fei'^-^ ^y YaleUoiyeisityLibrarif 39002007283238 SSs^^ -r>j',l- mm S?..^ &9 >nt a: YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY // 1942 X^ O-^ytad 6ia.^ (' /^ <^ ^ ( ^^-^ f ^ ^ ^ ' /- '€/^^ <^'^r^> <^: Al^^i^'^t /// OUR NAVY DUEmG THE GEEAT EEBELLION, 1861-1865. FARRAGUT AND OUR NAVAL COMMANDERS. ^-~7^s -^Ag-iif HB HairHY' Vice ADM DAVID G, FaB.R.aC-UT. ^uji'ired fiiorsjsly for Seadl^jy'a H,nfalWork, FARRAGUT AND OUK NAVAL COMMANDERS. BY HON. J. T. HEADLEY, AUTHOR OF "WASHINOTON AND HIS GENERALS," "NAPOLEON AND HIS MARSHALS," " SACRED MOUNTAINS," 40., 40., 40. A COMPAIflON VOLUME TO HEADLET'S "GRANT AND SHEMAN." COMPEISING THE EARLY LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICES OF THE PROMINENT. NAVAL COMMANDERS WHO, WITH GRANT AND SHER MAN AND THEIR GENERALS, BROUGHT TO A TRIUMPHANT CLOSE THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861-1865. WITH NUMEHOUS SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCEIPTION. NEW YOEK: E B. TREAT & CO., PUBEISHERS. CHICAGO ILL ¦ C. W. LILLET. CINCINNATI, 0.: G. B. FESSENDEN ST LOUIS MO • I. 8. BKAINAKD. DETROIT, MICH. : B. 0. BAKER. CLEVELAND 0. : A. 0. BRIGGS. BOSTON, MASS. :- M. PITMAN & CO. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. : E. E. SHEAR. 186Y. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, BY J. T. HEADLEY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. JOHN F. TROW t CO , ¦PRINTERS, STEREOTTPERS, ^ EhECTROTVPERS, 60 OBEENE STREET, N. T. PREFACE The object of the following work is twofold : first, to bring out into distinct relief the important actions of our navy during the recent war ; and, second, to give a per sonal history of the brave officers who covered themselves and the nation with honor. Our navy has always been the pride and boast of the people, for its record is without a blot. Disgrace and defeat have often been visited on our arms on the land, but the former never, and the latter rarely on the sea. We have never lost a vessel in a fair combat, so that no commander, however unfortunate in the loss of his vessel, has ever lost his reputation with it — nay, rather, he has added to his renown by the gallant and determined man ner in which he fought it. Isolated, and so far from the great powers of the world, we could protect ourselves at home ; but without a navy with a brilliant record, we could not command respect abroad. Our honor on the deep and in foreign ports had therefore to be entrusted to our naval com manders, and nobly did they fulfil their trust. We have never been, till now, scarce a third-rate power in our maritime strength, yet the navy, by its deeds of renown. VIU PREFACE. has made us to be regarded as a first-rate one through out the world. Our national flag seemed almost lost amid the swarming fleets of England and France ; still, wherever it floated, it asserted its supremacy and claimed and received that respect which hitherto had been awarded only to numbers. This high character, won by no other navy of our size in the civilized world, has not only been sustained, but elevated by our commanders in the recent struggle for self-preservation. They therefore deserve a separate place in history. Besides, our naval commanders seem not so much a part of the people as the volunteer generals, who step from theu- office and ordinary employments to the head of our armies. From boyhood their home is on the ocean, and they are lost to view except by their immediate friends ; and we know them only by their deeds of renown. A volunteer navy is impossible, except in its crews. The sailing and ma noeuvring and fighting of a ship can be done only by those who have had years of practical training — only the results of which we see. We have thought, there fore, that the early history, experience, and struggles of those men who have covered our flag with glory, would be interesting to the American people. Besides, the new instruments of warfare — the heavy ordnance and monster shells and unparalleled range which have been leached — ^the iron-clad vessels and destructive rams and novel modes of attack and defence which have charac terized this naval contest, have made it unique and worthy of a separate and distinct notice. PREFACE. IX It is not to be inferred, that, because some admirals and commodores are omitted in the following sketches, and others of lower rank inserted, the distinction is meant as a test of their respective merits. Those have been selected who performed marked service or fought separate engagements. Officers in command of navy- yards, or on peaceful stations, may have rendered equal service to the nation, but the character of it was such as to furnish no material for a biographical sketch ; yet their rank indicates the high appreciation of their worth and services by tke Government. "We have only to add that, in almost every case, the facts and personal details in the biographical sketches have been famished either by the commanders them selves, or their friends, with their approval. Hence they can be relied on. LIST OF ILLUSTEATIONS. PAGE Admieal D. G. Faebagut, (^Frontispiece.') Reae-Admieal S. H. Dahlgeen, S3 " L. M. Goldsbobough, " S. H. Steingham, " 0. H. Datis, Oommodoee W. D. Poetbe, Captain 0. S. Boggs, Lieutenant "W. B. Gushing, : . . Faeeaqut's Natal Engagement, (Mobile Bay) 93 Reae-Admieal S. F. Dupont, 122 " A. H. FooTE, 150 Sinking of the Pirate Alabama off the Coast of Feance, . 303 Viob-Admieal D. D. Poetee, 321 The Red Rivee Expedition Passing the Rapids 368 Bombardment and Captuee of Foet Fishee, 381 Reae-Admieal Hieam Paulding, 475 Oommodoee J. A. Winslow, " Chaelbs "Wilkes, " J. L. "Woeden, " T. Bailey Captain P. Drayton, Colonel Chaeles Ellet, CONTENTS CHAPTER I. fAGB Modem Science in Naval Warfare — ^Earliest Naval Engagement on Record — Bat tle of Salamia — Roman Mode of Fighting — Ancient Engines and Implements of Destruction — Cannon First Used in Naval Combats — The Terrible Battle of Lepanto — ^Rapidity with which Ancient Naval Expeditions were Fitted Out — ^Improvement in Ship-Building — The Paixhan Gun — ^Explosion of Shells by Concussion — Our Second War with England — Astounding Results of the Various Combats — Chief Cause of our Victories — Sights on Cannon — Inferiority of our Navy at the Commencement of the Rebellion — Improve ments in Guns — Dahlgren Gun — Description of the Parrott Gun — Construc tion of Iron-Clads — The Monitor, Galena, and Ironsides — Foundation of the Iron-Clad Navy — Strength of the Navy at the Commencement of the War — Its Division — Extent of Coast to be Blockaded — Number of Vessels Built and Purchased — ^Europe on the Blockade — England — Southern Efforts to Break the Blockade — Blockade Runners — ^Number Captured the First Year — ^Total Number During the War — Increase of our Naval Force During the War — Amount Expended by our Navy Department 33 14 CONTENTS. CHAPTER II. ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FARRAGUT. PAGE His Parentage— His Father Serves in the Revolutionary Army— Nativity of David — ^Appomted Midshipman when Nine Years of Age — Serves under Captam Porter — His First Cruise— Description of the Fight in Valparaiso Harbor — David's Heroic Conduct — Is Wounded— Sent Home on Parole — Put to School— Sent to the Mediterranean — Studies under the Chaplain — His Pro motion — Stationed at Norfolk — His Marriage — Commands the Navy-Yard at San Francisco — Second Marriage — Remains Loyal at the Breaking Out of the Rebellion — Compelled to Leave Norfolk — Commands the Expedition Agamst New Orleans — Passage of the Forts — Capture of the City — His Career on the Mississippi — Daring Passage of the Rebel Batteries — Anec dote — Expedition Against Mobile — Passes the Forts Lashed to the Main mast — His After-Services and Promotion 46 CHAPTER III. REAR-ADMIRAL CHARLES WILKES. His Nativity — A Midshipman — His First Cruise — His Early Services — Appointed to the Depot of Charts and Instruments — His Efforts to Create a National Observatory Declared Unconstitutional — Sent to Survey St. George's Bank — Appointed to Command the Antarctic Expedition — Account of his Explora tions — Takes Vengeance on the Cannibals for the Murder of his Nephew — His After-Voyage Round the World — Court-Martialled — Names of the Va rious Works that he Published — At the Beginning of the War Placed in Command of the Frigate San Jacinto, and Sent to the West Indies to Cap ture the Privateer Sumter — Seizes the British Mail-Steamer Trent, and Carries off Mason and Slidell — ^Excitement in Both Hemispheres over the Seizure — the Act Finally condemned by the President — Made Commodore, CONTENTS. 15 PAGS and placed First on the List — Assigned to the Command of the Potomac Flotilla — Made Acting Rear-Admiral, and Sent to Protect our Commerce in the West Indies — Suspended — Placed on the Retired List 103 CHAPTER IV. REAR-ADMIRAL SILAS H. STRINGHAM. His Nativity — ^Enters the Navy — Sails under Rodgers — Affair of the President and Little Belt — War Declared — Chase of the Belvidere — Serves under De catur on the Coast of Algiers — Rescues the Crew of a French Brig at Gib raltar — A Gallant Feat — Captures Slavers on the African Coast and Sent Home with his Frizes — ^Made Lieutenant, and Sent to the West India Sta tion — Captures a Notorious Slaver — Transferred to the Brooklyn Navy- Yard — Commands the Ohio in the Bombardment of Vera Cruz — Commands the Brazilian Squadron— Sent to the Mediterranean — ^Placed over Gosport Navy Yard — At Commencement of the Rebellion made Flag-Offieer of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron — Commands the Expedition sent to Cap ture Hatteras— The Bombardment — Joy over his Victory — Blamed for not Prosecuting it, and is Relieved of his Command — Placed on the Retired List; 112 CHAPTER V. REAR-ADMIRAL SAMUEL FRANCIS DUPONT. His Nativity — ^Made Midshipman at Twelve Years of Age — First Cruise under Commodore Stewart — Commander in 1845 — Commands the Congress during 16 CONTENTS. PAGE the Mexican War — Rescues a Party Beleaguered in the Mission of San Jose — Made Captain and Placed in Command of the Steam Frigate Minnesota, and Conveys our Minister to China — Cruise in the Chinese Waters — ^At the Breaking Out of the Rebellion placed over the Philadelphia Navy Yard — Proposes the Capture of Port Royal — Placed hi Command of the Expedition — Excitement of the Country on its Departure — Mystery Respecting its Des tination — A Terrific Storm — Forebodings of the People and Exultation of the South — The Fleet Scattered — Shipwreck and- Death — Sinldng of the Governor — Frightful Scenes — Arrival at Port Royal — The Attack — A Thrilling Spectacle — Surrender of the Forts — Enthusiasm over the Victory — Dupont's Conquests along the Coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida — His Stringent Blockade — Raid of the Rebel Rams of Charleston on his Fleet — The Mercedita and Keystone State — Commands the Iron-Clad Fleet in the Great Attack on Charleston — Description of the Combat — Dis appointment over the Failure — Dupont Blamed for not Renewing the Attack — His Defence — Court-Martials the Chief Engineer — Relieved of his Command — Admiral Foote put in his Place — His Sudden Death — Admiral Dahlgren Succeeds him — Retirement of Dupont — His Death — His Char acter. ......... 123 CHAPTER VI. REAR-ADMIRAL ANDREW HULL FOOTE. His Nativity, Ancestry, and Early Education — Enters the Navy — First Cruise — Second Cruise, under Commodore HuE — ^Third Cruise to the West Indies — A Great Change in his Character — Dedicates his Life to God — Voyage Round the World — Becomes the Champion of the Persecuted Missionaries of the Sandwich Islands — Appointed over the Naval Asylum of Philadelphia — Gets the Inmates to give up their Grog — Cruise in the Mediterranean Preaches to the Sailors — Laid up with Sore Eyes — Commands the Sloop of War Portsmouth, on the East India Station — Bombards Chinese Forts Commands the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the Breaking Out of the Rebellion — CONTENTS. 17 PAGt Sent West to Organize a Flotilla on the Mississippi— Captures Fort Henry- Attack on Fort Donaldson — Is Wounded — Subsequent Operations on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers — Phelp's Report — ^Advance Against Columbus — Operations Around Island No. 10 — Passage of the Batteries by the Carondelet — Moves against Memphis — Is Relieved to Recruit his Health — Domestic Afflictions — Our Bureau of Equipment and Navigation at Wash ington — Made Rear-Admiral— Placed over the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron — His Death and Character. . . . . .15] CHAPTER VII. COMMODORE CHARLES STUART BOGGS. Early Impressions — His Nativity and Early Education — Anecdote — Enters the Naval Service — His First Cruise — Greek Pirates — Cruise to the West Indies — ^A Lieutenant — Service in the Pacific Ocean — Has Charge of the Apprentices in New York Harbor — Ordered to the African Coast — Serves on Board the Princeton during the Mexican War — A Daring Act — Cruise in the Mediter ranean — The Greeks Astonished at a Propeller — Sent to the World's Fair — Inspector of Clothing and Provisions in New York Harbor — Commands a California Steamer — Inspector of Lights on the Coast of California — His Position and Feelings on the Brealring Out of the Rebellion — Offers a Re ward to the most Gallant Soldier of his Country — Ordered Home— Given the Command of the Varuna — Joins Farragut's Squadron — Passage of the Forts Below New Orleans — His Gallant Conduct — The Boy Oscar — ^Is Pre sented with a Sword for his Gallantry — On Blockading Duty off Wilmington Harbor — His Health Fails — Appointed on Admiral Gregory's Staff at New York — Plans and Builds Torpedo-Boats — His Services since the War — His Character. ....... .182 18 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. REAR-ADMIRAL LOUIS MALESHERBES GOLDSBOBOUGH. page His Nativity — A Midshipman at Seven Years of Age — His First Cruise — Early Services — A Lieutenant at Twenty — Prosecutes his Studies at Paris — ^Battle with Pirates in the Archipelago — Placed in Charge of the Depot of Charts and Instruments at Washington — Establishes a German Colony in Florida — Takes Part in the Seminole War — Takes Part in the Bombardment of Vera Cruz — Explores the Coast of CaUfornia and Oregon — Commands the Brazil ian Squadron — Made Captain — At Commencement of the Rebellion, made Flag-Offieer of the North-Atlantic Blockading Squadron — Commands the Expedition Sent to the Sounds of North Carolina — Storm at Cape Hatteras — Its Destructive Effects — Sails for Roanoke Island — Bombardment of the Works — His Services in the Chesapeake Bay and James River — Resigns his Command — Shore Duty — Present Command. . . . .196 CHAPTER IX. COLONEL CHARLES ELLET. American Ingenuity — Ellet's Nativity — Early Education — Becomes Surveyor Finishes his Education in Paris — Becomes Engineer-in-Chief on the James River and Kanawha Canal— Publishes a Work on the Laws of Trade— Pro poses to Build a Wire Bridge Across the Mississippi — Builds the First Sus pension Bridge in America — Plans Others — Visits Europe — Plans Improve ments of Navigation in the Ohio River — Sent by the War Department to Survey the Lower Mississippi — Publishes a Work on the Ohio and Missis sippi Rivers — Plans there the Ram — Submits his Invention to the Russian Emperor — Also to our Navy Department — Publishes a Pamphlet on his CONTENTS. 19 .'AGE Projects — Urges his Invention on Government at the Breaking out of the Rebellion— Attacks McClellan— Sent West to Build Rams— His Difficulties— His First Experiment at Memphis — ^Is Wounded — His Sicliness and Death — Charles Rivers Ellet — His Birth and Early Education— Joins the Ram Fleet — Succeeds his Father — His Bravery — Complimented by Porter — Attacks the City of Vicksburg — Destroys Rebel Transports — Gets Aground, and Loses his Vessel — Commands the Switzerland — Runs the Vicksburg Bat teries — After-Services — His Sickness and Early Death. . . . 209 CHAPTER X. REAR-ADMIRAL THEODORUS BAILEY. His Nativity — Early Impressions — Appointed Midshipman — Sent to the Coast of Africa — Cruise in the Pacific Ocean — Placed on the West India Station — Made Lieutenant — Voyage Round the World — Second Voyage Round the World — Stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard — Assumes an Independent Command — Sails in the Lexington for the Coast of Mexico — Sherman, Hal- leck, and Ord, then Lieutenants, accompany him — Their Appearance — An Incident off Cape Horn in a Gale — Arrival in California — Meets Commodore Stockton and Fremont — His Services on the Coast during the Mexican War — A Practical Joke — Correspondence with a British Captain, on Blockade Rights — Cruise in the Pacific — Compels Island Chiefs to do Justice — At Panama after the Massacre of Americans — Commands the Colorado in Com mencement of the War — Blockades Pensacola — Placed Second in Command in the Expedition against New Orleans — Unable to get his Ship over the Bar — Determines to lead in Something — Anecdote of him — Leads in the Cayuga — The Combat — Demands the Surrender of New Orleans — Interviews with the Mayor, Lovell and Soul6 — Sent Home with Despatches — Placed in Com mand of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron— Exhibits great Energy and Efficiency — Complimented by the Department — His Hospitality — Astonishes a Secesh Vestry — Smitten down by the Yellow Fever — Attempt to bribe him — ^Returns North. 224 20 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XI. REAR-ADMIRAL CHARLES HENRY DAVIS. PAGE. Scientific Attainments in the Naval Profession — Birth and Parentage of Davis — His Early Education — Enters the Navy — Three Years' Cruise in the Pacific Ocean — ^Visits its remote Islands — On his Return receives his Warrant and Cruises in the West Indies — In the Mediterranean — Made Lieutenant — Enters on the Study of the Modern Languages — Fourth Cruise in the Pacific — Sails for St. Petersburg — Appomted to the Coast Survey — His Surveys, Investi gations, etc. — His Reports and Memoirs — His Marriage — Superintends the Preparation of the American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac — His Trans lations and Publications — Once More Afioat — Receives the Capitulation of the Filibuster Walker — Shore Duty — Breaking out of the Rebellion — Davis' Services at Washington — Placed on a Commission to investigate the Subject of Armored Ships — Dupont's Chief of Staff in the Port Royal Expedition — His great Services — Commands the Stone Fleet sunk in Charleston Harbor — Sent up the little Tybee — Engages Tatnall's Fleet — Relieves Foote in Com mand of the Mississippi Flotilla — Combat of Fort Pillow — Destroys the Rebel Fleet off Memphis — Battery of St. Charles captured — Davis' Despatch — Before Vicksburg — After Services — Recalled to Washington — Receives the Thanks of Congress, and made Rear-Admiral — Chief of Bureau of Naviga tion — Superintendent of National Observatory, etc 252 CHAPTER XII. COMMANDER HOMER C. BLAKE. A Great Example worth more than an Ordinary Victory — Blake's Nativity and Early Education- Enters the Navy — His First Cruise Round the World Keeps Communication open between our Vessels in the Chinese Sea Serves CONTENTS. 21 PAGE, on the Coast of Africa — Enters the Naval School — Passed Midshipman — Serves in the War with Mexico — Cruise to the East Indies — Sent Home to Recruit his Health — Joins the Paraguay Expedition — Anecdote — Second Cruise to the African Coast — Breaking out of the Rebellion — Blake joins the Port Royal Expedition — Commands the R. R. Cuyler — Transferred to the Hatteras — ^A Description of her — On Blockade Duty off Galveston — Sent in Pursuit of a strange Steamer — His Fight with the Alabama — Correspondence with an English Captain in Kingston — Is Exchanged — His Crew ask the Government to give him another Vessel to Cruise after the Alabama — Com mands the Eutaw in the James River— His Great Services here — Now over the Bureau of Navigation in Portsmouth, N. H. 271 CHAPTER XIII. COMMODORE JOHN A. WINSLOW. His Birth — ^Ancestry — Enters the Naval Service — Sent to the West Indies — Cruises in the Pacific Ocean — Subsequent Services— Promotion — Serves in the War with Mexico — Fight in Tobasco — Given a Choice of Vessels for his Gallantry — Semmes becomes his Roommate — Strange Contrasts — In Hayti and Yucatan — A Cruise in the Pacific — Breaking out of the Rebellion — Winslow sent West to co-operate with Foote — Equips his Flotilla — Is Wounded in trying to get the " Benton " afloat after Grounding — Sent up the White River — ^Deters Officers from demanding of the Government his Appointment to the Command of the Mississippi Flotilla — Ordered East to take Command of the Kearsarge — His Cruise in Search of the Alabama — Bold Navigation — Blockades the Florida — His Vessel run Ashore by Rebel Pilots — Finds the Alabama at Cherbourg — Is Challenged by Semmes — Before the Combat — The Combat — A Brave Seaman— The Victory — Yacht Grey hound — English Perfidy — Semmes' Falsehoods refuted — The English Press — The two Vessels compared — Letter of the Secretary of the Navy — Unjust Censure — Feeling of the People — Winslow's Vindication— His Character. . 2S3 22 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIV. VICE-ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER. PAGE His Birth and Early Education — Accompanies his Father to the West Indies in Search of Pirates — Enters the Mexican Navy as Midshipman — His first Fight on the Cuban Coast — Is taken Prisoner and placed in Confinement — ParoUed and Returns to Mexico — Returns home — Enters the Naval School — Midship man in the U. S. Navy — His Subsequent Services and Cruises — Sent by Buchanan to Hayti to investigate the Condition of the Dominican Republic^ — Made First Lieutenant on the Spitfire in the Mexican War — At Vera Cruz — His Gallant Attack of Tobasco — At Tuspan — Commands the Pacific Mail Steamship Panama, and sails through the Straits of Magellan — Commands the George Law Steamer Georgia, for three years — Commands the Steamer Golden Age — Remarkable Voyage to Australia — Sent by the Secretary of War to Import Camels — ^Breaking out of the Rebellion — Sent to relieve Fort Pickens — A Curious Piece of History — Blockades the Mississippi — Long Chase after the Privateer Sumter — Commands the Mortar Fleet under Farra gut iu the Attack on New Orleans — The Bombardment — Goes to Pensacola and Mobile — Aids Farragut in Passing the Batteries of Vicksburg and Port Hudson — Put in Command of the Mississippi Fleet — Co-operates witli Farragut, Sherman, and Grant — Arkansas Port — White River — Battle of Grand Gulf— Aids Grant in the Siege of Vicksburg — Expedition to the Sun flower Country — Fall of Vicksburg — Receives the Thanl« of Congress — Made Admiral — Subsequent Operations on the Mississippi River— The Red River Expedition — A New Chapter in its History — Passage of the Falls near Alexandria by the Fleet— Bailey, Engineer of the Dams, rewarded by Porter —Renders Sherman valuable Aid in his March to Chattanooga— Various Operations in his extensive District of Command— Returns North to Visit his Family — ^Placed over the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron — The First Expedition against Fort Fisher — The Bombardment — Second Expedition — The Attack — The Victory — Aids Grant in his last Movement against Lee — His Character — Present Command 320 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV. COMMANDER WILLIAM B. GUSHING. His Nativity— Enters the Naval Academy— His Resignation-'Enters the Naval Service— Expedition against Franklin, iu Virgmia— A Second Expedition- Loses his Vessel— Attempt to Capture Wilmington Pilots— Takes a Fort by Assault— Commands a Gunboat in the Nansemond— A Severe Battle- Charges Rebel Cavalry — Anecdotes of hun— Destroys a Blockade Runner- Plans the Destruction of the Albemarle by a Torpedo— His Boldness and Success — Miraculous Escape — Complimentary Letter of the Secretary of the Navy — Sent to Destroy the Raleigh— Takes part in the Bombardment of Fort Fisher — His present Position. . CHAPTER XV [. REAR-ADMIRAL STEPHEN C. ROWAN. His Nativity. — Appointed Midshipman. — Cruise Round the World — On Duty in New York — Passed Midshipman — Serves in the West Indies — His Services in the Florida War — Joins the South Sea Exploring Expedition — Promoted to Lieutenant — On the Coast Survey — Cruises on Coast of Brazil and in the Mediterranean — Serves under Dupont on the Coast of California — Mexico — At Monterey — At Mazatlan — Land March and Fight with Mexicans — Is Wounded — Other Services during the War — Inspector of Ordnance in New York Navy Yard — Commands Receiving Ship North Carolina — At Breaking out of the Rebellion put in Command of the Pawnee — Covers Washington, etc. — Sent to Relieve Sumter — In the Potomac — ^Fires the First Naval Gun in the War — Matthias Point — Gallant Conduct — Fort Hatteras — Commands a Division in Bumside's Expedition — Destroys the Rebel Fleet — A Daring Act — After Services — Commands the Fleet — CoSperates with Bumside in 383 24 CONTENTS. PAGE the Attack on Newbern — Ordered to fit out the Roanoke — Commands the Ironsides under Dahlgren at Charleston — His Services — A Gallant Fight — Promoted to Commodore — The Ironsides damaged by a Torpedo — Rowan Returns with her to Philadelphia for Repairs — Promoted to Rear-Admiral^ — Now Commands the Norfolk Navy Yard 401 CHAPTER XVII. COMMODORE S. P. LEE. •His Birth — Commands the Oneida in the Passage of the Forts below New Or leans — Demands the Surrender of Vicksburg — Placed over the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron — His Services here — Fight between the Ram Albe marle and our Vessels in the Albemarle Sound — Placed over the Mississippi Fleet — Co-operates with the Army in the Campaign against Hood — Compli- jnentary Letter from General Thompson - 416 CHAPTER XVIII. •COMMODORE THORNTON A. JENKINS. fHis "Nativity— Enters the Service— First Cruise— On the Coast Survey— Light house Duty — Serves in the Mexican War — Commands Hydrographic Party in Coast Survey — Brings Home Prisoners from Mexico — Employed in Secret Service in Virginia — His Services in the James River — In the West Gulf CONTENTS. 25 PAGE. Blockading Squadron — Made Fleet Captain to Fari'agut — His Services — Is Wounded — ^In the Action below Mobile — Farragut's Opinion of him — Chief of Bureau of Navigation 423 CHAPTER XIX. REAR-ADMIRAL HENRY KNOX THATCHER. Rank a Test of Merit as well as Victories — Thatcher's Birth and Early Education — Enters the Navy — First Cruises^— Cruise to Suppress the Slave-Trade — Promotion — Breaking out of the Rebellion — Commands in the Gulf Block ading Squadron — His Gallantry in the Bombardment of Fort Fisher — Por ter's Eulogy of him — Commands the Squadron in Mobile Bay — Sinking of Vessels by Torpedoes — Capture of Mobile — His After Services on the Mis sissippi and at Galveston — Destruction of the Rebel Vessel Webb — Com mands the Gulf Squadron. 426 CHAPTER XX. COMMODORE WILLIAM D. PORTER. His Nativity— Breaking out of the Rebellion— His Letter to the Government- Sent to the Westem Department— Turns a Ferry-boat into a Gunboat — Names her the Essex— On Watch above Columbus— Challenges the Enemy ^Attack on Fort Henry- Is Wounded — Overhauls the Essex— Designs two 26 CONTENTS. PAGE. Other Gunboats— Joins Davis before Vicksburg— The Ram Arkansas— Por ter's Bold Attack on her— Desperate Undertaking— Aids General Williams at Baton Rouge- Destroys the Ram Arkansas— At Bayou Sara— Asks for Aid to prevent the Erection of Works at Port Hudson— Bums Bayou Sara- Bombards Natchez— Runs the Batteries at Port Hudson— Made Commodore — His Sickness — Obtains Leave of Absence — His Death. ... 434 CHAPTER XXI. REAR-ADMIRAL JOHN A. DAHLGREN. His Birth and Ancestry — Enters the Navy — First Cruise — On the Coast Survey, Under Hassler — Distinguished as a Mathematician — Hassler's Estimation of his AbiUty — Made Sailing-Master in the Southern Exploring Expedition — Declines the Appointment — Loses the Use of his Eyes — Goes to Paris — Paixhan Guns — Goes on a Farm — Cruise in the Mediterranean — Assigned to Ordnance Duty — Placed over the Rocket Department — His Labors — Tests the Range of the 32-Pounders of the Navy — Originates the Boat Howitzer — Resolves to Revolutionize Naval Armament — ^History of his Difficulties and Final Success — Shell Guns — Publishes his Work op Boat Armament — Other Works — " Shells and Shell Guns" — Sails in the Plymouth to test his own Guns — Settles Difficulties in Mexico — Designs a Foundery — Rifled Guns — Placed over the Navy Yard at Washington — Prepares for an Attack — Account of his Services here — Interview with President Lincoln — Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance — His Son Ulric — Placed over the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron — His Services before Charleston, and his Difficulties with Gilmore — Close of the War — Impressive Funeral Ceremonies of his Son — His Character. 4Bg CONTENTS. 27 CHAPTER XXII, REAR-ADMIRAL HIRAM PAULDING. PAGE. A Navy- Yard in Time of War — Paulding's Birth and Parentage — Enters the Navy — Sword Voted him by Congress for his Gallantry in the Battle of Lake Champlain — Cruise after Mutineers iu the Islands of the Pacific — ^PubUshes a Journal of it — Promotion — Breaks up Walker's Filibustering Expedition to Nicaragua — ^His Action not Wholly Approved by Government — The President of Nicaragua Presents him with a Sword — ^Not Allowed to Accept a Tract of Land — At the Breaking out of the Rebellion Sent to Destroy the Navy-Yard at Norfolk — Description of the Scene — Appointed Commandant of the Navy-Yard at New York — Contracts for the First Armored Vessels. ......... 495 CHAPTER XXIII. REAR-ADMIRAL JAMES S. PALMER. His Nativity — Enters the Navy — Length of Sea-Service — ^At the Beginning of the War Sent in the Iroquois in Search of the Privateer Sumter — Blockades her in the Harbor of St. Pierre — Her Escape — Condemnation of Palmer — His Vindication — Joins Farragut above New Orleans — Demands the Surrender of Baton Rouge — Of Natchez — Leads the Line in Passing Vicksburg — Com mands the Flag Ship in the Passage of Port Hudson — Commands the West Gulf Blockading Squadron — ^With Admiral Thatcher in the Capture of Mo bile — Highly Complimentary Letter of the Latter. . . . 503 28 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXIV. CAPTAIN JOHN LORIMER WORDEN. PAGE Tlis Nativity — ^Early Services — Serves in the War with Mexico — ^First Lieutenant in the Brooklyn Navy Yard — ^Before Hostilities Commenced in 1861, was Sent to Pensacola with Secret Despatches — His Success and after Imprison ment — Exchanged — Loses his Health — Put in Command of the New Monitor — ^Fight with the Merrimac in Hampton Roads — Is Wounded — Com mands the Montauk — Attacks Fort M'Alister — Destroys the Privateer Nash ville — Takes Part in the Attack of the Iron-Clads on Fort Sumter — His Present Command. .... .512 CHAPTER XXV. REAR-ADMIRAL HENRY H. BELL. His Nativity— Avenges an Insult Offered to the National Flag in China — At the Secession of the South Disowns his Native State — Services in New York Appointed Farragut's Fleet Captain — ^A Bold Reconnoissance— Cuts the Barrier Across tlie Mississippi — Leads One Division of the Fleet in the Pas sage of the Forts — Hoists the National Colors over the Custom House in New Orleans — Coolness in Passing the Vicksburg Batteries — Succeeds Farra gut in Command of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron — Ordered Norths Service in New York — His Health Breaks Down — His Present Position. . 523 CONTENTS. 29 CHAPTER XXVI. COMMODORE MELANCTHON SMITH. PAGE. His Birth and Ancestry — ^Enters the Navy — His Early Services — Commands iu Florida — Sent to the Gulf Blockading Squadron in 1861 — Drives the Enemy from Ship Island — Commands the Steamer Mississippi in the Passage of the Forts Below New Orleans — Captures the Ram Manassas — Loses his Vessel in Passing Port Hudson — His Gallant Conduct — Takes Part in the Siege of the Place — On Court-Martial Duty — Ordered North — On Picket Duty in the James River — Commands in the North Carolina Sounds — ^Battle with the Ram Albemarle — Captures the Bombshell — Divisional Commander on James River — ^Takes Part in the Two Attacks on Fort Fisher — Subsequent Services — ^Present Condition. ...... 531 CHAPTER XXVII. COMMODORE JOHN ROGERS. His Nativity — Enters the Navy — At the Commencement of the War Sent West to Superintend the Building of Iron-Clads — Placed in Command of the Galena — ^Fight at Drury's Bluff— Commands the Wehawken — Attack on Fort Sumter — Captures the Atlanta— Complimentary Letter from the Secretarj of the Navy. . . . . • • • • .542 30 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. REAR-ADMIRAL THOMAS T. CRAVEN 568 REAR-ADMIRAL CHARLES H. BELL, 570 REAR-ADMIRAL GEORGE F. PEARSON, 570 REAR-ADMIRAL SYLVANUS GODON, 571 REAR-ADMIRAL LANDER, 571 REAR-ADMIRAL GREGORY, 571 REAR-ADMIRAL WILLIAM RADFORD, ..... 572 COMMODORE HENRY WALKS, 673 COMMODORE JAMES ALDEN, 574 COMMODORE PERCIVAL DRAYTON, 574 CONTENTS. 31 APPENDIX. Name and number of all the prizes taken by our blockading squadron during the war. — Number of prizes adjudicated up to the present time. — ^Amount of prize-money paid to crews up to date, January 27, 1867. . . 577 Pay-table of the navy, giving the salaries of all the officers from Admiral down. 601 ^g^ij- Ha iwo-'H"^ CHAPTER I. MODERN SCIENCE IN NATAL ¦WAEFARE.— EAELIESI NATAL ENGAGEMENT ON EBO- OED. BATTLE OF SALAMIS'. — ^EOMAN MODE OF FIGHTING. — ^ANCIENT ENGINES AND IMPLEMENTS OF DESTEUOTION. — CANNON FIRST USED IN NATAL COM BATS. THE TEEEIBLE BATTLE OF LEPANTO. — EAPIDITT WITH WHICH AN CIENT NATAL EXPEDITIONS WBEE FITTED OUT. — IMPEOVEMENT IN SHIP BUILDING. THE PAIXHAN GUN. — EXPLOSION OF SHELLS BY CONCUSSION. OUB SECOND WAE WITH ENGLAND. — ASTOUNDING EESULTS OF THE TAEIOUS COMBATS. — OHIBF CAUSE OF CUE TICTOEIES. — SIGHTS ON CANNON. — ^IN- FEBIOEITY OF CUE NATT AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE REBELLION. — IMPEOTEMBNTS IN GUNS. — DAHLGEEN GUN. — ^DESCRIPTION OF THE PAEEOTT QXIN. OONSTEUCTION OF IRON-CLADS. — THE MONITOE, GALENA, AND lEON- SIDES. FOUNDATION OF THE lEON-CLAD NATT. — STRENGTH OF THE NATT AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR. — ITS DIVISION. — ^EXTENT OF COAST TO BE BLOCKADED. — ^NUMBER OF TESSBL8 BUILT AND PUECHASBD. — EUBOPE ON THE BLOCKADE. — ENGLAND. — SOUTHERN EFFORTS TO BREAK THE BLOCKADE. ^BLOCKADE RUNNERS. ^NUMBER CAPTUEED THE FIEST TEAE. — TOTAL NUM BER DUEING THE WAB. — INCREASE OF OUR NATAL FORCE DURING THE WAE. ^AMOUNT EXPENDED BY OUR NATY DEPARTMENT. Modern science has worked greater changes in naval warfare since the breaking out of the recent rebellion than ever before in the same period of time. These changes have been not only in the size and destructive power of cannons, but in the mode of constructing ships of war. The earliest naval engagement on record was fought by Eurythus, a prince who controlled the Eed Sea. 34 rNTEODUcnoN. The most noted one of ancient times was that of Sa- lamis, between the Greeks and Persians. The fleet of the latter consisted of twelve hundred galleys, manned by five hundred thousand men, while the former had but four hundred vessels. Xerxes caused his throne to be placed on a mountain overlooking the scene of com bat, in which he sat surrounded with secretaries, pen in hand, to note the heroic deeds of indi"vidual commanders, and to mark the laggards in the conflict. The moun tain ridges near the Acropolis and the Hill of Mars were crowded with spectators of the fight, which ended in the dispersion and destruction of the whole Persian fieet. This was five hundred years before Christ. The Romans were accustomed to advance to the attack with their galleys arranged in the form of a trian gle — the admiral's vessel at the head. Then, as now, human ingenuity multiplied the engines of destruction. Turrets were erected on the prow or stern, from which arrows could be discharged in showers ; huge engines arose from the centre, from which rocks were hurled vnih a power that sent them, like round-shot, through the bot toms of the vessels ; battering-rams swung from the masts, to beat in their sides ; while pots of live coals and melted pitch and combustible compounds were added to the battle-axe and spear. It is said that the ancestor of Hannibal threw pots of live and poisonous serpents on board his enemy's ships, which, darting around on deck, spread consternation among the crew. The invention of cannon introduced a new element into naval warfare. The Venetians and Genoese, the great naval powers of the 16th century, first used them in naval combats. The first great battle fought after their introduction was that of Lepanto, in 15Y1, between the BATTLE OF LEPANTO. 35 Venetians and Spanish on one side, and the Turks on the other, in which the great question was decided whether Christianity or Mohammedanism should control Southern Europe. The Turks had two hundi-ed and thirty galleys and transports, with six vessels carrying heavy artillery. The Christians had two hundred and fifty, manned with fifty thousand men. Nearly five hundred vessels, with two mighty armies on board, met in mortal combat. No time was lost in distant firiag, for the vessels rushed on each other in a close death-grapple. Modern naval war fare furnishes no such an imposing array of force. It was a frightful struggle, and when it closed nearly a hundred of the Turkish vessels had sunk to the bottom of the sea, and twenty-five thousand men lay dead on the decks, or had disappeared beneath the waves. Ten thousand Christians also had fallen, making the total number of victims in this terrific sea-fight thirty-five thousand. Such a loss of life in a naval combat at the present day can hardly be conceived of. In those old barbarous times, as we are accustomed to call them, grand naval expeditions were fitted out with a rapidity that even in these days would be re garded with astonishment. Rome once fitted out an immense fleet in ninety days after the trees were stand ing in the forest. Piso built and equipped a fleet, to sail ao-ainst the king of Syracuse, of two hundred and twenty vessels in forty-five days. "War-vessels kept pace with improvements in ship building, till huge fabrics with three gun-decks, and throwing a terrific amount of metal in a single broad side, were launched by the great maritime powers of the world. Hollow shot or shells were very early introduced into 36 INTEODUCTION. the navy; but being throvm from mortars, were used chiefly in assailing fortified places on land. The Paix han gun, though invented by an American, about 1812, received but little attention here untU it was introduced into France by Captain Paixhan. This was a great im provement in naval warfare, for with this piece of ord nance shell were fired point-blank like round-shot. Before they were thrown in a curve, and hence of but little use on the water. The explosion of shells by con cussion was a great step forward. With this exception, however, the improvement in cannon was very slight. There is, however, a great difference between the howitzer of 1693 and the Dahlgren howitzer, which is used for firiag grape and canister at close quarters. In our second war with England we made a great stride forward in naval warfare. England had been re garded by the world as " mistress of the sea," and the attempt to contend with her on her favorite element was considered the world over to be a piece of madness on our part. The first conflict took place between the Constitution and Guerri^re, and lasted less than an hour, yet so terri bly was the English frigate cut up, that she went down in the waves while yet crimson with the blood of her slain. In the single-handed fight that occurred not long after between the United States and Macedonian, the latter had a third of her entire crew and officers, numbering three hundred men, killed and wounded, while the American frigate lost but twelve, all told. So also the United States suffered but very little in her hull, while the Macedonian received a hundi-ed shot below her bul warks. In the fight between the Constitution and Java the former came out of it with every spar standing, and OHTEE CAUSE OF OUB VICTOEIES. 3t ready for another antagonist, while the latter resembled a slaughter-pen, and sank a helpless wreck to the bottom. In nearly every contest the same result followed. Not only were we the victors, but the disparity between the killed in the two ships, and the frightful manner in which the enemy was cut up, while we suffered but little, caused the most unbounded astonishment. The English accounted for it on the ground of a slight difference in the weight of the respective broadsides, or attributed it to mere accident. "We made as great a mistake in boasting that our success arose from superior bravery or seamanship. The simple truth was, we had introduced an improvement in gunnery, of which the English at that time were ignorant. We had placed sights on our cannon. The English regulated their firing by a pendu lum, swinging in the square of the hatchway, by which the inclination of the ship was indicated, and which en abled them to know when the guns were in a horizontal position, and thus, if in a smooth sea, on a level with the hostUe ship. But with a vessel rolling on a swell it was a very uncertain guide. On the contrary, we had sights on the guns, sometimes on the muzzle-ring, answering to the forward sight of the rifle, and sometimes tubes were laid along the gun, and capable of being adjusted to suit the range. Hence our gunners took aim when they flred, and the consequence was, that in a broadside engagement, we, in an incredibly short space of time, made a wreck of the enemy. This rifle-practice with cannon on board ships was an entirely new thing in naval warfare. This new improvement was soon adopted by the naval powers of Europe, and others made, — so that at the com mencement of the recent civil war, our navy was hardly equal to one of the third-rate maritime powers. The 38 INTEODUCTION. country was living on the fame of its former achievements, and had we been suddenly throvra into war with either France or England, we would have been amazed and mortified at the sorry exhibition our navy would have made. Our ports would have been blockaded and our ships shut up in harbors, untU we could have built vessels and created a navy of respectable proportions. We were, however, making improvements in guns as well as England. The Dahlgren gun differs from ordi nary cannon only in that the metal is taken from the forward part of the piece and put around the breech. The great strain always being in the back part of a can. non, the strength is concentrated here, so that a Dahl gren gun and one constructed on the old principle of the same weight, would have very different calibres — the former throwing a much larger shot. Almost endless experiments have been made to make guns of large calibre that would be safe. The casting of so large a mass as a gun that should be capable of throwing one himdred or two hundred pound shot, and yet have it, in the cooling process, retain its strength, was very difficult. Throwing a jet of water in the bore while the atmosphere cooled the outside has overcome some of the difficulty. The rifled cannon of Parrott attracted but little at tention from the public at large, until the breaking out of the war. It seems strange that the superior accuracy of the rifle to the musket did not suggest rifled cannon before, but the great difficulty was to make any large iron ball fit so closely as to get a spiral motion from the grooves. This was at last overcome by having the ball long instead of round, and slightly conical, and a band of copper metal around the base, which would expand into the grooves by the air being forced underneath it CONSTRUCTION OF lEON-CLADS. 39 when the charge was fired. A tumbling shot from a rifled piece would, of course, be worse than a round shot from a smooth bore. But a charge of thirty or forty pounds of powder required great strength in the breech of the piece, and to secure this, Parrott resorted to an ingenious contriv ance. After the gun was cast, the surface of the breech was made of polished smoothness. Then a wrought-iron bar, several inches square, was rolled by machinery into a spiral coil, and the inside dressed off perfectly smooth, yet a fraction too small in bore to slip over the gun. This was then heated to make it expand, when it was driven over the breech. Contracting in cooling, it hugged the piece almost as close as though it had been welded to it. This wrought-iron reinforcement gives the rifled cannon prodigious strength, for the strain on the former is lengthwise of the metal. The various English rifled guns, such as the Whitworth, Armstrong, and others, differ only in the manner of producing the spiral motion of the shot or in being breech-loading. But the greatest improvements have been in the con^ struction of iron-clad vessels. France and England had both for a long time been experimenting on a large scale in their construction, and though our attention had been directed to it, but little had been done except to encour age by large appropriations the completion of the famous Stevens Battery at New York. But the breaking out of the civU war stimulated at once the proverbial ingenuity of Americans, and a great variety of models were pro posed. The increased size of ordnance rendered a corre sponding power of resistance in ships necessary, and Congress made an appropriation for the carrying out of some experiments in building iron-clad steamers. The 40 INTEODUCTION. Secretary of the Navy was also authorized to appoint a board of three skilful naval officers to investigate the plans and specifications that might be submitted for their construction, and report on the same. The Navy De partment immediately issued an advertisement for the construction of " one or more iron-clad steam vessels of war" for sea or river service, " to carry an armament of from eighty to one hundred and twenty tons' weight, with provisions and stores for from one hundred and eighty-five to three hundred persons, according to arma ment, for sixty days, with coal for eight days." This was in the forepart of August, 1861. The board consisted of Joseph Smith, H. Paulding, and C. H. Davis. By the middle of the next month their report was ready. Some seventeen propositions with specifications were sent in, of which only three were accepted. One was the Moni tor of Ericsson, the price of which was to be $275,000 ; length of vessel 172 feet, breadth of beam 41 feet, depth of hold 10 feet, displacement 1,255 tons ; speed per hour, nine statute miles. The second was the famous Ironsides, of Philadelphia, offered by Merrick & Sons. The price of this was to be $780,000 ; length of vessel 220 feet, breadth of beam 60 feet, depth of hold 23 feet, draught of water 13 feet, displacement 3,296 tons, speed per hour nine and a half knots. The third proposition accepted, was that of Bushnell & Co., New Haven (the Galena). The price of this was $235,250 ; length of vessel 180 feet, breadth of beam — feet, depth of hold 12;i- feet, draught of water 10 feet, displacement, tons ; speed per hour twelve knots. Of these it vsdll be seen that the Ironsides was to be a very large vessel, and the contractors asked for nine months' time in which to complete her. In ac cordance with the recommendation of the Board the FOUNDATION OF IRON-CLAD NAVY. 41 Navy Department immediately made a contract with the three parties named above, and our iron-clad navy was commenced. Ericsson's model was a novel one — ^the ves sel being made to lie very low in the water, and to carry but two guns of large calibre, which were to be mounted in a shot-proof turret that revolved by machinery placed within it, so that, without manoeuvring the vessel, the broadside of two guns could be brought to bear on any desired point. These were not to be made for exhibition, and to awaken criticism or excite doubts, but for actual imme diate combat. No time could be wasted on target prac tice. The ponderous shot and shell already in use and to which wooden vessels presented no resistance, were to be tested on these, and the question settled at once for the whole world whether anything that would resist them could be made to float. The Board did not think it desirable to go into the question of large sea-going steamers ; for in the first place the appropriation was not sufficient, and in the second place, in this war, upon which we had entered, we should have little need of these, as the contest on the water was to be chiefly in our harbors and shoal rivers. Various minor improvements, of course, followed these, but the three vessels contracted for settled the question of iron-clads, and revolutionized naval warfare. But some months would necessarily elapse • before these would be ready for service, and in the mean time the rebel ports must be blockaded, and such war-vessels as the enemy had stolen, or could extemporize, met and disposed of. The coast was to be guarded over three thousand miles in extent, while our little navy was scattered over 42 INTRODUCTION. the world at the time of the breaking out of hostilities, SO that the home squadron consisted on the 4th of March, 1861, the time of Mr. Lincoln's inauguration, of but twelve vessels, only a few of which were in Northern ports. These were the Pawnee, screw, at Washington, Crusader and Mohawk steamers, and a supply and store- ship at New York. Before the month closed, however, the Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Cumberland arrived. The old navy, all told, consisted of but seventy-sis vessels, carrying 1,783 guns. Fifteen vessels returned during the year, which, as fast as they could, were ordered on duty. It can scarcely be wondered at, that European powers at first ridiculed the idea of our blockading so great an extent of coast with such an insignificant fleet. At the outset our naval force was divided into two squadrons — the Atlantic, extending south of Cape Florida, under Stringham, and the Gulf squadron, its line of blockade reaching from Cape Florida to Grand Gulf, under G. "W. Mason, who, in September, was superseded by McKean. Besides these there was the Potomac flotil la, necessary to keep open the water communication vsdth Washington. Added to tjhis, the Mississippi River must be opened, and a flotilla was at once ordered to be built on our westem waters. Of course the necessities of the Government in a war of such gigantic proportions, and thrown so suddenly upon it, were too urgent to pennit it to wait for the building of a sufficient number of ves sels, and those to be used as a part of the navy, or that could be easily transformed into war-vessels, were pur chased. One hundred and thirty-six were thus bought the first year, and fifty-two bmlt, which, added to the old navy, made the new one to consist of 264 vessels in all BLOCKADING THE SEAPORTS. 43 cai'rying 2,557 guns, with an aggregate of 218,000 tons and 22,000 seamen. Although the seaports of Wilmington, Newbern, Charleston, Mobile, and New Orleans were very import ant ones in a military point of view, and their occupa tion by our forces necessary in the great plan for the overthrow of the rebel army, it was not expected they would be taken at once. Hence the sudden and great accession of naval strength was for the purpose of block ading them, for the South being a non-manufacturing country, its guns, ammunition, clothing, etc., must be brought from abroad. It was of the utmost importance to cut off these supplies ; and the vessels which brought them belonging in the main to neutral powers, and the South having nothing deserving the name of a navy at sea, comparatively weak vessels would answer for block ading purposes. Speed was the first consideration; number and size of guns a secondary one. The South being filled with cotton, the want of which had stopped many mills in England, it furnished a tempting prize to adventurous ship-owners, especially as the articles which they brought in exchange for it would command fabu lous prices. It had long ago been established as a law of nations that a faper bloclcade, or a blockade simply declared by proclamation, was not binding. There must be an adequate force to maintain it, or neutral powers were not obliged to regard it. Hence the enormous efforts of our Government to accumulate sufficient force at the various Southern seaports to sustain the Presi dent's proclamation. Of course, we could not have main tained the blockade of such an extent of coast had we been at a war Avith even a third-rate maritime power. The Southern Government, aware of this, began at once 44 INTEODUCTION. to construct a powerful ram, for the purpose of running down our vessels and breaking up the blockade. Rams, or vessels constructed with an iron beak to sink ves sels by running into them, had been talked of before the war, and Col. EUet urged on Congress the advantage to the Government of building such vessels. Their final adoption was another new feature in naval warfare. On our rivers and the smooth waters of our harbors they became powerful engines of destruction. Great efforts were made by Southern emissaries to get France and England to deny the blockade, and it was fondly believed by the rebel Government that Eng land would do this, on account of the cotton, on which her mills depended. It had been repeated so often by Southern speakers that " Cotton was king," that the South believed it, and that England, to keep her great manufactories going, and her millions from starving, would risk a war rather than do without it. But the British Government dreaded nothing so much as a colli sion with us, for although at the outset her powerful navy might overwhelm us, her statesmen well knew our vast resources, great inventive capacity, national pride, and indomitable perseverance in anything that we un dertook; in short, that if we fell, like Samson, we would carry the pillars of her commercial temple with us in our overthrow. But though, as a nation, she did not dare to disre gard our blockade, she was not at all anxious to interfere with the private enterprise of her citizens in their efforts to render it ineffectual. The amount of shipping engaged in this nefarious business may be gathered from the fact that the very first year, with our inadequate naval force, we captured a hundred and sixty-one blockade- CUE NAVAL EXPENSES. 45 ranners, and during the war, of both small and great, more than a thousand were taken or destroyed. When it is remembered that only a small percentage of those actually employed in this business were taken, at least in their first voyage, some estimate may be made of the number of times the blockade was run. From this brief summary it may be seen how weak our naval force was at the outset of the war — ^the urgency of the Government in getting those vessels home that were scattered over different seas, and the prodigious efforts it put forth to obtain a naval force sufficient for the vast work it had to do. How great this work was, may be gath ered from the fact that during the war, two hundred and eight vessels were commenced, and most of them com pleted, and four hundred and eighteen purchased, while the number of men in the service was increased from 7,600 to 51,500, and the number of artisans and laborers in the various navy-yards from 3,844 to 16,880, exclusive of an almost equal number engaged in private shipyards and establishments under contracts. The total sum expended by the Navy Department during the war was $314,170,960 68, or an annual average expenditm-e of $72,500,990 93. Designing this brief outline of naval affairs as an introduction to the heroic deeds of our naval commanders, we refer the reader to the Appendix for fuller and more complete statistics. CHAPTER II. ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FARRAGUT. mS PARENTAGE. — ^HIS FATHER SEETB3 IN THE EETOLUTIONAET ARMY. NA- TITITY OF DATID. — APPOINTED MIDSHIPMAN WHEN NINE YEARS OF AGE. SEETES UNDER CAPTAIN POETEE. — HIS FIEST CEUISE. — DESCEIPTION OF THE FIGHT IN TALPAEAISO HAEBOE. — DATId's HBEOIC CONDUCT. — IS ¦WOUNDED. — SENT HOME ON PAEOLE. — PUT TO SCHOOL. — SENT TO THE MEDITEB- EANEAN. STUDIES UNDER THE CHAPLAIlk. — HIS PROMOTION. — STATIONED AT NOEFOLK. — HIS MAEEIAGE. — COMMANDS THE NATY-YABD AT SAN FEANCISOO. — SECOND MAEEIAGE. REMAINS LOYAL AT THE BEBAKING OUT OF THE REBELLION. — COMPELLED TO LEATE NOEFOLK. — COMMANDS THE EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW ORLEANS. — PASSAGE OP THE FOETS. — CAPTUEE OF THE CITY. — HIS CAEBBE ON THE MISSISSIPPI. — DAEQfG PASSAGE OF THE REBEL BATTERIES. — ANECDOTE. — EXPEDITION AGAINST MOBILE. — PASSES THE FOETS LASHED TO THE MAINMAST. — HIS AFTEE-SEETIOES AND PRO MOTION. EvEE since the second war with England the navy- has been the pride of the country. When the sea closed over the Guerri^re, a new era da-wned on naval history. From that moment the supremacy of England on the seas was broken, and ever since, wherever the national flag has been borne over the waters of the world, it has been looked on with respect. Our navy, in that war obtained a character which commanders and sailors have been proud to maintain, until the "blue coats" have been synonymous with bravery. The shout that shook the FIRST CEUISE. 47 land when Hull returned with the news of that first vic tory in a fair broadside-to-broadside engagement with one of England's finest frigates, kindled a feeling of pride in the heart of the people that has never since died out. Defeats may be expected on the land, but never on the sea. With such names heading the list of naval heroes as Hull and Bainbridge and Lawrence and Deca tur and Porter and Perry and McDonough and Blakely and others, our commanders at the commencement of this war had a difficult task before them to maintain the high reputation which these illustrious captains had given the navy. But no better name could be found than Farragut's vrith which to recommence that roll of renown. His father was born on the island of Minorca, in the Mediter ranean Sea, but came to this country in 1776, at the open ing of the great struggle for our independence. Entering at once into the spirit of that contest, like Kosciusko, Steuben, and Pulaski, he joined the ragged, ill-paid army of the colonies, and by his gallant conduct rose to the rank of Major. At the close of the war he married Miss Shire, of North Carolina, and settled down on our west ern frontier near KnoxviQe, Tennessee. Here, at Camp bell's station, in 1801, David Glascoe Farragut was bom. Although his early childhood was passed among the great forests of the West, his mind turned to the distant ocean, and in 1810, though but nine years of age, he ob tained a midshipman's berth under Capt. Porter. This place was probably secured through the influence of his father, who was a warm friend of the captain, they being at that time sailing-masters in the navy together. A mere boy, of an age needing a mother's care, and scarce big enough to climb to the top of the bulwarks of his 48 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. vessel, he was launched forth on the sea and the world together. Two years after, the war with England broke out, and he put to sea in the Essex, bearing on her defiant flag, " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." Porter sailed in April, and as he passed down by the battery, he sent five shots into Castle William, to "try its strength;" then floating through the Narrows, swept off into the broad Atlantic. Young Farragut's first experience of a battle on that element which was to be his future home and field of renown, was in August. On the 13th the Eng lish sloop-of-war Alert hove in sight, and thinking to make an easy prey of the Essex, ran boldly dow." on her weather quarter, and giving three cheers, poured in a broadside. The Essex returned it with such fury that in eight minutes the English vessel had seven feet of water in her hold, and struck her colors. . Young Farragut had gone to school in a wild sort of fashion, and his first les son was one he was not likely ever to forget. A fort night after. Porter came in sight of an English frigate just at dark, and fearing his powerful antagonist might lose him in the night, he hoisted a light, but in the morning the enemy was nowhere to be seen. Four days later he found himself near St. George's bank, close upon two ships of war, which immediately gave chase. As night came on he found the enemy gaining rapidly on him, and so he determined to heave about, and try to pass the largest ship imobserved, and in case he failed to do so, to give him one broadside and board him. He called the crew about him and made known his plans. Three cheers greeted the bold determination, and soon the vessel was bowling along in the darkness in the direction where his powerful adversary was last seen. He, how ever, passed him "without being observed. THE ESSEX IN THE PAOIFIO. 49 Not long after Farragut received another lesson in naval matters which his after-career shows was not lost on him. Sir James Yeo, of the frigate Southampton, sent a challenge to Porter in which, after presenting his compliments, he said he " would be glad to have a tete-a- tete anywhere between the Capes of Delaware and the Havana, when he would have the pleasure to break his own sword over his d — d head, and put him down forward in irons." To this Porter replied that he " accepted with pleasiu"e his polite invitation," and " would prefer meet ing near the Delaware Capes, where Capt. P. pledges his honor that no other American vessel shall interrupt their tete-d-tete. The Essex may be known by a flag bearing the motto : ' Fi'ee Trade and Sailors' Rights.' And when that is struck to the Southampton, Capt. Porter win deserve the treatment promised by Sir James." The blustering Englishman, however, did not take advantage of the offer, but one can see that the boy Farragut was to study his profession under a competent teacher. But young David was soon transferred to a different scene. In October, Commodore Bainbridge having sailed from Boston "with the Constitution and Hornet, Porter, then lying in the Delaware with the Essex, was ordered to join him in" Port Pray a, in St. Jago, or at Fernando, Norenha. But the capture of the Java by the Constitu tion, and of the Peacock by the Hornet, caused a change in the plans of Bainbridge ; and Porter not finding him at either of the places above mentioned, or off Frio, another rendezvous designated by the Commodore, he was left to cruise where he thought best. After revolving various schemes, he at length, in mid-winter, took the bold resolu tion to go alone into the Pacific, where he had not a depot of any kind, or a place iu which a vessel could be 4 50 ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. refitted, while all the neutral ports were under the influ ence of our enemy, and make a dash at the British fisher men, and obtain his supplies from them. His prow was at once turned southward. Fierce storms off Cape Horn again and again beat him back ; but he held on, and at length took the breezes of the Pacific, and stretched northward. Cruising here, he captured several vessels, until he had quite a little fleet. One of them, the Atlan tic, he named the Essex Junior, and put it under the com mand of Lieut. Downes. Finding at length it was neces sary to refit, and hearing that English cruisers were after him, he repaired to the Marquesas islands, and there, in a sequestered bay, repaired his vessels. The natives were at first friendly, but at length the Typees, a warlike tribe, succeeded in arousing the others to hostilities, and a plan was laid to murder all the American crews. Por ter saw that he must make them feel his power, and so taking nearly his whole crew with him, he boldly entered the mountains, swarming "with thousands of the natives, and marched towards the Typee villages. Compelled at first to retreat, he at length, after incredible hardships, reached the summit of the mountains, from which he descended in wrath on the beautiful plain below, and dri-vdng the natives into a fortress, set fire to their to-wns, and returned to the ship. David was now only twelve years old, yet he was eager to join the expedition ; but much to his disappointment was left behind with the few that remained to take care of the ships. In the noontide of his fame, his attention being called to this period of his boyhood, he was asked why he did not accompa,ny the captain in his notable campaign against the Typees. He replied, with his usual humor : "I was ruled out — rmy legs being considered too short to cross the mountains.