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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
AT LOS ANGELES

56TH CONGRESS, ) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, j DOCUMENT
ion. \ I No. 735.

1st Session.

OFFICIAL RECORDS

OF THE

UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES

IN THE

WAR OF THE REBELLION.

PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

The Hon. JOHN D. LONG, Secretary of the Navy,

PROF. EDWARD K. RAWSON, U. S. NAVY,

SUPERINTENDENT NAVAL WAR RECORDS,
AND

MR. CHARLES W. STEWART.

BY AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JULY 31, 1894.

SERIES I— VOLUME 10.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING^ SQUADRON

FROM MAY 6, 1864, TO OCTOBER 27, 1864.

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1900.

. /O

CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES.

VOLUME 1.

Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862.

VOLUME 2.

Operations of the cruisers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864.

VOLUME 3.

Operations of the cruisers from April 1, 1864, to December 30, 1865.

VOLUME 4.

Operations in the Cnlf of Mexico from November 15, 1860, to June 7, 1861. Opera-
tions on the Atlantic Coast from January 1 to May 13, 1861. Operations on the
Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from January 5 to December 7, 1861.

VOLUME 5.

Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from December 7, 1861, to
July 31, 1865. Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 4 to
July 15, 1861.

VOLUME 6.

Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron from July 16 to October 29, 1861.
Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1861, to
March 8, 1862.

VOLUME 7.

Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from March 8 to September

4, 1862.

VOLUME 8.

Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from September 5, 1862, to

May 4, 1863.

VOLUME 9.

Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6, 1864, to October

27, 1864.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page.

List of illustrations ix

Preface xi

Order of compilation of Series I xvn

List of vessels of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron xix

Calendar, May-October, 1864 xxm

North Atlantic Blockading Squadron :
Principal events —
Union reports —

Capture of the British steamer Young Republic, May 6, 1864 6-8

Destruction by torpedo of the U. S. S. Commodore Jones, May 6,

1864 9-16

Attack upon Federal vessels off New Inlet, North Carolina, by

theC. S. ram Raleigh, May 6-7, 1864 18-25

Capture and destruction of the U. S. S. Shawsheen in James

River, May 7, 1864 26-31

Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the House of Representa-
tives transmitting correspondence regarding the construction

oftheC.S.ram Albemarle 37-39

Capture of the steamer Minnie, May 9, 1864 40, 41

Capture of the British steamer Greyhound, May 10, 1864 42, 43

Capture of the steamer Tristram Shandy, May 15, 1864 60, 61

Order of the Secretary of the Navy regarding persons found on

blockade runners 61

Convoying by naval vessels of army forces in York and Pamnn-

key Rivers, May 20-23 84

Appearance of the C. S. ram Albemarle in Albemarle Sound, May

24, 1864 86

Joint operations against Confederate attack on Wilson's Wharf,

Va., May 24, 1864 87-92

Expedition from the U. S. S. Wyalusing for torpedo attack on

C. S. ram Albemarle, May 25, 1864 95,96

Capture of the British steamer Caledonia, May 30, 1864 106-108

Chase and destruction of the steamer Georgiana McCaw, June

2, 1864 114,115

Capture of the steamer Thistle, June 4, 1864 120

Capture of the steamer Siren, June 5, 1864 121

Correspondence concerning obstructions in Trent's Reach 129-

133, 149-151, 193-196, 290, 300, 464, 465

Destruction of blockade runner Pevensey, J nne 9, 186 1 136-138

Cooperative attack on Fort Clifton, Va., June 9, 1864 138, 139

Cooperative engagement of the U. S. S. Commodore Perry with

Fort Clifton, Va., June 16, 1864 152,153

Joint expedition in Pungo River, N. C., June 16, 1864 154, 155

Cooperative engagements in Pamunkey River, June 20-21, 1864. 165, 168
Unsuccessful joint expedition for cutting Wilmington and

Weldon Railroad, June 20-24, 1864 169, 175

VI TABLE OF CONTENTS.

North Atlantic Blockading Squadron— Continued. Page.

Principal events —
Union reports —

Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and

shore batteries at Hewlett's, Va., June 21, 1864 176, 193

Reconnoissance by Lieutenant Cushing, U. S. Navy, in Cape

Fear River, June 23-24, 1864 202-207

Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate battery at Four

Mile Creek, Virginia, June 29, 1864 215, 216, 225

Capture of the British steamer Rouen, July 2, 1864 223, 224

Operations of Federal vessels in James River, July 4-5, 1864 227-230

Capture of the steamer Little Ada, July 9, 1864 245, 246

Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate battery on

Malvern Hill, July 14,1864 268,269

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding move-
ments of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron for the defense

of Washington, D. C 272

Engagement of U. S. S. Mendota with Confederate battery at

Four Mile Creek, Virginia, July 16, 1864 276

Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate battery on

Malvern Hill, Va., July 16, 1864 277,278

Joint expedition in Chowan River, N. C., July 2S-29. 1864 319-322

Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate batteries near

Wilcox's Wharf, August 3, and near Harrison's Landing,

August 4, 1864 329-335

Expedition to Cox's Mill, Va., August 3-4, 1864 335,336

Appearance of the C. S. ram Albemarle at the month of the Roa-

noke River, August 6, 7, 1864 339, 341

Loss of the U. S. S. Violet, August 7, 1864 343

Engagement of the U. S. steamers Agawam and Hunchback

with Confederate batteries in James River, August 13, 1864.. 348-350
Attack upon Federal forces at Dutch Gap by the Confederate

fleet and batteries, August 13, 1864 350-357

Naval operations in connection with the advance of Federal

forces at Dutch Gap and Deep Bottom, Virginia, August 16-

18, 1864 366-368

Chase and capture of the steamer Lilian, August 24, 1864 388-395

Chasing ashore of a blockade runner near Fort Caswell by the

U. S. S. Vicksburg, August 23, 1864 400-402

Enquiries and reports concerning defenses, channels, coast, etc.,

in the vicinity of Wilmington, N. C 419, 441-444, 459-461, 516-521

Capture of the steamer Elsie, September 4, 1864 421-427

Capture of the steamer A. D. Vance, September 10, 1864 453-456

Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, ordered to assume command of

the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron 473, 530

Driving ashore and destruction of the steamer Lynx, September

25,1864 478^182

Destruction of the British steamer Night Hawk, September 29,

1864 492-501

Engagement of the U. S. S. Valley City with Confederate forces

in Scuppernong River, North Carolina, September 29, 1864 501, 502

Reconnoissance near Wilmington, N. C., for the examination of

its defenses 507-511

Capture and destruction of U.S. picket bont No. 2, Octobers,

1864 539-541

Loss of the U. S. tug Aster, October 8, 1864 541-544

TABLE OF CONTENTS. VII

North Atlantic Blockading Squadron— Continued. Page.

Principal events —
Union reports-
Chase and capture of the British steamer Bat, October 10,
1864 547-551,553

Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, relieved of command of
the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron by Rear-Admiral
Porter, U. S. Navy, October 12, 1864 554,557

General blockading instructions of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S.

Navy 579-583

Engagement of Confederate fleet and naval batteries with Fed-
eral army batteries near Signal Hill,Va., October 22, 1864 584-592

Capture of tho Confederate steamer Hope, October 22, 1864 592-594

Destruction of the C. S. ram Albemarle, at Plymouth, N. C., by
an expedition under Lieutenant Gushing, U. S. Navy, October

27-28,1864 610-624

Confederate reports —

Attack upon Federal vessels off New Inlet, North Carolina, by
the C. S. ram Raleigh, May 6, 7, 1864 24,25

Capture and destruction of the U. S. S. Shawsheen in James
River, May 7,1864 30

Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and
shore batteries at Hewlett's, Va., June 21, 1864 185-193

Reconnoissance by Lieutenant Cushing, U. S. Navy, in Cape Fear
River, June 23-24, 1864 206,207

Attack upon Federal forces at Dutch Gap by Confederate fleet
and batteries, August 13, 1864 351-357

Naval operations in connection with the advance of Federal forces
at Dutch Gap and Deep Bottom, Virginia, August 16-18, 1864 . . 367, 369

Engagement of Confederate fleet and naval batteries with Fed-
eral army batteries near Signal Hill,V:i., October 22, 1864 586-592

Destruction of the C. S. ram Albemarle at Plymouth, N. C., by
an expedition under Lieutenant Cushing, U. S. Navy, October
27-28,1864 624

Flag-Officer Forrest, C. S. Navy, relieved of command of naval
forces in James River by Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy,
May 7, 1864 624,625

Passage of the C. S. steamers Fredericksburg, Virginia, and
Richmond through the obstruction at Drewry's Bluff, Va.,
May 23 and 24, 1864 649,653

Cooperative attack proposed by Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S.

Navy, upon Federal fleet in James River, May 30, 1864 666-668

Correspondence regarding proposed offensive operations against
the Federal fleet in Trent's Reach 689-697

Sinking of Federal obstructions in Trent's Reach 703

Correspondence concerning proposed expedition from Wilming-
ton, N. C., for the purpose of releasing and arming Confed-
erates imprisoned at Point Lookout, Md 713,714,717,721,722

Major-General Whiting, C. S. Army, requests naval cooperation
in the defense of Wilmington, N. C., September 27, 1864 751

Operations in connection with :irmy forces against Fort Harri-
son, Chaffiii's farm, September 29-October 1, 1864 752-765

Miscellaneous reports, orders, and correspondence, May 6 to
October 27,1864 624-805

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.

dialling's torpedo launch Frontispiece.

Sketch showing the place and method of destruction 01 the United States

Steamer Commodore Jones, May 6, 1864 13

United States Steamer Commodore Barney 45

Sketch of the defenses of New Inlet, North Carolina, by Acting Ensign

F. P. B. Sands, U. S. Navy 125

Sketches of injuries received by the United States Steamer Saugus in engage-
ment in Trent's Reach, June 21, 1864 180,181

Sketches showing proposed system of catching blockade runners 312, 313

United States Steamer Agawam 348

Sketch of chase by the United States Steamer Nereus of a blockade runner,

August 10, 1864 382

Sketch of the chase of the steamer Elsie 424

Blockade runner A. D. Vance '. 453

Sketch of obstructions in Trent's Reach 465

Diagram showing position of vessels at the time the blockade runner Lynx

was sighted, September 25, 1864 480

Sketch showing roads, etc., in the vicinity of Wilmington, N. C 509

Sketch of chase of a blockade runner by the United States Steamer Santiago

deCuba 535

Cushing's torpedo launch, outline drawing 623

Torpedo used by Lieutenant Gushing in the destruction of the Confederate

States Ram Albemarle : 623

Sketch of James River in the vicinity of Trent's Reach, May 28, 1864 661

Sketch of proposed Confederate fire vessels 696

Sketch of Federal vessels below Howletts, Va., June 15, 1864 700

Sketch showing position of Confederate and Federal vessels and batteries

near Trent's Reach, August 6, 1864 730

Sketch of device used on Confederate ironclads for protection against tor-
pedoes 791

PREFACE,

The work of preparing for publication the Official Records of the
Union and Confederate navies, which was begun July 7, 1884, was
organized under the superintendency of Prof. J. R. Soley, U. S. Navy,
at that time librarian of the Navy Department, afterwards Assistant
Secretary of the Navy.

In August, 1890, the work of collecting these records and their clas-
sification was ably continued by his successor, Lieutenant-Commander
F. M. Wise, U. S. Navy, who, having received orders to sea, was relieved
by Lieutenant-Commander Richard Rush, U. S. Navy, in May, 1893.

The long-delayed publication was finally authorized by act of
Congress approved July 31, 1894, and begun by Mr. Rush. The
first five volumes were published under his efficient administration,
and the important duty of organizing the office for the distribution
of these volumes was accomplished.

In March, 1897, Mr. Rush, having been ordered to sea, was succeeded
by Professor Edward K. Rawson, U. S. Navy, as superintendent.

No change is contemplated at present in the outline of the plan of
publication as approved by the Department. This plan includes only
the use of such material as may be certified to be contemporaneous
naval records of the war, which is divided into three series, in the
following order of arrangement:

I. The first series embraces the reports, orders, and correspondence,
both Union and Confederate, relating to all naval operations on the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts and inland waters of the United States
during the war of the rebellion, together with the operations of
vessels acting singly, either as cruisers or privateers, in different
parts of the world. These reports are accompanied by occasional
maps and diagrams.

In this series the papers are arranged according to squadrons and
flotillas, chronologically; and, as far as possible, the Union reports
of any events are immediately followed by the Confederate reports.

XII PREFACE.

If. The second series embraces the reports, orders, and correspond-
ence relating to —

1. The condition of the Union Navy in 1861, before the com-
mencement of hostilities, and to its increase during the progress
of the war, including the annual and special reports of the
Secretary of the Navy and chiefs of the various bureaus.

2. The construction and outfit of the Confederate Navy, includ-
ing privateers, setting forth also the annual and special reports
of the Confederate Secretary of the Navy and chiefs of bureaus.

3. Statistical data of all vessels, Union and Confederate, as
far as can be obtained.

4. Returns of naval and military property captured by the
navies of both sides during the war.

5. Correspondence relating to naval prisoners.

This series is also arranged chronologically in each of the above
sections, as far as practicable.

III. The third series embraces all reports, orders, correspondence,
and returns of the Union and Confederate authorities not specially
relating to the matter of the first and second series.

It is the intention of the Department to introduce throughout the
volumes of the different series illustrations of each class or type of
vessels referred to, in order to preserve the identity of these ships
as they actually appeared during the war. These cuts have been
reproduced either from photographs of the vessels themselves or
from the carefully prepared drawings made from official sources.

Much difficulty has been found in collecting the records, for, while
the official reports of commanders of fleets and of vessels acting singly
are on file in the Navy Department, it is found that the correspondence
between flag officers and their subordinates is frequently missing.
Without this squadron correspondence the historical value of the work
would necessarily be impaired, and the Department therefore has
spared no pains to secure the letter books and papers of the chief actors
on both sides. These papers have for the most part been obtained, and
they have been copiously used in the compilation of the work. The
reports of the Union commanders are full and fairly complete. It is to
be regretted, however, that the Confederate records are not equally
complete, due to the great difficulty found in collecting them, and also
to the fact that a large part of the archives of the Confederate Navy
Department was burned at the close of the war. Frequent careful

PREFACE. XIII

searches throughout various parts of the country, conducted by a
special agent of the Department, have brought to light many dupli-
cates of these papers, found among the personal files of participants.
It is hoped that the publication will revive the interest of participants
in the events referred to, and lead them to bring to the notice of the
Department the whereabouts of any papers bearing upon naval opera-
tions in the civil war of which they may have knowledge.

The ninth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 9), which has
recently been published by the Department, gives the operations of the
North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 5, 1863, to May 5, 1864.
The present volume (Series I, vol. 10) gives the operations of this
squadron from May 6, 1864, to October 27, 1864.

The reports and correspondence are placed chronologically, with a
distinct heading for every paper. In the record of events in which
both sides took part? the Confederate reports (where they could be
obtained) immediately follow the Union reports, while the miscellane-
ous Confederate correspondence is placed at the end of the volume.
Reference to the table of contents will show the context of these Con-
federate papers. It is believed that the chronological arrangement of
the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each vol-
ume, will afford ample means of reference to its contents without other
subdivision or classification. In reports of special or single events,
in which the papers bear specific relation to those events, the chrono-
logical order has been somewhat modified, and such documents have
been placed together in the compilation.

EDWARD K. RAWSON,
CHARLES W. STEWART,

Compilers.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., May, 1900.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE. — The official reports of the pursuit, destruc-
tion, seizure, or capture of vessels violating the blockade are arranged
in chronological order. It is proposed to give further details relative
.to adjudication and disposal of prizes and prisoners in future volumes
of Series II.

The blockade by the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron extended
from the mouth of the Piankatank River, Ya., to the southern bound-
ary line of the State of North Carolina, excepting the ports of Norfolk,
Va., and Beaufort, N. C. Norfolk was occupied by Union Army forces
and trading was permitted to supply military necessities. Beaufort,

XIV PREFACE.

N. 0., was occupied by Union army forces and was open to trade by
virtue of a Presidential proclamation dated May 12, 1862.

The headquarters of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron was
on board the IT. S. S. Malvern. A fleet of Federal gunboats and iron-
clads in cooperation with army forces held James River from its mouth
to Dutch Gap. Confederate navy and army forces held James River
from Eichmond to Dutch Gap. A squadron of small, light-draft ves-
sels was employed in the inland waters of North Carolina, and larger
vessels blockaded the seacoast inlets.

The double coast begins a little south of Cape Henry and extends as
far as Wilmington. This peculiar conformation consists of a long, nar-
row belt of sand projecting seaward at three points — Cape Hatteras,
Cape Lookout, and Cape Fear. The sand belt is broken at intervals by
shallow inlets. Within it lie the sounds, extensive sheets of water,
upon whose tributary rivers are a number of towns. An intricate net-
work of channels affords ready means of communication by small water
craft.

The town of Wilmington, N. C., is on Cape Fear River, about 28
miles from its mouth. There were two entrances to the river, one from
the eastward, called New Inlet; the other from the southward at the
river month, sometimes called the Western Entrance and Western Bar
Channel.

The entrances were 6 miles apart, in a straight line, but between the
two lay Smith's Island, a long strip of sand and shoal, with Cape Fear
projecting far out at its southern extremity. Continuing the line of
Cape Fear the dangerous Frying Pan Shoals extended out southeast-
erly for 10 miles, making the distance by sea between the two entrances
about 40 miles. Each channel was protected by strong works. Fort
Fisher, on Federal Point, commanded New Inlet. Similarly, Fort Cas-
well commanded the mouth of the river.

NOTE. — The following is an extract from the law governing the dis-
tribution of the sets comprising the publication (act of Congress
approved July 31, 1894) :

* * * Of said number, six thousand eight hundred and forty
copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, two thou-
sand one hundred and twelve copies for the use of the Senate, and one
thousand and forty-eight copies for the use of the Navy Department
and for distribution by the Secretary of the Navy among officers of the
Navy and contributors to the work. The quotas herein authorized of
said publication for the Senate and House of Representatives shall be
sent by the Secretary of the Navy to such libraries, organizations, and
individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and
Delegates of the Fifty- third Congress, it being the purpose of this dis-
tribution herein provided for to place these records in public libraries,
and with permanent organizations having libraries, so far as such
libraries may exist in the several States and Territories. Each Senator
shall designate not exceeding twenty-four and each Representative and

PREFACE. XV

Delegate not exceeding nineteen of such addresses, and the volumes
shall be sent thereto from time to time, as they are published, until the
publication is completed ; and all sets that may not be ordered to be
distributed as provided herein shall be sold by the Secretary of the
Navy for cost of publication, with ten per centum added thereto, and
the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two
or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the
Secretary of the Navy shall inform the Senators, Eepresentatives, or
Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may desig-
nate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of the
Navy shall inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent.

The following joint resolution regarding the distribution of the work
was approved January 30, 1896 :

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled. That the Secretary of the Navy
be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed 1o send the undistributed
copies of the Official Eecords of the War of the Rebellion, both of the
Union and of the Confederate navies, to such libraries, organizations,
and individuals as may be designated before the meeting of the next
Congress by the Representatives in the Fifty-fourth Congress of the
districts whose Representatives in the Fifty third Congress failed to
designate the distributees of their quota of said Official Records, or
any part thereof, as authorized by the act of Congress approved July
thirty-first, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, and the joint resolution
approved March second, eighteen hundred and ninety-five, to the extent
and in the manner and form provided in said act.

The following is an extract from the act of Congress of May 28, 1896,
which increased the edition from 10,000 to 11,000 copies:

* * * For printing, binding, and wrapping one thousand addi-
tional copies of series one, volumes one, two, three, and four, for sup-
plying officers of the Navy who have not received the work, two
thousand four hundred dollars.

ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS.

SERIES I.

1. Operations of the Cruisers, 1861-1865.

Union cruisers.

West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Wilkes, U. S. N., 1862-1863.

"West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1863-1864.
Confederate cruisers and privateers.

2. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico, January to June 7, 1861.

Surrender of the Pensacola Navy Yard.

Cooperation of the Navy in the relief of Fort Pickens.

3. Operations on the Atlantic Coast, January to May 13, 1861.

Cooperation of the Navy in the attempts to relieve Fort Sumter.
Abandonment and destruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard.
Home Squadron, under Flag-Offieer Pendergrast, U. S. N.

4. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahanuoek Eivers, 1861-1865.

Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Ward, U. S. N., 1861.
Potomac Flotilla, under Captain Craven, TJ. S. N., 1861.
Potomac Flotilla, under Lieutenant Wyman, U. S. N., 1861-1862.
Potomac Flotilla, under Commodore Harwood, U. S. N., 1862-1863.
Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, TT. S. N., 1863-1865.

5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 1861-1865.

Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Stringham, U. S. N., May 13 to Sept. 23, 1861.

"West India Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N., 1861.

Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Barron, C. S. N.
Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Goldsborough, TJ. S. N., 1861.
North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, U. S. N., 1861-1862.

Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N.

James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. N.

James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Tattnall, C. S. N.

James River Flotilla, under Commodore "Wilkes, TJ. S. N., 1862.
North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear- Admiral Lee, TJ. S. N., 1862-1864.

James River Squadron, under Flag-Officers Forrest and Mitchell, C. S. N.

* Naval Defenses Inland "Waters of North Carolina, under Commander Pinkney, C. S. N.

* Naval Defenses Cape Fear River, North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N.
North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear- Admiral Porter, TJ. S. N., 1864-1865.

James River Squadron, under Flag-Officers Mitchell and Semmes, C. S. N.

* Naval Defenses Cape Fear River, North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Pinkney, C. S. N.
North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Radford, U. S. N., 1865.
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Du Pont, U. S. N., 1861-1863.

* Naval Defenses of South Carolina and Georgia, under Flag-Officer Tattnall, C. S. N.

• * Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Ingraham, C. S. N.
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear- Admiral Dahlgren, TJ. S. N., 1863-1865.

* Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Tucker, C. S. N.
Naval Defenses of Savannah, Ga., under Flag-Officers Hunter and Tattnall, C. S. N.

* The Confederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who
have any Confederate naval documents upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Naval
War Records, Navy Department, "Washington, D. C.

XVII
N W R — VOL X II

XVIII ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS.

6. Gulf Blockading Squadrons, 1861-1865.

Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861.
Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag- Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1861-1862.

* Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Hollins, C. S. N.
East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1862.

East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Bear- Admiral Lardner, TJ. S. N., 1862.
East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Bailey, IT. S. N., 1862-1864.
East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Captain Greene, U. S. N., 1864.
East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Stribling, U. S. N., 1864-1865.
West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. N., 1862-1863.

Mortar Flotilla, under Commander Porter, U. S. N., 1862.

Lower Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander J. K. Mitchell, C. S. N.

* Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Randolph, C. S. N.
Trans-Mississippi Marine Department, under Major Leon Smith, C. S. A.

"West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Bell, U. S. N. (ad interim), 1863.
"West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Rear- Admiral Farragut, U. S. N., 1864.

* Mobile Defenses, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N.

"West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer, U. S. N., 1864-1865.
"West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 1865.

* Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Fan-ami, C. S. N.

7. Operations on the Western Rivers, 1861-1865.

Naval Forces on "Western Waters, under Commander Rogers, TJ. S. N., 1861.
Naval Forces on "Western "Waters, under Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. N., 1861-1862.

* Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Hollins, C. S. N.
Naval Forces on "Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. N., 1862.

* Mississippi River Defense Fleet, under Captain Montgomery, C. S. A.

* Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander R. F. Piukney, C. S. N.

* Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N.
Mississippi Squadron, under Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 1862-1864.
Mississippi Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 1864-1865.

* Naval Defenses of Red River, Louisiana, under Lieutenant J. H. Carter, C. S. N.

LIST

UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC
BLOCKADING SQUADRON, MAY 6 TO OCTOBER 27, 1864.

Name.

Kate.

Tonnage.

Class.

Crew.

Guns.

Third....

974

Side- wheel steamer

145

Third

1,264

do ..

144

Fourth . . .

200

Schooner

Alert

Fourth . . .

Screw steamer

Althea

Fourth ...

Fourth

156

Third

820

Arietta .

Fourth ...

199

Mortar schooner

Third

974

Side-wheel steamer

102

Aster

Fourth ...

285

Screw steamer

Third

1,006

Ironclad steamer j

145

Third

1,310

Side-wheel steamer

162

Fourth

533

do .

Fourth ...

Screw steamer

Belle

Fourth ...

Ben Morgan

Fourth

407

Ordnance ship

Fourth . .

163

Screw steamer .. ....

Fourth .

321

Brandy wine

Second

1,726

Storeship

Britannia

Fourth ...

"495

Side- wheel steamer

Second ...

2,070

Screw steamer

367

Fourth .

176

Side- wheel steamer

Fourth

630

Screw steamer

Third ...

858

Third

1,034

Ironclad steamer

Fourth

144

Screw steamer

Fourth

362

SuBolv shin

Fourth

606

Screw steamer

Chicopee

Third

974

Side- wheel steamer

Chippewa

Fourth . . .

507

Screw steamer

Clematis

Fourth . .

296

Clinton

Fourth .

100

Colorado .....

First

3,425

626

Fourth .

513

Side- wheel steamer

Fourth

376

542

.do

Fourth

532

Fourth.

513

Connecticut

Second

1,800

166

Fourth

545

Screw steamer

Third

997

Screw sloop

147

Dawn...

Fourth ..

391

Screw steamer

* Afterwards known as Beta or Tug No. 2.

XIX

LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR.

List of United States vessels of war serving in the North Atlantic Hlocltadiny Squadron,
May 6 to October 27, 1864— Continued.

Name.

Kate.

Tonnage.

Class.

Crew.

Guns.

Fourth . . .
Fourth . . .
Fourth ...
Fourth ...

682
357
700
350
344
955
699
1,261
900
1,770

Screw steamer

57
68
96
70
53
135
73
150
137
194

8
3
4
8
3
10
3
7

Side- wheel steamer

Screw steamer

Eolus

Fourth ...

Side-wheel steamer

Eutaw
Fahkee

Third
Fourth . . .
Third
Third . ..

Screw steamer

Florida

Side- wheel steamer

Second

Fourth . . .
Fourth . .

726
80
1,244
886
1,200

Side- wheel steamer

96
14
170
112
201
15
68
24
18
50
69
55
6
99
76
29
164
30
62
120
30
160
108
163
17
63
85
145
92
68
111
9
141
145
96
144
121
134
540
150
110
96

Screw steamer

Glaucus

Third
Third
Third

do
do

11
6
11
1

Grand Gulf

Fourth . . .
Fourth . .
Fourth

75
75
238
108
261
301
397
19
517
507
224
974
133
593
1,151
180
1,240
593
1,364
129
630
295
974
1,034
627
786
35
974
974
593
974
776
730
3,307
994
787
655
William G

Screw steamer

Side- wheel steamer

1
1
3
2
4

Fourth . . .
Fourth ...
Fourth ...
Fourth
Fourth ...
Fourth ...
Fourth ...
Fourth . . .
Third

Schooner

Hetzel

Screw steamer

Hoyt

7
6
2
10
2
3
9
3
10
8
10
2
2
5
10
2
3
6

Huron
Hydrangea
losco

Side-wheel steamer.

Isaac N. Seymour

Fourth ...
Fourth ...
Third
Fourth ...
Second
Fourth . . .
Third
Fourth . . .
Fourth . . .
Fourth ...
Third
Fourth . . .
Fourth ...
Third
Fourth . . .
Third
Third
Fourth ...
Third
Third
Third
First
Third
Third
Fourth ...
*See'

... do

Tsonomia

James Adger
John L. Lockwood
Jnniata

do .'
do

Kansas

Keystone State
Lilac
Lilian
Louisiana

Mn/>.lrin^,w ...

Mahopac
Mai vern
Maratauza
Martin
Massasoit

10
10
6
10
9
8
48
10
6
3

Mattabesett

M :u i nice

Mendota

Mercedita .

Miami

Minnesota

Mohican

Montgomery

Monti eel lo

Putnam.

LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR.

XXI

List of United Status vessels of war serving in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
May 6 to October 27, 1864— Continued.

Name.

Rate.

Tonnage.

Class.

Crew.

Guns.

Fourth . . .

513

Side- wheel steamer

Fourth

625

Screw steamer

Mount Washington

Fourth

500

Side- wheel steamer

Fourth ...

541

Screw steamer

Fourth . . .

340

Side-wueel steamer

Third

1,244

Screw steamer

164

Fourth . . .

948

Fourth

475

-Fourth

593

118

Second . . •.

1,250

Ironclad steamer

130

Third

974

Side-wheel steamer

145

Third

974

do . .

145

Third

974

189

Fourth

593

Screw steamer

130

Phlox

Fourth . .

317

Pink

Fourth .

184

Screw steamer

Fourth

First

2,415

Side-wheel steamer

266

Quaker City

Second....

1,600

163

R. R. Cuvler

Third

1,202

Screw steamer

154

Release

Fourth . . .

327

Bark

Schooner

Rhode Island

Second ....

1,517

Side-wheel steamer.. . .

157

Roanoke ..

First

3,435

Ironclad steamer

246

Roman

Fourth . . .

350

Storeship

Rose.

Fourth . .

Screw steamer .

Sabiue

Second

1,726

Sailing frigate

328

St. Lawrence

Second

1,726

118

Samuel Rotan

Fourth

212

Sailing schooner

Santiago de Cuba

Second

1,567

Side-wheel steamer

143

Sassacus

Third

974

145

Saugus

Third

1,034

Ironclad steamer

Seneca

Fourth ...

507

Screw steamer

Shamrock

Third

974

Side-wheel steamer

160

Shawsheen

Fourth

180

do..

Shenandoah

Second

1,378

Screw steamer

171

Shokokon

Fourth

700

112

State of Georgia

Third

1,204

113

Stepping Stones

Fourth

226

Susquehanna

First

2,450

306

Tacony

Third

974

145

Tallapoosa

Third

974

do ...

202

Tecumseh

Third

1,034

Ironclad steamer . ...

Tristram Shandy ......

Fourth

444

Tritonia

Fourth ...

202

Tug No. 1 (Alpha)

Fourth

Tug No. 2 (Beta)*

Fourth

Tug No. 3 (Gamma)

Fourth

Tug No. 4 (Delta)

Fourth .

Tug No. 5 (Epsilon)

Fourth ...

.. do

TugNo. 6 (Zeta)

Fourth

Tnscarora . . .

