouth of the Arkansas. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE SOUTHWEST, Helena, Ark., July 20, 1869?. GENERAL: 1 have just returned from a reconnoissance down the river. A large amount of ammunition, small arms, and some twenty- five pieces of artillery were crossed over into Arkansas last week, near Gaines Landing. The gunboats had passed to and fro while this was going on. I took and destroyed some seventy or eighty flatboats, some of which had been in the business of crossing stores, and one small steamboat. A more vigilant watch over the river is needed. My advance drove a picket from Gaines Landing and pursued the enemy, killing one man. I went 25 miles up the Arkansas River, and sent scouts to the road south of it, hoping to intercept the artillery, but it had all passed on to Little Rock. I am credibly informed the enemy is arranging to attack our transports with artillery that will be brought to the Mississippi in the vicinity of Gaines Landing. Some kind of vigilant floating force must be employed to keep this great natural base of operations, the Mississippi River, entirely safe; more unity of action between gunboats and transports must be had. I speak of what relates to my own operations in Arkansas, the Mis Page 305 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 305 sissippi being now my new base of operations. I hope your head- quarters will move to this great river. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, S. R. CURTIS, Major-General H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. Headquarters of the Army. [Endorsement.] The attention of the Secretary of War is respectfully called to this report, and it is suggested that the matter be referred to the Navy Department. It is of vital importance that the gunboats prevent the enemy from occupying the banks of the river between Memphis and the mouth of the Arkansas. H. W. HALLECK, General in Chief. AUGUST 18, 1862. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the desirable results of his visit to Cairo. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that immediately after my arrival here with General Curtis I fell sick, and was obliged to submit to medical treatment, from which I am now rapidly recovering.. I leave here in a few days in the Eastport, which vessel is at last approaching completion. My visit to this part of my station has been opportune. I have organized a squadron of small vessels to suppress the active guerrilla movements on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and have had the opportunity of communicating personally with Constructor Hartt on the proper mode of protection to be employed in the newly pur- chased steamers. By my presence and immediate supervision I have been able to direct and advance the work of repairs and refitment of the vessels of the squadron. It was arranged between General Curtis and myself that combined expeditions should scour the river between Helena and points lower down. One movement has already been made as far as Napoleon. Another expedition, consisting of the Benton, Mound City, Bragg, and two of Colonel Ellets rams, accompanied by 500 men from Gen- eral Curtiss army, is now on its way to the mouth of the Yazoo looking for batteries and guerrilla parties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. 49518x W BVOL 2309 2 Page 306 306 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding the refitting of recently purchased vessels. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 19, 1862. SIR: I have received a note from Captain and Assistant Quarter- master Wise, informing me that it is your intention to remove the cabins from the recently purchased boats, to put the officers apart- ments below, and to protect the boilers and machinery with double bulkheads, 6 feet high, filled in with coal and lightly plated. When Mr. Hartt was here I furnished him with my views in detail as to the manner in which these boats should be protected, and I have requested that the cabins might be left on, etc. My plans were founded upon a knowledge of the manner in which guerrilla warfare is conducted on the banks of the rivers. I trust that in the preparation of these vessels for the service for which at this moment they are so urgently required no speculative notions are to supplant views founded upon actual experience of war, and that these vessels be fitted in the manner I have requested. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Naval Forces. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo. Report of Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, regarding conditions at Helena, Ark. U. S. GUNBOAT LOUISVILLE, Helena, Ark., August 19, 1862. Sni: I have to report continued quiet here and that the general health of the flotilla is improving, although the sick lists of the Cincinnati and this vessel are still large. Nothing has been heard from the expedition below since it left. The Red Rover is still at Memphis, waiting for ice, I am told. There is only a part of one barge of coal; all the vessels will there- fore need some soon. The Lexington arrived yesterday afternoon. The weight of the two 32-pounders which she brought down causes her to leak badly. I reported it on her arrival to General Curtis, and it is possible they may be taken out of her this afternoon, but I am not sure of it. I will give all the assistance I can, and hurry them oft from here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJAMIN M. DOVE, Commander. Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, IVestern Waters Page 307 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 307 Commendatory letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 20, 1862. SIR: I have read the letter* from Flag-Officer Foote of March the 12th, which you have just placed in my hands. I fully confirm all the authority, duties, and position assigned to you in that letter, and I avail myself of this occasion, when the gun- boat service of the upper rivers has suddenly acquired a new im- portance. to place this service under your special care. You will soon have the two new boats recently purchased at St. Louis, besides the Pillow, the Robb, and the Little Rebel, at your disposal, and I will put Lieutenant Fitch in general charge of them, making him responsible for their discipline, efficiency, and skill in the use of howitzers and small arms. Lieutenant Fitch will be directed to send his reports to this office, and you will please read them, and give such orders as the nature of the service may require, acquainting me from time to time with the leading events. The bold manner in which guerrilla warfare is carried on at the present tirue on the Tennessee River will require the most active exertions for its suppression, and it is with utmost confidence that, on leaving Cairo, I place the whole subject in your keeping. The promptness, energy, and superior judgment and ability with which all the various and complicated affairs of the flotilla have been executed have commanded my unqualified approval and respect. I shall take pains at a suitable time to express this opinion to the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Commanding Naval Station, Cairo. Report of Captain Winslow, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture by Confederates of the steamer Swallow. U. S. GUNBOAT ST. Louis, Off Memphis, A it gust 20, 1862. SIR: The Wilson brings intelligence of the capture and burning of the Swallow by the rebels on the 19th instant. The Swallow, as I learn, was ashore some 22 miles below this place, and had been lying there ten or twelve days endeavoring to get off. On the night mentioned she was boarded by guerrillas and burned. The only one of the crew who escaped from capture was saved by swimming and taken off from a point he had reached shortly afterwards by the Wilson. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS, Captain. Commanding Gunboat Flotilla, Western Waters. * Not found Page 308 308 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, acknowledgin~y report of Major-G6ieral Curtis, U. S. Army, re- garding conditions in the Mississippi River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 21, 1862. SIR: I have received the letter * of the War Department covering the communication of Major-General Curtis, and endorsement of Major-General Halleck, to the effect that it is of vital importance that the gunboats prevent the enemy from occupying the banks of the river between Memphis and the mouth of the Arkansas. Commodore C. H. Davis, in command of the flotilla, has been in- structed on this subject, and directions given him that the gunboats perform that duty as thoroughly as possible, and that they cooperate with the army as effectually as in their power on all occasions. The primary object of the flotilla is to keep the river unobstructed and to sweep from it all floating craft of every description, but the officers are ordered, and will esteem it a duty, to assist the army in dispersing the shores and adjacent country of all enemies, not only between Memphis and the Arkansas River, but elsewhere. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. lion. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, forwarding information from the War Department regarding con- ditions in the Mississippi River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 21, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a letter * dated the 18th instant, received from the War Department, covering a copy of a communi- cation addressed by Major-General Curtis to Major-General Halleck, and an endorsement of the latter, upon the importance of the gunboats preventing the enemy from occupying the bank of the river between Memphis and the mouth of the Arkansas. The Department would call your attention to the subject of keeping unobstructed the navigation of the Mississippi, of preventing com- munication between its shores, and of cooperating with the army in driving the enemy from its banks. While it is the leading object of the flotilla under your command to keep the river open and to sweep from it all floating craft in the service of the rebels, it will also be its duty to assist the army in dispersing the shores and adjacent country of all enemies, not only between Memphis and the Arkansas River, but elsewhere. A vigilant watch should be maintained to cut off all communication between the shores of the Mississippi and arrest the transportation of artillery, munitions of war, etc. * See p. 304 Page 309 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ~3O9 The Department feels confident that this duty will be performed by you as thoroughly as possible, and that as effective aid as is in your power will be afforded to the army on all occasions. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Gn~oN WELLES. Commodore CHAS. HENRY DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, to serve as executive and gunnery officer in light squadron to engage in suppression of guerrilla warfare. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 21, 1862. Sni: A light squadron, composed of two vessels recently purchased at St. Louis, and now in a state of preparation, and also the small steamers Robb and General Pillow and the ironclad boat Little Rebel, has been placed under the command of Commander and Fleet Cap- tain A. M. Pennock, U. S. Navy, for the suppression of the guerrilla warfare now carried on on the Upper Ohio and Tennessee rivers. You are hereby appointed to the command of the largest of these small steamers, and you will, under the immediate direction of Cap- tain Pennock, act as executive and gunnery officer of the whole squad- ron, taking pains to render the officers and men efficient in the use of the howitzers and small arms and enforcing and preserving naval discipline as far as circumstances of the case will admit. You will make your reports immediately to Captain Pennock, from whom also you will receive instructions. I rely upon your zeal and ability, already well known to me, to conduct this service in such a manner as will result in the suppression of this barbarous warfare and the chastisement of those engaged in it. Very respectfully, your 6bedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant Commanding FITCH. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding naval operations in the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers, August 23, 1862October 21, 1863. U.S.S. MoosE, Smithland, Ky., November 5, 1863. Sni: In compliance with your letter of October 6, I send herein report of the operations of the gunboats on the Tennessee, Cumber- land, and Ohio rivers while under my command, from August 23, 1862, to the present time. When the heavy boats withdrew from the Tennessee, the Robb, a small stern-wheel vessel, carrying two medium 12-pounder howitzers, was left to patrol the river; but soon it became apparent that more boats of light draft were needed to keep down the guerrillas; cons Page 310 ~1O NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. quently the General Pillow, a small captured steamer, was fitted out with two small guns, and on the 23d of August, by orders from Rear-Admiral Charles H. Davis, I took command of her, proceeded to Paducah, and on up the river. Owing to the extreme low water, the boats could do but little, not being able to get above Duck River. On the 4th of September I returned to Paducah, rumors being rife that the place was to be attacked by a heavy force. From Paducah I went to Cairo to get another boat (the Robb being at Cairo undergoing repairs at the time),leaving the Pillow to guard the place. I arrived at Cairo on the 5th, and found there the steamer Fair- play, just arrived as a prize, loaded with arms, ammunition, etc. Fleet Captain Pennock willingly consented to fit her up for the Ten- nessee. Work was commenced on her at once, and before daylight on the morning of the 6th instant she started for Paducah, taking two companies of infantry to reinforce the garrison. Arriving at Paducah, the infantry was disembarked, and, leaving the Pillow as guard boat, I proceeded on up the Ohio, as guerrilla raids had become very annoying along that river. At Cumberland Bar the boat was detained some days in conse- quence of very shoal water. I was therefore compelled to get a small steamer, the Cordelia Ann, arm her, and dispatch her to Caseyville to look after a guerrilla party, then firing on steamers near that place. Enclosed is a copy of my letter of instructions to Acting Master Groves, who had charge of the expedition. On the 12th of September I succeeded in getting over the bar at Cumberland Island and proceeded on up the river, having first ordered the Robb, now returned from Cairo, to lay at Paducah, and sent for the Pillow to cruise between Paducah and Smithland. Opposite Shawneetown I found a small gang of guerrillas, not over fifty or sixty, and tried to land a party to get in their rear and catch them, but the water being so low they saw my object in attempting to land and at once withdrew. I was therefore enabled only to throw a few shell after them. Our landing, however, caused them to break up their encampment at Cypress Lake, about 3 miles back from the river. Little was done from this time till the 29th of September, in conse- quence of our not being able to move. About this time Owensboro was attacked, but not being able to get there myself I was obliged to extemporize another steamer into a gunboat and send her up; she, however, did not reach the place till the guerrillas had been met and driven back. Soon after this, October 14, the steamers St. Clair and Brilliant joined me at Evansville, and on the 17th instant I started down the river for Caseyville, to look after a guerrilla party that fired into the steamer Hazel Dell. It was my first intention to burn the town on my arrival, but after learning that most, if not all, the property was owned by good loyal men I changed my purpose and resolved to punish only those I knew to be disloyal. I therefore made a demand for the sum of $35,000 damages for the outrage, and concluded to exempt those I knew to be loyal from paying any portion of the tax. Finding that the loyal citizens were all willing to subscribe for raising the amount and the disloyal ones very averse to paying any Page 311 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 311 thing, I at once took possession of all that I could find belonging to disloyal persons, which consisted of nine hundred or a thousand bags of wheat belonging to Philip Acker, a noted rebel, and some forty barrels of whisky, ten or fifteen kegs of lard; also some ninety or a hundred bags of wheat belonging to a notoriously bad rebel by the name of J. M. Scantlin. I also, as soon as I arrived at the place, surrounded the town and took all the male persons found in or around it prisoners. Of this number I released all I knew to be loyal; all the rest I sent to Cairo as prisoners of war. During the night of the 21st the steamer IVa8hzille was fired into at the foot of Cincinnati Bar, but I being close behind her with the Fairplay, soon shelled the guerrillas off, having, as I afterwards learned, killed four or five of them. The river now became so low that the gunboats could not run for a time, so I put on board each mail boat a howitzer, with an officer and crew to work it. This arrangement had the desired effect, for guerrillas on several occasions made so bold as to present themselves on the banks and hail the steamers in, but receiving rather unexpected and severe lessons from the howitzers, soon learned to let vessels pass unmolested. I also found it necessary to place restrictions on the ferry at Evansville, to suppress the contraband trade and free passage of dis- loyal persons across the river. Enclosed is a copy of an order relat- ing thereto. The river having swollen a little, the gunboats returned to Cairo on the 4th December, taking with them the property taken from the rebels at Caseyville. From Cairo all the boats made a trip up the Tennessee as high as Duck River, but not being able to get over the shoals returned to Paducah. Leaving the Pillow and the Robb in the Tennessee, I made another trip up the Ohio. Soon after arriving at Evansville again I was compelled to stop all navigation and trade up Green River. This order became necessary in consequence of my not being able to get up that stream, and steamers from Louisville and Evansville, if they carried freight at all, took it right into the very midst of these guerrilla bands, from where it was taken to the rebel army. I must say I was very much surprised at the loose manner in which surveyors of customs permitted cases of boots, clothing, and the like to pass into the Green River country, it being at the time almost entirely under the control of organized guerrilla bands. About the middle of the month the boats again returned to Padu- cah and went on up to Fort Henry, and on the 24th an expedition, under command of Colonel [William W.] Lowe, composed of the combined forces of Forts Henry and Heiman, started up the river to get in Forrests rear. In consequence of the troops all having left I put the Pillow to guard the place till the expedition returned and took the other four boats to convoy the transports. On the 26th, word reached us that Forrest was moving on Fort Heiman. I at once moved down with the Fairplay and Brilliant, leaving the St. Clair and Robb to guard the transports Page 312 812 NAVAL FORCE8 ON WI?ZTFIIIN WATEfl8. On arriving at Fort Henry Colonel Dougherty telegraphed that Paducah was to be attacked immediately. I therefore left the Brilliant to guard the forts and moved down to Paducah, but the attack did not come off, as the rebels were met soon and driven back. The expedition from above having returned, I sent the St. Clair and Brilliant up the Cumberland to make reconnoissance; finding the water too low yet for navigation they were dispatched to Caseyville to fill up with coal and be ready for the rise. The Fairplay, having broken her wheel and being much out of order, was sent to Madison for repairs, while the Robb moved up to Tradewater coal mines to procure barges of coal for the use of the boats on the Cumberland. The St. Clair and Brilliant, having coaled, returned to Smithland and started up the Cumberland to convoy a number of transports, but they were not able to get above Har.peth Shoals with the fleet, in consequence of low water; transports were therefore sent down from Nashville to take the freight out of the boats from below. At this time the river was almost entirely blocked by the enemy, and out of the number of transports sent down from Nashville, three were captured and burned above the shoals. The gunboat belonging to the Army, sent down to give them convoy, was also captured and burned. On the 21st day of January, 1863, I got back from Madison and started up for Nashville with a fleet of 31 steamers and 8 or 10 barges. Just below Palmyra I met the St. Clair and Brilliant com- ing down with a fleet from the foot of the shoals. I at once sent the transports bound down out of the river, as they were then below all danger, and took the two gunboats back with me to help with the convoy. At Clarksville we anchored for the night, in consequence of the large convoy, and to get it more perfectly arranged. During the night Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps came up with the Lexington and moved on up to Beatstown [Betsy Town] Landing, where he burned a large warehouse used as a shelter by the guerrillas. On his return down he was attacked by two pieces of artillery, but soon drove them off. As soon as the fleet reached Nashville the Lexington returned to Cairo. Coming down we were greatly annoyed by rebel sharpshoot- ers from behind the trees, but soon dispersed them and got through safely. From the 21st of January, [1863], till June, when the river became too low for navigation, the boats made; on an average, two trips a week to Nashville, taking never less than seven or eight steamers and barges, and sometimes as many as forty-five or six through at a trip, making in all something near 400 steamers and 150 barges, and, I am happy to say, without the loss of a single steamer or barge. Two small canal boats loaded with sutlers stores were captured and burned by the rebels some time afterwards, but the fault lay entirely with themselves, as positive orders were sent them to remain at Fort Donelson till the fleet under convoy came up; but instead of doing this, they slipped off by themselves before the gunboats ar- rived and were captured and destroyed Page 313 NAVAL ~O1~C~S ON W~STE~N WAT~fl~. Finding that with such large convoys, the river being so very narrow, it was necessary to have more boats, I telegraphed for the Robb to leave the Tennessee and join me up the Cumberland, having resolved to visit the Tennessee whenever the fleets were small enough to allow me to detach with some degree of safety a portion of the gunboats for that purpose. On the 3d of February, [1863], while moving up the river with a large fleet of transports, under convoy of the gunboats Fairplay, Robb, Brilliant, St. Clair, Lexington, and Silver Lake (the Lex- ington and Silver Lake having recently joined the division), the steamer Wild Cat met us about 24 miles below Fort Donelson, having been sent down by Colonel [A. C.] Harding, commandant of the post, with a dispatch stating that he was attacked by overwhelming num- bers and needed immediate assistance. I at once made signal to the gunboats to push on up with all pos- sible speed, and for the transports to follow as fast as possible. A short distance below the fort I met another steamer bringing the intelligence that the place was entirely surrounded and could hold out no longer. Pushing on up I arrived off the town of Dover about 8 p. in., and found Colonel Hardings forces out of ammuni- tion and entirely surrounded by overwhelming numbers, but still holding them in check, they having withdrawn within the small breastworks back about 300 yards from the river bank. For a minute or so I was at a loss as to where to begin, as I could not get a word from our forces, the enemy then holding the ground between them and the river; however, I let off a gun up the ravine to give them encouragement by letting them know that assistance was at hand. Just then the moon shone out bright, and by the aid of one of the officers of the garrison, who had stolen through the enemys lines down to the river bank and pointed out the enemys po- sition, I was enabled to throw shell right in their very midst. The enemy not expecting gunboats had formed the main body of his forces in line of battle through the graveyard at the west end of the town, about seven or eight hundred yards from Colonel Hardings intrenchments and facing the most accessible point. His left wing rested in a ravine leading down to the river and must have extended almost to the river bank, as we could easily, when we first moved up, hear the men talking. This position gave us a chance to rake nearly the entire length of his line. Simultaneously the gunboats opened fire up this ravine, into the graveyard, and into~ the valley beyond, where the enemy had his horses hitched, and most likely kept his reserve. The rebels were so much taken by surprise that they did not even fire a gun, but immediately commenced retreating. So well directed was our fire that they could not even carry off a caisson they had captured from our forces, but were compelled to abandon it after two fruitless attempts to destroy it by fire. After having dispersed the main body of the enemy I stationed the Robb and Silver Lake below the town to throw shells and prevent the rebels from returning to carry off the wounded, while the Lex- ington, Fairplay, St. Clair, and Brilliant went above and shelled the roads leading out to the eastward Page 314 314 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Supposing the retreating forces above the town would follow the river for a short distance, I sent the Lexington and St. Clair on up to shell the woodsharass and annoy them as much as possible while the Fairplay and the Brilliant lay opposite the upper ravine and threw shells up the roads. About 10 p. m. we ceased firing, with the exception of now and then a random shell up the roads. At 11 p. in., learning from Colonel Harding that the enemy had entirely disappeared, we ceased firing and took position to guard the roads approaching the town. Although much of our firing, after the enemy broke, was at random, we have the gratification of knowing that scarcely a projectile went amiss, and out of the four hundred and odd reported killed and wounded the gunboats can claim their share. Even when the Lexington and St. Clair went above, many of their shells fell right in the midst of the retreating rebels, killing many. It is reported that the attacking forces numbered some four thou- sand and five hundred, with eight pieces of artillery, under command of Major-General [Joseph] Wheeler, Brigadier-Generals [N. B.] Forrest and [J. A.] Wharton, and it is certainly very gratifying for us to know that this entire force was cut up, routed, and despoiled of its prey by the timely arrival of the gunboats, and that Colonel Harding and his gallant little band were spared to wear the honors they had so fairly won. At first I regretted that I was not there sooner with the boats, but upon reflection, I do not think that I could have better arranged the time had it been in my power. Had we been there before Wheeler, he would not have made the attack, but most probably would have marched on Fort Henry. Had we arrived during the day, he would have seen our strength, and would have retreated with little loss. Arriving as we did, after dark, and when he least expected us, and so sanguine of succTess, we found his forces arranged in the most favor- able position to receive a raking fire from our guns. The officers and men were very glad to have a shot at these river infesters, having been somewhat annoyed by them on previous occa- sions, and only regret that they did not remain in reach of our guns a little longer. As it is, they claim the honor of dispersing them and saving Fort Donelson. Soon after the fight at Donelson, February 18, I made a trip up the Tennessee, taking with me five boats, the Lexington, Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant and Robb, as it was reported that