^'' ACTION WITH THE PHCEBE. 51 It may easily be imagined that they were altogether too short for such a rough land-cruise as that of the captain's against the hostile tribes. , But all these new and trying scenes were merely pre paratory to the great trial which was to fix his character for all future time. Porter, having finished his repairs, and lea-nng his two prizes behind, set sail in December, and arrived in Valparaiso the 12 th of January. Here he determined to wait for the British ship Phoebe, which, he learned, had been sent out on purpose to capture him. She at length arrived; but not alone — the Cherub, sloop-of-war, bearing her company. These vessels bore flags with the mottoes : " God and our country — British sailors' best rights — ^Traitors offend them." Porter im mediately hoisted at his mizen : " God, our country, and liberty — ^Tyrants offend them." The English ships having taken in supplies, cruised outside for six weeks, completely blockading the Essex. Porter tried in vain to bring on an engagement with the Phcebe, but the latter steadily avoided it, though superior both in weight of metal and the number of men. Por ter, finding that he had got to fight both vessels at once or not at all, and hearing that other British cruisers were on their way to the port, resolved to put to sea. So on the 28th of March, the -wind blovnng fresh, he stood out of port. But in doubling the Point of Angels to clear the harbor, a squall struck the vessel, carrying away the maintop-mast, and with it several men, who were dro-wned. It would not do to go to sea in this crippled condition, and xmable to beat back to his former anchor age ground, he ran to the northeast side of the harbor and dropped anchor within three miles of the city, and a mile and a half from the CasteUo Viego. He was 52 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. clearly on neutral ground, and where now, in the same circumstances, no nation on the globe would dare to fire into an American man-of-war. Yet Captain Hillyar moved down on him -with both his vessels, and choosing his position, opened his broadsides on the Essex. Porter saw at once that to conquer was impossible, yet he resolved to fight his vessel to the last, and ordered the decks cleared for action. With the few guns he could bring to bear, he opened such a terrific fire that in a short time both vessels had to haul off for repairs. The cannonading had aroused the inhabitants, and they came thronging by thousands to see the unequal fight, and soon darkened the surrounding heights. Hillyar, having completed his repairs, came back and took his position where Porter could not bring a gun to bear. Proud and unyielding, he lay there for a while a helpless target on the water. Seeing that he would soon be sent to the bottom, he determined to make a desperate effort to board the largest vessel. But his sheets and halyards had been so shot away, that not a sail could be set except the flying jib. Gi-ving this to the wind and cutting his cable, he drifted slowly do"wn on his foes, and getting them at length within range of his carronades, opened a terrible fire. The cannonade on both sides now became swift and awful. The Essex, being set on fire and swept by the broadsides of both vessels, at length became almost totally unmanageable; but still she worked slowly forward, hoping to close, when Porter knew his inferior but brave crew would carry the vessel like a storm. But the English commanders, seeing their ad vantage, kept away. It was a painful sight to behold that crippled vessel, bravely limping up to grapple with her powerful adversary, and that adversary as slowly TEEEIFIO EIGHTTNG. 53 mo-ving off, and pouring in the while a rapid, murderous fire. Hulled at almost every shot, her decks ripped up, and strewed with the dead, her guns torn from their carriages and rendered useless, it was evident the noble frigate could not be fought much longer. Porter saw his hopeless condition and, as a last resort, rather than strike his flag, resolved to run his vessel ashore and blow her up. Her head was with difficulty turned towards the beach and had actually got -within musket-shot of it when the unsympathizing -wind suddenly veered and blew him straight back on the Phcebe and under her raking broadsides. StUl unyielding. Porter hoped by this untoward event to get foul and board the enemy. It was a last vain effort^ — fate was against him ; the Phcebe kept edging away, raking the Essex as she retired. The scene on board the frigate at this time was hor rible. The cock-pit was crowded with the wounded; men by the dozen were mowed down at every dis charge ; fifteen had fallen successively at one gun, and scarcely a quarter-deck officer was left standing. And where was the boy Farragut all this time ? A midship man, it is true, he was, but nevertheless a lad only twelve years of age, too young to be standing in such a human slaughter-house. Only old and war-hardened hearts should beat unmoved amid such a wild scene. Yet there he stood — his delicate form rigid as iron, and his young heart fearless and proud as that of his commander. The deck ran blood beneath his tender feet, the splintered timbers crashed and shivered around him, and the mur derous shot lifted the locks from his fair young head as they shrieked past him. The gore and clotted flesh of the brave men falling around him covered his garments. 54 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. and the blood was trickling from a wound in his own side ; yet there he stood manfully to the guns, his childish voice sounding strangely in that "wild uproar, and his innocent blue eyes blazing with unnatural light amid that carnival of death as they turned unblenchingly on his beloved commander. Porter's case was e"vidently hope. less; but disdaining to yield, he made one more final attempt to bring his vessel around so as to make his broadside bear. He let go his sheet-anchor, and the staggering vessel, swinging slowly around again, pre sented her guns to the astonished foe. But the hawser parted in the strain, and the vessel lay an unmanageable ¦wreck on the water, while to complete the disaster, the flames burst from the hatchway and rolled away towards the magazine. Porter now saw that his doom was inevitably sealed ; and seeing that his boats had all been shot away, he ordered those of his crew who could swim, to jump overboard and attempt to reach the shore, three quarters of a mile distant. He then, -with the few who chose to remain on board, among whom was young Far ragut, extinguished the flames, and again shotted the few guns that could be brought to bear. It was, however, the last feeble effort of despair, for the water being smooth, and the enemy able to choose his own positions, he soon made a riddle of the American frigate. Her wounded were killed while under the hands of the surgeons, and only one of the carpenter's crew remained to stop the shot-holes, though the water was now pouring through in torrents. Porter would have gone down with his flag flying, but for the number of wounded that he would be compelled to take to the bottom with him ; and so, after this unparalleled struggle of two hours and a half, he gave the melancholy orders to lower his flag. A CHEISTENING FOE WAE. 55 I have given a lengthy description of this naval com bat, because of its important bearing on Farragut's char acter. The future Admiral was christened in this awful baptism of fire. It was his first great lesson in naval combat, and it could not have been otherwise than stamped in indelible lines on his young heart. It was a fearful trial for one so youthful ; but as he had chosen the navy for his profession, it was important he should see how a ship ought to be fought. To one of his age it would naturally occur that such was the only way a gal lant commander would act, and of course he would set tle it in his mind at once and forever, that it was the way he must act if ever called to command a vessel. That his future character was fixed in this unparalleled combat, his after-life clearly shows. In his daring pas sage of the forts below New Orleans, which to common men seemed madness — in his entrance to Mobile harbor, lashed to the maintop to direct the battle, he only acted over again the scenes of his boyhood. As one contem plates him in these daring enterprises, the mind involun tarily goes back to that battle in Valparaiso harbor. ' They are the lessons of boyhood put into practice in ma- turer years. We see simply the soul of Porter transferred to the soul of the boy that stood and battled by his side. That his bearing on this occasion was gallant and heroic beyond his years, is evident from the fact that it attracted the especial attention of Porter. A hero of the grandest mould himself, and surrounded by heroic men — ^witnessing a devotion and courage seldom seen — he yet was struck by the conduct of this boy of twelve, and made special mention of him in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, adding, evidently -with regret, that notwithstanding his meritorious conduct, he was 56 ADMIEAL DA-VID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. " too young for promotion." Only twelve years old, he yet had behaved with such distinguished gallantry that he deserved a lieutenant's commission. The history of our na-vy records no other such instance. That such a boy, if he lived and circumstances permitted it, would be heard from again, was evident. He received his first wound in this engagement ; but young as he was, it did not keep him from! his post of duty. He was sent home in the Essex Junior, among the paroled officers. Por ter's interest in the boy was enhanced by his heroic con duct in this battle, and he had him put to school at Chester and taught military tactics. He however was soon afloat again, being attached to the Mediterranean squadron. In 1816, we find him on board a ship of the line, where he became acquainted with the chaplain, the Rev. Charles Folsom, who took a great interest in him, and to whose instructions Farragut attributes much of his after-success in life. Afterwards, the chaplain was appointed our consul at Tunis, and David was sent with him. From this intimacy of three years' duration, sprung up a friendship which neither change of circumstances nor years of separation ever weakened. Mr. Folsom, in a letter respecting Farragut's life during the long peace that followed, says that it differed little from that* of other officers. By slow degrees he worked his way up the difficult ladder of promotion, but did not reach the rank of lieutenant till the year 1825. He then married a lady of Norfolk ; but it proved a less happy connec tion than he had anticipated, for she soon became a great sufferer, and continued so till relieved by death. Her trials, however, were relieved as much as they could be by a care and devotion and tenderness, such as a great soul like his alone can exhibit. LOYAL TO THE LAST. 57 In 1841 he was made commander, and in 1851 cap tain. Promotion comes so slow in " piping times of peace " that it took him forty-one years to reach the rank of captain.. He by turns sailed in almost every sea "visited by our fleets, and by his studies and intercourse with other nations became proficient in several modern languages. At one time he was stationed at the Norfolk navy-yard, and afterwards was placed in command of the navy-yard at San Francisco. He also held the post of assistant inspector of ordnance for three years. In the mean time he married again, and this time also took his wife from Norfolk, Miss Virginia Loyall, daughter of a prominent citizen of the place. By her he had one son, now a cadet at West Point — choosing the military rather than the naval service. He thus passed through his youth and manhood, and bade fair to pass through life without exhibiting any of those extraordinary qualities for which his boyhood was distinguished. He was nearly threescore years old when the rebellion broke out, having seen foiiy-eight years of service. At this time he was living at Norfolk, and being a Southerner by birth and connected with the South by marriage, it was supposed by his Southern friends that he would cast in his lot with them. The tide seemed all to set -that way. Officers went over by the dozen, whole messes resigned ; and it was held dishonorable not " to go with their States," as it was termed. Very few Southern officers were proof against this feeling, especially as it was fully believed by them that the North and South would hereafter be separate nations. Even Lee s.aid that if he thought the Union would ever be restored, he would go with the North, but as the two portions 68 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. must ine-vitably constitute separate nationalities, he felt it his duty to cast his future in -with the South. A few, however, remained true ; and among these was Farragut. He had grown up from childhood with the old flag wav ing morning and night over his head ; and from the time when, a mere boy, he had watched its bright folds gleaming amid the storm of battle in Valparaiso har bor — and with a great sorrow, such as his young heart never felt before, had seen it lowered to the foe — his love for it had grown with his growth and strength ened with his strength ; and now he could not desert it. It was dearer to him than kindred, and he would stand by it to the last, and if fall he must in the deadly strife, it should be beneath it waving in all its pristine glory. He made no concealment of his views, and his Southern friends were at first astonished at what they considered his treason to the South ; and then became indignant, and plainly hinted to him that it might be unsafe to re main longer in the South. " Very well," said he, " I will then go where I can live with such sentiments." At length Fort Sumter fell, and then came the conspiracy to seize the Norfolk navy-yard. Farragut now saw that if he expected to render his country any service in the awful struggle on which she was being so wildly launched, he must leave Norfolk ; and so, on the night of the 18th of April, 1861, he bade adieu to his home, and tm'ned his face northward. The very next day the navy-yard was set on fire. The Government was thunderstruck at the abyss opening beneath it, and knew not whom to trust amid the general defection. It had but few ships ; and Farragut's services being uncalled for, he took up his abode on the Hudson River, just below Tarry town, and watched -with gloomy forebodings the increasing storm. I'OECE OF THE EXPEDITION. 59 Being a stranger in the vicinity, his solitary walks in the fields were watched with suspicion, and it was whispered about that he was one of a band of conspirators to cut the Croton Aqueduct. The Administration seemed asleep or stupefied ; but after the battle of Bull Run, the following summer, it aroused from its lethargy, and began to act as though the country was really in the midst of civil war. In the autumn it resolved to make a bold push for the capture of New Orleans. The West Gulf Blockading Squadron, with twenty bomb-schooners, was to constitute the naval force, with which a land force of eighteen hundred men under Maj. Gen. Butler was to cooperate. Preparations were set on foot before the naval commander was deter mined on — an unwise step to start with ; but the blunder was more than compensated by the fortunate selection of Farragut. The country knew but little about him, and when his name was published as the head of the expedi- dion, vastly more was expected from Porter, who com manded the bomb vessels, than from him. He received his orders on the 20th of January, 1862, and on the 3d of next month sailed from Hampton Roads in the flag-ship Hartford — a vessel destined to assume a place in our naval history second only to that of the Old Constitution. The place of rendezvous was Ship Island, at which he arrived in seventeen days, and immediately began to make the arrangements necessary for the hercu lean task before him. He would have entered into a com bat on the deep "without any hesitation ; but the work to which he was assigned — ^to beat down or run the batteries lining both sides of a river — ^was an entirely different under taking. It was a new, untried experiment, and presented difficulties that to some seemed impossible to surmount ; 60 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. but indomitable energy, he well knew, could over come the greatest obstacles, and the fleet set sail and arrived safely at the entrance of the Mississippi. It was desirable to get the powerful steam frigate Colorado, Cap tain Bailey commanding, over the bars at the mouth of the river; but as she drew, with her armament aboard, twenty-two feet of water, and the deepest soundings gave only fifteen, this was found to be impossible. The Mis sissippi and Pensacola were got over only by great labor ; and at length the fleet was safely anchored at the head of the Pass k TOutre and the Southwest Pass. Those who saw with what care Farragut attended to the minutest details — ^the thorough preparation which he made for every contingency — felt that his bravery was equalled by his prudence and forethought. The expedition, when it sailed on its secret, unknown destination from the North, created the liveliest interest; and when, at last, it was discovered that its object was the capture of New Orleans, the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, for the opening of the Mississippi was the first great object of the administration. But the long delays that followed, cooled down the public expectation, and it was at last almost lost sight of in the stirring victories that were taking place farther north under the gallant Foote. But Farragut, patient as well as daring, was biding his time. Six war steamers, sixteen gunboats, twenty-one mortar vessels, with five other national vessels, comprised the fleet which had now fairly entered on its work. It was a grand spectacle when, on the 16th of March, this formidable fleet at last opened its fire. The low banks of the river on both sides seemed inherent with flame, and the deep reverberations of the guns rolled like A FIEE-EAFT. 61 hea"vy thunder up the lordly Mississippi. All day long the earth trembled under the heavy explosions, and by night two thousand shells had been hurled against the forts.* Farragut and Porter had obtained the exact distance of the forts by triangulation, performed by the coast survey under Captain Gerdes — ^Messrs. Harris and Olt- manns doing the work. Thus, surveyors' instruments pre pared the way for the direct cannon shot. The rebels had not been idle during the delays of the previous weeks, but had contrived and constructed every possible instrument of destruction and defence. On the first morning of the bombardment they set adrift a fire-ship made of a huge flatboat piled -with lighted pitch-pine cord-wood. It came drifting slowly do-wn the sluggish stream, burning with a fierce crackling roar, and darkening all the sky with its volumes of black eddying smoke. Shot and shell had no effect on it, save to fill the air with flying sparks and blazing brands, and it kept steadily on its flaming path, straight towards our vessels. Two of the advance steam ers were in danger of getting foul of it, and, slipping their cables, moved do-wn the stream. On swept the unwieldy, blazing mass, and, keeping the middle of' the stream, passed the entire fleet without inflicting any damage. As it disappeared below, the taunts and jeers of the sailors followed it. To be prepared for another, Captain Por ter ordered aU the row-boats of the flotilla, a hundred and fifty in number, to be supplied -with grapnels, ropes, and buckets, ready at a moment's notice to seize it and tow it ashore. At night the rebels set another adrift, and as it towered majestically in the darkness near the forts, * The account of the bombardment by the mortars will be found in the sketch of Vice-Admiral Porter. 62 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. signal-lights were run up on aU the vessels, and those hun dred and fifty boats leaped forth on the water as though created by magic. Do-wn came the pyramid of flame, lighting the reed-fringed shores with a ruddy glow, and turning the muddy waters into molten flame. Swinging easUy on the mighty current, it moved steadily do-wn till its baleful glare was cast over the vessels at anchor along the banks. Suddenly out of' the surrounding darkness, right into the blazing light the Westfield dashed -with a full head of steam on, and, steering straight for the burn ing pUe, buried its bows in the crackling mass, while her hose poured a torrent of water upon it. The next mo ment the diminutive row-boats shot into the light, and, sweeping swiftly over the ruddy waters, each sailor and oar painted in dark lines against the fiery background, fastened boldly to the burning structure, not knowing but that it was filled with torpedoes and missiles of death that might explode at any moment. They then gave way with a will, and in a short time the grand and imposing struc ture that seemed fraught with destruction, was consuming ignobly away against the shore. Loud cheers from the whole fleet greeted the gallant exploit. The bombardment which had commenced was kept up steadily for a week, and although the fire, when the exact range was got, was very severe, setting the citadel of Fort Jackson on fire and driving the gunners from their pieces, the forts seemed as far from being reduced as ever. In the mean time shells, fuses, cartridge-boxes, coal, and hospital stores were getting short ; the^ gunners on the mortar-boats were worn out, and when relieved from their guns would fall do"wn exhausted on deck. It was evident that something else must be tried, or the expedition be abandoned. In this extremity a council of war was called PEEPAEING THE SHIPS. 63 on board the flag-ship, composed of the different com manders, and the question was put. What next shall be done 1 After it was over, Farragut issued his order : " The flag-officer, having heard all the opinions expressed by the different commanders, is of the opinion that wha1>- ever is to be done will have to be done quickly. When, in the opinion of the flag-officers, the propitious time has arrived, the signal will he made to weigh., and advance to the conflict. ¦» * * He will make the signal for close action, No. 8, and abide the result — conquer or he con- queredr A short time before, a French vessel had gone up to the forts, and on its return, one of its officers told Farragut he never could get by them: He replied, " I am ordered to go to New Orleans, and I intend to , do so." This decision having been reached, it only remained to get his wooden fleet in the best possible state of pre paration for the terrible ordeal to which it was to be ex posed. How this was done cannot be ' better described than in Farragut's own language. He says : " Every vessel was as well prepared as the ingenuity of her cont- mander and officers could suggest, both for the preserva tion of life and of the vessel ; and perhaps there is not on record such a display of ingenuity as has been evinced in this little squadron. The first was by the engineer of the Richmond, Mr. Moore, by suggesting that the sheet cables , be stopped up and do"wn on the sides, in the line of the engines, which was immediately adopted by all the vessels. Then each commander made his o-wn arrangements for stopping the shot from penetrating the boilers or ma chinery, that might come in forward or abaft, by ham mocks, coal, bags of ashes, bags of sand, clothes-bags, and, in fact, every de"vice imaginable. The bulwarks were 64 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. lined with hammocks by some, by splinter-nettings made ¦with ropes by others. Some rubbed their vessels over with mud, to make their ships less visible, and some white- washed their decks,' to make things more "visible by night during the fight. In the afternoon, I visited each ship, in order to know positively that each commander understood my orders for the attack, and to see that aU was in readiness. I had looked to their efficiency before. Every one appeared to understand his orders well, and looked forward to the conflict with firmness, but with anxiety, as it was to be in the night, or two o'clock in the morning." The following order had been pre"viously issued to the various commanders : You will prepare your ship for service in the Mississippi riTer in the fol lowing manner : Send do^svn the top-gallant masts. Rig in the flying jib-boom, and land all the spars and rigging, except what are necessary for the three topsails, foresail, jib, and spanker. Trice up the topmast stays, or land the whiskers, and bring aU the rigging into the bowsprit, so that there shall be nothing in the range of the direct fire ahead. Make arrangements, if possible, to mount one or two guns on the poop and top-gallant forecastle ; in other words, be prepared to usq as many guns as possible ahead and astern, to protect yourself against the enemy's gun boats and batteries, bearing in mind that you will always have to ride head to the current, and can only avail yourself of the sheer of the helm to point a broadside gun more than three points forward of the beam. Have u kedge in the mizzen chains (or any convenient place) on the quarter, ¦with a hawser bent and leading through in the stern chock, ready for any emergency ; also grapnels in the boats, ready to hook on to, and to tow off, fire-ships. Trim your vessel a few inches by the head, so that if she touches the bottom she ¦will not swing head down the riTer. Put yonr boat howitzers in the foremaintops, on the boat carriages, and secure them for firing abeam, &c. Should any iiyury occur to the machinery of the ship making it necessary to drop down the river, you will back and fill down under sail, or you can drop your anchor and drift down, but in no case attempt to turn the ship's head down stream. You will have a spare hawser ready, and when ordered to take in tow your next astern, do so, keeping the faeeagut's oedee. 65 hawser slack so long as the ship can maintain her own position, having a care not to foul the propeller. No vessel must withdra'w from battle, under any circumstances, without the consent of the flag-offlcer. You will see that force and other pumps and engine hose are in good order, and men stationed by them, and your men will he drilled to the extinguishing of fire. HaTe light Jacob-l&dders made to throw oTer the side for the use of the carpenters in stopping shot holes, who are to be supplied with pieces of inch board lined with felt and ordinary nails, and see that the ports are marked in accordance with the " ordnance instructions " on the berth deck, to show the locality of the shot hole. Have many tubs of water about the decks, both for the purpose of extin guishing fire and for drinking. HaTe a heaTy kedge in the port main-chains, and a whip on the main-yard, ready to run it up and let fall on the deck of any Tcssel you may run alongside of, in order to secure her for boarding. You will be carefal to haTe lanyards on the lever of the screw, so as to secure the gun at the proper elevation, and prevent it from running down at each fire. I wish you to understand that the day is at hand when you will be called upon to meet the enemy in the worst form for our profession. You must be prepared to execute all those duties to which you have been so long trained in the na-ey without having the opportunity of practising. I expect every vessel's crew to be well exercised at their guns, because it is required by the regulations of the serTice, and it is usually the first object of our attention ; but they must be equally well trained for stopping shot holes and extinguishing fire. Hot and cold shot will, no doubt, be freely dealt to us, and there must be stout hearts and quick hands to extinguish the one and stop the holSs of the other. I shall expect the most prompt attention to signals and verbal orders either from myself or the captain of the fleet, who, it will be understood, in all cases acts by my authority. D. G. FAEEAGUT, Flag- Officer .1 Westem Oulf BlocTcading Squadron. Having at last made all the preparations that he could with the means allowed him, and the mortar-boats having accomplished aU that was in their power to do for the present, the 26th day of April was fixed for the passage of the forts. The chain across the channel had been cut • a few nights before, and a daring reconnoissance by Lieu tenant Caldwell, on the night preceding the intended movement, showed that it had not been repaired. ' 5 66 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. It was determined to start at two o'clock in the morn ing, and, the evening before, Farragut "visited his ships for a last interview with the commanders. These brave men were anxious as he himself was, as he went from ship to ship on that momentous afternoon, to see that his orders were understood ; for there were two powerful forts, mounted -with hea-vy guns, with their terrific cross-fire, to be passed, while fire-ships, rams, and iron-clad gunboats lay beyond this gate of death, ready to receive what might remain of the crippled squadron, if any portion should succeed in getting through. Hopes, fears, doubts of suc cess, and anticipations of glory, by turns filled their hearts, "but on none did such a heavy load lay as on Farragut. That quiet spring evening was passed as the few hours that precede a desperate battle always is. Some, gay and reckless, laughed and joked over the coming encounter, with all the thoughtlessness of sailors ; others spent it in indicting last letters to loved ones at home, and entrusting keepsakes to friends, should they fall ; while some God fearing men knelt in prayer, and committed their lives 'Calmly into the hands of Him whose purposes are ever ¦right The mighty river swept placidly by, fanned by the bakay breeze, and the quiet stars came out one by one and looked do-wn, tranquil as ever, on the unconscious stream, gi-ving no token of the coming earthquake. Some, inured ;to danger, lay do"wn and slept soundly as ever; others paced the deck, taking, as they believed, their last look of .the tranquil heavens. Thus the hours wore away, and midnight came, and •still all was quiet on land and water, save the solemn •boom, at short intervals, of a gun from the boats on Avatch far up stream. At length, at two o'clock, two lanterns were seen to rise slowly to the mizzen peak of the Hart- THE ADVANCE. 67 ford. The hour of action had come, and quicldy the boatswain's shrill call rung over the water, " Up all ham mocks," and the drums beat to quarters. In a moment that quiet scene was changed to one of intense activity and bustle. The rattling of chains, the "yo heave ho" at the anchors, and quick, stern com mands of the officers, and sIoav revolving of wheels, and answering signal-lights sparkling through the gloom, sent the blood with a quicker flow through every heart. The surrounding darloiess imparted a mystery to these sounds of preparation, and added a deeper interest to the scene. In one hour everything was ready, and the low, black masses were moving steadily up towards the slumbering forts. The attack was to be made in two columns. The right, led by Captain Bailey in the Cayuga, was composed of the Pensacola, Mississippi, Oneida, Varuna, Katahdin, Kineo, and Wissahickon; the left, led by Farragut in the Hartford, of the Brooklyn, Richmond, Sciota, Iro quois, Kennebec, Spinola, Itasca, and Winona. The latter was to engage Fort Jackson, and the former St. PhUip. Porter, with the Harriet Lane, Westfield, Owasco, Miami, Clifton, and Jackson, was to take up a position where he could pour in an enfilading fire while the fleet was passing the forts. The enemy was on the look-out, and the vessels had scarcely got under way when signal-lights flashed along the batteries, and then a belt of flre gleamed through the darkness, and the next moment the heavy shot came shrieking along the bosom of the stream. AU eyes were now turned on the Hartford, as she silently steamed on — the signal " close action" blazing from her rigging. In the mean time the mortar-boats below opened their fire. 68 ADMIRAL DA"VID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. and the hissing shells rose in graceful curves, and, weaving an arch of fiery network over the advancing fleet, dropped with a thunderous sound into the forts above. In a few minutes the advanced vessels opened, firing at the flash from the forts. The white smoke rolled and heaved in vast volumes along the shuddermg waters, and one of the wildest scenes in the history of war now com menced. ' The fleet, with full steam on, was soon abreast of the forts, and its rapid broadsides mingling in with the deafening explosions on shore, turned night into fiery day. Louder than redoubled thunders the heavy guns sent their deafening roar through the gloom, not in dis tinct explosions, but in one long, wild, protracted crash, as though the ribs of nature were breaking in final con vulsion. Amid this hell of terrors, a fire-raft, pushed steadily forward by the ram Manassas, loomed through the smoke like a phantom from the unseen world. As if steered by adverse fate, it bore straight down on the Hartford. Farragut sheered off to avoid the collision, and in so domg ran aground, when the fire-ship came full against him. In a moment the hungry flames leaped up the rigging and darted along the smoking sides of the Hartford. It seemed all up with the gallant Farra gut, and but for that stern discipline he always maintains his fate Avould have been sealed. There was no panic on board at this awful catastrophe — every man was in his place, and in a moment the hose was manned and a stream of water turned on the flames. The powerful engines were reversed, and soon forced the vessel off into deep water, though all aflame. The firemen, cool and collected, plied their hose, while the gunners still stood to their guns, and poured in their broadsides, and still the signal, " close action," fiamed above the stao-o-erino- THE FOETS PASSED. 69 ship. The fire was at length got under, and Farragut again moved at the head of his column. And now came down the rebel fleet of thirteen gunboats and two iron clad rams to mingle in the combat. Broadside to broad side, hull crashing against hull, it became at once a gladiatorial combat of ships. The Varuna, Captain Boggs, sent five to the bottom one after another ; and, finally overcome by her unparalleled exertions, the noble boat went down to join her adversaries beneath the turbid Mississippi. Farragut at last found himself past all the forts, with thirteen out of the seventeen vessels of the fleet. The Itasca, Winona, and Kennebec were so terribly cut up that they had to turn back, and floated in a crippled condition down 'the river. The Kineo was accidentally run into by the Brooklyn, and badly stove — receiving besides twelve shots in her hull ; yet she gallantly fought her way through. The Hartford, Cayuga, and Varuna encountered the greatest apparent dangers ; yet every vessel, especially the Brooklyn, humanly speaking, ought to have been lost, for never before were such frail boats exposed to such a terrible fire and lived. The several commanders were worthy to fight under such a glorious leader, and carried their ships forward with a steadiness and nerve that have covered their names with imperishable reno"wn. When the sun struggled up through the morning mist, he looked do-wn on a scene never to be forgotten while naval deeds are honored by the nation. There lay the forts with the rebel flags still flying. But their doom was sealed. And there, too, driven ashore or -wrecked or captured, were thirteen of the enemy's gunboats out 70 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. of the seventeen he had brought do"wn to assist the forts in demolishing our fleet. Our total loss in this unparalleled combat was one hundred and seventy-one. Farragut now steamed up the river towards New Orleans, having first dispatched Captain Boggs in an open boat, through a bayou inlet, to announce to Porter his success. In his letter to the latter he says, with a sang froid and brevity that provoke a smile : " We have had a rough time of it, as Boggs will tell you ; " and then adds, that as soon as he has captured New Orleans he wiU return and finish the forts. As he passed up, he heard cannonading ahead, for Bailey in advance had come upon powerful batteries at English Town, and was getting severely handled. But the Hartford coming to his rescue, they were soon finished. The way these were disposed of cannot be given better than in Farragut's OAvn language : " They permitted us to approach within a mile and a quarter before they opened on us. Captain Bailey, in the Cayuga, Lieuten ant-Commander Harrison, was in advance of me, and received the most of the first fire ; but, although the shoot ing was good, they did not damage his little vessel much. He fell back, and the Hartford took her place. We had only two guns, which I had placed on the top-gallant forecastle, that could bear on them, until Ave got Avithin half a iriile. We then! sheered off, and gave them such a fire 'as they never dreamed of in their philosophy.' The Pensacola ran up after a Avhile, and took the star board battery off our hands ; and in a few moments the Brooklyn ranged and took a chance at my friends on the left bank. They were silenced in, I should say, twenty minutes or half an hour. But I cannot keep a note of MAYOE MUNEOE. 71 time on such occasions. I only know that half of the vessels did not get a chance at them. The river was too narroAV for more than two or three vessels to act to ad vantage ; but all were so anxious, that my greatest fear Avas that we should fire into each other ; and Captain Wainwright and myself were hallooing ourselves hoarse at the men not to fire into our ships. This last affair," he says, " was what I call one of the little elegances oi the profession — a dash and a victory." But in speaking of the passage of the forts, in the same letter, he says : " It was one of the most awful sights and events I ever saw or experienced. The smoke was so dense that it was only now and then you could see anything but the flash of the cannon and the fire-ships and rafts." New Orleans was now at his mercy, and Lovell, com manding the rebel troops in the city, took himself off and left it once more under the control of the mayor, Monroe From him Farragut, through Captain Bailey, demanded the surrender of the city, and that the national flag be hoisted by noon on the City Hall, Mint, and Custom House, which were the property of the United States. To this summons the Mayor sent a long, Avindy, ridiculous an swer. In regard to the raising of the fiags, he said: "As to the hoisting any flag other than the flag of our adoption and allegiance, let me say to you that the man lives not in our midst whose hand and heart would not be paralyzed at the mere thought of such an act ; nor could I find in my entire constituency so wretched and desperate a rene gade as Avould dare to profane with his hand the sacred emblem of our aspirations." He then goes on to com pliment Farragut as much as he could concerning his "noble bijt deluded nature," and winds up with an ap peal to be very carefiil of the feelings of his gallant con- 72 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. stituency, assuming an air of superiority and injured in nocence that entitle him to a preeminence among all con quered rulers of cities. To this piece of fustian and rhodomantade Farragut returned the follo\nng quiet, brief reply: United States Flao-Ship Habtfobd, ) Off the City of New Orleans, April 26. J To his Honor the Mayor of New Orleans : Tour Honor will please give directions that no flag but that of the United States will be permitted to fly in the presence of this fleet "so long as it has the power to prevent it ; and as all displays of that kind may be the cause of bloodshed, I have to request that you will give this communication as general a circulation as possible. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, D. G. FAEEAGUT. No bluster in this, but a very plain hint, that his hon or, pompous and inflated as he is, may easily understand. " No flag but the stars and stripes will kiss the air in my sight while my guns, shotted and ready, bear on your city." Stern and inflexible in the discharge of his duty, yet humble and meek before his Creator, he, on the same day on which this curt message Avas sent to the mayor, issued the following order : United States Flag-Ship Haetfoed, 1 Off the City of New Okleans, April 26, 1862. ) Genbeal Oedee: ElcTen o'clock this morning is the hour appointed for all the officers and crews of the fleet to return thanks to Almighty God for His great goodness and mercy in permitting us to pass through the events of the last two days with so little loss of life and blood. At that hour the church pennant will be hoisted on every Tessel of the fleet, and their crews assembled will, in humili ation and prayer, make their acknowledgments therefor to the Great Dis penser of all human events. D. G. FAEEAGUT, Flag-Offieer Westem Oulf EhcTcading Squadron. INSULT TO THE FLAG. 73 Although he had refused to confer further with the impudent Mayor, he ordered Captain Morris to hoist the flag on the Mint. The latter sent a party on shore, and soon the old flag swung once more to the breeze in sight of the enraged population. The officer in charge warned the spectators that the guns of the Pen sacola would open fire on the building if any one attempt ed to haul it doAVD. LeaAong no guard to protect it, he returned to the ship and directed the howitzers in the maintop to be loaded with grape and trained on it. At eleven o'clock, in accordance with the order given above, the crews were all assembled on deck for prayers, and only one look-out left in the maintop to Avatch the flag. The solemn service had been progressing perhaps twenty minutes when the deep silence was broken by the discharge of the howitzers overhead. It at once aroused every man from his devotions, and as all eyes turned towards the Mint they saw four men on the roof of the building tearing down the flag. In an instant the gun ners, Avithout waiting for orders, sprang to the guns and pulled the strings. The next moment a whole broad side was expected to pour into the city ; but not a gun went off. As it looked like rain, the gunners had removed the " wafers " by which they were discharged, before the service commenced, so that only the click of the locks was heard. But for this, fearful destruction would have ensued. Farragut also had trouble Avith Clouet, the commander of a French man-of-war, who, choosing to consider the order of the former as threatening the city with immedi ate bombardment, had protested indignantly against it Wearied out with the ridiculous proceedings all round, he gladly turned over the city to Butler, and 74 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. advanced up the river Avith his fleet He sent Cap tain Palmer ahead to demand the surrender of Baton Rouge, and, while the correspondence Avith the Mayor was going on, arrived himself and took possession. He then directed the Captain to proceed to Natchez and seize it, while S. P. Lee continued on to Vicksburg and demanded its surrender. To this the military governor, Antry, replied that Mississippians did not know how to surrender, and if Farragut could teach them, to come on and try. After a somewhat spicy correspondence Avith Lovell, Avith regard his to taking vengeance on the inhabitants of a place near which the latter chose to place guns to fire into our passing vessels, Farragut proceeded to test the batteries of Vicksburg. Porter was ordered up Avith his mortar flotilla to shell out the heights, and at two o'clock on the 28th of June the signal to weigh anchor was given, and with the Iroquois (Roland commanding), the Oneida (S. P. Lee), the Richmond (James Alden), and Sciota, Pinola, and Winona, slowly steamed up into the fire of the batteries. The rebel guns opened on the fleet, the shot apparently being directed principally on the flag-ship. As the Hart ford slowly approached, moAdng only fast enough to give steerage way, she opened a fearful fire from her starboard battery. She was so near that the gunners on shore could be plainly seen working their guns and waving their hats in defiance. Farragut, with his accustomed audacity, mounted to the mizen rigging to direct the movements • but his life there was not worth a farthing, for the enemy fired too high, and hence their concentrated storm of shot and shell tore through the rigging of the vessel, shrieking in a perfect hurricane around him. He therefore de- PASSING THE BATTEEIES. 75 scendedtothe deck, and not two minutes after, the rigging where he had been standing was torn into shreds. Had he remained a little longer, he undoubtedly would have fallen a dead or wounded man on the deck below. For two .hours he lay broadside to the batteries, pour ing in an incessant fire, when, finding that he could not bring his guns to bear any longer, he put on steam and shot past, up the river. He had been struck by a splinter, which, however, only made a bruise. The Richmond, Oneida, Pinola, Sciota, ran the batteries with him. Captain Craven, of the Brooklyn, had recei\'ed orders not to leave any batteries behind him without silencing them, and after sustaining the same fire for two hours, dropped down the river, remaining Avith the Kennebeck, Katahdin, and Porter mortar fleet. The loss on those which succeeded in passing the batteries was forty-five. Farragut now sent dispatches to Captain Da\is, com manding the squadron of the Upper Mississippi, and Halleck, asking their cooperation in the movements against Vicksburg. In the mean time, he Avrote to the Government, that, though he might be able to sUence the batteries of Vicksburg, and could go up and -down when he chose, yet the place could not be captured without the aid of ten or twelve thousand men to approach it from the rear. The bombardment, however, was kept up, though with but little effect. About the middle of July, Farragut again steamed past the batteries, and anchored below with the rest of his fleet. The next month he fulfilled his threat against Donaldsonville, unless the inhabitants ceased the prac tice of firing on his vessels as they passed up and doAAOi the river, and opened his guns on the place and nearly de stroyed it. 76 ADSHEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. He also dispatched a part of his force to take Gal- A-eston, Corpus Christi, and Sabine City. Commander W. B. Renshaw captured the former, and G. W. Kittredge seized Corpus. Christi, and Acting-master F. Crocker Sa bine Pass. Lieut-commander Thos. McKean Buchanan was also dispatched to the Southwest Pass ; and up the Teche he had a sharp engagement with rebel batteries, and the rebel gunboat Cotton. The next month we find Farragut again doAvn the river, in front of Baton Rouge — a part of his fleet assist ing in the engagement on land, in which the gallant Gen eral Williams fell in the very moment of victory. His career during the rest of the season was dis tinguished chiefly for hard work, Apithout any great battles. Among the incidents illustrative of his character that abound on the Mississippi, is one which showed his sang froid. In order to show how impervious iron clads could be made against the heaviest shot, he was asked one time to accompany the Benton, the strongest boat in Davis's fleet, in a reconnoissance of a new battery that had been erected near Vicksburg. He did so ; but the vessel had been but a short time under the fire of the battery, when a heavy shot crashed through the mailed sides, and, striking a person beside him, tore him to frag ments, throAving the blood and clotted flesh over his own person. Gazing a moment at the frightful spec tacle, he coolly turned to the officer beside him and said : " I am not going to stay here ; I am going on deck." It seemed a curious place to go for safety ; but the anec dote throws a world of light on the character of the man. When the storm raged fiercest, and shot and shell fell thickest on the vessel, he Avished to stand on her exposed deck. PASSAGE OF POET HUDSON. 77 But the next year, in the very month (April) in which he passed the batteries of forts Philip and Jackson, he again showed what wooden vessels could do against for midable shore batteries. Grant was working his sIoav, toilsome Avay towards Vicksburg, and Farragut was ordered up to cooperate" with him. But since he was there the year before, the rebels, owing to the stupidity of the War Department, which, in the face of Porter's earnest representations, refused to occupy Port Hudson, had erected formidable works, which were more difficult to pass than the batteries at Vicksburg. With the flag-ship Hartford, accompanied by the Rich mond, armed Avith twenty-six eight and nine-inch Colum- biads, the Mississippi, Avith tAventy-one, the Monongahela Avith sixteen heavy guns, and the gunboats Kineo, Al batross, Sachem, and Gemiessee, carrying each three Columbiads and two rifled 32-pounders (all screw pro pellers except the Mississippi), he, on the morning of the 14th of April, anchored below the place. Here the pre parations were all completed, and as Farragut determined to run the terrible gauntlet in the night, and hence could have no lights aboard the vessels, the decks, gun-carriages and nettings were whitewashed, so that the gunners could distinguish enough to work their pieces. The next morn ing he reached Prophet's Island, in full vicAV of the rebel batteries. Four mortar-boats were anchored some three miles distant, to throw shells into the hostile works. At one o'clock these opened fire, and all the afternoon the blazing shells swept in long curves over the stream and dropped amid the hostile guns. They seemed, however,, to produce but little effect A small land force had been sent to the rear of the garrison to distract their attention ; for Farragut, notwithstanding his former success, saw 78 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. clearly enough that his vessels were to be put to a severer test than ever before. That night, when all was ready, the Hartford ran up a red light — the signal to weigh anchor — and the little fleet moved cautiously up the stream. The Hartford, Avith the Albatross lashed to her side, led the van, fol lowed by the Richmond with the Gennessee, and the Monongahela with the Kineo. The Mississippi and Sa chem came last. Thei rebel batteries extended for nearly four miles along the banks, tier above tier. The ex perience of the past year had not been lost on the enemy, and they had fortified the place so that it was thought impossible for boats to get past it Made perfectly aware by their men on watch of the movements of Farragut, the latter had scarcely started, when signal-lights flashed from battery to battery, and then a blaze leaped up on the shore from a pile of combustibles gathered for the pur pose, which soon swelled to a conflagration that made the whole bosom of the stream in front, light as day. Not- Avithstanding all his precaution, it was plain that Farragut would have fight enough on his aAvful passage. When the silent, dark vessels entered this illuminated space, the fire of the rebel batteries was awful beyond conception. The vessels at once poured in their starboard broadsides, as rapidly as the guns could be loaded and fired. There was but little air stirring. The huge volumes of smoke rolling out in fierce contortions over the ruddy bosom of the stream, added indescribably to the terror of the com bat, while above it the shells rose and feU incessantly with shrieks that ribbed the continuous thunder-peal be low with a strange, unearthly sound. The immense volumes of smoke soon Avrapped river and shore in im penetrable darkness, rent only by the solid sheets of fire A DESPEEATE STEUGGLE. 79 that burst through. Amid this terrific uproar there arose from the water the despairing cry of " Help ! oh, help ! " from a droAvning man who had fallen overboard. But amid this wild hurricane of death no help could be given, and the cry grew fainter and fainter, as the poor feUow was borne doAvn by the swift current, till it was lost in the distance. The river was narrow at this point, and soon the ships, in the smoke and darkness, could not see each other, and again and again barely escaped firing a broad side into each other. The shouts of the officers rose over the din, and the whole scene became one of complete be- Avilderment ; yet the brave ships struggled on, stemming the mighty current, in the stern endeavor to pass this gateway of hell. An officer stood on the prow of each vessel, striAdng to pierce the gloom, while a line of men stretched from him to the stern, to transmit orders ; for if she should run aground in the darkness, her doom was sealed. For an hour and a half this fearful nightly combat lasted, before the Hartford, with the Albatross lashed to her side, succeeded in passing beyond the bat teries. Farragut now turned his eye down stream, to see Avhat had become of the rest of his fleet ; but not a vessel greeted his eye, except, through the intervening darkness, noAV and then a black hull would start out amid the gushes of flame, that, like a blaze of lightning, illuminated the river, showing that they Avere still struggling below. The Richmond came next to him, but a shell had entered her starboard port, bursting inside with a terrific explosion that almost lifted the strong ship from the water. Soon after a storm of shot burst through her buhvarks, sending everything to wreck in its passage. Lieut. -Commander Cummings, with speaking trumpet in hand, Avas shouting out oA'er the uproar to his crew at the time, and by his 80 ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. side stood Captain Alden, and both fell at once to the deck — the former with his left leg torn off just below the knee. As they bore him away, he said : " Put a tourni quet on my leg, boys. Send my letters to my Avife, and tell her I fell in doing my duty." As the surgeon took off the shattered limb, he said, " I would willingly give my other leg, if we could but pass those batteries." The vessel struggled on amid flame and smoke, and succeeded in passing the most powerful batteries, when a shot en tered her steam-chest, which so disabled her that she began to drift helplessly down stream. Just then a tor pedo burst under her stern, with a force that made all her timbers quiver. The Gennessee, which was alongside, now took her in tow, and steamed rapidly doAvn stream. The Monongahela, with the Kineo, that came next, fared but little better. Her commander (McElinstry) fell early in the battle, and the command devolved on Lieutenant Thomas. In the smoke and darkness, she lost the chan nel, and suddenly found herself aground directly under the fire of a heavy battery, where she lay for nearly a half an hour, riddled and torn by shot and shell. At length she succeeded in backing off, and once more boldly turned her prow up stream, and began to stem the rapid current. But the tremendous fire to Avhich she had been so long exposed had disabled her machinery, and it was soon evident that the gallant struggle Avas in vain, and she too dropped down to the mortar fleet at Prophet's Island. Last of all calne the noble Mississippi, with a crew of three hundred aboard, sweeping proudly over the waters whose name she bore, with the Selma lashed to her larboard side, to assist her in case her machinery gave way. She got opposite the town, and, feeling that her greatest danger was over, put on steam and shot swiftly ahead. BUENTNG OP THE MISSISSIPPI. 81 The next moment she struck bottom near the western shore, having lost her course in the darkness. There she lay, a moveless target. The enemy saw her, and imme diately concentrated an awful fire upon her. Captain Smith ordered the gunners to keep up their fire, and her broadsides exploded so rapidly that one could scarcely count the reports, and in the mean time he put forth every effort to get the vessel afloat. Her decks were soon slippery Avith blood, and the dead and wounded lay strcAvn around like autumn leaves. The ship, however, under her great headway, had buried herself so deep in the mud that she could not be forced off, and Smith re solved to destroy her. Amid the raining shot, com bustibles were piled fore and aft, to be fired as soon as the crew had taken to the boats. By some mistake the torch was applied forward before the order was given, and while the crew stiU crowded the deck. A panic followed, and some flung themselves overboard, many of whom were droAvaed. Captain Smith, however, coolly lighted his segar, and quietly, but rapidly, hurried the men ashore ; and then, spiking the guns — ^many of them AAith his own hand — he, Avith Lieutenant Dewey and Engineers Boek- elder and Tower, who had stood by him to share his fate, left the vessel, and stepped on board the iron-clad Essex, which had come to his assistance, commanded by Captain Caldwell, and amid the tempest of shot and shell that incessantly swept both vessels, removed aU the sick and wounded, and dropped doAvn stream. As the light of the burning vessel arose on the midnight air, the enemy on shore sent up frantic yells of delight. The next moment two shells burst in the abandoned ship, scattering several casks of turpentine amid the blazing combustibles. A torrent of fire immediately rolled over the vessel, which, 82 _ ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. lightened by the removal of her crew and the action of the flames, now slowly floated off ; and her bow, catching the doAvnward current, swung heavily down stream, bringing her other broadside to bear, which had not yet been used. The guns, heated by the fire, soon began to go off, one after another, as though fired by an invisible hand. The flag was stiU floating above the flaming ruin, and the grand old vessel, as if conscious that the country's honor was committed to her keeping, swept steadily down stream, flaunting her colors in the face of the foe, and in her death-struggles stiU thundering on the hostile batteries. It was a AvUd and grand spectacle that she presented, as, erect amid the roaring flames — not wildly swaying Avith the current, but moving steadily, as though steered by an un seen hand, Avith her flag still flying and her guns roaring — she passed proudly and all alone, out of the desolating fire. Still drifting with the current, she swept on till Prophet's Island concealed her form. Then there sud denly arose a pyramid of fire and smoke, lighting up the shores like a conflagration, followed by an earthquake sound. The fire had reached her magazine, and in one loud explosion the proud vessel, which had so long braved the seas, went to the bottom, carrying her flag with her. Of about three hundred that composed her crew, sixty- five, or nearly a quarter, were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Seventy, who reached the western shore, made their way through the woods • and swamps, and finally reached the ships below, Farragut, with the Albatross, was now above the place, but all alone. His fleet was cut off from him. He had not only been lucky in getting safely through, but his ves sel had been handled with consummate skill; for it was necessary to strike the rapid current running almost at FAULT-FINDING. 