Third...

997

...do...

172

* Found in this volume as the Bazely and J. E. Bazely.

XXII

LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR.

List of United States vessels of war serving in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
May 6 to October 27, 1864— Concluded.

Name.

Rate.

Tonnage.

Class.

Crew.

Guns.

TJnadilla

Fourth . . .

507

Screw steamer

Unit

Fourtli . . .

Valley City

Fourth . . .

190

Vanderbilt

First

3,360

209

Third

886

122

Victoria

Fourth ...

254

Violet

Fourth . . .

166

Wabash

First

3,274

550

Whitehead

Fourth ...

139

Wilderness

Fourth ...

390

Side- wheel steamer

William Badger

Fourth ...

334

Sailing ship

William G. Putnam *

Fourth ...

149

Side- wheel steamer

Wvalusinfir

Third

974

145

Wyandotte

Fourth . . .

458

Tantic

Fourth

593

113

Young America

Fourth .

173

Fourth

418

Zouave

Fourth . . .

127

* Found in this volume as General Putnam.

— >— -

- 1864:.

MAY.

AUGUST.

Sun.

Sat.

Sun.

Sat

8
15
22
29

2
9
16
23
30

10
17
24
31

4
11

18
25

5
12
19
26

6
13
20
27

7
14
21

8
15
22
29

2
9
16
23

3
10
17
24
31

4
11
18
25

5
12
19
26

6
13

20
27

7
14
21

JUNE.

SEPTEMBER.

Sun.

Sat.

Sun.

Sat

8
15
22
29

2
9
16
23
30

3
10
17
24

4
11
18
25

8
15
22
29

2
9
16
23
30

3
10
17

5
12
19
26

6
13
20
27

7
14
21

4
11
18
25

5
12
19
26

6
13

20
27

7
14
21
28

JULY.

OCTOBER.

Sun.

Sat.

2
9
16
23
30

Sun.

Sat

1
8
15
22
29

8
15
22
29

3
10
17
24
31

4
11
18
25

5
12

19
26

6
13
20

7
14
21

2
9
16
23
30

3
10
17
24
31

4
11
18
25

5
12
1!)
26

6
13
20
27

7
14
21
28

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

FROM MAY 6, 1864, TO OCTOBER 27, 1864.

N W R —VOL 10 1

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

FROM MAY 6, 1864, TO OCTOBER 27, 1864.

Report of Acting Hear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the landing
of the army at City Point and Bermuda Hundred, Va.

FLAGSHIP ]^ORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, May 6, 1864 — 2:40 p. m.

SIR: I informed the Department this morning of the successful land-
ing of the army at City Point and Bermuda Hundred last night.

The army movement was admirably planned and executed. Contra-
bands say that there are no rebel troops in the vicinity and that within
the last two days all the troops from Kichmond have been sent to Lee.
I transmit enclosed a copy of my order* of 4th instant, under which
the naval part of the movement was made.

I deeply regret to report that the Commodore Morris^ Lieutenant
Commnnding Fyffe, has just been blown up by a torpedo and utterly
lestroyed near Four Mile Creek, opposite Jones' Neck.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Aetg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

P. S. — Later contraband intelligence represents that there are many
troops near the lett bank of this river.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Glitz, U. 8.
Nary, regarding the disposition of vessels for the protection of the army
at City Point and Bermuda Hundred.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,

Bermuda Hundred, May 6, 1864 — 9 : 30 a. m.

Eutaic will relieve the Osceola above Bermuda Hundred and Osceola
will take the Entails present position oft ('ity Point. The Pe<tuot, when
she arrives, will take up 'position with the Eutaw to protect the land-
ing at Bermuda Hundred. The Shokokon and Putnam are to occupy
thr Appomattnx below Point of Hocks.

The object of thisdisposirion is to protect the occupation of the army
and its landings at City Point and Bermuda Hundred.

* See Vol. 0, pp. 724-7 6.

t Tbe U. S. S. Commodore Jones was destroyed, not the U. S. S. Commodore Morris;
see p. 9.

4 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The senior officer present will keep this order and communicate to
the other commanding' officers as soon as practicable.
Eespectfully, etc.,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander GLITZ,

U. 8. 8. Osceola.

P. S. — Notify the Saugus to join me when she arrives.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Simmons, U. 8. Navy, regarding
the capture of a signal station in the James River.

U. S. S. DAWN,

Off Wilson's Wharf, May 6, 1864.

SIE : I have the honor to report that at the request of General Wild
I this morning took my vessel about 7 miles down the river and cap-
tured the principal signal station at this part of the river, killing 5 of
the enemy and capturing the mail, which I delivered to General Wild.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SIMMONS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Dawn.

Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Detailed report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Simmons, IT. 8. Navy,
regarding capture of signal station in James River, May 6, 1864.

U. S. S. DAWN,
Off Wilson's Landing, Va., June 30, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated
June 27, 1864, ordering me to send you a circumstantial report of the
capture of the principal signal station near Wilson's Wharf, on May
6, 1864.

In obedience to that order, I respectfully report that on Friday, May
6, at the request of Brigadier-General Wild, I took on board a small
detachment of soldiers and proceeded down the river and landed the
soldiers about 2 miles above the signal station. I then proceeded with
this vessel to Sandy Point, where the signal station was located, and
anchored for the purpose of covering the landing of my boats. I
then sent the second cutter, with 10 men armed, in charge of Acting
Ensign E. T. Sears, accompanied by Acting Assistant Paymaster R.
C. Peirce. Before landing, the enemy was plainly seen by the officers
in charge of the boat, but could not see anything of our soldiers, who
had not yet come up. The boat was pushed rapidly to the shore; the
men landed and at once started to capture, if possible, the enemy and
their property. The enemy retreated to a small piece of woods. Act-
ing Ensign Sears left one of his men to guard the boat and took the
rest and pushed on toward the woods where the enemy had retreated.
As Mr. Sears neared the woods he saw a body of men approaching.
He supposed them to be a party of rebels, and wishing to finish his
work before the advancing party could come up to their assistance, he
made a bold push and was just about commencing the attack when he

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 5

heard a volley of musketry, and then learned that the advancing party
were our own men. By this volley 3 men were killed and 2 wounded
and captured. The other 2 were killed as they were retreating by
another party of our soldiers who were advancing from another direc-
tion. Upon the landing of the second cutter, Acting Assistant Pay-
master Peirce, who knew my great desire to capture the rebel signal
flag and code, at once started for the house above. As he neared the
house the rebel officer retreated on horseback. Mr. Peirce captured
the signal flag and code, which I forwarded to you. At this time, leav-
ing the ship in charge of Acting Master J. A. Jackaway, who had been
shelling the woods in the rear of the signal station, I proceeded on shore
and gave orders to have the dead buried, which was done by Mr. Sears
and Mr. Peirce. I had the wounded and prisoners brought on board
and embarked the troops and returned to my station off Wilson's Wharf.
I take pleasure in reporting to you that Acting Master Jackaway per-
formed his duty in his usual cheerful and cool manner, placing him very
high in my estimation as an officer and seaman.

The conduct of Acting Ensign E. T. Sears was deserving of great
credit, charging as he did in the face of what he supposed was a rein-
forcing party of the enemy, for the purpose of carrying out the orders
lie received from me. The conduct of Acting Assistant Paymaster R.
C. Peirce was truly brave and gallant in the extreme, charging as he
did alone toward the house, that he might capture the signal officer
with the flag and code, thus accomplishing the object of the expedi-
tion. The signal flag and spyglass captured by me are on board this
vessel at present, in use. I should have sent them to you, but supposed
I was to keep them on this vessel until the end of the cruise and deliver
them with my other nautical instruments.

I can not close this report without making mention of S. F. Patten,
quartermaster, and Robert Braid, coxswain, and Patrick Kelley, lands-
man, attached to this vessel, for very good conduct at the time Mr.
Sears was about making the charge. They were all three close to him,
and by their conduct set an example to the other men which had a very
good effect.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SIMMONS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. 8. Dawn.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Acting assistant paymaster is an applicant for a regular appointment,
and is well known to me as a most worthy man.

Fox.

Letter from, the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, responding to request regarding lights in the James River.

DEPARTMENT, May 6, 1864.
SIR: The Light House Board has been requested to give immediate
attention to the matter of lighting up the light houses mentioned in
your letter of the 3d instant.

Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Klockadiny /Squadron, Hampton Roads.

6 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Capture of the British steamer Young Republic, May 6, 1864.
Beport of Commander Ransom, TT. S. Navy, commanding TI. S. S. Grand Gulf.

U. S. S. GRAND GULF,
Off Wilmington, N. C., Western Bar, May !), 1864.

SIR: 1 have the honor to report that this vessel, after a chase of six
hours and thirty initiates, on the morning of the Oth instant, overhauled
and captured the English steamer Young Republic (blockade runner),
fourteen hours from Wilmington, N. C., bound to Nassau, New Provi-
dence. I had left New Inlet, off Wilmington, the evening of the 5th
instant, to report, in obedience to an order of the senior officer, for duty
off Western Bar.

At 4 : 40 a. m. a steamer was reported from the masthead, bearing S/V.
I stood in chase. At 11: 10 a. m., after 37 shots from the 100-pounder,
and 3 shots from the 30 pounder Parrot t guns, the stranger turned
around and surrendered in latitude 3-'° 10' N., longitude 78° 40' VV.

The Young Republic is a new side wheel steamer of 775 &-„ tons (gross),
English, and she is a valuable prize. Her cargo consists principally of
cotton and tobacco. In the chase she tlnew overboard several hundred
bales of cotton, of which, with the aid of ihe prize, I have succeeded
in picking up from the sea 31*J bales, besides a quantity of loose cotton,
amounting to several bales.

She had cut away her anchors and thrown her chains overboard. She
had cut away two of her boats, which were recovered. She had no
manifest, no clearance, no bill of health, nor muster roll of ship's com-
pany. The chronometer, charts, and nautical instruments had all been
thrown overboard by the captain. She did not show any colors at any
time. No other vessel was in sight at the time of the capture. I have
retained, for their better preservation, on board of this vessel one com-
mon deck spyglass and one marine opera glass. The former had been
thrown overboard, and was picked up from the sea; the latter was found
in possession of one of her crew. I have also retained a small boat for
the use of this vessel.

In obedience to your order of March 10, 1804, I have instructed the
officer in charge of the prize, Acting Ensign Charles H. Krisbie, to
report to you at Hampton Koads or off Newport News, Va., leaving
blanks as to the prize court to which the prize is to be sent, also in the
report to the Department and the district judge.

1 detailed an acting third assistant engineer, 2 acting master's mates,
and a prize crew consisting of 10 men, leaving on board of her, also,
her captain, purser, doctor, chief mate, and an assistant engineer.

I have received on board of this vessel 42 prisoners, of which 1 trans
mit herewith a descriptive list in duplicate.

I find that her captain is a master in the rebel Navy.

It appears from her log book, which was picked up from the sea, and
which 1 have forwarded by the officer in charge of the prize to the judge

of the U. S. district court at , that this steamer, Young Republic,

was formerly called the Conqueror, of New York.

I enclose herewith two letters addressed to persons in Nassau, New
Providence, which were found in possession of one of the prisoners.

I enclose herewith a duplicate list of the officers and crew of this
vessel who are entitled to share in whatevei may accrue ol prize money

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 7

from this capture, the original being enclosed to the honorable Secre-
tary of the Navy.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE M. HANSOM,

Commander.
Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding, etc.

Letter from Commander Ransom, TT. S. Navy, to the judge of the U. S. district court.

U. S. S. GRAND GULF,
At Sea, off Wilmington, N. C., May 6, 1864.

SIR: 1 have the honor to report the circumstances attending the
capture by this vessel of the English steamer young Republic (blockade
runner), this day, as follows:

The steamer was reported in sight from the masthead at 4:40 a. m.,
bearing S. W., and immediately I stood in chase. At 11 : 10 a. m., after
many shots from the 100 pounder Parrott gun, the stranger turned
around and surrendered in latitude 32° 10' N., longitude 78° 49' W.,
and proved to be the English steamer Young Republic (blockade run-
ner), about fourteen hours from Wilmington, N. (_)., bound to Na sau,
New Providence. She did not show any colors at any time from the
commencement of the chase to the time. that she surrendered as a prize.

No other vessel was in sight at the time of the capture. In the
chase the Young Republic threw overboard many bales of cotton, boxes,
trunks, etc., and the only paper found on board of her was the certifi-
cate of British registry, herewith enclosed, and dated April 23, 1864.
She had no manifest, no clearance, no bill of health, nor muster roll of
ship's company. 8he had cut away her anchors and thrown the chain
cables overboard. She had cut away two of her boats, which were
recovered. The chronometer, charts, and nautical instruments had all
been thrown overboard by the captain.

I have instructed Acting Ensign Charles H. Frisbie, U. S. Navy,
under whose charge she will arrive, to deliver her and the persons
retained as witnesses to the judge of the U. S. district court or to the
U. S. prize commissioners at .

I forward to you also by this officer in charge, her log book, which
was picked up from the sea, by which it appears the steamer Young
Republic was formerly called the Conqueror, of New York.

The persons retained and to be delivered as witnesses are as follows,
viz:

F. M. Harris, master (in the rebel Navy); Thomas Foley, surgeon;
William Kainey, purser; Albert lloberts, third assistant engineer;
Dan. Shaw, chief mate.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE M. KANSOM,

Commander, U. M. Navy.

Hon. JUDGE OF THE U. S. DISTRICT COURT.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, transmitting captured letter.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,

Off Western Ear, Cape Fear River, May 10, 1864.
DEAR SIR: I enclose a late paper from Wilmington, wrhich may be
interesting to you, which an officer obtained from prize steamer Young

8 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Republic, captured by the Grand Gulf, and in looking for papers a letter
was found, partly written, from the captain of the Young Republic to
his owner, a copy of which I also enclose.
Eespectfully and truly, yours, etc.,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. 8. Navy, Senior Officer, etc.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosure.]

STEAMSHIP YOUNG EEPUBLIC,
Off Wilmington Bar, May 9, 1864.

DEAR SIR: I crossed the bar at 8:25 p. in. on the night of the 5th
instant, and made a number of vessels cruising off the bar, which
delayed me until 11 : 30 p. m., when I shaped my course, the ship run-
ning about 9 miles per hour, perfectly smooth water. At 4: 30 a. in. on
the following morning made a steamer astern and at once made all
steam to get away from her. At 5 a. m. commenced to heave overboard
cotton. After heaving over more than one-half of our cargo and throw-
ing overboard anchors, chains, and in fact everything that was movable
above deck, I headed the ship in for land, distance about 68 miles.
This was about 10 a. m., the steamer in chase firing all the time. I
found that the steamer would overhaul us in the course of an hour, we
making, with from 38 to 45 pounds of steam, only 10 miles per hour; in
fact, the damned steamer is not, and never was, worth a cent. The
officers and crew of this ship did their duty, and finding that it was
impossible to either get away from the enemy or to make the land, and
the enemy throwing their shots over and alongside of the ship, to save
the lives of the crew (not caring whether they even destroyed the vessel
or not), has compelled me to surrender the steamer. Everything about
the vessel was destroyed.

On our inward passage, the second day out, it was as much as I
could do to keep this steamer from breaking into pieces with us all; in
fact, she stove in all the bulwarks forward and aft, started her coal
bunkers, boilers leaking, the bolts in the hog braces snapping, and wood-
work working about 4 inches. But with the blessing of God we man-
aged to weather it through. The steamer, I believe, is to be taken to
Boston.

After capturing us they put a prize crew on board and both steam-
ers commenced to pick up the cotton, and the weather has been per-
fectly smooth for the last seventy hours; in fact, they were over sixty
hours in picking cotton ; how much they got I hope I will be able to
tell you some other time.

As you are aware, when leaving N[assauf] I was quite unwell, and
from the exposure of the inward trip I had to lay up in Wilmington,
and I can assure you that I am anything but a well man either in body
or mind. We are treated very kindly by the officer in command of this
steamer at present, and I am in hopes that as soon as possible after
our arrival at Boston they will let me go home, and I will see you in
Liverpool, as you can telegraph me as soon as you arrive at South-
ampton,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 9

Destruction by a torpedo in the James River of the U. 8. 8. Commodore

Jones, May 6, 1864.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVEEN,
In James River, May 6, 1864 — 5 p. m.

Since sending my dispatch* I learn that the Commodore Jones was
destroyed, not the Commodore Morris. Two previous verbal reports
had stated it to be the latter.

List of killed and wounded not received.t Commanding officer
badly wounded. Vessel blown into fragments.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Endorsement.]

Above received at Fort Monroe 10 p. in., May 7. Do not know cause
of delay.

[GK D.J SHELDON.

Report of Commander Beaumont, TJ. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw.

U. S. S. MACKINAW,

Deep Bottom, James River, Virginia, May 6, 1864.
Sre : In obedience to orders from Fleet Captain Barnes, I proceeded
up the river with the Commodore Morris and Commodore Jones, follow-
ing at a safe distance boats from the different vessels which were drag-
ging for torpedoes. When within about 500 yards of the position of
some torpedoes, as informed by the contrabands, I anchored, ordering
the Morris and Jones not to approach nearer the boats, explaining to
them both the danger to be anticipated by so doing. While endeavor-
ing to get a more convenient berth farther down the river, and occu-
pied by the movements of my own vessel, the" Jones, disregarding the
repeated orders she had been given, ran over a torpedo, which exploded
instantly and totally destroyed her.

I am unable at this time to furnish the names or number of those
who were lost in this disastrous occurrence.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. BEAUMONT,

Commander.
Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, TJ. S. Navy, transmitting reports of Fleet Captain Barnes
and Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

James River, May 13, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed the following reports in relation to the tor-
pedoes in the James River: (1) From Fleet Captain J. S. Barnes, giv-
ing information received from two prisoners taken at Deep Bottom after

* See p. 3. t The total reported casualties number 69. — COMPILERS.

10 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the destruction of the Commodore Jones on the 6th instant, in regard
to the positions of the torpedoes, etc.; (2) from Commander J. C.
Beaumont, U. S. S. Mackinaiv, with its enclosures, reporting the dis-
covery of the galvanic batteries used to explode the torpedo that
destroyed the Commodore Jones, with a tracing showing relative posi-
tions, and a plan of the battery, which the reports fully explain.

I send in a separate parcel specimens of the rope and insulated wire
connected with this battery.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear Admiral, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure 1.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, May 10, 1864.

SIR : Immediately after the U. S. S. Commodore Jones was destroyed
by the explosion of the torpedo at Jones' Point on the 6th instant, a
party of marines and sailors from the Mackinaw landed at the point and
discovered three galvanic batteries sunk in pits in the ground, to which
wires were attached to one or more torpedoes which were not exploded
and were still lying in the channel.

The body of the man who had been shot by the coxswain of one of
the, boats employed in dragging was found lying near the tirst galvanic
battery, shot through the head. In the third battery were captured 2
men who were ready to explode another torpedo should anyof our vessels
pass over it. The names of these men a;e P. W. Smith, who represents
himself as an acting master in the Confederate Submarine Battery Serv-
ice, under the command of Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, of the boat
torpedo, and Jeffries Johnson, a private in the same service. From
Smith 1 learned that tliere were many more torpedoes in tin- river, but
he would not communicate their location or any facts connected with
them. Johnson stated that he was forced into the rebel army as a con-
script, and procured his exchange into the service as it would keep him
near his home, which was at Deep Bottom, opposite Jones' Point.

At first he was not communicative and evaded, on the grounds of
ignorance, the questions put to him, but being placed in the forward
gunboat employed in dragging for torpedoes and given to understand
that he would share the fate of the boat, he signified his willingness to
tell all he knew about them. He stated that the torpedo which was
exploded was put down last fall; that it contained 2.000 pounds of
powder; that there are several more near a place called McGn ire's,
above Aikeifs Landing, and others at Os'oorne's; that there m;iy be
others of which he knows nothing; that these are all of which he has
any knowledge; that he has heard there were many in the river a' ove
Osborue's. He states that there are several kinds, but that the smallest
of those exploded by means of a galvanic battery contains about 400
pounds of powder. The small ones are floating, and are exploded by
contact or a line from shore.

The large torpedoes can be put down and arranged in a day by the
boat torpedo, which is prepared for that particular service under the
command of Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, formerly « f the U. S. Navy,
who, with 12 men, was on the opposite shore when the Commodore Jones
was destroyed, having gone ashore there from his vessel a few hours
before our vessels came up.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 11

I enclose the enlisting articles of those employed in this service, a
telegram from Mr. Mallory to Lieutenant Davidson, and various tele-
grams announcing the approaches of our vessels from the signal stations
along the river, all found upon the persons of those captured and the
man who was killed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN S. BARNES,
Fleet Captain, North Atlantic Blockading /Squadron.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[ Subenclosu res. ]
Enlisting articles, C. S. Naval Submarine Battery Service.

We, the undersigned, for and in consideration of the sums set opposite
our names, do agree, individually —

Ar icle 1. To enter the C. 8. ^Naval Submarine Battery Service.

Article "2. To do our duty in said service loyally and faithfully.

Article 3. To obey all lawful orders of those set over us in authority.

Article 4. Under no circumstances, now or hereafter, to make known
to any one not employed on this service, anything regarding the methods
used for arranging or exploding the submarine batteries, excepting only
by permission of the honorable Secretary of the Navy or the command-
ing officer of said service.

This agreement to remain in force whilst its articles are adhered to,
or until the expiration of thirty days from the date on which we may
give the commanding officer of this service written notice of our desire
to be discharged. The certificate of employment to be returned before
the discharge is delivered. To all of which we hereunto subscribe
ourselves.

RICHMOND, May [5?].

Four monitors, the Atlanta, 5 gunboats, 2 ironclads, 59 transports
[are] coming up the river; also 3 rafts have passed Fort Boykin.

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.
Lieutenant H. DAVIDSON.

TURKEY ISLAND, May 5.

Mr. Bingley reports 3 gunboats in sight of Presqu'isle.
Respectfully,

T. H. FRIEND.
Mr. SMITH.

TURKEY ISLAND, May 6.

We can see no movements of the enemy this morning, but suppose
from the sound of their drums they are marching up on the other side
of the river.

Captain DAVIDSON.

12 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure 2.]

U. S. S. MACKINAW,
James River, Fa., May 12, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit the enclosed reports from First
Assistant Engineer in Charge Jefferson Young, and Acting Master's
Mate J. F. Blanchard, of this vessel, of their observations of the rebel
torpedoes at Deep Bottom, opposite Sturgeon town, James River. The
sketch by Mr. Young shows the exact locality of the galvanic batteries
and the position of the unexploded torpedo.

I deem it proper to state that the connecting wires from the battery
to the water were found just beneath the surface of the earth.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. BEAUMONT, U. S. Navy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

U. 8. Flagship Malvern, James River, Virginia.

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. S. MACKINAW,
James River, May 12, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit a sketch of the galvanic batteries
(known as the Point submarine batteries), showing their positions on
the bank of the river and the direction by which the wires were con-
nected to torpedoes.

The galvanic batteries were formed of nine zinc cups each, one bat-
tery or set of cups being placed on shelves directly over the other. In
each zinc cup was placed a porous clay cup. In the zinc cup and out-
side the porous cup was placed the sulphuric acid and water, and inside
the porous cup was placed the nitric acid. The zinc of one cup was con-
nected to the cast iron of the other by a clamp and thumbscrew. The
negative wires led directly to the torpedoes (one to each).

The positive wires ran along near a footpath parallel with the river
for about 200 feet and terminated at a subbattery.

In this subbattery were two large wooden plugs, with a hole about
one-half inch diameter in each, these holes being filled with mercury,
the positive wires connecting from the torpedoes to the bottom of these
plugs, the positive wires from the charged batteries being inserted in
the mercury at the top of its respective plug to form the connection and
explode the torpedoes. The wires from the river bank to the torpedoes
were supported by a 3-inch rope, being stopped to rope about every
4 feet.

At a distance of every 15 feet of the rope were some 5 or 6 feet of
three-quarter link chain to assist in keeping it on the bottom.

The wires were covered with gutta-percha about one-quarter inch
thick.

The battery used is generally known as the Bunsen battery.

Kespectfully submitted.

JEFFERSON YOUNG,
First Assistant Engineer, U. 8. Navy, in Charge.

Commander J. C. BEAUMONT, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Mackinaw.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

14 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

U. S. S. MACKINAW,
James River, May 11, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that in obedience to your order I landed
with an armed boat's crew on the right bank of the river just above
Four Mile Creek to look for wires and galvanic batteries. I proceeded
at once to search the buildings on shore I had only searched two when
the explosion took place. I immediately returned to the boat in order
to save the wounded and drowning. I had tilled my boat just as a man
was seen running on the opposite shore. Several shots were fired at
him and he fell. I lauded and found the battery. It was one of Bun-
sen's simplified batteries. There were two distinct batteries arranged
on shelves and both fully charged. From each end of the box were two
wires. I closed the box and reported to you on board. I then received
an order from you to accompany Mr. Young on shore and trace the
wires. I went immediately to the battery and disconnected the wires
from the box containing the battery and followed them down the river
for about 75 yards, then turned directly to the river. I here captured
the two prisoners. They were concealed in a small box inserted in the
ground. It was about 4 feet square. On close examination I found in
two corners of the box aping, with a wire in each of them. By these
wires the torpedoes were exploded. The two wires running down the
river bank were the charged wires. They ran into this pit. The tor-
pedo was exploded by applying one of the wires leading through the
plug to the charged wires, thereby emitting a spark. Mr. Young taking
the prisoners on board, I proceeded to examine the wires directly under-
neath the river bank. I found the wires attached to a hawser. I traced
the hawser to the water's edge. It here branched oft', one leading to
the exploded torpedo; the other we traced in the boat about 150 yards.
We found it too heavy to lift with the boat. We cut the wires and
hawser, buoyed it, and returned on board.
Very respectfully,

J. F. BLANCHARD,
Acting Mauler's Mate.

Commander J. C. BEAUMONT,

Commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, James River, Virginia.

Beport of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wade, U. S. Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. Commodore

Jones.

U. S. NAVAL HOSPITAL,
Norfolk, Va., May 13, 1864.

SIR: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the total loss of
the U. S. gunboat Commodore Jones on the Oth instant, off Deep Bot-
tom, James River, Virginia, as follows, viz:

While dragging for torpedoes and covering the boats, which were
also searching for them, a torpedo was exploded directly under the ship
with terrible effect, causing her destruction instantly, absolutely blow-
ing the vessel to splinters. Of the loss of crew I am unable to inform
you, as the rescued were distributed among the fleet and sent to the
naval hospital, being seriously wounded myself and unable to attend
to duty.

The officers and crew are loud in their praise of the gallant officers
and crews of the several ships for their kindness. Although they h;ive
lost everything, their only i egret seems to be in the absence Iroiu me
fight now going on in the tieet.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 15

Justice demands that I should specially call to notice the gallant con-
duct of Acting Ensign George W. Adams, executive officer, who,
although severely wounded, rescued several from death, myself among
the number.

The paymaster [Acting Assistant Paymaster Edward T. Chapman]
having been killed and the accounts of the ship lost, and as there was
a draft of men transferred to the vessel from the army without accounts,
etc., a few days previous, Mr. J. G. Barn urn, jr., paymaster's clerk, now
at the naval hospital, will respectfully wait the orders of the Depart-
ment.

The Department will please excuse my not making out a report sooner,
as the injuries that I received prevented me from doing so.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. F. WADE, U. S. Navy,
Acting Vol. Lieutenant, late Gomdg. U. 8. S. Commodore Jones.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, concerning the gallant conduct of Acting

Ensign Adams, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Off Wilmington, N. C., August 30, 1864.

SIR: At the time of the destruction of the Commodore Jones by a
monster torpedo on May 0, ultimo, Acting Ensign George W. Adams,
her executive officer, though injured by the explosion, saved his com-
manding officer from drowning and recovered the ensign before he was
himselt taken from the water.

lie deserves promotion for his conduct and services on this occasion,
and I would respe -tfnlly recommend his advancement to the grade of
acting master. His present address is Gloucester, Mass. 1 am unaware
whether or not he has recovered from his injuries.

1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Commodore Morris.

May 5, 186i. — At anchor off Harrison's Bar. All boats called away
to drag for torpedoes. At 4:20 p. m. our troops landed at (Jity Point
and took possession.

May 6. — At 8:20 a. m. weighed anchor with the fleet and proceeded
up the river. From 12 to 4 p. in. : Off Jones' Neck ; sent second cutter
to search for torpedoes. Admiral came up on the Shawshcen, trans-
ferred his flag to the Malvern. At 2 p. m. U. S. S. Commodore Jones
was blown up by a torpedo. Immediately lowered all boats to save
lives. As nearly as could be estimated there were about 40 lives lost.
A boat from this vessel and one from the Mackinaw landed and found
the body of a rebel, evidently the one who exploded the torpedo
Discovered the battery and destroyed it, by order of the admiral.

May 8. — At 2: 15 p. m. an officer from the Mackinaw came on board
with P. W. Smith, who styles himself an acting master in the so-called

16 NOKTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

C. S. Navy. He was captured in the act of exploding a torpedo, after
having blown up the Commodore Jones. Sent Jeffries Johnson, a pris-
oner who was captured at the same time that Smith was, on board
the Mackinaw.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding
U. 8. 8. Vicksburg, regarding the chase of a suspicious vessel.

U. S. S. VICKSBURG,
Beaufort, N. C., May 6, 1864.

SIR : I enclose you the abstract log of this ship for the month of
April. By it you will perceive I had a chase on April 30, while off-
shore. Had I had three hours more daylight I feel confident I could
have captured her, as in a chase of five hours I gained at least 10
miles, and only lost owing to the night coining on.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Ensign Osborn, U. 8. Navy, regarding boat expedition

to Bogue Sound.

U. S. S. VICKSBURG,
Beaufort, N. (7., May 6, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your order, I
last night took charge of the launch of this vessel with a crew of 16
men, fully armed and equipped, with two days' rations.

I proceeded up Bogue Sound until I came a little to the westward of
the outer fortifications of Morehead City, and then came to anchor,
keeping the howitzer (loaded with canister and primed) trained up the
sound.

I observed frequent flashes of lights along the shore within our
lines, which I took to be from our pickets.

At about 3 a. in. a rocket was exploded from a point at or near picket
station No. 4, on Bogue Island. 1 immediately got underway and
stood slowly up and down the sound, keeping the howitzer trained to
the westward and my crew with their arms ready for action.