the rebels were building strong batteries at Savannah and at Tuscumbia Landing. As the guerrillas along the Cumberland had become pretty well thinned out, I left the convoy in charge of Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant [Robert K.] Riley, with the gunboats Silver Lake and Spring- field, the Springfield having reported for service the day before. During this trip up the Tennessee we met a rise just above Fort Henry and were enabled to go on up. When we arrived at Clifton we found the town in flames and a squad of our cavalry under command of Captain Fredk C Page 315 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. a15 Adamson in possession of the place, having crossed the river in a flat during the night, surrounded and captured a squad of 54 guerrillas, and set fire to the town. At the request of Captain McAdams I lay by and assisted him back across the river, as he was fearful of an attack and had but a small flat and no means of getting the captured horses over. I also took his prisoners for him, as he could not well get them back to where he was stationed. Proceeding on up to Pittsburg Landing, I communicated with General [G. M.] Dodge, commanding at Corinth, Miss., who readily, at my request, sent a force of cavalry up the river to cooperate with me against the batteries reported to be at Tuscumbia Landing; the land force was to come in from the rear to prevent the escape of the rebels. Arriving at Tuscumbia Landing, I learned that the batteries spoken of consi~ted of two fieldpieces, and on our approach they were run back to Tuscumbia, but luckily the forces sent up by General Dodge reached the town of Tuscumbia about the same time I reached the landing, so that the rebels in running their pieces away from me ran them right into the midst of our forces back, who readily took possession of them. We reached Florence on the 22d instant, and chased away from the landing Van Dorns rear picket. guard, but could not catch any of them. I tied up to the bank with the Lexington and Fairplay, and sent the Robb, Brilliant and St. Clair on up over Little Mussel Shoals to the foot of Big [Great] Mussel. While tied up to the bank a squad of rebels made their appearance in the woods on the Tuscumbia side, and were busily engaged in try- ing to get a fieldpiece in position to fire at us, but they were discov- ered before the piece was got ready, and three 8-inch shells from the Lexington were sufficient to scatter them. The three boats from above having returned, I proceeded down the river, reached Smithland on the 24th instant, and proceeded up the Cumberland to Nashville with a convoy, and then went above as far as I could well get. About the middle of March it was rumored that Fort Heiman had been taken possession of by the rebels. I at once proceeded up the Tennessee again with the Lexington, Fairplay, and Brilliant. On my way up I overtook the Tu8cumbia, Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, going up to convoy the forces of General Asboth, then en route to recapture the fort. Finding the fort perfectly quiet and free from rebels, the boats returned to Smithland. On the 27th instant I again made a trip up the Tennessee with the Lexington, Robb, and Silver Lake, taking with me Colonel Graig [Chauncey W. Griggs] and 150 soldiers from Fort Heiman. During this trip up we fell in with several guerrilla parties and succeeded in capturing some, together with their horses and muskets. The river was falling so rapidly at this time that I could not take the Lexington over Colbert Shoal, so I tied up opposite Waterloo and sent the Robb and Silver Lake on up to Florence, with orders to return by daylight next morning. Just below Florence they fell in with a heavy force of the enemy, shelled them out of their encamp Page 316 ~16 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ment, and drove them over the hills, but in consequence of the river receding so rapidly they were obliged to return below the shoals that night. I had almost forgotten to mention that on the way up I landed at Boyds Landing, having learned that back about 3 miles from the river was a cotton factory doing work in an indirect way, so as to aid the rebel soldiers. I sent out from this landing a force of about 200150 infantry and 50 sailors. Colonel Graig [G riggs] took charge of the entire expe- dition in person. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, of the Lexington, took charge of the sailors. The. expedition moved out to the factory with caution, as Colonel [N. N.] Coxs rebel cavalry regiment was encamped but a mile or two beyond. Arriving at the mill, breastworks of cord wood were thrown up across the road, and enquiries made regarding the operations of the factory. From what could be learned the mill was run on shares with the country people; the material went, in an indirect way, to the aid of the rebel soldiers through their friends at home. The books were all clear, and contained nothing to condemn the factory. Yet, knowing that the mill did, in an indirect way, aid the rebels, it was thought proper not to destroy it, but to effectually pre- vent its doing more work, which was done by removing the running gear, piston heads, brasses, and all like portable portions, and plac- ing it on board the L~xington. A short distance above this landing, and about 3 miles from the river, was reported a plantation owned by a noted rebel, Smith. The boats were landed and an expedition sent out to the p lace. This plantation was occupied by a man by the name of Dillahunty, and is known to be a rendezvous for guerrillas. Dillahunty claimed to be loyal, but as several guerrillas were found on his place, and as our men were fired on when approaching the farm, I took his cotton, 25 bales, for the Government. During this trip up the river we captured 8 prisoners (guerrillas) with their arms, 25 bales of cotton, and some horses belonging to guerrilla pickets. As soon as I reached Smithland and had coaled, I received a dis- patch from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hurd, saying the fleet under convoy had been attacked by batteries at Palmyra, and that his vessel, the St. (lair, was disabled. I got underway immediately and moved up, arriving at Palmyra the afternoon of the 6th of April. I landed opposite and sent a detachment on shore, in charge of Acting Master [James] Fitzpatrick, with orders to burn every house in the place, and not to allow the men under his command to remove or pillage a single article. The order was carried out fully. Just after the boats landed several stragglers broke out of their concealments and ran; he fired on them, killing one and wounding another Page 317 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 317 I was opposed to the wanton destruction of property,but in this instance I deemed it justifiable, for it was one of the worst secession places on the river, and unarmed transports had been fired into from doors and windows of the houses. I would here remark that the summary manner in which the people of Palmyra were dealt with had a very good effect, for I do not think there has been a steamer molested on the river since. The battery at Palmyra was withdrawn on my. approach, and moved up to Harpeth Shoals, so I followed on up after it, taking with me cavalry and infantry from Clarksville, to get in the enemys rear, if possible; but again the battery was removed, this tune into the interior, where it remained. On the 13th April I again went up the Tennessee, with the gun- boats Lexington, Queen City, Covington, and Argo8y, leaving the convoy in charge of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Perkins. This trip was made in view of giving convoy to Colonel Streights expedition, and to cooperate with him and General Dodge. I left the Covington and Argo8y at Fort Henry to convoy the transports, while I moved on up to Eastport with the other two boats. On reaching Eastport we found a portion of General Dodges cavalry engaging the enemy across the river; we soon shelled the rebels off, and then landed, as there was not water for us to go higher. During this time General Dodge was encamped about 9 miles out on Bear Creek, awaiting Colonel Streights command, which arrived, I think, on the 20th instant; General Ellets Marine Brigade arrived also at the same time. After Colonel Streight left I took charge of the transport fleet and, by request from General Dodge, held them at Eastport as long as the water would permit, leaving three gunboats to protect them. I moved down the river on the 23d instant to coal an~ see all clear below. On my way down I met the steamer Emma Duncan coming up to report for service. When just above Waverly Landing she was attacked by a field battery, but passed it and drove the enemy back; she received several shots, and had 3 men wounded. When on my return up the river, and just on Duck River Shoals, I met General Ellet on his way down, being engaged by the enemy with a battery of 2 or 3 pieces. I at once took the battery side of his boats, and opened fire on the enemy, having at the time a raking shot along the bank. The brush was so thick I could not see the enemys guns, yet the smoke enabled me to fire directly at them, and, I judge, with very good effect, as they did not remain but a short time before they com- menced retreating. Some 8 or 10 of their dead were left on the bank. I believe their loss amounted to about 25 or 30. Although General Ellet landed, he did not succeed in overtaking the retreating forces, nor in getting their guns. I went on up the river to Hamburg, and there finding the trans- ports, started out of the river with them on the last of the month, reaching Smithland again the 1st of May Page 318 318 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. On the 4th of May Lieutenant-Commander Phelps arrived and took charge of the Tennessee River Division. I turned over to him the gunboats Covington, Queen City, Argo8y, and Emma Duncan, and taking with me the Lexington and Fair- play, returned to Smithiand. During my trips up and down the Tennessee, I brought out on the gunboats some 60 or 70 refugee families, with their effects, punished as much as I co4lld all rebels and disloyal persons, and gave all the protection I could to loyal citizens. During my operations on the Tennessee there were always gun- boats enough left on the Cumberland to give convoy through to Nash- ville regularly twice, and occasionally three times, a week. After dividing the fleet with Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, I had left in my district six boats, the Lexington, Fairplay, Brilliant, St. Clair, Silcer Lake, and Springfield. With these six boats I continued running supplies through to Gen- eral Rosecrans till the water became too low for navigation, about the 1st of June. I then sent the Lexington to Cairo for duty in the lower rivers, and sent the Fairplay and Silver Lake up the Ohio to patrol between Evansville, md., and Shawneetown; the Springfield to patrol from Evansville to Louisville, and the St. Clair and Brilliant to patrol from Smithland to Shawneetown. About this time, in compliance with your orders, I took charge of the Upper Ohio River, and proceeded to Cincinnati to fit out and arrange the three boats at that place, the JIoo8e, Reindeer, and Vic- tory. I had scarcely got them fitted out, and the crews on board, be- fore they were called into active service. On the 8th of July news reached Cincinnati that Morgan had struck the Ohio River at Brandenburg, and had captured two steam- ers, the Jo/tn T. McCombs and the Alice Dean. I got underway at once with the llloose and Victory and moved down. I had just sent the Reindeer above to Parkersburg to assist the Naumkeag over the shoals, a few hours before I heard of Morgan. Before leaving Cincinnati, however, I telegraphed to Evansville for the Fairplay and Sileer Lake to move up the river at once. On reaching Louisville, I learned that it was not a mere detachment of Morgans forces that had struck the river, but his entire command, numbering something near 6,000 men. Shoal as the water was, I pushed on over the falls without delay with the two boats. At New Albany I found the Springfield just returned from below, and taking her in tow pushed on down to Brandenburg, reaching there the 9th instant; but before I got there Morgan had succeeded in getting across into Indiana and had moved off from the river. The Fairplay and Silver Lake also reached Brandenburg the same evening. The Springfield had the patrol from Louisville to Evansville, but the news was that Morgan was marching on Louisville; consequently the Springfield remained at Portland, [Ky.], at the foot of the canal. As soon as Acting Ensign [Joseph] Watson got word that the enemy was on the river below, he at once moved down. While approaching the town of Brandenburg he was fired on by heavy forces of infantry from the Indiana side, but did not stop to engage them. When within about a mile of the town the enemy opened fire from a batter Page 319 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 319 of two rifled guns on a high hill near the court-hotise and two other smaller guns lower down. There was also a gun planted on the Indiana side. He engaged these two guns on the hill for an hour and a half, firing deliberately, but apparently without success; he accordingly withdrew and lay a short distance above till two transports of infantry, about 500, arrived from Louisville; he then engaged the batteries again, but not being supported by the land forces, and being entirely alone on the water, he could not dislodge the enemy and was consequently forced to retire the second time; this time he returned to Louisville to communicate with me and to convoy back some steamers that had started down. Although the Springfield received no injury, her commanding officer did not deem it prudent to run the batteries alone for the purpose of trying to recapture the two steamers, as by thus doing he ran, himself, great risks of being disabled; besides, had he passed the battery in safety his vessel had not the speed to catch either of the others. The rebels could have run them below and burned them before he could have come within reach, or had they been so disposed they could (protected as they were by large hogsheads of tobacco) have run him down or boarded him with overwhelming numbers. I therefore think he acted very, prudently in remaining above the batteries, where he had some little support from the transports with the infantry on board. Not knowing which direction Morgan had taken, I sent the Fair- play and Silver Lake to patrol from Leavenworth, [md.] up to Brandenburg during the night, and the Victory and Springfield to patrol from Louisville down. Next morning, learning that Morgan was moving north, I sent the Springfield and Victory above Louisville, and followed soon after myself. The Fairplay and Silver Lake moyed up to patrol between Louisville and Cannelton. The Victory and Springfield, on their patrol above, intercepted a portion of Morgans forces at Twelve Mile Island trying to get across to reinforce him. This force was reported to number 1,500. Out of this number 45 succeeded in getting across, 39 were held on the island and taken prisoners by infantry forces coming up after the gunboats, some few were drowned, and the rest driven back. The Reindeer and Naunikeag having joined me, I now continued the chase, keeping as near on Morgans right flank as I possibly could; keeping boats both ahead and in his rear guarding all the accessible fords. After reaching Cincinnati Major-General Burn- side sent another steamer with me, the Magnolia, armed and pro- tected by cotton bales. I afterwards had the cotton removed from the Magnolia and placed on a lighter steamer, the Alleghany Belle. Pilot John Sebastian had command of this latter-mentioned steamer. With these six boats, the Moo8e, Reindeer, Victory, Springfield, iVauinkeag, and Allegheny Belle, the chase was continued till its termination on the 19th of July. This might have been considered an extravagant use of boats, but the river was so low and fords so numerous that a less number might not have met with such a favorable result. At times Morgan would be, as it were, in the center of a circle, with the river running around him, so that by marching but a fe Page 320 320 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. miles in either direction he could strike some six or eight very good fords, while to run by river these fords were nearly a days run apart; therefore, to prevent his crossing required a considerable number of boats, and they, too, had to be kept on the alert. During the night of the 18th of July the boats were posted as fol- lows: The Moose lay at the foot of Buffington Island, at Sand Creek Bar; the Reindeer was guarding Goose Island crossing; the Naum- keag was at Eight Mile Island, guarding the ford; the Victory and Springfield were guarding Pomeroy, Wblfs Shoals, and Belleville crossing, my line at this time being necessarily about 40 miles long to guard all the fords in Morgans reach. About 2 a. in., the 19th instant, I got underway and moved over Sand Creek Shoals, intending to move up close to the foot of the island, but a very dense fog setting in prevented me from getting quite as high up as I wished. About 7 a. m. I heard musketry on my port bow and a little ahead. Thick as the fog was I at once got up anchor and, feeling the way up, managed to get into the chute between the island and the mainland. Gettin~ fairly in the chute the fog lifted, when I saw a portion of Morgan s force coming down the river just on the edge of the bank at full speed, as though they were making a charge. They had with them two pieces of artillery, which I think was their intention to place at the head of the chute to prevent my getting through. I at once opened fire on this squad with the two bow guns, when they wheeled and took back up the river again. Pushing through as fast as possible I got above the head of the island and nearly opposite the enemys left flank, when I again opened fire from the broadside guns. A few shell were thrown at us, but their aim was very bad; they either went over or burst short and a little ahead. They again broke and nioved farther up the river. The next I saw of them the head of their column came down a steep ravine and broke into the river. I threw one shell at the head of this column, which by this time had got nearly a third across; they immediately put back. I by this time had got so close upon them that they cou no get back up the ravine again, but were compelled to take right up the beach, the bank being too steep for them to climb it here; nearly the entire force was moving in hasty retreat in a line leading directly from me, hemmed in by the high bank on one side and the river on the other. Finding our shell and shrapnel too un- comfortable for them to keep this position, they broke in the greatest confusion, threw away their arms,, abandoned their booty, and, leav- ing buggies, carriages, and two pieces of artillery standing on the beach, took to the woods. I could not land the steamer at this place, so I stopped long enough to send a boat on shore to take possession of the artillery, and leave direction for the steamer Iniperial, which had been with me as a dispatch boat, to haul the pieces farther down the river, and take them on board. Early in the morning the Alleghany Belle came up and joined me at the foot of Buffington, and in going through the chute, I directed Pilot Sebastian to keep close to me, so that in case the Moose was disabled he could take hold of her and pull her out, or tow her through Page 321 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 321 The Allegitany Belle therefore opened fire on the enemy also, as soon as we got out of the chute where she had room to fire clear of us. Moving on up the river with the Moo8e and the Alleghany Belle, followed by General Scammons forces on transports, we again fell in with another squad of about four or five hundred trying to cross. We shelled the most of them back, killing and drowning a good many, judging from the number of horses left standing in the river and on each shore, and the number of garments floating by us; some, however, about forty, succeeded in reaching the Virginia shore. Moving on up about fourteen miles above, we again saw another small squad, not to exceed thirty, break into the river and get across. The water was so shoal and swift that I was not able to get within reach of them, consequently did not fire. These rascals, after getting across, hid their horses in the brush, and, creeping down a ravine filled with willows, awaited till we came up. Just as we were passing about twenty yards of them, they fired two volleys into us, but did but little damage, only wounding one man slightly on the Moose and one on the Alleghany Belle. Our starboard guns, not having been fired, were loaded with 1-second shrapnel; consequently they received a return fire soon and with more effect than they anticipated, as nine out of the number were left dead in the ravine; others must have been wounded and carried off. This was the last attempt the scattered rebels made to cross the river. All that were then left of them broke from the river and, headed by Morgan himself, made for the interior again. During the night of the 18th, General Scammons forces lay on the transports, tied up on the Virginia side, just below the foot of Buf- fington Island, and, I believe, landed in the morning and marched up that side of the river. He afterwards went up in company with the gunboats. I know nothing about the part Generals [H. M.] Judah, [E. H.~J Hobson, and [J. M.] Shackelford took in the fight, nor the exact position of the enemy, as I was unable to see xvell over the top of the bank. I was told, though, that during the first part of the engagement General Judah lost a fieldpiece, but afterwards regained it, and that the enemy formed in line of battle three times, each time with his right wing resting against the hills, and his left on the river. I was also told by prisoners taken that few shots were fired from Morgans batteries after we opened fire along their lines, and that they soon broke when we got on the left flank. I regretted, both for their sakes and my own, that the shape of the river was such as to have prevented the other boats from being there and engaging in the fight also. The river being very shoal and still falling, I was compelled to move below Buffington Island again that night. Next day I moved on down the river, leaving the Alleghany Belle above to patrol for a day or two longer. After convoying the transports and prisoners back to Cincinnati, I sent the Nanmkeag to Cairo for duty below and after the Springfield, Silver Lqke, and Fairplay had undergone such repairs as were abso- lutely necessary, they were sent back to their regular patrols. 49518N W BVOL 2309 2 Page 322 322 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The Springfield and St. Clair were ordered down the Mississippi on the 15th of September, and on the 21st of October the entire division, with the exception of the Fairplay, started down for Smith- land to convoy supplies again to the Army of the Cumberland. The Fairplay was left behind in consequence of the water being too shoal for her to get down the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEROY FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT FAIRPLAY, September 11, 1862. SIR: You will take charge of the steamer Cordelia Ann and pro- ceed up the river as far as Caseyville. In approaching Caseyville, be particular to keep your men hid from observation, and use every pre- caution to disguise the true character of the boat and expedition. Should you be fired into at Caseyville, or any resistance offered, destroy the place at once. You are authorized to make arrests of such persons as you may, in your own judgment, deem proper, yet avoid, as far as possible, taking any one as prisoner of war who may belong to any guerrilla band or party. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEROY FITCH, Lieutenant, Commanding, and Executive Officer, Flotilla. Second Master GEO. J. GROVES, U. S. Gunboat Fairplay, Ohio River. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Abram Cook, esq., acknowledging letter containing project for destruction of gunboats. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 24, 1862. SIR: I have received your note of the 11th instant. The destruc- tion of the Arkansas has anticipated your project. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. ABRAM COOK, Davenport, Iowa. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to proceed to St. Louis and Cincinnati to inspect vessels for purchase. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 26, 1862. SIR: As soon as you can possibly be spared from the duties of your office you will proceed to St. Louis and Cincinnati and make a careful examination of all classes of steamboats suited for service in the Upper Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers and in th Page 323 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 323 lower tributaries of the Mississippi, and suited, at the same time, to receive the kind of protection which is necessary for the safe conduct of that service. You are so perfectly well acquainted, through personal experience and otherwise, with the nature of the service in which these boats are to be engaged, and of the defense required, that it is unnecessary for me to enlarge upon the subjects. The special object of your examination will be to obtain such information, with regard to the capacity, draft, deck room, speed, and upper accommodations, as will serve as a guide to General Curtis and myself in the selection of these vessels for special service. You will please report to me the results of your examination, classifying as far as possible the steamer described. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Naval Depot, Cairo, Ill. Request of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Scribner, commanding U. S. ram Queen of the West, to assist in Convoying exchanged prisoners. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, August 26, 1862. SIR: I will thank you to keep me company down the river as a part of the convoy employed in transporting the exchanged prison- ers to Vicksburg. Your compliance with this request will bc perfectly agreeable to your commander-in-chief, Colonel Ellet, between whom and myself their exists a satisfactory understanding and the habit of coopera- tion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain BRADFORD E. SCRIBNER, Commanding U. S. Ram Queen of the West. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting tabular statement of vessels and their armament. OFFICE U. S. GUNBOAT FLOTILLA, Cairo, August 26, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of August the 20th, I have the honor to transmit herewith a tabular statement of the vessels of the Western Flotilla, with their armament, tonnage, and origin. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 324 2 324 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Tonnage and present battery of gunboats of Western Flotilla, August, 1862. Howitzers. 32-pdrs. Name. ~ .~s2 o ~ ~ 0 Benton 1,000 - - 1 8 16 Ironclad. Carondelet 512 .... 1 6 13 Partially iron- clad. St. Louis2 512 .. 1 6 13 Do. Pittsburg 512 -- - 1 6 13 Do. Louisville2 512 - - -. 1 6 13 Do. Mound Citys. .. 512 1 6 13 Do. Cairo2 512 1 6 13 Do. Cincinnati 2 512 1 6 13 Do. Essex 1,000 1 7 Ram and gun- boat, iron- clad. Conestoga 400 1 4 4 Wood bul- warks. Lexington 500 . 1 . 1 4 2 7 Do. Tyler 60O~. 1 6-.. 3 9 Do. Eastport 700 2 - - - - 4 - - 2 2 8 Ram and gun- boat, iron- clad. General Bragg.. 700 1 1 1 2 Ram and gun- boat, partial- ly ironclad. Sumter 400 1 1 2 Do. General Sterling 400 Do. Price. Little Rebel. - - - 125 2 1 3 Do. Alfred Robb 4 75 --- - 4 4 Wood. General 4 50 --- - 2 2 Do. Fort Henry 1,000 Ram and gun- boat. Choctaw 1,000 Do. Great Western 800 ---- 1 Ordnance boat. Judge Torrence 600 .... 1 Ordnanceboat, mortars. Total. 618114571118 32 5117 3 8155 I ____________________________________ ________________________________________________ ______________________________ Purebased steamboats and altered. 