83 right angles to his course, as he passed the point, so as to keep his bows from being swept around, and the vessel borne back doAvn the stream under the batteries. In the darkness, this was a very difficult matter. Though he had not succeeded in getting the vessels he needed above the place, he at once began to bombard it, while the fleet attacked it from below. In the subsequent siege of the place by Banks, Farra gut did good service, inflicting severe injury on the rebel batteries. While at Port Hudson he heard, in the latter part of June, that Donaldsonville was about to be attacked by the rebels, and moved down before it, and on the day of attack opened such a flanking fire on the enemy that he was obliged to withdraw, although the storming party had already got inside. He also bombarded Grand Gulf. Much impatience was exhibited East at the sloAvness Avith which operations went on around Vicksburg. Far ragut was blamed by a portion of the press. Among other papers Av'hich showed dissatisfaction with his course was the Journal of Commerce. This one he took notice of in a letter to the Secretary of the NaA^, saying that he did so because he heard that the information of the Avriter was obtained from the War Department His duties on the waters of the Mississippi and coast of Texas, the blockading of which was under his charge, were not of the kind most congenial to his tastes, for a great part of the time he was compelled to keep his squadron scattered on every side. Guerrillas had to be attacked in one place, an annoying little battery silenced in another, streams and channels opened to our forces, or shut to blockade run ners, and rebel property destroyed where it was of use to the Confederate govemment — ^making those duties varied 84 ADMIEAL DAVTD GLASCOE FAEEAGUT and harrassing. Here and there, too, losses were sus tained which he had no means of preventing, as most of the work had to be done by subordinates that, from the peculiar circumstances in which they were placed, had to act Avithout specific orders. Hence it was AAdth satisfaction that he heard he was to to be removed from this sort of guerrilla warfare on the water, and once more hoist his pennant on the deep. The strongholds on the Mississippi having fallen, the Govern ment next turned its attention to Mobile. It was decided that a land and naval force combined should operate against it — the former under Generals Canby and Granger, and the latter under Farragut. In January, 1864, he sailed for Mobile Bay to make a reconnoissance of the forts and batteries, and vessels commanding its entrance, for the purpose of obtaining an accurate knowledge of their strength. Morgan and Gaines were the chief forts bar ring it, and he gives the folloAving as the results of his investigations: On the morning of the 20th instant I made a reconnoissance of Forts Morgan and Gaines. I went in OTer the bar in the gunboat Octorara, Lieu tenant Commander Lowe, taking the Itasca in company as a precaution against accident. We passed up to Land Island, and laid abreast of the light-house on it. The day was uncommonly fine and the air Tery clear. We were distant from the forts three (3) and three and a half (3^) miles and could see eTcrything distinctly, so that it was easy to Terify the state ments of the refugee Mcintosh, in respect to the number of guns Tisihle on the bastions of the fort. I could count the guns and the men who stood by them; could see the piles that had been driven across from Fort Gaines to the channel opposite Fort Morgan — the object of which is to force the ships to keep as close as possible to the latter. There were no Tessels in the bay except one transport steamer. j I am satisfied that if I had one iron-olad at this time, I could destroy . their whole force in the bay, and reduce the forts at my leisure, by cooper ation "with our land forces — say fiTe thousand men. We must haTe about two thousand and five hundred men in the rear of each fort, to make regular MOBILE BAY. 85 approaches by land, and to preTent the garrison's receiving supplies and re inforcements ; the fleet to run the batteries, and fight the flotilla in the bay. But without iron-clads, we should not be able to flght the enemy's vessels of that class with much prospect of success, as the latter would lie on the flats where our ships could not go to destroy them. Wooden vessels can do noth ing with them unless by getting within one or two hundred yards, so as to ram them or pour in a broadside. I am told by Mr. Shock, the first engineer, that two of the iron-clads now being constructed at St. Louis are finished, and that three or four ought to be by this time. If I could get these, I would attack them at once. There was a very full and elaborate description of the rebel works in and about Mobile bay and harbor furnished by a mechanic from New Hampshire who was employed in the South when the rebellion broke out, and who took work at his trade at Mobile on half-pay to escape conscription. Taking advantage of a furlough granted him that he might visit his father in Alabama or Florida, he escaped to Pen sacola, and at this time was on board the Octorara. Ac cording to his statement Fort Morgan mounted some thirty guns in all — a portion of them carrying an enormous weight of metal — and Fort Gaines twenty-one. There were also three steamers and four rams inside, waiting to receive any vessels that might succeed in passing the forts. Batteries also lined the shore, and torpedoes paved the bed of the channel. That Farragut thought "with one iron-clad he could destroy all the force in the bay" shows a daring and consciousness of power that would be alarm ing in any one but a commander who was not bom to be beaten. The latter part of next month (February), he shelled Fort Powell on Shell Island in Grant's Pass for a -week, but made but little impression on it, as he could not, on account of the shallowness of the water, get his vessels nearer than 4000 yards. The powerfiil rebel ram Tennes see had not at this time got over Dog River Bar into the 86 ADMIEAL DAVID GLASCOE FAREAGUT. harbor, and Farragut wished to make his attack before she did. On the 1st of March he again bombarded Fort Powell, and in an hour and a half silenced it. During the day, however, to his great surprise, he saw the Tennessee steam slowly up opposite Grant's Pass, where his squadron lay. He now wrote to the Department that it would be "much more difficult to take Mobile with wooden vessels than it would have been a week ago." * A month later he says : I fully understand and appreciate my situation. The experience I had of the fight between the Arkansas and Admiral Davis's Tessels on the Missis sippi, showed plainly how unequal the contest is between iron-clads and wooden Tessels in loss of life, unless you succeed in destroying the iron-clad. I therefore deeply regret that the Department has not been able to giTO us ONE of the many iron-clads that are off Charleston and on the Mississippi. I have always looked for the latter, but it appears that it takes us twice as long to build an iron-clad as any one else. It looks as if the contractors and the fates were against us. While the rebels are bending their whole ener gies to the war, our people are expecting the war to close by defa'alt : and if they do not awaken to a sense of their danger soon, it will be so. But be assured, sir, that the navy will do its duty, let the issue come when it may, or I am greatly, deceived. I think you have many ready and willing to make any sacrifice their conn- try can require of them. All I ask of them is to do their whole duty ; the result belongs to God. A few Aveeks subsequent to this he says : My mail from New Orleans this morning is very discouraging. Our army is not only falling back to that most demoralizing of places, New Or leans, but I am informed by Lieutenant-Commander Cook, at Matagorda that General Banks has ordered Matagorda to be abandoned, and -the forts and earthworks to he destroyed. The general is in New Orleans ; the army said to be at Morganzia, just above Port Hudson, on the western shore. I ran in shore yesterday, and took a good look at the iron-clad Tennessee. She flies the blue flag of Admiral Buchanan. She has four ports of a side out of which she fights, I understand from the refugees, four Y-inch Brooks rifles, and two 19-inch columbiads. She has a torpedo fixture on the bow. Their four iron-clads and three wooden gunboats make quite a formidable appearance. PEEPAEATIONS FOE ATTACK. 87 *** * * **** The Department has not yet responded to my call for the iron-clads in the Mississippi, which I was led to believe were intended for this squadron. I am placing heavy iron cutters on the bows of my vessels, and shall also have torpedoes to place me on aa equality with my enemy, if he comes out side. No doubt he will have the advantage of me inside, as they are plant ing them every day ; we can see them distinctly when at work. . Torpedoes are not so agreeable when used on both sides ; therefore I have reluctantly brought myself to it, and have always deemed it unworthy of a chivalrous nation ; but it does not do to give your enemy such a decided superiority oTer you. Thus the Avinter and spring wore away, and mid-sum mer came before the preparations were completed for the contemplated attack. Farragut was at length informed that the iron-clad Tecumseh had arrived at Pensacola. There she was detained for want of coal, and had it not been for Captain Jenkins, of the Richmond, Craven said on his arrival, " God knows when I should have got here." He worked incessantly to carry out Farragut's AAdshes, and the latter said of him, "He carries out the spirit of one of Lord CoUingwood's best sayings, ' Not to be afraid of doing too much ; those who are, seldom do as much as they ought.'" On the 8th of July he had an interview with General Canby, and it was finally agreed that the latter should first invest Fort Gaines with the army ; and the troops were landed for that purpose, and began to throw up works. He, in the mean time, had issued the following order : Strip your Tessels and prepare for the conflict. Send down all your superfluous spars and rigging. Trice up or remoTe the " whiskers. Put up the splinter-nets on the starboard side, and barricade the wheel and steers men with sails and hammocks. Lay chains or sand-bags on .the decks oTer the machinery, to resist a plunging fire. Hang the sheet-chains over the side, or make any other arrangement for security that your ingenuity may suggest. Land your starboard boats, or lower and tow them to the port side, and lower the port boats down to the water's edge. Place a leadsman and the pilot in the port-quarter boat, or the one most convenient to the commander. 88 ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. The Tessels -will run past the forts in couples, lashed side by side, as here inafter designated. The flag-ship will lead, and steer from Sand Island N. by E. by compass, until abreast of Fort Morgan ; then N.W. half N., until past the Middle Ground ; then N. by W. ; and the others, as designated in the drawing, will follow in due order, untU ordered to anchor; but the bow and quarter line must be preserTcd, to give the chase-guns a fair range ; and each vessel must be kept astern of the broadside of the next ahead. Each vessel will keep a very little on the starboard quarter of his next ahead, and when abreast of the fort will keep directly astern, and as we pass the fort will take the same distance on the port-quarter of the next ahead, to enable the stern guns to flre clear of the next Tessel astern. It will be the object of the admiral to get as close to the fort as possible before opening flre ; the ships, howcTer, ¦will open flre the moment the enemy opens upon us, with their chase and other guns, as fast as they can be brought to bear. Use short fuses for the shell and shrapnell, and as soon as within three or four hundred yards, giTe the grape. It is understood that hereto fore we have fired too high ; but with grape-shot it is necessary to elevate a little aboTC the object, as grape will dribble from the muzzle of the gun. If one or more of the vessels be disabled, their partners must carry them through, if possible ; but if they cannot, then the next astern must render the requiredassistance ; but as the admiral contemplates moTing with the flood- tide, it will only require sufficient power to keep the crippled vessels in the channel. Vessels that can, must place guns upon the poop and topgallant forecastle, and in the tops on the starboard side. Should the enemy fire grape, they will remove the men from the topgallant forecastle and poop to the guns be low, out of grape range. The howitzers must keep up a constant fire from the time they can reach with shrapnell until out of its range. D. G. FAEEAGUT, Eea/r-Admiral, Commanding W. O. B. Squadron. The preparations having been completed, the signal was hoisted at daylight, August 5th, to weigh anchor and get under way. The wooden vessels were lashed in the fol lowing order: The Brooklyn, Captain James Alden, commander, led the fleet with the Octorara, Lieutenant- Commander C. H. Greene, on the port side. Next came the flag-ship Hartford, Captain Percival Drayton, with the Metacomet, Lieutenant-Commander J. E. Jewett; the Richmond, Captain T. A. Jenkins, with the Port Royal, THE ADVANCE. 89 Lieutenant-Commander B. Gheradi ; the Lackawana, Captain G. B. Marchand, Avith the Seminole, Commander E. Donaldson; the Monongahela, Commander F. H. Strong, Avith the Kennebec, Lieutenant-Commander W. P. McCann; the Ossipee, Commander W. E. LeRoy, Avith the Itasca, Lieutenant-Commander George BroAvn ; and the Oneida, Commander R. M. MuUany, Anth the Galena, Lieutenant-Commander C. H. WeUs, completed the line. It was a novel position for Farragut to find himself in — ^foUoAving instead of leading — and one which he took very reluctantly, and only at the earnest solicitations of the officers, who said that the Brooklyn, having four chase guns to the Hartford's one, and also an ingenious machine for picking up torpedoes, Avith which they knew the chan nel to be lined, should be the leading vessel. They stated, moreover, that in their judgment the flag-ship, on the movements and signals of which aU the other movements depended, should not be so much exposed as she would be at the head of the line, for she might be crippled before they came up Avith the forts. Farragut demurred very much to this arrangement, saying that " exposure was one of the penalties of rank in the navy;" besides, it did not matter where the flag-ship was, as "she would always be the main target of the enemy." The fleet, with the Brooklyn ahead, steamed slowly on, and at a quarter to seven the Tecumseh fired the first gun. Tw^enty minutes later the forts opened their fire, when the Brookljm replied with two 100-pounder Parrott rifies, and the battle fairly commenced. The rebel rams and iron clads, lying under the protection of the fort, added their fire, playing almost exclusively on the wooden vessels. Farragut had lashed himself near the maintop, so as to 90 ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. be able to overlook the whole scene, and watched with absorbing anxiety the progress of the fleet through the tremendous fire now concentrated upon it. Suddenly, to his utter amazement, he saw the Brooklyn stop and begin to back, causing the order to reverse engines to pass down through the whole fleet, and bringing it to a sudden halt just as it was entering the fiery vortex. " What could this mean," had hardly leaped to the lips of Farragut, when he heard the cry, "The Tecumseh is going doAvn!" Glancing his eye towards the spot where she lay, he saw only the top of her turrets rapidly disappearing beneath the water. The sight at this moment was enough to try the stoutest heart, and it brought out, like a flash of light ning, all the heroism in the man: What ! his whole line halted — the Tecumseh, for which he had waited so long, as the only match in his fleet for the ram Tennessee, gone to the bottom with aU her noble crew, and the fiery tem pest full upon him! With his usually mild face now blazing with the light of battle, and unalterable resolu tion written on every lineament, he shouted out, in a voice that rung over the thunder of cannon, to start the engines and steam right on ; and, dashing to the head of the line, with his bold signal fluttering aloft "close action," he drove straight for the blazing fort, followed by the squad ron, — the commanders belicAdng, as he said, " that they were going to a noble death with their commander-in- chief." The buoys were right ahead which had turned the Brooklyn back, indicating where torpedoes were supposed to be sunk, ready to lifli his ship into the air as they had the Tecumseh ; but, pointing between them, the order was to move on, and Avith the foam dashing from the bows of his vessel he swept forward, "determined," he said, " to take the chances." The fleet followed, gun answering FIGHT WITH THE EEBEL EAM. 91 gun, in one continuous thunder-peal that shook land and water. Wheeling to the northwest as he kept the channel, he brought his whole broadside to bear Avith fearful effect on the fort. As he moved in flame and smoke past it, stiU standing high up in the rigging, he saw the ram Tennessee steam out to attack him. He, however, did not stop to engage her, but, giving her one broadside, kept on towards the rebel gunboats Selma, Gaines, and Morgan, that were raking him Avith a scourging fire. The Selma, especially, by keeping on his bows, made sad havoc with her stem- guns, whUe his own 100-pounder rifle could not be brought to bear, as its carriage had been shattered by a sheU. He therefore cast off his consort, the Metacomet, with orders to pursue her. She at once gave chase, and, after a sharp race of an hour, captured her. The Morgan and Gaines ran into shaUow water under the guns of the fort, where the latter was set on fire, but the former in the night escaped up the Mobile river. The other vessels foUoAving in the wake of the flag-ship, one after another swept past the batteries, the crews loudly cheering, and were signalled by Farragut to come to an chor. But the officers had scarcely commenced clearing decks when the rebel ram was seen boldly standing out into the bay, and steering straight for the fleet, Avith the purpose of attacking it. The moment Farragut dis covered it, he signaUed the vessels to run her doAvn, and, hoisting up his oaati anchor, ordered the pilot to drive the Hartford full on the monster. The Monongahela, under the command of the intrepid Strong, being near the rear of the line, was stUl moving up the bay when he saw the ram heading for the line. He instantly sheered out, and, ordering on a fiill head of steam, drove with tremendous 92 ADMIEAL DAATIJ GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. force straight on the iron-clad structure. He struck her fair, then, SAvinging round, poured a broadside of eleven- inch shot, which, fired at such close range, feU with the weight of descending rocks on her mailed side. Yet they bounded back, and dropped harmlessly into the water. Wheeling, he again struck her, though he had carried away his OAvn iron prow and cutwater.* The Lackawana came next, and striking the ram while under full head way, rolled her over on her side. Such was the force of the shock that her oavti stem was cut and crushed to the planks for a distance of three feet above the water's edge to five feet below, springing her aleak. If his yards and topmasts had not been doAvn, they would have gone over board under the shock. As the vessel SAVung around broadside to, a gunner succeeded in planting a nine-inch shell, fired within twelve feet of the ram, into one of the shutters, breaking it into fragments, which were driven into the casemate. The rebels could be seen through the portholes making defiant gestures, while they cursed and blackguarded our crew in revolting language, which so exasperated them that they fired on them with muskets, and even hurled a spittoon and holy-stone at them, which made them scatter. The next moment, down came Far ragut in the Hartford, but just before the vessel struck, the ram sheered so that the blow was a glancing one, and the former rasped along her iron-plated hull and fell alongside. RecoUing for some ten or twelve feet the Hartford poured in at that short distance a whole broad side of nine-inch solid shot, hurled Avith charges of thirteen pounds of powder. The heavy metal, though sent with such awful force, and in such close proximity, made no * strong, by this bold movement, doubtless saved some of the vessels, and ought to have been promoted. CAPTURE OF THE RAM TENNESSEE BY FARRAGUT (MOBILE BAY). LOSS OF THE TECUMSEH. 93 impression, but broke into fragments on the mailed sides, or dropped back into the water. The shot and sheU from the Tennessee, on the other hand, went crashing through and through the wooden sides of the Hartford, strcAnng her deck Avith the dead. One 150-pound shell, exploding inside, prostrated men on the right hand and left, one of the fragments going through the spar and berth decks, and clean through the launch into the hold below among the wounded. Farragut now stood off, and began to make a circuit in order to come doAvn again, when the Lackawana, which was driving the second time on the monster, struck by accident the Hartford a little forward of the mizzen mast, and cut her doAvn to Avithin two feet of the water. She was at first thought to be sinking, and " the Admiral ! the Admiral ! — save the Admi ral!" rang over the shattered deck. But Farragut, seeing that the vessel would still float, shouted out to put on steam, determined to send her, crushed and broken as she was, full on the ram. By this time the monitors had crawled up, and were pouring in their heavy shot. The Chickesaw got under the stern and knocked away the smokestack, while the Man hattan sent one shot clean through the vessel, and disabled her stem port shutter Avith a shell, so that the gun could not be used, whUe a third carried away the steering gear. Thus, with her steering-chains gone, her smokestack shot away, many of her port shutters jammed, the Tennessee stood amid the crowding gunboats like a bleeding stag at bay among the hounds, while the Ossipee, Le Roy commanding, was now driAdng towards her under fiiU headway ; and a little farther off, bearing down on the same aATful errand, were coming the Hartford, Mononga- 94 ADMIEAL DAVTD GLASCOE FAEEAGUT hela and Lackawana. The fate of the poor vessel was now sealed, and her commander hoisted the white flag, but not until the Ossipee was so near, that Le Roy could not prevent a coUision, and his vessel rasped heaAdly along the iron sides of the ram. He received her surren der from commander Johnson — the admiral, Buchanan, having been previously wounded in the leg. This ended the morning's work, and, at ten minutes past ten, Farra gut brought his fleet to anchor within four miles of Fort Morgan. The killed and wounded on board the fleet amounted to two hundred and twenty-two — among the latter was Captain MaUory, of the Galena. Fifty-two were killed, of which twenty-five, or about half, were kiUed on board the Hartford, shoAving to what a fearful fire the flag-ship had been exposed. The Brookljm was the next severest sufferer, receiving the heaviest fire of the fort. The loss of the Tecumseh, with her gallant commander Craven and his crew, nearly all of whom went to the bot tom, chastened somewhat the joy over this great victory. Craven was in the turret when the torpedo exploded, which almost lifted the iron-clad from the water, and bloAving such a huge opening in her bottom that she sunk before the men from below could get on deck. Farragut, when he saw her go do Am, and just as he was starting to the head of the line, sent Acting Ensign Henry C. Nields with a boat to rescue any of the sur vivors that might be swimming in the water, and nobly did he perform the perilous duty assigned him. Sitting in the stern of the boat, he gave his orders coolly as his great commander could have done, and the rowers bent steadily to their oars whUe shot and shell fell in a per petual shower around them. He succeeded in picking CONDUCT OE THE MEN. 95 up ten within six hundred yards of the fort. A smile of pleasure lighted for a moment Farragut's face as he saw from his high perch how faithfuUy and heroically the daring youth performed his perUous task. The only other vessel lost was the PhUippi, which fol lowed the fleet against orders, and being struck by a shot was run ashore by her commander and deserted, Avhen the rebels burned her. Some idea of the terrible fire that had roUed over the waters that morning may be obtained by reflecting what an enormous amount of powder must have been exploded, since the Hartford and Brookljm alone fired nearly five thousand pounds. The fleet and batteries together must have expended enough, if put together, to have lifted the city of Mobile bodily from its firm foundations. The spirit of the commander in this great combat seemed to have actuated every officer and man. Farragut said of his flag-Ueutenant, G. Crittenden Watson, who stood on the poop during the entire action, attending to the signals, " He is a scion worthy of the noble stock he sprang from." Drayton, the flag-captain, said that al though many of the crew had never before seen a battle, not one flinched. At different times the greater part of four guns' crews were swept away, yet in every case the killed and wounded were quietly removed, the injury at the guns made good, and in a few moments, except from the crimson deck, nothing could lead one to suspect that anything out of the ordinary routine had happened. Charles MelAdUe, knocked down and wounded with fifteen others, and presenting a ghastly spectacle, no sooner got his wounds dressed than he returned to his gun, and, though scarcely able to stand, worked it bravely to the last Thomas Fitzpatrick set the same splendid example, mo"sF- 96 ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. ing a hero amid the crew, though his face was streaming with blood. The same could be said of James R. Garri' son, Thomas O'Connel, James E. Sterling, and Alexander Mack, all wounded — and all fighting bravely tiU the last shot was fired. But to mention all Avho bore themselves worthily and weU, one would have to give the entire list of the officers and crews. Two days after the victory, Farragut issued the fol lowing order : Flag-Ship Haetfoed, ^ MoUle Bay, Aug. 7th, 1864. \ The admiral desires the fleet to return thanks to Almighty God for the signal victory over the enemy on the morning of the 5th instant. D. G. FAEEAGUT, Bea/r-Admiral Oomma/nding W. 0. B. Squad/ron. Thus, after every battle, this great yet humble com mander exclaimed, " Not unto us, but to Thy name be all the praise and glory ! " His dependence on God was full and complete, yet all his plans were laid Anth care and consummate skill. He showed admirable forethought in lashing his ships together ; for the one on the farther side from the fort would necessarily receive but little injury ; and therefore, if her consort was disabled by the enemy's fire, could carry her out of range, and, if she sunk, pick up her cre-w. Hence, though he lost half his fleet, he would have the other half safe in Mobile Bay for further service. By this arrangement he also shortened his line of battle one half, and consequently it was only half as long under fire as if he had advanced in single line. If they had sailed two abreast Avithout being lashed together, there would have been great danger of getting fouled. , The night after the battle. Fort PoweU was evacuated, the rebels bloAving it up. The next morning the Chick- BOMBAEDMENT OF EOET MOEGAN. 97 esaw went doAvn and shelled Fort Gaines, and the follow ing morning Colonel Anderson, the commander, sent a note to Farragut, offering to surrender, and asking for terms. The reply Avas, first, unconditional surrender. When this was done the prisoners should be treated in conformity Avith the custom of civilized nations, and pri vate property, Avith the exception of arms, be respected. These terms were accepted, and at a quarter to ten o'clock the same morning the rebel flag came down, and the stars and stripes went up, amid the loud and prolonged cheers of the fleet Fort Morgan still refused to surrender, and Granger haAdng perfected his siege operations, Farragut moved doAvn on Sunday night, the 21st, Avith his fleet, and next morning at daybreak opened a terrific bombardment upon it. The batteries on shore joined in with their overwhelm ing fire, and all day long it rained a horrible tempest on the devoted fort. Farragut said : " A more magnificent fire has rarely been kept up." The inhabitants of Mobile gathered on the shores and house-tops and towers to gaze on the terrific scene, while the buildings, though miles away, rattled under the awful explosions, and one vast sulphurous cloud heaved and tossed above the quiet waters of the bay. Just at tAviUght the citadel of the fOrt took fire, and the garrison, finding themselves unable to ex tinguish the flames, which now shot heavenward in the increasing darkness, flooded the magazine to prevent its bloAving up, and threw large quantities of powder into the weUs. All night long the bombardment was kept up, ribbing the darkness with ghastly seams of light, as shells crossed and recrossed each other in their fiery track. Thus the fearful night wore on, and at six in the 98 ADMIEAL DAAm> GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. morning a duU, heavy explosion came over the bay from the smoking fort, and half aii hour later a white flag was seen to wave from its ramparts. General Page offered to surrender the fort, and asked the terms. The same as those given to Fort Gaines were offered and accepted. In his impotent rage, however, the commander ordered all the guns to be spiked, the carriages disabled, and arms, ammunition, &c., destroyed. He also, Avith some other officers, broke their swords, under the siUy impression that this would lessen the humiliation of the surrender. " The whole conduct of the officers of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan," said Farragut, " presents such a striking contrast in moral principle that I cannot faU to remark upon it. Colonel Anderson, who commanded the former, finding himself in a position perfectly imtenable, and en cumbered Avith a superfluous number of conscripts, many of whom were mere boys, determined to surrender a fort which he could not defend, and in this determination was supported by all his officers save one ; but, from the mo ment he hoisted the white flag, he scrupulously kept every thing intact, and in that condition delivered it over ; whilst General Page and his officers, Avith a childish spitefulness, destroyed the guns which they had said they would defend to the last, but which they never defended at all, and threw away or broke those weapons which they had not the manliness to use against their enemies ; for Fort Morgan never fired a gun after the commencement of the bombardment, and the advanced pickets of our army were actuaUy on its glacis." As before stated, the ceremony of surrender took place at two P.M., and that same afternoon the garrison Avas sent to NcAV Orleans in the United States steamers Ten nessee and Bienville, where they arrived safely. EETUEN TO NEW YOEK. 99 Farragut remained for awhile blockading the place, and sending off expeditions to destroy public property ; but his health needing some relaxation from his duties, he at length received permission to return homa He sailed in the Hartford on the 20th of November, and on the 12th of December reached New York harbor. The city, apprised of his coming, made preparations to receive him with fitting ceremonies, A revenue cutter, Avith the committee of reception on board, met him down in the Narrows, and a crowd welcom ed him at the docks in New York, He was then driven to the Custom House, where a more formal reception took place. CoUector Draper welcomed him to the city in a flattering address, to which Admiral Farragut made the following reply, which we give as being, in our estimation, the most characteristic, unstudied, and best one of any that he has made : " Mt Felends : I can only reply to you as I did before, by saying that 1 receive these compliments "with great thankfulness and deep emotions. I am entirely unaccustomed to make such an address as I would desire to do upon this occasion ; but, if I do not express what I think of the honor you do me, trust me I feel it most deeply. I don't think, however, that I particularly deserve anything from your hands. I can merely say that I have done my duty to the best of my abilities. I have been devoted to the service of my country since I was eight years of age, and my father was deToted to it before me. I have not specially deserved these demonstrations of your regard. I owe everything, perhaps, to chance, and to the praiseworthy exertions of my brother officers serving with me. That I have been fortunate is most true, and I am thankful, deeply thankful for it, for my country's sake. I return my thanks to the committee for their resolutions, especially for the one in regard to the creation of an add'.tional rank." On the last day of the year another reception took place at the coUector's headquarters, when the sum of $50,000 — a gift from the Avealthy men of Ncav York — Avas presented to him. 100 ADMIEAL DA"VID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. Wherever he went ovations awaited him — eyen the little vUlage of Hastings, to which he retired with his wife in the Annter, made an imposing display on his arrival. His reception at this place contrasted strikingly with his first entrance into it, an unknoAvn man, three years before. Suspected of conspiracy, his movements were then watched ; now the wintry heavens rang with acclamations and the shout of " See, the conquering hero comes ! " Farragut was no more afloat during the war ; and now, raised to the rank of Admiral, modestly wears the honors a grateful nation loves to heap on his head. In person Farragut is spare, but his form is firmly knit and very supple. He has always prided himself on the latter quality, and it has been his custom almost daUy for years, to interlace his fingers in front of him and thrust his legs, one after another, through the letter "O" made by his clasped hands, A few months ago, however, he caught a severe tumble while going through this difficult operation, which has caused him to abandon it. He finds that age and hard" work Avill tell on limbs, hoAvever vigor ous and elastic. Although Farragut possesses the originality, in con ception and plan, belonging to true genius, he is not like Napoleon the First, Avho rarely caUed a councU of war. He advises with his commanders, hears their suggestions, grafts the good ones on to his OAvn plan, and thus makes an admirable use of the ability which surrounds him. Brave as a lion, he has the dash and daring which a sailor loves, and which, if joined with success, makes a commander the idol of the people. To see him drive on through the deadly fire of batteries towards the enemy's CHAEACTEEISTIO ANECDOTE. 101 vessels beyond, one would think him a reckless, desperate man, to whom success, if it came at all, would be pure luck. But this would be an erroneous conclusion, for no man ever planned more carefully his blow beforehand than Farragut He endeavors to ascertain from the enemy's defences and preparations where he least expects that blow to faU, then plants it so suddenly that he has no time to interpose a new defence, and so terribly that it grinds everything to powder. His crouch is as careful and stealthy as the panther, and his leap as sudden and deadly. The aAvful fury Avith which he presses the attack Avhen once commenced, does not arise from the frenzied excitement of battle, but from the weU-settled conviction that he has chosen the best course that could be adopted, and victory must be reached right ouAvard in it, if reached at aU. Genius, prudence, and judgment in preparing for battle ; unconquerable energy and desperate vehemence in pushing it ; imperturbable coolness in the most unexpected and sudden disaster, and total unconsciousness of danger, though death and havoc reign supreme on his decks ; loving to lead his line where the peril is greatest, and asking his subordinates only to foUow him — ^he possefses all those qualities which go to make up a great and suc cessful-commander. Modest and unassuming, he dislikes the pompous ceremony of public ovations — ^retaining still his boyish frankness of nature and geniality of heart, that make him accessible to the humblest and beloved by aU. Many anecdotes are told of the kindness of his heart, playfulness of disposition, and boyish freshness of nature, that add greatly to the interest one takes in his character. Among others, a friend of his has related to us the following, that occurred on a trip the Admiral 102 ADMIRAL DAVID GLASCOE FAEEAGUT. recently made to the White Mountains. At Conway, a man brought his little daughter, at her OAvn urgent request, some fifteen miles to see him, for she would not be con tent tiU she had looked on the great Admiral. Farragut took the child in his arms, kissed her, and talked playfully Avith her. He was dressed in citizen's costume, and looked in her eyes very much like any other man, and totally im- like the hero whose praises had been so long ringing over the land. In her innocent surprise, she said, " Why, you do not look like a great general. I saw one the other day, and he was covered all over with gold." The Admiral laughed, and, to please her, actually took her to his room, and put on his uniform, when she went away satisfied. One such little incident as this throws a flood of light on one phase of his character, showing that he is kind and good as he is brave and great. The nation may well be proud of him, not only for the aid he brought to our cause by his astonishing victories, but for the lustre he has shed on our naA^ the world, over. CHAPTER III. REAR-ADMIRAL CHAELES WILKES. his nativity. — A MIDSHIPMAN. — HIS FIEST CETTISE. — HIS EAELT SEETI0E3. — APPOINTED TO THE DEPOT OF CHAETS AND BTSTEITMENTS. — HIS EFFOETS TO CEEATE A NATIONAL OBSEETATOET DECLAEED UNOONSTITTITIONAL. — SENT TO SUETET ST. GEOEGE'S BANK. — APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE ANTAECTIO EXPEDITION. — AOOOUNT OF HIS EXPLOEATIONS. — TAKES TENGEANOE ON THE CANNIBALS FOE THE MUEDEE OF HIS NEPHEW. — HIS AFXEE-TOTAGB BOUND THE WOELD. — COUET-MAETIALLED. — NAMES OF THE TAEIOTIS WOEKS THAT HE PUBLISHED. — AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WAE PLACED IN COMMAND OF THE FEIGATE SAN JACINTO, AND SENT TO THE WEST INDIES TO OAPTUEE THE PEITATBBE SUMTEE. — SEIZES THE BEITI3H MAIL-STBAMEE TEBNT, AND CAEEIE3 OFF MASON AND SLIDELL. — EXCITEMENT IN BOTH HEMISPHEEES OTEB THE SBIZUEB. — THE ACT FINALLY CONDEMNED BT THE PEESIDENT. — MADE OOMMODOEE, AND PLACED FIEST ON THE LIST. — ^ASSIGNED TO THE COMMAND OF THE POTOMAC FLOTILLA. — MADE ACTING EEAE-ADMIEAL, AND SENT TO PEOTEOT CUE OOMMEECE IN THE WEST INDIES. — SUSPENDED. — PLACED ON THE EETIEED LIST. , Charles Wilkes is a native of the city of New York, Avhere he was bom in the year 1801. A mere lad, he entered the navy as midshipman, when he was fifteen years old. In 1819 and 1820 he was attached to the squadron of McDonough in the Mediterranean. The two foUoAving years he served in the Pacific under Com modore Stewart, and exhibited so much nautical skill that he was selected for a separate command. In 1826. 104 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES WILKES. Avhen twenty-five years old, he, after ten years' service, Avas promoted to the rank of lieutenant In 1830 he was appointed over depot of charts and instruments, and was the first man in the country to set up fixed astronomical instruments and make observations Avith them. He placed the observatory in his own garden ; but, on'* at tempting to buUd a firm inclosure around the stone piers erected to sustain his instruments, he received an informal notice from the Navy Department, that it would not be aUowed, On inquiring the reason, he was told that a national observatory was unconstitutional. It seems hardly credible that this could have happened a little over thirty years ago. The constitution has been made to play a very curious rdle in our national history. He was taken fr^om this post and sent to survey St. George's Bank, which was a great bugbear to navigators, and performed the service with entire satisfaction. He was now transferred to a position of stiU greater responsibiUty. For some time the Government had been contemplating an expedition into the Antarctic Ocean, to see what lay beyond the stormy seas of Cape Horn and at length organized it, and placed him at its head. It consisted of five ships, and set sail August 18th, 1838. Reaching the Pacific Ocean, he explored various groups of islands lying south of the equator, and discovered mauA^ never before known. Having finished his surveys here he, at the end of the year 1839, turned his prow for the Antarctic. Pushing boldly toward the south pole he at length reached the icy barrier that surrounds it and dis covered the Antarctic Continent, never before seen bv explorers. With the American flag flying in the strange breezes of this unknoAvn, mysterious region, he boldly saUed along the barrier of ice in fuU sight of the land he THE ANTAECTIO CONTINENT. 105 could not reach, — running half as many degrees of longi tude as it is across the Atlantic Ocean. The next year he explored the Fejee Islands, where a nephew of his was kUled by the cannibals, for which act he took summary vengeance. He thus opened these islands to future naAd- gators and missionary establishments, which were subse quently planted by the Christian world. He then set sail north, and visited the^Hawaiian Islands, the Northwest Coast of North America, and made explorations by land in California. Crossing thence to Asia, he visited Ma- nUla, Loochoo, Borneo and Singapore ; and, returning by way of the Cape of Good Hope and the isle of St Helena, completed his voyage around the world, and reached home June 10th, 1842, having been gone four years. The next month he was made commander. During the year charges were made against him, by some of his offi cers, and he was courtfinarshaUed. _ He was, howe-verj | acquitted of aU, except ofiUegally punisESg'^suffie'of his,- crew, for which he was reprimanded. He pubUshed a narrative of his explorations in five octavo volumes, which made his name widely knoAvn in both hemispheres. Eleven other volumes and atlases were subsequently pub Ushed, of which he was the author of the one on meteor ology. In 1849 he published another book, giving an account of his observations in California and Oregon. In 1855 he was made Captain. The next year he pub lished his "Theory of Wind." Five years of comparative quiet now passed, but on the breaking out of the rebelUon in 1861, he was sent to the West Indies in the frigate San Jacinto, to capture the privateer Sumter. WhUe cruising in the region he learned that Messrs. Mason and SUdeU had reached Havana from Charleston on their way to England, as accredited ministers for the 106 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES WILKES, Confederate States to Great Britain and France, He immediately sailed for that port, and there ascertained that they had taken passage on board the English maU steamer Trent, which was to saU from St Thomas on the 1st of November, He immediately deteripined to cap ture them, and for that purpose cruised in the neighbor hood of the course it was supposed the vessel would take on her voyage to England. On tie 8th he saw her smoke rising over the water, and immediately beat to quarters, and ordered Lieutenant Fairfax to have two boats manned for the purpose of boarding her. The steamer, as she approached the waiting frigate, hoisted English colors. WUkes ran up the American flag, and, as she drew near, fired a shot across her bow as a sign to heave to. She however paid no attention to the summons, and kept steadUy on ; he then fired a shell across her bow, which was saying, " the next will be a broadside." The English commander understood it, and hove to. Lieutenant Fairfax then proceeded with his boats alongside, and mounted the deck The captain being pointed out to him, he informed him that he was Lieutenant Fairfax of the American frigate San Jacinto, commanded by Cap tain Wilkes, and asked to see the passenger list The request was peremptorily declined. The Lieutenant then told him that he was informed that Messrs. Mason, SUdeU, Eustis, and McFarland, were on board, and he meant to find them. These gentlemen, hearing the discussion, then came forward. Lieut. Fair fax quietly communicated to them the object of his visit. They at once protested against being taken on board of the American vessel. The passengers now began to crowd around, in a state of great excitement The lieu tenant, fearing that ^ violence would be used, ordered the CAPTUEE OF MASON AND SLIDELL. 107 Ueutenant in the boat alongside to come on board Avith a party of marines. The appearance of these armed men on deck of the British vessel was the signal of stUl greater excitement. " Marines on board I " was shouted on every side. "What an outrage!" "What a piratical act!" " England will open the blockade for this," and various other exclamations which showed the bitter feeling that was aroused. Fairfax was in the cabin, and the lieuten ant, hearing the altercation and angry threats, marched his marines in among the startled passengers, who feU back at their presence. Amid the confusion was heard a woman's voice, which proved to be that of Slidell's daugh ter, who stood before the door of the state-room into which her father had retired, declaring that no one should take him away. Finding that the prisoners would not go without force, the lieutenant took Mr. Mason by the col lar and caUed on Mr. Hall to assist him. Slidell noAV came through the Avindow of the state-room, when he too was seized, and the party hurried off into the boats. The families of the gentlemen preferring to keep on to Eng land, they were allowed to remain on board the steamer, and she resumed her course. The news of the arrest of these men in our port caused the wUdest excitement. Washington was thrown into fever heat, and the whole nation aroused. Some Avere delighted at the capture of these arch traitors, others alarmed at the consequences that would result from their capture. " What would England say to it 1 " was asked on every side. Pages of argument were written to show that the seizure was in accordance Avith the law of nations, and past history was ransacked for precedents to justify it. The Secretary of the Navy indorsed the act by a letter of thanks to Capt Wilkes, and Congress passed a vote 108 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES VPILKES. of thanks. A banquet was given to the Captain in Bos ton, and the country seemed determined to sustain the act at all hazards. The news caused stUl greater excite ment in England, " The British flag had been insulted," was the angry exclamation on every side. The deck of an EngUsh vessel had been invaded by a hostile force, and the cry of "redress or war" roUed over the land. After the first burst of passion had subsided with us, the affair did not wear so gratifying an aspect. We were not in a condition just then to go to war Avith England, and what ever else might be the result, it was plain that such a catastrophe at this critical juncture would give the South its independence. This was not a pleasant alternative ; yet Congress and the Secretary of the Navy had indorsed the act, and if the President did the same, we must abide the decision, whatever the results might be. The British govemment at once denounced it as an affront to the British flag, a violation of international law, and demand ed the restoration of the prisoners. The press throughout the country laughed at this extreme sensitiveness to the obligations of international law on the part of a nation which had violated it more than all other maritime powers put together, StUl her crimes in this respect could not sanction us in committing simUar ones. The wrong, if one, was the same, whatever her conduct may have been. The feeling, however, was very general, that, because Great Britain was the chief of sinners in the invasion of maritime rights, therefore we had a right to sin also. But fortunately our Government took a more statesman like view of it What England deserved was one thino- ; Avhat precedent we should establish to be used in future complications was quite another. Our record must be kept clean, Avithout any reference to feelings of pride or passion. PUBLIC FEELING, 109 The demand of the British government for the return of the prisoners on board an English ship was finally ac ceded to, and the threatened storm averted. Some, who be lieved the North could conquer both the South and Cana da, and at the same time maintain the blockade, whip the EngUsh navy, and chase her commerce from the seas, were disappointed and offended at the humiliation, as they termed it, of the Govemment, But none, judging from the tone of their press, were more chagrined than the rebels. They professed to be ashamed of the poltroonery of Ameri can blood, and scoffed at the base self-degradation. But the truth was, this unfortunate occurrence seemed to be such a stroke of good fortune for them that they did not want to lose the benefits of it Mason and Slidell were sent abroad to secure the intervention of foreign gOA'ernments in their behalf, and their mission promised to be success ful before it was begun. In their imaginations, the storm of foreign war was already darkening over the North, and they saw their independence secured. To see it dissi pated so suddenly, aroused aU their anger and derision. Many at the North accepted the action of our Govern ment on the ground of expediency alone, but it was in fact justified on the strict ground of international law. Much ingenious argument was expended to justify Capt, Wilkes, but men forgot that international law, like the laws of civiUzed warfare, is not based on the strict rule of justice, but of mutual benefit. They are simply gen eral rules, adopted for the good of all parties, under the present order of things ; nothing more. The Secretary of State gave several reasons to show the propriety of the decision which the government came to, but only one was needed. Capt. Wilkes' duty under international laAV Avas, if he regarded the carrying of 110 EEAE-ADjnEAL CHAELES WILKES, Mason and SUdeU as a violation of neutral rights, to seize the vessel and carry her into a neutral port, and have the case decided by a prize court. This was the first step to be taken ; and until this was done, aU require ments about the status of these men, and what constituted articles contraband of war, were out of place. Neither the press, nor the people, nor Capt. Wilkes, were to be judges of that The first step which he did take being a wrong one, there was no use of discussing the intrinsic merits of the case. • To justify Capt, Wilkes would be to lay down the extraordinary doctrine, that any sloop-of-Avar may turn her deck into a prize court and adjudicate on its own seizures. This Avould be a monstrous principle for our gOA^ernment to establish, and yet this is exactly what it would have done, had it sustained Capt. WUkes. It evidently daAvned on his own mind, after his first report was sent to the Government, that his action was unjusti fiable on this very ground, for he made a second, in Avhich he apologizes for not bringing the vessel in, on the ground of inability to do so. But this was plainly an after thought, and had no foundation in fact. On the reorganization of the navy in 1862, he was promoted to the rank of Commodore, and placed first on the list He Avas then assigned the command of the flotUla in the James River. The rebel troops at City Point haAdng attacked our transports, he moved up and sheUed it, leaving it a heap of ruins. Afterwards he was made acting rear-admiral, and was sent in command of a squadron to the West Indies, to protect our commerce there. His presence in those waters annoyed the Eng lish much, who imagined that it was done to insult them, because of their denunciations of his conduct in the IS SUSPENDED. Ill Trent affair. The scene of his discomfiture was made to Avitness his promotion and a still larger exercise of power granted him. Afterward, having alloAved some Governmental docu ments to be made public, he was court-martialled, and the trial told so heaAoly against him, that he was sus pended for awhUe, and eventually placed on the retired list, where he now is. He is an able man, and stands among the first of American explorers, and as such is more Avidely knoAvn than any other regular naval commander. CHAPTER IV. REAR-ADMIRAL SILAS H. STRINGHAM. HIS NATITITY. — ENTEE3 THE NATT. — SAILS UNDEB EODGEES. — AFFAIE OF THE PEESIDENT AND LITTLE BELT.— WAE DECLAEED. — CHASE OF THE BELTI- DEEE. — SEETES UNDEE DECATUE ON THE COAST OF ALGIEES. EES0UE8 THE CBBW OF A FEBNCH BEIG AT GIBEALTAE. — A GALLANT FEAT. — OAPTUEES SLATBES ON THE AFEICAN COAST AND SENT HOME WITH HIS PEIZES. — ^MADB LIEUTENANT, AND SENT TO THE WEST INDIA STATION. OAPTUEES A NOTOEIOUS SLAVBE. — TEANSFEEEED TO THE BEOOKLYN NATT TAKD. — COMMANDS THE OHIO IN THE BOMBAEDMENT OF TEEA CEUZ. COMMANDS THE BEAZILIAN SQUADEON. — SENT TO THE MEDITBEEANBAN. — PLACED OTEH GOSPOET NATY YAED. — AT COMMENCEMENT OF THE EEBBL- LION MADE FLAG-OFFICEE OF THE ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADEON. — COMMANDS THE EXPEDITION SENT TO CAPTUEE HATTEEAS. — THE BOM BAEDMENT. — JOY OTEE HIS TICTOEY. — BLAMED FOE NOT PEOSEOUTING IT, AND IS EELIETBD OF HIS COMMAND. — ^PLACED ON THE EETIEED LIST. Admiral Stringham was born in New York State, and entered the service in 1809, in 1810 as midshipman, and served under the gallant Rodgers in the frigate Presi dent till 1815. In 1811, the year before the second war Avith England was declared, though then but thirteen years of age, he got a taste of the life he might expect in his profession. In May of that year. Commodore Rodgers, whose vessel was then lying at Annapolis, heard that an American had been impressed on board an English frig ate, near Sandj'^ Hook Impressment of Americans on THE PEESIDENT AND LITTLE BELT. 113 board of British men-of-war was at that time one of the outrages against which we remonstrated, and for which we finally declared war. Its repetition, right on our coast, was too gross an insult to be overlooked, and he immediately weighed anchor and hastened northward to get the man released, or fight the English vessel. On the 16th of May, at noon, a sail was made, and the Presi dent immediately stood towards it. The latter bore away, and the President gave chase. Rodgers did not come up Anth the stranger till after dark, and so did not know his strength. But when he got within hail, he de manded the name of the ship. No answer being returned, except to send back, word for word, his own hail, the question, after a short interval, was again put, Avhen a shot came for a reply from the stranger, striking the maiur mast of the frigate. Three more guns followed, in quick succession, when the President opened her broadsides. After a few shots, Rodgers, finding that his insolent enemy made but feeble resistance, ordered the fire to cease, and again hailed the vessel. This time he got an. answer. Seeing that' his antagonist was disabled, and haAong finaUy compelled him to answer his haU, he though he had given him a sufficient lesson in good man ners, and so gave the name of his own ship. He then wore round, and, running a short distance to leeward,. hove to for the night. The next morning he sent an officer aboard, who reported the vessel to be the English ship of war Little Belt She was sadly cut up, having lost thirty-one of her crew by the President's broadsides.. The captain, Bingham, angrUy refusing any assistance,. both vessels bore away to their respective ports, to report this momentous event to the tAVO nations, already on the verge of war, and needing only a spark to kindle the 114 EEAE-ADMIEAL SILAS H. STEINGHAM. smouldering embers into a blaze. No one at this day can imagine the tremendous excitement this affair created on both sides of the water. Rodgers was assailed on all sides ; but his officers, stood by him. The next year war was declared. Our little navy at this critical period was so insignificant, compared to that of the English, that it was at first determined not to send it to sea at all, but to keep it for harbor defences ; but this fatal decision was changed by the resolute determina tion of two naval officers — Bainbridge and Stewart. A large fleet of Jamaica men was reported to have sailed,, and should be at this time off our coast, and Rod gers, who was then in New York harbor, was ordered to intercept it. The amount of abuse he had received for his attack on the Little Belt had not lessened his anti pathy to the English ; and, in an hour after he received the orders — as if fearing they might be revoked — his squadron, with all sail set, was standing proudly down the bay. Stringham was now fourteen years old, and the scene he witnessed left an indelible impression on his memory. The gallant officers and sailors of that squad ron had none of the misgivings of the Government They Avanted no shelter in port, and asked no favors but an un fettered command and the broad ocean, and the privilege, with their flag flying in the breeze, to lay alongside of the proudest frigate in the proud English navy. When the order to weigh was given, never was anchor to the cat head sooner, or with a heartier " yo-heave-ho," nor top sail sheeted home sooner, for every pulse on board that little squadron was bounding Avith joy. As the vessels bore majesticaUy doAvn the bay, the men were beat to quarters, and aU told, if any among them disliked the coming contest, or a single one who had not rather sink HIS FIEST FIGHT. 115 alongside, gi"ving gun for gun, than surrender, he might leave at once and go ashore in the pilot boat. Fore-and- aft, like a rising storm, went " not one, not one ! " and then three thundering cheers rolled over the jilacid waters of the bay. Stringham's voice joined in the shout, and, though a mere lad, he panted for the fight. That little squadron was to make the first claim for equal rights on the sea. Tavo days after, just at sunrise, an English frig ate was seen in the northeast, and all sail crowded in pur suit The chase led doAvn the wind, and the President being a fast sailer, when going free, soon left the squadron far astern, and aU day long bore steadily down on the Englishman, gaining slowly but steadily. At four o'clock he got within gunshot, and in a very short time the ex cited crew expected to be alongside. But at this critical moment the Avind luUed, and the Englishman began to creep away from the President. Rodgers then deter mined to cripple his antagonist, so that he could come wp, and, training the first gun himself, puUed the lanyard. The Avell-aimed shot struck the stern of the British frig ate, and, crashing through her timbers, plunged into the gun-room. Shot after shot was now fired in quick suc cession ; but at the fourth discharge the gun burst, killing and wounding sixteen of our own men, and flinging the Commodore into the air, who fell back on the deck Avith such Adolence that his leg Avas broken. The enemy, seeing the accident, now opened fire ; but the President, recovering from her disaster, soon began to heave her shot Anth such precision, that the Belvidere (the name of the English vessel) was compelled to cut away her anchors, throw overboard her boats, and spring fourteen tons of water, in order to lighten herself. By this sacri fice she gained in the desperate chase, and the President 116 EEAE-ADMIEAL SILAS H. STEINGHAM. was compelled to give up the pursuit This was the first real engagement with a foe of equal size that young Stringham was in, and his disappointment at the result was intense. He was in no after engagement during the Avar, though the navy covered itself with imperishable glory. In 1815, he was transferred to the brig Spark, Capt, Gamble, which constituted a j)art of Decatur's squadron in the Algerine Avar, and helped to take an Al- gerine frigate. The next year, while his vessel was lying at Gibraltar, he performed one of those acts of gaUant daring that have always distinguished our navy. A French brig, attempting to come into the bay in a heavy gale, was capsized, and lay wallowing in the sea, totaUy helpless. The crcAV of the Spark saAV her distress, and Stringham, though a stripling of only eighteen years of age, volunteered to go to her assistance. Gamble gave his consent, and the former, with six seamen, leaped into a smaU boat and pulled through the turbulent sea to- Avards the Frenchman. He reached the brig, and, with great difficulty and danger to his boat, succeeded in tak ing off five of the crew, and then bore away to transfer his burden to his vessel and return. But the wind and waves beat him back, and he could make no headAvay in that direction. He then turned and pulled for the Al gerian shore ; but as he approached it he saw the surf, lashed by the gale, breaking furiously upon it There Avas now no alternative, however, but to pass through it ; and the rowers bent to their oars with all their strength. The breakers caught the frail, heavily-laden boat, and lifting it high into the air, hurled it, bottom side up, on the beach. Each one now had to struggle for his life, Stringham got ashore ; but one of his crew and two of the Frenchmen were borne away by the surf and drowned. HIS-CEUISES AND SEE VICES, 117 In 1819 we find Stringham on board the Cyane, con veying the first settlers to Liberia, While on the Afri can coast he was put with an armed crew in command of a boat, and sent out in search of slavers. He suc ceeded in capturing four, and was made prize-master, and sent home with his prizes. In 1821 he was promoted to a first-lieutenancy, and ordered to the Hornet, then on the West India station. There he captured a notorious pi rate-ship and slaver. From 1825 to 1829 he was at the Brooklyn navy yard, and afterward went as first- lieutenant of the Peacock in search of the Hornet, sup posed to be lost During the search he was transferred to the Falmouth, and sent to Carthagena, and in 1830 re turned to New York. For the next five years he was engaged on shore duty. He then was sent to the Mediter ranean, but in 1837 was again in command of the Brook lyn navy yard. In 1842 he was ordered to the razee In dependence, but the next year returned to the navy yard. He was here when Marshal Bertrand Adsited the country, and helped to honor the illustrious Frenchman. In 1846 he was placed in command of the ship-of-the-line Ohio, and took part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz during its investment by Scott Afterward, for a short time, he commanded the BraziUan squadron, but in 1851 took charge of the Gosport navy yard. The three subsequent years he commanded the Mediterranean squadron — his flag-ship being the Ul-fated Cumberland. He was then ordered again to the Gosport navy yard, where he re mained tUl 1859, In March, 1861, he was called to Washington as a member of a naval court-martial. The rebellion breaking out, he was appointed flag-officer of the Atlantic blockading squadron. In August he was sent with General Butler, commanding a land force, to 118 EEAE- ADMIRAL SILAS H, STEINGHAM, capture Fort Hatteras, This fort commanded the mlet to Pamlico and Albermarle Sounds — a great rendezvous for rebel privateers, and the waters of which commanded nearly the whole coast of North Carolina, No secret was made of the expedition, and the Confederate authorities had ample time and notice to prepare for defence. The expedition consisted of the fiag-ship Minnesota, the United States steamers Wabash, Monticello, PaAmee, Harriet Lane, and the chartered steamers Adelaide, Peabody, and the tug Fanny, The Adelaide and Peabody were trans ports carrying the troops, and towing schooners loaded with surf-boats, in which to land them. These were a part of two regiments — five hundred of the Twentieth New York Volunteers, Colonel Weber commanding, and tAvo hundred and twenty of the Ninth, Colonel Hawkins commanding, with one hundred of the coast-guard, under Captain Nixon, and sixty of the Second United States Ar tillery, under Lieutenant Larned — making nine hundred in all. The expedition sailed on the 26th of August, 1861, at one o'clock, and the news of its departure Avas soon telegraphed all over the country, causing the greatest excitement, — for aU were eager to have something done to offset the mortification caused by the defeat of Bull Run, Light summer airs prevailed, and the next morning, at half past nine o'clock. Cape Hatteras Avas sighted. At five the squadron came to anchor south of the Cape, and the boats A\'ere hoisted out ready to commence landing the troops in the morning. At four next morning the drum roused the men, and, a hasty breakfast being taken, between six and seven the signal was made to disembark the troops — the PaAmee, Monticello, and Harriet Lane, in the mean time to cover the landing, which Avas to take BOMBAEDMENT OF FOET HATTEEAS. 