At daylight I proceeded to return to this vessel, and when abreast
of the fortifications above referred to was hailed from the shore. I laid
on my oars and answered the hail with, "This is an armed boat from
the United States steamer Vicksburg on picket duty. Do you wish the
countersign?"

1 was ordered to come nearer, and at once put about, stood inshore,
and while so standing in was fired upon from the direction of the hail,
the ball passing very near us.

I repeated my answer, got ready for immediate action (in case it might
prove the enemy), trailed oars, and hoisted my colors. On doing so
they hailed from on shore, "All right; you may go home."
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. G. OSBORN,

Acting Ensign.
Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

Commanding U. S. S. Vicksburg.

NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 17

Report of Commander Davenport, U. 8. Navy, regarding the siege of New

Berne by the enemy.

U. S. S. HETZEL,
Of New Berne, N. C., May 6, 1864.

ADMIRAL : New Berne is besieged by the enemy in force. Our pick-
ets were driven in Wednesday evening. Yesterday they took posses-
sion of the railroad between this place and Beaufort and attempted to
erect a battery on tbe Neuse Biver, near the old blockade. I sent the
Lockwood down to patrol the river, and on the enemy making his
appearance, sent the Barney and Louisiana to drive him away from the
river bank, which they succeeded in doing. This morning the rebel gen-
eral [R. F.] Hoke, sent a verbal message to General Palmer, informing
him that he had possession of the railroad and command of the river,
and demanding the surrender of the place. The general, I understand,
declined to receive a verbal message, and the flag of truce returned.

I have here the Tacony, Louisiana, Commodore Barney, Lockwood,
and Hetzel, and shall do all in my power to defeat the enemy.

Captain Smith directed me to write directly to you, sending him
copies of my letters.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,
Commander, U. S. Navy, and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

P. S. — 6 p. m. : I have just received a letter from Captain Smith
directing ine to send the Barney to him.

I learn that there has been heavy firing heard in the direction of
Plymouth yesterday evening.

P. S. — May 7, 1. p. m. : Everything is quiet here to-day, but I learn
that the enemy is in force between this place and Kinston.

I have just received a dispatch from you for Captain Smith marked
immediate. I will forward it by first conveyance.

Letter from Commander Davenport to Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regard-
ing U. 8. steamers Commodore Barney and Tacony.

TJ. S. S. HETZEL,
Off New Berne, N. C., May 6, 1864

SIR : Yours of the 4th instant has just been received, and I send the
Commodore Barney to report to you.

The commanding officer will inform you of the state of affairs here.
As to the Tacony, I beg leave to say that she can move at any moment.
I enclose copy of a letter from the chief engineer.
I also send copy of a letter to the admiral.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,

Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

N w R — VOL 10 2

18 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Commander Davenport, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu-
tenant Williams, U. 8. Navy, commanding 'U. 8. 8. Commodore
Barney.

U. S. S. HETZEL,
Off New Berne, N. C., May 6, 1864.

SIR: Proceed without delay with the U. S. S. Commodore Barney
under your command to Albemarle Sound and report to Captain M.
Smith, senior naval officer in sounds of North Carolina.
Respectfully, yours,

H. K. DAVENPORT,
Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Volunteer Lieut. J. M. WILLIAMS, U. S. NAVY,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Commodore Barney.

Attack upon United States vessels off New Inlet, North Carolina, by the
C. S. 8. Raleigh, May 6 and 7, 1864.

Beport of Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas.

U. S. S. KANSAS,
Off 'New Inlet, North Carolina, May 7, 1864.

SIR: 1 have the honor to make the following report:

Last night whilst lying at my station (No. 2), at 8: 20 p. m., saw
a rocket and heard a guu fired, bearing S. W. by W. At 8:25 p. m.
heard another gun and saw a second rocket on same bearing. Stood
off to the southward and eastward to intercept any blockade runner
that might be coming out. Seeing nothing turned inshore again.

About twenty minutes before 9 saw a blue light and heard the report
ot two more guns bearing S. W. by S. Maintained our station until
2 a. m., when, seeing a Coston light to the southward and eastward,
stood for it and spoke the Britannia. At daylight saw the Mount
Vernon, Hoicquah, and Nansemond tiring at a rebel ironclad, which was
lying off the bar; the Tuscarora and Britannia standing in from !»ea-
ward, and the Niphon and Fa-likee bearing down from their stations (4
and 0) toward the scene of firing.

At once stood toward the ironclad and fired two shots from the 150-
pounder rifle, both of which we had the mortification to see turn over
and fall short.

The ironclad was in all respects similar to the Atlanta, as far as
appearance went, though accounts present her as a more formidable
vessel as regards strength and plating. After moving about between
the bar and buoy at No. 1 station, advancing and retiring for about
an hour, she returned over the bar at 7 a. m. The atmosphere was
hazy and prevented our seeing if a red flag she hoisted on her return
over the bar was an English ensign or common battle flag. Several
of the commanders believe the former.

As she neared Fort Fisher a salute of, I think, nine guns was fired
by the lort.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FEND. G. WATMOUGH,

Lieutenant- Commander.

Commander WILLIAM A. PARKER,

Senior Officer Present, off New Inlet, North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 19

Beport of Commander Parker, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports of the commanding officers of
the U. S. steamers Mount Vernon and Howquah.

U. S. STEAM SLOOP TUSCARORA,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 7, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that an ironclad ram came out over the bar at
about 8 o'clock (at high water) last night and engaged the Nansemond
and Britannia, stationed at the bar, but without doing any damage.

At daylight this morning she was discovered standing out toward
the buoy, which marks the day anchorage oft' the bar.

Sbe was engaged by the Mount Vernon, Kansas, Howquah, Nanse-
mond, and Britannia.

The Tuscarora had the outer station about 6 miles to the eastward of
the buoy, and we did not see her till after sunrise. We stood for her to
reconnoiter, but did not get within fighting distance. At a little before
7 o'clock the ram returned and went over the bar. The smokestack of
the Hoicquah was struck once about two thirds of the way up from the
deck with a rifled shot, which made a hole about '23 inches by 16 inches,
and which appeared to be an 8-iiich rifled shot; the ram being about
1£ miles distant by estimation.

The Hoicquah [fired] sixteen 30-pounder Parrott rifled shot, and
struck the ram twice. It is believed that none of the other vessels hit
the ram. There were three other steamers in sight inside the bar, but
only one was ironclad, apparently.

A blockade runner ran out over the bar last night at the same time
that the ram came out, and was chased by the Nereus stationed just
outside the buoy.

This ram appeared to be about the same size and model as the
Atlanta, and was a most formidable and dangerous looking vessel.

There was a house on deck, arched over, but with a flat top and slop-
ing sides; and she carried three guns on each side and one at each
end, either 8-iuch or 10 inch rifled guns.

If she comes out to-niffht I shall engage her with the Tuscarora.

I enclose herewith reports from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant James
Trathen and Acting M aster J. W. Balch.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. A. PARKER,

Commander.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 6:30 p.m. yesterday we
observed in New Inlet, behind Fort Fisher, which bore by compass
N. W. by W., distant 3 miles, four steamers, two of which appeared to
be for river service, and two seagoing, one of the former having the
appearance of an ironclad rebel ram. At 6: 45 p. m. we steamed down
to our night station No. 5, end of woods on Bald Head, bearing W. N.
W. At 8: 30 p. m. saw two rockets thrown from the vicinity of Fort
Fisher in a S. S. E. direction, and saw the flashes of five guns. Steamed
ahead under full speed, steering to the southward and eastward in
order to intercept any vessel trying to escape from New Inlet; after
having run 8 miles and seeing nothing, we returned to our night
station. Everything remained quiet until 12:15 a. m. of this date,

20 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

when we heard the report of seven heavy guiis and saw the flashes of
six more. Called all hands to quarters and cleared ship for action and
steamed toward Fort Fisher to ascertain the cause. After arriving at
the station usually occupied by the senior officer, seeing nothing, and
everything appearing quiet, we returned slowly to our night station.
At 4 a. m. as day began to break we steamed toward Fort Fisher
again, and at 4: 45 a. m. saw U. S. steamers Howquah and Nansemond
bearing N. by W. The U. S. S. Howquah fired a shot and hoisted her
ensign ; the shot was returned by a vessel in toward the shore. Hoisted
our colors and started ahead toward them, and cleared ship for action.
At 5 a. m. discovered the strange vessel to be a rebel ironclad ram,
flying the Confederate flag aft and English red ensign forward, and
engaged with the Howquah. We then steamed down close to the How-
quah>s port quarter to draw the fire of the ram from her, and opened
fire on her with the 100- pounder Parrott rifle and IX-inch guns. About
the same time U. S. S. Kansas also opened fire on her. At sunrise U. 8.
steamers Tuscarora and Britannia in sight, coming in to the anchorage.
At 6:30 a. m. the ram steered toward Fort Fisher, accompanied by two
other steamers, one apparently an ironclad gunboat, and the other a
tugboat; she was pursued by the U. S. steamers Howquah, Kansas,
NipJwn, Nansemond, and this ship. At 7 a. m. she crossed New Inlet
bar and entered the river, and was saluted by the different batteries as
she passed in.

This' ram resembles very much the Atlanta, captured from the rebels,
but is much larger than that vessel.

Sir, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES TRATHEN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Commander WILLIAM A. PARKER,

Comdg. U. S. Steam Sloop Tuscarora and Senior Officer Present.

U. S. S. HOWQUAH,
Off New Inlet, May 7, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report while cruising on our station (No. 7),
between 5 and 6 fathoms of water, at 8 : .'30 p. in. of the 6th instant, saw
the flash of two gun;} bearing N. N. E., and three rockets fired to the
southward and eastward; I supposed a blockade runner running in
that direction, and ran E. S. E. to head him off. Stood out as far as
the buoy. At 9:10 p. m., while standing back to our station, made a
steamer bearing N. E. by E. Stood for and challenged her with night
signals. Not bting answered, fired the 30-pounder rifle at her; stood
for and spoke her. She proved to be the U. S. S. Nansemond. At 9 : 30
p. m. saw a white or blue light (not certain which), saw flash, and
heard report of three guns, but from rockets being thrown, supposed a
blockade runner to be running out. Stood out to cut her off, if possi-
ble. At 11 p. m., not seeing anything, stood in for our station. At
midnight saw Coston signal and a white or blue light; saw the flash
and heard the report of three guns bearing N. E. by E. \ E. Stood for
it, but could see nothing, and returned to our station. At 2:35 saw a
rocket thrown from the N. N. E. to the S. S. E. ; stood out, but could
see nothing, and returned again to our station. At 4:25 a m., of the 7th
instant, U. S. S. Nansemond bore E. by N., distant I £ miles, at the same
time saw a strange steamer bearing N. W. by N., in line with Fort Fisher

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 21

(burning soft coal), distant 1^ miles. She proved to be the rebel iron-
clad rain North Carolina [Raleigh], with Confederate ensign Hying,
accompanied by one armed steamer and two tugboats. There were no
other blockaders in sight at this time except the U. S. S. Nansemond.
Called all hands to quarters, the ram making toward us fast (good 6
knots per hour). Wore ship, head offshore, and commenced firing at
her, our shot striking near her. She returned the fire with her bow
gun, the shell exploding close to our starboard quarter. We moving
slowly toward the buoy, the ram following and firing from her bow and
broadside guns. Wre kept within range, and fighting him out as far as
the buoy (on station No. 1). At 5 a. m. TJ. S. S. Mount Vernon in
sight, bearing S. S. E-. and steaming to our assistance. At 5:20 the
U. S. steamers Fahkee and Niphon in sight, coming from stations to the
northward. At 5:30 U. S. S. Mount Vernon fired four shells at the
ram, all falling short.

At 5:50 made the U. S. steamers Tuscarora, Kansas, and Britannia,
bearing to the eastward.

At 6 a. m. the ram near the buoy fired at us her fifth and last shot,
going through our smokestack about two-thirds of the way up (appar-
ently an 8-iuch rifle shot).

We fired 14 30-pounder solid shot, 'J 30-pouuder percussion shells,
and 3 shells from 12 pounder howitzer, two of our shots striking him.
At 6:15 U. S. S. Kansas came in and fired two shells, both falling
short. Earn steaming toward the bar with English ensign at the fore.
At 6:45 came to aucnor near the buoy, the ram going in over the bar.

They fired a salute of nine guns from the batteries. The rebel ram
North Carolina [Raleigh] is a facsimile of the ram Atlanta (larger if
anything). She has three ports on a side and one at each end, with
a torpedo on her bow, such as the Atlanta had. Fleet anchored at
8:15.

This ship was the last to leave her station, and the first on it. We
were not out of sight of the buoy at any time this morning. The offi-
cers and crew under my command deserve much credit. I submit the
above report.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. BALCH,
Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Hotcqua-h.

Commander W. A. PARKER, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer Present.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Huse, U. 8. Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. Britannia.

U. S. S. BRITANNIA,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 8, 1864.

SIR: I have to report to you that on the evening of 6th instant, on
going in on Station No. 1, 1 noticed a suspicious looking vessel, which
I took to be one of the rebel ironclad rams inside the bar. 1 accord-
ingly ran in closer than usual, and the fact that we were not fired on,
though it was still quite light and we were within easy range tended to
confirm my suspicions. Red, green, and white lanterns were used in a
manner quite different from anything ever noticed there before. I
managed to keep sight of the suspected vessel and saw her creep cau-
tiously ii]) toward Fort Fisher, preceded by these lights as guides. At
about 8:30 she turned directly for this ship, in company with another

22 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

vessel, and ran at full speed. I fired several rockets and fired my 30-
pounder Parrott at her, but as she kept on directly after us I ran for
the buoy, firing at her with 24-pounder howitzer. She then commenced
firing at us; the first shot put out our binnacle lights and the next
went a little over the starboard paddle box, sounding very like a LOO-
pounder Parrott shot when it tumbles. We now burned a blue light,
when the enemy fired again. Our course was changed three times,
hoping to elude him, but he followed and gained on us considerably,
being within about 600 yards when we passed tbe buoy, at which time
we hauled up short N". E. and think he went on E. S. E., as we shortly
after heard a gun in that direction. I laid between 1 anil 2 miles to
eastward of the buoy and burned several Coston signals, wishing to
communicate with other ships of the fleet. At about midnight saw a
blue light and heard a gun from near the buoy. Shortly afterwards fell
in with the Kansas, and was desired by Lieutenant-Commander
Watmough, commanding her. to find the Tuscarora as soon after day-
light as possible and communicate the facts to the senior officer.
When day broke we made the enemy about W. S. W., engaging the
Nansemond and Howquah. Shortly after the Mount Vernon and Kansas
steamed toward her and commenced firing. On making the Tuscarora
I proceeded to her, reported to Commander Parker, and returned with
him toward the fleet. By this time the enemy, accompanied by two
other boats, had steamed in and was under the guns of the fort.

The vessel which had accompanied the ram out steered off to the
northeast when the firing commenced. I think she was a blockade
runner, though we then supposed her to be a gunboat.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL HUSE,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Sands, TT. S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the

II. S. S. Nansemond.

TJ. S. S. FORT JAOKSON,
Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, May 8, 1864.

SIR: I enclose herewith a report from Acting Ensign J. H. Porter,
commanding U. S. S. Nansemond, of having exchanged shots with the
ironclad ram North Carolina [Raleigh] on the night of the 6th instant
off ^ew Inlet.

She seems to have been satisfied with her exploit in keeping away
the small vessels that were stationed on the bar, and steamed away
inside \\*-, the prospect of encountering heavier metal in the light of the
day.

Commander Parker, whom I left senior officer on that side, sent the
Nansemond on this side yesterday to report the affair, and to warn the
vessels here. The Quaker City was here transferring some men to the
different vessels, and I deemed it my duty to detain her for the pres-
ent, or until other vessels arrive to strengthen the blockade and to
meet our new enemy.

Upon arriving here on the oth instant, I directed the Grand Gulf to
be sent this side in place of the Vicksburg, which had left for outside
cruising, and she was accordingly ordered that evening, but has not
yet made her appearance; probably on a chase outside. I am coaling

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 23

the Dacotah from day to day until the arrival of the Grand Gulf or
Maratanza, which is coaling at Beaufort, and as soon as there is suffi-
cient force here to admit of my leaving- this side, I will proceed again
to New Inlet, as I think that bar is the most available for the use of the
ram in the prevalence of the S. W. sea breezes, which, on this side,
render Western Bar temporarily rough. And here I may bring to your
notice the condition of the Tuscarora and Dacotah, which, although
otherwise formidable vessels, are, from defective boilers, inefficient to
encounter such vessels as ironclads, which we now know the enemy can
get outside the bar.

The principal object, it seems to me, after the result of the enemy's
ironclad experiment of the night before last, is for her to aid the out-
going and incoming of the runners by driving off the vessels stationed
on and near the bar, for which the light recently erected upon the
Mound Fort is an excellent aid as a leading mark for the night.

Last night was quiet; we heard only one gun about 10 o'clock, the
moderate S. W. breeze possibly making the bars rough, or they may
be satisfied with the first trial for a few nights. When she comes
again we will try to give a good account of her.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. 8. Navy, /Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. NANSEMOND.
Off Wilmington, N. C., May 7, 1864.

SIR: By direction of Commander Parker, I submit the following
report of the occurrences of last night and this morning off New Inlet.

At 8: 20 p. in., while on Station No. 3, in (i£ fathoms of water, saw a
rocket thrown Iroin the northward and in an easterly direction, and
saw the flashes of two guns, followed soon after by other rockets
and the flash and reports of two guns. Thinking a blockade runner
had passed out, I steamed a short distance N. E. and saw the U. S. S.
Britannia running offshoie, but seeing no other vessel, and believing
it unsafe to leave the bar uuwatched, returned to our station. Shortly
after saw a blue light, burned apparently near the buoy.

At 9:30 p. in. exchanged signals with and spoke the U. S. S. How-
quah. After this nothing unusual occurred until 11:*45 p. in., when
we discovered a sail beating E. by S., apparently lying still. Steamed
up toward her and made the challenge light, which was answered by
one flash of a white light, and at the same the strange vessel started
ahead steering N. E. and crossing our bow. Put our helm hard a
starboard to prevent collision, and challenged again, which was
answered by a steady red light, the vessels now steering directly for
us. Challenged a third time with the Coston signal for the night; not
being answered, opened fire on her from 24 pounder howitzer aft. She
immediately replied by a shot which passed over and near our walking
beam. The vessel at this time not over 500 yards from us; could see
the outline of her hull and the white water from her propeller. Fired
another shot from the 24 pounder, which was returned, the shot again
passing over us.

The vessel coming up with (going, I should judge, from 6 to 7 knots),
put on more steam to get out of range, and tired a blue light; which she
tired at while burning, but without doing any damage. After burning

24 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the blue light we suddenly lost sight of her until daylight this morn-
ing, when we discovered her lying near inshore in a W. 8. W. direction
from the buoy. At the same time sighted the Howquah a short dis-
tance to the southward of us. As soon as she could distinguish us, the
vessel started out and fired four shots at the Howquah, one going
through her smokestack near the top. Howquah replied, but think
her shot fell short. Strange vessel then altered her course, steering
for this vessel, and fired one shot, which burst before reaching.
Beturued fire with 24-pounder, but out of range. The Mount Vernon
and Kansas coming up, fired and received several shot, without injury
on either side. At 7:15 a. m. she turned and steamed in toward the
bar, and at 8:30 passed inside accompanied by two small tugboats,
which had lain outside during the morning.

The II. S. steamers Tuscarora and Britannia arrived from the east-
ward, and the Niphon and FahTcee from the northward, just after she
started in.

The appearance of the vessel is like a large vessel cut down to the
water line, and a house built on and plated. The sides of the house
are arched, and having three ports on a side and one in each end. She
has one smokestack and a small flag post aft. Goes, I think, G to 7
knots, and turns very quickly. The guns fired at us during the night
were not heavier than 30-pounders, but this morning she used much
heavier ones; some think 10 inches.

She flies the rebel flag, and is to all appearances a very formidable
craft. I learned this morning that the Britannia was chased oft' by
her at 8 : 30 last night, and escaped with some difficulty, fortunately
without being hit, though several shot came very near her. I was not
able to learn the extent of the damage to the Howquah, but think it
trifling.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. PORTER,
Acting ^Ensign, Commanding Nansemond.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Senior Officer, off Wilmington, Western Bar.

Extract from the Report of the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States, November 5,

1864.

On the 7th of May last, Flag-Officer William F. Lynch, in command
of the ironclad Raleigh, crossed the Wilmington Bar and attacked the
enemy's fleet, driving his vessels to sea. In returning to port, his ship
got ashore and was fatally injured, her guns, equipments, iron, etc.,
being saved. A court of enquiry was ordered upon the disaster, whose
report is annexed.

Report of the court of enquiry in the case of the loss of the C. S. S. Raleigh in Cape

Fear River.

AT WILMINGTON, N. C., June 6, 1864.

The court having enquired into all the facts connected with the loss
of the G. S. S. Raleigh in the waters of North Carolina, have the honor
to report the same, together with our opinion upon the points in which
it is required by the precept.

In the opinion of the court, the loss of the Raleigh can not be attrib-
uted to negligence or inattention on the part of anyone on board of
her, and every eftbrt was made to save said vessel. AVe further liiid

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 25

that tbe Raleigh could have remained outside the bar of Cape Fear
River for a few hours with apparent [safety], but, in the opinioii of the
court, it would have been improper; and, in view of all the circum-
stances, "her commanding officer was justified in attempting to go
back into the harbor when he did."

It is further the opinion of the court that the draft of water of the
Raleigh was too great, even lightened as she had been on this occasion,
to render her passage of the bar, except under favorable circumstances,
a safe operation, particularly as her strength seems to have been insuffi-
cient to enable her to sustain the weight of armor long enough to per-
mit every practicable means of lightening her to be exhausted.

GEORGE N. HOLLINS,

Captain and President.

J. W. B. GREENHOW,

Surgeon and Judge- Advocate.

Report of Acting Master Eldridge, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8.
Delaware, regarding contrabands received on that vessel.

U. S. S. DELAWARE,
James River, Virginia, May 7, 1864.

SIR : I beg leave to report that on the night of the 6th instant a small
boat was discovered approaching this vessel. After hailing her I found
she contained contrabands, and permitted her to come alongside.

They wished to be taken on board, and as the steamer was at that
time aground I did not dare to send them away, fearing they might
communicate with the enemy on shore.

There are 2 men, 1 woman, and 2 small children. One of the men
seems to be intelligent, and has but recently come from Richmond, and
may be able to give valuable information.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. ELDRIDGE,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy,
regarding the raising of articles from icrecks in Albemarle Sound.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 7, 1864.

SIR : The Department has received a letter from Mr. George W. Lane,
dated Fortress Monroe, April 30, 1804, in which he offers to attempt to
raise the guns, shells, ammunition, and such other articles as he can
raise from the wrecks belonging to the Government in Albemarle Sound
and vicinity for 50 per cent, of the value of the property, to be appraised
by you. There is no objection to your having the property raised on
the above-mentioned terms, and you are authorized to make arrange-
ments with reference thereto.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

26 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Capture of U. 8. S. Shaw sheen in James River May 7, 1864.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP,

Curies Neck, May 7, via Fort Monroe, 12 m., May <v, 1864.

Yesterday about 12 in. a large torpedo which dragging had failed to
discover was exploded under the Commodore Jones near Four Mile Creek
and utterly destroyed the vessel, and about half her crew were killed
and wounded. One of the torpedo men was killed and the other two
captured. Three coal vessels having afterwards come up, dropped
down last evening under the bluff to Curies Neck, where we are now
coaling the monitors.

Contrabands from Richmond this a. ra. report that Lee was danger-
ously wounded yesterday and that our army fell back a whort distance.

This morning the tug gunboat Shawsheen, while looking fora torpedo
near Turkey Bend, of which a contraband had given information, was
destroyed by a rebel battery and most of the officers and men captured.
1 hurried to her assistance, on hearing the tiring, with the Commodore
Morris, and shelled the enemy, who soon retreated.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear Admiral.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Paymaster's Steward Smith, TJ. 8. Navy, forwarding list of prisoners captured.

LIBBY PRISON,
Richmond, Va., May 8, 1864.

SIR : The following is a list of prisoners taken on board U. S. S.
Shaw sheen on James River:

Charles Hickey, acting third assistant engineer; H. C. Marrow, act-
ing third assistant engineer; William Rush more, acting master's mate;
\\ illiam Cromack, acting master's mate; E. D. Smith, paymaster's stew-
ard; William Boucher, gunner's mate; W. C. Farley, otlicer's steward;
L. Larkin, ship's cook; Joseph P. Crowell, quartermaster; George
Whitteborn, quartermaster; James C. Pinkham, seaman; Richardson
Brown, seaman; Maurice Kennedy, ordinary seaman; Thomas Colbert,
ordinary seaman; Edward Fitzpatrick, landsman; Patrick Fitzgerald,
landsman; John Jack.»ou, seaman; William Hatchard, landsman;
James Walsh, coal heaver; Edward O'Donnell, second class fireman;
D. Murtland, landsman; George Graenger, landsman; Charles Woods,
ordinary seaman; William Peele, first-class boy; John Green, first-
class boy; Charles Thomas, first class boy; also Jeremiah Evans, pilot,
who was slightly wounded in the leg and sent to the hospital in an
ambulance.

By having the above named published you will greatly oblige us.
The captain, Charles Ringot, acting ensign, was wounded in the water
and drowned. John Harrington killed on board; also Michael Murphy,
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. SMITH,
Paymaster's Steward.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 27

Report of Commander Parrott, U. 8. Navy, regarding the recovery of the body of Acting Ensign
Ringot, U. 8. Navy, late commanding.

U. S. S. CANONICUS,
Turkey Bend, James River, May 11, 1864.

SIR: To day the body of Acting Ensign Charles Ringot, who was in
temporary command of the Shaicsheen when she was destroyed by the
rebels, was found floating near us, and interred in the family burial
ground of Mr. Watkins, at Watkins' Landing. al>out a mile above.

Acting Master H. A. Phelou, of this vessel, who was his late com-
mander on board the Shaicsheen, took charge, at his own request, of the
funeral and read the services.

Acting Assistant Paymaster William J. Healey, another friend of
the deceased officer, wa.8 also present.

Owing to the lateness of the hour and the necessity of remaining at
our posts, the attendance from the vessel was small, but the army offi-
cers at Watkins' Lauding with great kindness assisted on the occasion
and their men fired a volley over the grave.

Mr. Phelon has in his possession the ring and other mementoes of
the deceased.

It will be a consolation to his family to learn that friends attended
his body to the grave, and I know that it will hereafter be their pride
to remember that he fell faithfully serving his country.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. G. PARROTT,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear-Amiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the recovery of the bodies of Acting
Ensign Ringot and Seaman White, U. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, May 10 [11], 1864.

SIR: To-day the body of Acting Ensign Charles Riugot, late tem-
porarily in command of the Shaicsheen. was found in the river near Tur-
key Bend, and was buried by direction of Commander Parrott,
commanding Canonicus, near Flaskins1 [Watkins'] farm, in Curies Neck.
The body of William White, late seaman of the Commodore Jones, of
Lowell, Mass., recently transferred from Company F, Seventh Con-
necticut Regiment of the U. S. Volunteers, was also found in the river
and buried under directions of Acting Master [J. H.] Eldridge, com-
manding the U. S. S. Delaware.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Second Assistant Engineer Anderson, U. S. Navy, transmitting list of

officers and crew.

TJ. S. NAVAL HOSPITAL,

Portsmouth, Fa., May 18, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders of
the 7th instant the U. S. S. Shaicsheen proceeded to Turkey Bend in

28 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

search of torpedoes. We dropped anchor at about thirty minutes after
1L o'clock and, the tide being ebb, swung across the river. While in
this position, and the men were at dinner preparatory to going on shore,
a battery of light artillery suddenly made its appearance on the north
bank and opened on us with shot and shell from 12-pounder guns, as
near as I could judge, accompanied by a sharp fire from riflemen. We
instantly beat to quarters and tried to get up the anchor, but owing to
the murderous fire of the enemy could not keep men at the chain.
Seeing the impossibility of saving the anchor, 1 threw off' the chain
from the bitt and, the bell ringing to back, stepped into the engine room
to a: tend to it. While backing her some person threw the chain around
the bitt again, and, swinging around, we backed ashore on the south
bank. The second shell fired pierced the steam pipe in the engine
room, and by the powder of the exploding shell and the escaping
steam the left side of my face, neck, and head were severely scalded.
I then went aft to assist in getting the after gun to bear on the enemy.
As I reached the quarter-deck Acting Ensign Charles Ringot, com-
manding, and 7 men jumped overboard, Mr. Ringot having been scalded
at the same time with myself. As he struck the water I heard him say,
'kFor God's sake send a boat." I then jumped overboard, and when
halfway. to the shore saw the flag of the Shawsheen hauled down and a
white one hoisted in its place. After reaching shore I proceeded up
the river about 1 mile and was taken off' on board the Commodore
Morris, in one of her boats; arrived there I saw the Shaicsheen in
flames and shortly after her magazine blew up. During the whole
time, from the firing of the first shot, the enemy kept up a constant
and murderous fire of shell, grape, canister, and rifle balls at short
range, completely riddling our boat and rendering any effort — fast
aground as we were — to save her entirely useless. The body of Acting
Ensign Riugot was picked up in the river some days after. He had
been killed in the water by a rifle ball, which entered the right eye.

Enclosed please find list of officers and crew of the Shaicslieen, as
obtained from the storeship Brandywine at Gosport navy yard. All
the officers and crew, except myself, Mr. Riugot in command, and 7 men,
are in the hands of the enemy as prisoners; doubtless many of them
killed or wounded. Those known to have escaped are so marked on
the list.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHARD ANDERSON,
Acting Second Assistant Engineer, in Charge.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]
List of the officers and crew of the U. S. S. Shawsheen.

Officers. — Charles Ringot, acting ensign, commanding, killed; Rich-
ard Anderson, acting second assistant engineer, in charge, escaped;
Charles Hickey, acting third assistant engineer; Henry Clay Marrow,
acting third assistant engineer; William Rushmore, acting master's
mate; one acting master's mate, name unknown.