2 Constructed under contract. Captured. Captured steamboats altered to gunboats. N. B. 1.General Sterling Price undergoing repairs. Fort Henry and Ciwetaw in process of alteration; batteries not determined. N. B. 2.There are two new steamers purchased and being altered in St. Louis. They are not yet named or batteries determined. N. B. 3.No account is taken here of the gunboats now being built under contract at St. Louis, Mound City, New Albany, Cincinnati, and Pittsburg. N. B. 4.The ordnance steamers Judge Torrence and Great IVestern accompany the fleet. Respectfully, J. P. SANDFORD, Ordnance Officer, Flotilla. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Nary, speaking in highest com- mendation of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps. OFFICE U. S. GUNBOAT FLOTILLA, Confidential.] Cairo, August 27, 1862. SIR: It is important that the Department should be acquainted with those officers who are most to be relied upon for the performance 2 ---14 2 2 4 1 .2 3 3 2 3 2 3 1 3 1 .2 3 2 1 11.-. Page 325 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 325 of responsible duties on account of natural abilities and professional attainments. I, therefore, am fulfilling a duty only in saying to the Department that Lieutenant-Commander Phelps is such an officer. His reports, which I send to-day, exhibit a flue illustration of his mind and character. They are simple, concise, and yet full, and they show clearness of view and purpose, energy, and prudence. This expedition has occasioned a loss to the rebels of certainly $300,000, and perhaps half a million of dollars; yet the mind of the writer of the reports is too intent upon the public service to look at the results from this point of view. Lieutenant-Commander Phelps is well known to the Department by his services in the Tennessee. He is, however, a growing and im- proving character, and the experiences of the passing day add to his power and means of usefulness. If the Department should adopt a~ suggestion (which I shall have the honor to make at the proper time) of dividing the Mississippi River into sections, and assigning those sections as separate com- mands, under one commander-in-chief, I should recommend that the command of one of these sections be given to Lieutenant-Commander Phelps. His knowledge of these Western waters makes this the fittest station on which he can be employed. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Na vy, Washington. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Lazelle, U. S. Army, in reference to convoy. AUGUST 27, [18621. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of to-day and its accompanying documents. I will, with the greatest readiness, furnish the convoy required and accompany you myself as far as helena, if not farther. The details of this convoy can be arranged between us in con- versation. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHARLES H. DAvIS, Commodore. Captain H. M. LAZELLE, U. S. Army, Agent for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, Cairo, Ill. Directions for sailing in convoy issued by Commodore Davis and Captain. Lazelle jointly. 1. The vessels of the convoy will keep together. 2. The gunboat Eastport will lead the advance and the armed ram Queen of the IVest will bring up the rear. 3. The transports will not go ahead of the Eastport nor drop astern of the Queen of the TVcst Page 326 326 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN. WATERS. 4. A signal indicating distress or want of assistance will be in the daytime the ensign union down, hoisted in a conspicuous place, and in the night the quick ringing of the bell and firing of a rocket. 5. At night the lights usually carried in the river will be shown at their ordinary places. 6. The ensign hoisted at the main on board the flagship will indi- cate that it is the intention of the commander-in-chief to stop, either to communicate or to anchor. And when the ensign is so hoisted the Queen of the West and transports will follow the motions of the flagship without further instructions. 7. The blowing of the whistle in the usual way will be the signal for any vessel of the convoy that may desire to communicate with the flagship. C. H. DAvIS, Commodore, Commanding IVestern Flotilla. H. M. LAZELLE, Captain, Eighth Infantry, U. S. Army. CAIRo, August 28. Letter from Brigadier-General Quinby, U. S. Army, to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, responding to request for fragments of burst Confederate guns. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Columbus, Ky., August 28, 1862. COMMODORE: Your application requesting the fragments of several of the rebel guns which were destroyed by bursting at Columbus and Island No. 10 is approved, and the military commandants at those points are hereby instructed to deliver them to any party whom you may authorize to call for them. I am, commodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY, Brigadier- General, Volunteers, Com~manding District. Commodore C. H. DAvIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. E~epedition from Helena to Eunice, Ark., for the capture of a wharf boat, August 28 to September 3, 1862. Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. ~Iavy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Helena, Ark., September 8, 1862. Sni: I respectfully make the following report of the capture of a wharf boat at Eunice, Ark. In pursuance of orders to convoy two steamers down the river to captureawharfboatatEunice, Ark., I left here the morning of the 28th ultimo. each steamer having on board a detail of about 100 men from the army and one piece of field artillery. Having heard that the rebels had been erecting a battery at or near Montgomery Point, which is near White River, and reaching tha Page 327 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. point toward evening, I anchored about sunset 7 or 8 miies above, with the transports to reconnoiter in the morning before proceeding down the river. After dark a contraband was brought on board and gave informa- tion of an encampment of rebel soldiers, some 200 or 300 strong, below us on the Mississippi side, and concealed from view by the woods. According to an arrangement with the officer in command of guard to capture the camp, I dropped down at early daylight and shelled the position of their camp pointed out by the contraband. Getting no reply from them, dropped on down, continuing shelling the woods. Arriving at Carsons Landing, a mile or so below, and a favorable point for disembarkation, the transports landed under cover of our guns and visited the camp. They found our shells had landed in their camp and dispersed them, leaving behind their prepared breakfast, some side arms, sad- dles, and even hats, which their hot haste prevented their taking. A portion of our forces fell in with a small band of rebels in a cornfield, from which they fled precipitately upon being fired into, several jumping from and leaving behind their horses, with side arms, etc., attached, which fell into the hands of our troops, as did also 2 prisoners. None of our forces were injured, and a couple of the rebels were seen to fall or jump from their horses. A wagon containing camp tents and one containing tin vessels, which the negro gave information of, had disappeared; a dozen or more sabers, some saddles, and seven or eight horses, were captured. At 10:45 a. m. left Carsons Landing and continued down the river, arriving at Montgomery Point and seeing no indication of a battery. The transports landed some men under cover of our guns to recon- iioiter, but discovering nothing, we proceeded on down the river to our point of destination, Eunice, and seized the wharf boat. She was fitted up in handsome style for a hotel, and is a serviceable prize. She is about 220 feet long and 45 feet beam; in good repair; in the second story she has finely furnished apartments. She is said to have belonged to Martin and Wade, and intended to be used as a hotel at the termination of the Mississippi and Red River Railroad. Without any interruption or useless delay the prize was taken in tow between the two transports, and we proceeded on our way up the river, no armed men showing themselves along its banks until when near Bolivar, in the vicinity of which, some 7 or 8 miles back, it is reported a considerable force of rebels was encamped. A con- siderable squad of horsemen appeared on the Mississippi side of the river below Bolivar Landing, but were quickly dispersed on our throwing two or three shells amongst them; they evidently thought they were beyond our range. We met with no interruption on our way up, and arrived here on the evening of the 2d instant. The wharf boat is now occupied by the quartermasters depart-. ment of the army at this point, under General Steele. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EGBERT THOMPSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore CHAS. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding We8tern Flotilla Page 328 828 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Raynor, commanding Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Helena, Ark., September 3, 1862. SIR: On the evening of Wednesday, August 27, I was ordered (verbally) by General Curtis to take command of 200 infantry of the Fifty-sixth Ohio and two 12-pounder howitzers of the First Iowa Battery, place them on the steamers White Cloud and fatan, and, under convoy of the gunboat Pitt8burg, proceeded with them down the Mississippi to a point called Eunice, in Arkansas, and there take possession of a large wharf boat and tow it up to Helena. Also to annoy the enemy and obtain whatever information concerning them that I could. The steamers not being ready until Thursday morning, they were embarked and proceeded down the river. At Roberts Landing a Mrs. Manley was taken on board by orders from General Curtis. At night the pilots were unable to run, and we were compelled to anchor. The first night we reached Carsons Landing. Here a negro came off to us during the night and reported, Solgers ober dar. I as- certained from him that a force of the enemy, numbering from 200 to 300, were encamped between 1 and 2 miles from the river. The next morning, Friday, at daylight, the Pitt8burg shelled the shore. As soon as she commenced firing I landed 175 men and one piece (leaving 25 men and one piece as a guard on the boats), and marched out, near 2 miles, to where the rebels were encamped. They had discovered the fleet on its way down and while at anchor, and believ- ing they were the object of the expedition (as I afterwards learned), made haste during the night to remove their stores and equipage, but remained behind themselves to fight; but our appearance and one volley induced them to believe the locality unhealthy, and they left it in a hurry; nor could we induce them to stop, although the most persuasive messengers, in the shape of Enfield balls, were sent after them. Hats, sabers, pistols, holsters, and saddle bags were dropped in their rapid flight. Some, to hide the better in the brush, left their horses, 9 of which we captured. If any were killed or wounded we were unable to find them in the weeds and cane. A part of my force, consisting of 50 men of Company A, Captain Manring, was sent to stir up a small nest of guerrillas near. They killed 1 man and think they wounded another. We had not a man hurt. Captured 1 prisoner (J. G. Underwood, private, Company H, Twenty-eighth Mississippi Volunteers), 1 tent, 1 tent fly, about 30 sabers, 10 shotguns, 3 Mississippi rifles, cartload of meat 2 mules. case of surgical instruments, 12 saddles, and 9 horses, all of which have been turned over to the proper authorities. A small quantity of cotton was found, which was confiscated and placed in charge of Mr. Eddy of the quartermasters department. A soldier of the First (rebel) Missouri Regiment named Dunaway gave himself up volun- tarily, saying he had deserted from Vicksburg and made his way this far up the river. About noon got all aboard and continued on down the stream. I had been ordered to look for a battery of 2 guns at Montgomery Point. Landed at the point and thoroughly searched the neighbor- hood, and ascertained that a road had been cut through the wood Page 329 NAVAL POR~Es ON W~ST~R~ WATERS. 32~ to Scrub Grass Bend, but that the cannon (two pieces) were yet at Prairie Landing on White River, but were soon expected down to be placed in position in Scrub Grass Bend. Wherever we had any reason to expect the presence of the enemy I landed and scoured the woods and country; but having no cavalry caused great delay and permitted the guerrillas to escape. After Carsons Landing we could not get nearer than a half mile or see much more than a cloud of dust. Our progress was so much delayed by the slowness of the gun- boat and being compelled to anchor every night that the wharf boat at Eunice Landing was not reached until Saturday about noon, when the transports took the wharf boat in tow and started on our return. At Eunice I arrested a Mr. Nelson who, it was reported, had been using his influence and money in assisting the rebellion, and had on more than one occasion mounted his horse and rode for days with guerrilla parties. We also brought away the watchman on the wharf boat, a John McDonald, who claifris to be a British subject. Sunday morning Mrs. Manley was taken aboard near Bolivar Landing. From her and also from other sources I learned that Colonel Starke has a brigade from Van Dorns army now encamped on Bolivar Lake, with four or six pieces of artillery, and was daily expecting reinforcement with a 30-pounder gun. This force now on the lake is represented as high as 3,000 and as low as 1,800. It was a part of his command that we met at Carsons Landing. The wharf boat being very large and heavy she towed very hard and slow, and the expedition only returned this (Wednesday, Sep- tember 3) morning, being out six days. Our orders were for four days rations, consequently the meat captured was partly eaten., The wharf boat and contents have been turned over to Quartermaster Winslow, the mules and horses to Quartermaster H. B. Hunt, and the prisoners to the provost-marshal. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. H. RAYNOR, Commanding Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteers and Expedition. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Army of the Southwest. General order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Columbus, AfIs8i88~ppt River, August 28, 1862. Hereafter all vessels under my command, whether vessels of war, transports, mail boats, hospital boats, commissary and ordnance boats, tugs, or vessels employed in the services of the squadron, w~i1l strictly observe the following rules at this station: 1. In the daytime vessels will keep their ensign hoisted while pass- ing Columbus, will pass within hail of the wharf boat, and will, if hailed or otherwise notified to stop, slow down and communicate with the shore. They will consider themselves under the orders of General Quinby for the prompt execution of any service he may assign them; and they will comply with the requests of the colonel commanding the post in all matters relating to the public service Page 330 330 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 2. In the nighttime the vessels under my command will swing backward and forward by hand a green lantern, and will follow the rules prescribed in 1, in relation to communication and service. [C. H. DAVIS,] Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Lazelle, U. S. Army, regarding a stop at Memphis for coal for the trans- ports under convoy. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Mississippi River, August 29, 1862. CAPTAIN: It will suit my convenience to stop at Memphis for coal for the transports. I am anxious to communicate with the naval and military com- manders at that place. I regret this detention very much, and can hardly excuse the pilots, who tell me that there is water enough, but that they got on one side of the channel. With high regard and respect, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain H. M. LAZELLE, Eighth Infantry, U. S. Army. Report of a board of survey on mortar boats. CAIRO, ILL., August 29, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 26th instant, to hold a strict and careful survey upon the fleet of mortar boats now lying in the bend above this place, we have to report that we find 28 boats or floats. The magazine holds of all of them are filled with water, and some of them are so water-logged that the decks are sunk flush with the water; none of them is in a proper condition for service, and would require docking, sheathing, and calking. The cost of repairs to them to render them properly fit for service would be such that, under the circumstances of there appearing to be no prospective demand for their use, that we recommend that all but five, or as many as you may deem best, be dismantled and broken up. The mortars to be sent to St. Louis Arsenal for storage. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, H. WALKE, Captain, U. S. Navy, J. P. SANFORD, U. S. Navy, Ordnance Officer, Flotilla. ROMEO FRIGANZA, Master Joiner. C. F. KENDALL, Master Carpenter. Commander CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill Page 331 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 331 Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of ram Queen of the West regarding flag of truce. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Mississippi River, August 30, 1862. SIR: I send you material for a flag of truce which, when made, you will hoist in a conspicuous place on board of Queen of the West and keep it flying while in convoy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain BRADFORD SCRIBNER, Commanding Ram Queen of the West. Order of Commod6re Davis, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of U. S. S. De Soto regarding flag of truce. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Mississippi River, August 30, 1862. The commander-in-chief will thank the captain of the De Soto to hoist the accompanying flag of truce in a conspicuous place and keep it up until reaching Helena, as soon as made up. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Phinis R. Starr, appointing him a fourth master. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Mississippi River, August 30, 1862. SIR: In consequence of the activity and intelligence and unwearied zeal displayed by yourself last night in getting the ship off after she had grounded, under the direction of Lieutenant Hoel, the first lieu- tenant of the vessel, I have the pleasure to enclose to you your ap- pointment as fourth master, and I hope that your conduct will con- tinue to merit further advancement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Fourth Master PrnNIs R. STARR. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Lazelle, U. S. Amny, regarding the hoisting of flag of truce on the transports under convoy. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Mississippi River, August 30, 1862. CAPTAIN: I think the time has come for hoisting a flag of truce, which will be carried to Vicksburg Page 332 3~32 1~TAVAL FORCES O~ WESTERN WATERS. I send you the material for four white flags, and I have respect- fully to request that you will hoist them iii a conspicuous place on the four transports under your command when made up. With the highest respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. H. M. LAZELLE, Captain, Eighth Infantry, U. S. Army. Report of the commanding officer of the U. S. transport W. B. Terry of the capture of that vessel on the Tennessee River. AUGUST 31, 1862. The above-named steamer left Paducah, Ky., Saturday, August 30, at 1 a. in., bound for Hamburg, Tenn., with a cargo of coal for the use of gunboats on the Tennessee River. Arrived at foot of Duck River Sucks same day at dark, where we lay anchored in the middle of the river until daylight Sunday morning. Worked all day trying to get over the shoals without success. Finding it impossible to get over, concluded to return to Paducah and report. Started down about sundown, hoping to reach a safe anchorage before dark, but unfortunately missed the narrow and difficult channel and ran hard onto the lower ledge of rocks, under a bluff, high bank, with her stern only 20 feet from shore, and with less than 2 feet of water from boat to shore. Finding it impossible to get off without assistance, and being in hourly expecta- tion of the arrival of steamer Des Moines City, which was to follow us up, thought best to await her arrival as long as there was any chance to save the boat and cargo, and then abandon and burn her, if necessary, to keep her out of the hands of the Confederates. We had on board for the protection of the boat two 6-pounder Parrott rifled guns, with a sergeant and 6 gunners, and also 10 sharpshooters, all belonging to the Eighty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. Froni our position the cannon were entirely useless, unless the enemy were within 50 feet of the boat. I sent out five of the sharpshooters as pickets, with instructions not to fire, but report immediately to me if they saw or heard any cause for alarm; and if they had obeyed orders I believe we could have destroyed the boat and guns; but the first intimation we had of attack was a discharge at daylight of about 200 guns into the broadside of the boat, many of the balls going entirely through and out at the opposite side. Not a single stateroom escaped being pierced through. Our pickets had fired on their reconnoiterers and then ran. This precipitated an attack by their whole force, which took us by surprise. From what I afterwards saw I put their force at 200, although they claimed to have a much larger force. I was in the after cabin when the firing commenced, and went immediately through the cabin and down the forward gangway onto the lower deck to see about the cannon. Be- fore reaching the after deck, where they were placed, both were dis- charged and deserted without spiking. I found every man lying flat down behind the ice box and coal pile. I do not accuse them o Page 333 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 333 cowardice for this, because no set of men on earth could have loaded the guns in their exposed position amidst such a perfect hailstorm of bullets as was being poured through the cabins and deck. Their discharges were mingled with the wildest shouts I have ever heard. All of them were within 60 yards of the boat. Being satisfied that any further attempt at resistance would be worse than folly, and believing it my duty no longer to hazard the lives of my passengers and crew (not forgetting myself), I called with all the power of voice I could command for them to cease firing until I could show a flag of truce. I do not know that they heard me, but they did not cease firing. I then went up into and through the cabin, got a broom handle, put a small sheet on it, went out on the guard in front of them, and waved it. There were as many as 50 shots fired by them after I presented my extempore flag of truce, four of which went through it. Their officers say that they ordered firing to cease the moment the flag was shown, but that some of their men did not hear it and could not see the flag. Captains Napier and Algee came immediately on board and took formal possession in the name of the Confederate States of America. All forces were then set at work throwing overboard the coal and everything that would lighten her, and in a few hours succeeded in hauling her over the rocks. They used her that evening to ferry some troops across the river, and the next morning stripped her of all furniture and stores and burned her about 10 oclock. The Terry had 8 officers, including myself. Her deck and cabin crew numbered of whom 17 (all negroes), and we had 5 passengers, all , with officers and crew, were taken prisoners. The soldiers were taken, excepting two of the pickets, who are missing (probably in the woods). The passengers were immediately paroled. My officers and myself were detained to work the boat until she was burned. We were then paroled and allowed to construct a raft out. of the spars and stages and turned loose on the river, without provisions of any kind, to make our way to Fort Henry as best. we could. In the attack there was none killed, unless it might possibly be the two missing pickets. One passenger was seriously wounded in the knee; another, the only lady passenger, received a painful, though not dangerous, wound in her thigh. One of the gunners and one negro received two wounds each, not dangerous. The soldiers and negroes, some of whom were free, were all sent back in the country immediately after capture. With Captains Napier and Algee we have no fault to find while prisoners with them. They treated us gentlemanly and respected our rights to private property of all kinds, but some of their men pilfered much of our clothing that was not under lock and key. LEONARD G. KLINCK, UJIa8ter U. S. Transport Steamer W. B. Terry at time of capture. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL.~ August 31, 18629:30 p. in. (Received September 1.) Prize steamer Fairplay arrived with arms and ammunition. Com- manding general of this post urges his great need of the arms at thi Page 334 334 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. point. Have I authority to deliver them to him? I have ordered an appointment. Please answer immediately. A. M. PENNOCK. Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Lazelle, U. S. Army, regarding the impaired condition of the flagship. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Island 30, September 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: After getting steam up this morning the boilers began to leak freely and it was necessary to let off the steam and let the water out of the boilers to ascertain the nature of the defect. The boilers are not sufficiently cool yet to admit of examination. I will let you know the real state of things as soon as it is ascer- tained; in the meantime, the boats are out sounding. With the highest regard and esteem, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, H. M. LAZELLE, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain, Eighth Infantry, U. S. Army. Letter from Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival in St. Louis, under orders to examine vessels for purchase for the naval service. ST. LOUIS, September 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place in obedi- ence to the orders of Commodore Davis, commanding Western Flo- tilla. The following is an extract of my order: As soon as you can possibly be spared from the duties of your office you will proceed to St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Pittsburg and make a careful examination of all classes of steamers suited for service in the Upper Ohio, Tennessee, end Cumberland rivers and in the lower tributaries of the Mississippi River, and suited at the same time to receive the kind of protection which is necessary for the safe conduct of that service. The especial object of your examination will be to obtain such information with regard to the capacity, draft, deck room, speed, and upper accommodations as will enable you to act for me, and to say to Commodore Hull, in my name, that the vessels selected by you, in conjunction with Mr. Hartt, will be suited to the service for which they are wanted. You will please report to me the results of your examination, classifying, as far as possible, the steamers described. As an emergency exists which requires prompt action, I would respectfully suggest that if suitable boats can be found that they be purchased at once, fitted and equipped at the most convenient point and with the least possible delay. I would also respectfully suggest that the two boats which have been purchased for Commodore Daviss fleet, and are now lying at Carondelet, be pushed forward with extraordinary dispatch. The services of all these boats are immediately required in the Ohio and Tennessee rivers Page 335 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 335 I am prepared to man and officer these boats as soon as they are turned over to Commodore Davis. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Cairo for convoy duty. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Mississippi River, September 2, 1862. SIR: You will make the best of your way to Cairo, and, after com- municating with the commanding naval officer of that post, you will communicate also with the brigadier-general commanding that dis- trict and inform him that you are prepared to convoy the next de- tachment of troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant-Commander J. W. SHIRK, Commanding Lexington. [Telegram.] ST. LOUIS, Mo., September 2, 18622:27 p. m. (Received G p. in.) I have just received this telegram from Mr. Brown: Governor Morton, of Indiana, requests me to inform you that It is very im- portant to put the Chillicothe in commission here immediately. Mr. Brown asks to take guns from Cincinnati for the Chillicothe. The ironwork of Chillicothe is done except port shutters. He can fit temporary ones. Captain Pennock is now here. He can send a crew at short notice. Shall I commission her as proposed? In haste. J. B. HULL. SECRETARY OF NAVY. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1862. The Department consents to have the Chillicothe put in commission immediately, as requested. In conjunction with Governor Morton, you can make any arrange ment the emergency requires. GIDEON WEL~S. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo Page 336 336 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding threatened attack upon the U. S. S. Chili- cot lie. ST. Louis, Mo., September 3, 1862. SIR: The gunboat Chullicothe, at Jeffersonville, being threatened with attack, I have to request you to send with all possible haste about fifty good men and an officer to take command of her temporarily. I am, very respectfully, J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending U. S. Gunboats. Commander A. M. PENNOCK Fleet Captain lii8sissippi Flotilla. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, September 3, 1862. Send, as soon as possible, shells, cartridges, fuzes, and other articles necessary to use two XJ-inch guns, to Jeffersonville for the gunboat Chillicot he. J. B. HULL, Commodore. Commander J~ M. BERRIEN, Pitt8burg. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, September 3, 1862. An officer and 50 men have been ordered from Cairo for the Chilli- cothe and will be there as soon as possible. Go on with the prepara- tions for the guns as fast as you can. J. B. HULL, Commodore. Mr. JOSEPH BROWN, Jeff ersonville. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, Mo., September 3, 1862. (Received 10: 08 a. in.) Have just received a dispatch from the contractor at Cincinnati saying that General Wallace has taken charge of the gunboat mdi- anola and that she will be launched to-morrow. J. B. HULL. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy Page 337 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 337 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Badger, U. S. Navy, proposing to arm the U. S. gunboats Indianola and Chillicot he. BROADWAY HOTEL, Cincinnati, September 4, 1862. SIR: I enclose you copies of my orders. I shall proceed to arm the gunboats Indianola at this place and the Cliillicothe at Jefferson- ville. I telegraphed you to-day requesting two XI-inch guns to be sent to Jeffersonville. The Indianolas guns are on board, but there is no ammunition here. I have taken steps to procure it. As I shall be at considerable expense for transportation, labor, etc., I would request you to inform me how these bills are to be paid. I presume the bills will be made in the usual form and ap- proved by you. Will you be pleased to send me some blank forms of bills? If the gunboats building at St. Louis will be soon ready for their armament, I should be glad to be informed of it, so as to have the guns, etc., here in time. I am not informed what number of guns you have on hand in St. Louis, or what equipment for them. I shall be pleased to receive your orders at this place and will keep you informed of any change. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. C. BADGER, Lieutenant-Commander, Assistant Inspector Ordnance. Commodore J. B. HULL Commanding Naval Office, St. Louis, Mo. [Telegram. I ST. Louis, September 4, 1862. I will send two guns as soon as they can be got there. Ask Mr. Badger where he can get ammunition, and say to him, I wish him to do all that he can to equip the boat. J. B. HULL, Commodore. Constructor EDWD. HARTT, Jefferson yule. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding orders issued for movements of vessels. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT Cairo, September 4, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose copy [of] a letter * addressed to me by Commodore Davis previous to his leaving this place. Acting under this authority I have, at the request of Commodore Hull, detailed officers and men to temporarily take charge of the U. S. gunboat Chillicothe. * See letter August 20, 1802. 49518N w LIVOL 2309 2 Page 338 338 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I have directed Lieutenant Commanding Sanford to make that ves- sel as efficient as possible, and to cruise wherever he can be of the most service. The water in the Ohio is at this time very low, and the scope of operations must necessarily be very limited. I have sent to the Tennessee River a small captured steamer (Gen- eral Pillow), armed with two 12-pounder howitzers. I shall dispatch to-day the captured steamer Robb, armed with four 12-pounder howitzers. I shall also send Lieutenant Commanding Fitch in the recently captured steamer Fairplay, armed with four 12-pounder howitzers, to cruise in the Lower Ohio. I respectfully request that two lieutenants, junior to Lieutenant Commanding Fitch, may be ordered to report here for duty. It is important that officers who have had experience be sent here for the purpose of drilling the volunteer officers who have j ust been appointed, and to make their vessels as efficient as possible. Commodore Hull has purchased and is now equipping at St. Louis two vessels which, as soon as they are turned over to Flag-Officer Davis, I shall send wherever their services may be most required, either up the Ohio or Tennessee river. At present the Cumberland River is not navigable. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival near Helena with detachment of prisoners. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Near Helena, Mississippi River, September 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have arrived thus far with the first detachment of prisoners. I have experienced considerable detention in consequence of the low state of the river; have been aground several times; and have not, I fear, escaped without injury to the vessel. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Lazelle, U. S. Army, regarding a probable detention of two days at Helena. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: My duty will detain me here one day at least, and per- haps two, during which time you will have ample opportunity t Page 339 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 339 obtain the medicine and provisions you require. I beg you, therefore, to run down to Helena, as you propose, supply yourself with what- ever you may want for the remainder of the voyage, and report to me when you are ready to sail. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Connrbodore, Commanding Ab8sissippi Squadron. H. M. LAZELLE, Captain, Eighth Infantry, U. S. Army. Letter of censure and dismissal from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Acting Masters Mate MeAdam, U. S. Navy. FLAGsIIw EASTPORT, Memphis, September 5, 1862. SIR: It has been reported to me by Captain Winslow that you have been engaged in kidnaping negroes within the lines of the United States Army and running them off to be returned to slavery. For this scandalous and dishonorable conduct you are hereby dismissed from service in the gunboat flotilla with disgrace. I trust that tinder the arrest of General Sherman you will receive such other punishment as your criminal violation of the laws of the United States demand. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Masters Mate SIDNEY H. MOADAM, Gunboat St. Louis. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Blodgett, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conestoga, regarding convoy duty. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 5, 1862. SIR: On your return to Cairo from St. Louis you will inform Brigadier-General Tuttle, commanding the district, that you are ready to convoy a portion of the prisoners now on their way to Vicksburg. On your arrival at this place you will receive further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant Commanding GRO. M. BLODGETT, Commanding Conestoga Page 340 340 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Filet, com- manding Ram Fleet, requesting that a ram be detailed to convoy prsoners to Vicksburg. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, September 5, 1862. COLONEL: When I was called upon for a convoy of the transports containing prisoners from Cairo to Vicksburg, I had only with me this ship. I therefore requested Captain Scribner, of ~tne ram Queen of the West, to keep company with the convoy as far as Helena. I have now the pleasure to inform you that he has performed his service to my entire sati~f action, and to request that a ram may be detailed from your fleet to accompany this and the subsequent detach- ments of prisoners to Vicksburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Colonel ELLET, Commanding Ram Fleet. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Lexington, to carry a flag of truce while conveying prisoners. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, September 5, 1862. SIR: You will please, while in convoy of prisoners, carry a flag of truce in a conspicuous place, and cause a flag of truce to be carried in a conspicuous place by all the vessels of your convoy of whatever description, whether forming part of the convoy at the time or not. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain J. W. SHIRK, Lexington. Letter from Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, to Colanel Callender, U. S. Army, regarding ordnance supplies. ST. LOuIS, September 5, 1862. SIR: There is required for the use of the United States gunboats at Cincinnati and Jeffersonville, for each, 100 XI-inch shells and 10 barrels of cannon powder, to be sent to the care of U. S. N. Ordnance Officer 0. C. Badger, at Jeffersonville. Very respectfully, J. B. HULL, Commodore. Colonel F. D. CALLENDER, U. S. Arsenal, St. Louis Page 341 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 341 Order of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Badger, U. S. Navy, regarding ordnance supplies and equipment for vessels. ST. Louis, September 5, 1862. SIR: I have received your dispatch from Cincinnati informing me of your orders. You will remain on the Ohio River as long as the present necessity requires your presence and use all efforts to equip the boats at Cin- cinnati and Jeffersonville. I wish you to ascertain the quantity of ordnance equipments, guns, etc., now at the different places for the boats. I have ordered two XI-inch guns to be sent from here to the Chilli- cothe, and have made a requisition on the arsenal here for 200 XI- inch shells and 20 barrels of cannon powder, one-half of which is for each boat, but we have no fuzes or primers. Very respectfully, J. B. HULL, Commodore. Lient. Commander 0. C. BADGER, U. S. Navy, Jeff ersonville. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting copies of instructions to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Helena, September 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you copies of my instructions * to Commander W. D. Porter before I left Vicksburg and after the communication was cut off between the Essex and the flagship. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Instructions from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, regarding convoy duty. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 6, 1862. SIR: You are hereby directed to take charge of the prisoners under the command of Captain Lazelle, contained in the fast transports just arrived at this place under my command. You will convoy them as far as Vicksburg, where they will be delivered up by Captain Lazelle, the agent for the exchange of prisoners, to the proper authorities. * See Series 1, vol. 19, p. 54 Page 342 342 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Enclosed is a note from General [Martin L.] Smith, the officer com- manding at Vicksburg, in compliance with the terms of which, you will anchor the whole convoy at Youngs Bend until you have had an opportunity to communicate under a flag of truce. Your subse- quent proceedings will conform to whatever arrangements may be made between Captain Lazelle and the opposite authorities. If you meet with the Tyler, you will detain her to form part of your convoy. Enclosed are directions for sailing in convoy, agreed upon between Captain Lazelle and myself, in addition to which you will please require that all vessels in your company, whether belonging to the convoy or not, carry a flag of truce in a conspicuous place. You will be accompanied by the ram Monarch. I wish you would use all possible dispatch and let the ram and the Tyler assist you upstream. It will be necessary to take a barge of coal with you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Commodore, Commanding Missi8sippi Squadron. Commander B. M. DOVE, Commanding Louisville. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, September 6, 1862. I am authorized to purchase five more small boats. See if you can find such as are wanted at Cincinnati or LQuisville. J. B. HULL~ Commodore. Constructor E. HARTT, Jeff ersonvillo. Letter from~ Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Alaynadier, U. S. Army, granting permission to return to Washington, D. C. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 6, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of September 6. There is no prospect of an immediate employment of the mortars under your command, and this being the case, you have permission to return to Washington, where you will receive further orders from the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore Coin H. E. MAYNADIER, , manding Western Flotilla. Captain, Tenth U. S. Infantry Page 343 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 343 [Telegram.] CAIRO, September 6, 1862. (Received 8thb a. in.) There is pressing necessity for the two boats fitting at St. Louis. When shall I send officers and men for them? A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore J. B. HULL, Office of Gunboat Flotilla. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Paymaster Dunn, U. S. Navy, transmitting letter of instructions regarding business to be transacted with the Department. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 7, 1862. SIR: After completing your business at St. Louis, you will proceed to Washington and report yourself in person to the Department in order to carry out the enclosed letter of instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Mississippi Flotilla. Paymaster E. W. DUNN, Cairo, Ill. [Enclosure.] FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, September 7, 1862. SIR: The crews of the vessels of the flotilla under my command consist in part of soldiers, a large number of whom were transferred from what was then called the Army of the Potomac. Some of them brought no statement of their accounts, and others brought such a statement as would not justify any army paymaster in paying the amount due them up to the time of transfer. These men have repeatedly applied for a settlement of their ac- counts; they have addressed both their commanding officer and the commander-in-chief upon the subject repeatedly, and my predecessor has written to Washington to procure a final adjustment of the dues alleged to be standing in their favor, but without success. Now that the accounts of the flotilla are about to be taken up in the strict naval form, it is indispensable that this state of confusion should cease to exist, and that these claims should receive a thorough and conclusive investigation. To this end I have instructed you to obtain from each vessel of the flotilla having such persons on board a list of the names of the trans- ferred soldiers, with such details concerning the date of enlistment, number of the regiment, etc., as will enable you to present the whole case intelligibly to the Navy Department and at the office of the Pay- master-General of the Army. Having procured these papers, I will furnish you with an order to proceed to Washington, where alone you will be able to disentangle and resolve the difficulties of this business. On your arrival in Washington you will please report yourself in person to the Secretary of the Navy, and explain to him this, th Page 344 344 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. principal object of your visit, and I wish you to say at the same time to him that I have authorized you to represent me fully and freely in all matters relating to the transfer of the flotilla from the Army to the Navy. For example 1. Your position as paymaster, having had a general supervision of the books and accounts of the acting assistant paymasters of the flotilla, has fully qualified you to answer all questions of transfer that may arise under the head of pay and subsistence. 2. You are acquainted with the pay given to the various rates in the flotilla and can explain to the Department how it is that all men under the grade of petty officers uniformly receive the pay of seamen; the custom of the river to give coal-heavers $25 per month; the high wages habitually paid to pilots; how it happens that there are so many classes of engineers, and all other peculiarities that have been unavoidably taken from the usages of the Western waters. 3. I wish you to furnish Mr. Welles with all the information he may require relative to the organization of the squadron, and par- ticularly the mode of making appointments. 4. And in general to render all the aid in your power to the Department in the easy adjustment and adaptation of the existing state of the flotilla to the coming change. Finally, I wish you to say to the Chief of the Bureau of Pro- visions and Clothing and the Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery that I shall hereafter look to them for all assistant pay- masters and surgeons, except in case of an emergency. Very respectfully, C. H. DAvIs, Commodore, Commanding IVestern Flotilla. Paymaster E. W. DUNN, Cairo, Ill. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, acknowledging Depart- ments instructions regarding admission of volunteer line officers on temporary service. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your leiter of the 24th of July, enclosing regulations for the admission of volunteer line officers into the Navy on temporary service. I have to apologize for not acknowledging the receipt of the first copy of this letter. For this and other similar omissions which may unconsciously occur, I must beg the Department to excuse me on the ground of my late sickness. I have requested Paymaster Dunn to explain to the Department some things which have hastily occurred to me upon the application of these regulations to the Western Flotilla. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 345 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 345 General order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding negroes on board vessels of the Western Flotilla. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 8, 1862. The commander of every vessel in the flotilla will furnish the commander-in-chief at the earliest practicable moment a register of contrabands on board his vessel containing their names, their origin, date of appearance on board ship, date of entry on the ships books, rating, pay, and employment. C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Joseph Brown, esq., to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding the removal of the U. S. S. Indianola from under his charge by General Wallace, U. S. Army. ST. LoUIS, September 8, 1862. SIR: We hereby inform you that the U. S. gunboat Indianola, that we were building for and under contract with the U. S. Government, was taken out o our ossession and from under our control and man- agement on the 2d instant by General Wallace, commanding at Cincin- nati, thus depriving us from completing said gunboat in accordance with the letter and spirit of our contract with the U. S. Government. Very respectfully, JOSEPH BROWN, Per MCCORD. Captain J. B. HULL, St. Louis, Mo. Letter from Conwnodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pen- nock, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, [Ark.], September 8, 1862. Sn~: I have received your several letters of September 5 and their enclosures. You seem to have taken all the necessary steps and to have done everything in the most judicious manner. You must rely upon the boats preparing at St. Louis; it is out of the question for me to spare one of the wooden gunboats at present. The proceeding of the convoy of the exchanged prisoners must not be interrupted. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, sour obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Comdr. and Fleet Capt. A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Helena, Ark Page 346 346 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. NOTmTo be added to the above letter: I enclose also another letter from the Hon. J. Buffinton, M. C., enquiring about one E. C. Davis, who was on board the Maria Den- fling. Can Mr. Dunns assistant furnish information concerning him? Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to First Master Richardson, U. S. Navy, referring to attack by guerrillas on party from the U. S. S. Judge Torrence. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, [Ark.], September 8, 1862. SIR: I received your letter * of September 8, reporting the attack made on Saturday, the 6th instant, by a party of guerrillas on Mas- ters Mate Irwin and four of the crew of the Judge Torrence. Masters Mate Irwin seems to have behaved with great gallantry. I will thank you to send him to see me by the earliest opportunity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. First Master J. F. RICHARDSON, Commanding Judge Torrence. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, changing the names of certain vessels. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 8, 1862. SlR: The names of the following vessels in your squadron are changed, viz: Lancaster, No. 3, to Kosciusko f. Fort Henry to Lafayette. St. Louis to Baron de Kalb. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WEL~LES. Commodore CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, September 9, 18623.30 p. m. There are two new light-draft boats now here which are suitable for the purpose intended by Commodore Davis. The guerrillas are at nearly all points on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and the need of armed boats is extremely urgent. If these boats are purchased, I can protect, man, and officer them in five days. A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy. * Not found. t Not done Page 347 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 347 Order of Commodore Hull, U. S. Na~~y, to Fleet Captain Pennoek, U. S. Navy, requesting description of vessels desired for riier servtee. ST. Louis, Mo., September 9, 1862. SIR: I have received your telegram relative to the purchased boats. They will be ready in about a week. The work has been delayed for the iron for the sides. I have authority to purchase five more boats, to be fitted as Com- modore Davis desires for the river service, and I wish you to inform me as definitely as you can what kind and size you desire, and also the manner in which you wish them to be fitted for the service they are intended for. Mr. Hartt could leave soon, if necessary, to attend to their selection. I am, very respectfully, ~. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Commander A. M. PENNOCK, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] JEFFERSONVILLE, September 9, 1862. Chillicothe has opened forward and is unsafe for guns or as a gunboat. J. P. SANFORD, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore HULL, U. S. Navy. Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the convoy of prisoners. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the Eastport is still lying above Helena, not being able to cross the bar. The river is in so low a stage throughout that the gunboats find difficulty in moving, and are obliged to keep for the most part in the channel, not being able to approach the banks. Finding that I could not go down myself, I dispatched the first detachment of exchanged prisoners under the convoy of the Louis- ville and one of the rams, with orders to add the Tyler, which is on picket duty below, to the convoy. The second detachment of prisoners to be exchanged is, I under- stand. collected at Cairo; it will come down under convoy of the Lexington. Convoys are directed to carry a flag of truce in a conspicuous place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 348 348 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram. I WAshINGToN, September 9, 18623 p. m. The flotilla will be transferred to the Navy on 1st of October. Have all the accounts made up to the 30th September, inclusive. Particular instructions by mail. GIDEON WELLES. Commodore C. H. DAvIs, Commanding Western Flotilla. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, requesting that officers be sent to assume control of the U. S. S. Indiartola. ST. LOUIS, Mo., September 10, 1862. SIR: I informed the Department by telegram on the 3d instant that the commanding general at Cincinnati had taken possession of the gunboat Indianola, and I now forward a copy of a report from the contractor on the subject. It appears that General Wallace, under the emergency existing at that time, had the boat launched and prepared for the protection of the city with a military organization, and she is now in his possession. As it is desirable that this boat should be under the direction of the Navy Department, I request respectfully that a commanding and other officers may be ordered to her. A crew can be sent from Cairo in a short time, but I understand there are no officers there that can be spared. On the receipt of the dispatch from the Department in regard to the Chillicothe, I requested Commander Pennock to send an officer and about 50 men for her, which he immediately gave orders to have done, and Lieutenant Commanding J. P. Sanford is now in command of her. As his services are important at Cairo, I would recommend the appointment of another officer to relieve him. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. B. HULL, Hon. GinEoN WELLES, Commodore, Superintending. Secretary of the Navy, IVashington, D. C. Instructions from the S~ecretary of the Navy to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer of the Western, Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 10, 1862. SIR: The 1st of October next has been designated as the day for the transfer of the Western Flotilla from the War to the Navy Depart- ment, and forwarded herewith are memoranda for your guidance. It is the desire of the Department that the transfer may be as com- plete as possible on the day named, and to this end officers desig- nated to occupy the most responsible posts have been ordered to r Page 349 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 349 port to you forthwith, that the necessary preparations may be made. They are: Paymaster A. Eugene Watson, inspector in charge of provisions. Paymaster William B. Boggs, purchasing paymaster. Paymaster Elisha W. Dunn, paymaster of the fleet. Acting paymasters for the several vessels will be ordered to report to you on the 25th. As their returns are to be supervised by the pay- master of the fleet, that officer might possibly spend a day or two in giving them information touching their duties. It has been thought advisable not to reappoint any of the officers at present having charge of stores or connected with the pay depart- ment. The transfer will be more complete and satisfactory. If the services of any of them are particularly desirable, their cases can be considered after they close their duties and accounts with the War Department. ~XVhile it is hoped that you will be able satisfactorily to adjust everything pertaining to the transfer, very important differences, should any occur, can be submitted to the Department. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore CHAS. HENRY DAVIS, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. [Enclosure.] Plan for the reorganization of the We8tern Flotilla. 1st. The 13th day of September to be the day of transfer of stores and property of every kind appertaining to the flotilla from the War to the Navy Department, and all disbursing officers to make up their accounts that date. New books to be opened on the 1st day of October by new pay- masters appointed by the Navy Department., on board the different vessels as well as on shore. Invoices of stores on board gunboats, store vessels, and at the Navy Department to be prepared for transfer to the inspector in charge of stores and to the several paymasters on the 30th September, 1862. 2d. The following naval officers to be placed on duty at Cairo on the day of the transfer, and to act under the instructions of the De- partment and the commanding officer: A paymaster to purchase supplies, etc. A paymaster as inspector in charge of provisions, etc. A paymaster of the fleet. A paymaster or assistant paymaster of the receiving ship. 3d. The purchasing paymaster to be allowed one clerk at a salary of $1,200 and one at a salary of $960, and two laborers at a [sum] not exceeding $1.50 per day (working days). He is to make purchases of such supplies as in the opinion of the Department can better be purchased in the West than furnished by requisition upon the Bureau, and procure transportation for the same. He is to pay allotments and perform such other duties as usually appertain to the office of navy agent. 4th. The naval constructor is to make contracts for the repair of vessels, superintend the same, and, when the work can more adva Page 350 350 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. tageously be done by the Government, to procure the necessary me- chanics. Bills, with his approval, and that of the commanding officer, are to be paid by the paymaster of the fleet. 5th. The inspector in charge is to make all requisitions on the Navy Department or local purchasing officer for all supplies of what- ever kind for the flotilla, and to receive, keep, and issue all pro- visions, clothing and small stores, books and blanks, and all other property placed under his charge by the Department or the command- ing officer. He is to be allowed to appoint one first and one second clerk, subject to the approval of the Department, with the same an- nual pay as naval storekeepers clerks at New York and Boston, viz, $1,~0O and $960, respectively, and the commanding officer to have authority to give any necessary additional aid, including coopers and laborers. Bills after approval by the commanding officer to be paid by the purchasing paymaster. 6th. The present wharf boat and another (to be procured imme- diately by the purchasing paymaster with the approval of the commanding officer and the Department) are to be used, the one ex- clusively for the stores coming under the supervision of the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing and the other for ordnance materials, boats, materials of equipment and repairs, anchors, chains, rigging loft, and as a place of immediate deposit of all articles not coming under the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing. 7th. A suitable store vessel to attend upon the flotilla, the stores on board being under the charge of a paymaster or assistant paymaster, and the store vessel to return to Cairo for supplies whenever ordered by the commanding officer, the said paymaster or assistant paymaster to be allowed a clerk. 8th. Each gunboat with a complement of 65 men or over to have attached to her an assistant or acting assistant paymaster, regularly appointed by the Navy Department. The officers now doing duty in the flotilla to be detached. 9th. The paymaster of the fleet to keep account of all vessels, in- cluding the tugboats not having pay officers attached; of the officers and men of the wharf boats, and of the mechanics and laborers at Cairo; to have sul)ervision of the accounts, requisitions, and returns of the assistant and acting paymasters of the flotilla; to see that pay officers of the squadron (not including the purchasing paymaster, inspector in charge, or paymaster of the receiving vessel) send their returns to the Department promptly, and to report delinquencies to the commanding officer; to examine these returns sufficiently to see that they are in proper form and accompanied by the necessary vouchers, and to suggest to the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing and the commanding officer measures to promote efficiency, uniform- ity, and economy in supplying and distributing the stores of the flotilla, and to keep the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing informed of the general condition of the paymasters stores in the flotilla. 10th. The paymaster of the receiving ship to keep the accounts of the receiving vessel in the usual manner. 11th. The Navy Department to take no notice nor receive any re- ports of outstanding accounts of the War Department existing at the time of the transfer Page 351 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 351 Memorandum. The Department desiring that the Western Flotilla, to be styled hereafter the Mississippi Squadron, shall conform in all practicable respects to other squadrons. Appointments, promotions, grades, designations, wages and sala- ries, complement of vessels, and stores, uniforms, discipline, military exercises, usages, and details to be naval, according to law and regu- lation, unless otherwise specially directed by the Secretary of the Navy. All reports, such as are usual in the service, to be made to the dif- ferent bureaus and to the Department. The Department will endeavor to provide an officer of the Regular Navy to conimand at least each of the new ironclad vessels. The commander of the squadron will ask the Department for such addi- tional oflicers over and above those he now has to accomplish this. The next class of vessels should be commanded by the acting vol- tinteer lieutenants; the next by acting masters, and, perhaps, the tugs by acting masters or acting ensigns, as the commander of the squadron shall direct. On the 1st day of October all appointments will date. The com- mander of the squadron will furnish the Department with a list of names from amongst those heretofore employed in the flotilla whom he considers worthy to be appointed acting volunteer lieutenants, acting masters, acting ensigns, acting masters mates, first assistant engineers, second assistant engineers, and third assistant engineers. The complement to each vessel, both officers and crew, to be fixed by the commander-in-chief. The number of acting volunteer lieutenants should be only those who have distinguished themselves, so that the grade, as in the case on blockade service, becomes the reward of those who have earned it by highly meritorious conduct in conflict with the public enemy; the intention of the Department being to have a select corps of acting volunteer lieutenants, highly meritorious, as before mentioned, and the remaining watch officers about equally divided between acting masters and acting ensigns. A vessel that has one navy commander and four watch officers might have two masters and two ensigns (the latter being wardroom officers) and as many masters mates as the commander-in-chief designates. If one of the four is an acting volunteer lieutenant, let the second be an acting master and the other two ensigns. When a vacancy happens among the line officers, masters mates, or engineers, the commander-in-chief can fill it by an acting appoint- ment from the most worthy person subject to the approval of the Department. When the vessels now building on the Western waters are ready for their officers, the most meritorious who hav~e served in the flotilla will have the preference, and the commander-in-chief will recom- mend to the Department for the command such officers as have earned it by their zeal and skill and success against the enemy. An assistant or acting assistant paymaster, to be appointed by the Department, is allowed to every vessel whose complement exceeds 65 all told. No acting or assistant paymaster is by law allowed a clerk Page 352 352 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. No officer will be allowed to perform duties not appertaining to his office. All punishments must be according to law, and the attention of officers is called to the law of summary courts-martial, and particu- lar care should be exercised that the new Articles of War, passed July 17, 1862, be read as required once a month on board every vessel at general muster. The law prohibiting any person to have distilled liquors on board any vessel belonging to the Navy will require special vigilance. Violations of law, or other offenses requiring further action than the admonition of the commander-in-chief, must be re- ported to the Department for its action, with all the facts substan- tiated by written testimony, and such recommendation in the cases as the commander-in-chief shall consider proper. GIDEON WELLES. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Na cy, making enquiry regarding the transfer of the Ram Fleet with the Western Flotilla. WAR DEPARTMENT, Wa8hington, D. C., September 11, 1862. SIR: In relation to the act of Congress approved July 16, 1862, transferring the Western Gunboat Fleet from the War to the Navy Department, the Secretary of War instructs me to enquire whether you consider its operation as including the United States Steam Ram Fleet on the Western rivers; and, if so, whether the necessary transfer has been made of the appropriation for the service of this fleet to authorize your Department to call for the funds requisite for its repair, support, and maintenance upon the usual estimates? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition of vessels under construction. ST. Louis, Mo., September 11, 1862. SIR: Since my last report of the progress of the gunboats the work has been continued on the bow and stern of the Osage and Neosho, which are nearly completed, and they are working on the laps and butts and bulkheads, the 0 sage being more advanced than the Neosho. On the Winnebago the floor frames are being fitted in their places. On the Milwaukee and Chickasaw nothing has been done except calking the bottom. No report of the Ozark has been received. The Chillicothe remains at Jeffersonville; an officer and 50 men were sent from Cairo to her, and she is being prepared for service. The commanding officer reports a defect in the bow Page 353 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 353 The Indianola was taken military possession of by the commanding general at Cincinnati and is being prepared for service. The liu8cumbia is receiving the machinery, and the work is pro- gressing well. At Pittsburg the workmen are employed on the bottoms of both the boats. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. B. HULL, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commodore, Superintending. Secretary of the Nacy, IVa8hington. Order of Commodore Hull, U. S. Nary, to Con8tructor Hartt, U. S. Navy, to examine and report on the condition of the U. S. S. C/iillicot he. ST. Louis, Mo., September 11, 1862. SIR: You will proceed without delay to Jeffersonville and examine the condition of the gunboat Chillicothe, reported unsafe to carry guns; consult with the contractor and give such directions as the exigency requires to repair the defect. If the 2 XJ-inch guns sent there for her can not be put on board, and should be endangered, you will have them removed to a place of safety, and return to St. Louis as soon as possible. I am, very respectfully, J. B. HULL~ Constructor ED. HARTT, Commodore, Superintending. St. Loui8. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, 8tating the ~wishe8 of Commodore Davi8 regarding the fitting of purcha8ed vesgel8. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, September 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, informing me that. you are authorized to purchase five more boats for the river service, to be fitted as Commodore Davis desires. The commodore desires that the boats be of the lightest draft pos- sible, to be armed with two 24-pounder and two 12-pounder or four 12-pounder howitzers; that the engines and boilers be protected against light fieldpieces and the space between them against Mini~ rifle balls. That the protection be carried up from the main deck sufficiently high to prevent the enemy firing from high banks between it and the hurricane decks. If to preserve light draft it becomes necessary to take off a portion of the cabin, he desires that at least four rooms on a side, in addition to the. small apartment usually found on the after p art of the river boats, be retained for the use of the captain an if officers. If by placing these quarters amidships a lighter draft can be obtained, he 49518N W BVOL 2309 2 Page 354 354 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. prefers it being so placed, and that two rooms on each side of the gun deck be also fitted up. The hold to be fitted up after the fashion of the St. Clair and Brilliant. These remarks apply to stern and side-wheel steamers. The commodore desires that, if possible, three of these boats be of the same style as the ferryboats used on the Missouri River. These must be of very light draft, with wheels amidships. The same pro- tection will be required for the engines and boilers as is described above. The quarters for the officers must necessarily be on the upper deck of these boats, as he desires that the main deck should be clear of everything except the battery. It is also requisite that they should be so arranged by swinging doors or otherwise that artillery can be taken on board at one end and off at the other. The depth of water in the Ohio from Wheeling to Pittsburg does not exceed 12 inches, and it would be impossible to bring boats out from the latter place. The banks of the Ohio between this place and Cincinnati are in- fested with guerrillas, and the necessity of having these boats as soon as possible is very evident. I inclose copy of a letter received from Lieutenant Commanding Sanford regarding the Chillicot he. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, Superintending U. S. Gunboats, St. Louis, Mo. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Hamilton, U. S. Navy, to furnish howitzers and ammrnnition for foraging party. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 12, 1862. SIR: You will furnish to E. B. Pike, commanding Mortar Fleet, two howitzers and ammunition for the same for the use of a foraging party on board the steamer Champion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy. Captain [WM. F.] HAMILTON, Commanding Great Western. Order of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Badger, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Jeff ersonville to investigate the condition of the U. S. S. Chillicothe. ST. LouIs, September 13, 1862. SIR: I have just received your letter of the 11th instant. The shells and powder you allude to were sent from here, as I informe Page 355 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 355 YOU 111 my letter of the 6th instant, and were sent when I had no information what quantity of those articles you had there. Lieutenant Commanding Sanford has reported to me that the Chit- licothe has opened forward and is unsafe as a gunboat, and that she leaks badly in her deck. I have sent Mr. Hartt to examine her and see what she needs to put her in order. I wish you to go to Jeffersonville as soon as you can, to attend to this boat, and if you find she will not beer the XI-inch guns intended for her, such other armament as can be obtained may be put on board for the present exigency. I have requested the Department to order some officers to the Indianola in place of the army officers now in charge of her, and also another commanding officer for the Chillicothe, as Lieutenant Com- manding Sanford was sent temporarily and his services are needed at Cairo. Very respectfully, J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Lieutenant-Commander 0. C. BADGER, Cincinnati. P. S.Mr. Hartt has this moment returned and reports that the guns are being put on the Chillicothe. Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding reappointment of officers upon the transfer of the lVestern Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 13,1862. SIR: Upon the transfer of the XVestern Flotilla, all the sea officers connected with it who are not permanently in the Navy must enter upon their duties under reappointments from the Navy Department, which will be made upon your recommendation and iA accordance with the enclosed regulations. You will therefore please furnish in due season a list of the officers whom you recommend for reappoint- ment, also a statement of the number and rates of petty officers and complement of men necessary for each vessel of the flotilla. The ratings of petty officers, complement of men, and their pay, of the vessels of the flotilla must, after the transfer, correspond with those of other vessels of similar classes in the naval service. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of instructions regarding employment of con- trabands. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 15, 1862. SIR: I enclose herewith a copy of instructions * issued by the De- partment on the 30th April last to the Atlantic and Gulf squadrons * See Volume 7, pp. 294, 324, and Volume 15, pp. 499, 518, Naval War Records Page 356 356 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. in relation to the employment of contrabands. You will be guided by these instructions in the employment of such persons in the flotilla. They can be employed as coal heavers, but are not to be allowed the pay of that grade. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore CHAS. HENRY DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Indianola. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 15, 1862. SIR: The Department has received your letter of the 10th instant, relative to the gunboat Indianola. You will please turn over the Indianola to Commodore Charles H. Davis, commanding Western Flotilla, who will provide officers and a crew for her. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Owin, U. S. Nary, to secure a ram to accompany expedition under Colonel Hovey, U. S. Army. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 15, 1862. SIR: I enclose you a communication from the aid-de-camp of the commanding general, asking for a gunboat or ram to accompany an ex~pedition under Colonel Hovey down the river. You will perceive from the communication that Colonel Hovey thinks that a ram would accomplish the purpose better than a gun- boat. I will thank you, therefore, to call upon Dr. Robarts and ask him to designate a ram for the service. If necessary he can take the Lioness, which was to form a part of the convoy of the exchanged prisoners. I will thank you to give this your immediate personal attention, and see Colonel Hovey upon the subject. I am sick this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander WM. GWIN, Gunboat Benton Page 357 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 357 Letter fran-b the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, mak- ing enquiry as to the transfer of the Rain Fleet with the Western Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, enquiring whether the law of July 16, transferring the Western Gunboat Fleet, is considered by this Department appli- cable to the Ram Fleet, and whether the transfer of the necessary appropriations has been made. The law says That the Western Gunboat Fleet constructed by the War Department for operations on the Western waters shall be transferred to the Navy Department. It is for the War Department to decide whether the Ram Fleet is embraced by this law. The Navy Department will receive said vessels on the 1st of Octo- ber, without the organization now on board, which is purely military. I would respectfully suggest that said vessels alone be turned over to Acting Rear-Admiral C. H. Davis on the 1st of October. The appropriations for all the Western boats should remain at the disposal of General Meigs until all outstanding accounts up to October 1 are settled, when the balance can be transferred to this Department. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. lion. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. General order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, in relation to the transfer of the Western Flotilla. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, September 16, 1862. It has been directed by the Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, that the final transfer to the Navy Department of the Western Gunboat Flotilla under my command be made and completed on the 1st day of October. You will be pleased, therefore, to direct that the invoices and ac- counts of all persons under your authority, either holding public property or acting as paymasters or disbursing officers, be entirely closed and ready for transfer with your approval on that day. C. H. DAvIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Louisville, regarding convoy duty in connection with transportation of prisoners. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 16, 1862. SIR: This letter will be handed to you by Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, who convoys to Vicksburg a second detachment of exchanged prisoners Page 358 358 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. You will please regard these prisoners as under the direction of Captain Lazelie, Eighth Infantry, U. S. Army, the authorized agent for the exchange of prisoners, and do everything in your power to assist him in performance of his duties. You xviii consult with him as to the return of the transport steamers after the prisoners are de- livered up, sending them back in large numbers, with the convoy of one or more gunboats or rams as you may think necessary. The transports will continue to carry a flag of truce on their return up the river. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy. Commander B. M. DOVE, Commanding Louisville. Ordei~ of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, regarding convoy duty. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 16, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant-Commander Thomas 0. Seifridge, of the Cairo, is directed to report to you for convoy duty, and Colonel Roberts has also been requested to add to your command the ram Queen of the iVest for the same purpose. With these additions to your force, you will proceed to Vicksburg with the transports under your convoy and report yourself to Com- mander Dove, handing him the accompanying letter. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Corndg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi River. Lieutenant-Commander J. W. SHIRK, Commanding Le~vington. Report of Captain Winslow, U. S. Navy, requesting instructions re- garding damaged cotton from the sunken Confederate steamers Jeff Thompson and Beauregard. U. S. GUNBOAT BARON DE KALB, Memphis, September 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that there has been fished up from the sunken rebel gunboats Jeff Thompson and Beauregard a quantity of damaged cotton, which, owing to its state, it became nec- essary, and I have directed, to be sold as fast as recovered. The cotton has been regained by the crew of this vessel, after considerable exposure and labor, and the question has been submitted to me whether it will be considered in the light of prize money, with half the proceeds belonging to the Government, or whether the whole will be apportioned in accordance with the law regulating prize money. In the latter case, if the Department decide, it will be only necessary to inform the commodore of the amount due him and th Page 359 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 359 crew of this vessel, and distribute the net proceeds (when .obtained) under this rule. I shall be pleased to receive instructions from the Department for my government. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WiNsLow, Captain, Commanding Station at Memphis. I-Jon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. [Endorsement.] Forwarded by Captain Winslows request. The Beauregard and Jeff Thorn pson are two of the enemys boats sunk and blown up at the capture of Memphis, when the water was high. The fall of the river has rendered their hulls more accessible. C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to 1V. R. Wells, appoint- ing him first master in gunboat servzce. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 16, 1862. SIR: Enclosed you will find your appointment as first master in the gunboat service. If you accept the same, you will report to me immediately for duty on board the hospital boat Red Rover, now lying off Helena, and will execute the enclosed oath, which, when taken and signed, will be sent to me to be forwarded to Washington for the files of the Department, in compliance with the terms- of the law. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Flotilla.] WM. R. WELLS, Esq., Burlington, Iowa. Report of Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fair- play, regarding expedition up the Ohio River. U. S. GUNBOAT FAIRPLAY, Evansville, September 17, 1862. Captain PENNOCK: I arrived here this forenoon, after having touched at all the intermediate towns along the river. Uniontown is quiet just now; all the city functionaries had left the place before I arrived; all the rest of the inhabitants had already taken the oath and given bonds. I informed the citizens that not- withstanding the bonds they had given, I would hold them and their property responsible for all guerrilla, depredations within 10 mile Page 360 360 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. either up or down the river. While at Shawneetown I fired three shells at a party of men skulking behind trees on the opposite side of the river. I also landed a party of 20 men and surrounded a house, where it was reported guerrillas had been in the habit of congregat- ing. I took 5 men, but upon examination could prove nothing. I therefore released them in the evening after their having taken the oath. I had some trouble in getting over the bar at Shawneetown, but fortunately I was provided with a flat. I will return to Uniontown and the mouth of the Wabash soon. Our port engine is out of repair; I am having it fixed; one of the valves for the pumps also wants replacing. Mr. Melona, pilot, joined this boat yesterday at Mount Vernon. I am sorry to report that our sick list is getting very large. The surgeon attributes it to the thin and scanty clothing. Since we left Caseyville the weather has been very damp and chilly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant LEROY FITCH, Lieutenant, Commanding. Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Station, Cairo, Ill. Report of Commodore Davi8, U. S. Navy, making 8ugge8tions regard- ing the 8tatus of pilOt8. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, Septemler 17, 1862. DEAR Fox: I omitted to reply to that part of your letter in which you speak of pilots as an outside matter. My idea has been, and I recommend it to the consideration of the Department, to incorporate pilots as officers into the Western Flotilla, or Western branch of the naval service. They form an essential, intrinsic, and indispensable part of the ships complement. They are not taken on board for occasional purposes, or for special localities, as they are on the sea- board. They always remain attached to a vessel, and the latter never moves without them at any time. Their profession is peculiar in one respect; there are no fixed channels in these great rivers, as there are in the sounds, estuaries, and harbors of the Atlantic; quite otherwise; the channels are al- ways changing, not only from year to year, but from season to sea- son, during the period of rise and fall particularly. The Western pilots consequently are always studying, learning, and observing, and among the best pilots, the very best is the one who has most recently gone over the ground. To insure the safe navigation of the trans- ports of exchanged prisoners, I send on board the leading ship of the convoy the pilot who has most recently returned from below. Since pilots constitute an integral part of the body of officers, I should propose to recognize them as officers, to assign them the mas- ters uniform, and to divide them into grades like the engineers, making a class of chief pilots and three classes of assistants; and in this way we could secure the services of the very best pilots in th Page 361 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERK ~61 highest grades, by paying the highest rate of compensation on the river, and then train up in the lower grades our pilots as we do our other officers. No one ever takes the wheel on board of a Western steamboat for a moment except the pilot, such is our dependence upon them, and with this dependence it is very desirable that we should attach them by every means to the flotilla in order to identify their interests with the interests of the public service, and to secure a proper sub- ordination on their part. The present tie has not unfrequently proved too weak since the trade has been reestablished to Memphis and Helena, and the demand for pilots has risen. I am very sorry for the loss of the Sumter; she was the most efficient ram we have captured, and we have gone to a good deal of expense in fitting her up. In regard to Porter, you have received my report. Yours, very truly, ~. H. DAvIS. Hon. G. V. Fox Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Winslow, U. S. Navy, regarding disposition of mortar powder. FLAG-STEAMER EASTPORT, Helena, September 17, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 16th instant. We will wait patiently for the ice. I have enclosed your letter to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. jYou did right in giving General Sherman a portion of the mortar powder; did you take a receipt, or did you give a written order to Mr. Gregory to account for its expenditure on his book? Very respectfully, C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy. Captain J. A. WINSLOW, Commanding Baron De Kaib. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Steele, U. S. Army, promising cooperation in proposed expedi- tion. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 17, 1862. GENERAL: I have just had the pleasure to receive your note * of the 17th. It will afford me the highest gratification to cooperate with you in the proposed expedition, and I will direct Captain Thompson, of the gunboat Pittsburg, to accompany the transports under General * Not found Page 362 362 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Benton, and to protect them and the camp during the generals absence. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Comdg. Western Flotilla, Mississippi Rsver. Brigadier-General FREDK STEELE, U. S. Army, Comdg. Headquarters, Army of the Southwest, Helena, Ark. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, to cooperate in pro- posed expedition to Laconia, Ark. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 17, 1862. SIR: You will report to Brigadier-General Steele to accompany the proposed expedition under General Benton to Laconia, where you will protect the transports encamped during his march into the interior. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant Commanding EGBERT THOMPSON, Commanding Pittsburg. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 18, 1862. General Butler telegraphed me from New Orleans that the enemy is constructing two ironclad vessels high up the Yazoo River, and thinks they can be reached by a small land force from Memphis or Helena. Consult with General Steele and the commander of the flotilla, and, if possible, destroy these vessels before their completion. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Major-General GRANT, Corqnth, Miss. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, referring to the U. S. S. Judge Torrence. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 18, 1862. SIR: In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, the topics of which are miscellaneous, there is only one clause requiring attention Page 363 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 363 I can not spare the Judge Torrence for a powder boat while there is a chance for taking the mortars to Vicksburg again. Very respectfully, ~. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Order of Commodore Dacis, U. S. Navy, to First Master Glass ford, U. S. Nacy, informing him of the transfer of certain vessels to Admiral Farragvts command. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 18, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 28th of August. Every- thing below Vicksburg lately belonging to this squadron has been transferred to the command of Rear-Admiral Farragiit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. First Master H. A. GLASSFORD, New Orleans, La. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, in connection with the proposed fitting of the U. S. ship Red Ro cer for the winter. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 18, 1862. SIR: This letter will be handed you by Dr. Bixby, of the Red Rover, who will present you at the same time with a paper containing his views upon the changes necessary to adapt the hospital boat to the coming season. These views in general meet my approval. I think you had better, for special reasons connected with the Sani- tary Commission, have the Red Rover go to St. Louis for repairs. My approval of Dr. Bixbys views will not prevent you from making any alteration you may think necessary. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to the President of West- ern Sanitary Commission, acknowledging kindness and attention to the sick on the hospital ship. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 18, 1862. SIR: The present season is about drawing to a close, and upon the recommendation of Dr. Bixby, I have sent the hospital boat Red Rover to St. Louis to be properly fitted up for the winter Page 364 364 NAVAL rORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I can not let her return to your vicinity without expressing, in be- half of myself and the officers and crews of the vessels under my command, our heartfelt and grateful acknowledgments of your uni- form kindness and attention to the wants and comforts of the sick of this squadron. I beg you to make known to the Sanitary Commission, of which you are president, that we are all deeply sensible of the uniform and unremitting watchfulness and care which you have extended toward us. Your contributions have not only materially contributed to the comforts, the needs, and the essential improvement of the sick, but they have done a great deal toward relieving the irksomeness of con- finement, by delicacies suited to the fastidious appetites of the sick and by supplying them occupation and amusement. I beg you to believe that your benevolent labors in our behalf have been fully appreciated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. JAMES E. YEATMAN, President Western Sanitary Commission, St. Louis, Mo. Report of Acting Master Shaw, U. S. Navy, regarding progress on the U. S. S. Indianola. U. S. GUNBOAT JNDIANOLA~ Cincinnati, September 18, 1862. SIR: I am this day in receipt of a letter from Lieutenant-Com- mander 0. C. Badger, placing me in command of the U. S. gunboat Indianola for the time being, with instructions to report to you for orders. The work on the vessel is progressing finely under the supervision of the different contractors. Any orders you may send me will be promptly and faithfully attended to. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD SnAw, Acting Master, Gunboat Indianola. Commodore J. B. Huu~, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to First Master Grant, for the transportation of fragments of guns to be presented to the Sisters of the Holy Cross. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, September 19, 1862. SIR: I wish you to stop at Island No. 10 and take on board the fragments of a gun known as the Lady Davis, which burst in the hands of the rebels Page 365 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 365 I wish you to stop again at Columbus and to take on board the fragments of a gun known as the Lady Polk, which also burst in the hands of the rebels; the fragments of this gun are lying on the bank near Mr. Daviss house. You will exhibit the enclosed letter from General Quinby to my- self to the military commanders at Island No. 10 and Columbus, who will have the goodness to allow you to take away the fragments above designated. Please explain to them that they are to be placed at the disposal of Sister Angela, superior of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who are the principal nurses in our military hospitals, and that they are to be recast into a statue of peace for one of the religious establishments of which Sister Angela is the superior. You will carry these fragments of guns to Cairo and deliver them to the care of Captain Pennock. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodare, Commanding We8tern Flotilla. First Master A. M. GRANT, Commanding New National. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition of the U. S. S. Indianola. ST. Louis, Mo., September 19, 1862. SIR: Enclosed herewith is a copy of an order from the Navy De- partment to turn over to you the gunboat Indianola, now at Cincin- nati in charge of Acting Master Edward Shaw, appointed by Lieu- tenant-Commander 0. C. Badger, assistant inspector of ordnance. This boat was taken charge of by the military commanding officers at Cincinnati at the time of a threatened attack on that place, and was prepared temporarily for service by Lieutenant-Commander Badger, who made some necessary appointments and shipped several men for the guns. The Indianola was still in the hands of the contractor at the time she was launched, and is not finished. The engines have not been tested, as required by the contract, and the screw engines require some changes in the valves, which will be done soon. I enclose also a list of the officers appointed by Lieutenant-Com- mander Badger, but the engineers whose names are on the list have their appointments from the Secretary of the Navy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. HULL~ Commodore, Superintending. Commodore CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding We8tern Flotilla, Cairo. Report of Colonel Ellet, commanding Ram Fleet, tran8mitting report of expedition down the hlissis8ippi River toward Vick8 burg. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Mound City, Ill., October 14, 1862. I have the honor to forward you the report of my nephew, Medical Cadet Charles Rivers Ellet, respecting his late expedition down th Page 366 366 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. river to near Vicksburg. He informs me that his boats were repeat- edly fired into by the bands of guerrillas from the shore, and had several sharp engagements. My boats are now all in good repair, and I shall resume my efforts to break these bands immediately. Very respectfully, ALFRED W. ELLET, Colonel, Commanding 11am Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Enclosure.] STEAM RAM QUEEN OF TILE WEST, Off Helena, Ark., September 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that while returning yester- day with the Queen of the West from Eunice Landing, in company with two transports, the latan and Alhambra, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. Lippincott, we were fired upon in the bend above Bolivar. The enemy had collected a force of ~00 men and three fieldpieces at this point, where the course of the channel ren- ders it necessary for boats to run for several miles within a few yards of the bank. They intended to attack the fleet unexpectedly as it passed through, but a fugitive negro had brought us full information of their plans and position. The three boats, at the suggestion of Colonel Lippincott, were brought through the bend lashed together, the Queen occupying the inside position. When within about 40 yards of the bank the enemy opened a heavy fire upon us of Mini~ balls, canister, and round shot, riddling the Queen in every direction. Her guns, which were worked with great skill and bravery by Lieu- tenant Callahan and his detachment of artillerists, silenced one of the enemys pieces and threw shell which burst in the very midst of the guerrillas. The sharpshooters of the Qu~en and the infantry of the transports kept up a constant fire on the riflemen of the enemy, whose loss must necessarily have been heavy. The fight lasted for twenty minutes, during which 1 man on the Queen was killed and another dangerously wounded. Both of the men were gunners belonging to Lieutenant Callahans detachment. The Zatan lost 2 men killed. A few of the sharpshooters received slight injuries. The men all behaved very well. The enemy had intended to attack the fleet at two other points, but failed to do so, their losses having probably been much more severe than they had anticipated. Very respectfully, CHARLES RIVERS ELLET, Medical Cadet, Commanding Division of 11am Fleet. Lieutenant-Colonel ALFRED W. ELLET, Commanding Steam 11am Fleet. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding progress of work on vessels under construction. ST. LOUIS, Mo., September 19, 1862. SIR: The workmen have been employed for the last week on the Osage and Neosho in finishing the bow and stern, calking the butt Page 367 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 367 and caps, and riveting the plates to the frame and on the bearings for the shafts. On the lVinnebago, in fitting and placing the floor frame irons and in bending those for the sides. No work has been done on the other two boats. On the Ozark they have been employed in laying the deck and finishing the planking and ceiling and preparing to receive the boilers. The work on the Indiartola and Cliillicotlie has been interrupted by their being kept in a state of readiness for service. No report has been received from the Tu8cuinbia, though the work has been continued. At Pittsburg the work has been continued on the bottoms of both boats. I have been informed by Mr. J. B. Eads that he has had much difficulty in obtaining the necessary workmen, owing to the different orders from the military authorities requiring the enrollment of all men into the militia. This and other causes have also delayed the sending of iron from the mills and the work on the boats has been retarded from these causes over which he has no control. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8liington. Order of Commodore Daei8, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, re8ponding to reque8t for drill ofllcer8. [FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, Ark., September 19, 1862.] M~ DEAR CAPTAIN: I have been informed unofficially by the De- partment that you have asked for drill officers, etc., with the request that I would give the matter my official attention and sanction. Please let me know what drill officers you want. Hereafter you had better make such applications to me. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding We8tern Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Cairo. Explanatory letter from Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Commodore DavI8, U. S. Navy. OFFICE OF GUNBOAT FLOTILLA, Cairo, Ill., September 20, 1862. M~ DEAR COMMODORE: At the time I wrote * to the Secretary of the Navy, the whole of the Western country was in a state of excite- ment. One of the unfinished gunboats at Cincinnati, under the * See letter to Navy Department, September 4, 1862 Page 368 368 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. superintendence of a naval officer, had been taken possession of by military authorities and put under the orders, as I understood, of a civilian, Mr. Duble, formerly first master of the Conestoga, who had also several small impromptu gunboats placed under his command. Commodore Hull has received information that the Chillicotite, at Jeffersonville, was threatened with an attack, and if he did not man and arm her, Governor Morton would. From the newspaper accounts, one would have judged that Mr. Duble and his fleet were everywhere in the Ohio River and the Western Gunboat Flotilla nowhere. Under the circumstances, I deemed it a duty which I owed to you, to inform the Secretary, as soon as possible, and to make it a matter of record, what disposition had been made under your instructions of the vessels which you had available for that service. It was on that occasion, feeling the want of officers to aid me in organizing and drilling men, that I, without proper reflection, asked that two lieutenants might~ be ordered here. I should have written to you upon the subject. I had sent Sanford to command the Chillicotlie rather than she should fall into other hands. Had Commodore Hull requested it, I would have sent officers and a crew to the gunboat at Cincinnati, even if it had taken the last man from the depot, believing that she would be more efficient under a naval organization, and being a Gov- ernment vessel in commission on the Western waters, should be under your command and consequently under Government control. I had to call into requisition the services of Gunner Hall, of the Cincinnati, to drill the men on board of the Little Rebel and the two receiving ships with the howitzers. Very few of our volunteer officers are familiar with that exercise. Mr. hall, I regret to inform you, is now sick and unable to perform active service. I make this explanation, not doubting that you will approve of my motive, but because I fear that the Secretary of the Navy might think me presumptuous, a trait in the character of an officer which I think most objectionable. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. Acting Rear-Admiral CHAS. H. DAVIS. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding of/leers for the U. S. S. Indianola. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., September 20, 1862. SIR: I enclose 250 copies of the oath of office and 100 blank ap- pointments. The enclosed letters from Commodore Hull were received this morning. I have examined the list of officers on board the Indianola. I am under the impression they were appointed by Mr. Duble, afterwards confirmed by Lieutenant Badger, who has been ordered as ordnance officer of the new gunboats under the control of Commodore Hull Page 369 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 369 Edward Shaw was formerly first master of the Tyler. I know not for what reason he left the service. George L. Johnson is the same person who was on board the Bragg, and was informed by you that his services were no longer required. John A. Yates I do not know; he is well spoken of. As Com- modore Hulls letters were directed to you or the commanding officer at Cairo, I will write to him that I have sent his communication to you for instructions. I can find officers and men enough for the Indianola, but the diffi- culty will be to find a commander for her. He will be placed in a very responsible position, both with regard to the organization of a vessel with heavy guns and the very un- settled state of affairs at Cincinnati and on the Ohio River. Should you decide to organize this vessel without delay, it may be necessary for me to go to Cincinnati for a few days. I enclose a copy of a letter from Lieutenant Commanding Fitch. Our light fleet is doing good service. I send you several appoint- ments or our signature, some of them are without date. If you approve them I will date them properly. Permit me to congratulate you upon your appointment as acting rear-admiral. I have just received information that the rebel General Price, with a large force, has reached Hamburg, on the Tennessee River. I have ordered the commander of the 1?obb to proceed up the Ten- nessee River and cooperate with General Grants forces, if he can pass the bar with safety. Very respectfully,, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Acting Rear-Admiral CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. Report of Commodore Davis U S. Navy, requesting additional of/leers. U. S. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 20, 1862. SIR: I have been informed that Lieutenant-Commander Owen has been ordered to join the squadron. When Commander Dove and Lieutenant Thompson are assigned shore duty there will be still a gunboat without a naval commander. I have the honor respectfully to request that one or more lieu- tenants or lieutenant-commanders be ordered to report to me for duty. Very respectfully, C. H. DAvIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding IVestern Flotilla. Hon. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, IVaskington, D. C. 49518N XV RVOL 23092 Page 370 370 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Commodore Pa vis, U. S. Navy, transmitting letters con- nected with transportation of prisoners for exchange. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the convoy of the first detachment of prisoners has returned, reporting that the exchange has been effected with quiet and dispatch. The transports of the first convoy were fired into on their return while passing General Clarkes plantation; enclosed is a copy of the apology of Colonel Starke, of the rebel Army, for this outrage upon the flag of truce. The discharge of the second and third detachments is progressing favorably. Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Captain Lazelle to myself on the subject. Very respectfully, C. H. DAvIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. [Enclosures.] ON BOARD TRANSPORT CHAMPION, Near Ask ton, [Ark.], Jlississippi River, September 14, 1862. COMMODORE: I have the honor to inform you that all possible dispatch has been used in discharging the prisoners from the trans- ports and hastening their return to Cairo. I beg to add my earnest thanks for the prompt and kind manner in which you have at all times rendered me every possible aid and attention. With the highest respect, I am, commodore, your obedient servant, H. M. LAZELLE, Captain, Eighth Infantry. U. S. Army, Agent for the Exchange of Prisoners of War. Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Forces on Western Waters. DORSET GROVE, September 17, 1862. SIR: I have just learned by the courier that some indiscreet picket or person fired into your boats ascending the river near Beulah, Bolivar County, Miss. This was in violation of positive orders, and the guilty persons will be arrested forthwith and promptly dealt with. I deeply regret the occurrence and can only assure you that such a thing shall not happen again. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. B. STARKE, Colonel, Commanding. Commander of the BOATS OF FLAG OF TRUCE Page 371 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 371 Order of Commodore Hall, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Badger, U. S. Navy, for the delivery of the U. S. S. Indianola. ST. Louis, Mo., September 20, 1862. SIR: I have been directed by the Navy Department to turn over the Indianola to Commodore Charles H. Davis, who will provide officers and a crew for her. You will therefore deliver her to the officer sent by his authority to take command of her. I am, very respectfully, J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Lieutenant-Commander 0. C. BADGER, U. S. Navy, Je/Jersonville. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Sher- man, U. S. Army, complying with recommendation for a gunboat below Fort Pillow. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 21, 1862. GENERAL: I shall hasten to comply with the recommendation con- tained in your letter of the 18th, and send a gunboat to the bend below Fort Pillow at the earliest possible moment. I am, general, with the highest respect and regard, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Headquarters Fifth Dicision, Memphis, Tenn. Letter from Commodore Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pen- nocic, U. S. Navy, deploring unwarrantable delay in construction of vessels. Unofficial.] FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 21, 1862. MY DEAR CAPTAIN: I reply unofficially to your official letter of the 18th, merely to say that I have given up in despair any further efforts in regard to the small steamers. It excites as much wonder as discontent that Commodore Hull and Mr. Hartt should dare to trifle as they do with the public service in this its extreme emergency. I am equally astonished that the Government should submit to see its service, and the sacred cause involved in it, sacrificed by unwar- rantable delay. I see the necessity of my going to Cairo to attend to the business of the transfer, and I will be there in time. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Cairo, Ill Page 372 372 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain IVinslow, U. S. Navy, regarding gunboat for special service below Fort Pillow. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 22, 1862. SIR: I have received your two letters of the 21st instant. Please send down the coal by the Brown, as you proposed; lighten- ing the barges if necessary by distributing a portion into a third barge. I am about to send a gunboat to the bend below Fort Pillow, by request of General Sherman. The gunboat I have selected for this service is at this moment absent from Helena, but is daily expected. I shall order her to report to you, and I wish you to consider her under your special direction and a part of your immediate command. In the meantime, if there should be no objection, you may show yourself off Fort Pillow and return to your station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Comm odorr, Commanding JVestern Flotilla. Captain JOHN A. \~INSLOW, Commanding Baron be Kalb. Order of Comm odore Da vis, U. S. Na vy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Na vy, regarding plans for the impro vement of the U. S. S. Cincinnati. FLAGShIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 22, 1862. SIR: I am very desirous, if it is a feasible project, to carry out Cap- tain Phelps plans for the improvement of the Cincinnati, which would furnish a pattern for the other gunboats of the same class. The most important questions in my mind are, first, the increase of weight, and, second, the effect of that upon the speed of the vessel without any corresponding increase of the motive power. This matter must be settled at once, and I wish you would direct Mr. McGee to prepare independent estimates of the displacement, etc., due to the addition to the plating, not forgetting to take into account the increased floatation due to the extension of the sides and to the addition to the fantail and forecastle. Let Mr. Magee do this without seeing the enclosed estimates of Captain Phelps, and have his results ready for my examination when I come up. I am waiting with extreme impatience for the book of allowances. I can not leave here until I see it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, IL S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK Page 373 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 373 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 22, 1862. SIR: You will be assigned to duty West, and on your way report in person to this Department for further orders. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Commander D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy. Newport, I?. I. [Tekgram.] CAIRO, September 22, 18624:30 p. m. Just received the following telegram from Lieutenant Sanford, endorsed by General William Nelson: General Nelson would like you to send two of the light-draft gunboats up to New Albany at once if possible. An attack is expected here Wednesday night by overwhelming force. In anticipation of such news as the above, I requested you to deliver me some days since the light-draft boats in an unfinished state which you purchased for Commodore Daviss command; even with a temporary protection they would now be very useful. There are officers enough in St. Louis belonging to the flotilla to bring them down. Captain Wise has directed Mr. Zane to furnish all the pro- visions required. The officers in command could hire a few men to work the boats to this place. A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore HULL, IJ. S. Navy. Unofficial letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, making enquiry regarding the Ram Fleet. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 23, 1862. DEAR Fox: There is one thing concerning which I wish to consult you unofficially, and that is the IRam Fleet. I have never said any- thing about it because I had no personal feeling in the matter, and have no desire of my own to disturb the existing state of things. But Colonel Ellet now talks of transferring some of the most valuable of the rams to their special quartermaster at Cairo. here at once is an essential change of condition in the Ram Fleet. In consequence of this movement of Colonel Ellet, I am led to ask whether the act of transfer, approved July 16, 186~, includes the IRam Fleet, and to say, if this act does include it, we should know it in time to secure all the vessels. They are very valuable, and would be of the greatest service to us as dispatch boats, scouts, and pickets, particularly dur- ing the present stage of the river. Yours, very truly, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 374 374 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, September 23, 1862. The boats will be ready by Wednesday. Send the men as soon as you can, by river, with provisions. J. B. HULL, Commodore. Commander PENNOCK, Cairo. [Telegram.] CAIRO, September 23, 18624:40 p. m. The men with one weeks provisions leave this afternoon in steamer for Carondelet. A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, Mo., September 23, 18625 oclock p. m. DEAR SIR: Are the boats St. Clair and Brilliant ready to sail? If so, please advise me at Barnums. My officers are on board and I am prepared to leave as soon [as] the men arrive from Cairo. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. HURD, First Master, U. S. Gunboat St. Clair. Commodore HULL. Letter from Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Pilot Goss, discharg- ing him from the Western Flotilla. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 23, 1862. SIR: The operations on the White River having ceased for the present, your services will be no longer required in the Western Flotilla. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Pilot Goss Page 375 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 375 Order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign J3latch- ford, U. S. Navy, to report for duty on board the U. S. S. Loais- yule. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 23, 1862. SIR: You will report yourself to Commander Benj. M. Dove for duty on board the gunboat Loui8ville under his command. Very respect fully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Acting Ensign JOHN T. BLATCHFORD. General order of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding employ- ment of negroes on vessels of the Western Flotilla. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 23, 1862. After the 1st of October the returns of contrabands employed on board of all the vessels of this squadron, without distinction, will be made punctually at the end of every month, to be transmitted to the Department. Contrabands will in no case, whatever may be their employment, receive a higher rating and pay than that of first-class boys, the lower ratings being given according to age and occupation. C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commodore, Commanding Western Flotilla. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, transmitting letters from medical officers suggesting means of providing accommoda- tions for the sick. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, ill., September 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a communication from Fleet Surgeon Gilchrist, together with a letter from Doctor Franklin, of Mound City Hospital. From a careful consideration of the whole subject and the absolute necessity of procuring accommodations for our sick in one place, and under the sole direction of a naval medical officer, I am convinced that Fleet Surgeon Gilchrists suggestion should be adopted as soon as possible. I would respectfully ask your instructions on the subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Acting Rear-Admiral CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla Page 376 376 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] OFFICE OF U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Iii., September 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter from Doctor Franklin, the surgeon of the Mound City Hospital, from which you will perceive that no more of our sick can be received there. It is absolutely necessary that the sick of the Red Rover hospital boat be removed before any repairs or alterations be commenced on board the vessel. I do not think that our sick now in the hospitals at Mound City and Cairo can much longer be accommodated there. For these reasons, and considering the large number of sick now destitute of proper accommodations, and taking into account also the probable necessities of the service for some time to come, I respect- fully recommend that the building mentioned by Doctor Franklin he procured and immediately established as a naval hospital. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, EDWARD GILCHRIST, Fleet Surgeon. Captain PENNOCK, Fleet Captain 2Jizs8is8ippi Squadron. [Subenclosure.] U. S. GENERAL HOSPITAL~ Mound City, Ill., September 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that we have at present no hospital facilities for the 130 seamen you propose sending here; all our beds are filled excepting about one dozen. The Mound City Hotel, a building capable of holding some 250 patients, can be taken possession of by competent authority, which can be made a good building for hospital purposes. I should think the building could be hired at nothing over $1,500 per year, as it has paid its pro- prietors scarcely anything for the investment. The foundry, a brick building capable of holding 400 patients, can also be taken possession of by Government authorities, if they deem it practicable. Either of these buildings will make good hospitals, the former ~x4th but a little outlay of money; the latter will require a considerable sum to put it in order for a hospital, which will deprive the Government of its use for some weeks. The hotel can be occupied in forty-eight hours after getting pos- session. I leave the consideration of these two buildings to the naval depot, and remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. FRANKLIN, Surgeon, U. S. Army. EDWARD GILCHRIST, Fleet Surgeon, Cairo, Ill Page 377 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 377 Report of Commodore Davis, U. S. Navy, acknowledging receipt of appointment as acting rear-admiral. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, helena, September 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication of the 15th instant, appointing me as acting rear-admiral to take effect from the 16th of July, and to express my sincere thanks to the Department for this mark of its confidence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] COLUMBUS, SeptemVer 24, 1862. Fort Pillow is now unoccupied by Federal troops, artd there is no gunboat there. You ordered all ordnance and ordnance stores to be moved, and I supposed until to-day that it had been done under the direction of Colonel J. W. Bissell. I am just informed that there are still at the fort several guns spikedI know not how welland gun carriages. There are many guerrillas in that section of Ten- nessee; they will probably take possession of the fort, and by mount- ing the guns would give our transports trouble. I think Commodore Davis would be willing to guard it and the crossings of the rebels with a gunboat. I am informed that large amounts of contraband goods are shipped from St. Louis for points in the vicinity of Fort Pillow. I. F. QUINBY, Brigadier-General. Major-General GRANT. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding urgent request for a gunboat at Fort Pillow. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., September 25, 1862. SIR: General Quinby called upon me last night and informed me that the force stationed at Fort Pillow had been withdrawn unintention- ally, and as it was important that the enemy should not take posses- sion of that point, he requested, in General Grants name, that a gunboat might be sent there immediately. I informed him that the gunboats now here were under repair, but that the Caronddet would probably be ready early next week and that I would communicate with Captain Walke upon the subject; that I was so fully impressed with the importance of that point being held by us, if I had a gun Page 378 378 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. boat here in readiness and subject to my command she should be sent within the hour. As the troops from Fort Pillow were then at Columbus on their way to Bolivar I suggested that it was not too late to order them back until other arrangements could be made; he left me to see Gen- eral Grant (who was here last night) upon the subject. He also requested me to write to you and ask that a gunboat be stationed at Fort Pillow to cruise above and below. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Commander and Fleet Captain. Acting Rear-Admiral CHAS. H. DAVIS, Conimanding Mississippi Flotilla, Helena, Ark. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, to proceed to Memphis~, Tenn. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 25, 1862. SIR: As soon as you are able to cross the bar I wish you to proceed in the Pittsburg, under your command, to Memphis and report for duty and further orders to Captain J. A. Winslow, of the Baron de Kalb. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commandinq llississippi Flotilla. Lieutenant Commanding EGBERT THOMPSON. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Nacy, transmitting list of capture. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department a book con- taining a list of prizes captured by the Mississippi Flotilla under Admiral Foote and myself. All the particulars that can now be collected concerning them are given. They are not entered in the order of time of their capture. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 379 379 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] List of boats capturcl by the gunboat flotilla. Name. Where captured. By whom captured. Eastport Up Tennessee, near Savannah Lieutenant Phelps. Alfred Robb do Lieutenant Gwin. De Soto Island No. 10 Commodore Foote. Admiral do Do. Mars* do Do. Sovereign Near Memphis Commodore Davis. Victoria At Memphis Do. Kentucky do Do. H. R. W. Hill do Do. Acaciaf do Do. Clara Dolsen White River Captain Kilty. Red Rover Island No. 10 Commodore Foote. New National Memphis Commodore Davis. New Madrid, wharf boat Island No. 10 Commodore Foote. Sumter (formerly Beebe) Memphis Commodore Davis. General Bragg (Mexico) do Do. General Price do Do. Little Rebel (Tug N. 0.) do Do. General Beauregard Sunk below Memphis in engage- ment. Algiers Floating Dock Island No. 10 Commodore Foote. Mohawk Sunk, Island No. 10 Do. Gram p us do Do. John Simonds do Do. Yazoo do Prince Sunk by the rebels before the ~~i: Do. Winchester do Sallie Wood Captured up Tennessee Colonel Lovell Sunk in fight at Memphis Maurepas Burnt up White River By order Captain Winslow. Eliza G do Do. John Gault Gnnboat Lexington, Captain Stembel. Wade Water Belle Conestoga, Captain Phelps. W. Terry General Pillow Captured, Hatchee River Captain Thompson. Jeff. Thompson Blown up at Memphis Commodore Davis. * Captured by rebels. John Good, of C., [bearer?] f Sunk in August. Report of Naral Constructor Hartt, U. S. Navy, announcing the departure from St. Louis of the U. S. S. Brilliant. CONTRACTORS OFFICE, St. Louis, Mo., September 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the departure at 12:40 p. m. of the U. S. S. Brilliant from the waters of Carondelet. Her draft of water when leaving was 1 foot 10 inches forward and 2 feet 4 inches aft. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HARTT, Naval Constructor, U. S. Navy. Commodere J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, Superintending. Report of Naval Constructor Hartt, U. S. Navy, announcing the departure from St. Louis of the U. S. S. St. Clair. CONSTRUCTORS OFFICE, St. Louis; Mo., September 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the departure at 12:40 p. m. of the U. S. S. St. Clair from the waters of Carondelet. Her draft o Page 380 380 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. water when leaving was 2 feet. 4 inches forward and 2 feet 4 inches aft. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HARTT, Nacal Constmtctor, U. S. Navy. Commodore J. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, Superintending. Order of Commodore Hull, U. S. Na ~y, to First Jiaster Perkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brilliant. ST. Louis, Mo., September 25, 1862. SIR: Proceed without delay with the steamer Brilliant to Cairo and report to Commander Pennock. Very respectfully, . J. B. HULL, Commodore. Master Commanding C. G. PERKINS, St. Louis, Mo. (And a similar order to Master Commanding J. S. Hurd, of the St. Clair.) Instructions from~ Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Phelps, U. S. Naey, previous to lea~ing Helena for Cairo, to be present at transfer of Western Flotilla. HELENA~ September 25, 1862. SIR: I shall leave this evening in the De Soto for Cairo, in order to be present at the final transfer of the flotilla to the Navy Depart- ment. I shall leave my flag flying as before, but you are at liberty to transfer it to the Benton or any other vessel of the squadron as long as the Eastport is confined to her present position by the state of the water on the bar beloxv. As soon as Captain Lazelle returns and reports the exchange of prisoners concluded and the transports returned, I wish you to resume the strictest police of the river between here and the mouth of the Yazoo. In consequence of the relaxation of that police, arising from the exchange of prisoners and the numerous flags of truce, it will be expedient to move down with considerable force, leaving, however, the Louisville and General Bragg, at least, at Helena. The transportation of arms, ammunition, and men from Missis- sippi to Arkansas, is, as you are well aware, the service in which the rebels are at this moment busily engaged. To prevent this, and to punish the rebels by night surprises, achieved by means of infor- mation from the contrabands, will be the principal objects of the expedition. The time of my absence from the squadron can not be fixed. I wish you, therefore, to communicate to me whatever there may be of importance or information, and especially where the results of your expedition are of a nature to be reported to the Department Page 381 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 381 Finally, I wish YOU to call upon General Steele and hand him the enclosed letter and reiterate my offers of service, and my assurances of a zealous cooperation in all that may tend to advance our common cause. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-A dmiral, Commanding Western Flotilla. Commander and Fleet Captain S. L. PHELPS, U. S. Navy, Helena, Ark. Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Steele, U. S. Army, announcing his departure for Cairo. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 25, 1862. GENERAL: I regret very much to say to you that I have been called to Cairo to direct the transfer, which takes place on the 1st of October, of the gunboat flotilla, under my command, from the War Department to the Navy Department. I leave my flag flying either on board of this ship or on board the Benton, and this division of the squadron will be under the imme- diate command of the Flag Captain Phelps. I have enjoined it upon him to continue to cooperate with you in every way in his power. I have the most perfect reliance upon his judgment as well as zeal, with which, however, you have had opportunity to become acquainted as well as myself. I have directed Captain Phelps, as soon as the exchange of prisoners is completed, the transports .have returned, and Captain Lazelle has reported these facts, to go down the river in force for the purpose of repress- ing the guerrillas, the southern limit of his cruising ground being the mouth of the Yazoo and Youngs Bend. I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding lVestern Flotilla. Brigadier-General FREDK. STEELE, Commanding District at Helena. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding superintendence of three vessels building in the West. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 26, 1862. SIR: The following-named ironclad steamers building in the West for the Navy will be under the superintendence of Rear-Admiral F. H. Gregory and Chief Engineer J. W. King, as supervising engineer, viz: Tip pecartoc, at Cincinnati. Catawba, at Cincinnati. Mana yank, at Pittsburg. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore Jos. B. HULL, U. S. Navy, St. Louis, Mo Page 382 382 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander lVleade, jr., U. S. Navy, for the command of the U. S. S. Louisville. U. S. S. DE SoTo, Memphis, September 26, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to Helena by the earliest opportunity and report to Lieutenant-Commander Phelps for the command of the gunboat Louisville. Captain Phelps will furnish you with an inventory of the furniture and stores in the Louisville, on file in the desk in the office of the Eastport. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Flotilla. Lieutenant-Commander R. W. MEADE, Jr., U. S. Navy, Memphis, Tenn. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Wins- low, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Baron de Kalb to to station below Fort Pillow. , proceed U.S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, September 27, 1862. SIR: If the Pittsburg has not reported to you for duty for the sta- tion below Randolph at the time of your receiving this letter, you will proceed to the bend below Fort Pillow and remain there until relieved either by that or some other vessel. A vigilant watchfulness over the guerrilla party which has at- tempted to interrupt the free navigation of the Mississippi at this point has become indispensable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Flotilla. Captain J. A. WINSLOW, Commanding Baron De Kalb. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding progress of work on construction of vessels. ST. Louis, Mo., September 27, 1862. SIR: During the week the work on the boats has been continued as follows: On the 0 sage, finishing the planking at the stern and riveting the frames to the outside plates, bending and fitting some of the deck beams in their places. On the Neosho, riveting the frame to the outside plates, fitting the clamp strake cross bulkheads, stern plating, and calking. On the iVinnebago and Milwaukee, bending the frames, fitting the floor irons in their places, and preparing the side plates Page 383 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 383 On the Chicka8aw nothing has been done. On the Ozark, laying the deck, calking inside, and getting the boilers on board. The Chillicothe is at anchor in the river near Louisville, ready for service. The Indianola in commission at Cincinnati, working on the armor. The /iu8cumbia is nearly ready to launch. On the Marietta five strakes, and on the Sandu8ky six strakes on each side of the middle are riveted, extending the whole length of the bottom. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. B. HULL, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commodore, Superintending. Secretary of the Nacy, Washington. Report of Colonel Filet, U. S. Army, commanding Ram Fleet, urging the immediate pro visiOn, of a fleet of ironclad ram8. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Cairo, Ill., September 28, 1862. I have the honor to call your attention again to a matter that has before been presented to your notice, and that, in my opinion, is of very grave importance to the public interest, viz, the providing with- out delay an ironclad fleet of rams to meet the enemys new fleet that without doubt will appear upon these waters with the next. flood. * * * * * * * It is in view of these, to me, plain facts that I take the liberty of urging upon your notice again the great importance of provicting one or more boats of strength and speed equal at least to what we know the enemy have heretofore produced and are capable of reproducing. The disastrous and most mortifying raid of the Arkansa8 should not soon be forgotten. Recent developments seem to show conclusively that her final destruction was partially, at least, owing to the severe shock she received from the Queen of the West, which disarranged her engine and caused her machinery to break down. If at the time of that action the Queen had been ironclad, so that she could, with partial impunity, have for ten minutes longer endured the terrific fire she was exposed to, the Arkansas would never again have left her anchorage. I trust that you will excuse me for the liberty of thus addressing you, and in apology can only say that the question seems to me of such grave importance, the preparation so far as I can see so small to meet it, that I have felt emboldened, from my knowledge of your energy to provide to meet emergencies, to address you this letter. With sentiments of highest esteem and unlimited confidence, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 384 384 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Captain Winslow, U. S. Nacy, to Lieutenant Thorn p8on, U. S. Na cy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, to proceed to Ran- dolph, Tenn., and cruise in that vicinity for protection of trade. GUNBOAT BARON DE KALB, Jiemphis, September 29, 1862. SIR: You will proceed with the Pittsburg under your command to Randolph, occasionally visiting Ashport, Fort Pillow, and such other contiguous points as you may deem necessary to protect commerce, and prevent the rebels from fortifying these points and shutting up the river. Your attention will also be directed to the circular letter of the Sec- retary of the Navy, in reference to opening trade. This duty requires discernment and discretionfirst in promoting all legal, and, sec- ondly, preventing all illicit traffic. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Captain, Commanding at Memphis. Lieutenant Commanding EGBERT THOMPSON, Gunboat Pittsburg, Memphis. Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Dacis, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Quinby, U. S. Army, regarding withdrawal of gunboat from Fort Pillow. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, September 29, 1862. GENERAL: The letter introducing your young friend, Assistant Pay- master [Charles A.] Gardiner, was duly received, and gave great pleasure by affording me an opportunity of rendering you a slight service. I will take good care of him, put him on board of a comfortable ship, give him a fair start in his new duties, and smooth down the rough places as much as possible. I hope, General, you will do me the kindness to let me know when I can be of any service to you. I take this opportunity to pass to an official subject. The gunboat was withdrawn from Fort Pillow with General Shermans consent at the time when he had a sufficient force of troops there. Another gun- boat was ordered there several days ago from Helena, but experienced some delay in getting over the bar. In consequence of this, I brought the gunboat Lexington up the river with me to a certain distance and sent her back again, and will keep the Tyler and Lexington cruising actively in the river between here and Helena. I have also ordered another gunboat to the bend below Fort Pillow, to remain until relieved by the one from Helena. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C., H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Flotilla. Brigadier-General I. F. QUINBY, Headquarters District of the Mississippi, Columbus, Ky Page 385 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 385 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to the Chief of Bureau of illedi- euie and Svrgery to proceed to Cairo, Ill., to secure hospital build- ings for the Mississippi Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 29, 1862. SIR: 1011 will proceed to Cairo, Ill., and confer with Rear-Admiral Davis in reference to hospital arrangements for the Mississippi Flotilla. You are authorized to hire any necessary buildings at or near Mound City, or any other convenient and salubrious locality, if proper buildings are to be obtained; if absolutely necessary, you are authorized, upon your own discretion, to have temporary buildings erected, taking proper guaranties for the prompt and faithful execu- tion of the work. If the wharf boat recently captured by Lieutenant Commanding Eotert Thompson at Eunice, Ark., is considered fit for hospital use, Admiral Davis has authority to have her removed to the most eligible point and at once prepared for this service. Ii am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Surgeon W~I WhELAN Secretary of Navy. Chief of Rvreau of Medicine and Surgery. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting tabular statement regarding batteries in the vessels of his command. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, September 30, 1862. SIR: I have received your telegraphic communication of this date ~iud send by to-days mail a tabular statement of the present batteries of the gunboats of the Mississippi Squadron. The commanders of the several vessels of the squadron will be vequired to furnish each a separate report in compliance with the terms of the telegraphic communication. Very respectfully, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Captain J. A. DAHLGREN, Chief Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, Washington, D. C. 4951Sx W RVOL 2309 2 Page 386 386 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] Present battery of the gunboats composing flotilla on Western waters, September 29, 1862. Name of gunboat. 1. Benton 2. Carondelet 3. St. Louis 4. Pittsburg 5. Louisville 5. Mound City 7. Cairo 8. Cincinnati 9. Essex 10. Conestoga 11. Lexington 12. Tyjer 13. Eastport* 14. General Bragg 15. Sumtert 16. Little Rebel 17. Alfred Robb 18. General Pillow 19. Fairplay~ 20. Brilliantt 21. St. Nair Total guns in service 15 0 0~ 1 2 2 2... 2... 2 K.. ~0 0~ 4 20~1 4 *Armament to be ebanged. 0 5 6 6 6 6 .6 6 6 4 1 1 1 0 0~ 4 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 000 0 0. ob 0 0 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 6 3 1 2 1 2 2 3 2 0 0 be .0 a 0 0. 1~1 2... 3 s~ Total battery. 16 guns, exclusive of howitzers. 13 guns, exclusive of howitzers. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. 7 guns, exclusive of howitzers. 4 guns, exclusive of howitzers. 7 guns, exclusive of howitzers. 9 guns, exclusive of howitzers. 5 guns, exclusive of howitzers. 2 guns exclusive of howitzers. 2f 3 howitzers. 4 howitzers. 2 howitzers. 4 howitzers. Do. Do. 0 0~ 1... 57 1 1 18 32 5 1 16 t Lost. tArmament at present deficient. Additional. 22 L71,illieothe, 2 XI-iueli guns. 23 ilarmora, not yet eommissiossed; same as St. Clair. 24 Indianole, 2 XI-inels guns. 23 Signal, not yet commissioned; same us St. Clair. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, transmitting letter of the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Baron Dc Kaib, regarding robbery committed on that vessel. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., September 29, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department the enclosed communication. Since it will probably be the subject of special investigation, I am not prepared at present to express an opinion upon Captain Winslows letter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. The Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. 0 .0 0. 0.