119 place about two miles east of Fort Clark. Fort Hat teras, a regularly constructed earthwork, with bomb-proofs, and guns mounted en barbette, was some one hundred and thirty rods inland, while fort Clark was a redoubt lying between it and the ships, and near the shore. At ten o'clock the Wabash, Cumberland, and Minne sota opened their broadsides, and, running backwards and forwards past the battery, rained shot and shell Avithout intermission upon it. An hour later, the Susquehannah came up, and the four vessels poured in a continuous fire on the doomed earthwork. The smoke from fifty-seven guns roUed away over the water, and, settling in the still air, shut out, except at intervals, the fort, whose guns replied, but could not reach the ships. While this tre mendous cannonading was going on, three miles away the surf-boats were pulling for the shore. Although the weather was calm, a heavy southerly gale had prevailed just before the fleet arrived, and Avas evidently stUl blow ing farther down the coast, from the effect of which the surf was breaking with tremendous power on the exposed beach and momentarily increasing in force. The boats, as soon as they entered the breakers, were hurled vio lently forwards, then left aground, so that the soldiers had to wade ashore, wetting their guns and ammunition. It was impossible in the heavy seas, to launch the boats again, and return after the remaining troops, lying off in smooth water. All this time Stringham kept up the bombardment, though expecting every moment the signal of the land attack, which was to be the signal to cease firing. But, despite all their exertions, but three hundred men could be got on shore, with only tAvo howitzers, one of which was disabled in the landing. This little force however, immediately formed and marched along the 120 EEAE- ADMIRAL SILAS H, STEINGHAM. beach toward the fort. The vessels ceased firing, and Avatched its steady progress. The garrison at the battery also saw it advancing, and fled inland to the protection of Fort Hatteras, At two o'clock the American flag was flying above it. The MonticeUo, Capt. GiUis, was now ordered to feel her way into the inlet. In doing so, how ever, she came within range of the guns of Fort Hat teras, and was struck several times ; while inside, a rebel steamer was seen tOAving a schooner filled with troops, toward the fort Stringham immediately hoisted the sig nal "engage batteries," and the ponderous shot and shell again rained against the fortifications. The cannonade Avas kept up till a little after six, when the signal "cease fir ing" was displayed from the flag-ship, and silence once more reigned over the waters. The wind now rising, the squadron hauled off to get an offing in case of a gale, with the exception of the Monticello, Pawnee, and Harriet Lane, which Avere ordered to lie close in shore and protect the troops. The condition of the latter was any thing but pleasant. Cut off from their comrades, cut off from the ships, and., if a storm arose, which might be expected at any moment on that inhospitable coast, sure to be captured, the prospect before them was gloomy enough. Wet through, with but little ammunition, and no provisions, they, as night came on, fell back toward the shore. As they did so they luckily came upon some sheep and geese, which they at once appropriated and carried back to the beach. Camp fires were then built, and the hastily dressed mutton and fowls spitted on bayonets and cut lasses, and roasted. As darkness closed around them the rain began to fall, foretelling a stormy night. The fcAv fires burned dimly along the strand, on which all night long the white-crested billows broke with a deep moton- SUEEENDEE OF THE FOET. 121 onous roar. The hours passed slowly away, and the poor fellows looked forward to a southern prison as their doom. But at length it began to lighten in the east, and as the early dawn brightened over the broadly heaving Atlantic, they saw with joy the vessels again standing towards the land, A little after seven the signal Avas again run up " engage batteries, " and now Fort Hatteras took all the storm. After a couple of hours, however, Stringham saw that many of his shot feU short, and ordered the fir ing to cease, and the gunners use fifteen-second fuses only, with ten-inch guns. He had been using ten-second fuses. The fire was then renewed, and, the Harriet Lane coming up with her rifled guns, the fort took a terrible pounding. Commodore Barron, of the rebel navy, — in Avhose charge the defences of the North Carolina coast had been placed, — came to the fort the previous evening, and assumed command. A few months before, his flag had waved from the Wabash, that he as a federal officer commanded, and now he saw her guns turned on him, a traitor. He soon noticed that the guns of the fort were too light to reach the ships, which with their heavy metal could, whUe keeping out of his range, hurl shells and shot, ^ with unerring precision, into his works. He saw at once it was a hopeless fight, yet he could have kept to his bomb-proofs, and waited for a storm to disperse the fleet, which might be expected any hour on that coast; but the wooden ventilator of his magazine taking fire fi-om our sheUs, a panic, it was supposed, seized the troops, and they demanded that the fort should be surrendered. So just before noon a white flag went up — the flring ceased, and the Uttle band on shore began to move toAvards the fort. The crews of the squadron, when they saw this, simultaneously sent up three rousing cheers. 122 EEAE- ADMIRAL SILAS H, STEINGHAM, Gen, Butler went in to receive the surrender, and soon returned with Barron and the officers on board. Seven hundred and fifteen men, a thousand stand of arms, sev- enty-five kegs of powder, five stand of colors, thirty-one cannon, besides provisions, stores, and cotton, were the fruits of this victory. The wild delight with which the news was received, showed how deeply the nation had felt the disgrace of Bull Run, and how eager it was to seize on any success that would help to wipe out its re membrance. The Harriet Lane, in trying to cross the bar, grounded, and it was feared for a while that she would be lost, but she was finaUy got off. The fleet returned to Fortress Monroe amid the acclamations of the people, and oya- tions were freely tendered to Stringham, But the plau dits that were rained on him soon gave way to unmeas ured and unmerited blame, for not taking his fleet into the sound, and prosecuting his victories along the coast. It Avas said that he was in a hurry to get back, and be feted and lionized, and an attempt was made to throw ridicule upon him. It afterwards turned out that his vessels drew too much water to go over the bar, and, moreover, that his orders were to return immediately, after the reduction of the forts, to Fortress Monroe, When this was finaUy ascertained, the denunciations were turned from him on the nayy department, for its shiftless management; but too late to soothe the wounded feelings of the brave commander. Whether it was owing to the unmerited abuse he received, causing him to be dissatisfied Anth the service, or not, he, for some reason, the next month, at his OAvn request, was relieved from his command. The next year, Aug, 1st, he was made rear-admiral on the retired list. CHAPTER V. REAR-ADMIRAL SAMUEL FRANCIS DUPONT. HIS NATITITY. — MADE MIDSHIPMAN AT TWELTE TBAES OF AGE. — FIEST CEUISE UNDEE OOMMODOEE STEWAET. — OOMMANDEE IN 1846. COMMANDS THE CONGEESS DUEING THE MEXICAN WAE. — ^EBSOUBS A PAETT BELEAGUEEED IN THE MISSION OF SAN JOSE. — MADE CAPTAIN AND PLACED IN COMMAND OF THE STEAM FEIGATE MINNESOTA, AND CONTEYS CUE MINISTEE TO CHINA. — CEUISE IN THE CHINESE WATEES. — ^AT THE BEEAKING OUT OF THE EEBELLION PLACED OTBE THE PHILADELPHIA NATT YAED. — PEOPOSES THE CAPTUEE OF POET EOYAL. — PLACED IN COMMAND OF THE EXPEDI TION. — EXCITEMENT OF THE COUNTST ON ITS DEPAETUEE. — MYSTEEY EE- SPEOTING ITS DESTINATION. — A TEEEIFIO STOEM. — FOEEBODINGS OF THE PEOPLE AND EXULTATION OF THE SOUTH. — THE FLEET SCATTEEBD. — SHIP- WEEOK AND DEATH. — SINKING OF THE GOTBENOE. — FEIGHTFUL SCENES. — AEEITAL AT POET EOYAL. — THE ATTACK. — A THEILLING SPECTAOLB. — SUE EENDEE OF THE FOETS. — ENTHUSIASM OTEE THE TICTOET. — DUPONt's CON QUESTS ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTH CAEOLINA, GEOEGIA, AND FLOEIDA. — HIS STEINGBNT BLOCKADE. EAID OF THE EEBEL KAM3 OF CHAELESTON ON TTTS FLEET. — THE MEEOEDITA AND KEYSTONE STATE. — COMMANDS THE lEON- CLAD FLEET IN THE GEEAT ATTACK ON CHAELESTON. — DESCEIPTION OF THE COMBAT. — DISAPPOINTMENT OTBE THE FAILUEE. — DUPONT BLAMED FOE NOT EENEWING THE ATTACK. — HIS DEFENCE. — C0UET-MAETIAL3 THE CHIEF ENGINEBE. — EELIETED OF HIS COMMAND. — ADMIEAL FOOTE PUT IN HIS PLACE. — HIS SUDDEN DEATH. — ^ADMIEAL DAHLGEEN SUCCEEDS HIM. — EETIEBMENT OF DUPONT. — HIS DEATH. HIS CHAEACTEE. DupoNT, as his name indicates, is of French extrac tion, his father and grandfather both haAong emigrated to this country in 1799. 124 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F. DUPONT. He was bom at Bergen Point, New Jersey, Septem ber 27th, 1803. The remembrance of the vital aid rendered us by the French nation in our struggle for in dependence being fresh in our memories, it was not diffi cult to get a son of one of its recent citizens into our navy ; and Samuel, in 1817, at twelve years of age, obtained a midshipman's warrant and sailed on his first cruise in the seventy-four gunship Franklin, under the gaUant Com modore Stewart. Being an apt scholar, he rapidly ac quired the knowledge of his profession, but, promotion coming slowly in times of peace, he, though steadUy rising step by step in rank, did not reach the position of com mander till 1845. All this time he faithfuUy fulfilled his duties in whatever waters he sailed. In 1845 he was or dered to the Pacific to the ^command of the Congress, and saw much service, during the Mexican war, on the coast of California. In 1848, hearing that Lieutenant Heywood, with a small party, was beleaguered in the Mission House at St. Jose by some five hundred Mexicans, he landed a hundred marines and sailors, and boldly advancing against this force, five times as great as his own, scattered them in confusion, and rescued the lieutenant His gaUant " blue jackets " were received by the rescued party with rousing cheers, which they returned with a sailor's heartiness. In 1856 he was made captain, and the next year placed in command of the steam-frigate Minnesota, and ordered to convey Mr, Reed, the American minister, to China, He remained cruising in the Chinese waters for two years, when he returned to the United States, and, on the 1st of January, 1861, was appointed over the Philadelphia navy yard. In the summer, while String ham was preparing the expedition against Hatteras, the ^is%H:B.Haii.>rr- Rear ADM, SAMUEL F. DUFOTTi:, :rl j-i-r. ,a7t(iriit.i e J-s ili^:-! WocI POET EOYAL EXPEDITION, 125 Secretary of the Navy consulted with him respecting the seizure of some Southern harbor occupying a central posi tion, which would answer for a depot and place of rendez vous, etc., for our fleets in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, He recommended Port Royal, a place but little known at the time in the North, His views being adopted, he was put in command of the Atlantic block ading squadron, and directed to fit out an expedition to capture it, A fleet of fifty sail — transports and all — was assem bled in Hampton Roads, attached to which was a land force, some twenty thousand strong, under Gen, W, T. Sherman, The Government, having learned wisdom by experience, determined that the destination of this expedi tion should be kept secret ; and each commander was furnished with sealed orders, which were not to be opened tiU out to sea. Bad management in some of the minor details delayed the saUing of the fleet later than was intended, and the beautiful month of October slipped away, leaving it still in the waters of the Chesapeake. Dupont had sent off some twenty coal vessels, Avith direc tions to rendezvous off Savannah, in order to deceive the enemy as to the real point of attack ; and, at length, on the 24th of October, gave the signal to the fleet to weigh anchor. No such imposing naval force had ever before been seen in our waters, and the appearance it presented as it moved down the bay, was most grand and striking.' When the news was received that it was fairly out to sea, the most intense excitement prevailed throughout the country. The secret of its destination had been weU . kept ; and hence a mystery enveloped it which served to increase the excitement Various conjectures were made respecting the point along the coast on which the descent 126 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F. DUPONT. was to be made. Some suggested WUmington, others Savannah and Charleston ; whUe but a few guessed its real destination. All were agreed in one thing, however, that it would send consternation through the South, But in a few days, however, the elation of the people was changed into gloomy forebodings, for a storm of unpre cedented fury swept along the Atlantic coast, carrying wreck and destruction in its path. One might have Avell been filled with anxiety had the fleet been composed of thorough-going sea vessels ; but it was known that many of those used as transports were never intended for the sea — being mere river steamers, and even ferry-boats. Loaded to their utmost capacity Avith stores and ammuni tion, and precious lives, how could they outride such a hurricane? Men in Washington turned pale as they heard, hour after hour, the heavy storm surging by, and it began to look as though God's frown was on the enter prise. The Southern papers overflowed with exultation and thanksgiving, and every one called to mind the Spanish Armada, whose strength and pride were humbled by just such a storm, and left a helpless wreck on the waters. Rumors of Avreck and disaster came at intervals from along the coast ; but it was many days before any defin ite information was received. The fleet took the storm on the most dangerous part of our coast- — off Cape Hatteras — and was scattered by it like autumn leaves in a gale. From four o'clock, Fri day morning, till midnight, the tempest was at its height Signal lights were hoisted after dark in the rigging of the vessels, which rose and fell like flreflies along the heaving deep. Now up and now doAm, as the laboring ships reeled from the watery summits to the yawning gulfs be- A FEAEFUL STOEM. 127 low ; they one moment gleamed dimly through the blind ing storm and rain, that feU in torrents, and then disap peared, as if quenched for ever, in the tumultuous billows. Some of the vessels soon became unmanageable, others endeavored to lay-to, and all were fearful, even could they outride the hurricane, that they would be dashed against each other in the darkness. The wind howled and shrieked through the rigging, and the thousands of sol diers, unaccustomed to the sea, stood appalled at the might and terror of the angry elements. The Winfield Scott, loaded with nearly five hundred troops, labored fearfully, and soon sprung a leak. Hoisting signals of distress, she cut away her masts. This failing to relieve her, she tumbled overboard her three rifled cannon. Next, the tents, equipments, and muskets were thrown into the sea, while the pumps were kept vigorously at work. The BienviUe saw her signal of distress and hove-to. It did not seem possible that a small boat could live a moment in such a sea, and Captain Steed- man, unAnlling to order any of his crew to attempt the perUous task of carrying a hawser to her, shouted, "Who AvUl volunteer to save the Winfield Scott?" "I," "I," replied a score of brave sailors, and three boats were at once lowered, and the next moment were riding like cockle-shells on the careering waves. Two were swamped, but the lives of the crew saved. At length the two ves sels drifted together, with a crash. Taking advantage of the collision, fifty soldiers leaped aboard the BienvUle — some feU between, and, Avith a shriek, disappeared in the boiling waters. Three were caught between the grinding timbers, and, crushed out of the form of humanity, dropped sUently into the deep. The chief-engineer and his assistants, panic-stricken, also escaped over the sides 128 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F. DUPONT. of the vessel while in contact with the Bienville, The remaining soldiers were now wild with terror ; but the captain of the vessel, seeing the dastardly escape of the en gineer, came on board, and, putting him in irons, took him and the crew back. It was midnight, and five feet of water were in the hold, and terror and death were on every side. But the return of the captain, with the engineer and crcAV, restored order, and the soldiers became calm and steady again. The storm at length began to abate, when they then gained on the leak, and the vessel was saved. The crew of the transport Peerless were taken from her in a sinking condition ; but the steamer Governor, with the Marine battalion on board, was soon left help less and sinking. Under the blows of the heavy seas the brace-chains of the smoke-stack parted, and it went overboard ; but breaking three feet above the hurricane- deck, a little steam could be kept up. Then the steam- pipe burst, while the frail vessel was leaking badly. At dark a vessel was seen in the distance, and a rocket was sent up through the storm, asking for help. An answer ing signal flashed out, fiUing every heart with hope. But she Avas unable to render any assistance, and kept on her way. Rocket after rocket Avas now sent up in the darkness — mute cries of distress, till all were gone — and then the soldiers were ordered to keep up a fire of musketry ; but the vollies scarcely made a sound in the louder tumult of the wind and Avaves. A hundred men were kept at the pumps, others held on to the braces, that threatened to part every moment, and thus the fearful night wore away. As daylight broke slowly over the Avild and stormy waste, two vessels were descried off the starboard bow. One, the Isaac Smith, commanded by Lieut. Nicholson, WEECK OF THE GO-VEENOE. 129 saw the signal of distress and stood towards her. At ten 9'clock the former hailed, saying he would take off the crew. By great exertion a haAvser was got on board ; but through some carelessness was soon lost and dragged in the water. The Smith then stood off, and the Young RoA'er came up, the captain of which said he would stand by them to the last, which was answered by a loud cheer from the deck of the Governor. The Smith soon came back, and another hawser was got aboard, but again parted. AU this whUe the water was rapidly gaining on the vessel, and every moment she threatened to go cloAm Avith all on board. The Young Rover, seeing a frigate in sight, stood toward her with a signal of distress. It proved to be the Sabine, Capt. Ringgold, who soon w^as within haU, giving the comforting assurance that he would take all on board. But night Avas now coming on again, and it was not untU eight or nine o'clock that her stern could be brought near enough to the bow of the Sa bine to aUow a boom to be rigged out, along which thirty were "whipped" aboard, when hawsers and cables parted, under the tremendous plunges of the vessels. Ringgold noAV determined to get alongside, hazardous as the at tempt was. It seemed impossible to do this without com- mo- in collision with the Governor with a force that would crush her like an egg-sheU. It was, however, done ; though the Sabine had twenty feet of her hurricane-deck carried away by the former. Forty were then got on board, while one, falling betv/een the vessels, was crushed to death. The Sabine now started ahead, determined to tow the disabled vessel till morning. The hearts of those left on board sunk at the prospect There were three feet of water in the hold, and rapidly gaining; and the sea running mountains high. That she could be kept 9 130 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. P. DUPONT. afloat till morning seemed hardly possible. But every thing movable was thrown overboard, and the water casks started to lighten the ship ; so that, though slowly settling, she floated nobly through the rest of the night. At day break, the boats of the Sabine put off to her relief, though a fearful sea Avas running at the time. They dared not approach the guards of the vessels lest they should be swamped, and so lay off and caUed on the soldiers and crew to jump overboard. It was a fearful alternative ; but no other was left. The ranks were kept in military order, and one soldier after another stepped out as he was or dered and leaped into the sea, and was hauled aboard the boats. Thus all were saved, with the exception of one corporal and six privates, who left the ranks in their fright, and were lost. The hawser was then cast loose, and the vessel wallowed for a short time heavily in the sea, and then Avith a heavy lurch went to the bottom. At length the gale spent its fury, and the scattered vessels, some far out to sea, resumed their course, and, by Sabbath evening, fourteen of them were in sight of each other, though the flag-ship Wabash was nowhere to be seen. On Monday these vessels arrived off Port Royal, and at noon the Wabash hove in sight, with the Susquehan nah — which Dupont had taken from blockading duty off Charleston harbor — and some thirty-six more of the fleet and the gunboats. This and the next day, while the gunboats were feel ing their way up the channel and marking it out for the passage of the larger vessels, three rebel gunboats came down and attacked them, but were easily driven off. Preparations were now made to land the troops ; but on consultation it was deemed best, for several reasons, that ATTACK ON POET EOYAL. 131 the navy should first attack alone. The following day, Wednesday, was spent in completing preparations, and every thing got ready for action in the morning. The two islands of Hilton Head and Bay Point guard the entrance of Port Royal Sound and are nearly three miles apart. On the extreme point of these two islands two fortifications had been erected — Fort Walker, on Hilton Head, mounting twenty-three guns ; and Fort Beauregard, on Bay Point, mounting fifteen guns. There was, besides, a mortar battery, mounting four guns, Thursday morning daAmed calm and beautiful, and the waters of the bay fiashed like a mirror in the early moonlight. At nine o'clock the signal from the Wabash to get under way was run up, and thirteen vessels, the Wabash leading, moved majestically off toward the bat teries. Dupont could get none of his large frigates up, and the battle was to be fought by the Wabash, Susque hanna, Mohican, Seminole, Pawnee, Unadilla, Pembina, Bienville, Seneca, Curlew, Penguin, Ottawa, and Van- dalia. In single file, with ports open and bristling with heavy guns, these vessels swept rapidly up toward Fort Walker, presenting a majestic spectacle. Beyond the entrance of the harbor lay the little rebel fleet, under command of Tatnall, formerly of our navy, and, still far ther in, a fleet of steamers loaded with spectators, that had come down from Charleston to witness the destruc tion of the Yankee fleet. Dupont, in the Wabash, led the imposing column, and every eye watched with the in- tensest interest his movements, as he steadily approached the low silent structure on Hilton Head, As he came near, it poured in a tremendous fire, but Dupont kept on in dead silence, till the second steamer came abreast, when the three forward vessels opened at once with their 132 EEAE-ADMIEAL S, F, DUPONT. powerful broadsides, and the shot and sheU from seventy- five guns feU in one Avild crash on the fort Dupont had determined to fight the forts while in motion, so as not to let his wooden vessels be stationary targets for the enemy's fire ; and, having delivered his broadsides, moved on. Each vessel as it came opposite the fort delivered its broadside, so that there was no cessation to -fehe fire till the whole had passed. Having got beyond the fort, Dupont wheeled, still followed by the vessels in single file, and poured his fire into Fort Beauregard. Thus these thirteen A^essels moved in the form of a flat letter 0, flaming and thunder ing all the while with a power and terror indescribable. An eighty-pound rifle baU went clean through the main mast of the Wabash, making an ugly hole. Another pierced her after-magazine, letting the water into it, yet she still kept on her sublime way, proudly leading the long file of flaming ships. Captain Rogers, acting as aid to Du pont, says : " The Wabash was a destroying angel — hug ging the shore ; calling the soundings with cold indiffer ence ; slowing the engine so as only to give steerage way ; signalling the vessels their various evolutions ; and at the same time raining shell, as with target practice, too fast to count. Shell fell in the fort., not twenty-eight in a minute, but as fast as a horse's feet beat the ground in a gallop. The resistance was heroic, but what could flesh and blood do against such a fire ? I watched two men particularly, in red shirts; I saw them seated at the muzzle of a gun, apparently waiting, exhausted, for more ammunition. They were so stiU that I doubted Avhether they were men. This terrible fire fell around them — I saAV them move, and I knew they were men. They loaded the gun — a shell burst near them, and they dropped, doubtless bloAvn to atoms," THE VTCTOEY. 133 In the mean time the gunboats, having found that in a cove they could get an enfilading fire on HUton Head, took up their position there, and rendered good service, A little after noon the signal "cease firing" was made from the flag-ship, and the steamers swept beyond the reach of the batteries to rest the men and give them some refreshment before returning to their terribly exhausting work. The gunboats, however, from their enfilading position, kept up a gaUing fire. About three o'clock, just as the vessels were getting ready for action agam, the rebel flag was struck. The firing ceased, and Captain Rogers jumped into a boat lowered from the flag-ship, and rowed swiftly toward the shore. He found the works deserted, the ramparts desolate, and planted the stars and stripes upon them. When the thousands on board the fleet, who for five long hours had watched the terrible conflict, saw our flag go up, the excitement was unbounded. Many of the officers wept like children, but a wild enthusiasm over rode every other feeling, and from ship to ship, down the whole mighty fleet, there went up a cheer such as never before stirred the placid waters of that bay, whUe the various bands struck up "The Star-spangled Banner," making the air ring Avith the stirring strains. Upon see ing this fort abandoned, the garrison of the other left also and fled inland, A portion of the troops were now landed, and Gen eral Sherman assumed command of the place, and issued a proclamation to the people of the State of South Caro- Una, This was General T, W. Sherman, not W. T, Sherman, the hero of Atlanta. Savannah could proba bly have been taken at this time, had he marched 134 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F. DUPONT. promptly forAvard, such was the terror occasi Dued by this victory of Dupont. His orders, however, were to fortify himself there, build piers, docks, &c,, and fit up the port for a naval depot. Port Royal, from this time through the war, sus tained a prominent position in all our naval movements along the Atlantic coast. The victory created the wildest enthusiasm through out the North. The national flag had been planted on the traitorous soil of South Carolina, never to be dis placed till every stronghold of the State was in our pos session, Dupont at once became the hero of the day. Naval men were especially delighted. Our Ul-successes on land thus far had been a cause of deep mortification, and this first great essay of the navy recalled to mind the halo of glory it hung round the nation during the first year of the second war with England, when successive defeats on land made the people's cheeks crimson with shame. Whenever one met a naval man the eye of the latter brightened, and with a proud shake of the head he would say, " I told you how it would be wTien the ' blue jackets' got a chance," "Ah! we are all sure of the naAy," Avas the common remark. It is said that Com modore Barron, then a prisoner in Fort Warren, when he read a description of the fight, and how gallantly his old ship, the Wabash, bore herself, forgot he was a rebel prisoner, and exclaimed, " By heavens ! our navy can beat the world," Dupont's career was now one of continued success along the coast. Fort Clinch surrendered — the first na tional fort reclaimed. Captain Drayton, sending a boat's crew on shore to raise the American flag, pushed on to Old Femandina, where a white flag was displayed. Short- GUNBOATS AGAINST EAILEOAD TRAINS. 135 ly after, and when passing New Fernandina, a fcAV rifle shots were fired from some bushes, and a railroad train Avas perceived just starting. As it was naturally supposed to contain soldiers escaping, he directed Lieutenant-Command ing Stevens to try and stop it ; and the road passing for some distance near the river, "and we going at full speed, there was an opportunity of firing several shots at the tAvo locomotives attached to the train, which, hoAvever, did not prevent its escape across the railroad bridge, which is four mUes from the town, and it was soon lost in the Avoods on the other side. We afterwards found on the track the bodies of two men who had been killed by our shots, one of whom was a soldier ; and the report was that ex-Senator Yulee was on board one of the cars, and had also been struck, but this, I think, was a mistake," Thus was presented the novel spectacle of a vessel-of- Avar attacking a railroad train. Dupont also visited the coast of Florida, and captured St, Augustine, keeping the whole Southern seaboard in a state of alarm. The slaves crowded to the protection of his flag, and were left sole occupants of their late masters' plantations. The waters of Warsaw and OssibaAV Sounds, Bruns wick, Darien, and other places, OAraed the sway Of his flag, and the whole coast of Georgia was held by his squad ron. At the siege of Pulaski, one of the batteries on shore was under the command of the officers and creAV of the Wabash, He also seized Stone Inlet and River and thus secured a base of operations against Charleston, and maintained the blockade with a rigor not before exhibited, and did all a man could do Avith the limited means in his power. In 1862 he Avas made one of the nine actiA^e rear- 136 EEAE-ADMIEAL S, F. DUPONT, admirals. In January of the next year occurred the fa mous raid of two rebel rams on his blockading squadron off Charleston Harbor. As so many conflicting statements have been given of this affair, we insert the accounts of the two commanders, whose vessels alone were seriously injured. The captain of the Mercedita says, under date of the last day of January : SiE : I have to report that, at 4.26 this morning, two iron-clad rams, from Charleston, in the obscurity of a thick haze, and the moon having just set, succeeded in passing the bar, near ship channel, unperoeived by the squad ron, and made an attack upon this ship, being first encountered. Particular vigilance was exhibited by officers and men in expedition of vessels to run the blockade. At 3 A. M., ¦we had slipped cable and overhauled a troop steamer, running for the channel by mistake. At 4, I laid down. Lieut. Commander Abbott was on deck gi^ving orders to Acting Master Dwyer about recovering the anchor, when they saw a smoke and the faint appearance of a vessel close at hand. I heard them exclaim, " She has black smoke ; " " watch, man the guns," " spring the rattle," " call all hands to quarters." Mr. Dwyer came to the cabin door, telling me a steamboat was close aboard. I was then in the act of getting my pea-jacket, and slipped it on as I followed him out ; jumped to poop ladder, saw smoke and a low boat, apparently a tug, although I thought it might be a little propeller for the squadron. I sang out, " Train your guns right on him, and be ready to flre as soon as I order." I hailed, " Steamer ahoy 1 Steer clear of us and heave-to. What steamer is that 8 " Then ordered my men, " Fire on him." Told him, " You will be into us. What steamer is that ? " His answer to first or sec ond hail was, " Hallo ! " The other replies were indistinct, either by inten tion or from being spoken inside of his mail armor, until in the act of striking us with his prow, when he said, " This is the Confederate States steam ram." I repeated the order, " Fire ! fire 1 " but no gun could be trained on him, as he approached on the quarter, struck us just abaft our aforemost 82-pounder gun, and fired a heavy rifle through us diagonally, penetrating the starboard side through our Normandy condenser, the steam-drum of port boiler, and exploding against port side of ship, blowing a hole in its exit some four or five feet square. The vessel was instantly filled and enveloped with steam. Reports were brought to me, "Shot through both boilers," "fires put out by steam and water," " gunner and one man killed, and a number of men fatally ''jcalded, water over fire-room floor, vessel sinking fast." " The ram has cut EAID OF THE EAMS, 137 us through at and below water-line on one side, and the shell has burst at the other almost at water-edge." After the ram struck, she swung round under our starboard counter, her prow touching, and hailed, " Surrender, or I'll sink you ! Do you surren der ? " And after receiving reports, I answered, " I can make no resistance ; my boiler is destroyed." >" Then, do you surrender? " I said, " Yes ; " hav ing found my moving power destroyed, and that I could bring nothing to bear but muskets against his shot-proof coating. He hailed several times to send a boat, and threatened to fire again. After some delay, a boat was lowered, and Lieut. Commander Abbott asked if he should go in her, and asked for orders what to say. I told him to see what they demanded, and to tell him the condition we were in. He proceeded aboard, and, according to their demand, gave his parole on behalf of himself and all the officers and crew. His report accompanies this. The ram liaTing been detained half an hour or more, ran out for steamer Keystone State, which vessel and three others we had tried to alarm by lights. We saw a shell explode as it hit the ram, without injuring her. Saw the Keystone State was hit scTeral times, and saw the smoke and steam pouring from her. The firing then receded to northward and east ward, and was pretty brisk at the head of the hue. The Keystone State, commanded by Le Roy, was also disabled, and claimed as a prize by the rebels. The detaUs of the fight are thus given by the commander : Between four and Atc a. m., 31st January, 1863, a gun was flred near, and supposed to be the Mercedita, and some lights were seen. Soon after discovered a dark object a little ahead of her, and then a column of black smoke was noticed rising from the Tessel, but I supposed was either a tug out from Charleston or some stranger passing along. Another column of black Smoke was seen more to the north and east of the Mercedita. My suspicions aroused, I ordered the forward rifle trained upon the first steamer, which was standing toward this ship, also other guns to be ready. Gave notice to the engineer of the watch to be ready to move, and, the steamers drawing nearer, ordered the cable slipped, and enough motion to get com mand of the ship. By this time the stranger was abreast the starboard waist. On hailing, " What steamer is that? " the reply was, "Hallo ! " fol lowed by some words that were unintelligible. Satisfied, from the view ob tained through my night glasses, that the steamer was a ram, I ordered the starboard bow gun fired at her, which was at once responded to by a shot from the stranger, when I ordered the starboard battery fired as soon as the guns could be brought to bear, putting the helm aport. On heading to the northward and eastward, discovered a ram on either quarter. Soon after 138 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F, DUPONT, the first gun, fire was reported forward below. After extinguishing it, fire was again reported in the same place, when the ship was kept off sea'ward to enable us to put out the fire and get things in a condition to attack the enemy. Ordered full steam, and about daylight discovered black smoke and stood for it, for the purpose of running her down, exchanging shots rapidly with her, striking her repeatedly, but making no impression, while every shot from her was striking us. About 6.1T a.m., a shell, entering on the port side, forward of the forward guard, destroyed the steam chimneys, filling all the forward part of the ship with steam. The port boiler emptied of its con tents, the ship gave a heel to starboard, nearly down to the guard, and the water from the boiler, and two shot-holes under water, led to the impression the ship was filling and sinking, a foot and a half water being reported in the hold. Owing to the steam, men were unable to get supplies of ammuni tion from forward. Ordered all boats ready for lowering. Signal-books thrown overboard, also some small arms. The ram being so near, and the ship helpless, and the men being slaughtered by almost every discharge of the enemy, I ordered the colors to be hauled down, but finding the enemy were still firing upon us, directed the colors to be rehoisted and resume our fire from the after-battery. Now the enemy, either injured, or to avoid the squadron approaching, sheered off towards the harbor, exchanging Acts with the Housatonic, which vessel was in chase. Put fore-and-aft sail on the ship, sent yards aloft and bent sails ; there being no wind, drifted along to the north and east, when the Memphis took us in tow. Our surgeon being killed, the surgeon of the Memphis came on board. Having accomplished this much, the rams returned to the harbor. Beauregard issued a proclama tion declaring the blockade destroyed, and that foreign governments should so regard it. The pompous m.inifesto was not regarded by Dupont, and he continued the blockade. Many blockade runners were captured by Dupont du ring the year, and he had the entire confidence of the Navy Department and the people. The successful fight of the Monitor with the Merri mac threatened an entire revolution in maritime conflicts, especially in harbor warfare, and Secretary Welles imme diately set about having a fleet of these vessels made, Avhich he believed would put every port on the coast in our possession. In addition to these, a powerful iron-clad, the Ironsides, was built, and, in the spring of 1863, was ready for service. When the fleet was completed, it was ATTACK ON CHARLESTON. 139 determined the first essay of its strength should be against Fort Sumter, in Charleston harbor. Of its suc cess no one seemed to entertain a doubt, for the impene trability of these vessels to shot was assumed, while it was believed that no mason- work ever built by man could long withstand the tremendous weight of metal they could hurl from their monster guns, the like of which had never before been used on ships of war. This fleet was com posed of nine vessels, and placed under the command of Admiral Dupont, Having rendezvoused in Port Royal, he sailed from there on the 1st of April, 1863, to try the great experi ment of the century, and the next day arrived at the embouchure of the Edisto river. The water over Charles ton, bar not being of sufficient depth in ordinary times to float them, the heavy spring tides of April, which gave a foot more of water, was selected for the passage of the vessels. On Sunday morning at daybreak the fleet moved out to sea, and in a few hours lay off Charleston harbor. The next day Dupont transferred his flag to the Ironsides, and the fleet, taking the flood-tide, passed safely over the bar, and came to anchor inside. The wooden vessels lay outside as a reserve. The rebels hav ing destroyed aU the old land-marks by which pilots Avere guided, the channel had to be buoyed out, which was suc cessfully done by Mr. Boutelle of the Coast Survey. But just as everything was ready, a thick haze settled doAvn over the water, obscuring the range, so that the attack had to be postponed. On the 7th, however, a gentle northerly breeze dissipated the mist, and the bay and forts and distant city lay basking in the clear sunshine. Just two years before, this month, the national flag was hauled doAvn on Fort Sumter, and now it was universally be- 140 EEAE-ADKIEAL S. F, DUPONT. lieved that its anniversary day would be celebrated by salutes from national cannon from the same spot and to the same flag. The officers of the navy, however, were not so sanguine. Dupont, like Farragut, had not unbounded faith in iron clads, least of aU in unAvieldy monitors. As through his glass he surveyed the work before him, he saw that his little fleet was to be put into a crucible to which no ves sels before had ever been subjected. Steeples and roofs, in the far background, and the neighboring shores, were lined with spectators, assembled to witness the Titanic struggle. As Dupont's eye swept around that bristling harbor, it was cannon here, and there, and everywhere. In front, lay Sullivan's Island to the right, and Morris Island on the left, the tAvo points curving in towards each other till they approached within a mile. Midway in the channel between them, built on an artificial island, stood Fort Sumter. Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, was opposite Sumter, while, above and below, batteries were erected on every available point. On the left, opposite this central fortress, stood battery Bee, on Cummings- Point, whUe beyond, should the vessels ever get there, battery succeeded battery, clear up to the city, three miles distant Stretching down towards the fleet were other batteries on Morris Island, and among them Fort Wag ner, The sight was enough to daunt the stoutest heart, for uncounted cannon lay shotted and aimed, ready to open on that little fleet It was Dupont's purpose to pass as quickly as possible up the channel, and get to the Avest and northwest of Fort Sumter, which was knoAvn to be less impregnable than the front face. That there would be great difficulty in reaching this desirable point was well known, for it had been ascertained that torpe- THE FIGHT. 141 does, and aU sorts of obstacles which engineering skUl could invent, had been sunk in the channel opposite the fort. To remove these Ericsson had invented a machine which was to be fastened to the bow of the leading vessel, and pushed up amid this net of obstructions, exploding and puUing up whatever might arrest the passage of the ships. At noon, the signal from the flag-ship to move to the attack was seen, and the little fleet, looking like mere rafts on the water, steamed slowly forAvard, There was none of the pomp or splendor of grand old frigates, tower ing proudly over the deep, in these low black monitors, creeping slowly to the conflict. It was four miles to Fort Sumter, and the batteries of Morris Island commanded the whole distance. The vessels had advanced but a short distance before the Weehawken, leading the way with the strange machine in front, stopped, having got tangled up with the un- Avieldy, novel thing. It took an hour to free herself, and then the fleet moved on again. The spectators on shore gazed with breathless interest on the spectacle, the music in Fort Sumter ceased, and the rapid roll of the drum was heard beating to quarters, which called every gunner to his place. The fleet kept steadily on till opposite Fort Wag ner, where Dupont expected to meet the first blow of the hurricane ; but all its guns kept motionless and still in their places, and only curious eyes greeted the advancing vessels. Next they floated by Battery Bee, but silence like death reigned over the low works. What does all this mean ? This silence is ominous, and shows a confi dence in something yet to come that portends no good. StUl the fleet kept on ; but just as the Weehawken was rounding-to, to make the entrance of the harbor, she came 142 EEAE-ADMIRAL S. F, DUPONT, within the circle of fire from Forts Sumter and Moultrie, Then the crater opened from the top of Sumter, and doAvn came a storm of shot and shell, Moultrie joined in, and thunder answered thunder with aAvful rapidity. The heavy metal fell like hailstones on the Weehawken ; but she kept steadily on towards her assigned position, foUov/ed by the Avhole fleet. But suddenly she stopped in the very vortex of the fire. She had rmi upon a haAV- ser stretched from Sumter to Moultrie, buoyed up on casks, and strung Avith nets, cables, and torpedoes. Her propeller, getting entangled in these, became unmanage able, and she drifted helpless through the wild hurricane. The other vessels, as they come up, see the danger, and sheer off to try the channel on the other side of the fort. But here a row of piles is encountered, rising ten feet out of the water — while farther up, the channel is crossed and recrossed Avith obstructions, backed by three iron-clads, that can hold those vessels under a fire that nothing that ever floated could survive. To add to the perplexity, the Ironsides, in the heavy tide, suddenly refused to obey her rudder, and she drifted towards Fort Moultrie, get ting foul of the Catskill and Nantucket in her passage. The plan of the battle was now irrecoverably gone, and Dupont signalled to the fleet to disregard his move ments. It was therefore every one for himself; and then was seen what splendid commanders Dupont had to sec ond him in this unprecedented struggle. Five batteries were in full play, and nearly three hundred cannon of the heaviest metal were trained on those monitors, that now had only the simple problem to solve — whether they can knock Fort Sumter to pieces Anth their enormous guns, before they are carried to the bottom under the tons of metal that fall Avith a ceaseless crash upon them. A FEAEFUL CONFLICT. 143 The gallant Rhind, left to act as he pleased, lays the Keokuk boldly alongside of the fort as though it were a ship, and with his little monitor makes a broadside en gagement of it. Close behind him comes Rodgers in the CatskUl, and, foUowing hard after, the heroic Worden in the Montauk. A little farther off lie the other vessels, all seeking to sound the full terrors of this awful abyss of fire. Within rifle-shot distance of the nearest batteries, they stand and hurl against them their ponderous shells. The gunners, stripped to their waists, and begrimed Avith powder and smoke, work their monster guns with a fiool- ness and rapidity that teUs fearfully on the solid face of Sumter. Shot weighing four hundred and twenty pounds strike like heaven's own thunderbolts the trem bling structure, but they are nothing to the ansAvering shots that faU faster than the forge's hammer on their sides. The din of this heavy metal strikuig and bursting on every side is infernal, and the deafening explosions shake land and sea. It seems one vast volcano, be fore which everything must be engulfed. Nothing built with mortal hands could long live there, and in thirty minutes the Keokuk came limping out of the fire, fast settUng in the waters. One of the port shutters of the flagship was shot aAvay, exposing her gun deck, while a red-hot shot buried itself in her wooden boAvs. The Nahant was soon disfigured with thirty Avounds. The Passaic was in the same plight, with her turret so knocked to pieces that it could not revolve. The Nan tucket was reduced to one gun, while the Catskill had been pierced by a rifled shot. Five of the new iron clads must now be reckoned out of the fight But what thirty-two guns, (the total armament of this fleet,) agamst those encircling batteries could do had been done, and 144 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F. DUPONT. now, to put only fifteen or sixteen against them, was doAraright madness. Besides, night was coming on, and so Dupont wisely signalled the fleet to retire. During the evening, the commanders of the iron-clads came on board the flagship, and Dupont, after a full report of the condition of the vessels, decided that it Avould be impossible to take Charleston with them alone. From the foUowing statement, made by him to the War Department, the folly of renewing the attempt with the same vessels is so apparent, that it is a matter of wonder that any one could be found so destitute of com mon judgment as to uphold it : " No ship had been exposed to the severest fire of the enemy over forty minutes, and yet, in that brief period, as the Department Avill perceive, by the detailed reports of the commanding officers, five of the iron-clads were AvhoUy or partiaUy disabled ; disabled, too (as the ob structions could not be passed), in that Avhich Avas most essential to our success — I mean, in their armament, or poAver of infiicting injury by their guns. " Commander Rhind, in the Keokuk, had only been able to fire three times during the short period he was ex posed to the guns of the enemy, and was obliged to with- draAv from action to prevent his vessel fi'om sinking, Avhich event occurred on the following morning. " The Nahant, Commander Downes, Avas most seriously damaged, her turret being so jammed as effectually to pre vent its turning ; many of the bolts of both turret and pilot-house were broken, and the latter became nearly untenable, in consequence of the nuts and ends flying across it. " Captain P. Drayton, in the Passaic, after the fourth fire from her 11-inch gun, was unable to use it again HIS EEPOET. 145 during the action ; and his turret also became jammed, though he was, after some delay, enabled to get it in mo tion again. " Commander Ammen, of the Patapsco, lost the use of his rifled gun after the fifth fire, owing to the carrying away of the forward-cap square bolts. On the Nantucket, Commander Fairfax reports that, after the third shot from the 15-inch gun, the port stopper became jammed, several shot striking very near the port, and driving in the plates, preventing the further use of that gun during the action. " The other iron-clads, though struck many times se verely, were stiU able to use their guns, but I am convinced that, in all probability, in another thirty minutes they would have been likewise disabled. " Any attempt to pass through the obstructions I have referred to would have entangled the vessels, and held them under the most severe fire of heavy ordnance that has ever been delivered ; and while it is barely possible that some vessels might have forced their way through, it would only have been to be again impeded by fresh and more formidable obstructions, and to encounter other powerful batteries, with which the whole harbor of Charleston had been lined. " I had hoped that the endurance of the iron-clads Avould have enabled them to have borne any weight of fire to which they might have been exposed; but when I found that so large a portion of them were wholly or one- half disabled, by less than an hour's engagement, before attempting to remove (overcome) the obstructions, or test ing the power of the torpedoes, I was convinced that per sistence in the attack would only result in the loss of the greater portion of the iron-clad fleet, and in leaving many 10 146 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F, DUPONT, of them inside the harbor, to fall into the hands of the enemy, " The slowness of our fire, and our inabUity to occupy any battery that we might silence, or to prevent its being restored under cover of night, were difficulties of the gravest character, and, until the outer forts should have been taken, the army could not enter the harbor or afford me any assistance." So unequal was the contest, which lasted less than forty minutes, that the entire fleet of iron-clads fired only one hundred and thirty-nine shots, " though, during that .same period, Dupont says the " enemy poured upon us an incessant storm of round-shot and shell, rifled projectiles of all descriptions, and red-hot shot," The Avhole affair was so palpable and complete a fail- lure, that the Department dared not directly blame Du pont for not succeeding. Still, reluctant to acknowledge itself any way in fault, it reproached him for not saying beforehand, how impossible success was. The simple truth is, the Secretary of the Navy, as well as the public gen- 'Crally, had come to have such a high opinion of the invul- nerabiUty of the iron-clads, that they considered Charles- 'ton as AortuaUy ours, the moment the attack commenced. But, instead of complete success, this iron-clad fleet, the first ever set afloat and tested, effected absolutely nothing. It was too mortifying to confess the fact, without put ting the blame on some one, and so it Avas placed on the -commander, Dupont. He felt this keenly, and indignant ly denounced the injustice of it, A correspondent of the Baltimore American published such a false statement of the whole matter in that paper, that Dupont felt bound, in justice to his officers as well as to himself, to notice it, which he did in a lengthy review. In a clear, concise HIS DEFENCE. 147 statement of facts, he fixed the charge of deUberate false hood against the vreiter, leaving no doubt as to the motive that instigated the base attack. In conclusion he says, "I now take leave of this, the most odious subject that I ever had occasion to notice. Some other assertions of Mr. Fulton, which might be flatly contradicted, I have not discussed, nor have I thought it worth whUe to con sider his opinions upon purely professional points. To undergo the fire of the enemy and the stabs of an assas sin of character, at one and the same time, is too much for my phUosophy ; and, for further protection against as saults of the latter kind, I look for and expect the coun tenance of the Department." Chief-Engineer Stimers joined in the attack on Du pont, and, in the steamer Arago, on which he was a passenger on his way North, indulged in such unwar rantable language towards his commander, that the latter brought charges against him, and he was court-martiaUed. Though no definite result was reached, the pubUc has long since rendered its verdict in the matter, A lengthy correspondence also followed between Dupont and the Secretary of the NaVy, and, although the latter avoided all direct accusation, the tone of his letters wounded the chivalrous old Admiral, who felt that he was being made the scapegoat of other men's sins. He felt espe cially the censure pronounced against him, some time afterwards, for allowing the guns of the sunken Keokuk to fall into the hands of the rebels, for which he was in no wise to blame ; and, said in a letter to the Secretary of the Navy : " Having indulged the hope that my command, covering a period of twenty-one months afloat, had not been Avithout results, I was not prepared for a contin- 148 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. P. DUPONT. uance of that censure from the Department which has characterized its letters to me since monitors failed to take Charleston. " I can only add now, that, to an officer of my temper ament — whose sole aim has been to do his whole duty, and who has passed through forty-seven years of serAdce Apithout a word of reproof — these censures of the Navy Department would be keenly felt if I did not know they were whoUy undeserved." This was a little evasive ; for " he did feel them keenly, although they were undeserved," The injustice stung him, against atMcIi there was no redress. Brave and chivalrous himself as a knight of the -olden time, this deliberate infliction of wrong by others, in order to shield themselves, wounded most deeply his sensitive nature. It ended — as all such affairs must end — in the resig nation or removal of the commander, and the ultimate condemnation and exposure of those who are really the guUty parties. In June, Dupont was relieved from his command, and Admiral Foote ordered to take his place. The lat ter, however, was taken sick in New York, just as he was about to leave for his destination, and died. After the failure to take Charleston with the iron clads. General Hunter, Avho was in command of the land forces operating against the city, forwarded the most se rious complaints against Dupont, for not cooperating with him, as he desired, in his contemplated movements to take the place. He declares that he has " exercised patience Avith the Admiral," asks to be liberated from the order to cooperate with the navy, &c,, &c,, and he would raise colored regiments — take Charleston — in fact, electrify HIS PEESONAL APPEAEANCE, 149 the nation. His after career shows how much he prob ably would have accomplished. The sudden death of Admiral Foote compelled the De partment to reverse its order of removal, and to direct Dupont to resume his command. During the short inter val that elapsed before he was succeeded by Admiral Dahlgren, he sent the Weehawken and Nahant down to Warsaw Sound to look after the rebel ram Atlanta, Avhich was reported to be a most formidable vessel. They succeeded in capturing her on the 17th of June. The next month, Dupont returned to Delaware, and was no more afloat during the war. Dupont was a superb man physically ; of grand and imposing presence, he trod the deck of his battle-ship like one of Nature's noblemen. Even those accustomed to see men of distinguished personal appearance in va rious parts of the world, were struck Anth the majesty and grandeur of his mien. A gentleman of the old school, or rather a knight of the olden time, his bearing was that of dignified courtesy to aU, and impressed every one that approached him with profound respect. Chiv alrous in his OAm feelings, he was incapable of wound ing those of others, while he was keenly sensitive to any censure upon his conduct. Insensible to fear, he never shrunk from encountering any danger, while he was too lofty and noble to rush into it to obtain mere notoriety. Master of his profession, he knew his duty better than the Department that censured him, and experienced his greatest humiliation and suffering in performing it. Proud as he was sensitive, he could not brook unmerited rebuke. Irritated at his manly independence, the Gov ernment lost one of its best officers by gratifying its spleen, and under the pretence of maintaining its dig- 150 EEAE-ADMIEAL S. F. DUPONT. nity. Dupont's name, however, wiU live long after those who persecuted him are consigned to forgetfulness, or to an immortality worse than oblivion. , iiB.H«E-"S'^ REAR AD ^ A.H F 0.0 IE 2iigi-,iTiii oqiiassly Tor Eeldl^y s "SavalVoik. CHAPTER VI. REAE-ADMIEAL ANDREW HULL FOOTE., HIS NATITITY, ANCESTET, AND EAELY EDUCATION. — ENTEES THE NATT. — FIEST CEUISE. — SECOND CEUISE, TJNDEE OOMMODOEE HULL. THIED CEUISE TO THE WEST INDIES. — A GEEAT CHANGE IN HIS CHAEACTEE. — ^DEDICATES HIS LIFE TO GOD. — T0TA6E BOUND THE WOELD. — BECOMES THE CHAM PION OF THE PEESECUTBD MISSIONAEIES OF THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. — APPOINTED OTEE THE NATAL ASYLUM OF PHILADELPHIA. — GETS THE IN MATES TO GITE UP THEIE GEOG. — CEUISE IN THE MEDITEEEANEAN. — PEEA0HE3 TO THE SAILOES. LAID UP WITH SORE BYES. — COMMANDS THE SLOOP OF WAE POETSMOUTH, ON THE EAST INDIA STATION. — BOMBARDS CHINESE FOETS. — COMMANDS THE BEOOKLYN NATT YAED ON THE BEEAK ING OUT OF THE EEBELLION. — SENT WEST TO OEGANIZE A FLOTILLA ON THE MISSISSIPPI. — OAPTUEES FOET HBNEY. — ATTACK ON FOET DONALD SON. — IS WOUNDED. SUBSEQUENT OPEEATIONS ON THE TENNESSEE AND CUMBEELAND EITEE3. — PHELPS' EEPOET. — ADTANCB AGAINST COLUMBUS. — OPEEATIONS ABOUND ISLAND NO. 10. — PASSAGE OF THE BATTERIES BY THE COEONDELET. — MOTES AGAINST MEMPHIS. — IS EELIETED TO EKCEUIT HIS HEALTH. DOMESTIC AFFLICTIONS. — CUE BUEEAU OF EQUIPMENT AND NAVI GATION AT WASHINGTON. MADE EEAE-ADMIEAL. — PLACED OTER THE SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADEON. — HIS DEATH AND CHAEACTEE. Some men go through life without ever meeting the circumstances adapted to call forth their greatest powers, whUe others seem bom for those into which they are throAvn, and become great men or leaders in the nation. On the other hand, some, apparently, just enter on their true career in life as that life is draAving to a close. 152 EEAE-ADMIRAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. To the latter class Admiral Foote belonged, for his sun Avas just rising, when it set forever on the earth, and the Avaves of that mighty struggle, in which he seemed des tined to bear so conspicuous a part, roUed over his grave. Andrew Foote, like so many of our great men, did not spring from obscure parentage. He was bom in New Haven, Connecticut, on the 12th of September, 1806, and was the second son of Samuel A. Foote, a graduate of Yale College, and a laAvyer by profession ; but who, at the time of the birth of this second son, was a merchant en gaged in the West India trade. He was distinguished in the political world, having served several times as mem ber of Congress from his district, and once as senator from the State. He was subsequently elected governor. The grandfather of Andrew Avas for fifty years pas tor of the church of Cheshire, a beautiful vUlage about thirteen miles from New Haven. Here his father was born ; and here, having acquired the means of a com fortable subsistence, he returned to live in the old home stead. AndrcAV was six years old when his father took up his home in this quiet Adllage, and for three years afterwards attended the district school. He was then sent to the academy of the place, an institution of great reputation, and presided over by the learned Rev. TUlot- son Bronson, D. D. He remained in this school for six years, or until he AA'as fifteen years of age. During all this period he was un der the strict religious discipUne characteristic at that time of Connecticut, and other portions of Ncav England. The rod had not then been banished from the parental roof, and young AjidrcAv often felt its weight, as wielded by his mother ; she convinced, him by irrefragable proof, that -" he that spareth the rod hateth his son." She was the HIS EAELY TEAINING. 