TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 26: Naval Forces on Western Waters (March 1, 1864 - December 31, 1864) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1914 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 FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS ic lvirr ~ 506 Rev. Stat. prohibits the withdrawal of this book for h Jme 0L. 973 Title Page Page R001 OFFICIAL REC~RDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. JOSEPHUS DANIELS, Secretary of the Navy, BY MR. CHARLES W. STEWART, Superintendent Library and Naval War Records. B~ AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JULY 31, 1894. SERIES IVOLUME 26. NAVAL FORGES ON WESTERN WATERS FROM MARCH 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. WASHINGTON: 1Q14 Page R002 Page R003 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 1. Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862. VOLUME 2. Operations of the cruisers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864. VOLUME 3. Operations of the cruisers from April 1, 1864, to December 30, 1865. VOLUME 4. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico from November 15, 1860, to June 7, 1861. Opera- tions on the Atlantic coast from January 1 to May 13, 1861. Operations on the Potomac and 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 8. Operations of the lNorth 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. VOLUME 11. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 28, 1864, to February 1, 1865. I Page R004 IV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. 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, toMay 13, 1862. VOLUME 13. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 14, 1862, to April 7, 1863. VOLUME 14. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 7 to September 30, 1863. VOLUME 15. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1863, to September 30, 1864. VOLUME 16. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1864, to August 8, 1865. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from June 7 to December 15, 1861. VOLUME 17. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from December 16, 1861, to February 21, 1862. Operations of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 22, 1862, to July 17, 1865. VOLUME 18. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 21 to July 14, 1862. 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 Page R005 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMBB. VOLUME 23. Operations of the Naval Forces on Western Waters from April 12 to December 31, 1862. VOLUME 24. Operations of the Naval Forces on Western Waters from January 1 to May 17, 1863. VOLUME 25. Operations of the Naval Forces on Westera Waters from May 18 to February 29, 1864 Page R006 Table of Contents Page R007 TABLE OP CONTENTS. Page. List of illustrations IX Preface XiXIV Order of compilation of Series I XV, XVI List of vessels of naval forces on Western waters XVI, XVII Calendar XVIII Naval forces on Western waters: Principal events Union reports Seizure of tug Rawlins by U. S. S. Mound City 11 Operations at Yazoo City, Miss., March 5, 1864 13-47 Sinking of U. S. S. Conestoga, in collision with U. S. S. General Price, below Grand Gulf, Miss., March 8, 1864 1820 Cooperation of gunboats under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, with Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, in the Red River campaign, March 12 to May 22, 1864 23177 Cooperation of U. S. steamers Peosta and Paw Paw in repluse of Confederate attack upon Paducah, Ky., March 25, 1864 196203 Capture of Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 12, by Confederate force under Major-General Forrest, C. S. Army, and attendant operations there and at Columbus and Paducah, Ky., April 1214, 1864 214235 Attack upon U. S. steamers Petrel and Prairie Bird at Yazoo City, Miss., April 21, and capture of U. S. S. Petrel, April 22, 1864 246260,280 Engagement between the U. S. S. ~Exchange and batteries at Columbia, Ark., June 1, 1864 353355 Engagement between the U. S. S. Louisiana and batteries at Columbia, Ark., June 2, 1864 355357 Boat expedition from U. S. S. Chickasaw at Morgan Bend, La., June 3, 1864 Engagement on Bayou Macon, near Sunnyside, Ark., June 6, 1864 364 Capture of Confederate battery on Atchafalaya River, near Simmesport, La., June 8, 1864 369373 Seizure of steamers Mattie, M. Walt, and Hill, by U. S. S. Lex- ington, at Beulah Landing, Miss., June 15, 1864 392394 Engagement between U. S. steamers General Bragg and Naiad and batteries at Como Landing, Tunica Bend, La., June 1516, 1864 395400 Operations in White River, Ark., including skirmish at White River Station, June 22, and capture of U. S. S. Queen City, at Clarendon, June 24, followed by engagement between U. S. steamers Fawn, Tyler, and Naumkeag and force under Briga dier-General Shelby, C. S. Army 413433 Defense of steamer Empress by U. S. S. Romeo at Gaines Land ing, Ark., August 11, 1864 503506 Attack upon Memphis, Tenn., by Confederate force under Major- General Forrest, C. S. Army, August 22, 1864 517, 519 VI Page R008 VIII IYAI3LE OF CONTBN~. Naval forces on Western watersContinued. Principal eventsContinued. Union reportsContinued. Page. Cooperative movement up White River, Ark., August 30, 1864. 526532 Engagement between U. S. S. Naiad and battery at Rowes Landing, Tunica Bend, September 2, 1864 534,535 Case of Acting Master Daniel W. Glenney, U. S. Navy, accused of treacherous conduct while commanding U. S. S. Rattler, September 4, 1864 536-551 General order of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, U. S. Navy, on withdrawal from the Mississippi Squadron 570 Naval operations in Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, October 10 to December 31, 1864, including attack on U. S. steamers Key West and Undine at Eastport, Miss., October 10; opera- tions near Johnsonville, Tenn., including loss of U. S. S. Undine, October 30, and U. S. steamers Key West, Tawah, and Elfin, November 4, followed by operations at Bells Mills and Nashville, Tenn., December 34, 6, 1516 582690 Captain S. P. Lee, U. S. Navy, appointed to command the Mississippi Squadron 693, 699, 700, 706, 716 Loss of U. S. S. Rattler in a gale, near Grand Gulf, Miss., Decem ber 30, 1864 769771 Confederate reports Cooperation of gunboats under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, with Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, in the Red River cam paign, March 12 to May 22, 1864 162177 Capture of Fort Pillow, Tenn., by Confederate force under Major- General Forrest, C. S. Army, April 12, 1864 223, 224, 233235 Attack uponU. S. steamers Petrel and Prairie Bird atYazoo City, Miss., April 21, and capture of U. S. S. Petrel, April 22, 1864.. 259, 260 Capture of Confederate battery on Atchafalaya River, La., near Simmesport, La., June 8, 1864 370373 Engagement between U. S. steamers General Bragg and Naiad and batteries at Como Landing, Tunic a Bend, La., June 1516, 1864 399, 400 Capture of U. S. S. Queen City at Clarendon, Ark., June 24,1864, followed by engagement between U. S. steamers Fawn, Tyler, and Naumkeag and force under Brigadier-General Shelby, C. S. Army 431-433 Case of ActingMaster Glenney, U. S. Navy, accused of treacherous conductwhilecommandingU. S.S. Rattler, September4, 1864.. 550 Naval operations in Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, October 10 to 31, 1864, including attack on U. S. steamers Key West and Undine at Eastport, Miss., October10; operations nearJohnson- ville, Tenn., including loss of U. S. S. Undine, October 30, and U. S. steamers Key West, Tawah, and Elfin, November 4, fol- lowed by operations at Bells Mills and Nashville, Tenn., December 34, 6, 15-16 608, 682690 Operations against Federal gunboats and transports in Missis- sippi River, May 23 to June 2, 1864 803807 Miscellaneous Confederate reports and correspondence, March 22 to November 2, 1864 80281 List of Illustrations Page R009 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Wreck of the United States steamer Indianola Frontispiece Sketch of Red River from Fort De Russy to the Raft 26 Sketch of Fort De Russy, March, 1864 34 Sketch of Red River, La 44 Sketch of the roads near battlefields of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, La., April 8 and 9, 1864 45 United States steamer Cricket 71 United States~fieet in Red River at Alexandria, La 124 Sections of Red River dam 130,131 Confederate batteries on Red River, between Dunns and Choctaw bayous.... 147 United States steamer Peosta 196 Capture of United States steamer Petrel, near Yazoo City, Miss., April 22, 1864 252 Drawing of torpedo, with which destruction of U. S. S. Lafayette was attempted 516 Drawing of torpedo catcher 552 Drawing of torpedo picked up ahead of U. S. S. Ozark, September 10, 1864 568 Plan of anchor buoy 569 United States steamer Ozark 569 Sketch of Tennessee River in vicinity of Reynoldsburg Island, showing posi- tions of U. S. vessels and Confederate batteries during operations near John- sonville, Tenn., November 4, 1864 630 United States steamer Sibyl 719 I Page R010 Page R011 PREFACE. The work of preparing for publication the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies, which was begun July 7,1884, was organized under the superintendency of Professor J. R. Soley, U. S. Navy, at that time librarian of the Navy Department, afterwards Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In August, 1890, the work of collecting these records and their clas- sification was ably continued by his successor, Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Wise, U. S. Navy, who, having received orders to sea, was relieved by Lieutenant-Commander Richard Rush, U. S. Navy, in May, 1893. The long-delayed publication was finally authorized by act of Con- gress approved July 31, 1894, and hegun by Mr. Rush. The first five volumes were published under his efficient administration, and the import~ant 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 dur- ing the war of the rebellion, together with the operations of vessels acting singly, either as cruisers or privateers, in different parts of the world. These reports are accompanied by occasional maps and diagrams. In this series the papers are arranged according to squadrons and flotillas, chronologically; and, as far as possible, the Union reports of any events are immediately followed by the Confederate reports. X Page R012 XII PREFACE. II. The second series embraces the reports, orders, and correspond- ence relating to 1. The condition of the Union Navy in 1861, before the com- mencement of hostilities, and to its increase during the progress of the war, including the annual and special reports of the Sec- retary of the Navy and chiefs of the various bureaus. 2. The construction and outfit of the Confederate Navy, in- cludling 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 fair 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 R013 PREFACE. XIII 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-fifth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 25), which has recently been published by the Department, gives the operations of the Naval Forces on Western Waters from May 18, 1863, to Feb- ruary 29, 1864. The present volume (Series I, vol. 26) gives the operations of the Naval Forces on Western Waters from March 1 to December 31, 1864. The reports and correspondence are Placed chronologically, with a distinct heading for every paper. In the record of events in which both sides took part the Confederate reports (where they could be obtained) immediately follow the Union reports, while the miscella- neous Confederate correspondence is placed at the end of the volume. Reference to the table of contents will show the context of these Con- federate papers. It is believed that the chronological arrangement of the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each volume, will afford ample means of reference to its contents without other subdivision or classification. In reports of special or single events, in which the papers bear specific relation to those events, the chronological order has been somewhat modified, and such documents have been placed together in the compilation. CHARLES W. STEWART, Comjyiter. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., March, 1914. 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 shallbe sent~y 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 Con~ess, it being the purpose of this distribution herein provided for to place these records in public libraries, and with permanent organizations having libra- ries, so far as such libraries may exist in the several States and Terri- tories. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-four and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding nineteen of such ad- dresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time, as they are published, until the publication is completed; and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein shall be sold by the Secretary of the Navy for cost of publication, with ten per centum added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covere Page R014 xiv PREFACE. 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 Sena- tors, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or indi- viduals. 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 R015 ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. SEd~IES 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 Larduer, U. S. N., 1863-1864. Confederate cruisers and privateers. 2. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico, January to June 7, 1861 Surrender of the Pensacola Navy Yard. Cooperation of the Navy in the relief of Fort Pickens. 3. Operations on the Atlantic Coast, January to May 13, 1861. Cooperation of the Navy in the attempts to relieve Fort Sumter. Abandonment and destruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard. Home Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N. 4. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, 18611865. Potomac?Flotila, under Commander Ward, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Captain Craven, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Lieutenant Wyman, U. S. N., 18611862. Potomac Flotilla, under Commodore Harwood, U. S. N., 1862-1863. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, U. S. N., 18631865. 5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Stringham, U. S. N., May 13 to Sept. 23, 1861. West India Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Barron, C. S. N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. N., 1861. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, U. S. N., 18611862. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. lames River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. N. lames River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Tattuall, C. S. N. lames 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 Tattuall, C. S. N. *Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Ingraham, C. S. N. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Dahigren, U. S. N., 1863-1865. *Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Tucker, C. S. N. Naval Defenses of Savaunah, Ga., under Flag-Officers Hunter and Tattnall, C. S. N. xv * TheConfederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that tho9e who have any Confederate naval documents upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Special Index Page R016 XVI ORDER OF COMPILATION. 6. Gulf Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1861-1862. *Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. N., 1862-1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Captain Greene, U. S. N., 1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Stribling, U. S. N., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. N., 1862-1863. Mortar Flotilla, under Commander Porter, U. S. N., 1862. Lower Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander J. K. Mitchell, C. S. N., 1862. *Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Randolph, C. S. N. Trans-Mississippi Marine Department, under Major Leon Smith, C. S. A. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Bell, U. S. N. (ad intcrim), 1863. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. N., 1864. *Mobile Defenses, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer, U. S. N., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 1865. *Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Farrand, C. S. N. 7. Operations on the Western Rivers, 18611865. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Commander Rodgers, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. N., 18611862. *Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. N., 1862. *Mlssissippi 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. Mis~issippi 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 I. H. Carter, C. S. N. UNITED S TA TES VESSELS OF WAR SER VING IN THE MISSISSIPPI SQ UADRON MARCH 1 TO DECEMBER 81, 1864. Name. Rate. Tounage. Class. Guns. Abraham Fourth 800 Inspection boat 0 Alexandria Fourth 60 Paddl~wheel steamer 2 Alfred Robb Fourth 86 . .. .do 4 Argosy Fourth.. - 219 do s Avenger Fourth... - 750 Ram 6 Benefit F~~rth 52 Naval transport 2 Benton Fourth 1,033 Ironclad 16 Black Hawk Third 902 Side-wheel steamer 16 Brilliant Fourth 226 Stern-wheel steamer 8 Carondelet Fourth 512 Ironclad 11 Champion Fourth 115 Paddle-wheel steamer 5 Chickasaw Fourth 970 Ironclad 4 Chillicothe Fourth 203 do 3 Choctaw Third 1,004 Side-wheel steamer 5 Cinciunati Fourth 512 Ironclad 13 Covington Fourth.... 224 Paddle-wheel steamer 8 Cricket Fourth..,. 156 do 7 Curlew Fourth.... 196 do 5 Dahlia Fourth.. - 50 Paddle-wheel steamer (tug) 0 Eastport Third 800 Ironclad s Elfin 5 Essex Fourth.... 614 Ironclad 12 Exchange Fourth.... 211 Pnddle-wheel steamer 7 Fairplay Fourth.... 156 do Fairy2 Fourth.... 173 do Fawn Fourth.... 174 do 7 Fern Fourth.... 50 Screw steamer (tug) C Forest Rose Fourth.... 260 Stern-wheel steamer Fort Hindman Fourth.... 286 Paddle-wheel steamer 7 Gazelle Fourth.. - - 117 do *The Confederate material under this head is very scant. it is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the subject willcommunicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C. Formerly W. C. Mann. tFormerly Maria Page R017 U. S. VESSELS OF WAR IN MISSISSIPPI S~ UADRON. XVII UNITED S TATES VESSELS OF WAR SER VING IN THE IIH& ISSIPPI SQUADRON MAR Clii TO DECEMBER 31, 1864Continued. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Guns. General Bragg General Burnside General Grant General Lyon General Pillow (leneral Price General Sherman General Thomas Grampus Great Western Hastings Huntress Hyacinth Ivy Judge Torrence Juliet Kenwood Key West Kickapoo Lafayette Lexington Linden Little Rebel Louisville Marmora Milwaukee 1 Moose Mound City Naiad 2 Naumkeag Neosho New Era New National... .~ Nymph Osage Ouachita Ozark Pansy Paw Paw Peosta Pen 5 Petrel Pittsburg Prairie Bird Queen City Rattler Red Rover Reindeer Rohb4 Romeo St. Clair Sibyl5 Signal Silver Cloud Silver Lake Siren 6 Springfield Tawah Tensas Thistle Tuscumbia Tyler Undine Victory Vindicator Volunteer Win. H. Brown Winnebago Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... FOurth.... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth... - Fourth.... Third Fourth.... Fourth.... Fourth.... 950 201 204 468 38 38 187 184 300 800 293 138 50 50 700 157 232 207 970 1,000 448 177 151 527 207 970 189 512 185 250 523 157 379 171 523 720 578 50 175 233 159 226 512 171 212 166 787 212 175 203 176 190 236 212 232 146 108 150 50 565 575 i& 0. 750 209 235 970 1 Transferred to West Gulf Squadron. Formerly Princess. Formerly Reindeer. Side.wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer do do Side.wheel steamer do Paddle.wheel steamer do Receiving ship do Paddle.wheel steamer do Paddle.wheel steamer (tug) Screw steamer (tug) Side.wheel steamer Stern.wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer do Ironclad Paddle-wheel steamer Side-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer Screw steamer (ram) Ironclad Stem-wheel steamer Ironclad Paddle-wheel steamer Ironclad Paddle-wheel steamer do Ironclad Stem-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer do Ironclad Paddle-wheel steamer Ironclad Paddle-wheel steamer (tug) do do do do Ironclad Paddle-wheel steamer do do Side-wheel steamer.... Paddle-wheel steamer Stem-wheel steamer do Paddle-wheel steamer Stem-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer Stem-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer do do do Paddle-wheel steamer (tug) Ironclad Side-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer Ram Side-wheel steamer Paddle-wheel steamer.. - - Ironclad 4 See Alfred Rohh. 5 Formerly Hartford. 6 Formerly White Rose. 1020050N W RVOL 2613 Ii 10 7 6 4 13 8 4 10 14 8 4 1 8 2 39 7 0 8 14 8 8 14 8 9 6 1 6 14 8 6 13 5 2 Page R018 OATL~FJDAR 1864 A~Yc~tYsT Sun. IL T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. 1 2 3 4 5~ 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 - - - - 28 29 30 31 AERII~.. 8TEME~R.. 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 8 911011121314 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 15 16j17 18 19 20 21 9101112131415 22 23124 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 29 30J31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 I 30 31 ~FCT~EL ~ 1 2 3 4~ 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1213 1415 16171813141516171819 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 - -_- - - 27 28 29 30 2D8OEMBE~ 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 14 21 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 4 11 18 25 S 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 XVII Page A001 Page A002 WRECK OF UNITED STATES STEAMER INDIANOLA Page 1 NAYAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. FROM MARCH 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. 10200S0N W liVOL 2613 Page 2 Page 3 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. FROM MARCH 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1864. Instructions from Lieutenant-Comir& ander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieute nt Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, on assu ing station at Grand Gulf. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, March 1, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Grand Gulf and relieve the Pittsburg. Obtain from Captain libel all the information he has about the people at and near that station; the manner in which I have directed him to deal with them; the names of the persons who furnish reliable intelli- gence, etc. The tug Hyacinth will be left with you. You will remain most of the time at Grand Gulf, and do not be absent at night. You can send the tug as far as Rodney, and, in your absence from Grand Gulf, leave her there, but always with an armed crew and in charge of an intelligent officer, on~ that fully knows the course to be pursued. Do not send her up [Big] Black River or go your- self. If the commanding officer of the vessel at Hurricane Island sends for the tug, let him have her. You understand my views iii regard to cotton speculators. The permits issued by the special agents of the Treasury to purchase and ship are, under the present interpretation of the law, authorized, and you will recognize them. You will, whenever you are called upon by Ralph S. Hart, in charge of the Natchez district, seize any vessel engaged in illicit trade or- endeavoring to deprive the Treasury of its rights. You will not hesitate to use force if you find any oppo- sition to the laws or refusal to obey the orders of the Treasury agent. You will be careful not to come in collision with any of the Marine Brigade proper, but should they employ, transports, and you are re- quested to seize them, do so. Any boat seized at the request of Judge Hart, you will send to him at Natchez. I will state for your information and guidance that the above in- structions are issued by Admiral Porters directions. It is possible that there will be, ere long, a general order issued on the subject. As you will be unable while stationed at Grand Gulf to come to Natchez for coal, you must be economical in the use of it. The ad- miral has directed a boat to come down occasionally, to supply the vessels at stations. Should you run short, you can stop any naval towboat and fill up, using as much dispatch as possible; giving the captain a receipt, stating that the exigencies of the service obliged you to detain him. Show this clause to him. I will relieve you, in such a case, of the responsibility of acting contrary to General Order Page 4 4 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 167. The Curlew is expected down soon. I wish her to come to Natchez immediately, and after coaling, I will send her to relieve you. You will leave the tug with her, filling her up with coal, and will explain fully the course you have been directed to pursue, giving her commander all the information you may have about the station of Grand Gulf. Upon being relieved, you will proceed to the beat between Rodney and 10 miles above Natchez. You will make fre- quent visits to Rodney, Waterproof, and Coles Creek, but keep a sharp lookout on the Rodney people. Cruise actively, and come to Natchez when you need coal, making your stay there as short as possible. I intend to leave orders for the Sani8on to run up as far as Waterproof once a week, until the arrival of the Curlew. You will keep me advised of all movements of importance, and send your reports as usual. I leave to you to post up fully the commanding officer of the Curlew, as he is probably not acquainted with all the new points that have arisen since his departure from the district. If anything important occurs, report to the admiral at once, send- ing me the same information or a copy of your letter. Have all your reports, etc., ready to send by dispatch or naval vessels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GIIEER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Di8t. 1h88. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Fore8t Ro8e. In8tructwn& froim Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Irwin, U. S. Navy, corn nding U. S. S. Judge Jiorrence, 8tationed at Natchez. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, 211 arch 1, 1864. SIR: During the absence of the ironclads you will remain at Natchez and will pay every attention to the coal barges. You will place your pilot in charge of them, making him visit them twice a day. The tug Fern will be left with you; keep her at the barges at night. In case of an attack, you will cooperate to the best of your abilities with the army. Let me caution you to be very careful, should you have occasion, in firing over our troops; do not do it un- less absolutely necessary. When the river rises sufficiently, keep the barges on the Louisiana side. You can drop down after our de- parture to the berth now occupied by this vessel. I have directed the officer commanding the Sam8on, until the arrival of the Curlew in this district, to make a trip of 36 miles once a week up the river. In her absence the shop will be left alongside of you, and you will have the food of any of the mechanics that are left in it prepared on board your vessel. You will send your pilot in the Samson on her trips. Do not allow strangers to visit your vessel, and be very vigilant; say nothing about this order. Should Judge Hart, the specia Page 5 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 5 Treasury agent, call upon you to seize or detain any transport at this point, you will do so, turning her over to him. You will also keep Mr. [S. G.] Trott, the postmaster, advised when our dispatch boats are going up the river, so as to get the United States mail to send up. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~JAS. A. GREER, Lient. Conbdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Di8t. Jh88. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant IRWIN, Commanding U. S. S. Judge /iorrence. Order of Lientenjint-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to the com- ma mg officer of the U. S. S. Sam8on, for weekly trip8 to Water- proof, La. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, March 1, 1864. SIR: After the departure of the fleet from this place you will, until the arrival of the Curlew in this district, make a trip once a week, starting early in the morning, rnn up to Waterproof, anchor under the bar, and remain till next mornino~ then you will return to Natchez. When making these trips leave the shop alongside of the Torrenc~ with food for such men as are left in it. The pilot of the To ence will go with you. When away from Natchez allow no one to leave the vessel. Have a supply of arms and ammunition on hand, and do not allow your vessel to be surprised by rebels. Say nothing about this order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant J~As. A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. l3enton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. COMMANDING OFFICER, U. S. S. Samson. Instructions from Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Nacy, to A cting Volunteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rattler, on assuming station to watch the steamcr In- dianola. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, March 1, 1864 SIR: I send with this your orders from Admiral Porter to relieve the Mound City. You will proceed to do so as soon as you have filled up with coal. The primary object of duty at your new station will be to take care of the Indiaitola and have her kept in such order that when the river rises she will be floated and be in a condition re- quiring as little labor as possible to keep her so. You will keep me informed of her condition, and when the river is rising, so as to in- dicate that you will have water enough for your purpose, you will report to the admiral as well as myself Page 6 6 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I am quite sure you will have the Champion to assist you. The tug Hyacinth will be with the vessel stationed off Grand Gulf. When you require her for purposes connected with the Indianola, you will send word to the officer commanding the vessel at that point. As soon as practicable you will remove all the loose iron from the Indianola to the empty coal barge. You will obtain from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Langthorne all the information in regard to your new station. Should parties having the proper papers apply for protection while taking cotton on board of boats, you will afford it, providing always that you have an eye to the Indianola. The permits issued by the special Treasury agents to purchase and ship are, under the present interpretation of the law, authorized, and you will recognize them. You will, whenever called upon by Ralph S. Hart, the assistant special agent of the Natchez district, seize any vessel engaged in illicit trade or endeavoring to deprive the Treasury of its rights. You will not hesitate to use force if you find any opposition or refusal to obey the orders of the Treasury agent. You will be careful not to come in collision with any of the boats of the Marine Brigade proper, but should they employ trans- ports, and you are requested to seize them, you will do so. Any boat seized at the request of Judge Hart, you will send to him at Natchez, and if necessary ask convoy from the gunboats between you and that pohit. I will state for your information and guidance that the above in- structions are issued by Admiral Porters directions. It is possible that there will ere long be a general order issued on the subject. As you will be unable to come to Natchez for coal, you must be eco- nomical in the use of what you have. The admiral has ordered a boat to come down occasionally to supply the vessels at stations. Should you, however, get short of fuel, you will stop any naval tow- boat and fill up, using as much dispatch as possible, and give the captain a receipt, stating that the exigencies of the service required you to detain him. Show this clause to him. I will relieve you in such a case of the responsibility of acting contrary to General Order 167. Send me your reports as usual. If anything important occurs report to the admiral at once, sending me the same information or a copy of your letter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~, JAS. A. GREER, Lieutenant-Com,~iruander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant LANING, Commanding U. S. S. Rattler. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hoel U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsl3urg, for transfer of his vessel to Natchez from Grand Gulf. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, March 1, 1864. Sni: Upon the arrival of the Forest Rose to relieve you, you will come to this place with your vessel. Give Captain Johnston a ful Page 7 I~AVAL FORCES O~ WESTERN WATERS. 7 statement of the course you have been pursuing at Grand Gulf. Turii the Hyacinth over to him, and fill her up with coal from your vessel. Bring me her list of contrabands. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. Gm~mt, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton ~nd 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. R. HOEL, Commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg. Report of Lientenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy~ naming the vessels off Natchez. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, March 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the Mound City and Pittsburg having been relieved by the Rattler and Forest Rose are now at this point, as well as the Eastport. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAvm D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-A dm~iral Porter, U. S. Navy, of a ival off Red River., looking toward a combined movement. Mississi~~i SQUADROI~, Flagship Black Hawk, off Red River, March 2, 1864. Sin: I came down here anticipating a move on the part of the army ~up toward Shreveport, but as the river is lower than it has been known to be for years, I much fear that the combined movement can not come off, without interfering with plans formed by General Grant. General Sherman has gone to New Orleans to make arrangements with General Banks, and I am expecting his return every day. In the meantime the gunboats are up the Atchafalaya and Black rivers, destroying bridges and stores, and endeavoring to destroy 8,000 cattle collected at Sicily Island. The Mississippi River is very quiet, and the rebels retreated into the interior on hearing of the advance of the gunboats. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WEI~Es, Secretary of the ATwvy, Washington, P. C Page 8 8 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding time of meeting of veesel8 at Red River. Mississir~i SQUADRON, Flag8hip Black Hawk, Red River, March 4, 1864. Sm: You will say to the commanders of all vessels coming down to join me to be at this point by the 8th of this month. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER Comdg. Benton and 4th Di8t. Mis8i88~ppi Squadron, Natchez. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Coin- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, for ironelad8 at Red River. Mississi~ri SQUADRON, Flag8hip Black Hawk, Red River, March 4, 1864. SIR: I wish you would send all the ironclads down here to report ~me as soon as they come. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Mississippi Squadron, Natche~. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding orders to Red River, cannonading in the direction of Trinity, La., and reported sinking of Federal vessel. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, March 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of this date, directing me to tell the commanders of the vessels to be at Red River by the 8th instant. I interpret your order to include this vessel, and shall be down at the time specified unless otherwise directed. Cannonading was heard to-day, yesterday, and the day before, in the direction of Trinity, and the rebels have a report in town that one of our vessels has been sunk. I can trace the rumor to no reliable source. XTery respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Con& dg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 9 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 9 Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of board of officers appointed to investigate the burning of prop- erty at Skipwiths Landing, Al arch 4, 1864. OFFICE Mississirri SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., March 17, 1864. SIR: I respectfully enclose the report of the officers ordered by me to investigate the cause of the burning of the carpenters shop and quarters at Skipwith Landing. I have ordered that William Tully, Timothy Hennessy, and John Ames are not to be paid until I receive instructions from you. I have ordered James McCarty to be arrested. Hopkins, I understand, is now at Vicksburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] OFFICE MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., March. 16, 1864. SIR: In ~obedience to your order of the 14th instant, hereunto annexed, we have the honor to report that, by interrogation upon oath of several of the mechanics recently employed upon the car- penters shops and quarters at Skipwiths Landing, we have ascer- tained the following facts, viz: A Mr. Hopkins, who had formerly been employed as a carpenter on the barges, who had quitted work, but who had not been paid off, had obtained a permit to buy cotton. He still had his quarters with the rest of the workmen, and had stowed some cotton which he had purchased on board the barges. On the evening of the 4th of March, 1864, Tully, a quarterman carpenter, Hennessy, and Ames, carpenters, had been drinking beer and betting on cock fighting. About 11 oclock Tully, having bought some cotton from a negro, asked and induced Hennessy and Ames to go on shore with him, put it in some gunny bags, and bring it on board. They then took it out of the small bags with the intention of putting it into some larger ones. While it was lying loose upon the floor, and the carpenters and Hopkins were agreeing about the price (Tully was to sell the cotton to Hopkins), the lamp fell out of the globe and the cotton was immediately in flames. It was impossible to extinguish it. It appears from the evidence that James McCarty, who was on duty at the time as watchman, assisted the men to go on shore and afterwards to get the cotton on board the barge. He can not be found in Cairo. We deem it proper to state that Hennessy and Ames have made a full and free confession of their share in this business. Tully, we are informed, is also ready and willing to do so, but he is confined to his room in Cairo on account of a severe attack of illness Page 10 10 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The primary cause of the fire was allowing or permitting cotton belonging to individuals to be stored on board a Government barge. McCarty, the watchman, betrayed his trust, and in our opinion ought to be severely punished, provided he can be apprehended. Very respectfully, etc., JAMES W. SHIRK, Liente nt- Commander. JOHN Scorr, Acting Volunteer Lieute nt. THOMAS E. SMITH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant. Captain A. M. PENNOcK, U. S. Navy, Fleet Captain and Co?mmandant of Station, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Quarter ster Parsons, U. S. Army, to Rear-Adm,iral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the route for transportation of sup- plies for Little Rock. LOUISvILLE, March 4, 1864. ADMIRAL: Your favor of the 24th ultimo is received, for which I am very much obliged, and which is the first intelligent information I have had in regard to transportation on the Arkansas. I am not very much disappointed in the result, judging from the information obtained when we were at Arkansas Post last winter, of the char- acter of this stream, and my own views in regard to the best route for supplying Little Rock (viz, by Devalls Bluff and the railroad) fully concur with your own, as you will observe by my letter of the 27th of February to you. I have, however, from the constant pres- sure made by other officers nearer those rivers, who should have known more about it than I could, used very extraordinary efforts to try and comply with their wishes and requisitions, and to this end ordered a number of boats months ago to the mouth of the Arkansas, which, at large expense, have been plying between there and Devalls Bluff to little or no purpose. I regret the loss of the gunboat and the Hines, but trust that the experiment, though unfortunate, may not be entirely without profit. I have been equally anxious and urgent for the completion of the railroad, and hope that we may soon see it in a proper condition. I shall forward a copy of your letter to General Grant and also to General Steele for their infor- mation, and trust it may not be without good effect. I am, admiral, very respectfully, LEWIS B. PARSONS, Colonel and Chief Quartermaster Western River Transportation. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Cairo, ill Page 11 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 11 Seizure of tug Rawlins by U. S. S. Mound City. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of com manding officer of the U. S. S. Mound City. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, March 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward to you a letter* from Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Langthorne, commanding Mound City, in relation to the seizure of the tug Rawlins by him. The owner of the cotton, Mr. Nolan, is her and has the proper permits for shipping it. The permits for landing the stores are all correct. I would state that the person who was in charge of this vessel when I ordered her not to land unless protected by a gunboat is not on board now. The vessel is at this point awaiting your orders. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Con~r& anding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from Quartermaster Fort, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, requesting the release of the vessel. AssIsTANT QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE., Vicks burg, Miss., March 2, 1864. Learning that the tug Rawlins and crew had been seized for alleged violations of the regulations of the Navy, would beg leave to submit the following facts: The tug Rawlins belongs to the United States Government. Captain Henry J. Beckwith (an enlisted man in the U. S. Army) and all the crew are in the service of and under pay from the Gov- ernment. I am not advised what regulations of the Navy have been violated, as I am almost entirely iguorant of the terms of these regulations. But I would most earnestly and respectfully assure you that there was no intention to disregard or t~ disrespect any orders or regu- lations of the Navy, and, on the contrary, hold the very best feelings toward the Navy and all its officers and men. Not knowing what the charges are, am unable to answer them. I learn, however, that she was suspected of taking on board contraband cotton. This tug, as well as other Government boats, has often brought cotton to Vicksburg. But it is always reported to the Treasury De- partment, and for my universal orders and customs and standing m such matters I would respectfully refer you to Captain Owen and many other officers of the Navy as well as the Army. Inasmuch as there was no intention to show any disrespect to the Navy, and whatever was done was done iguorantly, I would respect- fully ask that the tug and crew be released and ordered to report to me, as their services are needed and the pay of the crew still run- ning on. * Not found Page 12 12 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. If you can not do this, I would respectfully ask that the crew be released. I will hold myself responsible that the tug and also the crew shall all be surrendered at any time or place that may be fixed for the investigation. If this is not satisfactory, I will give any bond and security that may be required for the surrender of the tug and crew, and please understand me that I am entirely willing that the whole matter may be investigated. The cotton, of course, I care nothing about; that you can keep as far as I am concerned; but the cotton speculator was released who was the guilty party, if any, and the crew kept. The cotton specu- lator, who, I have understood, was alone, is now here and can be arrested at any time if desired. If a bond is desired, will you do me the favor to send me the form, as I do not know how to prepare it. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, G. L. FORT, Captain and A. Q. if. Lieutenant-Commander GREER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Fourth District, U. S. S. Benton. [Endorsement.] SIR: Your communication received. The Rawlins was released by my order after cautioning the officers not to land at improper places without the permission of the gunboat in sight. The commander of the Rawlins subjected himself to censure, but as it was done through ignorance, I gave him coal and sent him in tow to his port. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, for the release of the vessel. Mississi~ri SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 5, 1864. SIR: Your communication of the 4th instant in relation to the .~eizure of the tug Rawlin8 has been received. Let the tug go, with a warning to be more particular in future. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Sguadron, Natchez. Letter from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of the Navy, regarding transportation of goods of licensed Indian traders. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Washington, D. C., March 5, 1864. SIR: Referring to my conversation to-day with you, respecting the transportation of goods of licensed Indian traders to the Indian country via the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers, and to be more explicit, I will state that these goods are part given in charity to th Page 13 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 13 Indians, who are suffering for the want of them, and a larger portion are the goods of traders licensed by the Indian Department, and which it is considered of the utmost importance by this Department should be delivered in the Indian country for the reasons explained to you. This Department has not funds within its control applicable to the expenses incident to the object, and it is important that imme- diate relief be afforded to the refugee Indians in order to enable them to put in crops this season. I am satisfied that there are very many Indians anxious and ready to return to their loyalty and their homes, and join those refugees who have been supported in Kansas since the commencement of the rebellion; and I earnestly invite your attention to the subject and request that Admiral Porter may be at once instructed to give the goods referred to and to the licensed traders protection to the extent of their water transportation from St. Louis, the expenses of such transportation to be defrayed by said traders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. USHER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretarij. Secretary of the Navy. [Endorsement.] Send a copy of this to the commander in Arkansas River and order him to comply with these instructions as far as he can. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com~- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding ordnance for the vessels. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 5, 1864. SIR: You will please send down the Judge Torrence without delay to fill up the vessels with ordnance. Leave a gunboat in her place at Natchez until her return. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm~iral. Lieutenant- Commander JAMES A. GREER, (Jomdg. Benton and Fourth District Mississippi Squadron. Operations at Jfazoo City, Illarch 5, 1864A~ Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report of commanding officer of U. S. S. Petrel. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Alexandria, La., March 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith, copy of a report from Acting Master Thomas McElroy, commanding naval forces at Yazoo * For additional reports see Official Records of tlie Union and Cowfederate Armies, vol. 32 Page 14 14 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. City, detailing an account of a very handsome little affair that took place there. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. PETREL Off Yccwo City, lJIiss., March 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that Lieutenant-Commander E. K. Owen turned over all vessels in this river (Yazoo) to my com- mand on the 1st instant. I have not complied with his order in send- ing the Marmora up the river, to the foot of Honey Island, which is about 60 miles, as, from information received, I did not think it pru- dent. Enclosed you will please find a copy of Lieutenant-Comman- der Owens order. This morning, at 9.30 oclock, the enemy made a fierce attack on the city and redoubt. Part of the Eleventh Illinois Volunteers was stationed in the redoubt, supporting a 12-pound rifled howitzer be- longing to the gunboat Exchange, left in my charge. I sent an officer and crew to work the gun. The rest of the Eleventh were stationed with a~ colored regiment in and around the city. It was reported to me that after firing the howitzer several times, a shot got jammed in the gun, and could not be removed. I then ordered Captain Gibson, of the Marmora, to dismount one of his rifled howitzers, mount it on a field carriage, and send it on shore with a crew to work it. Before he could get the gun to the redoubt, the enemy had the hill ~ surrounded. At this time the fighting in the city was hand to hand. The gun was placed in position in the street, and did good service, helping very much toward winning the day. The crew at one time was driven from the gun, they not having sufficient support to hold it, but the soldiers seeing the crew driven, rallied, charged on the rebels, and retook it, losing three men in the charge, and wounding James Stoddard, of the hit armora; he is im- proving. During this time both vessels kept up a constant fire on the city until 4 p. m. Then I was requested to cease firing by Colonel Coates as the enemy were retreating. (We expended about 250 shell.) i? then went on shore with a fresh guns crew, and took command of the howitzer, following the rebels up till they had retreated to the hills. I am proud to say that the Navy was well represented by 3 Sailors, who nobly stood by their guns through the whole action, hand to hand to save the gun and the reputation of the Navy. The sailors are highly spoken of by the army officers for their gallant conduct. Their names are Bartlett Laffey, of this vessel; James Stoddard and William J. Franks, of the Ma ora. I would recommend them for your consideration. I have lost confidence in Acting Ensigu Shepley IR. Holmes, who was sent in charge of the howitzer, and as he ha Page 15 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 15 sent in his resignation, I hope it may be accepted. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS MCELROY, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Acting Ma8ter, Coin nding. Commanding Mi8sis8ippi Squadron. [Subenclosure.] U. S. S. MARMOIIA, Off Jfazoo City, March 1, 1864. SIR: You will take command of the vessels left to protect this river (Yazoo). You will remain off this city with your vessel. The Prairie Bird will be stationed off Liverpool and that vicinity. The Al armora will be stationed up the river somewhere in the neighbor- hood of the foot of Honey Island. Each commander must be on his guard and no possible chance allowed the enemy to capture any- one. Run no risks whatever. Obey all orders strictly. Seize all the cotton you can and retain it for the Navy; do not trust it to any transport. I will leave the barge here, which you can keep and put such cotton in as you can. Mark the cotton according to general orders and keep a guard over it at all times. You can communicate with the admiral through the general commanding at Vicksburg. Write by every opportunity to the admiral, with a precise statement of where you are and what you have been doing. Very Fespectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant, Commanding, and Commanding 5th Di8trict. Acting Master THOMAs MCELROY. Report of Acting Master Gibson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Narmora. U. S. S. MARMORA, Off Bolivar Landing, Mi8s., April 1, 1864. SIR: I beg leave most respectfully to inform you that in the en- gagement at Yazoo City, March 5, a 12-pounder howitzer, one of the broadside guns of this vessel, was landed and mounted on a field carriage and used in the heat of the engagement in the streets of the city, and to the bravery of that guns crew may be attributed the change of the fortune of the day. Our land forces were being steadily driven back on the river until this gun was landed and brought to bear on the position of the enemy, driving them from the streets and houses to the hills, where our broadsides could play on them. The carriage of the gun was badly cut by rifle bullets and rammer nearly cut in two by the same, mutely testifying to the severity of the fire to which the men were exposed. I would most respectfully solicit in their behalf that you would confer a medal of honor on the following men: Peter Smith, gunners mate; Martin Wheeler, ordinary seaman; James Stoddard, seaman, shot through the neck, slowly recovering; William J. Franks, ordinary seaman; Henry Lindley. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. GIBSON, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PoR~R, Acting Master, Commanding. Commanding Alississippi Squadron Page 16 16 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Colonel Coates, U. S. Army, commanding Yazoo River expedition, regarding operations March 5, 1864. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Vicksbwrg, lJIi8s., March 11, 1864. SIR: * * * * * * * Upon the morning of Saturday, 5th instant, a heavy attack was made on my center picket (Benton road), but they stood their ground manfully, and not until the enemy had opened a heavy artillery fire upon the picket and reserves did they fall back to the main body of the regiment. The engagement had now become extended throughout my entire line. I had instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major McKee to hold their positions at all hazards, as their redoubts commanded the entire city, and as long as they were held we had the town in our possession. About 10 oclock a. in., I discovered a movement on the part of the enemy to flank me on the left, where I had posted a small detach- ment of the First Mississippi Cavalry. I at once ordered four com- panies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, stationed over a mile distant, to their support. They came gallantly forward, double-quick, but before they arrived within supporting distance General Richardsons entire command had entered the city proper, two regiments being between my headquarters and Fort McKee. At this time Major McKee had sent out a portion of Company K, Eleventh Regiment, to open communication to my headquarters, but finding the enemy in too strong force they endeavored to move back to the works, and in doing so the enemy succeeded in capturing 10 of them prisoners. Three of them, however, escaped into the city, informing me that my only piece of artillery (a small howitzer bor- rowed from the gunboat Exchange, and which was posted in the redoubt occupied by Major McKee) had become disabled. I imme- diately sent for another of the same kind, but before I could get it in the redoubt the enemy had gained full possession of the street, and I posted it upon the corners of khe principal streets of the city and behind a hastily constructed breastwork of cotton, and I regret to say at the first fire of the enemy the officer in charge of the gun (Ensign Holmes, U. S. Navy) and his men shamefully deserted it and fled to the boat, but were met by Captain McElroy, commanding gunboat, who refused them permission to come on board the boat. I succeeded, however, in moving the gun from its position and procured another squad to man it, who performed their duty faithfully and with great bravery. The enemy at this time began to crowd my small force, and I ordered two more companies from the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, who responded with alacrity. I now distributed my small force, consisting of A Company, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and six companies of the Eighth Loui- siana Infantry, through the streets, in doorways, houses, etc., and commenced a vigorous and telling fire upon the enemy, the howitzer discharging shell with telling effect into the houses the enemy had taken possession of. During this time the enemy were pouring Page 17 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 17 heavy discharge of shot and shell from six pieces of artillery, doing little damage, however, except to the buildings. In the meantime Major McKee, in his redoubt, with nine com- panies of the Eleventh, and Major Cook, with his small detachment of 80 men in the rifle pits (the rifle pits having been constructed the day before), and Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, with his four companies on the right, were doing nobly. Major McKee was for four hours surrounded on three sides by the enemy with six regiments, and three times was he ordered to sur- render (orders to surrender and reply of major please find enclosed). During the whole time the enemy had gained his position so as to strike the fort. He had kept up a continuous fire of artillery and small arms, in which our loss was very severe. About 2 p. m. my force made a desperate charge through the streets, completely routing the enemy and pursuing them entirely through the town and beyond the breastworks in the left, my single piece of artillery doing fine execution. The force around and engaged with Major McKee, perceiving their right falling back in disorder, fell into confusion and began to retreat in great disorder, and the major, with only six men, sallied from the fort and with loud cheers actually turned the flank of one entire regiment. The enemy now fell back out of range, and his losses must have been very severe, they admitting the loss of over 40 killed, and their ambulances ~ould be seen constantly employed. My casualties of this and previous engagements during the expe- dition please find enclosed. * * * * * * * JAS. H. CoAms, Colonel 11th Illinois Inf. Vols., Comdg. Jfazoo River Expedition,. Lieutenant-Colonel W. T. CLARK, Assktant Adjutant-General. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Quartermaster Parsows, U. S. Arm~y, regarding transportation in the White River. Mississippi SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 6, 1864. SIR: Your conimunication of 23d February has been received. It is not safe for the boats to run up and down White River, but if they have guards on board, it could be done. The foolish move up the Arkansas~ against my wishes, has sunk one gunboat and shut up another, which interferes very much with my plans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Colonel LEwis B. PARSONS, Chief Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky. lQ2OO80~ W RVOL 2613---.---- Page 18 18 1~AVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Comm,ander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding the 8ending of the ordnance vessel to Red River as ordered. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, March 6, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of 5th instant, I sent the Iior- rence down. I have no boat to take her place and will remain here with this vessel until one is sent or the Curlew (of which nothing has been heard) arrives. General Sherman has gone to Vicksburg, and the Conestoga has proceeded up the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut.-Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4tlb Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Cornan~anding Mississippi Squardon. Collision of the U. S. steamers Conestoga and General Price and sinking of the former, below Grand Gulf, Miss., Jfarch 8, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 9, 1864. SIR: I regret to inform you of the loss of the U. S. S. Conestoga, by a collision with the U. S. ram General Price. The latter vessel ran into the Conestoga while passing her at night, the pilot of the Price not paying proper attention to the signals, which were properly made by the pilot of the Conestoga. So great was the blow that the Conestoga sunk in four minutes, the Price having cut into her engines and sunk her immediately. The vessel will, I fear, be a total loss, as nothing but the tops of the wheelhouses are to be seen, and the water is now very low. All the officers and crew escaped in the boats (except two of the latter, who were drowned), notwithstanding the short notice they had, which speaks well for the discipline of the ship. They lost everything they owned. I have ordered a court of enquiry, though there is not any doubt as to where the blame rests, viz, with the pilot of the Price. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I~AVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IVashingtom, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Conestoga. MISsISsIPPI SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, March 10, 1864. SIR~ I regret to be obliged to report that the U. S. S. Conestoga, ~*hile under my command, was run into by the U. S. S. Genera Page 19 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 19 Price, about 10 miles below Grand Gulf, at about 4 a. in. March 8, and in about four minutes sunk below the surface. All the crew and officers, excepting two seamen, James Brennan and Thomas Robinson, the latter of the Lexington, were saved. The usual and proper signals were used by the Conestoga, but were disregarded by the General Price, which led to the disaster. It is both a pleasure and a duty to add that the good behavior of the officers and crew in this trying circumstance was the cause, under a kind Providence, that so few lives were lost. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. 0. SELFRIDGE, Lientenant-ComAmander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Co anding Mississippi Squci~dron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Price. U. S. S. GENERAL PRICE, Red River, March 11, 1864. ADMIRAL: It is with deep regret that I make the following report: The morning of 8th March, at 4 oclock and twenty minutes, the U. S. steamers General Price and Conestoga came in collision near the mouth of Bayou Pierre, the Conestoga sinking to her hurricane deck in four minutes. I had been up all night and had just retired to bed, when I heard one whistle from a steamer on our port bow; the General Price an- swered it with two whistles. I immediately got out of bed, started to run out on deck, felt a jar, met the officer of the deck, Ensign Platt, who informed me that the Conestoga was sinking. I ordered all boats to be lowered and manned, and rendered all the assistance in my power. Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Selfridge remained on his vessel to the last, and by his coolness and strict discipline the lives of many were saved. After mustering this crew on board the General Price, it was found that there were missing George Robinson, hospital steward, and James Brennan, seaman. I respectfully ask that, at your earliest convenience, a thorough in- vestigation of the circumstances connected with the casualty may be made. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. RICHARDSON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Coindg. U. S. S. General Price. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comnnsanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, recommending that officers and crews be reimbursed for loss of effects through sinking of vessels, making mention of Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, U. S. Navy. Mississippi SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 10, 1864. SIR: There are three cases where vessels have been sunk in battle and otherwise, where the officers and men have lost all they owned Page 20 20 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and no appropriation has been made to reimburse them for their losses. I think the officers and crews are entitled to it in every case, as the loss did not arise from any fault of theirs. This is the third time this war that Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Selfridge has been sunk, his vessel going down suddenly under him, and losing everything. He was sunk exactly on the same day (8th of March) two years ago, in the Cumberi and. The vessels I refer to as deserving remuneration are the Crnesn- mati, Conestoga, and Baron de Kaib. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant~, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dmi ral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Searetary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Brigadier-General Andrews, U. S. Army, to Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, forwardinq information from Major- General Banks, U. S. A y, regarding delayed movement to Red River. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Port Hudson, March 9, 18648:30 p. m. SIR: 1~ have just received the following by telegraph from New Orleans: Please communicate immediately to Admiral Porter and General Huribut or other commander of troops at Red River that the present storm will be likely to delay the movements of the commanding general three or four days C. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Chief of 8taff. In compliance with the above, I have the honor to forward to you this communication. Respectfully, your obedient servant, Gio. L. ANDREWS, Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding Post. Rear-Admiral PORTER and General HUELBUT, or other commander of U. S. troops at Red River. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, for movement to Red River. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 9, 1864. SIR: As soon as you see the transports with Shermans troops com- ing down, you will get underway in the Benton and report to me at this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron Page 21 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 21 General report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy. OFFICE Mississnri SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., March 11, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I am happy to say that the Avenger will leave to-morrow, and, as I shall order the captain to report to you, I shall send your mail and that of the Black Hawk by her. We have had a great deal of work to do to her. The captain tells me he has a quantity of copper on board of her, but has no instructions about it. As I suppose you may intend at some future time to copper her, should she be used in salt water, and may wish to have it done at New Orleans, I have ordered it to be kept on board. She has a full complement of men, as fixed by you. The Curlew will leave to-morrow to relieve the Pittsburg in accordance with your orders; the Coast-Survey officers will go with her for the purpose of surveying Grand Gulf. The Tallahatchie left day before yesterday, and the Carraba.sset left to-day, to report at New Orleans. Gilman has returned and has bought five boats besides the Maria (Talisman). I am informed that the latter might have been here a week ago, if she had not been detained for alterations and to grain the wood- work on the main deck, which was done by Acting Master Wetmore, he considering, as you will see by his letter to you, that he had authority fo do so by your instructions to him. * * * As soon as the Talisman arrives I will fit her out with all dis- patch; and as you have directed that she is to be attached to this station, I shall keep her moving about in this vicinity. I have not a gunboat here now that is in a serviceable condition. The men who, as Mr. Wetmore complains to you, were taken from him, were sent here by my orders, so that the Avenger might not be delayed. The Red Rover came off the ways yesterday. The repairs upon her have been quite extensive and she will not be ready for ten or twelve days yet. The repairs upon the Hastings will be completed about the same time. I have been able to do but little on the Cincinnati, and nothing on the Tuscumbia for want of hands. It is fortunate that the hospital barge is complete, as there are several smallpox patients now there, and a fresh case appeared on the (ilara Doisen yesterday, and another to-day. I send you down an order from the Secretary of the Navy, releasing the Clara Dolsen, the suit having been dismissed, as it appears, by the action of the district attorney. I really wish that some arrangement could be made by which we might have nothing more to do with this vessel, after she is given up to her owners. Her pretended owners will, no doubt, demand a large charter, to make up for what they will call an unjust seizure. So large a vessel as the Clara Dolsen I do not consider necessary for a receiving ship, as the recruits are sent away from her almost as soon as they arrive. I would suggest the Sovereign, but she would need very extensive repairs, and it would embarrass us very muc Page 22 22 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. if she were changed from what she now isa boarding house for our mechanics at Mound City. You once spoke of one of our old vessels from the East, of light draft, being sent up here. Such a vessel would answer our purpose well, and might be made a formid- able floating battery. All of Shirks vessels are up the Tennessee. Hardly a day passes that I do not receive telegrams from quartermasters, asking convoy for valuable cargoes bound up that river. In accordance with your orders I will send Shirk one of the newly purchased vessels as soon as I possibly can. The river is not high enough for vessels to pass over Mussel Shoals, although the army men think differently. Fitch informs me that the Reindeer sustained considerable damage to her upper works when above Nashville. I have ordered her here for repairs. I have written a letter to Watson, telling him that it is your order that a double quantity of bread and large quantities of other provisions be sent down, as you wished to take them up Red River, and that you also order that every requisition from the squadron be filled without delay; and if unable to fill any requisition, to assign his reason for not doing so, that I may inform you. That there may be no excuse on the ground of want of transportation, I have detailed the Bene fit to carry down provisions, stores, etc. The barge you spoke of brought powder, shells, anchors, chains, etc., from St. Louis. I am having her discharged, but before she can again be used she will have to be thoroughly calked. Boggs tells me that the cattle are on the way down to you. The New National will leave on her regular day, loaded as deep as safety will permit. Captain Grant is recommended for a leave of absence by a board of medical survey, and I will send the report to you. I will place Mr. Farmer, the executive officer, in command, which is the best I can do under existing circumstances. He is a very reliable man. One of the pilots of the Curlew, Mr. [William A.i Goll, being absent on a short leave of absence, I ordered Mr. Robert Johnson (one of those who recently reported in obedience to your order) in his place, to return here when Mr. Goll rejoins his vessel. I shall want Mr. Johnson for one of the new vessels. Of course, I shall take no action in the case of the Clara Dolsen until I hear from you. Gilman has been working like a beaver, and well has he done his work. Brown, too, from all I can understand, is faithfully performing his part. A. M. PENNOCK. Sincerely, your friend, Gilman tells me that some time since, when you thought the Clara Dolsen might be given up, you spoke of purchasing a hull of a steamer and fitting her with quarters for officers and men. If you are still of the same mind, please send me the plans and authority to purchase, as what we have to do must be done quickly, as the sharks will soon be after us Page 23 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 23 Cooperation of gunboats, under Rear-A dmmiral D. D. Porter, U. S. Navy, with Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, in the Red River campaign,* March 12 to May 22, 1864. Letter from Major-General McPherson, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding time of proposed movement against Alexandria. hEADQUARTERS, 17TH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 10, 1864. DEAR SIR: Though not fully acquainted with the views and under- standing had between Generals Banks and Sherman in relation to the expedition up Red River, I am aware that it was considered of the utmost importance that the ccoperating force from here with the gunboats should be in the vicinity of Alexandria by the 17th instant. I make this statement,as Jam informed that a dispatch from General Sherman to you was lost in the Conestoga. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON, Major- General. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Missisippi Squadron. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, stating the cause of delay in movement upon Alexandria. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, March 10, 1864. ADMIRAL: The column for operations against Alexandria has been formed at Franklin, La., and it was my intention to march from that place so as to reach Alexandria on the 17th instant, but a violent rainstorm, which commenced night before last on Berwick Bay and here yesterday, has placed the roads in such condition as to make a march impracticable for at least four days. Should the storm not recommence, I shall probably march on Mon- day or Tuesday next, and shall expect to strike the Red River below Alexandria within seven days thereafter. Very respectfully, I am, admiral, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to commanding officers of gunboats regarding the movement up the river. U. S. S. BUxTON, March 13, 1864. The boats will move to-morrow morning at daylight in the follow- ing order: Pittsburg, Chillicothe, Louisville, Benton, Carondelet, Mound City. * For military operations, see Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 34, Parts 14 Page 24 24 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. They will keep about 300 yards apart. As the Pittsburg is faster than some of the vessels, she will at times slow down to allow the others to keep in position. J. A. GREER, Lieutenant-Commander, Senior Officer Present. COMMANDING OFFICERS OF GUNBOATS PRESENT. P. S.Show no lights to-night, beat no drums, and as long as I am senior officer present do not strike the bell. Have the sentinels frequently visited during the night to see they are on the alert. J.A.G. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, to remove obstructions and proceed to Fort De Russy. U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, Jlarch 12, 1864. SIR: You will proceed at once up the Red River with the vessels I will detail to follow you, and commence removing the obstructions in the river, while in the meantime I will take a tour into the Atcha- falaya and land the troops at Simmesport for the purpose of recon- noltering, etc. If you remove the obstructions, move up within a short distance of Fort De Russy, but make no attack until I get up with the main force; though, if there is any force at De Russy, you can amuse them by feints until the army gets into their rear. Take every precaution against torpedoes and protect your men against sharpshooters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander S. L. PHELPS, Commanding Eastport. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding combined movement up the river and capture of Fort De Russy by forces under Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, March 14, 1864. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK~ Fort De Rwssy, Red River, March 15,1864. SIR: I had the honor to report to you that I was about to ascend Red River with a fleet of gunboats in company with a portion of General Shermans command or that of General Banks, whichever concluded to go. On the 7th of March I had assembled at the mouth of Red River a large fleet of ironclads composed of the following vessels: Essex, Commander Robert Townsend; Benton, Lieutenant-Commander James A. Greer; Lafayette, Lieutenant-Commander J. P. Foster; Choctaw, Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Ramsay; Chillicothe, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. P. Couthouy; Ozark, Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant George W. Brown; Louisville, Lieutenant-Commander E. K. Owen; Carondelet, Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Mitchell; Eastport, Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps; Pittsburg, Acting Voluntee Page 25 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 25 Lieutenant W. IR. Hoel; hound City, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. R. Langthorne; O8age, Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Seifridge; Neo8/lo, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Howard; Ouachita, Lieutenant-Commander Byron Wilson; Fort Hindnuitn, Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant John Pearce. And the lighter boats: Lexington, Lieutenant George M. Bache; Cricket, Acting Master H. H. Gor- ringe; Gazelle, Acting Master Charles Thatcher; Black Hawk, Lieu- tenant-Commander K. R. Breese. I received communications from General Banks informing me that he would be in Alexandria on the 17th March, and I made my dis- positions to meet him there. On the 11th instant part of General Shermans command, 10,000 men, under the command of Brigadier-General A. J. Smith, joined me in transports at the mouth of Red River, and next morning early the gunboats started up the river, followed by the transports. There was just sufficient water to allow the larger boats to pass. By pre- vious arrangement Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, in the Ea8tport, was ordered to push on up with his vessel and those that could keep with him, and clear away the heavy obstructions the rebels had placed in the river, and to amuse the fort until the army could land at Simmesport and get into the rear of the enemys works, which could be done by making a march of 30 miles. The Benton, Pittsburg, Chillicotlie, Louisville, Mound City, Caron- delet, Ouachita, Lexington, and Gazelle turned off to the left into the Atchafalaya, followecL by the troops, while the others went on lip the river. The gunboats arrived at Simmesport about 12 oclock and found the enemy posted in force about 3 miles back. The Benton landed her crew and drove in the pickets. The army came along in about half an hour more and landed the next morning, taking possession of the enemys camping ground, the latter retreating toward Fort De Russy. That night General Smith concluded to follow them by land, while I proceeded up Red River with all the gunboats and transports. In the meantime the Eastpart had reached the obstructions and, with the vessels that kept pace with her, had commenced the work of demolition on the formidable barricade, on which the rebels had been employed five months. They supposed it impassable, but our energetic sailors with hard work opened a passage in a few hours. The obstructions consisted of heavy piles driven into the mud and braced in every direction; they were also clamped together with heavy iron plates and chains. The Eastport and Neosho got through about 4 oclock in the after- noon and proceeded up to the fort, which at that moment was being surrounded by the troops under General Smith, who had marched from Simmesport since daylight. A brisk musketry fire was going on between the rebels and our troops, and they were so close together it was difficult to distinguish the combatants. The Iiiastport opened her batteries, but fearing to injure our own men ceased firing, when our troops proceeded to the assault and carried the place. In a few moments, and with small loss, 250 pris- oners, 8 heavy guns, and 2 fieldpieces fell into our hands, and all the munitions of war. The main body of the enemy, 5,000 strong, under the rebel, General Walker, made their escape. They left the fort, it was said, to giv Page 26 26 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. battle to our troops and left a garrison of 300 men to defend it. Our army came in by a different road from what they expected and made short work of them. Among the guns captured was one of the Indianolas IX-inch and one belonging to the Harriet Lane; the rest of the guns were 24 and 32 pounders, and one 160-pounder rifle. As soon as the fort was in possession of the troops I sent off up the river the fleetest gunboats I had to cut the enemy off, if possible, or harass then-i until our troops could be placed on the transports. By sunset the transports will be in Alexandria and ahead of the rebels, and I hope the latter will be cut off. These works have been made much more formidable than they were last year, and the loss of guns must be severely felt by the rebels, as they have only 15 more heavy ones in this section of the country. The whole affair has been well managed, the troops made a splen- did march and attack, and the officers in command of the gunboats and transports have shown great zeal and industry in getting up the river and through the obstructions which the rebels deemed impassable. I forgot to mention in my last report that in the recent attack on Trinity by the gunboats a number of negroes were recaptured who were captured by the enemy in a recent attack upon Goodrichs Landing. I enclose herewith a list of the guns captured at Fort De Russy, with their numbers. As some of them appear to be Navy guns, the Ordnance Bureau may be able to account for them. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm,iral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of. the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] List of guns eapturca at Fort De Hussy water battery. 1. One 32-pounder, 33-cwt. F. P. F. No. 227, Navy; in barbette. J. S. C. Proved 1847. 2. One 32-pounder, 33-cwt. F. P. F. No. 226, Navy; in barbette. J. S. C. Proved 1847. 4. Two 9-inch Dahlgren guns. No marks could be discovered on these guns, but they bore all the evidences of having been in service in the Navy, the remains of gun blacking being on them. Both Tugs were cut for locks with the usual composition piece fitting into spare lug. 5. One 32-pounder, 60-cwt., 1827, Navy gun. 6. One 32-pounder U. S. rifled, marked W. J. W. No. 289. This gun is an old Army 32-pounder, rifled, with band shrunk on the breech. 8. Two 24-pounder siege guns. In Hill Battery. 10. Two 6-pounder iron fieldpieces Page 26A SKETCH OF RED RIVER FROM FORT LIE Russ~ TO THE RAFT. (Original.) U ~6) o o 0 0 o 00000 Page 26B Page 27 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 27 Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, transmitting descriptive list of guns and inventory of ordnance stores captured at Fort De Russy, March 14. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX, Off Fort De Ru8sy, Red River, April 7, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to enclose herewith a descriptive list of the guns captured at Fort De iRussy; also an inventory of the ordnance stores taken on the same occasion. In obedience to your order, I sent the two IX-inch guns, one Mar- silly carriage, IX-inch, without gear, and two IX-inch elevating screws, and one IX-inch breech sight to Cairo by the New National. I also sent about 2,900 pounds of powder to ordnance vessel and have the remainder, 2,000 pounds, on board the Essece. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Com.mcsnder, U. S. Navy, Comma ing. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Rnclosure.] Descriptive list of guns captured at Fort De Hussy, La., March 14, 1864. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX, Off Fort De Rus8y, Red River, March 19, 1864. Register weight Class of ~ No. Foundry. Year. Prover. IX-inch Dahigren 841 S iX-inch Dahlgren 843 32-pounder 226 33218 F. P. F 1847 J. S. C. 32-pounder 227 33221 F. P. F 1847 J. 5. C. G. F.-iM 32-pounder 598 60112 G.I - 1827 Old 32-pounder, rifled 289 7,340 lbs. U. S., on reinforce W. J. W. One IX-inch Marsilly carriage; two iX-inch elevating screws; one IX-Inch breech sight. NOTE.NO other marks than the register numbers can be found on the IX-inch guns. These numbers that, for want of a better desig- nation, I call register numbers, have probably some significance at the foundry where the guns were cast. The numbers, in figures one- fourth inch tall, have been stamped on the face of the muzzle and on the rear of the pommelion of each IX-inch gun. The 32-pounders of 33-cwt. and the old double fortified 32-pounder are Navy guns. The rifled 32-pounder is banded at the breech like a Parrot rifle. It is an old garrison or seacoast gun, proved as far back as when General W. J. Worth was an officer of ordnance. Respectfully submitted. ROBERT TOWNSEND, Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 28 28 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding request of Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, for the movement of transports in order to intercept Major-General Walker, C. S. Army. U. S. GUNBOAT EASTPORT, Fort De Ru8sey, March 14, 1864. SIR: Since your tug was here, General [A. J.1 Smith has been on board. By his request I send to you to ask, if possible, the transports may be sent up so that he can get off in the morning, in which event he thinks he can head off General Walker, who has taken the Alexan- dria road with 5,000 men. It will be well for the transports to pass the obstructions by daylight, but there is nothing in the way to that point. We were engaged in pulling out obstructions all day. I have sent the Fort Hindman and Cricket up to Scraggy Point to-night. The march to Alexandria. is 35 miles, and Walker has several miles the start of our steamers; but if our people can get on board transports by 10 a. m. they can get above Walker by night. The gnus here are all intact. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lie uten ant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding ~JIi88i88ippi Squadron. P. S.~General Smith suggests that if you would send word back by the tug whether the transports would come, and at what time, it would enable him to determine what to do. S. L. PHELPS. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to assist in the destruction of Fort De Russy. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Fort Dc Rus8y, March 15, 1864. SIR: Until further orders you will remain here and protect this point. You will also assist in demolishing the works and saving the IX-inch and such other guns as it may be desirable to save. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER. Commanding Benton. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, giving precautions against collisions. GENERAL ORDERi U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, No. 179. f F?ag8hip Black Hawk, March 15, 1864. It is the rule in Red River for every vessel to blow a long whistle ~O0 yards before she arrives at any point. Vessels going down must slow down and not pass the point until the vessel coining up the bend is out of all danger of being run into Page 29 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 29 Gunboats belonging to this squadron will carefully observe this order; also all transports. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Ah88~& npp? Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieutenant- Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding removal of obstructions and capture of Fort De Russy. No. 78] Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Alexandria, La., March 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived at this place this afternoon. As soon as the forts were surrendered, I pushed on the fastest vesselsOuachita and Lexingtonfollowed by the Eastport to Alexandria. The Ouaehita arrived here as the last of a fleet of transports passed over the falls. The rebels set fire to a large ferryboat, and one of the boats ground- ing on the falls, was also burned to prevent her falling into our hands. As no reliable pilot could be procured to take our boats across the falls, the transports will have to escape for the present, but are sure to be captured or destroyed before the month is over. The surrender of the forts at Point De Rnssy is of much more im- portance than I at first supposed. The rebels had depended on that point to stop any advance of army or navy into this part of rebeldom. Large quantities of ammunition, best engineers, and best troops were sent there, and in two or three months more it would have been a most formidable place. As it was, it was not complete (though the guns were in position) and would have stood a very poor chance if attacked in force. The works have been laid out by a Colonel De Russy, and are of the most extensive and formidable kind. Colonel De Russy, from appearances, is a most excellent engineer to build forts, but does not seem to know what to do with them after they are constructed. The same remark may apply to his obstruc- tions, which look well on paper but dont stop our advance. The efforts of these people to keep up this war remind one very much of the antics of Chinamen, who build canvas forts, paint hideous dragons on their shields, turn somersets, and yell in the faces of their enemies to frighten them, and then run away at the first sign of an engage- ment. It puts the sailors and soldiers out of all patience with them after the trouble they have had in getting here. Now and then the army have a little brush with their pickets, but that does not often happen. It is not the intention of these rebels to fight; the men are tired of the war, and many of their officers are anxious to go into cotton speculations. A large trade has been carried on between this and New Orleans, the rebels receiving supplies for their cotton. There is a surprising abundance of every kind of food in this country, and no suffering among the people except for luxuries; it would be folly to suppose they could all be starved out. The only way is to take pos- session of this rich region, hold it with a strong military and naval force, and enforce the laws. There are some good Union men here who have suffered much. I hope the day of their delivery has come Page 30 80 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. General Smith has left a good force at the forts (and I left the Benton and Essex) to destroy theni effectually, which will be some labor. We have seven or eight thousand troops in this city, and are expecting to hear soon of General Banks arrival. He has been de- layed by storms, which have made the roads heavy. The force that left the forts with a party under General Polignac from Harrisonburg has gone out to meet General Banks, who will soon dispose of them, and the chances are that when all our cavalry (now approaching with General Banks) get after them, the rebels will be captured or scattered, not to unite again for some time. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm,iral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. P. S.I beg leave to mention as a proof of the rapidity with which this portion of General Shermans command, under Brigadier-General A. J. Smith, did their work, they marched 28 miles, starting at day- light, built a bridge, which cost them over two hours hard work, had sharp skirmishing, and artillery attack of two hours, and had pos- session of the forts (all intact) before sunset. It is one of the best military moves made this war. I beg leave to inclose copy of Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. [Enclosure.] U. S. IRONCLAD RAM EASTPORT, Alexaadria, La., March 16, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 12th instant, I proceeded up Red River, the Lafayette, Choctaw, Osage, Neosho, Ozark, Fort Hindqnan, and Cricket in company, meeting with no obstacle till we reached the obstructions 8 miles below Port De Russy on the 14th instant. The great length and draft of the Lafayette and Choctaw rendered it difficult for them to navigate this narrow and crooked river, and our progress was slow. Near the head of the rapids were works for light artillery, commanding a difficult turn in the river, which had been recently abandoned. The obstructions consisted of piles, driven across the river, sup- ported by a second tier of shorter ones, on which rested braces and ties from the upper ones. Immediately below these is a raft of tim- ber well secured across the river and made of logs, which do not float. Finally a forest of trees had been cut and floated down upon the piles from above. The river had broken through these obstruc- tions and had partially undermined the rifle-pits on the right bank. The Fort Hindman removed a portion of the raft, when I ran this vessel up, and both by pulling and ramming broke out the piles and framework still obstructing the passage of vessels. This work consumed nearly the entire day. The Osage, Fort Hindman, and Cricket followed me through, and we hastened up to the fort. For a short time there had been rapid artillery firing, which ceased as we came in sight of the works, the Page 31 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 31 about sunset, except three shots fired by the rebels from a gun in an angle of the water battery. We could see the enemy using musketry from the parapets of the rear works, but could see nothing of the attacking force. An officer from General Smith had reached the vessel, notifying me of the ap- proach of his force, but with no advice as to time or plan of attack. The line of fire of the gunboats would have passed directly to the rear of the works, injuring our own people more than the enemy in his works. I fired a short-fuzed shell at an elevation as a signal gun, and then ventured one 100-pounder rifle shell at the water bat- tery, which shell burst over it, and the enemy ran from it. A few moments after this a white flag was displayed from the rear works, some 600 yards from the water battery, and which alone had been attacked. The guns and works were captured uninjured and 185 prisoners fell into General Smiths hands, those of the enemy occupying the water battery making good their escape. General Walker, the rebel commander, had marched out with 5,000 men, ostensibly to attack our approaching land force, leaving a gar- rison of but 300 men to defend works incomplete and of considerable extent and which, if complete, had been of great strength. Your order of the 14th instant was delayed some five hours be- yond the time necessary in reaching me and in consequence I did not reach this place till the evening of the 15th, a short time after the lighter ve~sels pushed on ahead, and which had arrived one-half hour too late to capture six steamers which had succeeded in getting over the falls and escaping with one exception, the steamer Coulvte88, burned by the enemy after grounding on the falls. Had your order duly reached me, we no doubt would have captured the steamers. By morning nine gunboats had arrived and I landed a force of 180 men to occupy the town and to seize rebel property. This force, under Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, was in occupation of the place when you arrived. Seven prisoners of war were captured by the pickets. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Co aiviler. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Co~1r& nbanding Ah8S~s8ippi Squadron. Letter from Brigadier-General Mower, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, hoping for sufficient water to reach Shreveport. HDQRS. FIRST AND THIRD DIVISIONS 16TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., March 17, 1864. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- tion with reference to the depth of water on the shoals. I still hope we shall have sufficient water to be able to proceed to Shreveport. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. A. MOWER, Brigadier-General, Comrniinding. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Coiraw& cvndimg Naval Forces Page 32 32 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, regarding a test of the strength of Fort De Russy. considered by the Confederates as invulnerable. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX, Off Fort De Rus8y, Red River, March 17, 1864. ADMIRAL: You know the apparently formidable character of the iron-plated, casemated battery constructed by the rebels here at the head of the bend. Some of the rebel officers, prisoners, had boasted of its invulnerability. Consulting with General A. J. Smith, command- ing, we concluded to test, last evening, the powers of endurance of this paragon of rebel defensive works. The fear of injuring our own people engaged in demolishing the other works.somewhat limited my choice of position, but I was able to select one, nearly in front, distant about 550 yards from the battery. As it was nice work, I directed Acting Master Parker, my executive officer, to sight the gun. Although the glare of the setting sun was not favorable to accuracy of aim, the shots were good ones. One of the Parrott 100-pounder rifles was used, one percussion shell and four solid shot being fired. Even the shell broke and shattered the railroad iron, whilst the solid shot crashed through, making holes from 18 to 30 inches long by 8 to 11 inches wide, burying themselves to the depth of 1~ to 2 feet in the solid oak backing, and badly starting the timbers on the inside. One shot struck the crest of the work, tearing off four or five of the bars of railroad iron, 6 and 8 feet long, and hurling them 20 to 30 yards beyond.. A shorter piece, flying into the air at an angle of 450, was thrown over a couple of hundred yards back into the woods. All of the shots could be covered by a circle 10 feet in diameter. Generals A. J. Smith and Kilby Smith came to the conclusion that 50 similar shots would use up this seemingly invulnerable work. I enclose a rough sketch that will give you some idea of the effect of the firing. General Smith, with his troops, leaves here this morning. Under your orders, I will remain with the F88ex and Benton. We have got down to the bank the following guns: Two IX-inch; 1 rifled 32- pounder banded; one 32-pounder of 61 hundredweight; and two 32- pounders of 33 hundredweight. Also one IX-inch Marsilly carriage, and all the shot and shell. The powder has been and will be used in destroying the works. But General Smith will give you the par- ticulars. I will mention, only, as the result of our experience, that a gun weighing over 9,000 pounds can be slung (dragging) to the axles of an army wagon and drawn by 18 mules. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, etc., ROBERT TOWNSEND, Comimander, U. S. Navy, Co manding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mis8i88ippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. aenton, regarding eipedition in search of cotton, and leaky condition of that vesseL U. S. S. BENTON, Off Fort De Rws~sy, March 18, 1864. Sm: I have the honor to inform you that yesterday I got underway with this vessel and ran up a few miles and back, to look for som Page 33 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. cotton. I was obliged to change the position of the vessel to be clear of the effects of the blowing up of a magazine. In our little trip the vessel did not at any time strike the bank with any force. She grazed it a few times, but that did not jar her. After making fast, she commenced leaking more freely than ever; we, however, kept it under, and, by shifting weight from the starboard quarter, we have the leak under control. I am fully convinced in my own mind that the oakum has to a certain extent, been jarred out of the seams on the starboard side, and possibly on the bottom. When we remain quiet, the leak subsides, but working the engine causes her to open again. I am sorry to have to make so bad a report of our condition. I have not been able to withdraw my letter of the 15th instant, reporting that we were all right again. I have removed a good deal of weight from the vicinity of the leaks, and think that, with careful handling, we can get along very well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Benton. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding IJh8sis8ippt Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, forwarding sketch showing effect of rifle shot on Fort De Russy. No. 86.1 MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Off Alexandria, La., March ~O, 1864. SIR: I enclose a sketch * of an iron easemated battery showing the effects of four rifle shot from the guns of the E8sexthe exp en- ment having been tried to test the work. The distance fired from was 550 yards. This is one of the strongest works ever built of earth and iron, and was supposed capable of effectually resisting our ironclads. Ten 100-pounder rifles, ten XI-inch guns. twenty IX-inch. six 30-pounder rifles, and eight V.111-inch guns would have been brought to bear on this work at one time, to say nothing of 50 guns firing shrapnelthe result can be easily imagined. I seiid the sketch for the information of the Bureau of Ordnance. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy, Wa8hington, D. C. * See vol. 11, p. 733. 1O2OOS0~ XV SVOL 2613 Page 34 34 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting sketch of Fort De Russy and surrounding country. MISSIssIPPI SQLTADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Alexandria, La., March 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith for the information of the Department a sketch of Fort De Russy, Red River, and the sur- rounding country. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WTELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Bragg, regarding the loan of howitzer to transport Black Hawk, car- rying Major-General Banks, U. S. Army. U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG, 111 outh of Red River, March 23, 1864. SIR: Major-General Banks arrived here this evening on the trans- port Black Hawk, bound up Red River. He desired a convoy, which, being unable to give him, I, at his request, loaned him my 12-pound howitzer, he promising to return it by first opportunity. The Brown arrived this evening with three barges of coal, and she starts up in the morning with one barge for Alexandria. As the B. has no Red River pilot aboard of her, I send a man who has been loaned to me by the Black Hawk, and have requested him to report to you on his arrival. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. DOMINY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding fuel. HEADQUARTERS RED RIVER EXPEDITION, Steamer Clara Bell, March 24, 1864. Many of my boats are quite out of wood. I am informed it can be procured about twenty miles below on the river bank. Will I have time to run a portion of the boats down to wood up? What little coal we have I want to save. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. SMITH, Brigadier-General. Admiral D. D. PORTER Page 34A [Enclosure.] V SKETCH OF FORT DE Russy, LA., MARCH, 1864. C. Fendall, United States Coast Survey. NOTEThe Navy took possession of these forts in 1863 and partly destroyed them. On their leaving the river the works were again taken possession of by the rebels, who commenced rebuilding them and added considerably to their size. March 14, 1864, Fort De Russy was recaptured hy the United States forces under Gen. A. J. Smith, of the Sixteenth Army Corps, the gunboats, Eestport, Osege, Fort Hindmen, and Cricket approaching at the time. The Army took it by assault with small loss Page 34B Page 35 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 35 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, stating the amount of cotton cap- tured in Red River. Mississir~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Alexandria, La., Marc1~ 24, 18C4. SIR: I have the honor to report that we have captured 2,021 bales of rebel cotton since we came into this river, all of which has been sent to Cairo, together with 28 barrels of molasses. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mis8issippi. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to judge of the district court of Illinois, naming vessels entitled to share in prize cotton, etc. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report for adjudication and condemnation 2,129 bales of cotton, 28 barrels molasses, and 18 bales of wool, cap- tured from the rebels and belonging to Confederate Government. This cotton; wool, and molasses were captured in presence of the fol- lowing vessels, which are all entitled to share in the prize. I would respectfully request that the cotton may be sold as soon as possible, as it is badly baled, and it may be accidentally burned and lost to the Navy. I also request that previous to being sold it may be advertised in the Cairo papers. Vessels entitled to share: Black Hawk, Eastport, Lafayette, Neo- sho, Ozark, Choctaw, Osage, Chillicothe, Louisville, Carondelet, Ben- ton, Pittsburg, Mound City, Essex, Lexington, Ouachita man, Cricket, Gazelle, Ge ral Price. , Fort Hind- Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Hon. S. H. TREAT, Rear-Admiral. U. S. District Judge, Springfield, Ill. Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, regarding outrages committed by negroes and referring to another test of batteries at Fort De Russy. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX, Off Fort De Russy, March 25, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterdays date by the hands of Mr. Voorhees. My action in regard to the outrages committed by negroes had anticipated your instructions, and I have not received any complaints since Sunday last. The army established here a recruiting station for colored troops, with contraband camp attached, under charge of a Captai Page 36 36 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Lee. lie had enlisted some 257 soldiers, and some 700 or 800 other negroes have come into the camp. The latter are mostly women and children. As soon as I learned of the perpetration of outragesthere have been very few altogetherI sent for Captain Lee, and assumed the authority of giving to him such orders as would prevent their recurrence, and some real grievances I caused to be redressed. I did not pretend to any direct control over those belonging to the Army; but I assured Captain Lee that in the interests of humanity I would take means to prevent outrages and severely pnnish offenders. I found him disposed to do all in his power to preserve good order, and for several days past I have heard no complaints, save of inso- lence or threats on the part of the negroes. I confined one contra- band twenty-four hours in double irons for making threats to burn a small lot of cotton. He was terribly frightened, and the effect was good. Before burning the railroad-iron casemated battery, I gave its powers of endurance another trial, this time with IX-inch solid shot, at about 300 yards. The guns had the best of it, the shot cutting out and rending the iron (4 inches thick) and burying themselves in the wood. None passed through, though splinters of oak were torn off on the inside; one splinter was 7 feet long, a foot wide, and half a foot thick, or deep. Iron bars were sent spinning high in air and fell, with a boomerang-like eccentricity and rush, in rear of the work. As the Aili88oum is similarly protected, these experiments assure us of the su~cess that must attend our attack, should she wait to receive it. As soon as a diagram of the casemate is completed I will send you a regular report. Trusting, admiral, that you will bear in mind your promise to send for us when there is water enough, I have the honor to remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Coironander, U. S. Navy, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Cow& manding Afi88i88ipp~ Squadron. Letter from Brigadier-General Lee, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting means of ferriage for a cavalry picket. HDQEs. CAVALRY Div., DEFT. OF THE GULF, Alexcmdria, La., March 9?5, 1864. DEAR SIR: I am directed by General Banks to place a cavalry picket on the opposite bank of the river. Will it be convenient for you to place at my disposal, at 2 p. m. to-day, means of ferriage for about 75 to 100 men and horses? I am respectfully, your obedient servant, A. L. LEE~ Brigadier-General, Co dg. Cavalry, Department of Gulf. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, CQmnranding Mis8i88ippt Squadron Page 37 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 87 Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy, urging the restriction of boats and individuals from pass- ing into Red River. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, March 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: Orders have been given at New Orleans to pass no boat for the Red River except in the employment of the Government. No citizen or person not connected with the Army should be allowed to go up the river except upon a pass approved by myself or Brigadier- General James Bowen, provost-marshal of the department. No recruiting officer or other person not in the service of the Government should be allowed to go up without such a pass. The public service requires that this regulation should be strictly enforced. All boats in the service of the Government are chartered by the quartermaster, Colonel S. B. Holabird, and no person, except he be in his service, will be passed upon these boats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. ~. BANKS, Captain C. DOMINY, Major- General, Commanding. Connmanding Fleet at the Mouth of Red River. Order for officers in charge of patrol. U. S. S. BENTON, March 25, 1864. Destroy everything in the shape of a boat or scow, no matter to whom it may belong. Disarm any negroes found committing out- rages. Take no one on board the tug other than prisoners. If you find anyone carrying letters, take him prisoner. If you see anyone with, or attempting to use offensively, torpedoes, shoot him on the spot. Keep the men under control and allow no straying from the river bank. Allow no pillaging. The officer in charge will do all the business. JAMES A. GREER, Lieutenant-Commander. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrest of Nelson Bunker and destruction of flats and skiffs by patrol vessel. U. S. S. BENTON, Fort De Russy, March 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, to-day, the party that were on the tug patrolling arrested, about 20 miles above this place, a man, Nelson Bunker, who was dressed in the United States uni- form and says he belongs to the Second New York Regiment. He says he got drunk at Alexandria and was induced by a companion to leave. Our men chased but did not succeed in capturing the man referred to. By direction of Commander Townsend I send th Page 38 88 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. prisoner to you on the Fort Hindirtan. The tug party destroyed a large number of flats and skiffs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER. Lieutenant-Com~imander, U. S. S. Benton. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Army, regarding restric- tion of boats and individuals passing into Red River. U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG, Mouth Red River, March 26, 1864. SIR: As Major-General Banks passed up by here he left me a copy of an order issued in New Orleans, and requested me to briug all boats bound up Red River alongside, and to see that no citizens were allowed to go up that river without the proper passes, and since I received his request I have done so. I inclose a copy of the order. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. DOMINY. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Comm~anding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comimanding Mis8i8sippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding the seizure of cotton. IT. S. S. BENTON, Off Fort De Ru88y, March 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a party from this vessel seized, yesterday, 13 bales of cotton on the abandoned plantation of a noted rebel named Bondurant. To-day our men got 18 bales from the same place, which they baled themselves, using up an old awning for the purpose. I have now on hand 62 bales, and have to request that we may be relieved of it, as it is difficult to keep it dry during the rains. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieutenant-C. mander, Co anding Benton. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Coinmanding Mi88i88ippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the slow progress up the river of the vessels of his command. No. 97.] MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK hAwK, Alexa na, La., Mo~ttnd City, March 29, 1864. SIR: Being about to leave for Shreveport, or as high up the river as I can get, I have the honor to report progress Page 39 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 39 After a great deal of labor and two and a half days hard work, we succeeded in getting the Eastport over the rocks on the falls, hauling her over by main force. Now and then a rise of an inch or so of water would help her along, and she finally was enabled to pass the advance of the army encamped on the bank of the river 25 miles above Alexandria. Other vessels got through, and a few more remain to be got over, when we will push on to the end. It is very slow work getting over these rocks, but as yet we have met. with no accidents. One hospital ship [Wood/ord], belonging to the Marine Brigade, sunk on the falls by striking on the rocks, but all the rest of the transports went over safely. I shall only be able to take up a part of the force I brought with me, and leave the river guarded all the way through. The rebels are retreating before the army, and, as usual, are destroying everything that can fall into our hands, treating public and private property alike. This is the last hold they will have in this country, and they seem determined to wreak their vengeance on the unoffending inhabitants who have some little cotton to dispose of. Their destructiveness has been a death blow to the rebellion in this State, and General Dick Taylor has left a name behind him to be execrated when the rebellion is long past. Confederate money is worth here one quarter of a cent on the dollar, or the most I have heard offered is 3 cents. The cnrrency of a country is the best proof of its prosperity. The health of the squadron, I am happy to say, continues good. I have th~ honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant. DAVID D. PORTER. Rear-Admiral. Hon. GTDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Order of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton, to proceed above Alexandria. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER EssEx, Off Fort De Ru& sy, March 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: The admiral gives me the following instructions in re- gard to the Benton: Direct Captain Greer to proceed up river, if his leak will permit, as far as the high bluff 5 miles below Alexandria, [La.], or where they commenced a fort last year. I want him to lie where he will command the position with his guns, and at the same time leave the channel clear. No other orders are necessary. Your own excellent judgment will guide you in any such exigencies as may chance to arise. In parting from you after our genial and very pleasant companion- ship, both official and personal, I can not but express the sincere regret I feel in bidding you good bye. Trusting that the intei~course that has proved so agreeable may often again be renewed, I remain, very respectfully and truly, yours, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Comim1ander, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREEn, U. S. Navy, Conrnn1anding U. S. Ironclad Benton Page 40 40 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTE1~N WATERS. Letter from Brigadier-General Stone, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the obstruction of the river by the enemy. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., Marc~3O,18~411~1~a.m. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have been in- formed that the enemy are trying to obstruct the river at Loggy Bayou. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CITAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Com4ma ing Missi8sippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, giving list of captured cot ton collected at Fort De Russy. U. S. S. BENTON, 0/f Fort De Ru8sy, March 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following list of cotton now at this point: Seveii bales seized on the Atchafalaya on March 13, 1864, from a rebel, name unknown. Twenty-four bales seized on Red River, March 16, 1864, at Mr. Brochards. Loyalty doubtful; married six months ago widow of a man who died or was killed in C. S. Army. This woman, it is said, owned the property. Eight bales, March 29, 1864, same. Eighteen bales, March 27, 1864, Red River, Johnsons place. He is a bitter rebel, gone to Texas. This cotton is said to be owned by a Mr. Voinch6 (of very doubtful loyalty and reputation); claims to be a foreigner, it is said. Thirteen bales, March 28, same as above. Nine bales, March 29, same as. above. Forty-six bales, March 30; seized at Mr. Guilleberts, near Marks- ville. A bitter rebel. Ten bales, March 30; seized at Mr. Gangrous place. Said to be loyal. Three bales, March 30; seized at Mr. Garretts. Said to be loyal. Twenty bales, March 30; seized at Justin Janeaus, Red River. Doubtful. Ten bales, March 30; seized at G. W. Snoddys, Red River. Said to be loyal. One bale (damaged), March 30; seized at J. Normans, Red River. Said to be loyal. Total, 169. Mr. Voinch~, mentioned above, is said to be a bad man; has helped the Confederates very much. A man living near, or at Marksville, named Antoine Maras, can testify against him. I have not had tim Page 41 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 41 to obtain his affidavit. Mr. Voinch~ is said to have a good deal of cotton in Marksville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieutenant-Com4mander, Co anding Benton. Commander iR. TOWNSEND, Commanding U. S. S. Essex. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding captured cotton. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Bluffs, below Alexandria, April 1, 1864. Sm: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place. On the Iwo days previous to my departure from Fort D~ Russy I seized 107 bales of cotton, which makes a total of 169 that I have taken. I left it with Captain Townsend, to be sent up on first naval transport. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Benton. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, making general reference to operations. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, April 3, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I received yours from Fort De Russy, and was much gratified that you were so well pleased with General A. J. Smith and the troops I sent with you up Red River. In organizing that command I had in view that end, as also a fighting column equal to anything. I could not control Qeneral Banks movements, but he certainly assured me he was all ready and would beat my troops to Alexandria. He had for preparation all the time I was gone to Meridian, and I only had from the 3d of March to the 10th to put my troops on board at Vicksbnrg and join you at the mouth of Red River. But I cant be responsible for General Banks and leave him to play his own game of war. I clearly foresaw the course of events and stipulated that my quota of 10,000 would be wanted out of Red River by the 10th of April. I must have them and leave General Steele to continue to cooperate with General Banks. Their conjoint forces are fully adequate to the remaining part of the programme. I understand from unofficial sources that General Smith, in cooperation with your fleet, has already captured the fort, De Russy, Alexandria, and also Natchitoches, including, I suppose, the fortified point, Grand lEcore. This leaves General Banks nothing but Shreveport, and it may be, if Red River is up, that before this reaches you Shreveport will be also in our possession. Forrest ha Page 42 42 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. availed himself of our absence to come tip as far as Paducah. He attempted to capture the fort, but was whipped off badly. He can not make a lodgment on the river anywhere, and the longer he stays up in that pocket the better chance we have of bagging or breaking up his force. I want Smiths command to move with great rapidity up the Yazoo as far as Greenwood, disembark, and occupy Grenada, then to act according to circumstances, and strike across to join on my forces here a t Decatur, Ala. I wish you would let him have a few tin-dads up the Yazoo to cover the disembarkation and to escort back to the Mississippi his boats. We are getting ready for big licks, and if it should so result that we can whip Lee and Joe Johnston fairly and squarely it would seem that a result is approaching. But I do not wish to indulge in dreams, but to use rapidly and boldly all the forces at my disposal. I write by this opportunity to Generals Steele, Banks, and A. J. Smith, all to the same effect. Socially, I regret that our operations are carry- ing us farther and farther apart, but in the end I hope we will meet again in a glorious peace, if possible. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Co manding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Afississippi Fleet. Report of Lieutenant Bache, U. S. Navy, announcing the death of Acting Volun- teer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Chillicothe. U. S. S. LEXINGTON, ~25 mile8 above Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. SIR: It becomes my sad duty to report to you the loss of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding Jos. P. Couthouy, of the Chilli- cot he. When about 5 miles above Grand Ecore on the evening of the 3d instant we discovered a couple of rebels lurking about some burn- ing cotton and immediately gave them two howitzer shells, when they disappeared. Captain Couthouy being in the sternmost vessel, came on deck to see what the firing was about, and in the act of stepping from the ladder to the turret, was shot through the body. The ball passed through the starboard chimney before hitting him and was fired from the direction of the starboard quarter. The cowardly scamp got off, as I did not learn of the fact till after we came to, about 1 oclock. Captain Couthouy desired me to tell you not to suppose that he exposed himself recklessly; that he went on the turret from a sense of duty. He died yesterday morning about 9 oclock, and, I believe, not in much pain. I have had an air-tight coffin made, in which we hope to preserve his body till it reaches his family. Captain Couthony, as you well know, sir, was recognized as one of our most valuable volunteer officers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. BACHE, Lieutenant, Corn anding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mi8si88ippi Squadron Page 43 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 43 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Price, for convoy duty. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Alexandria, La., April 5, 1864. SIR: You will, with your vessel, be ready to leave to-morrow morning at half-past 6, and as soon as the army transport James Battle is ready, will convoy her to the mouth of Red River. On your arrival take in what coal you require with all dispatch, and unless you should meet with coal coming up the river, take a barge in tow and return to this place. Say to Captain Dominy that he must expedite the Champion, Benefit, and other boats ordered up here, all that lies in his power. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. F. RICHARDSON, Commanding General Price. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, announcing the death of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Chillicothe. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Grand Ecore, La., April i, 1864. SIR: I regret very much to inform you of the de~ith of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Jos. P. Couthouy, commanding U. S. S. Chil- licot he. This estimable officer was picked off by a guerilla while on the deck of his vessel, directing his guns on a large body of cavalry that were engaged at the time with our cavalry; the former were compelled to retreat by the fire of the gunboats. The death of Captain Couthouy is much regretted by officers and men, and by no one more than myself, as he was a zealous and patriotic officer. He was shot on the 3d instant and died on the 4th. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dmi al. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Ensign Terry, U. S. Navy, to report to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, delivei?ing stores to naval vessels on the way. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Alexandria, La., April 8, 1864. SIR: You will take charge of the Benefit and proceed to join Admiral Porter up the river. Deliver the stores you have for the vessels as you go along with all dispatch. Keep a bright look for the enemy along the banks. Never tie to the bank, but anchor in mid-stream, and always have an officer o Page 44 44 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. deck and one watch of men armed. Post sentinels and observe the usual practice of the river and this squadron. Respectfully, etc., K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant-Co ander, Comtnanding. Ensign S. W. TERRY, U. S. Navy, In. charge Steam~er Beri~e fit. Letter from Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the grounding of steamer Iberville. HEADQUARTERS DIVISION 17TH ARMY CORPS, Steamer Hastings, April 8, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have got the Iberville off, but she is very heavily laden with ordnance, drawing now 6~ feet. Her pilot reports that she must be lightened before he can work further. I have ordered relief for her. With highest respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, THOS. KILBY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Com~rn~andieng. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from Brigadier-General Stone, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, referring to the battle of Pleasant Hill, April 59, and proposing to communicate with the gunboats at Springfield Landing. PLEASANT HILL~ [LA.], April 9, 1864. AD~IILxL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the advance of his forces reached a point about 5 miles this side of Mansfield about noon yesterday. There the advance became engaged with a force of the enemy, which proved to be the com- bined forces of Green and Price. After hard fighting until sunset with largely superior numbers the advance party had to fall back, with considerable loss in men, artillery, and transportation, under cover of the Nineteenth Army Corps, which managed to hold its ground through the night and fall back to form a junction with General Smiths forces here this morning. I intend to return this evening on the same road with General Franklins and General A. J. Smiths commands, and to be in communication with the transports of General Kilby Smith and the gunboats at Springfield Landing on Sunday evening or Monday forenoon. The major-general com- manding has ordered General Grover to join his forces to those of General Kilby Smith as soon as practicable. Very respectfully, admiral, your most obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. Miss. Squadron, off Grand Ecore Page 44A ~~~~1 ~~1 f~1 poiri 1 Page 44B Page 44C SKETCH OF THE ROADS NEAR THE BATTLEFIELDS OF APRIL 8 AND 9, 1864. Maj. Le I~uc Page 44D Page 45 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 45 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, stating the difficulties existing after the battle of Pleasant hill, April 89, in view of the proposed withdrawal of army forces. FLAGSHJP CRICKET, Grand Ecore, La., April 14, 1864. SIR: Accompanying this is a report of my expedition up Red River. In that report I touched lightly upon army affairs from prudential motives~ not deeming it prudent to give to the public all the facts connected with the case. Still, I deem it my duty to state to the department all the difficulties now existing. I have done all I could to cooperate with the army and make the move a successful one, and the cooperation has been carried on most harmoniously. I saw the orders of General Halleck to Generals Sherman, Steele, and Banks to undertake this campaign, indicating in a precise Inan- ner how it was to be done. The plan has been carried out to the letter, except gaining a victory, and the cooperation of the gunboats was deemed essential to success. At the beginning, while we co- operated with General A. J. Smith, of Geiieral Shermans command, we carried everything before us, and if we have not met with con- tinued success, it is owing to the delay of General Banks army, who were ten days behindhand, an important period in a campaign. The army here has met with a great defeat, no matter what the generals try to make of it. With the defeat has come demoraliza- tion, and it will take some time to reorganize and make up the deficiencies in killed and prisoners. The whole affair has been seriously mismanaged. Finding the enemy retreating before them with 25,000 men yet unscattered, our troops moved on with a cer- tainty of meeting with no serious opposition. It was known, how- ever, at headquarters that the enemy were posted at Mansfield, and talked of giving us battle, notwithstanding which 6,000 raw cavalry were placed in advance with a large baggage train close after them, and only supported by 2,500 infantry under General Ransom, who protested strongly, but in vain, against the arrangement. The enemy, numbering 15,000, took advantage of this state of things and attacked the head of the cavalry column with their whole force. Of course they were routed ili a short time, fell back, running over the infantry, made a stampede among the wagons, and the whole mass was mixed up in inextricable confusion. The action took place 4 miles this side of Mansfield and it was a disorderly rout as far as Pleasaiit Hill, 15 miles, where a stand was made.. The enemy followed, doubtless much surprised with their easy victory, until checked by the Nineteenth Army Corps, under General Franklin, which opened its ranks and let the flying multi- tude pass to their rear. In their turn the Nineteenth Corps attacked the enemy and repulsed them in a very short time, but not in time to save the cavalry train, all of which fell into the hands of the rebels, and 18 pieces of artillery. Had Franklins corps been in front a complete victory would have been ours. It was the worst managed affair that I ever heard of. I can not ascertain where the fault was. It was determined, I believe, to retreat that night or next morn- ing, but the enemy attacked the next day (the 9th) and our army had to act on the defensive. The enemy came on with a boldnes Page 46 46 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and desperation seldom met with during this war. Their canteens were found to be filled with Louisiana rum, which accounts for it. They were mowed down by our fire, and though at first they broke one of our wings, they had to stop when General A. J. Smith with 8,000 of the Seventeeth Corps charging through the Nineteeth Corps, met them with the bayonet, and the other troops rallying, poured in a destructive fire. The rebels fled in wild confusion, leav- ing their killed and wounded on the field and two of the guns cap- tured from us the day before. General A. J. Smith chased them for 2 miles, when they disappeared, and did not stop until they had retreated 6 miles. This time we really gained the victory, though we came near losing it. Notwithstanding our success, it was de- cided to fall back to Grand Ecore, which was done. The rebels sent in a flag of truce, asking permission to bury their dead. They were, doubtless, much astonished to find no one there to receive it. This is one of those instances when two armies ran away from each other. When I arrived here I found a bad state of affairs, the army much demoralized, and the men talking loudly of the mismanagement which thinned their numbers. General Sherman had sent a bearer of dispatches to recall General Smiths division, and I was waited for to decide what course to take. I raised my voice against its departure, on the ground that they had been victorious, were ani- mated with a desire to go ahead, and had full confidence in their general. In the next place I felt assured that if General Smith should leave, it would be construed into a defeat by the rebels, and would result in the remainder of the army retreating with great loss of material. The most important consideration, however, is that General Steele is now within striking distance of Shreveport, waiting for our troops to advance. If this army were to withdraw, the enemy would turn upon Steele with their whole force and crush him. He, not anticipating any of the unfortunate events which have occurred here, would probably come up with a very strong force in his front, while an equal one would be thrown in his rear. I wrote to General Sherman, explaining the reasons of retaining his men, which de- ficiency he can easily make up by taking from the large force in Arkansas (now not wanted), an equal number of men. I was also influenced in my decision by a desire to save my squad- ron, which, if left here in falling water without a land force, the gun- boats aground could do nothing, and this is a case of mutual protection. When I left here, I placed the vessels remaining behind in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, with orders to look out for them and watch the falling water. He had dropped some of them below the bar. When our army came in retreating, he ordered up four of the boats again to take position to cover our troops. That was all well and proper, but he should have dropped them down when he saw there was no danger of an attack, and I could then have easily got them to Alexandria. As it is, the thing is uncertain without a rise in the river. Now is the time of full river, the snows melting and the rains commencing, but we have nothing of the kind, the water falling steadily 3 inches a day. The moment I came down, I ordered the boats below the bar, but a pontoon bridge obstructs the way and detains us in getting along. I shall know in an hour wha Page 47 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 47 success to expect. I shall then go to work lightening the vessels. In all my operations I have an eye to the water. As long as I have plenty of meat, I fear no other obstacles. In this instance I was governed by the reports made by Red River pilots that we would have plenty of water until June and a high rise at that time. General Banks was so impatient to move that all I could get him to say was, There will be plenty of water, and dwelling much on the importance of the gunboats. It was well we came up, for I am convinced the rebels would have attacked this broken army at Grand Ecore had we not been here to cover them. I do not think our army would be in a condition to meet them. I can get away from here without trouble now by taking out my guns, and can lie below the town in 3 fathoms water for a long time to come, holding a position that wonld completely cover the army; but if I was to leave altogether, it would be a stain upon the Navy for all time to come, and would be followed by a disastrous retreat of the army with much loss of men. Under these circumstances I have determined to hold on to as many of the vessels as I can, hoping that the usual rise will come; we only want a foot more to go up and down as we please. I have light-draft vessels that will take the place of the heavy vessels in case I can take these below, but if the rebels bring in heavy guns, the ironclads will be the only ones to be depended on. Now, sir, so far we have met with not the loss of a rope yarn. I even stopped to bring down a steamboat that the army had ordered to be burned, not wishing the rebels to say that we had to burn her. I do not wish to lose anything, and want to understand at once whether the army is to leave us here in case they go away, or retreat x~ hile the water is falling. If so, I will lighten the gunboats of guns and everything else and work them over the bars. I do not see why a fleet should not have the protection of an army as well as an army have the protection of a fleet. If we are left here aground, our comniuiiications will be cut off and we will have to destroy the vessels. I do not intend to destroy a rowboat if it can be helped, and if t~he proper course is pursued we will lose nothing. The army should hold this place until the last man can stand. If they leave we lose Steeles army and a portion (perhaps) of the giiiiboats. We will have spent all this time and treasure in an ex- pedition that promised so much to our cause; we will lose the finest portion of Louisiana, where people are anxious to have the war ended, and where many of them have taken up arms in defense of the Union. Now, we can claim to have whipped the rebels in the last days fighting, which partly wiped out the first days disgrace, which was not the fault of our troops, but owing to a blind security and misnianagement and a contempt of the enemythree things that should always be avoided by a good general. I wish the department would give me its views without delay and direct Captain Pennock to send me the answer by a dispatch vessel. I must confess that I feel a little uncertain how to act. I could not leave this army now without disgracing myself forever, and when running a risk in their cause, I do not want to be deserted. One of my officers has already been asked if we would not burn our gun- boats as soon as the army left, speaking as if a gunboat was a very ordinary affair and could b~ burned with indifference Page 48 48 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I enclose two notes I received from Generals Banks and Stone. There is a faint attempt to make a victory out of this, but two or three such victories would cost us our existence. I shall await your answer with anxiety, and remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the N~cy, IVashington, D. C. [Enclosures.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864. The land column that was intended for the movement against Shreveport encountered a superior force 4 miles this side of Mans- field, and, being unable to communicate with the forces from the river, has been compelled to retreat. It is now our expectation to fall back to Grand Ecore. You will make your dispositions accordingly. The fighting very sharp, but, from the situation of the country, it has been impossible to bring but a portion of our forces against the entire strength of the enemy. The loss of the enemy has been very severe; ours serious. General Ransoni has been wounded. If possible send a communication to General Steele. I am, etc., N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commarding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Ccnmmanding Illississippi Squadron. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Pleasant Hill, April 9, 9:30 p. m. ADMIRAL: By direction of the major-general commanding I have the honor to inform you that about noon yesterday the advance o4 his forces reached a point this side of Mansfield about 4 miles. There the advance became engaged with a force of the enemy which proved to be largely superior, being the combined forces of Taylor, Green, and Price. After hard fighting until sunset with these superior forces, the advance party had to fall back with con- siderable loss in men, artillery, and transportation, under cover of the Nineteenth Army Corps, which managed to hold its ground through the night, and to fall back to form a junction with General A. J. Smiths forces, here this morning. This afternoon nearly at sunset the enemy attacked our fcrces here, with the command of yesterday strengthened by two divisions of General Prices army, which had not arrived in time to take part yesterday. The enemy was driven at all points in the most brilliant manner by charges, and were utterly discomfited. We recaptured two guns taken from us yesterday, and captured caissons and other materials of great value to the rebels~ The victory i~ a complete one, and Page 49 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 49 together with the loss of morale, which is its natural consequence, will contribute greatly to the object in view in the expedition. Very respectfully, I am, admiral, your obedient servant, GRAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, d Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Conur& a ing llfi88i88ippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osage, regarding engagement of that vessel with Confederate cavalry at Blairs plantation, April 12. U. S. S. OSAGE, Grand Ecore, April 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that while on my way down the river, having stopped at Blairs plantation, some 50 miles above this point, to protect the transport Alice Vivian, I was attacked by two brigades of dismounted cavalry and three pieces artillery, the whole under the command of General Green, amounting to not less than 2,500 men. I waited till they got into easy shelling range, and opened upon them a heavy fire of shrapnel and canister. The rebels fought. with unusual pe4rtinacity for over an hour, delivering the heaviest and most conc6iitrated fire of musketry that I have ever witnessed. They finally broke in great confusion, leaving the ground covered with their dead and wounded, muskets, knapsacks, etc., for many yards from the bank. Having received orders to rejoin you without delay, I regretted that. I could not give the battlefield the inspection I desired. From the statement. of the wounded, and the appearance of the field, the loss of the enemy could not have been less than 200. General Green, who commanded, a colonel, and [a] major, are known to have been killed. The Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding Bache, came down shortly after the action commenced, and, from her favorable posi- tion below, was enabled to pour in a most destructive enfilading fire, which materially hastened the result. Company A, ~Ninety-fifth Illinois, was on board, and did good execution. Our total casualties amounted to 7 wounded. General Green will prove a great loss, he standing as one of the best rebel generals this side of the Mississippi. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tuos.. 0. SELFRIDOE, Lieute nt-Coimm~ander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Coimmanding Mi88i8sippi Squadron. 1020080N NV RVOL 2613 Page 50 50 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant Bache, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Lexington, regard- ing engagement of that vessel with Confederate cavalry at Blairs plantation, April 12. U. S. S. LEXINGTON, Red River5 April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday afternoon the enemy opened on the rear end of the fleet with three pieces of artillery, the Osage and this vessel being the only gunboats present. I immediately got the Lexington underway, steamed past all the vessels toward the battery, engaged it with our bow guns (Viii- inch) and drove it off in a few minutes, disabling one of the pieces. When within 600 yards of the battery, we encountered a very heavy fire of musketry from some fifteen hundred men, whom we passed at a distance of 20 feet. The enemy came boldly up to the edge of the bank, yelling and waving their side arms, so close that as a por- tion of the bank caved in from our fire, one of the rebels tumbled down within a few feet of the vessel. I now got our port broad- side to bear on the enemys line, and while the Osage poured in a front fire of grape and canister, we raked them with shell and shrapnel. They retreated precipitately into the woods after an en- gagement of forty minutes, having experienced a loss in killed and wounded of about 150 men, among them General Green, their com- mander, and one of their colonels. This vessel fired 76 rounds in all of canister, shell, and shrapnel. One casualty only occurred, Philip Dudley (landsman, colored), wounded in the arm, since amputated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. BAdE, Lieutenant, Coiminanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Connmanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the movement of the gun- boats from Alexandria up the river in the attempt to reach Shreveport, and the retreat, with an account of engagement at Blairs Landing. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Grand Ecore, La., April 14, 1864. SIR: I had the honor of reporting to you the movements of the squadron as far as Alexandria, and the intentions of General Banks to move on at once to Shreveport. He deemed the cooperation of the gunboats so essential that I had to run some risks and make unusual exertions to get them over the falls. The army started on the appointed day, and I pushed up the gun- boats to cover them (if there should be need) as fast as they got over the falls. The vessels arrived at Grand Ecore without accident, and had good water, the river apparently about to reach its usual stage at this season. The Cricket, Eastport, Mound City, Chilli- cothe, Carondelet, Pittsburg, Ozark, ATeosho, 0 sage, Lexington, Fort Hindrnan, Louisville, and Pittsburg were the vessels sent up, and a~ fleet of 30 transports followed them Page 51 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 51 Grand Ecore was occupied by our forces without opposition, the works deserted. Lieutenant-Commander Phelps captured one 32- pounder on the river below Grand Ecore, which he destroyed, mak- ing 22 guns captured from the enemy since we entered the river. The army had arrived at Natchitoches, near Grand Ecore, when I got up here, and were preparing for an immediate march. As the river was rising very slowly I would not risk the larger vessels by taking them higher up, but started on the 7th of April for Shreve- port with the Cricket, Fort Hind , Lexington, Osage, Neosho, and Cluillicothe, with the hope of getting the rest of the vessels along when the usual rise came. Twenty transports were sent along filled with army stores and with a portion of General A. J. Smiths division on board. It was intended that the fleet should reach Springfield Landing on the third day, and then communicate with the army, a portion of which expected to be at Springfield at that time. I found the difficulties of navigation very great, but we reached the point specified within an hour of the time appointed. At this point we were brought to a stop. The enemy had sunk a very large steamer, the New Falls City, right across the river, her ends resting on each bank, and her hull broken in the middle, resting on the bottom. This was a serious obstruction, but I went to work to remove it. Before I commenced operations, however, a courier caine in from General Banks bringing the unpleasant and most unexpected newsour army had met with a reverse and was falling back to Pleasant Hill, some 60 miles in our rear. Orders also came to General Kilby Smith to return to Grand Ecore with the trans- ports and the troops he had with him. Here was an end to our expedition for the present, and we reluctantly turned back, after having nearly reached the object we were aiming at. The information we received was of a very unsatisfactory kind, and we did not know (really) what was the exact state of affairs, no letters having been sent by fast courier. It would be very difficult to describe the return passage of the fleet through this narrow and snaggy river. As long as our army could advance triumphantly it was not so bad, but we had every reason to suppose that our return would be interrupted in every way and at every point by the enemys land forcesand we were not disappointed. They commenced on us from the high banks at a place called Coushatta, and kept up a fire of musketry whenever an opportunity was offered them. By a proper distribution of the gunboats, I had no trouble in driving them away, though from the high banks they could fire on our decks almost with impunity. As we proceeded down the river they increased in numbers, and as we only made 30 miles a day, they could cross from point to point, and be ready to meet us on our arrival below. On the left bank of the river a man by the name of Harrison, with 1,900 cavalry and four or five pieces of artillery, was appointed to follow us down, and annoy us. It was very fortunate for us that this person and his command were lately severely handled by a gunboat (a few weeks ago), which made them careful about coming within range. On the evening of the 12th instant we were attacked from the right bank of the river by a detachment of men of quite anothe Page 52 52 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. character. They were a part of the army which two or three days previous had gained success over our army, and, flushed with victory or under the excitement of liquor, they appeared suddenly upon the iight bank and fearlessly opened fire on the O8age, Lieutenant-Com- mander T. 0. Selfridge (ironclad), she being hard aground at the time with a transport (the Black Hawk) alongside of her, towing her off. The rebels opened with 2,000 muskets, and soon drove every one out of the Black Hawk to the safe casemates of the monitor. Lieutenant Bache had just come from his vessel (the Lexington), and fortunately was enabled to pull up to her again, keeping close under the bank, while the 08aqe opened a destructive fire on these poor deluded wretches, who, maddened with liquor, and led on by their officers, were vainly attempting to capture an won vessel. I am told that their hootings and actions baffled description; force after force seemed to be brought up to the edge of the bank, where they confronted the guns of the iron vessel, only to be cut down by grapeshot and canister. In the meantime Lieutenant Bache had reached his vessel, and widening the distance between him and the O8age, he opened a cross fire on the infuriated rebels, who fought with such desperation and courage against certain destruction that it could only be accounted for in one way. Our opinions were verified on inspection of some of the bodies of the slain, the men actually smelling of Louisiana rum. This ~ff air lasted nearly two hours before the rebels fled. They brought up two pieces of artillery, one of which was quickly knocked over by the Leceington8 guns, the other they managed to carry off. The cross fire of the Lexington finally decided this curious affair, of a fight between infantry and gunboats. The rebels were mowed down by her canister, and finally retreated in as quick haste as they had come to the attack, leaving the space of a mile covered with dead and wounded, muskets, and knapsacks. A dying rebel in- formed our men that General [Thomasi Green had his head blown off, which I do not vouch for as true. If true it is a serious loss to the rebels. Night coming on, we had no means of ascertaining the damage done to the rebels. We were troubled no more from the right bank of the river, and a party of 5,000 men who were marching to cut us off were persuaded to & hange their minds after hearing of the unfortunate termination to the first expedition. That same night I ordered the transports to proceed on, having placed the gunboats at a point where the rebels had a battery. All the transports were passed safely, the rebels not firing a shot in return to the many that were bursting over the hills. The next morning, the 13th instant, I followed down myself; and, finding at Campti, 6 miles from Grand Ecore by land, that they had got aground, and would be some time getting through, I proceeded down in this vessel to Grand Ecore and got General Banks to send up troops enough to keep the guerrillas away from the river. We were fired on as usual after we started down, but when I had the troops sent up the transports came along without any trouble. This has been an expedition where a great deal of labor has been expended, a great deal of individual bravery shown, and on such occasions the commander-in-chief is apt to find out the metal o Page 53 1~AVAL FORCES OI~ WI~STERI~ WAtI~ER~. 53 which his officers are made, and on future occasions it will enable him to select those who will not likely fail in the time of need. To Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Selfridge, commanding Osage, and Lieutenant George M. Bache, commanding Lexington, I am par- ticularly indebted for the gallant manner in which they defended their vessels and for their management during the expedition, always anticipating and intelligently carrying out my wishes and orders. I found the fleet at Grand Ecore somewhat in an unpleasant situ- ation, two of them being above the bar, and not likely to get away again this season unless there is a rise of a foot. I could not provide against this when over 100 miles up the river. If nature does not change her laws, there will no doubt be a rise of water, but there was one year1846when there was no rise in the Red River, and it may happen again. The rebels are cutting off the supply by diverting different sources of water into other channels, all of which would have been stopped had our Army arrived as far as Shreveport. I have done my best (and so have the officers and men under my command) to make this expedition a success throughout, and do not know that we have failed in anything we have undertaken. Had we not heard of the retreat of the army, I should still have gone on to the end. A wise Providence which rules and directs all things has thought proper to stay our progress and throw impedi- ments in the way for some good reason. We have nothing left but to try it again and hold on to this country with all the force we can raise. It is just as valuable to us and important to the cause as any other portion of the Union. Those who have interests here and are faith- ful to the Government, have a right to expect our protection, and when this part of Louisiana is conquered we hold Arkansas and all the right bank of the Mississippi without firing another gun. There is a class of men who have during this war shown a good deal of bravery and patriotism and who have seldom met with any notice from those whose duty it is to report such matters. I speak of the pilots on the Western waters. Without any hope of future reward through fame, or in a pecuniary way, they enter into the business of piloting the transports through dangers that would make a faint-hearted man quail. Occupying the most exposed position, a fair mark for a sharp- shooter, they are continually fired at and often hit without so much as a mention being made of their gallantry. On this expedition they have been much exposed, and have shown great gallantry in managing their vessels while under fire in this, to them, unknown river. I beg leave to pay this small tribute to their bravery and zeal, and must say as a class I never knew a braver set of men. I also beg leave to mention favorably Acting Master H. H. Gor- linge, commanding this vessel. He has shown great zeal, courage, and ability during this expedition, serving his guns rapidly and well at his post, night and day, ready for anything, and assisting ma- terially in getting the transports by dangerous points. Mounting one of his 24-pounder howitzers on his upper deck, he was enabled to sweep the bank in all directions, and one or two fires had the effect Page 54 54 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. He was of great service to me throughout the expedition, was slightly wounded, but nothing of consequence (owing to his exposing himself so much). I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, D. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, commending the services of Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith, U. S. Army, in the movement to Springfield Landing and return to Grand Ecore, including engagement at Blairs (Pleasant Hill) Landing, April 12. MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864. GENERAL: I have been so engaged during my return to this place that I have not had the time to express to you the high appreciation I have of the services of that excellent and gallant officer, Brigadier- General Thomas Kilby Smith, who, with a detachment of 2,000 men, accompanied the transports in the expedition to Springfield Landing. In that expedition we accomplished, under the most difficult circum- stances, all that was required of us, and with a persevering enemy opposing us at almost every bend in the river, returned to Grand Ecore, v~ry much against our will, without the loss of a particle of the material of war with which we started. I can not speak in too high praise of the manner in which General Smith managed his part of the expedition, doing everything in his power to make it successful, and cooperating in a way to give me the most entire satisfaction. It reminded me of the olden time, when the gallant soldiers of the Department of the Tennessee, guarded by the gunboats, were pushing their way victoriously up the ever-to-be- remembered Arkansas River. We did not return this time with the same success, yet we went through scenes that tried mens mettle, and the associations of those exciting days will no doubt long be re- membered by both of us. Nearly 100 miles in the rear of our army when we heard of its retreat back to Grand Ecore, and with a suc- cessful and indomitable foe ready to harass us at every step, every- thing was conducted as quietly as if we were still on our way to meet the enemy. We never realized until we returned to Grand Ecore that our army had returned discomfited to that place. We reached Springfield Landing, the place appointed to communi- cate with our forces under General Banks, the troops were all landed, and in another hour would have been on the march to Springfield, hoping to greet our friends as conquerors. Our disappointment was great when informed by a courier that our army had returned to Grand Ecore and that all our perseverance and energy had been thrown away. The fire of the enemy was exceedingly annoying on our return, but the soldiers treated it with indifference, exposing themselves on all occasions and returning the fire with interest when fired into by the rebels. On the afternoon of the 12th April we were attacked at a bad bend in the river by a force of 2,500 men, with two fieldpieces, under the rebel general, Green, backed by a larger force of 5,000, with three fieldpieces Page 55 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 55 The enemy attacked the rear of the transports, where there were two gunboats, one or two transports, and the Hasting8, with General Smith on board, bringing up the rear. The enemy came in certain of victory, but the gunboats and the Ha8tings, Rob Roy, and one other opened on them vigorously, and after an hour and a half of hard fighting, in which the fragile transports were much cut up, the enemy retreated in confusion, with the loss of their best general (Green), about 20 officers, and 400 or 500 men. In this action General Smith bore a conspicuous part, and by his annoyance of the enemy, helped much to secure a victory, so important to us because of the death of the rebel general, Green, their most popular leader. From that time we were not so much molested, the 5,000 men in reserve concluding it best tQ let us alone. At Campti some of the boats got aground, and anticipating fur- ther annoyance, I pushed on, and, as you know, requested you to send help to our exposed soldiers, which you promptly did. I regret that the help did not arrive quite in time to save a few lives, the enemy opening their batteries on the boats shortly after I left, which attack, I am informed, was coolly met and the rebels driven away. I hope it may be my good fortune to be associated with General Smith on some occasion where our exertions will meet with a better reward. Though we can not lay claim to any great success, we can safely say that we accomplished all that was required of us. I hope you will commend this gallant officer to General Sherman, who delights to ~know those under his command who do their duty faith- fully and gallantly. With much respect, general, I remain, very respectfully, your obec1ient. servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Brigadier-General A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detach. 16th and 17th Army Corp8, Alexandria, La. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting cooperation of gunboats in expected attack upon the enemy. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, O8borne8 Plantation, April 13, 18648.30 p. in. ADMIRAL: My headquarters are at Osbornes plantation for the night (marked Welshs plantation upon the map) 8 miles distant from .the enemy, according to the information we received here. I desire to move against him early in the morning, and shall rely upon the gunboats being in position to test the strength of his right, which rests upon the river. I hope you will be able to send forward such boats as may be necessary for this purpose. General Smith has been ordered to join us at 3 oclock to-morrow morning. The enemy ap- pears to be posted between the river and the Bayou Lamourie. This force is variously estimated at from ten to fifteen thousand. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, ii[ajor- General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mi88is8ippi Squadron Page 56 56 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, regarding the valuable services of Brigadier-General A. 3. Smiths divi- sion and expressing disappointment at the result of the expedition. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Orand Ecore, La., April 14, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: You will no doubt feel much disappointed at not having General A. J. Smiths division returned to you in the time expected, but you will be reconciled when I assure you that the safety of this army and my whole fleet depends on his staying here. His is the only part of the army not demoralized, and if he was to leave there would be a most disastrous retreat. The army has been shame- fully beaten by the rebels. There is no disguising the fact, notwith- standing the general commanding and his staff try to make a vic- tory. Armies victorious dont often go back as this one has done. Your part of it maintained its reputation and saved the army from being beaten in a two days fight. It is too long a tale to write, but some of these days I will give you a full and fair account of it. The defeat arose from sending (3,000 raw cavalry to attack an army of 25,000 men, said cavalry being accompanied by over 200 wagons. It was only supported by 2,500 men, and when these were over- powered by vastly superior numbers the cavalry fell back on them; the wagons stampeded and f41 into the hands of the enemy. Gen- eral Corse has heard it all and will tell you all about it. I was averse to coming up with the fleet, but General Banks considered it neces- sary to the success of the expedition, and now I cant get back again, the water has fallen so much. This has been terrible workworse, if anything, than Deer Creek. There we had plenty of water; here no water and thousands of sharpshooters. The gunboats had some satisfaction out of the rebels yesterday. A couple of brigades, flushed with victory, made an attack upon two of them, and, excited by liquor, fought like madmen, coming up to the edge of the bank, where they were shot down like sheep. It is said we killed the rebel General Green, their best man. I can not express to you my entire disappointment with this de- partment. You know my opinion of political generals. It is a crying sin to put the lives of thousands in the hands of such men, and the time has come when there should be a stop put to it. This army is almost in a state of mutiny and not fit to go into a fight. They would follow A. J. Smith, though, anywhere. The more I see of that old gentleman the more I like him. He is a regular trump, and has no give-up in him. I have been up as far as Loggy Bayou, and there was brought to a dead stand by a large steamer sunk in the channel, resting on each bank. It was providential, or I might have gone farther and would have been cut off to a certainty. I am not sure that Banks will not sacrifice my vessels now to expediency; that is, his necessities. I only wish, dear general, that you had taken charge of this IRed River business. I am sure it would have had a different termination. I am very tired and must close for the present. With best wishes, etc., I remain, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Mu. Div. of the AIis8i88ippi, Na8hville, Tenn Page 57 1~AVAL FORCES O1~ WI~ISTE1P~ WATE1~S. 57 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Lleutenant-Commandei~ Greer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton, to proceed to Alexandria. U. S. S. BLACK HAwK, Alexandri#i~, La., April 15, 1864. SIR: My instructions from Admiral Porter were to order your vessel to this place when I should deem it necessary. Alexandria is threatened, and you will, immediately on the receipt of this, get underway and come here. I will inform you on your arrival as to the position you will take. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Con& marbder, (om~manding. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, Com~rnanding Berdon, etc. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, to assume command at the mouth of Red River. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK~ Alexandria, La., April 1.5,1864. SIR: The following is an extract from a letter I have this day received frsm Admiral Porter, who is at Grand Ecore. Write to Townsend and tell him to get out of the river whilst there is a chance, and who will take charge of affairs at the mouth of Red River. The admiral wrote in great haste, and the above comes from among a multiplicity of directions. His letter means for you to take charge of affairs at Red River (mouth of). He is endeavoring to get out as many of the vessels as he can, and from appearances there is to be a retrograde movement, which, however, please do not now make public. Very respectfully, [K. R. BREESE.] [Commander ROET. TOWNSEND, Commanding U. S. 8. Fs8ex.] Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, discussing the leaders and operations of the campaign. FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., April 16, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I wrote you a hurried note the other day, by General Corse, and I imagine your disappointment at having your well-laid plans interfered with and having part of your command mixed up in an affair, the management ofwhich would be dis- creditable to a boy 9 years of age. You need not blush, however, for anything that was done by your troops. General A. J. Smith was not in the fight on the first day, but on the second day, when Frank- uns corps, which behaved nobly, began to waver before the wild and desperaPl shocks of the rebels, who came on shouting like mad- men., he, with 8,000 men, charged through Franklins ranks and me Page 58 58 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the incoming devils with a Hi! Hi! that brought them to a full stop. Smiths men then poured in their volleys, which cut up the rebels into mince-meat; they turned and fled, and your boys chased them 3 miles, until everyone of them disappeared, leaving General Smith in possession of the battle ground, all the killed and wounded, twelve pieces of our artillery lost the day before, two of which he brought off. At this important moment,when there was not a rebel within 6 miles of us, General Smith was ordered to retreat. He begged per- mission to remain long enough to bury his dead and remove his wounded, all of which was denied him. The Confederates sent in a flag of truce six hours after, asking permission to bury their dead, and found the cannon they had left behind them, and the killed and wounded in possession of the field. The general will never get over it as long as he lives; he cried like a child at having to leave his poor fellows on the field. I am, however, getting a little ahead of my story. I must give you a little sketch of the first days fight, and tell you how it. happened. General Banks, you must know, has organized 6,000 infantry into mounted cavalry under the command of General Lee, who travels with 250 wagons and a camp train of many persons. He was not satisfied with his large command, but made frequent applications to General Franklin for 2,500 infantry as a guard to the cavalry. Franklin persistently refused to give him these men, very properly arguing that without them Lee would not be precipitating a battle, while with them he might get the army into a fight when they were not prepared for it. On the 6th instant the army of General Banks left Grand Ecore. The fleet left at the same time for Springfield Landing, which we were to reach on Sunday, the 10th, at 12 oclock. We made our time to the minute, with difficulties enough to appall a stout heart. Gen- eral A. J. Smith left Grand Ecore the next day after the grand army, and had a terrible time in getting to the front through the numer- ous trains which completely blocked up the road. The same day that General Smith left Grand Ecore General Lee was set in advance with his cavalry to reconnoiter, his whole train of wagons in his rear (250 in all) close after him; the army, consisting of the Nine- teeth Corps, under Franklin, some regiments of negroes, and the Thirteenth Corps, nuder Ransom, were coming on behind in only one road and in no particular order, as far as I can learn. There was sharp skirmishing in the front. by the cavalry, who were appar.- ently driving the enemy (that is the enemy were leading them into a trap), and Lee was sending Franklin messages to lend him 2,500 men with which to annihilate them. Franklin sent him word that he was not sent out to bring on a battle, and to fall back at once and act on the defensive until the main body of the army came up. Un- fortunately, at this time General Banks rode to the front, and Franklin said he saw there was going to be terrible work. Lees messages reached Banks, and he ordered Ransom with 2,500 men to reinforce Lee. Ransom protested against this disposition of his men, stating that they would be sacrificed, but General Banks ordered the movement. Franklin then prepared for the consequences which he knew were to follow. In a short time the cavalry, emboldened by the small support, brought on a fight. The part of the Thirteent Page 59 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 59 Corps did its best to support them, but, opposed to about 15,000 in- fantry, were swept. away almost to a man. The cavalry broke and fled back on the wagons, the wagons stampeded and blocked up the road, while such a scene ensued as was never seen before except at Bull Run. Franklin opened his ranks and let the flying mass through, and received the rebels with such a murderous fire that they were soon dispersed, leaving many killed and wounded on the field. The rebels fought well that day, indeed desperately, coming up to the charge in a compact body and filling up their ranks as their men fell like veterans. It was just such a time as our men would have de- sired in the open field, but the panic created by the disorder at first was too great to get the men to do their work thoroughly. There was enough done, however, to allow us to hold our position and recover our lost trains. To expect to recover again the 18 guns we lost was out of the question. They were mixed up with the trains, and the rebels had secured them with 100 rounds of am- munition each. Three of the best batteries in the army were lost and most of the men killed or wounded. Part of Nims battery was taken and all the ammunition wagons. At 1 oclock that night the army retreated back to Pleasant Hill, the fugitives arriving at Grand Ecore reporting that the army was cut to pieces, and I hear that when the general and staff arrived at Pleasant Hill he had lost all command of himself. I do not wonder at that. Au uneducated soldier may be cool and pleasant enough in the hour of victory, but the true general is best known in the hour of defeat. General Banks lost all his prestige, and the men talked so openly of him that our officers had to check them and threaten to have them punished. Retreat was still the order of the day, and the army was ordered to fall back on Grand Ecore. The reason given was want of provisions. The rebels, however, pushed their ad- vantage and attacked us on our own ground, charging right at the Nineteeth Army Corps, which met them like men, sweeping them away with artillery and musketry. Still on they came, and Frank- lins commenced to waver, when General Smith came on with that splendid charge and scattered them like sheep. Out of 500 cavalry that charged on A. J. Smiths division only one man escaped; every saddle was emptied. He saved the fortunes of the day, and chased the rebels, as I have stated in the former part of this letter. The latter retreated 15 miles without. stopping, and our army soon followed their example, showing the singular spec- tacle of two armies running away from each other, both ci aiming the victory. Certain it is that the rebels sent in a flag of truce asking permission to bury their dead, and finding no one there, they took possession of the field with all our killed and wounded, the guns they had lost themselves, and have held it ever since. Our pickets do not extend even beyond Natchitoches, but we are encamped at Grand Ecore, the headquarters of the general near the big red brick house of De Russys. A. J. Smith is encamped on the plain above the bluffs, outside of the present line of defense. The gunboats are drawn up in line in front of A. J. Smith, who will have to take our fire over his head, which he is willing to do. While all the fighting was going on on shore the fleet was slowly and painfully working its way up Re Page 60 00 14AVAL F0ROI~ 014 WEStERN WATERS. River, through snaggy bends, loggy bayous, shifting rapids, and rapid chutes. The rebels, frightened to death, went on before us, burning all the fine cotton (bales being hid in the woods), but de- stroying none of the corn or cattle. Of these we found an abun- dance, and though we only stopped at three or four places there was enough and more to satisfy the troops without touching the rations. It struck me very forcibly that this would have been the route for the army, where they could have traveled without all that immense train, the country supporting them as they proceeded along. The roads are good, wide fields on all sides, a river protecting the right flank of the army, and gunboats in company. An army would have no difficulty in marching to Shreveport in this way. There is Bayou Pierre to pass and some bridges to be built, but that is childs play to our Western men, and not so bad as being beaten in a pine barren with only one road through it, and that a narrow one, where troops can not pass carts. I send you a correct map, which I think will give you a good idea of the views I have expressed, if you have not got it already, knowing this country as well as you do. Why General Banks went through a desert where he could not even find water (so he says) instead of a prolific country, I can not say. You know I have always said that Providence was fighting this great battle its own way and brings these reverses to teach usa proud, stiff-necked, and unthankful peoplehow to be contented under a good government, if peaceful times come again. I hopes it will teach us not to place the destinies of a great nation in the hands of political generals or volunteer admirals. When I arrived at Springfield Landing I found a sight that made me laugh. It was the smartest thing I ever knew the rebels to do. They had gotten that huge steamer, New Falls City, across Red River, 1 mile above Loggy Bayou, 15 feet of her on shore on each side, the boat broken down in the middle, and a sand bar making below her. An invitation in large letters to attend a ball in Shreve- port was kindly left stuck up by the rebels, which invitation we were never able to accept. We had landed, though, at Springfield Land- ing with many hundred thousand rations, 26 transports, and 6 gun- boats. Word had already gone to General Dick Taylor, at Mans- field, that the transports contained many men (a large force). whereas we only had 2,000 under General Kilby Smith; still that report shook the rebels. We surprised the guard who were watching our movements. My boat, the Cricket, came on them suddenly; our men rushed on shore, nearly taking them while eating their supper, and the letter was lying on the table giving an account of our strong force. When the recipient was in the act of reading it he got away to carry the news to Taylor, who would have been in full retreat on Shreveport had General Banks not appeared on the field on the morning of the 8th. While discussing the feasibility of getting the Fall8 City out of the way (we were provided with everything to do it) a courier rode in to tell us that Banks had been badly whipped and was in full retreat to Grand lEcore, and that the transports and troops were ordered to return without delay, an easier thing said than done. We had disembarked the troops, none dreaming of anything but victory to one of the best appointed armies I ever saw in the field, and after getting in our pickets and getting the troops on board, Page 61 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 61 reversed the order of steaming and with a heavy heart started down- ward, anticipating that the rebels, flushed with victory, with our army in full retreat before them, would come in on our flank and cut us to pieces. The banks were high above our pilot houses and sharpshooters could annoy us with impunity. I was much annoyed when I found that General Bankss quartermasters had added to the convoy ten large steamers which I had expressly stipulated with General Kilby Smith were not to come up the river. We were detained six hours lightening one of them loaded with ammunition and the others were constantly getting into trouble. General Kilby Smith was in no way responsible for this outrageous proceeding, for it was done after we departed from Grand Ecore, and that officer left nothing undone to cooperate with me and carry the expedition through successfully~ On all occasions I found General Smith ready and willing to co- operate in the same harmonious manner that has always existed between the Navy and the Army of the Tennessee. I am sure noth- ing will occur to interrupt that good feeling. As I anticipated, the rebels were soon aware of our turning back and were after us like a pack of wolves. They assailed us from every point, but the dis- positions that were made always foiled them. We always drove them away with loss. The large transports so impeded us that it was with difficulty we made more than 20 miles a day, and it seemed that everything we came in contact with belonging to Banks army was disorderly and a drawback to us. My gunboats were helping them off sand bars half the time, they having no disposition to help each other. Small bands of 100 or 150 had followed us along until we arrived at a place called Graffs Bluff, where our friends, the negroes. in- formed us that the rebels had a battery. It was about 3 oclock in the afternoon and I laid to the bank while two gunboats could get into position to whip the battery. They were permitted to occupy the place quietly, and I began to think there was none about. We shelled the woods in all directions and they kept quiet. At this moment a tremendous fire of musketry and heavy cannon, inter- spersed with artillery, broke out about 3 miles behind us. It sounded like a heavy battle. Hearing all the guns of the gunboats I did not fear for the result. It lasted so long that I at last turned my head upstream to join in the fray and met a gunboat coming down whose captain told me it was all over and the rebels had fled, so I tied up to the bank again, expecting the attack in front, when the firing commenced again and lasted until nearly sunset; in all, two hours. It turned out to be what I had been expecting, an attack with artillery and infantry, 2,000 strong, in our rear, General Kilby Smith and two transports being divided from the main body by the artillery, which it was not proper to pass until silenced by the gun- boats. This body of men was commanded by General Green, the best man they have, and one in whom the rebels place more confi- dence than anyone else. He led his men to the very edge of the bank, they shouting and yelling like madmen. They were hand- somely received by the Osage and Lexington in the old style. Gen- eral Smith, in the Ha8ting8, with part of his men, poured in his fire, and amongst us the rebels were cut into mincemeat. General Gree Page 62 62 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and Colonel Chisum had their heads blown off with an 11-inch shell. The ground was covered with killed and wounded and without great loss to ourselves. We whipped out 2,000 rebels and kept 5,000 more in the rear of us from advancing, not liking the reports of the first partys reception. This saved us from further molestation as far as large parties were concerned, but we were terribly annoyed by small bands. It being moonlight, I ordered all the transports to leave, and had they taken advantage of the time they would have arrived in Grand Ecore next morning. After getting them all ahead 1 reversed the order of sailing and followed them up, but when I arrived at Campti I found them so mixed up and aground that I pushed on, and in three hours had General A. J. Smith underway with five regiments of infantry and a field battery. He arrived just in time to outflank the rebels with their heavy field battery, which they kept exclusively for the transports, hiding it when the gunboats came along. It was a most exciting and interesting week; much danger of being cut off unless aided by General Banks, which aid was not sent until I asked for it in person. Some one got in in a quartermasters boat who reported everything safe, and General Smith on that account did not go himself, though ready to start at a moments notice. Finally all came in safely, not losing a rope yarn. Your men behaved splendidly and coolly, and General Kilby Smith like a brave and gallant officer. I shall always feel prbud to be associated with him, and we will both likely remem- ber for many a day the perilous scenes we have gone through to- gether. I found General A. J. Smith mtich depressed at some things that had occurred, but anxious to go out and whip the rebels, which we are able to do without any trouble. Instead of that, I think Gen- eral Banks is watching for an opportunity to retreat. If General Smith should leave him there would be a general stampede and much loss of material, and General A. J. Smith would be made the scape- goat. Finding the water falling I sent down my largest gunboats, and regret to say that the Eastport ran on a torpedo and sank. The damage was slight, and the shock only noticed by a few persons on board, and it was not for some time after they found water in her hold. She was five hours sinking, but we had no pumps that could save her. The captain forgot to put canvas under her bottom, which would have saved her. Unless we have more water I shall be kept above the falls, but with a land force at Alexandria I can hold my own until next year. We must hold the country, general, and not have to go all over this again. Had Banks been victorious, as any ordinary general would have been, we would have had no trouble at all, but he has led all hands into an ugly scrape. I did all I could to avoid going up this river with him, but he would have thrown all the blame of failure on me had I failed to go. I have risked a great deal and only hope for a rise of water to get over the falls. There are all kinds of surmises on the subject. We have had no rise this year at all. Do you think it will come? You know the nature of these rivers, having resided here so long. I have written you a long letter and said to you confidentially what I would not say to anyone else, knowing that it will go no farther. I am just down from Grand Ecore; have come to provide pumps to save th Page 63 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 63 Ea8tport, which I will do if Banks does not retreat. If he does, I will blow her up; am getting her guns off at once. Now, what is to become of Steele? Banks has sent him a messenger. Will he (think you) be sacrificed, or can he take care of himself? Why not rein- force him well and let him finish the job so badly begun? If this matter is left in this state it will be a lasting disgrace to us. The rebels had 22,000 men, about 19,000 effective. Losing General Green has paralyzed them; he was worth 5,000 men to them. Wishing you success in all your undertakings, and asking your forbearance for writing you so long a letter, I remain, truly and sincerely, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Rear-Admiral. Com~dg. Mu. Div. of the Miss., Nashville, Tenn. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to commanding officer at mouth of Red River, to send assistance to the U. S. S. Eastport. BLACK HAWK~ Alexandria, La., April 16, 1864. SIR: The Eastport is sunk below Grand Ecore and may be raised if the Champion can be hurried up. I have sent orders previously to hurry them both up, and the admiral has done the same. Please use your utmost exertions to accomplish this. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Commanding NAVAL OFFICER, Mouth of Red River. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer. U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton, to return to his station in the Mississippi River. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Ale~eandria, La., April 16, 1864. SIR: The admiral has directed me to write you as follows: Get out of the river whilst there is a chance, and repair to his [your] old quarters. In accordance with the above, you will proceed to your station in the Mississippi River, and report in writing to the admiral when you shall have reached the Mississippi, and also when you shall have reached your station. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Coin nder, Comma ding. Lieutenant- Commander JAMES A. GREER, Commanding U. S. S. Benton, etc., Alexandria, La. [Letter of same date and like tenor to Commander Robert Town- send, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex to proceed to mouth of Red River and take charge at that point. Page 64 64 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant-Commander Self- ridge, U. S. Navy, stating his intention of holding his position at Grand Ecore wlAle looking for reinforcements from Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 17, 1864. SIn I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your corn- municaUon of this date. On the 15th I had an interview with Admiral Porter, in which our position was fully discussed, but I did not know that he was to leave this post. In reference to the operations of the army, I can only say at present that we are here under instructions from the Government to move upon Shreveport in cooperation with the forces of General Steele. General Steele fails to cooperate with us as far as we can learn, and thus far, renders us no assistance. I have sent to him by the way of Little Rock to request of him to join us upon the line of Red River, where we can move forward in column against the enemy. With the cooperation of his forces, on occupation of Shreveport is certain and immediate. It is impossible to say at this time whether we shall receive this cooperation or not. Until it is ascertained definitely that this part of the plan of the Government at Washington will fall through, and that my force is insufficient to advance farther upon this line against the enemy, who appears to be in full force, I shall entertain no thought of a retrograde move- ment, certainly not if it leaves the navy in any danger. No such purpos~ is contemplated now. I have sent for all the troops that can be gathered from my own department to move to this point immediately. I have also requested, as I have stated, the cooperation of General Steele. Governor [Willard P.] Hall, of Missouri, who is here, expresses great interest in the success of this campaign, and will do all he can to send forces from Missouri, which he says can be spared from that State. If this assistance fails, I can then. de- termine what course to pursue. Until then it is my purpose to main- tain my position. Had I known you to have been in command, or that Admiral Porter was absent, I should have sought an interview with you upon the subject embraced in your letter. In my interview with the ad- miral, he expressed the utmost confidence in the rise of the river, and did not speak of the withdrawal either of his vessels or the troops. His last suggestion to me was, that it would be imprudent for me to advance until the river should rise. I will take an early occasion to explain to you in person niy view o the situation of our affairs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Comrn~andinq. Lieutenant-Commander THOMAS 0. SELFEIDGE, On hoard U. S. S. O8age Page 65 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 65 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, regarding assistance sent to the U. S. S. Louisville. U. S. S. OSAGE, Grand Ecore, April 18, 1864. SIR: I have sent the Neosko below the bar. Learning of the Louis- cille being aground and in bad condition 15 miles below, I have sent the Fort Hindm~an down to assist her, the Fort Hindm~an to return as soon as the Louisville is off. There is nothing new. I shall leave here when there is 5 feet water on the bar. XTery respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. 0. SELERIDGE, Lieutenant- Com,mander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Com~imanding Mississippi Squadron. Five and one-half feet on bar this morning; water falling fast. Would like orders to proceed direct to Alexandria. Saw General Banks this morning. He said nothing about an attack. THos. 0. SELFRIDGE, Lieutenant- Commander. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. U. S. S. BENTON, 111 iSsissippi River, April 18, 1864. SIR: Proceed to mouth of Black River, Louisiana, without delay and report to Lieutenant-Commander Breese or the senior officer present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieut.-Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ozark, of arrival at Alexandria. U. S. S. OZARK, Near the Falls (Alexandria), April 19, 1864. Sn~: I have the honor to report the safe arrival of the U. S. S. Ozark at the falls. There is not water to go through at present. We have had some trouble getting down, as we can not back to stop the vessels in the river. The Ivy broke her propeller on the way from the Eastport to this vessel. I picked up on my way down 23 bales cotton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GRO. W. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Coin nding Mississippi Squadron. 1020050x W RVOL 2613 Page 66 66 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Morgan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Signal, to protect coal and provision barges at Alexandria. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, April 19, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed with your vessel to Alexandria, La., and on your arrival take position to protect the coal and provision barges at that place. Instruct your paymaster to receipt for the provisions from the paymasters clerk in charge and keep a guard over it and the coal at all times. Report your arrival by letter to the admiral if you do not find him there, and also that you have mail for him. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant EDWARD MORGAN, Coimmanding Signal. Ord& r of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Morong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Argosy, for special duty at Fort Dc Russy. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, April 7~O, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed with the vessel under your command to Fort de Russy, on Red River, and anchor in such a position in the river that you may prevent the rebels from occupying any of the deserted works. You will also give such protection as lies in your power to loyal inhabitants and their property. There is a quantity of railroad iron which it is desirable should be shipped out of the river, and should you have a favorable opportunity, by empty barge or otherwise, you will see that as much (or all of it) as can be taken be sent to Captain Pennock at Cairo. You will destroy all skiffs, flats, etc., above Black River. You will keep yourself advis~d as best you can of rebel move- ments and do your best to frustrate them. Communicate freely with me at mouth of Black River by letter and with commanding naval officers at Alexandria by same means. Do not permit your officers or men to be on shore on liberty, and bear in mind that the admirals general order requires you to keep your boats and men always under cover of your guns. Should any persons present themselves with proper permits to purchase cotton, you will permit them to do so, keeping a good lookout that their vessel be not captured. They should have a Treasury aid on board. No supplies to be permitted to land unless by permission of Admiral Porter or General Banks. You can, at your discretion, move a few miles above or below the fort, should you deem it proper, but at night you should always be at your station. You will find a coal barge sunk a few miles below Fort de Russy, which, of course, it is desirable to save as much of as possible. Th Page 67 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 67 contrabands at the fort might be made use of advantageously that way. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Acting Ensign J. C. MORONG, U. S. Navy. Commanding Argo8y. Order of Lieutenant-Commandei. Breese, U. S. Navy, to commanders of vessels off Alexandria, La., in case of attack. [APRIL, 1864.] Immediately on an alarm of an attack upon the city, if at night, a Coston signal will be burned, and upon its repetition fire will be opened slowly by the gunboats, according to the proposed plan, and rapidly if otherwise directed. An officer from each vessel will be detailed to proceed at once to the bank, to observe the fire, its effect, etc., hailing the vessel to give the necessary alterations. They will also be informed by the colonel commanding of the result of fire, etc., which will be immediately given to their vessels, and any change he may suggest will be followed. On the first alarm Acting Masters Mate Woodruff, of this ship, will report to Colonel Molineux for orders, and any instructions the officers on the bank may receive from him will be immediately con- veyed to their commanding officers. Captains of vessels will arrange such sionals with their officers on shore that, in the event of the impossibility of hearing, the intelli- gence may be conveyed. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Clair, to proceed to Alex- andria for its defense. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, April 20, 1864. SIR: Proceed with your vessel without delay to Alexandria, and, on your arrival, communicate with Captain Edward Morgan, who will show you his instructions. Report by letter your arrival to Admiral Porter, and take such position in the river abreast of Alexandria as will be most expedient in contributing to the defense of that place. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Co manding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. B. GREGORY, Commanding St. Clair Page 68 68 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, to proceed to Alexandria. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, April 20, 1864. SIR: Proceed to Alexandria with the vessel under your command, deliver the stores, etc., that you have for the squadron, and when the Kenwood arrives return to the mouth of Black River and report to me unless you should find different instructions from Admiral Porter, in which case you will report such to me. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding Forest Rose. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Above Alexandria, La., April 21, 1864. SIR: A Red River pilot has been ordered to report to you for Juty in bringing your vessel over the falls. After passing, come near this vessel and report to me. The pilot is directed to sound the falls at daylight, and you will approach them to-night. Lose no time. if you can pass. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant-Commander, Senior Officer Present. COMMANDING OFFICER, U. S. S. FOREST ROSE, Alexandria, La. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. 2~Tavy, referring to operations since April 15. including attempts to save the U. S. S. Eastport. No. 106.] Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGShIP CRICKET, Below Grand Ecore, La., April 23, 1864. SIR: In my last communication I informed you of the sinking of the Eastport, [April 15], by a torpedo about 8 miles below Grand Ecore. The moment I heard of it I went down to Alexandria and sent a dispatch vessel for our two steam pump boats. One was coming over the falls as I passed down, and the other fortunately came in sight an hour afterwards. They were both sent up and set to work to raise the sunken vessel. She was so much shattered in the bottom that I almost despaired of effecting anything. The same day that the boats arrived up, General Banks gave orders for the army to prepare to move on to Alexandria, and as Grand Ecore was only 4 miles from us by land, the chances were that the rebels would mount numerous artillery on the bluffs close at hand and prevent our working; nevertheless, we went to work Page 69 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 69 and proceeded until the vessel was raised, the pumps working all the time, and we unable to get at the leak. Lieutenant-Commander Phelps worked with great perseverance, coolness, and patience under these unpleasant circumstances. The same day the army moved, we moved down with the Ea8tport with her own steam, and one steam pump alongside of her, barely keeping her free and the leak not discovered. We started very fair and made in a few hours 20 miles down river, having sent convoy to bring down the transports, which were taken safely to Alexandria, but the Fa8tport got out of the channel, and it seems impossible to move her ahead. Everything that man can do has been done, and I shall persevere until attacked here, or until falling water endangers other vessels. There will be but one course i~or me to pursue, that is to perform the painful duty of destroying the Ea8tport to prevent her falling into the enemys hands. I have no certainty of getting her down as far as Alexandria; the water has fallen too much to leave her here, with our army retreating to Alex- andria, and with 25,000 rebels (if victorious) assailing us at every point. We can fight them to the last. At this time the rebel~ are following our army, and the artillery and musketry can be heard quite distinctly. We do not know the result. Had the army held Grand Ecore a fortnight, we would with certainty have saved the vessel, and will do so now if we can find water to get her down. She has ~a great deal of water in her, which increases her draft and makes her very heavy. The pumps can not get it all out, nor can we find the place where she is injured. The unfortunate issue of this expedition has thrown the gunboats into a bad predicament. When I came up here the water was rising, and all our vessels navigated the river to Grand Ecore with ease, ~nd with some of them I reached Springfield Landing, the place designated by General Banks for the gunboats to meet the army. My part was successfully accomplished. The failure of the army to proceed, and the retreat back to Grand Ecore, left me almost at the mercy of the enemy. Fortunately we got through without any accident or serious disaster from the enemys fire. I soon saw that the army would go to Alexandria again and we would be left above the bars in a helpless condition. I went to work immediately, to get the heavy boats below, which I succeeded in doing by great exertions on the part of the commanders. I kept the lighter draft vessels to cover the army, if they should need it, and to take the transports down safely, all of which was done. The vessels are mostly at Alexandria, above the falls, excepting this one, and two others I keep to protect the Fastp ort. When the rebels heard we had arrived at Grand Ecore, they com- menced turning the source of water supply off into the lakes ,~which would have been remedied had the army succeeded in getting to Shreveport. I can not blame myself for coming up at the only season when the water rises. All the rivers are full and rising, but the Red River is falling at the rate of 2 inches a day, a most un- usual occurrence, this river always being full until the middle of June. Whether we will yet have a rise it would be impossible for any one to foresee. It seems like an impossibility that we could be caught in such a predicament in the time of rising water, but such may be the case Page 70 70 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTEE~ WATERS. If General Banks should determine to evacuate this country~ the gunboats will be cut off from all communication with the Mississippi. It can not be possible that the country would be willing to have eight ironclads, three or four other gunboats, and many transports sacrificed without an effort to save them. It would be the worst thing that has happened this war. I beg leave most respectfully to call your earnest attention to this matter. I shall remonstrate with all the energy I am capable of against being left here and have to destroy my vessels, and I hope, sir, that you will see in the position wherein I am placed strong reasog for holding this country and reinforcing the army with troops to do it with a certainty. Two months are left yet in which to expect a rise, but many say that it will not come, the wish, perhaps, being father to the thought. It would be hard, indeed, after cooperating with the army, and the navy performing successfully all that was required of it, to be left in a position where we would have to surrender or blow up. I will promise you the latter. I have no hope of getting the Fa~stport down, though the com- mander is still very sanguine. If we could g~t her within 40 miles of Alexandria, we could save her, or if it rains there will be no trouble at all. If the enemy bring on their heavy artillery, the people on the steam pumps will not be able to work at all. With the gun}z~oats alone and untrammeled I should not be afraid of any force the rebels could bring to bear upon us, being confident that we could beat them off if they came in strong force. Whatever may happen I shall hope for the best, but consider it my duty to anticipate events and run no risks of losing this squadron. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLE5, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8ldngton, D. C. Letter from Lieutenant.Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Eastport, regarding measures of assistance for raising that vessel. U.S. S. BLACK HAWK, Aleceandria, La., April 16, 1864. DEAR PHELPS: Your letter of yesterday has been received. The Champion is not here, and God only knows when she will [be]. I sent orders all along to have her hurried up, and the moment she gets here will immediately dispatch her to you. I am very sorry at your accident, and trust the Champion will be lip in time to assist you. In the mean [time], should that be found impossible, please let me know. There is but scant. 4 feet on the falls, but I can get her over, I think. Yours, truly, K. K. BREESE~, Licute nt-Commander. Lieutenant-Commander S. L. PHELPS, Commanding Ea8tport Page 70A Page 70B UNITED STATES STEAMER CRICKET Page 71 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 71 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, referring to the sinking of the U. S. S. Eastport on the return from Grand Ecore to Alexandria and naming vessels sent to Fort Pillow. No. 105.1 Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Alexandria, La., April 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this point for a few hours. I shall return to Grand Ecore in two hours. I had suc- ceeded in getting all the large vessels over the bar at Grand Ecore, and in a fair way of getting down as far as Alexandria, when I heard the Iiastport had sunk, 8 miles below. I sent down at once and found it to be so. She was five hours sinking, said to be done by a torpedo. She does not seem to be damaged much. I came down for my steam pump boats; have one alongside the Eastport already, and take another up with me to-day. There will be trouble getting her up if the river ever rises again; the water comes as high as her gun deck. Her guns and heavy articles have been taken off. I came here and found trouble at Fort Pillow. The policy pursued in not defending the strong posts where so much blood and treasure have been expended will always cause these difficulties. I had two boats up there, but the negro and invalid garrison were not strong enough to do their part. I have sent the E8sex, Benton, Choctaw, Lafayette, Ouachita, and Avenger up to Fort Pillow to prevent any permanent landing there. I sent an~ expedition up the Washita [Onachital as far as Monroe, which captured 3,000 bales of Confederate cotton, brought away 800 negroes, destroyed much rebel property. The expedition was under Lieutenant-Commander Foster, and was particularly success- ful. I am bringing up light-draft vessels to take the place of the heavy boats during the low water. We have only 8 feet of water between this and Grand Ecore and many lumps exist. This expedi- tion and the failure of the army to advance have given me a great deal of trouble, but I dont despair of getting out of it. It is only a matter of want of water, and I can not think that this river would fail to rise while all the others are booming. Being constantly engaged in providing for the many curious cases that are daily occurring, I hope you will excuse me for not making fuller reports. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8ltingt~in, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the return of his command from Grand Ecore to Alexandria, including the destruction of the U. S. S. Eastport, attack upon the vessels near Cane River, and narrow escape of the U. S. S. Cricket. No. 107.] MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. SIR: I had the honor to inform you in my communication No. 106, of the sinking of the Eastport while proceeding down to Alexandria, caused by the explosion of a torpedo under her bottom, and nea Page 72 72 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. her bow. On hearing this bad news I proceeded at once to the vessel and found her sunk to the gun deck, the water over it on one side. I saw that no time was to be lost, and went at once to Alex- andria in hopes of finding one of our steam pump boats, then due. Lieutenant-Commander Phelps had already sent a tug down for the same purpose, and as I passed over the falls the pump boat hove in sight and proceeded on up. An hour after, the other boat came up, and I sent her up also, being confident that the Eastport would now be raised. I had ordered all her guns taken out and all her ammunition trans- ferred to other vessels, which was done by the time I reached her again, forty-eight hours after the pump boats went up. I was detained a day in Alexandria making a different disposition of the vessels in the Mississippi, owing to the report of the capture of Fort Pillow by the rebels. I sent some of the heavy ironclads up there with orders to remain, and also changed the destination of various vessels in the different rivers. When I returned to the Eastport I found her in a fair way of being afloat, though all the heavy steam pumps together did not do more than slightly decrease the water. The leak had to be stopped by bulkheading. Lieutenant- Commander Phelps went to work vigorously to endeavor to save his vessel, and he was seconded by his officers and crew. I dont think I ever witnessed harder work than was performed by the officers and crew of the Fa8tport, and it seemed to be the determina- tion of ~ll on board that she should not fall into the hands of the enemy, if it could be helped. I felt confident that the Eastport would be saved if time permitted, but I had a faint idea that our army were about to fall back on Alexandria, when it would become necessary to destroy the Eastport or, perhaps, lose some other ves- sels. On my arrival at Grand Ecore I found that preparations were making to move the army in the direction of Alexandria, and I ordered the large vessels at once below the bar, with orders to pro- ceed slowly to Alexandria, keeping with me six of the lighter draft vessels to cover the land forces and give protection to the transports. The day after my return to Grand Ecore orders were issued for the army to move to Alexandria. The Eastporl was not yet afloat, and I thought our chance of saving her very small unless we were certain of having no enemy to annoy us after the army left. On the 20th of April I went down to the Ea8tport again, and after informing the commander how matters stood, we concluded that it was necessary to run some risks if we wished to save the vessel. She was now slightly resting on the bottom on one side, and steam had been raised on her. On the 21st she started in tow of the pump boat Champion No. 6, and with the pumps of Champion No. 3 transferred to the Eastport and connected with her boilers. This arrangement, with the addi- tion of one or two syphon pumps, kept the water out of the fire room and confined it to the bow. I waited at a point 8 miles below Grand Ecore and sent up a gunboat to convoy down all the transports that were left up, this vessel bringing up the rear, towing a flat on which were all the Eastport8 guns. On the first day the Eastport made 20 miles down the river, but at 6 oclock in the evening she grounded, from not being in the channel, and the first of our difficulties commenced i Page 73 NAVAL FORCES O~ WES~FE?RN WAIER~. getting her over the bars and other obstructions which abound in this river. It would be impossible to give an adequate idea of the difficulties of the navigation from the 21st of April up to the 26th, the time when it was no longer considered possible to get the East- tort over the sand bars and logs, now increasing, unless time was allowed to remove them, and the enemy were kept from annoying us while we were at work. The lieutenant-commander commanding the Eastport, S. L. Phelps, had done all that man could do to save his vessel and felt it to be a matter of pride to get her to Alexandria. She had grounded eight times badly, and each time under circumstances where it was very doubtful if she would come off, but the com- manders confidence never deserted him, and I could not help but admire his coolness and faith in getting his vessel to Alexandria, when I knew there were places to pass below with much less water on them. I determined that I would never leave this vessel to her fate as long as the commander felt a hope of getting her down. He worked with almost superhuman efforts to accomplish the object in view, sleeping apparently neither night nor day. Everybody worked and went through privations of all kinds, and I must say that, mentally, I never went through so much anxiety in my life. On the sixth day of this labor of hauling the Eastport over the bars and after congratulating ourselves that we had passed every impediment, orders were given to fill up with fence rails for fuel and we started downstream, with the expectation of making at least 30 miles that day. The vessel had already been brought 60 miles on her way and 60 more would bring her within our lines. The army, though, were 60 miles ahead of us and the report was that the rebels were following in their rear, also opposing them in front, and we might naturally expect when the army arrived safely in Alexandria that the whole power of the enemy would be directed to cutting off my small force of three light-drafts and the Eastport without any guns. Indeed, we had already received notice that such were their intentions. On April 25, I made signal to proceed downstream, and had scarcely started before the Fastport was hard aground, and this time in a position where even the commanders hopes of relieving her failed. The difficulty here was a want of water, and the bed of the river was filled with logs, over which it would be impossible to get the vessel unless we had the time. We tried to lighten her by removing her iron plating, but this we found to be a labor beyond our power. The plates could not be removed in a short time, and that plan was abandoned at once. I had determined to remain by the Eastport until she was safe within our lines or blown up, to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. On two occasions I had given the commander pre- paratory instructions relative to her destruction, thinking her time had come, but still hopeful and persistent he stuck to the work, and deserved to have met with greater success. Every effort was made to get the Eastport off from what proved to be her final resting place. The gunboat Fort Hindman (whose commander has worked to save the Fastport with a zeal I never saw surpassed) succeeded with her steam capstan in moving her bow Page 74 74 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. but only enough to get into a worse position right across the channel, with a bed of logs nnder her, and from that place it seemed that no human power could move her. The commander having admitted there seemed no hope of getting her off unless we had time and our rear protected, I gave the order to destroy her. One ton of powder was placed in her in various positions, she was filled with such combustibles as we could procure, and at 1: 45 p. in., April 26, the Eastport was blown up, Lieutenant-Commander Phelps applying the match and being the last one to leave the vessel. He had barely time to reach the boat when the Eastport blew up, covering the boat with fragments of wood. Seven different explosions followed, and then the flames burst forth in every direction. The vessel was completely destroyed, as perfect a wreck as ever was made by powder. She remains a troublesome obstruction to block up the channel for some time to come. All stores, etc., were removed and such parts of the machinery as could be made available by the rebels. There was nothing but the iron plates left behind, which finally fell inside the hull; some fell cutboard, as the fire burned away the wood to which they were attached, and will soon disappear under the sands. I would have brought away every piece of iron had I not been warned that I had overstayed my time. Gangs of guerrillas began to hover on the left bank of the river, and just previous to blowing up the East port we were attacked by a heavy force on the right bank. This vessel was lying tied to the bank, and I was backing out from the Eastport in the flindman to give the former a chance to blow up without injury to anyone; the rebels selected this moment to make their attack, and, rising siid- denly from the bank, opened on our little squadron with 1,200 mus- kets and then made a rush to board the Crielcet. The enemy, how- ever, were properly met and repelled, and the Cricket, dropping out from the bank, opened on them with grape and canister. arid, with a heavy cross fire from the two other vessels, the rebels were routed in five minutes. After this we blew the Eastport up and proceeded down the river. We were not molested until we had gone about 20 miles, at a point above Cane River, when rounding the point, the vessels in close order and ready for action, we descried a party of the enemy with artillery on the right bank, and we immediately opened fire with our bow guns. The enemy immediately returned it with a large number of cannon18 in allevery shot of which struck this vessel. The captain (Acting Master H. H. Gorringe) gave orders to stop the engines for the purpose of fighting the battery, and covering the boats astern. I corrected this mistake and got headway on the ves- sel again, but not soon enough to avoid the pelting shower of shot and shell which the enemy poured into usevery shot going through and through us, clearing all our decks in a moment. Finding the guns not firing rapidly, I stepped cn the gun deck to see what was the matter. As I stepped down, the after gun was struck with a shell and disabled, and every man at the gun killed or wounded Page 75 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. At the same moment the crew from the forward gun was swept away by a shell exploding, and the men were wounded in the fire- room, leaving only one man to fire np. I made up a guns crew from the contrabands, who fought the gun to the last moment. Finding that the engine did not move, I went into the engine room, and fonnd the chief engineer killed, whose place Was soon supplied by an assistant. I then went to the pilot house and found that a shot had gone through it and wounded one of the pilots. I took charge of the vessel, and as the battery was a very heavy one I determined to pass it, which was done under the heaviest fire I ever witnessed. I attempted to turn her head upstream to attack with our two bow guns, the only guns left, but as this was impracticable I let her drift down around the point and shelled the enemys batteries in the rear. This disturbed them for a moment and enabled the light-draft Juliet and pump boat Champion (lashed together) to escape from under the bank where they had drifted. The Juliet had her steam pipe cut and became disabled, having drifted clear from under the guns of the enemy and close in to the bank, where the guns could not be depressed to reach them, and from whence the Champon towed her in safety when the Hiudman opened her batteries and this vessel was firing into the rear of the enemys batteries. Seeing that the Hindman did not pass the batteries, the Juliet disabled, and that one of the pump boats had her boiler exploded by a shot, I ran down to a point three or four miles below, where I had ordered two iron- dads to be ready to meet me in case of emergency. Unfortunately, I ran on shore a short time after passing the batteries, and remained there three hours; took fire in the meantime from the explosion of some cartridges, the box containing which had been struck by the enemys shot. It was after dark when I reached the appointed place, where I found the 0 sage lying opposite a field battery of the enemy, which they had been shelling throughout the day. The Lexington had been hard at work at them, and had been hulled 15 times, with only one man killed. The firing above had ceased, and as the channel was very intricate, I could not send her up to the assistance of the vessels without danger of her getting aground. I knew that they were all above the batteries, and was in hopes the Hindman had silenced them. Lieutenant-Commander Phelps had two vessels in charge, the Juliet and Champion, which he wished to get through safely. He kept them out of range until he could partially repair the Jv~liet, and then starting nnder a heavy fire he made a push by. Unfortunately, the pump boat was disabled and set fire to and burned up. The Hindman bad her wheel ropes cut away and drifted p~ st, turning around and around, and getting well cut up in going by. The Juliet was cut to pieces in hull and machinery; had 15 killed and wounded. Four miles below they met the Neosho going up. too late to cover them. Had she arrived in time she could likely have cleared out the batteries; at least diverted the fire of them until the passage of the boats. I enclose the report of Lieutenant-Coin- iriander Phelps from the time of his first misfortune until his arrival at this place, where I now am with all the fleet, having lost none of the gunboats, but very much surprised that I have any left, consider- ing all the difficulties encountered Page 76 #76 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. When the rebels had followed our army to the point where they could effect no more, all their attention was turned to the little squadron I had escorting the Fastport. Every man and gun was brought to the river, and we had to con- tend against such odds that it seemed impossible to escape destruc- tion or very severe handling. No vessels were ever better fought, and none of this class (mere thread paper vessels) were ever under so hot a fire. In five minutes the Cricket was struck 38 times with solid shot and shell, with a loss of 25 killed and wounded, half her crew. The Juliet about the same, with 15 killed and wounded. The Iiindrnan lost 3 killed and 4 or 5 wounded. I may have lacked judgment in not blowing the Ea8tport up sooner, when I found that we were a secondary consideration to the army, but as I had stayed behind myself to see the last transport through safely, I could not do less with one of my own vessels. I was unable to keep up communication with the army, as the means of communication were with them, and as they marched along faster than I calculated (40 miles in one day, when I supposed they would only go 20), I was more in their rear than I should have been. This arose from my desire to save the IiJa8tport, and hoping that some signal success on the part of the army (which I felt con- fident was able to whip all the rebels in this part of the country) would dispose of the enemy altogether. From the beginning of this expedition up to the present time the cfficer~ and men of this squadron have worked with superhuman zeal and overcome difficulties which seemed insurmountable. The success of the expedition depended entirely on the success of the navy in getting the transports safely to an appointed place, Springfield Landing, which would have put us in communication with the army, and then in possession of all their material of war. This we accomplished, and when the army returned unexpectedly, we fought our way back again without a loss of any kind (excepting men), inflicting a loss of 500 men on the enemy, killed their best general (Green) and a number of his officers. On our way down to Alexandria obstacles were overcome enough to appall the stoutest heart. Guns had to be taken out of vessels, and they jumped over sand bars and logs, and the squadron arrived here in time to prevent any attack on our reserve stores. The difficulty about water is a most unusual one, and we must cer- tainly have a rise of the few feet we want before the end of th~ season; all the rivers are booming at this time, and it should be so here. I am no more responsible for the failure of water here than I would be if the Mississippi went dry at th5s season, a thing that never hap- pened yet. I came up here with the river on the rise, and water enough for our largest vessels, and even on my way up to Shreveport from Grand Ecore the water rose, while it commenced falling where I left the largest gunboats. Falling or not, I could not go back while in charge of the transports and the material on which an army of 30,000 men depended; nothing would justify me in doing so. I have still confidence in a good Providence, which I am sure will not desert us, and confidence that the nation will not permit this fleet to be sacrificed, when it has so well performed its part in what should have been a complete success Page 77 2~1AVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 77 In conclusion, I beg leave to mention the brave, cool, and zealous manner in which Lieutenant-Commander Phelps worked to get his vessel out of her difficulties, never losing his faith for a single moment. Also the handsome manner in which he brought the two fragile gunboats past those heavy batteries, cheating the enemy of the prize they had promised themselves. To Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant John Pearce, commanding the Fort Hindn& a~ great praise is due for the efforts he made, night and day, to get the Eastport off, working his officers and men until they could hardly stand. Acting Master George W. Rogers, of the Pitt8burg, deserves great credit for the manner in which he worked at the bulkheads of the Ea~tport up to his middle in water for eight days. To him was entrusted the duty of stopping the leak, which he fairly accomplished under the most trying circumstances. Acting Master J. S. Watson defended his vessel in the most gallant manner, and never was a vessel more cut up. Where all do their duty it is hard to discriminate, but when the record of this expedition is overhauled the names of Commander K. Townsend, commanding Essex; Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps, commanding Eastport; Lieutenant-Commander Watson Smith, com- manding ChiUjeotlie (temporarily); Lieutenant-Commander K. K. Breese, commanding Black Hawk; Lieutenant-Commander J. P. Foster, commanding Lafayette; Lieutenant-Commander J. A. Greer, commanding Benton; Lieutenant-Commander E. K. Owen, com- manding Louisville; Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Mitchell, ccm- manding Carondelet; Lieutenant-Commander F. M. iRamsay, commanding Choctau7; Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Self ridge, commanding Osage; Lieutenant-Commander Byron Wilson, coin- manding Ouachita; Lieutenant Commanding George M. Bache, commanding Lexington; Lieutenant Commanding S. W. Terry, commanding Benefit (naval transport); Acting Volunteer Lieuten- ant W. R. libel, commanding Pittsburg; Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Samuel Howard, commanding Neosho; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George W. Brown, commanding Ozark; Acting Volun- teer Lieutenant A. E. Langthorne, commanding Mound City; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John Pearce, commanding Fort flindman; Acting Master H. H. Gorringe, commanding Cricket; Acting Master J. S. Watson, commanding Juliet; Acting Master Charles Thatcher, commandino~ Gazelle; should stand prominent, having zealously per- formed everything required of them with an ability deserving of the highest praise. I deem it necessary to send you a bearer of dispatches, who will explain to you fully the condition of the fleet. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C Page 78 78 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. East- port, regarding the efforts to save and the final destruction of that vessel. U. S. GUNBOAT FORT JIINDMAN Alexandria, La., April 2& S~, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order I left Grand Ecore on the 14th instant with the Eastport and proceeded down Red River. One mile below grounded on a bar and did not get over until the 15th instant, when I continued downstream some 8 miles, where the vessel received a severe shock forward and began to fill rapidly with water in that part of her. I ordered the vessel to be run into shoal water, started the steam syphon and other pumps, and set all hands to pumping and bailing water out of her. Within the first hour after the accident the gunboat Lexington and towboat B came alongside and assisted with syphon and other pumps. Having filled with water forward, the ship was slow in sinking further, and was not entirely down until five hours after the acci- dent; but the pumps made no impression whatever on the water forward, where the leak was, the numerous bulkheads in the hold alone preventing vessel from sinking as quickly by the stern as it had done by head. At the time of the accident the vessel was drifting over shoal waters (1 foot more than her draft), the wheels not turning, and the headway scarcely more than the current. The shock forward threw the leadsman from his balance, and he was near falling overboard, while in my cabin aft I scarcely felt it, and only noticed it as a peculiar trembling sensation. We had already burst three of the enemys torpedoes in the vicinity, two of them by small boats, neither of which were injured by the explosion, and in neither case was there much, if any, report. The Eastport was of great strength in her bottom, and it is im- possible that she should have been so torn by drifting upon snags. The severe character of the blow at the injured extremity and its slight character elsewhere, together with the fact of her headway not having been checked, nor the direction of her course altered, are proofs that it must have been one of the small torpedoes that did the damage. After raising her we had additional proof in the shattered condition of the bottom. On the 16th I proceeded to lighten ship, as directed by you, taking ott her battery, etc., and on the 17th the steamer Champion No. 5 arrived with two pumps of 20-inch and 10-inch diameter, which gradually gained upon the water. On the 19th the steamer New Champion reached us with similar pumps and also began pumping out the water. It would be tedious to detail the incessant toil of the people of my vessel day and night, assisted by parties from other vessels in the squadron, which resulted in getting the Ea8tport afloat on the 21st, when fires were started in the furnaces and one of the pumps was transferred from the New Ukampion and placed upon the forecastle, where it was worked by steam from our boilers, which enabled us to dispense with the services of that vessel. The same day we started down the river slowly. The carpenters of the different ships were at work day and night in efforts to confine and stop the leak Page 79 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 79 The 22d was passed in getting the ship over a bar on which she had grounded the evening previous, and in which we were assisted by three steamers with their capstans. Four or five miles farther down we again grounded and spent the day and night in getting over the bar, and had then a run of but 2 miles before we were again fast upon sunken logs on a bar. At Montgomery, [La.], nearly two daysduring which time we were on both logs and rockswere spent in getting a distance of 3 miles, where we finally grounded upon logs. Careful soundings taken by experienced pilots made it apparent that it was a hopeless labor we were engaged in, and that we could not get the ship below where she was lying. For the first time hope left me. The river was falling steadily and the pilots reported too little water for her draft on the bars below. My crew was worn out by labor beyond its power of endurance, many had sickened during the interval from the time of the disaster to the morning of 26th, when, after vain efforts to get the vessel off the logs on which she had been lying all night, you gave me the order to destroy her and transfer the people to the Fort Hindiman temporarily. I took off everything movable and of value and then placed a prepared can and 8 barrels of powder under the foot of her forward casemate, which an operator attempted to explode by electricity. Failihg in his attempts, a similar amount of powder was placed in her stern and other barrels of powder were put about her machinery, so as effectually to destroy her, and trains were laid fore and aft the vessel, which, on being ignited, rapidly spread fire throughout her, exploding the different mines in quick succession, utterly destroying her. These are facts which it is an official duty to report to you, although you were a witness of nearly the whole, yourself directing the measures adopted, first to save the vessel and then to destroy her. The command of the Ea8tpo t has been to me a source of great pride, and I could not but deplore the necessity for destroying her. The act has been the most painful one experienced by me in my official career. She was the finest vessel of your squadron and one of the best possessed by the Government. Your order to me to pro- ceed to destroy her, in which you commend the zeal displayed by myself and the crew in our efforts to save her, not only relieved me from all responsibility, but was also grateful to my feelings, both as a man and officer. I desire further to express to you my grateful sense of your forbearance in ordering the destruction of the vessel, when yourself convinced of the impossibility of saving her, yielding your judgment to my natural anxiety to exhaust every means that seemed to offer a hope of success. I fear that your forbearance led to greater risks both for your squadron and yourself than even the saving of the Ea~tport would justify. This consciousness added largely to my anxiety for your safety when separated from you by the accidents of the action which took place on the evening after her destruction, when I had every reason to apprehend the worst. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Com,mamder. Rear-Adnilral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy Corn nding JIi88i88ippi Squadron Page 80 80 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, regarding engagement with Confederate batteries at Deloachs Bluff, Red River, April 26. U. S. S. OSAGE Above Alexandria, May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to present the following detailed report of the part this vessel took in the action with the rebel battery at Deloachs Rocks on Tuesday, April 26. At the time confined to the cabin by sickness, I have relied upon the careful statements of the officers who witnessed it. The Osage landed at this point for the purpose of procuring wood. Upon casting off, the pilot backed her aground. We were compelled to earry out a line to the Lexington, which lay in the opposite shore. At 11.40 a. in., just as our head commenced to swing off, the enemy opened a fire from four pieces and musketry. Fearing we might again go ashore, being quite unmanageable in the eddy currents that make around this point of rocks, I ordered the anchor let go. We returned the enemys fire immediately with grape and shrap- nel. From the fact that we were lying under the crest of a high hill, our fire at first did not seem as effective as we could have wished. The Lexington, at which the rebels directed principally their fire, having dropped down the river, they shifted two of their guns to bear more directly upon us. This brought them more exposed to our fire, and two or three well-directed rounds made them limber up and clear out. While I have no idea of the rebel loss, they were distinctly seen to remove one of their guns by hand, another with only two horses, assisted by hand. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. 0. SELIFRIDGE, .Lieutenant-Coimman~der. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Connmanding lllississippi Squadron. Report of Acting Master Pease, U. S. Navy, regarding engagement at Deloachs Bluff, April 26. U. S. S. OSAGE, Aprul ~7, 1864. SIR: I regret having to report that while lying under the bluff at Deroachs LDeloachsl Rocks yesterday at 10:50 a. in., Sidney Osborne, quarter gunner, while on the bank on picket, was shot in the neck by a rebel and severely wounded. Acting Ensign Hubbell and Acting Masters Mate B. C. Wheeler, with 12 men, at once volun- teered to bring him on board. They deserve much credit in the manner in which they charged the hill under heavy musket fire of the enemy and succeeded in bringing Osborne on hoard without re- ceiving any injury. At 11: 30 the enemy opened fire with four pieces of artillery and kept up a sharp fire for forty minutes. We returned fire with 9 XI-inch shrapnel, 1 5-second shell, 2 stand Page 81 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 81 grape, and 1 canister; 12: 20 ceased firing. We sustained no injury during the engagement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. PEASE, Acting Ma8ter and Executive Officer. Lieutenant-Commander THOMAS 0. SELFRIDGE, U. S. Navy, Com~imanding U. S. S. O~age. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, late commanding U. S. S. ~astport, regarding engagement with Confederate batteries near the junction of Cane and Red Rivers, April 2627, 1864. U. S. GUNBOAT FORT HINDMAN, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived here this morning with the Fort Hindm~an and Juliet. After the destruction of the Eastport near Montgomery, [La.], on this river [Red], on the 26th instant, I transferred the officers and crew of that vessel to the Fort LJindman in obedience to your order, and started down the river in company with the Cricket, bearing your flag, the gunboat Juliet, and the two steaniers Champion. When the enemys batteries opened upon you, 5 miles above the mouth of Cane River, the Fort Hindmian was prevented from render- ing effective assistance by her fire, owing to the confusion into which the other vessels were thrown, getting athwart the river between us and the enemy. You passed around the point out of our sight, followed by a rapid fire about the time the New CA imp ion was blown up by a shot in her boilers and the Juliet disabled by one in her machinery, while the Champion No. 5 had a bad shot in the head of her rudder. The first drifted down enveloped in steam and lodged against the shore where the enemy was. The other two were for a time exposed in broadside to a terrific fire. The Juliet was in tow of the Champion, whose pilot had abandoned the wheel- house, and the crew below had cut all the hawsers fastening the two vessels together, save one, which Captain Watson prevented their cutting. A second-class pilot named Maitland, belonging to the ~Juliet, at this juncture, with great bravery and presence of mind, sprang into the pilot house of the CA pion, headed her upstream and towed the Juliet out of fire by the one remaining line. I had early discovered the disabled condition of the Juliet, and dropped down below her to draw off the fire of the batteries and cover her retreat. When she had passed out of effective range the fire of the enemys guns materially slackened, and I turned abont and followed her a short distance up the river, almost enLirely nnmolested, and remained at the bank in sight of the enemy through the night, which was spent by us in repairing the disabled boats and making prepara- tions for engaging and passing the batteries in the morning. The numerous guns the enemy had in position, and the number of sharpshooters lining the bank, would seem to have made it more prudent to have run the fire during the night. We were able only partially to repair the Juliet, whose steering apparatus was crippled and steam pipes cut. The latter, it was found ~ ~x~mi~~tion, could 1020080N XV SVOL 2613 Page 82 82 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. be repaired by 10 oclock the next day, the former not at all with the means at our disposal. We had therefore to tow her. The Champion8 rudder could also be temporarily repaired, enabling her to run the river. In addition, it was uncertain whether the channel was wide enough to admit of the passage of two boats abreast by the New Champion, which the rebels had secured, and which it was not improbable they might sink across the channel with a view of obstructing the river. The hope of saving the Champion No. 5, and the determination to bring the Juliet through, with the above con- siderations, induced me to adopt the plan of passing the batteries by daylight, when I could see the difficulties of the navigation. As for the Champion No. 5, she was as well enabled to endure the fire as are the tinclads. I therefore made her people go on board to bring her through. Occasionally during the night I fired shell at the New Champion to disturb the enemy, should he be attempting to sink her across tha channel. At daylight no signs of the enemy could be discovered, save occasional rifle shots at our men who were engaged work- ing about the vessels. Before noon all repairs were made and we headed down for the batteries, but had not proceeded far before the Juliet was snagged in the bow and we were forced to return and stop the leak. Having accomplished this, we again turned downstream, shelling the place where we felt convinced the enemy were lying concealed by the woods. When within ~00 yards, he suddenly opened on us with a numerous battery. A shot passed through the Fort Hindmans pilot house, partially disabling her wheel and carrying away her tiller rope. This rendered the vessels unmanageable and we drifted through the fire, striking the bow and stern alternately upon the shore, but happily clearing the New Champion. This inability to give direction to the vessel rendered our fire less effective than it would otherwise have been, and the Champion No. 6, in following us, consequently suffered more severely than was anticipated. After passing the batteries she was disabled and drifted upon the opposite shore, when her people escaped, and those who have since come in, report that she was on fire in the hold when they abandoned her. It had been my purpose to destroy the IVew Ch mpion in pass- ing her, as well as the other Champion, in case she should fail to pass through the fire in safety, but the loss of our tiller ropes frus- trated this plan. The fire of the enemys sharpshooters was incessant and very an- noying for several miles below the batteries. The Juliet received a shot in her port cylinder and was otherwise much injured. A shot pased through the magazine of the Fort H drnan penetrating a barrel of powder and killing a man. Except being considerably torn in her upper works and several times hulled, the vessel was not ma- terially damaged and the loss of life was singularly small. I regret to report that Acting Ensign S. Pool was killed. He was attached to the Eastport. I refer you to the reports of the captains of the two vessels for the other casualties. We fell in with the Neosho, which vessel you dispatched to our assistance, about 12 miles below the batteries Page 83 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 83 I deem it proper to mention that Acting Ensign Lee appeared to be the only efficient line officer on board the Fort Hindman. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pearce, commanding her, received splinter wounds in the head while managing his vessel in the pilot house, sustaining his reputation for a brave and efficient officer. Acting Master Watson, commanding Juliet, is particularly to be commended for his energetic efforts in saving his vessel, and the good use he made of his guns under difficulties. The conduct of all the officers and men of the Ea8tport was such as to make it impossible for me to distinguish any one particularly by name without doing injustice to the others. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mi88issip17i Squadron. Report of Acting Master Watson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Juliet, regard- ing the engagement with Confederate batteries in Red River, April 2627, 1864. U. S. S. JULIET, Mi8si8sippi River, May 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this vessel when attacked by rebel batteries in passing down the Red River on the 26th and 27th ultimo. On the 26th, at 10 a. in., hauled in to the bank for the purpose of wooding. At 10:30 the enemy attacked us from the opposite bank with a large force with musketry. Most of our men being ashore at the time, we could muster only 2 officers and about 20 men all told. With these we manned our port battery and kept up a sharp fire of shrapnel and canister until 11: 25 a. in., when the enemy retreated and our men were able to come on board. At 3:40 p. m. started down the river with Champion No. 5 fast alongside, in company with Cricket, Fort Hindman, and New Champion. At 4:15 p. in., when opposite I~oint Pleasant, a rebel battery opened fire upon us. We immediately engaged them with our two bow and starboard broadside guns. The New Champion, being ahead of us, commenced backing and backed into our bows, carrying away our bitts, guards, housing, jackstaff, and everything forward. When in this position, our steam pipe and tiller ropes were shot away, and the decks were filled with steam. As soon as it passed off, and I was able to look around me, I found the Champion No. 5 had turned us head upstream, that her pilot and captain had abandoned her pilot house, that an attempt was made to cast us adrift, and that we were drifting down under the batteries of the enemy, who were pouring a constant fire into us. Oiie of my pilots, Mr. Maitland, having had our wheel shot out of his hands, jumped on board Champion No. 5 and took charge of her wheel. We finally succeeded in getting a line fast to the Cham- pion, who towed us up river out of the range of the batteries. We ran ~n alongside the bank on the opposite side and made fast. The Fovt Hindman, seeing us disabled, turned around and came to our assist- ~ince and ran in alongside of us. During the night all hands repair Page 84 84 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ing steam pipe, wheel and tiller ropes, and making other preparations to run the batteries on the following morning. At 9 a. m. on the 27th, we having made fast to Fort Hind an, cast from the bank and started down the river. At 9: 30 a. m. we engaged the batteries. When within a half mile of the batteries we struck a snag and stove a hole in our port bow below the water line. As we were taking in water rapidly, preparations were made to burn the vessel should it be necessary to abandon her. By order of Lieuten- ant-Commander Phelps, both vessels were again headed upstream, ~nd as we soon had the leak under control, we once more headed downstream. In passing the batteries we received and returned a constant heavy fire, which lasted from twenty to thirty minutes. We received a number of shot and shell in our upper works, which were completely riddled. Two struck our hull, disabling our rud- (ler. One also struck our port crank, cutting it off, thereby knocking out both cylinder heads and totally disabling the port engine. I can not say too much in praise of my crew for their gallant con- duct and implicit obedience to my orders on the trying occasion, par- ticularly that of my two pilots, Messrs. Jordan and Maitland; also my executive, Mr. Neil, acting ensign, James ONeil, third assistant engineer, and Alouzo W. Kent, quartermaster. The casualties were as follows: 2 killed, 13 wounded, and 1 miss- ing. Enclosed I forward surgeons report; also report of ammu- nition expended. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. WATSON, Acting Maste~r. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Co anding Mi8sis8ippi Squa(lron. [Enclosures.] Report of annnunition expended o U. & & Juliet, April 26 and 27. April 26.Shrapnel 38, shell 8, canister 6. April 27.-Shrapnel 63, shell 2. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. S. WATSON, Acting Ma8ter. U. S. S. JULIET. Off Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. SIR: I have to report the following casualties resulting from the engagement of April 26. Ii7illed.IRobert Higgins (contraband), coal heaver, shrapnel. IVounded.Thomas Dunn, fireman, left ankle; seriously. John Quinn, boy, right leg; seriously. Henry harris, deckhand, privates and left groin; seriously. Lloyd Woodyard, ordinary seaman, hand: severely. Gus Pasgo, ordinary seaman, hand; severely. Green Deason, landsman, hand; slightly. Isaac Adan~s, ordinary seaman, hand; slightly, Edward P. Slade, landsman, fracture arm; seriously. Alonzo W~ Kent, quartermaster, back slightly. Charles Appleby Page 85 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 85 seaman, hand; slightly. Harry Harmon, coal heaver, thigh; severely. Porter Hunter, boy, hand; slightly. Total, 1 killed, 12 wounded. Respedfully, etc., GEO. 0. ALLEN, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. J. STOUGHTON WATSON, Acting Master, Commanding. U. S. S. JULIET, Off Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. SIR: I have to report the following casualties resulting from the engagement of April 27. Killed.James R. Wales, master at arms, shell. iVounded.A. M. Jordan, pilot, head; severely. Ben Lewis, boy, shoulder; seriously. Respectfully, etc., GRO. 0. ALLEN, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. J. STOUGHTON WATSON, Acting Master, Commanding. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pearce, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort Hindma 1864. n, regarding engagement with Confederate batteries April 26, 27, U. S. S. FORT HINDMAN, Off Alexandria, La., April 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that during the engagement with the rebel batteries between Montgomery, La., and this place, on the evening of the 26th and morning of the 27th instant, we were struck 19 times with 12 and 24 pound shot, losing in the first engagement 1 officer and 1 man, viz, Acting Ensign S. Pool, late of the U. S. S. Eastport, and Joseph Scott, ordinary seaman (colored). There were no casualties on the 27th. One 12-pound shot penetrated the hull of the vessel at the water line; another of the same size passed through the hull at the stern, penetrating the magazine, breaking several barrels of powder; two 24-pound shot passed through and through the pilot house, cutting the tiller ropes and carrying away a portion of the wheel. The re- maining number penetrated our casemates and upper works; one shot. narrowly missed the steam pipe. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN PEARCE, Acting Volunteer Lientenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Extract from the log of the U. S. S. Cricket, Acting Master H. H. Gorringe, com- manding. April 26, 1864.12 to 4 a. in.: Mustered watch and stationed senti- nels. 1 a. m. the Juliet came up the river. 6: 30 admiral left vesse Page 86 86 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. in gig; 7:45 he returned on board. 9 weighed anchor and made fast to the bank. Commenced making preparations to blow the Ea~tport up. 10:30 the rebels fired several volleys of musketry and attempted to board us, but did not succeed. We opened on them with shrapnel and canister. 11:30 ceased firing. 2:10 p. m. blew U. S. S. Easiport up. 3:20 admiral returned on board vessel. Piped dinner, cast loose, and steamed down the river. 5 : 15 arrived at the mouth of Cane River, where we were engaged by rebel artillery and infantry, and boat considerably, though not seriously damaged. Had 6 killed and 5 wounded. The Fort Hindmau, Juliet, and trans- ports Ckampions No. 3 and No. 5 remained above the battery. Nore.Came in sight of rebel artillery; opened fire on them, which they answered with 18 pieces of cannon (12 and 24 pounders) and 300 sharpshooters. We then ran past the battery and were struck 38 times with cannon while doing so, killing 8 and wounding 7 seriously. We disabled one of their pieces, and information has since been received from a captured prisoner, who was there, that we inflicted heavy damages in killed and wounded among the sharp- sbooters, as nearly all of our shrapnel burst in their midst. The transports Champion No. 3 and No. 5 being disabled, the gunboats Fart Iiindman and Juliet had to go above the battery out of range with them. 6 to 8 p. in., vessel run aground. 7:15 powder on spar deck ex- ploded and ship took fire; but the fire was soon extinguished and ammunition on spar deck thrown overboard. 6:30 [7:30?] got off ground and proceeded down the river. 9:30 hove in sight. of the Osage. 10 passed the Carondelet and made fast astern of the Lexington. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of casualties to late crew of the U. S. S. Eastport, April 26, 1864. Missrssir~i SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, April 30,1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose the report of the surgeon of the Eastport of the killed and wounded belonging to that vessel in the action of the 26th instant. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant., S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. NAVY, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. FORT HINDMAN, April 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the killed and wounded, formerly of the U. S. S. Eastport: Silvester Pool, acting ensign, killed; Louis Gillespie, seaman, wounded in the shoulder and head; L. W. Strong, seaman, wounded in the head. Respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. GEROULD, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander S. L. PHELPS Page 87 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 87 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Pilot Maitland, in charge of steamer Champion No. 5, April 27, 1864. Mississir~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 26, 1864. SIR: I enclose a report from Pilot William Maitland, who lately escaped from the rebels. He was the pilot who volunteered to take the Champion No. 5 (pump boat) past the batteries up Red River. I-us report gives an account of the fate of the Champion. and also an account of the lamentable fate of those on board, and though the news is painful to the friends of the parties who were on the boat, it is as well that they should know the worst. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER. Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, D. C. [Enclosure.] MOUND CITY, June 25, 1864. SIR: On the morning of the 27th of April I volunteered my services to pilot the steamer Champion No. 5 by the rebel batteries in company with the gunboats Fort Hindman and Juliet, all of which had failed to get past them the night previous. We started at about 8 oclock, the Fort Hindman having the Juliet in tow, taking the lead. When nearly opposite the batteries a shell entered the pilot house of my boat which wounded me in both legs causing me to drop on my knees depriving me from working the wheel. The boat then ran into the bank of the river on the same side with the bat- teries. Another shell struck her at this time, which wounded me in six other places, and still another which cut away the bell rope and speaking trumpet. Recovering sufficiently from my wounds I rang the starboard bell and had the boat backed across the river to the opposite side from the enemy. I then left the pilot house and umped overboard and swam ashore, the enemy keeping up a heavy fire upon the boat until she sunk, which was in about a half-hour afterwards. She now lays with her head upstream, her hurricane deck on the port side under water, starboard side, the boiler deck, ditto. From what I could learn the rebels are trying to raise her, with, poor prospects of success. Captain Roberts and a deck hand named Michel Calvin were killed; Pat Gorman, a deck hand, wounded and prisoner, since pa- roled on the 17th. The balance of the crew were taken prisoners and sent to Tyler, Tex. I learned that as the Champion No. 3 ap- proached the batteries the previous night, a 12-pound shot entered her starboard boiler, which caused her to explode. Captain Stewart and three engineers whose names are unknown to me, were scalded to death, also the cook, Michael Shields, was wounded and taken prisoner, but since paroled. All the contrabands on board, some 150 to 200, were scalded to death, excepting 15. The rebels have repaired the boilers of this boat and she is now running on the river below Alexandria. She, in company with the steamer Frolic Page 88 88 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. came out of the mouth of the Red River under a flag of truce with wounded ofiteers. I think, as near as I could learn from the rebels, that the batteries consisted of 18 guns, two of which were of Nims battery, captured from General Banks army. A captain and lieutenant were among the killed on the rebel side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant., WM. MAITLAND, Pilot. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the forwarding of an important mail and the impaired condition of steamer Benefit. U. S. S CHILLICOTHE, Above Falls, Alexandria, La., April 9?1, 1864. SIR: I have a mail for you received from the U. S. S Signal. It was left with the remark that its importance made it prudent to for- ward it only by a gunboat. It apparently being the intention for the Siqnal to remain at Alexandria, and having no suitable gunboat here ~or taking the mail, I send you this notice of it by the Brown, Volunteer Lieutenant French.~ I am informed, however, that the Forest Rose and Ken- wood are due to-night, and will use one of them as soon as they arrmve. The New National was at the mouth of Red River; ~four or five barges of coal there. At 7 a. m. this morning there were 4 feet k inch on the falls. The clerk, chief engineer, and another, probably the pilot, came to me this morning complaining of the inefficiency of the Beneftt and her inability to do any more duty until fixed. As- certaining that her engines were in order, and that her boilers needed cleaning, I ordered her to clean boilers at once, sent for Mr. Terry, ascertaining that you wished the vessel with you again, and told him to be ready to leave as soon as possible. Your mail, consisting of I leather bag, 1 cotton bag, 3 letters gathered on the way, and a box 2 feet by 1 foot 6 inches from Dr. Pinkney, will be sent by the first gunboat. I will send the box from Dr. P. by the Brown. Very respectfully, yours, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Above Falls, Alexandria, La., April 22, 1864. SIR: If not in opposition to orders already received, give convoy to such transports as may be going down the river. I believe you said you were directed to go down river again Page 89 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 89 Those vessels will be much assisted and relieved by your presence. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JNO. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, Red River, Above Alexandria Falls. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Clair, of engagement with guerrilla band below Alenandria. ON BOARD U. S. S. ST. CLAIR, Alexandria, La., April 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: On my way up to this place I stopped just above the Raft. The Superior, loaded with troops, gave the alarm of the approach of rebels. I fired a few shrapnel and we lay quiet the night of the 21st. The transport left me this morning, and when about 30 miles below this place (by water), was fired into by a guerrilla band, 2 men killed and 16 wounded. The rebels had one fieldpiece. The boat ran past them and then waited for me. I threw a few more shrapnel into a thicket where the rebels had come out to see the troops and:what they had done. The troops burned some property, from behind which they had been fired upon. We are here all safe, and I am happy to say that my officers and men have done ad- mirably, to say that it is the first time the men were in what they considered a dangerous place, and it being the first time I ever saw my officers work in earnest. I am now satisfied I have seen them tried. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tilos. B. GREGORY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Admiral DAVID D. PORUER, Commanding U. S. Afississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Above Falls, Alexandria, La., April 23, 1864. SIR: You will return to the mouth of Black River, as directed by Captain Breese, convoying the army transports as you go, leaving, as requested, at 10 a. m. Respectfully, yours, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JNo. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, Alexandria, La Page 90 90 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, expressing his solicitude regarding the campaign in Red River. Confldential.1 HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OP THE MISSISSIPPI, Na8hville, Tenn., April 24, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I received your valued letter by General Corse, and felt sadly disappointed at the result. All things moved so well on time as far as Alexandria that I was in hopes the sequel would be of the same kiud. General Corse describes that after the euemy was checked aud then worsted, night set in aud both armies with- drew, but ours came back 40 miles. We cau not claim that as vic- tory. I hope, however, that you all pushed on, for otherwise the enemy must have turned on Steele. I feel very uneasy, and await accounts with painful solicitude. We are too far oft and too intent on our own game to send forces to Red River. Indeed, I do think all our calculations were well made, and the combined forces were ample to walk over all opposition. I have not heard of Steele since he went to Camden, [Ark.1, and I fear he directed his course straight on Shreveport, though prudence would have dictated his filing to- ward Alexandria or Natchitoches. It does appear that the move- ment was too slow, the 17th was the day appointed to meet at Alex- andria, and the 14th of April finds the main army at Grand Ecore. I think I could have made better time, but that is none of my busi- ness, alt~iough I do lose the services of 10,000 of my best men in the campaign over here. I am glad you are pleased with Generals Smith and Mower. Though I want both, I can not call for them as long as their associates are in danger. It can not now be long before both Grants army in Virginia and mine at Chattanooga move forward. We are already in contact, our pickets in sight of each ot.her, so that battle will not long be delayed. I have my old opponent, and only ask him to stand, and not draw me too far away from my supplies. A small army can feed on the country by scattering, but a large one can not. But there is no use in delaying, and the issue is broad. I shall go down to Chattanooga by May 1. I will write to Captain Shirk to keep a bright lookout up the Tennessee that Forrest does not cross and cut my road when I am in Georgia. Present my compliments to all. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comimanding Mi88i88~pp~ Squadron, Red River. Letter from Brigadier-Geneial Smith, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival at Cotile and referring to battle at Cane River Crossing. HEADQUARTERS DIvISION 17TH ARMY Com?s, Cotile, [La.], April 25, 1864. ADMIRAL: Arrived at this point last night. General Banks and army are on the march to Alexandria, [La.]. We brought up the rear and skirmished all the way. General Banks fought at the crossing of Cane River, not much loss on either side. Our fightin Page 91 NAVAL FORCE~ ON WESTERN WATERS. 91 in the rear was sharp. General A. J. Smiths command is ordered peremptorily to Alexandria. Troops are now on the march. You will find the enemy some two thousand strong on the opposite side. Their artillery does not amount to much; what they have we have crippled badly. Will communicate more fully from Alexandria by the gunboats ~O8age and Pitt8burg unless they get off before we arrive. General A. J. Smith and I both protest at being hurried away; I feel as if we were shamefully deserting you. If I had the power I would march my troops back to Calhoun, [La.], or wherever you might need us, if at all. I will try and get a communication to you from General A. J. Smith. Most respectfully and truly, yours, THOMAS KILBY SMITH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Corn nding Mi88is8~ppi Squardron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Clair, to convoy steamer Any One to Alexandria. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, April ~5, 1864. SIR: You will, if from your information you deem it safe to leave Fort De Ru~sy, convoy the steamer Any One to Alexandria, and on your arrival there report to the commanding officer the state of this river. Vessels needing convoy had better be convoyed by one of the boats requiring coal, so as not to diminish the supply at Alexandria. There will be a coal barge here to-morrow for such purposes. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, ~om~manding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant GREGORY, Commanding St. Clair. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, to remain at Alexandria for its protection. U. S. S. CHILLIcoTHE, April 25, 1864. SIR: I have received your letter of this date. You will remain at Alexandria and aid in guarding the place from the best position. Make all repairs required upon your wheel and coal ship quickly. Do not send me any letters for distribution except those for the admiral or for vessels under my command, or expected to be com- ing within reach. I have other matters to engage my attention. I herewith return four to you, received this morning. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant-Co ander, Senior Officer Present. Acting Volunteeer-Lieutenant JNO. V. JoHNSToN, Coin nding Forest Rose, Above Alexandria, La Page 92 92 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, April ~6, 1864. Send following to Porter by dispatch boat. Your dispatch of 14th April received. Your views and course are approved. General Grant informs the Department that neither General Smith nor his force will be withdrawn; that the army will continue operations on the Red River, and cooperate with the navy. The Department has entire confidence in your judgment in the conduct and management of affairs committed to you, and especially of those on Red River. GIDEON WELLES, ~Secretary Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Cairo, 1118. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Lord, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Covington, to proceed to Alexan- dria on convoy duty. U.S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Black River, April 27, 1864. SIR: Proceed to Alexandria, convoying such vessels as may start with you. On your arrival report to Admiral Porter. Should you not find him there, say to the commanding officer that I think it woul& be well were you sent to Fort Dc hussy to relieve the Argo8y, on account of your carrying stern guns, and that I would like the Kenwood and another light-draft sent down to me to convoy such vessels as may require it. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant GEO. P. Loiw, Commanding Covington. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, condemning the conduct of the cam- paign by Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, and showing the precarious condi- tion of the navy in the river. Confidential.] Mississir~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. SIR: I have written you an account of the operations of the fleet in these waters, but take the liberty of writing to you confidentially the true state of affairs. Never was an officer placed in a more un- pleasant position than I am without any fault of mine, but owing to circumstances over which I have no control. Starting with a good rise of water in the season of the year when the water of the Red River overflows its banks and keeps up until June, I find myself blockaded by a fall of 3 feet of water, 3 feet 4 inches being the amount now on the falls; 7 feet being required to get over; no amount of lightening will accomplish the object. When I started on this expedition it was with the full expectation of having a complete victory, and the enemy were already to remov Page 93 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 93 into Texas on the first approach of our army. I have already written to you how the whole state of things has been changed by a too blind carelessness on the part of our military leader, and our retreat back to Alexandria from place to place has so demoralized General Banks army that the troops have no confidence in anybody or anything. I do not include, however, the troops of that veteran soldier General A. J. Smith, whose men have behaved with a bravery seldom surpassed and have saved the honor of the country. They have never failed in anything they have undertaken, and have been pre- vented from reaping the fruits of victors by the order of higher authority. Our army is now all here, with the best general (Frank- lin) wounded and unfit for duty in the field. General Banks seems to hold no communication with anyone, and it is impossible for me to say what he will do. I have no confidence in his promises, as he asserted in a letter, herein enclosed, that he had no intention of leaving Grand Ecore, when he had actually already made his prepa- rations to leave. I enclose you copy of his letter to Lieutenant-Com- mander Selfridge, also of one General T. Kilby Smith wrote to me, expressing the general feeling about the manner in which the navy have been treated, and which was nothing more than true. General Banks has got himself into a bad scrape and involved me in it with him, yet it is a scrape that a good general could easily get himself out of, by making this his base of operations, and chasing the enemy until he was whipped at every point. His retreat to Alexandria, instead of being made in an orderly manner, was conducted with great rapidity, and the enemy hung upon his flanks, annoying him, though they gained no advantages, under which circumstances heshould have driven them into the river. The river is crowded with transports, and every gunboat I have is required to convoy them. I have to withdraw many light-drafts from other points on the Mississippi to supply demands here. In the meantime the enemy are splitting up into parties of 2,000 and bring- ing in the artillery (with which we have supplied them) to blockade points below here, and what will be the upshot of it all I can not foretell, I know that it will be disastrous in the extreme, for this is a country in which a retreating army is completely at the mercy of an enemy. Little consideration was paid to the situation of myself and little squadron when exposed to all the power of the enemys forces, who, failing to gain a second victor~T over our troops, turned all their attention to me. Thank God they have gained no advantage over me that will do them any good; the record made by the navy in these waters will never discredit it. Steps will have to be taken quickly to relieve us from our perilous position, and all this country should be invaded at different points and held as long as the war continues. From here to Natchez is 65 miles, with a good road all the way through, and a body of men could march through that country and subsist there, for all time to come, preventing any successful attempts on the part of the rebels to cut off our transportation. Notwithstanding that the rebels are reported as coming in from Washita [Ouachita] with heavy artillery to plant on the hills oppo- site Alexandria, no movement is being made to occupy the position, and I am in momentary expectation of having the rebel guns ope Page 94 94 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. on the transports on the town side, or if they go down or come up the river, it will be at the risk of destruction. Our light-dads can do nothing against hill batteries. I am in momentary expectation of seeing this army retreat, when the result will be disastrous. One thousand five hundred persons have taken the oath of allegiance and their bitter denunciation of the rebels will be followed by a scene of butchery when we leave here that will be dreadful in the extreme. Unless instructed by the Government, I do not think that General Banks will make the least effort to save the navy blockaded here. The following vessels are above the falls and command the right of the town: Mound City, Loui8viUe, Pittshurq. (7arondeiet, ( hillicot ,he, Osage, Neosho, Ozark, Lexington, and Fort Hindman. I have sent Mr. Heap home to explain all that I can not write; he will tell you exactly how we are, and I trust that you will leave no effort untried to save the fleet and the honor of the Navy. Those here in command of the army are entirely indifferent to the whole matter, excepting General A. J. Smith. who is sorely depressed at the l)rospect before us. At this moment the enemy have attacked our outposts and have driven in our indifferent cavalry, which came up, numbering 6,000, and have brought.nothing but calamity in their train. Our whole army is cooped up in this town while a much inferior force is going rampant about the country making prepara- tions to assail our helpless transports, which if caught, filled with men, would be perfect slaughterhouses. I see no effort made yet to transport men to the other side of the river, while the rebels are doing all they can to bring batteries in on the river to cut up passing vessels. Quick remedies are required, and I deem it my duty to lay the true state of affairs before you. An intelligent general would get us out of the difficulties, but I see no prospect of it now. If left here by the army, I will be obliged to destroy this fleet to prevent it falling into the enemys hands, and you may judge of niy feelings at having to perform so painful a duty. I can not conceive that the nation will permit such a sacrifice to be made, when men and money can prevent it. My bearer of dis- patches will explain to you fully how I am situated and the prospect there is of my being taken int6 consideration if the army has to re- treat, which it will do to a certainty on the first opportunity. We have the means and the power of reinforcing this army to such an extent that it would be impossible for the enemy to compete with us. They can not subsist a large army here, while by occupying certain points on the river we can go and come as we please. This is a most important part of the Union to us, and it will be the greatest defeat we have met with this war if we have to recede an inch farther. We have fought hard for the opening of the Mis- sissippi and have reduced the naval forces of the rebels in this quar- ter to two vessels. If we have to destroy what we have here, there will be material enough to build half a dozen ironclads, and the Red River, which is now of not further dread to us, will require half the Mississippi Squadron to watch it. It is true that some time will elapse before anything can be made out of the material we shall en- deavor to destroy, but it is impossible to foresee how long this war may last. I am apprehensive that the turrets of the nionitor~ will defy any efforts we can make to destroy them Page 95 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 95 Our prestige will receive a shock from which it will be long in recovering, and if the calamities I dread should overtake us the annals of this war will not present so dire an one as will have be- fallen us. In my whole course I have been governed by a sincere desire to see the rebel power crushed, and no one knows how I have worked to accomplish this object. I have sacrificed all private in- terests, all desires of a personal nature in furtherance of the object I have had nearest at heart, and I trust that you, sir, will appreciate my position. I know that you will give me credit for doing all that man could do under the adverse circumstances in which I have been placed. I shall not hesitate to sacrifice myself if necessary for the public good, and whatever may befall me, my name shall not go down dishonored to posterity. This fatal campaign has upset everything. It has delayed 10,000 troops of General Sherman, on which he depended to open the State of Mississippi; it has drawn General Steele from Arkansas and already given the rebels a foothold in that country; it has forced me to withdraw many light-clad vessels from points on the Mississippi to protect this army that would desert me without notice, when a man of ordinary abilities would have marched triumphant to Shreve- port. General Sherman is very indignant at the manner in which he has been treated and his well-laid plans frustrated. He made an ar- rangement with General Banks to meet his troops in Alexandria on the 17th of March; so did I. We were here on the 16th, while Gen- eral Banks did not leave New Orleans until the 2~d; never left here for Natchitoches until the 2d April, and never left Natchitoches until the 6th; at which time General Sherman expected his troops to be back in Vicksburg and on their way to the scene of action. There is no foreseeing what other calamities may arise from the errors of one man, who, absorbed in his own interests, and diseased with political aspirations, cares little or nothing for the lives of those he has sac- iificed, or thinks of anything but the effect this may have upon his future career. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, P. C. P. S.The only man here who possesses the entire confidence of (he troops is General A. J. Smith, and if he were placed in command of this army he would, I am convinced, retrieve all its disasters. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, regarding plan suggested by Acting Ensign Quin, U. S. Navy, for cutting the channel at the falls for the passage of the vessels. U. S. S. CARONDELET, Red River, April 29, 1864. SIR: One of my officers, Acting Ensign Michael Quinn [T. A. Quin], expresses his belief that he can cut the channel at the falls to sufficient depth to allow all the vessels above them to pass through. Mr. Quin has been engaged in business for some fourteen years a Page 96 96 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. civil engineer. His plan is to cofferdam the proposed channel and blast the rock out. He would require for a working party 250 men, half of whom could be contrabands, with a relief of the same num- ber. He estimates that in thirty days from the [time the] cofferdam is put up he can have the channel of the necessary depth. I enclose a rough pencil sketch of the plan of the proposed channel. Very respectfully, etc., JOHN G. MITCHELL, Lieidenant- Com,mamder. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comeimanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, U. S. Navy, regarding details for picket duty. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, A& ove Falls, Alexandria, La., April ~9, 1864. SIR: Two officers, one from each of the first two vessels on the fol- lowing list, viz, ATeosho, Louisville, Osaqe, Mound City, Lexington, Pittsburg, Carondelet, Ozark, Chillicothe, and Fort Hindm4n, will at 8 p. m. of this evening, place the three pickets from each vessel, beginning with the Neosho and Louisville in the following order. The pickets of each vessel being numbered 1, 2, and 3, will be placedNo. 1, 100 yards from the bank and 50 yards ahead of his vessel ; No. 2, abreast of his vessel and 100 yards from the bank; No. 3, off her quarter, 100 yards from the bank. These two officers will then place the other pickets of the line of vessels in the same order in regard to their vessels until .all are placed. The pickets will be instructed to keep themselves concealed from the woods, and if the enemy is seen, to fire his rifle at them and retire to the bank and report. The pickets to be relieved at the usual time of striking four and eight bells. The picket officers to be relieved by the two officers from the next two vessels on the list at the expiration of every four hours. No boats are to be left on shore, and the officers must be sure that the picket understands his orders before he leaves him. Their whole watch is to be passed on shore reviewing the pickets. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lientenant-Coimmander and Senior Officer present. COMMANDING OFFICER, U. S. S. 0 sage. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear.A4miral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting orders Issued In relation to storehouse, also regarding location of troops in and about Alexandria. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE GULF Alexandria, La., April ~9, 1864. Permit me to enalose for your information orders regarding store- house requested by you, also pertaining to position and lo~atio~ of troops in and about Alexandria Page 97 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 97 There are several transports ready to leave for below. Allow me to request that a convoy be designated to accompany them. If con- venient to have the convoy at 12 oclock, I would prefer to start the boats at that time. I am, admiral, with great respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding MiS8z8sippi Squadron. [Enclosures.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. ADMIRAL: The major-general commanding has directed Brigadier- General Grover to remove the guard placed by him over the store- house in Alexandria, and he has no doubt but that upon learning of this fact you will also direct the removal of the guard from the navy which is placed over the same building. If there is any storehouse in Alexandria which can be of service to the navy, or if this one is necessary to you, the general commanding, upon a statement to that effect, would be pleased to have the same given to you with as little delay as is possible. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM DWIGHT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Com~manding Missi8sippi Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. At the request of Admiral Porter the storehouse has been assigned to navy for their use. You will please issue the necessary orders to prevent its being occupied by any but them, even if temporarily vacated. It will be considered subject at all times to their orders. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, As8istant Adjutant~General. Brigadier-General C. GROVER, Commanding Po8t, Alexandria. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 29. Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. * * * * * * * 9. The line of battle for the defense of Alexandria will consist of Major-General McClernands and Brigadier-General Smiths cont- mands, with Brigadier-General Emorys division i~ reserve, 1020080N W BVOL 2613 i Page 98 98 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. General Smith will cause his left to rest on the Red River, his right extending to the same point on the railroad, where it touched this evening, and thence to the Opelousas road at this point. On the right of the Opelousas road Major-General McClernands left will rest. His command will extend in a line accordino to the nature of the ground to the bridge on the Bayou Rapides roan. Byigadier-General Emorys division will form the reserve for this line. The lines will be maintained, but Generals MeClernand, Smith, and Emory are at liberty to encamp their troops where most con- venient to water, though. ready to move on the lines at a moments notice. By command of Major-General Banks. GEO. B. DRAKE, As8i8tant Adjutant-General. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No.30. f Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. 1. For the preservation of the health and for the convenience of the command the troops of this army will encamp as follows: The Thirteenth Corps, Major-General McClernand, on Bayou Rapides, at or near the ground previously occupied by it, except one brigade, which will be thrown a short distance in advance. The detachments of Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, Brigadier- General A. J. Smith, upon the ground now occupied by them. First Division, Nineteenth Corps, Brigadier-General Emory, on either side of Bayou Rapides that he may select, not taking ground required by the Thirteenth Army Corps. Second Division, Nineteenth Corps, Brigadier-General Grover, on the ground it now occupies. Trains will be kept as far in rear of the line of defense as possible, and no supplies except such as are needed for immediate necessity will be taken from the trains to the camps. In case of an attack from the enemy in force, it will be always understood that the troops are to at once take position upon the line of defense and in the order set forth in paragraph 9. By command of Major-General Banks. GEO. B. DRAKE,. A8sigtant Adjutant-General. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John- ston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, to transport Generals Frank- lin and Hunter, U. S. Army, to the mouth of Red River. Mississiir~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., April 30, 1864. SIR: You will proceed down to the mouth of Red River, taking Generals Franklin and Hunter with you. You will put General Hunter on the Black Hawk, or take him to the mouth and put him on a transport, bound up Page 99 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 99 Take General Franklin to the mouth of Red River and put him on a transport bound to New Orleans. After doing this, fill up with coal and return here without delay, bringing up all the news you can. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Pear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commandina Forest Rose. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of communication from Major-General Steele, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La.,~ April 30, 1864. ADMIRAL: By direction of the commanding general, I enclose to you a copy of a communication received from Major-General Steele yesterday noon, and have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SIMPSON, Lieutenant and Assistant Secretary to Major-General Banks. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, ETC., Ca en, Ark., April ~3, 1864. GENERAL: Yours by Captain Dunham was received this morning. We have been receivingyesterday and to-dayrumors of reinforce- ments sent by Kirby Smith to Price at this point, and of a con- templated attack. It is said that 8,000 infantry have arrived at Prices camp, about 16 miles from here. They have received rein- forcements undoubtedly, what number I can not judge from my in- formation. Price had from ten to twelve thousand before, a large portion of it cavalry, or mounted infantry and cavalry. They have just opened upon my outposts with artillery. This may be to get as near our lines as possible to-night, preparatory to a general attack to-morrow morning. The rebels are said to be very much encouraged by an order of General K. Smith, detailing his suc- cesses against your command. They also captured a large forage train sent out from here, with two 6-pounders and two mountain howitzers spiked. The escort was about 1,300, the majority negroes. I desire to cooperate with you in the best manner possible, at the same time covering Arkansas until Shreveport shall be ours. The present prospect is that I shall have my hands full to manage Price. We have a strong position here. The rebels have fortified it for us. I have sent to Little Rock for all the troops that can be spared, and as soon as I can develop their strength, I will test their mettle if they do not withdraw from their present position. It is my opinion that the line of the Onachita should be secured, and that if there are any gunboats unemployed on Red River they should be sent up thi Page 100 100 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. river. The river is now navigable to this place for large-class boats, and if we could get supplies to within 50 miles of here, with the Ouachita to protect our flank while there is not water enough for the gunboats, it would be of great assistance to u.s. To enable us to move from here, we must have supplies, and those of the country are nearly exhausted. But supplies or no supplies, I will not let Price get out of his present position for the purpose of going to Shreveport. Owing to contingencies which Captain Dunham will explain to you, it is impossible for me to say definitely that I will join you at any point on the Red River within a given time. If you had moved up the Ouachita you would have left Louisiana uncovered. If I should move down the Guachita and then across to Red, I should leave Arkansas and Missouri in the same situation. If our respective forces were strong enough for us both to move direct on Shreveport, this would, to a considerable extent, be avoided. But as I have already intimated, there may be a superior force in front of me. At all events reinforcements might be added which wotild overwhelm my command, without any possibility of assistance from you while we are moving on lines so wide apart. I have said nothing about the question of forage. During our march between here and Arkadelphia, we have been obliged to send from 5 to 15 miles oil the road to procure a scant supply, and it is doubtful whether our stock will hold out much longer. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant; F. STEELE, Major-General. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Instructions from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Major-Genera! McCler- nand, U. S. Army, regarding proposed operations near Alexandria, La. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., hay 2, 1864. GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you ad- vance with your infantry on the Bayou Rapides Road and drive the enemy from your front. You are at liberty to use both sides of the bayou if you see fit. The commanding general desires that. you will use as little artillery as possible and that you lose as little time as possible in skirmishing. He desires that you will drive the enemy beyond the Twelve-Mile Bridge. Those of the enemy who are driven to your left should be captured. Brigadier-General A. J. Smith is directed to support you with his command, and for that purpose will move at the same time with you by the Opelousas Road and crossroad into the Bayou Rapides Road. Please state the earliest hour at which you will be ready to move, and move promptly at the hour, so that there may be no confusion in regard to General Smith. Nothing in these instructions will justify you in bringing on a geuaeral engagemenL The object is to ascertain whether the enemy i Page 101 NAVAL POhOES 0N WESTE1t~ WAtERS. 101 in force beyond the Bayou Rapides; and if not, to drive him beyond the Twelve-Mile Bridge. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, WM. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. Major-General J. A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. Copy respectfully furnished for the information and guidance of Brigadier-General A. J. Smith. General Smith will move at an hour, which will be indicated, with his whole command, with the exception of the advanced brigade, which will remain in its present position. A guide will be furnished. For the information of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 33. f Alexandria, [La.], May 2, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. The following officers are hereby detailed to assist Lieutenant- Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer, to seeing that officers in charge of working parties thoroughly attend to their duties and cause the men under their commands to work energetically. Colonel Wilson, aid-de-camp, Major-General Banks, will be on that duty from 7 a. m. until 9 oclock this p. m. Colonel [Charles C.1 Dwight, acting inspector-general, Nineteenth Army Corps, from 9 oclock this p. m. until 7 a. m. to-morrow. Major Sentell, provost-marshal, Nineteenth Army Corps, from 7 a. m. to-morrow until 9 p. m. same day, and so on alternately until the completion of the dam. By command Major-General Banks: GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Colonel WILSON. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Donnelly, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nymph, to proceed to patrol duty in Red River. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth Red River, May 3, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed up Red River and will patrol that river from the mouth of Black River to Fort De Russy. You will take care to anchor at night in such positions as will enable you to use your guns in the most advantageous manner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Acting Master PATRICK DONNELLY, Commanding Officer U. S. S. Nymph, Mouth Red River, La Page 102 102 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Korong, U. S. Navy, to report to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, at Alexandria, La. U. S. [S. BLACK HAwI], Mouth of Red River, May 3, [1864]. SIR: You will take the empty barge in tow and proceed to Alex- andria and report to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, from whom you will ask further instructions, reporting to him the positions of the vessels as you find them on your way up. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Acting Ensign J. C. MORONG, Co anding Argo8y. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs at the mouth of Red River. [U. S. S.] BLACK HAWK, Mouth. of Red River, Ma.y 3, [1864]. DEAR SIR: The Argo8y came down to-day with a convoy and will return to her station to-morrow morning at daylight. I relieved you of all the mail I could, brought down by the Avenger, the result of whwh I send you, and wish I could relieve you to some greater extent. I think everything can be kept quiet along the riverFoster at Bayou Sara, the Rragg at Morganza, Choctaw here, ready for any place, the Champion at Fort Adams, Price at Ellis Cliffs, and Omachita at Natchez. Captain Hurds resignation of the Exchange has been accepted. I retain it until I hear from you, not knowing whom you wish to take his place. I would like very much to order the tug Laurel here from Skipwiths, as I find one tug quite inadequate to do all the work required at this place, what with the carpenter shops, trans- ports, barges, etc. The Nymph (54) arrived to-day; her crew are almost all boys, and she needs some contrabands. I have ordered her to patrol the river between Fort De Russy and Black [River], and have already informed you of the disposition of the Avenger. I hear that the Em a was burned 50 miles below Alexandria, and that she was in at the bank. McClernands quartermaster is to blame, as he would not permit the depot quartermaster to give her any orders, and had no guard on board; her crew were taken into the country. All that could be found about her were the remains of official envelopes about the bank; if she carried a mail it was probably captured and contents known. The Fore8t Ro8e has not yet returned from New Orleans. I send up an empty barge by the Argosy. There is a coal barge at the mouth of Black River in charge of the gunboat stationed there. The river has risen here 8 inches in the last twenty-four hours, and the current runs up to Black River. All the upper rivers are rising and coming together, Mr. Tennyson says, and he thinks there is no doubt but that we will have a full river, but of short duration. I shall be so happy and relieved when I hear of all IAue vessels below the falls. Some o Page 103 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 103 the papers say that Banks is to be relieved, but when that happy time arrives I fear it will be too late for any good. Greer had a relapse from his fever, but at last accounts was doing well again, although still very weak. How would it do to order Townsend to the Benton and Greer to Cairo? From what I under- stand Phelps to say, Townsend will have nothing but his own vessel, and as she is to be repaired, her executive, I should think, might look out for that. The Benton ranks A No. 1, 50 that the change would be in Townsends favor. Should Captain Richardsons resig- nation be accepted, whom do you want sent in his place? The rebels who are annoying us on Red River have their head- quarters at Cheneyville, are under General Stafford (?), only two months in the Trans-Mississippi Department; there are only 400 of them, with four pieces of artillery. They roam from Simmesport to Marksville, and thence when the coast is clear make a dash on the river with a few men and one piece of artillery. The captain of the Argo8y thinks he used that up, as it did not fire any more after he burst a shrapnel on the embrasure cut in the levee. I have a requi- sition for ammunition for the O8age, but do not like to send it up without your orders. Please let me know if it is wanted. The Judge Torrence is perfectly rotten, and nothing can be done with her to advantage. I think if you could supply her place with anything, that she would do very nicely for a receiving ship, and her engines might be good for something. Mr. Bickerstaff is very ill with a coilgestive chill and will be a great loss to us during his illness. Will you tell Guild to send down the list of officers, etc., that I may tell the vacancies above and do what I can to fill them. Hoping to hear good news from you soon, Believe me, respectfully, and truly yours, K. R. BREESE, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Lieutenant- Commander. Commanding Missis8ipp~ Squadiron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, regarding location of cer- tain vessels of his command. Missmssm~~m SQUADRON, Flag8hip Black Hawk, Mouth of Red River, May 3, 1864. DEAR SIR: The Quachita is at Natchez broken down, Champion at Fort Adams. Price cruising between Fort Adams and Ellis Cliffs. The Bragg goes to Morgauza in an hour. Choctaw here, which I keep, as I hear to-day that two 30-pounder Parrotts and two small guns crossed the Atchafalaya with 500 men. They go to Point Coup~e, it is stated. The river is rising and a big rise coming down. Mr. Burns will tell you how he gets up. I have ordered the Avenger to lie at Black River with a coal barge, and not to leave except when relieved by a boat coaling, which will receive the same orders. All quiet above and below. K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Comm~ander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Corrvmanding Jlissis8ippi Squadron Page 104 104 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, regarding engage~ ments with the enemy at Dunns Bayou and Wilsons Bend, Red River. ON BOARD U. S. S. ST. CLAIR, Alexandria, La., May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: Having taken the barge in tow at Fort De Russy, according to your orders, I started for this place. At Dunns Bayou we were fired upon by about 100 guerrillas and again at Wilsons Bend by about 30, with musketry. The vessel was hit about 200 times; my second assistant engineer very slightly wounded; no other damage done, save the spoiling of some of our furniture. I shelled them out, in which I am proud to say my officers and crew behaved with that coolness that is likely always to secure success. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. B. GREGORY, A cling Volunteer Lieutenant, Coir& mandinq. Admiral DAVID D. IPORTER, (Ynmm~anding U. S. Mis8issippi Squadron.. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Burns, U. S. Navy, to report to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, at Alexandria, La. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 3, [1864]. SiR: Proceed in the Nymph to Black River. Show this order to Captain Wright, who will take you to Fort De Russy. On your arrival at that place, Captain Wright will order one of the light- drafts stationed there to take you up to Alexandria, where you will report to Admiral Porter. Respectfully, etc., K. II. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Acting Ensign BURNS, On 8pecial duty. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Wright, U. S. Navy, regarding transportation for Acting Ensign Burns. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], May 3, 1864. SIR: You will let the Nymph look out for the barge and take Mr. Burns to Fort De Russy. Order one of the light-drafts to take him from there to Alexandria, and say to the commander to ask the admiral to permit him to return, so that you may return to Black River, where the Nymph will take up her cruising. It is possible the Argo8y may require coal; if so, you can remain until she fills up. Give the captain of the Nymph instructions not to leave the barge alone, except on the most important considerations. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WRiGHT, Commanding Avenger Page 105 NAVAL FORCES O~ WESTERN WATERS. 105 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, commending the conduct of Ensign Terry, U. S. Navy, in temporary command of transport Benefit. No. 110.] MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864. SIR: I endeavor to do justice to all officers under my command, but have failed to mention the gallant conduct of Ensign S. W. Terry on the expedition up Red River. He was placed on board the trans- port Benefit to take dispatches to me at Springfield Landing. I had ordered a fieldpiece and a 24-pounder boat howitzer placed on this vessel and part of the crew of the flagship to go in her. About 50 miles above Grand Ecore Mr. Terry discovered a battery of four guns facing down the river, on which he opened with his howitzer and steamed on. The battery opened a quick fire on him, striking the vessel almost every time. The river captain of the Benefit was killed and three of the men, but the little transport fought her way through and brought me the dispatches, which were important. Such cool, brave conduct gives promise of a good officer. I commend him to the notice of the Department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER. Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of U. S. transport City Belle above Fort De Russy. [U. S. S.] BLACK HAWK, May 4, 18647 p. m. DEAR SIR: The Avenger has just come down from Fort De Russy to inform me that the City Belle, with an Ohio regiment on board, was captured about 30 miles above Fort De Russy, and that there was a bearer of dispatches on board from Washington for General Banks. Mr. Burns can tell you who he was. He never reported to me here. I shall not permit any more boats to go above Black River without convoy, and as your instructions are not to send any above Fort De Russy without your orders, please instruct me on the subject. There are only about 500 men under General Stafford, * headquarters at Cheneyville, who do all this mischief. I wrote you a note by the City Belle; nothing important, only inclosing a late newspaper and telling you the river was rising rapidly. Captain Birch informs me it was falling again at Cairo, but the papers report rises in the rivers above. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. * IJnideutifle Page 106 106 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, regarding the movements of certain vessels. [U. S. S.] BLACK HAWK, hay 4, 1864. DEAR SIR: The Lyon has just arrived, and I send you the mail, etc. The ]iallahatchie (46) arrived to-day, and has been ordered to cruise between Fort De Russy and 20 miles below. The Nymph from thence to Black River. Both are just in commission and have hardly got things straight. There are two more coming from Com- modore Palmer. The Lyon brought some ammunition, a few stores, and some pro- visions. She will be back here on the evening of the 6th, and I will detain her to morning of the 7th, should you want to send up anything. I send you a barrel of flour, said to be ver~y nice. There is an 11-inch hawser here for the Louisville, but as it is too large for your use at Alexandria and could not well be carried on the Forest Rose, I keep it here and send up a 9-inch. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting cooperation of some of his gunboats in Red River. ALEXANDRIA, LA., May 4, 1864. On the 30th of April I sent information of the situation of the fleet, and asked the assistance of your gunboats for the maintenance of our communication on Red River. No material change in the condition of affairs has occurred. We have commenced the con- struction of a dam across Red River, with every prospect of success- ful termination, which we hope will release the fleet. It will occupy ten days in its construction. Our communications are of great im- portance in the meantime. I beg that there may be no delay in the movement of your boats, as their cooperation will be very importali4t. The army is in the best condition and spirits. It is not impossible that some portion of the enemys forces may occupy the west bank of the Mississippi. All steamers ought to be prohibited from touching at any exposed point on that side, and the lower river should be thor- oughly patrolled. We look for the concentration of the whole rebel force west of the Mississippi at this point. Our information concurs with this expectation, and the magnitude of the stake at issue is such that it is impossible to believe that the enemy will fail to cap- ture or destroy this fleet if it be in his power. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Admiral PARRAGUT, or Officer commanding the fleet at New Orleans Page 107 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 107 Letter from Brigadier-General Dwight, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, desiring the services of a gunboat in a foraging expedition. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 4, 1864. ADMIRAL: The commanding general desires to know when you can furnish a gunboat to accompany a transport down and up the Red River on a foraging trip. The question of forage is becoming a serious one, and we must use every exertion to procure a supply. Soldiers and one or two wagons will accompany the transport to drive the enemy from the banks of the river and collect the forage. The commanding general hopes that, besides obtaining corn, the expedition will do something toward keeping the river open, or at least driving muskets from its banks. He respectfully suggests that any boat which you would use as a patrolling boat could very effectually perform the two duties at the same time. Very respectfully, I am, admiral, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT. Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mi8si8sippi Squadron. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Rey- nolds, U. S. Army, commanding at New Orleans, urging, in view of the loss of steamer City Belle, that no transports bound for Alexandria proceed without convoy. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 4, [1864]p. nt. SIR: I regret to inform you that the transport City Belle was captured and destroyed by the rebels about 30 miles above Fort De Russy. She had on board an Ohio regiment and a bearer of dis- patches from Washington to General Banks, all of whom, with the exception of half a dozen, were captured or killed. They made a gallant fight, I am informed, but it is a pity she should have gone without convoy. Will you please instruct the trar~sports bound to Alexandria not to go beyond Black River without convoy, and to report to me or the senior naval officer at this place for instructions. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Co imanding. COMMANDING GENERAL at New Orleans. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding attack upon transport City Belle, and desiring that gunboats patrol the river below Alexandria. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864. ADMIRAL: A regiment coming from Baton Rouge on board steamer City Belle was fired into on her way up, at Wilsons plantation, 1 Page 108 108 NAVAL FORGES ON WESTERN WATERS. miles below here. Two or three colonels and many men are reported killed, and some prisoners made. One hundred and fifty men are on the opposite bank of the river. The quartermaster is directed to send a boat down for their relief, and they desire that a convoy may accompany it, and go as far as the wreck of the steamer. It seems to be necessary that this part of the river should be patrolled by the gunboats, or that at least a boat should be stationed at the point where this affair occurred. I beg your immediate attention to this subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Rear-Admiral D. D. POR~R, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding Mi88i88ippi Squadron, Alexandria, La. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, desiring that no transports be allowed to ascend Red River without convoy. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864. ADMIRAL: In order to prevent recurrences like that which I have referred to in another letter, orders should be given to the gunboats stationed at the mouth of the river to prevent transport vessels com- ing to Alexandria, unless properly protected in themselves and by convoy. I will be obliged to you if you will give such instructions to the officers commanding the boats at the mouth of the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORThR, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding Mi88i88ippi Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, regarding troubles arising from the movement of vessels without convoy. Mississw~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864. GENERAL: Your communication of this date has been received, and as far as I can prevent the destruction of property with the small boats that I have, I will do so; but if boats start off without convoy, I can not help their getting into trouble. In a few days I hope to be able to remove all these difficulties. There are but 300 or 400 men at Wilsons and Smiths who are firing on the boats, and who will continue to do so until they are molested themselves, and the corn and forage at the above-mentioned places, which they subsist on, are taken away from them for our own use. There are some thousands of bushels. I have given orders to a gunboat here to lie below the transports and prevent them from leavlng without a convoy. I have also given orders to the commander at mouth of Red River and Fort De Russ Page 109 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 109 to permit no boats to come up without convoy. My impression is that the enemy are quietly getting artillery below to cut off the trans- ports, and Wilsons plantation is not the only place where they will be molested. I think a strong force posted in that neighborhood for a time would be of great service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf, Alexandria, La. Letter from Brigadier-General Dwight, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, proposing the occupation of Fort De Russy by a military force and pro- tection of the river by detachments on gunboats. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 4,1864. ADMIRAL: In reply to your communication of to-day to the com- manding general, I have the honor to inform you that a brigade, with artillery, has been directed to proceed to Fort De iRussy, to occupy and hold that fort. On their way down the river they will stop at Wilsons and Smiths farms and endeavor to drive the enemy from that point and take away or destroy such forage and subsistence as may be fou~nd there. General Nickerson, commanding the brigade, has also been directed to endeavor to keep the banks of the river free from the enemy. It was suggested to him that this might be done by sending detachments on gunboats to such points as might be infested. Very respectfully, I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM DWIGHT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mi8si88ippi Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Saunders, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tallahatchie, for patrol duty in Red River. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth Red River, May 4, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed without delay up Red River and patrol that stream from Fort De Russy to a point 20 miles below. When you anchor at night take care to choose such positions as will enable you to use your guns in the most advantageous manner. Should you get out of coal, the next vessel to you will relieve you, and you can repair to the mouth of Black River to obtain it. By order of Admiral Porter: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. COMMANDING OFFICER, U. S. S. TALIAHATCHIE, Mouth R~~d River, La Page 110 110 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., May 5, 1864. The Eastport, sunk by a torpedo on the 15th April, was raised, and after great toil moved down the river 52 miles, where, finding her immovably fixed on a bed of logs, she was blown up on 26th, 60 miles above Alexandria, which our army had already reached. Guns and stores saved. Cricket, flagship, Hindman, Juliet, and two pump boats were with her. We were attacked by fifteen hundred infantry as train was about being fired. Enemy attempted to board Cricket, but were driven oft after short engagement; their loss unknown; ours 4 wounded. Eo~tport then fired by Captain Phelps and reduced to complete wreck. Lay by her two hours, then proceeded down river. Ten miles below were opened on by battery of fifteen 24s and 12s, supported by large infantry force. Cricket passed battery with loss of 25 killed and wounded out of crew of 50. Was struck 38 times by shot and shell in 4 minutes, besides heavy musketry. One pump boat exploded in boiler, drifted under battery and abandoned by crew. Juliet, in tow of the other, was disabled and backed up out of fire, covered by Hindvwn. Cricket grounded below battery and set on fire by explosion of ammunition. Fire extinguished without serious damage. Hindiman and Juliet repaired damages during night and next day, with remaining pump boat, passed battery about 11 a. m. Hindman badly cut up; Juliet completely riddled. Two killed in Hind~man; 15 killed and wounded in Juliet; pump boat disabled in engine, abandoned, and fired. Fleet above Alexandria numbers 8 iron and 2 light dads. Three feet on falls, 7 required. Army threatens to evacuate Alexandria, in which case the loss of these vessels becomes inevitable. Army has lost confidence in its chief and is becoming demoralized by his in- competency, converting substantial successes into disgraceful retreats. We have there 30,000 excellent troops, splendidly equipped. Only require a good leader to secure a glorious victory. General A. J. Smith has saved army from destruction. Let me beg you, as you value the honor of the country and the safety of the splendid fleet above Alexandria, to use all your influence to arrest this shameful retreat and to have a general sent who will command confidence. Not a moment to be lost. Leave at 3 a. m. for Washington with dispatches, but time is so important an element that I take liberty of communicating fully by telegraph, hoping that measures will immediately be taken to save the country from the greatest disgrace and disaster of the war. The fleet has stood nobly by the army, but has been shamefully requited. I always except the corps under A. J. Smith. but his efforts to assist us were nullified by imperative orders. G. H. HEAP. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. 0 Page 111 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 111 Letter from Brigadier-General Dwight, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting that Brigadier-General Nickerson, U. S. Army, and transports be allowed to proceed without convoy. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE GULF, Alexandria, May 5, 1864. ADMIRAL: Brigadier-General Nickerson, who left yesterday in transports for Fort De Russy, with orders to stop on his way down the river and drive the enemy from their position at Wilsons and Smiths farms, has been stopped by gunboat No. 10 for not having a convoy. The major-general commanding is anxious that he should be permitted to proceed, and requests that you will send orders to the commanding officers of the gunboats below to allow him to pass, inasmuch as he has artillery on board and is prepared to land at any point where he may find the enemy. Very respectfully, I am, admiral, your obedient servant, WILLIAM DWIGHT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Missi88ippi Squadron. Order of Brigadier-General Nickerson, U. S. Army, to the. commanding officer of U. S. S. St. Clair, to proceed as convoy toward Fort De Russy. HEADQUARTERS iST BRIGADE, 2D DIVISION, 19TH ARMY CORPS, On Board Tran8port Silver 1Va~e, in Red River, May 5, 1864. It appearing that the enemys batteries have been moved to a point below Wilsons plantation, Captain Gregory, commanding gunboat St. Clair, is hereby ordered to proceed with this command toward Fort De Russy until further orders. By command of Brigadier-General F. S. Nickerson: J. H. METCALF, A88i8tant Adjutant-General. Extract from field order of Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, designating the U. S. S. Fort Hlndman for transporting cavalry force. FIELD ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 36. { Alexandria, La., May 5, 1864. * * * * * * * 8. Brigadier-General Richard Arnold, commanding the cavwlry division, will detail 100 dismounted men, with a sufficient number of officers, to report on board the gunboat Hindmman, lying above the falls, at 7 oclock to-morrow morning. They will take their firearms and five days rations. By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assi8tant Adjutant-General. Admiral PoRJr~ Page 112 112 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hoel, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, regarding the readiness of that vessel for the passage of the falls. U. S. S. PITTSBURG, May 5, 1864. SIR: The preparations, according to your instructions for the pur- pose of passing over the falls, are all complete on board this vessel. At half an hours notice she will be all ready. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. HOEL, Acting Vol teer Lieutenant, Com~inanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Coimmandihg Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chilli- cothe, regarding the readiness of that vessel for the passage of the falls. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Above Alexandria Falls, La., May 5, 1864. SIR: In accordance with your order of the 2d instant, I now re- port that the preparations therein directed to be made for keeping water out of the hull in passing the falls have been completed. Every hatch can in a few minutes have its iron grating secured, a heavy tarpaulin battened over it and the combings, and a strong wooden, cover spiked down over all. The fire-room hatch has the same, and the smoke pipes are closely boarded, with 10 inches space to the height of 4~ feet from deck. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Com4nanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Lord, U. S. Navy, late commanding U. S. S. Covington, regarding the loss of that vessel during engagement below Alexandria, on Red River, May 5, 1864. U. S. S. CHILLICOTITE, Above Alexandria Falls, May 8, 1864. SIR: It is with feelings of regret that I report the loss of the U. S. S. Covington, and most respectfully submit the following re- port: I left Alexandria convoying the steamer Warmer at 8 oclock on the morning of May 4, 1864. While passing Wilsons plantation the Warner was fired into by about 100 infantry, losing one man. I fired my stern guns at them for some time and passed on. After proceeding about 1~ miles farther Mr. MeCloskey, a pilot belonging to the General Price, struck the stern of the vessel against a bar, thereby breaking the port rudder badly and shivering the tiller. I told him that hereafter Mr. Emerson, my other pilot, would handle her I tied up all night about a mile from the Red House and com- menced repairing my rudder and tiller. At about 5 oclock I was joined by the U. S. S. Sig4al. Both of us kept up through th Page 113 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 113 night an irregular fire on the right-hand shore going down, as they had fired upon us with infantry while we were repairing. At 4.30 oclock in the morning we all got underway, the Warner in the lead, the Cavington next, and the Signal last. At Dunns Bayou (on the right going down) we were fired upon by two pieces of artillery and infantry. The Govington was hit by this battery only three times, and the Wa r~ rudders were disabled, but she still continued downstream until she came to a short point in the river, when she went into the bank. She had no sooner struck the bank when a rebel battery on the right shore going down, and from 4,00t~ to 5,000 infantry, opened upon her and my vessel. The Covington and Signal immediately commenced firing. Al- most every shot either struck the boilers, steam pipe, or machinery of the Warner, as she was only about 100 yards from the battery. After we had engaged the battery about three hours, the iVarner hoisted a white flag. We still kept up our fire, and I sent a party from my vessel under a severe fire to burn her, but the colonel in charge sent me word that there were nearly 125 killed and wounded, and requested that I would not burn her, which was granted. A short time after this I was informed that the Signal was disabled. 1 immediately rounded to and went alongside of her, took her in tow, and started upstream, but my rudder became disabled, and the Sig- nal got adrift. It was impossible to pass the IVarner, so Mr. Emer- son, my pilot, informed me. Knowing that the Signal would drift down on the Warner and the rebels would immediately board her, I ordered the commanding officer to anchor her, which was done. Finding it impossible to handle my vessel and fearing I should get on the side where artillery and infantry were, I went over on the other bank and made fast, head upstream. I used my stern guns on the lower battery and my broadside on the infantry abreast of us and my bow guns on the battery that was ahead of us, which had been brought down from Dunns Bayou. My escape pipe was cut while alongside of the Signal, causing a great deal of steam to escape and making the impression that the boilers had been struck; the men, however, soon rallied and kept up a brisk fire on the enemy. Most of the soldiers and officers, amongst whom were Colonel Sharpe, of One hundred and fifty- sixth New York Volunteers; Colonel Raynor, One hundred and twenty-iiinth Illinois [Fifty-sixth Ohio] (wounded in both legs); Lieutenant Simpson, aid-de-camp to General Banks; and Acting Assistant Paymaster Chester, went over on the Signal. The Signal getting adrift from us, they were not able to return to my vessel. After I had been tied to the bank an hour or so, my steam drum was cut and a shell struck under the boilers, letting out all the water. My ammunition gave out, my howitzers were all disabled by the bracket bolts drawing out, and every shot coming thro~igh us. With one officer and a good many of my men already killed, I determined to burn my vessel. I spiked the guns, had coals of fire strewn on the deck, and myself and executive officer set fire to the cotton, which was on the guards alongside of the engine. I saw it burning finely before I left, and feel sure she was destroyed. 192 080N W RVOL 2613 Page 114 114 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. While leaving the vessel to get up on the bank, a terrible fire of infantry was opened on us and some were killed in going up. I collected my officers and men all together and found I had with me 9 officers and 23 men. My crew was composed of 14 officers and 62 men, and started through the woods for Alexandria. At 20 minutes of 11 oclock, when within 10 miles of Alexandria, we were fired upon by rebel cavalry, thereby scattering us. I am glad to say that they have nearly all arrived here safely, with the exception of Acting Third Assistant Engineer Lyon, who was wounded in the head while fighting a few guerrillas who had fired into a party of my men while close to Alexandria. He has since arrived safe. The whole action lasted about five hours, and the Covington was badly riddled from stem to stern, there being no less than five shots in the hull, some forty or fifty in her upper works. The officers and men behaved with great gallantry, and, with ex- ception of a few, this was their first action. Acting Masters Mate C. W. Gross was killed by a shot that came through the shell room. The officers and men lost all of their personal effects, the only things that were saved being the signal book and the dispatches in- trusted to my care, which were returned to you. The arms that were brought with us I turned over to Acting Master H. H. Gorringe, of the Cricket, taking a receipt for the same. In conclusion, I most respectfully beg that a court of enquiry may be falled to determine whether the honor of our flag suffered in my hands. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE P. LORD, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral PORTER. Statement of Pilot Wilkes, U. S. Navy, late of U. S. S. Signal, regarding the actions of the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Covington at the time of her loss, May 5, 1864. FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Alexandria, La., hay 8, 1864. SIR: By your request I make the following statement in regard to your actions on board the U. S. S. Covington on the 5t1~ instant during the engagementwith the enemy near Pierces Landing on Red River. About 10 a. m. the wheel in the pilot house of the U. S. S. Signal, to which vessel I was attached, having been disabled by shots from the enemys gnus, I went bel6w and reported to Captain E. Morgan. Just after that the steam pipe of the Signal being cut by a shot,, I, with others, got out on the port guards next to the Covington, to which vessel we were then lashed. While there I saw Captain Lord and reported the condition of the Signal to him. 1-Je ordered me to go into the pilot house of his vessel~ the Covington. and assist the pilots. I went there and found the pilots, Messrs. McCloskey and Emerson. Directly after I came in, Mr. Emerson went below to examine the rudders, asking me to remain and assist Mr. McCloskey. I had been in the pilot house some fifteen or twenty minutes, when, the vessel being disabled and ashore, an officer came to the foot of the ladder leading from the steerage up into the pilot house and calle Page 115 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 115 up that the vessel was being abandoned. Mr. McCloskey replied, I am sorry for that, and went down into the steerage followed by me. From there we went into the wardroom and Mr. McCloskey took a couple of pieces of clothes from one of the rooms. We then went down forward on the gun deck, where we found the crew and officers leaving the ship. I saw there Captain Lord and some of his officers, and heard Captain Lord give orders to spike the guns and set fire to the vessel. At this time half the ships company were ashore. Whether Captain Lord or Mr. McCloskey got ashore first, I do not know, but it is my impression that Captain Lord ran up the bank from under the protection of the vessel before Mr. McCloskey did. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PERRY WILKES, Pilot, U. S. Navy, Late of the U. S. S. Signal. Pilot FRANK MC~L0SKEY, U. S. Navy, Late of U. S. S. Covinglon. Letter from Lieutenant.Colonel Foster, U. S. Army, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Lord, U. S. Navy, commending the conduct of the officers of the U. S. S. Covington in the action of May 5. U. S. HOSPITAL TRANSPORT GROESBECK. Alexandria, La., May 11, 1864. SIR: Your communication dated 9th instant has just been received through Mr. Daume. I can but make a brief general statement of what came under my observation while I was on board the Covington. You are mistaken in thinking that I was there for three hours. I think one hour would cover the time from when I came on board your boat from the Warner until the Covington was abandoned. I saw you during the last hour of the engagement in pursuance of your duties as commander of the Covington, and until you left us in the afternoon, the leader of the naval portion of the party on the march for this place. I trust when all seemed to do their duty that a court of enquiry will not be deemed necessary to the reputation of any officer to prove that the honor of the flag was in honorable keeping. It has seemed to me to be but just, as it has also been a pleasant duty, to testify to the good conduct of those among your officers and men whose gallantry attracted my attention. I trust this will not be thought gratuitous on my part. Proper notice of their services are always more valuable to all, coming first from the commanding officer immediately over them, but as an impartial witness belonging to the other branch of the service, my testimony may be of some service to these brave men. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, yours, JAMES P. FOSTER, Mr. GRo. P. Loim, Lieutenant-Colonel, 128th N. ill. Volunteer8. Aetin9 Volunteer Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, Late Connr& amding U. S. G boat Covington, No. 25. [Letter of same date by same writer, commending pilot Frank McCloskey; and of May 9, 1864, commending Acting Ensign Edward Alford, executive officer of the Covington. Page 116 116 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wells, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Red Rover, giving names of those received from the U. S. S. Covington. U. S. S. RED ROVER, May 11, 1864. Sni: In obedience to your orders dated May 9, this day received, I have the honor to report to you that I have received on board of this ship from the U. S. S. Covington John [T.~ English, [acting] third assistant engineer; S. C. Tarbell, paymasters clerk; Michael Roach, seaman; Jacob S. Levier, seaman; Charles Barnett, seaman; henry Lyons, first-class boy; Jacob Campbell, first-class boy; Eugene Sheftall, seaman; James Sullivan, seaman. Front the U. S. S. Sig 1, John Galleger. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. IR. WELLS, Acting I7olunteer Lieutenant, Co anding. Lieutenant- Commander K. R. BREESE, U. S. Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding returns of casualties at destruction of the U. S. steamers Signal and Covington, May 5, 1864. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of June 25. When the Covington and Signal were destroyed the officers who escaped could give no account of casualties, the men who escaped getting on board different vessels. I have issued a general order for returns to be made to me by the different vessels of the squadron, and will send them in the moment I obtain them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of the com- manding officer of the U. S. S. Signal regarding the loss of that vessel, May 5, 1864. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, March 20, 1865. SIR: I transmit enclosed copy of a report dated February 27, from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. Morgan, of the loss of the Signal, under his command, on May 5, 1864, in Red River. Lieutenant M. asks for a court of enquiry. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Morgan is one of the prisoners de- livered by the enemy at the mouth of Red River, referred to in my ~No. of this date Page 117 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTE1~N WATEflS. 117 Shall a court of enquiry be held? The Department has Admiral Porters report. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral, Co anding Alississippi Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Endorsement.] No. Rear-Admiral Porter speaks of the vessel as having been gallantly defended. [WELLES.] [Enclosure.] U. S. S. LAFAYETTE, Off Mouth of Red River, February 27, 1865. SIR: This being the earliest opportunity afforded me, I beg leave, respectfully, to submit the following report of the loss of the U. S. S. Signal, then under my command on Red River. May 4, 1864, I received orders from Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, on board flagship Cricket, then lying at Alexandria, La., to take on board a bearer of dispatches from Major-General Banks and pro- ceed down the river until I overtook the U. S. S. Covington, which vessel was convoying the U. S. Army transport John Warner, and accompany her as far as the flagship Black Hawk, then lying at the mouth of Black River, and then return as far as Fort De Russy, and then await the arrival of some upward-bound gunboat, and proceed in company up the river to Alexandria. At 11 oclock a. m. got underway and proceeded down the river. About 10 miles below Alexandria met a party of U. S. troops, belonging to the One hun- dred and twentieth Ohio Volunteers, who reported their escape from the transport City Belle, which vessel had been captured and de- stroyed that morning about 15 or 20 miles below by artillery and infantry. About 10 miles farther on, opposite or a little below a place known as Wilsons, we were fired on by a party of rebel cay- tdry. I immediately returned the fire from starboard battery and passed on. Soon after rounding the next point we were again fired on (as I suppose) by the same party. About 4 miles below Wilsons came up with the Covington and John Wa r lying to, the former repairing her rudder. Rounded to and made fast astern of the Coiington and was again fired upon from shore, both boats return- ing the fire. Night coming on before the necessary repairs were made, it was decided to remain until morning. During the night the Covington and Signal kept up an irregular fire. At daylight got underway and proceeded down the river, the John Warner leading, the Covington following, and the Signal bringing up the rear. Upon rounding the point opposite Dunns Bayou (4.45 a. in.) the John Warner made signal (by whistle) enemy in sight, and was immediately opened upon by artillery and small arms, and soon disabled, when she drifted ashore in the bend opposite the enemy. Upon rounding the point the Covington stopped and backed into the shore opposite the side of the enemy. I stopped and came to astern and above the Covington, both boats heading downstream Page 118 118 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. From this position we kept up a constant fire. After remaining in this position perhaps 30 minutes I observed the enemy moving a battery above, which would rake us astern, and which position the Signal (having no stern guns) could not command. I immediately sent Acting Ensign W. F. Loan to communicate this fact to Captain Lord (commanding officer of the Covington), who sent me back word to the effect that as the enemys battery was too heavy for us he would return up the river, but would remain an hour or so. Soon after the battery just spoken of opened upon us, when the Covington cast loose and started to round to up the river, closely followed by the Signal. Immediately after the engineer reported to me the disabling of the port engine by a shot passing through the pitman, and almost at the same instant the pilot came on deck and reported the disabling of the steering gear. I hailed the Co~ington, reporting my vessel disabled. She came alongside and was made fast. After seeing the vessel made fast I left the port and started aft to meet Captain Lord, whom I had observed coming on board the Signal, and followed by a number of his crew. Before reaching him the branch steam pipe on the port side was cut by a shell and, the throttle valve being open, th~ steam escaped rapidly, upon which Captain Lord repaired on board the Covington, followed by part of his own crew and part of mine. The Covinglon was cast loose and steamed up the river. I ordered the throttle valve to be closed, which was done, and the escape of steam stopped. I then ordered the fire to be wet down with the hose and the steam to be blown off from the boilers, which was promptly executed by Mr. William M. Hardin, acting first assistant engineer in charge. I ordered the anchor to be let go and the fight continued. From the starboard guard I observed that what little wind there was was settling to the opposite shore from the enemy, and, the current being slight, I determined to slip my chain for the purpose of drifting ashore, where I could fire my vessel and escape with my crew. On slipping my chain the vessel drifted ashore, but higher up than I expected. On nearing the shore volunteers were called for to get a line out, which was promptly responded to by Seaman George McClurg, who seized the end of the line and sprang overboard and succeeded in reaching the shore with the line. He was followed by three or four of the crew, and all together started up the (almost perpendicular) bank with the line. Before reaching the summit the men were ex- posed to the view of the enemy (as the bank was from 10 to 20 feet higher than the hurricane deck), who poured in a volley, driving all back but McClurg, who bravely persisted in his efforts to reach the summit with the line, in which he succeeded. After making the line fast he did not return, but I am rejoiced to hear that the brave fellow succeeded in reaching the squadron in safety. The vessel, from her midship gangway forward, was lying abreast of a perpen- dicular bank, which, being unfavorable for the escape of the crew, I endeavored to drop her astern, but in consequence of the wheel being embedded in the mud, was unable to accomplish it. Immediately on reaching shore I gave permission for all who chose to do so to escape up the bank and ordered preparations to be made for burning the vessel. Before this was accomplished (the Warner being surren- dered and the Covingto~ on fire and abandoned) the entire force o Page 119 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 119 the enemy was concentrated to prevent the escape of my crew. A battery above and one below us were planting their shells directly in the only accessible path to the summit, while at least fifteen hundred sharpshooters were pouring incessant volleys into the path above the hurricane deck of the vessel. I was thus forced reluctantly to the conclusion that it was impossible to get my crew away without a great and useless sacrifice, particularly of the wounded, whom I could not think for one moment of abandoning. At 10.50 a. m. I reluctantly surrendered, having previously destroyed my signal book. As near as I can recollect the casemating of the gun deck was pene- trated eleven or twelve times by shot and shell, several of which ex- ploded on the gun deck, one cutting the steam pipe, another (after the steam had been blown off) the steam drum, and another the port boiler. Two shells went through the pilot house, carrying away the sheaves and part of the wheel. From the explosion of shells on the gun deck and the perfect storm of minie balls through the ports there were 1~2 wounded, but none killed. Amount of ammunition ex- pended, as near as I can now ascertain, was 330 rounds. On muster- wig on shore after surrendering, I found I had with me 6 officers and 48 men, one of whom, Miller, seaman, was accidentally shot on the way to Tyler. Before closing, I take pleasure in awarding to all my officers and men the highest praise for coolness and bravery during the entire action (six hours). Some of them deserve especial mention: C. P. Bragg, acting ensign and executive officer, was at all times where duty called him, going on the forecastle, accompanied only by Sea- man George MeCauly, and under a tremendous fire of musketry, heaving over the anchor, hauling up the chain and bitting it himself. Again, when it became necessary to slip the chain, he, assisted by Seaman John Highland, performed that duty under the same galling fire. Acting Ensign William F. Loan, in charge of first division (30-pounder Parrotts), and Acting Masters Mate R. P. Craft, in charge of second division (broadside), throughout the action and under a severe fire of musketry in the ports, by voice and example cheered and encouraged the men at the guns. Mr. Perry Wilkes, pilot, stood nobly at the wheel until it was literally shot out of his grasp. Acting Third Assistant Engineer James F. Liddell, when the steam pipe was cut, causing the escape of steam and great con- fusion, promptly rushed through the steam and closed the throttle valve, stopping escape of steam, when order was restored. I omitted to mention that three of the Covingtons men were captured on my vessel, and another joined us on the way up, having been captured on the other side of the river. In conclusion, I respectfully ask that a court of enquiry may be called to determine whether I have performed my duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD MORGAN, Act. Vol. Dent., U. S. Navy. Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE, Comm~anding Mi88is8ippi Squadron Page 120 120 r~1AVAL FORCES O~ WESTERN WATERS. I~eport of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of the medical officer of the U. S. S. Signal regarding the loss of that vessel, May 5, 1864. Mississnri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 29, 1864. SIR: I enclose a report of the surgeon of the Signal, who was re- leased unconditionally by the rebels. It only corroborates all the reports I have received of the gallant defense of this vessel, which I am told was a most perfect wreck when she fell into the hands of the enemy, who were much chagrined that so frail a vessel had contended so long against seven guns placed in position to get a cross fire on her. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, bAVID D. PORI~ER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. NEW NATIONAL, Mound City, June 27, 1864. SIR: Agreeable to your request, I have the honor of submitting the following report of the loss of the U. S. S. Signal. Leaving Alexandria on the 4th of May, she proceeded down the river and anchored at night in company with U. S. S. Covington and trairsport Warner. Starting again at daylight, we had proceeded but a short distance when the enemy opened on us with a battery of two guns, and from several others as we passed on. Their fire was promptly returned, and continued until 9 oclock, when it ceased for a few minutes. and the opportunity was seized for distributing bread, as breakfast had not been served. The firing soon commenced again, and continued until near noon, when the order was passed for all hands to prepare to abandon and burn the ship, having been totally disabled for more than an hour, the Warner flying a. white flag and the Covington nearly consumed, exploding her magazine soon after. Preparations were made and a part of the men had safely passed up the bank, when the order was countermanded, it being deemed a useless waste of life for more to attempt it, and wholly impossible to remove the wounded under the fire of the batteries and several hun- dred sharpshooters, and the white flag was raised. My station was unfavorable for observation and my professional duties occupied considerable of my time, but I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the good conduct of those stationed near me and with whom I came in contact during the action. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. Morgan, commanding, appeared to be coolly attending to his duties. Acting Ensign C. P. Bragg, executive officer; Ensign W. F. Loan, and Acting Masters Mate R. P. Craft had charge of the divisions, and, cheering the men by voice and example, held them to their stations, despite the withering fire of the enemys sharpshooters through the open ports, and were ably seconded by the captains of the guns. To the coolness of the engineers in shutting off the steam ~and emptying the boilers when the steam pipe was cut the safety of many is owing Page 121 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 121 The pilot, Perry Wilkes, left his wheel only when it was disabled in his hands by a bursting shell. I would make special mention of Acting Ensigns Bragg and Loan, who went out in full view of several hundred sharpshooters and let go the anchor, and again to slip the cable, this time assisted by John Highland (seaman), who was here disabled by his second wound. Michael McCormick (boatswains mate) and Timothy Odonaghie (sea.man), captains of gnns, were wounded early in the day, but stood to their guns until ordered away. George Butts, gnnners mate, and Charles Aster, quarter gunner, were on the sick list, but did duty during the whole engagement. Several whose names I have forgotten returned to their gnns when their wounds had been dressed, and, with few exceptions, all stood to their work, using muskets when their gnus could not be brought to bear. I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, N. BREWSTER, Acting A8sistant Surgeon. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting partial list of wounded on U. S. S. Signal at the time of her loss, May 5, 1864. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHiP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June ~9, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to enclose a partial list of the wounded on board the U. S. S. Signal at the time of her loss. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. NEW NATIONAL, June 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the con- dition of the sick and wounded captured by the enemy on the 5th of May and left in my care in the Confederate States Hospital at Cheneyville, La.: Lewis Jones Signal quartermaster Signal Wounded. Charles Allen Second-class fireman do Sick. Michael Lyons Coal heaver do Wounded. A. J. Swear Seaman do Do. John Highland do do Do. Cabriel Prear Landsman do Do. Isaac Highland Ordinary seaman Covington Do. They were paroled on the 16th June and delivered to Colonel Dwight, U. S. Army, on the 17th, who transferred them to the U. S. S. General Bragg. I reported on board the U. S. S. Choctaw on the 18th and received orders to remove the wounded to Hospital Pinkney and report to you for duty Page 122 122 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. In obedience I took passage on the New National and took to the hospital all except Lewis Jones, quartermaster, Signal, whose time has expired, and Isaac Highland, ordinary seaman, Covington, en- tirely recovered. They are on board that vessel now awaiting orders. I have submited through the fleet surgeon a detailed report of the casualties on board the Signal. I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, N. BREWSTER, Acting Assi8tant Surgeon, U. S. S. Signal. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Connmanding Mis8is8ippi Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Pilot Wilkes, forwarding medal of honor for conspicuous gallantry on the U. S. S. Signal, May 5, 1864. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 11, 1865. SIR: I have the pleasure of transmitting herewith the medal of honor awarded to you by the Secretary of the Navy in General Order No. 45, dated December 31, 1864, for gallant and meritorious conduct whilst serving as pilot of the U. S. S. Signal in Red River, May 5, 1864. Please acknowledge its receipt. yery respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Mr. PERRY WILKES, Pilot, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Robb, Mississippi Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Clair, referring to the probable loss of two gunboats and transport Warner. ON BOARD U. S. S. ST. CLAIR, Near Wilsons Bend, Red River, May 5,1864. SIR: In obedience to your orders, sent me by General Nickerson, I am here and find that the probability is that both of our gunboats that started yesterday are captured or destroyed, together with the John Warner. I saw a pilot that says he came to Alexandria on the Silver Wave and was returning to Vicksburg. He left the Warner after she was disabled and surrendered. He saw a smoke and heard the explosion of what he thought was a gunboat, and a black man that came with him says he saw our officers and the rebs shake hands. He was sent on shore to cast off a line, which he did and then ran away. Very respectfully, yours, etc., Tilos. B. GREGORY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron Page 123 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 123 Report of Brigadier-General Ullmann, U. S. Army, regarding attack upon gun- boats and transports below Alexandria, May 5, 1864. PORT hUDsON, May 6, 1864. I have the honor to report that the telegraph lines are down both above and below this post. The steamer Shreveport has just arrived, returning from attempting to ascend the Red River. She has on board several detachments of colored regiments and a portion of the Fifty-sixth Ohio. Lieutenant-Colonel J. F. Wade, General Banks staff, reports batteries are located 20 to 25 miles above Fort De Russy, on the right bank of the river, supported by a heavy force of in- fantry. The steamer Em~ima has been destroyed; also the City Belle, the One hundred and twentieth Ohio, 700 strong, being on board. About~ one-half the regiment escaped and are on the left bank of the river, and are said to be near Alexandria. The loss on board the F a not known. The John Warner was destroyed yesterday morning, the Fifty-sixth Ohio on board. Two hundred and fifteen are here on board the steamer Shreveport. Two gunboats are said to have been destroyed. Colonel Bassett, Seventy-third Regiment U. S. Infantry (colored), is killed; colonel of the Fifty-sixth Ohio left behind wounded. Communication is entirely cut off with Alex- andria. Captain Breese, commanding the fleet, states that he has no gunboats that can be run by the batteries. It was thought that a force was about to leave Alexandria to open communication, but nothing certain known. Citizens report a force moving down to occupy Fort De Russy. Vessels are detained at the mouth of Red River by the gunboats. Officers on board 2teamer Shreveport report a piece of artillery seen on the bank of Mississippi, about 15 miles above this post. Captain Riggs, Ninety-second U. S. Infantry (colored) was on board steamer City Belle, destroyed by the batteries about 20 miles above Fort De Russy. One hundred and twentieth Ohio on board. The loss of this regiment I understand to be one- third. The battery which fired on us consisted of 20-pounder Par- rotts on the right bank of the river, supported, as citizens state, by 1,000 infantry. I saw the pieces. My detachlnent consisted of 50 men, with another officer. The vessel was burned. . Many were saved by jumping from the vessel and proceeding to the shores. Infantry fire was hot on both sides. About ~,%0 rebels are reported near the batteries in reserve. Colonel Bassett, First Regiment Corps dAfrique; Colonel Mudd, Second Illinois Cavalry, and Colonel Spiegel, One hundred and twentieth Ohio, are known to be killed. Captain M. Manring, Fifty-sixth Ohio reports: I left Alexandria with my regiment, 250 strong, May 4, at 9.30 a. in., on steamer John Warner. About 25 miles below Alexandria, at 5 p. in., we were fired upon from shore by a force of infantry, estimated at about 500. We passed, when one of the gunboats, Covington, broke her rudder. We could not repair and reach Fort De Russy that night; so we laid up till most morning at 5 oclock. At that hour we proceeded down the river about 2 miles, transport in advance, when firing commenced on the boat by infantry. The tiller got out of order and the rudder would not work. Boat stopped, when artillery opened upon us both above and below. The first shot cut the steam pipe; this at day- break. Fire was returned by infantry on transport till about 8 oclock a. m. Fifteen shots of artillery went through the cabin; 4 through the pilot house. During this 34 men were killed and wounded. Gunboats were firing all this time. The colonel commanding ordered the regiment to leave the boat and g Page 124 124 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. on shore, it having been fired twice. Colonel Raynor, commanding, was wounded and taken prisoner. I was ordered to go on board the gunboat, which was beyond the battery. Before the regiment could be formed the gunboat had left the shore. I saw it ~vas impessible to gain a boat, so I marched through the woods to the river below. I have the honor to further state that the rebels are reported to me to be in stronger force than they have been heretofore. I re- spectfully request that I be not long left without a steamer attached to the post. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, DANIEL ULLMANN, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Coiromanding. Captain J. S. CROSBY, Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans? Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, giving the soundings taken by the varic~us vessels at the falls. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Above falls, Alexandria, La., iJifay 6, 1864. SIR: The following is the report of the pilots after sounding, as your order directed, from this anchorage to the dam: Osage reports 3 feet 7 inches on falls. Fort ?Iindman reports 4 feet scant on upper falls. Lexington reports 3 feet 6 inches; upper falls to dam 9 feet. Louisville reports 3 feet 9 inches, upper falls. Pittsburg reports 4 feet scant, upper falls. Mound City reports 3 feet 6 inches, upper falls. Carondelet reports 3 feet 6 inches, upper falls. Ozark reports 3 feet 9 inches, upper falls. Neosho reports 4 feet as the most shoal and to 2 fathoms at dam. Chillicothe reports 3 feet large, being rough and lumpy bottom on upper falls, 9 feet near dam. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Misssssippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gazelle, to take posiuion at mouth of Black River. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 6, 1864. SIR: Proceed with your vessel to the mouth of Black River and relieve the Avenger, in charge of that post. Get your information of the surrounding country from Captain Wright and exercise the most unceasing vigilance that no accident may happen to your vessel or to others. You will not leave the mouth of Black River except you deem it absolutely necessary, or under orders of your superio Page 124A UNITED STATES FLEET IN RED RIVER AT ALEXANDRIA, LA Page 124B Page 125 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 125 officer, or unless a boat is there coaling, which boat must remain until your return, which should be as soon as possible. Respectfully, etc., K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Captain [CHARLES] THATCHER, Commanding Gazelle. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Wright, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Avenger, to proceed as far as Fort De Russy. U.S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 6, 1864. SIR: On receiving this, turn over the barge to the Gazelle and pro- ceed up river to Fort De Russy, or until you fall in with the Fore8t Ro8e. Consult with Volunteer Lieutenant Johnston about the state of affairs, and act with him as may be best for our interests. You must not go beyond Fort De Russy unless you know of the Fore8t Ro8e being near. Read and hand the accompanying letter to Captain Johnston. I can not give you explicit instructions, not knowing the state of affairs, and therefore leave much to your discretion, which I know will not let the flag be tarnished from any indiscreet act. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Volunteer Lieutenant C. A. WRIGHT, Commanding Avenger. Instructions from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, for commu- nicating with Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 6, 1864. SIR: Your letter of yesterday has been received. I approve of your not running the batteries, and yon must not make the attempt unless you can ensure a certainty. Of course it is highly important to communicate with the admiral the situation of affairs, and you should use your utmost endeavors to get a scout through to him with the inducement of a liberal reward if he succeeds. Trust him with nothing but the situation and that you have telegrams from Wash- ington for him. You will yourself, with Mr. Burns, make yourself acquainted with those telegrams; get them fixed in your minas, so that in the event of disaster their contents may be made known. Of course I need not impress upon you the most inviolable secrecy unless to a senior offi- cers order Page 126 126 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I must leave much to you. Exercise the most unceasing vigilance, bear in mind the necessity of communicating with the admiral, of preventing the rebels from using the guns of the Covington or Signal or the transport Warner (I understand she was not destroyed), and of erecting batteries on the river. Trusting that you will not risk the fair fame of the squadron with- out commensurate results, I remain, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JNO. V. JOHNsTON, Commanding Forest Rose. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Choctaw, to proceed to Fort De Russy. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 6, 1864. Sm: You will proceed with the vessel under your command to Fort De Russy, from whence you will be guided by the situation of affairs as you may find them. The Gazelle will be at Black River, the Nymph and Tallahatchie cruising ~between Fort De Russy and Black River, the latter to ~O miles below tbe fort and the former frQm thence to Black River. On no account must you endanger your vessel being caught by the river falling. You will make such disposition of the vessels sent you and those with you as in your judgment you deem best. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commmr& anding. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. RAMSAY, Commanding Choctaw, etc. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Jordan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Meteor, to proceed to Fort De Russy. MOUTH OF BLACK ERIvERI, U. S. S. Black Hawk, May 6, 1864. SIR: You will, as soon as you have finished coaling, proceed up Red River to Fort De Russy and report to Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay for such duty as he may assign you. You can not be too careful and vigilant, and should it be necessary to anchor at any time, do so with regard to the range and bearing of your guns to the utmost advantage. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Acting Master M. JORDAN, Co anding Meteor Page 127 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 127 Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Palmer, U. S. Navy, regarding arrival of U. S. S. Tallahatchie in Red River and loss of U. S. steamers Covington and Signal, also transport Warner. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 6, 1864. SIR: The Tallahatchie arrived day before yesterday in obedience to your order, and has been assigned to patrol Red River between Fort De Hussy and Black River, in obedience to Admiral Porters instructions to me. I regret to have to inform you that two of our light-drafts, the Covington and Signal, were destroyed by the rebels field batteries and siege rifles about 30 miles below Alexandria; also the transport Warner, which they were convoying. Communication is for the present impossible with Alexandria. I am daily expecting the Win- nebago, double-turreted light-draft monitor, which I shall send up. The Choctaw (ironclad ram) has gone to Fort De Russy. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Co utanding. Commodore JAMES S. PALMER, Head quarter8 Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Lieutenant.Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Norong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Argosy. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Jiomt1i~ of Red River, May 7, 1864. SIR: You will proceed up the Mississippi until you meet the Gen- eral Price, not going beyond Natchez, and hand Captain Richardson the enclosed letter. Should you not fall in with the Price below Natchez, return to this place without delay, leaving the letter for him on board the Ouachita, if she is there. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Acting Ensign J. C. MORONG, Commanding Argosy. After delix ering the letter, return here without delay. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 7, 1864. SIR: Return to this place without delay, unless your presence at your station should be absolutely necessary, in which case inform me of such in writing by the Argosy. Respectful .y, etc., your obedient servant,, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Coin ander, Commanding. A~cting Volunteer Lieutenant J. F. RIChARDSON, Commanding Ge ral Price Page 128 128 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Brigadier-General Dwight, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding convoy of gunboats for foraging expedition. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE GULF, Alexandria, May 7, 1864. Three transports have been ordered down the river to D. A. Smiths plantation for forage. As it is desirable that they should have a con- voy of two gunboats, he would be pleased to know at what time they will be prepared to leave in the morning. A. brigade of infantry, 200 cavalry, and 25 wagons have been ordered to proceed to the above point by land, starting at 3 oclock to-morrow morning. I am, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM DWIGHT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Con-& mianding Mi88issippi Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Clair, regarding certain measures of protection for the approach to Alex- andria. ON BOARD U. S. S. ST. CLAIR, Alexandria, La., May 7, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully ask if General Banks has posted a bat- tery on the bank of the river below this place, and if not, suggest the propriety of such a precaution. I would also ask that the bearer be furnished with the countersign, that I may be able to send a guard to the next bend with a rocket or two to apprise me of the approach of any vessel should one come up the river, if you think the precau- tion a prudent one. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tnos. B. GREGORY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Coiromanding. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Missi88ippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Morong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Argosy. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, La., May 8, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the vessel under your command up Red River and report to Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Ramsay, who will give you instructions. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Cononander, Conomanding. Acting Ensign J. C. MORONG, Commanding Argo8 Page 129 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 129 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chilli- cothe, regarding proposed passage of the upper falls. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, May 8, 18641:30 a. in. SIR: Pilots of several vessels have just reported a 4-foot channel over upper falls and buoyed it through. All agree on the 4 feeL There is more current here this morning, the water more red, ap- pearing a rise from above. I have summoned commanding officers, and will arrange for those you mention to go over upper falls soon as possible, and concerning men. WATSON SMrPII, Very respectfully, Lie a tenant- Corn imander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Co atmandiny iliississiippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant 3ohnston, U. S. Navy, regarding the delivery of dispatches. U. S. S. CHOCTAW, Off Fort De Russy, May 8, 1864. Sum: A dispatch addressed to Lieutenant-Commander K. IR. Breese, commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk, and one addressed to Acting Ma~ter Jordan, commanding U. S. S. Meteor, will be handed you by Acting Ensign H. C. Marsh. Immediately upon the receipt of the dispatches and this order you will proceed down the river until you meet the U. S. S. Meteor (No. 44), and you will then hand the dispatches to the commanding officer of that vessel. Having delivered the dispatches, you will return immediately to this place. As you come up, direct the commanding officer of the Nymph (No. 54) to patrol the river as far down as Black River until the Afeteor returns. Some three hours ago I wrote you an order to come here immedi- ately, expecting to send it by land. That order is, of course, counter- luanded by this one. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant- Commander, Cornuwndimg. Acting Volunteer- Lieutenant J. V. JOhNSTON, Comimanding Forest Rose. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, for gunboats and transports proceed- ing down the river. Mississippi SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, off Alexandria, La., May 9,1864. The gunboats and transports will proceed in the following order in going down the river: The Groesbeek will attend the U. S. S. Fort Hi man; W. L. Ewing, Ozark; Southwester, MouM City; Emerald, Cetrondelet; 1020080N W RVOL 2G13 Page 130 130 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Clara Bell, Pittslntrg; Des Moines, Chillicothe; Chouteau, Osage; Mars, Neosho; Sioux City, Louisville; Thomas F. Tutt, Lexington. These steamers will drop in after the gunboats which they are to attend and keep their position. The transports Starlight, Lioness, Red Chief, Belle Creole, Rob Roy, Belladonna, Mittie Stevens, Arizona, Gilluim, Silver Wave, Adriatic, Diadeim, and Liberty will take the middle of the convoy. If attacked ahead, they will drop back and let the stern gunboats pass on to the batteries. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm,iral. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the construction of the dam by Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, U. S. Army, and the safe passage of the fleet through the falls, May 913, 1864. No. 112.1 Mississzr~~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mouth Red River, May 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the vessels lately caught by low water above the falls at Alexandria have been released from their unpleasant position. The water had fallen so low that I had no hope or expectation of getting the vessels out this season, and as the army bad made arrangements to evacuate the country I saw nothing, before me but the destruction of the best part of the Mis- 5l55l~~l Squadron. There seems to have been an especial Providence looking out for us, in providing a man equal to the emergency. Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bailey, acting engineer of the Nineteenth Army Corps, pro- posed a plan of building a series of dams across the rocks at the falls and raising the water high enough to let the vessels pass over. This proposition looked like madness, and the best engineers ridiculed it, but Colonel Bailey was so sanguine of success that I requested General Banks to have it done, and he entered heartily in the work. Provisions were short and forage was almost out, and the dam was promised to be finished in 10 days or the army would have to leave us. I was doubtful about the time, but had no doubt about the ultimate success if time would only permit. General Banks placed at the dis- posal of Colonel Bailey all the force he required, consisting of some ~3,0O0 men and 200 or 300 wagons. All the neighboring steam mills were torn down for material, two or three regiments of Maine men were set to work felling trees and, on the second day after my arrival in Alexandria from Grand Ecore, the work had fairly begun. Trees were falling with great rapidity, teams were moving in all direc- tions bringing in brick and stone, quarries were opened fiatboats weie built to bring stone down from above, and every man seemed to be working with a vigor I have seldom seen equaled, while, perhaps, not one in fifty believed in the success of the undertaking. These falls are about a mile in length, filled with rugged rocks, over which at the present stage of water it seemed to be impossible to make a channel. The work was commenced by running out from the left bank of the river a tree dam, made of the bodies of very large trees, brush ,brick, ~nd stone. cross tied with other heavy timber, ~ud strength~ned i Page 130A SECTION OF RED RIVER DAM Page 130B Page 130C Page 130D SECTION OF RED RIVER DAM Page 131 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 131 every way which ingenuity could devise. This was run out about 300 feet into the river, four large coal barges were then filled with brick and sunk at the end of it. From the right bank of the river, cribs filled with stone were built out to meet the barges, all of which was successfully accomplished, notwithstanding there was a current run- ning of 9 miles an hour, which threatened to sweep everything before it. It will take too much time to enter into the details of this truly wonderful work; suffice it to say that the dam had nearly reached completion in eight days working time, and the water had risen sufficiently on the upper falls to allow the Fort Izlindman, O8age, and Neosho to get down and be ready to pass the dam. In another day it would have been high enough to enable all the other vessels to pass the upper falls. Unfortunately, on the morning of the 9th instant, the pressure of water became so great that it swept away two of the stone barges, which swung in below the dam on one side. Seeing this unfortunate accident I jumped on a horse and rode up to where the upper vessels were anchored, and ordered the Lexington to pass the upper falls if possible, and immediately attempt to go through the dam. I thought I might be able to save the four vessels below, not knowing whether the persons employed on the work would ever have the heart to renew their enterprise. The Lexington succeeded in getting over the upper falls just in time, the water rapidly falling as she was passing over. She then steered directly for the opening in the dam, through which the water was rushing so furiously that it seemed as if nothing but destruction awaited her. Thousands of beating hearts locked on anxious for the result; the silence was so great as the Lexington approached the dam that a pin might almost be heard to fall. She entered the gap with a full head of steam on, pitched down the roaring torrent, made two or three spasmodic rolls, hung for a moment on the rocks below, was then swept into deep water by the current and rounded to, safely into the bank. Thirty thousand voices rose in one deafening cheer, and universal joy seemed to pervade the face of every man present. The Neoslia followed next, all her hatches battened down and every precaution taken against accident. She did not fare as xveil as the Lexington, her pilot having become frightened as he ap- proached the abyss, and stopped her engine, when I particularly ordered a full head of steam to be carried; the result was that for a moment her hull disappeared from sight under the water. Every one thought she was lost. She rose, however, swept along over the rocks with the current, and fortunately escaped with only one hole in her bottom, which was stopped in the course of an hour. The Hindman and Osaqe both caine through beautifully without touching a thing, and I thought if I was only fortunate enough to get my large vessels as well over the falls, my fleet once more would do good service on the Mississippi. The accident to the dam, instead of disheartening Colonel Bailey, only induced him to renew his exertions, after he had seen the success of getting four vessels through. The noble-hearted soldiers, seeing their labor of the last eight days swept away in a moment, cheerfully went to work to repair damages, being confident now that all the gunboats would be finally brough Page 132 132 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. over. These men had been working for eight days aiid nights np to their necks in water in the broiling sun, cutting trees and wheeling bricks, and nothing but good humor prevailed amongst them. On the whole, it was very fortunate the dam was carried away, as the two barges that were swept away from the center, swung around against some rocks on the left and made a fine cushion for the vessels, and prevented them, as it afterwards appeared, from running on cer- tain destruction. The force of the water and the current being too great to construct a continuous dam of 600 feet across the river in so short a time, Colonel Bailey determined to leave a gap of 55 feet in the dam and build a series of wing dams on the upper falls. This was accom- plished in three days time, and on the 11th instant the Mound City, Carondelet, and Pittsburg came over the upper falls, a good deal of labor having been expended in hauling them through, the channel being very crooked, scarcely wide enough for them. Next day the Ozark, Loui8ville, Chillicothe a ing the upper falls. nd two tugs also succeeded in cross- Immediately afterwards the Mound City, Carondelet, and Pitts- burg started in succession to pass the dam, all their hatches battened down and every precaution taken to prevent accident. The passage of these vessels was a most beautiful sight, only to be realized when seen. They passed over without an accident except the unshipping of one or two rudders. This was witnessed by all the troops, and the vessels were heartily cheered when they passed over. Next morning at 10 oclock the Loui8ville, Clijilicotlie, Ozark, and two tugs passed over without any accident, except the loss of a man who was swept off the deck of one of the tugs. By 3 oclock that afternoon the vessels were all coaled, ammunition replaced, and all steamed down the river, with the convoy of transports in com- pany. A good deal of difficulty was anticipatefl in getting over the bars in lower Red River, depth of water reported only 5 feet, gun- boats were drawing 6. Providentially we had a rise from the back- water of the Mississippi, that river being very high at that time, the backwater extending to Alexandria, 150 miles distant, enabling us to pass all the bars and obstructions with safety. Words are inadequate to exptess the admiration I feel for the abilities of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey. This is without doubt the best engineering feat ever performed. Under the best circumstances a private company would not have completed this work under one y ear, and to an ordinary mind the whole thing would have appeared an utter impossibility. Leaving out his abilities as an engineer, the credit he has conferred upon the country, he has saved to the Union a valuable fleet worth nearly $2,000,000; more, he has de- prived the enemy of a triumph which would have emboldened them to carry on this war a year or two longer, for the intended departure of the army was a fixed fact, and there was nothing left for me to do in case that event occurred but destroy every part of the yes- sels. so that the rebels could make nothing of them. The highest honors the Government can bestow on Colonel Bailey can never repay him for the service he has rendered the country. To General Banks personally I am much indebted for the happy manner in which he has forwarded this enterprise, giving it hi Page 133 INTAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 133 whole attention night and day, scarcely sleeping while the work was going on, tending personally to see that all the requirements of Colonel Bailey were complied with on the instant. I do not believe there ever was a case where such difficulties were overcome in such a short space of time and without any preparation. I beg leave to mention the names of some of the persons engaged on this work, as I think that credit should be given to every man employed on it. I am unable to give the names of all, but sincerely trust that General Banks will do full justice to every officer engaged in this undertaking when he makes his report. I only regret. that time did not enable me to get the names of all concerned. The following are the names of the most prominent persons: Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer, Nineteenth Army Corps, in charge of the work. Lieutenant-Colonel [U. B.] Pearsall, assistant.. Colonel C. C. Dwight~ acting assistant inspector-general. Lieutenant-Colonel - XV. B. Kinsey, One hundred and sixty-first. New York Volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel [Thomas 11.1 Hubbard, Thirtieth Maine Vol- unteers. Major Sentell, provost-marshal, and Lieutenant John J. William- son, ordnance officer. The following were a portion of the regiments employed: Twenty-ninth Maine, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Emer~ son. One hundred and sixteenth New York, commanded by Colonel George M. Love. One hundred and sixty-first New York, comlnarl(led by Captain Prentice. One hundred and thirty-third New York~ commanded by Colonel Currie. The engineer regiment and officers of the Thirteenth Army Corps were also employed. I feel that I have done but feeble justice to the work or the persons engaged in it.. Being severely indisposed, I feel myself unable to go into further details. I trust some future historian will treat this matter as it deserves to be treated, because it is a subject in which the whole country should feel an interest, and the noble men who succeeded so admirably in this arduous task should not lose one atom of credit so justly due them. The Mississippi Squadron will never forget the obligation it is under to Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer of the Nineteenth Army Corps. Previous to passing the vessels over the falls I had nearly all the guns, ammunition, provisions, chain cables, anchors, and everything that could affect their draft taken out of them. The commanders were indefatigable in their exertions to accom- phi sh the object before them, and a happier set of men were never seen than when their vessels were once more in fighting trim. If this expedition has not been so successful as the country hoped for, it has exhibited the indomitable spirit of Eastern and Western men to overcome obstacles deemed by most people insurmountable. It has presented a new feature in the war, nothing like which has ever been acomplished before Page 134 184 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATLES. I regret to inform you, amongst the misfortunes of this expedi- tion, of the loss of two small light-draft gunboats, the Siqnal and Covinglon. I sent them down from Alexandria to convoy a quarter- masters boat, the Warner, loaded with cotton and some 400 troops (in board, not knowing that the enemy had any artillery on the river below us or anything more than wandering gangs of guerrillas urmed with muskets, which these vessels were competent to drive off. It appears, however, that the rebels were enabled to pass our ad- vance force at night with 6,000 men and some 25 pieces of artillery. With these they established a series of batteries at a place called Dunns Bayou, 30 miles below Alexandria, a very commanding posi- tion. These batteries were so masked that they could not be seen in passing, even by the closest observation. The first notice the vessels received of the battery was a furious fire which opened on the quartermasters boat, the lVarner, piercing her boilers and completely disabling her. At the same time 6,000 infantry opened with musketry, killing and wounding half the sol- diers on this vessel. She drifted into the opposite bank, where a number managed to make their escape in the bushes, though many were killed in attempting to do so. The ~S7gnal and Covington immediately rounded t.o and opened their guns on the batteries and pushed up, endeavoring to rescue the 1Va~her from her perilous position. They had, however, as much o s they could do to take care of themselves, the cross fire of the hree balteries cutting them up in a terrible manner. Their steam pipes were soon cut and their boilers perforated with shot, not- withstanding which they fought the batteries for five long hours, the vessels being cut all to pieces and many killed and wounded on board. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George P. Lord, commanding the (ovington, having expended all his shot, spiked his guns, set fire to his vessel, and escaped with what was left of his crew to the shore, and his vessel blew up. The Signal, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Edward Morgan, still fought her guns for half an hour after the destruction of the Coy- /ngton. He found it impossible to destroy his vessel by burning, her decks being covered with wdunded, and humanity forbade him sacrificing the lives of the noble fellows who had defended their vessel so gallantly. He gave permission to all those who wished to escape to do so. Some of them attempted to get off by climbing up the bank; many were killed while doing so by the murderous fire of musketry poured in from the opposite side. The captain remained by the vessel and was captured, if he re- mained alive, but I have no information regarding him. The rebels took the guns off of her and, placing her across the channel as an obstruction, snuk her. General Banks, on hearing the news, sent out cavalry to hunt for the unfortunate men, many of whom were picked up and brought into Alexandria. A number escaped down river and went aboard some light-draft gunboats that were coming up at the time to the scene of action, but were driven back by the superior artillery of the enemy Page 135 NAVAL FORCES OX WESTERN WATERS. 1~5 I feel very much for the poor fellows who fell into the rebels hands, as the latter have been very merciless to some of the prisoners they have taken, and committed outrages at which humanity shudders. The vessels will all return to their stations in a few days, as there is no prospect nuder present circumstances of renewing opera- tions in this part of Louisiana, the season having passed for operating with any chance of success. I am sorry to see that the rebel guerrillas have become quite troublesome on the Mississippi since I left, all of which will be rectified within the coming week. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant. DAVID D. PORTER. Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Nary, Washington, P. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to ~iajor-General Banks, U. S. Army, requesting that the hauling of ammunition continue and regarding the light- ening of the vessels to pass the falls. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Alexandria, May 9, 1864. GENERAL: \Xill you permit the wagons that are hauling ammuni- tion from above to work all night? I find it impossible to get the guns down, because the bridge will not bear them. I am taking out the 8-inch guns and 32-pounders, which are old guns and which I lntended to condemn, and will burst them all. I am also taking the iron off, and the vessels then will be as light as they can be made, and quite light enough to come over. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Coindg. Dept. of the Gulf, Alexandria, La. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, acceding to request regarding hauling of ammunition. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GITLF, Alexandria, May 9, 1864. ADMIRAL: Your note asking for teams to continue at work bringing down ammunition (luring the night has been received. rrhe teams have been ordered as you desire. I am, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, AL a,or- General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Corn in a ndiu g Alississippi Squadron Page 136 186 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 9, 18641 a. rn. Colonel Bailey informs me that the water has risen upon the dam 2 feet since sundown and is still rising. It is impossible to say how long the dam may stand the effects of a continued rise. The pressure is terrific. The boats of the fleet above ought to be put in readiness at once to take advantage of high water. I have been up to the fleet this morning, and found everything so quiet and still that I feared that there might be unnecessary delay in the movements in the morning, and ask your attention to it. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Admiral PORTER. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, urging the immediate passage of the gunboats over the falls. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GIJLF, Alexandria, La., May 9, 1864. ADMIRAL: Colonel Bailey informs me that the river is within 6 inches of its height last evening and is rising. There is a space of 20 feet 6r more between the tree dam and the barge, which, when filled, will raise the water from 6 to 10 inches, giving, we think, suffi- cient depth for the passage of the boats. Every exertion ought to be made to get them ready to-night, so that they may pass the falls to-morrow. I regret to say that our forage is so reduced that it will be impos- sible for us to remain here longer without imperiling the safety of the animals attached to the trains and the artillery. We have ex- hausted the country, and with the march that is before us it will be perilous to remain more than another day. Colonel Bailey thinks that the water can be raised to the greatest height which it will attain at any hour when the gunboats may be ready for their passage. He does not want to accumulate the water until then, because a continued pressure is more dangerous to the safety of the dam than that of the weight of the water alone. I hope every exertion will be made to get the boats in readiness for the, passage to-morrow. Lieutenant Beebe informs me that his ar- rangements are complete for the removal of the heavy guns to the bridge and below as soon as they are placed on shore. The detail of trains has been changed so that they will continue to work during the night. I have the honor to be, With much respect , your obedient servant N. ~. BANKS, Major- General. Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mi88~ssippi ~S4aadron, A lexan drma, La Page 137 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 137 Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, requesting assistance in the transportation of guns and ammunition. Missrssi~ri SQUADRON, FLAGSHiP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 9, 1864. GENERAL: I have given orders to the commanders of all the boats above to get their guns and all extra weight. off of them without delay. Will you oblige me by ordering either sling carts or heavy siege carriages to transport the guns down here, and also some wagons for the ammunition and other heavy weight. The boats above the falls will be ready for the carts about 1 oclock. Very respectfully, your obedient. servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A drniral. Major-General N. P. 13ANKs, Cornrnandinq Department of t,he Gulf. Letter from Lieutenant Beebe, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding readiness for removal of guns. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have made every ar- rangement to sling and move such guns as yon may land from the fleet to any point below the pontoon bridge yon may designate. I will commence to move them the moment I am informed of their l)eing landed. Should you wish them taken ashore this evening, and be kind enough to inform me of the fact, I will commence transporting theln at once. A light-draft, boat is at present waiting for the guns above the Bayou Rapides. Very respect fimi ly, your obedient servant, WILLIAM S. BEEBF 12t Lieutenant Ordnance and Chief Ordnance Officer. [Rear-Admiral D. D. PoimvEu.i Report of Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, regarding the readiness of that vessel for the passage of the falls. U. S. S. CARONDELET, Red River, May 9, 1864. SIR: We are now exactly in the channel at the head of the falls with about 4 inches more water than when we grounded. Our lines are so placed that we can have no difficulty in dropping through when we have sufficient water, abont 4 inches more. I have jnst got a line up from the dam and will go immediately to work to force over, if possible, at once. We are no farther down than when you were up last. Very respect fully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MITCHELL, Lienten ant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comm an din q Mississippi Squadron Page 138 138 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATRIIK Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chill- cothe, regarding the passing of instructions to commanding officers, in prepara- tion for the passage of the falls. U. S. S. CHILLICOTIJE, May 9, 186411 p. m. SIR: Two letters were received from you this evening. I immedi- ately assembled the commanding officers and gave them your instruc- tions. In reply to your question how am I getting on, I can say very well. By hooking the bows and sides, beThre evening, the Chillicothes draft was 4 feet 10 inches forward, 3 feet 7 inches aft. I am induced, however, to believe that her actual draft is a few inches over 5 feet under turret. I am anchored in the stream just above falls, and will, if there is not a decrease of water, start down very early. The vessels have been industrious in discharging ammunition, stores, etc., and most of them will have plates loosened by midnight. They believed their drafts would heLouisville, 6 feet 6 inches; Mound City and Pittsburg, the same; Carondelet, 6 feet 1 inch for- ward, 5 feet 8 inches aft. Ozark think would, without plating, draw 5 feet 8 inches; draws now 6 feet. Have just received your letter saying Lieutenant Beebe, of the Ordnance Department, is prepared to take the guns away and that we are not to blow them up. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron, Alexandria, La. Report of Brigadier-General McMillan, U. S. Army, uaming the military details at the dam. HEADQUARTERS 1ST DIvISIoN, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from headquarters Nineteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to report as follows in relation to details from this division at the dam: Twenty-ninth Maine, Lieutenant-Colonel Emerson, April 30, 1864. Five companies One hundred and sixteenth New York, Lieutenant- Colonel Higgins, commanding. May 4, 1864. Five companies One hundred and sixteenth New York, Colonel G.. M. Love, commanding, on picket duty, covering the working parties, May 5, 1864. One hundred and sixty-first New York, Captain Prentice, com- manding, May 9, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Kinsey, One hundred and sixty-first [New Yorkl, May 6, 1864. Lieutenant Fairchild, aid-de-camp, First Brigade, May 6, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Hubbard, Thirtieth Maine, May 9, 1864. Respectfully submitted. JAMES W. MCMILLAN, Rriqadier-Gene at, Commanding. Captain F. SPEED, A ssistant A djutan t-Generai, 19th Army Corps Page 139 139 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATEI*. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Keene, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Naiad. U. S. S. [BLACK HAWK], Mouth Red River, May 10, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed without delay up iRed River and report to Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Ramsay, commanding U. S. S. Choc- taw, for such duty as he may assign you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. li. BREESE, Lieutenan t- Comrrwn der, Corn~inanding. Acting Master I-I. T. KEENE, Commanding U. S. S. Naiad, Mouth Red Ricer, La. Letter from Lieutenant Beebe, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the removal of guns from the steamer Mittie Stevens. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Ale andKa, La., May 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to request that you will send a working party to the boat iIitt~e Stevem., to land the three guns already on her at such point as you may designate. The captain of the Mittie Stevens has orders to move on the arrival of the working party, in obedience to the directions of the officer in charge of them. The officer in charge of the pontoon bridge also has orders to open the bridge for her to pass down and return. I hope by daylight to have the remaining 8-inch guns waiting at the bayou, and would take the liberty of requesting that the guns be landed and the boat returned to her present position by daylight, if possible, to receive the remaining four guns. Would you also be kind enough to have a fresh party with the necessary tackle at the bayou at daylight in order to put the remain- ing guns on board the Stevens? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM S. BEEBE, 1st Lieutenant, Ordn,arKe i)epartrnent, U. S. Army. Admiral PORTER. Commanding ifis,sissppi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Thomas, U. S. Navy, for delivery of dispatch to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 11, [1864]. SIR: Proceed up the river until you fall in with the Renton, Lieu- tenant-Commander Greer, and hand to him the enclosed dispatch. Return without delay to this place after accomplishing the above. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. Acting Ensign LLOYD TftOMAS, Comman& ny Robb Page 140 140 NAVAL FORCF5 0 WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] Mississirri SQUADRON, U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 11, 1864. SIR: I deem it essential that the Benton should be here as soon as possible. You will, therefore, upon receipt of this, join me at this place without delay. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, R. K. BREESE, Lieu tenant- Commander. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, Commanding Benton. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, giving assurances of the successful passage of the lleet within a few days. Mississir~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 11, 1864. GENERAL: Colonel Wilson called to see me this morning and seemed to think the navy were relaxing their exertions above. There is really nothing that can be done to the Carondelet until the water rises. The channel in which she lies is a cut channel, in the shape of an S, arid when the bottom of a vessel is wedged in it there is no use attempting to haul her through. Only water can help us, and we want but 1 foot of that to get every vessel through. It would be paying a very poor compliment to Colonel Bailey to suppose him incapable of supplying the desired quantity in one or two days. I am as anxious as yourself to see the vessels all through, and though i[ have every confidence in the zeal and ability of the officers in com- mand, I would give all my personal attention up there, but am laid up with a complaint that perfectly prostrates me when I ride on horseback or move about. Still, I know every hour what is going on, and give directions accordingly. Dont suppose because the vessels seem quiet that nothing is being done; everything is being done that can be. I hope you will look this matter patiently in the face. I am sure that Colonel Bailey will have every vessel through in two days, and though you are pressed for forage, two days will really amount to nothing, and any loss we might sustain in horses up to that time would be nothing in compari- son to the loss of one of those vessels. If we have met with reverses above, the rescue of this fleet from its peculiar position will redeem the past. You must have seen the tendency of the Northern press to cavil at our movements out here, and they can not help but admit, if we succeed, that amidst our trouble, the best piece of engineering ever performed in the same space of time has been accomplished under difficulties the rebels deemed insurmountable. Now, general, I really see nothing that should make us despond. You have a fine army, and I shall have a strong fleet of gunboats to drive away an inferior force in our front. We can, by making a united effort, open the river when we please. I feel that the country is so abundant in grass and clover just now that there can be no real danger to the stock Page 141 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 141 I feel that you are extremely anxious to move; so I am to get the boats down, and I am sure you will agree [with] me when I say that there would be tremendous excitement throughout the country if the vessels are not all brought over, which will certainly be done with 8 inches niore of water, which there will be no difficulty in getting. The water is rising in the river below (the backwater from the Mis- sissippi, which extends now to this place), the water rising here. I hope, sir, you will not let anything divert you from the attempt to get these vessels all through safely, even if we have to stay here and eat mule meat. There are some here who would not care if gunboats, horses, and everything are left behind, as long as they could get away, but as they have none of the responsibilities resting on your shoulders and on mine, I hope they may not meet with any attention. I feel that we are doing a splendid thing, and I want to see it carried through without an accident to a single vessel. Please excuse my long dispatch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Comd9. Dept. of the Gulf, Alexandria, La. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear.Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, stating his intention to protect the vessels till released. ALEXANDRIA, May 11, 1864. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this morning. I have never entertained for a moment the thought. of abandoning any portion of the fleet, and my only anxiety is not to move from this post, but to do all that can be done to expedite the release of the vessels. Our men are at work very hard, many of them (as last night, for instance) in the water the whole night. They have been thus employed now for nearly two weeks, night and day, and they complained very bitterly when the men of the navy appeared to be doing nothing to effect the release of their own ships. It was on account of complaints of this character that I requested Colonel Wilson to wait on you this morning. It is not impossible that there may be persons connected with the army who are inter- ested only for their own welfare, and care but little for the interests of the. Government; but you may be assured that such consideration will not influence in any respect whatever the command of the army. We shall not leave this post until the vessels are released. Thus far the representations to the Northern press are most likely made by men wbo ran away from the scene of action. When men fail to do their duty they are most anxious to justify it by partial represen- tations of facts. Do not entertain any doubt at all that, when the country understands the truth in regard to this expedition, whatever regrets they ma.y feel as to its results, they will not cast serious re- proach upon any person connected with it; but even should it be otherwise, it will not disturb me. I appreciate the magnitude as well as the importance of tile labor in which we are now engaged Page 142 142 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and doubt not its entire success. No efforts of mine shall be wanting to produce that result. I am very glad to see by the Secretarys letter, a copy of which you inclosed to me last night, that the deten- tion of General Smiths forces on this line beyond the time when he supposed he was at liberty to leave us has been approved. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Cominandin~. Admiral PORTER. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, regarding operations connected with the passage of the vessels over the falls. U. S. S. CARONDELET, Red River, May 11, 1864. Sm: I am getting spars in place and shall use them at once. Colonel Bailey will haul our stern out with a windlass from the right bank of the river. I would suggest that one of the other vessels drop down, if the Mound City gets through, until nearly to the stern of this vessel, which will make dead water on our starboard quarter and enable us to haul the easier. I dont think the Mound City has any prospect of getting past us with the present depth of water. We can tell in a couple of hours. We can go no farther on the rocks, as I have run all the guns over on our port side to keep her from sliding up; this and the spars will hold us. I think the Mound City will have to go ahead her length to let us out, and thei~ both vessels can go th rough. She is now lying alongside of us, and I think the farther she goes astern the more she will wedge in. I will send word down at 12 oclock how we get along. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOhN G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant- Comimancler, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAviD I). PORTER, U. S. Navy, Com~n?an ding Mississippi ASqu h on. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Louis- ville, regarding operations connected with the passage of the vessels over the falls. U. S. S. LOUIsVILLE, May 11, 1864. SIR: The Mound City has succeeded in getting abreast of the (ai ondelet. There is plenty of water all around her~ but she ap- pears to be aground somewhere about midships. The water is rising at the rate of 2 inches in six hours. Before all the boats are over more lines (6-inch) will be required, as vessels are obliged to let go at the right moment, and, although buoyed, the bottom is so rocky and the current so strong I think it will be impossible to get the lines only in pieces. The Pittsburg will go through next. The Ozark is now lightened up to 5 feet. The channel is yet too narrow for her. Mr. Roberts house was burned down by soldiers, who state they were ordered to do so. I had a picket there all yesterda Page 143 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 143 and last night and to-day until I dropped down. I was just. about sending another when the flames burst out. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mi~~i~~ippi ASquadron. P. S.I have yet 19,000 pounds of shell on board. I should like to take all or a portion off. The following are the several kinds: 50 100-pounder Parrott shell, 80 9-inch shell, 45 9-inch shrapnel, 42 30-pounder Parrott shot, 145 30-pounder Parrott shell. Respectfully, etc., E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant- Commander. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mound City, regarding the movement of that vessel over the falls. U. S. S. MOUND CJTY12 a. m. ADMIRAL: We started the Mound City this forenoon a length and a half. W~ shall have her over all right, I hope, in the course of t.he a fternoon. The Carondelet is all afloat only waiting for the former to get down. The channel is very lumpy, which makes the delay. Everything looks encouraging to get three of the turtles~ over before 8 p. m. Water still rising slowly. - Respectfully, etc., T. 0. SELFEIDGE, Lieutenant- Commander. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, regarding the grounding of the U. S. S. Carondelet. U. S. S. MOUND CITY, Tuesday afternoon. [Not dated.] ADMIRAL: The Carondelet took a fine start this morning, but had no checking line and has gone fast on the left-hand reef. She has only L. feet 6 inches, for 20 abaft her bow. It will be very difficult to get her off before to-morrow. It is my opinion that all of the turtles can go over mcI touch the Carondelet but very slightly if at all. I think that it will be decidedly the best plan to let them go over, as time will be saved by it. The Mound City is in a very favorable position to go over, awaiting your orders. Water rising very slowly. Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, THos. 0. SELFRIDGE, R~ay-Admiral D. D, PORTER, U. S. NAVY, Coin ending 211usissippi Sqaadron Page 144 144 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Langthorne, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mound City, giving the opinion of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, U. S. Army, regarding an additional crib for the dam. U. S. S. MOUND CITY, May 11, 18648.30 a. m. SIR: Your communication of this morning in regard to putting in another crib to the dam has been received, and in reply I would beg leave to state that, having consulted Colonel Bailey as to the expediency of filling in the open space, he informed me that it would be preferable to leave it open at present, as the water on the falls above was rising and that by obstructing it, it would necessarily weaken and probably undermine other parts of the work. The water has risen 3 inches on the upper falls during the night and is still rising fast. The Carondelet, judging from present appearances, will be over in two hours or perhaps in less time. The work on the wing dams is progressing rapidly and everything is being done to expedite our passage. I have held a consultation with Captain Owen this mornin~ and we both consider that running bow downstream instead of stern foremost will be the best- way, as it will enable us to use our hawsers, tackles, lines, etc., to better advantage. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant A. Ii. LANOTLIORNE, Acting Vol anteei Lie atena at, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Jiississipp~ ASqaadro ii. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, regarding operations connected with the passage of the vessels over the falls. U. S. S. CARONDELET, Red River, May 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communica- tion of this morning in relation to your orders not being carried out with regard to placing two steamers above this vessel, etc. The order which yon gave yesterday was given to Captain Hoel, of the Pittsburg, and Captain Owen, of the Louisville. (I did not understand you to say anything about working the wheels of these steamers, but to place them so that they would throw the water in the channel by wing-damming it.) The Louisville had no steam up, and Captain Owen sent up an order to the Mound City to take her place. The Pittsburg did take her place on the left bank of the river, and the Mound City tile position which the Fort Hindman had when she dropped the Osage and the iYeosho through. The vessels changed their position after- wardsI dont know by whose orders. - With regard to the statement of General Banks that we have done nothing during the night, I would simply state that we have been at work all night, and have succeeded in hauling her ahead 45 feet and are nearly across the lumps in the channel. I have sent an order to the commanding officers of the Pittsburg, and Mound City to take position to throw water on the falls wit Page 145 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 145 their wheels and have an anchor planted on the other side of the lower shoal, which can be used by the boats in succession as they come on the falls. I hope to be over by 12 oclock. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOHN G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, iT. S. Navy, Comrnandi~g IJIissis8ippt Squa(lron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, regarding the movements of the U. S. steamers Louisville and Ozark. U. S. S. LouJsvILu4 P. 21. SiR: Your commimication just received. The Loui8ville is now dropping over, and I shall do all I can to get the Ozark over before night. Everything looks cheering for this result. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tiios. 0. SELERIDGE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, IT. S. Navy, Comman dinq I[Iississipp i Squadron. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, referring to withdrawal from Fort De Russy when advisable. Mississiu~i SQUADRON, IT. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 1~, 1864. DEAR IRA2LsAY: Ive nothing new to tell you. Send you the latest bricks. You wont take it amiss in my telling you my fears about the rebs getting a battery in below you and worsting some more of our light-drafts, and urging you to guard against all precautions. 1T011 know my reason for keeping the vessels there is to keep open communications as far as we can, but it wont do to have any more captures. Ive sent for the Benton and she will be here to-night. I shall not send her up, however, unless necessary, and you must be the judge of that. Of course you know matters with you better than I, and I would not presume to order affairs where you are. Dont take any risks, and should you at any time deem it proper to withdraw from Fort De Russy dont wait for orders from me. For your own vessel Ive no fears, but the discretion of some of those with you I can not rely upon. Do what you think best in the matter, and I will back you up all in my power. The Forest Rose has a number of the Coy- inqtons men on board. Why dont you take them; they will help fill up your crew. I do so hope to get good news soon. The Benton is just coming in. Yours, truly, BREESE. All is quiet about here just now. 1020080N W RVOL ~O13 t Page 146 146 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed movement of the army on the release of all the vessels. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 12, 1864. The general being away, I take the liberty of informing you, by his desire, that the movement of the army will begin early in the morning in the event of the safe passage of the remaining boats over the falls. I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, As8i8tant Adjutant-General. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Conimanding Mi8sis8ippi Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, ailnouncing that Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, U. S. Navy, will act as fleet captain on account of the disability of the admiral. Mississi~~i SQIJADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 12, 1864. GENERAL: I find myself unable to move to-day without great pain, and in cpnsequence have ordered Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Self- ridge, commanding U. S. S. O8age, to take upon himself the duties of fleet captain. He will have all the authority T possess to carry on duty. If Colonel Bailey wants anything done he will please call on Captain Selfridge, who will be with the upper vessels until they are over. Any requisitions made on Captain Selfridge will be attended to the same as if made on me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Corn inanding Departnient of the Gulf. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, giving the supposed location of the enemy. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Osbornes Plantation, May 13, 186419? p. rn. ADMIRAL: Your note of this date was received at 11 oclock p. m. I will communicate to you in the morning by persons stationed on the banks of the river to indicate our position, and if possible that of the rebels. It is quite likely that the position of the enemy may be more distant than I suggested in my note of this evening. The best information I can get here locates them at the bend of the river between Dunns Bayou and Choctaw Bayou. It is 10 miles from Atenia [Latanier] Bayou, where my headquarters are to-night, and 6 to 8 miles from Dunns to Choctaw, making 16 to 18 milles from Atenia [Latanier] to Choctaw. I am inclined to believe that the rebels position is just beyond Dunns Bayou. They are stationed i Page 146A Page 146B 1. This position is supposed to be at bend of river between Dunns and Choctaw bayous. 2. Rebels are said to be iu elbow of river behind levee. 3. The line of fire from gunboats above or below has been to the rear of rebels and leaves them unharmed. 4. They are said to have 30 guns Page 147 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 147 an elbow of the river, in such position that the line of fire from the gunboats above or below passes to their rear, doing them, as they say, but little injury. They report here that but one man was killed in the severe fire of the other day. The diagram enclosed exhibits the bend in the river and the position of the batteries, with the prob- able line of fire from our boats, as near as I can represent it from the information given to me. Their force is said to be about 13,000, con- sisting of Taylors force and troops from Texas. The troops sent to aid Price against Steelefive to seven thousandare daily expected to return, but I believe have not yet returned. Their subsistence is brought from the country above Cotile. It is of limited quantity. but the men say they want but one meal a day. Their animals graze and the corn is ground for the men. They are said to have thirty guns. Taylors headquarters are at Cheneyville. They are all mounted, unless it be some infantry from Texas. The only obstruc- tions in the river are from the sunken boats, which are placed across the current. Our information offers a very flattering prospect of a brilliant and successful movement against the enemy. We believe we have full information in regard to his position, and the means of reaching it. It is of vital importance that your boats should be up at the earliest moment possible. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Jiajor-Cemeral, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mis8issippi Squad on. P. S.The stories that we have heard of the rebels burying guns is accounted for in this manner: The battery, which points down on the river, is a sunken one in the levee; the heavy guns therefore are buried in the levee. This is the only burial of guns that has taken place. N.P.B. Letter from Major.General Banks. U. S. Army, to Rea~r-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, desiring a gunboat for protection of rear guard. hEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, lVilsons Landing, May 14, 1864J: O& p. in. The general wishes me to say that the enemy is pushing the rear of our train. He desires, if you have not already done so, that a gun- boat be sent back to the assistance of the rear guard. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. I)RAKE, Assi,~1an t 11(1 /utad- (lenci al. Rear-Admiral D. D. Powvvii. Commanding 2iIissis~ippi Sqa adron. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding expected movement of troops and attack at Marksville. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Red River, May 14, 1864. ADMIRAL: It is necessary to build a bridge across the bayou which is in our front before the army can march. It will probably b Page 148 148 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. completed by 8 oclock, perhaps by 7, xvhen we shall be in full march. A prisoner captured this evening says that the enemy will probably fight us at Marksville. It is not credited, but still it may be pos- sible. He reports a rumor circulated in the rebel camp that Grant had captured Richmond with 30,000 prisoners. Our men are in excellent spirits, and it will require a very powerful enemy to over- come them. I will communicate to you in the morning any infor- mation we may receive in addition to the above. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. ~. BANKS, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTEJ~, A/ayor-Gener(d, C ommartdiag. (01)2 nwndlny i1)881S6t/)/) ASquadron. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting request for gunboats. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Welshs Plantation, May 14, 1864. I enclose a dispatch from General Emory from the front. Please send the boats as he requests. The Fifteenth Corps will flank the train on the right, leaving one regiment with a cavalry brigade to bring up. the rear of the train. Please leave a gunboat in the rear, as you suggested. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANIs, Majo - General, (om~manding. Rear~Admiral D. D. PORTER, (oinmarcliag Jiississippi Squadron. [Enclosure. j HEADQUARTERS 19TH AR~1Y CoRPs, May 14, 1864S a. in. There is heavy skirmishing in front. We are still advancing. If some of those gunboats could be gent up, they would give us great advantage, even without firing a gun. I am about 6 miles, and our advance fully 7, from the ground we occupied this morning. Respectfully, W. H. EMORY, Rrigadier-Gene al, Conunanding. Brigadier-General DWIGHT, (hief of Staff. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, desiring the gunboats near Fort De Russy, in view of the reported movement of the enemy from Marksville. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, choctaw Bayou, May 15, 1864. ADMIRAL: The enemy are preparing to start, about 1 mile this side of Marksville, according to reports from Brigadier-Genera Page 149 NAVAl. FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 149 Emory, who is in front. If such is the case, it will be desirable to have some of your gunboats a short distance this side of Fort De Russy, as the left of my line will rest on the river. I am, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Co inmanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding JfiS8i& ~ipp Squadron. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, desiring gunboats at Simmesport. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OP THE GULF, Near Mark8ville, hay 15, 1864. ADMIRAL: We shall camp to-night between Marksville and Man- sura, headquarters at Marksville. Simmesport is 20 miles distant. We shall make our headquarters there to-morrow night. I should be glad, if the river admits, if you would send down one or two boats to that point. The enemy has returned in our front, showing some artillery and dismounted cavalry, but had made no decided re- sistance. With much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Co minanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mis8issippi Squadron. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Rarasay, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, desiring to know the wishes of the latter regarding the movement of transports. U. S. S. CHOCTAW, Off Fort De Ru88y, La., May 15, 18643 p. m. Sn~: In obedience to instructions from Admiral Porter, I have the honor to inform you that he, being very unwell, has gone down to the mouth of the river and left me in command at this place. lie has ordered me to stop all boats that have provision and forage on board until I hear from you. The empty transports are to proceed immediately to Simmesport. I shall be pleased to learn your wishes at as early a moment as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Major-General N. P. BANKS, Coinmandhtg Department of the Gulf. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, regarding the movement of transports and gunboats for Simmes- port. U. S. S. ChOCTAW, Off Fort De Ru8sy, La., May 15, 18647.30 p. m. SIR: Admiral Porter left here at 3 p. m. for the mouth of the river. All the transports have gone to Simmesport. Eight gun Page 150 150 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. boats have gone with them to protect them. I shall leave here with the remainder of the gunboats at daylight to-morrow morning. The last news from the North is that General Grant had defeated General Lee after three days fighting. When last heard from General Grant had advanced 20 miles beyond the battle field. General Butler had advanced from Fort Monroe, had occupied Petersburo~ railroad communication. ~, and cut Lees Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAM5AY, Lieutenant- Commander, Commandinq. Major-General N. P. l3ANIis, Com~mandina Deyartment of the Gulf. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to master of steamer Sioux City, to report at mouth of Red River. MOUTH OF RED RIVER,, May16, [1864]. SIR Repair with your boat to this place without delay and report to me. By order of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter: K. ii. BREESE, Lieutenan t-Commandep, Coirunanding. MASTER or STEAMER Sioux CITY. [Order of same date and like tenor to the master of the steamer 11. L. IrLing.] Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Gillis, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Elk, to report at mouth of Red River. MOUTH 01 RED RIVER, May16, [18641. SIR: The admiral directs that you, with your vessel and the Talla- hatchie, repair to this place without delay, bringing with you the coal barge at Black River. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, 1. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Lieutenant -Commander JAS. TI. GILLIs, CornmandThq U. S. S. Elk. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the expected ar- rival at Simmesport of Major-General Banks, U. S. Army. U. S. S. CHILLICOTITE, Simme8port, La., May 16, 18648.45 p. m. SIR: Two officers arrived here this evening from General Banks camp 10 miles from here over the right hank as the river runs. The Page 151 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 151 reported all well with the army, and that they would be here to morrow by noon to embark for the Mississippi River. They had an artillery fight with the rebels this morning. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Com.ir& anding U. KS. M~88i88ippi Squadron., Mouth of Re(l River. [Telegram.] Mississi~~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mouth Red River, May 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the portion of the squadron that were caught above the falls at Alexandria have been released from their unpleasant position, owing to the indefatigable exertions of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, acting engineer, Nineteenth Army Corps, who proposed and built a tree dam of 600 feet across the iiver at the lower falls, which enabled all the vessels to pass in safety. The back water of the Mississippi reaching Alexandria allowed them to pass over all the shoals and the obstructions planted by the enemy to a point of safety. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON ~XELLES, Secretary of the Navy, JVasldngton, P. C. [Telegram.] NEW ORLEANS, Ma~q 17, 1864. Please notify officers in command of supply boats near mouth Red River that the army will be at Simmesport, [La.], to-day in want of provisions and forage. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General. Captain BREESE, U. S. Navy, Mouth Red River. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, to proceed to Simmesport, towing barges. MOUTH OF RED RIVER, May 17, [1864]. SIR: Proceed with the two empty barges designated, in tow of your vessel, to Simmesport and turn them over to General Banks. Report to Captain Smith, giving him the accompanying letter and return as soon as he directs. Respectfully. etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JNO. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding Fore8t Ro8e Page 152 152 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] MOUTH OF Rr~o RIVER, May 17, [1864]. DEAR SMITH: The admiral wants you to send the Louisville and Carondelet down here as soon as possible. The Forest Rose tows up two barges without coal, to be turned over to the army for a pontoon, and the admiral wishes you to send her back as soon as she lands them. Yours, truly, BREESE. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wright, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Avenger. [MOUTH OF RED RIVER], May 17, [1864]. SIR: You will report to me at this place without delay with your vessel and take in coal as rapidly as possible. By order of David D. Porter, rear-admiral: K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Na ey. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant CHAS. A. WRIGHT, Com//manding U. S. S. Avenger. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Foster, U. S. Navy, to send the U. S. S. Kenwood to mouth of Red River. MOUTH OF RED RIVER, iJfay 17, [1864]. SIR: Upon receipt of this you will send the Kenwood up to report to me without delay at this place. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Comimander, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander JAS. P. FOSTER, Corndg. Lafayette and Second Dist. Miss. Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gregory, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. St. Clair, regarding engagement at Eunices Bluff. ON BOARD U. S. S. ST. CLAIR, Simmes port, May 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: On my way down Red River on the afternoon of the 15th the rebels fired into us near Eunices Bluff. I rounded the boat to and fought them until the transports were out of danger and they had ceased firing. I then went on down the river. At the next bend below the bluff they met me again. I backed up and fought them there until they left. I saw no more of them. We have no one hurt, and no other damage than a few more scars on the vessel. I have two masters mates now more than twenty months in the service. If upon examination they are found as competent as I fin Page 153 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 153 them worthy I would like to see them promoted. My crew, as it stands, will do their duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. B. GREGORY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Co inmanding. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John- ston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, to report for duty in the fourth district. Mississwri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth Red River, May 18, 1864. SIR: You will proceed up the river with the vessel under your com- mand and report to Lieutenant-Commander J. A. Greer for such duty as he may assign you in his district. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I)AviD D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Focest Rose. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs at Simmes- port. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Simimes port, La., May 18, 18646:30 p. im. SIR: Brigadier-General A. J. Smith arrived on board about fifteen or twenty minutes since, and has now left. His manner was much as you know it to be at times, and his remarks were concerning his inten- tions and his fighting to-day. He has been fighting hard all day, losing 25 men per hour. Sent for reinforcements and could not get them; General Banks, it was believed, had left. He first anchored transports abreast so as to make a bridge for his troops to pass over to the left bank. This bridge prevents my signaling, and I expect the passage of even a cutter at this time would be difficult, and this while I should be free to control all the vessels under my command. General Smith said he was going out to-night to do his best to (Irive the rebels off, and asked me to remain until he embarked his force. This I, of course, promised, being, too, your order. The rebels have been reinforced, I am told, but I wish no change except that an opening may be made in the bridge of steamboats to admit of my command being a unit. I am going now to effect this, if possible, though I suppose General Banks has trammeled every- thing to have them remain as he left them. I will be under steamn to-night in all the vessels. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Licutena nt-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, (Jom,i~a uding U. S. Mississippi Sq uad ton Page 154 154 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. General Smith is going to see you at 9 p. m. in the Gazelle. He wished to do so. I think I can look ont for him. W. S. I have looked for General Banks, but could not find him. I find that he is about the camp, and will trust to his opening for us to pass if necessary, for us to go either way. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding -U. S. S. Chilli- cothe, regarding affairs at Simmesport. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, & mme8port, La., May 19, 1864. SIR: I have very little to report. General Banks troops are mov- ing still across the river. On enquiring for General A. J. Smith this morning on board the Clara Bell, was informed that he was out on the rear. Have not heard from him to-day. The Department of the Gulf asks for coal for the steamboats ferry- ing troops. The vessels with me have three days coal for running in daylight, but are using it now every night, and the barge you sent, I am informed, contains 10,000 bushels. I have not touched the barge yet, but will fill the vessels above first, as far as necessary, and get it through the bridge as soon as possible for these vessels. I will then send the remaining coal down to you, as your order directs, unless I receive different orders. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mi~8i8sippt Squadron, liouth Ned River. P. S.We have gunboats enough, and each has its position as- signed when the bridge is broken up. The nights are bright, and I believe we will get General Smith off with ease. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander, I~tter from Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, requesting passage for the U. S. S. St. Clair through the trldge of boats at Simmesport. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Sim?r& e8port, La., May 19, 1864. SIR: The admiral has directed me to send the gunboat St. Clair to him immediately. The St. Clair is below the bridge of steam- boats, and I have the honor to request, in Admiral Porters name, that you will have room made for that vessel to pass through th Page 155 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 155 bridge. The St. Clair will proceed to th bridge as soon a possible, to pass through at the place most convenient to you. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant-Commander and Senior Officer Present. Major-General N. P. BANKS, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the GuU Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding request for pas- sage of U. S. S. St. Clair through the bridge of boats, and movement of the troops from Simmesport. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, Simmies port, La., May 9, 1864. SIR: I have just received your instructions to send the St. Clair to you. As she is below the bridge of boats, I have sent to Major- General Banks, in your name, requesting him to open the bridge at the place most convenient to him, to allow the St. Clair to pass. It is now 11 :20 p. m. It will be some time before they can open the bridge, as General Banks headquarters are at Simmes house. I sent a letter to you this evening by the Avenger, but General Banks has not yet moved in her. General Smith (A. J.) was, I was told this morning on calling to see him, on the Clara Bell in the advance on the retreat since 3 a. m. All goes well with us. General Banks army is, I believe, expected to be over early in the morning, but they move very slowly. General A. J. Smiths numer- ous wounded were left to lie from early morning to evening, before being taken to hospital. I have this from good authority. It excites much remark. The hospital vessels, or some, are in the bridge, and the delay there causes much suffering. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITh, L eutenard- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. 8. iLssissippi Squadron, i/oath of Red River. The army wants 100 tons of coal. I declined to give it unless or- dered by you, as I had your order to return all I (lid not need, and I thought you were perhaps short of coal. EVENING, May 19, 1864. I heard a rumor this evening from Pilot John Dean, of this vessel, that the rebel forces were reported to have already crossed down this river to fight General Banks on the Mississippi River. I give it only as I heard it. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron Page 156 156 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the necessary destruction of guns above the falls and the removal of iron from certain vessels. No. 118.] MISsISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSJlIP BIAcI HAWK~ Off Mouth Red River, La., May 19, 1864. SIR: In my report in relation to the release of the gunboats from their unpleasant position above the falls I did not think it prudent to mention that I was obliged to destroy 11 32-pounders, not having time to haul them from above the falls to Alexandria, the army having moved and drawn in all their pickets. The best guns were hauled first. The 32-pounders were old guns and would have been condemned on the first opportunity. For the same reasons I also omitted to mention that I was obliged to take off the iron from the sides of the Pook gunboats and from the Ozark to enable them to get over. Not being able to haul this iron around the falls to Alexandria for want of wagons, I ordered the gunboats to run up the river at night to a point where they could find from 5 to 6 fathoms of water, where the iron was thrown overboard, and where, in a few moments, it would sink many feet under the quicksands, thus leaving no possible chance for the rebels to recover it. The Pook vessels run so much better without this iron than they ever did before, and it never having been of any use to them, I pro- pose leaving it off altogether. Their forward casemates are still heavily protected with iron, and as they always fight bow on, it is all they should carry. Besides, they are getting old, and having done a great deal of service without any repairs, they can not bear the weight. They now run from 2 to 2~ knots faster than before. The Ozark is a miserable vessel. 1-ler turret has ceased to work altogether and is about twice as high and heavy as it should be. I really do not know what can be done with her, unless it is to take the turret off and, with some additional strengthening, put casemates about her. This, when done, will enable her to lie at some of the points on the river, where a formidable vessel is required. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D PORTFR Reai~-Admipal ( , ./ommandinq JiU~9iS8Zj~pi Squadron. Hon. GiDEON WELLES, Secretary of the ATuvq, lVashimqtrni, 1). (7. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of the gunboats in relation to the movement of the army from Simmesport. U. S. S. CHILLICOTTIE, Simmesport, La., May 20, 1864. SIR: General A. J. Smith is moving his men to the left bank (where you were in the Black Hawk), intending to remain here to- night, and the transports are to leave at 5 or 6 p. m. for Old River, a mile or two down, which, turning to the right from the Atchafalaya, he intends to embark his men to-morrow, leaving Simmesport at 7 a. m. The transports will have the fleet of seven gunboats to see them off, and the St. (lair and Gazelle w ill eon voy Ii icut to Old River. Th Page 157 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 157 Mound City will be just above Bayou de Grace [Glaise?], the Pitts- burq below a hundred yards or more, and below her this vessel, with guns on the open space below the bayou, and the Fort Hindrnan below still farther, guarding the approaches below with her stern guns. This arrangement is somewhat different from my first arrange- ment, which did not contemplate any division of the gunboats. We will have steam to-night. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITh, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear- Xdmiral DAVID 1). PORTER, cominaitdi/2g U. AS. Ilii8siSsippi SqUU(1iOfl. Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting a supply of coal for the transports. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Simrne8port, May 20, 1864. ADMIRAL: The transports here have been engaged in ferrying troops and have in this way used tip all their fuel. I would be much obliged if you would send a barge of coal to resupply them. Some will leave as soon as they can get the coal. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Conuruanding AIis8issippi AS9 quadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the withdrawal of the army from Simmesport without disturbance from the enemy. U. S. S. CrnLIlcOmE, Underway, May 21, 1864-a. in. SIR: There was a dense fog and smoke over the river and its banks last night, and before it cleared in the morning General A. J. Smith had left with his troops. He must have gone at about 4.30 a. in., as the reveille was heard at 4 oclock. I was quite surprised when the fog had cleared at the absence of the troops, as the general had promised to let me know of any change in the order of moving. As I passed Old River there were no transports in the place where General Smith said he would embark his troops, nor any in sight. The rear of his army was just turning down the shore of Old River. The pilots decided that there would be difficulty in passing out through Old River with the gunboats, and it being probable that the transports had gone out by the way we came in, I decided on taking the same direction Page 158 158 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I have not seen or heard of the slightest attempt on the part of the enemy to arrest the departure of the troops or transports, though they were near as General Smith crossed the Atchafalaya. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- (Jo in mander, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mi8sissippi Squadron. Letter from transportation quartermaster to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, desiring to know if convoy will be necessary for transports carrying sick and wounded to New Orleans. OfficE QUARTERMASTER IN CHARGE OF STEAMBOATS, DEPT. OF THE GULF, ON BOARD STEAMER METROPOLITAN, Red River Landing, May 21, 1864. ADMIRAL: There are four transports here full of sick and wounded, destined for New Orleans, and ready to start. I was instructed by General Canby to notify you before starting any steamers down the river. Will you please inform me by bearer whether it is safe for me to start them without a convoy; and if not, where they shall be di- rected to go to await such guard as you may think proper shall be sent with them? I am, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. G. SAWTELLE, Captain and A8sistant Quarternvz8ter, In Charge of Steamboat Tran8portation. Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. ~Navy, regarding the safe withdrawal of the army across the Atchafalaya River, supported by the gunboats, and ~om- mending the leadership of Generals Smith and Nower, U. S. Army. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK O~f Cairo, Ill., May 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place, four days from Red River. The army ha.d all crossed the Atchafalaya, and General Smiths division had embarked; the gunboats covered the army until all were over. General Smith, who brought up the rear, turned upon the rebels with a part of his command under General Mower, killed and wounded a number, captured 180 prisoners, and 2 fieldpieces. This makes 8 or 9 fieldpieces captured by General Smith, besides the guns captured at Fort Dc Russy, in all of which captures General Mower bore a conspicuous part. It is just such men we want to lead our soldiers Page 159 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 159 The river is quiet between this and Red River. The rebels had a battery on the banks below Tunica Bend, but the oirnbo away after a short action. ats drove it I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEoN WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, 11~ ~81dngton, P. C. tTelegram.] CAIRO, May 26, 1864. I congratulate you heartily on getting your fleet out of the woods. Are you coming to Cairo to-day or to-morrow? C. P. STONE. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, hound City. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer of military command. [May, 1864.1 DEAR ADMIRAL: I congratulate you most heartily in getting out of the scrape above. General Canby is on board here, the new head of affairs and is to relieve Banks. There are a number of transports, waiting to go to Simmesport. I send you the papers. Grant has been successful thus far. Yours, truly, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenanf-Cornqmander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commandimq hih88i88ipp~ Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, transmitting report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, and recommending that the thanks of Congress be extended to Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, U. S. Army. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith a printed copy of the report * of Rear-Admiral Porter, dated the 16th instant, giving a minute and graphic account of the extrication of a portion of his fleet which had been caught by the low stage of water above the falls at Alexandria, Red River, by almost superhuman efforts, di- rected by the extraordinary engineering conceptions and intelligence of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer, Nineteenth Army Corps, and other officers of the army, under his direction. For this eminent achievement, whereby a valuable fleet, worth nearly $2,000,000, has been saved to the country, too great an appre * ~ee p. 130 Page 160 160 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ciation of the services of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey can not be bestowed on him by the Government, and I would suggest at least that you recommend to Congress that this officer should receive a vote of thanks. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the iVary. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding testimonial for Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, U. S. Army. U. S. Mississir~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, Ill., May 30, 1864. GENERAL ORDER, No. 207. A subscription was started for the purpose of raising a fund sufficient to testify to Colonel Bailey, of the Nineteenth Army Corps, the high appreciation felt by the Mississippi Squadron of the services rendered by him in getting the squadron up Red River over the falls. All persons having subscribed, or desirous to subscribe, will hand in through their paymasters the amount subscribed, and all paymasters are directed to send the amounts to Paymaster C. H. Kirkendall, of this vessel, who will receipt for the same. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Mi88. Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Navy, acknowledging receipt of letter. WAR DEPARTMENT, WashThqton City, May 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th instant, transmitting a printed copy of the report of Rear-Admiral Porter, giving an acco tint of the extrication, by means devised by Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer, Nine- teenth Army Corps, of a portion of his fleet, caught by the low stage of water above the falls at Alexandria, Red iRiver. I am, sir, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Na?y. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, con- gratulating him on the safe passage of the squadron throngh the falls and extending the thanks of the Department to officers and men of the Army who made it possible. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 31, 1864. SIR: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your interesting report of th~ 16th instant, giving a detailed and graphic account o Page 161 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 161 the rescue of the Mississippi Squadron from its perilous position above the falls at Alexandria, Red River, and of the aid which you received through the indomitable perseverance and engineering skill of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer of the Nine- teenth Army Corps. It is with no ordinary feelings of pleasure that the Department learns of the safe passage of this valuable squadron, threatened as it was with inevitable capture or destruction, and congratulates you and your command that the fleet, which has borne such a conspicuous part in many of the great events of the war, has been spared to the country for future usefulness and renown. You will tender the thanks of the Department to the officers and men of the Army for the cheerful aid given you in this great emergency, without which the squadron would unavoidably have fallen into the hands of the rebels or been destroyed. While regretting the loss of the steamers Signal and (iovington, and lamenting for the brave men who fell in the engagement with the enemy, the Department takes great pleasure in expressing its admiration of the gallant manner in which those vessels were de- fended, and has reason to believe that the officers and men did their whole duty nobly and faithfully. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Secretcvry of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Connmanding Mi88i8sippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, extending the thanks of the Department for the assistanoe rendered by the army in the passage of the fleet over the falls. MOUND CITY, June 13, 186~4. GENERAL: I am directed by the honorable Secretary of the Navy to convey the thanks of the Department to the enterprising and gallant officers and men who so nobly aided the gunboats to get down from above the falls at Alexandria when there was every prospect of their remaining there, owing to low water, and a probability of their being destroyed, to prevent their falling into the hands of the rebels. I have already expressed to the Department in my report (a copy of which I herewith enclose) the high estimate I placed upon the services of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey and his associates, and I can add nothing that will convey a stronger expression of feeling for the aid we received through the indomitable perseverance and skill of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, to whom belongs the entire credit of the enterprise, he having conceived the idea of building the dam. It is the intention of the officers connected with the late Red River fleet to present to Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey a memento, in com- memoration of the safe passage of the vessels. This will be sent to him at a proper time, and I hope he will receive it as a very small testimonial of the high appreciation they have of the service he rendered them and the crews on that occasion. 1020080N W RVOL 26131 Page 162 162 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Congratulating him on his promotion, so well deserved, and hoping that the brave officers and men associated with him will appreciate the kind feelings we shall ever entertain for them, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm~iral. Major-General E. R. S. CANBY, Commanding Military Division of Western Mississippi. P. 5.Enclosed is the copy of a letter ~ from the honorable Secre- tary of the Navy. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, acknowledging the receipt of letter conveying the thanks of the Department. HDQs. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST Mississippi. New Orleans, La., June ~2, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 13th instant, conveying the thanks of the Navy Department to officers and men of the Army for assistance rendered to the fleet at Alexandria, La. Copies of your dispatch to the Navy Department, the letter of the Secretary of the Navy, and your communication to me, I shall at once transmit to General Bailey, and the expression of the thanks of the Department will be com- municated to the troops in a general order. I am, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD R. S. CANBY, Major-General, Corn anding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron. Letter from Lieutenant-General Smith, C. S. Army. to Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, referring to Red and Ouachita rivers as the probable line for the ap- proach of Federal forces. HEADQUARTERS Tii~NS-MISSISSIPPi DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., January 4, 1864. GENERAL: Your letter from Alexandria, of the 28th ultimo, was received to-day. The inclosed order, taken from the Texas papers, is a ruse of General Magruders, intended to deceive the enemy, or rather to cover the indiscreet publication of an order giving the organization of his command. There has been, I think, no reoi~gan- ization of General Greens division, nor will I sanction it. * * * * * * * I still think Red and Washita [Ouachita] rivers, especially the former, are the true lines of operation for an invading column, and that we may expect an attempt to be made by the enemy in force before the rivers fall. Captain [Jonathan H.] Carter has three pieces mounted on the Missouri, a 9 and 11 inch and a 32-pounder * See p. 160 Page 163 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 163 rifle. He has orders to. take advantage of the first rise to fall down the river and report with his boats to you at Alexandria. He is a determined man, and, I think, will fight his vessel desperately. He requires about 60 additional men for the crews of the Missouri and Webb. You will have to obtain them for him, either by volunteers or details from your command. Had Moutons division gone to Arkansas, W. H. Parsons brigade would have gone to you. * * * * * * * I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. Major-General Ii. TAYLOR. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, regarding the location of Federal forces under Brigadier-General Emory, U. S. Army, at Franklin, La., and re- ferring to the preparation of the C. S. S. Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Alexandria, January 15, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the enemy have arrested their movement at Franklin. Some 4,000 under General Emory hold the fortifications there, encamped on both sides of the Teche. The bulk of the force under Franklin took cars at Berwick Bay. Whether they will i~einforce Washburn or operate in this quarter I do not know. At all events, we should be prepared as far as possible, and I trust the remaining 9-inch gun and the carriages for the two 32-Dahigrens will soon reach me. For the 9-inch and 32-pound rifle now in position at Fort De iRussy, there were sent down only 50 rounds of shot and shell; more should be sent at once. The Missouri, I suppose, will come down on the first rise. Every facility will be afforded Captain [Jonathan H.1 Carter to get in fighting order. If he will report in advance his requirements, I will have everything in readiness for him. I hope for an early reply to my several communi- cations on the subject of burning private cotton as well as Govern- ment cotton in the Onachita, whether the arrangements with Messrs. Menard and Stevenson do not coverall the Government owns in that region. Respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Ma}or-General. Brigadier-General BOGGS, Chief of Staff. Report of Major-General Walker, C. S. Army, regarding the movements of the Federal forces from Simmesport and proposing an advance of his forces to meet them. HEADQUARTERS WALKERS DIvISION, Marksville, March 1~, 18647 p. m. GENERAL: Captain McNelly has just reached here from Simmes- port, and reports that the enemy had six gunboats and two trans- ports at Simmesport, and that they were landing troops when he left, about an hour by sun this evening. He says that the pickets above Simmesport reported that the entire fleet of gunboats and a larg Page 164 164 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. number of transports were coming down the Atchafalaya when he left. This is doubtless Shermans force from Vicksburg, as they certainly did not come up the Mississippi. I shall move down at daylight in the morning with Randals and Hawes brigades to sup- port Scurry, who is in position on Yellow Bayou. That position, however, is untenable, as it can be turned in this low stage of water. I am embarrassed to know how to cover Fort De Russy. As against such a force as the enemy evidently has, it would be extremely hazardous to risk an engagement on this island around Marksville, out of which there is no egress except by the bridge over Bayou Du Lac. I shall retain the steamboat Co tess here to carry off whatever may be necessary to move, and send her off at. the last moment that it will be safe for her to remain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant., J. G. WALKER, Major- General, Co anding. Major-General R: TAYLOR, Comnianding Distrkt of West Louisiana. Order of Lieutenant-General Smith, C. S. Army, to Lieutenant Marshall, C. S. Army, to prepare for the sinking of steamer New Falls City, to obstruct the river, if necessary. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssIssIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., March 18, 1864. The lieutenant-general commanding thinks it may be necessary to have the steamer New Falls City (now lying near Coushatta Chute) sunk in Red River just at the foot of Scoperns Cut-off. He directs that you proceed without delay with the steamer Osceola to the point where the New Falls City is lying. You will put a crew on board and take her up to the cut-off, where you will hold her in readiness t.o be sunk on the approach of the enemy. Inclosed is an order for a crew from any negroes you may meet coming up the river. The chief engineer reports some sent up from Natchitoches. Should you, however, not meet them, the inclosed order will enable you to impress them. An engineer and pilot will be furnished by the Osceola to bring the boat up., When it becomes necessary to sink her, any assistance which you may require will be furnished by the officer in command of the steamer Missouri, which will be stationed near you. Should the enemy approach, you will give the boats which may be below the cut-off time to pass before obstructing the channel. For details you must be governed by your judgment, though it will probably be well to fill the boat with earth, as rock can not be had2 so as to make her more stable. A detail may be sent down from this point to take out her machinery. Captain James McCloskey, assistant quartermaster, now at Natchitoches, has been directed to notify you of the enemy~ s approach and when his last boat shall come up. You will do well to communicate with him as occasion may offer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. CUNNINGHAM, Lieute nt, a Aid-de-Caimp. Lieutenant I1XT F. MARSHALL, Engineer Troops Page 165 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 165 Order of Lieutenant-General Smith, C. S. Army, to Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, for the obstruction of the river with torpedoes. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssIsIm DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, March 19, 1864. GENERAL: I have directed an officer of the Mis8oz& ri, with thirty torpedoes and a crew of men selected for the purpose, to proceed down the river and obstruct it with torpedoes at some point below Grand Ecore. I will direct the officer to report to you should he find you below, otherwise to report to Captain McCloskey, who is at Grand Ecore, upon consultation with whom he will fix a point at which the torpedoes are to be placed. If practicable, I would suggest their being used below Cotile; otherwise the vicinity of the falls below Grand Ecore might be selected. As soon as the torpedoes are placed in position the boat and crew will return to Shreveport. Arrangements should be made by pickets and couriers, so that the party on the boat can be notified in time of the passage over the falls of the enemys gunboats or the advance of a party of the enemy. I send down by the boat a signal corps, under Sergeant Landry, who will assist in notifying the officer in charge of the tor- pedo boat of the movements of the enemy. When they get through with this duty they are ordered to report to you. Jams ir, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Liemtentant- General, Com~manding. Major-General R. TAYLOR, Connmanding, etc. Order of Lieutenant-General Smith, C. S. Army, to Colonel Logan, C. S. Army, for movements with a view to restricting the passage of the enemy down the Ouachita River. HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MIssIssIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., April 15, 1864. COLONEL: I am instructed by the general commanding to direct you to proceed with your command at the earliest moment practi- cable to Columbia, to man the heavy guns at that point, take them to Copenhagen, and dispute the passage of the enemys gunboats and transports down the Onachita River. You will march as rapidly as possible. At Minden you will report to Brigadier-General Liddell. He will send to your support a sufficient force of cavalry, of whose line of march he will probably inform you. Inclosed you will find an order on the chief of artillery and ordnance (Major T. G. Rhett) for 20 stand of serviceable muskets or rifles, with accountrements complete, and 50 rounds of ammunition to each musket. Very respectfully, G~RGE WILLIAM~N, Major and A8si8tant Adjutant-General. Colonel G. W. LOGAN, Comm~anding Battalion Heavy Artillery Page 166 166 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, proposing to employ fire rafts for injuring the fleet above the falls at Alexandria. HEADQUARTERS DISTEIcT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Near Monett8 Ferry, April 25, 1864. COLONEL: The enemys fleet of gunboats and transports, numbering in all about fifty, is crowded in the river above the falls. I shall endeavor to inflict all the damage possible upon the fleet, and shall construct fire rafts and float them down the river. Great damage, however, can probably be done by loading a light-draft steamer with combustible material and firing her a short distance above the fleet. If such a boat can be spared and loaded at once with combustibles at Shreveport, and put in charge of proper persons, whom Captain James McCloskey and Captain Charles Pierce can select and recoin- mend, I hope you will send her to me. With skiffs to take off the officers and crew, the boat can be brought near the enemy, and they can leave their boat when she is set on fire and within proper dis- tance. Very respectfully, IR. TAYLOR, lila jor- General. Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, A8si8tant Adjutant-General. General Order of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, commending the services of Major-General Wharton, C. S. Army, carrying endorsement regarding en- gagement with Federal gunboats, at Deloachs Bluff and near Cane River, April 26 and 27, 1864. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WESTERN LOUISIANA, In the Field, April 26, 1864. GENERAL ORDERS, No.. } The major-general commanding desires to express to the army his appreciation of the distinguished courage and energy displayed by Major-General Wharton while in pursuit of the enemy on the 22d, 23d, and 24th instant. In daring, in vigor, and in soldiership the operations of these three days will compare favorably with any of the war. Coming to us with crown adorned with the laurels of many a hard-fought field. Major-General Wharton takes place at once in the front rank of Texas leaders. The major-general commanding is gratified to learn that Brigadier- General Steele, Colonel Parsons, Captain Barnes, Barnes battery, and their officers and men, have deserved the commendations of Gen- eral Wharton. By command of Major-General Taylor: E. SURGET, A88i8tant Adjutant-General. Official: FERGUS FUSELIER, Acting A88i8tant Adjutant-General Page 167 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 167 [Endorsement.] Captain T. A. Faries was promoted major of artillery, April 17, 1864, and was on his way to the front to report to Maj or-General Polignac as chief of artillery of the Second Infantry Division when the actions of the batteries of his battalion on the 26th and 27th of April with the gunboats of Admiral Porters fleet on Red River, below Grand Ecore, took place. The Eastport, the most formidable ironclad of the Mississippi Squadron, had grounded and was de- ~troyed by the Federals. Three tinclad gunboats and two transports had remained near the Eastport to assist in getting her afloat. Our cavalry on both sides of the river forced them to retire, after destroy- ing the Fa8tport. Lower down the river, near the mouth of Cane River and at Deloachs Bluff, these five vessels were engaged on the dates named by the two Louisiana field batteijes of Captains Cornay and Benton, in all 6 guns, and 200 infantry under Colonel Caudle of the Second Division. The flagship Cricket was badly cut up and silenced, but escaped. The Hindm~an had her wheel ropes cut away and drifted past, turning round and round, and was well cut up in passing. The Jmliet was cut to pieces in hull and machinery. She had 15 killed and wounded, but drifted out of our fire and was towed off by one of the other gunboats. The Champion, transport, was captured, with a part of the machin- ery of the Easiport on board. The other transport was captured with 100 dead and 87 badly scalded by steam from her boiler, which was exploded by a shot from one of our guns. These were all negroes taken from plantations on Red River. Admiral Porter, from the Cricket, reports under date of Alex- andria, April 28, 1864, that the enemy returned his fire from 18 guns, every shot and shell going through us, clearing our decks in a moment. I determined to pass, which was done under the heaviest fire I ever witnessed. The Confederates had 1 man wounded and 1 killed, the gallant Cap- tain F. 0. Cornay, of Cornays Louisiana battery, from St. Marys Parish, La. F. Report of Captain Benton, C. S. Army, regarding engagement at De Loaclis Bluff, April 26, 1864. HEADQUARTERS BENTONS LOUISIANA BATTERY, In the Field, April 27, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully report that on the night of the 25th instant., at 12 oclock, I received orders from Major-General Polignac to march as speedily as possible with my battery and report to Colonel Brent at Mrs. Griffiths, on the Natchitoches road. Leaving the en- campment beyond Cane River at 12:30 a. m. on the 26th, I arrived at Mrs. Griffiths at daylight and reported as ordered. At 8 a. m. we moved t~ a point near De Loachs Bluff. My rifle section, with a smoothbore 6-pounder section of the Valverde Battery, were moved by hand to the front and placed in position on tbe bluff, bearing upon a gunboat lying in Red River at about 450 yards distance. A second gunboat was lying under the banks of the river and very near us, bu Page 168 168 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. so situated as to be completely shielded froni our fire. At 10: 30 a. m. we opened fire upon the gunboat in the stream. She re p lied to us constantly for about thirty minutes, when, immediately after, one of our shot having penetrated her, she ceased firing and moved down the river to a position about one mile off, only replying to us with her stern guns. The second gunboat, situated near and under the river bank, kept up a continual fire of grape and canister during the entire engagement. My section fired 48 rounds, with what effect it is im- possible for me to say, although our fire was accurate, a very large proportion of the shot striking and many of them penetrating her. After firing 18 rounds my iron rifle gun became unserviceable from the lodgment of a particle of a primer in the vent, and was withdrawn. The rapidity of our fire was considerably interfered with by the fail- ure of the friction primers. I had 1 horse killed and 2 others slightly wounded. A drivers saddle had a portion of the cantie shot away. The section having been moved to the rear, at 2 p. in., we returned to the bluff with my howitzer section and bronze rifle gun and took a position on the north side of the bluff, and having range up the river. No boats passed during the afternoon or night. The gunboat lying below fired three times at us in the evening. At 10 a. m. of the 27th instant, by order of Major-General Wharton, we left our position and marched to camp. very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. 0. BENTON, Captain5 Commanding Battery. Major T. A. FARIES, Chief of Artillery, & ~cond Infantry Division. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, of operations from April 22 to 27. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT or WEST LoUIsIANA, In the Field, April ~7, 1864. COLONEL: The operations of yesterday were important. At day- break Bagby and Parsons attacked the rear of the enemy on the Rapides road and drove him rapidly down the bayou. Major attacked his flank at James Store and Bee at McNutts Hill. The pursuit and fighting continued until night in the direction of Alex- andria and close in to that place. Since daylight on the 22d, when we attacked the enemy at Natchitoches, the fighting has never ceased one moment during light, Wharton even anticipating the dawn and continuing after nightfall. We suffer losses every day, but inflict incalculably greater on the enemy. Without food for man or horse, our men seemed animated by a determination to quench the incendi- ary fires lighted by the vandals in their blood. If pluck and energy can supply the place of numbers we will yet reap the harvest of which the seeds were sown at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. Yester- day morning Colonels Likens and Harrison attacked four gunboats ~nd two transports at Montgomery. One of the gunboats was a heavy ironclad, casemated boat, and had been unable to pass the ba Page 169 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 169 below Montgomery. The other boats remained to assist her. About 9 a. m. our sharpshooters opened and killed many of the enemy, his men being exposed in all directions working. After some delay the gunboats opened a heavy fire and commenced moving down. The large ironclad struck on the bar, when the enemy blew her up and continued down the river, our men following for some distance. A small party of General Liddells command cooperated from the opposite bank. We lost 2 killed and 4 wounded. Meantime Lieu- tenant-Colonel Candle, with 200 sharpshooters and Cornays bat- tery, had been posted at the junction of Cane and Red rivers to intercept the boats on their way down. At about 6 p. m. the leading gunboat and one transport came down. Our fire speedily silenced and crippled the gunboat, and a shot striking the boiler of the trans- port exploded it. The loss of life on the transport was fearful. Over 100 bodies were brought on shore and about 80 others will die from the effects of the scalding steam. The transport was crowded with the crew of the large ironclad, removed before she was blown up at Montgomery. We saved some valuable stores from the trans- port, and I ordered her sunk in the channel to prevent the escape of the two gunboats and transport still above. We had but two casualties in this affair, 1 wounded and the gallant Captain Cornay killed. As I am writing I hear the heavy report of the gunboat firing at the same point. I hope to report the capture or destruction of these boats. About the time of the attack at Montgomery, Colonel Brent, with Bentons and a section of Nettles batteries, assisted by a few sharpshooters, opened on an 8-gun wooden boat at De Loachs Bluff. The gunboat soon got tired and ran in directly under the bluff, so as to prevent our guns reaching her. Three other boats came up at dark to her assistance. As our guns there were too light to effect much, I left the sharpshooters to keep up the fire until Cornays and Barnes 12-pounders can be placed there. We lost 2 killed and several wounded. Should the two siege guns from Shreveport ever reach me the business of the gunboats will soon be settled. I omitted to mention that the ironclad dest.royed by the enemy at Montgomery blocks the channel. Should the engineers succeed in removing the Falls City, I request they come down to Montgomery and open the channel there. General Liddell is oppo- site to me. On the 24th, at the head of a portion of his command, he dashed into Pineville, opposite Alexandria, killed 8 of the enemy, wounded and captured others, and drove the remainder into and across the river. He then opened on the gunboats at the landing and stampeded the place. My dispositions for the day are to drive the enemy behind his works around Alexandria, occupy both the Rapides and Boeuf val- leys with my cavalry, and keep up a constant fight with the gun- i)Oats, following them with sharpshooters and killing every man who exposes himself on them. I do not wish to exhaust the ammuni- tion of my field guns on the gunboats. Polignacs division of in- fantry (2,000 bayonets) will be at McNutts Hill. A brigade of cavalry has been pushed to Davids Ferry, near Marksville, with a battery, to block the enemys communications. A squadron has pushed on to Simmesport to prevent the escape of negroes and other property in that direction. Perhaps we may capture a pontoon there Page 170 170 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. very much needed by me. The cavalry sent to the Teche has cleared the country west of Berwick Bay. Vincent has been ordered to send small parties to burn the bridges on the railroad east of the bay and move his main body at once to Marksville and Simmesport. I trust the above will meet the approval of department headquarters. When my limited means are considered, I hope it will be admitted thatnotimehasbeenlostsincel resumed the command in front,on the morning of the 224 instant. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of General Orders No. 18, congratulating the army under my command on the late success at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. This is the only instance within my recollection in which the officer commanding an army was entirely ignored in an order of this kind. I note this because it is singular in itself and in keeping with the treatment 1 have lately experienced from the general commanding this depart- ment. Whatever place my name is destined to occupy in the golden book of the Republic I expect to engrave it there with the poixit of my sword. I regret to report that my health is not good. A low fever has much prostrated me, but I have been able to keep the saddle. The general commanding the department may rest assured that I will persevere to the end. No injustice, no unkindness, even from a quarter whence I had some reason to expect the reverse, will turn me from the great work before me. The cause for which I have sacrificed fortune is paramount, and shall have my life if need be., Your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, Major-Genercd. Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, of the capture of U. S. transport Champion No. 5 and the destruction of U. S. S. Eastport. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Zn the Field, Mon~tts Ferry, April 27, 1864. COLONEL: Referring to my communication of this morning, I have now the honor to report the capture of another large transport at the junction of Cane and Red Rivers and the clearance of gunboats in the Red River as far down as Cotile. We suffered no loss in the engagement to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Colonel ~. S. ANDERSON, Major-General, Com4nanding. Assistant Adjutant- General, Shreveport. The ironclad blown up by the enemy yesterday is ascertained to have been the Eastport. She had a small transport lashed to her, which was destroyed with her. Two very fine pumps had been removed from her to the captured transports, and will prove useful in some of the departments at Shreveport. I shall leave a small guard to protect them until you order them up. Respectfully, R. TAYLOR, Major- General, Com~nanding Page 171 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 171 Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, regarding the conversion of a cap- tured transport into a fire raft. HEADQUARTERS DISThICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, April 29, 1864. On yesterday the fighting commenced at dawn and continued until night. The enemy steadily driven all day; some prisoners taken. His rear 3~ miles from Alexandria on the Kapides Road. I am trying to convert one of the captured transports into a fire ship to burn the fleet now crowded above the upper falls. Enemy working hard moving stores below the falls. River below difficult to navigate. Your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- Gemera~, Commanding. Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, As8i8tant Adjutant-General. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, regarding operations near Alex- andria, including capture and sinking of a Federal transport. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, May 5, 1864. COLONEL I have the honor to report brisk fighting yesterday on the Bayou Robert road, from 6 to 12 miles distant from Alexandria, in which the enemy showed considerable force. He has still nine gunboats above the falls, and has sunk several boats below to act as a dam to deepen the water in the channel. On the evening of the 3d, General Major captured, near Davids Ferry, a transport having on board the One hundred and twentieth Ohio Regiment, coming up. Two hundred and seventy-odd prisoners were taken, among them all the regimental field officers, and many were killed and wounded. The boat was sunk across the channel of the river, and now effectually blocks it. In this fight a gunboat and another transport were dam- aged and driven off. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major- General, Commanding. Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, A88istant Adjutant-General. Order of Major-General Polignac, C. S. Army, to Major Panes, C. S. Army, regard- ing the removal of guns captured from the enemy. HEADQUARTERS, SECOND INFANTRY DIvISION, In the Field, Lecompte, La., May 7, 1864. MAJOR: The major-general commanding directs that you use every means possible in your power to obtain a pair of timber wheels and oxen to remove from the bank of the river in the direction of Pauls. where they can be turned over to Colonel Brent, the two Parrott guns captured from the gunboats of the enemy. It is very impor- tant and desirable that these fruits of our victories over the enemy Page 172 172 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATRES. gunboats shall be saved to us, as well as lost to them. Indeed, the general would express his earnest wish that you should use every exertion to take away and turn over to Colonel Brent any number or all of the captured guns. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MONCURE, A8si8tant Adjutant-General. Major T. A. FARIES, Chief of Artillery, etc. Order of Major-General Polignac, C. S. Army, to Major Faries, C. S. Army, oom- mending his energy in the removal of captured guns. HEADQUARTERS, Lecompte, lJIag 8, 1864. MAJOR: The major-general commandin directs me to express his unqualified satisfaction with the energy 4iUsplayed by you in remov- ing the guns from the captured gunboats. The general desires you also, if it can be done by any means, to have the ammunition referred to in your communication of the 7th instant removed. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MONCURE, A8si8tant Adjutant-General. Major T. A. FARIES, Chief of Artillery, etc. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, referring to the capture of U. S. gunboats Signal and Covlngton. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, near Alexandria, May 8, 1864. COLONEL: On yesterday and the day before brisk skirmishing con- tinued during the day on the Kapides road and some severe fighting on the Robert and Boeuf. * * * Our line occupied the scene of fighting and slept last night on their arms. Polignac commanded on the field. Prisoners captured were of the Seventeenth Corps, some of the Vicksburg troops. The gunboats captured below were the Sig 1 and Covington, each mounting eight guns. We have re- covered the guns of one boat and will eventually recover the others. In this connection I have been informed the guns of the Eastport are in the river near Montgomery. Perhaps they may be valuable. * * * * * * * I renew my appeal for artillery horses and ammunition. For sixty successive days fighting has been continuous. TTnder these cir- cumstances men and material must be consumed. Your obedient servant, II. TAYLOR, ilJa]Or-Generai. Colonel S. S. ANDERsoN, A ~ A djt. Gen., Tran~-Mssisscppi Department Page 173 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 173 Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, regarding engagement below Alexandria and attacks of sharpshooters upon Federal ironclads. HEADQUARTERS DISTEIcT OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, near Cheney~ille, lJIay 12, 1864. COLONEL: Yesterday the enemy moved a heavy column of troops down the west bank of the river and reached a point 14 miles below Alexandria, where they were attacked by Hardemans brigade, of Majors division, and driven back 7 miles. No change on the Bayous Robert and Rapides, where some slight skirmishing has taken place. TWO ironclads are lying near Fort De Russy. Since yesterday morn- ing our sharpshooters have been shooting every man that exposes himself on board, the gunboats replying with heavy shelling without danger to us. The Mississippi is rising very rapidly and will soon overflow the country east of the Atchafalaya through the Morganza crevasse. Your obedient servant, IR. TAYLOR, 2Vlajor-General. Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, A& ~t. Adjt. Gen., Trans-Missi8sippi I)epartiment. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, regarding withdrawal of Federal forges from Alexandria and burning of that place by them. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, May 14, 1864. COLONEL: The enemy left Alexandria after midday to-day, burn- ing the place. Two houses only reported left between the ice house and railroad. Heavy fighting all day with gunboats and troops. Steeles division in their rear; Polignac, Major, and Bagby in front and on flank; Harrison, reinforced by Likens regiment, on north side of Red River. We have experienced some loss, but will con- tinue to fight them to the bank of the Mississippi and beyond, if possible. Your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major-General. Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, As8t. Adjt. Gen., Trans-Mississippi Departm~ent. Report of Major-General Taylor, C. S. Army, regarding the closing of the Red River campaign at Simmesport. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, May 18, 1864. COLONEL: Yesterday was a hard day for the enemy * * The campaign will probably close to-day at Simmesport, its point of departure, after nearly seventy days of uninterrupted fighting. Nothing but the withdrawal of .Walkers division from me has pre- vented the capture of Banks army and the destruction of Porters fleet. I feel bitterly about this, because my army has been robbed of the just measure of its glory and the country of the most brillian Page 174 174 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. and complete success of the war. No gunboats remain in the Red River. The ironclads which escaped from Alexandria were dis- mantled and stripped of their armor. Much iron can be saved for the department. Many heavy guns were destroyed also, and num- bers of wagons burned. Stone, coal, cotton, and other valuable prop- erty abandoned. If the Atchafalaya Swamp is passable, I will cross that stream, establish myself on the Grosse Tete and Mann- gonin, where forage abounds for the cavalry, and blockade the Mis- sissippi with my batteries. As soon as the water falls I will move down and occupy and hold the La Fourche Valley, where the army can be subsisted. Your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Ma~or- General. Colonel S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. Extracts from report of Colonel Baylor, C. S. Army, regarding the successful attack upon the U. S. steamers Covington and Signal and transport John Warner. HEADQUARTERS MAJORS BRIGADE, In the Field, Louisiana, April [May] 18, 1864. CAPTAIN: * * * On May 5 the enemy were reported coming down x~ith two gunboats and a transport. Colonel Hardeman being absent sick, the brigadier-general commanding left me in command of the forces on the river. The enemy passed the upper section after being roughly handled by the artillery and small arms. The trans- port came ahead and received the first shot from Lieutenant Lynes section, which disabled her. The gunboats then opened fire, and being armed with two 30-pounder Parrott guns, two 12-pounder rifled Dahlgrens, and four 24-pounder howitzers on one (the Signal, No. 8), and the armament of the other being nearly the same, some idea may be gathered of the hot fire our one Parrott gun had to undergo and of the accuracy of her gunner, Sergeant , who brought them both to a standstill. Getting behind a bend, they began a furious cannonade on our guns. I ordered Colonel George T. Madison, who was on the extreme left, to move up opposite the gunboats and open fire with his Enfields. The order was promptly and gallantly obeyed, thus drawing a portion of the fire. I sent an order to Lieutenant-Colonel Hampton that if his left was secure and no other gunboats in sight, to send down Lieutenant Yoist with the Parrott gun and we would capture the boats. I soon had the pleasure of hearing the gun open above us on the enemy, who had taken shelter from the gun below. Lieutenant W. H. Lyne asked permission to move his piece up and open on the transport that was sheltered by a bend on the left bank of the river. She surrendered after a few shots. The enemy, finding that they were assailed from above and below, anchored the Signal, No. 8, so as to present her broadside to th.e section below, and the Covington moved up and engaged Lieutenant Yoist, who was keeping up a steady; unerring fire. A courier from the pickets below brought word of the approach of another gunboat, and the booming of her guns announced her near approach. It wa Page 175 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 175 now evident that we must work fast. I ordered Major Saufley, com- manding Lanes regiment, to move up opposite the gunboats and close their portholes if possible. A portion of Chisums regiment arrived about this time, under Lieutenants Brookshier and Gilbert, having run on foot from the upper section and joined in the attack. Com- pany C, Lieutenant Fry, and Company H, Captain Calhoun, Baylors regiment, were ordered up at the same time. I had the pleasure of seeing the smoke issuing from the Covington, and she was soon wrapped in flames, her crew escaping to the opposite side of the river under a hot fire from our Enfields. The Sigrwtl, No. 8, still continued the contest, no doubt relying on assistance from the boat below. Lieutenant Lyne soon sent the advancing boat down the river badly crippled. The Signal still continued the fight. The fire having reached the guns and shells of the Covington, they kept up a continuous roar. This deceived the enemy below, who again came up to the attack and was a second time driven back. All of our forces now attacked the Signal. The men moved up to the bank of the river and closed her portholes, when she surrendered. None of the crew of the Covington was captured and only a portion of the crews of the Signal and transport John Warner. We have saved the arma- ment of the Signal, a quantity of ammunition, and some of her stores. * * * * * * * On the 5th a kind Providence protected us and not a man was wounded. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, captain, your very obedient servant, GEO. WYTHE BAYLOR, Captain OGDEN, Colonel, Cominanding Lanes Brigade. Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERi ARMY OF WESTERN LOUIsIANA, No. . J In the Field, May 24, 1864. To the officers and soldiers of Whartons (formerly Greens) Cavalry Corps: For forty-six days you have engaged the enemy, always superior to you in numbers. When the beaten foe, with four army corps of infantry and upward of 5,000 cavalry, began his retreat, you were found in battle in his front, and hung upon his flanks and rear only to destroy. In his retreat from Grand Ecore to the Atchafalaya you killed, wounded, and captured upward of 4,000, destroying five transports and three gunboats, all of which was accomplished with a loss to you of but 400 men, two-thirds of whom will report for duty again within forty days. The history of no other campaign will present the spectacle of a cavalry force capturing and killing more of the enemy than their own numbers. This you have done, and in so doing, have immortalized yourselves and added new luster to Texas, the gallantry of whose sons has been illustrated on every battlefield from Gettysburg to Glorietta. * * * * * * * JNO. A. WHARTON, B. F. WEEMS Major- General. Assistant Adfrtant-General Page 176 176 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Colonel Brent, C. S. Army, regarding engagement with Federal fleet near junction of Cane and Red Rivers, April 2627, 1864. HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY, DIST. WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, lIlay 20, 1864. MAJOR: * * * * * * * On the evening of the 26th of April, Captain Cornay, with his battery, consisting of two 12-pounder brass guns and two howitzers, engaged on Red River, above the lower mouth of Cane River, three Federal gunboats and two transports, which attempted to pass him. The transport Champion No. 3 was struck in the boiler by a solid shot and was enveloped in hot steam and water. This transport was loaded with near 200 negroes, consisting of men, women, and chil- dren taken from the plantations above, and most recklessly and cruelly attempted, under the convoy of gunboats and under actual fire, to be run through the lines of our army. The 12-pound gun solid shot which struck the boiler of the trans- port was probably the most fatal single shot fired during the war, producing the death of 187 human beings, over one-half instantane- ously, and the remainder within twenty-four hours. All on board except three perished by the most frightful of deaths, and the steamer fell into our hands. The three gunboats and the transport still above persisted in their attempt to run the gantlet of the battery. One of these, reported by the prisoners to be the Cricket, flagship of the Mississippi Squad- ron, with Rear-Admiral Porter, commanding squadron, on board, succeeded in running by the four light field guns composing Cornay s battery, though searched with fatal effect by their rapid and precise fire, which drove the more numerous guns and heavier caliber of metal of the flagship into the total abandonment of her consorts and convoy, which latter, unable and unwilling to submit any longer to the close and accurate fire of this gallant but unsheltered and un- covered battery, turned their bows upstream and retired from the fight. In this engagement fell the gallant gentleman and brave soldier, Captain F. 0. Cornay, while courageously and efficiently directing the fire of his battery against these gunboats. On the next morning, the 27th, the remaining gunboats undertook to pass the battery, convoying the transport Champion No. 5. After a short engagement the gunboats, receiving serious damage from this heroic battery, ingloriously fled and left the transport exposed to so fatal a fire that she soon sunk and became our prize. In these two engagements the battery fired 243 rounds of ammunition. Colonel Candle, of Polignacs division, with his sharpshooters, rendered gallant and effective support to the battery, and his men are entitled to special commendation for courage and accurate firing. The con- duct of the officers and men of this efficient four-gun battery in these two engagements, in which, without protection of any kind, exposed at short range to the fire of the heavy guns of the gunboats, it en- gaged thirty times more than its weight of metal,, drove to flight three gunboats fighting under the eye of Rear-Admiral Porter, and captured from them two valuable transports, entitles it to the special notice of the major-general commanding.* * Since this report was written Admiral Porters report has been pub]ished, from Which it seems the three gunboats were the Cricket, ~he ffin4mxrn, an Page 177 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 177 On the morning of the 26th of April two gunboats of the enemy, one an iron-plated monitor, supposed to be the Osage, and the other of the class called tin-clad, mounting eight guns and protected by about an inch of iron, were discovered lying near De Loachs Bluff, in Red River. Bentons rifle section, Captain Benton commanding, and Nettles smoothbore section, Lieutenant Smith commanding (Captain Nettles present), supported by Major Williams with a battalion of sharp- shooters, were placed in position and opened fire on the tin-clad, who, after severe punishment, rapidly fled after an engagement of thirty minutes. The iron-plated monitor poured a heavy enfilading fire on the ar- tillery and its support, but no attention was paid to it, in obedience to general artillery orders not to reply to the fire of the iron-plated monitors, and our whole fire was directed on the eight-gun gun- boat. * * * I have the honor to be, major, yours, respectfully, JOSEPH L. BRENT, Colonel and Chief of ArtilleUy, c~e. Major E. SURGET, Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Acting Master Watson, U. S. Navy, requesting m~nstructton8 in case of depredations committed by negroes. U. S. S. JULIET, Off Ellis Cliffs, March 15, 1864. SIR: It frequently happens that complaints are made to me by planters and overseers of the negroes. committing depredations upon them, such as killing their beeves and hogs. I would beg leave to ask what I am authorized to do in such cases. Heretofore, when coin- plaints have been made, I have taken on board the offenders and punished them by confinement in irons according to offense com- mitted, and when released returned them to the place taken from. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. WATSON, Acting Master. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Endorsement.] You must protect the plantations from depredations comnmitted by anyone, and when the negroes commit these atrocities you must punish them. 1020050N w EVOL 201312 the Juliet. The admiral states that he encountered eighteen guns, which is very comp]ixnentary to the services of Captain Cornays four guns. He also says that the Cricket was struck thirty-eight times with shells and solid shot, and that she and the Juliet and Ilindmct lost 47 killed and wounded. J. L. B Page 178 178 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy, regard- ing the raising of the U. S. S. Indianola. U. S. S. RATTLER, Off Hurricane, March 15, 186~4. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the river has risen at this point about 8 feet within five days past., and is still rising about 18 inches in twenty-four hours. I find by measurement that it will require a further rise of about 13 feet to float the Indianola. By St. Louis papers of March 9,1 learn that there had been a general rise of nearly all the upper rivers, which seems to indicate a sufficient rise here to float her. Appearances at this point, however, indicate the contrary, as it has been very dry and so continued, and the weather is quite cold. Should the rise prove sufficient, I think, with the assistance of the tug Hyacinth, I can float her off and bring her safely to anchor. I will report further by U. S. S. New National. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. LANING, Acting Volunteer Licittenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Extracts from general report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy. OFFICE Mississirri SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., March. 15, 18U4. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL: I enclose you a private note received from Brown, in which he refers to some promise of yours in regard to his nephew. I shall write to him that I have referred the matter to you. Have you any instructions to give regarding Browns suggestion about iron on the forward casemate of the Vindicator? Do you wish me to put the Vindicator on the ways, and put the copper on her? Your order to retain the copper brought down on the Avenger came just one day after she sailed, and I had written to you upon the subject. I received a letter from Captain Hurd, commanding the Exchange, stating that the burning of the carpenters shops at Skipwiths Land- ing was purely the result of accident. Since then I have received a letter from one of the carpenters and have heard various rumors, which lead me to believe it was caused by gross carelessness. I have ordered a court of enquiry, consisting of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk and two other officers, to examine into the matter, and will forward their report to you as soon as it is received. I am pushing ahead with new shops and quarters for the carpen- ters at Skipwiths, and will send down material to replace that destroyed. The New National goes to-day, loaded to her utmost capacity, with provisions, stores, etc. Many articles required will have to be left behind. Large requisitions have been received here from Memphi Page 179 NAVAL FOECE~ ON WESTERN WATERS. 179 for supplies of 1,000 men for two months, and also a large amount of lumber, hardware, etc., for the repairs of vessels, all of which, I am informed were sent by your order. The Benefit will be loaded with these articles and sent to Memphis with the least possible delay, with orders to return here immediately. She will then take on board everything required by the fleet which has been left behind by the New National, and I will send her to you. I have ordered that all requisitions sent from~ the fleet be filled at once, and if the Benefit has not capacity for all the articles, I will put what she can not carry in a barge. Boggs writes from St. Louis that he is about shipping to this place two barges of ice, one containing 375 tons and the other 408 tons. The former is for the Red Rover, and the larger one I will send to you the best way I can. The cattle, he says, will be sent to you by the steamer Constitution. Four bales of hay and all the oats you ordered are on board the New National; the rest of the hay will go on the Benefit. The pumps for the Little Rebel are on board the New National. Mr. Faulkner informs me that the first that were cast were defective, and he was obliged to reject them. I understand that the TVinnebago will be down here about the 1st April. There are now on board the receiving ship but 32 men. They will form a part of the crew of the Hastings, or the first vessel ready. Two more cases of smallpox have occurred on the General Lyon, and one on4the New National. I regret very much the death of Mr. Bacon, the pilot, of that disease, as he was a very good and trust- worthy man. I have reported his death to you officially. The Gurlew having been ordered down the river, and the services of the Robb being indispensably pecessary up the Tennessee, I am in a quandary about Dunns money. It has not yet arrived at St. Louis, and I hope by the time it does something will turn up. By the frequent applications for convoy up the Tennessee, Govern- ment must be sending up a large quantity of stores, for what pur- pose I dont know. The army people still seem to think that boats can cross Mussel Shoals, which is not so; the water in the Tennessee is falling. Boggs tells me that he has made all the arrangements for the quantity of coal you desire. Gilman says that all requisitions he has made for the payment for the rams have passed, and his mind is very much relieved. He seems anxious to carry out your views to the fullest extent. The Arizona is on the ways, the first sea-going steamer, I believe, ever hauled up on Western ways. The Brown leaves to-day with three barges of coal, to supply all the gunboats that need it. The Champion is ordered to drop her tow, as directed by you, two at Memphis, two at White River, and one at Skipwiths Landing. She left on the 13th. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCTi Page 180 180 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Langthorne, U. S. Navy, regarding cotton. U. S. S. MOUND CITY, Off Alexandria, La., March 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I took on board 51 bales of cotton from the place of Cornelius Voorhees yesterday evening and 152 bales of cotton from George Wilsons place this morning. I put 43 bales of the last lot in a flat to tow, but the flat running under, the Price picked them up. I also took prisoner Major Lewis, assistant engineer of the Trans- Mississippi Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. IR. LANGTHORNE, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Coin anding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting prize lists of certdin vessels of his command. MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Alexandria, La., March 17, 1864. SIR: r have the honor to enclose herewith prize lists of the follow- ing vessels: U. S. S. Lewington, for the capture of 62 bales of C. S. A. cotton in Black River, La., March 4, 1864. U. S. S. Choctaw, for the capture of 62 bales of C. S. A. cotton in Black River, La., March 4, 1864. U. S. S. Pittsburg, for the capture of 17 bales of C. S. A. cotton, May 10, 1863. U. S. S. Pittsburg, for the capture of 5 bales of C. S. A. cotton, April 26, 1863. U. S. S. Argosy, for the capture of 2 boxes of merchandise at Foleys Landing, December 19, 1863. U. S. S. Argosy, for the capture of the steamer Ben Franklin, De- cember 14, 1863. U. S. S. Exchange, for the capture of 632 bales C. S. A. cotton in the Yazoo River, February, 1864. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wright, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. Avenger, regarding accident to that vessel~ coming from Cairo, Ill. U. S. S. AVENGER, Mouth Red River, March 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your orders transferred to me by the commanding officer of the Cricket, and wil Page 181 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 181 leave for Cairo as soon as my vessel is coaled, sometime to-day. Had considerable trouble with my machinery coming down. When o miles below Cairo struck a steamer broadside on, thereby splitting the gallows frame to my starboard wheel and mashino in the bulk- hea ci forward of the wheel, compelling me to remain at Memphis nearly a day for repairs. The fault was that of the pilot on the steamer by not taking the proper side. The Avenger makes very good time, but can not make steam sufficiently fast, owing to the want of good firemen. The mails forwarded by Captain Pennock have been transferred to the Cricket. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES A. WRIGHT, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, CoKlmimanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Afis8issippi Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. AS. General Bragg at the mouth of Red River. U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG, Off Mouth of Red River, March 17, 1864. SIR: The steamer Avenger arrived last evening from Cairo and returned this morning, in accordance with your orders to convey dispatches. Last evening at 12 a steamer came out of Red River showing no signal or distinguishing light and proceeded immediately down the Mississippi. Suspecting she was not what she should be, I got under- way and followed her to Tunica Island, where I succeeded in bringing her to, after firing two shots across her bow, and discovered her to be the Fort Hindm1an, going under orders to Baton Rouge. I imme- diately returned to my station at this place. The Little Rebel is patrolling the river between here and Fort Adams. The Mississippi is rising at the rate of 15 inches in twenty-four hours. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. DOMINY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mi8sis8ippi Squadron. P. 8.Two of Admiral Farraguts boats have gone down; one of them left a mortar here. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Domimy, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. General Bragg, on guard duty at mouth of Red River. U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG, Off Mouth Red River, March 18, 1864. SIR: A Mr. Stuart has applied to me for permission to go up Red River for the purpose of enlisting colored men for the Army, h Page 182 182 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. having the proper authority from Adjutant-General Thomas. I have allowed him to take passage on the U. S. S. Fort Hi man and ordered him to report to you. I have on board 5 Confederate soldiers who have deserted General Walkers command. I send them to the provost-marshal of Natchez. The river is still rising fast, and everything is quiet as far as I can learn. There is a brigade of colored troops from Port Hudson ordered up Red River. The coal barges are in good order. I gave permission to one of Admiral Farraguts boats that came down to take on 150 bushels of coal, as the captain informed me that he had not enough to take him to New Orleans. I send you some late papers by the Fort Hindman. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. DOMINY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Com4ma in,q Mississ~pjn Squadron. Report of Acting Master McElroy, U. S. iVavy, commanding U. S. S. Petrel, regarding reconnoissaflee in the Sunflower River, and pro- posing to seize cotton as prize to the Navy. U. S. S. PETREL, Snyders Bluff, March 18, 1864. SIR: I haye the honor to report to you that I have just returned from a reconnoissance up the Sunflower as far as Lake George and Silver Creek with this vessel and the Prairie Bird. There are about 150 rebel cavalry in that neighborhood. It was reported to me that William Jenes and other parties had been getting C. S. A. cotton out of the old fort on Rolling Fork and selling it as their own pri- vate property. It was also reported that he has from 150 to 200 bales of this cotton ready for shipping on his plantation on the Little Sunflower. There is not water enough at present, and I could ~not1 go there to investigate the truth of the matter. The river is rising very fast at this point. With your permission I will go up and bring the cotton out as prize to the Navy. If this meets with your approval, please let me know by return of dispatch boat New National, and I will go at once for the cotton. We use very little coal, as I keep the crew employed chopping wood. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tuos. MCELROY, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Endorsement. I You will secure all C. S. A. cotton as prize to the Navy, no matter where found, and all other cotton owned by rebels, but do not move about until the water is higher, and then carefully Page 183 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 188 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding ves- sels building at Bridgepo t, Tennessee River. U. S. S. MoosE, Cumberland River, March 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the boats building at Bridge. port are progressing as fast as could be expected under the circum stances. Work was delayed a little for want of spikes a few days ago, but has again been resumed. One of the boats has been launched, another is nearly ready, and they are now getting out the timbers for the third. I am picking up a few men now and then to man them, and thinl~ I can have full crews for them as they are ready. The one launched is a beautiful model, and I think will compare favorably with any side-wheel boat. I should like Mr. Kendall to go over there for a day or two when he can spare the time; it need not take him over two days. When they are ready to put up the casemates, I should like him to go over to give some directions about the minutia~ of fitting chocks, etc. While there is a gunboat squadron of the generals in the West, why not put an admiral in with them ~ I think it no more than right that we should have an Admiral Porter, too. I have not yet been able to see General Grant, as he has been mov- ing, but ei~pect to be able to see him this coming week in Louisville, as soon as he returns from Washington. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Ko~ FITCH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from the Secr~etary of thc Navy to the Presideut of the United States, regarding th~ case of the stea r Volunteer. NAvY DEPARTMENT, March 19, 1864. Sn~: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of Mr. Joshua Hanna, of Pittsburg, dated the 12th instant, addressed to the Secretary of War, and accompanying communication, dated the 16th instant, addressed to you, in -relation to the case of the steamer Volunteer,* seized in November last by the Mississippi Squad- ron, which were referred by you to this Department for information on the subject I would respectfully state that this Department has not been fur- nished by Rear-Admiral Porter with a full report of the seizure of the steamer Volunteer. On the 20th ultimo he forwarded to me an appraisement of the vessel, stating that she had been captured some time since for illicit trading, robbing plantations, etc., and that owing to the scarcity of transports he had obtained permission from the judge of the district to use her for Government service. The * See Series I, vol. 25, pp. 597601 Page 184 184 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Volitnteer was appraised at $25,000, and a requisition for that sum was drawn by this Department for the payment of the same. You will thus perceive that the case is in the hands of the district court at Springfield, Ill., and therefore no longer under the control of this Department. I herewith return the papers which were referred to me and am, With great respect, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. The PRESIDENT OF TILE UNITED STATES. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, urging vigilance againet deetructive in ~~entions of the enemy. U. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Alexandria, La., March 20, 1864. GENERAL ORDER,} No. 18 The enemy have adopted new inventions to destroy human life and vessels in the shape of torpedoes, and an article resembling coal, which is to be placed in our coal piles for the purpose of blowing the vessels up, or injuring them. Officers will have to be careful in overlooking coal barges. Guards will be placed over them at all times, and anyone found attempting to place any of these things amongst the coal will be shot on the spot. The same policy will be adopted toward those persons who are caught planting torpedoes, or floating them down, or with any of these inventions in their possession. Extra vigilance will be required in preventing the passing of boats across the different rivers. Anything in the shape of a boat or scow must be destroyed, no matter to whom it may belong. No pass will be given to anyone to cross or recross a river. No letter of any kind will be permitted to pass, and no boats will after this take from the banks anyone (except contrabands) who have not passes from me. No one will be allowed to go on board any gunboat unless the com- mander knows them personall~* and can vouch for them. Their names must be mentioned in the log and the facts reported to me. The transports are not to take on board refugees or prisoners of war or deserters, and only such persons as are authorized at. Cairo or by me. All persons captured are to be thoroughly searched~ also all trunks and clothing. All letters to be sent to me. When wheeled vehicles are captured, the lining and seats are to be cut and examined, horses, harness, and in fact everything where there is the least chance of stowing correspondence. No person is to be released who is caught carrying mails, but sent to Cairo as a prisoner of war. The same with all ferrymen, whose property will be confiscated on the spot. The names of persons who are engaged in the torpedo business are: R. W. Dunn, E. C. Singer, J. D. Breaman, J. R. Fretwell, C. E. Frary, F. M. Tacker, L. C. Hirchbarger, and the sooner they are got rid of the better. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Comimanding Mi& sieeippi Squadron Page 185 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 185 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, acknowledging order for the re8toration to owners of steamer Clara Dolsen. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Alexandria, La., March 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order in relation to turning over the Clara Dolsen to the owners, and have directed that she be restored. I can do without her and do not con- sider it necessary to hire her. The owners would charge more than the cost of a new vessel. A steamer like the Clara Dolsen would charter now for $100,000 a year. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. General Bragg, on guard duty at mouth of Red River. U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG, Mouth of Red River, March 20, 1864. SIR: As there is no boat here to tow coal barges, Captain Richard- son, of t?ie U. S. S. General Price, said that he would take two barges up. I have not been able to send your dispatches up the river as yet. No boat has passed up since the General Price came down. I shall send them up by the first boat. The steamer Sultana arrived yesterday and left some stores for you, which I forward to you by the New National. I gave permis- sion to J. Lewis, sutler of the Marine Brigade, also Lieutenant [Benj. F.] Housel with four enlisted men. Lieutenant Housel has orders from General McPherson to go up Red River for the purpose of recruiting colored troops for the Army. I ordered them to report to you in person. I shall have the barge loaded with cotton anchored out in the stream as I do not consider it safe lying at the bank. I shall have barges ready at all times to receive cotton. As soon as a towboat arrives I shall send up some coal barges as y9u. desire. The General Price leaves to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. DOMINY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID ll~ PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. - Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting captured letters referring to the institution of torpedo service. MISSIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAW~K, Alexandria, La., March 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose you some rebel correspondence which was captured by the gunboat Signal a day or two since, whil Page 186 186 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. the rebel mail carrier was crossing the river. It gives a complete history of the rebel torpedoes, the machine that blew up the Housa- tonic, and the manner in which it was done. They have just ap- pointed a torpedo corps (I send one of the commissions) for the purpose of blowing up property of all kinds. Amongst other devilish inventions is a torpedo resembling a lump of coal, to be placed in coal piles and amongst the coal put on board vessels. The names of the parties are all mentioned in the correspondence, and I send a photograph of one of them, which, if multiplied and put in the hands of detectives, may be of service. I have given orders to commanders of vessels not to be very par- ticular about the treatment of any of these desperadoes if caught only summary punishment will be effective. I trust that we will be prepared to avoid any of their machines. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm4ral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Searetary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] RIcHMOND, VA., January 19, 18c4. M~ DEAR COLONEL: I hope you have received all my letters. I wrote t~yo to Mobile, one to Columbus, and two to Brandon, [Miss.]. I now send this by a party who is going to Shreveport and promised to leen~ yc~ir whereabouts, so as to forward it to you. i have met with much delay and annoyance since you left. The castings have all been completed some time, and the coal is so perfect that the most critical eye could not detect it. The President thinks them perfect, but Mr. Seddon will do nothing without Congressional action, so I have been engaged for the last two weeks in getting up a bill that will cover my case; at last it has met his approval and will to-day go to the Senate, thence to the House in secret session. It provides that the Secretary of War shall have the power to organize a secret-service corps, commission, enlist, and detail parties, who shall retain former rank and pay; also give such compensation as he may deem fit, not exceeding 50 per cent, for property partially and totally destroyed; also to advance, when necessary, out of the secret- service fund, money to parties engaging to injure the enemy. As soon as this bill becomes a law I have no doubt but I shall get a suitable commission and means to progress with, and that all .the appointments you or I have made will be confirmed. I received your letter from Mobile, dated the 5th instant, and feel obliged by your honor to my draft, which was most acceptable, as I was almost rim out. Soon after sending the draft for collection I received from Mr. Conroe $417, the amount due you by Brown, as per his due. bill. This makes me your debtor to the amount of $1,417, which I hope soon to be able to refund. If you have not used my draft on St. Louis, I would prefer you not sending it forward, as it might com- promise Clendenen, and I hope to be in funds very soon, for, if the Government does not advance me, I have a most respectable gambler ready at any time to buy an interest and put up the money. It will only be necessity that will cause me to make such an association, but the old adage, Any port in a storm Page 187 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 187 I wrote Mr. Campbell and Mackall that I could not at present send the Secretary of Wars endorsement. I advised the latter to come on here if he wished to enter into the business with vigor, for I would like to know his field of operations. Not expecting that you are still on this side, I can not send you any castings. Had you telegraphed me and written as you promised, I would have known at what time you would leave Brandon, [Miss.]. I will take the first opportunity of sending some to Shreveport or any point on this side that you designate. In the meantime you must use the auger and get what powder you can. I am certain it will prove effective. As soon as I get all matters arranged here I will send a special messenger to Shreveport, where, I suppose, he will hear of your whereabouts. Give my love to Pike and Hobbs. your friend, T. E. COURTENAY. Colonel H. E. CLARK, 7th Missouri Cavalry, Major- General Prices Headquarters, Arkansas. MOBILE, ALA., March 3, 1364. M~ DEA1~ WIFE: * * * ~ write this to send by Bob Dunn, who leaves here Saturday morning for home. * * * I wrote to you w~hen Bob ~left for Richmond and hinted (for then I did not dare do more) at the object of his mission thither, and now, having a more reliable conveyance for my letter, can talk to you more freely of the matter; and, in doing so, will endeavor to explain to your satisfac- tion why it was mutually agreed between ourselves that Singer and myself should remain on this side of the river and Bob return to Texas. Discovering that our business on this side (so far as making further contracts was concerned) was about drawing to a close, and that but very few of us could render ourselves useful to the Govern- ment by going across the Mississippi, we at once concentrated all the inventive genius in our party for the purpose of getting up something new that would carry destruction to the Yankees, make money for ourselves, and at the same time be of great service to the Confederacy. The result was that I got up the plan of an ironclad torpedo boat that, all who saw it admitted, was equal to the task of destroying any war ship now afloat. To carry out our plan and get our new boat under headway, it was necessary, first, to lay the whole matter before the authorities at Richmond, get their approval of the scheme and au- thority, together with money and material, to build her. ~econdly, after this was accomplished the boat would have to be constructed, manned, and used. In order that the first part of our work should be properly begun, we deemed it best, after consultation, to send Dunn to Richmond, and through the influence of Wigfall and others to get the matter before Congress, and authority procured from it to carry out our plans. This part of the business Dunn was well suited for, and has succeeded in accomplishing what we desired, all of which he will explain to you. Next came in ers duties and my own which were to superintend the construction and management of the boats after they were built. This requires considerable in. Page 188 188 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. genuity and knowledge of machinery, and for this part of the work no one was at hand but Singer and myself. This was the programme agreed upon, and as [neither] Singer nor myself could go home, and feeling it was necessary some one should be there to take care and look after our families, we agreed that after Dunn had finished his part of the work he should go home. Having thus given you an outline of our plans, you can judge for yourself of the wisdom of the arrangement. That I am more than anxious to go home I hope you have not the slightest doubt; in fact, know that you have not, but you will readily perceive that under the circumstances I must remain on this side for some time, or otherwise give up our present scheme entirely. Bradbury would be of great assistance to us on this side in building our boats, and it is possible that he may come over when Dunn gets home. If so, and you think it at all practicable to come with him, I would like for you to do so. I have talked with Dunn about this, and when you see him, he will be able to tell you all about the trip and counsel with you about making the journey. Nothing would please me more than to have you with me, and if it is possible for us to get together, it must be done, as we are looking daily for news from Singer (who is still in Richmond), after which I shall be able to write you definitely in regard to my future movements;. If there is any slip at Richmond in issuing our orders to our entire satisfaction, then all of us will go across the river, so that I am now in a state of happy indifference. If everything is fixed up at Rich- mond t6 our satisfaction, it is well; if not, we go home, which is better. Since we have been on this side of the river we have gotten up a great many projects and have been interested in many new schemes, the particulars of which are too lengthy for an ordinary letter. Among the number, however, was a submarine boat, built at this place, of which Whitney and myself bought one-fifth for $3,000. We took her to Charleston, [S. C.], for the purpose of operating there, and a few days after her arrivel there, she sunk through carelessness and her crew of 5 men drowned. Another crew of 8 men went on from here, raised her, and while experimenting with her in the harbor, sunk her and all 8 were drowned. Lieutenant Dixon then went on from here and got another crew in Charleston. A few nights ago he went out, attacked and sunk the steam sloop of war Housatonic, but, unfortunately (like his predecessors in this desperate and untried adventure), fear that he and his crew were all lost. I enclose you a slip from our paper, giving an account of the affair, which will be interesting to you, as Singer and myself built the torpedoes with which the ship was destroyed, and besides we own a considerable interest in the value of the ship, as the owners and crew of the boat got one-half of her value for destroying her. Be- sides this, we sunk one boat and seriously injured another in the York River in December, the full particulars of all of which Dunn will tell you when he sees you. Friday, March 4, 1864.This, my dear Nelly, is your birthday, and how I wish I could be with you to celebrate it. Let us hope at least that when your next comes around, we shall be together. Since writing the previous page I learn that the torpedo boat and crew that sunk the Honsatonic are all safe. So says the Charleston Mercury of a late date, and I hope and trust it is so. * * * If the enem Page 189 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 189 occupy Lavaca, I should prefer you would leave, but I think it very doubtful about their doing so; in fact we have a report here that Banks is withdrawing his forces from Texas to New Orleans. * * * Bob leaves in the morning, and as my sheet is near full and no news to tell, I will close. * * * Your affectionate and devoted husband, ~. D. B~AMAN. ENGINEER HDQR5., DEPT. NORTHERN VIRGINIA, July 14, 1863. COLONEL: In accordance with your order of the 13th, appointing the undersigned a commission to examine and report upon the merits of Mr. E. C. Singers torpedo, we beg to state that we have carefully examined the same and submit the following report: First. As to the plan for exploding the charge. In this plan, or lock, in our opinion, consists the great merit of the invention. The lock is simple, strong, and not liable at any time to be out of order, and as the caps which ignite the charge are placed within the powder magazine they are not likely to be affected by moisture. While the percussion is upon the exterior of the magazine, actual contact with the rod which acts as a trigger is necessary, but by mechanical con- trivances the contact may be obtained in various ways. Second. The certainty of action depends, of course, upon contact, but by the peculiar and excellent arrangement of the lock and plan of percussi6n mentioned above the certainty of explosion is almost absolute. One great advantage the torpedo possesses over many others is that its explosion does not depend upon the action or judg- ment of an individual; that it is safe from premature ignition, and at the same time is cheap and portable, while its position in river or harbor can not readily be ascertained by an enemys vessel. Third. The efficiency of its explosion, if made in deep channel, can not well be ascertained without experiment, but would be the same as submarines fired by any other contrivance. We are of the opinion, however, from the best information accessible, that if the powder, say 100 pounds quantity, is within the distance of 15 feet from the keel of a vessel when exploded its efficient action is not materially affected by the depth of channel. Of course, the quantity of powder required would have to be determined by experiment. Rifle powder, from its more rapid combustion, would be preferable in deep water to cannon powder, while some of the detonating com- pounds would doubtless effect certain destruction to vessels passing over torpedoes at even much greater depth. The peculiar arrangements for firing the batteries would have to be determined by the circumstances of position and draft of vessels and motion of currents, depth and width of channels, and would require the exercise of great judgment on the part of those intrusted with the duty of placing them. We are so well satisfied with the merits of Mr. Singers torpedo that we recommend the Engineer Department to give it a thorough test, and, if practicable, to have some of them placed at an early day in some of the river approaches of Richmond. Gen~crat remarks. The mode of loading this torpedo dispenses with any connection through the case of the magazine, involving no packing of any kind Page 190 190 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The risk of the lock fouling by sand or mud, if on the bottom of a stream, we think can be prevented by inclQsing it in a metal case, which would be nearly water-tight. In narrow streams these could be placed in qmincunx, so that a vessel attempting to pass would be sure to come in contact with some one. The inventor also claims to be able to go to a vessel with one or two and get them in contact so as to explode. This can be done, but so much depends on the nerve and daring -of individuals that there is no certainty of it. Judging from the success of blasting rocks by powder superposed upon the rocks with a deep column of water over it, we are of the opinion that the depth of water below a torpedo would not interfere with its success. Lieutenant Bolton, who saw and blasted a great deal in East River near New York, says 100 pounds of powder 15 feet from. the bottom of a vessel would break her sides or bottom. We would add that a proposed adoption of these locks to the explosion of shell or batteries under railroad tracks, for defenses of approach to fortified works and for blowing up bridges, seems to us very simple and effective, also an ingenious plan for affixing torpedoes to spar or bow of ironclads. We consider the employment of submarines as a legitimate mode of defense, and, as officers connected with the defense of Richmond, feel it our duty to recommend torpedoes as a powerful accessory to our limited means. The moral effect of an explosion upon an enemy would be incal- culable, and would doubtless deter them from attempting to bring troops by transports to points as accessible to the city as White House or Brandon, [Va.i. Respectfully submitted. W. H. STEVENS, Colonel Engineers. JOHN A. WILLIAMS, Major Engineers. W. G. TURPIN, Captain Engineers. Colonel J. F. GILMER, Chief Engineer. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS, DIsTRIcT OF ARKANSAS, No. 135. f Little Hock, August 18, 1863. VI. Thomas E. Courtenay, esq., is, by direction of the lieutenant- general commanding the Department of Trans-Mississippi, author- ized to enlist a secret service corps, not exceeding 20 men, to be employed by him, subject to the orders of the district commander. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Price: THOMAS L. SNEAD, Acting Adjutant-General. THOMAS E. COURTENAY, Esq. In accordance with the above, I hereby appoint a member of the Secret Service Corps, to report to me at on or before the day of , 1864. THos. E. COURTENAY, Captain, Secret Service Corp8 Page 191 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 191 CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, Engineer Bureau, September 16, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to send in addition to the names speci- fied in my letter * of the 20th ultimo the following list of men who, by the wish of the honorable Secretary of the War, are to be em- ployed in your department on the special service of destroying the enemys property by torpedoes and similar inventions, viz.t These men should each be enlisted in and form part of an engineer company, but will, nevertheless, be employed, so far as possible, on the service specified above when the public interest, in your judg- ment, requires it. Details of additional men may be made either from the engineer troops, or from the line to aid them in their par- ticular duties, and they may be furnished by the military authorities with the necessary ammunition, their compensation to be 50 per cent of the property destroyed by their new inventions and all the arms and munitions captured by them by the use of torpedoes or of similar devices. Beyond this they will be entitled to such other rewards as Congress may hereafter provide. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. L. RIVES, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Bureau. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., September 16, 1863. R. W. Dunn, having been selected for special service, is authorized by the Secretary of War to proceed to the headquarters of Lieuten- ant-General E. Kirby Smith, commanding Trans-Mississippi Depart- ment, to be attached to one of the companies of engineer troops now being organized in that department under the act of Congress, to provide and organize engineer troops to serve during the war, ap- proved 20th March, 1863. A. L. RIvES, Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Chief Bureau. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, enclosing general order for the arre8t of persons engaged in torpedo 8ervice. No. 88.1 MISsISSIPPI SQUADRON, ~lag8hip Black Hawk, Off Alexandria, La., Al arch 21, 1864. Sm: I have the honor to enclose you an order I had printed for the information of the provost marshals, detectives, an d others, to enable them to arrest the parties engaged in this torpedo business. The letter printed at the end of the order is one captured in the rebel mail, and was to be used as a letter of introduction by R. W. Dunn, E. C. Singer, and others, to help them along in their scheme. * See Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, vol. 26, pt. 2, p. 173. I See p. 192 Page 192 192 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Among the names I find that of W. P. Mellen. I know no one of this name on the Mississippi River, at Natchez, excepting W. P. Mel- len, the special Treasury agent. I dont pretend to say that he is the one alluded to. The Department can best judge what steps it will be necessary to take in this matter. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm1iral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy, iVashington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, GENERAL ORDER 1 FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, No. 185. J Alexandria, La., March 21, 1864. The persons mentioned in the following letter are rebels, engaged as agents for the Confederate Government, employed for the purpose of furthering the views of said Government in destroying Unlon ves- sels by torpedoes and other inVentions. All officers belonging to the Army and Navy are requested to arrest them wherever found. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Adm4ral, Cornimamdinq Missis8ippi Squadron. [Copy.] To introduce R. W. Dunn, E. C. Singer, and J. D. Breaman to my friends: B. C. Adams, Grenada; Captain Samuel Applegate, Win- ona; Colonel H. H. Miller, commanding regiment west of Granada and Carrollton; W. P. Mellen, Natchez; Major John B. Peyton, Raymond; Judge D. H. Prosser, F. A. Boyle, Woodville; Henry Skipwith, Clinton, La.; Conrad McRae, Fordoche, La.; W. Barton, J. J. Morgan, T. G. Calvit, James E. Lindsey, Win. M. Lindsey, Win. H. Neilson, Samuel Faulkner, Atchafalaya River, La.; Colonel James M. Porter, Colonel Win. B. Davis, Colonel Win. Offatt, Cap- tain James Capps, S. A. Scribner, Elbert Goull, T. C. Anderson, Simon Richard, St. Landry, La.; Henderson Taylor, S. L. Taylor, Marksville, La.; H. Robertson, S. W. Henarie, Governor T. 0. Moore, Colonel C. Manning, Alexandria, La.; General M. Wells, General P. F. Kearny, Hugh M. Kearny, esq., B. F. Murdock, Rap- ides and Avoyelles Parish, La.; B. C. Crow, esq., Lafayette Parish, La.; Hon. John Moore, Win. Robertson, St. Martins Parish, La.; Judge Baker, T. J. Foster, Judge Palfrey, St. Marys Parish, La.; Daniel Dennet, editor Planters Banner; Mr. Sickles (kindred spirits), Phanor Prudhomme, esq., St. Marys Parish; John Blair Smith, Natchitoches Parish, La.; Colonel H. J. G. Battle, Reuben White, Caddo, La. We must all help one another, and those who can be efficient in our cause must receive all necessary hospitality, aid, and informa- tion. I introduce none but the worthy. B. J. PAGE Page 193 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 193 Report of Lieutenant-Comnuander Mitchell, U. S. Nacy, acknowledg- ing orders. U. S. S. CARONDELET. Off Alexandria, La., March 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your corn- munication* of yesterday relating to sending an armed party to report to Lieutenant-Commander Phelps; also General Order No. 184. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MITChELL, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi ASqualiron, Flags kip Black hawk. Letter from plantation agent at Natchez to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, requesting information regarding cotton seized by the latter. OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SPECIAL AGENT OF THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT FOR LEASING PLANTATIONS, Natchez, Miss., March 22, 1864., SIR: In the letter of the Hon. William P. Mellen, supervising special agent of the Treasury Department of the United States, appointing me to the office of assistant special agent for leasing plantations, I am instructed to take charge of all abandoned property collected by the lessees of plantations, and hold the same subject to his order; and again, in a circular letter addressed to assistant special agents and to surveyors and collectors of customs in the first agency, dated Vicksburg, March 13, 1864, Mr. Mellen orders as follows: All abandoned property collected upon a plantation, leased by an assist- ant special agent, shall be delivered to such agent only, and shall be receipted for and forwarded by him in the manner prescribed by the regulations of the Secretary of the ~reasury. In compliance with instructions, a part of which are quoted above, on the 11th day of February last, I gave authority to Mr. James C. Warner, a lessee of the Legeant [LArgent ?1 (being an abandoned) plantation, to col- lect and secure all the cotton and other crops heretofore grown, and now remaining on said plantation, and to deliver the cotton so gathered and secured, on the bank of the river at a safe point, to be designated by said Burnet, or at the port of Natehez, as said Burnet may direct. In pursuance of said authority, Mr. Warner, on or about the 10th instant, hauled to the bank of the river a lot of cot- ton, to wit, 15 bales set apart for the Government out of a lot of 30 bales, by Charles Scott, my agent, appointed therefor, and delivered the said 15 bales to said Scott, to be held subject to my instructions. On or about the 18th instant, as I am informed by Mr. Scott, the gunboat No. 9, of which you are in command, landed at the place where said cotton was deposited, and, taking it on board, brought * Not found. 1020080N W RVOL 2613 1 Page 194 194 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. it to the port of Natchez and there refused to deliver it to my agent. 1 have respectfully to ask yo.u whether it is true, as~ stated ,that the cotton referred to was so taken by you, and if so, the reason for so taking it and refusing to return it to my possession; and also re- spectfully to ask you, in compliance with the act of Congress ap- proved March 12, 1863, and of the order of the Secretary of the Navy dated March 1, 1863, a copy of which I had the honor to hand you some time since, and in compliance with the instructions of the Secretary of the Treasury, to return said 15 bales of cotton to my possession at your earliest convenience. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BURNET, A ssi.staat Special [gent for Plantations, Natche~ District. Captain U. V.1 JOHNSTON, Commanding Gunboat No. 9. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Nacy, coin- manding U. S. S. General Bragg, on guard duty at mouth of Red River. U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG, Red River, March 23, 1864 SIR: The steamer Constitution brought down to-day 30 head of beef cattle, and as I had no place to keep them on shore, and no feed for them, I shipped them on the steamer La Crosse to you. The cap- tain of the La Crosse has given me his parole of honor not to trade or hold any communication with the shore until he reports to you on his way up Red River. I have made no stipulation with him for carrying the cattle, telling him that he was to present his claim, whatever it might be, to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ C. DO1~uNx-, Acting Voluntee Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. General report of Fleet Captain J~ennock, U. S. Navy. OFFICE Mississirri SQUADRON, Cairo, 114, March 23, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: The A venger arrived this morning and delivered the mail. I received but one letter from you, which was dated the 10th instant. The captain of the ram reports that he finds great difli- culty in making sufficient steam to give his vessel the great speed that was expected of her. I have had a survey upon her to-day, and the opinion of the engineers is that she needs a set of blowers. I have had the measurement taken, and ordered them to be worked upon night and day. The engineer of the vessel informs me that if they a~e sent to him they can be put on without delay, and especiall Page 195 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 195 easily, if the boat can be near the Samson a few hours. I have there- fore determined not to detain her here, and have ordered her to pro- ceed and report to you, carrying the guard flag. I shall send by her all your letters and dispatches received up to to-day. The Benefit has returned from Memphis and is now loading up with stores and such articles as have been required by the fleet. When full, she will be sent down with orders to deliver her stores to the different vessels and report to you at iRed River. She will tow down the barge Lucy, loaded with lumber for Memphis, sent there for the repair of gunboats. I hope to be able to get the new quarters and carpenters shop for Skipwiths Landing ready to be towed down by her. I have given instructions to the ordnance officer to put on board the General Lyon all the ordnance that has been required, and to anticipate the wants of the squadron as far as possible. I am determined that no effort of mine shall be wanting to get to you all you may desire. I have been very anxious to get the Hastings and Red Rover fin- ished, but, with all my grumbling and growling, fear they will not be ready to leave before the 2d or 3d of next month. The Fairy has arrived and has part of a crew on board. She is doing police duty here, watching for smugglers, as I have reason to believe that attempts are made to smuggle powder, etc., into Ken- tucky. I expect the next boat (W. C. iJiann) every day, and, in accordance ~ith your verbal orders, shall send her to Shirk to relieve the Paw Paw for repairs. I shall order Acting Master Thompson to command her and trans- fer all the men and officers of the Paw Paw, excepting Acting Volun- teer Lieutenant ONeil, to her. Shirk tells me that you consented to the arrangement. I received a telegram from General Shermans adjutant-general saying that Forrest was supposed to be crossing near Eastport and asking for a gunboat to watch the place. I replied that Shirk was up the Tennessee, watching the river. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. Letter from Brigadier-General Bray n, U. S. Arnby, to Fleet Cap- tam Pennoek, U. S. Navy, regarding the probable need of a gun- boat in vicinity of Colurnhus, Hickman, and Padmcah. Hm~Ix~uARmRs DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Cairo, Ill., 2JIarc1~ 23, 1864. SIR: I have information, which appears reliable, that Forrest, with 7,000 cavalry, is approaching Union City. If so, it may be necessary to have a gunboat in the vicinity of Columbus and Hickman and Paducah, in case the river should be approached at either point. Yours, etc., M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Captain PENNOCK, Connmanding Station Page 196 196 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., March 24, 186411:46 a. ~m. I have just received a dispatch from Columbus, stating that the enemy were advancing on Columbus in force. Communication with Colonel Hawkins at Union City has been cut off, and nothing heard from him since 3 oclock this morning. Think it would be advisable to send a gunboat to Columbus at once, if possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. MUNROE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain PENNOCK, Commanding. - [Telegram.] CAIRo, 11 arch 24, 1864. I will try to get a gunboat to you this evening. Please keep me in formed. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant Station. Brigadier-General M. BRAYMAN, Comm bus. [Telegram.] COLUMBUS, Kr., March 24, 1864. Let the boat report here. We go out with 2,000 men toward Union City. I think the enemy will go toward Paducah. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Commanding Station. Cooperation of U. S. steamers Peosta and Paw Paw in repulse of Confederate attack upon Paducah, Ky., March 25, 1864. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., March 26, 1864. (Received Washington 7:20 p. in.) At 3 p. m. yesterday the rebels made an attack upon Paducah, [Ky.], and the steamers Peosta and Paw Paw and fort at once opened fire. Colonel [S. G.1 Hicks holds the fort. The front part of the city is destroyed, our shells setting fire to the houses on the levee. A brisk cannonading was con tinned until about 10 p. in., when the fire of the rebels ceased. The attack may have been renewed this morning. Our dispatches are received by boat, the telegraphic communication having been destroyed. The fort made a desperate resistance. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, etc. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy Page 196A UNITED STATES STEAMER PEOSTA Page 196B Page 197 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 197 [Telegram.] CAIRo, Alarek 26, 1864. (Received Washington 7:45 p. in.) I have just received information that the enemy is still in force on our front at Padueah, [Ky.1. A flag of truce was sent in by them to negotiate an exchange of prisoners, which was refused. They demanded a surrender twice, saying they would give no quarter if refused. General Forrest has 500 prisoners from Union City. Rein- forcements are going forward. There is no danger of a surrender. A. M. PENNOCK. Fleet Captain, etc. Hon.. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy. [Telegram.] CAIRO, March 26, 1864. (Received Washington 7:50 p. in.) Paducah is safe. The rebels left at midnight. A. M. PENNOCK, Captain, etc. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. - [Telegram.] CAIRO, March 26, 1864. (Received Washington 3:52 p. in., 27th.) Information was received that the rebels have retreated from Pa- ducah. Rebel loss, 300 killed; number of wounded unknown. For- rests force said to be 6,500 and 4 pieces of artillery. Rebel General A. P. Thompson is reported killed. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. ~.eport of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, commanding Seventh Dis- trict, transmitting reports of commanding officers of U. S. steamers Peosta and Paw Paw. OFFICE MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, CAIRO, ILL., March 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: I arrived at Paducah from the Tennessee River in the U. S. S. Peosta at noon on Friday, the 25th instant. As usual, I immediately called upon Colonel S. G. Hicks, commanding the post, and learned from him that he had information that the rebels had captured Union City on the previous day, and that they were now threatening Paducah Page 198 198 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I had heard so often of Paducah being threatened (as you are aware) that I did not place as much confidence in this report as I would have done had I not been so often humbugged. Leaving the Peosta, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Thomas E. Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding, and the Paw Paw, Actng Volun- teer Lieutenant A. F. ONeil, U. S. Navy, commanding, at Paducah, with instructions to cooperate with Colonel Hicks in case he was attacked, and not to spare the town in case the rebels should obtain possession of it, I went to Cairo to consult with, and impart informa- tion to, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station A. M. Pennock. Arriving at Cairo, Captain Pennock and I saw Generals Brayman and Veatch. It was determined to send reinforcements to Paducah. I left Cairo for Paducah at 10 p. in., in the U. S. dispatch steamer Volunteer, commanded by Acting Ensign M. K. Haines, U. S. Navy, and carrying two 12-pounder howitzers. On our way up we de- stroyed ferry boats, etc., to prevent the rebels from crossing the river. I arrived at daylight and found that (unfortunately for me) the rebels, consisting of about 5,000 men, and commanded by General Forrest, had attacked the place a few hours after I had left on the preceding day. The Peosta and Paw Paw did most excellent service, just as well as if I had been present; still, I assure you that the morti- fication that I experienced that the vessel carrying my divisional flag should be engaged in battle and I not be on board of her, was very g~eat. I enclose the reports of Acting Volunteer Lieutenants Thomas E. Smith and A. F. ONeil, to whose gallantry and efficient service I respectfully call the attention of the commander in chief of the squadron and the honorable Secretary of the Navy. Immediately after arriving at Paducah I placed myself in com- munication with Colonel Hicks, who had so gallantly defended his fort with a small but determined garrison of about 800 men, some of whom were raw negro recruits. He informed me that he expected another attack, as the rebels were in line of battle some two miles and a half from the fort, and requested me to protect the fort and let the town go to hell. I had the gunboats under way from daylight until dark, moving up and down the river in front of, above, and below the town and fort, ready for any emergency. About 3 oclock I sent the Paw Paw some 20 miles up the Tennessee River, with orders to destroy all ferry boats, flats, and skiffs. She did this effectually, and returned about 9 oclock. At 4 p. in. it was reported to Colonel Hicks in my presence that the rebels were advancing to the attack, and in a few minutes an orderly from the colonel brought me word that he wished me to ci rop a few shells into the head of Jersey Street, as he was informed that the rebels were forming in that place. I did so, but the party proved to be some of our own men who were picking up stray horses, etc. Fortunately no oiYe was hurt. Soon after this Colonel Hicks sent out a flag of truce, which, having gone several miles without falling in with the rebels, returned with the authentic report that they had retired upon the several roads leading from Paducah to Columbus. Being convinced that this was the truth, I left at mid- night for Cairo in the Volunteer, to do all that I could to assist Captain A. M. Pennock in this emergency Page 199 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATEflS. 199 The Peosta is at Paducah guarding that place, and the Paw Paw has gone up the Tennessee River to convoy a brigade of troops under Brigadier-General Veatch, who are intended to cut off the retreat of Forrest. In the attack at Paducah Colonel Hicks lost 14 killed and 46 wounded. The rebels lost 300 killed and a great many wounded. Among the killed was Brigadier-General A. P. Thompson. The lower part of the town was destroyed by Colonel Hicks on the morning of the ~6th, as all of his killed and wounded had been struck by sharpshooters from the tops and windows of houses in the vicinity of the fort. The shells from the gunboats and the fort did a great deal of damage to the town. Several buildings were burned, and a number have holes in them. The rebels burned the quartermasters storehouses and the steamboat Dacotah on the ways. Altogether, I am of the opinion that those inhabitants of Paducah who sympathize with their misguided Southern brethren have received a lesson which they will not forget in a hurry. It is gratifying to me to have the pleasure to report to you that Colonel Hicks informed me that he was under many obligations to the commanding officers of the U. S. gunboats Peasta and Paw Paw for the efficient aid rendered by them to him. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lient. Comdr., U. S. Navy, Com~dg. 7tIi~ Dist. Mississippi Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. PEosm. Padu.cah, Ky., March ~7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that, at 3.05 p. in., on Friday the 25th instant, having learned that our pickets around the town were being driven in by a force of rebels, weighed anchor and beat to quarters. The enemy appearing in sight, steamed to tile upper end of the city and opened on them with our starboard bow guns, the U. S. S. Paw Paw also opening at the same time. We then dropped down to the foot of Broadway and fired up the street. The fort was at this time attacked, and we dropped down opposite it, the Paw Paw following. We served our starboard battery as fast as possible, and the rebels retired, being driven back. At .4:10 a flag of truce was seen approaching the fort, and we ceased firing and steamed up opposite the foot of Broadway. At 4:45 the rebels being seen plundering the stores on Broadway and approaching the fort, opened upon them again from starboard battery. In consequence of a heavy fire of musketry being directed upon us by sharpshooters in the buildings on Front Street, I re- luctantly opened upon them, demolishing the City Hotel and brewery and setting several other buildings on fire. At 8:30, firing from the fort having ceased, came to anchor abreast it. At 10:30, the rebels having commenced to destroy property, we again got under- way, steamed up to the town, and opened on them. At niidnight ceased firing, our ammunition being nearly expended, which pre- vented our firing through the night. We disabled one piece of th Page 200 200 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. eneiny~s artillery. Henry Doane, seaman, was wounded in the left hand by a rifle ball. We fired 530 rounds. The Peo8ta was hit about 200 times by rifle shot, but is not injured. The officers and men behaved admirably. Pilot Smedley deserves much praise for the efficient manner in which he did his duty, being at the wheel during the entire afternoon and night. I enclose reports of the gunner, engineer, and carpenter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. E. SMITH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES W. ShIRK, U. S. Navy, Commanding 7th Di8trict U. S. Missi8sippi Squadron. [Subenclosures.] U. S. S. PEOSTA, Off Paducah, Ky., March ~5, 1864. Sin: In obedience to your orders of the 25th, I respectfully submit the following report of damages done to battery and ordnance, and ordnance stores expended in the action of the 25th instant: Two 24-pounder howitzers disabled by the recoil of the guns, carrying the pivot chocks away. One hundred 3~-pounder 5 sec. shell; 30 stand of grape, 30 canister, 30-pounder Parrott; 30 Schenkle time fuze shell, 40 percussion shell, 24-pound howitzer, 48 shell, 120 shrapnel, 12-pounder howitzer; 34 shell, 98 shrapnel, 800 percussion primers, 300 Enfield rifle cart.ridges, caliber .58, 325 percussion caps, 1 rammer and sponge for 24-pounder gun, 1 side tackle, 1 train rope, 1 bed and quoin, 32-pounder gun, 3 lockstrings~ 6 woven wicks, 1 glass chimney. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCDONALD, Cunner~ U. S. Navy. THos. E. SMITH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Comm an ding. U. S. S. PEosTA, 0/f Paducah, Ky.. 1J[arch ~5, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to make the following report of casualties on board of this vessel: }Vomnded.Henry Doane, rated as seaman in the U. S. Navy, resi- dence Albion, Oswego County, N. Y.; received a gunshot wound in the left hand, in which he will sustain a loss of one finger and a part of the hand above it. George W. Crosier, rated as seaman in the U. S. Navy, residence Buffalo, N. Y.; received two slight gunshot wounds, one over the region of the stomach and the other in the breast, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN WIsE, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. [Acting] Volunteer Lieutenant THOI~IIAS E. SMiTH, Commanding Page 201 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 201 U. S. S. PEOSTA, March 25, 1864. SIR: I respectfully beg leave to report the damages sustained by the engineers department of this vessel in the engagements of this day, oft Paducah, Ky.: Four globe lamps and four coal-oil lamps, with reflectors, de- stroyed. Three of the flues in the port boiler are leaking, caused by concussion of the guns. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SOUTH, Acting Fi~8t A88i8tant Engineer, U. S. Niivy. THos. E. SMITH, Acting Volunteer Lien ten an t, Commanding. U. S. S. GUNBOAT PAW PAW, Off Paducah, Ky., March 26, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the engagement of yesterday with the enemy at this place: At 2 p. in., while at anchor off the city, hearing that our pickets were being driven in, I got underway and dropped down to the fort. Meanwhile the Peosta also got underway, and, steaming to the upper portion of the city, opened fire. At half-past 2 I opened fire in a southwesterly direction, with 5- sec. shell~ being aware, from my acquaintance with the position, that the enemy must approach the fort from that direction. I kept up a steady fire until 4 p. in., confining it to the immediate vicinity of the fort. The object of the enemy appeared to be to divert, the attention of the gunboats from the fort by harassing them with sharpshooters, and in this design they partially succeeded, for the Peosta was kept busy in endeavoring to dislodge them from the front row of buildings in the city, from which they kept up a galling fire upon her. Notwithstanding, however, that a sharp musketry fire was poured upon my vessel, I paid but little heed to it, giving all my attention to the contest at the fort. At 4 p. in. the enemy sent in a flag of truce, which caused a tem- porary cessation of hostilities, but in less than an hour the attack upon our works was resumed, and the battle continued until about 5 p.m. After this time there was no general engagement, but some des- ultory firing. Owing to a scarcity of ammunition it was of great importance that no shots should be wasted, and therefore my firing was moderately slow, but very careful. I have every reason to be satisfied with it. At 9 p. m. I fired half a dozen rifle shell, but neither saw nor heard anything more of the enemy. I laid oft the fort all night ready for any emergency. There were no casualties on board this vessel, if I except a slight wound received by myself in the cheek. This was done by a sharp- shooter on the bank, who, lying in proximity to some women and children, took advantage of my inability to fire upon him, and kept up an annoying and accurate fire upon our pilot house Page 202 202 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The following is the amount of ammunition expended during the engagement: 24-pounder howitzer, 103 shrapnel, 21 shell, 5 sec., and charges. 30-pounder Parrott rifle, 51 shell (percussion), 1 shell, 5 sec., 1 solid shot, 53 charges, making a total of 177 rounds. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. ONEIL, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant- Commander JAMES W. SHIRK, Commanding Seventh District Mississippi Squadron. [Telegram. I HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cairo, Ill., March 25, 1864. The dispatches to-night say that Paducah is attacked and is likely to be overpowered by a rebel force. You will embark one regiment of your command immediately and run up near Paducah, communi- cating with Captain Shirk, on gunboat No. 36. If you find that the place can be reinforced and that it is expedient for you to land, Cap- tain Shirk will cover your troops with his guns. This movement must not delay our voyage up the Tennessee, and you must take every- thing w4th you necessary for the march, except your transportation, which you will direct to be shipped in the morning. You must act on your own judgment when you reach Paducah and be governed by the best information you can obtain. JAMES C. VEATCH, Brigadier-General. Colonel JAMES H. HOwE, Commanding Second Brigade. [Telegram.] METROPOLIS, March 25, 1864. From all appearances Paducah is in flames. We can see it very distinctly from the river bank. There is fire there sure. Whether it is. a boat on fire or the town I am unable to say. No circuit from Paducah. Fire is getting larger. Later.Three men just from Paducah saw fighting in the streets; city on fire; gunboats and forts firing; assault on fort repulsed; saw rebel officer bearing flag of truce; fighting with rapid discharges of small arms; great many women and children brought across the riVer in large wharf boat; they left in a hurry and know no more. Later.Another arrival of a family from Paducah report all Front Street in ashes. Rebel forces charged on fort several times, but failed. Our forces still hold the fort at 4 p. m. WALLACE. MASON, Military Operator, Cairo Page 203 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 203 [Telegram.] CAIRO, ~IIarch 25, 1864. Your dispatches have been received, for which I thank you. An additional gunboat has left for Paducah, and reinforcements are now embarking. Any information you can get please send here. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General, Co anding, Per Smith. TELEGRAPH OPERATOR AT METROPOLIS. Extract from report of Brigadier.General Brayman, U. S. Army, regarding naval cooperation, March 25, 1864. HEADQITARTER5 DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Cairo, Ill., May 2, 1864. SIR: * * * * * $ * I wish to state that during my short period of service here the Navy has borne a conspicuous part in all operations. The Peosta, Captain Smith, and Paw Paw, Captain ONeil, joined Colonel Hicks at Paducah, and with gallantry equal to his own shelled the rebels out of the buildings from which their sharpshooters annoyed our troops. A large number took shelter in heavy warehouses near the river and maintained a furious fire upon the gunboats, inflicting some injury, but they were promptly dislodged and the buildings destroyed. Fleet Captain Pennock, of the Mississippi Squadron, representing Admiral Porter in his absence, and Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, of the Sev- enth Division, who had charge above Cairo and on the Tennessee0 were prompt, vigilant, and courageous and cooperated in everything. That the river line was kept open, considering the inadequate force at my control, I regard as due in a~ great degree to the cooperation of the Navy. * * * * * * * I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MAsoN BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Major-General S. A. HURLBIJT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, Memphis, Tenn. [Telegram.] MARCH 26, 1864. Columbus must be strengthened to-night. I will put all disposable force here on board. Please send the gunboat. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Commanding, etc., Mound City Page 204 204 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] COLUMBUS, Ky., March 27, 1864. The enemy is in this neighborhood and we are ready for attack to-night. They were badly crippled at Paducah and may not come. I will do all that is possible to respond to your wishes concerning Mound City. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Master of Fleet, etc., Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] COLUMBUs, March 27, 1864. Last advices from the front show the rebels 4,000 strong at Clinton, tinder Forrest. We are expecting attack here in the morning early. Received 400 men from Madrid this evening. Are in good trim for fighting. C. B. SMITH, Lieutenant and Aid-dc-Camp. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Com~nanding Fleet at Cairo. [Telegram.] COLUMBUS, Ky., March 28, 1864li: 45 a. in. General Sherman instructs me to convey his order to General Veatch to land at Savannah and proceed to Purdy and the Hatchee to cut off the retreat of Forrest. Please convey this to him by dis- patch boat. Also advise General Veatch that Forrest is still within 12 miles of this place and we are waiting an attack. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Captain PENNOCK, Cairo or Mound City. [Telegram.] MOUND CITY, March 28, 1864. As soon as the dispatch boat arrives, which I sent to Columbus yesterday, I will send her up with General Shermans order to Gen- eral Veatch. I have received information from Captain Odlin that a small force of cavalry have crossed the river above this and may attack. I have made all arrangements to meet them. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, etc. Brigadier-General BRAYMAN Page 205 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 205 Report of Acting Chief Engineer Bickerstaff, U. S. Navy, regarding injury to boilers of the U. S. S. Avenger. U. S. S. SAMSON, FLEET SHOP, Off Red River, March 28, 1864. SIR: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the deplorable burning of the boilers of the ram Avenger. She arrived here on Saturday morning. The engineers turned to and cleaned out the boilers while the crew were coaling ship. Mr. Thomas King, acting third assistant engineer, neglected to close down the mud valve and as the steam came up the water grad- ually ran out until the two boilers on the port side were empty. The furnace being full of fire, the boilers became unduly heated, so much so it becomes absolutely necessary to put in two new sheets. Thig will take, I think, about fifteen days to make then~~ as good as they were before. lam, your obedient servant, SA1~LL. BICKERSTAFF, Acting Chief Engineer. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Telegram.] CAIRO; March 29, 1864. Colonel Hicks says the enemy are on him again. I am going up with reinforcements. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, hound City. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding injury to boilers of U; S. S. Avenger, and recommend- ing the dismissal of her engineers. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGsHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Ale~eandria, La., March 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith report from the com- manding officer of the U. S. S. Avenger, in relation to the burning of the boilers of that vessel. As this vessel was perfectly new in every respect, and the accident seems to have resulted from gross carelessness on the part of Acting First Assistant Engineer James W. Edgar, acting chief, and Acting Third Assistant Engineer Thomas King, I beg leave to recommend that they be dismissed from the United States Navy. I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 206 206 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. AVENGER, Mouth Red River March 38, 1864. Sm: Not being able to proceed up Red River with the Avenger, agreeable to your order, I have to make the following report: I arrived here yesterday morning at 1 oclock and proceeded im- mediately to coaling ship, the engineers in the meantime cleaning out the boilers. When nearly done coaling and getting up steam in readiness to leave as soon as the moon should rise, my senior engi- neer discovered the boilers on the port side very badly burned. I immediately reported the same to Captain Dominy, of the General Bragg, saw Captain [Acting Chief Engineer] Bickerstaff, of the Sam~son, and preparations were made as rapidly as possible to get the boilermakers at work. They have held a survey of the boilers and say they can not be repaired in less than twelve or fifteen days. The accident occurred either through the negligence or ignorance of one of the third assist- ant engineers, who was ordered to close the mud valve, and instead of doing so opened it, thereby letting the water out of the boilers. Forhisinefficiencylhaveplacedhimunderarrest and awaityour order. I have been greatly troubled with delays on account of her machinery since leaving Cairo. She made very good time coming downstream, but returning could not make steam sufficient to go faster than 7 miles per hour, sometimes not making 6 miles. She requires~ more boiler capacity for her sized engines, as 100 pounds was the heaviest steam we could get. Captain Pennock told me I had a very important mail to convey to you, therefore Captain Dominy has concluded to forward it by the Signal. I shall press the repairs toward completion with all dispatch, hoping I may yet be able to join you up Red River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. A. WRIGHT, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Missi88ippi Squadron. [Telegram.] PADUCAH, March 30, 18641:30 p. m. I am getting the prisoners together, and will leave as soon as pos- sible for Cairo. The latest reliable information is they are concen- trating at Mayfield, preparing to go south. Lieutenant M. Knight, with 18 men, drove in their pickets day before yesterday, but had to fall back in quick time. There were two brigades advancing yesterday, but have fallen back; they were gath- ering their men, I think. General Buford sent in a flag of truce for the exchange of surgeons and to enquire about the rebel wounded and dead; also about General Thompson. The colonel is fully pre- pared for any attack, and tbere is no chance of their getting this place. A8si8tant Adjutant-General. General BRAYMAN and Captain PENNOCK Page 207 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 207 [Telegram.] PADUCAH, March 30, 1864. A man just from Mayfleld. He left Mayfield last night after dark. Faulkner has just joined Forrest at Mayfield. They have given the Tennessee troops furloughs. He says they are going to stay as long as they please. One Tennessee regiment that was here has gone to Tennessee; the rest of the force is still with him and say they intend to come here. He reports that Forrest was moving on Columbus yesterday. I just received your dispatch. I have dispatched all the news. J. H. ODLIN, Assi8tant Adjutant-General. General BRAYMAN and Captain PENNOCK. [Telegram.] NASHVILLE, 11 arch 31, 1864. Following dispatch received: FORT DONELSON, March 30, 1864. The gunboat (23) has just returned from below Eddyville. I sent 50 men on boat, who scouted the country around, meeting with a party of our troops from llopkinsville, who captured 8 of a party of guerrillas. It Is certain that For- rest is not op this side of the Tennessee. The rumors regarding his having crossed originated in a party of some 30 men crossing near Eddyville. This party will probably be captured. All is quiet at Smithiand, and there is no force threatening any position on the Cumberland. Captain Fitch, of the Navy, reports Forrest near Columbus, on the Mississippi. 0. L. BALDWIN, Colonel Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, Commanding. General ROU55EATJ. L. H. Roussi~u, Major- General, Comir& anding. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Acting 1/aster Hicicey, U. S. Navy, co anding U. S. S. Queen City, regarding operations near Crocketts Bluff, White River, March 31. U. S. GUNBOAT QUEEN CITY, White River, April 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 31st of March there were some troops crossing ut Maddox Bay, 4 miles be- low Crocketts Bluff. I sent an armed boats crew in charge of Act- ing Ensign F. M. Hathaway, with orders to allow no one to cross. Contrary to my positive orders, he allowed one or more boats to cross without any opposition. At midnight I dropped down from Crock- etts Bluff, and he reported that they had been crossing. I opened fire and very distinctly heard them running in the woods. The next morning at daylight I landed an armed boats crew and found 4 horses, I mule, 1 buggy, 2 pistols, 29,000 percussion caps, a very large rebel mail, and some clothing of no value. No official dis- patches Page 208 208 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I would also state that I went up Maddox Bay and destroyed two large ferryboats, one 30 feet long and the other 25. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. HICKEY, Acting Il/laster, Commanding U. S. S. Queen City. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES M. PRICHETT, Commanding White River Station. Letter from the Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Navy, trans- mitting copy of letter from the Secretary of the Nacy of the Con- federate States regarding formation of guerrilla parties on Western vers. WAR DEPARTMENT, Confidential.1 iVashington City, April 1, 1864. SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War, I have the honor to transmit for your information, herewith enclosed, copy of a re- c~ntly captured letter from the rebel Secretary of the Navy, dated September 10, 1863, relating to the formation of river guerrilla par- ties, with the view of undertaking the destruction of gunboats, transports, etc., on the Western rivers. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ED. R. S. CANBY, Brigadier- General, Assistant Adjutant- General. The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] C. S. o~ AMERICA, Navy Department, Richmond, September 10, 1863. SIR: Your letter of the 18th July from Jacksonport, Ark., reached me a few days ago. You inform me that a certain party desires to obtain proper au- thority from the Confederate Government to undertake the destruc- tion of gunboats, transports, etc., for such per centum of the value of the boats destroyed as may be offered, etc. There is no legislation of which I am aware that satisfies precisely the conditions required. The act of 6th May, 1861, recognizing the existence of war with the United States and providing for privateering is not construed to permit privateering on inland waters. A reference to the law fQr the establishment of a volunteer navy, a copy of which I enclose herewith, will show you that it can not be made to embrace the parties to which you refer. To facilitate organizations of parties to operate as you propose, in boats or otherwise, against the enemy on our Western rivers, they could be received into the Navy if they shipped regularly in accord- ance with existing laws, and then assigned to duty under an acting master upon those rivers. In this case, however, they would form a part of the regular navy establishment, drawing its pay and subsistence. I infer from your letter that such is not the object of the parties in question, but that they desire to organize in small parties t Page 209 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 209 operate as independent river guerrilla parties under their own leaders and to look to prize money or reward from the country for destroying enemys property to defray expenses, etc., using an appointment from the Government to secure to them the rights of prisoners of war if captured. Judging from what you say, that you have not the acts of Congres5 at hand, I enclose copies of two acts, one of which possibly serves the desired purpose. The President has authority to make such an arrangement as you refer to, and I would suggest that parties wishing to engage in the enterprise present to him their names, purposes, and terms, either directly or through your obedient servant. Very respectfully, ~. R. MALLORY Secretary of the Navy. Colonel E. C. CABELL, C. S. Army Headquarters, Prices Aivmy, Jackson port, Ark. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, forwarding copy of captured letter of the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate Stateg. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Confidential.] Washington, April 2, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith for your information copy of a recently captured letter from the rebel Secretary of the Navy relative to the formation of guerrilla parties for the destruction of the gunboats, etc., on our Western rivers. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the N vy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, April 3, 1864. Captain Pennock thinks you ha~l better come back immediately, and I think the Forty-seventh Indiana will have to go with you. J. H. ODLIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. Brigadier-General BRAYMAN, Paducak. Uireular to commanders of squadrons. BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, Navy Department, Washington, April 4, 1864. SIR: It having been represented to the bureau that certain em- barrassments are likely to arise under the operation of it~ QirQulag 1O~OOS0N w SVOL 2~13 1 Page 210 210 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. order of the 22d February last, the bureau communicates for your information the following statement of the views of the Department on the subject of Navy signals. I. The occasion for the late order changing the figure symbols represented by the flags and lights of the Navy code had its origin in the reported capture during the early part of February last of a copy of the flotilla code of signals. And the occasion for that part of the order which directed that the figure symbols of the Navy signal code shall not be incorporated in the flotilla code was based on the discovery, then first realized, of the danger of allowing the flotilla code to be furnished not only with the figure symbols of both flags and lights of the Navy code, but with the signal numbers by which the various public vessels were known in the latter code. II. The precautions taken to guard the Navy code by restricting its issue to certain officers and requiring special care during its trans- mission to and from the officers charged with its safe-keeping and use would thus seem to be of little practical value, if, with the ab- sence of all these precautions in respect to the issue, transmission, and use of the flotilla code, the signal symbols of the two codes remain identical. At the same time it is doubtless true that more or less practical inconvenience must result in maintaining two different systems of figure symBols for the~ two codes. III. Long since convinced by a consideration of these difficulties of the pecessity for an effectual remedy, the bureau has anticipated the several measures proposed by commanders of squadrons in the provision of a new edition of the Navy signal code, which, after several months of preparation, is now about ready for the press. This new edition of the Navy code will be established upon the following basis: 1. It will have but one series of signal numbers for all the signals of the code, including fog and night signals and the names of all vessels in the naval service, and the series of signal numbers will commence with the number 10 and terminate below the number 4000. 2. The signal code thus made up will be printed complete, with its figure symbols and signal numbers ready for use. It is intended by giving to the signal book a permanent form not only to avoid the mistakes of chirography, but the embarrassments incident to frequent changes of figure symbols. 3. The signal code thus established will replace for all purposes of ordinary signal communication the present editions of both the Navy code and flotilla code, and instead of being restricted as at present to certain officers, it will be issued to all officers commanding public vessels. 4. A circular of confidential instructions for making secret siguals readily applicable to any circumstances of weather or situation will be issued in connection with the publication of the new signal book and sent to commanders of squadrons. IV. The bureau directs that until the new arrangements shall have been completed the flag and light symbols established by its order of the 22d February for the Navy code shall be extended to and embrace the flotilla code for all purposes of ordinary signal communication. V. The bureau directs that whenever it shall be deemed expedient by a signal officer to mask his signals, he will commence by makin Page 211 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 211 signal number 886 or 888 of the present Navy code, or the signal number 7120 of the flotilla code, whereupon all succeeding signals will be made by adding 10 to the number as shown and subtracting 10 from the number as read. And whenever it shall be deemed expedi- ent to return to ordinary signals that one of the above indicated numbers which was used to open secret signals will be repeated in order t.o close them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Chief of Bureau. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] HDQRS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, LVashville, Tenn., April 4, 186.4.. I think we can build gunboats above the shoals, and I agree with you that it is too late to pass the shoals now. I only repeated a mes- sage of General McPherson. Tell Captain Shirk I send down in the quartermasters gunboat Silver Wave General Corse, whom I would like him to see. Ask Captain Shkk to keep up communication with General Veatch at or near Purdy. W. T. SHERMAN. Major- General. Captain PENNOCK, Cairo. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of injury to U. S. S. Little Rebel. U.S. S. CHOCTAW, Quachita River, April 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the pumps were sent down and placed in the Little Rebel. I ~enc1ose Acting Master Olivers report of the accident that oc- curred to the Little Rebel. Your obedient ~ervant, FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding 2Jlissis8ippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. LITTLE REBEL, April 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order of the 2d instant. The new pumps have been placed in the vessel and work admirably. On the trial trip I ran from the coal barges to Fort Adams with 60 pounds steam in fifty-seven minutes, and ran 5 miles above with 90 pounds steam at the rate of 17 miles per hour Page 212 212 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. on the evening of the 4th instant I received orders from Captain Dominy to run up the river with dispatches to the Cha?mpion and Juliet. I left Red River at 3 p. in., ran to the Champion, and then steamed on up river. When about 4 miles up one of the bolts of main connection slipped; repaired in twenty minutes and ran on. In making the crossing at entrance of Dead Mans Bend ran into shoal water, then going about 14 miles per hour. As she passed over she settled astern and shipped a large quantity of water through the rudder port, filling the after lockers. It burst the locker doors and rushed into the steerage. The officers below thought she had opened aft and rushed on deck, saying that the boat was sinking. I sprung to the steerage hatch, and seeing several inches water on the lower deck, thought such was the fact. I immediately went on deck and ordered the pilot to run her into the shore, as I thought she would sink in a very few moments, and then went below to see what the damage was. I found that it was a false alarm, but before I could alter my course I had run up on the bar. I then tried to get her off. I threw overboard about 200 bushels coal, broke everything out of the rear of the vessel to lighten her astern, but found that I could not start her. I then sent a boat to the Champion for assistance. The boat met the Ike Hainmitt coming up and returned. The Ike Ham- mitt brought me off in about one hour, but in getting me off, broke my rudderhead off. The rudder is iron, and the head had been wrenched badly and was about half gone. The steamer Benefit came down at 5 p. m. to-day and towed me down to Red River, and will take my rudder up to the Samson to be repaired to-morrow. It will be but a short job to repair it, and if the shoe is not badly wrenched I can ship it in a short time. I regret that this accident should happen, for I had got everything in such good working order, and flattered myself that I was going to retrieve the reputation of the boat in a measure. I hope to be able to report ready for duty in a day or two. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS A. OLIVER, Acting Master, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander FRANCIS M. RAM5AY, Comdg. 3d Dist. Mississippi Squadron, U. S. S. Choctaw. Report of Acting Ilaster Watson, U. S. Navy, ccnn4manding U. S. S. Juliet, forwarding statement of cotton captured on Elgee planta- tion. U. S. S. JULIET, April 5, 1864. SIR: Herewith I forwa~rd a statement of the rebel cotton captured on the Elgee plantation, at the mouth of Onamachitti [Homochitto] River, by the U. S. S. Juliet, under my command, on the 26th of March last. There are 55 bales, and I have proof sufficient that it was raised, picked, ginned, and baled on that plantation while Elgee was bearing arms in the rebel service and against our Government, and before the plantation was leased to Colonel Castle by the Treasury Department. Since we captured the cotton, Elgee has been taken prisoner, while acting on the rebel General Taylors staff, by our forces, an Page 213 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 213 some half dozen persons have been to Admiral Porter claiming it, among them Colonel Castles agent, Judge Elgees agent, a Dr. Colt- man, and a Mr. Gordon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. WATSON, Acting illaster. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER , U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., April 6, 1864. Your dispatch received. The following report is from an officer sent up to conimunicate with General Veatch: PADUCAR, April 5, 1864. General Veatch went to Purdy on the 30th ultlmo; sent scouts toward Bolivar, Jackson, and Lexington. Not hearing anything of Forrest, he returned the fol- lowing night and proceeded to Waterloo, whence he debarked, and marched next day, 3d instant, to Athens, via Florence. One of Forrests regiments (Wisdoms) is stationed at Williams Landing, 5 miles above Savannah, where they have been some time. I met thh RobS on my return with the convoy yesterday at 11 a. in.. about 50 miles below Clifton. There was 4 feet on the shoals when I left Waterloo, and river risihg fast. If the RobS can get to Florence, General Veatch can be communicated with. I sent the RobS to try and get there. A. F. ONEIL, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander J. W. SHIRK, AIound City. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn. Report of Fleet Captain Pennocic, U. S. Navy, regarding order for delivery of steamer Clara Dolsen to the U. S. marshal. OFFICE Mississi~~i SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., April 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 4th instant, with the enclosed copy of your order of the 4th ultimo to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter to deliver the Clara Dolsen to the U. S. marshal. The admiral has forwarded to me a copy of the order, and directed me to comply therewith. The U. S. marshal for the Southern District of Illinois was at this place on the 7th instant, and I informed him that the Clara Dolsen would be delivered to him at any time he may mention. I have the honor to be, your obedlent servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Hon. GIDEON WELus, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 214 214 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Po~ter, U. S. Navy, for change of name of steamer Maria to Antelope. NAvY DEPARTMENT, April 9, 1864. SIR: The Department changed the name of the Maria, purchased by you, to the Antelope, as it had a vessel of that name in the course of construction. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Xdmiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. Report of Acting Master Rogers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. IVanrnkeag, referring to engagement in White River and wounding of two men. U. S. S. NAUMKEAG, White River Station, April 11, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully report that on my last trip up White River I had an engagement with a portion of McRaes force, in which Green Goss, pilot on transport Q. Lloyd was fatally wounded and one man on steamer Celeste seriously wounded. I sent the surgeon of this vessel to dress their wounds and discovered that he was un- provid~d with the proper surgical instruments for the extraction of the balls. He informs me has made two or three requisitions for surgical in- struments. He is totally nnprovided for such emergencies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN ROGERS, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Capture of Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 12, by Confederate force under Major- General Forrest, C. S. Army, and attendant operations there and at Columbus and Paducah, Ky., April 1214, 1864. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, transmitting copy of dispatch forwarded to the Department and report of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy. OFFICE MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., April 15, 186~. DEAR ADMIRAL: As you directed me before leaving here to com- municate to the Secretary of the Navy any information of importance, I have telegraphed him to-day and enclose a copy of the dispatch, which will give you some idea of the movements of the enemy and our actions in this region. With the able assistance of Shirk and Fitch, I have no doubt of being able to take care of the river and keep it open, unless the rascals have too heavy guns for our ironclads at Fort Pillow. The guns taken by the rebels were four 12-pounders and two 10-pounders, the latter rifled. The fort was bravely defended by th Page 215 NAVAL FORCES O~ WESTERN WATERS. 215 Thirteenth Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, numbering about 225 men, and the Sixth U. S. Heavy Artillery (colored), numbering about 350 men. Of these 125 were taken prisoners and 50 came here wounded last night. Two officers are heremortally woundedtwo are prisoners, and two escaped. The latter furnished me with an account of the fight this morning. No negroes were spared, and the wounded were shot or cut to pieces in cold blood, so say the officers. I have had no written communication from Acting Master Mar- shall, who commands the New Era, but he sent up a verbal message that he was out of ammunition, and I dispatched the Volunteer night before last with 500 rounds for him. I send you a hurried report from Shirk. I have been up and at work night and day receiving and answering dispatches and sending gunboats to different points. Troops returning from furlough be- longing to General McPherson~s command are arriving here daily, and at my suggestion General Brayman has stationed infantry and a battery just above Mound City. I have directed the captain of the New National to report to Fitch, near Fort Pillow, and to be governed b~ his instructions whether to pass the fort or not. No boats will be allowed to leave for below until we hear the condition of affairs from Fitch. I have ordered all the pilots I could lay my hands on to report to you and hope soon to send you the required number. I find it a hard matter to get engineers, but will try to find some in Cincinnati and send them to you. All your dispatches received up to the 12th went by the Red Rover, and I now send such as have arrived since. I have been called off twenty times since starting this letter and must now close to dispatch the boat. I will write you by every opportunity and keep you posted. The ordnance officer has been directed to fill all requisitions as idly as possible. Fitch says that all is quiet cii the Cumberland, and Shirk will look out for that district during his absence. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. [Te1cgramEn~1osures.] 0 CAIRO, Imn., April 15, 18643 p. in. On the 13th instant the rebels demanded the surrender of Colum- bus, Ky., which was refused by Colonel Lawrence. Troops and two gunboats were sent from here, but the enemy had retired before they reached Columbus. Hearing that Fort Pillow had been attacked, I directed Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, if he could be spared from Columbus, to proceed to Fort Pillow with gunboats Ha.stin9s and 211008e. Last night I learned that Fort Pillow had been captured after a desperate resistance by the garrison. The gunboat New Era assisted in the defense. Lieutenant-Commander Fitch will, on his arrival, endeavor to shell the rebels from the fort and to keep the river open at all hazards. The greater part of the rebel force is said to have left in the direction of Memphis. On the 14th a flag of truce was sent by the rebels to Paducah. One hour was given by them to move the women and children. At the expiration of the hour no attack was made Page 216 216 NAVAL FOROES ON WESTERN WATERS. Lieutenant-Commander Shirk reports that the gunboats shelled the upper part of the town and drove the rebels out, and I am informed that the troops in the fort also shelled them and killed several. Paducah has been reinforced by troops sent by General Brayman, and we have four gunboats there. Information has reached me that the rebels are in force at Blandville, Ky., and will cross the Ohio into Illinois, if they can, about 20 miles above Mound City. I have had all the ferries and skiffs between this place and Paducah destroyed, and will keep the river closely watched with all the force we have at our disposal. A part of [thel rebels programme is, I believe, to destroy the large amount of ordnance and ordnance stores we have at Mound City and other Government property at this place. We have taken every precaution in our power to guard against it. We have constantly tob be on the lookout for incendiaries. Admiral Porter has left me ample instructions for guidance during his absence, which I shall carry out to the extent of my ability. I will telegraph you when I hear from Lieutenant-Commander Fitch. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. PADUCAII, Ky., April 12, 1864. The rebels are in force around us. The colonel and the gunboats are waiting for an attack. I can hardly believe that they will make the effort to take the place with four gunboats. We do not allow any transports to go down the river, nor will we until we can give convoy. The Peost a., Moose, Brilliant, and Fairplay are here. The Key We8t went up the river this morning with an army convoy. The Silver Lake is patrolling the river below. Beware of rebel strategy and look out for Cairo and Columbus. I think the rebels want to cross the Ohio. JAMES W. SiluiK, Lientenant- Commander, Comd~j. Seventh Dist. Captain A. M. PENNOCK. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., April 16, 1864. Lieutenant-Commander Fitch has returned from Fort Pillow. The fort had been taken on the 12th after a fight lasting from day- light until 3 oclock p. in., and Lieutenant-Commander Fitch ar- rived there on the afternoon of the 14th. Enemy had left the fort, carrying off all the guns, consisting of four 12-pounders and two 10-pounder rifled Parrotts. Heavy forces of cavalry were just above, preparing to cross over to Island No. 30 to capture a number of steamers that had been detained. The Moose, Hastings, New Era, and Volnnteer shelled the enemy from 4 oclock until dark and routed them, driving them to Ashport, when they left on the Ripley road. The transports were then conveyed past Fort Pillow and th Page 217 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 217 gunboats landed at the fort and took on board the remainder of our wounded; also the women and children. The next morning Lieu- tenant-Commander Fitch ordered the remainder of the dead to be buried, and, seeing no more of the enemy in the immediate vicinity, started up the river. At Ashport he shelled a squad of cavalry that had encamped there the night before and drove them off. The New Era was supplied with ammunition and left to guard the fort, and the ill oose, Hastings, and Volunteer returned to this place. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, commanding Eighth District, ordered to render assistance in Seventh District. U. S. S. Moosi~, Cairo, April 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that during the present troubles in this section it was deemed proper by Fleet Captain A. M. Pen- nock that I should for a short time leave my district proper to meet sudden emergencies at Columbus and below. As you ~re not probably aware of the exact bearings of the dif- ferent points, it would perhaps be better for me to enter a little more into detail than would in ordinary cases be necessary in a report of operations. I will therefore have to go so far back as to embrace the time I l~t Smithland and embody in this report a general statement of occurrences. On the 9th of April a general court-martial, then in session on board of this vessel, having completed the evidence for the prosecu- tion and the exigencies of the service being such that it was not advisable for witnesses for the defense being called away from Mound City, I ran down to that point to complete the trial. On the night of the 11th Paducah was again threatened, also inter- mediate points. I therefore got underway and went to Paducah to assist Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, and at the same time telegraph for some of the boats from my district to reinforce him and to patrol the river below. I arrived at Paducah on the morning of the 12th, and as an attack was momentarily expected remained there till evening of that date. At the same time two of the vessels of my district xvere patrolling the river between that point and Mound City. During the evening I got underway and proceeded to Mound City, having left with Captain Shirk the Fairplay. The boats were then stationed as follows: At Paducah, Peosta and Fairplay. Patrols.From Paducah to Metropolis, Victory. From Metropo- lis to Head of Chain, Silver Lake. From Head of Chain to Cale- donia, Brilliant. From Caledonia to Mound City, boat supplied by Captain Pennock. At Smithland on the Cumberland, the Spring- field. About 3 p. m. information was received that Columbus was to be attacked. I therefore proceeded on down to Columbus with thi Page 218 218 NAVAL POlICES ON WESTERN WATERS. boat and the Hastings under orders from Captain Pennock. En- closed is a copy. After arriving at Columbus and being told by the military com- mandant of that post that reinforcements were not necessary, that he could hold the place, I posted the Fairy in a commanding posi- tion and moved on down the river with this boat and the Hastings. During the night the Volunteer joined me with ammunition for the New Era at Fort Pillow. During the night I received information that Fort Pillow had been captured by the enemy. I therefore thought it proper to hurry down at once to reinforce the boats there, so that we might be able to prevent the enemy from planting batteries along the banks and thereby cut off communication with the boats below. I arrived at Fort Pillow on the afternoon of the 14th and met there the New Era, shelling the rebels away from the point just above Cold ECoali Creek, where they had displayed considerable bravery in set- ting fire to one of our empty coal barges. I also opened fire in the same direction and moved on down and communicated with the New Era. After learning the true state of affairs, I directed the Hastings to round to and shell the woods along up to Plum Point, as the rebels were there in strong force in these woods and were showing their honesty and bravery by firing the wood piles along the bank. I ran on down the river and picked up our empty coal barge which had been fired by the rebels and was then drifting down the river. I got hold of the barge and got the fire out before it had done much damage. I proceeded on up around Plum Point and got several shots at rebel cavalry. The Hastings also got several good shots at them behind the wood- piles just as I was coming up. Just at the foot of Island No. 30 we again saw another force of rebel cavalry and followed through the chute, shelling them as they went. There were a number of steamers tied up at Island No. 30, having been stopped there by the commanding officer of the New Era. The rebels had formed a plan for the capture of these steamers, and were then concentrating opposite the island for that purpose. Learning that the rebels had not crossed the Hatchee River, and knowing that Pillow was safe, the boats were started down the river. After we had passed through the chute and came down to them, we convoyed them below Pillow, then, returning to the fort, landed the Voiunteet~ and New Era. Took on board the Volunteer the remain- ing women and children and on board of this boat the remainder of the wounded, after which we tied up to the towhead opposite, about 12 p. in., where we lay till daylight in the morning. When going down I found the Wilson tied up at Island No. 1~3 with a heavy tow waiting for convoy. I took her on down to Island No. 30, where she remained till all was found clear below. She then went with us in the fore part of the night down to Pillow, where she remained till I left in the morning, when I turned her over to the New Era t~ see [hen safely down the river. Soon after daylight I ran over to Pillow and landed. threw out pickets a sufficient distance to prevent a surprise, and finished bury- ing the dead, as many bodies were still left untouched on the field. A great portion of the dead were thrown into the ditch around th Page 219 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 219 fort and were left by the enemy, some with their heads, others with their feet and arms sticking out. Our pickets on the right were fired on, but not hit; they returned the fire and were not again dis- turbed. After having completed burying the dead the pickets were called in and I proceeded up the river, as I did not wish to be away from my command longer than possible and not thinking it necessary that I should lay at Pillow any longer. At Ashport I got intimation of a portion of the enemy in the woods and shelled them back. I believe the force at Fort Pillow was about 500200 white and 300 negroesnearly all of which were either killed or wounded. It is reported that all the negroes were killed and most of the officers. I do not think, front a hasty glance, that the fort was on the most commanding position, else it might have been defended even by that number of men. There is also no doubt that the rebels took advan- tage of a flag of truce to advance on the fort, and while the flag was up they advanced in a heavy column up a ravine to within a few yards of the breastworks I reached this point and reported to Captain Pennock this evening and will proceed on up the river to Smithland at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Ro~ FITcH, Lieutenant-Commander, Com~dg. 8th Di8t. hlhss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding AIis8i8sippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. P. S.The enemy got some five or six pieces of artillery from the fort; some of them are 10-pound rifles. I believe we may therefore expect to see them again on the river at some point between here and Paducah, very likely opposite Cairo or Mound City. LE Ro~ FITcH, Lieutenant- Commander. Report of Acting Master Marshall, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. New Era, regarding cooperation in defense of Fort Pillow. U. S. S. NEW EllA, Off Fort Pillow, April 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 12th instant, at 6 a. in.. we received information from Major Booth, commanding at Fort Pillow, that the enemy were advancing with a large force on the fort. We had previously arranged signals with the commander of the post, so that in case he was attacked he could give us by signal the position of the enemy. We immediately got ready for action. At 6:30 a. m. the firing had commenced on all sides, we moving up and down, and firing as signaled from the fort. At 12:15 p. m. the enemy opened fire on us with two pieces of light artillery, which were stationed under cover of Wolfs Hill, they firing and then retiring behind the hill again, but doing no d.amage to us. Sharp- shooters were continually firing on us from all directions. At 1:45 p. m. the firing ceased. We came to anchor a short distance from tile fort. Owing to the strong wind and current, our firing was fro Page 220 220 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. our starboard battery, and our guns had become quite hot and very foul, and required cleaning. As soon as the firing had ceased the enemy sent in a flag of truce. At 3:15 the flag was withdrawn and an immediate assault made on the fort, which was soon taken, the enemy coming up with overwhelming force. The fort colors were lowered by the enemy and an indiscriminate massacre was com- menced on our troops, the enemy firing volley after volley on them. At the same time the guns of the fort were turned on us, and shell were falling over and around us. We got underway and proceeded upstream out of range. When out of range, came to, and took on board women and children that had been driven from the fort; then proceeded upstream and came to anchor off Barfields Point at 12:30 a. m. of the 13th. At 7:30 a. m. put refugees on board steamer Lady Pike, and at 8 a. m. started downstream, the steamer Lady Pike following, we intending that if the enemy were still in possession of the fort, to send in a flag of truce, asking permission to take care of our wounded and bury the dead. On arriving at the fort found the enemy still there in large force~ General Chalmers commanding; General Forrest just outside with the remainder of the forces. U. S. S. No. 38 and steamer Platte Valley had arrived from Mem- phis under flag of truce, caring for the wounded and burying the dead. We signaled and came in, sent an officer and a few men on shore to assist. We buried 64 before the flag of truce was with- drawn. The enemy had buried between 300 and 400. At 5 p. m. got underway and proceeded downstream to where our coal barge had grounded (it having drifted onto the bar at Island [No.1 34; it was cut adrift during the engagement), where we came to anchor for the night; 14th, at 12 a. in., got underway and started up- stream; came into the bank at Fulton, took on board citizens that were captured by the enemy and released, proceeded upstream under flag of truce, stopped at Fort Pillow, found that the main force had evacuated. We saw about 500 of Forrests cavalry across Coal Creek; they had set fire to our empty coal barge while our flag of truce was still flying. We immediately set all refugees on shore, took down our white flag, and started in pursuit, they at the same time were moving up the river bank, burning piles of cord wood. We opened fire on them and drove them back. While we were firing the U. S. steamers Nos. 15, 34, and Volunteer came in sight. We signaled to them. They commenced firing also. We proceeded up as far as Island [No.] 30, then returned to Fort Pillow, and came to anchor for the night. This morning got underway and came into the fort, sent an officer and a few men on shore to bury the re- mainder of the dead. In conclusion, I must express my high appre- ciation of the good conduct of the officers and men on board this vessel. No persons were injured on board. Enclosed you will find memorandum of ammunition expended. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. MARSHALL, Acting Master, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander S. LEDYATID PHELPS, Commanding 6th Division iiihssissippi Squadron. Amount of ammunition exjiended in the engagement of the 12th instant: 191 rounds of shell, 85 rounds of shrapnel, 6 rounds o Page 221 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 221 canister, 375 rounds of rifle cartridges, 96 rounds of revolver car- tridges. On the 11th: 34 rounds of shrapnel. JAS. MARSHALL, Acting ilaster, Commanding U. S. S. No. 7. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Pattison, U. S. Navy, regarding the sending of U. S. S. Silver Cloud to Fort Pillow. U. S. NAVAL STATION, Memphis, Jienn., April 13, 1864. SIR: Last evening about 5 oclock two gentlemen, who were dis- patched by Acting Master Marshall, commanding U. S. S. New Era, reported to me that Fort Pillow was attacked by the rebels at day- light that morning and requested that I would send him ammunition, as he would be out by 12 oclock this day. In consequence of this in- formation, I ordered Acting Master Ferguson, commanding U. S. S. Silver Cloud, to proceed without delay to Fort Pillow and render all the assistance in his power to defend the place. At 10 p. m. last evening the Ike Hammitt, with a barge load of cotton in tow, re- turned to this place and reported to me that Fort Pillow had sur- rendered to the rebels and the guns of the fort were turned upon the shipping. The river is effectually blockaded at that point for the present, no vessels being able to pass lip or down. Ca.ptain ~3irch, commanding the General Lyon, who has just ar- rived at this point, informs me that he has little or no cargo and can easily return and give you information that the river is blockaded; consequently, I have concluded to dispatch him to you with informa- tion of the state of affairs, to enable you to judge of the necessity of sending ironclads to again open the river at that point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. PATTISON, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Nwval Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Pattisoli, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of U. S. S. Silver Cloud regarding assistance rendered at Fort Pillow. U. S. NAVAL STATION, Memphis, Tenn., April 13, 1864midnight. SIR: Acting Master Ferguson, commanding the Siloer Cloud, has just returned to this station from Fort Pillow and handed to me the enclosed report of his proceedings since leaving this station on the night of the 12th instant I also enclose you an interesting account of the battle at Fort Pil- low by a gentleman who was on board the Platte Valley. Major- General iluribut informed me to-day that he had only about 4,000 men to defend this city with. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. PAITISON, Lieutenamt-Uommander, Co nding Naval Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comm nding illississiypi Squadron Page 222 222 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. SILVER CLOUD, Off 2JIemphi8, April 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order of the 12th instant I was taken in tow by the steamer Platte Valley and proceeded with all haste possible up the river to render assistance to our forces at Fort Pillow. About 20 miles above Memphis I spoke a steamer coming down and learned that Fort Pillow was captured by the rebels at 3 p. m. of the 12th. At 10:30 p. m. I had my fire walls repaired and steam up, but still continued lashed to the Platte Valley, as by that means I could make more haste. I arrived at Fult.n, 3 miles below Fort Pillow, about 6 a. m. on the 13th and cast off from the Platte Valley, directing her to follow me up cautiously. At Fulton I learned that the rebel pickets were about one-half mile farther on. I soon came upon their outpost and commenced to shell the woods and hills in suspicious places, con- tinuing to do so until I arrived opposite Fort Pillow. Although I could see parties of their cavalry moving about upon the hills, they did not return my fire. I rounded to a short distance above the fort and stood down the river close to the bank. All the buildings round the fort and the fort itself were on fire, and when I arrived abreast the fort several of our troops, some of them wounded, came out from their hiding p laces. I landed and took them on board and whilst doing so was fired upon by sharpshooters, but no person was injured. I then stood out in the river again and commenced to shell the hills. About this time some cavalry showed themselves on the hills with a flag of truce. I ceased firing and sent my cutter on shore in answer to it. The officer bearing the flag of truce had a proposal from General Forrest (a copy of which I forward) that he would give us possession of the fort and the country around it until 5 p. m. (it was then 8 a. in.) for the purpose of burying our dead and removing our wounded, who were suffering terribly from want of attention, pro- vided I would acknowledge the parole of the wounded lying on the battle field. I agreed to his terms, and immediately made preparations for bringing down the wounded and burying our dead. The wounded I placed on board the Platte Valley for transportation to the New Madrid Hospital. I sent my surgeon in charge of them. Details of rebel soldiers and several of our soldiers on board the Platte Valley assisted my crew in bringing down the wounded, etc. In the mean- time the U. S. S. New Era came down the river and sent a party on shore. After the Platte Valley had stood up the river with all the wounded found in the fort and around on the contested ground some 20 more came in from the rebel lines badly wounded. These were received by Fleet Surgeon Pinkney on board the Red Rover, which vessel fortunately came down the river at this time. The dead we buried amounted to about 150. We removed 69 wounded from the battle field, besides 20 I took on board before the flag of truce was sent in by the enemy. From all I could learn of the enemy s strength and future move- ments I should think that Forrests force is not over 6,000. He has ten pieces of artillery, including the six captured at Fort Pillow, an Page 223 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 223 was supposed to be preparing for a movement upon Memphis. The pieces of artillery captured at Fort Pillow were captured in good order ,with about 150 rounds of ammunition to each gun. having completed the burying of the dead and the removal of the wounded, I immediately stood down the river to report to you. I left the New Era about 3 miles below Fort Pillow. I beg leave to forward to you with this report the agreement entered into by myself with the enemy under their flag of truce and a list of the wounded paroled. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. FERGUSON, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Silver Cloud. Lieutenant-Commander T. PxrrJSON, U. S. Navy, Commandant Naval Station, Memphis, Jienn. [Subenclosures.] HEADQUARTERS FORRESTS CAVALRY, Fort Pillow, April 13, 1864. I am authorized to say by Major-General Forrest he desires to place the badly wounded of your Army on board of your boats, pro- vided you will acknowledge their parole. I shall send all (white or black) who desire to go. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. ANDERSON, Major and Aid-de-Camp, C. S. Army. Acting Master FERGUSON, Commanding Gunboat Silver Cloud, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. SILVER CLOUD, Off Fort Pillow, A il 13, 1864. I accept your flag of truce and will land my vessel accordingly. Respectfully, ~. FERGUSON, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Silver Cloud. Captain C. NV. ANDERSON, C. S. ARMY, Bearer of Flag of Trace. ON BOARD U. S. GUNBOAT SILVER CLOUD, Fort Pillow, April 13, 1864. It is agreed that until 5 oclock p. m. this evening details from United States forces or others interested in the burial of the dead or the recovery of the wounded, shall have free access to the fort and the grounds around it until 5 oclock p. m. this evening. For Confederate States: FORREST, Major- General, Commanding. CHAS. NV. ANDERSON, Aid-de-Camp and Assistant Adjutant-General. Acting Master W. FERGUSON, Commanding U. S. S. Silver Cloud Page 224 224 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. HEADQUARTERS FORRESTS CAVALRY DEPARTMENT, Fort Pillow, April 13, 1864. Referring to the COPY of communication, herewith attached, I am authorized to say by General Forrest that he desires to place the badly wounded of your army on board of one of your boats, provided you xviii acknowledge their parole, I shall send all (black or white) who desire to go. Respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. ANDERSON, Major and Aid-de-Camp. In accordance with the above, we have received on board the U. S. gunboat Silver Cloud the following-named prisoners, wounded at Fort Pillow April 12, 1864: First Lieutenant John H. Porter, Company B, Thirteenth Tennes- see Cavalry. Second Lieutenant H. Lippett, Company B, Sixth U. S. Colored Troops. First Lieutenant M. J. Leaming, adjutant, ~Thirteenth Tennessee. Jno. Plemmel, acting quartermasters clerk [and 54 others]. Oim FORT PILLOW, Apr~il 13, 18646 p. m. Editor8, Argue: GENTLEMEN: The combined forces (numbering between 7,000 and 8,000) of Major-General Forrest, General Chalmers, Colonel McCul- loch, and Colonel Bell, the two latter commanding brigades, made an assault upon our fortifications at about 6 a. m. on yesterday. Our force consisted of about 250 whites and 350 blacks. The U. S. S. New Era, Acting Master James Marshall commanding, lying off the fort, shelled the rebels and drove them i~rom a position which they had gained on the south side of the fort. They again assaulted our works from the north side. Owing to the dense timber, it was im- possible to dislodge them, although Captain Marshall kept a con- tinual shower of shell and shrapnel raining down upon them; but so small was the force in the garrison and so overwhelming the rebel force, that at about 3:30 p. m. the enemy carried our works and the gallant few which were left [were] taken prisoners. The guns of the fort consisted of two 12-pounder hO~Titzers, two 10-pounder rifled, and two 10-pounder Parrotts, six pieces in all. Major Booth and two captains of the Sixth United States Artillery (colored) were~ killed early in the engagement, also two lieutenants of same com- mand badly wounded. Of the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, Cap- tains Bradford, Porter, and Leaming, also Lieutenant Barr and some others, who could not be identified. Major Bradford was taken pris- oner, and reported by the rebels as having been paroled the liberty of their camp, and having violated it by escaping during last night, bat I was told that he was taken out by the rebels late last evening and shot. Captain Young, provost-marshal of post, taken a prisoner and paroled the liberty of their camp, says that our forces behaved gallantly throughout the whole action; that our loss in killed will exceed 200; he also stated that General Forrest shot one of his ow Page 225 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 225 command for refusing quarters to our men. Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Pattison, commandant of station at Memphis, receiving dis- patches at 7 p. m. last evening from the commanding officer of New Era that he was nearly out of ammunition, ordered the mail steamer Platte Valley to take in tow U. S. S. Silver Cloud, Acting Master W. Ferguson, commanding, and proceed at once to the scene of ac- tion. The boilers of the Silve Cloud being at the time down, through the energy of Captain Ferguson, in three hours they were up, and by 12 [had] steam enough to make 6 knots against the cur- rent. The two boats kept together until 2 a. in., when Captain Fer- guson ordered Captain Riley, commanding Platte Valley, to drop astern. At 7 a. m. we arrived in sight of Fort Pillow. The commis- sary and other public buildings, together with some 12 stores, private property, were in flames. The rebels could be seen moving about applying torches to the barracks, huts, and stables. Captain Fergu- son ordered his pilot to move up within range for 5-second shells. For some thirty minutes or more he continued throwing shell and shrapnel at detached squads as they moved about. The cannon, which was mounted on field carriage, the rebels had moved during the night from the fort to their outposts. A flag of truce appearing, Captain Ferguson ordered his men to cease firing, and answered it by send- ing a small boat with an officer and 6 men to the shore. Presently it returned with a communication from Major-General Forrest, say- ing that a large number of our wounded were suffering for the want of proper ~tttention, saying that in the event certain stipulations (which he mentioned) were agreed to, that he would withdraw his forces to the outer works and give him possession of the fort until 5 p. in., occupying same under flag of truce for the purpose of burying the dead and removing the wounded. Captain Ferguson, knowing that the shells from his guns would necessarily explode among our wounded, causing a still greater loss of life to us, entered into an agreement with Major Charles W. Anderson, aid-de-camp to General Forrest, and acting under his authority, the purport of which was that on our part we would not disturb their men while gathering the small arms nor allow anything whatever to be removed from the battle field. On their part they were to allow us to land as many men as we might deem necessary to bury the dead and take the wounded off, they requiring one hour to withdraw their remain- ing armed forces to the outworks. At about 12 m. we commenced. Captain Ferguson signaled the Platte Valley to move up and come alongside, which she did do, and the wounded, some fifty-odd, placed on board. A list of their names I herewith append. The rebels rendered us efficient aid, facilitating as much as possible getting the wounded on board transport. Those wounded who could walk were generally brought down the bluffs, supported on either side by a rebel soldier. Too much praise can not be bestowed upon Captain Riley, as well as all other officers of the Platte Valley, for lzhe man- ner in which they provided for the wounded, requiring the passen- gers to give up their staterooms, furnishing at once proper suste- nance of food, and nourishing drinks to those who were unable to eat. There were a great many ladies on board who, God bless them, true to their nature, went at once to work alleviating as far as pos- 1020080N W RVOL 26131 Page 226 226 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. sible their sufferings. After the Platte Valley left, some 12 to 15 wounded were sent in from the Confederate camp. The United States naval hospital boat Red Rover landed, and Fleet Surgeon Ninian Pinkne~y, with his usual promptness, provided comfortable quarters for them, and with his little army of assistant surgeons soon had their wounds dressed. The names of those taken charge of by Surgeon Pinkney I did not get, the accompanying list being the names only of those sent to Cairo. Now that the excitement is over, the thought of those charred bodies, together with the nausea occasioned by the burning human flesh, and the 200 or more dead bodies mangled, dying as they did, pleading for quarter, many with faces distorted with pain, eyes bayoneted, skulls broken, and some with bowels torn from the hu- man casements, some so besmeared with blood and the flesh of com- rades as to render them incog. to even their own fathers and mothers, it has so sickened me that I can write no more. Messrs. editors ,J must add that in storming a fort where such desperate resistance is offered, that many, very many, must fall; but at Fort Pillow I have every evidence that instead of honorable warfare that the Confeder- ates pursued that of indiscriminate butchery. I have the honor to be, your humble servant, N. D. WETMORE, Jr. Order of~Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Columbus, Ky., for cooperation in defense of that place. OFFICE Mississirri SQITADRON, Cairo, Ill., April 13, 1864. SIR: Colonel Lawrence, commanding at Columbus, Ky., has in- formed the general commanding at this place that the rebel General Buford has demanded the surrender of Columbus and been refused. You will proceed in the vessel under your command to Columbus and cooperate with the army in the defense of that place. The gunboat Fairy is now there, and I will send the Ha8ting8 to you as soon as possible. If you find it necessary to go to Hickman, you will do so. We have no troops there, and I am informed that the rebels go into and out of the place at will. The river must be kept open at all hazards. You are aware of the situation of affairs at this place and above, and as soon as your force, or a portion of it, can be spared let me have it. When your services are no longer needed below here you will re- turn to this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCk, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Lientenant-Colnmander LE IIOY FITCH, Connn~anding Eighth Di8triet Mis8i88ippi Squadron Page 227 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 227 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, directing attention to Paducali as the probable point of attack. U. S. S. MOOSE, Columbus, April 13, 1864. SIR: I have made enquiry on shore. The colonel commanding is now on board. We do not think it necessary that this boat and the Hastings should remain here, as the colonel feels himself perfectly able to hold the place in case of an attack. From every indication I believe yet that Paducah is to be the point of attack, or some inter- mediate point. I do not therefore think it advisable to call all the force down from Paducah. I would therefore suggest that you let Shirk know the state of affairs, and that you keep some gunboats at Cairo in readiness to proceed immediately to this point in case of necessity. I will leave the Fairy here, but I think it very necessary that I should go on down to Hickman, or even to Fort Pillow, with this boat and the Hastings. In case Pillow has been taken I can prevent the enemy from planting batteries on the river till sufficient reinforcements can be sent to reoccupy the place. Do not send the Fairplay or any of my boats below Cairo unless it should be necessary for the protection of Columbus, or unless I re- quire it, and not then unless they can be easily spared. Tell Shirk to keep a bright lookout for Paducah and the Cumber- land, for the boats to keep a vigilant patrol. The impression is that Pillow has gone up, but even if it has it will be our object to keep the enemy from planting heavy batteries on the banks to close the river. I would also suggest that one dispatch boat be here, one at Cairo for you, and that Shirk keep the Robb for a dispatch boat for him- self. Glassford must be ready to move; never mind the upper works. Keep him near you, so that you can send his boat where necessity requires. In haste, LE Ro~ FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 8th Dist. Mississippi Squadron. Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Cairo, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, recapitulating the events in Seventh District. U. S. S. PEOSTA, Paducak, Ky., April 1~9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report, recapitulating the events that have transpired in the Seventh District Mississippi Squadron since the 28th of March, upon which date I wrote you an account of the battle of Paducah. The rebels have troubled us at Paducah a great deal. Colonel Hicks, the commandant of the post, has no cavalry to scout the coun- try with, and the consequence is we have no reliable information of the whereabouts of the enemy. The town is filled with absurd r Page 228 228 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. mors of vast numbers of rebels, with any quantity of artillery, march- ing upon the place. We have no warning of their approach until the pickets are driven in, and then ensue scenes of running and get- ting away from the town that my pen can not do justice to. It would be ridiculous, if it was not painful to witness. Every citizen who comes in from the country tells a tale of the rebels being in large force only a few miles from here, and then we have another big scare. These are everyday occurrences. Small parties of the enemy are constantly prowling around in oui neighborhood, but I do not believe that they intend anything more than stealing and conscripting. On Sunday, the 10th instant, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Thomas E. Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding the Peosta, discovered on board a trading boat lying at Brooklyn, in Illinois, about 3 miles below Pa- ducah, five newly-made rebel uniforms. He totally destroyed the boat and its contents, save the uniforms, but unfortunately did not succeed in capturing the owner of the property. We may get him after all; and if we do, I will see that he has justice done him as soon as possible. I am fully convinced that the secession sympa- thizers in Illinois have been and are in collusion with their friends under Forrest. On Monday, the 11th instant, I was informed that there was to be a demonstration made by the rebels upon this place and that it was certain. If this was true, I knew that the attack would be made in larger force than that of March 25th. I wrote to Captain Pennock that I would save the fort if possible, but that I thought Colonel Hicks ought to have more men. The result was that General Bray- man sent up two old regiments to reinforce the fort, and Lieutenant- Commander Fitch very generously came on with five gunboats of the Eighth District, viz, Moose, Brilliant, Fairplay, Victory, and Silver Lake. We were ready and anxious for the enemy at daylight of the 12th, but he did not make his appearance. Captain Fitch left at night for Cairo. Between Mound City and Paducah we have es- tablished and kept up the following patrol, viz: From Paducah to Metropolis, the Victory; from Metropolis to Head of Chain, the Sil- ver Lake; from Head of Chain to Caledonia, the Brilliant; from Caledonia to Mound City, the Elfin. The Paw Paw, Tawah, Key West, and Hobb have been employed in convoying army transports up the Tennessee and in patrolling that river. The Peosta and Fair- play are guarding Paducah. On the 14th instant the rebels made their appearance; this I re- ported to you in my letter of that date. I was not aware at that time of what I afterwards learned to be the case, that while the flag of truce was at the fort squads of the rebels entered the town and stole all the Government horses and some that belonged to private per- sons, thus violating the flag which we consider a sacred symbol. On the night of the 15th instant a party of about 100 rebels fired from the Kentucky shore upon the gunboat Victory. This was a mile or so above Metropolis. They did no damage, but were severely punished by the Victory. Last night, the 18th, the rebels fired upon our videttes, about 2 miles from the fort. The troops were got under arms and kept so until daylight, but nothing further came of it Page 229 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 229 This morning I sent the Brilliant, Hobb, and Key West up the Tennessee River. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Seventh District. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, IJ. S. Navy Com~mandiug U. S. Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, regarding threatened at- tacks upon Paducah and Columbus, Ky. U. S. S. PEOSTA, Paducak, April 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the rebel Buford drove in our pickets at this place about noon to-day and sent in a flag of truce, saying that he would give one hour to remove the women and children. The gunboats Peosta, Key West, Fairplay, and Victory took their positions in the river below and above the fort, ready to protect it. The hour having passed, the enemy did not make the threatened attack. The gunboats shelled the upper part of Paducah and Jersey, where they were said to be, and drove them out. The rebels are now encamped ~t the fair grounds, outside of the city and out of range of our guns. I do not believe that they will venture an attack while we have the present force at this place. It does seem to me that it is a great shame that these marauders should be allowed to roam at will in this little corner of western Kentucky. They (the same party) made a demand for the surrender of Columbus yesterday, and drove the women and chlldren out of that place to Cairo; to-day they did the same thing at Paducah. Everything has been so unsettled in my district this past ten days that I have not had the opportunity or time to make such a report of my proceedings as I ought to have done. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 7th Pist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Mississippi Squadron, Flagship Black Hawk. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., April 13, 1864. Demonstrations are made on Columbus, but may mean Paducah. Keep your forces ready. Captain Shirk will stay with you. Let no boats come down. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Colonel S. G. HICKS, Paducah Page 230 2~O NAVAL FORCES OX WESTERX WATERS. [Telegram.] NASHVILLE, April 13, 1864. Give me all the information you have relative to the attack on Columbus. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. General BRAYMAN. [Telegram.] CAIRo, April 13, 18648 :30 p. m~. The surrender of Columbus was demanded and refused at 6 this morning. Women and children brought away. Heavy artillery firing this forenoon. I have sent reinforcements. Paducah also threatened. No danger of either, but I think that Fort Pillow, in the Memphis district, is captured. General Shepley passed yesterday and saw the flag go down and thinks it a surrender. I have enough troops now from below and will go down if necessary to that point. Captain Pennock will send gunboats. If lost, it will be retaken immediately. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., April 13, 1864. Captain Pennock will telegraph you about the shell. Your ammu- nition went up. I fear it was carried by. All safe at Columbus. Fort Pillow said to have been taken. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General, Cwmmandimg. Colonel S. G. HICKs, Paducah. [Telegram.] CAIRO, April 14, 1864. Fort Pillow was taken by storm at 3 p. m. on the 12th, with six guns. The negroes, about 300, murdered after surrendering with their officers. Of the 200 white men 57 have just arrived and sent to Mound City. About 100 are prisoners and the rest killed. The whole affair was a scene of murder. The gunboats not returned. Forrest reported wounded and gone to Brownsville with prisoners, taking all the artillery. Nothing from below Pillow. Scouts bring rumor that Morgan is approaching Nashville. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General. Major-General W. T. SHERMAN Page 231 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 231 Report of Acting BL(aster Ferguson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Silver Cloud, making statement regarding treatment of Federal troops at the capture of Fort Pillow. U. S. S. SILVER CLOUD, O/J Memphis, Tenn., Aptil 14, 1864. SIR: In compliance with your request that I would forward to you a written statement of what I witnessed and learned concerning the treatment of our troops by the rebels at the capture of Fort Pillow by their forces under General Forrest, I have the honor to submit the following report: Our garrison at Fort Pillow, consisting of some 350 colored troops and 200 of the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, refusing to surrender, the place was carried by assault about 3 p. m. of 12th instant. I arrived off the fort at 6 a. m. on the morning of the 13th instant. Parties of rebel cavalry were picketing on the hills around the fort, and shelling those away I made a landing and took on board some 20 of our troops (some of them badly wounded), who had concealed themselves along the bank and came out when they saw my vessel. While doing so, I was fired upon by rebel sharpshooters posted on the hills and one wounded man limping down to the vessel was shot. About 8 a. m. the enemy sent in a flag of truce with a proposal from General Forrest that he would put me in possession of the fort and the country around until 5 p. in., for the purpose of burying our dead aud removing our wounded, whom he had no means of attend- ing to. I agreed to the terms proposed, and hailing the steamer Platte Valley, which vessel I had convoyed up from Memphis, I brought her alongside and had the wounded brought down from the fort and battlefield and placed on board of her. Details of rebel soldiers assisted us in this duty and some soldiers and citizens on board the Platte I7aliey volunteered for the same purpose. We found about 70 wounded men in the fort and around it, and buried, I should think, 150 bodies. All the buildings around the fort and the tents and the huts in the fort had been burned by the rebels, and among the embers the charred remains of numbers of our soldiers, ~vho had suffered a terrible death in the flames, could be seen. All the wounded who had strength enough to speak agreed that after the fort was taken an indiscriminate slaughter of our troops was carried on by the enemy with a furious and vindictive savageness which was never equaled by the most merciless of the Indian tribes. Around on every side horrible testimony to the truth of this state- ment could be seen. Bodies with gaping wounds, some bayoneted through the eyes, some with skulls beaten through, others with hideous wounds, as if their bowels h d been ripped open with bowie knives, plainly told that but little quarter was shown to our troops. Strewn from the fort to the river bank, in the ravines and hollows, behind logs and under the brush where they had crept for protection from the assassins who pursued them, we found bodies bayoneted, beaten, and shot to death, showing how cold-blooded and persistent was the slaughter of our unfortunate troops. Of course, when a work is carried by assault there will always be more or less bloodshed, even when all resistance has ceased; but here there were unmistakable evidences of a massacre carried on long afte Page 232 232 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTER WATEIi~. any resistance could have been offered, with a cold-blooded barbarity and perseverance which nothing can palliate. ~As near as I can learn, there were about 500 men in the fort when it was stormed. I received about 100 men, including the wounded and those I took on board before the flag of truce was sent in. The rebels I learned had few prisoners, so that at least 300 of our troops mllst have been killed in this affair. I have the honor to forward a list of the wounded officers and men received from the enemy under flag of truce. I am, general, your obedient servant, W. FERGUSON, Acting ilaster, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Silver Cloud. Maj or-General ITUELBUT. Letter from Major-General Huribut, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant-Commander Pat- tison, U. S. Navy, desiring a gunboat reconnoissance to learn the facts regard- ing Fort Pillow. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Jenn., April 14, 1864. DEAR SIR: It is important that the actual state of affairs at Fort Pillow should be ascertained. The best means of doing this is by reconnoissance made by the gunboats. I am of the opinion that the enemy will not remain long, and will be much obliged if you will direct such movements on the part of the gunboats as will ascertain the fact of occupation or abandonment. Very truly, your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. Lieutenant-Commander PATTISON, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Station, Memphis, Teun. Report of Brigadier-General Brayman, U. S. Army, forwarding statement of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, regarding movements of Confederate forces in West Tennessee and Kentucky. HEADQUARTERS. DISTRICT OF CAIRO, Cairo, Ill., April 20, 1864. SIR: Captain Shirk, of the gunboat Peosta., a cool and intelligent officer, whose judgment is valuable, and whose trips up the Tennessee give him means of obtaining information, writes me as follows: U. S. S. PEOSTA, Paducah, Ky., April 19, 1864. GnNERAL: I have just been informed of a solution of the movements of the rebels in West Tennessee and Kentucky, which, if true, ought to be known to Major-General Sherman. It is this: That Forrest is to hold this portion of these two States between Memphis and Paducah, while General Polk moves north and has secured a place upon the Tennessee River to cross, when he is to be joined by Forrest, and the combined force is then to cross and cut off the supplies of the army near Chattanooga. I am told it is a fact that General Polk is moving north Page 233 NAVAL ITORCES Olt WESTElIIt WATERS. 233 Colonel Hicks tells me that he has information that there is an infantry force of rebels now at Paris, Tenn. These two reports would seem to corroborate each other. I am, very respectfully, etc., JAMES W. SI-uRK, Lieut. Gomdr., U. ~. Navy, Go dg. 7th District Mississippi 8quadron. Very respectfully, M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major-General NV. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. P. S.I am securing affidavits in relation to the Fort Pillow affair, and find the facts as stated in press substantiated. Report of Major Anderson, C. S. Army, regarding disposition of killed and wounded under flag of truce at Fort Pillow. HEADQUARTERS FORRESTS CAVALRY, Jackson, Tenn., April 17, 1864. MAJOR: Having been ordered by the major-general commanding on the morning succeeding the battle of Fort Pillow (13th instant) to return to the fort and make some disposition of the wounded Feder- als, and to see that the dead were buried, etc I took with me 3 men of the escort, and when within 2 miles of the fort I met with General Chalmers and asked his permission to take with me Captain Young, a captured Federal officer, whose presence I thought would assist me in obtaining the delivery of a message to the officers command- ing the gunboats, who were then engaged in shelling the hills around the fort. On nearing the river I raised the white flag and proceeded imme- diately to the bank of the river. The firing ceased and the officer on deck asked what was wanted. He was requested to send his small boat ashore, which he did. Ascertaining the name of the officer in command, as well as the name of the yessel, I sent him the communica- tion marked A, * hereto appended, and in a short time received the reply marked B. * After its delivery to me the vessel hauled down the United States colors, ran up a white flag, and landed. Details were immediately sent out to bring in the wounded, a list of them being taken as they were passed aboard the vessel, a copy of which, with the acknowledgment of the agreement and receipt of the com- manding officer of the gunboat, is appended, marked C. About 10 a. m. several transports and gunboats, both upward and downward bound, approached, and leave was asked to land one of the transports for the purpose of placing the wounded on her, which would save the necessity of their being again transferred. A mes- sage from another was also received, asking permission to land, as she had on board the families of some of the officers and men of the fort and desired to know their fate. Believing it proper and right in both cases that the request should be granted, I drew up an article, * See pp. 223, 224 Page 234 234 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. which was signed by Acting Master Ferguson and myself, in which it was stipulated that the flag of truce should remain in full force and effect until 5 p. in.; that all Confederate troops should be with- drawn to the outerworks in order to give those interested in the burial of the dead and removal of the wounded an opportunity of doing so without a chance of molestation. This agreement Was sub- mitted to and approved of by General Chalmers, after which the vessels were permitted to land, and all who desired to do so visited the fort, and extra details were sent out for the wounded. A detail sent down by Brigadier-General Chalmers to bury the remaining dead were near the fort when I reached there. The officer reported that he was unable to perform the duty, owing to the constant fire of the gunboat, which prevented them from approaching the river. The work was completed by 4 oclock, when I withdrew my flag to the top of the bluff and proceeded to burn all unconsumed houses and tents around the fort. The Silver Cloud rounded out, and, when three- quarters of a mile below the fort, lowered the white flag, ran up United States colors, and was soon out of sight. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. ANDERSON, Aid-de-Camp. Major J. P. STRANGE, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FORRESTS CAVALRY, Fort Pillow, April 13, 1864. Referring to the copy of communication attached, the following- named officers and privates * are acknowledged to have been received under the proposition made, and their parole is hereby acknowl- edged.. I hereby acknowledge to have received from Major-General For- rest 2 first and 1 second lieutenants, 43 white privates, and 14 ne- groes. W. FERGLTSON, Acting Master, Conomandiug U. S. S. Silver Cloud. Letter from Major-General Forrest, C. S. Army, to Major-General Lee, C. S. Army, desiring his cooperation in securing facts to refute the statements of the Northern press regarding the so.called massacre at Fort Pillow. HEADQUARTERS FORRESTS CAVALRY, Tupelo, Miss., May 16, 1864. GENERAL: So much has been said by the Northern press in regard to the engagement at Fort Pillow that, at the suggestion of Colonel Brent and others, I have sent Judge Scruggs down for the purpose of conversing with and procuring the statements of Captain Young and other Federal officers in regard to the matter. They are sur- vivors of the so-called massacre, and Captain Young, who received * List not published Page 235 1~AVAL FORCES ON WR~TERN WATERS. 2g5 and delivered the correspondence relative to the demand for sur- render, was also with my aid-de-camp, Captain Anderson, with flags of truce on the day succeeding the capture in delivering the wounded on board the U. S. vessels. I respectfully suggest, therefore, that you furnish Judge Scruggs with such papers as will enable him to make the examination desired, as it may prove important; and inasmuch as the investigating committee appointed by the Federal President have reported, a communication to Confederate authority may be made on the subject, and it is due to my command to place at the cormuand of the War Department all the facts in the prem- ises. I am, general, very respectfully, etc., you obedient servant, N. B. FORREST, IJiajor- General. Major-General S. D. LEE, Demo polis, Ala. Letter from Captain Young, U. S. Army, to Major-General Forrest, C. S. Army, regarding treatment of Federal killed and wounded. CAHABA, ALA., May 19, 1864. GENERAL: Your request, made through Judge P. T. Scruggs, that I should make a statement as to the treatment of Federal dead and wounded at Fort Pillow has been made known to me. Details from Federal prisoners were made to collect the dead and wounded. The dead were buried by their surviving comrades. I saw no ill-treat- ment of the wounded on the evening of the battle or next morning. My friend, Lieutenant Leaming, adjutant Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, was left under the sutlers store (near the fort); also a lieutenant of Sixth U. S. Artillery; both were alive next morning and sent on board U. S. transport among many other wounded. Among the wounded were some colored troops. I do not know how many. r have examined a report said to have been made by Captain Anderson, aid-de-camp, to Major-General Forrest, appendix to Gen- eral Forrests report, in regard to making disposition of Federal wounded left on the field at Fort Pillow, and think it is correct. T accompanied Captain Anderson on the day succeeding the battle to Fort Pillow for the purpose above mentioned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN T. YOUNG, Captain, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers. Major-General Foiuu~sT, C. S. Army. Letter froin Major-General Rosecrans, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, suggesting that a good detective officer be stationed at Memphis to aid in restriction of contraband trade. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THB MIssouRI, ST. Louis, Mo., April 13, 1864. SIR: Personal experience in this department has fully satisfied me of the very great importance of having an able and thoroughly rel Page 236 236 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. able detective officer at Memphis. With such an officer there, having a clear and full understanding with the provost-marshal-general of this department, I am persuaded that the contraband trade and travel on the river between here and Memphis could be broken up and a great public good accomplished. Permit me, therefore, to suggest the propriety of authorizing Lieutenant J. B. Devoe, who is now here, to take up his quarters for a while at Memphis and take charge there of the duties indicated. I am, sir, very respectfully, W. S. RO5ECRANS, Major- General. Admiral D. D. PORTER. [Telegram.] St. Louis, Mo., April 13, 1864. Many circumstances convince me it would be of high importance to put Devoe at Memphis to operate in concert with our provost-marshal- general here. We have the coal gang in hand, but there is higher game. W. S. IROSECRANS, Major- General. Commodore D. D. PORTER, Care Captain Pennock. Report of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, regarding the completion of the U. S. S. IVinneba go. ST. Louis, Mo., April 15, 1864. SIR: The gunboat Winnel~ago, having been tried and examined and found to be finished in a thorough and satisfactory manner, will leave here to-morrow, with Chief Engineer King on board, for delivery at Cairo, for service in the Mississippi Squadron. At the request of Mr. King I have ordered Acting First Assistant Engineer Simon Shultice to go down in the Winnebago on account of his intimate knowledge of the machinery of the patent turret. I am, very respectfully, your obedient. servant, J. B. Huu1, Commodore, Superintending. COMMANDING OFFICER U. S. SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Foster, U. S. Navy, m~aking refer- ence to capture of Fort Pillow, Tenn., and expedition in Quachita River. U. S. S. LAFAYETTE, Mouth of Red River, April 15, 1864. SIR: The enclosed communication of Captain Pattison,* addressed to you, was handed me by Captain Birch, of the General Ly~on. * See page 221 Page 237 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 237 From the verbal reports of affairs at Fort Pillow I felt justified in reading the dispatch, and hope it will meet your approval. I shall immediately proceed to Memphis with the Choctaw, La- fayette, and Avenger, leaving Captain Wilson in command here with the Ouachita, General Bragg, Kenwood, and Little Rebel. The Sigtial can be called on if necessary, being now at Bayou Sara. I shall not make a detailed report of the expedition up the Guachita [River] until I have more time. We brought with us between twenty-five hundred and three thousand bales cotton and nearly eight hundred contrabands; burned the court-house, railroad depot, and bridge at Monroe, and proceeded up the river as far as Ouachita City. We met with no losses of any kind, and, from the short time we remained, accomplished fully as much as we anticipated at starting. We have also a few prisoners and a considerable number of refu- gees, of all of which I will give a correct account. The General Lyon is now here, and I will order her to remain until I find that it is safe for her to proceed to Cairo. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. JAS. P. Fosiirn, Lieut. Comdr., U. S. As., Coindg. 2d Diet. 2llissis8ippi Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Connuanding IIfi& si8sippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Pattison, U. S. Navy, referring to the small force present at Memphis for protection of that place. U. S. NAVAL STATION, Memphis, /ienn., April 16, 1864. SIR: Since my last report the U. S. gunboat Silver Cloud arrived here for slight repairs upon her furnaces,~which were completed in the course of two days. The Ike Ilamqnstt, with a barge load of cotton from Red River, also with a barge from the General Lyon, loaded with cotton and several pieces of ordnance, was sent up the river, convoyed by the Silver Cloud above Fort Pillow, and turned over to gunboats above that point for convoy to Cairo. General Hurlbut informs me that he has only about 4,000 men for the protection of this place, and the enemy have, as near as can be ascertained, between ten and fifteen thousand men within striking distance of the city. One portion of this force is south and another north and east of Memphis. George Woods, the pilot of the Queen of the West, whom I wrote to you about, has just been arrested, and is held by the provost- marshal, subject to your orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. PArrISON, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Naval Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 238 238 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton, re- garding ordering of vessels to proceed to Fort Pillo~w, Tenn., and to Red Ricer. U. S. IRONCLAD ESSEX, Red River, April 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have just received orders from the admiral to proceed without delay to Fort Pillow (captured by the rebels), taking with me the I3enton, Choctaw, Lafayette, and Avenger. He directs me to press into service any steamers to assist. I learn that the Lafayette and Choctaw have already pushed on. As you are slow, like us, press a steamer to tow you up as I shall do as soon as I reach the mouth of the river. Send down all the tinclads you can spare from your district, with orders to report to Captain Breese at the mouth of Black River with- out delay. The admiral wants them for service with him up Red River, protecting the army. Send the Torrence also with all speed to report at mouth of Red River. Captain Richardson, who will deliver this, will give you the news. If I happen to get a powerful steamer to tow us, I may chance to overhaul you before you get up to Fort Pillow. Yours, in great haste, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Commander, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Ironclad Benton. P. 5. As you may not feel well enough to write, I have given Captain Richardson orders for the Ton ence. R.T. Instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, for protectiom of Fort Pillow and patrol of the Mississippi Riveq. U. S. [S. BLACK HAwKi, Month of Red River, April 17, [1864]. M~ DEAR SIR: On leaving Alexandria yesterday the admiral talked very freely with in e about matters below here and told me to write you what he said if I did not see you. He wishes you to go to Fort Pillow and to remain in that neighborhood at your discretion, and also wished me to say to you that he contemplated repairing your vessel at Memphis and that he should write you, giving full directions as soon as he could find time. The admiral wishes me to impress upon you the necessity of looking out for the strong places on the river, and that if you did not deem the presence of the Choctaw, Lafayette, and Benton essential to send them to their stations. From reports above I judge there is no great necessity of those vessels, and that you can, with the tinclads, keep the river free from obstruction. I would therefore urge the return of the Benton as soon as possible to Natchez and the Lafayette to Bayou Sara; the Choctaw also to return to this place as soon as you can dispense with her services Page 239 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 239 The Signal, just up from below, reports a disposition on the part of the rebels to molest transports on the Mississippi bound for Alex- andria; they have three pieces of artillery. I have ordered the Omachita to patrol in this neighborhood, which order was confirmed by one just received from the admiral to that effect. My orders are to remain at Black River in Red and that the Avenger and Vindi- cator are to report to me at that place. As so many of the tinclads are withdrawn from the Mississippi, your good judgment will see the necessity of keeping the prominent places safe by the presence of an ironclad, and which, with the assistance of a vessel or two to patrol the intermediate spaces, will keep open all communications. It would be disastrous to Banks already demoralized army to have them even think that their supplies were cut off. Another point I would mention also. It is generally believed that Banks seeks but an excuse to withdraw his army and leave the gunboats deposited along the river from Grand Ecore to Alexandria to their fate. The admiral is using all his exertions to get them to the falls at least, and as many this side of it as possible, and Banks is somewhat afraid that the admiral may abandon him. All this I write you that you may see things as the admiral told me very nearly, and your own good judgment will do the rest. As Captain Phelps can not look out for his district, I think you should have no hesitation in dispos- ing of his vessels as you deem best. The Covington has been or- dered to report to the admiral, the Price to me; the latter to patrol between here and Natchez, and on her arrival the Champion will go up Red [iRiveri. The carpenters shops have been ordered to Natchez, and there should be responsible officers there to conduct matters. I have written to Greer to await your arrival and consult with you about the matter, and in the case of your being ahead to use his dis- cretion about returning to Natchez. Will you say to Mr. Stewart, on the Lancaster, that I am instructed by the admiral to convoy vessels up Black River after cotton and that I will (as soon as I get the gunboats) send him up when he arrives. The above you will understand are the views as expressed by the admiral. Most truly, yours, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. Commander TOWNSEND, Commanding Essex, etc. instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Corn nder Wilson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ouaehita. for cooperation with~ Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, at Fort Pillow or elsewhere as necessary. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Near Fort De Russy, Red [River], La., April 18, 1864. SIR: Proceed without delay to Memphis, communicate with Lieu- tenant-Commander Pattison relative to the troubles at Fort Pillow, and be guided in your actions afterward by such information as he may give you. When you fall in with the Essex, say to Captain Townsend that the admirals instructions are for him to proceed to Fort Pillo Page 240 240 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. with the Choctaw, Lafayette, and Benton, also the Ouachita; that in the event of all fears ceasing as to the blockade of the Mississippi River, that the Benton is to return to Natchez and the Choctaw and Lafayette to their stations. That the admiral has in contemplation the repair of the Essew at Memphis, and in the meantime that she may remain at or near that place, as Captain Townsend may deem most expedient. That Captain Townsend may keep any or all of the above-named vessels, should he deem it necessary, with him, but that the admiral would impress upon him the importance of having points on the lower Mississippi well guarded and the ironclads available. Also that the admiral instructed me to issue instructions as above and to sign them as by his order. You will also say that the admiral has directed that the Avenger and Vindicator be ordered to report to me without delay. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Conmnander, Coimntanding. Lieutenant- Comniander BYRON WILSON, Coir& manding Omachita. Letter fronu Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Corn- mand~er Pattison, U. S. Navy, regarding the convoy of steamer Ike Harnmitt by the U. S. S. New Era. OFFICE Mississi~~i SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., April 18, 1864. SIR: The New Era arrived here yesterday afternoon. Her com- manding officer infornis me that he received a verbal order from you by the commanding officer of the Silver Cloud to convoy the Ike Hamrnitt to the next gunboat above Fort Pillow. In consequence of there not being a gunboat above Fort Pillow, except the one sta- tioned at Columbus, the New Era continued on until she reached this place. Unfortunately the Ike Hammitt ran into her, disabling part of her battery, and she was obliged to come to this place for repairs. I regret that the New Era was ordered from the station designated by the admiral, as there by my combinations have been disarranged. Very respectfully, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Lieutenant-Commander THoMAs PXrTISON, U. S. Navy, Cornrnandant Naval Station, Memphis, Tenn. Order of Lieutenant-Com,mander I3reese, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Wilson, U. S. Navy, commandinq U. S. S. Quachita, defining the district of the latter. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, April 19, 1864. SIR: You will take charge of the district lying between this place and Baton Rouge, going to such places as may, in your opinion, b Page 241 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 241 most useful in keeping the river free from roving bands of guer- rillas, etc. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander BYRON WILSON, Commanding Ouachita. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign King, U. S. /Yavy, for the command of U. S. S. Little Rebel. APRIL 19, 1864. SIR: You are hereby detached from the U. S. S. Red Rover, and you will report to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Little Rebel for duty and command of that vessel. By order of David D. Porter, rear-admiral: K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy. Acting Ensign CHARLES KING, U. S. S. Red Rover. [Telegram.] HAYNES BLUFF, April 19, 1864. (Received 10 a. in., 23d, via Vicksburg.) You will remain at Snyders Bluff until further orders and render any assistance in your power to P. B. Fouke in the prosecution of the duties upon which he is engaged. You will be particular not to let this order conflict with any you may have received from the admiral. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. P. FOSTER, Lient. Comdr., U. S. N., Comdg. 2 Dist. Mississippi Squadron. Acting Ensign J. NY. CHAMBERS, U. S. S. Prairie Bird. General report of Licutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, after arrival at the mouth of Red River. U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, At Airs. Ac/dins, Mississippi River, April 19, 1864. IDEAR SIR: I arrived to-day safely, thanks to a splendid pilot I picked up at Alexandria. His name is Hughes, in the quartermasters employ, and is a first-rate man. I found the Onachita aground at Fort De Russy; pulled her off and brought her down with me. I an- ticipated your instructions brought me by the Thistle with regard to the Onachita, and she is now cruising as directed. All the ironclads 1020080N W BVOL 2613 1 Page 242 242 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. have gone up the river. This goes by ~he Signal. The Kenwood and Forest Rose follow immediately after. I should like the Forest Rose sent to me at Black River, if you dont want her. The next tinclad I get will go to Fort De IRussy. The New National I found just above Black River. I brought her down. She is full of stores, and all the vessels that go up will take all they can; all are full here. Red Rover and Judge Torrence are here. I send by Kenwood all the 32-pounder ammunition I can raise. There is plenty on the Great Western, but I dont want to send you ammunition until I hear something more definite. The Mississippi is rising rapidly; the backwater extends above Black River, and at Fort De iRussy the water is about the same as when we were there first7 feet on Snaggy Point Bar we carried over and 7~ by boat sounding it out. Fort Pillow was only held by Forrest for fourteen hours. Pattison thinks they are going to come in on the Mississippi River below Memphis. All quiet along the whole river now. The Signal had a skirmish at Bayou Sara, which the captain will report. I have no key to the letter bag, so cant relieve you of anything there, but hear of a considerable amount that the Red Rover brought down. I have instructed the captain of Signal to retain the bags, to be forwarded to you only by gunboat, and to report his arrival to you the best way he can from Alexandria. The box of glass from Brown has arrived. Ive not yet had time to examine it. Pinkucy sends you a box of truck, which, being precious, goes with the mail bags. The Kenwood takes up medicines for the fleet above, and I shall try to send you some ice. Captain Flye goes up in her, just ordered out to report to you. Captain Wright goes up in the Signal; he makes a very fair story. Selfridges official report of the fight with Green got to me somehow just as I was leaving. Shall I forward it .to the Secretary? I have had it copied. Nothing whatever has been done to the Cincinnati since the Red Rover went on the ways. I shall write to Townsend what you told me about his vessel, the Choctaw, Lafayette, and Renton. Bayou Sara is a bad place; ought to have Fosters tender care. Natchez is now without a gunboat, and I understand the Wilson is ordered to leave tli~e car- penter shops there. I shall impress upon Captain Townsend the necessity, as you told, of looking out for the strong places, and if the Renton. is not neededand she certainly is notthat she ought to return there at once; also the Lafayette and Choctaw to their stations. I shall tell him about his repairs, etc., at Memphis; that is, that you have them in contemplation, and that therefore he is to remain. The Signal, if you do not require her, would, I think, be most advanta- geously employed at Bayou Sara, as the captain is up to all the dodges employed about there, and in the way of getting a deal of useful in- formation. He says that the rebs have somewhere in this neighbor- hood two brass pieces and a rifled piece, just taken from our forces out of Port Hudson. The story is that they were coming into Tunica. Wilson has the run of them and will keep a good lookout. The Vindicator had not arrived at Cairo. Yours, respectfully, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy Page 243 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 243 Order of Rear-A dqniral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenctnt Wright, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Avenger. APRIL 20, [1864]. SIR: At the receipt of this, YOU will report to me with the vessel under your command at the mouth of Black River. By order of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, Commanding Mississippi Squadron: Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Corn anding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant CIIAs. A. WRIGHT, Commanding U. S. S. Avenger. Order of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Come- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, to return to Natchez and resum~e the duties of his district. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER EssEx, Natchez, April 20, 18643:30 a. m. CAPTAIN: Captain Ramsay, with the Choctaw, has just arrived. The information he brings convinces me that the necessity that existed for our presence up the river has passed away. You will therefore return to Natchez and assume again the duties of your district. This is conformable to orders the admiral sent me just before he received the news of the capture of Fort Pillow, orders which I now regard as revived. The admiral also instructs me to inform the division commanders that all the ordinary dispatches, etc., for me are to be sent to Captain Breese, who has been directed to attend to them in my absence. I shall return to Donaldsonville in the morning. The Lancaste7 No. 4 was thirty-three hours assisting us up from the mouth of Red River. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Commander, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Ironclad Benton. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pen- nock, U. S. Navy, regarding U. S. S. Vindicator. APRIL 20, [1864]. SIR: Admiral Porter directs that the Vindicator shall report to me as soon as she is completed. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Co anding. Captain PENNOCK, Commanding Naval Station, Cairo, Ill Page 244 244 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pen- nock, U. S. Navy, regarding Red River cotton. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK j, 2llouth of Red River, April 20, [1864]. SIR: The admiral directs that you retain 1,000 bales of the cotton sent up to meet the claims of loyal persons claiming to be owners thereof. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Captain Fleet and Commandant Station. Red River cotton. li?eport of Lieutenant-Commander Shirk, U. S. Navy, reque8ting increased force for protection of Paducah and the Tennes8ee River. U. S. S. PEOSTA Paducah, Ky., April 20, 1864. SIR: As it seems much more than likely that the coming spring and summer are to be very lively in this district of the squadron under .your command, I respectfully request that a few more vessels may be assigned to me. The Tawak and Paw Paw are miserable boats at their best, and doubly so now, as they both sadly need repairs. Fleet Paymaster Dunn will soon call for the Robb, and just at a time her services as a dispatch boat are invaluable in this district. I do not see how I am to guard Paducah and the Tennessee River as they ought to be taken care of with the boats now belonging to the seventh district. I will, however,, do my best. Hoping that you may find it not incompatible with the interest of the squadron to grant my request, I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Seventh District. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Comincmding U. S. Mi8sissippi Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S~ Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Price, regarding special duty per- formed in delivery of dispatches. U. S. S. GENERAL PRICE, Mouth White River, Ark., April 20, 1864. ADMIRAL: In obedience to your orders of the 16th instant I have respectfully to inform you that I communicated with Conmander Townsend and took his dispatches in regard to the light-draft ves- sels to the mouth of Red River and from thence proceeded to Vicks- burg with dispatches Page 245 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 245 Upon my arrival at that place General McArthur detailed a staff officer as bearer of dispatches to General Sherman, whom I brought as far as the mouth of White River, transferring him to a passenger boat bound for Cairo. On my arrival at White River, in the absence of Lieutenant-Com- mander Prichett, I ordered the Covington to proceed to you with- out delay, giving her one of my pilots to facilitate her dispatch. I will remain at this station in the absence of a gunboat until Lieutcnant-Commander Prichetts return, when I will regain my station at the mouth of Red River and await your orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. RJdnA1u~soN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding JIi88i88ippi Squadron, Red River. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding expedition to Hickman., Ky., and I8land No. 8. U. S. S. MOOSE, Cairo, April 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that agreeable to your instructions I visited Hibkman, Ky., yesterday evenino~ to see the true state of affairs. When we made our appearance t~here were some 30 or 40 rebels in town, but they got out before we were able to get out on the roads to cut them off. I fired one shell after them as they went over the hills. I sent the Reindeer ahead of me below town, where she landed and picketed the woods. I landed above with men from this vessel and the marines, and at once picketed the roads leading out of town in this direction, after which I searched the place, but am sorry to say I found nothing of importance. I learned, though, that the rebels have been in the habit o~vi,siting Hickman in squads of from 30 to 40 every day, but I do not think they belong to any regularly organized force, but are a set of miser- able horse thieves and robbers. In the evening I was told that there were three notorious charac- ters on No. 8 Island. I ran down during the night to find them, but they had left and gone over onto the Missouri ~hore. I followed them down some 3 or 4 miles, but they had made their escape. From what I can learn they are raising a guerrilla company. I got back to Hickman during the night. There were again some 20 guerrillas in town, but they left before we got landed. I brought away with me such Union people as wished to leave, and gave the citizens to understand that if there was even a musket fired at any transport or other boat the town would at once be destroyed. From what I can learn, Forrest and the other rebel generals are making toward Jackson, Teun., with a view of getting out of this part of the country. Of course, the Army knows more of the truth of this than we do. Although our landing did not effect anything of much importance, yet I think it will have the effect to keep the greater portion of thes Page 246 246 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. outlaws from the river, where they know it is our disposition to hunt them out. In conclusion I would say that there are very few loyal citizens in Hickman; the place is decidedly rebel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Ro~ FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 8th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Fleet Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Commandant of Naval Station, Cairo, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, of arrival at Natchez on withdrawal of order8 to proceed to Fort Pillow, Tenn. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, A 7 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel at this place last night. I was 75 miles above Natchez on my way to Fort Pillow when I received the order to return to my station. I pressed into service and employed for 14 hours the steamboat Big Grey EaglJ. I have sent the Forest Ro?~e from this district to report to Captain Breese. ~\Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comma ing Mississippi Squadron. Attack upon United States steamers Petrel and Prairie Bird at Yazoo City, Miss., April 21 and capture of U. 5. S. Petrel April 22, 1864. Reports of Acting Master McElroy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Petrel. U. S. S. GUNBOAT PETREL Above Yazoo City, April 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by this vessel in to- days action in compliance with a dispatch from Brigadier-General McArthur (please find copy enclosed): I moved up the river in company with land forces. At 1 p. in., at the request of Colonel Scofield, I left the troops at Liverpool Bluffs, 20 miles below Yazoo City, with this vessel, followed by the Prairie Bird and transport Freestone, as dispatch boats, to go up and draw the fire of the enemy and divide their forces, if there. 2:40 p. in., siopped at a plantation to make enquiries in regard to numbers of the enemy. 2:50, moved up to within 1,200 yards of the city and came alongside of bank, so as to communicate verbally with commanding officer of Prairie Bird, giving him orders not to come above the wreck of the Baron de KaIb. Not seeing any enemy in sight (3:30 p. in.), moved up very slow. Seeing a crowd of women and children on the levee, from what information I received below Page 247 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 247 I thought the place evacuated. At 4 p. in., when opposite the city, where the river makes a sharp turn, the enemy opened on me with four guns from the bluffs. I opened on them with my starboard bat- tery; at the same time made signal to Prairie Bird to commence action, which she did. Finding myself under a heavy fire, and the pilot, Mr. John Armstrong, said that the vessel could not be backed down safely under such a fire, I ordered him to go ahead and pass the city and take their fire; when out of range, to turn around and come down again. While running stern to them they fired 15 shots at me, but did not strike the vessel. After turning around, I saw that the Prairie Bird had dropped below out of range. Not deeming it prudent to run by until I found out what was the matter with her, I sent .a dispatch to Colonel Scofield, telling him that from what information I received there were not 1,000 men (on this side of the Big Black River) of the enemy. This dispatch I sent by transport Freestone. At 5 p. m. I found, by verbal report, that the Prairie Bird was partially disabled, but that the commanding officer would do his best to assist me when I ran by the batteries if the troops did not come to my assistance. I have a code of signals by whistles established with Prairie Bird; all hands at quarter. The enemy, by their actions, think it was intentional on my part to run by their batteries to cover the landing of troops above the city. I am ex- pecting the transport will return every moment with an answer to my dispatch to Colonel Scofield. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THo~JAs MCELROY, Acting Master, Comdg. Petrel a d Naval Forces, Jfazoo River. Acting Rear-Admiral LEE [PORTER], Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. [Endorsement.] Received November 2, 4 p. m. [Enc1osure.~ HEADQUARTERS DIsmIcT OF VIcKsBuRG, Miss., April 18, 1864. CAPTAIN: An expedition under command of Colonel Scofield starts from Haynes Bluff for Yazoo City to-morrow (Tuesday), march- ing by land. You will please move up and cooperate with them, calculating to reach Yazoo City on Thursday night; afterwards pa- trolling the river sufficiently to keep open communication between that point and this place. You can communicate with General Sco- field before starting as to his probable camping places on the way up. Your most obedient servant, J. MOARTIJJUR, Brigadier-General. Captain McEu~oy, Commanding Gunboats, etc., at Haynes Bluff. P. S.Steamboats properly cleared approved by me will be al- lowed to proceed up the river under your protection. J. MCARTIJUR, Brigadier-General Page 248 248 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. WOODBRIDGE, N. J., October 24, 1864. SIR: It is my painful duty to report to you the loss of the gunboat Petrel, under my command, at Yazoo City, April 22, 1864. The troops not coming up that morning, I began to feel anxious for my command. I kept up communication with the Prairie Bird by land all the forenoon. At 11 a. m. made out the enemy falling back on the city and passing out of sight, and I could not tell where they had gone, not hearing or seeing anything of our land forces. I called most of the officers together to obtain their opinions in regard to the intentions of the enemy. I told them that we would keep moving up and down, so as to mislead the enemy. At 1 p. m. moved up 2~ miles and sent one watch on shore to get rails to protect the boilers and run so as not to make any smoke, the other watch remaining at the guns. I ordered the executive officer, Acting Ensign M. E. Flanigan, to keep the pilot in the pilot house and engineers on duty at the engine; also that he was to attend to getting the rails on board, so that the officers of the deck cQuld look out, with the quartermaster and the sentries, for the enemy on the opposite side of the river. At 2:20p.m. left the deck and went to dinner, with orders to executive officer to get underway as soon as the rails were got on board. I had just got up from the table and went on deck when the enemy opened fire upon us with two rifle 12-pounders (Parrott) at 400 yards distance astern, and out of our sight for the undergrowth. I opened fire with my starboard battery, but they could not be trained far enough astern to reach their guns. At the same time I started the vessel ahead so as to get out of range and turn around, so that my guns would bear on the enemys guns, but the pilot did not get the wheel shifted soon enough, so that she made about 200 yards and stopped. While trying to back her off a shot passed through the stern, cutting off the steam pipe and the engine. About this time a shot passed through the magazine, cutting off the legs of Charles Seitz, gunners mate. This silenced my guns for a few minutes, because I had nobody fit to take his place, as one of the quarter gunners was already dead. I ordered Acting Masters Mate Lysander C. Ball (in charge of powder division) to take his place in the magazine, which he did. Our fire at this time was very slow, as the sharpshooters were firing at the 1oad~rs, the aftergun being dismounted, and none of them could be brought to bear on the enemys guns. The officers of divisions, Act- ing Ensign Shepley IR. Holmes, in charge of the first division, failed to encourage his men; also Acting Masters Mate Jesse W. Foster, in charge of second division, and the executive officer, Acting Ensign Michael E. Flanigan, behaved very badly, and the men began to fall back from the guns. I told the acting first assistant engineer, Arthur M. Phillips, to be ready with his division to fire the vessel when we could not fight her any longer. I ordered the most of the men to be armed with rifles. At this time a shot came through the stern, raking the gun deck and entering the boilers and exploding them. Then the officers jumped on the bank, followed by the crew, and made a dis- graceful run for the Prairie Bird, leaving with me the pilot, Kimble Ware, in the pilot house, and Quartermaster J. H. Nibbe, who stood his ground when all the other officers had deserted their flag. As soon as the steam began to cool a little, with the assistance of Quar- termaster Nibbe, I got the wounded off the guard on the bank an Page 249 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 249 got ready to fire the vessel, with the dead still on board. I placed some coals from the furnace among the rails, but could not [stand] it long for the heat of the steam. At this time the enemy, seeing the officers and men running across the fields, began to cross the river above and below me. Surrounded on all sides, I was then forced to surrender, when they put out the burning rails and took me off at once before I could find out the number of killed and wounded, but I think that 10 would cover the number, but you received a true report from the officers, I hope, soon after the action. To the disgraceful action of some of my officers and Colonel Scofield not coming to my assistance, as he had promised, do I owe the loss of my vessel. The flag was flying when they boarded the vessel. I hope that you think I did the best I could under the circumstances. I can not speak in too high terms of the conduct of Mr. Kimble Ware, pilot, and John Nibbe, quartermaster. It will be remembered that I had but 10 white men and boys on board; the rest were contra- bands, and part of those were sick. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS MCELROY, Acting Master, Comm~anding Petrel. Acting Rear-Admiral LEE, (Joinmanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. [1st endorsement.] Received November 2, 4 p. m. [2d endorsement.] Respectfully forwarded to Navy Department. The Navy Depart- ment will recollect that the Petrel was 1 ostl ast spring. S. P. Li~, Acting Rear-A dudral Commanding Mississippi Squadron.. NOVEMBER 2, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports regarding the capture of U. S. S. Petrel. No. 109.] Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to inform you of the loss of the U. S. S. Petrel, belonging to this squadron. She was captured up Yazoo River by the rebels and destroyed. I enclose letters from her executive officer, commanding officer of the Prairie Bird, and also one from Commander Townsend, on the subject. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C Page 250 250 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosures.] U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX, Vick8 burg, April 24, 1864. ADMIRAL: I most deeply regret that the news from this quarter must add another weight to the load of harassing cares that is now pressing so heavily upon you. The Petrel was captured and de- stroyed by the enemy some 3 or 4 miles above Yazoo City on the 22d instant. Enclosed herewith I send you the reports of Acting En- sign Chambers, commanding the Prairie Bird, and Acting Ensign Flanigan, late executive officer of the Petrel, giving the particulars of the disaster. I am sorry to say the dark cloud presents no silver lining. The investigation I have been able to give to the subject leads to the belief that a desire to procure cotton, rather than the noble ambition of advancing the public service, prompted the ill-fated expedition. I also fear that there may have been too obsequious and unquestioning a compliance with the requests of General McArthur on the part of Acting Master McElroy, the senior naval officer. The latter is now a prisoner, and can not therefore give explanation of his conduct, if explanation there be. But I can not learn or conceive any satisfactory reason why he did not turn around immediately the channel permittedrepass the two fieldpieces that had opened upon him, and, rejoining the Prairie Bird and Free8tone, go back to Liverpool Bluffs, whence he had started on his rash reconnoissance. After cksely questioning the actors I have come to the conclusion that the enterprise was unwisely engaged in, to say the least, and that in the performance there was too much recklessness at first, suc- ceeded by a weak wavering and paralysis of action that almost in- sured a disastrous closing to the scene. But the chief actor is absent. Perhaps lie may be able to give a satisfactory explanation, although what that explanation might be I can not possibly imagine. Accompanying Acting Ensign Chamberss report are the follow- ing documents, viz, copies of two letters from Acting Master Mc- Elroy, respectively, of April 21, 4 p. in., and April 22, 12: 30 p. in.; copy of a letter from Colonel Scofield, commanding expedition to Captain McElroy, dated April 22; the report of the senior engineer of the Prairie Bird, with remarks appended by me, and a telegram from Captain Foster, dated April 19, but not received till April 23. Had this telegram been received in time, the naval portion of the ex- pedition would not have started. Did the cotton speculators delay it? Probably we shall never know; but they are such unprincipled scoundrels that we may believe anything shrewdly wicked regarding them. I also enclose with Acting Ensign Chamberss report the statement of the surgeons steward in charge regarding the three seriously wounded men, one from the Prairie Bird, the others from the Petrel, whom I ordered to be sent to the military hospital here on the recomniendation of my surgeon, Dr. Allan. Acting Ensign Flanigans report is accompanied by a list of the officers and crew of the Petrel, designating their condition, whether escaped or missing, killed or wounded. Those that escaped brought with them nothing but what they stood in. That you may more easily understand the not very clear or per- spicuous reports, I accompany them by a roughly sketched map that I prepared whilst gathering from Messrs. Chambers and Flanigan the particulars of the disaster Page 251 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 251 The Wilson., Captain Pollard, arriving this afternoon, I have sent by her, with orders to report to Captain Pennock at Cairo, all the escaped officers of the Petrel except Mr. Armstrong, the pilot, whom I have ordered to the Prairie Bird, and the surgeons steward in charge, whom I have ordered to report to the fleet surgeon aboard the Red Rover. Of the crew, I have transferred 10 to the Prairie Bird to strengthen her force, 2 are at the military hospital here, and the remaining 31 I send down by the General Price for the vessels below. T hope my disposition of them may meet with yonr approval. The information comes, through cotton speculators as well as con- trabands, that the enemy succeeded in getting guns, ammunition, and all valuables from the Petrel, and then, about 8 p. m. of the 22d, set fire to and destroyed her. She must have been very imperfectly fired by her own crew, if the escaping steam put out the flames. I hope, admiral, that I have been able to give you a passably clear idea of the occasion and circumstances of the loss of the Petrel. I certainly have endeavored to avoid anything like an over-statement of the causes of the disaster. The Essex arrived here in tow of the Brilliant last night at midnight. Learning of the loss of the Petrel, I concluded to stop, investigate the affair, direct what should be done in the case, and report the results to you. I-laying done this, I shall take the first upward-bound steamer with sufheient power to tow us to Fort Pillow and the upper river, in obedience to your order. But I have become convinced, admiral, that it is essential, in more than one particular, to your honor, and that of your squadron, that an officer of approved capacity, integrity, and judgment should be stationed here, to take care of matters at Vicksburg and throughout the long, morally pestiferous stretch of river between the mouth of White River and Natchez. I have, therefore, assumed the respon- sibility, you far away, oppressed with most engrossing cares, of ordering Captain Greer to Vicksburg, that he may take upon himself the above-mentioned charge. I enclose herewith a copy of my orders to Captain Greer. They are long, but I could scarcely say all that I felt to be necessary in fewer terms. I trust, admiral, that my reasons will prove satisfactory, and that you will approve the action I have taken. The wrecking company with whom you made the contract to raise the sunken steamer in the Yazoo and other tributaries of the Missis- sippi is now here prepared to operate, and very solicitous to begin. I informed Colonel P. B. Fouke that, just now, with but one disabled tinclad here, it was impossible to give him and his principals the necessary protection in Yazoo River; that the late disaster showed convincingly that only an ironclad was competent to the task; that I must proceed up the river, but that I had sent for Captain Greer to come up to Vicksburg, and, possibly, matters might ere long assume such shape that he could give him the requisite protection, at least for points below Yazoo City. Still, I could not hold out any flattering encouragement to him. His orders from yourself are very strong, his appeals, though perfectly gentlemanly and courteous, are very pressing, and yet the complication of adverse influences renders it impossible that anything of importance should at this time be done for him. I met his courteous advances in a kindred spirit, but at the same time frankly expressed to him my unfavorable opinion. I hate to bother you with these things now, admiral, but perhaps from you Page 252 252 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. abundant resources you may be able to suggest something that may be done. Earnestly hoping, and faithfully believing, that you will ere long surmount the great and numerous difficulties that encompass you in Red River, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Corn artder, U. S. Navy. [Subenclosure.] Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mi88i88~pp~. Squadron. ON BOARD U. S. S. PRAIRIE BIRD, April 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following facts in regard to the loss of the U. S. S. Petrel. In obedience to orders from General McArthur we proceeded up Yazoo River, arriving at Liverpool Bluffs April 21, 1864. At 12: 20 p. m. by request of Colonel Scofield, we~ proceeded on up the river in company with the U. S. S. Prairie Bird and transport Freestone. At 3 p. in. we arrived at the navy yard below Yazoo City. Seeing no enemy in sight, we proceeded on up, leaving the Prairie Bird and Freestone at the navy yard. When abreast the city we fired several shots at the enemy, just then coming in sight on the hills. We steamed on up, and while rounding the point the enemy opened a brisk fire of cannqn and musketry. The river being narrow, we could not round to. Moved on up out of range and came to. We immediately made preparations to run by the batteries. Captain McElroy after- wards countermanded the order, remarking that he would wait until the following night. On the 22d, at 1:30 p. in., we changed our position, moving up the river about 11 miles wooding. ~, the 2 , and commenced At ~ precisely, enemy in ambush opened a heavy fire of cannon and musketry on our starboard quarter, the shot from their guns going clean through the vessel. Not being able to bri~ig our guns to bear, armed the crew as sharpshooters and returned the fire, getting the vessel underway immediately. While shifting the engines two shots entered the vessel, one striking the cylinder, the other cutting the steam pipe, thereby disabling us; the rebels then moved up. We then opened our great guns on them. After firing a few rounds we were unable to work the guns, as the men were shot as soon as going near the ports. The vessels being disabled, and unable to work our guns, the captain gave the. order to set the vessel on firewhich was done in three places arm oi~selves, and jump ashore. At this juncture a. shot entered the boilers, the steam rushing over the decks. All who were able jumped ashore and made their escape to the Prairie Bird, pursued by the rebels, who had by this time crossed the river; nearly all, however, reached the boat in safety by taking to the swamps. I would further state that during the engagement the officers and men acted most gallantly, with the exception of a few contrabands who were lately shipped. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,. M. E. FLANIGAN, Acting Ensign, Executive Officer, late U. S. Gunboat Petrel. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 252A [Enclosures.] CAPTURE OF THE PETREL ABOUT 3) MILES ABOVE YAzoo CITY APRIL 22, 1864. 1. Position of Petrel at hank after passing beyond range of fieldpieces (at 6) in Yazoo City, afternoon of April 21. 2. Position of Petrel wben opened upon and afterwards captured by tbe enemy. 3 p. in., April 22. 3. Position of Preirie Bird at navy yard wben opened upon by field- pieces. afternoon. 4. Second position of Preirie Bird. 5. Transport Freest one, probably after cotton, on some shallow pre- text of service. 6. First position of battery of two fieldpieces, ibought to have been Parrott 10-pounders. 7. Second position of battery to drive off Preirie Ilird and 1reestoae. 8. Third position of battery, causing tbe abandonment of the Petrel. Respectfully submitted. RonEaT TowEsaNo, Gommender, U. S. Neey, Senior Officer. VicEsnuac, April 24, 1864. Sketched from report of tbose engaged, made to me verbally, April 24, 1864. R. T. Scale about 1 mile to the inch. a 9 /2 / 2Mi/es~ Page 252B Page 253 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 253 [Endorsement.] Respectfully forwarded. The Essex having arrived here last night at midnight, this report was handed to me for transmission. Mr. Flanigans report of the names and condition of the officers and crew of the Petrel accom- panies this statement. ROBERT TOWNSEND, Commander, U. S. Navy. VICKSBURG, April 24. I understand that when taken the Petrel had on board an extraordi- nary quantity of ammunition; about 125 rounds to each of her eight 24-pounder howitzers. R.T. [Subenclosure.] The following are the names of those who made their escape to the Prairie Bird: Officers.Acting Assistant Paymaster Henry T. Skelding, Acting Ensign M. E. Flanigan, executive officer, slight wound in the head; Acting Ensign S. Ross Holmes, Acting Masters Mate J W. Foster, slight wound in hand; Acting Masters Mate J. Gurley Abbott, Act- ing Masters Mate L. C. Ball, Acting First Assistant Engineer A. M. Phillips, Acting First Assistant Engineer Edward Roberts, Acting Second Assistant Engineer John T. Stone, Acting Third Assistant Engineer William M. Mix, slight wound in leg; Surgeons Steward in Charge E. MT. Davids, First-Class Pilot John L. Armstrong, Pay- masters Steward S. S. Smith. [44 names of petty officers and crew follow.] * * * * * * * Missing.Acting Master Commanding Thomas McElroy, First- Class Pilot K. Ware, supposed to have been taken prisoners; Charles Seitz, gunners mate, mortally wounded; Gustav A. Frey, quarter gunner, killed; John Nibbe, quartermaster, serious wound in hand. [Names of 9 colored men follow.] * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. E. FLANIGAN, Acting Ensign, Executive Officer late U. S. Gunboat Petrel. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. List of Petrels men on board Prairie Bird, May 1, 1864. IVhite men.John Wilson, ships cook; John Kingdom, quarter- master; John Yorgan, carpenters mate; Peter Olsten, seaman. Colored men.W. Thomas Waites, fireman; Morgan Cooper, fire- man; Ephraim Johnson, Harry West, Randall Morehead, Jerry Brown. On board General Price. JVliite men. Bartlett LaiTy, boatswains mate; John G. Rose, quartermaster; Albert Lilly, seaman Page 254 254 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Colored imen.Ben Blackford, Ludd Gibson, Nick Jones, firemen; George bit, coal heaver; William Baker, Joseph Whitton, James Monroe, firemen. On board Choctaw. White.James M. Saxton, boy. Colored men.Jerry Carter, landsman; Samuel Preston, lands- man; Adkin Whellis, coal heaver; August Williams, coal heaver. On board Covington. Wldte.William Willson, quarter gunner. Colored men.Albert Ferguson, Robert Jackson, Columbus Rich- ardson, Wesley West, George Kidlers, Milton Porter, William Mel- vine, Henderson Jenkins, Ephraim Colton. James Freely, Lew Jones, Jacob Campbell, Malachi Bowman, Henry Hunt, Buckman Watson. Gone to ho8 ~tal.James Gilmore, Isaac Wilson. U. S. S. PRAIRIE BIRD, I7icks burg, April 23, 1864. SIR: It becomes my unpleasant duty to report the loss of the gun- boat Petrel, she being captured by the enemy on the 22d instant. On the l9tfr I landed at Snyders Bluff and there found a dispatch for the gunboat Petrel. She being up the Sunflower River, I proceeded up and delivered the said dispatch on the night of the 20th. The said dispatch was from General McArthur, commanding at Vicks- burg. It was a request that Captain McElroy would take the two vessels up the Yazoo to cooperate with the land forces which General McArthur was sending to occupy Yazoo City. On the morning of the 21st, Captain McElroy got underway and proceeded down the Sunflower, we accompanying, and then np the Yazoo to Liver- pool Bluffs. Came to and found troops occupying the bluffs under the commami of Colonel [Hirami Scofield. He reported that his cavalry had been skirmishing with the enemy that day. He re- quested Captain McElroy to take both boats and proceed to Yazoo City to reconnoiter, which Captain McElroy proceeded to do. On arriving at the navy yard below Yazoo City, both boats were landed at 3 p. m. Captain McElroy then gave me instructions to remain there while he proceeded up to the city. As he got abreast of the city the enemy opened a battery on him which compelled him to run his vessel up the river out of range. In the meantime the enemy had been firing upon this vessel with small arms, but as soon as the Petrel got out of range they opened on this vessel with two 10-pounder Parrott, striking us three times. Two shots struck the hurricane roof, passing out through the cabin, doing little damage. The other shot came through the casemate and struck the starboard cylinder, causing it to leak, also wounding second engineer and first fireman slightly. We then dropped down the river, waiting for communications from Captain McElroy, which communications I have the honor to enclose, bearing date of the 21st, also a copy of letter received the next day, and copy of letter received from Colonel Scofield to Captain McElroy, which I received vi Page 255 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 255 marine boat B. J. Ada~ns. At this time firing was heard at a dis- tance and shortly afterwards the crew of gunboat Petrel came run- ning to my vessel, stating that the Petrel was captured by the enemy. The B. J. Adams remained there with me until dark. A scouting party was sent from the A dams, but found none of the crew. Thir- teen officers and 40 of the crew reached this vessel, which leaves a balance of 2 officers and 11 of the men missing. From information obtained from contrabands, I believe the Petrels armament was all captured by the enemy, the escaping steam from the boilers and steam pipes having put out the fire set to her by the crew. We expended, while engaged with the enemy, 26 shell and 7 shrapnel. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. CHAMBERS, Acting Ensign, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Subenclosures.] U. S. S. PETREL, Above Yazoo City, April 21, 18644 p. m. SIR: You will hold yourself and vessel in readiness to come to my assistance when you see me moving down the river by night or day. I have sent ~i dispatch to Colonel Scofield, which will reach him by 6 oclock p. in., to-night. I will have an answer by 9 oclock, so look out for night signals from me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. MCELROY, Acting Master, Commanding. Acting Ensign J. W. CHAMBERS, Cornmandivg Prairie Bird. U. S. S. PETREL, April 22, 186412:30 oeCock. SIR: You will hold yourself and boat in readiness to come to my support to-night after dusk, before the moon rises. You will not come above the wreck of the Baron Pe ]lfalb. If I should not come before the moon sets in the morning you will still hold yourself in readiness to come to my support at a moments notice. I will not make tiny signals if I can help it, as that will give the rebels the opportunity to concentrate on me. Do all you can for me, as I see that the army has deserted us. I am, very respectfully, THos. MCELROY, Acting Master, Commanding. Acting Ensign JOHN W. CHAMBERS, Commanding Prairie Bird. HEADQUARTERS YAzoo EXPEDITION, Liverpool Heights, Miss., A ~l 22, 1864. CAPTAIN: Your Oispatch was received last night, but it was not deemed prudent to move the land forces to Yazoo City Page 256 256 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I send this communication by Colonel [G. E.] Currie, who will in- form you of our situation and present intentions. You will do well to move your boats down the river and cooperate with us here in any movement it may be thought best to make. I hope you are already below the city and the battery, but if you are not I trust you will inform me the first favorable moment of doing so. The marine boat will render you any assistance in their power. I shall probably remain at this point until I learn that you are safe and moving down. Let me hear from you the first opportunity. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, H. SCOFIELD, Colonel 47t1~ U. S. Inf., Colored, Comdg. Expedition. Captain MCELROY, Comdnanding Naval Forces. U. S. S. PRAIRIE BIRD, 3 Miles Below Ya2oo City, April 32, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the engine of my department as being in a much damaged and dangerous condition. During our engagement at Yazoo City yesterday, about 4 oclock p. in., a conical shot entered the casemate, struck the starboard cylin- der, glanced from that just over the doctor, and passed out on the port quarter. The same shot wounded 2 men of my department, Joseph Grippin, acting second assistant engineer, and Lucas Bowman, second- class fireman, received a severe cut in the leg below the knee. Both wounds were supposed to be from a piece of casement. The damage to the engine consists of an indenture and crack of 6 inches in length in the starboard cylinder,, and so wide as to cause the free escape of steam, which not only gives it great liability to burst, but the indenture on the inside is very likely to cause the falling off of the piston head. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE RADABAUGH, Acting First Assistant Engineer. Acting Ensign J. W. CHAMBERS, Commanding U. S. S. Prairie Bird. [Endorsement.] By my directions my chief engineer, Mr. Heap, examined the in- jured cylinder and made arrangements for its temporary repair. To- morrow the machine shop in charge of the army at this place (Vicks- burg) will put a plate over the crack, strongly band the cylinder with iron, and chip off smoothly the indented surface, so that the piston may have free play. Mr. Heap says that these repairs should, and probably will, be made within one day, and that when made the Prairie Birds engine will be nearly as effective as it was before the injury. These repairs of course are only temporary and of the make-do order. Very respectfully, ROBERT TowNsENn, Com,mander, U. S. Vary. VICKSBURG, April 34, 18(14 Page 257 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 257 [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 6, 1864. Any information of capture of Petrel and fate of officers? GIDEON WELLES, Secretcvry of Navy. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, May 6, 1864. The Petrel was captured on the 22d ultimo above or near Yazoo City. One acting master, McElroy, and Pilot Kimble [Ware] were said to be prisoners in Yazoo City. All the other officers have returned here. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, [Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.] Report of Lie~tenant.Commander Greer~, U. S. Navy, regarding the loss of the U. S. S. Petrel. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Vicksb~trg, May 2, 1864. SIR: In accordance with your instructions, I have endeavored to ascertain the facts of the Petrel affair. It appears that Captain McElroy, of that vessel, had gone into the Yazoo with the intention of proceeding up the Sunflower to seize some cotton. Captain Cham- bers, of the Prairie Bird, states that Captain McElroy had received a dispatch from the admiral in regard to the cotton mentioned, but was cautioned to run no risks, and especially not to go into a shoal river. Captain Chambers, having finished some business which took him to Vicksburg, then went up to Snyders Bluff. At that point he found a communication from General McArthur to Captain McElroy, requesting him to take the Petrel and Prairie Bird up the Yazoo to cooperate with a land force he was sending to occupy Yazoo City. He immediately went up the Sunflower, and after finding the Petrel, they both proceeded to Liverpool Bluffs [Heights], at which point they met Colonel Scofield with the troops. He had had some skirmishing, and asked Captain McElroy to go up to Yazoo City and reconnoiter. They took a steamboat, the Freestone, as a dis- patch boat. On they went up and landed at the navy yard. At 3 p. m. on the 21st April Captain McElroy ordered the Prairie Bird to remain where she was, and went on up with his vessels. As he passed the town the enemy opened fire upon him with two guns (supposed to be 10-pounder Parrotts). He then went up out of range. Shortly after this they fired upon the Prairie Bird, causing her to change her berth. At 5: 30 p. m. Captain Chambers received an order from Captain McElroy to be in readiness to assist him when he came down; also a 1020080N W RVOL ~13--1 Page 258 258 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. dispatch to send by the Freestone to Colonel Scofield. That vessel started down with the dispatch, but did not return. The next day (22d), about 1: 30 p. in., Captain Chambers received a dispatch from Captain McElroy of the same nature as the one of the day before, and expressed an opinion that the army had deserted them. At 3:30 p. m. the Marine Brigade boat B. J. Adams arrived with a dispatch for Captain McElroy from Colonel Scofield. While getting a horse to send this dispatch over,, the crew of the Petrel com- menced coming in (they came across a point). All arrived excepting the captain, 1 pilot, and 11 men. The officers of the Petrel report that at about 3 p. m. the rebels came in in heavy force abreast of them, with one piece of artillery. At the first or second shot the steam pipe was cut and the after end of the boiler. They were then ordered to arm themselves, set the vessel on fire, and get on shore. They say the vessel was fired; if so, it was so very poorly done that it did not burn. The captain of the Prairie Bird saw a large fire in her direction that night and thinks she was burned. This agrees with information obtained by General McArthur, which was that after removing the guns and most of the rovisions she was burned by the rebels. The guns (eight 24-poun er howit- zers) are said to have been taken to Canton, Miss. Possibly they did it, thinking that we would immediately attempt to retake them; and again they may be going to fit them to field carriages. On the 23d the Prairie Bird came down to Vicksburg for repairs, having had her cylinder cracked. In looking at this matter with all the facts before me, I conclude that Captain McElroy was anxious to be of service, but was too easily moved by the requests of a general, and again I can see no object in his running past Yazoo City after he had found the enemy in force. A prime cause of the disaster was not having a proper person in command of the troops. Cooperation, when it exists, should be to the bitter end, but in this case, and also in some others, the affair is reduced to a sanve ui peut operation on the part of the Army, and the gunboats are left to their fate. I can not ascertain that there was any cotton behind the scenes in this case, but in spite of it I can not help having suspicions. The movement was made, according to General McArthurs statement, to occupy the rebel cavalry in this State and to keep them from joining Forrest in Tennessee, against whom an expedition is organizing at Memphis. General Slocum has arrived and taken command. He is going to send out a pretty large force under command of McArthur to carry out the intent of the former expedition and expressed a desire to me to have two boats go up to Yazoo City to protect two or three transports with troops as a feint, while the main force take them by land. I informed him that owing to the necessity of withdrawing so many of our light-drafts for service in Red River we had nothing to spare for this affair; also that you had assumed command of the fifth district. As a large portion of the garrison here will be away, I purpose remaining here for a few days, unless I find my services required at some other point. General Slocum, I think, will do all he can to purge this place of villainy, but I am afraid will not succeed Page 259 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 259 I heard to-day that the two officers captured on the Petrel had been sent to Richmond. I have ordered the captain of the Prairie Bird to remain at the month of the Yazoo and to allow no boats to go up unless engaged exclusively by the Army, and then they are only to land at military posts or under the protection of a gunboat. I understand that we have abandoned the whole line of the Yazoo. I have directed Captain Chambers to make all reports in future to you. Tie has one of the officers of the late Petrel (Acting Ensign Shepley R. Holmes) on board under arrest. I had charges made out against him to-day for drunkenness, disobedience of orders, and scan- dalous conduct and will forward theni to the admiral. The wrecking party is still here. I suggested to them to write to you and also for one of the party to go down and see the admiral, which they say they will do. The Prairie Bird is said to be badly in need of repairs. With a hope, captain, that you will bear with this lengthy letter, I am, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Conidq. Beuton and Fourth Di8t. MiS8. Squadron~ Lieutenant-Commander S. L. PHELPS, Co anding Fifth District 1[fis8issippi Squadron. Itinerary of the district of Vicksburg for April, 1864, from monthly return. An expedition in command of Colonel Hiram Scofleld, command- ing Second Brigade, First Division, United States Colored Troops, was sent from Haynes Bluff up the Yazoo River, meeting the enemy in force; did not give him battle; returned to Haynes Bluff April 23. Gunboat No. 5 (Petrel) and g~inboat No. 11 (Prairie Bird), Acting Master McElroy commanding fleet, accompanied the expedi- tion. In attempting to run the blockade at Yazoo City, in order to open fire on the works from above, the Petrel was lost and her crew, including Acting Master McElroy, were either killed or taken prisoners. [Telegram.] YAzoo CITY, April 21, 1864. (Via Canton 22d.) Enemy, 1,500 strong (cavalry, infantry, and one battery), was met near Liverpool last evening. After heavy skirmishing for several hours he retired and remained inactive. To-day not yet clearly de- veloped whether the expedition is against Yazoo City or railroad; unless he is reinforced we can protect either. Fleet of gunboats and transports approaching Yazoo City late this evening was driven back by battery. WIRT ADAMS, Brigadier-General. Lieutenant-Colonel T. M. JACK Page 260 260 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] DEMoPoLIS, April 23, 1864. Brigadier-General Wirt Adams, commanding cavalry on the Yazoo River, telegraphs me from Yazoo City on 22d instant, to this effect: I have the honor to report the capture of a gunboat to-day near this city. XYhile lying near the shore she was attacked by a section of artillery and a detachment of sharpshooters under Colonel Griffith, who drove the men from their guns and finally the crew from the boat. I removed her fine armament of eight 24-pounder guns and the most valuable stores and had her burned to the waters edge. The captain and pilot are prisoners in my hands and a number of the crew. My casualties are small. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General S. CooPril Adjutant and inspector- General, Richmond. [Telegram.] YAzoo CITY, April 23,1864. (Received Demopolis, 25th.) Enemy, foiled in his purposes, embarked his forces during the night 22d and returned yesterday morning to Vicksburg. Have tele- graphed General Chalmers shall not require assistance. WIRT ADAMS, Brigadier-General. Lieutenant-Colonel T. M. Jack. [Telegram.] DEiVIoPoLIs, April 24, 1864. Your dispatch giving account of Colonel John Griffiths gallant achievement in the capture of gunboat received. Will you be able to remove and secure the guns? Report the present situation of affairs. General Chalmers, with a brigade from Fanola and one from Okolona, with a battery from Aberdeen, has been ordered to join you. Hope you will be enabled to cut off enemys retreat to Vicksburg. Keep in communication with Chalmers. Keep me advised every six hours. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. Brigadier-General WIRT ADAMS, Yazoo City, via Canton. General report of Lieutenamt-Comrnander Breese, U. S. Navy. Mississir~i SQUADRON, U. S. SHIP BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Black River, April 22, 1864. DEAR SIR: I wrote you of my doings by the last light-draft for Alexandria, just after which the Choctaw arrived at Red River an Page 261 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 261 the next morning the Lafayette. The Choctaw got as far as Vicks- burg, and, finding all quiet above, waited for the Lafayette, and both returned the next day. Townsend got no farther than Natchez, and is now waiting there until he can get a tow to tow him up. Greer got nearly to Vicksburg and Townsend has ordered him to return, at my suggestion, to Natchez. The Wil.son arrived with ice and hay, coal and oats; the ice is alongside the Red Rover. The Superior was fired on by that rifled piece captured from our army near Port Hudson, and no one hurt or damage done. The Ouaehita was at Bayou Sara (so reported). I sent Foster right off with the Champion to convoy some boats bound down and drive the fellows off. As I heard no firing, I expect they have decamped. I hope the next time they send out a 3-inch rifle they will send more than a hundred men, which was all that went, and they wont take a full supply of ammunition, which they did. The Lafayette, Choctaw, Bragg, Champion, Omachita, and General Price (when she returns) ought to keep that place quiet. The tug Pansy has entirely given out, and I was obliged to send her to Cairo by the New National, which will take up 1,200 barrels mortar powder and thus make room for shell which are now on deck. It is my opin- ion that Mrs. Acklin has been playing a very deep game and that she is thoroughly secesh. She had all the time her cotton was being re- moved, a company of rebels under a captain guarding it, and had our army wagorPs hauling it, and after the rebs found out they belonged to United States they gobbled them all up and Mrs. Acklin posted off after them, and I heard just as I was leaving that she had got them backnew wagons, harness, etc. This is the talk at Red River. Mark and Marshall say a great deal more, which convinces me Mrs. Acklin is still a good rebel. * * * I sent the Signal, Forest Rose, and St. Clair to Alexandriaq the Argosy to Fort De Russy ,~and have the Kenwood here. Last night I heard firing and, supposing at Fort De Russy, sent the Kenwood up, but all was quiet there, and I cant imagine where it was, as it was not in the direction of the Mississippi. Somebody has sent you any quantity of perfume, a list of which I will enclose. It is stowed away. Do you want any of it? Wont you please send our officers and men back as soon as pos- sible? I have only one rifled guns crew and one broadside guns crew (white) on board. I have stationed firemen, contrabands, etc., in case of accident, which, with two ensigns and 3 masters mates, make up my force. The river is rising here, and inhabitants say there is no reason to think it wont be high, although it is late. I heard that the Avenger had gone to Cairo for repairs. Ramsay gives anything but a flatter- ing account of her. I wrote to Captain Pennock about the C~in- cmnnati. Yours, respectfully, etc., K. R. B~EsE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy. There is a box of ammunition here for you. I think it is for that little rifle of yours. Do you want any of it sent up? River rising 6 inches a day here Page 262 262 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from~ Brigadier-General Gresham, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant- Commander Shirk, 13/. 5. Navy, requesting convoy up the Tennessee River. CAIRO, ILL., April ~2, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with instructions just received from Major-General McPherson, commanding Department of the Ten- nessee, I have the honor to request of you a convoy to accompany an expedition in my charge up the Tennessee River. My command will consist of at least 3,000 infantry and one six-gun battery, and I will leave here as soon as I can get transportation~ Be good enough to inform me at once whether you can furnish the convoy and, if so, how soon. I am, captalli, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. Q. GRESHAM, Brigadier-General. Captain SHIRK, U. S. Navy. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS, ST. LouIs, April 22, 1864. Captain PENNOCK: It may be for a high public interest that Devoe should ~have discretionary orders to proceed to New York. Please send them. W. S. ROSECRANS, Mcrjor-General. [Telegram.] CAIRO, JLL.,Aprd23,1864. Your telegram is received. I am not aware of the instructions Devoe has received from the admiral, but I know that the admiral would not allow anything to interfere with the high public interests. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Major-General W. S. IROsEcRANs, St. Louis, Mo. Repo~rt of Lieutenant-Commander Pattison, U. S. Navy, regarding repairs to U. S. steamers Avenger and Silver Cloud, and referring to the movement of Major-General Fo est, C. S. Army, toward Alabama. U. S. NAVAL STATION, Memphis, Tenn., April 23, 1864. SIR: The ram Avenger arrived here a few days since in a disabled condition. At the request of the commanding officer, I ordered a survey held upon her machinery, and, on the recommendation of the surveyors, ordered the necessary repairs to be made without delay. The repairs will be completed by Friday, the 29th instant, when I will send her to Red River Page 263 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 263 The commanding general at this roint informed me last night that General Forrest, with his forces, were moving toward Alabama, and that he felt no immediate apprehension for the safety of the city. Four thousand men embrace the military force for the pro- tection of this place. The Silver Cloud arrived here about four days ago, having dis- abled her rudder. A new one has been made and shipped, and she will leave for her cruising ground to-morrow. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. PATTISON, Lieutenant- Commander, Corn anding Naval Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Co anding Missis8ippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Prichett, U. S. Navy, trans~imittimg captured Confederate papers. U. S. S. TYLER, Mouth White River, April 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward to you herewith a package con- taining letters captured by the U. S. S. Queen City, near Crocketts Bluff, Whi1~e River, on the 1st instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. M. PRICHETT, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Commanding Mis8issippi Squadron. [Enclosures.] EXTRACT HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 1825. J Shreveport, La., January 19, 1864. GENERAL: I am instructed by the lieutenant-general commanding to refer the within letters of the chief of the cotton bureau to Mr. Jos. Menard to you. You are aware Mr. Menard has purchased about 5,000 bales of cot- ton east of the Guachita River. The lieutenant-general wishes such facilities to be granted him by you in accumulating and shipping the cotton as you may deem consistent with the public service. Your obedient servant, GRO. WILLIAMSON, Major and Assistaxot Adjutant-General. Major-General R. TAYLOR. [Endorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST LOUISIANA, Alexandria, March 192, 1864. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General St. John R. Liddellq commanding Subdistrict of North Louisiana, who will grant Mr. Jos. Menard such facilities for accumulating and shipping the cotto Page 264 264 NAVAL FORCES O~ WESTER1~ WATERS. referred to as he deems consistent with the interests of the service. Mr. Menard will be permitted to use steamboats, such jis he may pro- cure for the purpose of accumulating the csz~tton, at such points on the Ouachita as he may desire, from which he can have the cotton reshipped on such boats as he may bring into Confederate lines for it. But boats now on waters within Confederate lines will not be permitted to go to any point with the cotton where they would be in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy; they will not be permitted to go with it out of Confederate lines. Any boat or boats brought into Confederate lines to take Mr. Menards cotton out will not be permitted to have any person or persons on board excep~ting the officers and crew, absolutely required to navigate them, nor will they be permitted to bring any goods or merchandise for sale or for any other purpose into Confederate lines. When such boat or boats reach the Confederate lines a guard will be placed on board until the boat or boats are ready to leave Confederate lines for the purpose of enforcing these regulations and preventing improper communication with the county. By command of Major-General R. Taylor. A. H. MAY, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. Brigadier-General ST. JOHN R. LIDDELL, Cornm~anding Subdistrict A~orth Louisiana. HEADQUARTERS SuBDIsTEIcT OF NORTH LOUISIANA, Monroe, April 9, 1864. SIR: I am instructed by the brigadier-general commanding to en- close you copies of the orders and correspondence relating to the shipment of your cotton and to say that the restrictions imposed by him having been removed by department headquarters ~ou are at liberty to send out your cotton without any further impediment being placed in your way. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS CONRAD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Mr. Jos. MENARD, or Major JNO. A. BUCKNER, Alan roe, La. Re~r~ort of Lieutenant-Commander Prichett, U. S. Navy, of the return to station of U. S. steamers Tyler and Queen City on withdrawal of Major-General Forrest, C. S. A y, from Tennessee. U. S. S. TYLER, Mouth White River, April ~3, 1864. Sni: I have the honor to report to you that upon receiving intelli- gence that the rebel General Forrest was threatening Memphis, I proceeded there with the Tyler and Queen City. Finding that For- rest had disappeared and was supposed to be on his way to Alabama Page 265 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 265 and no attack being apprehended, I have returned with the vessels to my station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. M. PRIcHETF, Lieutenant-Comm,ander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Request from the cn5izens of Shawneetown, Ill., to Fleet Captain~ Pennock, U. S. Navy, for protection against guerrillas. SHAWNEETOWN, ILL., April 23, 1864. DEAR SIR: At a meeting of our citizens it was resolved to send the mayor of our town, Mr. Hunter, to represent to you the necessity of immediately sending a gunboat to this point to protect us and the country above and below from guerrillas who are now in large force on the Kentucky side of the river and wiio are evidently intending a raid on our town, no doubt to destroy us. There is also a large amount of Government forage here, also in great danger. We trust, therefore, that you will at once accede to our wishes. Mayor Hunter will explain more particularly our wants. Respectfully, yours, AARON B. STOUT, D. W. Lusu, J. MCKEE PEEPLES, F. LE RHOADES, Committee. Commodore PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, U. S. Navy. Letter from Fergus Peniston to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting the restoration of cotton seized in the Onackita River. NEW ORLEANS~ April 23, 1864. ADMIRAL: W. S. Pike and myself, citizens of the United States, and Ralli, Benachi & Co., Greek subjects, are the owners of a lot of cotton of 5,400 bales, situated on the Ouachita River and its tribu- taries, for which we paid, through our agent, nearly a year ago, $1,000,000 in Confederate notes. The cotton was purchased in the name of Ralli, Benachi & Co., because it would have been seized by the Confederate authorities had it been in our names; the greater portion belongs to Mr. Pike and myself. I have received information that about 1,000 bales of that cotton, nearly all of which is marked F. P., with the exception of some lots marked WACO, J. S. C., and perhaps a few other marks, were taken and placed on board the armed transports Nos. 4 and 14, which has a barge in tow, and of the Avenger. S aid cotton was placed on the bank by my agent in order to be in readiness for shipment to this market as soon as navigation would be allowed to private boats Page 266 266 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I now ask of you, admiral, as an act of justice due to an American citizen, that my property be restored to me, and that I be allowed to bring out of the Ouachita and its tributaries the remainder before the torch be applied to it by the people of that section. I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FERGUS PENISTON. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Ahsswsippi Squadron, etc. Letter from Major- General Roseerans, U. S. Army, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for breaking up contra- band trade. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OP THE MISSOURI, St. Louis, Mo., April 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: I am satisfied that important public interests will be subserved by authorizing Devoe to go to New York for the purpose of pursuing investigations into the contraband trade on the Missis- sippi River, and probably into a secret organization hostile to the United States believed to exist there as well as here. From what I judge of Admiral Porters views, this mission and the esta~blishment o an able officer or special agent at Memphis. would be quite according to his wishes, and would, I doubt not, re- sult in much benefit to the Government. I therefore recommend these two measures, viz: 1. That an able secret-service agent be sent to Memphis and sta- tioned there. 2. That Devoe have orders to go to New York for the purpose of following up investigations leading to the authors of contraband trade inor trade in contrabandfrom thence on the Mississippi. Very truly, yours, W. S. RosECRANs, Major- General. Captain PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Casro. Order of Corn4nander Townsend, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Corn,- mander Greer, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the Mississippi from, Wkite River to Natcliez, Miss. U. S. IRONcLAD STEAMER EssEx, Vie/es burg, April 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: Unless you consider it preeminently necessary that you should remain at Natchez, on receipt of this you will proceed with the Benton to Vicksburg and take supervisory charge and control of naval affairs on the river from the mouth of White River down to Natchez. What I have learned and what I see of the condition of affairs since the division commanders left their districts convinces m Page 267 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 267 that it is indispensable to the well-being and efficiency of our squad- ron that its able and experienced, judicious and reliable regular com- manders should not be stretched along at such wide intervals. Our most able and indomitable admiral, far from us in Red River, is toil- ing night and day with untiring energy and with an intelligence and skill and a capacity for the hardest labor, both of body and mind, that few could equal in battling with the most serious natural obstructions, as well as with the enemy. The demoralization of our surrounding army, crushed by the criminal incapacity of its leader, makes heavier the burden and more disheartening the task that fate has just now imposed upon the admiral. He requires all the support that our old Navy brethren who are with him can give. By the force of circum- stances a few of his oldest lieutenants have not been able to join him. We are left to care for matters on the unobstructed waters of the Mississippi, and we must see to it that affairs on the river do not pro- claim too loudly the temporary absence of his supervising eye and controlling hand. And naval affairs are going very badly here. I will not. speak of my suspicions, but the logic of events shows that the volunteer commanders hereabouts have been unequal to the responsi- bilities of their position. They have bowed with too deferential an awe to the requests; they speak of them as orders~~ of the cotton- loving generals, and they have been too much flattered by the artful attentions, if they have not succumbed to the seducing wiles of the unprincipled cotton speculators. The very atmosphere of Yicksburo is reeking ~with corruption. Unbending integrity, courteous sel# reliance, ability, experience, and judgment are needed here. It is therefore that I give you the order to come to Vicksburg and assume command of this long stretch of river. I consider your immediate presence here a prime necessity, essential to the fair fame and con- tinued high reputation of our squadron. I shall immediately inform the admiral of these orders. If they seem to him unnecessary, be will annul them. But I feel that it is my duty to issue them at once without waiting for the necessarily tardy sanction of the admiral. I trust and believe that they will meet with his high endorsement and approval. Captain Richardson will give you the particulars of the mortifying capture and destruction of the Petrel above Yazoo City on th& 22d instant. It is my opinion that the basis of the whole affair was cotton. Its inception was corrupt, its results disastrous. I have asked Captain Richardson to give you a full account of late events and the condition of affairs at this place. There is a wrecking company here, with whom the admiral has made a contract to raise the sunken vessels in the Yazoo and other tributaries of the Mississippi. Its representatives, Messrs. Faulke and Weaver, have the strongest kind of protective orders from the ad- miral. They are ready and very anxious to commence their work in the Yazoo. I tell them that with the Petrel destroyed and the Prairie Bird crippled it is impossible to do anything now. When you arrive you may be able to do something for them. The Prairie Birds cylin- der was badly cracked by a shot. My chief engineer has made arrangements so that it will be temporarily repaired to-morrow. When I get. up to White River, if a gunboat can be spared in that district, I will send one down to you. I shall proceed on up th Page 268 268 NAVAL FORCES~ ON WESTERN WATERS. river, in obedience to the admirals order, as soon as a suitable boat for towing the F88ex comes along. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT TOWNSEND, Corn nder, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron, U. S. Ironclad Benton. P. S.I shall order the Prairis Bird, when repaired, to lie at the mouth of the Yazoo. I have reason to believe that there is much smuggling of contraband goods to the enemy through that channel. When you arrive you will give her such orders as may seem fitting to yourself. Order of Lie~ate nt-Commander Bree8e, U. S. Navy, to Liente nt- Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, regarding repairs to the U. S. stecuners Gazelle and William H. Brown. [U. S. S.] BLACK HAWK~ Mouth of Black River, April 25,1864. DEAR RAMSAY: I send you the Gazelle and Brown to be fixed up. The latter has a long list of grievances. If you can fix her up here, please do so, and if not send her to Cairo with what she can tow. If you con~Aude to keep her, send here for the carpenters shops and you can work all at same time; that is, if you think to advantage. Drive on all in your power. You will hear the news from the bearer. Yours, truly, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Coqnqnander, Corn anding. Lieutenant-Commander FRANK M. RAM5AY, Commanding Choctaw. The admirals mail bag can only go by regular transport or gun- boat; perhaps the B. can be fixed quicker by going to Cairo. Letter from Major-General Sherman. U. S. Army, to Fleet Captain Pennock U. S. Navy, regarding the natnre of cooperation desired of Licutenant-Conwuander Shirk, U. S. Navy. Confidential.] HDQEs. MIL. Div. OF THE Mississippi, Nashville~ Tenn., April 25, 1864. DEAR CAPTAIN: I send you some letters for Red River, which I beg you will send to the admiral by your next regular boat. There is no necessity of unusual expedition. I wish you would notify Captain Shirk that we will, in May, be actively engaged beyond the Tennessee, and I have no doubt the enemy will work up along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and try and cross the Tennessee to attack my lines of communication. What we want is the earliest possible notice of such movement sent to Nash- ville and also keep my headquarters here advised where a gunboa Page 269 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 269 could be found with which to throw men across to the west bank of the Tennessee when necessary. For some time McPhersons command will be running up the Ten- nessee as far as Clifton, which is the shortest line of march to Pulaski and Decatur. Please facilitate this movement all you can. I am, with respect, your friend and servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Coimn& amding. Captain PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, requesting fur- ther orders before proGeeding from his station up the Mississippi River. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, April 25, 1864. DEAR BREESE: I have received an order from Townsend to go to Vicks~burg with this vessel, as he deems the presence of a regular naval officer there essential on account of rascality that is going on. He orders me to look out temporarily up as far as White River. This place ought not to be left without a vessel, and I will wait till I hear from you. I have to coal, etc., which will make some delay. If I go up I must take the tug to run about in. Please answer soon. Captain Richardson will tell you of the loss of the Petrel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and Fourth Dist. Miss. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander K. R. BREESE, Commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk. P. S.Can not the Onachita be spared for that business. She has the advantage of being able to run about, while this vessel is only a fixture. This is only a suggestion, as I presume she has to be in the Mississippi on account of her draft. A moving vessel is what is required. JAS. A. G. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Wilson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Omachita, to relieve the U. S. S. Benton, off Natchez, Miss. [U. S. S.] BLACK HAWK, Black River, April 25, 1864. SIR: Proceed without delay to Natchez and relieve the Benton, that she may obey her orders from Captain Townsend. Inform your- self as well as possible of affairs in that district, acting in your cruising at your discretion. I would impress upon you the necessity for great activity in cruising, showing yourself as much a~ possible in any suspiciou Page 270 270 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. neighborhood, and withal to keep the importance of Natchez, Coles Creek, and Ellis Cliffs in mind. Respectfully, etc.. your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander BYRON WILSON, Commanding Ouachita. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, transmitting priec list for the capture of steamer Gillum. MIssIssn?PI SQUADRON, U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth Black River, April 26, 1864. SIR: By order of Admiral Porter I have the honor to enclose here- with prize list of the U. S. S. Covington, for the capture of the trans- port steamer Gillum February 26, 1864. I have the honor to be, sir, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. U. S. S. Black Hawk. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Sceretary of the Navy, Washington, D. 0. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Tuttle, U. S. Army, previous to change of station from Natchez to Vicksburg. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, April 27, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that this vessel, which has been stationed at this place since its occupation by our forces, with the exception of a few weeks when absent on the Red River expedition, has been ordered to Vicksburg, for which place I start this morning. I presume there will be another vessel stationed here, but desire to state that should, you at any time deem it advisable for military reasons to have us here I will be very glad to hear from you and will return if it is in my power. I heard from Red River last evening. General Banks army was falling back to Alexandria, which place a portion had reached. They have had fighting pretty much all the way. The transports are all below the falls. I infer that the expedition has been a most miserable failure. With regrets, general, that I have been unable, on account of ill- ness, to pay my respects in person. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. General TUTTLE, Co anding United States forces, Natche~ Page 271 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 271 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Bree8e, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Rameay, U. S. Navy, for repair8 to the U. S. S. Judge liorrence. MOUTH BLACK Rivi~a~, April 27, [1864]. SIR: If YOU can possibly do so, have the Judge Iiorrence repaired at the mouth of Red River. If you Call not have her repaired there, please report the fact to me by the first opportunity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. RAMSAY, Commanding U. S. S. Choctaw. General report of Liente nt-Commander Bree8e, U. S. Navy. Mississirri SQUADRON, U. S. SHIP BLACK HAWK, Ylouth of Black River, April 2, 1864. DEAR SIR: I send this up by the Covington, Captain Lord, who will tell you the state of affairs above. I do not know what steps Town- send has taken about the Pefi el, but he has ordered the Benton to Vicksburg. I ordered the Onachita to Natchez to relieve the Benton, and told Wilson he must keep on the alert and move about wherever and whenever he thought proper. Foster wants a light-draft very much to move about; he is at Bayou Sara. The Price has gone to Natchez for the carpenters shops and Ram- say is to keep her cruising. Two weeks, it is thought, will be required to fix up the Ga2elie. The Brown has gone to Cairo, towing two empty barges. If anybody comes here to go up the Washita [Oua- chita] I shant let them go, as I can not give convoy, and it seems that we will require all our force to drive off guerrillas, etc., on the traveled routes. I try to keep a gunboat here with me, but somehow there is always something turns up to take her away. Yesterday I sent up the Kenwood with General Hunter on board and to give convoy to Gen- eral McClernand and his troops, which preceded the Kenwood some hours. I would like very much to have my men back from the Benefit if they can be spared. I understand she is at Alexandria doing nothing. Should you want to send the Choctaw up the Yazoo, she can be spared by my ~oing down there. I have a coal barge here for the purpose of coa~Ting the boats engaged convoying, to save them the trip to the Mississippi River. The Judge Torrence is in a very bad condition about the wheels. I shall write Ramsay to have her repaired there if possible. She requires entirely new frames, etc., for the wheels, and it is reported by the survey there is danger of the wheels dropping off. * * * * * * * My boat that goes up to you from the mouth of the river takes up lce Page 272 272 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. r forgot to tell you, a gorgeous pink mosquito bar is one of the articles sent you. Respectfully, etc., K. IR. BREE5E~ Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER. Lettei from iIJajor-General Sic/des, U. S. Army, to Fleet Captain Pennoek, U. S. Navy, requesting the services of a vessel to visit principal places on the Western waters. CINCINNATI, April 28, 1864. I have the honor to request, if not inconvenient to the service, that you will place at my disposal a suitable vessel to enable me to visit the principal places on the Ohio and Mississippi and other waters in the military and naval departments of the Southwest and South. I shall visit Cairo after leaving Nashville. I am authorized by the President to make this request of the naval authorities. I shall be at Louisville to-morrow, when I hope to receive your reply. D. SICKLES, iJiajor-Gemeral U. S. Army. Gaptain A. M. PENNOCK. General report of Fleet Captain Penmock, U. S. Navy. OFFICE Mississwri SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., April 28, 1864. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL: Detached parties of rebels are still in this neighborhood, on the Kentucky side, stealing horses and conscripting men. Guerrillas, said to be in force, are at work on the Kentucky shore, above and below Shawneetown, Ill. Two boats have been fired into, and they threatened to cross over to Shawneetown and destroy the place. I enclose a copy of a letter handed me by the mayor. We had heard of the whereabouts of this band previous to the delivery of the letter, and Fitch had gone to look after them. His division is now at work within its proper limits. General Hurlbut informs me that he. has reason to believe that the rebels are at work up the Sandy River, preparing rafts, with guns mounted upon them, and other means of transportation, for the purpose of crossing Tennessee River. Captain Shirk is on the lookout for them. I last night received a letter from General Sherman by a special messenger, desiring me to inform Captain Shirk that he will be, in May, actively engaged beyond the Tennessee, and that he has no doubt the enemy will work up along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and try to cross the Tennessee to attack his lines of communication. What he wants is the earliest possible notice of such a movement, and also to be advised where gunboats can be found with which to throw men across to the west bank of the Tennessee when necessary. He says that for some time McPhersons command will be moving up the Tennessee as far as Clifton, which is the shortest line of marc Page 273 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 273 to Pulaski and Decatur. He concludes by requesting me to facilitate this movement all that I can. McPhersons troops will be convoyed by our gunboats. Captain Shirk informs me that it will be impossible for him to do all that is absolutely necessary without an increase of force. I have ordered the Elftn to report to him. The Paw Paw, rotten as she is, will have to hold on to her station for the present. It will never do to leave Paducah, under existing circumstances, without one or two gunboats. I am obliged to keep the Naiad, Acting Master Keene, cruising up the river from. Mound City, and the Nymph remains at Mound City for the protection of that place and ready for any emergency. The White Rose, now the Siren, being the largest of the stem-wheel boats purchased by Mr. Gilman, I have converted, by your order, into a temporary receiving ship. The Undine is nearly ready for service, minus a crew. She has not more than 8 men on board. The Tensas is stationed at Cairo at night to look out for the wharf boat and inspection boat. These two boats I shall move to Mound City as soon as the levee is prepared for them, which will be in a few days, if we have fair weather. i?he Winnebago is here, and I am doing all I can to get her ready for service. Her stores are on board and she is now being coaled. I have placed Acting Master Megathlin in temporary charge of her. I have men enough for her, sent from the Army, but they have not yet been mustered out of service and paid off, which trammels me not a little. The Fairy is at present cruising between New Madrid and Osceola. The New Era was ordered by Lieutenant-Commander Pattison to convoy the Ike Hannruitt from Fort Pillow to the nearest gunboat, which somewhat interfered with my plans. I am well satisfied that the order was given with the best of motives. I enclose a copy of my letter to Lieutenant-Commander Pattison, and a copy of his answer. The repairs to the New Era, mentioned in my letter, were speedily made, and she returned to her station. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. S. Hill, whom, as I informed you in my last letter, I had attached to the station at Mound City, received orders from the Secretary of the Navy on the 22d, detaching him from this squadron and ordering him to Philadelphia. I feel his iO55~ as I am all alone again. Previous to Fitchs departure from here for his station I heard that guerrillas had possession of Hickman, and I sent him with the Moose, Hastings, and Reindeer and a detachment of marines under command of Lieutenant Stillman to drive them out and to bring away such Union men as desired to leave, with their property, and to inform the inhabitants that if the transports or any other boats were fired upon from that place they must bear the consequences. I enclose a copy of Fitchs report. A delegation from the Committee on the Conduct of the War, consisting of Senator Wade of Ohio, Representative Gooch of Massachusetts, and a secretary, arrived here on the 22d. They were sent out to investigate the Fort Pillow affair and to enquire into the truth of the stories of the massacre of our troops. They examined most of the wounded soldiers who were 1020080N W RVOL 261~ T Page 274 274 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. brought from Fort Pillow to the Mound City hospital; also General Hurlbut, who is here, and General Brayman and his staff; also Shirk and myself, in relation to the movements of the gunboats during For- rests raid into western Kentucky and Tennessee. I think Shirk and myself made a creditable record and that the reputation of the squad- ron in this vicinity will not suffer by the report of the committee. After two days investigation they found it necessary to go to Memphis, and I ordered the Hastings to take them down. They visited Fort Pillow, gunboat New Era, and Memphis, and returned here this afternoon. As soon as the Hastings can coal, if nothing further occurs in this vicinity, I will send her to White River, as I have before mentioned. Fitch informed me that he met the New National on his return from Fbrt Pillow and. sent you an official report of his doings at that place and in the vicinity. I take great pleasure in stating that General Brayman has cooperated with us to the extent of his ability. Shirk and Fitch have been very active, and have done all that men could do. During their sojourn at Mound City, Messrs. Wade and Gooch, and Mr. Long, their secretary, stayed with Shirk and myself. I have been very anxious to carry out your orders, and hope that where circumstances have occurred to prevent my doing so as speedily as possible you will approve the course I have pursued. I have much more to say to you, but must close to send off Mr. Burns, your special messenger, with a dispatch just received from the Se& retary of the Navy, and some from General Sherman to you. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, awaiting ivstractions regarding the U. S. S. Curlew, carrying sur~veying party. U. S. S. BENTON, Mississippi River, April 9~8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the surveying party now on board the CuNew at Grand Gulf have about finished their work there and are ready to go farther down the river. Under the cir- cumstances I do not feel authorized to allow the Curlew to leave the important point of Grand Gulf without a vessel and have directed her to remain there until further orders from you. The rebels show themselves there at times, and I am pretty sure we would have transports fired upon were it not for the presence of a gunboat. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Lenton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 275 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 275 Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, rega~rding strike of shipbuilding mec1w~nics at lifonnd City, Ill. MOUND CITY, ILL., April 29, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: As the steamer on board of which I intended to send your special bearer of dispatches has not arrived, and when she does come she is to be loaded with troops, I have decided to send him down on board the Hastings. The commanding officer has orders to proceed up Red River until he meets the Black Hawk, when he will report to Captain Breese for further instructions if you are not present. I was called upon some time since by a deputation of the mechanics of this station who presented a written request that I would raise their wages. I told them that they had made the same application to you and that they had also made an application direct to the Secre- tary of the Navy, which he had returned to you for your action; that I had no doubt they would receive such wages as were being paid at the neighboring cities; that you had not been unmindful of their interests; that the whole matter was subject to your decision; and that I would in all probability hear from you as soon as you had an opportunity and time to write to me on the subj ect. Shortly after- wards I was called upon to know if I had heard from you on the subject. I replied that time sufficient had not elapsed for me to receive your reply, which seemed to satisfy them. About the 18th, at 1 p. in., I received a telegram from Mound City stating that the workmen had struck. It seemed to me as though they had selected a time when all my energies were taxed to meet the emergencies that were then occurring to force me to do that which I had told them only a few days before was in your hands and would meet with proper consideration from you. I considered their action disrespectful to you and to myself and expressive of a want of confidence in your sense of justice. I deter- mined not to yield, and informed [them] that what I could not grant before the strike I had neither the right nor the inclination to grant afterwards, and that no action would be taken until I heard from you. After a lapse of two or three days a few returned to work, and we now have a respectable number of joiners, all the machinists~ two or three calkers, two or three painters, plenty of laborers, but no ship carpenters at work. I take great pleasure in stating that Mr. Friganza and Mr. Faulk- ner stood by me like men, and were entirely unaware of the mens intentions until they struck. The foremen and quartermen, with one exception, did not strike, but took tools in their hands and went to work. All the mechanics who have not returned to work have been dis- charged. I have not heard from you direct for a long time, but I know what you have had to contend with. Breese has kept me well posted. I feel gratified at the dispatch which the Secretary of the Navy has sent you, and have sanguine hope that all will result well. I telegraphed to the Secretary of the Navy that our dispatch boat would leave on the 1st, and asked if he had any dispatches for you. as I did not know that I could communicate with you for sometime afterwards Page 276 276 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. He replied that he had no other communication for you besides that of the 2Gth, which Mr. Burns takes to you. I will send the Nymph to you to-morrow or next day. It will weaken me, but I can not bear the idea of detaining vessels for work on the upper river when I know you require them and are anxious to have them with you. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Telegram.] LOOKOUT VALLEY, April 29, 1864. The gunboat will be ready to leave Bridgeport to go down the river early to-morrow morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, Majoi~- General. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, transmitting information regarding the landing of contratand goods by steamer G-rey Eagle, April 28, 1864. U. S. S. CHOCTAW Off Mouth of Red River, April 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herexvith the report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding J. F. Richardson in regard to the capture of contraband goods on the 28th instant. The articles are now on board of this vessel. When the Grey Eagle passed up her captain came on board and asked if there was a gunboat near Stamps Landing, as he had a lady passenger who wanted to land there. I told him the Price was going up in a few moments, but he could land the lady if her pass was right. I am confident the captain knew nothing of the articles landed, as they were in a trunk and valise, but the Treasury aid must have known, as it is his duty to examine all baggage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAM5AY, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Third District. D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. GENERAL PRICE, Mouth Red River, April 28, 1864. SIR: I have respectfully to state that while proceeding toward Black Hawk Point, on this river, at ~ oclock this afternoon, a r Page 277 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 277 port was made to me that the steamboat Grey. Eagle, which was only a short distance ahead of us, had landed a woman, with sundry trunks and packages, at Stamps Landing, which we were then pass- ing. I immediately landed the Price, and upon diligently searching the baggage found it to contain a trunk of dry goods and medicines, a package of 4 boxes sulphate morphine, a valise containing valuable medicines, and cases containing 24 pairs ladies shoes. It is claimed by the woman (Miss Gillespie) as being her own property, she hav- ing bought the same in New Orleans, from whence she has just arrived per Grey Eagle. Believing it important that you should be immediately informed of the circumstances attending this case, I have immediately re- turned to Red River, to place the case before you and to receive such advice upon the subject as you may deem advisable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. RIduAiwsoN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. RAMSAY, U. S. Navy, Commanding Third District, 1Ifis~iss~ppi Squadron. Im~tructions from Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Wilson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ouachita;referring to the movement of cotton. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Hurricane Island, April 20, 1864. SIR: I have just learned that you have arrived in this district. I was expecting you, for I had heard from Captain Breese that you were ordered. Will you please let me know how much coal there is at Natchez, for I presume the Hammitt has left at least one barge there. I wrote to Captain Breese asking that the Torrence might be sent there to look out for barges, etc. When the river falls, those on the Louisiana side will have to be watched well that they do not get on a shelving bank that is there and will finally have to be taken to the other side. If our towboats bound up can take any, get rid of them. On my way up the river I saw one of our navy barges near Coles [Creek] Point tied to the bank on the Mississippi side. How it got there I do not know. I told the Rattler to take it to Natchez; but as it was dark, she did not succeed in oettino~ it out. Will you please take it down? When at Natchez you are ~ikely to be troubled some by the people asking protection to have their cotton shipped. My rule is,if it is in the Fourth District, to afford it, if their papers are all right and if it is perfectly convenient to do so. If below a c ez, I refer them to the commanding officer of the boat at Ellis Cliffs or to Captain Ramsay. You will find Judge Hart, the Treasury agent, and Mr. Burnet, the agent for the plantations, somewhat troublesome. They each have an idea that cotton is the one great thing for which we live. Should you be brought in contact with them, be on your guard. Please keep me advised of all occurrences in this district, but should anything in you Page 278 278 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. opinion require immediate reporting to the admiral without the for- mality of going through the division commander, do so at once, send- ing me a copy of report. My address will be off Vicksburg or mouth of Yazoo River. Please let me know the nature of your orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. i7IIiss. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander BYRON WILSON, Commanding U. S. S. Ouachita. Order of Lieutenant-Commankr Breese, U. S. Navy, to the master of steamer Benefit to tow the U. S. S. Juliet to Cairo, Ill. MOUTH OF BLACK RIvER, April 30, 1864. SIR: You will take charge of the steamer Benefit and proceed to Cairo with her, towing the Ju/iet. On your arrival at Cairo you will report to Captain A. M. Pennock, commandant of station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [K. R. BREESE], Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Mr. T. G. BOONE, Commanding Steamer Benefit, Mouth Black River; La. [Telegram.] HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, Chattanooga, A .1 30, 1864. One gunboat is now done and three more are nearly ready. If the admiral can send us commanders, petty officers, and engineers we can undertake to supply here the crews. We also can supply provisions and all material; also guns and ammunition of army pattern. I want the river above Mussel Shoals patrolled as soon as possible, as it will set free one local garrison. ~. T. ShERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. Captain PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill. Report of Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in Tennes see and Kentucky. OFFICE MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., May 1, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I have just received a telegram from Paducah say- ing that the colonel commanding there has ordered all public prop- erty at that place removed into boats preparatory to an attack. I sent the Naiad up with Shirk, who is quite unwell, and gave hi Page 279 NAVAL FORCES OI~ WESTERN WATERS. 279 orders to retain her there or in that neighborhood, if he finds it abso- lutely necessary to do so. I believe that the object of the enemy is to try to cut off Shermans communication higher up the Tennessee River, and to prevent or retard the passage of McPhersons Corps, who are moving up from here every day. It is considered of the greatest importance that McPhersons troops should be pushed forward with all dispatch, and, if possible, without interruption. I shall use all the means in my power to for- ward this movement and to meet at the same time the constantly occurring emergencies which we shall have as long as rebels remain in western Kentucky and Tennessee. General Sherman telegraphed me from Chattanooga on the 30th that one gunboat is now done and three more are nearly ready, and that if you can send him commanders, petty officers, and engineers he will undertake to supply the crews, provisions, and all material; also guns and ammunition of army pattern. He adds that he wants the river above Mussel Shoals patrolled as soon as possible, as it will set free one local garrison. I have telegraphed to Fitch telling him to go ahead with your in- structions, and that I will give him any assistance he may require. The rebels in Kentucky and Tennessee have been strongly rein- forced, I doubt not, but the exact location of their main body is very doubtful. Of course, we are dependent upon army scouts for this kind of information. I do not intend to allow vague rumors or reports to influence my actions. I have just received a letter from the captain of the Fairy inform- ing me that his engines are becoming daily more and more out of line, and the steam pipe connected with his doctor engine is actually unsafe. I shall order him to this place for repairs, and have them done as speedily as possible. I consider her services more important from Columbus up to the Tennessee than where she now is, which was only a temporary arrangement to meet the emergency that occurred. The guerrillas are getting thick between here and Paducah, and Shirk and myself both think that it will soon be necessary to convoy the boats carrying troops and Government stores from here to Paducah. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. P. S.3 p. in.1 have just received a dispatch from Paducah say- ing that a flag of truce was sent to the fort there at l~ oclock to-day. A.M.P. Report of Lieutenant-Co ander Patti8on, U. S. Navy, commanding ~~al 8tation at Men~phi8, Tenn. U. S. NAVAL STATION, Memphi8, Tenn., May 1, 1864. SIR: Since my last report there have been three carpenters and one blacksmith employed at this station working upon the ram Avenger and fitting up an ice house. The repairs on the Avenger were com- pleted last night and she has been dispatched to Red River Page 280 280 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The Wii8on has arrived here with a large tow of cotton and will proceed to Cairo this day at noon. The greater part of the ammunition belonging to the Tuscuimbia, stored in the yard, has been sent to Fort Pickering and placed in the magazine of the fort for safe-keeping; The balance will be sent as soon as transportation can be procured. There are remaining on hand about 15,000 bushels of coal at this station. Yesterday a large force of cavalry and mounted infantry left this place in search of the rebel general, Forrest. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. PAITISON, Lieutenant-CommanderS Commanding Naval Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Corn nder Greer, U. S. Navy, ref err~ng~ to the destruetion of th~ U. S. ~S. Petrel at Ya~oo City. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Vicksburg, 2lIay 2, 1864. SIR: ]~ have the honor to inform you that in obedience to instruc- tions from Commander Townsend I came to this place and have been having an eye to matters here. It is pretty reliably ascertained that the Petrel was burned by the rebels at Yazoo City after they had removed her guns and stores. The guns, it is said, have been taken to Canton, Miss. Why I can not uiiderstand, unless to have them in a place where they will be more safe until they can fix field carriages for them. General Slocum has arrived and taken command and seems to be of a different style from the cotton-loving generals. He has with- drawn the troops from the Yazoo, where they were only protecting cotton speculators. A force of some size will leave this in two days to occupy the rebel cavalry in this State, while an expedition from Memphis will go after Forrest. General Slocum was desirdus of having two boats go up the Yazoo to make a feint with one or two transports, but I told him I could no.t do it, and especially as the force to spare was not in my hands. I do not think there is any particular necessity for this part of the program. As a large portion of the garrison will go on the expedi- tion I shall remain here unless called away by somethino~ important. There are rumors of a battery at or near Perkins pfantation. I have directed the C~urlew to see after it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAs. A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Commanding MissisSippi Squadron Page 281 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 281 Order of Lieutenant-Com~r& ander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting En- 8~gn C1wtmber~s, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Prairie Bird, regarding blockade duty at the mouth of Yazoc River. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Vick8 burg, May 2, 1864. SIR: You will, until further orders, remain at the mouth of the Yazoo with the Prairie Bi d. You will permit no vessel to go into that stream for the purpose of trade. In fact, for no other purpose than to land at the military posts and on service immediately con- nected with the army. You will require from the commanders of boats going up the Yazoo a certificate to this effect: I, , master of the steamboat , do certify on honor that I will land this boat at no point on the Yazoo River unless at a military post, or while under the protection of a gunboat; also that the boat is in the exclusive employ of the Government. Should a boat violate this promise, you will, if you have positive information of it, seize her and make report in full to Lieutenant- Commander Phelps, now in command from Vicksburg up. Be cour- teous in your dealings with these men, but firm. This order does not refer to the Marine Brigade or to boats loaded with troops going on an expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. Gnnnn, Lieut. Com~dr., Comdg. Benton am! 4th Di~st. Miss. Squadron. Acting Ensign J. W. CHAMBERS, Commanding U. S. S. Prairie Bird. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to the captain of steamer S. C. Baker, regarding duty far that ves8el. Mouni RED RIVER, May 2, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed to Cairo, taking with you all the empty barges at this p lace and on the way, up that you can tow. On your arrival, you will report to Captain A. M~ Pennock, fleet captain and commandant of station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding. Captain HALLIDAY, Commanding Steamer S. C. Baker, Mouth Red River, La~ Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to the captain of steamer Ike Ham~mitt, regarding duty for that vessel. MOUTH RED Rm~R, LA., May 2, [1864]. SIR: You will take in tow the barge of cotton and empty barges which will be delivered to you and proceed without delay to Cairo Page 282 282 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Ill. On your arrival at that place, you will report to Captain A. M. Pennock, commandant of station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Convuanding. Captain BOYD, Steamer Ike Hammitt, Mouth Red River, La. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Penrwck, U. S. Navy, regarding captured cotton. MoUTH RED RIVER, May 2, [1864]. SIR: I send up by the Ike Hammitt a barge loaded with cotton, be- ing a portion of that captured on the Red and Onachita Rivers. I do not know the number of bales contained in the barge, not having the account in my possession. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieuten. t-Commander, Commanding. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant Naval Station, Cairo, Ill. Order of Lieutenant-Co~& niander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Wright, U. S. Navy, comma ing U. S. ram Avenger. MOUTH RED RIVER, May 3, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed with the coal barges in tow to the mouth of Black River and remain there until further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding U. S. S. iliac/c Hawk. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant CHAS. A. WRIGHT, Commanding Ram Aaenger. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gen- eral Bragg to proceed to duty at Tunica Bend. Moirri RED RIVER, May 3, [1864]. SIR: Proceed to Tunica Bend with your vessel, where you will re- main until further orders. Report your arrival to Captain Foster by first boat going down. Exercise all your vigilance in regard to guerrilla parties and such else as may be of advantage to us. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. DOMINY, Coin anding General Bragg Page 283 NAVAL FOECTES ON WESTERN WATERS. 283 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Bree8e, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Wil8on, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ouachita, regarding repclzr8 to that ves8el. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWKI, Mouth Red River, liIay3[1864]. SIR: You will remain at Natchez and will send up an engineer officer with requisitions for a shaft and for whatever else you may require to complete all necessary repairs as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Comqnander, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander BYRON WILSON, Commanding U. S. S. Onachita, off Natchez, Mi8s. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Lauivg, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rat- tler, enjoining care of the wreck of the Indianola. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Vick8burg, May 3, 1864. Sn~: Yowr letter of the 2d instant, with usual reports, etc., is re- ceived. From the accounts of the condition of the rivers above, I would not be surprised if you had water enough to get the I ianola off. I believe you need about 6 feet more rise from to-day. I will try and be down to you about the right time, as our force may be of some assistance. In regard to going to the assistance of threatened military posts, you must ever bear in mind that the protection and care of the Indianola is your especial duty. I have no doubt the forces have been scattered about to protect the cotton speculators, and that they have done so with the expectation that you would be ever ready to answer their call. I wish you would undeceive the officers in command of the troops. I have long since learned that the class of troops now in your neighborhood are not to be relied upon at all, and that they are very easily frightened. If you can at any time do any damage to the enemy, always having an eye to the Indianola, do so. You can permit steamers to land at military posts in case of emer- gency, and solely on duty connected with them. Will you let me know the number of soldiers at each of the detached posts and why they are there. I will call the attention of the new commander here (General Slocum) to it. He is, I think, a different man from many of our cotton-loving generals. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Corn dr., Comdg. Renton and 4th Pi8t. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JAMES LANING, Commanding U. S. S. Rattler Page 284 284 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of F. H. Gerde8, U. S. Coa8t Survey, referring to detailed reeonnois~ance in the JIissis8ippi River from Rodney to Point Plea8ant. [U. S. S.] CURLEW, Grand Gulf, May 3, 1864. ADMIRAL; I have not received from you a reply to my last two let- ters of April 5 and 15, but perhaps you never got them and they were miscarried. I repeat, therefore, by to-days packet, that I have done here all that can be done,andthatlhaveemployedmytimesincel finished the topographic and hydrographic sheet of Grand Gulf in making a detailed reconnoissance of the Mississippi River from Rod- ney upward to Point Pleasant (near Jeff. Daviss plantation). This reconnoissance is quite reliable, and, if extended, I think would be very useful to you and your division commanders, as it contains a very close sketch of the topography, on both sides, of all the houses, names. water courses, and landings, with indication of roads, etc. Of course, the bearings were all taken by surveyors compass only, but I guarantee a reasonable correctness and near approximation to reality. 1 would like to have the same extended down to Waterproof and upward, more toward Vicksburg, but Captain Greer desires the Curlew not to leave here for more than a couple of hours at a time, and for this reason I have to discontinue. If you can possibly relieve me from this station I should be very glad. I feel anxious to finish the commenced work at Cairo, and in all probAbility the points there will soon be lost and with them much of the labor of last winter. Besides, it will require nearly the re- mainder of the season to complete that map. I hope you may be able to let me keep the Curlew. I have made copies of all niy work for you, and beg you to direct me either to keep them f or you or where to send them. Will you also permit me to forward my originals of Grand Gulf to Washing- ton, or shall I send pro tem only copies to the superintendent and keep the originals for your inspection ~ Most respectfully, your very obedient servant, F. II. GERDES, Assistant, f. S. Coast Surrey. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comi nding U. S. Mississippi Fleet, mouth of Red River. General report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy. OFFICE Mississirri SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., April [May] 4, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: I received this morning your letter of April 23. I well understand the trying situation in which you are placed, but know that you are equal to it and have an abiding faith that all will yet end well. The dispatch from the Secretary of the 26th ulfimo settles the fact that neither Banks nor Smiths forces are to be with- drawn from the river. Fearing that the dispatch sent by Mr. Burns may not have reached you I send a duplicate. Dunn will start in the Robb in the morning with a large amount of money and I have thought it prudent to send the Naiad in co Page 285 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 285 pany, as it is reported that boats are being fired upon all along below Memphis. The Naiad will report to Breese at the mouth of Red River. No ~ew gunboats have come from Cincinnati since my last report. I informed you on the 1st that a flag of truce had been sent into Padu- cah. That night Shirk telegraphed me that if the enemy attacked it would be in force. He urged the necessity of having a gunboat there that had long-range guns on board. Fortunately the repairs on the Hastings were completed and I sent her up to him that night. Troops also went up from here. If the rebels intendcd to make the attack, they thought that discretion was the better part of valor and did not do so. I do not think that a garrison will again be put in Fort Pillow. The Vindicator has not yet arrived. As soon as she comes I will hurry her along. Breese writes me that there are plenty of provisions at Red River, and not to send any more until he lets me know. As soon as I heard that you had detained the towboats below I ordered Boggs to charter the very best he could find. Three boats have recently left here, towing five barges each for Red River. ~Te are still pushing up McPhersons corps, and all the boats have to be convoyed. The Fairy has arrived, and I will keep her here, in accordance with your instructions. I received a telegram from Major-General Sickles a few days ago, of which the enclosed is a copy. I also enclose a copy of my answer. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. P. 5.Paymaster Davis has been ordered out here to relieve Pay- master May, and as May had no idea that it was contemplated to relieve him, Dunn and Gilman think that they also may be relieved when they least expect it. They desire to remain on this station as long as you command it. A.M.P. Report of Lieutenant-Corn uder Seifridge, U. S. 17a.vy, commanding U. S. S. Osage, regarding captured cotton. U. S. S. OSAGE, May 4, 1864. SIR: Having kept no memorandum of the cotton captured down the river, I am unable to answer your enquiry To the best of my recollection we brought up on the Quachita about 620 bales, the Lexington about 350 bales, the Gazelle about 85 bales. The amounts taken from the different plantations were entered upon the log book of the Ouaehita. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tnos. 0. SELFRIDGE, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding 2ifksissippi Squadron Page 286 286 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, com~manding U. S. S. Chillicot he, regarding captured cotton. U. S. S. CHILLICOTHE, A bore Alexandria Falls, La., May 4, 1864. SIR: All the cotton taken on board this vessel while under the com- mand of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. P. Couthouy, as shown in the log book, and in which statement several officers questioned agree, amounted to 7 bales in all, 5 of which were received from Point Breeze, La., opposite to Fort Adams, Miss., on February 4, 1864, and 2 more from the same place on February 6, 1864. Nothing is known on board the vessel, as far as I have been able to ascertain, of the 14 bales of cotton referred to in your letter of the 3d- instant as having been captured from a Mrs. Howell, about 11 miles, as you informed me, above Alexandria, La. On the 9th of April, 1864, two days after going above Grand Ecore, La., this vessel, under my command, captured 11 bales of cotton at a place that was deserted on the left bank of this river, no persons, white or black, being in view, and the houses somewhat damaged. Very respectfully, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Cbommanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron, Alexandria, La. Letter from Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant- Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding transportation of ma- tertals for construction of gunboats at Bridgeport. Hixi~s. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MIssIssIPPI, IN THE I~IELD CHATTANOOGA TENN May 5, /864. The railroad from Nashville to Bridgeport will carry anything needed for the gunboats with dispatch. Let the officer charged with the business apply to Colonel DOnaldsOIl, chief quartermaster, at Nashville. Spare weight and bulk as much -as possible, as our rail- road is taxed to its utmost capacity. ~. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. Captain LE Ro~ FITCH, Cincinnati, Ohio. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, referring to dispatch forwarded to the Department, and movements of U. S. steamers. OFFICE MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., May 6, 1864. DEAR ADMIRAL: Mr. Heap arrived last night and left for Wash- ington in the early train this morning. He left a lengthy dispatch for the Secretary of the Navy, which he said you ordered him to write, ~nd left it for me to forward, which I did this morning Page 287 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 287 Phelps has taken the Ha8tings, and the Kenwood will return to- night, as ordered by Breese. To enable Shirk to accomplish the convoy of the Seventeenth Army Corps and keep at the same time two gunboats at Paducah, it may be necessary to send the Undine to report to him temporarily. I write in haste. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. Order of Lieutenant Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Pilot Birch, commanding U. S. S. General Lyon, to proceed with di8 patch to Cairo, Ill. U. S. S. BLACK hAwK, Mouth of Red River, May 6, 1864. SIR: You will proceed with all dispatch to Cairo, Ill., carrying the guard flag forward and stopping at the vessels of the squadron simply to communicate with them, and in no case must you be delayed over five minutes, as it is of the greatest importance you should reach Cairo as soon as possible. Should any officers be inclined to stop you longer, show them this order and report the delay to me hereafter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Co a ing. Pilot IR. E. BIRCH, Commanding General Lyon. Order of Commodore Hull, U. S. Navy, to Engineer Missimer, U. S. Navy, to take the U. S. S. Chickasaw to Cairo, Ill. ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 7, 1864~ SIR: At the request of Chief Engineer King you will proceed in the gunboat Chickasaw to Cairo, keeping a log of the passage, and after she has been delivered to the commanding officer there you will return to your duty at St. Louis. Very respectfully, J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Second Assistant Engineer H. MISSIMER, U. S. Navy, St. Louis. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding conditions observed in expedition from I7iclcsburg to Cairo. OFFICE MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., May 7, 1864. SIR: On the way up in the Kenwood I gave directions stopping gun- boats from entering the Yazoo or Arkansas rivers, and also prevent- ing cotton and trading boat8 from going up the former. It appear Page 288 288 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. that army boats are required to go up to the force at Snyders Bluff. I shall be down there in a day or two. From Vicksburg here there was no enemy along the river itself. At Memphis a force had been mounted, taking all the horses to be found, and sent out after Forrest, and Captain Pattison told me that it was reported to have been de- feated. The Winnebago is here ready, except in the matter of crew, for service. I should much like tohave her somewhere within my control, so as to be able to bring her to bear in the event of further demonstrations along the river, and if you should need her to clear out the river below you I could run down in her and vent some of the ill will I owe the enemy there on account of the fight after blowing up the Fa8tport. She is not a vessel one would like to have much to do. with, save when in a fight, where I think she would do good service. General Steele has been driven back upon Little Rock and has met with some loss, more especially in the way of wagons. I think the rebels are now well supplied with a train. There are in the river from here to Vicksburg the following ves- sels only, viz: Fort Pillow, New Era; Memphis, Esse~r and Silver Cloud, both repairing; White River and Arkansas, Queen City, Fawn, and Naumkeag; mouth of White River, Tyler; Gaines Landing, Romeo; Skipwiths Landing, EXechange.; Yazoo, Prairie Bird. I shall go down with [the] Ha8ting8. It appears that there are no vessels ,here preparing that can be added to this slender list. I have little to report in regard to the vessels. We hurried up with the Kenwood not to delay Mr. Heap. I am told that the Fort Pillow committee went back to Washington violently anti-Banks and strongly pro-Navy. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. PHELPS, Lie atenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mi88i8sippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Co nder Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Rid~ard8on, U. S. Navy, co anding U. S. S. General Price, to g rd agabwt guerrilla8 at Tunica Bend, La. IJ. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, hay 8, 1864. SIR: Proceed to Tunica Bend and with your vessel guard that por- tion of the river against the depredations of the guerrillas. It is reported there is a 3-inch rifle piece, recently captured from our army, in that vicinity and that it is brought to the bank and fired into passing boats. ~Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Co anding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. F. RICHARDsoN, Commanding Ge ral Price Page 289 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 289 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to captain of steamer Meteor, regarding transmission of document to command- ing general at New Orleans. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 9, [1864]. SIR: Proceed without delay to Port Hudson, hand the accompany- ing document to the commanding officer, who will return you its contents, which you will, with all dispatch, hand to the commanding general at New Orleans, after reporting your arrival to Commodore Palmer. Should Commodore Palmer keep your vessel at New Orleans, ask him to please send our pilot up by first opportunity. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. COMMANDING OFFICER OF METEOR. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to commanding officer at Port Hudson, forwarding dispatches. U. S. S. [BLACK HAWK], Mouth Red River, May 9, [1864]. SIR: The following dispatches have just been received and are very important, hud I therefore trust you to telegraph them to New Orleans and to hand them back to the bearer to take to New Orleans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk. COMMANDING OFFICER, Port Hudson. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to commanding officer at New Orleans, forwarding dispatches from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army. ~. S. S. [BLACK HAWK], ilouth Red River, May 9, [1864]. SIR: I enclose herewith dispatches just received from General Banks. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commandcr, Commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk. COMMANDING OFFICER, New Orleans. I have not time to write, and have requested Commodore Palmer. I having written to him, to inform you of the situation of affairs. K. IR. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander. 1020080N W RVOL 2613 1 Page 290 290 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander I? reese, U. S. Navy, to com- manding general at New Orleans, forwarding dispatch from Major-General Ban/cs, U. S. Army. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth Red River, May 9, [1864]. SIR: The following dispatch has been received from General Banks, to be sent to Cairo, Ill.: No. 2.] Astor. goods very immediately relieved ninth dam eighth she may the wed- lock Sheffields sup cherub against Berlin there the completed hang barber up crowd be and shall the time very hard for we instant will to. CONWAY. Major ECKERT, Washington, D. C. Very respectfully, [K. R. BREEs~], Lieutenant-Co cinder, U. S. Navy, Commanding. COMMANDING GENERAL, New Orleans, La. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding transfer of Government property from Cairo to hound City, Ill. OFFICE MIsSIssIPPI SQUADRON, Mound City, Ill., May 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have this day moved the naval wharf boat and the inspection boat Abraham from Cairo, Ill., to this place, in obedience to orders from the admiral. Nearly all the Government property has now been concentrated at this place. The arrangement for the mail will, for the present, remain as heretofore. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Coi ~andant of Station. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] ST. LOUIS, May 9, 1864. The Chickasaw left for Cairo yesterday morning. J. B. HULL, Commodore, Superintending. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, etc., Cairo Page 291 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 291 Order of Rear-A dimiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Corn- imctnder Greer, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Fort Adam~s, Mi8s. Mississirr~ SQUADRON, Flagship Black Hawk, IJiouth of Red River, May 10, 1864. DEAR GREER: The admiral wants you to go to Fort Adams and lay there until he can get the Neosho up to relieve you. Grant has licked Lee out of his boots, so rumor says. Nothing official, and I am too glad to get the admiral back, though sick. Yours, truly, BREESE. The captain of Champion will explain affairs. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Major Boatright, U. S. Army, regarding recruiting station at mouth of Red River. Mississirri SQUADRON, U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth Red River, La., May 10, 1864. Sm: I regret that you should have established yourself on shore at this place, and that you did not receive the message I sent you to prevent such a course of proceeding. You will, immediately on the receipt of this, strike your tent and hold yourself in readiness to leave. I will send you across the river above or below Red River and give you such protection as I can, but as it would be but nominal, I should not advise it. Please state to your commanding officer my regret at not being able to permit you to open a recruiting station here. This place is the principal recruiting station for the Navy, and we do not get sufficient for our wants. It is also our principal depot for coal and stores. The workshops, etc., of the fleet are here, thus presenting sufficient attractions to the rebels without the addition of your party; and from the very reduced state of the squadron at this point, I find I have already enough on my hands to look out for. Regretting that I am unable to forward the views of General Thomas, and with the request that you will inform him of the above, and that the matter will be referred by me to Rear-Admiral Porter, I remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [K. R. BREESE], Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Major W. W. BOATRIGHT, U. S. Army. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Price, calling attention to orders. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 10, [18641. SIR: I learn with surprise that you are not on the Mississippi proper near Tunica Bend, as my instructions to you ordered you should be Page 292 292 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. I wish you to bear in mind the necessity of carrying out my orders, and let nothing divert you to side enterprises that will take you away from the locality where artillery may be brought in. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Comnvinding. Acting Volunteer Lienteflant J. F. RICHARDSON, Comnuanding General Price. Report of Rear-Adm4ral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the course pursued by him in cotton tr actions and transmitting newspaper clipping containing accusations against him. Mississmri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET, Off Alexandria, La., May 11, 1864. SIR: I came across the enclosed article in a Western paper, and although I am not in the habit of noticing newspaper paragraphs, I deemed this one of sufficient importance to justify me in making an explanation to the Department, the reflections on me coming from the highest legislative body in the land, whose good opinion I am unwilling to forfeit. Fortunately neither my name, nor that of any officer under my command, has ever been connected with cotton, which has led so many men astray from their duties, nor do I think it ever will be. When I came into this river the rebels commenced burning cotton, as they always have done when our forces have appeared, and I ordered all cotton found lying along the banks of the river to be taken charge of, to be sent to Cairo for adjudication when it was the property of the rebel Government or its officers, and to be receipted for when the property of private individuals. When private indi- viduals (loyal) made objections to the cotton being taken, saying that they had no fear of its being molested, it was not troubled, and was generally burned. In all cases where persons came to me with claims, I either de- livered the cotton to them or gaye them receipts for it, instructing them how to get it in Cairo without being put to the expense even of transportation. Applications were daily made to me to take possession of cotton, the parties being willing to abandon it to the Navy, all of which applications I declined acceding to, not intending to have anything to do with matters of a private nature, and not having the means of transportation. On my arrival here I found a storehouse filled with C. S. A. cotton, among which were three lots (formerly rebel cotton, evidently) claimed by private individuals. When satisfied that they had paid for the cotton, I returned it to them, or gave them the necessary document to enable them to get it. In all cases the fairest dealings have existed toward all persons, which everyone here inter- ested will acknowledge, and if some of those concerned may have to go to Cairo to secure their rights, they are well satisfied to have escaped from the indiscriminate seizure which was made by the Army. I deemed that I had a right to take all rebel Government cotton, or that of persons in arms against the Union, for this is truly an enemy~ Page 293 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WAThR~. 293 country in every sense of the word, and to have left the means of carrying on war in their hands would have been anything but patriotic. When the army came here, I gave an order to touch no more cot- ton, and to respect the rights of every individual, considering it nothing but right that everyone should trade with their own prop-. erty in accordance with the Presidents proclamation (excepting the rebel Government and its aiders and abettors) ; besides, I have more important matters to attend to, and have no desire to have my name associated with complaints which daily reach my ears. I have no fear that the Department will ever doubt the propriety of my course, but make these explanations that Members of the Senate, amongst whom I have some friends whose good opinion I highly value, may understand my true position. I would not walk ten steps out of the way of my duty for all the cotton in the South, and am happy to say that I have never been afflicted with the mania, which has led some prominent men astray from more important duties. Great injustice has been done to many parties here, but with that I have nothing to do, and hope that my name may never be asso- ciated with these transactions. I am happy to say that not one instance occurred since we entered this river where officer or man failed to respect private rights. They never entered a house without orders or took so much as an egg with- out permission of the owner, and paying for it, all of which is required by general orders. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Waehinqton, D. C. [EnclosureNewspaper clipping.] The Red River affair in the ~enate. In a report of the sayings and doings~ in the United States Senate on April 29 we find the following: Mr. [John B.] Henderson offered a joint resolution to provide for the printing of the report of the commission, of which Major-General McDowell was president, to examine into cotton speen a ions and frauds on the part of officers in the West. A modification of Mr. [James W.] Grimes, requesting the Secre- tary of War to transmit the report, was accepted. On motion of Mr. [James H.] Lane, of Kansas, the words if not incompatible with the public interests~ were added. An amendment of Mr. Grimes, requesting all information touch- ing the persons supposed to be implicated in the report, was adopted. Messrs. [Henry] Wilson, [William P.] Fessenden, and others thought the resolution had best not be adopted now. Mr. Henderson said information on the subject was desired now, as it would bear on the bill pending before this body and this was the only authentic way to obtain it. He had read letters the last three days from IRed River, saying that our defeat there was on accoun Page 294 294 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. of speculations. The cavalry in advance on that occasion, 3,000 men, had 200 wagons, which became entangled and confused and brought on disaster. Mr. Wilson wanted to know if the Senator charged the Red River expedition was undertaken for the purpose of gathering cotton. Mr. Henderson said no such thing; he merely wished to know what this brigade of cavalry wanted with 265 wagons and mules. It was to gather up the products of the country. Mr. [John] Conness stated, on what he considered the highest au- thority, that these wagons were part of the regular train of the army and, whatever might have been the defect of generalship which brought them there, the statement that they were intended to bring in cotton was not correct. Mr. Henderson made no charges himself, but it was singular that the disaster had followed the statement indicated by the newspaper writers. He read a letter from Grand Ecore, dated four days before the battle, alleging a conflict, of authority between General Banks and Admiral Porter, and stating that the latter was seizing cotton on land as naval prizes, and predicting disaster. Mr. Conness denounced the statement read as a cruel and base slander on Admiral Porter, which he had the highest authority for denying. The resolution, as a mended, was adopted. Letter from Hon. John Conness to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, defending the reputation of the latter. WASHINGTON, May 31, 1864. DEAR SIR: Your letter of May 11 came duly, but until now T had riot time to acknowledge it.s receipt. I had been favored with access to a confidential letter to the Navy Department, written by you shortly after the fatal result of General Banks expedition to the Red River, and I knew that so brave a man and so distinguished an officer as yourself could not have degraded himself for paltry gain. That your reputation should have been brought in question upon the mere statement of a news correspondent, only shows how little the highest reputation is worth in a period of such demoralization as the one we are unfortunately in. I but followed a plain instinct in the few words said by me in your defense, but the antidote was equal to the case, and except a restate- ment in the Missouri Democrat of the slander, I have not heard of it since. Be assured, my dear sir, that though unknown to you, your reputation as one of the noblest of the national defenders is as dear to me as the apple of my eye. Wishing you long life, and still accumulating honors, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, JOHN CONNESS. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. AIi88is8ipp Squadron Page 295 I~AVAL FORCES 0~ WRSTER~ WATERS. 295 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding prog- reds on ves8els it er constmtetion for the Arm y at Bridgeport, Tenne88ee River. U. S. NAVAL RENDEZVOUS, Cincinnati, Ohio, iifay ii, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the boats building at Bridge- port are progressing very slowly, not near so fast as desirable. The great delays seem to have been the want of material and workmen. The iron for the plating, also, has not been furnished by the Army as fast as desired; in fact, I could not get much satisfaction in regard to the iron till I saw General Allen at Louisville; from him I got an order to cover everything, even to the outfit. His order was to purchase whatever was needed here or elsewhere, and send the bills to his office at Louisville for payment. I have contracted with Messrs. Swift & Co., of this place, for the iron, part of it, one lot, will be delivered this week. There are no ironworkers at Bridgeport, nor tools for cutting and fitting the iron. I will therefore take over with me the ironworkers from here, and their tools, after they have finished the two boats now being fitted at this place, which I think will be in about eight or ten days. I hope to have two of the Tennessee boats in commission in about two weeks. Three of the boats are in the water, two have been on trial trips to try the machinery, the fourth will be launched in a few days. For the other two, to complete the six, I will have to take a couple of the stern-wheel transports. Captain Edwards, who has had the construction of the boats, and in charge of the work, does not wish to do any more than merely fit the boats as transports and then turn them over to us for completion as gunboats. I will therefore take total charge of them at once. He will, of course, or rather General Allen, furnish us with material and workmen to go on with the work. The outfits I have already ordered; they will be ready this week and shipped by rail direct; the guns I will send over in a few days. General Sherman has directed the quartermasters at Louisville and Nashville to furnish the most speedy transportation possible, and I will hurry up matters. Captain Pennock at Cairo is rendering me all assistance in getting the guns ready for shipment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Roy FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from~ Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Lieuten- ant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, stating suspicions regarding speculation in cotton. Confidential.] U. S. S. BENTON, Off Vicksburg, May 11, 1864. SIR: The order which I gave the Prairie Bird, and which you in our conversation on the subject approved, in regard to not allowin Page 296 296 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. any trading vessels to go up the Yazoo, is stirring the cotton specu- lators up very much. I feel convinced from what I can hear (although I can get hold of nothing tangible) that some of our light-draft gunboat commanders are not free from corruption. I make no charge against any one, but think they need watching, hence this letter. If you could take a run down to this place 1 think you would be able to see for yourself. I leave for Natchez this afternoon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lient. Com,dr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dkt. Miss. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander S. L.. PHELPS, Commanding Fifth District, etc., Mississippi Squadron. [Endorsement.] Respectfully referred to Admiral Porter. It was a suspicion with- out proof of the contents of this note that led me, when I turned hack from White River to take the Winnebago to Red River, to direct Captain Prichett to run down as far as Vicksburg and see what was going on. I have received no report from Captain Prichett and learn that he has gone away. The presumption is that he learned nothing, as I might have anticipated would happen in sending him on such duty. This letter is confidential, but not in the sense that precludes my sending it to you for your private information, and as an aid t~ you in directing the affairs of the fleet. S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant- Commander. [Telegram.] MOUND CITY, May 11, 1864. (Received Washington 12: 30 a. in., 12th.) Major-General Canby left for Red River at 1: 30 oclock to-day on board the fastest of our naval dispatch boats. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant- Co ander Prichett, lii. S. Navy, desiring info tion regarding obstructions to navigation by the enemy in White River. IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, On board dispatch boat Wilson, May 12, 1864. SIR: Will you do me the favor to communicate to General Wash- hum, commanding at Memphis, and to General Buford, at Helena, any information that you obtain in relation to movements of the enemy that have for their object the obstruction of the navigation of White River or the interruption of General Steeles communica- tions with the Mississippi. Please advise bearers of dispatches or other persons having charge that all official communications fro Page 297 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTEKN WATERS. 297 the Department of Arkansas for Major-General Sherman or for me be forwarded to the care of the commanding officer at Vicksburg, Miss. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. R. S. CANBY, Major- General, Commanding. Captain PRICHETT, U. S. Navy, Comr,manding Distrwt, etc., mouth of Red River. Order of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Fitz- patrick, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chickasaw, regarding the first duty for that vessel. OFFICE Mississi~~i SQUADRON, Mound City, Ill., May 12, 1864. SIR: You will proceed down the river with all dispatch with the vessel under your command and report to Lieutenant-Commander K. R. Breese, commanding U. S. S. Black Hawk, at or near the month of Red River, who will give you further instructions, he having them from the admiral. It is of the utmost importance that the above instructions be car- ried out to the letter and without a moments delay. You will,so inform all commanding officers who may stop you, and will tell them that your orders are on no account to be interfered with. On the way down you will carry the guard flag. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Acting Master JAMES FITZPATRICK, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Chickasaw, Mound City, Ill. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to A cting En- sign ONeill, U. S. Navy, calling attention to infringement of general orders. U. S. S. BENTON, Mississippi River, May 12, 18(14 SIR.: I understand you have been permitting a citizen to stay on board your vessel. If so, you will please inform me why you have acted contrary to the admirals instructions as well as mine. Allow no citizen to go on board your vessel. I have been informed that the steamer Robert Emmet has been lying near the mouth of Bayou Pierre, trading, etc., for several days. Why is this? The law is explicit. No boat can land unless under the guns of a gunboat. Read your general orders. I have not yet recelved your reports of deaths and punishments. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th L?ist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Ensign H. B. ONEILL, Commanding U. S. S. Curlew Page 298 298 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Lie atenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Chambers, U. S. Navy, granting pe issiOn for steamer Cheek to proceed up the Yazoo River. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 13, [18641. SIR: If, upon the information you have, you deem that the steam- boat Cheek can safely pass up the Yazoo River, not to go beyond our forces on shore or the Marine Brigade afloat, you can pass her with- out cargo of any kind, unless in the meantime (that is, since Captain Greer left) you should have received instructions to the contrary from Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, commanding the district, in which case this pass is null and void. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lien tenant- Comm. ander, ComQuanding. Acting Ensign J. W. CHAMBERS, Commandinq Prairie Bird. Order of Lieutenant-Commande~ Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Geneval Price. U. S. [S. BLACK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 13, [1864]. SIR: The Gazelle will relieve you and you [will] come up along- side the blacksmith shop immediately and complete your repairs. Inform Captain Thatcher of what is going on in your neighborhood. Your absence from your station as explained is perfectly and most satisfactory. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander, Com~manding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. F. RIcHARDsoN, Commanding General Price. Letter from T. J. Edwards to the Secretary of the Navy, regarding seizure of cotton from loyal citizens of Louisiana. NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 14, 1864. SIR: Some weeks ago, immediately after the capture of Fort De Russy, on Red River, I wrote to Admiral Porter in regard to certain lots of cotton that his fleet had taken on Red River in the vicinity of Fort De Russy belonging to loyal persons, but as yet I have received no answer, and fearing that he may have reported the cotton thus taken from loyal persons as being captured, I, as the authorized agent of those loyal persons, have concluded to write to you in regard to the jrnatter, and in their names asking for the release of their cotton. I am a native of this State and a resident of the Parish of Avoyelles. My family and friends have ever been persecuted by the rebels on account of our well-known loyalty to the United States Government. My father was brutally murdered by the rebels o Page 299 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 299 the 11th day of May, 1862, and I was shot through the right breast by the same parties for upholding the authority of the United States Government, and I was compelled to leave my home, and I have ever since been a refugee until last March, when, after the capture of Fort De Russy, on Red River, I again returned home. There were 143 bales of cotton taken which belonged to loyal per- sons. Those persons have ever been loyal, and in their names, and in the name of truth and justice, I ask of you to instruct Admiral Porter to release the above number of bales of cotton to me. The cotton was taken at their respective premises, and they were all at their homes with the exception of Fielding Edwards, who was, and is now, a prisoner in the rebel hands at Shreveport, La. His only crime is Unionism, and Admiral Porter is well aware of the loyalty of our family and friends. I trust soon to have the pleasure of hear- ing from you, and that you will be kind enough to see justice done. I send you in the within a list * of the names of the owners of the cotton and the number of bales taken. Very respectfully, etc., T. J. EDWARDS. Hon. GIDEON WELLE5, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, I). C. [1st endorsement.] Mr. T. J. Edwards, the writer of the foregoing letter, is a highly respected, honorable, and intelligent Union man. His statements with regard to his devotion to the Union are true; indeed, he is one of the best Union men in the State. MICHAEL HAhN, Governor of Loui8iana. [2nd endorsement.] If cotton has been captured by the Navy, it has been or will be undoubtedly turned over to the court for adjudication. The Navy Department was not cognizant of the matter. Write Admiral Porter. J.L. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Bree8e, U. S. Navy, to Acting Afa8tcr Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gazelle, to proceed to Tunica Bend, La~. U. S. [S. B~CK HAWK], Mouth of Red River, May 14, [1864]. SIR: Proceed down the river to Tunica Bend, where you will find the General Price. Inform yourself of Captain Richardsons orders and information, and remain until further orders. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Corn nder, Commanding. Acting Master THATCHER, Co anding Gazelle. * Not necessary to publish Page 300 300 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter fro?n Fleet Captain Pennoek, U. S. Navy, to Lietttenant-Com~- inander Bree8e, U. S. Navy, referring to preparation of the U. S. 8teamer8 Chickas and Vindicator. OFFICE Mississir~i SQUADRON, lilaund City, Ill., May 14, 1864. DEAR BREESE: I have gotten the Chickasaw off as soon as I could, and in doing so have taken every man out of the receiving ship and have stripped the Undine and Fairy of all the men that could pos- sibly be spared. The Chickasaw has no gunner, and I have none to send. I advise you before putting her under a battery to put on board of her a gunner or a first-rate gunners mate. II am straining every nerve to give you all the help I can. The Vindicator is being coppered, and we are working upon her every hour daily that we have. She will be completed in three or four days, and I will send her down as soon as men enough can be found to fight two of her guns. I agree with you that the day of tinclads is over, and we must have something more substantial for the work to be done below. No tinclads have arrived from Cincinnati since I last wrote. We need here five or six more strong mules for the work in the yard. Please dont send small ones. The news from the East is glorious. I enclose a dispatch received last night from the Government telegraph operator at Cairo. We moved the wharf boat and inspection boat from Cairo to this place on the 9th. The upper Missouri is reported as rising to almost full banks, and 1 am informed that when such is the case lied River has its supply also; I trust it may be so, and that our noble admiral may get all his boats down in safety. Woe be unto the enemy wherever there is water enough for them to float. Phelps arrived here on the Ha.stings night before last. He says he came up here to take the Winmnebago down, when he heard that the admirals communication was cut off. He seemed surprised to know that she had left twenty-four hours before. He received a telegraphic dispatch from the Secretary of the Navy ordering him to proceed to Washington without delay and report to the Department. This dispatch did not come to me~ but was directed to him, and was here three or four days before he received it. What the object of calling him to Washington can be I can not tell. Shirk has been here helping me to push things through. I have not time to write a private letter to the admiral, and if you have communication with him, as I hope you have, please tell him all I have said in this. Sincerely, your friend, A. M. PENNOCK. The pinion wheels for the steam capstan of the Cliillicothe were not sent up for patterns for new ones. I have writteii to Brown, ordering two new ones, and hope he has the molds or patterns. If not, nothing can be done until tihe old ones or patterns are sent up. [EnclosureTelegram.] CAIRO, May 13, 1864. General Grant, in dispatch to President, received at Washington last night, announces in terms characteristic modesty that he move Page 301 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 301 [against] enemys works at Spottsylvania Court-House on Thursday morning, 12th, at daylight. General Burnside and General Han- cock were making grand and impetuous charges with bayonet, their corps surprising the enemy, producing consternation in his ranks, crushing Lees right and center and hurling his entire line back with awful slaughter for several miles. General Grant master of field, with enemys dead and wounded. Rout of enemy complete, details hereafter. Lees found that last ditch. MASON. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Mound City, [Ill.]. Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. iVavy, announcing the de- parture of Lientenant-Cominander Phelps, U. S. Navy, in response to summons from the Department. OFFICE Mississirri SQUADRON, Mo and City, Ill., May 14, 1864. SIR: I respectfully inform you that on the 9th instant, in obedience to your instructions, the naval wharf boat and the inspection boat A braham were moved from Cairo to this place, and I have so in- formed the Hon. Secretary of the Navy. Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps arrived here on the 12th in- stant and received that night a telegraphic dispatch from the Hon. Secretary of the Navy ordering him to proceed without delay to Washington and report in person to the Department. He left for Washington at 3 a. m. on the 13th. I have ordered Commander Townsend to look out for the Sixth District during the absence of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, if he can do so without interfering with his orders from you. I shall send the Hastings to report to him without delay. Major-General Canby arrived on the 11th instant, and as I knew the importance of his reaching his command as soon as possible, I dispatched the Wilson, the fastest boat here, to take him to iRed River. The Winnebago left on the 11th instant for Red River, and the (1hickasaw will leave to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Li?eport of Fleet Captain Pennocic, U. S. Navy, regarding captured cotton. OFFICE Mississirri SQUADRON, Mound City, Ill., May 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that all the cotton which has been received here has been reported except that of the Ouachit Page 302 302 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. River, which was sent up in barges with the Wilson and Hannnitt, and which will be reported in a day or two, except a thousand bales which Captain Breese informs me that you have ordered to be re- tained here for loyal parties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Illissi& sippi Squadron. [Tele,ram.] CAIRO, May ~1, 1864. I have just received a letter from Lieutenant-Commander Breese, dated Mouth of Black River, May 15, 1864; he writes as follows: This morning a bearer of dispatches from Banks was received at Fort De Russy, who says when he left one gunboat was coming over the falls, and it was currently reported that all would get over. He knew nothing more. I have information from a reliable source that dam has been completed. We may soon expect to hear that all the ironclads are over. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Shanidand, U. S. Navy, assigned to command U. S. S. Chickasaw. MOUND OITY, Ill., May 16, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from the Department, I respectfully state that I have reported to Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, for the command of the U. S. S. Chickasaw. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. F. SHANKLAND, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. Order of Rear-Ad iral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieute nt Gorringe, U. S. Nacy, commanding U. S. S. Cricket. MOUTH OF RED RIVER, May 16, [1864]. SIR: Proceed without delay to Cairo with your vessel and report to Captain Pennock. By order of Rear-Admiral David D. Porter. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieu tenant- Commander, Coin nding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant H. H. GORRINGE, Commanding Cricket Page 303 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 303 Letter fram Lieutenant-Commander Bree8e, U. S. Navy, to Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, regarding the command of the U. S. S. Vindicator. MOUTH OF RED RIVER, May 16, [1864]. SIR: The admiral directs me to inform you that he has ordered Captain Seifridge to the command of the Vindicator, and that he has given him his instructions with regard to her fittings, which he wishes you to carry out. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Commander. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Captain Fleet and Co andant Station. Report of A ctinq Volunteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, commanding ii. S. S. General Price, regarding engagement with Confederate battery at Ratliffs Landing. U. S. S. GENERAL PRICE, Tunica Bend, May 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor of reporting to you [that] at 5:30 a. m. transport lifississippi passed down the river; 5:45 a. in., saw firing froin battery at Ratliffs Landing on the steamer Missis8ipp~. Slipped anchor and ran down; opened on the batteries; saw dust rising back of the landing; directed our shells to follow. Fired 19 10-seconds shell and 2 15-seconds shell from forward gun. Discovered some men near a house a mile above us; brought our stern gun to bear on them and fired 4 10-seconds shell, driving them away. U. S. S. Bragg came up with Lieutenant-Commander Foster on board, which vessel landed, and Captain Foster went out and examined the situation the batteries were placed in. The Lafayette also came up. Anchored off Ratliffs Landing. All quiet in the bend. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. RICHARDSON, A cting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander J. P. FOsTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Second District Mississippi Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lzcutenant Howard, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Neosho, to proceed to Fort Adams, Miss., to prevent erection of Confederate batteries. MOUTH OF RED RIVER, May 16, [1864]. SIR: Proceed with the vessel under your command to Fort Adams and report to Lieutenant-Commander Greer that you have come to relieve him. Confer with the commanding officer of the Clwtmpi on, and act as best to defeat the attempts o fthe rebels to erect batterie Page 304 304 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. or to bring into the river artillery for firing on passing boats. You must exercise great vigilance, be prepared against boarders, and to act at all times to the best advantage. By order of Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER: Your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commctnder, Commanding. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant [S.] HOWARD, Commanding Neosho. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, St. Louis, Mo., May 16, 1864. Several regiments of cavalry are en route to Little Rock, v a Cairo. It is important that they should have escort of gunboats as far as they go by water. A. PLEASONTON, Major- General, Commanding. U. S. NAvAL COMMANDER Cairo, Ill. [Telegram.] CAIRO, ILL., May 16, 1864. Gunboats are stationed at the mouth of White River to give convoy to troops going up that river at the Arkansas. Do you mean that it is important that the cavalry should have escort of gunboats from Cairo down? Please answer. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Co andant of Station. Major-General A. PLEASONTON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gazelle, to eport for duty to Major-General Canby, U. S. A y. MOUTH oi~ RED RIVER, May 17, [1864]. SIR: You will place your vessel at the disposition of Maj or-Gen- eral Canby, commanding Division West Mississippi, returning to me at this place as soon as your services are dispensed with. Without further orders you will get underway whenever and pro- ceed wherever the general directs. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Missis& ippi Squadron. Acting Master THATCHER, Commanding Gazelle Page 305 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 305 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, regardiilg trade being carried on in the interests of the Confederates. U. S. S. LOUIsvILLE, Off Si esport, La., May 17, 1864. SIR: Letters from the commanders of the vessels in the Fifth Dis- trict report everything quiet in it. Under date of May 1 Captain Hurd reports having killed 2 guerrillas and a horse, I presume in the neighborhood of Skipwiths Landing. Acting Master Thomas Gib- son, commanding the Marmora, reports the trading establishment at White River as supplying the rebels with clothing, even to cavalry boots. The steamer Panola, with proper papers from Memphis, is trading along the coast, selling to every one who will swear the articles are for family use. No oath of allegiance is required. An armed boat was fired into from a deserted house 4 miles below Napoleon. No one hurt. Captain Gibson burned it and outhouses attached. The Prairie Bird is patrolling the Yazoo as high as Chickasaw Bayou. The Great Western is at Goodrichs, Fxchcinge at Skipwiths, Romeo at Gaines Landing as a center, and the Afar- m~ora from Island [No.] 76 to Napoleon. A government woodyard under military supervision has been started on [No.] 76. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWBN, Lieutenant-Coimmctnder, Co anding Fifth District. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Rear-A dimiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lwutenant Gould, U. S. Navy, co ctnding U. S. S. Gre at iVestern. O~ MOUTH RED RIVER, May 17, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed to Cairo with the vessel under your com- mand and report to Captain A. NI. Pennock, fleet captain and com- mandant of station. By order of Rear-Admiral Porter: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Commander. COMMANDING OFFICER, U. S. S. Great Western. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Keene, U. S. Navy, comma ing U. S. S. Naiad, for duty near Ellis Cliffs, Miss. Mowru OF RED RIVER, May 17, [1864]. SIR: Proceed with the vessel under your command to Ellis Cliffs and cruise from that point about 2 or 3 miles above, and return to Ellis Cliffs. It is believed that the rebels intend getting in a battery 1020080N W RVOL 26132 Page 306 806 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. about 2 miles above Ellis Cliffs, on the Mississippi side, and you will do all in your power to dislodge them and prevent any obstructions in the navigation of the river. Use all means in your power to obtain information of rebel movements, and transmit such to the officers above and below you by the first boat. Report in writing to Lieutenant-Commander James A. Greer, corn- inanding Benton and Fourth District, at Natchez, and send him a copy of these orders. By order of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter: Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lientenant- Commander, Commanding. Acting Master HENRY T. KEENE, Commanding Naiad. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting that the steamer Maria retain the name of U. S. S. Fairy. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLACSHIP BLACK HAWK, Month Red River, May 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 9th instant, informing me that the Department had changed the name of the Maria to the Antelope. In reply thereto, I would respectfully inform you that the Marias name had been previously changed by myself to the Fai y, and as she has been known by that name for so long a time, I would most respectfully request of the Department that her name may still remain the Fairy. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. Report of Lientenant-Commande~i Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding cotton seized in Red River. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, May 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report about cotton, which I seized during the Red River expedition: March 13, 1864.7 bales from the place of a Mr. Flowers, on the Atchafalaya, 5 miles below Simmesport. This man is said to be a rebel. March 16, 1864.24 bales from Mr. Brochards place, just above Fort De Russy, on left bank of Red River. This mans loyalty very doubtful. The negroes say he is a rebel. It is said he married the widow of a rebel for the property. March 29, 1864.8 bales. Same place. March 27.18 bales from Johnsons place. March 28.13 bales, about 3 or 4 miles above Page 307 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 807 March ~9.9 bales, Fort De Russy, on right bank of Red River. This man has gone to Texas; is a bitter rebel. The cotton found on his place xva~, I have heard~ claimed by a Mr. Voinch~, a foreigner and a speculator, and one who has contributed money to the Con- federate cause. This man, when he found out the cotton was seized, was desirous of taking the oath, which was not administered. March 30.3 bales from Mr. Garretts, near Marksville, La.; loyalty uncertain. March 30.46 bales from Mr. Guillebert, a noted rebel, near Marks- ville. March 30.b bales from Mr. Gangrous, near Marksville, said to be in prison at New Orleans for smuggling goods through the lines. March 30.20 bales from Mr. Janeans place, about 4 miles below Fort De Russy, on right bank of river; loyalty uncertain. March 30.i (damaged), ditto. March 30.10 bales from G. W. Snoddy~ about 3~ miles below Fort De Russy, on right bank of Red River. Said to be loyal. Total, 169. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Mzss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Mas- ter Donnelly, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nymph, regarding cruising ground. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, May 17, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to cruise between Rodney and Coles (Creek) Point. I suggest a careful perusal of the admirals general orders. Should you need any information on any subject, write to me with- out hesitation and freely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Sq dron. COMMANDING OFFICER, U. S. S. Nymph. Letter from F. H. Gerdes to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, forwarding lmydro graphic and topographic maps of Grand Gulf and other points. ~u. S. S.i CURLEW, Grand Gulf, May 17, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to forward to you by this mail packet a roll containing tracings of the hydrographic and topographic map of Grand Gulf, and another of a reconnoissance on the Mississipp Page 308 308 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. from below Rodney to Big Black Island, together a distance of 33 miles. Should you desire to have them. printed immediately, please give me your directions and I will forward the originals to Wash- ington for the purpose. If the reconnoissance is to be continued, some 20 miles might be added easily this season. I have also drawn out a topographical map of Grand Gulf, show- ing the position of the ironclads and of the guns in the rebel batteries and the field during the bombardment. Will you permit me to offer it to you? In future days it may aid the recollection as to the inci- dents of this hard-fought action of yours. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, F. H. GERDES, Assistant, U. S. Coast Survey, Chief of Party. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comimanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding cotton clai ins. Mississ~~ri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mouth Red River, May 18, 1864. SIR: ~Your letter of the 5th instant has been received. The cotton alluded to was a portion of 2,000 or 3,000 bales belonging to a man by the name of Elgee, who is a rebel in arms against the Government, and has two sons in the rebel Army, and the cotton had been sold to the rebel Government and was their pr6perty. Parties in Natchez, amongst whom were some Government Treasury aids, made an arrangement to get this cotton between them. A man by the name of Castle was the party employed to take possession of the plantation as abandoned property, when the whole thing should have gone to the Government, all the cotton being forfeited by the law as the property of the rebel Government. A number of persons have been mixed up in this business, compromising with each other, so that all should have a share of the stolen property. A good deal of it has been hauled away under cover of the night or slipped away in steam- boats or taken by Treasury agents, not one cent of the property going to the Government, as it should have done. Acting Master Watson, commanding the Juliet, having conclusive evidence that it belonged to the rebel Government, took possession of 50 bales that had been hauled near the bank ready for shipment, and sent it to the station at Red River, subject to my order. I gave orders to send it to court, as usual, and ht them determine whom it belonged to. In the meantime W. Burnet, who claimed to be one of the owners, on fraudulent permits sent a person to mouth of Red River to demand the cotton from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy. Dominy, being a very blunt, straightforward, and honest sort of an officer, knowing the circumstances, I believe told the parties much what he thought of it, and notified the parties he couldnt deliver the cotton without orders from me, as I had ordered it up to court, where it was sent, subject to the decLsion of the judge Page 309 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 309 I find this is the only plan to adopt in these cases, and the only one that will protect the Government against the numerous frauds that are practiced on this river. Whatever Lieutenant Dominy may have done in the way of speak- ing his mind, he was no doubt induced to do so by some attempt to tamper with him by open bribery or by some offensive language used by these parties. He is an upright, conscientious officer and does his duty faithfully. If the claims of these persons are just, they would not object to having their property go before the court, where these matters are disposed of properly and almost always in favor of the claimant, and without any expense of transportation to them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of ve58e18 of the Fifth District. U. S. S. LouIsvILLE, Mississippi River, May 1.9, 1864. SIR: The Lollowing are the stations of the vessels comprising the Fifth District: Napoleon to Catfish Bar, Ma ora; Catfish Bar to Eunice, Romeo; Eunice to Greenville, Exchange; Greenville to foot of Kentucky Bend, Prairie Bird; at Skipwiths Landing, Louisville; at Good- richs Landing, Great IVestern. The above is about the best disposition I can make of the first four vessels. There should be a vessel at all times at Napoleom, Bolivar, Cypress, Choctaw and Spanish Moss Bends, Greenville, and Egg Point, as between Napoleon and Egg point, all the mail carrying, crossing, and trading is done. Five vessels, with an average beat of 22 miles, could pretty effectually stop such proceedings. From Good- richs to Vicksburg there appears to be no present necessity for a vessel. One vessel at Goodrichs Landing is needed. Respectfully submitted. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 5th Dist. Miss. Sq dron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comma ing Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Com~mander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Maste# Donnelly, U. S. Navy, com~manding U. S. S. Nymph, regarding change of er?sising~ gronnd. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natckez, May 19, 1864. SIR: You will, upon the arrival of the Curlew (12), proceed to take for your cruising ground the beat from St. Joseph to Waterproof, making Rodney your principal anchorage Page 310 310 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Let me caution you against speculators, and you must not allow anyone not connected with the Government to go on board your vessel unless in distress. Read the admirals general orders carefully. Be economical of your coal. When we get some here, I will send for you. Keep me informed of everything of importance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. COMMANDING OFFICER U. S. S. NYMPH (54). Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, regarding duty for that vessel. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, May 19, 1864. SIR: You will proceed with the Forest Rose to Grand Gulf, and if the surveying party on board the Curlew have finished their work in that neighborhood, you will relieve her~ otherwise, you will cruise between Waterproof and Natchez. I desire again to call your atten- tion to the orders in relation to cotton speculators. Do not allow any- one no~ connected with the Government, unless in actual distress, to put his foot on board your vessel. These speculators are worse than an enemy, and they must be watched more closely. Do not absent yourself from Grand Gulf more than three hours at any time, unless for a vital necessity. You will look out as far down as Bayou Pierce [Pierre]: Send the tug Fern to the Rattler with dispatch for Captain Laning. If Captain Kelley is ignorant of the channel, send one of your pilots with him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign ONeill, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Curlew. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, May 19, 1864. SIR: Upon the arrival of the Forest Rose, if your surveyors have finished their work at Grand Gulf, you will proceed to take the sta- tion between Waterproof and Natchez, making Coles Creek Point your principal anchorage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAs. A. GREER, Lieut. Coimdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Ensign H. B. ONEILL, Commanding U. S. S. Curlew Page 311 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 811 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy, commandinq U. S. S. Rattler. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, May 19, 1864. SIR: I send the tug Fern up to you. Will you please send her down to me just as soon as you can safely spare her? I shall have the barge with the iron taken up by the next towboat. The river seems inclined to rise. Keep me advised of matters near you. Your application I have forwarded. The Hyacinth is at Red River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JAMES LANING, Commanding U. S. S. Rattler. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, regarding attack upon steamer Superior by Confederate battery near Tunica Rend. U. S. S. GENERAL PRICE, Off Tunica Rend, May 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor of reporting to you that the light battery of two pieces opened this morning at 3 oclock a. m. on the trans- port steamer Superior. We opened on the battery at the same time it was firing on the transport, and it ran down the. river about 200 yards to a road leading to the country; and, finding the houses were used as quarters for the men and stable for their horses, I had them burned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. F. RICHARDSON. Lieutenant-Commander J. P. Fos~rui, U. S. Navy, Commanding Second District Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, recommending certain regular office s fo promotion. MIssISsIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAwK, Mouth of Red River, La., May 19, 1864. SIR: Had the late expedition up Red River proved the success I intended it should when I started, and which would have been the ease but for bad management, against which no combinations can stand, I might have approached you on the present subject with a better grace. In the winding up of Red River matters and the destruction of the last vestige of rebel navy in these waters (on which I too confi- dently relied), I intended to lay before you the claims of certain officers to promotion or to an advancement in their grades. I do not see why I should hesitate to do so now, the whole conduct of th Page 312 ~12 ~AVAL rOI~OE5 ON WI~SIEI~N WATtfl~. Navy on the late expedition being worthy of the highest. praise. They should in no way be blamed for the mismanagement which has brought no credit to our arms. But for the gunboats getting over the falls and accompanying the army which marched along the river bank half that army would have been lost. I do not believe that a larger amount of work was ever accom- plished than that which has been performed by the Navy in these waters; it has been unceasing and laborious. Many of the deeds performed by the different commanders would, in ordinary times, be considered acts of the most gallant kind. A distance of 3,000 miles has been opened and a large amount of territory placed in our hands, owing to the support given to our armies by the navy and the individual energy of the officers herein mentioned. My reports will fully bear witness to the ability, zeal, and gal- lantry displayed on all occasions. There has been no instance yet where a promotion has taken place in this squadron amongst the regular officers for gallant conduct, while the volunteer~ have been frequently advanced. Permit me, then, to urge the promotion of the following officers, which they all richly deserve: Lieutenant- Commander S. Ledyard Phelps, Lieutenant-Commander Watson Smith, Lieutenant-Commander K. Randolph Breese, Lieutenant- Commander James A. Greer, Lieutenant-Commander James P. Fos- ter, Lieutenant- Commander Elias K. Owen, Lieutenant-Commander James XV. Shirk, Lieutenant-Commander John G. Walker, Lieu- tenant-commander Frank M. IRamsay, Lieutenant-Commander Thos. 0. Selfridge, Lieutenant-Commander Le Roy Fitch, Lieutenant- Commander Jas. M. Prichett, Lieutenant-Commander Byron Wilson, Lieutenant George M. Bache. Some of them have served in this squadron since the commence- ment of hostilities, and have participated in every battle, in some of which the Navy alone saved our armies from destruction. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter U. S. Navy, regarding ~ignais. U. S. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAwK, Off Mouth Red River, May 19, 18c4. GENERAL ORDER, ~ No. 192. J The day and night distinguishing signals of the U. S. S. Winne- bago will be those used by the late U. S. S. Eastport. The signals of the U. S. S. Chickasaw will be those next after the U. S. S. Ouachita on the signal board. Night distinguishing lights have been assigned to vessels as fol- lows, viz: Gazelle, No. 50; Avenger, No. 51; New National, No. 52; Naiad, No. 61; Nyimph, No. 62 Page 313 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 313 The night distinguishing lights of the U. S. S. Chickacaw will be those of the Clara Dolsen (No. 55), which vessel is no longer in the servwe. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, for the arrest of certain Confederate sympathi~ers who furnish active aid. U. S. Mississi~ri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth Red River, May 20, 1864. GENERAL ORDER, ~ No. 194. { The attention of all officers in the squadron is called to the facts mentioned below, and they will use every effort to have the persons named arrest.ed and frustrate their designs: Corbit, alias Hickory Dick, resides at Mrs. Stewarts, upon Mrs. Lobdells plantation, at or near Indian Point,~ about 5 miles below Prentiss, on Old River, or Old River Lake, as it is sometimes called. Indian Point is where rebel dispatches to and from Richmond to the Trans-Mississippi Department cross the Mississippi River, and said Corbit, alias Hickory Dick, is the bearer of said dispatches across the river, d~r is ferryman. Ingram resides on the Davis or old Ross plantation, 2 miles east of Mrs. Lobdells. Said Ingram is chief of couriers. Courier stations (going east) are at the following places: First, at Ingrams or Daviss plantation; second, at Strongs Ferry on the Sunflower; third, at Boyds Ferry on the Tallahatchie; fourth, at Thompsons, 22 miles west of Grenada. Ingrams mode of secreting dispatches while awaiting couriers is to bury themsometimes at the corner of the house. Mrs. Walker and Michael Bryan reside one-fourth of a mile back of Prentiss; profess to be loyal, but are spies for the rebels; go to Memphis occasionally; get all the items they can and communicate with Mason and Nevil, rebel scouts. Captain William Resin resides near Friars Point; is a very bad man; carries news and is doing much harm. Casteel resides above the mouth of White River (in Arkansas); is in the woods part of the time near Johnsons, and is occasionally at Johnsons house. He is chief of a gang who practice a system for putting torpedoes into wood, and it is more likely to be done on islands [No.] 63 and [No.] 76 than at any other points. The plan is to use gas pipe or shotgun and musket barrels cut into pieces from 10 to 15 inches long, insert a screw plug into the ends, fill the tube with powder, and then employ negroes to bore into the ends of the wood and insert the tubes, plug the auger hole and obliterate the surface appearance on the ends with dirt or otherwise. General Dobbin is preparing to use Greek fire, and proposes to use it against steamboats. His present point of attack is between Helena and Memphis; he has some 1,200 men under his command and is pro- vided with what he terms rocket battery, with hail shot. Hi Page 314 314 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. battery was crossed from the east to the west side of the river above Helena not long since. IToward is preparing to fell trees upon steamers in Yazoo River. The plan is to select places where the river is crooked and difficult to navigate; select such trees that lean over the water (of which there are many), saw into them on the side next the water, then upon the opposite side some 2 or 3 feet above the first cut, making the two cuts very nearly sever the tree, then bore into the tree at right angles with and halfway between the cuts, put in a sufficient quantity of powder and attach a slow match, or put in a torpedo such as is pro- posed to use in wood and explode it with percussion at the time boats are passing. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Ad iral, Con& manding Mi88i8sippi Sqztadron. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, for cooperation of naval offtcer8 with Major-General Canl$y, U. S. A rn-by, command- ing from Cairo to Red River. U. S. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth Red River, May 20, 1864. GENERAL ORDER,] No. 198. J Major-General E. R. S. Canby has been ordered to command the trodps in the Department of the Gulf and froni Cairo to Red River, ~nd all officers under my command will cooperate zealously with him. Give him all information with regard to the movements of the enemy and call upon him at any time for assistance. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Co anding Mississippi Squadron. Instructions from Lieutenant-Corn nder Greer, U. S. Navy, to A ct- inq Volunteer Lieutenant Johnston U seizuie of trading boats. , . S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, May 2C, 1864. SIR: You will not hesitate to seize and send to me any trading boat you find at the bank (unless driven there by accident), except those landing at military posts or under the guns of a gunboat. When you find them there, examine the cargo for goods contraband of war, and in your report make everything explicit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A GREFE Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Renton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose (9). [Copy of the above sent also to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant 4. Laning, commanding U. S. S. Rattler; Acting Master P. Donnelly, commanding U. S. S. Nymph; Acting Ensign H. B. ONeill, com- manding U. S. S. Curlew. Page 315 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 315 Order of Lieutenant-Comma er Owen, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, for an investigation ~n the case of 8teame) Robert Emm~et. U. S. S. LoUISvILLE, Off Grand Gulf, hay 20, 1864. Su~: I ordered the steamer Robert En et to report here to you for the following reasons: I found her anchored near the Louisiana bank, just below Bruinsburg, and communicating with the shore with her boat. She had no permits on board to show she had a right to trade. She has also on board over 200 packages marked iRop ~ . No gunboat was nearer than 8 or 10 miles of her. Her manifest and clearance from the custom-house in Memphis appeared to be all right. The captain of the F et informed me he was buy- ing cotton and of any one; that he could not fill up by confining his purchase to loyal people alone. You will investigate the whole mat- ter thoroughly and carefully, and report the result to the admiral, should he come up soon, or otherwise to your commanding, divisional officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. Acting volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, T. S. Navy, regarding trade regulations. U. S. Mississi~ri SQUADRON, FL AG5IIIP BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth of Red River, May 20, 1864. GENERAL ORDER, } No. 197. J The late order of the Secretary of the Treasury permits persons to bring cotton from within the lines of the enemy, but does not give permission to land more than a limited quantity of family supplies. All officers are directed not to interfere with the cotton trade, but to afford protection to vessels getting it off. No vessels will, however, be sent up any river, bayou, or creek for the purpose of aiding any cotton dealers, who, if they land in such places, do it at their own risk. All that will be required of commanders will be to see that no articles contraband of war are landed and that steamers do not carry persons away from landing places without permit or passes either from naval officers or military commanders. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Sguadron Page 316 316 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, recommending Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hoel, U. S. Navy, for promotion. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mouth of Red River, May 20, 1864. SIR: Hearing that Conoress has made the grade of volunteer lieu- tenant-commander, I beg ~i7eave to recommend Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant W. R. Hoel, commanding U. S. S. Pitt8burg, for that position, for gallant and most meritorious conduct. He is one of the best officers of the squadron, and nobly deserves promotion. He has been in nearly all the battles on this river, and conducted himself as a cool and gallant officer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. V~ORTER~ Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington~ D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the new grade of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commander. PERTH AMBOY, N. J., July * 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Depart- ments letter of the 2d instant, requesting list of acting volunteer lieutenants belonging to Mississippi Squadron whom I can recom- mend for promotion to acting lieutenant-commander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. R. Hoel, commanding U. S. S. Pittsburg, is the only one that I could recommend at present. He has distinguished himself throughout the war. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. DAvID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, iVashington, P. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander Creer, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the Fifth District. U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSIIIP BLACK HAWK, Mouth Red River, May 20, 1864. SIR: Upon receipt of this order you will proceed and take com- mand of the Fifth District Mississippi Squadron, according to gen- eral order No. 195, enclosed herewith. Observe all general orders, and carry out my wishes in every respect. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, Con& dg. [U. 5. 5.] Benton a 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. * This report should have appeared on page 483.COMPILERS Page 317 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 317 Report of Acting A! aster Baldwin, U. S. Navy, comrnavding U. S. S. Rom~eo, regarding the operations of l[[arm~adnkes cavalry in Arkansas and along the Mississippi River. U. S. S. ROMEO, Off Columhia, May 20, 1864. SIR: Marmadukes cavalry, some four or five thousand strong, have been for some days on Bayou Bartholomew, 20 miles from this point. His scouts are on the river, and have fired into some of the transports at foot of Island No. 82 and at head of Islands [No.] 80 and [No.] 81. I have just been told by a reliable lady that they will have thirty pieces of artillery on the river in a few days. All previous reports were that they had come into the bottom to forage and pick up deserters and bushwhackers, which I am told they are doing. There is no vessel but this one from Island No. 76 to Skipwiths Landing. The Marine Brigade boats have abandoned the cotton landings on the Arkansas shore. They deem it more healthy on the Missis- sippi side. Very respectfully, yours, THoMAs BALPWIN, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Con~manding Mississippi Squadron. General order of Rear-Adiruiral Porter, U. S. Navy, designating the ressels belonging to the several districts of his conimand. GENERAL ORDER, 1 U. S. Missrsswri SQUADRON, No. 195. f FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth Red River, May 20, 1864. General Orders 80 and 141 are hereby revoked~ and until further orders the district and vessels belonging to the districts will be as follows: First Districtfrom New Orleans to Donaldsonvillecomposed of the following vessels: Essex, Alexandria, General Price, Argosy, St. Clair. Second Districtfrom Donaldsonville to Morganzacomposed of the following vessels: Lafayette, Juliet, Chickasaw, Kenwood, Ona- ehita, Avenger, Nymph. Third Districtfrom Morgauza to Fort Adamscomposed of the following vessels: Choctaw, Gazelle, Neosho, Ozark, Wi ebaqo, General Bragg, Little Rebel, Fort Hindnuan, Cricket, Naiad. Fourth Districtfrom Fort Adams to Natchezcomposed of the following vessels: Chillicothe, Cincin ti, Champion, Siren, Lexing- ton, Undine. Fifth Districtfrom Natchez to Vicksburgcomposed of the fol- lowing vessels: Benton, Pittsburg, Judge Torren e, Curlew, Mound City, Rattler, Forest Rose Page 318 318 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Sixth Districtfrom Vicksburg to Arkansas Rivercomposed of the following vessels: Loui8 cille, Prairie Bird, Marm~ora, Romeo, and two other light-drafts. Seventh Districtfrom Arkansas River to Memphiscomposed of the following vessels: Hasting8, Naumkeag, Tyler, Queen City, Fawn, Siher Cloud, Linden, Exchange. Eighth Districtfrom Memphis to Columbuscomposed of the following vessels: Carondelet, O8age, New Era, and one other light- draft. Ninth District-from Cairo to head of Tennessee River-composed of the following vessels: Tu8eumbia, fawa.h, Elfin, Peosta, Key IVest, Paw Paw, Robb. Tenth DistrictCumberland River and the Upper Ohiocomposed of the following vessels: Brilliant, illoose, Victory, Fairplay, Spring- field, Reindeer, Silver Lake. The vessels of one district are not to be ordered away by the com- mander of another district unless it can be shown that a great emer- gency exists for so doing; but commanders of districts will cooperate with each other, and, when occasion requires, render all the aid and assistance in their power. Observe and carry out the requirements of General Order No. 84. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Coin ander Phelps, U. S. Navy, making com- plaint of the proceedings of the district co?t%15 for the Southern District of Illinois regarding captures by the squadron. WASITINOTON, D. C., May 20, 1864. SIR: The irregular and unusual proceedings of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in every case of capture made by the Mississippi Squadron, whether the prizes have been vessels of war, steamers, or other property, have surrounded the whole matter with almost insuperable difficulties, depriving the pen- sion fund of its portion of the, proceeds and greatly injuring the interests of the captors, although the informers, to whom the half proceeds of sales have been paid, propose to distribute it to the squad- ron as prize money, in accordance with the law of distribution in cases of capture, and I have found it impossible to make an intelligible report to the Department. After consultation with Rear-Admiral Davis, Mr. Eames has been, asked to investigate the entire matter and to place the subject before the Department with all the light which his great legal ability can throw upon it; and he will also examine existing claims and the proceedings of the district court with a view to revision or other action, as may seem proper. Enclosed herewith are complete prize lists for the squadron, with one exception. That list was forwarded at the time the capture was made, but it can not be found on the files of the Department. Another one will be immediately procured. The Ram Fleet, now commanded by General Ellet, has failed, after repeated applications, to furnish prize lists in cases where entitled t Page 319 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 319 share with the squadron. The general has told me that it was impos- sible for him to furnish such lists. I shall, on my return to the Mis- sissippi, point out to him the law in such cases and notify him that if lists are not now forwarded a request for distribution will be made, his vessels being excluded in accordance with the provisions of that law. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-A dmiral Porter, U. S. Navy, tramsmitting list of vessels of his command, irith their stattons and eomm~ctnding of/i cers. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, illoutib Red River, May 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a list of the vessels be- longing to this squadron, with their present stations and the names of their commanders. I also enclose general order ~, reorganizing the squadron and divid- ing it inte districts, etc. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, P. C. [Enclosure.] The following are the present stations of the vessels in the Missis- sippi Squadron, Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, commanding [May, 1864]: vessel. Commander. Where stationed. Argosy Act. Ensign John C. Morong Abraham Act. Ensign Win. Wagner - Alexandria Act. Master P. P. Rosenmilier Avenger. Act. v. Lient. Chas. A. Wright Black Hawk Lient. comfir. K. R. Breese Benton Lient. Conidr. James A. Greer - Brilliant A. V. Lient. Chas. G. Perkins Brown -- A. v. Licut. J. A. French Chillicothe Lieut. Comdr. Watson Smith Choctaw Lient. Comdr. F. M. Ramsay Carondelet Lient. Comdr. John G. Mitchell Cricket - A. v. Lient. H. H. Gorringe Champion Act. Ensign Thomas Divine Curlew Act. Ensign H. B. ONeill Chickasaw Exchange Act. Vol. Mont. James C. Gipson Essex Commander Robt. Townsend - Elfin Act. Master A. F. Thompson Forest Hose A. v. Lient. J. V. Johnston Fairplay Act. Master G. J. Groves - - -- Fawn - Act. Master John R. Grace Fort Hindman A. V. Lient. John Pearce Fairy Act. Master H. S. Wetmore General Price A. v. Lient. W. R. Wells GeneralBragg A. V. Lieut. C. Dominy Great Western A. v. Lient. A. N. Gould General Lyon - Pilot R. E. Birch General Pillow Act. Ensign F. W. Halsted * See p. 317. Donaldsonville. Cairo. Donaldsonville. Morganza. Cairo, Ill. Natehez. - Cumberlanci River. Towboat. Fort Adams. Red River. Between Memphis and Columbus. Cairo, repairing. Fort Adams. Grand Gulf. Tunica Bend. White River. Memphis for repairs. Tennessee River. Between Natchez and Vicksburg. Cumberland River. Arkansas River. Between Morganza and Fort Adams. Cairo, Ill. Below Donaldsonville. Morgeaza. Skipwiths Landing. Dispatch boat. Guard boat, Cairo Page 320 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Vessel. Commander. Where stationed. Gazelle Grampus Hastings - -- Judge Torrence Juliet Key West~~ Kenwood Lafayette Louisville Lexington Little Rebel Mound City Marmora - Moose Naiad - New National New Era - Naumkeag Neosho - Nymph. Osage~~.~ Ouachita Ozark Pittsburg Prairie Bird Paw Paw Peosta Queen City Romeo Rattler L Red Rover Robb Reindeer - Springfield St. Clair Silver Lak~ Silver Cloud Samson Slren~ - - --- Tuscumbia Tyler Tawah Tensas - Undine Victory Vindicator Winnebago Act. Master Chas. Thatcher Act. Master Elijah Sells Act. Master J. S. Watson Act. MasterJ. Irwin A. V. Lieut. E. M. King A. V. Lient. John Swaney Lieut. Comdr. J. P. Foster Licut. Comdr. E. K. Owen Lieutenant Ceo. M. Bache - - - - A. V. Lieut. A. R. Langthorne Act. Master Thomas Gibson Lient. Comdr. Le Roy Fitch Act. Master Henry T. Keene - Pilot A. M. Grant Act. Master James Marshall Act. Master John Rogers A. V. Lieut. Saml. Howard Act. Master Patk. Donnelly A. V. Licut. Win. Flyc Lient. Comdr. Byron Wilson A. V. Licut. Gen. W. Brown A. V. Lient. Win. R. Hod Act. Ensign J. W. Chambers A. V. Licut. A. F. ONeil -. A. V. Lieut. Thos. E. Smith Act. Master Michi. Hickey Act. Master Thos. Baldwin A. V. Licot. James Laning Act. Ensign Chas. King Act. Ensign Lloyd Thomas A. V. Lieot. Henry A. Glassford Act. Master Jos. Watson A. V. Lieut. T. B. Gregory Act. MasterJ. C. Coyle Act. Master Win. Ferguson Chief Engineer S. Bickerstafl - A. V. Lieut. John Scott Licut. Comdr. James W. Shirk Lieut. Comdr. James M. Prichett A. V. Lieut. Jason Goody Act. Ensign E. C. Van Pelt - Act. Master Fredk. Read Licut. Comdr. T. 0. Selfridge - - -- R d River.. Reeeiving ship, Cincinnati. Below Memphis. Natchez (ord. boat). Cairo, repairing. Tennessee River. Baton Rouge. Bayou Sara. Skipwiths Landing. Above Fort Adams. Guard boat, Red River. Carthage. Above Vicksburg. Cumberland River. Below Fort Adams Dispatch boat. Island No. 10. White River. Fort Adams. Below Morganza. Fort Pillow. Natchez, repairing. Red River. Grand Gulf. Mouth Yazoo River. Tennessee River. Do. Below Memphis. Mouth Arkansas River. Carthage. Hospital boat. Cairo, Ill. Ohio River. Cumberland River. Baton Rouge. Ohio River. Memphis, Tenn. Blacksmith shop, Red River. Below Natchez. Cairo, repairing. Mouth White River. Tennessee River. Cairo. Fort Adams. Ohio River. Nearly completed. Morganza. Letter froim L. P. Norimand to the Secretary of the Navy, requesting the return of cotton seized by the U. S. S. Benton. NEW ORLEANS, May 21, 1864. SIR: After the Capture of Fort De Russy on Red River in the month of March or April, 1864, by orders of Admiral Porter, the gunboat Benton, then stationed at said fort on Red River, in the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, took from my father-in-law, Mr. Auguste Voinch6, 42 bales of cotton, weighing on an average each 425 pounds. At the time the cotton was taken I was present, and I told Captain Greer, of the gunboat Benton, and Captain Townsend, of the Esse~e, th at the cotton belonged to my father-in-law, and that he was a loyal man and had been so; he never has taken any part in the rebellion; he has never aided or assisted the rebels in any manner whatsoever, and he is a French subject. Please be kind enough to instruct Admiral Porter to release the above number of bales of cotton to hint or to me, in this city. Yours, respectfully, L. P. NORMAND. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. 32 Page 321 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 321 [Endorsement.] The writer of the foregoing letter, Mr. L. P. Normand, is an honor- able and loyal citizen of this State, and well known for his great devotion to the Union. Indeed, all his relatives in the parish of Avoyelles are good Union men. MICHAEL HAHN, Governor of Lo~iisiana. [2d endorsement.] Must apply to the court. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Sti& bs, U. S. Army, reqardiug condi- tions at the post at the mouth of White River. HDcns. MOUTH OF WHITE RIVER, ARK., May 21, 1864. MAJOR: In accordance with special orders from your headquarters of May 15, 1864, I reported at this post, and would now respectfully make the following report concerning the condition of affairs here: I found, on communicating with Lieutenant-Commander Prichett, that the troops had been ordered here in compliance with request made by Captain Prichett to General Canby, and that the captain had applied for two companies, while the general ordered 200 men. There are three trade stores and an extensive Government wood yard here. I can see no need of troops here, except a force sufficient to act as detectives and pickets and prevent abuses by the parties in trade here. This, Captain Prichett tells me, was the object in order- ing the troops here. I have six companies here (200 muskets), while I can not use to advantage more than two. My rank entitles me to the command of the post, and to this the naval officers object, claiming this to be a naval station, and subject entirely to their control. Being the senior officer present, I shall, unless otherwise ordered, insist on taking command of and regulating all affairs on shore at this post. My two largest companies (80 muskets) would be an ample force to do all duty required here, and if left subject to orders of the naval officer here, everything would move smoothly. The location here is a very poor one. Many of my men are already sick. I would therefore respectfully request that, if consistent with your views, I may be ordered to report to my regiment with four companies, leaving my two largest companies here, subject to orders of Lieutenant-Commander Prichett. Excuse my addressing you di- rect, but being cut off, and believing this to be for the interest of the service, I address headquarters direct. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN H. STIBB5, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Detachment Twelfth Iowa Major W. H. MORGAN, Assistant Adjutant-General, District of IVest Tennessee. 1020080N W EVOL 2G43-2 Page 322 322 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant- Commander Pricheti, U. S. Navy, requesting information regard- ing movements of Union and Confederate forces in Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DIvISIoN OF WEST Mississippi, Nat chez, Miss., if ay 22, 1864. SIR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to request that you will be pleased to send to him, to the care of the commanding officer at Vicksburg, Miss., as early as possible, any official communi- cations or bearers of dispatches that may have arrived at your post from General Steele; and also any information that you may possess in regard to the movements of our forces and of those of the rebels in Arkansas. The commanding general will also be obliged for any information that you may possess respecting the troops at Pine Bluff and Arkansas Post, and if, so far as you know, the rebels have crossed the Arkansas River with the view of operating against Geneial Steeles communications between that river and the White River. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Major, Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain PRICHETT, U. S. NAVY, Commanding District Mouth of White River. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rattler, regarding change of station. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, May 22, 1864. SIR: Upon the arival of the Mound City to relieve you, you will inform her commander all about the Indianola and her condition, and will then take the station between Bayou Pierre and Waterproof. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JAMES LANING, Commanding U. S. S. Rattler. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose, regarding change of station. U. S. S. BENTON, 0/f Natchez, May 22, 1864. SIR: After the Pittsburg relieves you, you will proceed to cruise between Bayou Pierce [Pierrel an d Coles Creek Point until the Rattler comes down. You will then take from Waterproof to Natchez. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOIINS~mN, Com~manding U. S. S. Forest Rose Page 323 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 323 Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Donnelly, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ~ Nymph. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, May 23, 186~. Sn~: Come down to this place immediately. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Master P. DONNELLY, Commanding U. S. S. Nymph.. Report of Major-Genercd Washburn, U. S. Army, regarding asseim- bling of Confederate force at Corinth. and Tupelo, Miss., under Generals Forrest and Lee, C. S. Army. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, May 23, 1864. (Received 12: 30 p. in., 25th.) Forrest and Lee, with large force, are at Corinth and Tupelo. They have been organizing and recuperating at and near Tupelo for twenty. days, and horses and men are in splendid condition. They have from 10,000 to 12,000 men, and have some big enterprise on hand. I have no force here to enable me to go out and attack them and break up their plans. My force at Memphis is hardly ade- quate to purposes of defense. I fear they will do great havoc if they are allowed to cross the Tennessee. I have requested Captain Pennock to patrol the Tennessee with gunboats, for I believe Middle Tennessee and Kentucky their destination. With 5,000 troops, in addition to what I have, I could organize a movable force and go out and disperse them. C. C. WASIL~BIJRN, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. Report of Acting Ensign ONeill, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Curlew, regarding engagement with battery at Gaines Landing, Ark. U. S. S. CuitLLw, May 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that at 5 oclock this morn- ing, when opposite Gaines Landing, Ark., we were fired into from a battery on shore, consisting of 10, if not of 12 guns. At least six full volleys were fired at us. One 12-pound shell struck the case- mate of this vessel, lodging upon the ground without exploding. Two 6-pound solid shot went through the casemate about midships, on port side, just above the deck, without doing any material injury. Shrapnel flew thick around, two or three small balls penetrating the cabin. One of their guns evidently was of large caliber, as severa Page 324 324 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. shots went far over and beyond the vessel. No one on board was injured, although several of the crew had narrow escapes. Notwithstanding the crew was just turning out of their ham- mocks, and having been but little accustomed to such attacks, they acted with coolness and promptness during the engagement, which lasted about twenty minutes, working the guns with alacrity, firing 28 rounds with a good degree of precision. Some of the shots from one gun were seen to strike in their midst. The U. S. S. Tyler being about 2 miles in advance of us, I blew the whistle to notify her that I was engaging a battery. Before she arrved they left the ground. After consultation with the commander of the Tyler, it was deemed best, the battery having left, to proceed on our way. Some distance above we met the transport steamer Nicholas Longwoi th, which we were ordered by Lieutenant-Commander James M. Prichett, of the Tyler, in company with the U. S. S. Roff& eo, to return, and convoy her behw where the battery was, which we did, without meeting any further difficulty. This caused a delay in our arrival at Cairo of at least twelve hours. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. B. ONEILL, Acting Ensign, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding 2Jhssiss~pps Squadron. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, discussing, operations in Red River and in the East. NAvY DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 25, 1864. DEAR PORTER We are much relieved at receiving your telegram yesterday that the ironclads w ere out of the river, through the instru- mentality of Colonel Baileys conception. As soon as we receive your written report about this operation we shall properly thank him. However the cases shall be multiplied where the Army has leaned upon our boats for salvation and returned no thanks, the reverse shall not occur without due and proper ndfice from the Navy De- partment. Bad as things looked, I had a confident presentiment that even the elements would be mastered in saving that fleet. I am sorry for Banks; it has utterly extinguished him. The Treasury Department is taking its turn under the scrutiny of investigating committees. First, by a special committee raised in the House of Representatives, and second, by Chases own Com- mittee of Commerce in the Senate. This latter committee will con- demn the system of intercourse with the rebellious States now in operation out West. Their action annoys Chase, because it seems to color the charges made by Frank Blair. Without taking auy part in that quarrel, it may be remarked that the Secretary of the Navy has always been opposed to this trading, and several times pretty sharp correspondence has taken place between him and Mr. Chase upon the subject.. The other day Mr. Chase, in conversation with Mr. Welles, endeavored to throw blame upon you in regard to deal- ings in cotton. We understand this to be a move on his part to defend himself at our and your expense. I wish to inform you o Page 325 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 325 this much, that you may be prepared for them. Any facts in regard to this matter of trade had better be noted, and perhaps a history of it reported to the Department with your own dealings, such a paper as can be yielded to any Congressional committee that should call for it. Grant is pushing along toward Richmond at great sacrifices, but with heroic constancy. Each army has already lost 30,000 men, mak- ing a total of 60,000. They claim a victory in every fight, though we have 22 guns and 10,000 prisoners, part of which are the original Stonewall Brigade entire. Richmond and, in fact, the whole South- ern Confederacy, is Lees army; that beaten, they are beaten every- where. So you see the fields southeast of Spottsylvania are now the theater of the decisive contest. Rolled back to the Potomac, we never again can advance to the capture of Richmond, and the rebs driven from their capital, perish as a Southern Confederacy. I feel sure we shall beat them, but through a series of desperate and bloody en- counters, where will perish most of the authors and sustainers of the rebel cause. The New Iron~ides is coming home for repairs. Melancton Smith is attending to the ram in the Sounds of North Carolina. He had a one-sided fight the other day, in which the Sassacus struck the ram fair, going 9 knots. I would have supposed she would have gone entirely through her, but the damage was not serious enough to pre- vent her retiring slowly from the action. We have sent in Lieutenant-Commander Roes name for advance- ment five numbers under the new law for the dash, though unsuc- cessful. Dahlgren wants to come home. Poor fellow, hard work, forty-two courageous and persistent attacks, poor health, and the papers dis- cussing and cussing him. The square flag is not the pleasant place Washington navy yard was. I dont think we can let him home just now. I am afraid the Navy is not treating him fairly, for reasons you understand. After you get your feathers smoothed and oiled, I dont see why you should not come East, if you so desire it. Please make your secretary apply for the place of assistant pay- master, and give him such endorsement as you shall deem best. The only fight we have on hand now is to get rid of navy agents, and have officers do that and storekeepers duties, something like your system out West. I will send you Grimess speech on the sub- ject Thursday. If the plan works well out there, a letter from you would benefit the service and help us in the fight. Read Grimess speech first. You will find some interesting reading in the book called Armored Vessels. Dont forget the Winnebagos turrets. Faithfully, G. V. Fox. Report of Near-A dmi? al Porter, U. S. Navy, suggesting names for vessels purchased and under const~ action. MISSIssIrrI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP B LACK HAWK, Off Mound Uity, Ill., May ~C, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to recommend the following names for vessels lately purchased and ready for service: Lavinia Logan, Antelope; Reindeer 57, Pen; Huntress, Huntress; Hartfo~i~d, ~Sibyl Page 326 826 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Four steamers built at Chattanooga are almost ready for service. I sent forward the guns today, and have detailed the officers. These are flue steamers of their class. I respectfully recommend that they be named as follows: General Grant, General Sherman, General Thomas, General Burnside, in compliment to those gallant officers. I shall have two more steamers ready there in the course of a month. The vessels are being built under my directions, and the quarter- master pays all bills. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dmiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. I-Iou. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Ii). C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, regarding duty assigned to steamer Little Chanyion. U. S. S. OZARK, Red River, May 26, 1864. SIR: The Little C/tampion arrived yesterday. I have ordered her to returiii with one barge with 210 bales cotton, one empty barge, and one gun float with 6 guns on it. Hoping this will meet your appro- bation, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. BROWN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant and Senior Officer. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. List of boats in port, Mound City, Ill., May 26, 1864. Sovereign, used as boarding house; W. H. Brown, on the ways; Cincinrtati, on the ways; Tuscumbia, repairing; Juliet, repairing, officers and crew transferred; Cricket, for repairs; Lavinia Logan, for Admiral Farragut; Reindeer (No. 57), fitting out; Vindicator, fitting out; Benefit, repairing; P sy, on the ways, repairing; Siren, receiving ship; Fairy, on duty; General Pillow, guarding powder boats; Moose, Reindeer, just arrived to take ordnance and ordnance stores to new boats on the upper Tennessee. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for opposing the operations of Marmadukes cavalry. U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Lake Providence, La., May 26, /864. SIR: By dispatches dated 24th instant, received from Acting Mas- ter Baldwin, commanding Romeo, and Acting Ensign Chambers, commanding Prairie Bir , I am informed that Marmaduke is o Page 327 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 327 the Louisiana bank of the river from head of [No.1 82 to foot of [No.1 84 (islands), with ten pieces of artillery. The pieces are re- ported to me as heavier than those on the light-drafts. I am now on my way to that part of the district. I will leave the Great Western at Skipwiths and take the Exchange with me. Considerable mus- ketry has been used, but the probable force is yet not known. No serious casualties have yet occurred. Acting Ensign Dwyer, of the Romeo, was shot in the thigh by a musket ball. To effectually drive away the enemys guns will require a cooperating land force. As soon as I learn about the force of Marmaduke I will dispatch Gen- eral Slocum. Major-General A. J. Smith is now in Vicksburg with his entire force and ready to come up. As soon as safe I will send the Great Western up. If the enemy propose to remain on the river between Eunice and Sunnyside, two or three more vessels would be required to protect transports, and one of those an ironclad ,~besides this vessel. It is possible the enemy will cross a portion of his force over the river, using both banks. In that case the present small force would be inadequate to the protection of the river. Coal is very much needed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 6th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. [Telegram.] ST. LOUIS, May 26, 1884. General [John M.] Th~ayer telegraphs me from Fort Smith, urging me to send several boats with stores up the Arkansas. Admiral Por- ter some time since advised that in his opinion navigation of that river was impracticable. Please advise me as soon as possible his views or your own upon sending this fleet, and whether you can send convoy. L. B. PARSONS, Colonel and Chief Quartermaster. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Mound City. Letter from chief quartermaster at St. Louis to Fleet Captain Pen- nock, U. S. Navy, regarding convoy for stores to be sent up the Arkansas River. QUARTERMASTERS DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF CHIEF OF WESTERN RIVER TRANSPORTATION, St. Louis, May 26, 1864. CAPTAIN: On the requisition of General Thayer at Fort Smith and the commissary here, I am loading several light-draft boats as rapidly as possible to send up the Arkansas. The river is rising rap- idly at Fort Smith, and as prompt action is essential to success, Page 328 328 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. write so that you can advise Admiral Porter or take such measures in reference to convoys as you deem necessary. I think the fleet will leave here within two or three days and proceed at once to the Arkansas, to await the support of the gunboats. My own judgment does not favor the expedition, but I am overruled, and shall do all I can for its success. I will thank you to telegraph me on receipt of this what can be done. LEWIs B. PARSONS, Colonel and Chief Qmr. Western River Transportation. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Mound City, Ill. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, May 27, 1864. Your dispatch received. My views in regard to the general navi- gation of the Arkansas fully concur with yours, but I am required and am loading a fleet of boats for that river, based upon the fol- lowing dispatch: FORT SMITH, [ARK.], May 25. The river is rising rapidly. Can you not send forage to this point? A fleet of very light-draft steamers, loaded with commissary and forage. Do so by all means if in your power. JOHN M. THAYER, Brigadier-General. Colonel L. B. PARSONS. I wrote Captain Pennock last evening. LEWIS B. PARSONS, Colonel and Chief Quartermaster. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Mound City. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding the shipment of guns from Louisville, Ky. U. S. S. MOOSE, Off Smithland, Ky., May 27, 1864. SIR: I find on arriving here that there is only 3 feet water on Harpeth Shoals and falling very fast. It would not, therefore, be safe for me to venture up this river with the guns, etc. I will therefore run direct to Louisville and ship them from there; the cars that take them will run straight through without changing. Guards have been provided by the army ordnance officers to go with them, both from Louisville and Nashville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Ro~ FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 10th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill Page 329 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 329 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, recommending the promotion of Acting Master iVatson, U. S. Navy. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, May 27, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully recommend the promotion of Acting Master J. S. Watson, commanding U. S. S. Hastings, to acting volun- teer lieutenant, for gallant and meritorious conduct in action. He had commanif of the Juliet up Red River, and brought his vessel safely out of places where there was some danger of her safety. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvIDD. PORTER, Re -Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Re -Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to report to the Navy Department in person. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 27, 1864. SIR: When you feel that you have made such arrangement of your squadron ~s will admit of your absence from it for a short period, I will be pleased to have you proceed to Washington and report lU person to the Department. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Secretary of the Navy. Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, designating the vessels belonging to the several districts of his command. GENERAL ORDER, ~ U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, No. 199. 1 FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, Ill., May 27, 1864. General Orders 80, 141, and 195 are hereby revoked, and the fol- lowing will be substituted: First District-from New Orleans to Donaldsonvillecomposed of the following vessels: Essex, Argosy, General Price, St. Cla~r, Alex- andria. Second Districtfrom Donaldsonville to Morgauzacomposed of the following vessels: Lafayette, Juliet, Kenwood, Ouachita, Avenger, Nymph, Chickasaw. Third Districtfrom Morgauza to Fort Adamscomposed of the following vessels: Choctaw, Gazelle, Neosho, Ozark, Winnebago, General Bra qg, Little Rebel, Fort Hindm an, Cricket, Naiad. Fourth Districtfrom Fort Adams to Natchezcomposed of the following vessels: Siren, Champion, Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Lexing- ton, Pen Page 330 330 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Fifth Districtfrom Natchez to Vicksburgcomposed of the fol- lowing vessels: Benton, Pittsburg, Curlew, Mound City, Rattler, Judge Torrence, Forest Rose. Sixth districtfrom Vicksburg to Arkansas Rivercomposed of the following vessels: Romeo, Louisville, Marmora, Prairie Bird, and two other light-drafts. Seventh Districtfrom Arkansas River to Memphiscomposed of the following vessels: Hastings, Fawn, Naumkeag, Tyler, Queen City, Exchange, Silver Cloud, Linden. Eighth Districtfrom Memphis to Columbuscomposed of the following vessels: Osage, Carondelet, huntress, New Era. Ninth Districtfrom Cairo to the head of Tennessee Rivercom- posed of the following vessels: Tawah, Elfin, Tuscumbia, Key West, Undine, Paw Paw, Robb, Peosta. Tenth DistricPCumberland River and Upper Ohiocomposed of the following vessels: Brilliant, Moose, Victory, Fairplay, Spring- field, Reindeer, Silver Lake. At station at Cairo and to be ready at all times for the admirals service, Fairy, Sibyl. The vessels of one district are not to be ordered away by the com- mander of another district unless it can be shown that a great emer- gency exists for so doing; but commanders of districts will cooperate with each other. and, when occasion requires, render all aid and assist- ance in their power. Observ~ and carry out the requirements of General Order No. 84. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, C manding Mississippi Squadron. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding signals. GENERAL ORDER, U. S. Mississi~ri SQUADRON, No. 205. J FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound ~Jity, Ill., May 28, 1864. The day and night distinguishing signals of the U. S. S. Fairy will be those of the late U. S. S. Petrel. The day signals of the U. S. S. Vindicator will be those next after the U. S. S. Lafayette on the signal board. Night distinguishing lights have been assigned to vessels as follows, viz: Vindicator, No. 60; Elfin, No. 63; Undine, No. 55. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dimiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rattler. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, May 28, 1864. SIR: I have received your letter of the 27th instant. When you have finished your work at the Indianola come down to this place with the Rattler and ask Captain Johnston to look ou Page 331 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 831 for your beat during your absence. I will then have Mr. Elliott sur- veyed. I sent you yesterday some drawing paper. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieutenant-Commander. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant JAS. LANING, Commanding U. S. S. Ratder. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, commanding Siceth District, regarding affairs pertaining to his command. U. S. S. LouIsvILLE, Off Gaines Landing, May $28, 1864. SIR: I arrived here this afternoon, and can see or hear nothing of the rebel forces. A few moments since I threw a few shrapnel at some scouts behind the levee. They scampered off at the first fire. No attacks have been made on boats passing for the past three days. It may be the enemy have moveddown the river to attack Lake Providence and Goodrichs Landing, where there are a few troops protecting stores and plantation lessees. No gunboat is stationed at either place. The Great Western leaks very badly when underway. She is now stationed at Skipwiths. I will send her up as soon as I send a boat, or go down to relieve her. The Ecechange and Prairie Bird both require pilots, and the Prairie Bird an engineer. There is not any coal at Skipwiths, and the late convoying has left the vessel quite short. Whilst it is necessary to convoy steamers, this district will require more than two barges a month for its own use; whilst vessels go up and down, gunboats, dispatch boats, and towboats, will require another barge and a half. If the vessels were allowed to coal out of barges coming down, it would save their going down to Skip- withs. This vessel is short 60 men of her complement, and the times of the greater portion now on board are running out rapidly. The Prairie Bird needs general repairing badly. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding 6th Dist., Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from chief quartermaster at St. Louis to Rear-Ad ~ral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding arrangements for convoying stores up the Arkansas River. QUARTERMASTERS DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF Cnn~F OF WESTERN RIVER TRANSPORTATION, ST. Louis, May $28, 1864. ADMIRAL: Your dispatch as follows, Mound City, May 27, 1864. If you think proper to send the transports, the gunboats shall go up with them, is received. It is not at all left to my judgment. I am required to furnish the transportation for a quantity of stores t Page 332 332 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Little Rock and Port Smith, via the Arkansas, and can not 2hange it. I therefore sent you the following reply to-day: The transports with stores designed for Fort Smith will leave here as soon as the stores are furnished for the boats. I hope within two or three days at farthest. I write you. There shall be no delay on my part in having the boats ready here for the stores. If furnished by the com- missary and forage quartermaster promptly, a number of boats will leave here within three days for the mouth of the Arkansas, with orders to wait~ a reasonable time to o~o up the Arkansas, and, if un- successful, then to proceed to De valTs B uff. At the mouth of the Arkansas they will of course await your orders as to proceeding. Very respectfully, LEWIs B. PARsoNs, Colonel and Chief Qmr. IVestern River Transportation. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron~, Mound City, Ill. Report of Acting Master Hickey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Queen Ctty, regarding captures made at Clarendon, Ark. U. S. S. QUEEN CITY, May 28,1864. SIR: I Janded at Clarendon this day and captured 3 mules and 1 horse, all marked U. S. I took Mr. Dial, who claimed them, prisoner. I also took Mr. Carr, a justice of the peace, who was in company with Mr. Dial, taking from him 2 mules and 1 horse. As I landed, I drove out some rebel pickets who were with the men captured. Carr is well known to the Union-loving people of that section and is a terror to them all. I turned the prisoners over to the provost-marshal at Devalls Bluff and the stock to the quartermaster, he being very much in need of them, taking his receipt for the same. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MICHAEL HICKEY~ Acting Master, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander JAS. M. PRICHETT. Report of Acting Master Coyle, U. S. Navy, giving information regarding Moses W. Bozard, captu ed near Canton, Ky., and trans- mitting statement of prisoner. U. S. S. SILVER LAKE Cumberland River, May 29. 1864. S~: I have the honor to report to you that on the 26th instant, having received information of a spy being at a place named Fungo, 2~ miles west of Canton, Ky., I sent a guard and had him arrested and brought to this vessel, searched, and questioned. And at the same time I had brought over to the vessel Mr. Nathan Bowman, who lives 1~ miles west of Murray, Ky., who, in answer to questions, gives the following information in regard to this alleged spy Page 333 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 333 Mr. Nathan Bowman, a very respectable citizen of Kentucky, aged about 60 years, a relative of Judge Williams, of Paducah, and well known by his neighbors and friends as an oiiginal, staunch, loyal man, states as follows, viz: That the prisoner s name is Moses W. Bozard and is a neighbor of his. That last November the Federal soldiers went to Bozards house to search for arms; that Bozard denied having any, but the soldiers found a shotgun in his house. He was heard to say afterwards that they did not find a home-made Bowie knife, which he had secreted for the especial use of his Union neighbors. Was told by his neigh- bors that unless he gave up the knife he would be informed on. 1-Je has been known to admit persons into his house in the night last winter at different times who were considered improper persons and strongly suspected of being guerrillas. He also had acquaintance with and harbored men that he knew were going to join guerrilla bands. lie is believed to have given information to guerrillas of where his Union neighbors had secreted their stock and other valu- ables, which were afterwards stolen by the guerillas, he losing noth- ing. He is a known sympathizer and active secessionist, and the secessionists place the utmost confidence in him. When asked his business in the neighborhood, he stated to Captain Oakley, Fungo Home Guards, and others that his object in coming there was to procure arms for the protection of himself and neighbors against guerrillas, as he had on the Friday previous whipped ti guerrilla named A. J. Kane, who was a secessionist. Mr. Bowman says that A. J. Kane is a quiet, peaceable Union man and that Bozard did not whip him. He can establish this fact, because he was in the immediate neighborhood at that time. It is believed by Mr. Bowman that Bozard came into the neigh- borhood as a spy, to prepare the way and give information to the guerrillas of where property of the Union men could be found and also to ascertain the whereabouts, strength, organization, and vigi- lance of the Home Guards. That he had done so at the instigation of the guerrillas and secessionists of Calloway County, many of whom he is known to associate with. One of his nephews was with the band of guerrillas that robbed the Redd Brothers about two weeks ago. The Redd brothers live about 2 miles from Newburg, on the east side of Tennessee River. Mr. Bowman refers to the following-named gentlemen for his character generally: Judge Williams, of Paducah, Ky.; Judge McKnight, of Paducah, Ky.; Judge Beadles, of Marshall County, provost-marshal and commander at Columbus, Ky.; Dr. Thomas, now at Smithland; Thomas Bell, surgeon at Paducah. The prisoner when captured had on his person a small amount of money (Federal currency) and a pass from the provost-marshal at Paducah, passing him through the lines until further orders, dated April 23, 1864. Annexed please find the prisoners own statement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. C. COYLE, Acting Master, Co anding. Lieutenant-Commander LEROY FITCH, Commanding Tenth District Page 334 334 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Moses W. Bozard, the prisoner, on being questioned, states as fob lows: His object in coming between the rivers was to see his relatives (Mrs. Bozard and family), who live near Fungo. He has been to Paducah ,goes there whenever he pleases; has taken the oath; says Captain Farley, of Canton, knows him; crosses the Tennessee River whenever he chooses; was crossed this time by a man named Williams, who crosses people regularly. (The Newburg and Williams Ferry are the same.) He lives 1-~ miles west of Murray, Calloway County, Ky.; has been on this side of the Tennessee River since the 25th instant. Is a farmer by occupation; was at Paducah, May 6. Denies having any acquaint- ance whatever with guerillas; has lived on the Tennessee River thirty years; has occupied his present home ever since the war com- menced; associates principally with Union men; never harbored guerrillas; never been searched by either party; never kept any arms. Afterwards said the Federal soldiers took a shotgun from him. Says that a little more than a week ago he whipped a man named Jackson Kane severely for trying to shoot one of his dogs. Acknowledges that he did enquire the price of arms, and where they could be pro- cured, merely, he says, that he might know where to get them if he wanted them for himself and friends for protection. Very respectfully, Jos. C. COYLE, Acting Ma8ter, Commanding. [Telegram.] PADUCAH, Ky., May ~2911; 50 a. m. All quiet here this morning. There are small detachments of the enemy at Mayfield, Dukedom, and Paris. I am informed that Gen- eral Halleck telegraphed General Prince that Forrest has a force of 15,000 men and that he was moving north from Tupelo, Miss. Look out for Paducah, as it was thought that Forrest would strike for that place. My impression is that he will try to cross the Tennessee above Clifton, to destroy General Sherman~s communications. JAMES W. SHIRK, Commanding Ninth District. Rear-Admiral DAvm D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill. Forwarded from Metropolis, ill., per steamer Armada, May 29, 2 oclock p. m. CHAS. WALLACE, Government Agent. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, trans- mitting report regarding trade carried on by the Marine Brigade. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 1~, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith for your information an extract from a report made to Rear-Admiral Porter, commandin Page 335 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 335 Mississippi Squadron, on the 29th May last, by Lieutenant-Com- mander Owen, relative to the trade carried on with the rebels by the Marine Brigade. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of IVar. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Skipw~ths Landing, May 29, 1864. Sn~: The enemy having left the river in this district, I have re- turned to this place and have ordered the Great Western to proceed to Cairo in accordance with your orders to the commander of that vessel. A few guerrillas are on both banks, but chiefly employed in conscripting and getting animals. I can get no sworn testimony, but it is certainly the fact that the Marine Brigade are selling to rebels stores of every description. Boots (cavalry), navy revolvers, and many other things, strictly contraband of war. I have heard this from hundreds of people, from Vicksburg to Cypress Bend. Their chief headquarters appear to be Greenville, where they mostly remain. The disbursing officer of the Ram Fleet does not hesitate to pro. claim the brigade a very rotten concern, i. e., they do everything and anything to make money. It would be good policy to do away with this brigade, or place it at intervals under naval control. I find cotton boats navigating all the bayous with military permits. I to-day have commenced over- hauling these vessels, and in obedience to your order will send them to New Orleans. There are many of them and it will take quite a number of officers. These boats are undoubtedly employed in getting stores to the rebels. The military suppose they control the water as well as land, consider- ing the naval authorities as auxiliary or secondary. I shall regard no order on the water unless coming from my naval superior. The large trade with local agents here and there, and the great number of boats in the trade, perplex me not a little. I would like to have your instructions, independent of the Treasury Department rules and the uncertain rules and regulations of agents and generals of all description. I am rapidly becoming initiated in the mysteries of this trade, and will soon be able to give you substantial facts. The Great Western leaves at once. I send my pilot up on the Great Western-b. I hope he will be ordered back immediately. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Comqmander, Commanding ,S?ixtlu District. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 336 336 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Acting IL aster Donnelly, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nymph, giving nan-be8 of vessels boarded. U. S. S. NYMPH, Off Plaquemine, La., May 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of vessels boarded while cruising between Waterproof and St. Joseph, Fourth District, May 19: Steamer Fawn, above Waterproof, May 19; steamer Keota, below Rodney, May 21; steamer Jolahae, St. Joseph, May 23; steamer Golden Gate, off Waterproof. Cause of boarding, to ex- amine papers and search for contraband goods. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ DONNELLY, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. Miss. Squadron, Flagship Black Hawk, Cairo, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Co ander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, regarding U. S. S. Osage, ashore on Helena Bar, and operations of the enemy at Corinth, Miss., and near Osceola, Ark. U. S. S. CARONDELET, Off Memphis, Tenn., May 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place yesterday at 6 p. m. I communicated with the commanding officer of the 0 sage at Helena Bar on the 28th, and he informs me that a rise of from 6 to 9 inches more will enable him to get her afloat. She is in the same position as when you passed up. The Silver Cloud is in company with her, and in the event of the rise, which has commenced, will assist in hauling her off. Forrest is reported at Corinth and about making a raid into this place. I shall iemain here for a few days, or until further informa- tion is received from him, as Captain Townsend informs me that he is about leaving Cairo. A letter from Acting Master Marshall, of the New Era, was received yesterday evening, giving information of a rebel force of from 100 to 200 strong back of Osceola landing, where his vessel is lying. General Washburn, with whom I have communicated this morning, informs me that he will send a cavalry force up to that point to cut them off. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 8th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to the provost- m shal at Cairo, Ill., for investigation of charges against Solomon and Lewis Harris, prisoners. MOUND CITY, May 31, [1864]. SIR: By direction of Admiral Porter I send you Solomon and Lewis Harris, captured near the mouth of Black River, and charge Page 337 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 337 by their neighbors as being the persons who gave such information as led to the recapture and death of some of the crew of the ram Queen of the West. One of them was overheard to say he was glad that engineer on board the Blade Hawk (one of General Banks transports) did not see him, as he knew enough about him to stretch his neck. This engineer was, I believe, on board the Queen of the lVest at the time of her capture. The admiral requests that you please investigate these charges, and if, from any cause, they can not be substantiated that these men be treated as prisoners of war. Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant- Command~r, Commanding. PROVOST-MARSHAL, Cairo, Ill. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, regarding movements of Major-General For- rest, C. S. Army. Mississnpi SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, May 31, 1864. GENERAL: I have just received the enclosed telegram from Paducah: Information, which appears to be reliable, has been received that Forrest is attempting t~ cut off Shermans communications, and unless a force (A. J. Smith or some one else) is sent up here he may succeed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General E. R. S. CANBY, Commanding Military Dirision of West Mississippi. [Telegram. I PADUCAH, May 31, 1864. The commander of the post has reliable information that Forrest is at Corinth with a heavy force, [Abram] Buford this side with a brigade. Railroad working to Corinth and being repaired to Jack son, [Miss.]. A. F. ONEIL, Lieutenant, Commanding Paw Paw. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Mound City. [Telegram.] PADIYCAE, May 31, 1684. Captain Shirk, with the Key West and Elfin, went up the Ten- nessee at 8:30 a. m. A. F. ONEIL, Lieutenant, Comtm~anding Paul Paw. Captain A. M. PENNOCK, Mound City. 1020050N w aVOL 2G132 Page 338 338 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Telegram.] ST. Louis, May 31, 1864. The Runyan left here day before yesterday for the mouth of Arkansas. Three more will leave in the morning, to be followed by others as fast as the stores can be furnished. L. B. PARSONS, Colonel and Assistant Quartermitster. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Mound City. Report of Lieutenant-Coirur& ander Fitch, U. S. Navy, requesting approval of order for the restriction of trade in Kentucky and Tennessee. U. S. S. MoosE Louisville, Ky., May 31, 1864. SIR: I find on coming up the river that during the absence of the gunboats, and since trade has been reestablished, there has been an indiscriminate traffic with the rebels in Kentucky. Kentucky is now full of guerrillas, and for no other purpose than to pick up these supplies that have been collecting during the winter. There are not boats enough in this district to guard and watch every ciossing, therefore the only way to stop this abuse is to stop all intercourse. The greatest difficulty is with the surveyors of ports. If they did their duty strictly, there would be no necessity for such restrictions. I send enclosed an order which I hope you will approve, that I may get it in full force, and stop this smuggling before low water sets in. I do not think we can be too severe on such people. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Roy FITCH, Lieutenant-Cominctnder, Com~dg. 10th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. MoosE, Ohio River, June 1, 1864. As the commerce with a portion of the States of Kentucky and Tennessee has been carried on with guerrillas and disloyal persons to such an extent as to amount to an abuse of the privilege, it is hereby ordered that, till further notice, all trade to the Kentucky shore below Cannelton is prohibited, and steamers must not land on that side of the river, except at posts garrisoned by United States troops, without a written permit from the proper naval officer. Any steamer violating this order will be seized and sent to Mound City, and all goods found in scows or skiffs crossing the river, or about to cross, without a permit from the proper naval officer will be confiscated. All persons found crossing the river in scows, flats, or other craft will be arrested Page 339 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 339 All ferries within the above limits will, from this date, be sus- pended until further orders. As soon as Government steamers cease running up the Cumberland River no vessel will be permitted to enter that stream until naviga- tion again opens in the fall. For further particulars, commanding officers in the Tenth District are referred to General Order No. 2 from the admiral. Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. iOth [LE Ro~ FITCH], Diet. Jihss. Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, giving inforir& a- tion of Confederate battery and troops at Sunnyside, Ark. U. S. S. LOUIsvILLE, Off Skipwiths Landing, May 31, 1864. SIR: I was informed last evening by Major Lawrence, of the Marine Brigade, that there is a battery of nine pieces (20, 12, and 6 pounders) at Sunnyside, supported by nearly 10,000 infantry. I am very much in want of gunboats. If I leave here I fear the enemy will come in and destroy the tugs, barges, mortars, etc. The Clara Fames was captured and burned. I fear the Pauline Carroll, with a thousand troops on board, has shared the same fate. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Sixth District. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. IReport of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant [lye, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S. Osage, regarding efforts to get that vessel off Helena Bar. U. S. S. OSAGE, Helena Bar, Mississippi River, May 31, 1864. SIR: Previously to my taking command of this vessel, on the 26th instant, Captain Selfridge had commenced lightening her by sending on shore some of the iron plating of the turret, the heavy iron grat- ings, all of the solid shot and grape, and many other heavy articles. I continued the process by removing the iron plating over her paddle wheel and pilot house. By the morning of the 29th instant there had been a rise of water to the amount of 7~ inches. I had previously carried out our heaviest anchor, a little on the starboard bow, and backed it with a kedge. The U. S. S. Silver Cloud came to our assistance on the 28th in- stant, bringing a 9-inch and an 11-inch hawser. One of these hawsers was run from our port bow to the Silver Cloud, the other from the shore to her steam capstan. On the morning of the 29th instant, finding that the river was no longer rising, I made every effort to get this vessel off the bar, but without the least success. We hove in on our starboard anchor, th Page 340 340 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Silver Cloud worked her steam capstan, and we worked our engine at full power without being able to move the ship in the least. I repeatedly caused the engine to be backed strongly, that the paddle wheel might force the water powerfully under the bottom of the ves- sel, hoping that this action might loosen the sand underneath her. I also used rakes and hoes, endeavoring to loosen the sand alongside. We kept up these various efforts constantly during the whole of the day without having started the ship in the least. In the meantime the water had commenced falling, and has continued to fall ever since. Nothing further can be done in the way of moving the ship until it rises. It has gone down 15 inches since Sunday morning, the 29th instant, and is still falling rapidly. Already a knoll of hard sand is bare under our port side, a little abaft the turret. Forward and aft of this the water increases gradually to 3 feet Ii inches. On the starboard side, commencing forward and going aft to the stern, we have the following depths of water, viz: 3 feet 11 inches; 3 feet 9 inches; 3 feet. 3 inches; 2 feet 7 inches; 2 feet; 2 feet 5 inches; 1 foot 3 inches; 2 feet.; 2 feet 6 inches; 3 feet. These figures show that the whole weight of the vessel rests on hard sand amidships, while at each end there is nearly enough water to float her. As a consequence of this, she is badly strained, her bow and stern have dropped at least 6 inches, and her fore-and-aft bulkheads have broken in two abreast the fire room. This last injury is very serious, as these bulkheads stand in the stead of keelsons in ordinary vessels. It is to be ex- pected that she will continue to hog still more until the water has entirely left her. I have filled in under the bow with brush so as to prevent the current from washing away the sand any more at that point. I shall continue to send on shore such heavy articles as can be spared from the ship, with a view to diminish the strain on her hull. I am prepared to get up steam in case we should have occasion to revolve the turret. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM FLYF, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, protesting against the conduct of Treasury agents in relation to trade and transmitting papers on the sub yect. MIssIssIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK hAWK, Mound City, May 31, 18C4. SIR: I have scarcely hoped to see anything like a cessation o-f guer- rilla warfare in this quarter while indiscriminate trade was allowed, and while an army of so-called Treasury aids were employed in supplying the enemy, instead of~ protecting the Treasury and the in- terests of the Government. No one knows the difficulties I have had to contend with in keeping the rebels comparatively piiet in the rivers, having hitherto received uo a~si~tance from the Aizmy, whic Page 341 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 341 occupies three or four principal points on this river, and seldom makes any attempts to dislodge the guerrillas that come to the bank for plunder and trade. Treasury agents have come out here from time to time, professing to be armed with full powers to trade~ even within the enemy~s lines. I could not pretend to go into a history of all the nefarious trans- actions that have occurred on this river through the connivance of Treasury agents, and notwithstanding I did all I could to put a stop to the supplies that were going into the rebels hands, I found it impossible to do anything while the military commanders at Colum- bus, Hickman, Memphis, Helena, Yicksburg, Natchez, and every military post on the Mississippi, indorsed the permits of the Treas- ury agents. For two years Memphis has been a regular depot for rebel supplies, as much as $100,000 worth of stores of all kinds going into the enemys lines at one time, and though the rebels might, on two or three occasions, have captured Memphis they were too deeply interested in the trade to do anything that would interrupt it. Had all trade been cut off with the rebel States bordering on this river the sounds of war would scarcely be heard here now, but at this very moment the rebel Forrest is passing along in a line from Baton Rouge to Paducah and supplying the rebel army with the supplies that have been thrown into the interior from New Orleans to St. Louis. I have made more than one complaint to the Department in rela- tion to thesg matters, though I could hope for no improvement, while the commanders of military posts recognized Treasury regulations as taking precedence of military necessity. I am happy at last to see that there is some hope of a change in the system which has heretofore been the cause of so much mischief in the Department of the Mississippi. Generals Washburn and Sb- cum seem. to be the first officers who have had the courage to attempt to put a stop to the trade with the rebels, which is not in accord- ance wit.h any laws that I know to exist. The inclosed is a printed order of General Washburn, which I have endorsed, and which I hope the Department will sustain me in doing. I have but one object, and that is the prevention of trade with rebels and the crushing out of this rebellion. All that General Washburn says is true, and a thousand times more could be said. I enclose a slip froni a Western newspaper, which gives a descrip- tion of the whole system practiced on this river in the fewest pos- sible words. I also enclose a copy of a letter marked A which gives the names of parties implicated in treasonable transactions with the rebels. I also enclose a letter marked B, which I wrote to a Mr. Yeatman, Treasury agent at Memphis, in answer to an application for a gun- boat. Mr. Yeatman never answered my letter. It is supposed that he is engaged with a man by the name of Parkman, who receives permits for an unlimited amount of supplies. Mr. Yeatman could scarcely have been blind to the frauds com- mitted at Memphis, and though he professes to be superlatively honest, I am not disposed to separate him from the crowd of Treasury agents, who all bear bad names in this quarter. At Vicksburg the complicity of some Army officers of the Marine Brigade and Trea Page 342 342 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. ury agents has been so notorious that it is known to every one. I intend to collect facts which will be sent to the Department from time to time to substantiate all I say. At Natchez a Judge Hart, Treasury agent, has been carrying on the most shameful traffic, charging large commissions for permits, and being engaged through one Field in opening a trade store by which the rebels have been fully supplied. General Slocum has taken this matter in hand, has arrested Field, and, I think, Hart, and it is to be hoped they will be properly dealt with. Though I have not taken any very decided steps to break up trade, yet I have made myself sufficiently obnoxious to dishonest parties to cause them to try and bring some odium on the Navy. Not one of the few charges brought against the Navy has had the least shadow of truth in them. The business of the gunboats has been to protect commerce passing on the river and prevent the rebels from getting munitions of war. The combinations of the Army and Treasury were too strong for us to resist, though I have in all instances seized and sent to court every article of contraband that came within our notice. At different times since I took command here, 8,000 bales of cotton have been seized, taken from the bank, or found abandoned, or was the property of the so-called Confederate Government. In all cases of the kind, such cotton has been sent to Cairo to Captain Pennock, who receipts for it, registers it in his office, subject to the inspection of anyone, reports it with accompanying papers to the district court, and when the marshal receives it and receipts for it, our connection with the matter ceases. I think the course pursued by the Navy is the only just and proper one; at least it is fair to presume that claimants are satisfied with it, as out of about 8,000 bales not 1,000 have been condemned. There is a great deal of dishonesty about these transactions, but I dont feel interested enough in the matter to go to the trouble or expense of meddling with it. I have reported to the Department every case where there was the least shadow of complaint against a Navy officer, but in all the complaints brought against different branches of the service, by the press or parties connected with it, you will never see the name of a naval officer mentioned. There were two or three disreputable characters out here, but I soon had theni dismissed. Now, all I ask, sir, is that you will give your hearty support to the course that will hereafter be followed by the Army and Navy in putting down illicit, or contraband traffic, and you may depend that war will end in these waters. I dont hesitate to say that the Treasury agents have been the best friends the rebels have had, and I can bring written docu- ments to prove that almost every Treasury man employed on the Mississippi has been engaged in traffic instead of attending to the interests of the Government. Parties a~e now engaged in preparing a statement of facts for me, which I will lay before the Department when they come to hand. No doubt the course I am now pursuing will call forth the ill-will and abuse of parties accused, but I am perfectly independent of newspaper attacks, and fearless in the performance of my duties Page 343 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 343 I enclose herewith all the orders I have issued in relation to trade, endeavoring as near as possible not to run counter to any order of the Navy Department. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEoN WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Waeldngton, P. (97. [EnclosuresNewspaper clipping.] I propose to add a few words on one of the causes which has done much to unfit and dispirit this army. I refer to the wholesale venality and corruption which prevails. It is an astounding fact that nearly every prominent commander of the army post or con- troller of stores and transportation is openly accused of receiving bribes for favors. Cotton is the curse of the army of the lower Mis- sissippi. Such vast sums are ready to be lavished on this staple, that it requires an inbred integrity to resist the temptation. Quarter- mhsters, provost-marshals, post commanders are all implicated. These, however, are not so bad as the Treasury agents and the detec- tive force. If ever system was abused, the present policy of selling supplies to the rebels is, and astonishing as it may seem, the very machinery ~which was framed to prevent it proves its own defect. All sorts of goods in large quantities, including contraband are uoing to the enemy, too often, I fear, with the knowledge of ohr oiTicers. One favorite channel of the rebels is through the means of the rev- enue aid, who travels on all boats, who is simply a sponge through which you can filter anything by paying for it. To add to this piece of villainy, General Bowen has a large force of detectives who are mainly engaged in blackmailing innocent persons and getting large fees for permitting contraband to pass by them. Cotton dealers and travelers can testity to the annoyance of these low characters. They are a nuisance which should be abated. No.2. GENERAL ORDER, CAIRO, ILL., October 18, 1862. The commanders of all vessels going up and down the rivers Ohio and Mississippi will detain and examine all boats they may observe passing from one shore to the other. This rule will be observed from Louisville to Vicksburg until further orders, except at points occu- pied by United States troops. All persons so detained not having passes from the military and naval commanders will be brought to the commanding officer of the squadron, who will examine into the case. All goods or merchandise, arms, ammunition, or contraband of war found in any rowboat or scow will be held by the commanding officer of any vessel and detained by him until further orders. All boats and persons are to be strictly searched for letters. None are to be permitted to pass, and all are to be brought to headquarters. All boats found along the river banks at suspicious places will be taken possession of Page 344 344 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Any vessel that may be fired on by guerrillas or other persons will do all the damage in her power to the vicinity from which she was attacked in order to repress the outrageous practice of guerrilla warfare. After the 25th of October all vessels found landing cargoes at any point below Cairo or any point between Cairo and Louisville, except at places specified in collectors permits, or by permission from the naval commanding officer or at places occupied by United States troops will be brought to Cairo and detained until the matter is investigated A copy of this general order will be furnished to st& imers stopping at this port. DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, U. S. Mississirri SQUADRON, No.21. J Cairo, Iii., December 2, 1862. Commanders of all vessels will not permit any commerce to be carried on at any points not occupied by United States troops, no matter what permits they may have, unless they are mine. The commanders of vessels will carefully examine all steamers not in the employ of the Government or carrying t.roops, and send to me all t.hose carrying contraband or improper merchandise. The object is to break up the carrying of anything into rebel ports. I regret to say that vessels have been allowed to land goods between Helena and Memphis, and I hope a stricter lookout may be kept up in future. The following vessels have been carrying contraband goods and must be examined by every vessel that meets them. Everything in the way of military clothing is contraband; mens shoes, salt, ready-made clothing, saddles, medicines, munitions of war, and, on the whole, I think it is a good plan to pass nothing. List of vessels reported as having been carrying contraband of war, viz, Blue Wing, Blaek Hawk, J. R. Williams, Lake City, Conway. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mis ssippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER,{ U. S. Missmssi~~m SQUADRON, No. 47. J Yazoo River, April 15, 1863. The commanders of all vessels in the Mississippi Squadron are directed to conform strictly to the orders of March 31, 1863, issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, regulating trade. No officer must interfere with the purchase, sale, or transportation of goods or mer- chandise, which shall be condu:cted under the regulations of the Treasury Department, by Treasury agents or other authorized officers of the Treasury Department, and any officers will give such aid in carrying out the provisions of said act and in enforcing due observ- ~~nce of the said regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury as can be given without manifest injury to the public service Page 345 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 345 ft is further ordered that any officer who may have in his posses- sion any property belonging to the insurrectionary States not re- quired for military purposes shall turn it over to a Treasury agent, taking duplicate receipts for the same. All papers, receipts, and vouchers relating to such property should be turned over to the Treasury agent, or any document showing the right to possession of such property by the individuals from whom it was taken. No officer will take on board any cotton, tobacco, goods, or mer- chandise, unless necessary for military purposes or ordered to do so by me. Nor will they interfere with trade upon these rivers, unless it may be to prevent the violation of the regulations aforesaid. Every commander will furnish himself with a copy of the regula- tions of the Treasury of March 31, conform strictly to them him- self, and make all others under him do the same. DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mi~s8is8ippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, [ U. S. Mississirri SQUADRON, No. 50. f Flag8hip Black Hawk, April 27, 1863. All commanding officers are ordered to assist the agents of the Treasury Department in cases where a gunboat is needed to cover a transport while taking on board abandoned property. DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mi88issippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, )~ U. S. Mississirri SQUADRON, No. 109. 1 Flag8hip Black Hawk, October 14, 1863. In cases where vessels of this squadron capture steamers engaged in unlawful traffic on the Mississippi ar1d tributaries, the law govern- ing prizes captured must be strictly complied with. The law requires that the commanding officer shall carefully pre- serve all the papers and writings found on board, and transmit the whole, unmutilated, to the judge of the district where the prize is ordered to proceed, with all the necessary witnesses, and a report of all the circumstances attending the capture, etc. See section 5 of article approved July 17, 1862. If a vessel on the river engaged in mercantile pursuits is seized for violation of any existing Treasury laws or regulations, the same course must be pursued as in the capture of any enemys vessel. In case this rule is not followed, the captain will become respon- sible for the unlawful detention of the vessel. If a vessel is not seized and sent into port of the district of a loyal State, she must not be detained at all longer than necessary to examine her papers, nor must she be turned over to the Army, with which the Navy has nothing to do in such transactions; nor must the commander who makes the seizure compel the captain or owners to give bonds to deliver themselves up, no such bonds being legal. No vessel must be interfered with in any way when a naval com- niander finds a revenue aid on board, unless said vessel is engage Page 346 346 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. in landing munitions of war or is trading in a district prohibited by the military orders, or within the enemys lines. The officers commanding divisions are instructed to give aid and protection to all legitimate trade and have the orders of the Treas- ury Department respected by the vessels under their immediate command. The want of attention to those printed regulations complicates the duties of this squadron, and gives the Navy Department much unnecesary trouble in answering applications from interested parties. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Missi8sippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, ~ U. S. MIssISsIPPI SQUADRON, No. 111. J Flag8hip Black Hawk, October 17, 1863. By the new Treasury order military officers commanding posts are authorized to endorse permits for taking out cotton, and officers of districts will also endorse for any persons in whom they have confi- dence, or where the gunboats can protect the vessels. Vessels loaded with cottom will be permitted to proceed to New Orleans, and officers on the gunboats are not to board steamers bound up or down, unless they wish to put on board dispatches, and every steamer boarded must be reported to me, and the reasons given for boarding her. It is desired by the Government to protect the trade where cotton belongs to loyal persons, and the gunboats must give their protection whenever they can do so. When a gunboat has given the protection required, and the cotton is on board, the commander will endorse on the receipt All correct, with his name signed, which will be suffi- cient pass for the steamer. The order of a commander of a military post or district will be sufficient if there is no revenue aid on board. Generals Grants and Banks orders will, at all times, entitle the persons taking cotton to the protection of gunboats without any fur- ther orders from me, unless there, is an attempt to violate the orders of the Secretary of the Treasury by landing goods of a suspicious character, when the officer commanding the division must exercise his judgment with as little inconvenience to the steamers as possible. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mis& is8ippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, { U. S. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, No. 197. J FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Off Mouth Red River, May 20, 1864. The late order of the Secretary of the Treasury permits persons to bring cotton from within the lines of the enemy, but does not give permission to land more than a limited quantity of family supplies. All officers are directed not to interfere with the cotton trade, but to afford protection to vessels getting it off Page 347 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 847 No vessels will, however, be~ sent up any river, bayou, or creek for the purpose of aiding any cotton dealers, who, if they land in such places, do it at their own risk. All that will be required of commanders will be to see that no articles, contraband of war, are landed and that steamers do not carry persons away from landing places without permits or passes, either from naval officers or from military commanders. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding 1J1i8& is8ippi Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, { No. 198. J [MAY 20, 1864.] Major-General E. IR. S. Canby has been ordered to command the troops in the Department of the Gulf and from Cairo to Red River, and all officers under my command will cooperate zealously with him, give him all information with regard to the movements of the enemy, and call upon him at any time for assistance. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Aft88~88~pp~ Squadron. GENERAL ORDER. U. S. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, No. 20g. J FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, ill., May 31, 1864. General Washburn has issued, the following order in relation to the illicit trade in this river, which has so long been tolerated and fostered by officers commanding military posts and Treasury agents, and by which the war on the border of the Mississippi River has been much prolonged: GENERAL ORDERS, 1 HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF WEST TENNESSEE, No. 4. f 11 vMs, Tenn., May 14, 1864. The abuses existing on the Mississippi River render the interference of the military power imperative. Boats have cleared almost daily from Memphis with clearances for any landing place they may choose, and that without any further restriction than a clause in their clearance that they will not violate the law of the United States. Boats thus cleared, loaded to the guarda with a variety of merchandise, proceed down the river, sometimes landing on the shore, sometimes rounding to and anchoring out, and communicating with the shore in small boats. They open trade with all classes of people except loyal ones. They negotiate with rebel chieftains and guerrillas for the bringing in of cotton and taking out supplies. They invite rebel officers and soldiers on board and drink and hobnob together. Some boats, I am assured, have been out forty or fifty days from their clear- ance from Memphis, replenishing their supplies from time to time from other boats proceeding up or down the river; running into every creek, bayou, and lagoon where Confederate trade can be carried on. Even the farce of landing under the guns of a gunboat is seldom complied with. The revenue aids on board of each, with very few exceptions, are kaown to be of bad character, and many of them are proven to be in complicity with persons engaged in contraband trade. One arrested yesterday is known to be a Confederate soldier belonging to a regiment in Arkansas, and is now in the Irving Block; another, when the boat was overhauled, upon which he was aid, took the precaution to throw his valise overboard, thus destroying the evidence of his crime. It is therefore ordered that no boat shall land between Cairo and the mouth of the White River, except where there is a garrison of IJuited States troops Page 348 848 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. They will not be allowed to land in skiffs or small boats, nor will they be allowed to land supplies at any military point named above, except for the use of the United States troops and such persons as are residing within the Federal lines, without special permits in each case from these headquarters. The ram Monarch will proceed to-morrow morning at ~ oclock down the Mississippi River and arrest every trading boat found between Memphis and White River. All passengers on board, who are women and children, or all persons not liable to conscription by the laws of the Confederate States, will be put ashore at the first landing, together with any effects they may have; and parties liable to conscription are presumed to be in the rebel Army, and will be brought as prisoners of war to this city. The commander of the ram Monarch will send each boat to this city under guard, which will be fdrnished by Brigadier-General Buckland, and no boats will be allowed to land except at Helena on the way up. By order of Major-General C. C. Washburn: W. H. MOROAN, Assistant Adjutant-Gcnerctl. I agree fully with General Washburn in all he says, and ;~m glad to see that at last there may be some hopes of destroying the system of trade with the rebels, which, if Continued, this war must be carried on indefinitely. General Washburn speaks in his general order of the farce of landing goods under the surveillance of the gunboats. If there has been such a farce enacted, it has been contrary to my orders, as the gunboats have been directed to examine every article that went on shore, to prevent the landing of contraband of war; for while Army o4fficers, commanding posts, endorsed permits of Treasury agents for supplies, sufficient in amount to keep a large rebel army, the Navy could do no more than see that these supplies were not contraband and seize them where they were. I trust there will be no more farces, and it is ordered that no gunboat permit any sup- plies of a private nature, and not exclusively for the public service, to be landed anywhere on the river except at military posts. Let due notice be given to all boats going up and down the river, and let the commander of each district see that all boats are furnished with a copy of this order. The commanders of districts will permit no interference or seizure of vessels within the limits of my command for illicit traffic, by other than naval vessels. They will cooperate with commanders of military posts to the best of their ability in putting down the contraband traffic, which is becoming more formidable daily. No organization of vessels other than purely naval will be per- mitted to regulate the affairs properly coming under my jurisdiction, and if any vessel or vessels so organized should persist in interfering with the duties devolving on the Navy, commanders of districts will use all the force they have to arrest such vessels. DAvm D. PORTER, Rectr~-Admiral, Commanding Mis~i~sippi Squadron. A. Between the 1st and 8th of April, 1864, Mr. Mansfield, of the firm of Mansfield, Lovell & Co., New Orleans (and some others), shipped some $30,000 worth of provisions, dry goods, etc., by steamer Empire Parish to Lobdells Landing, West Baton IRouge, some 14 miles abov Page 349 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 349 East Baton Rouge, outside the Federal lines, for no other purpose than to supply residents of the Confederacy, thereby realizing a handsome profit on the investment. Soon after the goods were landed as above, Brigadier-General P. St. George Cooke dispatched Colonel F. A. Boardman, of the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry, to look after the goods. He thought proper to seize them, supposing the commander of the department would not be guilty of supplying the enemy with clothing or subsistence. They were brought to East Baton Rouge by Colonel Boardmans order. When Provost-Marshal-General Bowen was notified of the fact, it was ascertained that these goods had been allowed to land at Lob- dells by permission of Major-General Banks, the permit for the goods bearing his signature, as well as that of Provost-Marshal-Gen- eral Bowen and two other officials, whose names I do not recollect. As soon as notified of the seizure, General Bowen immediately or- dered the release of the goods and allowed them to be taken back to the place of seizure, in the very heart of the Confederacy, to subsist the enemy upon, which is now so stubbornly opposing our advance. The above is but one instance of the many favors shown the enemy by high officials in this department. B. U. ~S. Mississi~~i SQUADRON, FLAosrnr BLACK HAWK, Cairo, Nooember 11, 1863. SIR: Your communication of November 6, to Captain Pattison, has been forwarded to me and gives me an opportunity of saying what I think would be best for the public service. To General Grant and myself was first submitted a plan for the introduction of trade on these waters, and we both approved it, the regulations to take effect within the limits not forbidden by the mili- tary regulations. So many regulations have been issued from time to time that, to avoid interfering with the regulations of the Secretary of the Treas- ury and to conform to the orders of the Secretary of the Navy, I forbade the officers under my command interfering in any way with trade, excepi~ in cases where munitions of war were being landed. I found the permits so obscure that in few instances could a vessel have passed an examination according to the customs prescribed in maritime ports, with which customs and forms I am very familiar. In all cases they have been allowed to land so many packages without saying what the packages contained, and, for aught I now they may have containedand no doubt in many cases did contain powder, for I see by an admission of a Mr. Alexander, in the St. Louis papers, that a permit was given for powder in Chicago when it would not be allowed in St. Louis. You can not have failed to perceive that the banks of the Missis- sippi are lately infested with guerrillas, who, I am informed, come there for no other purpose than to obtain supplies with which to carry on the war. The manifests produced by most of the vessels examined amount to nothing; addition can be made to them by anyone who chooses to do so Page 350 350 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The manifest should be made out on a separate sheet of paper, with proper heading, and be signed and sealed by the collector~ whereas now the clearance is merely pasted on to a separate manifest which is in a dozen different handwritings. Every bill of sale should be approved by the custom-house au- thorities, which is not done. I am confident that more than two- thirds of the vessels clearing with permits to trade are carrying on illicit traffic, and the war will be postponed indefinitely while this thing lasts. We have not only to fight the rebels, but we have to fight against these dishonest traders. Two of them, the Lilly Martin and tug Sweden were seized and sent up to me the other day, but I had to let them go, as they had covered things up pretty well; they were both speculators, and one had a Government aid on board. If the rebels ever get hold of one of these steamers they will capture and burn half a dozen. The only way I can see is for the Treasury agents to put in the clearance for all vessels to land under cover of a gunboat, and the vessel and cargo to be forfeited if this rule is not complied with. The gunboats also to overhaul all cargo that is landed and examine it, and to seize the vessel if her cargo does not correspond with. the manifest and bills of lading. I do not see myself how any general can carry on operations while at any moment the rebels can be transported from one side of the river to the other, which I have reason to think has been done on more thkn one occasion, for large bodies of men have been known to cross the Mississippi in one night, notwithstanding the vigilance of the gunboats; this could only be done by steamers. I will seize hereafter every vessel that attempts to trade except under the guard of a gunboat. Now comes another question: How far are the people allowed to trade in cotton ~ My idea is that speculators have no business med- dling with the trade, but that planters should be allowed to ship their cotton. None but dishonest men will engage in this restricted trade anyhow, and do so for the profits they will make in cotton. It is well known that cotton can not be got. out without the con- nivance of guerrillas, who are paid whatever they choose to demand. I do not want the officers under my c.ommand to become excise officers, but the safety and interests of the operations now going on demand that some steps be taken to arrest the wholesale dishonesty which is being practiced. As to the commerce, it is doing the country no good and only benefiting the rebels, and I think the sooner they all starve to death the better it will be. If there are Union people among them, I would help them; but not a man of doubtful loyalty would I give any assistance to. They should all be made to come to the North and get their supplies; they could then see for themselves our prosperity and judge how useless it is for them to hope for success in the villainous war they have com- menced. The comparison between the North and the South which they would witness in their visit to that part of the Union would not be very flattering to their pride, and they could see that the stories told about the grass growing in our streets are all fabrications. I know of but one way to carry on war, and that is to deprive these people of every hope of comfort and means of living until they go down on their knees and beg for mercy. As to the cotton, I woul Page 351 NAVAL FORGES ON WESTERN WATERS. 851 like to see it all burned, for it has led to nothing but dishonesty during this war. The rebels were lately so short of powder that they could not get any to fire on our boats with, and now they are crowding into the banks by hundreds. Whisky and powder are the main inducements. Will you please inform me how far down vessels receive permits to trade, and whether vessels going below Memphis and clearing from St. Louis or other places above have to stop at Memphis to have their bills of lading vis6ed? Will you also send me forms of bills of lad- ing, manifests, and clearances, and I will have a lot struck off for the guidance of the commanders, etc., or if you will send me 100 of each it will save time. I can thus supply each vessel. Your signature and that of the other officers would be desirable, so that our officers would know them. With a uniform system, the smuggling can be broken up; but the best place to do it is at Memphis; detectives there could stop a great deal of it. Please let me hear from you as soon as possible, for I may be away up the Tennessee. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, b?ear-Adrn,iral. THos. H. YEATMAN, Esq., Special Agent of Treasury, Alenipliis, Tenn. Letter fronb Ilfajor-General Sickles, U. S. Arm~y, to the President of the United States, urging the interdiction of trade. U. S. GUNBOAT FAIRY, Off Me~npkis, Tenn., lIlay 31, 1864. SIR: I deem it of importance to report to you the real character of the trade with the enemy which is carried on in the neighborhood of our lines. In the way it has been conducted immense supplies go to the enemy and help to sustain a hostile population. The removal of restrictions upon trade in Kentucky, Missouri, and West Virginia opened an extensive frontier, through which the enemy are supplied. The raid of Forrest upon Paducah and Fort Pillow, it is believed, was undertaken in part to enable him to secure large quantities of goods which had been accumulated by arrangement through disloyal agencies at points within our lines along his line of march. At Memphis, before the recent suspension of trade by General Wash- burn, goods to the amount of half a million a week went through our lines, sold for currency or exchanged for cotton. Boats loaded with supplies have had almost unrestricted opportunities for trade on the Mississippi and some of its navigable tributaries, stopping anywhere along the river and dealing with anybody. It is intimated that Memphis has heretofore been so reliable and constant a source of rebel supplies as to secure for it a comparative exemption from attack by the enemy. I give you in these statements a summary of what I bave learned from loyal citizens of high character and officers of the naval and military service. Admiral Porter, Commander Pattison, commanding officers in the Armies of the Tennessee an Page 352 352 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Cumberland; Generals Washburn, Prince, and others on the Missis- sippi, bear concurrent testimony to the same effect. The orders issued recently by General Washburn will arrest the evil in his district, but to be effectual the policy should be general and not dependent upon the initiative of the local commander. I would re- spectfully recommend that all trade with persons beyond our lines be interdicted. and that commanding officers of squadrons and mili- tary districts be held resppnsible for the enforcement of the prohi- bition. It may be urged that some loyal people beyond our lines will suffer, but a hundredfold more of the loyal people within our lines suffer in the vital injury done to our cause by a concession which benefits a hundred rebels where it relieves one Union man. I can not too earnestly solicit the attention of the Government to this sub- ject. The effect upon our Army and Navy can not be otherwise than injurious when they see a vast trade carried on with our enemies. rfbis intercourse enriches a mercenary horde, who follow in the rear of our forces, corrupting by the worst temptations those in authority, giving aid and comfort to the enemy, and relieving that extreme destitution of the insurgent population which would otherwise oper- ate as a powerful inducement toward the restoration of tranquility and order. I am now on my way to Little Rock, by way of White River, and expect to reach New Orleans on or about the 15th of next month. Very respectfully, D. E. SICKLES, Major- General. His Excellency the PRESIDENT. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the change of name of one of the vessels of his command. NAvY DEPARTMENT, June 1, 1864. SIR: Agreeably to your request of the 17th ultimo, the depart- ment authorizes you to change the name of thTe Maria to the Fairy, instead of to the Antelope, as directed in its letter of May 9. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Engineer Magers, U. S. Navy, to take passage on the U. S. S. Antelope to his & tation. U. S. S. BLACK HAwK, June 1, 1864. SIR: By direction of Admiral Porter you have permission to wait here until the Antelope is ready to go down the river, when you will take passage on her to join your vessel. Respectfully, etc., K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant-Comm dev, Commanding. Acting First Assistant Engineer F. M. MAGERS, U. S. Navy Page 353 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 353 Report of Acting lllaster ~2JIar8hall, U. S. Navy, regarding the need of additional force. U. S. GUNBOAT [NEW ERA] No. 7, Off Plum Point, Tenn., June 1, 1864. SIR: I find it my duty to report to you that the guerrillas are growing too thick here for one boat to handle. The steamer C. E. Hiliman reported to me this evening that she was fired into at Barfield Point, on the Arkansas shoife~ by not less than 100 men, which I judge to be Adams command, as they left Osceola yesterday morning and proceeded up in that direction. Steamer C. K Ililbuan also reports being fired into again at the head of Island No. 30, Ten- iiessee shore, by some ten or dozen men. I am creditably informed that as soon as Adams left Osceola there was another gang came in, but who or what they are I have not been able to ascertain. I am now lying here guarding the towboat Bigley, with barges of Navy coal. To-morrow morning I shall look after those above. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant JAS. M~ARSHALL, Acting Master, Comrnranding. Lieutenant-Commander JOHN G. MITCHELL, Con~manding Eighth District, Mississippi Squadron. Engagemen~5 of the U. S. S. Exchange with batteries at Columbia, Ark., June 1, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, commanding Sixth District. U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Columbia, Ark .,June 5, 1864. SIR: I herewith forward the report of Acting Master Gipson, com- manding the Exchange, with accompanying reports of engineer, doctor, and gunner, of an engagement with rebel batteries at thls place on the 1st instant. The Exchang~e was pretty badly cut up, but with the exception of working her engines at full stroke~, she is all ready and in order for service. Captain Gipson was quite severely wounded and is slowly recovering. The Exchange is now left with but two line officers (excepting the captain). I have not yet allowed the Exchange to join her district, as she was and is yet required in this district. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenamt-Com nder, Commanding Sixth Distrirt. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Com~manding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Acting Master Gipson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Exchange. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a report of Acting Master J. C. Gipson, commanding the U. S. S. Exchange, 1020080N W BVOL 2613-----2 Page 354 354 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. giving a detailed account of a quite severe attack made upon that vessel by a masked rebel battery, consisting of G 12-pounder shell guns, 2 12-pounder rifle, and 1 10-pounder rifle, on the 1st instant, while passing Columbia, Ark. In the engagement that followed, lasting forty-five minutes, the Exchange was struck 35 times, eight shot piercing her hull. One shot went through her pilot house, wounding Captain Gipson severely in the head and hip, and one striking her port engine rendered the vessel difficult to manage, but by great exertion of the officers and crew she was finally got out of range of the enemys guns, pretty badly damaged. It appears from the report that all behaved in a gallant manner during the engagement, though fighting under great disadvantages. I beg leave to enclose the surgeons list of casualties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A dm~iraL Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C. L Enclosure. I U. S. S. EXCHANGE, Off Point Chicot, Mississippi River, June 5,1864. Sm: I have the honor to report that while passing Columbia, Ark., the rebels opened a masked battery, consisting of 9 guns,. on this vessel. The battery was divided into two sections, planted about 200 yards apart behind the levee. The lower section consisted of 6 guns3 12-pounder shell and 2 12-pounder rifle and 1 10-pounder ditto; the upper section consisted of I 18-pounder rifle, 1 12-pounder shell, and 1 6-pounder fieldpiece. They waited until I had passed by the lower battery, when they opened a destructive cross fire. As I had just rounded a point of a sand bar, I could not back down, consequently there was no other alternative but run by the upper battery if possible. I gave the pilot orders to go up the river and pass by the upper batteries, and I opened my port broadside guns, replying to theirs; but unfortu- nately the port engine was struck and disabled, causing her to work very slow, keeping us under fire about forty-five minutes. I had barely got out of range of their guns when the engine stopped entirely, in consequence of the port hogchain being shot away. The engineer told me he could not work the engines until he unshipped the port pitman. I immediately let go the anchor. The engineers, who worked like horses, were not long in getting the engine fixed so we could work out of reach of the enemy with one engine, expect- ing every moment they would move their battery above us and open again; but we succeeded in getting out, although pretty badly dam- aged. The vessel was pierced with 35 shots, 8 of that number enter- ing the hull just above water line, 5 passing through the casemate and bursting in the coal bunkers alongside the boilers. One shot entered the port shell locker, turning the shell upside down, for- tunately not reaching some percussion shell that was stowed there; one shot passed through the pilot house, wounding myself, knockin Page 355 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 855 me senseless for ten or fifteen minutes by a severe wound in the head; several of the crew were slightly wounded, 1 killed. I can only add that it gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct of the officers and crew, who worked their guns with unflinching courage under a most galling fire. Enclosed please find reports of engineer, surgeon, and gunner. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. C. GrnsoN, Acting Master Com,rna ing. Lieutenant-Commander E. K. OWEN, Commanding Sixth District Mississippi Squadron. [Subenclosure.] U. S. S. EXCHANGE, June 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following list of casualties occurring on board this vessel during the engagement below Colum- bia, June 1, 1864: Killed.Patrick Donahue, seaman. Wounded.James C. Gipson, acting master, contused wound in the left temple (serious) and in left shoulder and hip. G. T. Miller, acting masters mate, arm and foot, fracturing some of the small bones. Very respectfully, Eii. M. GOODWIN, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Acting Master J. C. GIPsoN, Commanding U. S. S. Exchange. Engagement of the U. S. S. Louisville with batteries at Columbia, Ark., June 2, 1864. Reports of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. LOUIsvILLE, Four miles below Columbia, [Ar/c.], Ju 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: General Ellet informing me that there was a heavy battery near Columbia, and that the Missouri (transport) was to be convoyed past it, I got underway from Island [No.] 84 early this morning for that purpose and to see the condition of affairs in this neighborhood (though I had been as high as Gaines Landing only a few days since). Whilst on our way up, the W. N. Arthur was overtaking us. I stopped for her and convoyed her, or partially so, by Sunnyside, where rebel sharpshooters are thick. When I reached Greenville, I found that General Ellet had sent two of his boats to convoy the Missouri and to return with the Henry Ames, laden with commissary and quartermasters stores. I then had the Arthur only to look out for. I had her to take me in tow and proceed up the river. As we approached the lower outskirts of Columbia I shelled the banks, hoping to get a reply and find their batteries. No response was made to our firing until we got abreast of their middle battery, whe Page 356 356 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. they opened on us with 9 pieces of different caliber. It was diffi- cult to get our lines loose from the Arthur, consequently kept under fire some time, with no advantage to us. As soon as I got clear of her, I rounded and soon made them stop firing at us. I fear the Arthur met with many * * * as she is a fine boat and the enemy desired to destroy her. We were struck in the main portion of the vessel but 10 ti~mes, and had but 5 men seriously hurt. The Arthur, in leaving us, tore off our starboard nosing and the first shear plank below it. The enemys 6-pounders go through us easily. We picked up a 12 or 18-pounder, Bormaun fuze, shrapnel, portions of a 12- pounder rifle and 20-pounder Parrott, Schenkle fuze, and a solid 6- pounder shot. We were pretty well cut with Mini6 balls, but no one was injured from them. The strength of the enemy in the neigh- borhood is undoubtedly great, and nothing but a military expedition can clear the banks. We can convoy boats every day with the usual loss of men and injury to boats, as the river is now, but it is falling rapidly, and vessels are of necessity being driven close under the enemys guns. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Co ander, Commanding Sixth District. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Point Chicot, Ark., June 4,1864. SIR: In my communication of the 2d instant I mentioned we had silenced the enemys batteries at Columbia. Late in the afternoon of that day they opened again on some of the Ram Fleet, convoying the Henry Ames. I was on my way up at the time to assist in passing the convoy by. On reaching the enemys position I shelled it at short range, and no reply. It being 8 p. in., and dark, I dropped down to my anchorage. Yesterday I returned again to where the batteries were stationed and found none there. Where they have gone I have not yet learned. I have sent the Exchange down the river to hunt them, and the Romeo and Marmora up for the same purpose. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Sixth District. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comm~andinq Mississippi Squadron. Abstract from record of events on return of the Military Division of West Missis- sippi for June, 1864. June ~.Steamer Adams and ram Monarch convoyed transport Missouri from Greenville, Miss., to Gaines Landing; passed rebel battery of six guns at Columbia, Ark., and returned with transport Henry Ames, downward bound; passed same battery. The transport, being lashed outside the Ada , received no injury, while she was struck by shot and shell 28 times, and had 3 men killed and 1 mortally wounded Page 357 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 357 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, regarding oper- ation8 in vicinity of Columbia and Sunny8ide Landing, Ark., June ~8, 1864. U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Skipwiths Landing, June 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 11th instant. I sent for the Prairie Bird, and had her here while I was up the river at Columbia. I left here on the 1st arrived at Columbia on the 2d, and engaged the enemys battery and silenced them. On the 12th returned to this place from Columbia, the enemy having gone into the country on the 2d, and not returning to the river in the interval. General Slocum was informed of the force on the river, and General A. J. Smith was ordered to drive them away. He landed at Sunnyside on the 5th. That day and the 6th had light fighting with the enemy. On the 7th embarked, and on the 8th went up the river. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Sixth L)istriet. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, transmUting papers and drawings im regard to the launching and reconstruction of the U. S. S. Indianola, prepared by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, June 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward with this, the papers and draw- ings in regard to the launching and reconstruction of the U. S. S. Indianola, prepared in accordance with your instructions by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant James Laning, commanding Rattler. I have respectfully to request that should the designs meet with your approval, that Captain Laning may be permitted to go to Cairo in the New National, in order to explain them, and, if necessary, to look around and see what the facilities are for making the articles needed. I niake this request, as Captain Laning is anxious, should the plans be adopted and he be intrusted with their execution, to see things started before he goes on leave, which he expects to receive about the 10th of July. I can not close this without paying a tribute to the worth and sterling qualities Captain Laning possesses as an officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAvm D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 358 858 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding en- gagement of the U. S. S. Springfield with guerrilla8 at Shelley I8land, June 3, 1864. U. S. S. MoosE, Cum~berland River, June 10, 1864. SIR: I send to Mound City four horses captured from a guerrilla party on the 3d instant by Acting Master Joseph Watson, command- ing U. S. S. Springfield. Acting Master Watson was coming down the Cumberland River on the day above mentioned, when he fell in with a squad of guer- rillas in the act of fording to the west side of the river at Shelley Island, about 50 miles above the mouth. Captain Watson at once opened fire on them, and so well directed was the aim that two of the party left their horses in the water and fled; two more were across on the west bank, but the shell came so near them as to cut down trees across the road which obstructed it, and they also made their escape through the thicket on foot. The landing party was called away and secured the four horses, a few pounds of horseshoe nails, and a contraband blacksmith, whom the guerrillas had impressed from Mr. Hillman to shoe rebel horses. There were but 7 guerrillas; they had with them 8 horses, 4 of which they got off. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE Ro~ FITCH, Lieut. Commander, Comma~nding 10th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill. Report of Acting Al aster iVatson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Springfield, regarding engagement with guerrillas at Shelley Island, June 3, 1864. U. S. S. SPRINGFIELD, Off Smithland, Ky., June 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 2d instant I learned that the U. S. S. Victo was at Canton and only 3 feet water in the river at that place and fallfng fast. I proceeded immediately up the river to order her below Ingrams Shoals. I arrived at Canton on the 3d instant at 7 a. in., and left for Smith- land at 10: 30. On arriving at Shelley Island I found a squad of guerrillas, under command of Colonel Buckner, crossing over to the south side of the [Cumberland] River. I opened fire on him, and so well directed was it that he fled panic-stricken for the woods throwing away his baggage. I sent an armed boat ashore under com- mand of Acting Masters Mate David Pulman and captured part of his baggage and four horses. I have the horses now at Smithland. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. WATSON, Acting Master, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander LE Ro~ FITCH, Commanding Tenth District, Mississippi Squadron Page 359 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 359 Report of Acting Ensign Harris, U. S. Navy, regarding boat expedi- tion from1 the U. S. S. Chickasaw, off Morgan Bend, La., and engagement with Confederate force on shore. U. S. S. CHICKASAW, Off Morgan Bend, June 3, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your orders, I beg leave to make the follow- ing report: At 4:35 a. m. the launch was manned with an armed crew of 14 men, the paymaster, gunner, and myself in charge of the boat with 2 men, while Gunner McDonald with 12 men, thrown out as pickets 20 paces apart for about 200 yards from the boat, to procure beef for the ships company. They returned in about a half hour. Mr. McDonald reported 2 men missing. NVe waited fifteen minutes, expecting them to return, when we heard three reports of musketry at our left. Directly after we saw about 40 or 50 mounted rebels in full charge toward us. We succeeded in reaching and backing the launch out into the river with four oars, the balance of the crew firing upon them. Mr. Bissell, the paymaster, was wounded in the right foot; the launch was pierced five times. Two of the crew, Smith and Trenaman, are missing and are supposed to have deserted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. Louis HAlmils, Acting Ensign Captain JAMES FITZPATRICK, Acting Master, Commanding. Report of Gunner McDonald, U. S. Navy, regarding boat expedi- tion from the U. S. S. Chickasaw, and resuiting engagement off Morgan Bend, La. U. S. S. CificKAsAw, Off Morgan Bend, June 3, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your orders, I beg leave to make the follow- ing report: That at 4:35 a. m. the launch was manned with an armed crew of 14 men, the paymaster, Mr. Bissell, Acting Ensign Harris, and my- self in charge of the boat, to go on shore to procure beef for ships company. We landed about 1,000 yards from the ship in direct range of our guns. Twelve men were landed and deployed about 20 paces apart, 200 yards from the shore, in sight of the boat, in hailing distance. There were some cattle directly in front of us, but, per- ceiving us, they fled to the woods out of sight. I gave orders to the men not to follow them. Two of the men, named George J. Trena- man and James Smith, started in full run in direction of the woods. I hailed them, but they did not heed it. I waited fifteen minutes for them to return, but, not coming, I returned in direction of the bQat. When within 50 or 60 yards of the boat we heard three reports of musketry, and at the same time the rebels, 40 or 50 in number, all mounted, made their appearance in our front in full charge for us. Their design was to cut us off from our launch, which we successfully foiled by getting between them and the boat while they were di Page 360 360 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. mounting, and confusing them by a well-directed volley. We suc- ceeded in backing the boat out from the shore with four oars, the balance of the crew keeping up the fire, which was well directed. Three men were seen to fall from the effect. Our loss was none killed. The paymaster, Mr. Bissell, was slightly wounded in the right foot. Although the boat was pierced several times, the crew behaved well and fought bravely. By disobedience of orders on the part of Trenaman and Smith we had every reason to think that they deserted to the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Joiix A. MCDONALD, Gunner, U. S. Navy. Acting Master JAMES FITzPAT1ncK, Commanding. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Flyc, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. O8age, regarding the grounding of that ve8sel onHele Bar. U. S. S. OSAGE, Helena Bar, Mi8si8sippi River, June 3, 1864. SIR: I had the honor to submit to you a report of the effort which I made on the 29th ultimo to get this vessel off this bar. I hake now to inform you that since then the river has fallen upwards of 5 feet, and that the ship is now high and dry, with acres of bare sand all around her. At the date of my last report, the depths of water alongside indicated that the whole weight of the vessel rested on a knoll of hard sand amidships, while at each end there was nearly enough water to float her; that, as. a consequence of this, she was badly strained; that her bow and stern had dropped at least 6 inches, and that her fore-and-aft bulkhead had broken in two abreast the fireroom. As the water has fallen, this strain amidships has increased, the bow and stern have settled still more, the fore-and- aft bulkheads have broken in two from top to bottom, separating about 4 inches at the top. Her outside plating (the hull) has broken on the starboard side as far down as the lower plate, which forms the knuckle of the bilge. The headings of the plates on the port side have separated. She has started her iron decks, splitting the beams to which the deck plating was bolted. Of course a vessel. can not drop so much at each end without tearing in pieces her frame amidships. I am not sure that we should be able to keep the ship afloat, even if there was water enough to get her off the bar. If there should be no rise of water in June, it is my opinion that it would be good policy to send a gang of mechanics down here, to block up and straighten the vessel and prepare her for the time when she can come off. I should be pleased to have the aid and advice of some experienced officer under your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM FL~r1~, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mi88i8sippi Squadron Page 361 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 261 Letter fromm Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, offering cooperation to prevent interruption of navigation in t1~e Mi8si88ippi. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST Mississi~i,, Vicksburg, Mis8., June 3, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have ordered reserves of troops and of water transpor- tation to be held in readiness at different points on the Mississippi, ~or the purpose of operating against any rebel force that may at- tempt to interrupt the navigation of the river. If you will direct naval commanders to give early notice of any movements of this kind to the commanders of military districts, a sufficient military force can be sent at once to cooperate with the gunboats in destroying or driving off the rebels. 11 have the honor to be, very respectfully, ED. IR. S. CANBY, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squ4dron, Cairo, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, requestsng the servjces of a vessel in place of U. S. S. Osage, hopelessly agromnd. U. S. S. CARONDELET, Memphis, Tenn., June 3, 1864. SIR: The river has commenced falling and is falling rapidly. From all appearances there will be no probability of U. S. S. 0 sage getting off this summer. I respectfully request that some light-draft or other vessel may be sent to take her place in the division, as the guerrillas are getting to be very troublesome, firing at transports from various points all the way from Island No. 16 to Osceola Landing. Not a steamer arrives here from Cairo but what has been fired upon by gangs numbering from 12 to 100 men. If you can not spare me any vessels, I shall have to patrol the river with this vessel, as soon as the calkers get her upper works tight enough to keep the rain out. I herewith enclose a letter * from Acting Master James Marshall, of U. S. S. No. 7 [New Era], also a general order from the rebel, Acting Brigadier-General C. W. Adams. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 8th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadvon. * See p. 353 Page 362 ~362 NAVAL ~0ECES ON WESTERN WATEE~. [Enclosure.] GENERAL ORDER, No.8. } HDQRS. NORTHERN SUBDISTRICT OF ARKANSAS ifay 21, 1864. I. It is a painful fact that there are now within this subdistrict many families without bread. Supplies for the future must be provided. It is therefore ordered that all persons engaged in agricultural pursuits within this subdistrict and who are planting cotton, sh~ll plant at least two-thirds of the ground cultivated by them in corn; in no case shall the ground cultivated in cotton exceed the one-half of the amount cultivated in corn. II. Persons engaged in agricultural pursuits are required to fur- nish supplies for the use of troops and to meet such exigencies as may arise in proportion to the ratio of cultivation above prescribed. III. The acting brigadier-general commanding this subdistrict most earnestly invokes the cheerful and hearty cooperation of all good citizens in this attempt to prepare for the welfare and future defense of themselves and their country, and hopes that by yielding their ready obedience to this order all compulsory measures may be rendered unnecessary. IV. The hiring of negroes under contract with the enemy is pro- hibited; all such negroes will be held subject to orders from these headquarters, and those who have done or shall do this will be held responsible therefor. By order of Acting Brigadier-General C. W. ADAMS: P. R. CARRINGTON, Acting As8i8tard Adjutant-General. [Endorsement.] Sent enclosed to me without any explanation by Acting Master Marshall, commanding New Era. Copy retained. JOHN G. MITOIJELL, Lieutenant-ComrnAander, Com~nanding 8th Di8t. Mi88. Squadron. [Telegram.] PADUCAH, June 4, 1864. I arrived at 1 this a. m. from the Tennessee River. All very quiet. Reports say that Cornith, Miss., is held by 300 of the rebels, and that Forrest and the rest of the command have gone south. There are several small parties of the enemy roving about in west Tennessee and Kentucky. JAMES W. SHIRK. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Mound City Page 363 1~AVAL 23ORCES ON WES~I2EI~ WATITh~. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding pro posed leave of absence. No. 140.] MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, F~xG5n IP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication offering permission to go to Washington, which I will take advantage of as soon as I can regulate matters here to my satis- faction and have a full understanding with General Canby about the protection of the river. I should like to leave here about the 1st of July. The burning of the wharf boat renders it necessary that I should stay here until everything is set to rights again. I thank you kindly for the indulgence offered. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, outlining the disposition of captured cotton. No. 147.] MIssISsIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of June 2 in relation to the enclosed letter.* I know nothing of the circumstances as yet. All cotton taken by the fleet has been reported and turned over to the judge of the district, and all loyal parties have only to show their rights to have their cotton returned to them. All cotton is registered on the log books of the vessels when taken, and returns will be made in the course of the week. No cotton was taken by the squadron when objections were made by the owners, unless it was iii cases where the cotton belonged to rebels in arms. I afford all facilities to everyone who claims to have had cotton taken to recover it, which they do without expense. The Marine Brigade took a great deal of cotton for which they gave no receipts, and represented themselves, I am informed, as gunboats. If the Navy has taken the cotton alluded to, the owners will have no difficulty in getting the proceeds. The court is extremely liberal, and at times rather too much so. All the people of that country claim to be loyal when we are among them, but carried on bitter war against our forces, in which every man joined. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. * Not found Page 364 864 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, regarding arrival of military force under Alajor-General A. J. Smith, U. S. Army, and engagement at Bayou Ma~om, near Sunny8ide, Ark. U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Columbia., Ark., June 6, 1864. SIR: On the evening of the 4th General A. J. Smith landed with about 8,000 men and seven pieces of artillery in the neighborhood of Sunnyside and marched inland and up the bank, his forces meeting near Bayou Maon. At the bayou they were ambushed, and a short but spirited fight took place, in which we lost some 125 killed and woundedSO killed. The enemy was driven into the interior. The general with his forces returned to-day, and he is now embarking his forces at Luna Landing. The object that brought the enemy here in the first place doubtless still remains, and I may expect him any time after the departure of General Smith. The forces go to Mem- phis. Unless Marmadukes forces, with his artillery, are driven away or destroyed, they will very much annoy navigation between Cypress Bend and Sunnyside, a distance of 65 miles, with good roads leading along the bank and into the interior. Marmadukes headquarters were at Lake City, 8 miles west of this place. He may return there, being well protected on the flanks by lakes and bayous and good roads leading from him. I will watch him as closely as it is possible for the three vessels at my command, including the liXechange, to do. The eneThy was moving to the southward when last seen. He may be going to Goodrichs. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ervant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 6th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Order of Lieutenant-Co ander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting I~ol- unteer Lieutenant Johnston, U. S. Navy, comma ing U. S. S. Forest Rose, restricting persor~s from boa~ ding that vessel. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, June 6, 1864. SIR: I am under the impression, from what I hear, that you have not literally carried out the order conveyed to you in my letter of May 19. You must not allow persons who are not connected with the Army or Navy to even put their foot on board your vessel. This order does not apply to bona fide refugees or rebel deserters. Come to this point as soon as you need coal. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAs A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 4th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, Commanding U. S. S. Forest Rose Page 365 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 365 Report of Acting Master Watson, U. S. Navy, com~manding U. S. S. Hastings, forwarding funds deposited by the owner of otton on Jacksons plantation. U. S. S. HASTINGS, Mound City, June 6, 1864. SIR: I herewith forward to you $2,000, which came into my hands in the following manner: Sometime in April I seized 13 bales of cotton from Jacksons plantation, which was satisfactorily proved to me had been purchased from a known rebel, then in arms, also from parties not authorized to sell it. This cotton was crossed over the Homochitto River and hauled to Jacksons place in the night and stowed with other cotton in his negro quarters, ready for shipment. At the time of seizure Mr. Jackson represented to me that if I took the cotton from his place it would seriously injure his prospects; that it would have a bad effect with his people, and that tbe rebels might come in and burn the balance of the cotton, and requested me to allow it to remain. Having had some personal acquaintance with Mr. Jackson, and not wishing to injure him if it could be avoided, I agreed to allow the cotton to remain on his place until your de- cision could be obtained on the matter; for which he agreed, and did deposit the sum of $2,000 in my hands for the security of the cotton, that it should remain on his place, subject to your or my order. I did not know at the time that it was contrary to one of your general orders. A few days after the seizure, my vessel was ordered up the Ouachita River. On my return, some ten days later, I received your order to send the cotton to Cairo for investigation. I immediately wrote to the captain of gunboat Champion who was on that beat at the time, to take the cotton, mark it with Juliets name, that being the vessel I was attached to at the time, and send it to Cairo. I also remitted the $2,000 to the captain of Champion, asking him to hand it over to Mr. Jackson, taking up my receipt for the same on the delivery of the cotton to him. I heard nothing from it until my return from Red River, when, in passing up the river, I stopped at the Champion to enquire about the matter. The captain refunded the $2,000 and informed me that as soon as my vessel left the beat the cotton was shipped by Mr. Jackson to New Orleans, with other lots, and also made the remark that the cotton was worth more to him than the $2,000. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. STOIJGIITON WATSON, Acting Master, and late Co ander Juliet. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of letter to Major-General Slocum, U. S. Army, regarding general order on the subject of restriction of trade. U. S. S. LoUIsvILLE, 0/f Columbia, Ark., June 6, 1864. SIR: Enclosed I send a copy of a letter addressed by me to General H. W. Slocum, coi~manding at Vicksburg, in relation to your Ge Page 366 866 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. eral Order No. 209.* I have also forwarded one of the orders to General A. [W.] lEllet. The Marine Brigade have arrested vessels on the river, and it being the only organization of vessels on the river outside of the Navy having a seeming right to make arrests, I thought it my duty to communicate and send an order to the two general officers commanding the brigade and this military district. Hoping my proceedings are correct. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Siwth Di8trict. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Co manding JIi8si8Sippi Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. LoursvILL~, 0/f Columtda, Ark., June 6, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to send you for your information Admiral Porters order No. 209. You will notice the admiral posi- tively directs that no interference or seizure of vessels will be per- mitted within the limits of his command other than by naval vessels. You will also notice the admiral as positively orders that no organi- zation of vessels not purely naval will be permitted to interfere with the duties devolving upon the Navy and that commanders of dis- tricts aie required, if necessary, to use all their force to arrest such as persist in disregarding this order. I have deemed it my duty as commander of the district from Vicksburg to Arkansas River to acquaint you with this order and that we may be the better able to cordially cooperate for the benefit of the Government. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 6th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Major-General H. W. SLOGUM Commanding District of Viclcsburg, lifississippi. Report of Engineer McFarland, U. S. Navy, regarding the fitting out of vessels under construction at Bridgeport, Ala. CINCINNATI, June 6, 1864. Sni: This is to inform you that I have fitted out the last boat, and I will say, in my humble opinion, the best one of the whole twenty. Lieutenant Fitch ordered me to Bridgeport, Ala., on the 23d of May to ascertain what condition those boats were in and what number of engineers were wanted to fill up the crews. I performed that duty and have returned here and shipped two engineers and sent them around and have four more to ship and send, which will fill the orders [of] Lieutenant Le Roy Fitch. I shall ship them as soon as possible. What must I do when I get through ~ I hoped to receive definite orders. When I parted with Lieutenant Fitch on Saturday he told me he would leave me definite orders, so I could get them this Mon * See p. 347 Page 367 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 367 day morning, but I can find none. I have done the best I could in fitting out the boats, but have had much to contend with, four of them being bought without my having any chance to inspect them until after the purchase was made, viz, the Lavinia Logan, Huntress, Princess, and Reindeer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. MCFARLAND, Acting Chief Engineer, U. S. Aavy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding 2Vhs8issippi Squadron. Reriort of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Nary, regarding the operations of guerrillas in the Ohio River. U. S. S. MoosE, New Albany, md., June6,.1864. SIR: I see the guerrillas are getting very thick again along the Ohio below Henderson. I will go down there before I go to Bridge- port and see what can be done. I think I can do a little more than merely watch the river. If I can find out their headquarters, I will go out and break it up, if they do not muster over 200 men. I am sure their force is not so large as that. I have had for some time three boats in that neighborhoodthe Brilliant near Henderson, the Fairplay amid Reindeer cruising between Smithland and Uniontown. All the boats have very stringent orders in regard to these guerrillas. This has had the effect to keep them out of the towns, but has not kept them from the banks when out of sight of gunboats. I think, though, I can put a stop to their operations, for a while at least, as soon as I get down there. I will leave here this evening for Caseyville and vicinity. As Evansville will be the most central point of my operations for the next week, I would name it as my post office and telegraphic address. As there are yet three boats on the Cumberland, I have not yet assigned the vessels their regular sumnmer patrols on the Ohio, for low water, but will do so as soon as the Cumberland closes. We will have a succession of raids all along the Ohio this year, as our army is now so far to the front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, liE Ro~ FITCH, Lieittenant-Commander, Commanding 10th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill. Letter from Major-General Canby, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding military movements in the vicinity of Memphis, Tenn. HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF WEST MIsSIssIPPI, Natchez, Miss., June 7, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 31st ultimo, enclosing a copy of a telegra Page 368 368 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. from Paducah. Forrests presumed intentions were reported by General Washburn, commanding at Memphis, on the 23d ultimo, and a division of the Seventeenth Army Corps was at once sent to him. He was directed to organize as large a force as he could for opera- tions against Forrest, and to detain in place of his own troops as many of the troops (some twenty regiments, new and old) that were then under orders to report to me as he considered necessary at Memphis. On the & 1 instant, two divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps were sent to Memphis, but General Smith was instructed on his way up to clean out the rebels who were at work in the neigh- borhood of Greenville. I will send whatever force may be necessary to keep open Sherman s communications. Washburns expedition started from Memphis on the 1st instant, and I hope, in season, to prevent any mischief by Forrest. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. R. S. CANBY, Major-General. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding 1[[i88i88ippi River Squadron, Cairo, Ill. Report of Rear-A dmira,l Porter, U. S. Navy, tran8mitting letter from1 Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, regarding operatione. Mississi~ri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a dispatch just received from General Sherman, and remain, sir, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORYER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8hington, D. C. [Enclosure.] ACWORTH, [GA.], June 6, 1864. I congratulate you on your safe escape from the awkward dilemma above the rapids of Red River. I have driven Johnston from Dalton, Resaca, the Etowah River, and have just reached the railroad 7 miles east of the famous Allatoona Pass. In all encounters I feel satisfied we had the advantage, and I have a large force building the Etowah bridge behind me, when I will have railroad and telegraph communication with the valley. My army is strong, in fine heart, and well supplied. I will push on for Marietta and the Chatta- hoochee without waiting for the bridge to my rear. I would like you to watch the river well about the mouth of Red River to prevent any of Kirby Smiths army getting east. I have force out from Memphis, bound for Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and want A. Joy Smith, with 10,000 men, to cooperate with Admiral Farragut against Mobile. I know that Johnston, on the supposition that the gunboats and General Banks command could not escape Red River, has called to him everything from Mobile. I do riot think there are 2,000 me Page 369 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 869 in that city, and the garrison of Forts Morgan and Gaines must be down to the lowest standard. I should like to hear from you to-morrow. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Co anding Squadron of Mi88is8ippi. Order of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, to Pilot Jones~, to proceed in U. S. S. Pen to Memphis on special duty. JUNE 7, 1864. STE: You will proceed to Memphis in the gunboat Pen, and return immediately for the purpose of noting the depth of water and changes in the channet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. Pilot WILEY JONES, U. S. 5. Vindicator. Captnre by. the U. S. S. Chillicothe and other vessels~ under Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, of Confederate battery on Atchafalaya River, near Simn& esport, La., June 8, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a report of an expeditionThy Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay up the Atchafalaya, and the cap- ture of a battery of 30-pounder rifles, which we were very glad to get hold of, as they threatened to prove troublesome along the river. I have the honor to be, very respectfully~ your obedient ~ervant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. CHOCTAW, Off Fort Adams, June 8, 1864. SIR: I have to report that this morning I went on board of the U. S. S. Chillicothe and started down the Atchafalaya, taking the U. S. S. Neosho and Fort Hindman with me. When about 1~ miles from Simmesport, we were opened upon by a battery of two 30-pounder Parrotts at that place. We stood on until in good range, then opened, succeeded in driv- ing the rebels out, and captured their guns and six muskets. 1020080x W nVOL 2613 2 Page 370 370 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. One of the guns I brought away with me, and send it {o Cairo on the dispatch boat General Lyon. Finding that the other had burst I left it. A deserter who came to us states that it burst at the third fire this morning. I regret to report that Charles Sower (seaman) was severely (and I fear mortally) wounded by a rebel sharpshooter while endeavoring to get the gun off. The rebels left one dead on the ground. I am not able to say whether any more of them were killed or wounded. The deserter states that the gun we have was captured by them from General Banks in the late Red River expedition. The force at Simmesport consisted of the men belonging to Boones battery and a few that belonged to the Crescent Artillery. Two regiments were in supporting distance, but we saw nothing of them. While we were getting the gun off the enemy kept up a fire with musketry. The gun was gotten over the levee by the Neoshos crew, and was then taken on board of the Fort Hindman. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieut. Comimander, Connmanding Third and Fourth Districts. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Ccim~manding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Major Faries, C. S. Army, transmitting report of Lieutenant Bennett, C. S. Army, commanding Boones Battery. Hr~D~s. CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, SECOND INE. Div., ARMY OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, June 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report an engagement yesterday morning, at ~immesport, La., between two tucreted ironclads and the tinclad No. 13 [Fort Hindm~an], of the enemy, and two 30-pounder Parrott rifles under First Lieutenant M. Bennett, commanding Boones Louis- iana Battery. Lieutenant Bennett reports that he opened on the o~un- boats at 1 mile distance about 8:30 a. in., the ironclads firing f~rom 8 and 11 inch guns and 100-pounder Parrott rifles. One of the can- noneers of the left piece was killed by the explosion of a shell, which exploded immediately in front of the gun. One of the 30-pounder Parrott guns recently captured from a gunboat on Red River burst at the breech at the third discharge, expanding the wrought-iron band or reinforce and splitting the breech of the gun about 30 inches, slightly wounding 1 man. The detachment from the dis- abled piece was then moved to the left near the mouth of Bayou de Glaise; the other piece continued to fire until gunboats took such positions (in front) above and below as to almost insure its being dismounted by their concentrated and cross fire from guns of much greater caliber, the piece itself, with most of the carriage, being exposed to view above the levee, which could only afford protection to infantry kneeling, as it was only about 3G to 40 inches in height where the two pieces were in battery. The serviceable piece was run across the river road to allow the wheels to rest i Page 371 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 371 the ditch, some 25 feet in rear of the levee, which caused less of the carriage to be seen from the river. Lieutenant Bennett, after sending repeatedly to the officer in command of the infantry for support, which, if it had been posted on the right, left, and rear of his pieces, would have prevented what followed, retired his remaining detachment below or to the right of the piece and went himself to the officer commanding the infantry detailed to support him to request such support as would prevent the enemy from landing, and while with this officer it ap- pears the enemy succeeded in dragging the gun and carriage over the levee onto one of the gunboats. They soon afterwards moved up the river and disappeared. It was then discovered that the gun bad been taken away with 36 cartridges. I reached Simmesport on the afternoon of the same day and or- (lered the disabled gun and all the implements and ammunition withdrawn, which was done last night, the battery encamping at Norwoods plantation, on the Bayou de Glaise road. The casualties are 1 man killed, 1 slightly wounded, and 1 missing. Having wit- nessed in action the conduct of Lieutenant Bennett and all of his men, I am satisfied that he and they stood at their posts as long as cannoneers under such circumstances could remain, and when his serviceable gun was run a few feet to the rear it was not his intention to cease firing, but to prevent the gun from being injured until he could get such support as would enable him to work the gun withou{ the risk of being charged by the enemy when they landed, armed with small arms, which he saw plainly was their intention; and I have no doubt the enemy vvLs encouraged to make the attempt, seeing his infantry and only support at such a distance from the pieces. I enclose his report, with the details of the, affair. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. FARIES, Major ~. ~. MONCURE, Major and Chief of Artillery. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Infantry Division. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS BOONES BATTERY, Simmesport, La., June 8, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report an engagement this morning between this battery and two of the enemys turreted ironclads and tinclad gunboat No. 13 [Fort Hindmar~]. The latter boat, however, remained at the point, over 2 miles above, during the engagement. I opened on the ironclads at 8:30 a. in., about 1 mile distant, and continued firing until some time after they took a position near the left bank of the Atchafalaya River, about 600 yards distant. We struck them with several shot one of which passed through the wheelhouse, but without seeming to inflict much damage or impede their progress. The infantry support, stationed at first behind the levee within about 50 yards of the upper piece, withdrew at the commencement of the engagement, taking a position behind a point of woods from the boats and in a dry bayou about 300 yards from tbe battery. One of the 30-pounder Parrott gunsrecently captured from the enemys gunboatsburst at the third discharge, slightl Page 372 372 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. wounding 1 man. It seemed to have been Caused by the reinforce not fitting the gun tightly, as the latter opened about one-quarter of an inch without damaging the former. Seeing that the gun was totally disabled, I ordered Sergeant Tanner to move his detachment up to Bayou de Glaise near the infantry. I fired principally solid shot, those that struck hitting obliquely and glancing off. I fired 4 percussion shell, I of which exploded on striking a boat. We were replied to by the enemy with 8-inch and 11-inch guns and 100- pounder Parrott guns, firing shot and shell with tolerable accuracy. The smoothbore guns of the enemy fired shell and shrapnel, which, as a general thing, burst either in our rear or too far in front to cause us much damage. After firing several rounds from the posi- tion they had taken, their range became more accurate, some of the ~hells passing very near, though bursting with no better effect than at first. Seeing that our remaining gun must be dismounted if such an unequal contest was long continued, I ordered it run back 20 or 25 feet, allowing the wheels to rest in a shallow ditch. I at the same time dispatched for the infantry to come to our support, and ordered Sergeant North to move his detachment about 25 or 30 yards below, to a position where they would be less exposed and which I subse- quently endeavored to get the infantry to occupy. I remained myself just above the pieces with Sergeant-Major Jones, who I take pleasure in reporting as a gallant and brave soldier. The ~unboats now commenced approaching the right bank of the river, and as they got near, thinking they would probably try to land, I sent a second dispatch by Sergeant Jones, asking for support, which, failing to come, and seeing the boats evidently intended to land, I went np to where the infantry were and endeavored to get a support, which might have been sent down by one of the two bayous, both of which ran to the river near where the pieces were posted. Sergeant North, seeing their design to land, moved his detachment about 200 yards down the river. About fifteen minutes from the time I went to ask for support I saw about 20 men of the enemy on and over the levee; and being fired upon by the detachment of the infantry posted near the mouth of Bayou de Glaise, they retired in a few minutes to their boats, but returning soon again without being observed, except by the detach- ment of cannoneers below the guns, the men of the enemy fastened a cable or hawser to the piece not damaged and hauled it over the levee by steam. A detachment of the Cresent Artillery, 8 in number, temporarily assigned to the battery a few days since, were armed with rifles and muskets, but I was not aware of the fact until they reported 6 taken by the enemy from the camping place between the river and the levee, on the batture. One of the men now missing is reported to have remained at the levee when Sergeant North moved his detach- ment down the river. This man was, I believe, taken prisoner a few minutes after. Our loss, which can only be attributable to the fact that we were not supported, is 1 30-pounder Parrott gun with carriage, 36 30- pounder cartridges, and 6 muskets belonging to the detachment of Cresent Artillery. I fired in all 14 solid shot and 4 percussion shell, the effect of which has been reported Page 373 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 373 CasualtiesPrivate R. Mayeux, killed; Private C. Hetherwick, slightly wounded; Private J. Daly, Cresent Artillery, missing. Very respectfully, M. BENNETT, First Lieutenant, Comma ing Boones Battery. Major T. A. FARIES, Chief of Artillery, Second Infantry Division. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS, NORTHERN DEPARTMENT, Columbus, Ohio, June 8, 186410:10 p. in.. I have ordered two regiments and a battery to report to General Hobson at Covington, Ky. Will you please notify the naval corn- mander, if there is any at Cincinnati, of the information that the gunboats on the river may prevent the rebels crossing should they undertake it? S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Major- General, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. SIMPSON, Engineer Department, Cincinnati. Ohio. [Telegram.] CINcINNATr, June 8, 1864. The Hartford sailed this day at 11 oclock for Cairo with 42 recruits. C. W. LITHERBURY, A. M. PENNOCK, Ensign. Mound City. Order of Hear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieute nt-Com- mander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, regarding reguest of Acting Master Marshall, U. S. Navy, for h~elp against Confederates. MOUND Crrx~, June 8, 1864. SIR: I have received a communication, dated 1st instant, from Acting Master James Marshall, commanding the New Era, stating his inability to keep down the guerrillas in his beat, and asking more help. I have to say in reply that if this man can not do his duty where he is, put some one there who can do it. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JNo. G. MITCHELL, Commanding Eighth District Page 374 374 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Foster, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of the vessels of hi8 command a i efe ing to the activities of Confederates between Rayon Sara and Red River. U. S. S. LAFAYETTE, June 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that immediately after you left the mouth of Red River I reorganized my command, stationing the vessels as follows: The Chickasaw at Morgan Bend; Lafayette at Bayou Sara; Ken- wood to cruise between Waterloo and Lobdells Landing; Avenger between Lobdells Landing and Baton Rouge; and the Nymph be- tween 20 miles above Plaquemine and Donaldsouville. The Ouachita, on her arrival, will be stationed at Baton Rouge, to have supervision and to cruise between that point and Donaldsonville. The Juliet or Kenwood 1 will keep as a cruising boat for the dis- trict. On the arrival of the Oztachita and Juliet I believe I will be able to keep the river clear of guerrillas in my district. For five or six days after you left the guerrillas kept up quite a warfare between Bayou Sara and Red River. I promulgated the verbal order you gave me in relation to firing on transports by put- ting up placards at the points at which they were operating, which had the effect to bring a man on board representing himself to be a rebel captain under a flag of truce. In the absence of credentials I refused him a conference, but stated to him that I would listen to anything his commanding officer might wish to communicate through an authorized agent. The placard announced my determination to shoot a prisoner now in my possession, or whom I might capture in future, for each person killed by rebels firing on transports. I am happy to state that there has been no firing on transports since in my district, although the order was issued ten days since. I have sent you copies of the report of an affajr of some of the crew of the Chickasaw, while on shore killing a beef. Two of her crew were captured or deserted, as they did not obey the command to retreat. I am inclined to the opinion that they deserted, as they were in Bayou Sara since at liberty and reported themselves deserters. I have just heard of the death of another rebel who was wounded in that affair. I shall leave this afternoon for New Orleans for the purpose of giving my crew liberty, who have now been twelve months without, excepting a few days at Baton Rouge. In my absence (Japtain Ramsay will look out for my district, as I did for his while was down. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. P. FosmR, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 2d Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron Page 375 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 375 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, requesting the~ serviceg of the U. S. S. General Pillow, for restricting s uggling in the Ohio River. U. S. S. MoosE, Ohio River, June 8, 1864. SIR: If you can spare the General Pillow, I should like to have her lay in, and at the mouth of Green River, to prevent smuggling up and across that stream. This will spare one of the other boats for patrol duty elsewhere on the Ohio, which this season will be of the utmost importance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LB Ro~ FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 10th Dist., Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Mound City, Ill. Report of Lieutenant-Comirn,ander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, referring to operations of Confederates. U. S. S. CARONDELET, June 8, 1864. SIR: On r~turning this morning from the Osage, I received your communication of the 5th. I accordingly got underway and am now proceeding up the river to carry out your instructions. I should have moved the vessel up some days since had I not have been led to suppose that I should be left to look out for Memphis and the naval station in the event of the Essex going up to Cairo. With regard to the guerrillas, I have made enquiries of the captain of every transport that arrived at Memphis from up river, and have only heard of three steamers being fired into, and that by musketry. One of these, the Hiliman (St. Louis and Memphis packet) , was wooding in the shute at Island No. 25, a place where she had no business to go anyhow, knowing, as her Captain did, that there were guerrillas in that neighborhood and no gunboats in sight. If I hear of her landing there, I shall make it a point to seize her and send her to Cairo with a prize crew on board. You can be assured now that, knowing what your wishes are, all that tWo slow vessels can do to break this guerrilla firing will be done. If you have received my letters, Nos. 30 and 31, of the 2d and 3d instant, you will be satisfied that it was my desire to attend to what was necessary in the district if I could be released from Memphis, on the one hand, or get no vessel from Cairo, on the other. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 8th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Sq dron, Flagship Black Hawk Page 376 376 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Order of Actii~g Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master ise for Dennis, U. S. Navy, coir& manding U. S. S. huntress to cru the restrwtson of illegal trade near li/em phis, Tenn. MOUND CITY, June 9, [1864]. SIR: You will proceed with your vessel, the Huntress, to Columbus, and from there toward Memphis without delay and cruise up and down the river. Overhaul all steamers that you may meet with along the river engaged in trading on the shores. Your attention is called to a late general order in regard to it. When you have an opportunity you will report to Captain Mitchell, commanding Eighth District, for such duty as he may assign you in that district. Look in at Osceola when you hear of guerrillas. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PoRThR, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master J. S. DENNIS, Commanding Huntres8. Letter fro~rb Heav-Adn~& iral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Canby, U. S. A y, transmitting copy of general order issned in the interests of navigation in the Mississippi River. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK Mound City, June 9, 1864. GENERAL: I enclose you a general order I issued in relation to your order No. 6. I think now that the guerrillas will be disposed of if your order is carried out. It is the first time we have started in the right direction. I have been trying for two years to have this done, but without avail. I think the result of your order will be a quiet river. I would beg leave to recommend that a good force be kept at Skipwiths Landing, where it can at all times, by cooperating with the gunboats there, be able to move on either side of the river. A force there will keep the coast clear for 100 miles, as the only place the rebels have to cross is at Deer Creek, where we have never molested them. Greenville, Ashwood, and Columbia are three noted points for guerrillas. A force at Skipwiths Landing could operate, respectively, against all these pointsthe farthermost being 25 miles distant. There are a number of points on the river where small parties of troops are kept, merely offering a bait for the rebels to bite at. It will no doubt strike you that if these squads were all put together they could operate more effectually. Hundreds of soldiers, black and white, have been snatched up by the rebels at these places, which are not covered by a gunboat, nor offer any facilities for defense. I do not even know where many of these small squads are placed, and only know of their existence by seeing, as I pass up and down, a lot of soldiers who, no doubt, would be glad to be doing something useful. There are a number of troops at Jeff. Daviss plantation. I would recommend them to be with Page 377 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 377 drawn; the gunboats there can protect that place. There are also a number of soldiers on some of the islands protecting wood yards. These islands being isolated protect themselves. These stations are excuses for store boats, which supply rebels with all they want. I have directed gunboats to break up all these trading store boats along the river, and am sure you will give me your aid. Troops have been kept at Water p roof for some time, which Messrs. I-Tart and Field took advantage ofto open a trade store, which sup- plied the rebels with $6,000 worth per month. General Slocum has, I believe, arrested this party of illicit traders. The station was a great temptation for rebels to come on there, get supplies of arms, etc., and when half drunk, to lire on steamers; liquor makes half the trouble. I had sold at auction a few days since 90 revolvers, captured near Waterproof, and landed for sale by the rebels. I think this next month will wind up the guerrillas. I have directed the gunboats to stop all trade and to allow nothing to land except at military posts. If all the commanders of posts fwill issue such orders as General Washburn has, there will be no more smuggling. I have ordered all officers under my command to see his order carried out. One part of his order may, however, lead to some misunderstanding. I allude to his ordering a vessel (the Mo reh) belonging to the Marine Brigade to proceed down the river and arrest all vessels trading. This duty properly belongs to the Navy, and the lieutenant-com- manders o{ naval districts might not understand how it is that their duties are assumed by one of the Marine or Ram Fleet. These ves- sels have already committed a great many arbitrary acts on this river under the cover of performing duty, and have alienated a good many who were disposed to be friends, and I would respectfully recommend that they be not employed on duty that can be performed by the gun. boats; they do not seem to possess the right kind of discretion. General Grant was so convinced of the hurtfulness of this organiza- tion that he intended to break it up and use the regular troops instead, but circumstances prevented him from doing so. Now, I would recommend that these boats be kept at different sta- tions and ready to start at a moments notice and to receive troops on board. Heretofore these vessels have been perfect pesthouses, and General A. J. Smiths command had 30 or more taken down with smallpox, contracted on board one of these vessels. By retaining the present organization on board they will never be fit to carry troops. An inspection of them will satisfy you in a short time. I trust you will excuse me for mentioning these matters. I know you want all the information you can get in the shortest possible time, and no one knows better the conditions of things than myself. If at any time you should hear of any irregularities on the part of any of my com- mand or remissness in attending to their duties, you will confer a favor by letting me know. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvin D. PORTER, Major-General E. R. ~. CANBY, Rear-Ad ira]. commanding Mi~itarb Division of West Mississippi Page 378 378 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. [Enclosure.] U. S. Mississirri SQUADRON, FLACSHIP BLACK HAWK, lilound City, Ill., June 8, 1864. GENERAL ORDER, )~ No. 215. J The attention of Commanders of districts is called to the following orders of General Canby, and they will report at once to the nearest military commander when they hear of any attempt to obstruct the river and obtain all the assistance they can to pnt down the guerrillas. They will also notify Major-General Canby whenever any new move is made by the enemy on the Mississippi River or its tributaries. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding IJiliS8i88ippi Squadron. HEADQUARTERS, DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Vicics burg, June 3, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have ordered reserves of troops and of water transportation to be held in readiness at different points on the Mississippi for the purpose of operating against any rebel force that may attempt to interrupt the navigation of the river. If you will direct naval commanders to give early notice of any movements of this kind to the commanders of military districts, a sufficient military force can be sent at once to cooperate with the gunboats in destroying or driving off the rebels. I h~tve the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. R. S. CANnY, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mississippi ~quadron, Cairo, Ill. GENERAL ORDER,1 HEADQUARTERS, DIVISION OF WEST Mississirri, No. 6. J Vie/cs burg, Mississippi, May 27, 1864. Commanders of districts will hold themselves at all times in readiness to employ whatever force may be necessary to keep open the navigation of the Mississippi River, keeping in reserve for this purpose a sufficient force and a sufficient number of boats to enable them to act promptly. They will keep themselves In communication with the commanders of naval districts, give them any information in relation to the movements of the enemy that they may be possessed of, and cooperate with them whenever necessary. The authority of commanders of districts on either bank of the Mississippi is so far extended as to include the military posts on the opposite bank. This extension will not change the relations existing between post and department commanders or authorize any permanent change, but is intended to give the senior in command the authority to control the resources on both banks of the river in keeping it open or in meeting any other emergency. By order of Major-General E. R. S. Canby. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Major and Assista t Adjutant-General. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding the need of additional force for service in the Fifth District. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natchez, June 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have learned that there is a great deal of crossing the river by rebels in the Fifth District Page 379 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 879 I have not sufficient force to patrol the river as it should be done. Now that the Curlew has gone to Cairo, the Rattler and Forest Rose have a distance of 55 miles to look out for, and there is no light- draft between Grand Gulf and Vicksburg. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lieut. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary to the President of the United States, responding to request for trans- portation to Little Hock, Ark. MOUND Crry, June 9,1864. DEAR SIR: I received your note of 5th instant in relation to going to Little Rock. In answer, I beg leave to inform you that the great difficulty at the time you mention would be want of water in the Arkansas. On the 1st of July no vessel could navigate that river with any certainty. It is a treacherous river at all times, and at this moment is unnavigable, when, by rights, it should be full of water. If ~you merely want to go to Little Rock, there will be neither difficulty nor danger by going up White River and across from Devalls Bluff by railroad. All the stories you hear about guerrillas are half fabrications. They do fire at steamers sometimes, but I seldom hear of any one being hurt. No vessels have gone up the Arkansas but once this season; they all got ashore and two of them (one a gunboat) were lost. Arkansas is not a pleasant country to travel in just now. Marina- duke has come down with about 5,000, men and seems determined to settle somewhere near the mouth of Arkansas. I do not know whether General Canby will allow him to remain there. The only thing that makes your adventure impracticabII~ is want of water. If you want to pay a visit to Little Rock, I shall be much pleased to send you up White River in a gunboat. We have one going up every day. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. WM. 0. STODDARD, Esq Secretary to the President, Washington, P. C. L6tter from the Se tary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, urging that some of the new ironclads be sent to Rear- Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. NAvY DEPARTMENT, June 9, 1864. SIR: It is of the greatest importance that some of the new iron- dads building on the Mississippi should be sent without fail to Rear Page 380 380 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. Admiral Farragut. Are not some of them ready? If not, can you not hurry them forward? Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Ahssi& nppi Squadron, Cairo, Ill. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Actinq Vol- unteer Lieutenant Laning, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ~. Rat- tler, to ass~st the U. S. S. Fern. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, June 9, 18a4. SIR: If you can serve the Fern, which is aground near foot of Fairchilds Island, do so, and run no risk. Be here early in the morning at all events. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. Giu~nii, Co anding J3enton and Fifth District, Missi8sippi River. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant LANING, Commanding Rattler. Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to Acting Vol- unteer Lieuten nt Johnston, U. S. Navy, com~manding U. S. S. Forest Rose, regai ding ferrying at Fairchilds Island. U. S. S. BENTON, Off Natche~, June 9, 1864. SIR: I have learned from pretty good authority that there is a nest of rebel ferrymen living on the foot of Fairchilds Island, with associates on either main shore. I am told there is quite a number of skiffs concealed in the willows on the east side of the island. I wish you to watch that point until satisfied about matters there. You will not be expected, and I sug- gest that you send your boats down, using muffled oars, to be con- cealed near the foot of the island till they see something going on wrong. You can drop down with the vessel and pick them up. If they learn nothing the first night, try it again; but do not let them be seen. Some of the men up there may have passes to fish. If so, consider them all as revoked and destroy all skiffs. I wish a good one saved for the tug Fern. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. A. GREER, Lient. Comdr., Comdg. Benton and 5th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. V. JOHNSTON, U. S. S. Forest Rose Page 381 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 381 [Telegram.] EVANSVILLE, June 9,1864. The guerrillas are thick along river below Henderson. Am going down in that direction to look after them. Some of Morgans men have been in at Maysville, Ky. Have dispatched two boats. Will now have to withdraw from the Cumberland to guard the Ohio. River now requires guarding the whole length. La Ro~ FITCH, Lieutenant-Commander, Tenth Distinct. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Mound City. [Telegram.] MOUND CITY, June 9, 1864. Withdraw all the gunboats from the Cumberland and spread them along the Ohio. Get two gunboats from Captain Shirk if necessary. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander LE Ro~ FITCH, Evansville, md., U. S. S. Moose. General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding disposition of prize. GENERAL ORDER, ~ U. S. M~ssissiu~~ SQUADRON, No. 218. J FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, June 10, 1864. General Order No. 156 is revoked, and all captured vessels and prizes will hereafter be sent to Cairo and reported to the command- ing officer at that place and the district judge of the State of Illinois. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Comrn~ctnding Mississippi Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, U. S. Navy, regarding stations of the vessels of his district. U. S. S. ~ARONDELET, Near Cayoso, June 10, 1864. SIR: The Huntress has reported for duty, which will enable me to make what I think will be a satisfactory detail of the vessels in the district. The Carondelet will be stationed at Fort Pillow, with a beat from Osceola Landing to Memphis. The New Era will take from Osceola to Tiptonville; the Huntress from Tiptonville to Columbus Page 382 382 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. The stations of the Carondelet and New Era have been assigned as I think would be [his] pleasure, from remarks made by Lieutenant- Commander Phelps. What you said in the course of conversation, that Fort Pillow would be the headquarters of the former, and with the latter, that you would like a fender between Hardin on the one side and New Madrid on the other, the Huntress will have to go to Memphis for a couple of days next week to have some of her woodwork cut away alongside the chimneys, as the vessel has caught fire twice from the wood being too close. A change will also be necessary in the arrangement of her forward companionway, as the gun on the starboard side can not come in by about a foot. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. MITcHELL, Lieutenant- Commander, Cornm~andi~~ 8th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Flagship Black Hawk, Mound City, Ill. [Telegram.] NASHVILLE, June 11, 1864. I have directed Captain Edwards, assistant quartermaster, Bridge- port, to ~transfer the gunboats built there by him on account of quar-. termaster to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant H. A. Glassford, U. S. Navy. This by order of General Webster. See your telegram of May 5 to me. Is this right? J. L. DONALDSON, Assistant Quartermaster. Maj or-General SHERMAN. [Telegram.] IIDQRS. MILITARY DIvIsioN OF THE MIssIsSIPPI, In the Field, Big Shanty, June 11, 1864. The transfer of the gunboats to the Navy is approved by me, and, furthermore, I ask that every possible facility and encouragement be given to the officers commanding them. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. Colonel DONALDSON Nashville, Tenn. Special field order of Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, reg ing the gunboats built in the Tennessee River. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERs,l No.23. f HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, Big Shanty, (Ga.), June 11, 1864. The gunboats constructed by the quartermasters department in the Tennessee River above Mussel Shoals having been turned ove Page 383 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. 383 to the Navy Department for better service and discipline, will never- theless be supplied by the army quartermasters and commissaries of all military posts and stations as though still belonging to the army; and when the commanders of any of the gunboats need assistance of any kind, or detachments of soldiers to aid them in any enter- prise, the commanding officer of any military post on or near the Tennessee River will furnish the details if it be possible. By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aid-de-Camp. Admiral D. D. PORTER Comm~anding Mi88i8sippi Squadron. Order of Rear-Ad iral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Nav~i, regarding protection for Skipwithe Landing. MOUND CITY, June 11, 1864. SIR: Your communication of May 31 has been received. I should be very much surprised to find that you had left the tugs and barges without a gunboat. I do not see why one of the light- drafts can not be at Skipwiths while you and the others drive off the batteries, or why you do not notify General Canby that he may send troops to that point. I am told he is going to keep troops ready to send up at a moments notice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant- Commander E. K. OWEN, Comdg. U. S. S. Louisville and 6th Dist. Miss. Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, requesting permission to land stores for the Duncan plant ations at Skipwit As. U. S. S. LOUISVILLE, Off Columbia, Ark., June 11, 1864. SIR: With the exception of small squads of sharpshooters on the bank of the river between Cypress Bend and Sunnyside, we have had no firing since my last. What the enemy has done with his battery I do not know, nor can I find out, as not a soul is ever seen on the Arkansas shore save guerrillas and sharpshooters. I have received a communication from Mr. Seth Stoughton, working the Duncan places, that he has but two weeks provisions on hand for the several hundred hands at work, and that a supply is coming down. Your General Order 209 prohibits the landing of private stores at points other than military posts. Can he be allowed to have them landed at Skipwiths? Mr. Stoughton is thoroughly a Union man. The guer- rillas visit the Duncan plantations frequently, and they might seize all the stores required for the places. There are some 400 hands, an Page 384 384 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. consequently a large amount of stores are required. I believe the crops are in and growing finely. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lientenant-Comqmander, Comm~anding fixt1~ District. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Aiz.ss~sszppz Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of communication sent to the inhabitants of Henderson, Ky., assuring them of protection against molestation by gunboats. U. S. S. MOOSE, Smithiand, Ky., June 11, 1864. SIR: I think I have ascertained the cause of so many guerrillas being in this part of Kentucky. Most of the guerrilla parties now up the Cumberland are composed of men who were drafted for our service. They are now only showing their true colors and say if they must fight at all they will fight for Jeff Davis; consequently they have run from the draft and gone into the guerrilla service. Many have joined the guerrillas at Uniontown and vicinity, I am told, in consequence of some gross outrages that were said to have been committetl in that neighborhood by a Colonel Cunningham, from Paducah. It is reported that he went up in that section of country with a lot of negro soldiers and sent them on shore to conscript every negro they could find. These negroes, it is reported, were sent on shore armed and without an officer with them, entered private houses, broke open the doors, and entered ladies bedrooms before they were up, insult