Crew. — Edward D. Smith, paymaster's steward; George Whitteborn,
quartermaster; Thomas S. McLean, first-class fireman, escaped; William
W. Squires, first-class fireman, escaped; Edward O'Donnell, second-
class fireman; Joseph P. Crowell, quartermaster; William Boucher,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 29

gunner's mate; William C. Farley, officer's steward; Mark Whitehouse,
seaman, escaped; Alex. Williams, ordinary seaman; Theodore Rey-
nolds, first class boy, escaped; William G. Peele, first-class boy; Charles
Thomas, first-class boy ; George Graenger, landsman ; John O. Green,
first-class boy ; Richardson Brown, seaman ; Levitt Larkins, ship's cook ;
Charles Woods, ordinary seaman; Thomas Colbert, ordinary seaman;
Maurice Kennedy, ordinary seaman; Michael Meehan, landsman,
escaped; Patrick Fitzgerald, landsman; Edward Fitzpatrick, lands-
man; Michael Murphy, landsman, escaped; James Walsh, coal heaver;
William Hatchard, landsman; Daniel Murtlaud, landsman; Eugene
Bauer, officer's cook, escaped; James C. Pinkham, seaman; John Jack-
son, seaman; John Harrington, seaman.

Report of Acting Master's Mate Rushmore, U. 8. Navy.

YORK, November 19, 1864.

SIR : The commanding officer of the U. S. S. Shaicsheen having been
killed, it devolves upon me to report the loss of that vessel.

On the 7th day of May, 1864, the Shawsheen, under command of
Acting Ensign Charles Ringot, left the flagship Malvern at 10:3U a. in.,
2 miles above Chaffin's Bluff, on the James River, under orders from
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee to proceed to Chaffin's farm to search
for and destroy torpedoes supposed to be in that locality. At 11:20
a. m, anchored off the farm in 6 feet of water, we drawing 5 feet 6
inches; sent all hands to dinner preparatory to going on shore to
search for torpedoes. At 11 :40 a. m. a field battery of four Napoleon
guns and two 24-pounder howitzers, with four companies of infantry,
suddenly opened fire on us from the woods on the cliff. All hands
were called to quarters and the guns trained on the enemy, but they
drove us from them. We succeeded in unshackling the chain 20
fathoms, when the captain jumped overboard and swam for the south
bank. I then backed the vessel until nearly out of range of the
enemy's guns, when a 24-pounder shot penetrated the steam drum and
another one struck the walking beam; most of the crew then jumped
overboard to escape the scalding steam. The captain was now seen
swimming toward the vessel, wounded in the head. He hailed and
ordered me to haul down the ensign and to hoist a white flag on the
walking beam, the flagstaff having been shot away. I sent a boat for
him, but he sank before it could arrive.

The enemy fired seven shots through the white flag before they
ceased. The vessel was now aground, completely riddled with shot.
Eight or ten of the crew jumped overboard and attempted to escape by
swimming to the south bank; many were killed in the water; the
remaining, including 4 officers and 21 men, were made prisoners.

The rebels now came on board and set fire to the vessel. The officers
and crew made every exertion possible to save the vessel, but the
elose and heavy firing and the shallowness of the water rendered all
our attempts fruitless.

I remain, very respectfully,

WILLIAM RUSHMORE,
Acting Master's Mate, U. S. Navy.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington.

30 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Abstract log of the TJ. S. 8. Commodore Morris.

May /, 1864. — The New York passed up the river with rebel prisoners.
At 11:30 a. ra. heavy firing heard from the left bank of the river. At
10 captain returned with a rebel prisoner. At 12:10 p. m. Admiral Lee,
Captain Barnes, and signal officer came on board, started down the
river in the direction of the firing. At 12:20 U. S. S. Shaicsheen dis-
covered on fire and a rebel battery on shore. Beat to quarters and
opened on the battery with 100 pounder Parrott. Fired 10 shell, also
fired 2 shell from the forward 30 pounder Parrott. Sent a boat in and
picked up 0 men who escaped from the Shatrsheen. Steamer attacked
while at anchor; first shot went through her steam pipe. The tire was
so severe that they were not able to return it. Mostof the men jumped
overboard under tire of the enemy's sharpshooters. Captain was cap-
tured. Enemy went off in a boat and set tire to her. At 1 p. in. started
back to station; met the monitor on the way down. They were all
ordered back to station. The Morris collided with the monitor Tecum-
seh; machinery slightly injured; anchored to repair damages. At 1:15
Shawsheen exploded. At 2:15, engine reported repaired, weighed
anchor and went up the river.

Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, C. S. Army.

CAMP 25TH BATTALION VA. VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,

Chaffing Farm, May 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the expedition organized by the
commanding general, composed of a detachment of artillery under
Major Stark, and a detachment of four companies from my command,
in support of the same, proceeded on the errand assigned it Friday
evening, and that the whole have returned to camp, having as far as
possible accomplished the object of the expedition.

About 12 m. to-day the command encountered the gunboat Shaw-
sheen, off Turkey Island, she having either incautiously or defiantly
approached the position taken by the command, dropping anchor at a
point within easy range for effective execution by the artillery and
cooperating infantry, which opened upon her with such telling effect as
to drive the gunners from their pieces and prevented resistance after
the first discharge of the same. Very speedily the vessel was com-
pletely disabled by the excellent fire of Major Stark's artillery, and
though reluctantly, she nevertheless hauled down her colors and dis
played the white flag in token of surrender. A boat was dispatched to
enforce the delivery of the prisoners on board, the enemy's boats being
made available to bring them off. The officer was also instructed to
tire the vessel, which was effectively done, the tire quickly reaching
the magazine, exploding it, consigning all to the wind and waves. The
immediate approach of two ironclads, against which we were not pre
pared to contend, prevented the removal of anything from the vessel
save the prisoners.

During the engagement many jumped overboard and attempted to
escape to the opposite side of the river, the larger portion of whom
were killed by the infantry tiring among them, it is thought Ensign
Kin got, commanding, being of the number. Not more than tive made
their escape. The number of prisoners taken is 27, one of them being
slightly wounded and now in brigade hospital. The crew is reported to
have numbered between 40 and 50. She carried three guns — one 30 and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 31

one 20-pounder Parrott and one 12-pounder howitzer (Dahlgren). It
may be counted a matter of satisfaction that the vessel was so sum-
marily and effectually destroyed, since we had information deemed sat
isfactcry that it was a party from this vessel who had an hour before
fired the barn and corn houses of Mr. Kobert Taylor, adjoining.

It affords satisfaction to report that in this affair the troops engaged
under my command were fully equal to the requirements of the occa-
sion, and 1 desire especially to commend the excellent performance of
the artillery under Major A. W. Stark, who did everything which the
occasion demanded of them with energy an I promptness. There is
occasion also for thankfulness that in this affair we sustained no loss
whatever.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. M. ELLIOTT,
Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding.
Captain C. F. LINTHICUM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Commander Davenport, U. 8. Navy,
regarding the U. S. 8. Commodore Barney.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Off Roanolce River, May 7, 1864.

SIR : You will send the steamer Barney to this place without the least
delay after the receipt of this order. Commander Kenshaw will take
pa>sage in her.

The Sassacm is totally disabled; the Whitehead can not be trusted
on picket duty even, without a vessel to accompany her, and the Miami
is by no means sufficient.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,

Captain.
Commander H. K. DAVENPORT,

Senior Officer at Neic Berne.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the condition and dis-
position of vessels in the sounds.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,

Albemarle Sound, May 7, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully inform yon, in reply to your letter of the
2Sth ultimo, which reiterates your order of the '_'5th ultimo to "send
the Barney to Beaufort if she can possibly be spared," would, in view
of the precarious state of affairs here, be exceedingly injudicious, and,
in consequence of the disabled condition of the Sassacus, reported to
me last evening, I have ordered the Commodore Barney to proceed to
this place without delay, as I must have three vessels with heavy guns
to meet the ram, should he make his appearance again.

There is a large nominal naval force under my command, but very
few efficient vessels.

The Hetzel and Lockicood are reported to me as worthless ; the Lou-
isiana and Tacony are repairing boilers; the Whitehead may at any

32 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

moment lose her rudder and can not be trusted for any duty unless
accompanied by another vessel ; the Mattabesett is obliged to work by
hand after reversing engine; the Wyalusing can use but one of her
rudders, and the Miami requires very extensive repairs on boiler,
engine, and engine frames.

The Hetzel, Tacony, Lockwood, and Valley City are at New Berne for
the protection of that place, the commanding general having written
me as follows:

We are now being harassed some here by the enemy, and I think they have cut off
our communication with Morehead City. However, I still think it is merely a raid
011 the, railroad, and even if we are cut off for a few days we can hold our own.

I am of opinion that the Southfield will be raised and accompany
the Albemarle, if another expedition is fitted out at Plymouth, and 1
have to assist me in repelling an attack from these vessels the Matta-
besett, Wyalusing, Miami, Ceres, Whitehead, and the Barney, which I
trust is on her way here, and which I trust will not be considered too
large a force for an iron vessel and a very formidable wooden one, and
if there did not appear to be a great scarcity of vessels, I should feel
it my duty to ask for two vessels capable of ramming in addition to my
force. If they were heavy and without guns I would be satisfied.

In reply to the paragraph contained in your letter of the liOth in rela-
tion to the withdrawal of the Mattabesett and Wyalusing, I would state
most emphatically that they could not be withdrawn from the sound
under existing circumstances.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

r Endorsement. ]

Captain Smith was, in compliance with a suggestion to me by the
Assistant Secretary of the Navy when at Fortress Monroe, consulted
as to whether or not one or two of the four additional double enders,
which had lately been sent to the sounds, could be withdrawn for the
James River Expedition. The events which occurred in the sounds
subsequent to this, and preceding his reply, abundantly justified the
opinion he has here given.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, regarding the forwarding
of dispatches and torpedoes.

U. S. S. HETZEL,
Off New Berne, N. C., May 7, 186-1.

SIR: I send the Lockwood to you with torpedoes and dispatches. I
have heard unofficially of your tight with the ram. The Barney will
have informed you of the state of affairs here.
Please send the Lockwood back at once.
Very respectfully,

H. K. DAVENPORT,

Commander, U. S. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 33

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Shel-
don, U. 8. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Shokokon, 1o cooperate icith the
army in the Appomattox River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

James River, May 8, 1864.

SIR: The army will make a movement up both sides of the Appo
mattox at daylight to-morrow. I wish the Shokokon and Putnam to
cooperate as far up and as effectively as practicable.

General Graham, with his army gunboats, will accompany you with a
signal officer on board, from whom you can learn the movements of the
army.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Master W. B. SHELDON,

U. S. S. ShoJcokon.

[ Telegram. 1

JAMES RIVER,

9 a. m., May 8, via Fortress Monroe, May 9, 1864.
I have just seen General Butler, who informed me that there was no
military necessity for the naval vessels to go up to North Reach, as the
height of the land there was such that they could render him no
assistance, and that the occupation by the navy of Curies Neck Reach
will afford the army all the protection that it requires, from which my
communications can easily be kept open.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral, Flagship Malvern.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Acting Master Sheldon, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of
affairs in the Appomattox River.

TJ. S. S. SHOKOKON,
At Point of Rocks, Appomattox River, Virginia, May 8, 1864.

SIR : I would respectfully inform you of the state of affairs at this
point. Everything is now quiet. I communicated with General Smith
yesterday morning; he wishes me to lay at this point to protect his
lines of pickets on the south bank of the river. There was a rumor of
an artillery force of rebels coming down to fire on the transports pass-
ing up from City Point here, but I can't learn anything more. I have
sent scouts ashore They only met a tew scattered cavalry. I think I
can easily hold this point with the assistance of the General Putnam
against any force that the enemy will bring down. I have nothing fur-
ther to add. If there should be any force come down to attack us, I
will immediately inform you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. SHELDON,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
N W R — VOL 10 3

34 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Dove, U. 8. Navy, transmitting information regard-
ing the withdrawal of the enemy from before New Berne.

U. S. NAVAL STATION,

Beaufort, N. C., May 8, 1*64.

SIR: The news? brought up by the Fahkee was communicated to
Colonel [James] Jourdan, commanding this district, and to Colonel
[Jones] Frankle, commanding Fort Macon, and lias put us on the lookout
seaward.

As an offset to it I have the pleasure of enclosing Colonel Jourdan's
note, by which you will see that the enemy have retired irom before New
Berne, and that communication will be opened with it to morrow.

We have been keeping a good lookout here, picketing the approaches
with boats every night in Core and Bogue Sounds and toward Newport
lliver, carrying out your instructions of May 2.

The vessels now in port are the Olaucus, Monticello, Vicksburg, Mara-
tanza, and Emma.

Necessary repairs detain the Olaucus, Monticello, and Emma, but the
Maratanza and Vicksburg will leave to-day or to-morrow.

[B. M. DOVE,
Commander, U. 8. Navy.\

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

( Enclosure.]

SUB DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, May 8, 1864.

COMMANDER: Your dispatch this moment came to hand. I regret
to learn that the enemy has succeeded in completing two such formi-
dable vessels. I am very thankful to you for your kindness in so
promptly sending me the information and your offer to send dispatches
by one of your vessels, which is rendered unnecessary from the fact that
I am pleased to inform you that the enemy has retired from before New
Berne. Communication is opened with that place and men at work
repairing the little damage done to railroad and telegraph. I think a
train \\ill be down to-morrow.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. JOURDAN,
Colonel, Commanding.
Commander DOVE, IT. S. Navy,

Commanding.

Report of Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, regarding movements of
vessels off New Berne, N. C.

U. S. S. HETZEL,
Off New Berne, N. C., May 8, 1864.

SIR: I am in receipt of your letter of the 7th instant. The Barney
was sent immediately on receipt of your order of the 4th instant.

In company with Captain French came Acting Volunteer Lieutenant
Henry Eaton with orders from the Department to assume command of
the Louisiana. I have therefore ordered French to return and report
to you for further orders.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 35

The Valley City arrived from Pamlico River this morning with 30
refugees. Acting Master Brooks reports the enemy burning the prop-
erty of all citizens who have traded within the Union lines.

I shall send her back immediately. I think it advisable to keep the
Louisiana here until the Lockwood returns.

From reliable information the enemy expected the Roanoke Kiver
ram here when they made their attack the other day. All is quiet at
present.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,

Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Order of Lieutenant- Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master's
Mate O'Hara to take command of prize steamer Bombshell.

U. S. S. SASSACUS,

Albemarle Sound, Bluff Point, May 8, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby detached to take command of the prize steamer
Bombshell, of four guns, and prize crew of 10 men is furnished you from
this vessel, together with coal heavers, and one very capable fireman
who can take care of your machinery. Organize your men into watches
and station them at quarters for action, and be ready at all times to
receive an attack or to make one. You have plenty of ammunition,
coal, and provisions on board.

You will accompany the Sassacus as soon as she gets underway, ready
to take a bow line to assist in towing her head around, for the Sasxacus
can not be steered on ace mut of injuries received in the engagement of
the 5th. Keep along in company so that you may always be within
hailing distance, to render us any assistance in your power.

Proceed at once to make out for me a careful inventory of all pro-
visions, ammunition, arms, and other property found on board and now
there.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

F. A. R«-E,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Master's Mate H. W. O'HABA,

Commanding Steamer Bombshell.

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Canonicus.

May 9, 1864. — A 7 a. ra. dropped anchor at Turkey Bend. At 10 dis-
covered rebel pickets prowling about a house on shore abreast of us.
At 1 : 15 p. m. put the battle hatches on. Called all hands to general
quarters. The gunboat Commodore Perry, Captain Foster, reported
earthworks being thrown up on shore abreast of him. We immediately
commenced shelling them out. Fired 5 XV inch shell. Loaded 2
shrapnel and grape. At 5 the admiral went down the river and was
fired upon by guerrillas.

May 10. — At 10 a. ra. heard firing up the river. At 11 saw the Mal-
veni and Hunchback shelling the woods. At 6 : 30 the Commodore Perry,

36 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Hunchback, and ShokoJcon shelling the woods as they came down the
river.

May 13. — At 5 p. m. the Commodore Perry shelled the woods while
she sent a boat on shore for torpedoes. At C : 30 the commander of the
Commodore Perry came alongside with 7 torpedoes, which were found
on shore. They consisted of 7 cans from 60 to 75 pounds each of pow-
der. They were destroyed by order of Captain Parrott.

May 14. — At 2 p.m. discovered cavalry on shore, Grant's army, Gen-
eral Sheridan.

May 15. — At 9 : 30 a. m. sent a boat in charge of Acting Master D. S.
Murphy up to Turkey Creek to reconnoiter for boats and torpedoes.
At 10 the boat was seen coming out of the creek with a canal boat in
tow. Orders were given to destroy her, which was done by setting lire
to her, meantime Acting Master Murphy proceeded back up the creek
in further search of boats. At 1 p. in. sent the dingey under the com-
mand of Acting Ensign Harris in search of contraband articles. At
1 : 15 dingey returned. Sent dingey on shore again for same purpose
under command of Lieutenant McCook. At 1:30 p. in. second cutter
returned, having in tow a number of boats, flat bottoms, which were
destroyed. At 2 p. m. Lieutenant McCook returned with the dingey,
bringing on board a lot of cotton and a barrel of shad fish.

May 22. — At 4:30 p. m. the admiral's tug came alongside with orders
to get underway and proceed up the river and take up position between
the Tecumseh and Saugus. We anchored in 3 fathoms water. At 8
p. m. the Tecumseh commenced firing; finished at 10, when we com-
menced with our left gun, firing every half hour up to 1 o'clock in the
morning.

May 23. — At 1:30 a. in. ceased firing. At 2:10 the Saugus com-
menced firing. 10:30 p. m. commenced tiring every half hour.

May 24. — Fired 2 XV-inch loaded shell up to 1 o'clock a. m.; the
Tecumseh then commenced firing. At 2 a. m. heard heavy musketry
firing on shore.

May 27. — At 9 : 30 a. m. commenced firing at rebel batteries on Mount
Sympathy; fired 1 10-secoud shell. From 12 to 4 p. m. fired every
half hour during the watch. At 3 p. in. the pilot of the Saugus came
with orders from the admiral to cease firing while he sounded out the
channel. At 3:30 p. m. orders came from the admiral to continue
firing; fired 4 shell and shrapnel. From 4 to 6 p. m. commenced
firing; continued to do so every half hour, using 3 10-second shell and
1 shrapnel during the watch.

May 28. — At 4:20 a. m. the picket boats returned. Fired every
half hour at a rebel fort building on Mount Sympathy. At 10 ceased
tiring; fired 3 10-second shell during the watch. From 4 to 6 p. m.
sent the first cutter to assist in laying a hawser across the river.

Report of Commander Parker, U. 8. Navy, requesting an additional iron
clad for the blockade off Wilmington.

U. S. STEAM SLOOP TUSCARORA,

Off Wilmington, N. C., May 9, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully suggest that an ironclad should be added
to the force of the blockading squadron off this port, as 1 doubt the
ability of any wooden vessel on this station to contend successfully
with the rebel ram which appeared in the midst of this squadron on

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 37

the morning of the 7th instant. My report of the affair was sent on by
a previous mail, and I enclose herewith the report* of Lieutenant-
Commander Watmough, of the Kansas.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. A. PARKER.

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, transmitting correspondence regarding the construction
of the Confederate ram Albemarle.

DEPARTMENT, May 9, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the resolution
of the House of Eepresentatives, passed on the 2d instant, directing
the Secretary of the Navy to furnish the House u with all the informa-
tion in his possession concerning the construction of the rebel ram
which participated in the recent rebel attack on the United States
forces and vessels at and near Plymouth, also to inform the House why
the construction of said ram was not prevented; whether any steps
were taken to prevent the same, or to guard against the action of said
ram; also what action was taken in relation to the subjects of this
enquiry, and why the same was not effective."

In conformity with the requirements contained in the foregoing reso-
lution, I transmit herewith copies of correspondence on the files of this
Department relative to the construction of the rebel ram referred to
and other matters connected therewith. I also subjoin a schedule of
ironclad gunboats of light draft in the process of construction, which,
iu anticipation of the state of things which now exist, were designed
for service in the sounds and rivers of North Carolina and the shallow
interior waters elsewhere on the coast. These boats were contracted
for as soon as it was possible to do so after the necessary appropri-
ations for their construction were made by Congress, and it will be seen
by the «lata given that most of them were to have been completed last
year, some of them as early as September. Not one has yet been
delivered, and it will be some weeks before one can be made available
for service.

I felt it my duty on repeated occasions to call the attention of Con-
gress to the necessities for a yard and establishment where iron and
armored vessels could be constructed for the Government, but the pre-
liminary steps for such an establishment have not yet been taken. In
the meantime the Department and the Government are wholly depend-
ent on contractors, who, if they have the will, do not possess the
ability to furnish these vessels promptly. Conflicting local controver-
sies in regard to the place which shall be selected and benefited by the
proposed in.portant national establishment for an iron navy, such as
the present and future necessities of the Government require, have
contributed to delay action on this important subject. Having in view
economy as well as the public necessities, I have at no time recom-
mended that the number of our navy yards should be increased on the
Atlantic coast, but it is my deliberate opinion that no time should be

* See p. 18.

38 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

wasted in establishing at a proper place a suitable yard where iron
ships can be made and repaired. We feel its necessity in the emer-
gency which has called forth the present enquiry, and not a single con-
tractor is able to meet his engagements even for one of this class of
small vessels. In the event of a foreign war with one or more of the
principal maritime powers, our condition would be most unfortunate
with no Government establishment for the construction or repair of
armored vessels, such as modern science and skill are introducing.

The omission to make provision for such an establishment on which
the Government can always rely is to be regretted. Had we such an
establishment at this time I should not have been compelled to make
this exhibit of a want of light-draft armored boats for such an exigency
as that which now exists in the waters of North Carolina, nor is it
probable that the exigency would have occurred.

Such incidental aid as the Navy could render the Army was cheer-
fully and earnestly given at Plymouth, as it ever has been given always
and at all times when its aid and cooperation could be useful. It has
been less effective than it would have been even with such boats as we
have in consequence of the unfortunate legislation of the last Con-
gress, which, in its enrollment law, ignored the Navy, subjected sea-
men to military draft, tendered large bounties to such as became
soldiers, but allowed no bounty to those who entered the naval service,
and would not even permit naval recruits to be credited on the quotas
required to be drafted.

The remedial legislation of the present Congress has thus far effected
comparatively few transfers. Some suggestions, which I had the honor
to submit to the Senate in March last in answer to an enquiry, <; What
further legislation is necessary to supply any deficiencies of men for
the naval service," have not, that I am aware, been reported upon, and
many of our vessels, some of which would have been ordered to the
sounds of North Carolina, are still without crews.

The correspondence of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee and the naval
officers is evidence that there has been no neglect or inattention on
their part at Plymouth or elsewhere in that quarter.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Hon. SCHUYLER GOLF AX,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Off Newport News, Va., April 17, 1863.

GENERAL: Permit me to renew my previous suggestions in favor of
abandoning the occupation of so many points in the sounds and the
razing of the enemy's abandoned defenses. Our present policy of
occupying detached posts struck me last fall, and more so now than
then, as being expensive, insecure, and subjecting us to attack in
detail; whereas, if we occupied one good position, the concentration of
our land and naval forces would better enable us to act our part of
prosecuting the war. Naval movements necessarily follow army policy
in this matter, as we can not withdraw our assistance whilst you need
it in th<* occupation of a place. Matters are taking the same critical
turn here as in the sounds. The enemy are tryi g to cut off our posi-
tions in detail, and to reoccupy their abandoned works. Our policy of
scattered occupation is certainly bad and can not too soon be aban-
doned. I have assigned to Lieutenant "Commander Flusser the charge

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 39

of naval operations at Washington, and have directed Commander
Davenport to send him the Miami.

I hope you will soon get back your troops and transportation from
South Carolina.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. It ear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Army,

Commanding Department of North Carolina, Washington, N. C.

P. S. — April 18 j p. m. — I am glad to learn from Commander Town-
send that your troops have returned. Your success may now be antici-
pated and will g.ve immense satisfaction.

S. P. L.

[For other enclosures, see —

Report June 15, 1863, Lee to Welles.

Report June S, 1863, Flusser to Lee.

Report August 8, 1863, Lee to Welles.

Report September 10, 1863, Lee to Welles.

Order July 22, 1863, Lee to Flusser.

Report August 21, 186 i, Flusser to Lee.

Letter September 17, 1863, Welles to Stauton.

Letter September 19, 1863, Stanton to Welles.

Letter November 13, 1863, Peck to Lee.

Report November 24, 1863, Lee to Welles.

Report March 4, 1864, Lee to Welles.

Report, April 24, 1864, Lee to Welles.

Tabulated statement of light draft monitors under construction —
Report of Secretary of the Navy, 1864, p. 117.]

Order of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Spicer,
U. 8. Navy, regarding Jive prisoners from the schooner Indian.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, May 9, 1864.

SIR : The Department having directed that British blockade violators
be detained, as well as citizens of the United States, you will send to
the commandant of the New York navy yard the five prisoners from
the schooner Indian, brought up by the Cambridge, with this letter, on
which endorse the names and citizenship of each, of wuich send me a
copy and report your action in the premises.

Respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander SPICER,

Commanding U. S. S. Cambridge.

Unofficial letter from Lieutenant Gushing, U. S. Navy, to Acting Rear-
Admiral Lee, U. S. Nary, proposing to engage the enemy's vessels, and
giving results of offshore cruising by the U. *S'. S. Monticello.

U. S. S. MONTICELLO,

Beaufort, N. C., May 9, 1864.

SIR : I write unofficially to you to say that, having just learned the
particulars of the moitifying affair off Wilmington, 1 deem it my duty

40 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

to leave for the point of danger at once. I feel very badly over the
affair, sir, and would have given my life freely to have had the power
of showing my high regard for you and the honor of the service by
engaging the enemy's vessels. If they are there when I arrive, I shall
use the Monticello as a rain, and will go over her or to the bottom. If
they are inside, I shall send in a written petition to carry the ram by
boarding in the harbor. I enclose a copy of application and plan of
operations.* I trust that the success of this insulting bravado of tlie
enemy will not lead you to distrust us all; I am confident that Captain
Braine and myself can sink the ironclad.

My offshore cruising thus far has resulted in one chase, in company
with the Connecticut, on the 12th of April. Just before black smoke
was sighted my main valve stem got bent and it was eighty minutes
after we saw it before my cut-off could be detached, giving the English-
man a chance to get to windward of me. I then chased for over 100
miles, but, with full stroke, could only keep up enough steam to go 11
knots. The vessel cliased escaped from the Connecticut.

On the 22d of April I picked up the English schooner James Douglass
outside the Gulf Stream, dismasted, and with no one on board. She
had 0 feet of water in the hold, and a cargo of cocoanuts and bananas,
which 1 hove overboard. Finding that she was a fine schooner of about
150 tons, and that she was sound and without a leak, I towed her in
and will forward her, making a claim for at least 80 per cent, salvage.

I think that the blockade runners have given up the direct route and
go more to the southward.

There is no doubt but that my vessel can overtake the majority of
those vessels, and I trust that you will not cancel my permission to
cruise outside after this ram business is settled.
I am, sir, very respectfully,

W. B. GUSHING.

Admiral S. P. LEE,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

[Letter of same date and like tenor to Gaptain Sands, U. S. Navy,
senior officer off Wilmington, N. G.J

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report of
Commander Almy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Connecticut, re-
garding the capture of the blockade running steamer Minnie.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, May 10, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed the report of Commander J. J. Almy, dated
9th instant, of the capture of the blockade running steamer Minnie on
that date. •

I would call the attention of the Department to the opinion expressed
by Commander Almy that the Minnie will be found a good vessel to
take into Government service as a cruiser.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

* See letter of Gushing to the Secretary of the Navy, May 21.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 41

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. CONNECTICUT,
At Sea, Lat. 34° N., Long. 75° 28' W., May 9, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report the capture to day by this steamer
under my command of the Anglo-rebel blockade runner steamer Minnie,
Captain G. S. Gilpin, after an active and exciting chase of four hours
and a quarter.

At 11 : 30 a. m., when in latitude 23° 22' N., longitude 75° 40' W.,
115 miles E. by S. from Cape Fear, the Minnie was discovered to the
northward and westward, distant about 5 miles, the atmosphere being
quite hazy, and steering toward Bermuda, whither she was bound.
She was captured and taken possession of at 3 : 45 p. m. in latitude 34°
N., and longitude 75° US' W., after a chase of four hours, in which it
was necessary to fire five 100-pounder rifle shot to make her heave to
and stop. She threw overboard about 40 bales of cotton to endeavor
to avoid capture, but it was of no avail.

The Minnie is a very fine iron screw steamer, built at Glasgow last
year, and her gross tonnage is 355. She is therefore nearly new, and
ttis was her second trip to Wilmington. The quantity of cargo now
remaining and now on board is said to be 540 bales of cotton, 25 tons
of tobacco, and 1 2 barrels of turpentine.

She left Wilmington last night at high water (9:30 p. m.); showed
English colors during the chase, which were kept up until hauled down
by Lieutenant Kempff, U. S. Navy, executive officer of this steamer,
upon his boarding and taking possession of her.

She had on board as passenger Lieutenant Lincoln C. Leftwich, 6f
the Confederate Navy, who showed me his commission, and whom I
now have a prisoner on board this steamer.

I have placed officers and a prize crew on board of the Minnie and
ordered her to Boston in charge of Acting Ensign Francis Wallace,
with Acting Master's Mate E. P. Blague and Acting Assistant Engineers
William W. McGrath and Charles H. Lawrence.

No other United States vessel than the Connecticut was in sight at
the time to claim a share in the prize.

About $10,000 in gold, equal to about $17,500 Government currency,
were found on board in a secret drawer, which is sent in the vessel in
charge of the prize master.

I am of the opinion that the Minnie, after examination and survey,
will be found a good vessel to be taken into the service as a cruiser.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN J. ALMY,

Commander.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1864.

For the present make daily reports by telegraph of all the informa-
tion you can obtain from Richmond and the operations within your
knowledge.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic blockading Squadron, James River.

42 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Lynch,
U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer of submarine armor from the store-
ship Roman.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, May 10, 1864.

SIR: Transfer to Commodore Livingston at the Norfolk navy yard
the submarine armor now on the Roman, with a list of articles and
condition.

Please direct Acting Master Studley, of the guard ship Young Rover,
to forward to the Department through the senior officer present a
duplicate report of arrivals and departures.
Very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander D. LYNCH,

Commanding U. 8. 8. St. Lawrence, Hampton Roads.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Quackenbush, U. S. Navy, regarding the protection of the army occupa-
tion of Fort Powhatan.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

James River, May 10, 1864.