153 daughter of General Andrew HuU, a militia general, and gave her father's nanie to the boy. He was not allowed to play out evenings — forbidden to quarrel, or dicker, as it was called, and allowed very little spending money. Laziness was always punished with, an extra amount of work. The Bible, the catechism, and the strict laAvs of Connecticut, were made equally binding on him Avhen tempted to commit any of the grosser vices, such as vio lation of the Sabbath, attending the circus, &e. The old New England Sabbath began on Saturday evening at sunset, and ended at the same time on Sunday evening. During these twenty-four hours the ancient Jcavs Avere not more strict than were the parents of AndrcAV. The close restraint was irksome to him, as it always must be to aU boys, and an older brother says, " I doubt whether the Admiral ever watched for stars in a storm, or on a lee-shore, with more interest than he was wont, when a boy, to watch for them of a Sunday evening, as a signal that he might begin play." In the rigid old puritanic way, Avhich has produced so many vaUant men, the future Admiral was brought up. At this early age, he had determined to enter the Navy and pass his life on the sea. Perhaps his father's accounts of his voyages to the West Indies may have had some thing to do Avith his desire to become a sailor ; but more probably the astonishing victories of our young Navy, when he was fourteen or fifteen years old, were the prin cipal cause. The names of Hull, Bainbridge, Lawrence, Decatur, Perry^ Macdonough, and others, made the land rock with loud huzzas, which were quite enough to set every ambitious youth crazy after a sea-faring life. Be this as it may, Andrew Avas fixed in his desire to enter the NaAy, and, though his parents, especially the 154 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. mother, opposed it by every argument and inducement in their power, yet, seeing that he was inflexibly set that way, at last wisely yielded. His father, OAnng to his political influence, was able to procure for him a midship man's berth, and he was ordered to report on board the schooner Grampus, under the command of Lieutenant, late Admiral Gregory. He had now completed his six teenth year — a time Avhen life wears only a rose color to the imagination. His father accompanied him on board and presented him to his commander, with a formality common to that time. Said he to the lieutenant : "I have come to put my boy under your care, not only as a com mander, but as a friend. He is capable, and I beUeve he is pure-minded. I hope you will watch over him as carefully and kindly as if he were your brother or son," His parting address to his boy was more lengthy. With true New England faithfulness, he charged him to remem ber the principles in which he had been brought up, and do nothing that should make his parents, Avho had watched over and prayed for him, blush; and with grand old puritanic solemnity bade " him remember his duty to his country and to his God." Grave and stern externally, his heart yet overflowed with parental tender ness, and the tears rolled doAvn his cheeks as he bade his boy good-bye, and sent him away to the perils of the deep and into the temptations of a saUor's life. Andrew soon shook off his grief at parting, and entered on his new life, not only with all the ardor of youth, but with visions of glory directly before him, for the Grampus was to sail for the West India station, in the limits of which — ^the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea — a piratical craft was then lurking. But the deadly grapple and glorious vic tory over these robbers of the sea, which excited his youth- HLS CONVEESION. 155 ful imagination, never took place ; and, after a year's cruise, he returned home. He was now transferred to the sloop-of-war Peacock, of glorious memory, which was ordered to the Pacific Ocean. At CaUao he was trans ferred to the frigate United States, the flagship of Com modore Isaac Hull. The education of the commanders who distinguished themselves during the recent war, under those who gave our naAy its renoAra, doubtless had much to do in forming their characters. A son would as soon dishonor his father, as one of these officers the great commander under whom he had served. He was absent over three years on this cruise, com pleting his naval education and enlarging his experience, and returned to New York in the spring of 1837. Re ceiving a short furlough, he now returned home, no longer a boy, but a fuU-grown, developed young man. For a time the haunts and scenes of his boyhood — the old home — the old schoolhouse, and the old church, and friends, made his time pass pleasantly. But years of active life soon rendered idleness irksome to him, and he was glad when the time came again for him to return to his ship. He now appUed to be attached to the Mediterranean squadron, for he longed to see the Old World. His re quest was, however, denied, and he was once more ordered to the West Indies. Repairing to Norfolk, he saUed in the latter part of summer, in the sloop-of-war Natches, for his destination. This cruise was not a long one, and in December he returned in the sloop-of-war Hornet During this short interval, however, a great change had passed over him. One of the lieutenants was a re ligious man, and took occasion, before they saUed, to speak Avith him on the subject of personal Christianity. Young Foote, proud and averse to such conversation — enough 156 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE, of which he thought he had had in his boyhood — closed the interview abruptly by informing him that he intended to do what was right and honorable, and that was enough for him. Of a generous and manly nature, he afterwards felt that he had been uncivil in treating a kind and well-meant act with such coldness, not to say rudeness. It so happened, that, after they had reached their station, he and this lieutenant were on duty on deck the same night. It was a beautiful evening — the full moon was tranquilly sailing through the cloudless heav ens, shedding a flood of golden, light on the gently-heaving sea, and revealing a scene of beauty never witnessed ex cept in those tropical regions. It was a night and scene well calculated to hush all the angry feelings, and fill the heart with sad and gentle musings. After a while, he himself introduced the conversation he had so curtly closed before, when his friend talked long and earnestly on the subject so dear to his own heart. His words had a strange power amid the tranquil beauty of that night. So deep was the impression made on young Foote, that, after the watch was over and he found himself alone, he fell on his knees in prayer, for the first time since he was a sailor. He took up his Bible, and for two Aveeks he continued to read this, now to him a new book. He had just entered on the great struggle of his life, and truths he had scarcely thought of before, came back upon him with overwhelming poAver, He knew that prayers at home were ascending for him, and he added his own for light and guidance. The old church and the old pastor were far aAvay, and he must fight this great moral battle alone with his God, At length, one day, after an hour of solitary reading and thinking, he arose and Avent on deck. The clouds HIS GEEATEST VICTOET, 157 and darkness seemed to gather thicker and thicker around him, when suddenly there arose in his heart the resolu tion, " Henceforth, under aU circumstances, I Asdll act for God," The struggle was over; the victory won — the most important of his life — and light and peace beamed on his soul. The greatest battles are not fought on the deep, amid the thunder of cannon and the crashing of timbers, nor on the bloody plain, where armies reel and go down in the onset ; but on the field of the human heart, unseen by mortal eye, and over which no peans are sung, except the voiceless one : "To him that OA^er- cometh, I will give to eat of the tree of life." There, too, are the greatest defeats encountered, from the disastrous effects of which there is no rallyuig and no recovery. In this new state of mind his thoughts turned at once to that mother who had so often prayed with him, and wept over him, and he at once wrote to her, com mencing his letter with: "Dear Mother, — You may dis charge your mind from anxiety about your wayward son ; he is safe for eternity as well as for time." The effect of that letter no one can describe — next to the joy that the angels felt, was the joy of that dear mother, and her mute song of praise had in it the harmony of the upper skies. At the close of this voyage, Foote prepared himself for examination as passed midshipman, and was pro-' moted. During this interval he was married to a young lady of Cheshire, named Caroline Flagg, daughter of Bethuel Flagg. The next year, Feb, 1829, he sailed in the sloop-of- war St, Louis, for another cruise in the Pacific, During his absence he was commissioned as lieutenant He re turned home in 1831, Two years after, his desire to visit the Old World 158 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE, was gratified, and he sailed in the frigate Delaware for the Mediterranean, which, on her way out, carried Ed ward LiAdngston, the newly-appointed Minister to France, During this cruise, which lasted between two and three years, he acted as flag-lieutenant. He returned in 1836, In 1838, he was transferred to the frigate Columbia, Commodore Read, which, with the sloop-of-war John Adams, sailed on the 6th of May, for the island of Madeira, From this point the voyage was continued by way of Rio Janeiro and Cape of Good Hope to China, thence on to Valparaiso and around Cape Horn, and so home — making the circuit of the world. He took great interest in the missionary stations at the Sandwich Islands and in the China Sea, The vessels reached the SandAvieh Islands in the heat of the conflict between the missionaries and Captain La Place, who had been sent out by the French Govern ment to compel the Hawaiian Chief to sign a treaty, which permitted Romish priests, contrary to his express command, to reside on the island, and French brandy to be imported, Foote, after investigating the matter, warmly espoused the cause of the missionaries, whom the French commander had included with the chief in his persecutions. He advised them to appeal to Commodore Read, and ask for a court of inquiry to investigate their conduct, which had been grossly misrepresented. The commodore did not feel authorized to take such a step, and the request was denied. Foote, though he must act alone and take all the re sponsibility of his conduct, nevertheless determined to make another effort in behalf of the missionaries, for he felt that he owed not only a duty to them as citizens, but as servants of his Master above ; and he drew up a paper AIDS THE MISSIONAEIES, 159 exonerating the missionaries and expressing the utmost confidence in the good influence of the mission. He also gave a clear and fuU account of the outrages of La Place, embracing his correspondence with the Hawaiian authorities. To this paper he obtained nearly all the signatures of the officers of both ships. This was pub lished in pamphlet form, and freely circulated. Its clear and truthful narrative of facts helped to open the eyes of the foreign residents, and contributed not a little to the right understanding of the case. Not satisfied with what he had done here, Foote, when he arrived in the United States, gave a public statement of the case, and indirectly caused the Government to take a deeper in terest in the welfare of our missionaries in foreign lands. His arrival at home was marked with circumstances of peculiar sadness. During this long voyage his wife had died, and he found his little girl, whom he had left three years before an infant in her mother's arms, now an orphan. At the end of a year and a half he married again, his Avife being the daughter of Augustus R. Street, of Mott- Hav'en. He was at this time, and for a year afterwards, on duty at the Naval Asylum of Philadelphia, the in mates of Avhich long had cause to remember his kindness and the interest he took both in their temporal and spirit ual welfare. He persuaded them to give up their grog rations, and sign a pledge of total abstinence — and in every way contributed to elevate their moral condition. From 1843 to 1845 he Avas attached to the Mediter ranean squadron, being executive officer of the Cumber land, the crew of which he persuaded to give up their grog. Like Havelock among his soldiers, he became a voluntary chaplain to them — giAdng every Sunday a re- 160 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. ligious address, on the berth-deck, to as many as choose to hear him. Sometimes he would have on these occa sions a congregation of two hundred, to whom the sight of a commander turned preacher was a novel one. After his return from this voyage, he was laid up for aAvhile with a disease of the eyes, which rendered him unfit for duty. Although but partially restored, he, at the end of six months, was ordered to the navy yard at CharlestoAvn, Massachusetts, where he remained during the whole of the Mexican war, much to his disappointment. In 1849 he Avas sent to the West African station, in command of the Perry, to help suppress the slave-trade. His zeal as an officer to perform his duty, was intensified by his strong feelings of abhorrence at the infamous traffic ; and his efforts Avere indefatigable in suppressing it. He succeeded in banishing liquor from the Perry, in this cruise ; and, notwithstanding the unhealthiness of the coast, which was thought to require the use of ardent spirits to some extent, he never lost a man — thus showing their injurious tendency under all circumstances. For some years after his return, he remained on shore, engaged in no active duty. But in 1856 he again Avent to sea, as commander of the sloop-of-war Portsmouth, which Avas ordered to the East India station. Durins this cruise, he, for the first time, had a taste of actual war, and showed what he was capable of doing by the darino- and fierce manner in which he bombarded the barrier forts in the Canton River. On his return to America, he Avas placed over the Brooklyn navy yard, where the breaking out of the rebel lion found him. His labors were now herculean. To protect it from attack at home and fill all the requisitions SENT WEST. 161 of Government, tasked him to the utmost ; and it was with a feeling of relief he received orders, in September, 1861, to repair West, and superintend the creation of an inland naAy on the Mississippi. From such motley materials as could be gathered on these waters, he labored night and day to get a respect able force afloat. Having at length got together seven gunboats, four of them iron-clad, he left Cairo, on the 4th of February, 1862, and ascended the Tennessee, to attack Fort Henry, while the rebels thought Colum bus, on the Mississippi, to be the point he was aiming at. This delusion had purposely been kept up ; and Foote had several partial engagements with the gunboats that were under the protection of its guns. In January he had sent to the Department, saying that he needed a thousand men to man his fleet. They were not furnished, however, and on the 3d of February he forwarded another despatch to the Government, announcing his departure for Fort Henry. In it he said : "It is peculiarly unfor tunate that we have not been able to obtain men for the flotilla, as they only are wanting to enable me to have at this moment eleven full-manned instead of seven partiaUy- manned gunboats, ready for efficient operations at any point." But delay was impossible under the circum stances ; and with such force as he had he steamed up' the river. The foUoAving special order shows how thoroughly he had studied and prepared the attack, which was to be really the first great bloAV struck at the rebellion : The captains of the gunboats, before going into action, will always see that the hoods coTering the gratings of the hatches at the bows, and sterns, and elsewhere, are taken off; otherwise great injury will result from the concussion of the guns in firing. The anchors, also, must be unstocked, if they interfere with the range of the bow guns. 11 162 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. In attacking the fort, the flrst order of steaming will be observed, as, by the vessels being parallel, they wiU be much less exposed to the enemy's range than if not in a parallel line, and by moving ahead or astern, which all the vessels wiU do by following the motions of the flag-ship, it will be diffi cult for the enemy to get an accurate range of the gunboats. Equal distances from one another must be observed by all the vessels in action. The flag-ship will, of course, open the fire first, and then others will foUow when good sight of the enemy's guns in the forts can be obtained. There must be no firing until correct sights can be obtained, as this would not only be throwing away ammunition, but it would encourage the enemy to see us flring "wildly and harmlessly at the fort. The captains will enforce upon their men the absolute necessity of observing this order ; and let it be also distinctly impressed on the mind of every man firing a gun, that, while ¦the first shot may be either of too much elevation or too little, there is no excuse for a second wild fire, as the flrst will indicate the inaccuracy of the .aim of the gun, which must be elevated, or depressed, or trained, as circum- rstanoes require. Let it be reiterated that random firing is not a mere waste of ammunition, but, what is far worse, it encourages the enemy when he sees shot and shell falling harmlessly about and beyond him. The great object is to dismount the guns in the fort by the accuracy of 'onr fire, although a shell in the mean time mfiy occasionally be thrown in .among a body of the enemy's troops. Great caution will be observed lest -our own troops be mistaken for the enemy. When the flag-ship ceases firing, it wiU be a signal for the other vessels .also to cease, as the ceasing of firing will indicate the surrender, or the readi ness to surrender, the fort. As the vessels will all be so near one another, Tcrbal communication will be held with the commander-in-chief when it is wanted. The commander-in-chief has eTcry confidence in the spirit and Talor of officers and men under his command, and his only solicitude arises lest the firing should be too rapid for precision, and that coolness and order, so essential to complete success, should not be obserTed ; and hence he has in this general order, expressed his Tiews, which must be obserTed by aU under his command, A. H. FOOTE. That he had a premonition of victory is evident from the following Order, No, 3, to Lieutenant Phelps, who commanded the three gunboats not iron-plated, and which were directed during the action to throw shells from a •comparatively safe distance in the rear, into the fort : Lieutenant Phelps will, as soon as the fort shall have surrendered and upon signal from the flag-ship, proceed with the Oonestoga, Taylor, and NIGHT BEFOEE THE ATTACK. 163 Lexington up the riTer, to where the railroad bridge crosses, and if the army shall haTe not already got possession, he will destroy so much of the track as will entirely preTent its use by the rebels. He will then proceed as far up the river as the stage of water will admit, and capture the enemy's gunboats and other Tessels, which might proTe aTailable to the enemy. The infantry was landed a few mUes below the fort, when Foote made a reconnoissance to ascertain the posi tion of the hostUe batteries. He had been told that the bed of the stream, near the fort, was lined with torpedoes ; and he ordered it to be thoroughly raked. The swift current at this season of the year had disarranged these engines of destruction — still several were removed, and the channel made clear. The night before the attack, the fleet anchored abreast of the army under Grant, encamped on the bank The camp-fires lighted up the gloomy shores, and were re flected on the smoothly-floAving stream — throAving into bolder reUef the seven dark huUs, swinging lazily on the bosom of the Tennessee, combining to form a new and thrilling scene to the bold Western men, Avho, on both land and water, were about to enter on their first conflict. It was the more striking, as the night was dark — heavy, sombre clouds An-apping the heavens, — while the wintry wind surged by in fitful gusts, blending its roar with that of the waters that swept majestically through the gloom. Nature seemed to sympathize AAdth coming events ; and before morning a fierce storm burst along the banks of the river, and the rain came down in torrents. But the tempestuous night at length passed, and the morning broke cold and clear. Foote at once ordered the vessels to be got ready for the attack. Admon ishing Grant that he must hurry, or he would not be in time to do his part, which was to cut off the retreat 164 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. of the enemy, he began about ten o'clock to stem the rapid current. Grant, on the other hand, assuring him that he need not trouble himself about the army being up in time, put his troops in motion. The fort stood on a bend of the river, and commanded it for a long way dOAni. An island lay about a mile below it, behind Avhich Foote kept his boats, so as to avoid the shots of the rifled guns of the fort, Avhich, with their long range, might cripple him before he came to close action. The iron-clads abreast moved slowly up stream, untU the fort opened to vieAV directly ahead, Avhen the wooden vessels halted. The commander of the fort, aware of Foote's ap proach through the force on Avatch, the moment the latter's appeared, opened on him with his batteries, and shot and shell came hurtling doAm the river. Foote answered with his heavy bow guns, and the conflict commenced. The rebel gunners, from long practice, had obtained the exact range of every point in view, and hence sent their shot Avith fearful accuracy against the advancing vessels. Those of the gunboats had to get theirs ; but having re ceived orders to fire slowly and deliberately, they Avere soon able to throw their shells with such precision that the rebel infantry outside of the works retired precipi tately. The gunners, however, stood manfully to their work, though the fire to which they Avere exposed aston ished them Anth its precision and effect. Foote opened fire at the distance of seventeen hun dred yards, using only his boAv guns, as he steamed sloAvly toward the blazing batteries, increasing the ra pidity of his fire as he advanced. Leading the way on the fiagship Cincinnati, he was followed by the Essex, under Porter ; the Carondelet, under Walke, and the St. Louis, Lieutenant Paulding commanding. The fire from THE COMBAT, 165 the Cincinnati and Essex Avas most terrific ; and to these the enemy gave their chief attention. Shot after shot bounded from their mailed sides, whUe others crashed amid the timbers ; but the boats moved steadily forward, creep ing up to the flaming batteries, relentless as fate, Foote saw, by the earth and sand-bags that flew around the hos tile guns, and the sudden silence of some of them, that he was slowly grinding them to powder, and steamed still nearer. At length, an unlucky shot entered the porthole of the Essex, and, traversing the boat, carried death and devastation in its track, and plunged at last into the boiler, letting the steam out in a cloud upon the crew. As she drifted helplessly doAm the current, the rebels sent up a loud cheer, and opened flre Avith rencAved courage, Foote saw that his right hand was gone ; but, undismayed, pushed steadily forward, until he lay Avithin six hundred yards of the fort. The firing was now fearful. You could hear the ponderous shot strike, and see the guns lift and tumble from their carriages as the shells exploded under them. Begrimed with powder and smoke, and their faces ablaze Anth excitement, the gunners worked their pieces Avith astonishing rapidity. The close prox imity of the opposing cannon gave additional terror to the scene, and the heavy explosions, blending into one, made the shores tremble, Tilghman, the rebel com mander, fought until nearly every one of his guns was dismounted, when, seeing that longer resistance was use less, he lowered his fiag, A boat was sent ashore, and soon the stars and stripes were seen floating in the breeze from the rebel flagstaff, when a loud, long cheer arose from boat after boat, and was borne aAvay toward the Ohio bv the swiftly descending current. The infantry had left some time before. Grant not 166 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE, having arrived in time to intercept their flight ; so that only between sixty and seventy prisoners surrendered, Avith General Tilghman and his staff, Foote reported forty-eight killed, wounded, and mis sing. His ship was struck thirty-one times, the Essex fifteen, the St, Louis seven, and the Carondelet six. The fort was mounted with twenty guns, and had tents and barracks capable of holding fifteen thousand men. It was a great victory, and Foote's name was re peated Avith acclamations from one end of the North to the other. As soon as he had secured the prisoners, he sent off Phelps, as he had prcAdously planned. This gaUant offi cer, taking the Taylor, Lieutenant Gwin commanding, and the Lexington, Lieutenant Shirk, with his OAm boat, the Conestoga, immediately steamed up the river. But we will let him tell his OAni story of his expedition, I arriTed after dark at the railroad crossing, twenty-five miles above the fort, having on the way destroyed a small amount of camp equipage aban doned by the rebels. The draw of the bridge was found closed, and the machinery for turning it disabled. About a mile and half above were sev eral rebel transport steamers escaping up stream. A party was landed, and in one hour I had the satisfaction to see the draw open. The Taylor being the slowest of the gunboats, Lieutenant-Command ing Gwin landed a force to destroy a portion of the railroad track and to secure such military stores as might be found, while I directed Lieutenant- Commanding Shirk to follow me with all speed in chase of the fleeing boats. In flve hours the boat succeeded in forcing the rebels to abandon and burn three of their boats loaded with military stores. The flrst one fired (Samuel Orr) had on board a quantity of submarine batteries, which very soon ex ploded. The second one was freighted with powder, cannon, shot, grape, balls, &c. Fearing an explosion from the fired boats — there were two to gether — I had stopped at a distance of one thousand yards ; but even there our skylights were broken by the concussion, the light upper deck was raised bodily, doors were forced open, and locks and fastenings everywhere broken. The whole river, for half a mile round about, was completely " beaten phelp's naeeative. 167 up " by the falling fragments and the shower of shot, grape, balls, &o. The house of a reported Union man was blown to pieces, and it is suspected there was design in landing the boats in front of the doomed home. The Lexing ton having fallen astern, and being without a pilot on board, I concluded to wait for both of the boats to come up. Joined by them, we proceeded up the river. Lieutenant-Commanding Gwin had destroyed some of the trestle- work at the end of the bridge, burning with them a lot of camp equipage. I. N". Brown, formerly a lieutenant in the navy, now signing himself " Lieut. C. S. N.," had fled with such precipitation as to leave his papers behind. These Lieutenant-Commanding Gwin brought away, and I send them to you, as they give an official history of the rebel floating preparations on the Mississippi, Cumberland, and Tennessee. Lieutenant Brown had charge of the construction of gunboats. At night, on the 7th, we arrived at a landing in Hardin County, Tennes see, known as Cerro Gordo, where we found the steamer Eastport being converted into a gunboat. Armed boat crews were immediately sent on board, and search made for means of destruction that might have been de vised. She had been scuttled and the suction-pipes broken. Tliese leaks were soon stopped. A number of rifle-shots were flred at our vessels, but a couple of shells dispersed the rebels. On examination I found that there were large quantities of timber and lumber prepared for fltting up the East- port ; that the vessel itself — some two hundred and eighty feet long — was in excellent condition, and already half flnished ; considerable of the plating designed for her was lying on the bank, and eTerything at hand to complete her. I therefore directed Lieutenant-Commanding Gwin to remain with the Taylor to guard the prize, and to load the lumber, &c., while the Lexington and Oonestoga should proceed still higher up. Soon after daylight, on the 8th, we passed Eastport, Mississippi ; and at Chickasaw, further up, near the State line, seized two steamers, the Sallie Wood and Muscle— the former laid up, and the latter freighted with iron destined for Eichmond and for rebel use. We then proceeded on up the river, entering the State of Alabama, and ascending to Florence at the foot of the Muscle Shoals. On coming in sight of the town, three steamers were discovered, which were immediately set on fire by the rebels. Some shots were flred from the opposite side of the river below. A force was landed, and considerable quantities of supplies, marked " Fort Henry,'' were secured from the burning wrecks. Some had been landed and stored. These I seized, putting such as we could bring away on our vessels, and destroying the remainder. No flats or other craft could be found. I found, also, more of the iron and plating intended for the Eastport. A deputation of citizens of Florence waited upon me, flrst desiring that they might be able to quiet the fears of their wives and daughters with assurances from me that they would not be molested ; and, secondly, praying ¦ that I would not destroy their railroad bridge. As for the first, I told them 168 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. we were neither ruffians nor savages, and that we were there to protect from violence and to enforce the law ; and, with reference to the second, that if the bridge were away we could ascend no higher, and that it could possess no military importance, so far as I saw, as it simply connected Florence itself ¦\vith the railroad on the south bank of the river. We had seized three of their steamers — one the half-finished gunboat — and had forced the rebels to burn six others loaded with supplies ; and their loss, with that of the freight, is a heavy blow to the enemy. Two boats are still known to be on the Tennessee, and are doubtless hidden in some of the creeks, where we shall be able to find them when there is time for the search. We returned, on the night of the 8th, to where the Eastport lay; The crew of the Taylor had already gotten on board of the prize an immense amount of lumber, &o. The crews of the three boats set to work to finish the undertaking, and we have brought away probably two hundred and fifty thousand feet of the best quality of ship and building lumber, all the iron, machinery, spikes, plating, nails, &c., belonging to the rebel gunboats, and I caused the mill to be destroyed where the lumber had been sawed. Lieutenant-Commanding Gwin had, in our absence, enlisted some twenty- five Tennesseeans, who gave information of the encampment of Colonel Drew's rebel regiment at Savannah, Tennessee. A portion of the six or seTen hundred men were known to be " pressed " men, and all were badly armed. After consultation with Lieutenants-Commanding Gwin and Shirk, I determined to make a land attack upon the encampment. Lieutenant- Commanding Shirk, with thirty rifiemen, came on board the Conestoga, leaving his vessel to guard the Eastport, and, accompanied by the Taylor, we proceeded up to that place, prepared to land one hundred and thirty rifiemen and a twelve-pouuder rifle howitzer. Lieutenant-Commanding Gwin took command of this force when landed, but had the mortification to find the camp deserted. The rebels had fied at 1 o'clock, in the night, leaving considerable quanti ties of arms, clothing, shoes, camp utensils, provisions, implements, &c., all of which were secured or destroyed, and their winter-quarters of log-huts were burned. I seized, also, a large mail-bag, and send you the letters giving military information. The gunboats were then dropped down to a point where arms, gathered under the rebel " press-law," had been stored, and an armed party, under Second-Master Goudy, of the Taylor, succeeded in seizing about seventy rifles and fowling-pieces. Eeturning to Cerro Gordo, we took the Eastport, Sallie Wood, and Muscle in tow, and came down the river to the railroad crossing. The Muscle sprang a leak, and, all efforts failino- to prevent her sinking, we were forced to abandon her, and with her a consid erable quantity of fine lumber. We are having trouble in getting throuo-h the draw of the bridge here. I now come to the, to me, most interesting portion of this report one which has already become lengthy ; but I must trust you will find some SOUTHEEN UNIONISM, 169 excuse for this in the fact that it embraces a history of labors and movements day and night, from the 6th to the 10th of the month, all of which details I deem it proper to give you. We have met with the most gratifying proofs of loyalty everywhere across Tennessee amd in the portions of Mississippi and Alabama we visited. Most affecting instances greeted us almost hourly. Men, icomen, and children, several times gathered in crowds of hundreds, shouted their welcome, and hailed their national flag with an enthusiasm there was no mistaking ; it was genuine and heartfelt. Those people braved every thing to go to the river bank, where a sight of their flag might once more be enjoyed. Tears flowed freely down the cheeks of men as well as women, and there were those who had fought under the stars and stripes at Moultrie, who on this morning testifled their joy. This display of feeling and sense of gladness at our success, and the hopes it created in the hearts of so many people in the heart of the Southern Con federacy, astonished us not a little ; and I assure you, sir, I would not have failed to witness it for any consideration. I trust it has given us all a higher sense of the sacred character of our present duties. I was assured, at Sa vannah, that of the several hundred troops there, more than one-half, had we gone to the attack in time, would have hailed us as deliverers, and gladly enlisted with the national forces. In Tennessee the people generally braved the secessionists, and spoke their views freely, but in Mississippi and Alabama, what was said was guarded: " Tf we dared express ourselves freely, you would hear such a shout greeting your coming as you never heard.'''' "We know there are many Unionists among us, but a reign of terror makes us all afraid of our shadows." We were told, too : " Bring us a small organized force, with arms and ammunition for us, and we can maintain our position, and put down rebel lion in our midst." There were, it is true, whole communities, who, on our approach, fled to the woods ; but these were where tliere was less of the loyal element, and when the fleeing steamers, in adTanoe, had spread tales of our coming with firebrands, burning, destroying, raTishing, and plundering. Foote was much encouraged at this report of the state of feeling. On the return of the expedition he steamed doAm the river to Cairo, and, eight days after the surren der of Fort Henry, was ascending the Cumberland to assist Grant, who was marching across the country to attack Fort Donelson, He was aware of the superior strength of this fort, and his force being now reduced by the loss of the iron-clad Essex, he feared that the attempt to re duce it from the river would prove fruitless. He, how- 170 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE, ever, at the urgent request of Major-General Halleck and Gen. Grant, who regarded the movement as a " military necessity," consented to make it. The works here were of the most formidable kind, and, it was thought, able to resist any attempt to ascend the river to NashvUle. On the river side were two batteries : the lower one mounting eight 32-pounders and a 10-inch columbiad, and the upper, some ten yards above this, two 32-pound carronades and a 32-pound rified gun. The range of these commanded every foot of the river in sight below the fort The day before the attack, Foote sent the Carondelet upon a reconnoissance, and the vessel being fired upon, returned the fire and maintained the unequal contest till she had discharged over a hundred shots, and did not retire until struck by a heavy shot Avhich, entering one of her forward ports, wounded eight men. Foote knew the desperate undertaking before him, but, on the 14th, moved resolutely up to the batteries with his four iron-clads and two wooden gunboats. He soon found that he was exposed to a different fire than the one he had encountered at Fort Henry. The heavy metal of the batteries fell rapid as hailstones on his ves sel, and the water around the boats was beaten into foam by the falling shots and shell. The flagship, as usual, received the chief attention of the enemy. Yet Foote moved steadily forward into the volcano before him, nobly sustained by his other vessels. Noticing that the pilot, under the horrible fire that smote the vessel, was getting nervous, he walked up to him, placed his hand on his shoulder, and spoke some encouraging words, when a heavy shot struck the poor fellow, leaving him a mangled mass beside his broken Avheel. Foote, though wounded THE ATTACK ABANDONED. 171 himself in the foot by a splmter, stUl limped around, giv ing his orders with imperturbable coolness, and anxiously watching the effect of the shot on the rebel works. But this unlucky shot had carried away the wheel, with the pUot; and the boat — which had now got Avithin four hundred yards of the fort — became unmanageable ; and, swinging to the current, drifted slowly doAm stream. At the same time, the tiller-ropes of the LouisviUe were cut, and she, too, floated down stream. The enemy no sooner saw this than he redoubled his flre. Only two boats were now left to maintain the conflict ; but they too, being dam aged between wind and water, soon followed the flagship, and the fight, that had raged Avith such ferocity for an hour and a quarter, was over. Fifty-four had been killed or wounded, and the flagship been strubk fifty-nine times. Although he could bring but twelve guns to bear on bat teries that mounted twenty, Foote thought, but for the untoward accident that destroyed the steering apparatus of the two vessels, he would have succeeded in capturing the works, as the fire of the enemy had materially slack ened. Some such accident, however, was to be expected in so unequal a fight. Leaving two boats here to protect the transports, Foote returned with the ten disabled ones to Cairo, to repair damages and prepare for another attack. Fort Donelson, however, surrendered a few days after to Grant, and he again advanced up the river to Clarkes- villuj; arther on toward NashviUe, which surrendered to him. He found much Union feeling among the inhab itants along the shore, and here issued a proclamation promising security to private property and citizens, and calling on the latter to resume their peaceful avocations. He now, in conjunction Avith Grant, resolved to move on 172 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. Nashville ; and the two were about starting, when Grant, "to his astonishment," he says, "received a telegram from General HaUeck, not to let the gunboats go higher than Clarkesville." Having received no telegram him self, he could not understand it ; and immediately sent a despatch to Halleck's Chief of Staff, saying, " The Cum berland is in a good stage of water, and General Grant and I believe that we can take Nashville. Please, ask General HaUeck if we shall do it. We will talk per telegraph. Captain Phelps representing me in the office, as I am still on crutches." But permission Avas not given him, and he returned to Cairo, and once more turned his attention to Columbus. On the 23d, he made a recon noissance of the works with four iron-clads, ten mortar- boats, and three transports, containing a thousand men. He found that nothing could be done without an addi tional force, and returned to Cairo, to wait the comple tion of other boats. In the mean time, he had despatched the gunboats Tyler and Lexington up the Tennessee, which attacked the enemy's works at Pittsburg, and captured them with small loss, while there were a hundred and fiftv of the enemy killed or wounded. On the 1st of March, Lieu tenant Phelps, who had been sent Asdth a flag of truce to Columbus, returned and reported it evacuated, the army having retired to Island No, 10, Foote now transferred his flag to the powerful iron-clad Benton, and advar :ed against the strong works which had been erected^Sere. Attack after attack followed, and a ceaseless bombard ment from the mortar-boats was kept up ; but no serious impression could be made on them. General Pope at length arrived beloAV Avith a large force ; but he had no boats with which to transport his troops across to the PEEPAEING TO EUN THE BATTEEIES. 173 other side and march against the enemy, and so lay idle on the banks. For three weeks the fleet lay here, pounding away at the rebel fortifications, and the end seemed as far off as ever, while the public began to weary of hearing of Island No, 10, The arrival of Pope below made it imperative that a gunboat should be got through to him ; but whether one could run the formidable batteries that lined the shore was very problematical. It, however, ihust be tried, or Pope could never cross and move up to Island No. 10, and compel its evacuation. There was no prospect 'of capturing the works by our gunboats from above, and so Foote assigned the hazardous duty of running the bat teries to the commander of the Carondelet, directing him to avail himself of the first foggy or rainy night to start. If he succeeded, he was to cooperate with Pope, and when the army moved, to attack the fortifications. In closing his directions he used the following solemn language : On this delicate and somewhat hazardous service to which I assign you I must enjoin upon you the importance of keeping your lights secreted in the hold or put out, keeping your officers and men from speaking at all, when passing the forts, above a whisper, and then only on duty, and of using every other precaution to prevent the rebels suspecting that you are dropping be low their batteries. If you successfully perform this duty assigned you, w hich you so willingly undertake, it will reflect the highest credit upon you and all belonging to your vessel, and I doubt not but that the Government will fully appreciate and reward you for a service which, I trust, wUl enable the army to cross the river and make a saooessfal attack in the rear, while we storm the bat teries in front of this stronghold of the rebels. Commending you and all who compose your command to the care and protection of God, who rules the world and directs all things, I am, respect fully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE. To this was added the following postscript : 174 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. P. S.— Should you meet with disaster, you will, as a last resort, destroy the steam machinery, and, if possible to escape, set fire to your gunboat, or sink her, and prevent her from falling into the hands of the rebels. A. H. F. Everything that ingenuity could devise was done to insure success, for the boat was first to run, head on, to a powerful battery, then take the fire of forty-seven cannon in her daring passage. Chains were coUed around the pilot>house and other vulnerable parts — cord-wood piled against the boilers, and the hose connected with the lat ter to hurl jets of steam to repel boarders in case of an attack. A boat, loaded with pressed hay, was lashed to the side exposed to the batteries, while, to balance this, and, at the same time, to furnish the steamer with fuel, should she get through safely, a barge loaded with coal was lashed to the other side. Twenty sharpshooters were also added to the crew, Avho were all thoroughly armed for any emergency. The night of the 4th of April Avas dark and tem pestuous, and about ten o'clock the Carondelet cut loose from her anchorage, and, rounding slowly to on the stream, turned her head down the Mississippi. The fleet, aware of the expedition, was silent and anxious. Every officer felt the perU into which the intrepid Walke was moving. Darkness soon Anapped his boat from sight ; but the blinding flashes of lightning would ever and anon reveal its black form moving forward through the gloom. It was an hour of painful suspense to Foote, for vast results hung on the welfare of that single vessel. As if to impart stUl greater grandeur to the scene, the thunder rolled heavily overhead, or broke in deafening claps along the shore. Wrapping itself in the thunder storm, as in a mantle, the Carondelet swept forward into the volcano that EUNNLNG THE BATTEEIES, 175 awaited her approach. Everything passed quietly for awhUe, but suddenly, as she approached the batteries, the soot in the chimneys caught fire, and a blaze, five feet high, leaped from their tops, shedding a broad glare on the surrounding water. " Open the flue caps," passed quietly and quickly to the engineer, and the flames subsided. So suddenly did this strange apparition appear and vanish, that it was either unseen, or, blending in as it did with the lightning, it deceived the guard, Walke, from his silent deck, gazed intently towards the batteries, expecting every moment to hear the drum beat to quarters, and see the flash of the signal-gun light up the gloom. But, to his great relief, all passed off quietly, and the Carondelet kept on her perilous way. But just as she got abreast of the upper battery, the chimneys caught flre again and blazed like a torch on the breast of the stream. The next moment the report of a musket was heard. In an instant, rockets from island and mainland arose through the storm. The rapid roll of drums was heard in the intervals of the thunder, and then came a single report, followed by a deafening crash that drowned the artillery of heaven. Concealment was now over, and Walke, putting on a fuU head of steam and hugging the batteries close, to let the shot fly over him, pushed rapidly down the current. A man stood forward with lead and line, cooUy caUing out from time to time in a low voice the soundings, which a second man on deck repeated, sending the report aft to Walke, who stood beside the pilot, calm and collected, but with every nerve strung to its utmost tension and all his senses keenly alive to every movement and sound. The flashes of the enemy's guns and of the lightning above them, revealed almost momentarUy the shores, and thus showed 176 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE, the channel ; yet the light coming and going so rapidly, and the utter darkness of the intervals, confused and blinded the pUot, and once the boat was heading straight for the shore. But just then a flerce flash of lightning lit up the scene, and " hard a-port ! " fell from the Cap tain's lips in calm accents, yet so sharp and stern that the pUot threw himself with all his might upon the wheel, and the Carondelet swung back into the channel, A Avilder, sublimer scene cannot be imagined than that boat presented, as, silent as death, she moved steadi ly on,^-one moment painted red on the stream by the flashes of lightning or ^f artUlery, and the next moment lost to sight as completely as though she had gone to the bottom. The rain came down in torrents, the wind swept by in fierce gusts, whUe the thunder breaking above, and the artillery exploding below, imparted an indescribable terror to this midnight hour. But at length the last battery was passed, the echo of the last gun died sullenly away up the river, and a heavy load lifted from the heart of Walke, With a cheerful voice he ordered the ports to be thrown open and the guns run out to fire minute guns — the signal agreed on with Foote, should the Carondelet pass the batteries in safety. The latter stood on deck listening to the uproar below, telling him of the fiery ordeal his brave subordi nate was enduring, and when it ceased he bent attentively to catch the report of the signal guns. Suddenly it came, but so blent in with the thunder, that he could not certainly tell whether it was not the boom of the latter ; others, also, heard it, but the raging storm so drowned it that they too doubted. At New Madrid, however, there was no doubt, no uncertainty. The soldiers and officers there had also SAFE PASSAGE OF THE BOAT. 177 heard the terrific cannonading up the Mississippi, and knew what it meant, and every eye was strained up stream to catch sight of the coming vessel, while lights danced along the shore to guide her course. As the Carondelet, untouched by a single shot, came proudly up to the wharf, the frenzied cheers that arose drowned the voice of the storm, and the soldiers, rushing down, seized the sailors and bore them in their arms up the banks to the nearest hotel, and unbounded joy reigned throughout the army. Pope immediately despatched a messenger announcing the safe arrival of the Carondelet, and urging Foote in the most earnest manner to send another boat the next nigh"t, as its presence was necessary to ensure success. In his ardor, he said, " I am thus urgent, sir, because the lives of thousands of men and the success of our opera tions, hang upon your decision." To this, Foote replied in full, stating that it was im possible to send a boat till there came a dark night. He did not like the tone of Pope's letter, and said : I am sorry to find the expression in your letter, " The success of our operations hangs upon your (my) decision,'' especially referring to my di recting a gunboat to attempt running the blockade in this clear night ; for, in my judgment, and that of all the other officers, the boat might as well expect to run it in the daytime. I cannot consider the running of your blockade, where the river is nearly a mile "wide, and only exposed to a few light guns, at all comparable to running it here, where a boat has not only to pass seven batteries, but has to be kept " head on " to a battery of elcTen heaTy guns, at the head of Island No. 10, and to pass within three hundred yards of this strong battery. If it did not sink the gunboat, we would, in the naTy, consider the gunners totally unfit for employment in the service ; and, therefore, my responsibility for the liTes of the officers and men under my charge, induces me to decline a request which would, especially without protection to the boat, were the rebels at all competent to perform their duty, result in the sacrifice of the boat, her officers, and men, which sacrifice I should not be justified in making — certainly not now, "when, by your own 12 178 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE. admission, it will be easy for the new rebel steamers, reported to be on their way up the riTer, to pass your batteries in the night, and if they meet my squadron, reduced by loss, so as to be unable to cope ¦with them, can con tinue up the Mississippi or Ohio to St. Louis or to Cincinnati. In view, howcTer, of rendering you all the aid you request, and no doubt require, while I regret that you had not earlier expressed the appre hension of the necessity of two gunboats, instead of the smaller gunboat, I will, to-morrow, endeaTor to prepare another boat ; and if the night is such as will render her running the blockade without serious disaster at all prob able, I will make the attempt to send you the additional boat requested in your letter of this day's date. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. FOOTE, Flag-Offi/^r Commanding Naval Forces, Westem Waters. Majob Genbeal John Pope, Commanding Army at New Madrid. A few days after the 8th, another heavy thunder storm occurring, the Pittsburg, Lieutenant Thompson commanding, started at two o'clock in the morning, and, though exposed to the fire of seventy-three guns, safely passed the batteries. Previous to these movements. Colonel Bissell, an en gineer, had, with incredible labor, cut a canal through sloughs and streams, by which transports were got through, so that now the fate of Island No. 10 was sealed. The gunboats silenced the batteries on the oppo site shore, when the troops were carried over and began their march for the rebel works. The commander Mackall, seeing that aU was lost, evacuated the place, and it fell with all its stores and armament into our hands. While these stirring events were passing on the Mis sissippi, the terrible battle of Pittsburg Landing was fought, in which two of Foote's fleet did great service. The Tyler and Lexington, under the command of Gwin and Shirk, by the effective manner in which they shelled the rebel left, on the aftemOv->n of the flrst day, did much towards preventing a total defeat of our arms. FOOTE EELIEVED, 179 Foote now moved doAvn to Fort Pillow, and while operating here and making arrangements to drive out the enemy, he said, in a letter to the Secretary of the Navy : " The effects of my wound have quite a dispiriting effect upon me, from the increased inflammation, and swelling of my foot and leg, which have induced a febrile action, depriAdng me of a good deal of sleep and energy. I cannot give the wound that attention and rest it ab solutely requires, untU this place is captured." Another event which soon after occurred, had a still more depressing effect upon him. He had made arrange- tnents that, he thought, with the cooperation of Pope's army, would give him Fort PUlow within six days, when that officer received a despatch from Halleck, to join him at once, with his twenty thousand men, at Pittsburg. In a letter to the Department, the former said : " I am greatly exercised about our position here, on account of the withdrawal of the army of twenty thousand men, so important an element in the capture of the place." He, however, continued to shell the place, and was busy in devising ways and means preparatory to a successful attack on the fort. But his health con tinued to grow worse, and, although he managed to limp around on his crutches, it was plain to all, and especially so to his surgeon, that he must be relieved from the cares that pressed upon hun, and he finally asked leave of absence. C. H. Davis was placed in command of the fleet till he could recover. Foote retired to Cleveland, where, with his brothers, he rested for awhile, the subject of anxious solicitude to his countrymen, who felt that he could not yet be spared from the field. 180 EEAE-ADMIEAL ANDEEW HULL FOOTE, After awhUe he proceeded to his home, now saddened by the loss of a bright boy, fourteen years of age, who had been carried to his grave while he was far away, perUUng his life for his country. Afflictions rapidly ac cumulated upon him, seemingly greater than his weak ened frame could bear. Before autumn had passed, two young daughters foUoAved their brother to the grave, leaAdng him a desolate, stricken man. The land was re sounding with his praises, yet he heard them not — his heart was in the grave vpith his chUdren, and the laurels a grateful nation was Aveaving for him turned to ashes in his sight. He had, in the mean time, been created a rear- admiral, on the active list, and, in a few weeks after the death of his two daughters, was called to Washington, Though broken in spirits and health, and AvhoUy unfit for duty, he responded to the call, and became engaged in the new " Bureau of Equipment and Navigation." As soon as he saw that he could be spared here, he asked for more active and dangerous service, and Avas assigned to the command of the North Atlantic squadron. His friends tried to dissuade him from taking it, for they saw that his extreme debility and prostration demanded rest if he wished to save his Ufe. To one and all he replied that his life was not his own, and he was ready to lay it doAm for his country. He repaired to New York and made all his preparations to saU, Avhen the disease against which he had battled so long, overcame him, and he lay doAvn to die. He lingered for ten days in great suffering, and at length expired at the Astor House, June 26, 1863. Dahlgren, Avho had been appointed to command the iron-clads under him, and subsequently took his place. HIS DEATH. 181 came on from Washington to see him just before his death. The foUowing is his account of the last interview with him. He says : " Next morning after my arrival in New York, my first care was to visit my old and dearly beloved friend Foote. Alas ! he was delirious — a few words recalled the fast-departing senses — the wandering eye rested on me for a brief moment, and he uttered my name distinctly — even remembered my boys — then he re lapsed, and another day ended in this Avorld the life of as brave and as good a man as ever served any country. No one better knew his virtues than I — ^no one prized them more dearly. We had been bosom friends for twenty years, and never a cloud between us. What a loss to the country ! " A beautiful tribute from a brave and good man to a brave and good man. The news of his death was received with universal grief, for he had become a favorite Avith the people, and much was expected of him in the future towards crushing the rebelUon, which had received such staggering blows at his hand. A brave man, an accomplished officer, a noble pa triot, and a sincere Christian, he rested from his labors, and passed to that serene abode where the afflictions of this life become blessings to swell his joy and thanks giving. His fame is secure, and his name will ever stand high in the list of our great naval commanders. CHAPTER VII. COMMODORE CHARLES STUART BOGGS. EAELY IMPEES3I0NS. — HIS NATIVITY AND EAELY EDUCATION. — ANECDOTE. — EN- TEES THE NATAL SEETIOE.— HIS FIEST CEUISE. — GEBEK PIEATES. — CEUISE TO THE WEST INDIES. ^A LIEUTENANT. — SEETIOE IN THE PACIFIO OCEAN. — HAS CHAEGE OF THE APPEENTICE3 IN NEW YOEK HAEBOE. — OEDEEED TO THE AFEICAN COAST. — SEETES ON BOAED THE PEINCETON DUEING THE MEX ICAN WAE. A DAEING ACT. — CEUISE IN THE MEDITEEEANEAN. — THE GEEEKS ASTONISHED AT A PEOPELLEE. — SENT TO THE WOELd's FAIE. — INSPEOTOK OF CLOTHING AND PEOTISIONS IN NEW YOEK HAEBOE. — COMMANDS A CALIFOE- NIA STEAMER. — 1N3PE0TOE OF LIGHTS ON THE COAST OF CALIFOENIA. HIS POSITION AND FEELINGS ON THE BEEAKING OUT OF THE EEBELLION. — OF- FBES A EEWAED TO THE MOST GALLANT SOLDIBE OF HIS OOUNTEY. — OEDEEED HOME.— GITEN THE COMMAND OP THE TAEUNA.-^JOINS FAE- EAGUT's SQUADEON. — PASSAGE OF THE FOETS BELOW NEW OELEANS. — HIS GALLANT CONDUCT. THE EOT 030AE. — IS PEESBNTED WITH A SWOED FOE HIS QALLAHTEY. — ON BLOCKADING DUTY OFF WILMINGTON HAEBOE. — HIS HEALTH FAILS. APPOINTED ON ADMIEAL GEEGOEY's STAFF AT NEW YOEK. — PLANS AND BUILDS TOEPEDO-BOATS. HIS SEETICES SINCE THE WAE. — HIS CHAEACTEE. It is curious often to trace the causes which have given bent to a man's whole life, and made or marred his fortunes. Sometimes there seems to be a strong natural tendency to a certain profession or calling ; but, on care ful examination, it will usuaUy be found that this has arisen from some circumstance — perhaps from a sino-le biographical sketch, which the child has read — making HIS EAELY LIFE. 183 an impression upon him that nothing could efface; often, again, some tradition or character in the family has produced it. It is more than probable that the subject of this sketch would never have chosen the naval profession had not his mother been sister of the gallant Lawrence, Avhose last words were : " Don't give up the ship 1 " It could not be otherwise than that the gaUant character of such a man should make an indelible impression on his nephcAV — especiaUy when the story of his battles and heroic death Avas told by a mother, who revered the memory of her dead brother. What to the mother was the ideal of a noble man would naturaUy become so to the son ; at all events, he early determined to enter the naval service. It Avould appear from tradition that other plans had been formed for him, and attempts made to dissuade him from this course, but in vain. He was born in Ncav Brunswick, N, J,, January, 1811, and Avas sent at an early age to Captain Partridge's cele brated military academy, at Middletown, Connecticut. It is related that one day some of his friends, in attempting to dissuade him from a maritime life, said : " Why, Charles, you can't be a sailor, for you don't know hovv to climb." He instantly turned, and, for an ansAver ascended quickly to the roof of the house, and descended by the lightning-rod. This practical argument was con clusive. On the 1st of November, 1826, when he was fifteen years old, he was appointed midshipman, and, the next July, joined the sloop-of-war Warren, and sailed for the Mediterranean, The eastern portion of the sea at that time swarmed with Greek pirates, and the vessel in Avhich young Boggs served was very active in protectino- 184 COMMODORE CHAELES STUAET BOGGS, our commerce, and suppressing piracy among the Grecian islands. So valuable were the serAdces of Captain Kearney, his commander, that they were spoken of in the British Parliament, At that time, our navy was a sore subject to the English, and it required a strong motive to wring from them a compliment to any of our ships. This was a good school for the young midshipman. The intricate and narrow channels of those islands fur nished hiding-places for the small Grecian crafts, and hence, there were necessarily many boat expeditions sent in search of them, which required the utmost vigilance and calmness to carry out successfully. Young Boggs there learned that quiet, yet quick, prompt resolution, for Avhich he was afterward so distinguished. In these dangerous expeditions, and sudden bold dashes, he saw that perfect self-possession, and the abUity to decide on the spur of the moment what course of action to adopt, Avas as indispensable to a naval officer, as the ability to command a ship. Winding among the beautiful islands of Greece, and sailins; alona; the classic coast of the Mediterranean, and visiting the cities and mementoes of ancient greatness, Boggs passed three years of his life, and, when he re turned, was no longer a boy. He now made two cruises to the West Indies, and, in 1832, passed his examination successfully, preparatory to his promotion. His duties for the next five years did not differ from those common to all officers in times of peace. In 1836, he joined, as master, the ship of the line North Carolina, which had been ordered to the Pacific coast. When the vessel arrived at Callao, he received an appointment as acting lieutenant, and was ordered as m CHARGE OP APPRENTICES. 