~- .0 0 0 CO 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 Page 387 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 387 [Enclosure.] GUNBOAT BARON DR KALB, Memphis, September 26 1862. SIR: I regret to inform you that the paymasters safe, containing $9J~62, with some Government vouchers, mysteriously disappeared from this vessel on the night of the 23d instant. The money enclosed in the safe was proceeds of damaged cotton fished up from the sunkeu rebel gunboats Beauregard and Jeff Thorn pson. The perishable nature of the cotton from mildew, and the necessity of its being cleaned from mud and cinders, rendered a sale compulsory, and the amount above stated was collected therefrom. The safe was under the charge of the executive officer of this ves- sel, and the mode of its disappearance at the time that a quarter of the ships company were on watch, with sentries posted in the immediate vicinity, is a matter enveloped in mystery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. WINSLOW, Captain. Acting Rear-Admiral CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. iVaoal Forces, Western IVaters. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nacy, regarding rc- covery of the stolen money. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., Nocember 2, 1862. SIR: A robbery was reported to you as having been committed on board the U. S. gunboat Baron Dc Kalb September 20 123], 1862. Two detectives (Sergeants Rode and Delany, of the Metropolitan Police of the city of New York) were set to work to ferret out the robbers and arrested one of the persons suspected in New York, who had deserted from the Baron Dc Kalb, who informed on another left behind in the vessel. The names of these two seamen are James Kincaid and Henry Covne. Part of the money was found in New York and a portion in the possession of Henry Coyne, amounting in all to five thousand and some hundred dollars, all of which is now in the hands of Robert Scott, property clerk of the Metropolitan Police, New York. It appears that these two seamen took the iron chest, placed it on board a boat at night, and dropped downstream, when they only partly opened it, and I am under the impression they obtained but a portion of the money. They then returned to the ship, Mr. James P. Paulding, officer of the deck, being absent from his post all this time, for which reason I have recommended that he be dropped from the service. Captain Winslow offered a thousand dollars reward for the re- cover.y of the money, and I have referred the two policemen men- tioned above to the Department for settlement Page 388 388 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. They have displayed a most wonderful amount of tact and sagacity in following up the guilty parties, adopting all the ways known only to persons of their calling, and going back and forth between Mem- phis and New York without any regard to the inconvenience they might suffer. The result will have a most happy effect among all persons in the squadron against embezzling public property, and show them how little chance there is of escaping justice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Mississippi Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Naey, IVaAington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Na cy to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the Mississippi Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 1, 1862. SIR: Under the authority of an Act to promote the efficiency of the Navy, approved December 21, 1861, section 4, you are selected to command the Mississippi Squadron. You will therefore proceed to Cairo, Ill., by the 12th instant, and report to Acting Rear-Admiral Charles H. Davis, who will transfer the command of that squadron to yourself, when you will immediately hoist your flag as acting rear-admiral. This appointment to continue in force while you are in command of that squadron. On your way to Cairo, the Department desires you to inspect the gunboats building at Pittsburo Cincin Louis. ~, nati, Mound City, and St. I am, respectfully, 6 II)EON WELLES. Commander D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Appointed to Command Mississippi Squadron. Washington, N. C. General order ann wincing the transfer of the C~nboat Flotilla from the War to the Navy Department. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, 1 ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICF I I No. 150. J Washington, October 2, 1862. The following order is published for the information of all con- cerned: Order transferring Gunboat Fleet. WAR DEPARTMENT, TVashington, City, D. C., Octobcr 1, 1862. Under the act of Congress of 16th July, 1862, the Western Gunboat Fleet is this day transferred from the War to the Navy Department. The officers in charge will transfer to the officers of the Navy authorized to receive them the vessels, naval stores, supplies, and property of all kinds per- taining to the fleet. The usual receipts will be taken in triplicate for all property transferred Page 389 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 389 The chief quartermaster, Captain G. D. Wise, of the Gunboat Fleet, will settle up all indebtedness of the fleet to the 1st October, make the usual returns, and will close his accounts and report by letter to the Quartermaster-General. In thus transferrin~ this fleet, organized and built under the direction of the War Department, to the Navy Department, the Secretary of War desires to express to the officers both of the Army and Navy and to the civilians tem- l)orarily employed upon this dan~erous service of the Gunboat Fleet his high sense of the valor, skill, and I)atriotislfl with which the operations of this fleet have been conducted. The brilliant and important service of the gunboats at Fort Henry, Fort Donaldson [Donelson], Columbus, Island No. 10, Pittsburg Landing, Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge, and generally in inde- pendent action, or in cool)eration with the Army on the Western rivers, will constitute one of the brightest pages in the history of the war for the preserva- tion of the integrity of the country and the suppression of a causeless and wicked rebellion. They have the thanks, so well deserved, of this Government and of the people of the United States. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS. Adjutant-General. An act transferrin.q the Western Gunboat Fleet fro the War to the Navy Department. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Con gress assembled, That the Western Gunboat Fleet, constructed by the War Department for operations on the Western waters, shall be transferred to the Navy Department, which will be hereafter charged with the expense of its repair, sup- port, and maintenance: Pro rided, That all vessels now under con- struction or repair by authority of the War Department shall be completed and paid for under the authority of that Department from appropriations made for that purpose. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. Approved, July 16, 1862. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the rank in the Na vy of those who hare served as first, second, third, and foarth masters in~ the flotilla. U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, October 2, 1862. SIR: The lists of officers accompanying this letter contain the names of those who are borne on the books of the respective vessels in which they are reported. They give the existing rank of the officers of the flotilla up to the 30th of September, or, in other words, as established by Admiral Foote, with the following understanding however: 1. That first masters will be appointed acting volunteer lieutenants if, in the opinion of the Department, they are properly qualified and recommended. 2. That first masters, when not so qualified and recommended, will receive the rank of acting masters in the line. 3. That second masters will be appointed acting masters in the line Page 390 390 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 4. That third and fourth masters will be appointed acting ensigns in the line, except where recommended for promotion with the ap- proval of the Department. 5. The acting chief engineers will be appointed acting first assistant engineers. If the above understanding of the intentions of the Department is correct, I will take the liberty to suggest that this letter be given to the clerk charged with making the appointments. A larger allowance of watch officers than is customary has been made on account of the climate. I. am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Hon. GIDEON BELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding opera- tions against guerrdlas in Ohio and Tennessee rivers. No. 12.] U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Qetober 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that the several communications received from Lieutenant-Commander Fitch dur- ing the past month show that he has been very active, and that the guerrillas have at several places been driven from the banks of the Tennessee and Ohio by the vessels under his command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Na vy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Thompson, U. S. Nacy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, regardinq the detention of that vessel near Fort Pillow, for suppression of guerrillas. U. S. GUNBOAT PITTSBURG, Off Fort Pillow, Tenn., Oct.3,1862. SIR: I respectfully report this vessel succeeded in crossing the bar at Helena on the 27th inst. Stopped at Memphis, filled up with coal, and reached Randolph on the 30th inst. I remained at Randolph two days to protect the Ohio Belle, sent from the command at Memphis to remove the guns left there; 6 were taken away. rfhe transport then took this vessel in tow and came up to this place. At the foot of the Island [No.] 34 the current is too strong for this vessel to stem it. If I go below, I shall be obliged to remain, or detain one of our best towboats passing up to tow the vessel through there to return here. Upon our arrival here, I found Fort Pillow was occupied by a small force sent from Columbus Page 391 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 391 Three separate gangs of guerrillas, numbering about 250 each, are reported in this section about 25 miles back. The officer in command here has requested me to remain, in case the guerrillas should mass their forces and make an attack. I shall remain here until sufficient time has elapsed for it to get noised about the country a gunboat is stationed here. No necessity exists for going above just now. A scouting party from Columbus, sent by water, has just left here, hav- ing visited the suspicious points on the river above. I herewith send you a copy of my instructions from Captain Winslow. My sick list is quite large; 19 absent on the hospital boat Red Ro ver, iT in the hospital at Memphis, and 9 convalescent cases on board, all with intermittent fever. One pilot and two engineers on duty. I buried one of the crew at Memphis. I herewith forward a certificate of his death. X~~Till you please give directions for supplying the vessel with coal. I understand from the officer in command here it is the intention to hold these works. If so, a coal barge can be secured to the bank with safety. Captain Winslow informs me he can not supply it from below. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EGBERT THOMPSON, Lieutenant, Com~a~~din~. Rear-Admiral CHARLES H. DAVIS, Commanding lVe8tern Flotilla, Cairo, Ill. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volun- teer Lieutenant Hoel, U. S. Navy, to assume cainmand of the U. S. S. Pittsbarg. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, October 6, 1862. SIR: You are hereby detached from the flagship Ea8tport, and will report yourself to Captain J. A. Winslow for command of the gunboat Pittsburg, stationed at present at Fort Pillow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mis8is8ippi Squadron. Lieutenant Wi~I. IR. HoEL, U. S. Navy, Flag8hip Ea8tport, Helena, Ark. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Tllomp8on, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. recebing ~1iip Clara Dolsen. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, October 6, 1862. SIR: On being relieved by Lieutenant Commanding Hoel in the command of the gunboat Pittsburg you will report to Commande Page 392 392 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and Fleet Captain A. M. Pennock at the naval depot, Cairo, for the command of the receiving ship Clara Dolsen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding llississippi Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding EGBERT THo1~IPSON, Commanding Pittsburg, off Fort Pillow. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Datis, U. S. Nacy, to Fleet Captain Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of his flag. CAIRo, October 7, 1862. SIR: You will please haul down my flag on board the Eastport on the 9th instant. It will be hoisted on board the Carondelet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Commander and Fleet Captain S. L. PHELPS, U. S. Navy, Helena, Ark. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain lValke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, in view of the trans- fer of his flag to that vessel. CAIRO, October 7, 1862. SIR: You will please hoist my flag on board the Carondelet on the morning of the 9th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Captain H. WALKE, U. S. Navy, Commanding Carondelet. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, urging the need of a permanent powder magazine. NAVAL DEPOT, Private.] Cairo, October 7, 1862. DEAR DAHLGREN: A few days ago I wrote you an official letter to Mr. Welles, under the pressure of an accident to the new magazine boat, to suggest to him the necessity for building a permanent maga- zine for the powder of the squadron. Since that letter was written it has been necessary to haul the magazine boat up, to transfer 350 tons of loaded shell and 800 barrels of powder and cartridges to the holds of two of the transport steam- ers (most inappropriate places), and to keep men working day and night until it was done Page 393 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 393 This is the third time that our floating magazines have suddenly and unaccountably sprung a leak and broken down. I can not write to Mr. Welles upon the subject as I do to you; it is one of great anxiety to the commander-in-chief and to the senior officer in charge. For example, in addition to our own watchmen and men, we obtain a guard of soldiers from General Tuttle and keep the Little Rebel weil armed and manned on constant xvatch. This gives you an idea of the insecurity arising from the enemy, and wheii you add to this the double fear of accidents by water and fire, and the destructible nature of the property, you may imagine that I do not overstate the urgency of the case. The state of the magazine is a question for you to determine. For obvious reasons I am in favor of St. Louis, but have, after all, only general views in this respect. hoping to see you very soon, I am always, with great regard, Your friend, ~. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Captain J. A. DA1ILGREN, Chief Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, Washington, D. C. Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Tuttle, U. S. Army, requesting assistance in the establish- ment of a naval hospital at Mound City. CAIRo, October 9, 1862. GENERAL: The establishment of a naval hospital at Mound City, the sudden necessity for which has arisen, as you are aware, from the late glorious victory over the rebels at Corinth, is unavoidably attended with so much haste and confusion that I am compelled to ask you to place a small guard at the disposal of the fleet surgeon to preserve order and to keep the sick and convalescent within bounds until the establishment can be properly regulated and disciplined. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedi- ent servant, C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Brigadier-General J. M. TUTTLE, U. S. Army, Commanding District of Cairo. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Little Rebel, regarding the detention of the steamer City of Alton. CAIRo, October 11, 1862. SIR: You will place the gunboat under your command alongside of the steamer City of Alton, and if she should attempt to leave before her hour, 6.30 oclock a. in., except by authority of Majo Page 394 394 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Merrill, provost-marshal of Cairo, you will detain her, using your guns if necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding 21hss~8sippi Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding T. B. GREGORY, U. S. Navy, Gunboat Little Rebel. P. S.You will show this order to the captain of the steamer City of Alton. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, urging the purchase of additional small vessels for river service. ST. Louis, October 13, 1862. SIR: I have examined some of the small steamers purchased by Mr. Hartt and find them admirably adapted for ascending shallow rivers. I earnestly recommend that ten more of the same kind be purchased at once and put in readiness for service. I propose fitting them with 24-pounder howitzers. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. 1?eport of Fleet Captain Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding convoy fur- nished for prisoners of war. U. S. S. EASTPORT, Helena, October 14, 1862. SIR: I received a request from Major-General Sherman to furnish an escort for the steamer Dacotah, conveying prisoners of war for exchange to Vicksburg, and I have sent the Tyler upon that service. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS. Rear-Admiral C. H. DAVIS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, ill. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the rams Fort Henry and Choctaw, under construction at St. Louis. ST. LOUIs, October 14, 1862. SIR: I laid over a day to examine the two rams, Fort Henry and Choctaw; they can be finished in a mouth and will require $50,000 each to do it. The original appropriation has run out, otherwise the Army could be obliged to finish them under the enclosed law. They are splendid vessels, and I urgently recommend that they be finished without delay. At present they are under the charge of n Page 395 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 395 particular person. Lieutenant-Commander MeGunnegle has had charge, and as he knows more about them than anyone else, I rec- ommend that he be ordered to report to me for duty here. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, etc., DAVID D. PORTER. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, to Captain Walke, U. S. Navy, on transfer of squadron to Acting Rear-Admiral Por- ter, U. S. Navy. CAIRO, October 16, 1862. SIR: On receipt of this order you will strike my flag, hoist that of Acting Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, and fire the customary salute. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Acting Rear-Admiral, Com1manding Mississippi Squadron. Captain H. WALKE, U. S. Navy Commanding Carondelet, Cairo, Ill. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, U. S. Navy, of the transfer of command of the Mississippi Squadron. No. 23.] U. S. NAVAL DEPOT, Cairo, Ill., October 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I have this day struck my flag and transferred the command of the Mississippi Squadron to Acting Rear-Admiral David D. Porter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Alemoranduiru regarding the operations of the Mississippi Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, from October, 1862, to May, 1863. [From Secretarys Office Records, Vol. l9l~, p. 3.1 On the 9th of October Rear-Admiral David D. Porter was appointed to relieve Admiral Davis in command of the Mississippi Squadron, and the Navy having heretofore been partly under the War Department, was entirely reorganized as the Navy proper, and acting altogether under the orders of Secretary Welles. The fighting vessels at that time consisted of the Benton, Caron- delet, Conestoga, Eastport, General Bragg, Louisville, Lexington Page 396 396 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Little Rebel, Jio and City, Cincinnati, Baron De Kaib, Pitt8burg, Robb, St. Clair, and Tyler; most of these out of repair, and having shown themselves to be not sufficiently protected against the enemys shot and shell. A large gang of mechanics was procured, and the above-mentioned vessels were put in a condition to operate against the batteries on the river. Admiral Porter immediately saw the impossibility of holding the Mississippi and its tributaries with so small a force of ironclads, without speed, and drawing so great a depth of water; and with the sanction of the Navy Department, he commenced purchasing and altering into gunboats such light-draft vessels as were suited for such purposes; made requisition for over 300 guns, and before the fall of Yicksburg had succeeded in getting 54 additional vessels, carrying in all 324 guns, added to the fleet. These vessels were at once divided and stationed along the Mississippi, in the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, and in the Upper Ohio, where they have continued to do good service, cooperating with Generals iRosecrans, Burnside, and Grant, without a single failure having been made by them when attempting to beat back the rebels from the river banks. At this time there was no navy yard or facilities of any kind for equipping a large fleet, and everything had to be extemporized for the occasion; nevertheless, in a short time a crowd of gunboats were assembled at Cairo, and soon after being sent to their respective sta- tions, the guerrillas that had infested the banks of the river almost entirely disappeared, and vessels ran between Cairo and Helena with- out molestation. About the [latter part of Decemberl, 1862, Admiral Porter received instructions from the Navy Department to cooperate with General McClernand, who was to be entrusted with the command of an ex- pedition to operate against Vicksburg. This was rather an anoma- lous order, as Vicksburg was within General Grants district, and General McClernand would have been operating independently of him. The Ram Fleet, commanded by Colonel Ellet, had also existed up to this time as an independent organization, but the admiral perceiv- ing the impropriety of having a seminaval command acting inde- pendently within his limits, and knowing the immeasurable complica- tions that would necessarily arise from it, recommended to the Gov- ernment the formation of a marine brioade, and also recommended that Colonel Alfred Ellet should have~the command of it and or- ganize it from such troops as the Government could provide. It was to consist of 1,500 men, divided into artillery, infantry, and cavalry, and, being embarked in boats, was to cooperate with the gunboats along the river in keeping down guerrillas; this, with the number of gunboats already built, it was thought, would effectually put a stop to guerrilla warfare. It was not, however, until the [24th of March, 18631, that the Marine Brigade was equipped and reported at Vicksburg. In October Admiral Porter received a visit at Cairo from General Grant. who informed him that General Sherman would shortly move from Memphis with 40,000 men on Vicksburg, by water, while he would move upon the same place by the way of Grenada with a larger force still Page 397 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 397 General Grant saw the complications that would ensue from the independent appointment of General MeClernand, and thought it wise to take the initiative, and while the latter was employed at Springfield, Ill., in raising a force for the conquest of Vicksburg, Grant was pushing his legions in that direction. At the same time Admiral Porter was sending all the ironclads below to Helena, where he joined General Sherman in the flagship Black Hawk on the [20th of December, 1862]. This vessel was fitted up ~with all the con- veniences requisite in the management of so large a fleetthe largest ever under command of any one officer, and equal in number, though not in efficiency, to the vessels composing the Navy of the United States when the rebellion broke out. On the [21st of December], the large fleet of transports carrying the army of General Sherman, convoyed by the gunboats, got under way from Helena full of ardor, and anticipating an easy conquest of \Ticksburg. Since Admiral Davis had sent his fleet to helena, Vicks- burg had been strongly fortified, and the Yazoo River, the best point from which to assail Vicksburg, had also been strongly fortified at Snyders Bluff, generally called Haynes Bluff. Captain Walke, in the Carondelet, with the Loii8ville, Cairo, Pitt8- burg, Lexington, Signal, and Romeo, had been sent down in advance of the rest. of the fleet to clear out the Yazoo River of torpedoes, in which quite a number were said to have been planted. Captain Walke entrusted this duty to Lieutenant Selfridge, of the Cairo, an ironclad gunboat, and in company with the Signal, if armora, Lexing- ton, and Queen of the TVe8t, he ascended as high as a place called Johnsons Landing. There the enemy had posted two or three regi- ments of sharpshooters, who, concealed and protected by the high banks and levees, made an obstinate resistance to the passage of our ships, which kept a heavy, though apparently harmless, fire on the woods and levees. The rebels, however, gradually retired before the fire of our gun- boats, and they had succeeded in getting up to within 3 miles of the forts when the torpedoes began to appear. Boats were manned, and the bottom of the river dragged, and a number of these infernal machines were removed. While perform- ing this duty the boats were exposed to a galling fire from sharp- shooters; many of the men were killed or wounded. The Cairo, moving up to help cover them, ran on a torpedo, which, exploding under her bottom, sank her in eleven minutes. Everything, however, was conducted in a cool manner; not a man was lost, and most of the papers were saved; the vessel, however, sank out of sight in very deep water, and has never been found, having drifted away with the current. This mishap did not dampen the ardor of the officers and men. They proceeded with their labor of raising the torpedoes as if nothing had happened, all the time under a murderous fire from sharpshooters. Trifling as this duty may appear to the uninitiated, it was the most perilous that officers and men could be exposed to. It was absolutely necessary that the torpedoes should be raised; the operations of the army could not be carried on if the river was not cleared out, and no effort was left untried to raise them. Finally, the river was cleared within 1.200 yards of the forts, which were concealed by a bend i Page 398 398 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the river, which bend, or point in the bend, also covered the gunboats from the enemys guns. After the sinking of the Cairo, Lieutenant-Commander Gwin, in the Benton, took charge of the torpedo lifting, and on the [27th of December, 1862], had cleared the river out within 900 yards of the forts. Sherman had landed his troops up the Yazoo at Johnsons Landing and was already engaged with the enemys skirmishers. At the foot of Walnut Hills the army was busy in throwing up intrench- ments and making approaches preparatory to the attack, which ended adversely to our arms. About this time the gallant Gwin got his boats that were employed in lifting the torpedoes around the point, when the enemy opened on them with three heavy guns. The wind was blowing very hard at the time, but Gwin determined to attack the batteries, though cautioned by the admiral against getting his vessels under fire until the proper time came. He covered the boats with his vessel, the Benton, but owing to the hard wind, the Ben ton was unmanageable, and had to be tied to the bank, where she remained a fair target for 17 of the enemys heavy guns. The rest of the gunboats tried to get a position to join in the conflict, but could not obtain an effective one, owing to the narrow river and high wind; the result was, the Benton remained exposed to the concentrated fire of all the enemys guns, and wa