*~ SIR : You will remain for the protection of the army occupation of
Fort Powhatan until further orders. Your best position will probably
be above the fort, the Atlanta between Fort Powhatan and Wilson's
Wharf, and the Dawn above or below the latter, as circumstances may
require.

Respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding U. S. S. Pequot.

Report of Commander Almy, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture by the
U. S. S. Connecticut of the British steamer Greyhound.

U. S. S. CONNECTICUT, .
At Sea, Lat. 30° 3' N., Long. 7.5° 55' W., May 10, 1864.

SIR: Yesterday I had the pleasure of reporting to you the capture of
the Anglo rebel blockade runner steamer Minnie, from Wilmington,
bound to Bermuda, with a very valuable cargo on board, comprising
540 bales of cotton, 25 tons of tobacco, and 12 barrels of turpentine.
Sent her to Boston.

To-day I have the additional satisfaction of reporting to you that at
noon, when in latitude 3.5° 25' N., longitude 75° 48' W., discovered a
suspicious looking steamer to the southward and westward steering to
the eastward toward Bermuda, whither she was bound. Immediately
stood tor her and gave chase. At 2 p. m. got within gunshot range,
and after firing a couple of shot at and over her, she having English
colors, she hauled them down, stopped the engine, and surrendered.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 43

This occurred in latitude 33° 3' 1ST., longitude 75° 55' W., 109 miles E.
by S. of Cape Fear.

Upon boarding; her she proved to be the Anglo-rebel blockade runner
steamer Greyhound, built at Liverpool in December, 1863. She left
Wilmington and ran through the blockade last night, bound for Ber-
muda. She has a very valuable cargo on board, comprising 800 bales
of cotton, 35 tons of tobacco, and 25 casks of turpentine. She threw
overboard 20 bales of cotton in endeavoring to avoid capture.

The captain represents himself as George Henry, but his real name
is George H. Bier, whom I formerly knew as a lieutenant in the U. S.
Navy, and his name appears in the Confederate Navy Register as a
lieutenant in that service.

I have placed officers and a prize crew on board of the Greyhound
and ordered her to Hampton Roads to report to you. Acting Ensign
Samuel Harding, jr., is in charge of her, who will give you any further
information in detail which you may require.

I have left the place of the U. S. district judge blank, in his address,
in the communications which I have written to him for you to till up,
though I would respectfully suggest Boston as the best port to send
the Greyhound.

I shall follow on, and be in Hampton Roads the day after the Grey-
hound reaches there, if nothing unforeseen occurs. This is rendered
necessary by the large number of prisoners (80) whom I have on board,
and rather a desperate set they are, too.

Having 4 engineers, 2 ensigns, and 2 master's mates, with 10 firemen
and coal heavers, and 20 sailors away in prizes, so reduces my force as
to render the Connecticut inefficient for present cruising.

The forecastle pivot gun of this steamer, 32-pounder rifled Parrott, is
cracked, and another required.

The Greyhound may need coal to take her to Boston. I hope that
she may be detained at Hampton Roads until 1 arrive, as myself and
the paymaster have some unfinished business with the vessel and the
prize crew.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN J. ALMY,

Commander.

Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck, U. 8. Navy, commanding
U. S. 8. Niphon, regarding the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 10, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of this date, at
4: .50 a. m., while close in to the beach half a mile south of the entrance
to Masonboro Inlet, saw a steamer heading about S. W., going fast,
the Niphon heading S S. W. D.iy was just breaking. The steamer
saw us at the same time, put his helm hard astarhoard, we doing the
same, our distance apart being about 2£ miles. We immediately threw
up rockets and opened on her with all our guns, only one of which
struck her — at the paddle box. The chase then headed N. E. by E. aud
commenced throwing cargo overboard. It was nearly calm, and
remained so for two hours; in that time there was no difference in

44 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

speed. At 9 a. m. a breeze sprung up from the south ; chase steered
S. E. by E. and gained on us. At 10 a. m. was some 4 miles off. Kept
him at the same bearing- until 11 a. m., he throwing cargo overboard all
the time. After 11, gained on us still more, heading S. S. E. At 12
o'clock noon some 6 or 7 miles ahead. At 1 : 30 p. m. lost sight of him,
the weather being hazy. The blockade runner was a large, long, side-
wheel steamer, painted a greenish white; two smokestacks, wide apart,
placed fore and aft; two masts; appeared very much like the Robert E.
Lee. After losing sight of him, stood back to our station. The
Niphonjs speed during the chase averaged 12 knots by patent log, with
90 revolutions. We were moving slowly when the steamer was first
seen, and it took some ten minutes to get our steam up.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. BRECK,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. S. Niphon.

Commander W. A. PARKER,

Senior Officer Present.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Dove,
U. S. Navy, regarding the U. 8. 8. Nansemond.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

James River, May 10, 1864.

SIR: If the Nansemond is now at Beaufort detain her for the defense
of the harbor while the necessity for her presence lasts. If she is not
there, ask the senior officer off Wilmington to send her to you.
Respectfully.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander B. M. DOVE,

Beaufort.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. S
Navy, regarding the retention of vessels in the sounds.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, May 10, 1864.

SIR: Yours of 2d instant is received. You can retain all the vessels
in the sounds as long as their presence there is absolutely necessary,
but as the retention of Beaufort Harbor is of very great importance to
the Navy, I desire that you send two vessels there as soon as they can
be spared.

The Ceres and Lockwood would do very well for this purpose. Neither
the Valley City nor Louisiana, with which you are blockading the
approaches to Washington would be suitable.
Coal has been written for to supply your wants.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer in Sounds of North, Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 45

Report of Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition
of vessels of his command.

U. S. S. HETZEL,

Off New Berne, N. C., May 10, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have the hoiior to make the following semimonthly
report of the disposition of vessels in the sounds for term ending at
date:

April 26. — Commodore Barney and Sassacus arrived from Hampton
Koads.

April 27. — Commodore Barney sailed for Washington; Seymour
arrived from Eoanoke Island.

April 28. — Tacony acrived from Roauoke Island; Sassacus sailed for
Albemarle Sound.

April 29. — Mattabesett arrived from Hampton Roads.
April 30. — Valley City arrived from Washington.
May 1. — Commodore Barney and Commodore Hull arrived from Wash-
ington ; Commodore Hull sailed for Albemarle Sound; Valley City sailed
for Pamlico River; Louisiana arrived from Washington.
May 2. — Mattabesett sailed for Albemarle Sound.
May 6. — Commodore Barney sailed for Albemarle Sound.
May 7. — Lockicood sailed for Albemarle Sound.
May 8. — Valley City arrived from Pamlico River.
May 10. — Valley City sailed for Pamlico River.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,

Commander, U. 8. Navy, Senior Officer Present.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

P. S. — Captain Smith directed me to keep on as usual. I have accord-
ingly made out the above report, which comprises all the changes that
have come to my notice.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding submarine operators.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 11, 1864.

SIR: Messrs. Hayden and Maillefert, submarine operators, have
offered their services in connection with the operations of the fleet in
James River. Are you in want of such assistance?

Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Master Savage, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gen-
eral Putnam, regarding the operations of that vessel in the Appomattox
River.

U. S. S. GENERAL PUTNAM,
Appomattox River, Virginia, May 11, 1864.
SIR: I respectfully make the following report of my proceedings

while in this river:

Wednesday, May 4. — Received orders from you at 8 p. in. to enter the

mouth of this river and remain on picket. * Was unable to find the

channel until daylight.

46 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

May 5. — Proceeded up the river, dragging and examining carefully
for to pedoes. At 11 a. m. communicated with the U. IS. S. 8ho1cok&n
and received orders from you to remain in this river and cooperate
with General Graham and our army forces.

May 6 and 7.— -iiemaiued in the river between the mouth and Point
of Rocks.

May 8. — Received information from a citizen that the enemy were
scouting the woods on the left bank of the river and moving artillery
down from Petersburg. Shelled the woods in the rear of the river
banks. At 7:30 p. m. received (5 of the enemy on board as prisoners
of war, the receipt for which is enclosed.

May 8 [9]. — At 9 a. m. moved up the river in company with army
gunboats; came to anchor off Gilliam's Bar. At 1 p. in. proceeded up
the river. At 1:30 p. m. opened fire with 20-pounder Parrott rifle
on the enemy's battery, which was covered from view by a sharp bend
of the river. 1 was unable to get into position in sight of the battery,
as the army gunboat Ghamberlin grounded just ahead of us, where there
was no room to pass in the channel. I assisted the Ghamberlin all in
my power, towing her into the channel and dropping down to give her
room, by order of General Graham. The army gunboat Brewster hav-
ing been disabled by the enemy's fire and abandoned, unmanageable,
received orders from General Graham to cease firing and retreat, which
I did. At 2: 45 p. m. came to anchor at Gilliam's Bar.

May 10. — Reconnoitei ed the river below Gilliam's Bar in obedience to
General Graham's orders.

May 11. — At 5 a. in. proceeded to City Point and coaled ship. Com-
municated with U. S. S. Osceola, Commander Clitz; received change of
signals from him, with orders to return to my station and communicate
the change of signals to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Shokokon.
On the way up the river communicated with boat from Shokokon and
army gunboat General Jesup, who informed me that the enemy's pickets
bad come down in force as far as Gilliam's Bar and that our vessels had
retreated to Point of Rocks. Proceeded there; went on board General
Graham's boat for orders, but found that he was on shore. Communi-
cated the change of signals to Acting Master Sheldon, commanding
the U. S. S. Shokokon. I then proceeded up the river to ascertain the
position and force of the enemy, if possible. Went to Gilliam's Bar
and shelled the woods above thet point and in direction of the enemy's
battery, which I received no reply from. I then proceeded to the bend
of the river, which covered the battery, backing up the river stern
first, in the best of the water. Shelled the woods, driving the enemy's
sharpshooters out, who were received by our pickets on the right bank
of the river, opened a hot fire on the enemy's battery as soon as we
saw it and got the range, which they replied to with a rifled piece and
short range gun. At their fourth fire a shell from my starboard
24 pounder howitzer exploded in the embrasure of the rifled gun which
the enemy were working on us, when they ceased firing and ran from
their guns. Not thinking it prudent to proceed farther, as the water
was getting too shoal to handle my vessel, I proceeded down the river.
When below Gilliam's Bar I received orders from you to return.

Sir, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. SAVAGE,
Acting Master, Commanding, U. 8. Navy.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 47

Additional report of Acting Master Savage, U. S. Navy, commanding

U. IS. S. General Putnam, regarding the operations of that vessel in the

Appomattox River.

U. S. S. GENERAL PUTNAM,
Off Point of Rocks, Appomattox River, Virginia, May 11, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order, I would most respectfully make the
following explanation of my proceedings to-day:

On my return from coaling ship this a. in., I found that all the ves-
sels had retreated down the river to Point of Rocks, it having been
reported that the enemy's pickets were coining down in force at our
former station, Gilliam's Bar. I went on board General Graham's ves-
sel for orders, but found that he had gone on shore; I then reported to
Acting Master Sheldon, commanding the Shokohon. Wishing to ascer-
tain the position and force of the enemy, I stated my wishes to Acting
Master Sheldon, who directed me to be careful in my movement. Gen-
eral Graham not returning, I proceeded cautiously up the river, with
my men at quarters and everything ready for immediate action. When
off Gilliam's Bar, I communicated with one of our pickets, who informed
me that there was none of the enemy in that vicinity on that side of
the river. 1 then proceeded to ascertain if- there was any force in the
woods al>ove. Backing up the river in the most cautious manner, I
engaged the enemy's battery and silenced it at their fourth tire (my
report of this date will give you the details of the engagement). I
then returned down the river. I hope, sir, that my conduct will meet
your approval, as no disrespect was intended to my superior officers.

Sir, i have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. SAVAGE,
Acting Master, Commanding, U. 8. Navy.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

MAY 13, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded.

Since Captain Savage has cooperated with me his conduct has been
meritorious, and in action that of a prudent and brave officer.

CHARLES K. GRAHAM,

Brigadier- General.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Lamson,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gettysburg, to proceed to the block-
ade off Wilmington, N. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN, James River, May 11, 1864.
SIR: After receiving coal and other supplies at Beaufort and deliv-
ering the mail proceed to the blockade off Wilmington and report your
arrival to the senior officer there present.

On the return of the Vicksburg from outside cruising under her
orders of the 23d ultimo, you will till up with necessary supplies at
Beaufort and proceed thence to cruise on the outside line of blockade.

Respectfully, S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Lieutenant R. H. LAMSON,

U. S. S. Gettysburg.

P. S. — Touch at Norfolk navy yard to repair cathead.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

48 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Commander Davenport, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. S.
Navy, regarding general matters pertaining to his command.

U. S. S. HETZEL,
Off New Berne, N. C., May 11, 1864.

SIR: The Lockwood arrived this morning, bringing the prisoners and
yonr dispatches. The prisoners have been placed in charge of the pro-
vost marshal and await your orders. The navy supply steamer New
Berne is due at Beaufort on her return trip, going north, on the 7th and
21st of each month. Your requisitions will be filled as far as possible
and the articles sent by first conveyance and the repairs made on the
Whitehead as rapidly as our facilities will admit.

We have always procured fresh beef from the Commissary Depart-
ment when possible. No other arrangement has ever been made for
supplying the sound squadron.

The only returns I have been in the habit of making as senior officer
is a semimonthly return, on the 10th and 25th of each month, of the
disposition of vessels in the sounds. The usual quarterly returns from
each vessel are forwarded to the admiral, with the exception of quar-
terly returns of expenditures and quarterly requisitions, which, after
being approved by the senior officer, are sent to Acting Assistant Pay-
master E. Mellach, in charge of stores at this place, "to enable him to
make his estimates and requisitions for the nuarter."

I enclose you a copy of the admiral's instructions in regard to the
discharge of men.

I also enclose a copy of a le:ter from Mr. Patterson, of the Coast
Survey, as I understand you require the Seymour in Albemarle Sound.

MAY 12.

The Whitehead arrived with the coal schooner in tow this morning.
I shall load the schooner with coal immediately, and will use my
best endeavors to get the repairs on the Whitehead completed without
delay.

Since the Barney left me I have kept only the Valley City cruising
in Pamlico River. As soon as some necessary repairs are made on the
Lockicood's engine, I shall send another boat there.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,

Commander, U. S. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, May 12, 1864 — 6 p. m.,

(Via Fortress Monroe, May 13.)

No information from Richmond. Guerrillas keep contrabands from
coming in. No change of situation unless the army moved forward
this morning from its line between Point of Rocks, on the Appoinattox,
and Trent's Reach, in James River. Raining last night and to-day.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 49

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Lamson,
U. S. Navy, assigning him to command the torpedo and picket division.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, May 12, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby assigned to the command of the torpedo and
picket division. The Stepping Stones, Delaicare, and Tritonia, several
extra officers and 45 men, are detailed for this service The left bank
commanding' our vessels should be picketed day and night to prevent
surprise. Both banks must be thoroughly examined for torpedo lines
(the trigger kind), torpedo wires, and magnetic batteries. The river
should be dragged for torpedoes in the channel and for the wires or
lines leading between them and from them to both banks. By night
keep picket vessels and boats ahead and underway with alarm signals
to prevent surprise from rebel river craft, rams, torpedo "Davids,"
and fire rafts.

Euu down the torpedo craft; grapple and tow ashore by rowboats
and small steamers the fire rafts. The double-enders will cover your
operations, and each will furnish one or more boats when needed by
you. All boat parties to be armed, and great vigilance to be observed.
Organize and practice your division.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant E. H. LAMSON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding a reconnoissance in the
vicinity of Plymouth, N. C.

U. S S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, May 12, 1864.

SIR : I have to report the result of a reconnoissance made yesterday
in the vicinity of Plymouth by Acting Ensign John E. Peacock and a
boat's crew belonging to the late steamer Southjield.

Mr. Peacock ascended the Middle Eiver about 6 miles, crossed the
island, and reached a place of observation on the opposite side at 5
o'clock p. m., after a most difficult and fatiguing tramp through the
swamp, which occupied him four hours to accomplish.

He reports the ram lying at the coal-yard wharf, lower end of the
town, with smokestack down and a number of men engaged upon the
repairs. The vessel seems to have been lightened, as he appears much
higher out of water forward and aft than when we engaged him in the
sound, but the sides of his casemates are even now touching the
water.

Mr. Peacock was not more than 200 yards oif, and could not see that
the roof plating was at all broken or displaced, and nothing of the
stack of the Southfield, which would have been visible if the vessel had
not been raised or her smokestack removed to supply one for the
Albemarle. The last suggestion seems to be most probable.

A free colored man was captured on the way down, and just from
Plymouth by the way of the Eoanoke Eiver, who states that he heard
from an engineer of the Albemarle that one of the large guns was split
N w R — VOL 10 4

50 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

open by one of our shot, and that there was a great quantity of water
in the cabin on the arrival of the vessel at Plymouth.

His roofing and casemates are covered with narrow plates of iron.
He states that there are only two regiments at Plymouth, three hav-
ing left for Virginia last week.

Commander Renshaw has arrived to take command of the Miami and
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant French has been sent back from New
Berne, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton having been ordered by
the Department to the Louisiana.

No changes have been made in disposition of vessels under my com-
mand since my last report.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Kear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General
Palmer, U. S. Army, regarding the presence of the U. S. S. Valley City
in Pamlico River.

U. 8. S. HETZEL,
Off Neic Berne, N". C., May 12, 1864.

GENERAL : In reply to your letter of this date I beg to inform you
that there is one gunboat, the Valley City, cruising in the Pamlico
River, to look out for the enemy and to bring away any refugees she
may be able to pick up.

As soon as some necessary repairs shall be completed on the Lock-
wood, I shall send another boat there.

I expect the Valley City to return here in a few days to bring me
intelligence.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,
Commander, U. S. Navy, and Senior Officer Present.

Brigadier-General I. N. PALMER,

Commanding District of North Carolina.

[Telegram.;

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Birdcage Reach, James River, May 13, 18(i4 — 6 p. m.

(Via Fortress Monroe, 5 p. m., May 15th.)
General Butler asks for monitors above Trent's Reach.
Torpedoes commanded by rebels on the left bank, which commands
our decks, and shoal water by chart by several feet less than the
monitors draw, make difficult the advance which I shall push to-morrow
morning.

We have discovered another kind of torpedo of which the enemy is
making much use. No news from Richmond. General Butler had
yesterday advanced near Drewry's Bluff.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hou, GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Nav$.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 51

Letter of Major- General Butler, U. S. Army, to Acting Rear-Admiral
Lee, U. 8. Navy, requesting that Navy gunboats cover the landing of
army supplies at Hoicletfs.

MAY 13, 1864.

I think it would be of great public service if you can put your boats
so as to cover my landing for supplies at Hewlett's house.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.
Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE.

»•*."'• [Telegram.]

IN THE FIELD,
Near Dreicry's Bluff, May 13, 1864 — 9 a. m.

Would it not be possible for you to bring up the gunboats, monitors,
opposite Dr. Howlett's, so as to cover our flank on the river and relieve
a considerable body of iny troops? Both sides of the river there are
low and flat, and it is an excellent point for the gunboats to lie.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Major- General.
Bear- Admiral LEE,

Commanding.

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, IT. 8. Navy, to Major-General
Butler, U. S. Army, urging the necessity of army cooperation in the
James River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, May 13, [1864] — 12:10 p. m.

GENERAL : Your dispatch dated near Drewry's Bluff, May 13, 9 a. m.,
is just delivered by Major Ludlow. Owing to the shoal water in Trent's
Reach, as shown by the Coast Survey chart, the draft of the monitors,
the torpedoes in the river, and the occupation by the enemy of the high
left bank, it will be very difficult if not impracticable, at present, to get
the gunboats and monitors up to the point you indicate, opposite Dr.
Howlett's, above Trent's Reach.

To remove the torpedoes we must drag the river and search the
banks for wires — lines by which they are exploded. This requires that
we should occupy or control the left bank of the river. The number
and kind of gunboats are barely sufficient to cover your communications
at Wilson's Wharf, Powhatan Reach, City Point, in the Appomattox,
and at Bermuda Hundred, and our communications to this point.

The enemy are now occupying in considerable force the high bank on
the left side of the river, over the narrow channels around Jones' Neck,
and protecting their torpedoes there, and the same difficulties will be
found in the reach under the high left bank at and below the lower
side of Dutch Gap. It requires many more than the small number of
gunboats 1 have above Turkey Bend to clear and control the left bank
in the absence of military occupation of controlling points in the reaches,
so as to keep open our communications and get our supplies, especially
of coal, of which the monitors carry but ten days' supply, and without
which they can not breathe nor turn their turrets.

52 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The explosion of the gunboat Commodore Jones by a torpedo shows
that the river most be cleared of them before we can ascend, and the
quick destruction of the gunboat Shairsheen just in our rear in Turkey
Bend by a rebel battery shows that considerable naval force will be
necessary to keep open our communication even it we can clear out the
torpedoes, and by lightening the monitors, with the aid of transports,
reach the point indicated in the absence of military occupation of <-«-v
tain points on the left bank. I greatly need the military forces on the left
bank, for which I have heretofore applied. Our crews are barely suffi
cient to man the guns. When more gunboats arrive, I have to protect
my communications, and I shall meanwhile endeavor, though greatly
needing army aid. to clear the high banks and to open the channel in
Jones" Reach. 1 ought to have a cooperating army force to occupy
such points in the reaches, on this narrow river with overhanging
banks, as Wilson's Wharf and Powhatan Reach, to aid us to clear out
the river, open and keep it open.

Can not you cooperate! In the meantime I will protect you from
rebel operations in the river.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Xorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-Geueral BENJ. F. BUTLEB,

Commanding Department of Virginia and Sorth Carolina.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. JVary, to Acting Volunteer Lieu-
tenant Foster, U. S. -Vary, commanding U. 8. 8. Commodore Perry,
regarding convoy duty.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,

James Rirer, May 13, 1864.

SIB: Hereafter, when any transport or light-armed vessel is passing
to and from the tieet and Bermuda Hundred, you will get underway
and convoy such vessel or vessels around Turkey Bend without further
orders, the Hunchback to come up as far as Turkey Creek and the Perry
to come down to a point within easy and convenient shelling distance
from the bluff on the northern bank of that creek, so as to cover with
cross fire the banks on the left bank of James River. When the con-
voy coming up shall have passed the Perry, the Hunchback will fall
back to her station, and when the convoy coming down the river passes
the Hunchback the Perry will return.

In convoying, the gunboats will have all hands to quarters and keep
then- guns pointed upon suspicious points on the bank which may afford
lurking places to sharpshooters.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE.
Actg. Bear-Admiral, Comdg. Sorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant AMOS P. FOSTEB,

f. '. S. 8. Commodore Perry, per Canonicu*.

Duplicate to the Hunchback, per Lieutenant-Commander Blake,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 53

Report of Commander Parrott, U. S. Navy, regarding the securing of tor-
pedoes in the river.

U. S. S. CANONICUS,
Turkey Bend, James River, May 13, 1864.

SIR: Captain [A. P.] Foster, with my permission, first shelled the
beach (which was the firing you heard) and then landed near the wreck
of the Shawsheen, where he told me he had seen torpedoes and where
he found seven large ones and brought them off.
They were all loaded and rigged, ready for launching.
Four others have been found afloat to-day near Bermuda Hundred,
one of which was exploded without injuring anyone. I think an extra
lookout would be well -to-night, and that the left bank in this vicinity
should be thoroughly examined, which could be best done with the aid
of the army.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. G. PARROTT,

Commander.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Memorandum of Commander Parrott, U. 8. Navy, regarding torpedoes.

[MAY 13.]

I send two torpedoes with their friction primers not yet exploded.
They are floated by two small floats, and a slack line made fast to one
of the floats leads to the wire attached to the primer. I do not think
they would certainly explode by floating against a vessel, but a vessel
underway would set them off".

Two contrabands came off this morning; one is from a farm near,
and stupid; the other, a Virginia negro, was captured from us at
Harper's Ferry and has since been with the rebels. He says a negro
who knows where torpedoes are placed was on the point of coming off
with him, but was afraid there would be no boat. I think of sending
him to-night for this man, if you do not disapprove.

There is said to be a collection of canoes in Turkey Creek, which I
would like to get when I can see my way clear.
Respectfully,

E. G. PARROTT,

Commander.

Admiral LEE.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Blake, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding the discovery and explosion of a torpedo.

U. S. S. EUTAW,

Off Bermuda Hundred, May 13, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to enclose the report of Acting Master John W.
Dicks, of the U. S. S. Pink, concerning the discovery and explosion of
a torpedo near his vessel this morning. During the night I had two
boats from 200 to 300 yards abead of the vessels, with directions to
critically examine every floating object. This torpedo appears to have

54 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

escaped their notice, as it reached us about slack water flood. I am
now examiiiiug every floating object that passes, in order to prevent
any disaster from them. Since writing the above another torpedo has
been taken out of the water by a boat from the U. S. S. Hunchback.
Enclosed is Acting Master R. G. Lee's report respecting the same.

The officer commanding the pickets on shore reported a number of
rebel cavalry reconnoitering the right bank of the river. I fired a few
shell at them, whereupon they retired from the locality. I am informed
that a dispatch boat arrives daily from Fortress Monroe at 4 o'clock.
I shall have a boat at (he dock on her arrival to receive any dispatches
which she may have for you, and will forward them to you by an officer
over the land, except you may be pleased to direct otherwise.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HOMER C. BLAKE,
Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. PINK,

Off Bermuda Hundred, May 13, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that this morning about 5 o'clock the
officer of the deck had his attention directed to a piece of board drift-
ing toward this vessel. It was about '2 feet long and 1 foot in width,
evidently having something attached to it. We threw a small fishing
line over it, and held it until we lowered a boat and made a small line
fast to it and towed it about 30 feet from this vessel, when it exploded,
without injury to this vessel or the boat. The torpedo was of tin, about
15 or 18 inches in diameter and about 2 feet in length, and in shape
much like a milk can.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN W. DICKS,

Acting Master, U. 8. Navy, Commanding U. JS. 8. Pink.
Lieutenant-Commander H. C. BLAKE,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Eutaw.

U. S. S. HUNCHBACK,

Off City Point, James River, Virginia, May 13, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report to you the success of capturing a
large torpedo in this river as it was floating down in a direct line for
this vessel.

The can contained about 75 pounds of fine rifle powder, which was in
a perfectly dry state when the can was opened.
I send you the can, together with a sample of powder in it.
I would particularly call your attention to Acting Master's Mat<>
Carleton A. Trundy, of this vessel, he being the ofh'cer in charge of om
third cutter at the time the torpedo was taken from the river, his
coolness and caution being a fine example for others engaged iu taking
up these infernal machines.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT G. LEE,
Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Hunchback.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 55

Order of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Renshaw, U. 8.
Navy, regarding plan of attack upon the C. 8. Earn Albemarle.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, May 13, 1864.

SIR: I shall drop down to-inorrow with the Wyalusing to the mouth
of the Perquimans Eiver, for the purpose of deceiving the enemy as to
our effective force, and leave you to guard the entrance of the Roanoke
and Cashie rivers with the Miami, Commodore Barney, Commodore
Hull, and Ceres.

Should the Albemarle make his appearance, you will commence
retreating until you get sight of our vessels, that the ram and his con-
sort may be enticed -into the sound, where we will have room to
maneuver.

Do not on any account attempt to engage in the river, as his guns
[are] as heavy as yours and are equal in range, and it is already proved
to our satisfaction that our shot can not injure him very materially at
close quarters.

His next effort will perhaps be to outgeneral us by slipping by in the
night from the mouth of the Cashie, which must be strictly guarded,
particularly at night.

I will send a coal vessel up as soon as one arrives, and you will dis
charge her with all possible dispatch, endorsing her bills of lading so
soon as her hold is swept, enclosing one to the paymaster at New Berne.

A plan of attack in the event of the Albemarle9 s making her appear-
ance is herewith enclosed.

After making a second reconnoissance, endeavor to place the fish net
above the torpedoes.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Commander E. T. EENSHAW,

Commanding U. S. 8. Miami.

[Enclosure.]
First position.

Mattabesett.

Wyalusiug.

Tacouy. Ram.

Miami.

Commodore Barney.

Ceres.

The first line is to fire once when ram is forward of beam and once
when right abeam.

The second line in passing is only to fire when the ram is abeam and
once after passing forward of beam.

Second position.
Mattabesett.
Wyalusing.
Tacony.

Miami.
Earn. Commodore Barney.

Ceres.
Smaller steamers to attack ram's consort, Hull and Ceres.

56 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Near Bermuda Hundred, May 14, 1864 — 3 p. m.

(Received 1:30 a. in. 15th.)

The cavalry corps of Major-General Sheridan of the Potomac army
has just arrived at Turkey Island, left bank. They left with 17,000
men ; lost heavily on the way, and came from Mechanicsville yesterday.
Their timely appearance will relieve us from sharpshooters and facili
tate our operations now in progress for clearing out torpedoes.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parrott,
V. S. Navy, acknowledging memorandum regarding torpedoes.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

James River, May 14, 1864.
SIR : Your memorandum (no date) is received.

Break up the canoes in Turkey Creek and any other boats you uiay
find. If you can bring off the negro who has information about tor-
pedoes, do so.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander E. G. PARROTT,

U. S. S. Canonicus.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Parrott,
U. S. Navy, regarding a search for torpedoes.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, Virginia, May 14, 1864.

SIR: The arrival of our troops on the left bank affords an excellent
opportunity to search the shore of Turkey Bend, Turkey Creek, and
the left bank thence to Bermuda Hundred for torpedoes, boats, etc., all
of which should be destroyed. The five torpedoes found in that vicin-
ity were doubtless placed in the river there by boats, and the seven
torpedoes found at Turkey Island wharf by the Perry were, no doubt,
intended to be used in the same way.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain PARROTT,

U. S. S. Canonicus.

P. S. — Send particulars, if you have them, from General Sheridan's
corps. Malvern remains to protect ordnance and coal schooners in
Curies Reach. My flag is on Agawam. The Tecumseh and Onondaga
follow up to-morrow morning. We are moving up, fishing out torpedoes
as we go.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 57

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Quackenbush, U. 8. Navy, regarding
the position of vessels for the protection of Fort Powhatan.