185 executive officer to the schooner Enterprise, which ap pointment was confirmed by his promotion in 1833. For nearly two years, Lieutenant Boggs now saw much active service. The little schooner sailed up and doAvn the coast, from Valparaiso to Lower California, ex ploring it thoroughly. In 1839, he returned home in 'the North Carolina^ and served about a year on board of her in New York harbor, as lieutenant, in charge of the apprentices. He here exhibited two very strong traits in his character — mildness and gentleness of manner, and yet strictness in enforcing discipline. The hand was iron in maintain ing order; but it was so gloved, that none felt its hardness. Perhaps no man could be more free and easy Avith his pupils or subordinates, and yet not relax one jot of strict discipline. He was highly complimented for his conduct and management of these boys. His next cruise was in the Saratoga, which composed a part of Commodore Perry's squadron, on the coast of Africa, and he took an active part in the bombardment and destruction of the Berreby toAvns. When the Mexican war broke out, he was ordered to the steamer Princeton, Captain Eagle, and took part in the grand bombardment of the Castle of St Juan de UUoa and of Tampico. The United States brig Truxton, having got aground on the bar of Tuspan River, surrendered to the Mexicans, and the Princeton was ordered down to destroy her. Arriving off the Avreck, a boat was manned, and Lieutenant Boggs put in command of it, with orders to destroy the vessel. The boat, impelled by the strong rowers, swept steadily over the water, and had nearly reached the Truxton, when a gale suddenly arose, lashing 186 OOMMODOEE CHAELES STUAET BOGGS. the sea into fury, and causing it to break with such vio» lence over the stranded vessel that he found it impos sible to board her. The current setting strongly in shore, together with the increasing gale, also rendered it impossible to retm'n to the Princeton. The waves were running high ; and Boggs, in spite of his efforts, was car ried toAvards the shore. As he approached it, he saw a company of Mexican soldiers drawn up on the beach with a field piece, covering the approach. This was an unex pected dilemma. He could not force the boat out to sea, and he knew, before he could land and charge the soldiers, his little crew would be annihilated. With that quick ness of decision which distinguished him, he immediately ordered the only white shirt on board to be torn up, and fastened on a boat-hook, and hoisted as a flag of truca He then told his men to turn, and pull boldly for shore. Springing on the beach as the bow grazed the sand, he advanced to the Mexican commander with his strange flag of truce, and told him he had been sent to destroy the Truxton — that he was carried against his AAdll to the shore, and had no intention of molesting the toAVTi, and that if he Avas not interfered Avith, he would do it no injury. If, on the contrary, the former attempted to prevent him from carrying out his instructions, the Prince ton would steam in, and open her fire on the place. The Mexican officer, seeing that discretion was the better part of valor, promised not to attempt any interference — on the contrary, he entertained him hospitably till the gale subsided. Boggs then thanked his would-be captor for his civility, and, bidding him adieu, pushed off to the Truxton, and soon she was a mass of flames on the water. The Princeton was soon after ordered to the Medi- COMMANDS A CALIFOENIA STEAMEE. 187 terranean, and Boggs visited once more the scenes of his early serAdce. This steamer was a propeller — ^the first ever seen in the Grecian seas — and when she entered the Piraeus, the captain ordered the smoke-pipe lowered. No smoke being visible, as she burned anthracite coal, she moved majesticaUy up the bay, without any ap parent means of propulsion, much to the astonishment of the Greeks. Seeing no steam-pipe, and no wheels, she seemed to them a Uving thing, endued with a vitality of her own. The Italian revolution of 1848 was now in fuU prog ress, and during the cruise Boggs saw much of it. Two years after, we find him executive officer of the St. Lawrence, which had been designated by the Government to carry the American contributions to the World's Fair in London. On his return, he was appointed First Lieutenant of the New York Navy Yard, and afterwards Inspector of clothing and provi sions in the same yard. In this new field of duty, he showed great ability — introducing reforms, and putting a stop to many abuses which had crept into the depart ment. When the Government made a contract Avith the California Steam Company to carry the maUs, one condi tion of it Avas that a United States officer should com mand their passenger boats, and Boggs was selected to command the Rlinois. This was in 1 8 5 5. The position was a very responsible one, and the duties connected with it most arduous. The gold fever was at its height, and the vessels were crowded Avith passengers, sometimes a thou sand in number ; many of whom were rough, lawless ad venturers, requiring the greatest tact and nerve to keep proper subordination. But no better man could be found 188 OOMMODOEE CHAELES STUAET BOGGS. than he for that very duty. He possessed the svxmiter in modo and fortiter in re in a remarkable manner, and he succeeded in maintaining order, and acquiring the esteem and respect of all. Captain Boggs, Avith his wife and daughter, were at Panama during the massacre of 1856, and narroAvly es caped falling victims to it. He served as commander of the Illinois for three years, and then was transferred to the coast of California. The light-house system needed extension, and in 1859 and 1860, he was appointed Inspector of Lights. The steamer Shubrick was placed under his command, and he was required to make two annual trips along the coast from Vancouver's Island to Lower California, inspecting old lights, and carrying supplies to them, and surveying sites for new ones. In performing this duty, he was enabled, at the same time, to complete the exploration of the western coast of the continent, which he had partially carried out so many years before. In steaming amid the rocks and narrow channels of these comparatively unknown shores, he had several nar row escapes from shipAvreck. He was thus engaged when the rebellion broke out. Commander Boggs now found himself in an unpleasant position, and his feelings respecting it, as well as his views of the rebellion, may be gathered fi-om the follow ing extracts from a letter written at the time to a friend : I am heart-sick of the state of our country — ^we are in a great state of excitement here. * * * fhe time has arrived for CTery one to define Ms position — those who are not for the GoTernment, as it is, should be de nounced as traitors, and meet a traitor's doom. I shall stick by the flag that I swore, thirty years ago, to protect. I am disagreeably and peculiarly situated — on special duty — so that I dare not leaTe and return East, as my HIS VIEWS ON THE REBELLION. 189 inclinations would prompt ; out of funds to carry on this duty — no special orders to goTern me in the peculiar state of the country. Should a priTateer of Jeff. Davis appear on these waters, my force is not able to meet her, and I haTe no authority or means to increase my crew, or mount a hea"vy gun, ¦without which I shoidd be cut to pieces at long shot, by any thing that might come along. I haTe obtained a Tery excellent silTcr-mounted Mexican saddle, Talued at OTer two hundred and fifty doUars, bridle, spurs, &c., complete. I ¦wish you would present it to the most daring and gallant soldier from our little county of Middlesex, N. J., or from the State, if you learn who distinguishes himself on the side of the Constitution and the Union. * * * GItc my regards to all who know me, and say that I am for the Consti tution and Union, and down ¦with traitors ! I only wish the GoTernment would order me home. * * * Thus, from the far-off coast of California, Avhich was trembling in the balance between the North and South, came his voice for the Union. No wonder he chafed in the position in Avhich he found himself — no funds to go on with his peaceful duties — no heart to do it, if he had. Helpless, if attacked, and no authority to place himself in a state of defence, he felt pressed down as by a night mare. Fortunately his letter to the Government, begging for active employment afloat, where he could strike, at least, one good blow for the honor of the flag, and the salvation of his country, was favorably received, and he was ordered home. Never was an order more welcome, and it took him but little time to prepare for his departure. On reaching home, he was placed in command of the Varuna, a passenger steamer, which had been bought by the De partment, and changed into a gunboat, and ordered to join Farragut's fleet below New Orleans. When Farragut had determined to run past the forts with his fleet and proceed on up to the city, he gave pre cise and detailed orders to each of the commanders, and assigned them their respective positions. 190 COMMODORE CHAELES STUAET BOGGS. Boggs, who knew what a frail thing his gunboat was, soudit an interview with him and told him that his ves- sel would never bear any long pounding from the heavy guns of the fort, which he would be compelled to endure if he Avas required to moA-e slowly, and asked permission to go ahead of his station, which he knew he could do, as the Varuna Avas a very fast boat. Farragut good- naturedly complied with his request, provided he would not run down and sink any rebel craft in the channel, as that might obstruct the free passage of the rest of the fleet Boggs' plan was now soon formed, and on the morn ing of the advance he moved up the stream, second from the flag-ship of his division. Ordinary fuel, he knew, would not get up steam fast enough, and he had the pork, which formed a part of his ship's stores, already prepared to throw into the furnace. At the proper time, it was cast on to the hissing coals — the fires blazed up, and Avith a full head of steam on, he dashed ahead. When abreast of the forts, he fired his starboard battery, loaded with five-second-shell. " Now ! " exclaimed Boggs, "fire with grape and canister as fast as possible," and the frail boat shot ahead, wrapped in flame, and was soon above the forts. Looking around him in the early twi light, he saw that he was in a perfect nest of rebel gun boats, ranged on both sides of the river. He instantly gave orders to " work both sides, and load Avith grape." Cool, and apparently unexcited, the men trained their guns with such precision, that scarcely a shot failed to hit its mark, while the forward and aft pivot-guns also kept up their steady fire. The first rebel vessel that re ceived his fire, seemed croAvded with troops. At the first discharge, her boiler exploded, and she drifted FIGHT OF naE VAEUNA. 191 ashore. Three other vessels, in quick succession, were now driven ashore in flames, and blew up. At this mo ment, just as the sun had risen above the horizon, lighting up the strange scene, he saw a vessel, iron-clad about the bows, bearing doAvn full upon him. As the rebel vessel approached, she fired a thirty-two-pound rifled gun, which raked the Varuna terribly, killing and wounding thirteen men. The marines now poured in a galling fire, which swept the gunners clear of the piece, so that it could not be fired again. The next moment she struck his vessel in the port gangway, athwart the mainmast, crushing in her timbers, and causing her to careen over in the water. Backing off, she again came on, hitting nearly in the same place, staving in the side. But Boggs ordered the en gineer to go ahead, and the Varuna, pushing up stream, SAvung the rebel steamer around, leaving her wooden side exposed. Instantly, Boggs poured in abaft her armor eight-inch shells. Five in quick succession entered her side, bursting with such destructive force, that the cap tain afterwards said they swept his decks of nearly every living object. " This," said Boggs, " settled her, and drove her ashore in fiames." The feeble, but gaUant Varuna had hardly recovered from these two staggering blows, when the StoneAvall Jackson, an iron-clad, came full upon her, striking her with a tremendous crash, and staving in her sides, so that the water poured in torrents into the vessel. She Avas also on fire, and there was noAV no alternative but to run her ashore, and her bow Avas headed for the banks. The Oneida, Captain Lee, seeing her condition, rushed to her assistance, but Boggs, finding that he could do him no good, waved him on toward the Governor Moore, which, though in flames, kept up a heavy fire, that swept the 192 OOMMODOEE CHAELES STUAET BOGGS. deck of the Varuna. Fast settling in the Avater, as she struggled toAvards the shore, her guns kept booming over the bosom of the Mississippi, untU the water was above the trucks — the last shot just skimming the surface. Cap tain Bailey saw with pride how the wounded thing fought, and says : " I saAV Boggs bravely fighting, his guns level with the Avater, as his vessel gradually sunk underneath, leaving her bow resting on the shore, and above water." The coolness and foresight of Boggs were strikingly shown in running his vessel ashore. When he saw her gun- trucks under water, and knew the last shot had been fired, he hastened forward, and ordered a chain-cable out, and, the moment the bow struck the bank, he had it fast ened round a tree, so that the vessel, as she sunk stern first, might not slide off into deep water and carry the crew with her. At the same time, the chief engineer coolly walked up to him, and, touching his hat, reported : " The engine has stopped working, sir." With him came the gunner, who, Avith the same salute, said : " The maga zine is closed, sir, and here are the keys." This shows Avith Avhat cool deliberation the vessel was fought, — ^no hurry, no excitement, though the hostile vessels were aU around her, shells bursting along her decks, iron clad bows beating in her sides, and fire rasina: alono- her decks. In fifteen minutes after receiving the last blow, the Varuna went down, with her guns roaring and her flag proudly flying. During the action, a boy named Oscar Peck, only thirteen years old, whose business was to pass ammunition to the gunners, narrowly escaped death, as one of the enemy's shells burst along the deck. Just then, Boggs came upon him, begrimed Avith powder, and seeing him A BEAATE BOY. 193 running, asked him where he was going in such a hurry. "To get a passing box, sir," he replied; "the other was smashed by a baU." When the Varuna Avent doAvn Boggs missed the boy, and thought he was among the killed. But a fcAv moments after, he saw the lad gallantly SAvimming towards the Avreck. Clambering on board, the little fellow threw his hand up to his forehead, in the usual salute, for his hat was gone, with the simple exclamation "All right, sir, I report myself on board ! " That boy was worthy to be trained under such a man as Boggs. Delight ed Avith his gallantry, he said in his report : " I would particularly recommend to the notice of the Department Oscar Peck, a second-class boy, and powder-boy of the after rifles, whose coolness and intrepidity attracted the atten tion of all hands. A just reward for such services would be an appointment at the Naval School." Boggs was now Avithout a ship, but in losing it had not lost his honor, but, on the contrary, won immortal fame, and showed that he was a worthy nephew of the gallant Lawrence, who lost his life and ship together. Boggs Avas now sent by Farragut to General Butler below, to request him to bring his army up, as the fleet had passed the forts. Taking the only iron life-boat of the Varuna which was saved, he passed around the forts by a bayou, and safely delivered his message. As a reward for his gaUantry in this unparalleled naval combat, his native toAvn and state both voted him a sword. Boggs now came North, and was ordered first to the Juniata, and afterwards transferred to the Sacramento, in which vessel he was senior officer of the blockading squadron off Wilmington. To a man of his enterprise and love of active service, this was a most disagreeable 18 194 COMMODORE CHAELES STUAET BOGGS. duty, especially as he had an insufficient squadron, or, at least, an inefficient one, in the speed and power of the vessels that composed it. The constant exposure and fatigue attendant on his duties here, at length broke doAvn his health, and he was reluctantly compelled to resign his command, and return home to recruit and re ceive that medical treatment of which he was in pressing need. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered, he was ap pointed one of Admiral Gregory's staff, on duty at New York. Here he was actively engaged in superintending the building and fitting out of a fieet of steam picket- boats of his oAvn planning. One of these. No. 1, was, by him and Engineer Wood, converted into a torpedo-boat. How weU it was planned and constructed, may be infer red from the fact that it was the one selected by Lieu tenant Cushing to make his memorable attack on the rebel ram Albemarle, in which that dreaded monster Avas sent to the bottom. The iron-clad torpedo-boat, Spuyten Duyvil, was also fitted out under Captain Boggs' directions. After the close of the war, Boggs Avas put in com mand of the squadron ordered to the coast of Maine, to Avatch the Fenian movement. On returning from this duty, he was ordered, with his vessel, the De Soto, to join the West India squadron, and is now on active duty at that station. Last summer he was made Commodore by seniority. Some of the most striking traits in the character of Com modore Boggs, are clearly exhibited in the manner he fought and handled his vessel in the passage of the Forts below New Orleans, Prompt, fearless, cool, and self-pos sessed, dangers cannot daunt him, and no obstacles arrest HIS CHAEACTEE, 195 him. But, added to these qualities as a commander, he has those of a man, which make him unusually beloved by those who know him. Gentle, amiable, and in dulgent in his family, he is equally so on ship, in every thing that does not interfere with the discipline and good order of the vessel. He overlooks many things that one more of a martinet would notice. Mere technicalities he cares little for, but he exacts the strictest, most thorough, performance of duty. Like many other strong men, he needs a great object to develop his real character. To an ordinary observer, he seems merely good-natured, and in clined to be lazy ; but place him amid the smoke of bat tle, and he is like the roused lion. Kind and sympathizing in his nature, he is very care ful of the health" and comfort of his men, and they repay that kindness by affection and supreme devotion. CHAPTER VIII, REAR-ADMIRAL LOUIS MALESHERBES GOLDSBOROUGH. HIS NATITITY. — A MIDSHIPMAN AT SETEN YEAES OF AGE. — HIS FIEST CEUISE. BAELY SBETIOES — A LIEUTENANT AT TWENTY. — PE0SE0UTE3 HIS STUDIES AT PAEIS. — BATTLE WITH PIEATES IN THE AECHIPELAGO. — PLACED IN CHAEGE OF THE DEPOT OF CHAETS AND INSTEUMBNTS AT WASHINGTON. — ESTABLISHES A GERMAN COLONY IN FLOEIDA. TAKES PAET IN THE SEMI NOLE WAE. — TAKES PAET IN THE BOMBAEDMENT OF TEEA CEUZ. EX- PLOEES THE COAST OF CALIFOENIA AND OEESON. — -COMMANDS THE BEA ZILIAN SQUADEON. — MADE CAPTAIN. — ^AT COMMENOEMBNT OF THE EEBEL LION, MADE FLAG-OFFICEE OF THE NOETH-ATLANTIO BLOCKADING SQUAD EON. COMMANDS THE EXPEDITION SENT TO THE SOUNDS OF NOETH CAEO LINA. — STORMS AT CAPE HATTEEAS. — ITS DESTEUOTIVE EFFECTS. — SAILS FOE ROANOKE ISLAND. — BOMBAEDMENT OF THE WOEKS. — HIS SBETIOES IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND JAMES EITEE. — -EESIGNS HIS COMMAND. — SHORE DUTY. — ^PRESENT COMMAND. Louis Malesheebes Goldsborough was born in Washington, D, C, on February 18th, 1805, His father and friends, living at the very focus of political influences, were not compeUed to work, through some Congressman from a remote district, to secure an appointment for him in the Navy, and he was entered as midshipman, at the extraordinary age of seven years, A mere boy, he could learn but little, and do but little in his profession. It is probable that he was appointed at that time, in order to secure a vacancy that might not again occur for a long becomes MIDSHIPMAISr, ^ 197 time. At all events, he did not enter the service tUl four years after. When eleven years old, he joined the frigate Independence, under the gaUant Bainbridge, From 1817 to 1824, he cruised in the Mediterranean and Pacific, be ing most of the time in the Franklin, commanded by Stewart, In 1825, he was made lieutenant, being then but twenty years of age. In a time of peace, to reach so early the grade of Ueutenant, was almost unprecedented, and shows that his friends ha,d great influence at head quarters. This was still further evinced by his obtain ing leave of absence to visit Europe, He settled himself down in Paris, and prosecuted his studies there for some time, and then joined the North Carolina, in the Mediter ranean, He Avas transferred from this vessel -to the schooner Porpoise, The schooner, whUe cruising in the Grecian Archipelago, fell in with a craft that had been captured by pirates. Lieutenant Goldsborough, then only twenty-two or three years old, was ordered to take the boats of the schooner and recapture it, Thirty- flve officers and men, were put under him, and the young officer shoved off to execute the order. It was a hazardous undertaking, for the captured vessel swarmed with phates. He, however, rowed boldly up to her and opened a close, fierce fire. It was returned, and a severe conflict foUowed, The vessel was at length taken, but not till every officer and man had killed, upon an average, nearly three pirates apiece. The decks were slippery Avith blood, and a horrible sight met his gaze as he stepped upon them, for ninety men had fallen in the engagement. In 1830, he returned to the United States in the Delaware, and was placed in charge of the Depot of Charts and Instruments, This bureau, or whatever it 198 EEAE-ADMIEAL LOUIS M, GOLDSBOEOUGH, may be termed, was changed on his own suggestion into the National Observatory. He had some time previously mai-ried the daughter of the distinguished orator, William Wirt, The latter had purchased a large tract of land in Florida, on which he wished to found a German colony, and, in 1833; Golds borough took charge of the emigrants and moved thither. He was there Avhen the Seminole war broke out, and took command of a company of mounted volunteers. He afterwards was placed in command of an armed steamer. Becoming tfred of the kind of life he was compeUed to lead in Florida, he resumed his profession, and, in 1841, was promoted to commander. When the Mexican war broke out, a fcAV years after, he was placed second in command of the Ohio, which formed a part of the fleet that bombarded Vera Cruz, After the place feU, he took charge of a body of sailors, detached for shore service, at the taking of Tus pan, At the close of the Mexican war, he Avas appointed senior naval member of a joint commission, appointed to explore CaUfornia and Oregon, and report upon various mUitary matters. He showed the same ability here that he had in all the trusts which had heretofore been com mitted to him, and was, in 1855, made Captain, At the commencement of the rebellion, he Avas in command of the Congress, on the Brazilian station. He returned to the United States in August, 1861, and was appointed fiag-officer ; and, next month, placed in com mand of the North Atlantic blockading squadron, with the Minnesota as his flagship. Although we had taken possession of Cape Hatteras, thus cutting off one of the channels of ingress and egress EXPEDITION TO EOANOKE 199 to blockade runners, stiU, the shaUow inlets and sounds on the North Carolina coast furnished other avenues of approach, through which arms, ammunition, clothing, and stores were brought into the Confederacy, and cotton taken out ; and hence, it became of vital im portance that the Avaters of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds should be under our control, A joint expe dition of the army and navy was, therefore, organized Avith great secrecy, to be sent thither ; and aU through the autumn was being assembled at or near Hampton Roads — ^the land force to be under Bumside, and the fleet under Goldsborough, Although it was well knoAvn that the coast, in the neighborhood of Hatteras, was very stormy and dangerous in winter, by some strange fatal ity the expedition lingered out the mild autumnal season in Hampton Roads, and was not ready to sail tUl near the middle of January, 1862, The fleet consisted of twenty-three light-draught vessels, carrying forty-eight guns. The land force numbered sixteen thousand men, and were carried in thirty transports. Five vessels more carried the horses, eight or ten the siege-train, supplies, &G., making in all a fleet of nearly eighty vessels. This was an imposing force, and, when it was all assembled in Hampton Roads, presented a magnificent appearance, the like of which had never before been seen on our continent. On Saturday night, the 11th of January, the signal to make sail was hoisted, and by ten o'clock this mag nificent fleet was in motion. It Avas a beautiful moon light night, and, as the vessels in one vast croAvd moved off seaAvard, it seemed as if nothing along our coast could resist such an armada. As it approached the Atlantic, however, a heavy fog enveloped it, which continued more 200 EEAE-ADMIEAL LOUIS M. GOLDSBOEOUGH, or less dense all the fore part of the next day, Sunday But, in the afternoon it cleared up, and just as the sun Avas sinking in a blaze of glory over the Carolina shore, the fleet swept around Cape Hatteras, and hove-to off the inlet, twelve miles distant, to wait for the morning light, before attempting to cross the bar, Monday morn ing dawned bright and beautiful, and a gentle south wind breathing of spring stole over the waters. Every thing seemed propitious to the expedition. Still, Golds borough felt some anxiety, as he saw the heavy breakers bursting over the bar — for, although there was but little Avind, a heavy swell was rolling in, indicating that a storm was raging not far distant. The lighter vessels, hoAvever, one by one passed the bar safely, and anchored inside of the inlet, under the lee of the land. Thus Mon day, the 13th, passed, but when night came on several of the heavier vessels were still outside, while a dark cloud in the north, accompanied by a heavy squaU, showed that a change of weather must be expected on this tempestu ous coast. The next morning — ^the worst of aU winds for that region — a northeasterly gale was upon them, lashing the ocean into fury. Goldsborough saw with the deepest anxiety the increasing storm, for the City of New York lay aground on the bar, loaded Avith ammunition, tents, blankets, and valuable stores, and walloAving amid the breakers that leaped above her decks, like malignant spirits seeking her destruction. The foremast had been cut away, which, in its fall, carried aAvay the main top mast, while amid the blinding spray a signal of distress was seen flying. In this terrible situation, the long, gloomy day wore aAvay, and night closed in around the iU-fated vessel. With the first gleam of dawn, Golds borough cast his eye towards the spot where she lay WEECK OF THE CITY OF NEW YOEK, 201 and saw her crew lashed to the masts. All her boats but one had been carried away, and, no help coming from the fleet, two mechanics from Newark, named William and Charles Beach, volunteered to make the desperate at tempt, vpith this one, to pull through the breakers and obtain assistance. They succeeded, with three others, in launching it safely, and though, at times, entirely lost to AdcAV amid the combing billows, at length reached the fleet. Life and surf boats were now manned, which, impeUed by strong arms, succeeded in reaching the vessel and taking off the crew, when she was left to her fate, A transport laden with stores went down on the bar ; the gunboat Zouave sunk at her anchorage ; one transport was bloAvn out to sea, and several got aground. The Anne E, Thompson, Avith the Ncav Jersey Ninth Volunteers, lay outside 'in imminent peril of wreck, and Colonel Allen and Surgeon WeUer took a boat and puUed over the bar to ask for help. On their return, the boat swamped, and they both perished. The Poca hontas, with a hundred and twenty-three horses, was Avrecked, and all but seventeen droAAmed. Gale now followed gale in quick succession, and the ships, in their miserable anchorage, lay grinding against each other and tossing heavUy on the swell, whUe the shrieking of the wind through the cordage, and the thunder of bU- lows falling with incessant crashes along the shore, con tinued to make a scene of terror and gloom sufficient to sadden the stoutest heart. To add to his misery. Golds borough was taken down with the rheumatism, and groaned aloud over his helplessness in this trying hour. The whole week passed Avithout anything being done. Of course, the destination of the fleet, which had so long 202 EEAE-ADMIEAL LOUIS M. GOLDSBOEOUGH. and laboriously been kept secret, Avas now known, and all hopes of surprise were at an end. When, at last, neairly aU the surviving fleet had suc ceeded in reaching the inlet, Goldsborough found that he still had an almost insurmountable difficulty to over come, before he could enter the waters of the Pamlico Sound, There was another bar still to be crossed, called the Bulk-Head, or Swash, which, Goldsborough said, under the most favorable circumstances, furnished only seven and a half feet of water, whUe some of his heaviest vessels drew eight feet. By what strange fatuity vessels Avere sent where there was not water enough to float them, has never been satisfactorUy explained. One by one, however, by taking advantage of high tides, and high winds bringing in a heavy sea, and using every expedient that ingenuity could suggest, Goldsborough finally got his vessels over into deep Avater, On Monday the 26th, he sent home a despatch an nouncing that seventeen vessels were safely within the Sound, But other delays took place, and it was not until three weeks after his arrival at the Cape, that the expedition, which Avas to be a great surprise, finally got under way. On the 5 th of February, the same day that Foote was moving up the Cumberland River to attack Fort Henry, the fleet of gunboats and transports carrying the army, sixty-five in aU, moved off towards Roanoke Island, on which were erected works that commanded the chan nel leading into Albemarle Sound, The storms had blown themselves out, and the day Avas mild and bahny as spring, as the imposing fleet moved majestically forward over the smooth waters. When within ten miles of the southern point of the ATTACK OF THE FOETS, 203 island, it being near sundown, the signal to anchor Avas hoisted from the flagship, and in a few minutes the fleet lay at rest on the water. It was a beautiful moonUght night, and as the meUow radiance flooded the scene, it did not seem that death and havoc lay slumbering there. The morning, however, dawned dark and gloomy. Heavy clouds lay along the horizon, as the fleet once more moved slowly onward, and by eleven o'clock a storm broke over the sound, when it again came to a halt. Af ter some time it cleared up, and the signal to advance was given. The weather, however, was too heaAy to undertake to pass the batteries that night, and the vessels came to anchor. The next morning the sun rose in a sky mottled AAith fleecy clouds, indicating a quiet day, and preparations were at once made to attack the enemy's works. As Goldsborough approached them, he came in sight of the rebel gunboats, eight in number, draAvn up behind a double row of piles and sunken vessels, placed there to obstruct the channel. Besides these obstructions, and rebel steamers to defend the passage, there were two strong works mounting tAventy heavy guns — three of them one hundred pound rifle guns — and four other bat teries mounting tAveiity guns, together with a garrison of from three to five thousand men. At eleven o'clock the first gun from the fiagship broke the ominous sUence, and, as the loud report rolled away over the water, Goldsborough ran up Nelson's famous .signal : " This day our country expects that every man will do his duty," By noon the combat was raging in aU its terror, and the signal for close action was seen flying amid the smoke of the guns that curled lazily up in the atmos phere. Goldsborough directed his fire at first against the rebel gunboats, which gradually fell back to draw his 204 EEAE-ADMIEAL LOUIS M. GOLDSBOEOUGH. vessels in close range of the works. The fleet steadUy advanced until it reached the obstructions, which had been planted just where the rebel forts could pour in their most destructive fire. To these Goldsborough gave his exclusive attention, and the ponderous shell of om* ves sels dropped thick as hailstones Avithin them. The enemy replied, and soon one eighty-pound rifle shell entered the fore-hold of the Louisiana, setting her on fire. In six minutes however the flames were extinguished, and the vessel was again hurling shot and sheU into the rebel works. At half past one the barracks behind the fort at Rock Point Avere set on fire by our shells, AU efforts to extinguish them proved abortive, and the clouds of smoke that arose, making a fearful background to the fire of the batteries, imparted additional terror to the scene. The fire raged for nearly an hour before the buildings were whoUy destroyed. In the mean time the bombardment went on, and at a little after 2 o'clock a 32-pounder round-shot struck the steamer Hetzel, Lieut. H, R, Davenport commanding, compelling her to haul off to repair damages. In a little over an hour and a half she was again at her position, pouring in her shot as before. The bombardment of the forts, which had commenced before noon, was kept up till dark, Goldsborough says : At 6 p. m. the firing of the enemy being only from Pork Point, and at long interTals, darkness coming on, and, not wishing to waste ammunition, I ordered the signal " cease firing " to be made. In the course of the after noon, our six launches, under the command of Midshipman Benjamin H. Porter, landed their howitzers and joined the army, for the purpose of com manding the main road and its two forks during the night, and assisting in more actlTe operations the following morning. By midnight some 10,000 of our troops had been safely landed at Ashby's harbor, the Delaware having taken on board from the Cossack some 800, and put them on shore at 10 p. m. February 8. — As it was aiTanged by General Burnside that his forces THE VICTOEY. 205 should moTC, at a Tery early hour this morning, from where they had been landed, and begin their attack upon the enemy, and, as the direction they were required to take would, in all probability, soon bring them in the line of fire occupied by the naTy, it was agreed between us last night that to-day the Tessels should not renew operations untU I could recelTC word from him that their missiles would not be destructive to both friends and foes. At day light none of the enemy's Tessels, except the Curlew, could be discovered. At 9 A. M. a continuous firing in the interior of the island told us that our forces were hotly engaged about midway between Ashby's harbor and Pork Point battery, and, as this intelligence also assured us that our forces were not then in the range of our line of flre, our vessels, without waiting to hear from General Bumside, at once moved up to re-engage the forts. At this work they continued until the firing in the interior evidently slack ened. Then, taking it for granted that our troops were carrying everything before them, and thus fast approaching the rear of the batteries, I again ordered the signal " cease firing " to be made. At the time, however, the work on Pork Point was so reduced that it did not use but one gun against us. Shortly afterwards, on being informed by one of General Bumside's aids, of the actual state of things on shore, I was induced to order another demonstration on the part of our vessels, but before firing had generally com menced Commander Eowan came on board the Southfield just from General Burnside, with the suggestion that it would be better to desist, and accord ingly they were recalled. At 1 p. M., judging that the time had arrived for clearing a passage-way through the obstructions alluded to above, by the accomplishment of which both the battery on Bedstone Point and the Curlew might be destroyed, and our adTance up Albemarle Sound would be secured, the Underwriter, VaUey City, Seymour, Lockwood, Ceres, Shawsheen, Putnam, Whitehead, and Brincker, were ordered to perform the service. By 4 p. m., one of them had overcome the difficulty for herself, and reached the other side, and in less than an hour more a sufficient "way for all the rest was opened. This important duty could not have been undertaken one moment earlier than it was ¦without exposing our Tessels, huddled together, to the conTCrging and crossfire of the four batteries at Pork, Weir's, and Redstone Points, and another one situated between the former two. About the same time that our Tessels succeeded in bursting through the barricades the American flag was hoisted OTcr the battery at Pork Point, and in a few minutes afterwards the enemy himself fired the works at Redstone Point, and also the steamer Curlew. Both blew up in the early part of the CTening. These eTents closed the straggle, which had now lasted throughout two days, and were essentially the last scenes enacted in securing to us complete possession of (he island of Roanoke. The casualties were few, considering the length of 206 EEAE-ADMIEAL LOUIS M. GOLDSBOEOUGH. the combat, and showed poor firing on the part of the rebels. The Hetzel suffered most, not from the enemy's shot, but from the bursting of her own 80-pounder rifle- gun. This took place at a quarter past five. The con cussion was so fearful, that every man at the piece was knocked dovm and six of them wounded. The muzzle fell on the deck ; a part of the breech leaped into the sea, carrying away the bulwarks in its mad plunge ; another portion rose high in the air, and a third went downward, breaking through the deck, maga zine, and deck below, and lodged on the kelson, Daven port, the commander, says : " The magazine was set on fire, and only extinguished in time to avoid an explosion by the presence of mind, promptitude, and intrepidity of Lieutenant Charles L, Franklin, Executive Officer," The accident so disabled her, that she had to haul off and anchor out of reach of the enemy's guns. The Commodore Perry was hit seven times, but not materially injured. The Hunchback, Calhoun commanding, was struck eight times, and fired over three hundred shot and shell, yet not a man on board was wounded. All the commanders handled their vessels with great skill. The Stars and Stripes got aground, and remained so for two hours, under the fire of the battery, and all that time returned shot for shot, her officers behaving with great coolness and courage, Goldsborough, who had transferred his flag to the Southfield, remained on deck during the whole of the engagement. The total loss on board the ships was only thirteen, though Midshipman Porter, who com manded a hoAvitzer-battery on shore, lost twenty-three. The works were finally carried by the troops, which had been landed the night before, and advanced in three columns under the command of Reno, Foster, and Park, deuey's bluff, 207 The rebel steamers fled up Albemarle Sound, whither, the next day, Monday, Rowan pursued them and sunk or captured all but two,* Goldsborough now sent off various expeditions into the bays and rivers, to complete his conquest of the coast, A month later, Newbern fell, under a joint expe dition of the army and navy ; the latter commanded by Rowan, In the mean time, Goldsborough's presence was needed in Hampton Roads, for the Merrimac had made her daring raid in those waters. After the destruction of the Merrimac, he cooperated with McClellan — keeping vessels in both James and York Rivers, Much hard work was done by the various commanders, but the only engagement worthy of particular mention, was that at Drury's Bluff, eight miles below Richmond, Heavy guns were here mounted, which completely commanded the river, so that our vessels could not ascend above it. In May, Goldsborough sent up the Galena, Aroostook, Naugatuck, Port Royal, and the Monitor, to silence, if possible, the works erected there, called Fort Darling. The Galena in advance, John Rodgers commanding, cleared the shores of the enemy. He says : We met with no artificial impediments until we arriTed at Ward's Bluff, about eight miles from Richmond, where we encountered a hea"vy battery and two separate barriers, formed of piles and steamboats and sail Tessels. The pilots both say that they saw the Jamestown and Yorktown among the number. The banks of the riTer we found lined with rifle-pits, from which sharp shooters annoyed the men at the guns. These would hinder all removal of obstructions, unless driTen away by a land force. The Galena ran within almost six hundred yards of the battery, as near the piles as it was deemed proper to go, let go her anchor, and with a spring * The particulars of this splendid achievement -will be found in the sketch of Admiral Eowan. 208 EEAR-ADMIEAL LOUIS M. GOLDSBOROUGH, swung across the stream, not more than twice as wide as the ship is long. Then, at 7.45 A. m., opened flre upon the battery. The wooden vessels, as directed, anchored about thirteen hundred yards below. The combat lasted for two hours, the heavy echoes of the guns breaking Avith startling distinctness over Rich mond, filling the inhabitants with terror. But the fight Avas too unequal, for the shot of the vessels could not be throAvn vnth any accuracy up the hiU, a hundred and fifty feet high, while the plunging baUs from the fort Avent through and through the Galena. The vessel being compelled, on account of the narrovmess of the riA^er, to remain stationary, the enemy, when he once got the range, made his shots tell so fatally, that in a short time twenty-four of the crew of the Galena were kUled or wounded, and she had been struck some eighteen times. The 100-pounder rifle-gun on board the Naugatuck burst early in the action, and she became useless. She had but two wounded, and the Monitor one. This was the first reverse our iron-clads had met with, and the people of Richmond were highly elated at the result. Rodgers could not run the batteries, on ac count of the obstructions that were placed across the river, directly under fire of the fort. Admiral Lee, succeeding Goldsborough (Avho asked to be relieved on account of disagreement Avith WUkes), in the command of the North Atlantic blockading squadron in the forepart of September, the latter was employed afterward on shore duty. At Washington, he rendered the Government good service, and was active in his de partment until the close of the war. He was then placed m command of the European squadron, which position he at present holds. CHAPTER IX. COLONEL CHAELES ELLEI. AMEEIOAN INGENUITT. — ELLEt'B NAnTITY ^EAELY EDUCATION. — BECOMES 8UETBY0E. — FINISHES HIS EDUCATION IN PAEIS. — BECOMES ENGINEBE-IN- OHIEF ON THE JAMBS EITEE AND KANAWHA CANAL. — PUBLISHES A WOEK ON THE LAWS OF TEADB. — PEOPOSES TO BTOLD A ¦WIRE BEIDGB ACEOSS THE MIS SISSIPPI. — BUILDS THE FIEST SUSPENSION BEIDGB IN AMEEICA. — PLANS OTHEES.— VISITS BUEOPB. — ^PLANS IMPEOTEMBNTS OF NATIGATION IN THE OHIO EITEE.— SENT BY THE WAE DBPAETMENT TO SUETEY THE LOW ER MISSISSIPPI. — ^PUBLISHES A WOEK ON THE OHIO AND MISSISSIPPI EITEES. — PLANS THERE THE EAM. — SUBMITS HIS INVENTION TO THE EUS- 8IAN BMPEEOE. — ALSO TO CUE NATY DBPAETMENT. — PUBLISHES A PAMPH LET ON HIS PROJECTS. UEGBS HIS INTENTION ON GOTEENMENT AT THE BEEAKING OUT OF THE EEBELLION. — 'ATTACKS m'cLELLAN. — SENT WEST TO BUILD EAMS. — ^HI8 DIFFI0ULTIE8. — HIS FIRST BXPBEIMBNT AT MEMPHIS. — IS WOUNDED. — HIS SICKNESS AND DEATH. — CHAELBS EITEES ELLET. — HIS BIETH AND BAELY EDUCATION. — JOINS THE EAM FLEET. — SUCCEEDS HIS FATHER. HIS BEATERY. — COMPLIMENTED BY POETEE. — ATTACKS THE CITY OF TICKSBUEG. — DESTEOYS EEBEL TEANSPOETS. — GETS AGSOTTND, AND LOSES HIS TESSEL. — COMMANDS THE S^WITZEELAND. — ^EUNS THE TICKSBUEG BATTEEIES. — APTBE SBETIOBS. — HIS SICKNESS AND EAELY DEATH. Ameeican ingenuity is proverbial ; and, though it is often wasted on worthless objects and impracticable schemes, yet, in great exigencies, it is sure to originate something to meet them. And often what in ordinary times seems useless or impracticable, then becomes of immense value. The inventor may find no encourage- 14 210 GENEEAL CHAELES ELLET ment from his countrymen, and the Govemment decline to furnish means to test his proposed experiments, so that he frequently dies without seeing his plans tried — com forted only by the belief that the time AviU arrive when they wUl be adopted Avith gladness. Of these inventors, Charles Ellet was one who bid fair to die Avithout seeing his favorite scheme carried out The war however into which we were precipitated, gave to his applications a force that in times of peace they did not possess, and he saw the " Ram " finally adopted as a war vessel by his Government. Charles Ellet was born at Perry Manor, on the Dela ware, about twenty-five mUes above Philadelphia. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, but at sixteen he was sent to Bristol school, where he at once developed his love for mathematics, and indicated clearly his future profession. At eighteen, he became assistant surveyor of Maryland. Here he husbanded his earnings so that he might finish his education in Europe, and at twenty-one he went to Paris, where he remained for two years. Re turning to Maryland he was appointed assistant engineer on the James River and Kanawha Canal, which was then being built, and eventually became engineer-in-chief. He proposed to buUd a wire suspension bridge across the Potomac, but his proposition was decUned. Being now fairly launched in his profession, he mar ried the daughter of Judge Daniel, of Lynchburg, Vir ginia. In 1837, he published a book on "The Laws of Trade in Reference to Works of Internal Improvement," which showed great study of the various methods of inland com munication. In 1840, he made to the authorities of St Louis the bold proposition to build a wire bridge across ENGAGED IN PUBLIC WOEKS. 211 the Mississippi, at that point, but it was rejected. The next year, however, he constructed the wire suspension bridge across the Schuylkill, at Fairmount, the first erected in America. He was now extensively employed and consulted on the great public works going on throughout the country. In 1847, he began the suspension bridge at WheeUng, for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and also threw a temporary bridge over the Niagara River, just below the Falls. In the intervals of his la bors he Adsited Europe several times, to enlarge his ex perience, and was received there as a distinguished man in his profession. In 1846 and 1847 he was president of the SchuylkiU Navigation Company. In 1848 and 1849 he devoted himself a part of the time to making observa tions and calculations on the Ohio River, for the purpose of devising some method of improving its navigation. Though his plan was not adopted, the results of his labors were published in the Transactions of the Smithsonian Institute. Soon after, though not belonging to the army, he was selected by the War Department to survey the Lower Mississippi, in consequence of complaints being made to Congress, that the spring floods of the river were injur ing the State, and destroying a vast amount of property. He performed the work assigned him Avith great ability, and pubUshed his report, together Avith the observations he had made on the Ohio, in a book form, entitled, " EUet on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers." This is not the place to go into the detaUs of his plan, which was on a gigantic scale, for the improvement of those rivers. By many it was thought chimerical, though he fuUy believed it would eventually be carried out. In 1854, Mr. Ellet was in Lausanne, and there being 212 GENEEAL CHAELES ELLET. much discussion at the time respecting the siege of Se- bastopol, and the blockade of the harbor by British vessels, his scheming mind was directed to war vessels, and then and there was bom in his brain the new and famous ram, which hereafter is to bear such an important part in river and harbor defence. He submitted his plan to the Russian Emperor, declaring that with such ves sels the Russians might sink the fleet of the allies. It was weU received, though never acted on. The next spring he submitted it to John T. Mason, then our Min ister at Paris. EUet forwarded it to the Navy Depart ment, but he received no encouragement, and in 1855 pubUshed his plan, together with the con-espondence with the Govemment, in a pamphlet form. The grand idea on which his invention was based, is thus given in the preface of this book : " People are ac customed to regard the art of naval warfare as the art of manoeuvering cannon, and throwing shot and sheU. I wish them to reflect upon the power of a moving steam boat driven against the enemy, who has no means of re sistance but his batteries, and to decide which is the more certain warfare." Again he says: "My plan is simply to convert the steamer into a battering-ram, and enable her to flght, not Avith her guns, but Avith her momentum." He proposed to strengthen it, so that it " could run head into the enemy, or burst in his ribs, or drive a hole into his huU below the water line." " This," he said, " would make the combat a short one ; for," he added, " a hole only two feet square, four feet under water, wUl sink an ordinary frigate in sixteen minutes. The pamphlet goes into aU the details of his plan, shows how vessels could be converted into rams, and says : " I hold myself ready to carry it out, whenever the day PEESSES HIS PLAN ON CONGEESS. 218 arrives that the United States is about to become en gaged in a naval contest." To EUet's proposition, Mr. Welch, then acting Secre tary of the Navy, said, that " the suggestion to convert steamers into battering-rams, and by the momentum make them a means of sinking an enemy's ships, was proposed as long ago as 1832, and has been renewed many times since by various officers of the Navy." He added that no practical test had been undertaken, but acknowledged that, " with the necessary speed, strength, and weight, a large steamer on the plan proposed would introduce an entire change in naval warfare." EUet subsequently urged his plan afresh, but Mr. Dobbin, Sec retary of the Navy, said that the Department had no power to build vessels for such experiments, except by special vote of Congress. Mr, EUet did not go on mere theory — he cited numerous cases of accidental colUsion at sea — some where merely a saUing vessel had sunk large ships, to show what deadly work might be done Avith a vessel buUt on purpose to run down an antago nist. He cannot claim originality for his invention, for it had been discussed both here and abroad for years ; but it differed from all others in that he did not believe as they did, that great weight was necessary in order to make a ram efficient ; he insisted that the momentum re quired could be obtained by speed, and that river steam ers, steam-tugs, and even ferryboats might easily be con verted into formidable engines of destruction, and suf- flciently strong to sink the heaviest vessels of war that England might send against us. He was Uving at Washington at the time of the oreaking out of the rebellion, devoting much time to the perfecting of his plans, and urging their adoption. The 214 GENEEAL CHAELES ELLET. commencement of war, of course, increased his desire to have them tested, and he A'chemently pressed on the Gov ernment and Congress the importance of putting them into practical operation. When he learned that the rebels along the coast and on the Mississippi were turn ing steamers into iron-clad rams, his excitement over the inaction of our Govemment made his friends almost dread his presence, for his importunity knew no bounds. He printed a memorial to Congress, and laid it on the tables of the members. In it he stated what the rebels were doing, while the Navy Department had not taken the flrst step to meet this new and threatening evil. In speaking of the Merrimac, then in course of construction, he uses the foUoAving remarkable words : " If the Merri mac is permitted to escape from the Elizabeth River, she Avill be almost certain to commit great depredations on our armed or unarmed vessels in Hampton Roads, and may be even expected to pass out under the guns of Fortress Monroe and prey upon our commerce in Chesa peake Bay. Indeed, if the alterations have been skilful ly made, and she succeeds in getting to sea, she AvUl not only be a terrible scourge to our commerce, but also may prove to be a most dangerous visitor to our squadron off the harbors of our southern coast." Mr. Ellet's active mind, not content with its legiti mate work, also undertook to direct the war, and he formed a plan for cutting off the rebel army at Manassas, and submitted it to McCleUan for adoption. The latter treating it as he did numerous similar plans which he received, EUet was very indignant, and wrote two pamphlets against him, in Avhich he spoke in harsh and severe terms of the general-in-chief. The sinking of the Cumberland and Congress by the SENT WEST TO BUILD EAMS. 215 Merrimac, finaUy woke up the Government to the im portance of Mr. Ellet's project and propositions, respect ing the building of iron-clad rams. Still, the Navy De partment had its hands full, and was spending the ap propriation made by Congress for the increase of the Navy, in the building and purchasing of vessels of a dif ferent kind. But when Foote reported from Island No. 10 that the rebels had several gunboats on the Missis sippi that could be used as rams, the Secretary of War took the responsibiUty of commissioning EUet as Colonel of Engineers, and sending him west to buy and convert into rams such vessels as he could find there fit for his pur pose. He set out in the latter part of March, and at Pittsburg purchased five heavy tow-boats, and at Cin cinnati four side-wheel steamers. The bows of these he strengthened Avith heavy timbers, and sheathed Avith iron bars, and buUt strong bulkheads of oak around the machinery and boilers. The pilot-houses of each were also plated sufficiently thick to protect the pUoffe from musketry. But though he was able to get his boats in a proper condition, he found it very difficult to obtain crews and officers for them. Neither engineers nor pUots Uked to serve on such kind of craft, destined for such new and hazardous work. He finally obtained permis sion to recruit from the army, and, his brother Alfred being a captain of volunteers, he sent for him. The latter came, bringing his own and another company with him. Ellet's energy and perseverance obtained also pUots and en gineers, and he was at last in a condition to test his theory practically. In the mean time, before he had brought down his rams to join the fleet, commanded by Davis before Fort PiUow, the rebel flotUla attacked our gunboats, and seri- 216 GENEEAL CHAELES ELLET. ously damaged the Cincinnati and Mound City Avith their rams. What further mischief might be done no one could foretell ; and Ellet hastened forward some of his ves sels, under the charge of his brother Alfred, and a few days after followed himself Avith the rest of them. The rebel fleet lay at this time below the fort, and under easy range of its fixe, so that Davis could not attack it Anthout at the same time encountering the batteries on shore. Ellet, on his arrival, asked Davis to give him- the aid of a couple of gunboats, and he would steam past the fort, and attack the whole rebel flotilla of the enemy. This was a bold proposition, for at this time he had not a single cannon on board of his rams. The fighting force con sisted of twenty-three sharpshooters, who were to fire through loopholes. Soon after, the rebels evacuated Fort Pillow and retired to Memphis, foUoAved by their fleet Davis now advanced with his gunboats, and when near Memphis was attacked by the latter. Ellet had been detained up the river, but at this time was coming doAvn under a fuU head of steam, with his ram fleet, each one of which was painted black, to make it look as formidable as pos sible. The Queen of the West was his flagship, and, standing on her deck as the heaAy cannonading from below broke on his ear, he stretched out his arm towards the Monarch, which his brother commanded, and shouted out : " FoUow me and attack the enemy." Crowding on all steam that the boUers would bear, he swept like an arrow past the fleet, and, steering for the nearest rebel boat, named the General Lovell, struck her with such aAvful force, that her sides were crushed in like an egg shell, and in five minutes she went to the bottom with most of her crew. The Queen of the West staggered ATTACK OF THE EAMS. 217 back like a drunken man from the shock — ^her chimneys reeling almost to the water — while the splinters and shiv ered timbers of her upper works made her deck appear Uke a wreck. Before she could recover herself and once more get under headway, two rebel rams came fuU upon her — determined to send her to the bottom after the General Lovell. One struck her near the wheel-house, but inflicted only a glancing blow, and in turn received from her own consort, which ran into her, one which so disabled her that she was compeUed to run ashore, when she sunk. The sharpshooters, in the mean time, were busy, while the heaAy broadsides of the gunboats shook the shores of the stream. Alfred, in the Monarch, foUoAving his brother, struck the Beauregard, but inflicted no seri ous damage, though the latter soon after blew up, the shot of the gunboats having pierced her boiler. The combined attack proA'^ing too strong for the rebel fleet, it turned and fled. The Monarch and Lancaster gave the Van Dorn a hot chase, but the latter finaUy got off In this sharp encounter, not a man on board the rams was injiu'ed but Colonel EUet. After he struck the General LoveU, he stepped forward to see the amount of injury he had done her, when he was hit in the knee by a bullet, which lodged in the bone. The wound proved to be a dangerous one, for inflammation set in, and the only chance of saving his life was amputa tion of the limb. This he would not consent to, declar ing that he would rather die ; at all events, he preferred to take his chances. His experiment, as far as it went, was successful, but he determined it should have a fuller, more complete trial, and though suffering intensely, prepared to move 218 CHAELES EIVEES ELLET. doAvn with the fleet to Vicksburg. But even his strong AviU could not resist the inroads the wound had made on his deUcate, nervous frame, and he was compeUed to abandon his project. Finding himself rapidly sinking, he sent for his famUy, by whom he was nursed with the greatest care, but he continued to grow worse. In the mean time, the fleet moved down the river to Avin new laurels, leaving him behind, to mourn the fate that had laid him aside just as he Avas on the threshold of his great enterprise. The command of the ram-fleet now devolved on his brother Alfred, and he told the latter, as he came to bid him farewell before he started, to carry out his plans, saying, as they parted forever : " Alfred, stand to yow postr He was now placed on board the Switzerland, and carried to Cairo, but just as the boat reached the wharf he expired, breathing out his gallant spirit in serene composure. Thus, on the 21st of June, 1862, at the age of fifty-two, this ardent, enthusiastic man passed away, leaving to others what he had fondly hoped to do himself. His broken-hearted vrife soon followed him to the grave, leaving a gallant son, only nineteen years of age, to uphold his fame and carry out his project. CHAELES EIVEES ELLET. The son followed in the daring footsteps of his father, in command of one of the rams buUt by the latter, and followed him too, alas ! to the grave. Born in Georgti- toAvn, District of Columbia, in 1843, he was but eighteen years old when the war broke out. He had formerly accompanied his father to Europe, and remained two THE SON SUCCEEDS THE FATHEE, 219 years in school at Paris. He was studying medicine when the first battle of Bull Run took place, and volun teered to act as assistant surgeon and nurse to the wounded that came pouring in from that disastrous bat tle-field. When his father had just completed at the West the first of his rams, he joined him, and was given a place on board as medical cadet. He was in the battle before Memphis, and vritnessed the first triumph of the rams. After it was over, he was sent by his father to demand the surrender of that city. When the fleet commenced its movement down the river towards Vicksburg, Charles reluctantly left the side of his wounded father, to accompany it. Selected by Davis to carry a despatch to Farragut, anchored below the place, he made his way through swamps and stagnant pools in the darkness, and, after a night of incessant peril and labor, at length in the morning stood on the shore opposite the Hartford. Firing his pistol to attract attention, he was taken on board, where he delivered his message. WhUe on duty with his uncle Alfred up the Yazoo, he received on the 10th of July the melancholy tidings of the death of both father and mother, and the sickness of his only sister. He, however, felt it his duty to remain Avith the fleet, and, on the 5th of November, was placed in command of the rams, his uncle Alfred being given the command of the marine brigade. When Admiral Porter determined to force the Yazoo River at Haines Bluff, he directed young Ellet to destroy a raft of timber that obstructed the stream. Fit ting a torpedo-raft of his own invention to the Lioness, the latter, after getting everything ready, reported himself 220 CHAELES EIVEES ELLET. to Porter saying, that he had two tons of powder in the bow of his boat and asked for directions. Porter replied, that he must steam directly up to the raft, which lay right under the enemy's guns, and blow it up. " But," said young Ellet, " don't you expect that the enemy AviU be firing as I do so, into my two tons of powder ? " " Oh yes ! " replied the Admiral, " but you must'nt mind bul lets and sheUs, you know." Ellet, a little piqued at the answer, replied that he was not afraid of them — he desired only to know how he wished him to proceed. A more desperate undertaking could not well be imagined, yet Ellet was ready for it and would doubtless have per formed it or been blown up, had not a dense fog set in as he was about to start, compelling the expedition to be abandoned. Porter was delighted with the pluck of the youth, for he saw in him a spirit kindred to his OAvn, and wrote to the Department : " I have great confidence in the commander of the rams and those under him, and take this opportunity to state to the Department how highly I appreciate the commander and his associates." This was very extraordinary praise to bestow on a youth only nineteen years old. The next February, young EUet was sent doAvn with the ram Queen of the West, to sink, if possible, the " City of Vicksburg," that lay under the guns of the batteries. One of his guns was loaded with turpentine balls, de signed to set the rebel vessel on fire. He boldly steamed down into the enemy's fire, and laid his vessel alongside of the City of Vicksburg, and opened on it Avith his guns, while the batteries on shore played furiously upon him. Although he set the rebel craft on fire, his OAvn vessel also caught fire, and it was with great difficulty that the fiames were extinguished. LOSES HIS VESSEL. 221 He did not succeed in destroying the ram, but the manner in which he handled and fought his vessel as tonished those who served under him. Soon after, he was sent down to the mouth of Red River, to destroy rebel transports there, and in three days captured and destroyed three large steamers, valued at nearly half a million of dollars. On the 15th, he started again for the Red River, accompanied by the De Soto, and, learning that three steamers were lying under the guns of a battery stationed where soon after Fort De Bussy was erected, he deter mined to capture them. But as he came within range of the guns, their fire was so destructive that he ordered the pilot to back the Queen of the West out of it. But in doing so he ran her aground, where she lay a helpless target. The rebels had the exact range, so that nearly every shot struck the doomed vessel. A frightful scene now foUowed. EUet was unable to bring a gun to bear, and he could therefore only stand and see his vessel torn into fragments. On every side sheUs were bursting — three thirty-two-pound ones exploded one after another on the smoking deck, while one crashed through the ma chinery below, and another carried aAvay the lever of the engine. The steam-pipe went next, and last, the steam- chest was fractured, letting out a cloud of steam, and prisoners, crew, and engineers, who had croAvded into the engine-room for safety, now rushed aft and began to tumble overlboard cotton bales, on which they leaped, hoping to float down to the De Soto, a mUe below. The negroes with loud cries jumped overboard and were droAvned. Some ran for the yawl that was tied to the stem, but a man stood on the bow with a loaded pistol, and threatened to shoot the first man that attempted to -222 CHAELES EFVEES ELLET. enter it. The De Soto steamed up as near as she dared and then sent her yawl to take off those who re mained, but the fire of the batteries was so terrific that she had to drop down stream again, before the boat returned, EUet escaped on a cotton bale, and sorrowfuUy made his way back to the squadron, blamed by some for his rashness, for the rebels captured the Queen of the West, and soon had her repaired and at work in the Confederate service. He was soon after put in command of the Switzer land, which, with the Lancaster, commanded by his cousin John A EUet, was sent below Vicksburg to cooperate with Farragut. In passing the batteries, the boUer of the SAntzerland, just as she got opposite the city, was pierced by two shots. In an instant the vessel was enveloped in a cloud of steam. Ellet's first care was for the crew — when they were safe in the boats he drew his pistol and fired into the cotton bales, for the purpose of setting the vessel on fire, so that she might not, like the Queen of the West, faU into the enemy's hands. He then stepped into the boat and rowed to the Lancaster. The Switzerland however escaped, and, being repaired, acted afterwards as a despatch boat between Generals Grant and Banks. The exposure and excitement, together with the hot summer, at length proved too much for the constitution of young Ellet, and, obtaining leave of absence to recruit his shattered health, he retired to the residence of his imcle Dr. Ellet, at Bunker Hill, Illinois. He suffered severely from neuralgia in the . face, for which he was in the habit of taking some opiate. On the night of the 16th of October, he complained of feeling very unweU, and said to his aunt as he retired, that he thought he would take something to relieve the HIS DEATH. , 223 pain in his face. In the morning he was found dead in his bed. He had probably taken an overdose of mor phine and fallen into a sleep from which he never awoke. Thus at the early age of twenty, this youth of so much promise closed his labors for his country. Gentle and tender as a woman, he was nevertheless bold and fear less as a lion. His countenance was full of poetic senti ment, to which his large brUUant eyes and long black hair gave additional expression. Though the career of father and son was so brief, it was glorious, and their names will go- doAm to posterity linked vnth the navy, and embraced in the same halo of glory that encircles its brave commanders. CHAPTER X. EEAE-ADMIRAL THEODORUS BAILEY. mS NATIVITY. — ^EAELT IMPRESSIONS. — APPOINTED MIDSHIPMAN. — SENT TO THB COAST OF AFEIOA. — CEUISE IN THE PACIFIO OCEAN. — PLACED ON THE WEST INDIA STATION. — MADE LIEUTENANT. — TOYAGE BOUND THE WORLD. SECOND TOYAGE BOUND THE WOELD. — STATIONED AT THB BEOOKLYN NATY YAED. — ASSUMES AN INDEPENDENT COMMAND. — SAILS IN THE LEX INGTON FOE THB COAST OF MEXICO. — SHEEMAN, HALLECK, AND OED, THEN LIEUTENANTS, ACCOMPANY HIM. — THEIR APPEAEANCE. — ^AN INCI DENT OFF CAPE HOEN IN A GALE. — AEEITAL IN CALIFOENIA. — MEETS COMMODORE STOCKTON AND FREMONT. — HIS SBETIOES ON THE COAST DUEING THB MEXICAN WAE. — A PEAOTIOAL JOKE — COEEESPONDBNOE WITH A BEITISH CAPTAIN, ON BLOCKADE EIGHTS. — CEUISE IN THE PACIFIO. COMPELS ISLAND CHIEFS TO DO JUSTICE. — a!t PANAMA AFTBE THB MASSACRE OP AMERICANS. — COMMANDS THE COLOEADO IN COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAE. — BLOCKADES PENSACOLA. — PLACED SECOND IN COMMAND IN THE EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW OELEANS. — ^UNABLE TO GET HIS SHIP OTEE THB BAE. — DETEBMINES TO LEAD IN SOMETHING. — ANECDOTE OP HIM. — ^LEADS IN THB OATUGA. — THE COMBAT. — DEMANDS THE SUEEEN DEE OF NEW OELEANS. — INTEETIBW3 WITH THB MAYOE, LOTELL AND 80ULB. — SENT HOME WITH DESPATCHES. PLACED IN COMMAND OP THE EASTBEN GULF BLOCKADING SQUADEON EXHIBITS GEEAT ENEEGY AND BPFIOIENCY. — COMPLIMENTED BY THE DBPAETMENT. HIS HOSPITALITY. ASTONISHES A SECESH TESTEY. — SMITTEN DO^WN BT THE YELLOW FETBR. ATTEMPT TO BRIBE HIM, — ^RETURNS NOETH. Theodorus Bailey was bom in Franklin Co., New York State, in 1805, and received his education in Platts- burgh academy. Although a lad of but eight or nine years of age, when McDonough won his great victory various CEUIS"ES. 225 over the British fleet t)ff this place, the excitement caused by the battle and the thousand and one stories connected with it must have made a lasting impression on his mind, and perhaps had more to do with his eventually entering the navy than he himself is aware of. The fame and deeds of such a hero were weU calculated to excite the ambition of a boy, liAdng, as it were, in the very focus of the excitement. Be that as it may, four or five years after, in 1818, he entered the naval service as midship man, and for the next two years and more he was learn ing his profession off the coast of Africa. He was then transferred to the Franklin, which had been ordered to the Pacific Ocean. He was absent on this cruise a little over three years, when he was transferred to the Shark, and sent to the West India station. On her and the Natchez he was on duty nearly two years more. In 1827, he was promoted to lieutenant and placed on board the Grampus, in which he served for six months. He was then ordered to "the Vincennes, about to start on a long cruise in the Pacific Ocean, and thence to China, and so home by the Cape of Good Hope, He was absent three years and two months, and made his first voyage round the world. He was afterwards transferred to the Constellation, which was ordered on the same cruise. This time he was gone three years and eight months, and made his second voyage round the world. He also served on board receiving ships ; and from 1838 to 1841 was stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He afterwards cruised in the East Indies, and also saw much shore duty. In 1846, in the 21st year of his lieutenancy, Bailey assumed for the first time an independent command. 15 226 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. We were then at war with Mexico, and he was ordered to the Lexington, which had been fitted up for the re ception of troops and mUitary stores, to be conveyed from Ncav York to a certain point on the western coast of Mexico. On the morning of sailing, writes one who accom panied him, the F company of artillery, a fine body of men, came on board at New York, under the command of Captain Tompkins. The first lieutenant was a tall, spare man, apparently about thirty years of age, with sandy hair and whiskers, and a reddish complexion. Grave in his demeanor, erect and soldierly in his bearing, he was especially noticeable for the faded and threadbare appearance of his uniform. That lieutenant is the pres ent renowned Major-General Tecumseh Sherman. He was characterized at that time by entire devotion to his profession in aU its detaUs. His care for both the com fort and discipline of his men was constant and un varied. There was another lieutenant, short, rather " pony- built," yet lithe and active as a cat — his intellect bright and keen as his eyes — his movements indicative of nerve and spirit — his name was Ord — Edward O. C, Ord, now Brigadier General, United States Army, A heavy-buUt, middle-sized man also came on board, with cases containing chronometers, transits, and other instruments. His black velvet trimmings and fiat but tons, together with the single bar upon his shoulder- straps, indicated his rank as First Lieutenant of En gineers — Henry Wager Halleck is his name. His high forehead was then smooth, his complexion dark and rud dy, his black hair and ample beard were not yet frosted by time and thought. He was never idle at sea or in OFF CAPE HOEN, 227 port, in fair weather or in storm, he was ever at work Anth book, chart, and pen — for he always read with a pen in his hand. Whether in Brazil, ChUi, Mexico, or California, he examined everything with a mUitary eye, taking copious notes and drawings, especially of fortifica tions and their approaches. Twenty-six days off Cape Horn, in the winter season, in a succession of gales from the southwest, is not a pleasant experience, even with the best of company. Here Captain Bailey exhibited conspicuously those high qualities which have ever secured for him in the Navy a reputation for capital seamanship, which implies every phase of judgment, coolness, perseverance, and pluck, Avith a ready command of resources under aU cir cumstances. Always cheerful and urbane, whUe fuU of humor, he never overstepped the line of personal and official dignity, and gentlemanly courtesy. The decks and lower rigging were encased in ice the Lexington was deeply laden with heavy guns, shot, shell, &c., for the Army, and though she was what sea men caU a comfortable ship, she was often very un steady. On one occasion, the whole wardroom mess was pre cipitated to leeward, by a sudden Im'ch into Sherman's stateroom — together with the table-crockery. Purser Wil son's iron money-chest and Doctor Abernethy's gold spectacles. All the gentlemen Avho composed that motley pile have since borne the rank of Major General in the Army, or Commander in the Navy, The proprietor of the premises, now Lieutenant-General Sherman, greatly enjoyed, while he participated in the general discomfiture. Storms off Cape Horn, as elsewhere, finaUy blow them selves out. Clear of " the Horn," the vessel soon reached 228 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. Valparaiso, where lay a part of the United States Pacific Squadron. The British and French Admirals were also there, each with a number of ships. Admiral Sir Thomas Seymour caUed on board the Lexington, and was, of course, received with mUitary honors. He scrutinized closely the " material " of the United States Regular Army, which he saw in the guard of artUlerymen in line on the quarter-deck. He certainly found a very good specimen. Lieutenant Sherman commanding that guard. Here Bailey met Commodore Stockton, who, with his seamen and the mountaineers, under Fremont and his lieutenant. Kit. Carson, had secured possession of what was caUed Upper California, reinforced as they were, in good season, by General Kearney, who, soon after his arrival on the coast, after his long and perilous march across the continent, was received Avith his staff on board the Lexington, at San Pedro, and conveyed up the coast. Stoneman, since so distinguished as a cavalry General, was a lieutenant in General Kearney's com mand. The Lexington was very actively employed on the western coast during the remainder of the Mexican war. Positive instructions were given from Washington, that our forces in the Pacific should secure the possession of both Upper and Lower California, Upon Lieutenant Bailey devolved the duty of con veying troops to the Peninsula of Lower California, and for a long time he remained at La Paz, covering the smaU force in occupancy of that point, under Lieutenant- Colonel Burton, United States Army, who so gaUantly maintained his position when twice attacked by a supe rior force, Bailey was fond of a joke, even a practical one, if A PEACTICAL JOKE, 229 good. Many good ones are told of him, of which we give the foUowing, from our pleasant correspondent, as an Ulustration : The squadTon*was in the Bay of Monterey, and about to separate for the performance, by each ship, of its especial work. The general signal had been made from the flagship : " Get under weigh, and proceed as in structed." The Lexington was by no means rapid, but though she neTer went OTcr nine and a half knots, she could go — fiTe — ^knots "with almost anything, especially with a moderate breeze and smooth water, close hauled. The wind was from the westward, and it was a dead beat out of the roadstead. The Lexington had an inshore berth, and was the last to get her anchors up ; but it was a five-knot breeze, and it soon became evident that she was gaining on the frigates. As she made a stretch from Point Pifios, it appeared that she was weathering the SaTannah frigate, which was standing in on the other tack. Lieutenant Bailey was delighted at the prospect of astonishing the squadron by the extraordinary sailing qualities of the old Lexington, always noted as being a dull sailer. It was rather a close thing, but with a fair show he could certainly weather the SaTannah. He paced the quarter-deck in high glee, slapping his thigh at each turn -with his right hand — as was his custom when pleased — and pleasantly showing his handsome teeth, while his eyes sparkled ¦with ftm. Just aa he was passing about a cable's length ahead, and to wind ward of the SaTannah, she put her helm dovm, and came up into the ¦wind's eye, forging ahead. So around she must go, or fall foul. " 'Bout ship 1 " " Ready I Ready ! " " Hehn a-lee ! " " Raise tacks and sheets 1 " Slap comes the frigate right across our bow, and away goes the flying jib-boom. " Square the main-yard ! " " Box her aroimd, Mr. Macomb ! " " Shift your helm for a stem-board, my man ! " Captain Mervine, on the SaTannah's quarter-deck, shouted : " What do you mean, sir, by running into a first-class frigate ?" Captain Bailey {Sotto voce) : " Can't a first-class frigate keep out of the way ? " (Aloud) : " Aye, aye, sir ; all aback it is— all clear, sir ; no injury done, I hope— quite acci dental, of course." {Sotto voce) : " I accept your explanation." {Aloud) : " Good-by, sir, I wish you a pleasant passage home." It frequently happens that NaTal officers are required promptly to decide 230 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. Tery nice points of international law, and it would be fortunate for the country if CTcry officer had as thorough a command of its principles and precedents, as is possessed by Admiral Bailey. The Lexington was for some time engaged in blockading the Mexican port of San Bias, during which time, two of Her Britannic Majesty's irrigates anchored in the roadstead for the purpose of receiving on board a large amount of Mexican dollars to be conveyed to England.* It was then, and is perhaps now, the custom for British ships of war to carry bullion or coin for a consideration, which consideration, being a per centage upon the value of the treasure, was diTided between certain officers of the ships con- Teying the same, and the Admiral commanding on the Station from whence the shipment is made. A correspondence took place, between Captain Bailey and the senior British captain on this occasion, upon the question as to whether a ship engaged in carrying " freight " for a consideration, could be looked upon as a ship of war, and be treated as such by a blockading force, the commander of that force knowing her to be thus engaged. Whether it was not proper to " warn off" such Tessels from the blockaded port — endorsing notice upon their " registers ; " and, in default of their haTing registers like other mercantile ships, whether notice might not be endorsed upon the papers under which the ship might be sailing, whether a " sea-letter " pass, or a commission issued to the officer in command. The correspondence was quite lengthy, and was as humorous as it was able, dignified, and courteous. The vessels sailed without taking any '¦'¦freight" It was in 1848, says our correspondent, that peace with Mexico was con cluded, and Henry A. Wise, now Captain, United States Navy, brought the first news direct from the City of Mexico. We landed birp at San Bias when he started on his famous ride — during the armistice — and on his return he went up the Coast in the Lexington, at which time we had a peep at the neatly prepared manuscripts of the amusing book in which he so graphic ally relates his adTentures upon that and other occasions. It was about this time, I think, that the storeship Southampton arriTed from Upper California, and John L. Worden, then passed Midshipman, and Acting Master of that ship, called on board the Lexington and exhibited to his friends some nuggets of gold which had been found in cutting a mill- race on Captain Sutter's farm near Sacramento. Mr. Worden was then rather stout-built, somewhat fleshy, of a light, cheerful disposition, and was considered a very good officer. I should hardly haTe recognized him in the wiry, muscular, and scarred TCteran that he is to-day, carrying upon his face the marks of the first engage ment eTer fought between iron-clads. Lieutenant Bailey now receiTed adTice of his long-delayed promotion, and returned to his home by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. ON THE MEXICAN COAST. 231 During the Mexican war, one of Bailey's duties was the blockading of San Bias — one of the two only ports of entry left open to Mexico. In doing this, he warned all neutrals that the intermediate ports between here and ManzanUla were also blockaded, and the landing of any goods in them would subject such vessels and cargoes to capture and confiscation. This order brought a letter from the British Consul, Wm. Forbes, stationed at Topic, who protested against the order, as an attempt at paper blockade, without sufficient force — which blockade had been regarded as illegal by American authorities, and also by Lord Stowell. BaUey replied that " A state of war gives a neutral no rights, which he did not previously possess in time of peace. "Because, if the belligerent attempts to relieve himself of the pressure of a blockade by opening new ports, he does so in consequence of the pressure of the arms of his enemy, and the neutral, by intervening to reUeve that pressure, interferes Avith the war, to the disadvantage of the other belligerent — which interference the latter can not tolerate." He landed four officers and thirty-seven men fi-om the Lexington and a bark, capturing the upper and lower towns of San Bias — spiking guns in the aban doned fort — and brought off two field pieces. He re ceived a few days after a Mexican newspaper, stating that two North American vessels of war had entered the port of San Bias and landed sixteen hundred men, and that a division of five hundred cavaliy, stationed in the neighborhood, had, in view of such overwhelming force, retreated to the interior. From 1853 to '55, Captain Bailey commanded the U. S. ship St. Mary, cruising in the Pacific, and visited 232 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. most of the prominent seaports, including many of the islands. ' At the request of the president of Nicaragua, he visited the capital to confer Avith him and the U. S. min ister, respecting the threatened invasion of the renoAmed filUbuster, Walker. He was also at Honolulu while im portant negotiations were being had Avith Kamehameha III., which however were suddenly terminated by the death of that monarch. , He afterwards visited the Marquesas, Society Islands, Navigator's and Fejee Islands, and at these last two places greatly promoted the interests of American citizens, by seeing that justice was administered — he holding frequent courts, before which many criminals were brought, and after due trial properly afid summarily punished. At Apia, the high chief becoming refractory, and refusing to produce one of his subjects, accused of steal ing from an American vessel, every preparation was made for an attack upon the toAvn, and for his arrest, when his unconditional surrender and appearance on board the " St, Mary" prevented a coUision, At the Fejee Islands, Capt, Bailey, finding that Cap tain Boutwell, of the " John Adams," had, by his injudi cious treatment of the natives, created some iU feeling, very maturely considered the matter, and gave such orders to Captain Boutwell as were calculated to promote a more thorough and impartial administration of justice. Capt BaUey afterwards visited the principal ports of Chili, Peru, and Ecuador, holding everywhere the most agreeable relations Avith the chief authorities of each country. He arrived at Panama after the frightful massacre of April 15, 1856, and here displayed, in a very signal A CUET LETTER. 233 manner, great coolness and good judgment in allaying the excitement existing among his own countrymen. It would have been an easy matter for him to have bombarded Panama, thereby taking prompt satisfaction for the outrages committed. But forty-eight mUes of rail road from thence to^AspiuAvall, affording the only means of transit between CaUfornia and the Atlantic states, were entirely unprotected, and would have therefore been exposed to the attacks of an irritated and revengeful populace ; he accordingly very Avisely refrained, and left to the general government the administration of the proper remedies. He remained, however, for nearly a year at Panama, vigilantly looking after and promoting American interests. His correspondence with the governor, Don F. de Fabrega, was short and spicy. He first asked an expla nation of the outrages committed on American citizens and property. Two or three letters passed, but the gov ernor, with customary Spanish duplicity and pomposity, evading the issue, Bailey closed the correspondence with the foUowing direct and curt letter, which his "Excel- ency" could ponder on at his leisure : United States Sloop St. Maet's, } Panama, April 25(7j, 1856. J Eis Excellency Don Francisco de Fabrega, Acting Oovemor, &c., of Pana/ma. Sib : I haTe the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your replies to my communications of the 33d and 34th insts. Apart from the announcement of the restoration to the owners of the cannon and arms illegally taken from the steamer Taboga, I must confess that they afford me little satis faction. I had expected, when asking for information as to the causes of the frightful occurrences of the 15th inst., that, apart from the im mediate origin of the tumult, you would have deemed it due to your self as the Chief Magistrate of this community, to state why and where fore you undertook the fearful responsibility of ordering your police to 234 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. fire upon my countrymen, women and children, and to state what steps you had taken to punish the guilty, and restore the plunder. Ten days haTe elapsed since the catastrophe, and I haTe yet to learn that a single criminal has been arrested, or that any portion 6i the immense amount of Taluables taken from the passengers and railroad company, has been restored. I have yet to learn that your high " conscientious Tiews of duty, and understanding well the great interests which are bound up in this line of uniTcrsal transit " — extended any further than to order an indiscriminate massacre of the passengers OTer this transit. I haTe yet to learn, that when a riot or collision shall here take place between foreigners, on the one side, and natiTes on the other, that you recognize any higher obligation on your part than to protect and assist the latter, and to disarm, murder, maltreat, and plunder the former. Is it possible that your Excellency recognizes but one party to a riot ? that you shelter yourself under the philosophic assurance, that the fearful catastrophe of the 15th inst. was the result of " elementas tan heterogeneous como las que forman nuesi/ra poblauAon i la emegradon Galifomiana f " The deduction, I regret to state, affords me little assurance of the safety of the transit for the future, unless your Excellency shall dcTise some more speedy and efficacious method for rendering these unfortunate " elements " less " heterogeneous " hereafter. The police who took part in this terrible tragedy now guard the lives and property of the transit passengers. The " Jenda/rmena " who, with the same philosophy as your Excellency, deemed it best, in the late emergency, to destroy the foreign " element," are the reliable means of protection which your Excellency ¦will furnish us to any extent for the future, and it, no doubt, should be a source of gratifiction, that they have, since the 10th inst., permitted the passengers and treasure of the steamers " Uncle Sam " and " Golden Age," to make the transit ¦with out murdering the one, or plundering the other. I am, ¦vrith the force under my command, but from eight to ten days remoTcd from communication with my GoTernment, and am, therefore, bound to submit to their judg ment the manner in which the fearful accountability that you haTe incurred shall be inTestigated, and to their discretion the indemnity that shall be demanded for the past and security for the future : meanwhile, I shall do all in my power to aTert any danger that may occur to the transit pas sengers, from whateTer quarter it may come, and under every emergency. In directing my first communication to your Excellency, I had no desire to listen to apologies for certain parties or certain acts, but an earnest wish to know what you did towards punishing the parties concerned in this fright ful atrocity. I wanted not sophistry but action ; the names of the criminals arrested — the officers dismissed — and some allusion to plunder restored. That I haTe not been thus gratified, I haTe no reason to doubt, arises from the fact that you deem the origin of the affair a sufficient justification for its frig'ntful conclusion. AT NEW OELEANS. 235 I shall here take my leave of your Excellency as a carrespcndemt, and shall haTc the honor to submit your two communications to my GoTern ment, presuming that they wiU not be more satisfactory to them than to me. I am respectfully, sir, Tour obedient servant, (Signed,) T. BAILET, Commander U. 8. N. At the breaking out of the rebeUion, he was in the latter part of 1861 ordered to the steamer Colorado, blockading Pensacola, and took part in the subsequent bombardment of the fortifications. After a night recon noissance he sent a boat expedition to cut out the priva teer Judah. The vessel was destroyed, and the battery on shore spiked. The three Ueutenants commanding the boats, Russel, Blake, and Sproston, received the highest commendation for their gallantry. He was subsequently sent to the passes of the Missis sippi, second in command under Farragut in the contem plated movement against New Orleans, Although the general plan of attack had been deter mined on, Farragut called a council of war just before it occurred, in which Captain Bailey suggested that an attack in the daytime would draw on them the fire of the enemy the moment they came in sight— also, that the advance in double lines would expose the vessels to get folded. It wUl be seen that these ideas received the approval of the commander-in-chief. The way in which Bailey happened to lead his divi sion of eight vessels in the little Cayuga is not generaUy known. The Colorado was a heavy vessel and one much better calculated to AAdthstand the horrible fire of the bat teries than this little gunboat. But it was found impos sible to get her over the bar, and so he brought up his men, determined to lead the fleet in the passage of the bat- 236 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. teries if he did it in his launch. He was at the time suffering under a painful disease, and the surgeon re ported that — His health would not permit him to take part in the fight. For this act of kindness, he was anything but grateful, and fumed and swore he was not sick, and would go. But the surgeon was firm in the performance of his duty, and asked for a " Medical SurTcy " upon him, which was ordered in due form. The " Board " assembled in his cabin, examined his case ¦with great care, retired, talked it oTcr, and made out a written report of his case, closing with the opinion that it would be Tery dangerous for him to take part in the coming fight, and finally recommended that he should remain quiet, and that scTere medical treatment be applied as soon as practicable. The Board returned to the cabin, (where were assembled Admiral Far ragut and other officers, awaiting the result of the examination,) and com municated in due form the result of their consultation. All remained quiet, waiting to see what effect it had upon " Old BaUey,'' expecting to see him fume and rage at being prcTcnted from taking part in giving those " d d rebels a lesson which they would not soon forget." But instead of this, he quietly rose, and in the most dignified manner, said : " Admiral, I am Tery much obliged to the gentlemen, and am Tery grate ful to them for their solicitude in regard to my health, for thefr attention to my case and their kind and considerate recommendation ; but, by , PU lead your fleet up the river, if 1 burst my boiler." Farragut gave him a division and assigned him the sloop-of-war " Oneida," to carry his flag. The latter had not been long on board when certain matters occurred, which need not now be discussed, but which rendered it unde sirable for Bailey to remain on that ship. Lieutenant- commanding Harrison having dined on the " Oneida " on that day, and seeing, in this hitch, a chance for himself, his gunboat having been asigned a place in the rear, he offered Bailey the " Cayuga" and urged him to lead up in her. He promptly accepted the offer, and be fore sunset was aboard the little vessel, bag and baggage. Now this was an act of the purest patriotism and most LEADS THE FLEET. 237 unselfish courage ; it was giving up, voluntarUy, a new, strong, and fast ship (and in this instance speed was of the utmost moment) for a vessel of trifling force and speed, scarcely sufficient to stem the current of the Mississippi ; but it was done to prevent agitation, and to produce har mony among the commanders of the fleet, on the eve of a great and uncertain conflict. The signal for attack was made at 2 A. m., on the morning of the 24th April, 1862. There was too much anxiety on board for sleep ; part of the night was spent in steaming up and doAvn the division, in order that Bailey might satisfy himself that nothing was amiss — ^the river was continually lighted by fiire-rafts, as they came doAm Avith the current, snapping and cracking with their in tense heat — ^great fires were built at the barrier chains, making the scene and the hour one never to be forgotten. The signal lights had scarcely reached the peak of the Hartford before the " Cayuga" had her anchor atrip, and was heading up stream. The heavier ships were longer in securing their anchors. Much anxiety was felt as to the precise locaUty of the opening that had been made in the barrier ; he, however, steered fairly into it, and just then his vessel was discovered, and the forts opened. The "Cayuga" was now put upon her speed, flot much at best, and pomted close under the guns of San Philip, so as to have the shot strike her rigging. Emerging from the dense smoke that filled the riA'^er between the forts, BaUey encountered a new, and a most unexpected enemy, noth ing less than a flotilla of gunboats, having among them the " Louisiana " and " Manassas," with iron ar mor. The Cayuga was quite unsupported at this time, and things wore an anxious look. It was noAv that Cap tain Bailey exhibited that quiet courage and calm con- 238 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. fidence that told so finely on the crew. He could look in no direction without seeing an er^emy close aboard. The " Gov. Moore," the best-fought ship of the enemy, was bearing doAvn on his starboard bow, and to her Harrison gave most of his attention. At the same moment a gun boat approached from nearly astern, Avith the evident intention of ramming. Captain Bailey called to Harrison to " send aft the boarders." The latter replied : " I have no men to spare just now, you must take care of that end of the vessel." With that, Bailey stepped on the arm-chest, an^ singing out " Surrender, you fool, or I'll blow you out of water!" he opened with his revolver. Almost immediately the reply came back, " Don't shoot ! we surrender." " Then stick your d — d nose in the mud until I take possession." The vessel sheered off, ran ashore, and Avas soon in flames. About the same time a fearful discharge of grape was delivered from the large dahl gren into the " Gov. Moore," raking her from stem to stern, killing many of her men, and causing her to sheer off. Two other vessels of the rebel flotUla were forced to surrender and run on shore before Bailey kncAv that any other of our ships had succeeded in coming through the fire of the forts — then came the "Varuna" into action, foUoAsfed in quick succession by the fleet. This was the last effort of the rebels. The victory was com plete. " You can fancy the scene, now," says our correspondent, " as the bright day broke over the river, disclosing fourteen vessels of our fleet above the forts, gaily bedecked with the "old flags," while eleven burning hulls were all that remained of the rebel flotiUa." As soon as objects on shore were visible Camp Lovell was discovered, having the Chalmette regi ment in tents, commanded by CoL Szymanski. Anchoring AT NEW OELEANS. 239 in front of the camp, and ordering the Colonel on board, Captain BaUey received the surrender of the regiment. He could not but smile at the idea of a regiment on shore captured by a gunboat. He had now no specific orders ; but knowing New Orleans to be the objective point, he determined, if possible, to be first before the city. Steam ing at full speed, he found himself next day, suddenly, in a tremendous cross fire ; this came from the Chalmette batteries, situated on either bank of the river. The Cayuga endured this fire until Farragut could come up and divert it to his own ship. The little gunboat suffered severely here, but her bow was never turned down stream. In speaking of the passage of these latter forts, Farra gut says, " Captain Bailey was stiU far in advance, not haAdng noticed my signal for close order," We rather sus pect the gaUant captain did not look in the direction where he could see it. His eyes were turned up stream towards New Orleans, N, B, Harrison, the lieutenant command ing the Cayuga, than whom a cooler, braver, and more gallant officer never trod the deck of a battle-ship, reported that his vessel was struck forty-two times, and that both her masts Avere so cut up as to be unfit for farther service. Strange as it may appear, only six of his crcAV were wounded- The river Avas now clear to New Orleans'; and at one o'clock, on the 25th, the fleet came to anchor in front of the city. The rain was coming doAm in torrents ; but the crowd on shore was dense and turbulent, and blind with futile passion. Directly, a boat was seen to put off from the flagship, and swept towards the shore, impelled by the strong arms of well-dressed sailors. In the stern sat Captain Bailey, with his lieutenant, Perkins, by his side, and Acting-Master Morton, in charge of the boat. He was on his way to demand the surrender of the city. As 240 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. he approached the levee, the drenched and waiting crowd grew more excited, and deafening cheers were sent up for Jeff. Davis, and groans uttered for Lincoln and the fleet. Now and then a sudden eddy would be seen in some portion of the black, dark mass, as a man was col lared or shoved about, Avho dared to express a Union feelmg. Bailey saw at a glance that it was not a pleasant reception that awaited him ; but he stepped calmly and firmly ashore, and said he wished to see the mayor of the city. A few came forward, and offered to conduct him. As the little handful moved off, the crowd surged after them, }'elling and shouting like demons. A single word, and Bailey and his lieutenant would become the victims of its fury ; but they showed no alarm, and reached the City Hall in safety, when the passions of the crowd broke forth. At one time it seemed that they would be set upon by the most infuriated ; but some well- dressed citizens, who were aware of the wholesale destruction of the city that Avould foUoAV such an act, interfered. Bailey, on being presented to the mayor, and ex changing salutations, said : "I have been sent by Cap tain Farragut, commanding the United States fleet, to demand the surrender of the city, and the elevation of the flag of the United States over the Custom-House, Mint, Post-Office, and City Hall." The mayor, Munroe, was in company Avith Pierre Soule, and was evidently prompted by him as to questions and replies. Among other things, the mayor Avished to knoAV what credentials BaUey had from Flag-Offieer Farragut. He replied that he Avas second in command, had led the fleet by the forts, had forced the surrender of three gunboats, and captured the Chalmette regiment; LNTEEVIEW WITH THE MAYOE. 241 and as such needed no other credentials — which they appeared to consider sufficient. Munroe replied that he was not a mUitary man, and had no authority to surrender the place, but that he would send for General LoveU, the military commander, who was out of the city. While the messenger was gone, Bailey engaged in free conversation Avith those in the mayor's office, interrupted now and then by the yells of the crowd surging to and fro in the pouring rain Avith out Much property had been destroyed in the city after the news of the passage of the forts was received, and Bailey expressed his regret that it had taken place. The Mayor rudely replied that the property was their OAvn,^ and its destruction concerned nobody but them selves. Bailey good-humoredly said that such a course looked to him very much like a man biting off his nose to spite his face. The Mayor did not relish the joke, and grew more disagreeable. Soon cheers from without heralded the arrival of Lovell, and the next moment he entered the room, and announced his name and rank. He then shook hands with Bailey, Avho renewed the demand he had a short time before made to the Mayor. To this Lovell replied, that he would not surrender the city ; that he in tended to fight on land as long as he could ; and if they wished to shell the city, filled with women and children, they might do it. Bailey courteously replied, that noth ing was farther from Captain Farragut's intentions than shelling the city ; that he regretted the destruction of property that had already occurred. To which Lovell an swered, with much unnecessary hauteur, that it was done by his OAm orders. Lovell leaAdng the affairs of the city 16 242 EEAE-ADmEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. in the hands of the civil authorities, Bailey determined to -return, and report the situation of matters to Far ragut. But as he was about to leave, he turned to Gen- eral Lovell, and said that he had visited many unciv ilized places, such as the South Sea and Fejee Islands — and found even among the savages a decent respect for a herald and flag of truce, which are regarded by all civ ilized nations as sacred, but that he had been insulted every step of the way from .his boat by an unwashed mob. He therefore demanded a safe conduct to his boat. A carriage was then drawTi up at a rear door of the City Hall, and he was conducted to it with his aid. Lieutenant Perkins, by two officers, and driven through certain streets entirely depopulated, their inhabitants haAdng thronged to Avhat they supposed would be the scene of his assassination on the route by which he had come. He arrived without molestation at the landing, where a great crowd was assembled — but the officers, drawing their swords, made way for him, when he shook hands with them and departed. Bailey was now sent home with despatches to the Govemment, and on arriving at Fortress Monroe for warded the foUoAving telegraph to the Secretary of War : " I have the honor to annoxmce that, in the provi dence of God, which smiles upon a just cause, the squad ron under Flag Officer Farragut has been vouchsafed a glorious victory and triumph in the capture of New Or leans, Forts Jackson, St. Philip, Lexington, and Pike, the batteries above and below New Orleans, as weU as the total destruction of the enemy's gunboats, steam- rams, floating batteries (iron-clad), flre- rafts, obstruction booms, and chains. The enemy with their own hands destroyed from eight to ten millions of cotton and ship- BLOCKADING THE FLOEIDA COAST; 243 ping. Our loss is thirty-six killed, and one hundred and twenty-three wounded. The enemy lost from one thou sand to fifteen hundred, besides several hundred prisoners. The way is clear, and the rebel defenses destroyed from the Gulf to Baton Rouge, and probably to Memphis. Our flag waves triumphantly over them aU. I am bearer of despatches. Theodoeus Bailey." The important part that Captain BaUey took in the capture of Ncav Orleans clearly entitled him to receive from the Navy Department some signal recognition of its sense of the value of his services, and, in the fall of 1862, Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, commanding Eastern Gidf Blockading Squadron, suffering greatly from the weakening effects of an attack of yellow fever, having applied to the Navy Department to be relieved from duty on that station, and ordered North, Commodore Bailey was at once directed to assume the command, and in November, 1862, proceeded to Key West. The limits of the command comprised a stretch of sea-coast extending nearly a thousand miles, embrac ing the entire Peninsula of Florida, from Mosquito Inlet on the eastern coast, to St. Andrew's Bay on the westem. The headquarters of the squadron were at the important island of Key West — the key of the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, this squadron was the only one, except the West India squadron, that did not contain within its limits some stronghold to be captured. The North Atlantic squadron had its Fort Fisher — ^the South At lantic its Sumter — ^the West Gulf squadron its Fort Morgan — ^but the East Gulf squadron afforded no suf ficient scope for the restless courage that was so distin guishing a trait in the character of its commander-in-chief. Bailey's orders were to blockade the Florida coast, and 244 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. as there was no more active work at hand, he set himseK to do this thoroughly. The means at his disposal he found very inadequate to the work, for the squadron had been greatly thinned out by the yellow fever, and a num ber of the vessels infected with the contagion had been ordered North by Admiral Lardner. The Navy Depart ment found it impossible at that time to supply their places with others, the pressure upon them for vessels being so great for other squadrons, and the material fi"om which to supply this demand, so limited. In this emergency, finding it useless to apply to the Government for aid. Admiral Bailey set zealously to work to make additions to his force fi'om such materials as he could command. As the Department could not supply him with vessels, he proposed to supply himself. The blockade-mnning from the Florida coast was, at this time, carried on mostly by SAvift-saUing schooners that slipped quietly out of the creeks and rivers, under cover of the night, and made for the coast of Cuba. Admiral Bailey determined to make this class of vessels useful, and accordingly, as soon as he caught a particu larly fast one, instead of allowing it to be sold at auction, and bought in by the blockade-runners, to be again put upon the contraband line, he took it for the use of the Government at an appraisement, and having sent car bines, cutlasses, a howitzer, and a sufficient number of " blue-jackets " aboard, the American flag was run up at the peak, and the little craft sailed off to astonish her old allies by appearing in her entirely new and unex pected character of a United States vessel. These tenders^ for they were all attached to one or another of the larger vessels qf the squadron, soon became a distin guishing feature of the Eastern Gulf squadron, and a THOEOUGH DISCIPLINE. 245 teiTor to aU the contrabandists along the coast. It was not long before a complete cordon of these vigUant little sentinels was formed, stretching along the entire coast, the cruising-ground of one dove-taUing on to that of the next, and they became the heroes of many bold adven tures. Their light draft of water enabled them to run into the creeks and inlets that mark the Florida coast, and they would frequently pounce down upon a nest of blockade-runners, — loading theii- vessel Avith cotton up some quiet river, and almost before the latter could recover from their astonishment at the apparition of the unwel come " Yankees," their vessel would be towed out to sea and under sail for Key West, with a prize crew on board. Admiral BaUey, by his prompt recognition of every act of gallantry, and of every important serAdce on the part of his officers and men, soon imparted a portion of his OAvn energy to his squadron. There was no more " loaflng " on the blockade. It was understood that the vessels were stationed to make captures, and not for fish ing purposes, and if a vessel set to guard a particular pas sage allowed the blockade-runners to slip in and out, the commanding officer was held responsible at head quarters for his negligence ; and if, on the other hand, he showed constant AdgUance and attention to duty, his good conduct did not faU to receive notice, and to be reported Avith commendation to the Department at Washington, The vessels of the fleet were likcAAise, from time to time, personally visited by the commander-in-chief, and his able and vigUant Chief-of-Staff, Commander Temple, and thoroughly inspected. Their efficiency in drill at the great guns and in smaU arms, and at fire quarters was carefuUy noted, and every commanding-officer felt that the exact status of himself and his ship's company was 246 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY, known and kept in mind at headquarters. In fact, it is not too much to say that the discipUne of this squad ron was so perfect that the Department highly com plimented BaUey, saying : " It was so well governed that it gave them no trouble — it took care of itself." It certainly did its work thoroughly. The coast of Florida Avas hermeticaUy sealed, and vessels were spared to cruise at large in the Gulf, and intercept the blockade- runners that plied regularly between Mobile and Havana. Few persons are aware what a very essential part the blockading vessels performed in crippling and dispiriting the enemy. Their work was noiseless, and attracted but little of the public attention ; but the pressure brought to bear upon the South was tremendous, and grew every month more intolerable, Jt was not so much that the rebels were put to the greatest individual discomfort and inconvenience — ^that indeed was a result, but not the aim or intention of the blockade. The principal pressure was felt where it was intended that it should be — in their mUitary movements — in their armies. They could not purchase mUitary supplies abroad, and they had no ade quate means of manufacturing them at home. Their troops were therefore ill-equipped, poorly shod, poorly clothed, and destitute of many of the articles that are necessary to the efficiency of armies in the field. In 1863, the limits of the East Gulf Squadron were increased by the addition to its jurisdiction of an im portant part of what had been the cruising-ground of the West India, or Flying Squadron ; to wit : the Bahama Banks. The difficulty of communicating by boats with the Admiral, where vessels were lying often at a distance of two miles from the fiagship, became so great, that in the spring of this year headquarters were moved ashore, MAKES HLMSELF BISHOP, 247 and the flagship was sent to cruise in the Gulf, By this change, the commander-in-chief became rapidly acces sible to aU those under his command. Whether it was that twenty-odd years on " blue water " had had its effect upon him, or whether Nature in the beginning had implanted in him a kindly heart, certain it was that the Admiral jpossessed all of those qualities of a large- hearted and open-handed nature that belong tradition ally to the saUor. He was the very embodiment of the poetic idea of a son of Neptune, and every human being who crossed the threshold of the great rooms at which headquarters were now located, was sure to flnd there a hearty, cheerful welcome — except one class, the enemies of his country. When any of the members of his staff heard from their adjoining apartments an unu sual noise and declamation, ending with calls for " Or derly," they were pretty certain that one of this class was about being marched out from the indignant pres ence of Bailey, at the double-quick, and it was usually some time before the waters fairly subsided after one of these storms. The devotion of a saUor to the flag he has served for nearly half a century, has in it an ardor that landsmen fail to appreciate. An amusing instance of the Admiral's dislike of the sympathizers with seces sion, occurred shortly after the headquarters were moved on shore. It happened that the principal church at Key West was the Episcopal, and that, though the rector was loyal, a majority of the vestry were secessionists, who reelected themselves to office year after year. This state of things coming to the Admiral's knowledge at the time that the annual election for vestrymen oc curred, he resolved to " purge the temple," and, sum moning his officers (it being a free church, all who at- 248 EEAE-ADMIEAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. tended there were entitled to vote), he marched up to the annual meeting, on the first Monday after Easter, to the great consternation of the close corporation, who had assembled to vote each other in. As a matter of course, a heavy " Union " A^ote was cast, and for that year, at least, the church was officered by loyal men, from rector to sexton. The Admiral used laughingly, after this incident, to proclaim himself ex-officio " Bishop of that Diocese." Though the Admiral and his staff were always on duty, and business was transacted at any hour, from eight in the morning till midnight, there was no lack of mirth at headquarters, and the Admiral's hospitaUty became so well known through the service, that along the whole coast, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, there was no naval station visited with more pleasure by officers than that at Key West. As that post lay in the direct track of all vessels bound to the West Gulf Squadron, or from that squadron North, and as the vessels of the West India Squadron were accustomed to put into Key West for provisions and their mails, it often happened that from twelve to fifteen men-of-war were in harbor at the same time. On these occasions, the table of the Admiral's mess was stretched to its largest capacity, and the headquarters became a scene of great animation. In the summer of 1864, however, all this was changed, for the port was again visited by that scourge, the yeUow fever. The epidemic commenced in June, and extended from vessel to vessel, and what had shortly before been a scene of bustle, activity, and mirth, became now one of desolation and mourning. A few hours Avas sufficient to hurry the Adctims from a state of apparently perfect health to the grave. The vessels were A HEAVT BEIBE. 249 sent North as fast as the infection appeared upon them, and before long the dreaded port of Key West was itself as completely blockaded by the invisible but fearful forces of YeUow Jack, as was any port along the coast by the most vigUant of our cruisers. For weeks there was scarcely any communication with the outer world. No vessel was bold enough to venture in, and there were none to venture out. In the mean time, those on the island sickened, and very many died. The Admiral, after a severe Ulness, raUied, and, thanks to a fine constitution, recovered. After the abatement of the fever, the De partment thought it due to his long service in a sickly climate, to transfer him to a healthier station, and ac cordingly, in the faU of the same year, h*e was ordered to the command of the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. There is one anecdote told of the Admiral, while en gaged in the blockade, which not only illustrates his character, always noble and incorruptible, but explains satisfactorUy how so many of our officers, in the South and Southwest, got rich during the war. One day the Admiral received a letter from a merchant in Havana, stating that he desired a personal interview with him, as he had an important communication to make. Not long after, the former, having occasion to send a vessel to Havana, directed the commanding officer to caU on the merchant and learn what the important communication was. It turned out to be a proposal to him that he should so arrange his squadron as to allow a vessel to be run into port with contraband goods, the Admiral to receive for so doing forty thousand dollars a trip for six trips, and then have vessel, cargo, and all. The money was to be paid in gold, which then being at $2.50 250 EEAE-ADMIRAL THEODOEUS BAILEY. AVou.ld have netted the Admiral the nice little sum of about a mUlion of dollars. He could -have carried out this nefarious scheme without being detected, with the utmost ease. To most men such a sum of money would seem a large bribe, but to the Admiral a five-dollar bill would have been just as great a temptation. It is need less to say that he took no notice of the proposal, but it would have fared hard with the traitorous merchant, if he had fallen into his clutches. That many officers on land were not superior to much smaUer bribes, the mUitary records furnish, alas I too much CAddence. The best proof of the efficiency of the blockade during the period that the Eastern Gulf squadron was under Admiral BaUey's command, is found in the number of prizes captured. With a fleet of some thirty vessels, of which not more than six Avere steamers in any way fit for cruising, he captured in the course of a little more than a year and a half, more than a hundred and fifty blockade runners of all rates and sizes, from sloops to large and heavily loaded Mississippi steamers. In pro portion to the time and the number- of vessels employed, this is a larger capture list than is exhibited by any other squadron. Admiral Bailey remains at present the commandant of the Portsmouth station, although by a law of Con gress he is, from his age and length of service, placed on the retired list. The character of Admiral Bailey is clearly developed in the foregoing sketch. To see him dispensing hospital ity at his table, and keeping his guests often in a roar of laughter, one would hardly know him for the same man when leading his line into battle. On the deck of his ship, amid the raining baUs of the enemy, he is altogether HIS CHAEACTEE. 251 another being. Stem and inflexible, his orders ring sharply out, and aU the lineaments of his kindly coun tenance reveal the great commander and the fearless man. The confusion and carnage of battle seem to quicken his perceptions, and he is never so much at home as when, amid the thunder of his own broadsides, he presses where the boldest hold their breath. Of great energy, untiring perseverance, quick perceptions — fearless in action, and wise in counsel, he has won a place in the foremost rank of those naval heroes who are at once the pride and glory of the land. CHAPTER XI. EEAE-ADMIEAL CHARLES HENRY DAVIS. SCIENTIFIC ATTAINMENTS IN THE NATAL PROFESSION. — BIETH AND PAEENT- AGE OF DAVIS. — HIS BAELY EDUCATION. — ENTEES THE NAVY. — THEEE TEAES' CEUISE IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN. — VISITS ITS EBMOTE ISLANDS. — ON HIS EETUEN EEOEITES HIS WAEEANT AND OEUISES IN THE WEST nJoiBS. — IN THB MEDITEEEANEAN. — MADE LIEUTENANT. — ENTERS ON THE STUDY OF THE MODERN LANGUAGES. — FOURTH CRUISE IN THE PACIFIC. — SAILS FOE ST. PETEESBUEG. — APPOINTED TO THE COAST SUETEY. — ^HIS SUETBYS, INTE3TIGATION3, ETC. — HIS EEPOETS AND MEMOIES. — HIS MARRIAGE. — SUPERINTENDS THE PEEPAEATION OF THB AMEEIOAN EPHBMEEIS AND NAUTICAL ALMANAC. — HIS TEANSLATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS. ONOB MOEB AFLOAT. — EEOEITES THE CAPITULATION OF THE FILIBUSTEE WALKEE. SHOEB DUTT. — BEBAKING OUT OF THE EEBELLION. — DATIs' SERTIOBS AT WASHINGTON. — PLACED ON A COMMISSION TO INTESTIGATB THE SUBJECT OF AEMOEED SHIPS. — DUPONT's CHIEF OF STAFF IN THE PORT ROYAL EXPEDITION. — HIS GEEAT SBETIOBS. — COMMANDS THE STONE FLEET SUNK IN CHARLESTON HARBOE. — SENT UP THB LITTLE TYBEE. — ENGAGES TAT- NALl's fleet. EELIETBS FOOTE IN COMMAND OF THE MISSISSIPPI FLOTIL LA. — COMBAT OF FOET PILLOW. DESTROYS THB EEBEL FLEET OFF MEMPHIS. — BATTEEY OF ST. CHAELES CAPTUEED. — DATIs' DESPATCH. — BBFOEB TICKS BUEG. AFTEE SEETICES. RECALLED TO WASHINGTON. — EEOEITES THE THANKS OF CONGEESS, AND MADE EEAE-ADMIEAL. — CHIEF OF BUEEAU OF NATIGATION. 8UPEEINTENDENT OF NATIONAL OBSEETATOET, ETC. The naval profession is not favorable to strict scien- tiflc pursuits. Its duties are active and practical, requir ing the application rather than the investigation of the principles of science. It is rare that we find the practical accomplished sailor and the abstruse scientific man com- HIS ANCESTEY. 253 bined. It is only now and then, in any department of life, that the deep thinker and the effective worker are united in one person. Admiral Davis, however, is one of these men, — combining rare scientific abUity Avith great practical skUl and power. But scientific attain ments, largeness of view, and thorough knowledge of aU the branches and details of the naval profession, being rarer than those qualifications which wUl make a good commander afloat, they are needed at the centre of influ ence to guide, direct, and perfect. Hence the man possess ing them often performs a greater service to his country than if he won a battle. Yet, that service is wholly un appreciated by the popular mind. So far as mere fame is concerned, his rare endoAvments are a misfortune to him. Chaeles Heney Davis was born in Boston, Massa chusetts, January 10, 1807. His father was the late Hon. Daniel Davis, for thirty-two years SoUcitor-General of that State, and the son of the Hon. Daniel Davis of Barnstable, who was a representative of his town in the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, during the Rev olutionary War, and subsequently Judge of Probate, and Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of his county. His mother was the daughter of Constant Freeman, Esq., a merchant of Boston ; and among her brothers were Colonel Constant Freeman, of the Revolutionary Army, and Rev. James Freeman, of King's Chapel, Bos ton. Thus on both sides he came of good Revolutionary stock. He received his early education at the Boston Latin School, and entered Harvard College in 1821; but remained there less than two years. In 1841, he received from the University the degrees 254 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAVIS. of Bachelor and Master of Arts, and his name may be found in the list of his class of 1825, in the triennial catalogue. After leaving college, he was appointed an acting midshipman in the United States Navy, by President Monroe, on the 12th August, 1823, being then sixteen years of age, and received in the following October orders to join the frigate " United States," in which vessel he sailed on a cruise of three years and a half in the Pacific Ocean, in the squadron of Commodore HuU. During the cruise, he became one of the officers of the schooner Dolphin, commanded by the late Captain John C. Percival, on the somewhat famous expedition into the remote, and, at that time, little knoAvn seas of the West ern Pacific, in pursuit of the mutineers of the whaleship Globe. The Marquesas and adjoining group of islands were then almost terra incognita to the ciAdlized world, and revealed an entirely new phase of life to the young midshipman. On his return Acting Midshipman Davis received his warrant, ' and was ordered to the Erie, Commodore Turner, to do duty in the West Indies. After a year's service in these waters, he again returned and passed his examination for lieutenant; and, on this occasion, re ceived a very handsome letter of approbation from his first commanding officer. Commodore HuU. In 1829, a few months later, Mr. Davis joined the Ontario, sloop of war. Captain Thomas H. Stevens, as Master, and sailed for the Mediterranean in the squad ron of Commodore Biddle. While on board the Ontario, he entered upon the study of the modem languages, especially French and Spanish ; and began a life-long friendship Avith his shipmate, the late Rear-Admiral VAEIOUS CEUISES. 255 (then Lieutenant) S. F. Dupont. His commission as Ueutenant was received during this his third cruise, and dated March, 1831. His fourth cruise was again in the Pacific, in the Vincennes, the flagship of Commodore Wadsworth. It was on this vessel that Lieutenant Davis began those mathematical studies which have since given him such distinction in the scientiflc world. On this cruise he was employed as interpreter between Commodore Wadsworth and the authorities of the State of Ecuador, which had sought the aid of the former in settUng the embarrassments of a ciAdl war then raging. He returned to the United States in command of the whaleship Vermont, her captain having been kUled by a mutineer. In October, 1836, two years and a half after his return from the Pacific, he was ordered to report for duty to the late Commodore Nicholson, and in the fol lowing year sailed in the razee frigate Independence, the Commodore's flagship, for St. Petersburg, carry. ing Mr. Dallas, the American Minister to the Imperial Court of Russia. While the Independence was in the harbor of Cronstadt, she was visited by the Czar, Nich olas I., who sought to improve his own navy by study ing the finest specimens of foreign naval architecture. The Independence, after leaving St. Petersburg, pro ceeded to herovm station, the Brazilian, where she cruised for two years. On his return to the United States from this fifth cruise. Lieutenant Davis, at the age of thirty- three, had completed seventeen years of service in the NaAry, and during more than twelve years of that time, had been on active duty at sea. His command ing officer on every cruise had been a hero of the war of 181 2. The names of Hull, Turner, Stevens, Biddle, Wads- 256 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAVIS. worth, and Nicholson, are inseparably associated with the exploits of our early naval history ; and, as before remarked of other commanders, these associations must have had a strong effect upon the character and patri otism of Davis. After an interval of repose. Lieutenant Davis, in 1842, was appointed to the United States Coast Survey, then under the superintendence of Mr. Hassler ; and he continued on that work under his successor, Mr. Bache, until 1849. The principal investigations which he con ducted for seven years in this service, in the command of a Coast Survey vessel, belong more especially to the department of science, and can only be briefly enumer ated as follows : 1. Ascertaining the direction, &c., of currents in New York Bay and vicinity, and in the en trances of New York harbor. 