U. S. S. PEQUOT,

Off Fort Poichatan, James River, May 14, 1864.

SIR : Your communicatioii of the 10th instant, directing me to remain
in the position assigned by you for the protection of the army occupa-
tion of Fort Powhatan, has been received. The Dawn is stationed off
Wilson's Wharf, but the distance thereto is too great for signals to be
distinguished and read. As you, perhaps, were not fully aware of the
distance between the two places, 1 will not remove the Dawn from her
present position until I receive further orders from you. The present
stations occupied by th.e vessels here for the protection of Fort Pow-
hatan and Wilson's Wharf are as good as can be selected.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Gushing,
U. *S. Navy, regarding proposed operations against the C. 8. 8. Raleigh.

U. S. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, .

James River, May 14, 1864.

SIR: Your communication of the 9th instant was received last night.
I applaud the spirit manifested by you and heartily approve your
purpose to destroy the ram as the opportunity may ofl'er.

Apply to the senior officer present, to whom show this communica-
tion, to furnish you with volunteers to make, with your own crew, the
number of 100 men you require for making the attempt in the harbor.
As to the outside operation, if the rani can be toled out and under
favor of rough weather one of her ends mounted by a vessel with a
sloping stem, I think the ram would sink.

I enclose you a copy ot my instructions to Captain Smith respecting
fighting the ironclad ram Albemarle, which would suit propellers better
than side-wheel gunboats.

Wishing you complete success, I am,
Respectfully, vours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant W. B. GUSHING,

£7. 8. 8. Monticello.

Report of Acting Master Foster, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Geres,
regarding an expedition to Alligator River.

U. S. S. CERES,
Albemarle Sound, May 14, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order I proceeded on the 12th instant with
the U. S. S. Ceres under my command to the mouth of the Alligator
River, where 1 anchored at 6: 30 p.m. On the 13th instant, at 4: 45

58 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

a. in., I was joined by the steamer Rocldand with 100 soldiers on board ;
we proceeded in company to Simmoud's Mill, on the Little Alligator,
5 miles from its mouth. I there found the schooner Ann S. Davenport,
of 45 tons, of Plymouth, N. C., said by the persons living at the mill to
belong to Samuel S. Simmonds, of Columbia, N. C., whom I understand
to be a notorious rebel, having taken the oath of loyalty to the U. S.
Government and violated the same. There were about 7,000 feet of
yellow pine lumber in the vessel; we could find no papers belonging to
her.

I landed with a party of men, accompanied by 40 soldiers, for the
purpose of disabling the mill, as I learned from the miller that they had
lately been engaged in grinding corn for the rebels. I removed por-
tions of the engine to the steamer Rockland, to be taken to lloanoke
Island. I caused about 100 bushels of corn to be taken from the mill
and put on board the schooner. I destroyed one large flat used for
transporting grain. I sent the Rocldand with the schooner in tow to
the mouth of the river, and followed down shortly after; anchored the
schooner at the mouth of Little Alligator in charge of 30 soldiers and
started for Gum Neck, in company with the Rocldand, where wo arrived
at (5 p. m.; found Gum Neck Landing and warehouse destroyed by the
rebels. The captain in charge of the soldiers desired to return. As we
could hear nothing of the barges mentioned by you in your order, I
came to the conclusion that they were in the canal (leading to Fairfield
from the Alligator), which is too narrow to admit this vessel. I returned
to the mouth of the Alligator, found the weather too hazy to cross the
shoal; came to anchor there. At 4:30 this morning got underway,
joined the fleet, and reported to you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. II. FOSTER,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Captain MELANCTON SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

DEEP BOTTOM, JAMES RIVER, May 15, 1864 — Noon,

(Via Jamestown loth. Received 7 : 20 p. m.)

Please send submarine operators, prepared with divers and other
apparatus and means for removing obstructions and raising torpedoes
weighing upward of a ton, or blowing them up.

VVe are busy taking up torpedoes. Gettysburg left several days since.
Lieutenant Lamsou detained and has charge of my picket and torpedo
division. The Grand Gulf has captured the Young Republic on her
first trip out of Wilmington.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AG-AWAM,

Deep Bottom, via Bermuda Hundred, May 15, 180 i — 10 a. m.
Your telegram received. Flag-of-truceOfficer Norris, from Richmond,
told Lieutenant Lamson, Navy, their ironcla<ls would be down in a few
days with great ramming power. Shall be ready for them.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 59

We find many torpedoes here. We> want to follow up the torpedoes
by the wires, so don't break them if you can [not] explode them.

Richmond extra, of 2 p. m. Saturday, 14th instant, says General
Grant fought them a great battle on Thursday last. Never before such
vim and bravery on our part on Virginia soil. We captured prisoners
and artillery from them and had the most killed and wounded, as they
were behind breastworks and we fought in the open field. This is their
account; they only claim _J,000 of our wounded captured at the Wilder-
ness. No other prisoners. They say our men bayoneted theirs behind
their breastworks.

I think they have lost largely in prisoners. It was great fighting on
the p.irt of our Army. They say General Grant is intrenched before
them and will not fall back. No fighting Friday.
Yours, truly,

S. P. LEE.

General BUTLER.

We are working up the river hard.

[Telegram.]

DEEP BOTTOM, JAMES RIVER, May 15, 1864 — 12 m.
(Via Fortress Monroe, 1 p. in., 10th Received 1 : 30 p. m.)
Major-General Butler, who, I hear, is attacking Fort Drewry, informs
me tiiat the rebels are removing their obstructions above Drewry's
Bluff. Rebel flag-of- truce officer told Lamson yesterday afternoon the
rebel ironclads, well fitted for ramming, would be down in a few days.
Three ironclads here and Canonicus coming from Turkey Bend. Com-
mand in fine spirits.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. S. Navy, regarding the
destruction of boats in Turkey Greek.

TJ. S. S. COMMODORE PERRY,
James Ricer, Virginia, May 15, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order I sent two cutters at 9 a. m. this day,
with 11 men in each cutter, up Turkey Creek for the purpose of destroy-
ing or bringing out all the boats that might be found there.

The boats were under the charge of Acting Ensign James W. Turner,
the executive officer of this vessel.

Mr. Turner went as far up the creek as possible and found twenty-
six small boats (some of them with rowlocks muffled) and one large
decked barge, about 150 tons, and one large raft.

He also found a boat building establishment in which were seven
boats building.

Three of these boats were just framed and others were nearly com
pleted.

60 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Mr. Turner deemed it expedient to destroy all these crafts by breaking
them up, which he did very effectually.
The large barge he destroyed by lire.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Commander E. G. PARROTT, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. Ironclad Canonicus, James River, Virginia.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, regarding the
capture of the blockade runner Tristram Shandy.

U. S. S. KANSAS,

At Sea, May 15, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the British blockade
runner Tristram Shandy this morning at 4 : 15 a. m. in latitude 34° 6'
N., longitude 77° 21' W., after a chase of two hours. At about 2 a. m.
we were standing inshore on station No. 2, off New Inlet. The night
was dark, rendered more so by the approach of a heavy squall from the
S. W. During the flashes of lightning I saw the column of smoke
from a steamer turning over the bar and judged she intended standing
along the beach to the northward. I endeavored to cut her off, running-
parallel to the shore, but owing to the intense darkness could not dis-
cover her. Being in doubt as to her course after leaving the bar, I
stood out at full speed E. by N. At the end of an hour and a half I had
the satisfaction to discover her black smoke on port beam, and as day
broke found she was within range. One shot from our forecastle pivot
falling near, she stopped. On boarding her we found that the steam
valve stem was disabled. The chief engineer from this vessel went on
board and reported that her fires would have to be hauled before it
could be repaired, so I determined to tow her to Beaufort, being 20
miles on the way. She has a cargo of 500 bales of cotton, 111 boxes
tobacco, and 5 barrels turpentine. Her log shows runs by the day of
12.4 and 13 knots per hour, and the captain claims he is the fastest of
the new steamers. The Connecticut and Niphon have chased her on
different occasions, and she bears the mark in her guard of a bolt from
a 30- pounder of the Niphon.

BEAUFORT, May 16. — We arrived here last night with our tow and I
hope to complete the repairs on her valves and dispatch the steamer to
Boston by the 20th.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEND. G. WATMOUGH,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy, Washington.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. 8. Navy, regarding engi-
neers/or the Tristram Shandy.

U. S. S. KANSAS,
Beaufort, N. C., May 1(1, 186-1.

SIR : Having heard that foreigners caught in prizes were being
released upon their arrival at the North, I determined to send David

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 61

Houston, first engineer of the Tristram Shandy, home in her, he being
an Englishman and having signed an agreement to serve faithfully on
condition that he be discharged on his arrival at Boston. I did this,
as I did not want to strip this vessel of engineers, having sent one
in her.
Hoping this will meet the approval of the Department,

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEND. G. WATMOUGH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Hear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, transmitting copy of instructions regarding persons found on
blockade runners.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 16, 1864.

SIR: I have received your No. 302, relative to 5 persons captured in
the schooner Indian.

The order to detain all British blockade violators is revoked, and you
will be guided by the instructions in the enclosed copy of a letter to
Kear- Admiral Farragut, dated the 9th instant.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosure.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 9, 1864.

SIR : The following instructions will hereafter be observed with
regard to the disposition of persons found on board vessels seized for
breach of blockade :

1st. Bona fide foreign subjects captured in neutral vessels, whether
passengers, officers, or crew, can not be treated as prisoners of war
unless guilty of belligerent acts, but are entitled to immediate release.
Such as are required as witnesses may be detained for that purpose, and
when their testimony is secured they must be unconditionally released.

2d. Foreign subjects captured in vessels without papers or colors, or
those sailing under the protection and flag of the insurgent Govern-
ment or employed in the service of that Government, are subject to
treatment as prisoners of war, and if in the capacity of officers or crew
are to be detained. If they were passengers only, and have no interest
in the vessel or cargo and are in no way connected with the insurgent
Government, they may be released.

3d. Citizens of the United States captured either in neutral or rebel
vessels are always to be detained, with the following exceptions : If they
are passengers only, have no interest in vessel or cargo, have not been
active in the rebellion or engaged in supplying the insurgents with
munitions of war, etc., and are loyally disposed, they may be released
on taking the oath of allegiance. The same privilege may be allowed
to any of the crew that are not seafaring men, of like antecedents, and
who are loyally disposed.

4th. Pilots and seafaring men, excepting bona fide foreign subjects,
captured in neutral vessels are always to be detained. These are the

62 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

principal instruments in maintaining the system of violating the block-
ade and it is important to hold them. Persons habitually engaged in
violating the blockade, although they may not be serving on board the
vessels, are of this class and are to be likewise detained.

5th. When there is reason to doubt that those who claim to be foreign
subjects are in reality such, they will be required to state under oath
that they have never been naturalized in this country, have never exer-
cised the privileges of a citizen thereof by voting or otherwise, and
have never been in the pay or employment of the insurgent or the
so-called Confederate Government. On their making such statement
they may be released, provided you have not evidence of their having
sworn falsely. The examination in cases that are doubtful should be
rigid.

6th. When the neutrality of a vessel is doubtful, or when a vessel
claiming to be neutral is believed to be engaged in transporting sup-
plies and munitions of war for the insurgent Government, foreign sub-
jects captured in such vessel may be detained until the neutrality of
the vessel is satisfactorily established. It is not advisable to detain
such persons under this instruction unless there is good ground for
doubting the neutrality of the vessel.

7th. Parties who may be detained under the foregoing instructions
are to be sent to a Northern port for safer custody, unless there is a
suitable place for keeping them within the limits of your command,
and the Department furnished with a memorandum in their cases,
respectively.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Bear- Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT,

Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans.

[Telegram sent.]

U. S. FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Above Aiken's, James River, Virginia, May 16, 18<i4 — 2 p. m.
We have taken up torpedoes in Deep Bottom and Dutch Gap, and
are removing, not placing, obstructions in the rivers.

Heavy firing near Drewry's Bluff from 2 to 8 o'clock this morning.
Sheridan's cavalry are crossing from left to right bank to join Gen-
eral Butler.
All well.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

/Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram received.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Above AiJcen's Landing, James River, May 16, 1864 — 2 p. m.

(lieceived at Washington 4 p. m., May 18.)

We have taken up torpedoes in Deep Bottom and Dutch (lap, and
are removing, placing obstructions in the river. Heavy firing near

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 63

Drewry's Bluff from 2 a. in. to 8 a. m. this morning. Sheridan's cav-
alry are crossing from left to right bank to join General Butler. All
well.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Hear -Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Upshur, U. 8. Navy, regarding marines for picket duty in the James
River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 16, 1864.

SIR: Send me all the marines from the Minnesota, retaining a ser-
geant's guard for the use of the Minnesota, in charge of the young
marine officer, and with good noncommissioned officers. Have them
armed and equipped for picket duty.

Send me also about 50 of the transferred array men to do duty as
pickets, drawing for them the improved short Sharps rifle from Captain
Lynch.

Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander J. H. UPSHUR,

U. 8. 8. Minnesota.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, requesting to be supplied
with facilities for ramming.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Aikerfs Landing, James River, Virginia, May 16, 1864.
SIR : Captain Smith earnestly asks that a fast tug with an improvised
prod be sent to him for the purpose of destroying the ram with less
expense and sacrifice than by wooden gunboats.

I request that a half dozen of these prodders be fitted for this squad-
ron— two for the sounds and the rest for James River and Wilmington.
Captain Smith also asks for two good vessels, capable of ramming,
even if without guns. I hope these will be sent to him, and one or two
more double-enders. Earns are of great importance; such as that of
the Keokuk, or other improved under-surface prod. Please send me
some rams.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE.
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy,

64 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, If. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Cressy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. IS. IS. Malvcrn, regard-
ing duty to be performed by that vessel.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, Virginia, May 17, 1864.

SIR: When the ordnance and coal schooners are removed you will
take a favorable position below Tilman's [Tilghman's] Wharf to enable
you to assist in covering the reach around Jones' Neck. When the
Eutaw comes up she will be in this reach above Deep Bottom. You
must keep pickets out and be ready to move and light quick and not
be surprised in anyway.
.Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. K. CRESSY,

U. S. S. Malrern.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, requesting reimburse-
ment for loss to the officers and men late of the U. S. S. Commodore
Jones.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, May 17, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully call the attention of the Department to
the case of the officers and men late of the U. S. S. Commodore Jones,
which was destroyed by a torpedo on the 6th instant.

A very large proportion of them were wounded and are now in hos-
pital at Norfolk. They lost all their personal effects, and I request that
measures may be taken when practicable to reimburse them for these
losses.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, May 17, 1864 — 6 p. m.

(Via Fortress Monroe, 5 p. in., May 21. Keceived 5: 40 p. m.)
Nothing special in Richmond papers of yesterday. General Butler
last night reoccupied his line from this reach to Appoinattox. Moni-
tors on his right flank.

Navy advance division searched for torpedoes until they came under
fire of the rebel earthworks about Chaffin's Bluff. The new tugs need
efficient batteries. More vessels with effective batteries needed to
keep open my communications, Sheridan's cavalry having withdrawn
from left bank.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 65

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Major- General
Butler j U. 8. Army, requesting an opinion as to a military and naval
advance in James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, May 17, 1864 — 9 a. m.

GENERAL: Your note, dated 13th, was received by me last uight.
The gunboats are now off Hewlett's and at lower Dutch Gap, dealing
with torpedoes, of which we are discovering many large ones. The
only difficulty about landing your supplies at Hewlett's house will be
keeping open the river communication from attack from the left bank
on Turkey Island Eeach, Jones' Neck, and Lower Dutch Gap. A point
over these reaches should be occupied, as at Wilson's and Powhatan, or
picketed, and in either event flanked by gunboats. The bushes along
the bank which serve to conceal the enemy should be cut down. In
this way the two services will support each other, each performing its
appropriate part, and our communications can be kept open.

The late heavy rains have made a freshet in the river, as indicated
by the discolored water and drift which came down yesterday. In the
afternoon we discovered the torpedoes above the bar in Trent's Beach,
and sounded that bar and found enough water for the monitors to pass
over in the x>resent state of the river.

Hearing that we are now above your right flank, I desire to know
your views as to a military and naval advance, as I prefer not to place
the monitors above the bar in Trent's Reach until the freshet subsides
and the usual depth on the bar can be ascertained, unless there is
meanwhile a necessity for doing so.

Permit me to suggest that it will promote the public service if you
can conveniently keep up communication with me and apprise me of
your movements.

I send this to General Terry's headquarters, with the request to have
it forwarded at once to you.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER.

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. 8. Navy, regarding a search for torpe-
does near Howletfs Battery.

U. S. S. STEPPING STONES,

Off Cox's Wharf, James River, Virginia, May 17, 1864 — 5 p. m.
SIR : I have the honor to report that I got underway with the tor-
pedo division at daylight this morning, in obedience to your orders,
and proceeded to raise the torpedoes found in the narrow channel
opposite Hewlett's.

The wires from these torpedoes led to the right bank of the river,
where the galvanic battery by which they were to be exploded was
placed.

We succeeded in raising one torpedo, containing 1,000 or 1,200 pounds

of powder, but the line parted while raising the second, and it sunk

again to the bottom. The wires, however, had been detached close to

it, and as it sunk in 8 fathoms of water, where it would be perfectly

N w R— VOL 10 5

66 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

harmless, I moved up to clear the reaches above, knowing your great
desire to get the fleet up as fast as possible. I searched the banks and
dragged the bed of the river carefully, but found no evidence of tor-
pedoes till we reached a point about 3 miles below Chapin's [Chaffin's]
Bluff (Fort Chapin), where, in a ravine on the right bank, there had
evidently been a torpedo station, and an old negro informed me that
the torpedoes were still somewhere in that reach.

While searching for them the enemy opened fire on us from a line of
heavy earthworks on a high ridge above us and distant about 2,000
yards.

The first shell passed directly over this vessel and fell in the water;
the second burst over the vessels, wounding one man on board the
Tritonia. Their firing was very accurate, almost every shell bursting
over the boats.

Soon after 1 received an order from Commander [Ed. T.j Nichols, of
the Mendota, to drop the light vessels of my division out of range, and
while this was being done I proceeded up nearly half a mile farther
with the small boats, searching for the torpedo lines, but without
success.

A party of the enemy's cavalry moving to cut off my picket party
ashore, which was some distance in advance of the boats, I recalled
them and took them down to the vessels.

From the best information I can get, and from the position, I am
quite confident there are torpedoes in the reach commanded by this
battery, but feel quite sure we can get them or destroy the lines by
which they are to be exploded. These earthworks are on the high
ground below Fort Chapin [Chaffm?], with their right on the left bank
of the river, and extending back nearly at a right angle to it. From
the nearest view obtained six gnus were visible, but there were sev-
eral more embrasures. The parapets seemed to be quite heavy and the
guns 8-inch siege guns or long 32s.

The torpedo raised this morning is like those found yesterday at
Dutch Gap.

My officers and men have shown the most commendable zeal in the
laborious duty assigned them.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. LAMSON,
Lieut., Comdg. Torpedo and Picket Division, James River Fleet.

Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Lamson,

U. 8. Navy, regarding the distribution of additional force for the picket

division.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, James River, May 17, 1864.

SIR: Captain Sanderson, Third Pennsylvania Artillery, will report
herewith to Commander Nichols for duty in your picket division with
a command of 120 men, detailed to this squadron for picket duty.

Distribute these men equally upon the Stepping Stones, Delaware,
Tritonia, and Commodore Morris, and employ them on the service for
which they are intended. Send back by the Pink the marines belong-
ing to the various vessels, unless you require them. I do not contem-
plate a further movement until I have heard from General Butler, and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 67

the advance can either remain working at the torpedoes at upper Dutch
Gap or drop down here by night, as Commander Nichols and you may
think best.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant LAMSON, U. S. Navy,

James River Torpedo Fleet.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Glitz,
U. S. Navy, regarding positions of vessels in the James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, James River, May 17, 1864.

SIB : Take the Eutaw's place and desire Lieutenant-Commander Blake
to choose a position to command the left bank around Turkey Island
Beach, say about or above where the Canonicus was. The Commodore
Perry is now in that reach. The Hunchback should be somewhere
between the Osceola and Commodore Perry. All four vessels should
have pickets ashore night and day, to keep concealed as much as pos-
sible and to retire to their boats and vessels and give alarm, warning
by preconcerted signals of the approach and character of the enemy.

If the vessels are not underway all night, holding position under
steam, they should be so immediately on notice of the approach of the
enemy.

I wish you to see that 3,000 tons of coal are kept at City Point.
Write to Captain Gansevoort about it, and say I want him and the
fleet paymaster, who is on the Minnesota, to send it up promptly, and
to communicate by telegraph with the Bureau and Commodore Adams
and keep up the supply.

Send the Pink to Captain Gansevoort for her armament, as I ordered
several days since, and desire him to send her back as soon as she gets
it, and if it is not ready, to use her meanwhile to tow up supplies.

I shall send for the ordnance schooner at Newport News and the one
at City Point.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Stockading Squadron.

Commander J. M. B. GLITZ,

U. S. 8. Osceola.

P. S. — I will send Mr. Evans to pilot the Pequot up, and instructions
for Commander Quackenbush to relieve the Eutaw, when Lieutenant-
Commander Blake will proceed to cover Jones' Neck Reach with the
Eutaw and Malvern.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, May 18, 1864 — 4 p. m.

(Received 5: 40 p. m., May 19.)

At daylight this morning the enemy were seen intrenching the heights
at Howlett's house, commanding Trent's Reach. They persevered vig-

68 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

orously under gunboats' fire, and will erect guns to-night. Monitors
can not reach them. Beauinont, commanding Mackinaw, reports his
pickets driven in at Dutch Gap Height, lower side, and rebel artillery
getting into position there. Eutaw, Blake commanding, from City
Point, reports army pickets driven in there. My communications much
threatened.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear -Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

[Telegram.]

MAY 18, 1864.

Can you not put your guns on the right of our line, just this side of
Hewlett's house, so as to get a tire on the enemy in case of an advance?

B. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.
llear-Admiral S. P. LEE.

[Telegram.]

GUNBOAT SIGNAL STATION,
James River, May 18, 1864 — 1:15 p. m.

I am firing on the house and barn. They are covered from the gun-
boat tire, and it will take land artillery to attack them.

LEE,

Admiral.
General GILLMORE.

[Telegram.]

U. S. S. AGAWAM,

James River, Trent's Reach, May 18, 1864 — 3:30 p. m.
Your dispatch answered by signal corps. Enemy vigorously intrench-
ing on the heights at Hewlett's under a destructive tire from gunboats.
They will doubtless mount guns to-night to command Trent's Reach ;
only a land attack can dislodge them, lii ver tailing; careful soundings
to-day show the monitors can not cross the bar.

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading /Squadron.
Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department Virginia and North Carolina.

P. S. — 4 p. m.: The rebel artillery has appeared on the heights at
Dutch Gap.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

[Telegram.]

FIRST DIVISION SIGNAL STATION,

May 18, 1864 — 4 p. m.

The enemy are working on intrenchmeuts near Hewlett's house, with-
out our gunboats disabling their men. They will mount guns to-night.

S. P. LEE.
General BUTLER.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 69

[Telegram.]

MAY 18, 1864.
(Received 5:35 p. m.)

The naval pickets were driven in at Lower Dutch Gap. and the rebel
artillery is getting in position there.

. LEE,

Admiral.
Generals BUTLER and GILLMORE.

MAY 18, 1864.
(Received 5:35 p. m.)

Can not the enemy be prevented from mounting- guns at Hewlett's
to-night by a land attack?

LEE,

Admiral.
Generals BUTLER and GILLMORE.

Report of Commander Glitz, U. 8. Navy, transmitting information regard-
ing the advance of the enemy and order issued in view thereof.

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Turkey Bend, James River, May 18, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I herewith enclose yov. a communication from Brigadier -
General Graham, U. S. Army, and a copy of my orders to [Acting]
Volunteer Lieutenant A. P. Foster, commanding U. S. S. Commodore
Perry.

I hope my action in the matter will meet with your approval.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J. M. B. GLITZ,
Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Enclosures.]

ON BOAHD PARKE, May 18, 1864 — 12:30 p. m.

CAPTAIN: The rebels are advancing to attack Brigadier-General
Hinks on the City Point side. The gunboats have bee:i shelling their
batteries. It is probable a spirited tight will take place later in the
day.

The Shokokon is almost out of coal and has only one rudder. I under-
stand that a new one to replace it has been sent to you. If you agree
with me, [ would suggest that she be relieved by the Commodore Perry
immediately. Am I not right in supposing that the Perry's battery is
the heaviest?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES K. GRAHAM,

Brigadier- General.
Commander J. M. B. GLITZ,

U. 8. 8. Osceola.

70 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Turkey Bend, James River, May 18, 1864.

SIR: You will proceed immediately up the Appomattox River and
relieve the U. S. S. Shokokon; the Shokokon to fill up with coal at once
from the coal schooner off City Point, and when coaled to take the
station now occupied by the Commodore Perry at Bermuda Hundred.

On your arrival iu the Appomattox you will communicate with Briga-
dier General Graham, U. S. Army.

Please show this order to the commanding officer of the Sliokokon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. B. GLITZ,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. P. FOSTER,

Commanding U. S. 8. Commodore Perry, Bermuda Hundred.

Order of Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu-
tenant Graves, U. 8. Navy, to proceed on a tour of inspection to
Pamlico River.

U. S. S. HETZEL,

Off New Berne, N. C., May 18, 1864.

JSiR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Lockicood under your command to
the Pauilico River, inspecting as you proceed the various creeks aud
bays on the route. On your arrival there you will cruise up and down
the river, picking up such refugees as may desire to come to New Berne,
aud doing your best to prevent the enemy from erecting batteries.

Run no unnecessary risk, and, if nothing of importance occurs,
remain there until relieved.
Respectfully, yours,

H. K. DAVENPORT,
Commander, U. 8. Navy, and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant G. W. GRAVES, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. 8. Lock-wood.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, regarding completion
of repairs to the U. 8. 8. Sassacus.

U. S. S. SASSACUS,

Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, May 18, 1864.

SiE: I respectfully report that I have this day been able to start fires
and get steam into the port boiler of this vessel. All the repairs that
can be made outside of a navy yard are completed. The port boiler is
tender, but I think it may take me north in safety, with care. By order
of Commander Davenport I am discharging the schooner 8. C. Grove
into a light-draft one from New Berne, and will dispatch her to you at
the earliest moment.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. A. ROE,

Lieutenant- Comm ander.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Commanding Naval Forces, Albemarle Sound, North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 71

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trends Reach, May 19, 1864 — 4 p. m.

(Via Fortress Monroe, Va., May 21 — Received 4:40 p. in.)
Two monitors practicing on rebel earthworks at Hewlett's. Enemy
intrenched before our army line here. A man from Richmond to day
reports no fighting beyond Richmond. Great scarcity of provisions
there.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, of arrival at
Beaufort, N. G., towing the U. S. schooner Oliver H. Lee.

U. S. S. VlCKSBURG,

Beaufort, N. C., May 19, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on May 17, whilst cruising
100 miles south of Frying Pan Shoals, in latitute 31° 46' N., longitude
77° 40' W., I fell in with the U. S. mui\ar schooner Oliver H. Lee, com-
manded by Acting Ensign Douglass F. O'Brien. He was from Pensa-
cola, bound to JSew York. I found he was leaking badly from the
effects of an old shot hole, he having experienced a heavy gale of wind.
As he deemed himself in want of assistance and feared to proceed
upon his voyage, at his request I towed to this port. 1 avail myself of
tliis opportunity to remedy some slight defects of machinery and return
immediately to complete my cruise.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee,
U. S. Navy, responding to a request for facilities for ramming.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 20, 1864.

SIR: Your dispatch, dated May 10, Aiken's Landing, James River,
Virginia, is received, asking for one fast tug with an improved prod
for Captain Smith; also six similar ones for your squadron; also two
good vessels for ramming for Captain Smith, even without guns, niid
one or two double-euders and some rams for yourself.

The Ordnance Bureau has nearly ready ten torpedoes, which can
easily be applied to any tug, and these will be sent to you. The Depart-
ment has no rams especially as such, though the bow of the monitors
is fitted especially for that purpose. A double ender striking an object
at 13 knots speed has a momentum equal to a solid 800-pound shot
going 1,300 feet per second, but it must be a fair blow. You have all
the tugs belonging to Rear- Admiral Farragut, also all his ironclads
and double-enders, and must reinforce the sounds from this force.

72 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

In tbe early part of the war the Department prepared a cigar boat,
which has been copied by the rebels, but, as you are aware, the officers
could make no use of it, although it had a speed of 7 knots and barely
showed above water. There was also prepared at nearly $100,000
expense a large number of torpedo rafts, some of which are now lying
at the Norfolk navy yard, which experimentally performed most suc-
cessfully, though they could not be kept on the bow of a vessel in a
seaway. All these appliances are thrown aside at great expense and
calls made for other machines, although the Department has conferred
full authority upon commanders of squadrons to construct and prepare
anything of the kind they deem necessary or advantageous, and in the
sounds of North Carolina your dispatches show that considerable
progress was made relative to the preparation of torpedoes.

A telegram has been sent to New York to tit a vessel with a prow
under water to be sent to Captain Smith.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Major- General
Butler, U. S. Army, requesting a conference regarding the situation
in the James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trends Reach, May 20, 1864—10 a. m.

GENERAL : I leave now to inspect my lines, hence to Bermuda Hun-
dred, where I propose to wait a while in hopes of meeting you. A con-
ference appears to be desirable, in order that a full understanding may
be had as to the present and probable situation and proper plans made
therefor.

I send this to the commanding officer of the picket force at General
Terry's late headquarters, with the request to send it to you by mounted
messenger.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department Virginia and North Carolina.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the practicability of
raising guns, etc., from the wrecks of Albemarle Sound.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, May 20, 1864.
SIR: Your letter of the 10th instant in relation to the practicability
of raising the guns, etc., from the wrecks in Albemarle Sound is
received.

In reply, I would state that the boilers and engines of the steamer
Underwriter, sunk oft' New Berne, are said to be valuable, and could be

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 73

raised without much difficulty and without any risk to the parties
employed.

There is uo other sunken vessel except the Southfield that I have any
knowledge of, and she lies under the guns of the batteries at Plymouth.

In my report of the 12th ultimo of a reconnoissance made in the
vicinity of Plymouth, I stated on the authority of Mr. Peacock, the
officer detailed for the service, that the stack of the Southfield could
not have been seen and had propably been used to supply one for the
ironclad Albemarle, which was lying at the coal-yard wharf without a
smokestack. I made another reconnoissance on the 17th and the officer
reports that the Southfield is lying where she was sunk, the upper deck
just awash and smokestack standing, and that the smokestack of the
ram has been repaired and replaced. Men could be heard at work
upon the vessel, and "no damage could be observed on the starboard
side, which was the one presented to view.

Earthworks had been lately thrown up on Stewart Hill, 2 miles
below Plymouth, and two brass guns were in position. Several boats
were also seen on the river, apparently doing picket duty.

The U. S. S. Wyalusing is at present commanded by Acting Master
W. R,. Hathaway, Lieutenant Commander Queen having been allowed
to go north on the recommendation of a medical survey. Should Act-
ing Volunteer Lieutenant French return to this station, in obedience
to his instructions (a copy of which is herewith enclosed), I would
respectfully suggest that he be ordered to the Miami, and Commander
Eenshaw to the Wyalusing.

I enclose herewith a report of the condition of the boiler and engine
of the U. S. S. Geres, which vessel will be sent to New Berne for repairs
on the return of the WMtehead, which is daily expected.

The Miami has been several days at Eoanoke Island undergoing
necessary repairs, and her boilers and engines are reported to be in a
very bad condition. Chief Engineer Stewart recommends that she be
sent north and thoroughly overhauled.

I respectfully request that a second and third assistant engineer be
ordered to the Wyalusing and a third assistant to the Ceres, to complete
complement of officers allowed them.

The Ceres leaves to-day for New Berne. The WMtehead arrived on
the 19th partially repaired.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Com-
mander BabcocJc, U. 8. Navy, censuring the commanding officer of the
U. S. S. Mystic for carelessness in Potopotank Greek.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 20, 1864.

SIB : The Department, under date of the 17th instant, acknowledges
the receipt of your report* of the 8th instant, enclosing Acting Master
Wright's, of a boat from the Mystic being fired on near Potopotauk

* See Series I, vol. 9, pp. 726, 727.

74 NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Creek, and one of the boat's crew being killed, and adds: "The affair
seems to have been one of unpardonable carelessness." You will inform
Acting Master Wright accordingly.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BABCOCK,

U. S. S. Morse.

[Telegram.]

OFF YORKTOWN, May 20, 1864 — 12: 30.

Colonel Biggs, quartermaster at Fort Monroe, informs me that Gen-
eral Sheridan's command is at White House without supplies. He
requests me to convoy transportation as near to them as possible. I
have informed him I will go as far as West Point, but no farther with-
out orders from you, as I am quite sure the Pamunkey River is filled
with torpedoes. We leave this p. in. with Mystic in company, leaving
a boat's crew to do guard duty at this place while absent. Will return
with the transports as soon as General Sheridan receives his supplies.
Respectfully, etc.,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

Lieutenant, Commanding.
Rear- Admiral LEE.

Letter of congratulation from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to
Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, on the capture of the blockade runner
Young Republic.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 20, 1864.

SIR: I have received your report of the capture of the blockade run-
ner Young Republic on the 6th instant, and desire to congratulate you
on your success. Every capture made by the blockadere deprives the
enemy of so much of the "sinews of war," and is equal to the taking
of a supply train from the rebel Army.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander G. M. RANSOM,

U. 8. 8. Grand Gulf.

[Similar letter to Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, TJ. S. Navy,
concerning the capture of the Tristram Shandy.}

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Woodward, U. S. Navy, regard-
ing a Confederate attack upon Fort Powhatan.

U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ATLANTA,
Off Fort Powhatan, James River, May 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that a squadron of rebel cavalry
made an attack on the outer works and drove in the pickets in front of

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 75

the iutrenchments at this post at 11 : 45 a. m. to-day. As soon as I ascer-
tained the nature of the attack, I immediately made signals for the
TJ. S. S. Dawn to come up from the lower station and awaited the sig-
nal from on shore to open fire. Soon as the Dawn arrived up, I sent
her to take a position above the fort to operate on the right flank, the
Atlanta being already in a position to protect the left. The signal for
assistance from the gunboats was made at 12:30 p. m., when I imme-
diately communicated it to the Dawn, and both vessels opened fire,
shelling on the right and left. The firing was very satisfactory. I
tired two rounds from each of the pivot guns and two from one of the
broadside guns. The Dawn fired about ten rounds, when the signal
was made to cease firing, the enemy having disappeared, and up to the
present time of writing (midnight) all has remained quiet. The com-
mandant of the post reports 3 men irissing. The Dawn is still above
the fort, for fear an attack should be made during the night.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. J. WOODWARD,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Master Lee,
U. S. Navy, to proceed to Curies Neck Reach and assume command of
the U. 8. 8. Commodore Morris.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, James River, May 21, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Hunchback to Curies Neck Reach and report
to Lieutenant Fyffe, commanding Commodore Morris. Upon your re-
porting you will consider yourself detached from the Hunchback and
will relieve Lieutenant Fyffe in command of the Commodore Morris. If
Lieutenant Fyffe desires it, you will take your executive officer and
pilot with you to the Morris. Push forward the repairs upon the boiler
of the Commodore Morris with all possible dispatch, and when com
pleted resume with the Morris the position occupied by you in the
Hunchback.

Transfer to the Tritonia from the Commodore Morris a 30-pouuder
rifled gun as soon as possible.
By order of the admiral :

JOHN S. BARNES,

Fleet Captain.
• Acting Master LEE,

Commanding Hunchback.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Fyffe,
U. 8. Navy, transferring him from the U. 8. 8. Commodore Morris to
the U. 8. S. Hunchback.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, James River, May 21, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby detached from the command of the Commodore
Morris and will relieve Acting Master Lee in command of the Hunch-
back. Transfer to the Hunchback the picket force of the Commodore

76 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Morris and, if you so desire, exchange executive officers and pilots,
taking yours with you. With the Hunchback under your command,
resume the position at Deep Bottom heretofore held by the Morris and
guard closely that point as before.
By order of the admiral:
Respectfully, yours,

JOHN S. BARNES,

Fleet Captain.
Lieutenant JOSEPH P. FYFFE,

U. 8. 8. Commodore Morris.

Order of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Wiggin, U. 8. Navy, to proceed down the James River as
bearer of dispatches.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, James River, May 21, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Tritonia down Jauies River and deliver the
accompanying dispatches to the commanding officers of the Commodore
Morris and Hunchback, the former at Curies Neck Reach and the latter
in Turkey Bend. After delivering the dispatch to the Hunchback,
return with that vessel to the Commodore Morris and receive from the
latter vessel a 30-pounder rifled gun in exchange for the one you now
have. When this is effected, return with all dispatch to your present
station and duties.
By order of the admiral :

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN S. BARNES,

Fleet Captain.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant GEORGE WIGGIN,

Commanding Tritonia.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, May 21, 1864 — 1:30 p. m.
(Via Fortress Monroe, 24th. Received 1 p. m. 25th.)
No change in situation. No news from Richmond. The statement
by the special correspondent of the Tribune, professedly admitted from
General Butler's headquarters, that General Butler sent his aid, Major
Ludlow, to ask me to cooperate in the attack on Fort Darling, is
entirely untrue.

General Butler never gave me any notice of his intended movement
against Fort Darling, and never asked me for any cooperation against
Fort Darling. To day General Butler ga.ve me to understand that his
attack on Fort Darling was a feint.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 77

Letter from Commodore Adams, U. S. Navy, to the senior officer off New
Berne, N. C., regarding the shipping of coal supply.

OFFICE OF COAL SHIPMENT FOR II. g. NAVY,

No. 323 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, May 21, 1864.
SIR : In reply to your letter of the loth instant, I have to inform you
that vessels can not just at this time be found able or willing to go to
Xi-w Berne, but I am shipping a supply of coal to Hatteras Inlet, where
I suppose it can be distributed to the cruisers in the sounds. A vessel
with about 500 tons will sail for that point to-day or to-morrow, and
more will be promptly forwarded. I wish you would make a requisition
in form of how much coal will be required monthly, and which will be
the best points of delivery.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. A. ADAMS,

Commodore.
Commander H. K. DAVENPORT,

Senior U. S. Naval Officer, New Berne, N. C.

It will be better if in the future all communications on this subject to
me should be from yourself, and not from any pay or other officer. Your
merely forwarding them is not in order. Strictly, they should all come
through the admiral, but I do not insist on that, only on proper decorum.

Report of Lieutenant Gushing, U. 8. Navy, submitting a plan for the cap-
ture of the G. S. S. .Raleigh.

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 21, 1864.

SIR: Deeming it possible to capture the rebel ironclad Raleigh at
Wilmington, N. C., I submit the following plan, respectfully asking
that it may receive your favorable consideration:

Selecting a time when the ram is anchored at Smithville, I can, as I
have often done, take boats by the forts and up to the anchorage, and,
covered by the darkness, approach to within a short distance of the
enemy. The Raleigh's low, flat decks are very favorable to boarders,
while there are but two small hatches communicating with officers'
quarters and berth deck. The lookouts can easily be swept away and
these hatches guarded, while the main force, rushing through ports and
hatch, will secure the unprotected gun deck, which will give us the
engine room and magazine hatch.

Objections have been made that after gaining the de'ck we could no
more get at the lower portion of the vessel and the crew than they
could get at us. To settle this point, I propose to take in the boats a
dozen long- fuzed shell and a piece of slow match. One shell down each
hatch would be likely to bring all hands to terms.

Having captured the ironclad we might bring her out or destroy her,
as circumstances dictated.

With my knowledge of the harbor and of the ironclad, I am confident
that I would succeed.

I have the honor, sir, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. GUSHING,
Lieutenant, U. 8. Navy, Commanding Monticello.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

78 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Tarr, U. S. Navy, of the arrival
at Hampton Roads of the U. 8. 8. Queen.

U. 8. S. QUEEN, May 22, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report the arrival of the above-named vessel,
under my command, having left New York 20th instant, 4 p. m.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

EGBERT TARR,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGA.WAM,
Farrar's Island, May 22, 1864.

(Via Fortress Monroe, 5 p. m., 24th. Received 6 p. m.)
Monitors practice at Hewlett's battery, firing XV-iuch shell with
great accuracy, but no chance of stopping the progress of this com-
manding rebel work.

The XV-inch is a great gun truly. Last night the enemy attacked
the army and were handsomely repulsed. Navy was in position to
fire, if desired, by signal from army, but no signal was made by army,
as the direction of firing must be uncertain over high hills and woods.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Acting Ensign Penfield, U. S. Navy, regarding the supposed
desertion of landsmen in a reconnoissance of Dutch Gap.

TJ. S. S. MACKINAW,

Off Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia, May 22, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report to you that on the afternoon of the
19th instant I was sent on shore, in charge of the dingey and 4 men,
for the purpose of giving information in event of an approach of the
enemy toward this portion of the river. Wishing to make a recounois-
sance on the upper side of Dutch Gap I posted John Hunter and John
Fitzgerald, landsmen, to act as pickets and give an alarm in case an
enemy approached. I was wholly out of their sight for half an hour
and upon returning did not find them in the place they were stationed,
nor could they be found by searching thereabouts, nor would they
answer my hail to them, and I was compelled to come on board ship
without them, supposing them to have deserted.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. PENFIELD,
Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.

Commander J. 0. BEAUMONT, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 79

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 22, 1864—7: 30.

Your dispatch of 20th just received. Do all that you can to assist
the army. It would be proper to examine the Painunkey for torpedoes
in advance of the steamers. To do this you must drag with boats
with heavy grapnels near the bank and have a picket ahead on both
sides examining the bank for galvanic batteries by which one kind,
and lines by which another kind are exploded. You ought to do this
ascending, and examine suspicious places descending, taking care to
capture all the boats you fall in with on your way up, else they may
place torpedoes after you have gone up to be exploded on your return.
I will request the Department to send several boats from the Potomac
Flotilla to assist you to" keep the Painunkey open.

I send Acting Master's Mate Blanchard, of the Mackinaw, who
knows how to search the banks for torpedoes. Send him back when
services are not needed.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BABCOCK,

U. S. S. Morse.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hays, U. 8. Navy, regarding the
seizure of the schooner Isaac L. Adkins.

TJ. S. S. CRUSADER,
Yorktown, Va., May 22, 1864.

SIR: This morning at half past 1 o'clock I discovered a schooner
near the mouth of Severn Eiver, heading for the entrance to it. I
immediately got underway, and upon Hearing her fired a shot across
her bow. She not paying any attention to it, I fired a second shot at
her, the shell exploding under her stern. She hove to, and proved to
be the schooner Isaac L. Adkins, loaded with corn and oats (1,600
bushels corn and 150 bushels oats), and representing herself as being
from Accomac, eastern shore, Va., and bound to Baltimore. The cap-
tain further informed me the man at the wheel was steering the wrong
course without his knowledge.

The action of the vessel in heading for Severn Eiver, with York
Spit light and landmarks visible, and in not heaving to at my first shot,
looked to me very suspicious. 1 have brought her in here and ask for
instructions. Her papers are in form, with the exception of her having
no consignee.

Please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PETER HAYS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[First endorsement.]

[May] 30. — Directed, in Lieutenant-Commander Babcock's absence,
to make full investigation and report. If master of schooner was evi-
dently acting in good faith release him. Letter from Commodore
Dornin on subject referred to him.

80 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Second endorsement.]

June 4. — Enclosures returned by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Hays,
with report and statement of master of schooner. Has released him.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 23, 186 i.

Shenandoah ordered to Hampton Koads to report to you. Have
orders ready for her.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

James River, Virginia.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGA.WAM,
Farrar's Island, May 23, 1864.
(Via Fortress Monroe, 24th. Received 4: 25 p. m.)
All quiet last night, except occasional firing from monitors at
Hewlett's.

General Meigs arrived last night and returned by the river to visit
General Butler. Unofficial intelligence from Wilmington reports, on
contraband authority, the ram ashore on Zeek's Island with broken
back.

S. P. LEE,
Actcj. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of
marines from the U. S. S. Mackinaw.

U. S. S. MACKINAW,
James River, Virginia, May 23, 1864.

SIR: I regret to inform you that on the afternoon of the 22d instant,
while on picket duty on the left bank of this river, near Dutch Gap,
Sergeant Henry Meredith, Corporal William H. Worley, and Privates
Daniel Coll, John Dill, William Fox, and Edward Bradley, belonging
to the marine guard of this vessel, were surprised and captured by a
body of rebel infantry.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. BEAUMONT,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blkdg. Squadron, James River, Virginia.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 81

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Cushman, U. S. Navy, commanding
U. S. 8. Onondaga, regarding the expenditure of ammunition in target
practice.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, May 33, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that this ship expended on the 21st
instant in the practice upon rebel locality on right bank of the river,
near Trent's Reach, .16 XV-inch charges, 35 pounds; 17 8-inch rifle
charges, 16 pounds; 16 XV-inch shell; 17 8-inch rifle shell. The
ammunition was immediately replaced by an invoice from ordnance
vessel.

Everything worked satisfactorily except the inconvenient recoil of for-
ward XV-inch gun, which stripped the guide brasses on carriage again
in the same manner, though not to the same extent, as before reported
at Hampton Roads. A want of sufficient elevation is plain in the after
XV-iuch, but this can not be remedied, as it is as much as was intended,
or has been obtained in any of the guns with boxed muzzles.

The injury to the guide brasses of forward XV-inch is repaired, and
steps taken to insure a more perfect compression.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. CUSHMAN,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Order of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.
Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Fort Jackson, to return to blockade duty.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM.

James River, May 23, 1864.

SIR : Having taken in your supplies and got ready for sea, you will
return to the blockade and cruise offshore between S. by E. from
Frying Pan Shoals and E. by N. from New Inlet, timing your position
at dawn of day by the tides and the outcoming of the runners at high
water so as to intercept them.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

U. 8. S. Fort Jackson.

Report of Captain 8ands, U. 8. Navy, regarding a proposed, attack upon

Fort Fisher.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Hampton Roads, May 23, 1864.

DEAR SIR: Yesterday when I left New Inlet the Kansas had just
arrived from Beaufort, having on board Colonel Jourdau, who came,/
there for the purpose of recounoiteriug Fort Fisher, which he proposes
N w R — VOL 10 6

82 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

to surprise by landing some 1,200 men, to be brought from Beaufort by
our vessels that may be there coaling at the time it should be thought
feasible during the approaching dark nights. I put the Niphon at his
disposal for his purpose of gaining information. He wished to make
some definite arrangement, which 1 could not do without your orders,
but promised any aid that was in our power should the affair appear
feasible. It would have to be a perfect surprise, and the question is
about the manner of accomplishing it with the boats that would be
required to land such a body of men; and all the boats of the vessels
that may be assembled at the time could not land the men proposed,
and towing other boats from Beaufort would at once excite suspicion.

The fort is doubtless weak now by depletion to reinforce Lee and
Beauregard, but if it could be surprised could possibly be taken. I
think the colonel saw from my vessel's beam pillow block that it was
stronger than he had anticipated. He says he has General Palmer's
consent, though the general thinks it a very hazardous expedition;
and when I told him I would advise you of the matter, he remarked
that he was afraid if it was suggested to headquarters it would not
be approved. I would be glad to know from you how I shall act in
the matter.

I am here for coal, and shall fill up immediately and return to the
blockade. I arrived at 8 o'clock this evening, twenty-six hours from
New Inlet, requiring some 450 tons or more.

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

NOTE. — Marked private and not read immediately, owing to pressure
of official engagements. My mail was then received irregularly. My
rule is to postpone attention to private matter coining with a large
official mail.

Received May 31. Directed to afford all aid in his power. (See
correspondence with General Butler, June 4 and 5.)

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck, U. 8. Navy, regarding
information obtained from parties on shore.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 23, 1864.

SIB,: I have the honor to report that last night sent in two boats
under the command of the executive officer to gain information. The
man we wish to see will meet us to-night. I enclose to you papers and
letters found buried on the shore at the place agreed and chosen by the
parties on shore.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. BKECK,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 83

[Enclosure.]

[No date.]

DEAR FRIEND : We, a few evenings since, bad the pleasure of read-
ing a few lines from you, and now in reply to your kind message we
state that there are no pickets on mainland between Montgomery's
Landing and Gatlin's battery, and but tew at either of those places;
in fact, there are but few soldiers anywhere around Wilmington.

In regard to the raid made on Morrison's State salt works, we think
it takes very well with most of the citizens and we know it does with
the salt hands. There are four Hats already regularly running on the
sound and there will be some more soon.

Will you come after us? If so, land just above the place where you
landed on the night of the 22d April, and you can get a full load. We
can not get to you, for we have no boats. Bring me a Harper's Weekly,
and much oblige, your

FRIEND.

[Telegram sent.]

U. S. FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 24, 1864 — 9 p. m.

Inspected my line to-day. A tug arrived to day. Monitors practice
at Howlett's battery. Enemy seems to have stopped working on it.
Monitors also practiced yesterday to get range to protect right flank
of army. Generals Meigs and Barnard here.

No change in the situation. Monitors need fresh provisions.

S. P. LEE,
Acty. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram received.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 24, 1864 — 9 p. m.

(Via Fortress Monroe, 5: 20 p. m. 25th. Received 6: 20 p. m.)
Otsego arrived to-day. Monitors practice at Howlett's battery.
Enemy seem to have stopped working on it. Monitors also practiced
yesterday to get range to protect right flank of army.

Generals Meigs and Barnard here. No change in the situation.
Monitors need fresh provisions.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear -Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Cressy, U. 8. Navy, regarding a
Confederate attack upon a picket guard.

U. S. S. MALVERN,

Off Tilman's [ Tilghman's] Wharf, Jones7 Neck, Va., May 24, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report to you as follows: On the 23d May,
at 9 p. m., heard firing of musketry inshore. Soon after the sergeant

84 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

(Augustus Phin) commanding picket guard came on board, reporting
that two or three rebel soldiers had entered a house on shore, and tried
to gain information concerning the location of our pickets, etc. I sent
him immediately on shore again to gain further information. At 9: 30
p. m. heard several muskets fired in quick succession. Almost imme-
diately after the picket guard came down to the boats, firing volleys of
musketry; one volley was fired after the men were all in the boats.
On coming on board the sergeant reported that he had been attacked
by the enemy in considerable force and was obliged to retreat. At 10
p. m. opened fire upon the banks of the river, occasionally throwing a
shell inland. Continued firing at intervals until midnight, when, see-
ing no enemy, ceased firing.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. K. CRESSY,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. 8. Malvern.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading /Squadron, Flagship Agawam.

[Endorsement.]

Ammunition expended on board this ship on the evening of 23d of
May, 1864:

Twenty eight 20-pouuder Schenkle shells, 27 time fuze; 1 20-pouuder
Dahlgren shell; 23 heavy 12-pounder canister; 10 heavy 12-pounder
shrapnel; 7 heavy 12-pounder shell.

W. K. CRESSY,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. 8. Malvern.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding Confederate
attack upon Fort Powhatan.

FLAGSHIP AOAWAM,

James River, May 24, 1864.

SIR: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Woodward, U. S. S. Atlanta,
reports on the 21st instant that a squad of rebel cavalry attacked the
outer works of Fort Powhatan at about noon on that (lay, driving in
the pickets.

The Atlanta and Dawn fired on the enemy, and they soon disap-
peared.

I had already sent the Pequot to reinforce this position, though her
services could be hardly spared from her position farther up the river.
1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Babcock, U. 8. Navy, regarding expe-
dition to White House, Pamunkey River, convoying transports for the
army.

U. S. S. MORSE,

Off Yorktown, Va., May 21, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that, having telegraphed to yon on the 20th
instant at the request of Colonel Biggs, quartermaster at Fortress Mon-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85

roe, I was about to proceed up the river to West Point with this vessel
and Mystic for the purpose of convoying transports with supplies for
Major-G-eneral Sheridan's command, who were encamped at White
House Lauding, and who were greatly in need of them. At 7:30 p. in.
the same evening got underway with this vessel, three transports, a
schooner, and Mystic bringing up the rear, and proceeded up the river.
Arrived at West Point at 10:30 p. m.; found the wharf entirely
destroyed by fire since the recent expedition to that place. One of the
transports having on board a cavalry guard of 30 men, ordered her
close in to the beach and sent boats' crews from this vessel to assist in
lauding the cavalry ; succeeded ir. doing so without any accident, swim-
ming the horses on shore with a line attached to them. The cavalry
guard immediately proceeded up the peninsula for the purpose of com-
municating with Major General Sheridan, informing him that I had
arrived at West Point with two gunboats and four transports with for-
age and subsistence for his command. At 1 p. m. on the 21st instant
the cavalry guard returned to West Point with a colonel from Major-
General Sheridan, urgently requesting me to proceed as far up the river
as possible, as his command were suffering for want of forage and sub-
sistence, and not being able to cross the bridge at White House Laud-
ing without previously repairing it.

I immediately determined to proceed to White House, if possible;
got underway with the transports and Mystic and proceeded up the
Pamunkey Eiver. Found no impediments or obstructions in the river.
When up to Cumberland Bar, it being very low water, and the Mystic,
on account of her draft, not being able to cross the bar, left her there
and proceeded on with the transports, giving Acting Master Wright
orders to follow when possible. When abreast of Indian Town had a
great deal of trouble in passing up the river on account of the very low
tide. At 9 : 30 p. m. succeeded in reaching the White House safely with
the transports. I immediately communicated with Major-General Sher-
idan, informing him of my arrival. On Sunday, the 22d instant, two
transports arrived from Fortress Monroe with pontoons for the army,
but by this time General Sheridan's command had succeeded in repair-
ing the bridge and did not need them.

On the evening of the 22d instant Acting Master Wright came up the
river in his boat and reported to me that in trying to come up the river
he had run hard aground on Indian Town Bar. Immediately sent the
steamer Star to her assistance, giving orders to Acting Master Wright
that when afloat he should remain there in deep water until further
orders from me. On Sunday evening received on board this vessel for
delivery to military authorities at Yorktown, by request of Major-
General Sheridan, 7 prisoners of war (2 officers and 5 privates) and 2
deserters from General Butler's army, all captured the day previous by
General Sheridan's command.

At 11 a. m. on the morning of the 23d instant, the army being on the
move and transports being all discharged, gave them orders to get
underway and proceed to Yorktown. When within sight of the Mystic,
ordered her to get underway and take the lead, bringing up the rear
with this vessel.

All arrived safely at Yorktown at 10: 30 p. m. last night, and deliv
ered the prisoners to the military authorities on shore.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES A. BABCOCK,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

86 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding the appearance of the
C. 8. 8. Albemarle in Albemarle Sound.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, May 24, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that the ram made his appearance to-day tor
the first time since the engagement of the 5th instant. He came down
in sight of the picket boats stationed oft' the mouth of the Roauoke
River with head upstream, and was accompanied by a rowboat that
pulled several times diagonally across the river as if dragging for tor-
pedoes.

The Whitehead tired a shell which exploded near his stern, when the
Albemarle immediately steamed up the river.

I have heard from contrabands and refugees direct from Plymouth
that the plating of the ram was much injured; that four of our shot
penetrated his outer armor, and that the concussion caused by our tire
was so severe that it was found impossible to keep a light burning, and
that one of the guns was rendered useless. What repairs have been
made is not known.

I am of the opinion, from intelligence received from Plymouth, that
they are evacuating the place.

Several guns have been sent up the river, and large loads of furni-
ture are being towed up by every steamer. The guns of the Southjield
have been raised ; one has been sent away, and two are on the wharf
ready for transportation.

I have informed the commanding general at New Berne of the state
of affairs at Plymouth, and signified my desire to cooperate with him
in retaking the place if he could spare the necessary force, as I have
heard from a reliable source that they have but 200 men and the ram
to guard it.

1 have with me here the Mattabesett, Wyalusing, and Tacony (the lat-
ter with steam on one boiler), the Barney and Whitehead, that are serv-
iceable, the Hull, 3 miles below, with tires hauled, repairing, and the
Miami at Koanoke Island, broken down, being unable to get steam on
account of leaky boilers. The only use I can make of her is to have
her towed to Hatteras Inlet when an opportunity offers and employ her
crew in unloading coal from the heavy draft coal vessels and sending it
here. The disposition of the other vessels is the same as at the last
report.

I am. very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu-
tenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, to cruise in Pamlico River.

U. S. S. HETZEL,

Off New Berne, N. C., May 24, 1S64.

SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Louisiana under your command to
the Pamlico River, inspecting as you proceed the various bays and
creeks on the route. On your arrival there you will cruise up and down

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 87

the river, picking up such refugees as may desire to come to New Berne,
and doing your best to prevent the enemy from erecting batteries.

Run no unnecessary risk, and if nothing of importance occurs, remain
there until relieved.

Respectfully, yours,

H. K. DAVENPORT,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer Present.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant HENRY EATON, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. S. Louisiana.

Combined operations against Confederate attack upon Wilson's Wharf,

May 34, 1864.

Eeport of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of commanding officers

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Farrar's Island, James River, Virginia, May 28, 1864.
SIR: The copy of my order of May 23 to Lieutenant-Commander
Quackenbush, and the original reports of that officer and the command-
ing officers of the Dawn and Young America, will inform the Depart-
ment as to the good service rendered by the navy in cooperating with
the troops under General Wild in repulsing the attack made by the
enemy in force at Wilson's Wharf on the 24th instant.

Believing that the enemy had intrenched himself in front of the army
position here, I judged that he would next attack our positions in the
rear at Wilson's Wharf and Fort Powhatan, especially as the colored
troops stationed there offered the temptation of prize to him, and a late
Richmond paper, captured by our navy pickets, commented with bitter-
ness on the presence of such troops there.

Hence I dispatched the Pequot with a respectful warning to General
Wild, and to strengthen our means of defense there. Under other
orders from me the Pequot was stationed above Fort Powhatau, the
Dawn below Wilson's Wharf, the Atlanta (ironclad) and the tug Young
America between the two.

I respectfully congratulate the Department upon the success of the
naval dispositions which the force put at my disposal enabled me to
make.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Ovder of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush, U. S.

Navy.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Trent's Reach, James River, May 23, 1864 — 1 o'clock a. m.
SIR: At daylight this morning get underway and proceed without
delay to Fort Powhatan. So dispose of the naval forces at that point
as to best guard the approaches to Fort Powhatan and Wilson's Wharf
by a cross tire from the gunboats and Atlanta,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Communicate with the army officer in command and respectfully
admonish him from me [of] the probabilities of an attack upon those
important points.

Bespecttully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Pequot, Turkey Bend, James River.

First report of Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush, U. S. Navy, commanding IT. S. S. Pequot.

II. S. S. PEQUOT,
Fort Powhatan, James River, Virginia, May 25, 1864.

SIR : I have to report that at 12 : 30 p. m. yesterday, while on shore at
Fort Powhatan, a message was received by the colonel commanding
from the general at Wilson's Wharf, stating that the enemy were
attacking the latter place.

it was supposed that the attack on Wilson's Wharf was a feint to
draw our forces from this place while an attack should be made here in
force, as communication by signal was interrupted. The Young Amer-
ica had her blow valve broken and steam blown off, and consequently
could not move. I sent Acting Ensign William F. Chase in the trans-
port Mayflower down to Wilson's Wharf to learn from the general if
the attack was in force, and if the Dawn needed aid. I also sent the
army tug Johnson to tow the Young America to the scene of action in
order that her guns might be used if needed.

The Mayflower was fired into by sharpshooters in the bushes on the
banks just before reaching the Dawn, and her captain and pilot both
severely wounded. Acting Ensign Chase then took charge of her and
hailing the Daicn, learned that she wanted assistance. He then went
on shore and was informed by the general that he had signali/ed
repeatedly to Powhatan for the gunboats, and that he needed help at
once. The Mayflower was taken possession of for the use of the
wounded, and Mr. Chase could not return until 6 p. m., when I imme-
diately got underway and proceeded to Wilson's Wharf. The enemy
had disappeared about an hour before my arrival. I learn that Acting
Volunteer Lieutenant [J. W.j Simmons, of the Dawn, rendered most
efficient help, his shells sweeping through the enemy's column with
terrible effect. I take especial pleasure in mentioning the gallant con-
duct of Acting Ensign William F. Chase, of this vessel. When the
captain and pilot of the Mayflower were struck down helpless with
wounds at his side he took the wheel, went in to the wharf, and went
on shore in obedience to orders, although a storm of bullets was rained
on the vessel and wharf from the enemy's line near by.