2. Hydrographic and physical examination of the Gulf Stream. 3. Surveys and soundings off Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands, resulting in the discovery of shoals and banks in the direct line of navigation between New York and Europe, of which mariners had been hitherto entirely ignorant, numerous losses having thereby occurred ; and in the discovery of the' rock on Cash's Ledge, which had been long sought for by that eminent British surveyor and hydrographer. Admiral Owen. 4. A memoir commu nicated to the American Academy in 1848 on the "Geo logical Action of the Tidal and other Curi'ents of the Ocean '' — the result of most careful observations of the formation of shoals, especially on the Nantucket coast ; and a second memoir, on the " Law of Deposit of the Flood-tide," published in the Smithsonian Contributions in 1851. During his services on the Coast Survey, Lieu tenant DaAds commenced those investigations into the SCIENTrFlO LABOES. 257 laws of engineering in tidal harbors, the fruits of Avhich are shown in the numerous reports upon the great har bors of the United States, written by himself and his associates. General Totten, Chief Engineer United States Aa'my, and Professor Bache, Superintendent United States Coast Survey, either as members of an independent com mission, or, as in the case of New York harbor, as ad- Adsory couneU to the State commission. The harbors of Portland, Boston, and New York, have been particu larly benefited by these investigations and discussions. In 1842, Lieutenant Davis was married to the young est daughter of the late Hon. Elijah H. MiUs, of Nor thampton, United States Senator from Massachusetts. He has three sons and three daughters ; the second son, bear ing his father's name, is a midshipman in the United States Navy, and now serving (May, 1866), on the United States Steamer Colorado. In July, 1849, Lieutenant Davis was relieved from duty on the Coast Survey, receiving on his departure a strong official expression of appreciation and regret from the Superintendent, Prof. Bache, and was immediately assigned to the duty of superintending the preparation of the American ephemeris and nautical almanac. Up to this time, the United States naval and merchant marine had been obliged to use the nautical almanac of the English, and this necessity had proved especially annoying in the labors of the United States Coast Sur vey ; so that the establishment of a national ephemeris had long been urged, and by none more earnestly than by Lieutenant DaAds. Accordingly, in the last session of the Thirtieth Congress (1849-'50), a law was passed authorizing such an establishment ; and in accordance with its provisions Lieutenant Davis was appointed by 17 258 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAVIS. the Secretary of the Navy, Hon. WiUiam B, Preston, to superintend it. In this undertaking were encountered some formidable obstacles to success ; but aU were at length overcome by energy and perseverance ; and the Nautical Almanac, once established, not only fulfilled all the purposes contemplated in its creation, but fostered and stimulated the mathematical and astronomical abili ty of the country in an eminent degree. The names of Pierce, Chauvenet, Walker, Winlock, Runkle, Bartlett, Wright, and Newcomb, are necessarily associated with the success of an undertaking which their genius and labors so materially assisted to perfect. It is sufficient to say that this work, which, from its nature, must be regarded as a fair exponent of the science of the country, was everywhere abroad received with unqualified ap proval. Lieutenant Davis, having triumphantly organ ized the Ephemeris, retained his position as Superin tendent for seven years, and during that time, besides the duty of administration, occupied himself in prepar ing a translation of Gauss' " Theoria Motus," (published in Cambridge, 1857,) as well as treatises on "Mechanical Quadratures," the computation of a planetary orbit, and other mathematical tracts. In 1854, Davis received his commission as com mander, and in 1856, at his own request, prompted by a desire to renew the regular duties of his profession, a love of which he had never relinquished during his sci entific pursuits, he was appointed to the command of the sloop-of-war St. Mary, to cruise in the Pacific Ocean. — Professor Winlock, United States Navy, having been named to succeed him as Superintendent of the Nautical Almanac, he sailed for AspinwaU, and joined his ship at Panama in the autumn of 1856. During this cruise. lEON-CLADS. 259 Commander Davis received the capitulation of General Walker, while besieged by the allied armies of Central America, in the town of Rivas, and reduced to the ex. tremest necessity. He also took possession, in the name of the United States, of Jarvis and New Nantucket Islands, in the remote Pacific, and cruised for some time on the western coast of Mexico, at that time, as usual, distracted by cIahI wars. After commanding the St. Mary for two years and a half. Commander Davis returned home from his sixth cruise, and resumed the superintendence of the Nautical Almanac, in which office he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion. Immediately upon the commencement of hostUities, the Govemment and the Navy Department perceived the urgent necessity of caUing to their aid the counsels of experienced officers, in deciding questions of immediate practical importance, and in forming plans for future conduct. In May, 1861, Commodore Davis was ordered to Washington on duty connected Avith the efficiency and discipline of the Naval service, and at about the same time was appointed member of two boards. On one of these he was associated Avith Commodores Paulding and Smith, Avith orders to investigate the subject of armored ships and fioating batteries. To them were sub mitted some fifteen or sixteen proposals, of which they accepted but three — one for the buUding of the Monitor — one for that of the Galena, and the other for the Iron sides. The result showed the wisdom and sagacity of the commissioners. The other board — of which Captain S, F, Dupont, United States NaA^, Major (now Major General), J. G, 260 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAVIS, Barnard, United States Engineers, and Prof. A. D. Bache, were the other members — was organized for the purpose of considering not only the general blockade of the southern coast, but the seizure of available harbors along it. The result of the labors of this second board, of which Commander Davis was junior member and secretary, was the organization of several combined naval and mUitary expeditions against southern ports. Of one of those, directed against the coast of South Carolina, Captain Dupont was appointed flag-officer, and Commander Davis his chief of staff, and captain of the fleet. There Avas no officer in the fleet of more importance to Dupont than Davis, and of this he was folly conscious. In his report from Port Royal, he says " The Depart ment is well aware that aU the aids to na-vigation have been removed, and the bar lies ten miles seaward, with no features on the shore line with sufficient prominence to make any bearing reliable. But owing to the skiU of Commander Davis, the fleet captain, and Mr. BouteUe, the able assistant of the Coast Survey, the channel was immediately found, sounded out, and buoyed." And, again, he says : " By three o'clock, I received assurances from Captain Davis that I could send forward the lighter transports, those under eighteen feet, with aU the gun boats, which was immediately done." As before, so in the terriflc battle that foUowed, Davis exhibited the same skiU and coolness that subsequently distinguished him. He was of more service to Dupont in achieving this great victory than half a dozen gunboats. The next Avinter he was placed in charge of the ex pedition sent to sink the stone fleet in Charleston harbor, and block up the main channel by which blockade run- THE STONE FLEET. 261 ners evaded our squadron. He took sixteen old whale- ships loaded with stone ; and, towing them into the chan nel, scuttled and sunk them. This caused an outcry from the people of Charleston, and provoked a remonstrance from the English Govemment, which seemed to be shocked at the barbarity of a nation that could; thus forever, as it was said, destroy a great seaport. It was no easy task to get these old, heavUy-loaded vessels from Port Royal to Charleston, and sink them in the right spot ; but a better man could not have been found to perform the labor than DaAds, who, from 1842 to 1849, was chief of a hydrographic party in the coast survey, and who, in 1851, was one of the commanders appointed by the Govemment, at the request of South CaroUna, to superintend the improvement of Charleston harbor, in which work he was engaged for several years. No one knew the channel better ; and hence, though his present work stood in singular contrast to the one he was then engaged in, his knowledge was none the less valu able, A AAdtness of this extraordinary scene says : "It was sufficently novel and striking to satisfy any one. At half- past ten the last plug was drawn, and every ship of the sixteen was either sunk or sinking." None of the vessels wholly disappeared from sight, and those which keeled over farthest, and were most under water, had subsided in a very deliberate manner. An impassable Une of Anecks was thus drawn for an eighth of a mile across the channel. All but two or three were soon under water — some on thefr beam-ends, some down by the head, others by the stern, and the masts, spars, and rigging of the thickly-crowded ships Avere mingled and tangled in the greatest confiision. They did not long remain so. The boats which had been 262 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAAOS. swarming about the Avrecks were ordered to cut aAvay the masts. The snapping of stays ' and shrouds, as one after another tumbled into the sea, sounded Uke irregular voUies of musketry. For two hours this work went on, while the heavy boom of cannon from Fort Sumter, as it came doAvn the bay, sounded a requiem to the dying fleet. One ship out of the sixteen had her masts left standing, adding by contrast to the desolation of the scene. As night came on, this was set on fire, and blazed up over the waters of the bay like a funeral pyre. The rebels from Sumter, Moultrie, and Sullivan's Island, could see what was going on, but were powerless to prevent it, and could only vent their indignation in unavaUing curses, A Avitness of the operation said, "An effort to block ade a tidal harbor like this presented a wholly new prob lem, which was worked out by Captain Davis, with great ingenuity and scientific skUl," In the foUoAving January, Davis was sent by Dupont with some ten vessels, accompanied by three transports, Avhich carried twenty-four hundred men, to flank Fort Pulaski, by the Little Tybee river. On the 26th he passed the fort, the commander of which was so taken by surprise to find vessels on that side of him, that he did not even fire upon them. The telegraph wires were cut leading to the city, and all the surveys and examinations made, necessary to form a conclusion as to the propriety of seizing Wilmmgton Island. WhUe he was engaged in this work, Commodore Tatnall, with five rebel steamers, attempted to pass doAvn the riA^er to the fort. Davis at once opened fire upon them, and, after a half hour's engagement, drove two off. The other three succeeded in reaching PulaskL In two or three hours the latter returned and renewed the attack, FIGHT AT FOET PILLOW, 263 and though there Avas heaAry firing, owing to the interven tion of the banks of Ihe river which separated the vessels, but little damage was done. Early in the foUowing month he accompanied Dupont on an expedition against Fort Clinton, and Fernandina, Florida, which were captured Avith little fighting. In March, 1862, Captain Davis was detached from the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and in April ordered to reUeve Flag-Offieer Foote, and assume the command of the Mississippi flotUla. He entered upon this duty on the 9th of May. On the following morning. May 10th, he gained the naval victory off Fort PUlow. Soon after daylight, the mortar-boats were towed doAvn to open on Fort Wright, and had hardly taken their positions, when the rebel ram, Louisiana, appeared round a point below, accompanied by four other gunboats, and made for the Cincinnati, which was in advance. The ram endeavored to run the latter doAvn ; but the cap tain turned the vessel's head, so that his powerful antag onist, instead of striking him, came fairly alongside, when the former opened his batteries ; and, draAnng his pistol, cooUy shot the rebel pilot dead at his wheel. At the same time, however, he himself was struck on the shoulder by a musket-ball, and severely wounded. The opposing crews, now in close proximity, opened a fierce fire of small arms, while shouts and curses helped to swell the din and tumult. The next moment the Cincinnati opened her steam batteries, which sent a cloud of hissing, scalding vapor into the rebel vessel, clearing her decks instantaneously, and causing her to haul off in consterna tion. Three other boats now joined in the attack, and among them the MaUory ; but before she could inflict 264 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAVIS. any damage, the St. Louis, obejdng DaAds' signal, came doAm on her under full headway, and, striking her amid ships, cut her almost in two, sending her to the bottom with most of her crew. The rest of Davis' fleet now came up, and a close, fierce conflict followed, in which the firing was so rapid, that the loud explosions seemed Uke one continued report. In a few minutes, there came out of the clouds of rolUng and enfolding smoke a report louder than the explosion of cannon. A rebel gunboat had blown up, and in a few moments went to the bottom, leaving only scattered fragments, covered AAdth struggling swim mers, to tell where she had gone doAvn. But a short interval elapsed, when there came out of the bosom of the sulphurous cloud, another report, telling that another rebel vessel had gone to join her consort, DaAds, on the fiagship Benton, directed every movement — making no mistake from first to last He handled his fleet amid aU this confusion and obscurity, with a coolness and sagacity that elicited the warmest admiration, and showed that Foote had left a worthy successor. The action lasted for an hour ; and, Avhen it was over, the remains of the rebel fleet were seen steaming back to their old position. After the evacuation of Fort Pillow, Davis passed on doAATi to Memphis, He led the squadron in the Benton, Avhich swept majestically do Am the river towards Fort Randolph, that lay between it and the city. As the fleet approached it, Davis Avas seen pacing his quarter-deck Avith a measured yet impatient step, turning his eye in the direction of the fort. As he drew near, he saw the stars and stripes floating above it — the garrison having fled to Memphis. The city was only twelve mUes dis tant ; and yet there were no signs of the enemy, except the FIGHT AT MEMPHIS, 265 smoke and flames along the shore, arising from the burn ing cotton, which they had set on fire to prevent its fall ing into our hands. At a little after four o'clock, as he sARing around a bend, he saw ahead the rebel steamer- transport Sovereign, The next moment an eighty-four- pound shot passed over her to bring her to. She not obeying the summons, Davis said : " Fire again. Captain Phelps ; bring her to." The Benton now fired nine shots in rapid succession, when the Sovereign, unhurt, swept around a bend, and was lost to view. The tug Spitfire starts ed in pursuit ; and, after a'l exciting chase, overhauled and captured her. Davis, in the mean time, kept steadily on with the fleet ; and, a little before nine o'clock in the even ing, came in full view of Memphis, the lights of which could be seen twinkling along the banks. He then sig naUed to anchor ; and the vessels soon lay gently sleeping on the bosom of the Mississippi. It Avas a beautiful night; the air was mUd and balmy, and the moon sailed quietly above amid her islands of stars. In the mean time the transports landed troops on the Arkansas shore, to serve as pickets during the night, while the men slept beside their guns, ready at a moment's notice to receive the enemy, should he venture on a night attack. The quiet, however, remained unbroken until midnight, when a bright light was seen down the river, near the Tennes see shore, where a rebel tug, which, having got so hard aground, it was found impossible to heave off, had been set on fire by the crew, and now blazed brightly up in the darkness. At five o'clock in the morning, Davis, from the Ben ton, which was lying only a mile and a half from Mem phis, cast his eye towards the city, glittering in the early rays of an unclouded sun, and saw the bluffs black AAdth 266 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAVIS. citizens, who at that early hour had come forth to Avit ness the battle that they knew was soon to come off. A little before six, several dark gunboats were seen coming around the bend below. A few minutes later, and Davis issued his orders: "All hands to quarters!" and soon the entire fleet (DaAds, in the Benton, leading the van) slowly advanced. Eight rebel rams, commanded by Commodore Montgomery, steamed boldly up to meet him, while the shore was lined with thousands of spec tators, gazing with breathless interest on the exciting spectacle. The " Little Rebel," as she came opposite the city, fired the first shot, to which the Benton replied. A moment later, and another of her heaA^y shot went booming along the Mississippi, and then the confiict opened. In the midst of the heavy firing, down came Colonel Ellet, Avith the two rams Queen of the West and Monarch ; and, passing through the fieet under a full head of steam, drove straight on the rebel boats. The hostile rams now dashed furiously into each other, whUe the guns of the other vessels poured in their heavy shot and shells. Swift-rolling clouds shut out the morning sun, and out of thefr involving folds came the crash of coUiding vessels, and cries and shouts of men. In an hour and twenty minutes it was aU over. The General Beauregard and Little Rebel were blown up, the Gen eral Lovell sent to the bottom, whUe the rest of the fleet was clapping on aU steam to escape destruction in flight. DaAds, the victory being won, now pressed after the fleeing enemy, chasing him for ten miles doAvn the river. One vessel after another was captured, until the Van Dorn alone was left of the entire rebel squadron that moved so confidently to battle scarce an hour before. She escaped only by her superior speed. EXPLOSION OF THE MOUND CITY. 267 It was a great \dctory, and Memphis now lay at the mercy of Davis, and soon the national flag was waving above it. A few days after, he received the news of the cap ture of two batteries at the St. Charles, sixty miles up the White River, by a portion of his fleet under Captain KUty. The steamer Mound City had her steam-drum ex ploded in the fight, and blew up, kUling and woimding over a hundred and fifty, out of a crew of a hundred and seventy-five. Davis, in reporting the victory to the Department, says : The Tictory at St. Charles, which has probably giTen us the command of White River, and secured my communication with General Curtis, would be unalloyed with regret, but for the fatal accident to the steam-drum and heater of the Mound City. * * * After the explosion took place, the wounded men were shot by the enemy while in the water, and the boats of the Conestoga, Lexington, and St. Louis, which went to the assistance of the scalded and drowning men of the Mound City, were fired into, both with great guns and muskets, and were disabled, and one of them forced on shore to preTent sinking. The forts were commanded by Lieutenant Joseph Fry, late of the United States NaTy, who is now a prisoner and wounded. The Department and the country vpiU contrast these barbarities of a savage enemy, with the humane efforts made by our own people to rescue the woimded and disabled, under similar circumstances, in the engagement of the 6th instant. Several of the poor fellows who expired shortly after the engagement, expressed their willingness to die, when they were told that the Tictory was ours. Davis now kept on down to Vicksburg, where he met Farragut, who had, Avith a portion of his fleet, run the batteries from below. With him he planned an expe dition up the Yazoo, to procure correct information con cerning the obstructions and the defences of the river. The Carondelet and Tyler, Avith the ram Queen of the 268 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENBY DAVIS. West, composed the vessels, but they had entered the river only a short distance, when they encountered the rebel ram Arkansas coming down. Thefr shots had scarcely her alded her approach, when she appeared at the mouth of the stream, steering straight for Vicksburg, although her course lay right through the combined squadron. Guns opened on her from every side, but she passed on unhurt, and anchored safely under the batteries, much to the cha grin of Farragut and Davis. The Benton pursued after; but, as Davis said, " at her usual snail's pace, which renders any thing like pursuit ludicrous." He, however, attacked the batteries, maintaining the bombardment for half an hour. In the course of the morning he renewed the attack Avith Farragut on board — ^his object at this time being to reconnoitre the rebel works. Farragut now determined to run the batteries again, for the double purpose of joining the rest of his squad ron below, and destroying the ram Arkansas in his passage. In the mean time, to cover the movement, Davis steamed up, and again engaged the batteries. The attempt to destroy the ram having faUed, Porter, in the Essex, determined to try his hand on her, and the next morning, shortly after daylight, started on his peril ous mission, while Davis diverted the rebel fire on him self, by moving boldly against the upper batteries. This attempt also failed, and, Farragut having gone doATO the river, foUowed by General WUUams with the army, Davis abandoned his position before Vicksburg as useless and untenable, and moved up to the mouth of the Yazoo River. He here sent out an expedition under Captain Phelps, which succeeded in destroying the fort at Haines' Bluff, and capturing its guns. With his force now materially reduced by sickness. MADE ADMIEAL. 269 he moved up the river to Helena, to close up his lines, now too extended, to open again the sources' of com munication and supply, and resume his conjunction with the army. During this time, Davis was occasionally Flag- Offieer, Commodore, and Acting Rear-Admiral of the naval forces, on the Mississippi and its tributaries, sending off expeditions here, and cooperating with the army there, until autumn. In July of the same year. Com modore Davis was confirmed by the Senate as Chief of the Bureau of NaAdgation. After having effected the transfer of the Mississippi flotiUa from the army to the naA^y, under the provisions of an act of Congress, he returned to Washington in November, 1862, and entered upon the duties of his new office, in which he remained untU the spring of 1865. On the 7th Feb., 1863, Commodore Davis received a vote of thanks from Congress, for his services in the war; and, on the same day, was commissioned Rear- Admfral in the U. S. Navy. He also received a vote of thanks for his services from the legislature of his native state. In May, 1865, Admiral Davis was appointed Super intendent of the National Observatory, a position which he now holds. He is a member of the Light-House Board, chafr- man of the Permanent Commission of the NaA^ Depart ment, and chafrman of a Joint Commission of Officers of the Army and NaAry on Harbor Obstructions. He is also one of the United States commissioners of Boston harbor, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a member of the American PhUo- sophica;l Society of Philadelphia, and of the National 270 EEAE-ADMIEAL CHAELES HENEY DAA^IS. Academy of Sciences. Although it seems hard to take a commander from active service, in which he is winning distinction, and confine him to shore duty, whUe his companions in arms are winning fame, yet, men of marked ability must be had at the head of affafrs, and personal preferences yield to the public good. As before remarked, there were many afloat to whom our vessels could be trusted Avithout fear, yet, there were few pos sessing the scientific attainments of Admiral Davis, or those qualities so much needed in the successful adminis tration of affairs at Washington. CHAPTER XIL J»Sr" ¦\ OOMMANDEE HOMER C. BLAKE. A. GEEAT EXAMPLE WOETH MORE THAN AN ORDINARY TICTOET. — BLAKE's NATITITY AND EAELY EDUCATION. — ENTEES THE NATY. — HIS FIRST CRUISE BOUND THE WOELD. — KEEPS COMMUNICATION OPEN BETWEEN CUE TESSELS IJT THE CHINESE SEA. SEETES ON THB COAST OF AFEIOA. — ENTERS THE NATAL SCHOOL. — ^PASSED MIDSHIPMAN. — SEETES IN THB WAE WITH MEXICO. — CEUISE TO THE BAST INDIES. — SENT HOME TO EBOEUIT HIS HEALTH. — JOINS THE PAEAGUAY EXPEDITION. — ANECDOTE. SECOND CRUISE TO THB AFRICAN COAST. — BEEAKING OUT OP THB REBELLION. — BLAKE JOINS THE PORT EOYAL EXPEDITION. — COMMANDS THE E. E. CUYLBE. — TEANSFEEEED TO THE HAT TEEAS. — A DESCRIPTION OF HBE. — ON BLOCKADE DUTY OFF GALTESTON. — SENT m PUESUIT OF A STEANGE STEAMEE. — HIS FIGHT WITH" THE ALABAMA. OOEEESPONDENOB WITH AN ENGLISH CAPTAIN IN KINGSTON. — IS EX CHANGED. HIS CREW ASK THB GOTEENMENT TO GITE HIM ANOTHEE TESSEL TO CEUISE AFTEE THE ALABAMA. — COMMANDS THB EOTAW IN THE JAMES EITEE. — HIS GEEAT SBETIOBS HEEE. — NOW OTEE THE BUREAU OF NATIGA TION IN POETSMOUTH, N. H. I. It is a curious fact, in our naval history, that a com mander never lost a vessel in an engagement hot only Avithout being acqiutted of aU blame, but absolutely Avinning laurels by his misfortune. The manner in which he fought his ship, the heroism he displayed, and the desperate nature of the contest, made the defeat, by the ^reat example it furnished, worth as much to the coun try and the navy as a victory would have been. 272 COMMANDER HOMEE C. BLAKE. Thus LaAvrence, crying out on the verge of death, " Don't give up the ship," although victory was hopeless, furnished a motto that has been worth more than a dozen victories to the Navy. Porter, standing on the deck of his shattered vessel, in the harbor of Valparaiso, with his colors struck, was a hero greater than any ordinary victory could have made him, while the example he set of how an American commander should fight his ship, has awakened a spfrit of emulation in our commanders that will exert a powerful influence as long as our navy exists. The same is true of the gallant Blake, carrying his frail vessel into a hopeless combat, and then flghting her till she was a wreck and fast sinking. HoMEE C. Blake was bom in Dutchess County, New York State, on the 1st day of February, 1822. His father's name was Elisha Blake, and his mother's MeriUa Crane. When he was but a year old, his father moved into what was then considered the far West, Ohio, and settled in that section caUed the Westem Reserve. Here he grew up from boyhood, attending the schools common to that part of the country, and laboring at intervals, as the youth of that time around him were accustomed to do. Through the influence of friends, he, at the age of eighteen, March 2d, 1840, received the appointment of midshipman. In the foUowing December, he joined the Constellation frigate, and in her made a cruise round the world. A mere lad, the change from a secluded life in a remote toAvn in the West, to the wide field opened before him in this extended cruise, could not have been greater, and it matured him fast. Active, alert, and always ready for any duty, he showed at the outset that he had chosen the profession for which he was designed. EAELY CEUISES. 273 His first voyage lasted for over three years, and he did not reach home until 1844. In that time he had become a man, having lived twice three years in ex perience. When the Constellation reached China, all communi cation was cut off between the spot where the vessels anchored and Canton. But it was aU-important that this should be kept open ; and the duty of doing this was committed to yoimg Blake, who, in an open boat, Avith only twelve men, performed it to the entire satis faction of his commander. At this time, the price of an Englishman's head was a thousand doUars, and as the Chinamen were not very scmpulous what kind of head they brought to market, and no one could distinguish between that of an Englishman and an American, it requfred the utmost care and vigUance on the part of the young midshipman to keep his head from going into thefr basket. On his return, he was aUowed only a short furlough, in which to visit his friends ; and in a few weeks was ordered to join the sloop-of-war Preble, about to saU for the coast of Africa. He remained for a year on this inhospitable coast, engaged in the arduous, annoying, and often dangerous duty of suppressing the slave-trade. On his return from this cruise, he entered the United States Naval School, to add scientific to his practical knowledge, and thus enable him to make the latter broader in its application, and enlarge the field of his future influence. Here he showed the same devotion to study that he had to practical duties, and the same facility in mas tering whatever he imdertook. HaAdng completed his education, for which his four years of actual service had 18 274 OOMMANDEE HOMEE C. BLAKE. been an admirable preparation, he graduated in 1846, as passed midshipman. Six years of practical and scien tific training seems a long time before one passes the the threshold of his profession, but none too long to make the accomplished officers we need in the navy. The war in Mexico now breaking out, young Blake, ambitious of distinction, applied for active service, and was attached to his old vessel, the sloop-of-war Preble, and sent to the coast of California. He would have pre ferred a different vessel and a destination which placed him more directly in the vicinity of the army, where the hard fighting was expected to take place. As a rule, officers do not like sloops-of-war. In the first place, they are too smaU to perform any great work, while thefr armament makes them top-heavy, and anything but pleasant craft to be in in a heavy sea. His duties were various on the coast of California, but furnished no opportunity for distinguishing himself. In the mean time the war drcAV to a close, and in 1848 the Preble was detached from that station, and ordered to the East Indies. But scarcely had the vessel, after her long voyage, reached Canton, when Blake's health became so feeble that he was unfit for duty. There seeming to be no prospect of recovering on board the sloop and in that unfavorable climate, he was permitted to return home. He was now employed for a short time on shore in the coast survey. But, in 1850, we find him again afloat in the frigate Raritan, bound once more for the Pacific. He did not, however, complete his cruise in her, but was transferred to the sloop-of-war St. Mary. In this vessel he kept on to the China Seas, and so home by way of the Cape of AN INCIDENT. 275 Good Hope — ^thus, in about nine years, making three voyages around the world. In 1856, he again joined the Raritan frigate, and saUed for the coast of BrazU. This vessel formed a part of the Paraguay expedition. The expedition was de void of interest ; but a little incident occurred, while Blake's vessel lay at Rio Janefro, which would have been forgotten had it not been related by one of the Russian officers, who visited our country a short time since, and were received with so much display in New York. Several English and French men-of-war Avere in the port of Rio Janefro at the same time that the St. LaAvrence was there. Soon after, the Russian ship-of-war Diana came into harbor — one of the vessels that bore a prominent part in the repulse of the English and French on the Asiatic coast One day, some ten or twelve of her crew came ashore on leave, and were walk ing leisurely along, when they were suddenly set upon by a large party of French and English sailors. Near by, a group of American officers were standing, spectators of the scene. The Russians were getting badly beaten, when one of the officers stepped quickly fi)rward amid the combatants, and, laying his hand on his sword, soon turned the scale, so that the Russian saUors came off victors. It was only a passing incident, forgotten by that officer the next hour, and never perhaps recalled again, tiU, five or six years after, it was told by a Russian officer on our own soil, to show the friendly relations that existed between the two nations. Forgotten by us, ' it had been repeated in the Russian navy, and made every sailor who heard it our fast friend. That officer was HomeT C. Blake. On his return from this cruise, in 1857, he Avas em- 276 OOMMANDEE HOMEE C. BLAKE. ployed for a while on shore duty. He was then again sent to the coast of Africa, returning in the latter part of the next year. For twenty years Blake had now been almost con stantly afloat, enriching his experience by almost every species of navigation, tUl he was fit to command any vessel, yet apparently without any prospect of reaching the grade of captain until he should be almost old enough to be put on the retired list. But the election of 1860 precipitated the long- threatened collision between the North and South ; and when, in 1861, the war actually broke out, Blake applied for active duty. No doubt or vacillation disturbed him in choosing the course he should take. His sword and his life he vnshed to cast together, if need be, to sustain the old flag he had sailed under in every sea on the globe, and whose folds, had been his protection in nearly cA'ery harbor of the world. He was first ordered to the Sabine, which was em ployed on the coast of South Carolina. This vessel formed a part of the Port Royal expedition ; but, being detained in rescuing the crew of the Governor, during a violent storm, she did not arrive in time to take part in the engagement. The Sabine being soon Avithdravm from this station, and employed on recruiting duty, Blake, who could not brook such a tame employment amid the vast preparations for deadly combat going on around him on every side, requested to be detached from her and placed at the post of danger. He was ordered to the command of the R, R, Cuyler, and, though the vessel was not one which he would have selected for active service, it was Avith feelings of pride that he found himself in separate command. THE HATTEEAS, 277 He was, however, soon transferred from her to the command of the Hatteras, As this vessel went, with all her armament and her brave dead, to the bottom of the sea, a brief description of her may not be out of place, especially as the southern press called her an fron- clad, and the rebel congress passed a vote of thanks to Semmes, for sinking so formidable a ship, and achieving such a transcendent victory. She was originally built at Wilmington, as a passen ger vessel between Galveston and New Orleans, ancl of the sUghtest construction, for an fron ship. She was of a thousand tons burden, and draAving but seven feet of water. The govemment, Avhich in its sore need purchased everything that could by any transmutation be called a war vessel, bought this also, and, removing the after cabin, put an extra planking on her slight pine deck, to enable it to bear the light guns which were to be placed on board. These consisted of four thfrty-two pounders, two thirty-pounder rifles, and one twenty-pounder rifle. The total weight of metal she flung at a single broadside was only one hundred and fourteen pounds, against the Alabama's four hundred and thirty-six, or Avithin a frac tion of a quarter as much. The heaviest gun of the Hatteras was a 32-pounder ; the heaviest of the Alabama was a 110-pounder rifle gun, and a heavy 68, weighing nine thousand pounds — a gun which could not have been used on the Hatteras without knocking her to pieces. The Hatteras, however, was strong enough for ordi nary blockading duty, to which she was ordered off Gal veston, and formed a part of the fleet under command of Commodore Bell, On Sunday, January 1 1th, in the aftemofin, Blake saAv 278 OOMMANDEE HOMEE C. BLAKE. a signal from the flagship Brooklyn, directing him to sail to the southAvard and eastward. After steaming in this direction for an hour and a half, the lookout reported a steamer bearing to the southward. Blake immediately or dered all steam on, and took a long and scrutinizing survey of the stranger. As he gradually lessened the distance between them, he saw clearly that she was the far-famed Alabama, and at once ordered his vessel cleared for action — ^being determined to close with her. She did not try to escape, but kept under easy way to decoy the Hatteras so far from the fleet that no assistance could reach her before the conflict would be over. Blake knew that his frail vessel would not stand her fire more than fifteen or tAventy minutes. Almost his only hope therefore in closing Avith her, was, that he could carry her by boarding before his vessel was hopelessly crippled, — Failing in this, he hoped — though he knew it was only one chance out of a thousand — ^to be able, by a lucky shot, to detain her until some of the rest of the fleet could come to his assistance. Although the heart of a brave commander exults at the prospect of an even-handed encounter Avith a foe, it requfres the loftiest heroism and the most unselfish patrotism to carry him into an encounter where he knows that defeat awaits him. We cannot conceive of a more trying position, and it awakens the deepest sympathy jto see this brave officer steadily and sternly moAdng up to grapple Avith his superior enemy. One may look death, but not de feat, calmly in the face. He had said in a private letter to one of his friends, when going doAm to Galveston : " I have much to live for, but I could not be happy to purchase my life Avith any neglect of the duty I owe to my country. I shall not seek danger ; but if it comes HATTEEAS AND ALABAMA. 279 I shall take it in the Une of my duty, and endeavor to do credit to myself, family, and state." That hour had now arrived ; and, what adds immeasurably to the interest of this combat, the crew knew perfectly well that it was the Alabama that now lay-to, waiting for them ; and knew, moreover, that it was a hopeless contest on which they were about to enter. We all are aAvare how the hope of suc cess braces men for the combat, and how depressing it is to enter on one Avhen defeat is certain. Blake, fuUy alive to this, scanned the countenances of his crew Avith an anxious heart. It was enough for him if he could leave a great example to those who shoiUd come after, but would the saUors share his feelings ? It was with heroic pride, therefore, that he saw every face calm and firmly set for the struggle. He could read there the determination to fight while a plank would float them, and then sink with their brave commander, and their colors flying. No< eulogy on the latter could be pronounced so great as this quiet, deep devotion of his crew. He must be a rare officer who can Avin it. As the Hatteras pressed forward, night began to- gather over the water, and Blake saw that his antagonist had ceased steaming and was lying "broadside on," await ing his approach. The stranger was now only about four miles off, and loomed clearly up in the darkness. Blake, however, kept sUently on, the men at quarters Anth strings in hand and with orders to fire at the slightest hostile movement on the part of the enemy. When Avith in seventy-five yards, he hailed, " What steamer is that ? " Back through the gloom came the hoarse reply: "Her Britannic Majesty's ship Vixen." Blake then said he would send a boat aboard, and, turning, gave the order to have one lowered immediately. But scarcely had the 280 OOMMANDEE HOMEE C. BLAKE. boatman's shriU whistle rung over the water, when the stranger shouted, " We are the Confederate steamer Ala bama," foUowed instantaneously by a full broadside. The darkness had hardly closed over the flash, when the guns of the Hatteras replied, and the terrible conflict com menced. Although almost within pistol-shot, Blake kept straight towards the Alabama, knowing that his only chance was to close with her. If he once could grapple her firmly, he knew his brave crew would sweep her decks like a storm. He at length got within thirty yards, Avhen muskets and pistols were used, and he hoped in a minute more to hear the shout of his boarders. But Semmes knew his advantage too well, and penetrating Blake's design, shot ahead with his SAnfter craft and poured in his broadsides. Blake continued to hug him close, strain ing every nerve to lock him in a death grapple, but in vain. With his greater speed Semmes easily avoided it, whUe his heavy shot was doing fearful execution. A barrel of turpentine lay in the lower part of the hold of the Hatteras, covered with stores; and a shell, entering the vessel, exploded near it, setting it on fire. In an instant the hold was a mass of flame, roaring along the vessel's sides. The alarm was sounded, and the firemen sprang below to extinguish the fire. Blake in a moment saw that this was impossible, and ordered the firemen to re turn to their guns. With the promptness of men on drUl they wheeled into their places, and began to load and fire coolly as ever, though the flames were coming fiercely up the hatchAvays. The magazine and sheU room were above the water-line, and consti ucted of nothing but thin pine plank, and in a few moments the first lieutenant came on deck and reported that the fire was burning the bulk. heads. Blake, with his heroic nature noAV thoroughly THE COMBAT. 281 aroused, repUed: "Never mind — she won't blow up for fifteen minutes yet, and we must fight on if Ave all go tc the bottom," — and they did fight on, firing with a rapidi ty probably never before equalled in a naval combat Being close alongside, no training of the guns was neces sary, and Blake knew that he must try to make up for disparity in weight of metal, by rapid firing, and so ordered the guns to be fought from a tight heading and not sponged. Before they were so fouled as to be useless, he knew the conflict would be over. In a few minutes the Hatteras was in flames fore and aft, her walking-beam was shot away, her port wheel smashed to fragments, her decks a mass of splinters, and the brave vessel a hopeless wreck. Blake stood amid the ruins around him calm and collected — determined that the flag, which the flashes of his guiig still revealed flying above him, should never be struck — but the next moment, . he saw that his vessel was fast settling in the water, and firing his last gun, just as the water was coming on deck, he, out of feelings of humanity for his brave crew, ordered a gun fired to leeward, in token of surrender. The firing at once ceased, and Semmes hailed to knoAv if he wanted help. Blake repUed in the affirmative, and at the same time lowered his own boat. Other boats were soon in the water, and the entire crew, Anth the exception of Blake, were safely placed aboard them. He, with two dead men, remained alone on the wreck untU all were out of her, when he also stepped off the submerged deck into a boat and was taken on board the Alabama. The fight had lasted less than twenty minutes. Scarcely were the prisoners secured, when the Hatteras, with a heavy lurch, went to the bottom, her flag still proudly flying. 282 OOMMANDEE HOMEE C. BLAKE. Commodore Bell saAv the flashes of the guns more than twenty miles distant, and heard the rapid explosions, and immediately sent off three vessels to aid the Hatteras. But utter darkness and sUence soon settled over the water, and they cruised at random aU night Next day they found the mastheads of the Hatteras standing upright, and out of water, " tops and gaves awash, and the hurri cane-deck adrift." This told the story ; but whether her brave commander and crew were below Avith her, and this was the monument above thefr watery graves, they could not tell. In the mean time the Alabama bore away for Kings ton, Jamaica, Avith her prisoners. Blake, Avho knew that the short but terrific cannon ading of the two vessels must have been heard by our fleet off Galveston, hoped that the Alabama would be over hauled and captured, and every day scanned the waters Avith an anxious eye. But no help came, and in nine days the crippled pirate reached port The British steamer Greyhound was in the harbor at the time, and, when she heard that the Alabama had aiTived, the band struck up "Dixie's Land." Blake, who was chafing under his captivity, could not brook this fresh in.sult, and imme diately sent the foUoAving note to the commander of that vessel. " January M, 1863. " To the Commander of H. B. M. ship Greyhound : " Lieutenant-Commander H. 0. Blake, of the United States NaTy, pre sents his compliments to the Commander of H. B. M. ship Greyhound, and desires to learn whether or not he may consider the playing of ' Dixie's Land' by the band of the Greyhound, upon the arriTal of the Confederate steamer Alabama, on the OTening of the 21st instant, as a mark of disrespect to the United States GoTernment, or its officers who were prisoners on board the Alabama, at the period indicated. Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Blake respectfully requests an early response. " United States Consulate, Jamaica." AN APOLOGY. 283 To this the former returned the annexed handsome, frank, and satisfactory reply. " Commander Hickley, R. N., presents his compliments to Lieutenant- Commander Blake, U. S. N., and has to acquaint him that on the cTening in question he was on board the A , dining with Captain Crocroft. Shortly after the time of the officer of the guard reporting the Alabama's arriTal, he heard the drums and fifes of H. M, S, Greyhound playing, among other tunes, the tune of ' Dixie's Land.' He immediately repaired on board, causing other national tunes to be played, among which was the United States national air, and seTcrely reprimanded the inconsiderate young officer who had ordered ' Dixie's Land ' to be played, calling for his reasons, and writing and forwarding them forthwith, ¦with his report to Commodore Hugh Dunlop, O.B., who scTerely reprimanded the officer. " As the officer in question had no idea that any U. S. officer or man was on board the Alabama, it must be evident to Lieutenant-Commander Blake that no insult was intended. " H. M. S. Greyhmtnd, Port Royal, Jamaica, Jamua/ryO:, 1863." Semmes treated Blake and the prisoners with gene rosity, but said to another officer that Blake had " more d — d assurance than any man he ever saw," to attack such a vessel as the Alabama with the Hatteras. But weak as the latter was, she, in the short, unequal contest, so severely handled the rebel craft, that she had to remain for a long time in port to be fit for sea again, the repairs costing 186,000 in gold. Semmes, however, was highly complimented by his Govemment, and his conduct commended to the notice of Congress. Blake might say, Avith Paul Jones, who, when he heard that Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, had been made a knight, after the battle with him, remarked : " If I ever catch him at sea again I'U make a lord of him." Though Blake lost his vessel, he broke up Semmes' plans, which, if carried out, would have caused us more damage than the loss of a dozen such vessels as the 284 OOMMANDEE HOMEE C. BLAKE. Hatteras. He was short of provisions and coal, and in tended to supply himself Avith these from some of our merchant steamers off Galveston, and then run into the mouth of the Mississippi, and fall in Avith and capture Banks' expedition. But, however these plans might have resulted, the noble example set by Blake and his crew was worth more than many such vessels. A great example of self-devo tion lives forever, and this brave, hopeless attack of the Alabama vpiU be remembered as long as naval heroism is recorded. Ever present to a commander's mind, he cannot shrink from any contest, however hopeless, when his country's good requires it. Blake's crew showed their appreciation of his conduct, by sending a petition to the Department, asking that the steamer Eutaw might be given him, and they be allowed to cruise after the Alabama. They say : " We assure you, that if it could be understood that a steamer was actu ally fitting out, under our able commander, hundreds of seamen now lost to the service would be eager to en list." * * * And again : " It took the Alabama twenty minutes to sink the Hatteras. But if we once get alongside of her with the Eutaw, and Captain Blake for her commander, we will either sink or capture her in half that time." " We wa/nt satisfaction, and it lies in yowr power to place us in a position that loill give us a chance to take or destroy this notorious pirater It must be a source of gratification to Blake, to know how the crew that fought this hopeless battle under him, longed once more to stand on the same deck with him, in another encounter with their common adversary. It is higher praise than government officials can bestow. A crew that so loves and trusts their commander, will LAST GEEAT SEEVIOE. 285 never see their flag struck, while their guns can carry shot. The Eutaw was given Blake, but, instead of being sent after the Alabama, was stationed in the James River. Here she was constantly engaged' — now in par tial engagements Avith the enemy, and now in transport ing troops. In the latter part of 1863, the rebel press announced that a movement would soon be made on their part which would astonish the world. It actually took place on the 24th of January, 1864. In order to imderstand the object and result expected by this movement, it must be remembered, that, with our fron-clads, we could go no further than " Trent Reach," the greatest depth of water beyond being twelve and a half feet, while they drew thirteen and fourteen feet. Finding them useless for a dfrect attack on Richmond, and the GoA^ernment requiring them on the coast, a line of strong obstructions was thrown across the river at this point. The fron-clad Onondaga, and a few wooden gunboats, were left to prevent the rebels from remoAdng them (a force fully adequate to the duty, if properly used). The rebels had now their rams, and a number of other vessels. Semmes had returned, and was appointed to the command of thefr fleet. Longstreet, with twenty-flve thousand men, moved to the right of the army of the James ; Lee, to the left of the army of the Potomac ; and Semmes with his fleet was to force the obstructions, pass doAvn, destroying the pontoons, cut ting the connection of the two armies, capture City Point, our base of supplies, and take possession of the James River. On the day fixed, the rebel fleet came down, driving in our pickets, and commenced the removal 286 OOMMANDEE HOMEE 0. BLAKE. of our obstructions. The naval commander, instead of taking his vessel to the protection of his defences, retfred, and allowed them to be removed, thus leaving a passage for the rebel fleet. Most fortunately for us, two of the rebel rams, waiting for the opening of the channel, got aground, thus frustrating the plan for that night. The enemy, however, prepared for a second attempt at high water the foUowing night. Blake was at this time sta tioned at Deep Bottom, on the "east side," to protect the right of the " army of the James." On the morning of the 25th, the commander of the naval division having been removed for his conduct on the previous day, Blake took command of it. On going on board the Onondaga, he found her port propeller disabled ; yet, with her in this condition, and only a few small gunboats, he was to con tend with the rebel fleet. A false step, or a moment's hesitation, would endanger the safety of our armies. Against the advice of almost all the officers, he got the Onondaga, with the assistance of tugs, close to the ob structions, and dfrectly under the fire of the rebel bat teries, and in such a position that, if she was sunk either by the rams or torpedo-boats, as he expected, she would take the place of the removed obstructions. This action prevented a second attempt, as he was afterward in formed by one of the officers who was attached to the rebel fleet. A single extract of a letter from Admiral Porter to him, wiU show how great was the service he performed. The admfral says : " Had your predecessor done as weU, we should now be in possession of the entire rebel navy, and on our way to Richmond." On the return of the ad miral from the capture of Fort Fisher, Blake was continued in command of the iron-clads and naval picket line, and PEESENT POSITION. 287 had the pleasure of taking part in the engagement which caused the fall of Richmond, and saw the old flag assume its proper place on the state house of that city. He is now at the head of the Bureau of Navigation, at Portsmouth, New Hampshfre. CHAPTER XIIL OOMMODOEE JOHN A. WINSLOW. HIS BIETH. — ANCESTET. — ENTEES THB NATAL SEETIOE. — SENT TO THE WEST INDIES. — OEUISES IN THE PACIFIO OCEAN. — SUBSEQUENT SERTIOBS. — PRO MOTION. SEETES IN THE WAE WITH MEXICO. — FIGHT IN TOBASCO. — GITEN A CHOICE OF TESSELS FOE HIS GALLANTRY. — SEMMES BECOMES HIS ROOMMATE. — STEANGE CONTEASTS. — IN HAYTI AND YUCATAN. — A CEUISE IN THE PAOIFIO. — BREAKING OUT OF THB EEBELLION. — WINSLOW SENT WEST TO CO-OPERATE WITH FOOTS. — EQUIPS HIS FLOTILLA. — IS WOUNDED IN TEYINO TO GET THE " BENTON " AFLOAT AFTEE GROUNDING. — SENT UP THE WHITE RITER. — DETERS OFEIOBES FEOM DEMANDING OF THE GOTEEN MENT HIS APPOnSfTMBNT TO THB COMMAND OF THE MISSISSIPPI FLOTILLA. — OEDEEED EAST TO TAKE COMMAND OF THE KEAESAEGE. — HIS CEUISE IN SEARCH OF THE ALABAMA.— BOLD NAVIGATION. — BLOCKADES THE FLOEIDA. HIS TESSEL EUN ASHORE BY REBEL PILOTS. — FINDS THB ALABAMA AT OHEE- BOUEG. — IS CHALLENGED BY SEMMES. BEFOEE THB COMBAT. — THB COM BAT. — A BEATB SEAMAN. THB TICTOEY. — YACHT GEEYHOUND. — ENGLISH PERFIDY. — semmes' FALSEHOODS REFUTED. — THB ENGLISH PRESS. — THB TWO TESSELS OOMPAEBD. — LBTTEE OF THE SEORETAEY OF THE NAVY. UNJUST OENSUEE.— FEELING OF THB PEOPLE. — WINSLOw's VINDICATION. — HIS CHAEACTEE. Often a man devoted to a single calling or profession passes through life without being knoAvn but little outside of the particular sphere in which he moved. The most untiring industry, faithfulness to duty, and signal abUity, can, at the utmost, only slowly lift him in mere nominal HIS ANCESTEY. 289 rank or position. It is only rarely that circumstances so combine as to allow him in one single effort to show to the world what he has been preparing for, or what he is capable of doing. This is more especially true of those whose studies and training look to outward physical results. WiNSLOW is an illustration of the truth of this state ment. Although, for nearly thirty years in the naval service — an accomplished officer — a thorough commander, and a man of great mental ability, yet, but for the for tunate event that brought him in contact with the Ala bama, his real worth would not have been known out side of the naval profession. John A. Winslow is a southerner by birth, having been born in Wilmington, North Carolina, November 19th, 1811. On the mother's side, whose name was Sarah E Anerim, he came from the celebrated Rhett family of Charleston, but, on the father's, from the best Massachusetts stock, being the seventh generation from John Winslow, brother of Edward Winslow, Governor of Massachusetts Bay, and consecrator of Plymouth Rock. Edward Winslow, the common ancestor of the family which bore such an important part in the early history of the Plymouth colony, was from Droutwitch, England, ten miles from which the family seat is still found, Edward, his son, and afterwards Governor of Massachusetts Bay, joined the pilgrims at Leyden, He had been just married, but his young wife, true to the convictions of duty as himself, left a luxurious home and her native land, to encounter the perils and hardships of a vnlderness, whose solitudes were broken only by the cries of Anld beasts, and the still more fear ful war-whoop of the savage. 19 ' 290 OOMMODOEE JOHN A. WINSLOW. Fotu" brothers joined him in Plymouth colony, one of whom was the ancestor of the present renowned com modore. The father of John Winslow was sent from Boston, in 1807, to establish the commercial house of J, Winslow & Co,, which was located at Wilmington, This was the way the subject of the present sketch came to be born on southern soU, When fourteen years of age, he, with his elder brother, was sent North to be educated, and placed under charge of Rev, Mr. Sewall, of Dedham, to prepare for college. The elder brother subsequently entered college ; but John's taste inclining to the navy, he, after two years of study, entered the service. He was now only sixteen years old, but was immediately ordered on active duty to the West Indies in the Falmouth, He remained here for nearly three years, being frequently sent on boat expeditions from Cuba against pirates. The excite ment and adventure of this kind of life exactly suited him, and showed that he had chosen the right profession. In 1 829 he brought Poinsett home from Mexico. The next year he returned, and the year following was ordered, in the same ship, to the Pacific Ocean, where for some two years or more he was engaged in the ordinary duties of a cruise. He returned in 1833, and was examined and promoted to passed midshipman. For a year and a half he was noAV employed on naval stations. From 1835 to 1837 he served on the coast of Brazil in the Ontario and Erie, In 1839 he was pro moted to lieutenant, and again sent to the coast of Bra zil in the brig Enterprise, Returning from this station, he was, in 1842, ordered to the steam-frigate Missouri, Captain Newton commanding, which, after being em ployed for some time on the coasts of Cuba and Mexico, IN THE MEXICAN WAE. 291 was sent to convey Mr. Cushing, minister to China, with despatches from President Tyler. This unfortunate vessel, it is well known, caught fire in the harbor of Gibraltar, and was burned up. Winslow was sent back by Cushing with despatches to the Gov ernment, announcing the catastrophe. He was ordered by the Navy Department to return and assist in the remov ing of the debris, etc. The Avreck was finally destroyed by being blown up Avith gunpowder. He was afterwards employed on shore stations, till December, 1845, when he was ordered on board the Cumberland, which soon after sailed, as Commodore Con nor's fiagship, for Mexico. The Mexican War breaking out, he was sent, after the battle of Palo Alto, in a boat expedition up the Rio Grande, to prevent the Mexican army from crossing the river, but which failed to accom plish its object, as the retreating force effected a passage higher up. Some time after, he was one of a boat expedition , sent on shore, fourteen miles from Vera Cruz, to get Avater for the fleet. The boats were attacked, when the vessels in the distance opened a heavy flre, which drove the assailants back, so that water was obtained. Soon after, he was drafted with two diAdsions of the flotilla for Tobasco. Caught in a tremendous gale of Avind, the expedition lay for three days at the mouth of the river, unable to enter it. On the 3d, Frontera, three mUes up the stream, was captured with two steamers and some other vessels. The next day, Tobasco was reached, and some fourteen vessels captured. Winslow landed with his division, and, advancing to the plaza, was met Avith a shower of musket-balls. A sharp con test followed, without material advantage to either side. 292 OOMMODOEE JOHN A, WINSLOW. At night he was ordered to retfre, and take down the river one of the captured vessels. The next day, the Mexicans opened from every battery and fort of the city, and a general bombardment followed, which resulted in the fleet dropping back to Frontera. Winslow's bearing was so fine, and his gaUantry so conspicuous on this occasion, that Perry publicly com plimented him, and as a token of his high appreciation of his conduct, gaA-e him the choice of vessels. He se lected the Morris, and sailed to join the fleet at Vera Cruz. He was next drafted Avith a division, to sail for Tam pico and capture it The city, seeing the boats advanc ing, capitulated. Here he remained for six weeks, guard ing the arsenal, until the arrival of troops from New Orleans. He then returned to the fleet at Vera Cruz, and there found Haphael Semmes — whose vessel, the Somers, had been capsized in a squall, and aU but thirty of the crew lost — occupying his room. The two after wards shared it together, until other arrangements could be made. Under what widely different circumstances the same men arc sometimes brought together ! To-d.ay, a young officer, having lost his vessel and crew, without any assigned place, occupies the room of his brother officer and friend, until his return. Fighting under the same flag, they have a common feeling and sympathy. WinsloAV especiaUy feels for the unfortunate lieutenant, whose vessel, AAdth aU her armament, is sleeping at the bottom of the Gulf. Twenty years pass by, and those two officers meet off the coast of France as deadly enemies, sailing under different flags. A fierce conflict follows, and when it is over Semmes is again swimming for his life, not towards A STEIKING CONTEAST. 293 the flag of his country, to flnd shelter in his friend's room, but aAvay from it, and from that former friend, to seek protection under a foreign flag. The two meetings stand in strange and striking contrast to each other. In February, 1847, Winslow was drafted into the Mississippi, Commodore Perry commanding, and not long after returned home. All hands being detached from the vessel, as she was ordered to be altered for a flagship, he was sent to Boston on ordnance duty. In March, the foUoAving year, he saUed as first lieutenant in the Sara toga for Mexico. The vessel stopping at Hayti, where the revolution was then in progress, he landed at night in a boat to bring off the refugees, which he succeeded in