I have this morning returned to my anchorage above Fort Powhatan.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,
Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear Admirnl S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 89

Second report of Lieutenant-Commander Q'iackenbush, U. S. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S.

Pequot.

U. S. S. PEQUOT,
Fort Powhatan, James River, Virginia, May 26, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your orders of 23d instant I left my anchorage
at Turkey Bend and proceeded to this place. 1 at once communicated
with the commanding officer of the post and admonished him from you
of the probability of an attack on this post by the enemy.

After having ascertained the best position tor the Pequot to take, I
went to Wilson's Wharf and communicated with General Wild, com-
manding that post. I also made an examination of the best position to
be occupied by the gunboats in the event of an attack. In conse-
quence of the information which I gave to General Wild, arrangements
were immediately made which I understand tended in a great measure
to the repulse of the enemy.

I was informed by General Wild that the Dawn and Young America
did most excellent service during the attack.

The gallant conduct of Acting Ensign W. F. Chase in taking the
wheel and command of the tug Mayflower when the captain and mate
were shot down, and in taking her alongside the wharf under a sweep-
ing fire of the enemy's bullets, and his strict compliance with the orders
given him by ine, are deserving of your most favorable notice.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush, IT. 8. Navy, transmitting report of the engineer

of the TJ. S. S. Young America.

U. S. S. PEQUOT,
Fort Powhatan, James River, May 25, 1864.

SIR : Enclosed I hand you the report of the engineer of the U". S. S.
Young America, stating the reasons why the vessel was unable to move
when ordered. I have not yet received the report of Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Simmons, of the Dawn, but will forward it as soon as
received.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[ Enclosure, j

U. S. S. YOUNG AMERICA,

Off Fort Powhatan, James River, Virginia, May 25, 1864.
SIR: 1 most respectfully submit the following report concerning this
vessel being without steam on the 24th instant:

About 11 o'clock a. m. the blow cock on the boiler gave way and
begun to leak to such an extent that it was impossible to keep water
in the boiler, and as we had to break some joints to get to the valve, it

90 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

was impossible to repair it without hauling fires and blowing water out
of the boiler.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES E. JONES,
Acting Second Assistant Engineer in Charge.

Lieutenant-Commander 8. P. QUACKENBUSH,

U. 8. 8. Pequot, Off Fort Powhatan, James River.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Simmons, TJ. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Dawn.

U. S. S. DAWN,
Off Wilson's Wharf, May 25, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 1 : 30 p. m. yesterday, the 24th,
the United States forces under General Wild, at this point, were very
suddenly attacked by the enemy in heavy force under General Fitzhugh
Lee. On hearing the alarm, I at once got underway and commenced
shelling the woods on our left flank.

The enemy got possession of a small piece of woods above the fortifi-
cation and the transport steamer Mayflower coming by at the time, they
opened a galling fire of musketry on the Mayflower and this vessel,
badly wounding the captain and pilot of the transport. I at once
opened on the woods and succeeded in driving them out. The firing
having almost ceased on our left and increased on our right flank, I
altered the position of this vessel, and commenced shelling the enemy
just as they were making a charge, which drove them back, and, as
General Wild tells me, thus ended a sharp action of five and a half
hours. I very respectfully report that if I had two 32-pounders in
addition to my present battery, I could do much more service, having
now no smoothbore guns to throw grape and canister. The bolts and
ports are already on the vessel ready to put the extra guns in position
at once, this vessel having carried them on the last cruise in addition
to her present battery, and she can carry them now with ease. My
ammunition is very nearly out, and I am anxious to get a supply as
soon as possible, as I have only 17 rounds remaining, and herewith I
send requisition for your approval. The officers and crew behaved
finely, Acting Ensigns William B. Avery, E. T. Sears, and P. W. Mor-
gan serving their different guns with great coolness and energy,
although the enemy's sharpshooters were throwing musket shot over
and at us continually. I take great pleasure in reporting to you the
noble and gallant conduct of my executive officer, Acting Master J. A.
Jackaway, in shifting my position to follow the enemy. This vessel got
very near a shoal in the river and was compelled to turn by backing for
the purpose of getting my guns to bear on the sharpshooters, who were
completely showering us with musketry.

Mr. Jackaway did the duties of pilot, thus getting the vessel in posi-
tion, and eventually driving the enemy away and saving that flank of
our troops. I do think he deserves promotion if noble and gallant
conduct and strict attention to duty merit such a reward.

1 am happy to report no casualties on board. I annex a report of
ammunition expended during the action.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SIMMONS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding Dawn.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic IHockauiny Squadron,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 91

[Enclosure.]
Report of ammunition expended.

100-pounder rifle: 46 rounds percussion shell.
20-pounder rifle: 34 rounds percussion shell, 1 10-second shell.
Rifled 12-pounder howitzer: 11 rounds percussion shell, 21 rounds
5-second shell, 3 rounds canister, 2 rounds grape.
Making in all 118 rounds expended.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SIMMONS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding Dawn.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Additional report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Simmons, U. 8. Navy, commanding II. S. S.

Pequot.

U. S. S. DAWN,

Off Wilson's Wharf, Va., May 25, 1864.

SIR: I take great pleasure in reporting to you the gallant conduct of
Acting Ensign William F. Chase, at present attached to the TJ. S. S.
Pequot. The first I saw, Mr. Chase was on the Mayflower, steam trans-
port, endeavoring to communicate with me. On the Mayflower passing
the woods above me, where the enemy's sharpshooters had got pos-
session, they poured a murderous volley of musketry on the Mayflower,
badly wounding the captain and pilot of the boat, leaving her com-
pletely at their mercy. Mr. Chase at once jumped to the wheel and
brought the boat safely through the terrific fire poured at him. His
conduct is also reported to me by General Wild. I do think he
richly deserves promotion for gallant conduct.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SIMMONS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Lieutenant- Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Pequot.

Eeport of Acting Ensign Chase, U. 8. Navy, of the U. S. 8. Pequot.

U. S. S. PEQUOT,

Off Fort Poichatan, James River, Virginia, May 25, 1864.
SIR: In obedience to your order of yesterday, I proceeded down to
Wilson's Landing in the steam tug Mayfloicer. Just before communi-
cating with the U. S. S. Daicn, at Wilson's Lauding, the Mayfloicer was
tired into by rebel sharpshooters, severely wounding the captain and
pilot. I then took command of the vessel and communicated with the
captain of the Dawn, and asked him if he needed assistance; he said
he did. 1 also informed him that the captain and pilot of the tug were
wounded. I then ran the vessel into the wharf, went ashore, and com
municated with the commanding officer and asked him if the attack
was in force and if he needed assistance; he replied he did, and that
he had signalized to Fort Powhafan an hour and a half before, and
that he was out of ammunition for his artillery.

92 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The tug was taken by the adjutant- general of the post for the use of
the wounded, making it impossible for me to obey Lieutenant-Com-
mander S. P. Qnackenbush's order for immediate return lor three
hours, when I succeeded in obtaining a passage on the transport
steamer J. Johnson and reported to you.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. F. CHASE,
Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding 17. S. 8. Pequot.

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, giving description of torpedoes
secured in the James River.

U. S. S. STEPPING STONES,
James River, Virginia, May 25, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your directions, I have had the torpedoes secured
by this division prepared for transmission to the Bureau of Ordnance,
and respectfully submit the following account of them and of the means
used to find them and raise them from the river:

We have thus far found four kinds of these submarine defenses, viz:

First. Tin cylinders in wooden cases, with long tin chimneys extend-
ing above the water and fitted for ventilation. In this chimney is a piece
of slow match, extending down to the magazine. These torpedoes con-
tain from 50 to 100 pounds of powder and are evidently intended to fioat
down the stream.

Second. Tin cylinders of the same size as above, to be exploded by
means of a friction primer pulled from the shore or by a vessel's wheels
or propeller getting foul of the lanyard. These torpedoes have a board
float and are suspended some 6 or 8 feet below the surface.

Third. Copper cylinders with spherical ends, on one of which are four
nipples for percussion caps, and on the other a long, stout socket for a
staff. These were undoubtedly intended for the use of the torpedo boats.

Fourth. Cylindrical tanks with conical ends, made of half-inch boiler
iron and securely riveted. These are anchored at the bottom in the
deepest water (7 and 8 fathoms), and each has two insulated copper
wires running from the center of the torpedo through a composition
plug screwed into one end and connecting with a galvanic battery on
shore, by means of which they are exploded. In the center of the tor-
pedo these copper wires are connected by a thread-like platinum wire,
running through a short quill filled with phosphorus ami fulminating
powder. The largest one of this kind found contained about 1,950
pounds of powder, and the smallest about 1,040 pounds.

We always found two near each other and connected with the same
battery.

Between the 14th and 17th instant we found 15 torpedoes of the
various kinds.

The force assigned to this duty consists of the Tritonia, Acting
Volunteer Lieutenant George Wiggiu; the Stepping Mono*, Acting
Master D. A. Campbell; the Delaware, Acting Master J. H. Eldridge;
eleven armed cutters from the different vessels, and 175 sailors, marines,
and soldiers as skirmishers and pickets to drive back the small bodies
of rebels along the left bank and enable the boats to pursue their search
unmolested.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 93

The skirmishers ashore searched the banks thoroughly down to the
water's edge; the small boats pulled close along either shore, dragging
the bottom carefully with grapnels, and the three vessels above named
followed in the channel, dragging grapnels and covering and protecting
the boats and parties ashore.

All the grapnel lines were long enough to allow the torpedo caught
by the grapnel to explode without injury to the boat or vessel.

Some of the large torpedoes were found by tracing the wires from
the battery on shore and some by catching the wires with the grapnels.

In this manner we proceeded without accident to within 3 miles of
Fort Chaffiu, where we were opened on by rebel batteries, as detailed
in my report of the 17th instant.

These torpedoes (galvanic) are constructed with great ingenuity and
scientific skill, and when taken from the water were in as good a state
of preservation as when first put down, except one, in which the com-
position screw through which the wires passed had not been coated
with red lead and tallow, as had the others.

I can not speak too highly of the untiring care and zeal displayed
by the officers and men under my command in this service.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. H. LAMSON,
Lieutenant, Commanding Torpedo Division, James River Fleet.

Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant BrecTc, U. 8. Navy, giving infor-
mation obtained by a reconnoissance in Masonboro Sound.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 26, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 25th took
gig and second cutter, with the crews well armed, and proceeded up
Masonboro Sound for the purpose of gaining information as to the ene-
my's forces and blockade runners at Wilmington. We succeeded in
getting into the rear of the troops at Masonboro (Colonel Young's regi-
ment of 700 men, State militia), gained what information we wished,
received some Wilmington papers, and took off with us 4 conscripts —
namely, Madison Erviu, 19 years; John Armfield, 20; E. N. Oakley, 21;
N. P. Henley, 34 — and 1 mulatto, they having been employed at the
salt works. In regard to the forces in this district: At Wilmington,
350 men; at Half Moon battery, one company of artillery (Captain
Dudley's), 70 men; at Fort Fisher, 1,000 men. Colonel Lamb, com-
manding Fort Fisher, has 38 guns mounted, of which 16 are on the sea
face, 16 on the northern and eastern side, commanding the beach, and
6 on the south end. The rear of the fort on the river side is all open
and entirely exposed, the road from Wilmington leading directly into
the fort on its northwestern side and only 2 guns that will command
the road. All cavalry pickets are withdrawn from the beach, two com-
panies, one of South Carolina and one of Georgia cavalry, having left
yesterday. The Mound fort is 60 feet high, mounting 2 large guns
which can be trained in any direction; also has a small wooden tower
built on the top of the Mound, 20 feet high, for a signal light. There
are at Wilmington at present nine blockade runners, one of which, the

94 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Alice, has a large amount of gold on board (upward of $1,100,000) going
to Europe. They will all sail in the coining dark nights. I wish to
bring to your notice Acting Ensigns H. S. Borden and E. N. Semou and
Pilot J. J. Orrell, who have become accomplished scouts. They have, as
well as myself, visited almost every part of the country from Fort
Fisher to Masonboro. I have a weekly communication with the shore
and can obtain any information that you require. On our return la.st
night we were discovered by the pickets and hailed. They did not fire,
but threw down their rifles and ran. At the entrance to the sound dis-
covered the enemy's picket boat, but could not capture it, as they pulled
on shore and escaped in the marsh. There are about 150 conscripts at
work near the shore inside the sound erecting new salt works. They
can be easily captured, if required, by delaying the matter until they get
over their scare of last night. Do you wish the newspapers we receive
from the shore forwarded to you? The ironclads are both on shore.
One of them, the Raleigh, is badly injured. Neither is expected to be
got off. I enclose a rude tracing of the fort sent me from the shore.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. BRECK,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Niphon.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Savage, U. S. Navy, of the expenditure of ammu-
nition by the U. S. S. General Putnam.

U. S. S. GENERAL PUTNAM,
Appomattox River, Virginia, May 25, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully make the following report of expeudituies
of ammunition on board this vessel, with the dates and circumstances:

May8. — Eleven shell and 7 shrapnel from 24-pounder howitzer; 15
shell from 20-pounder Parrott rifle. Shelling the woods on the left bank
of the river; enemy approaching.

May 9. — Nineteen shell from 20-pounder Parrott rifle. Engaged with
the enemy's battery at Fort Cliitou in company with army gunboats.

May 11. — Fifteen shell and 18 shrapnel from 24-pdimder howitzer; 9
shell and 17 shrapnel from 12-pounder howitzer; 16 shell from 20-pounder
Parrott rifle. Engaged with the enemy at Fort Clifton.

May 18. — Twenty -one shrapnel from 24-pounder howitzer; 12 shrap-
nel from 12-pounder howitzer; 6 shell from 20-pouuder Parrott rifle.
Engaged with the enemy that attacked our forces on the left bank
above Point of Rocks.

May 20. — Thirty-two shell and 2 shrapnel from 24-pounder howitzer;
30 shell from 20-pouuder Parrott rifle. Shelling the woods near Port
Walthall, the enemy having advanced with artillery.

May 21. — Twenty-six shell and 4 shrapnel from 24-pounder howitzer;
2 shrapnel from 12 pounder howitzer; 13 shell from 20-pounder Parrott
rifle. At the attack of the enemy on our forces on right bank of river
on the night of the 21st instant.

Total expenditures of ammunition.
24-ponnder howitzer:

Shell 84

Shrapnel 52

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 95

12-pounder howitzer:

Shell 9

Shrapnel ; 31

20-pounder Purrott rifle :

Fuze shell 99

2-pound charges 99

Sir, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. SAVAGE,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding a boat expedition from
the U. 8. 8. Wy aim ing for the purpose of destroying the C. 8. 8. Albe-
marie.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, May 30, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that an effort was made on the 25th instant at
1 1 o'clock by five volunteers from the steamer Wyalusing to destroy
the ironclad A Ibemarle.

The party left at 2 o'clock p. m. of the 25th (having made a recon-
noissauce two days before) and ascended the Middle Itiver in the Mat-
tabesetfs dingey with two torpedoes, each containing 100 pounds of
powder and their appendages, which they transported on a stretcher
across the island swamp. Charles Baldwin, coal heaver, and John W.
Lloyd, coxswain, then swam the lioanoke Kiver with a line and hauled
the torpedoes over to the Plymouth shore above the town. They were
then connected by a bridle, floated down with the current, and guided
by Charles Baldwin, who designed to place them across the bows of
the ram, one on either side, and Alexander Crawford, who was sta
tioued on the opposite side of the river in the swamp, was to explode
them upon a given signal.

Everything had worked favorably from the time of starting until the
torpedoes were within a few yards of the ram, when Baldwin was dis-
covered and hailed by a sentry on the wharf. Two shots were then
fired and a volley of musketry followed, which induced John W. Lloyd,
who heard the challenge and report of small arms, to cut the guiding
line, throw away the coil, and swim the river again to join John Laverty,
who was left in charge of his clothes and arms.

These two men, with the boat keeper, Benjamin Lloyd, returned to
the ship the morning of the 27th, after an absence of thirty-eight hours
in the swamp, encountering the additional discomfort of a rainy day
and night.

Two days' unsuccessful search was made for Baldwin and Crawford,
both of whom made their appearance on Sunday, the 29th instant, much
fatigued by travel and somewhat exhausted from the loss of food. No
traces of their intended designs were left behind them.

I can not too highly commend this party for their courage, zeal, and
unwearied exertion in carrying out a project that had for sometime
been under consideration. The plan of executing it was their own,
except in some minor details, and although defeated in their purpose
(by accidentally fouling a schooner), I deem it my imperative duty to
recommend that Alexander Crawford, fireman, and Charles Baldwin,
coal heaver, be promoted to a higher grade, and that all receive the
pecuniary reward awarded by act of Congress for distinguished services.

96 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Four deserters from the rebel ram Albemarle were brought oft' by the
picket boat yesterday, but can not, without detaining the army boat,
communicate the intelligence they bring. They state, however, that
the Neuse is afloat and in all respects ready for service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Wyalusing.

May 26, 1864. — At 11:30 a. m. John W. Lloyd, coxswain; Charles
Baldwin, coal heaver; Alexander Crawford, second-class fireman; John
Laverty, first class fireman; Benjamin Lloyd, second-class fireman,
went on an expedition to destroy the ram.

May 28. — At 9 a. m. all the expedition returned but two men, Bald-
win and Crawford.

May 29. — At 8 p. m. the Commodore Barney came alongside and
brought Alexander Crawford and Charles Baldwin from the expedition
of the 26th.

[Telegram.]

FARRAR'S ISLAND, JAMES RIVER, May 26, 1864.

(Via Fortress Monroe 28th. Received •'> p. m.)

The naval situation remains unchanged. Will the Department please
order the Chicopee, intended for this squadron, direct to the sounds?

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, FARRAR'S ISLAND,

May 26, 1864 — 10 a. m.

(Via Fortress Monroe 28th. Received 11:05 a.m.)
Ko change in the situation since my dispatch of yesterday.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. S. Navy, transmitting
report of engagements with the enemy and attendant expenditure of
ammunition.

TJ. S. S. COMMODORE PEERV,

May 26, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order on May 24,1 have the honor to sub-
mit the following report of the expenditure of ammunition aboard this
vessel from May 20 to May 26, and also the object of that expenditure.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

At 8:30 o'clock p. m. of the 20th instant I received a note from a sig-
nal officer at headquarters of the army, informing: me that about 50
rebels were inarching through the bushes in the direction of this
steamer, and that he could see them plainly with his glass. After
ascertaining the whereabouts of the enemy, I opened on them with my
IX inch guns and 100-pounder Parrott.

W hile tiring an officer came on board, said he was from General Smith,
and requested me to load my guns with grape, train them up a ravine,
and be ready to fire them when notified. I complied with his request.

This officer had scarcely left the vessel when another officer came on
board, who said he also was from General Smith and requested me to
fire immediately up the ravine mentioned, and which I did.

After firing the ammunition (a list of which you will please find
enclosed), and hearing aothing from General Smith, I ceased tiring.

On the morning of the 21st instant I saw Brigadier-General Charles
K. Graham, who was very much incensed at my having fired the night
before. During the day I received a communication from Brigadier-
General Graham, ordering me to make" a written report to him of the
amount of ammunition expended and the object of it.

This I refused to do on account of having been ordered by my superior
officer not to do so.

On the night of the 21st instant, finding the enemy were firing on our
earthworks, I expended five 10-second shells, which 1 afterwards learned
did good execution.

On the night of the 23d, finding the enemy (a small force) were in the
bushes alongside the vessel, I expended three IX-iuch grape.
I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Enclosures.]
Report of ammunition expended from May 20 to May 26, 1864.

Date.

IX-inch guns.

100-pounder Par-
rott.

12-pounder
howitzer.

Remarks.

May 20

May 21

5 10-second shell.
5 5 -sen UK! shell.
9 grape.
3 shrapnel.
3 canister.

5 10-second shell.

5 percussion shell.
2 shrapnel.
3 15-second shell.

12 shrapnel . . .

At 8 :30 p. m. received a note from the
signal officer at headquarters signed
P. W. Einman (a copy of which
please fliid enclosed), telling me the
enemy was near me. About 9.30
p. m. received a request from a staff
officer of General Smith's staff to
fire grape and canister.
The eneuiv attacked our earthworks

Mav 23

3 sraDe .

with artillery. Our shells struck
in the midst of them.

hushes alongside of the vessel.

Respectfully submitted.

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

N w R — VOL 10-

98 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

SIR: About 50 rebels are marching through the bushes in the direc-
tion of your boat. I could see them plainly through my glass.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. W. EINMAN.
To the COMMANDER OF THE GUNBOAT.

Commendatory letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to
Lieutenant- Commander Babcock, U. S. Navy, commanding U. A'. S.
Morse.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Farrar's Island, James River, May 27, 1864.

SIR: Your No. 85 of 24th instant received reporting your convoying
transports to White House.

The service was an important and hazardous one and well performed.
You were fortunate in receiving no injury from torpedoes.
Very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BABCOCK,

U. 8. 8. Morse.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer
of the U. 8. S. Cohasset, to report to Lieutenant Commander Babcock.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, May 28, 186 i.

SIR : Fill up with ammunition to your full capacity from the ordnance
vessels at City Point, and, after coaling at Newport News, proceed to
report to Lieutenant-Commander Babcock at Yorktown or wherever
else he may be.
Show these orders to Captain Gansevoort.

Kespectfully, yours, S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commanding OFFICER,

U. 8. 8. Cohasset.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Gansevoort,
U. S. Navy, regarding the U. 8. 8. Cactus.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, May 28, 1864.

SIR: Place the battery of the Cactus on board, have her ammunition
filled up to her full capacity, and send her to report to Lieutenant-
Commander Babcock at Yorktown or wherever else he may be. Use
all practicable dispatch.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain GUERT GANSEVOORT,

Roanoke.

Send two small colliers to Lieutenant-Commander Babcock and keep
him supplied with coal.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 99

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Shel-
don, U. 8. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Shokokon.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, May 28, 1864.

SIR: Fill up with ammunition to your full capacity from the ordnance
vessel at City Point, and, after coaling at Newport News, proceed to
report to Lieutenant Commander Babcock at Yorktown or wherever
el>e he may be.

Show these orders to Captain Gansevoort.
Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral^ Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Acting Master W. B. SHELDON,

Commanding Officer, U. 8. S. Shokokon.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Com-
mander Babcock, U. 8. Navy, regarding a search for torpedoes in the
Pamunkey River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, Virginia, May 28, 1864.

SIR: Do all you can to assist the army under General Smith. It
would be proper to examine the Painunkey for torpedoes in advance of
the steamers. To do this you must drag with boats with heavy grap-
nels near the bank and have a picket ahead on both sides examining
the banks for galvanic batteries, by which one kind, and lines, by
which another kind are exploded. You ought to do this ascending,
and examine suspicious places descending; take care to capture all the
boats you fall in with on your way, else they may place torpedoes after
you have gone up to be exploded on your return. I have sent you
Acting Master's Mate Blanchard, of the Mackinaw, who knows how to
search the banks for torpedoes. Send him back when his services are
not needed.

Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BABCOCK,

U. S. 8. Morse.

P. S. — I will instruct C.ommander Lynch to have spare ammunition
ready for you. Can you arrange for its transportation with the
quartermaster 1 I have directed Captain Gansevoort to send you two
small colliers and to keep you supplied with coal. Send to or telegraph
to these officers for supplies, giving exact lists. Keep up a supply of
provisions for the vessels with you.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Lynch,
U. 8. Navy, regarding spare ammunition for the vessels in York River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, Virginia, May 28, 1864.

SIR: The Mystic, Morse, Shokokon, Cactus, and Cohasset are to be
employed at present on York River. You will please have spare

100 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

ammunition prepared for their batteries, to be sent to them when it is
needed. Try to make arrangements with the quartermaster at Fort-
ress Monroe so that you can forward ammunition by his conveyances,
and when you send ammunition, send an officer to accompany and
deliver it.

Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander D. LYNCH,

Commanding U. S. Ship St. Lawrence.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, to send the U. S. S. Tecumseh to sea.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 28, 1864.

SIR : Send the Tecumseh to sea as early as practicable with theenclosed
sealed orders, which her commander will not open until he has dis-
charged his pilot. Let one of the double enders be placed under Com-
mander Craven's orders as an escort, but do not send the Osceola.
These vessels are going down the coast and will not return.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Craven, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. Tecumseh, to proceed to Pensacola, Fla.

Confidential.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 28, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with all practicable dispatch with the steamer under
you command to Pensacola, Fla., and report by letter to Kear- Admiral
Farragut and the senior officer off Mobile.

Acting Kear Admiral Lee has been directed to place one of the double-
enders under your orders as an escort or tow.

After completing this duty you will direct her commander to report
to Hear Admiral Farragut for duty.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander T. A. M. CRAVEN,

Commanding Ironclad Tecumseh, James River, Virginia.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Keystone
State, regarding the impaired condition of that vessel.

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,

Beaufort Harbor, May 28, 1864.

SIR: I regret to say that upon examination of the hull of this vessel
in the port bilge abreast of the port boiler that the ceiling is found to

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 101

be completely rotten and destroyed, and the outside planking to extent
of over five-eighths of an inch, and the timbers, too, are also a good
deal decayed.

The carpenter of this station thinks there is no danger in smooth
weather, but thinks it unsafe in bad weather.

One of the beams over the shaft is settling on it and will require
stanchioning up. I think it would be advisable to take her to Norfolk
lor such repairs as can be made.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIECE CKOSBY,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding Novth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, May 28, 1864 — 7 p. m.
(Via Fortress Monroe, 8 p. m., 30th. Received 8: 10 p. m.)
Picked up several torpedoes, each containing 70 pounds powder,
floating around the monitors this morning. Two deserters came in this
morning and report that three rebel ironclads have been below Drewry's
Bluff for several days.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Farrar's Island, James River, May 27, 1864 — 10 p. m.
(Via Fortress Monroe, fi p. m., 2J)th. Received 6: 30 p. m.)
No change in the naval situation. Nothing new to communicate.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, May 2!), 1864 — 10 p. m.

(\ia Fortress Monroe, 6 p. m., 30th. Received 7: 20 p. in.)
Went to Fort Powhatan and Wilson's Wharf to day. The Pequot,
Atlanta, Dawn, and Young America will effectually aid the troops. One
colored regiment at each place to hold against great odds these impor-
tant positions, which the army is fortifying.

General |E. A.] Wild had 900 colored troops at Wilson's Wharf and
two 'JO-pounder Parrotts and no other artillery when he was attacked.

102 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

He says the enemy used no artillery, and were, he thinks, 2,000 strong.
He stated to me that the gunboats were of great assistance to him in
repelling their attack.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Letter from Major- General Butler, V. 8. Army, to Acting Rear- Admiral
Lee, U. 8. Navy, requesting transportation for agent of the secret
service.

Confidential.]

HDQBS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,

Fort Monroe, May 29, 1864.

The bearer, Mr. Symington, is on secret service of the United States.
Will you have him put ashore on the opposite side of the James, so as
not to excite suspicion?

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.
Rear- Admiral LEE,

Commanding, etc.

[Telegram.]

FORT MONROE, VA., May 29, 1864.

I have been requested by Major- General Smith, through Brigadier-
General Ames, to cooperate with the troops which go to West Point,
[Ya.], this afternoon. I have telegraphed General Ames that I will be
happy to cooperate with him. Shall be obliged to go alone, as the boiler
of the Mystic is undergoing repair.
Eespectfully, etc.,

CHAS. A. BABCOOK,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North A tlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Babcock, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8.
8. Morse, of the convoying of army transports, May 29-30, 1864.

U. S. S. MORSE,
Off White House, Pamunkey River, Virginia, June J, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report in relation to the
part taken by this vessel in cooperating with and convoying transports
with troops under command af Major General Smith, which arrived at
this place on the 30th ultimo.

After telegraphing you on the 29th that General Smith requested my
cooperation I got underway at 5 p. m. of that day and, followed by two
transports, proceeded to West Point, coming to anchor at 9:30 p. m.
During the night several transports filled with troops arrived from
Yorktown. On the following morning I was informed by Brigadier-
General Ames that all the transports with troops were going to the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 103

White House, and requested me to convoy them. I immediately got
underway and, taking the lead, proceeded up the Pamunkey River,
arriving at this place with transports and troops safely at 11 :30 a. m.
on the 30th ultimo. I saw nothing of the enemy, and found no obstruc-
tion whatever in the river. I have stationed the Shokokon off Cumber-
land, with orders to protect the transports from the enemy should they
make their appearance. The Cohasvet is at anchor off the White
House and this vessel at the railroad bridge [Richmond and York Kiver
Railroad]. The Mystic still remains at Yorktown. At present all the
vessels 1 have with me are fully supplied with ammunition, coal, and
provisions.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

OHAS. A. BABCOCK,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding
U. S. S. Kansas, regarding the chase of tico suspicious steamers.

U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 29, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 27th, at
11 : 45 p. in., this vessel being on No. 5 night station, a steamer bearing
N. N. E., standing seaward, was discovered.

She was challenged, but no answer being made, a gun and a rocket
were fired and chase began on an E. S. E. course, ending in a S. by E.

For four hours until daylight we held her in plain sight and gained
on her, making upward of 11 knots, but owing in great measure to the
wretched quality of coal last supplied, a large proportion being slate,
our steam now failed and it was found impossible to increase it.

Our speed fell to 9£, and the chase began to gain on us. I authorized
the expenditure of 2£ barrels of pork for the furnaces, as there were
grounds for supposing the chase to be the successful runner, the Lucy,
having on this trip a large amount of bullion for Europe, but the expe-
dient failed. Every exertion was made by trimming ship; shot, etc.,
being brought aft, to overhaul the stranger, but at 8 a. m. she had
gained so much, just being in sight, that I turned for our station.

We reached latitude 32° 55', longitude 76° 55'.

The chase was a single-stack, two-masted propeller, and not very
large.

At about meridian a large double-stack, side- wheel runner was dis-
covered to the S. W., standing to the northward. Chase was ordered,
but to my mortification I was informed by the engineer in charge that
it would take an hour to get up steam.

Orders had been given early in the morning to prepare the fires and
boiler for their best work.

The engineer of the watch, Mr. [I. R.] Oakford, had failed to comply
with these orders, and ere his neglect could be remedied the chase ran
away from us.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEND. G. WATMOUGH,

Lieutenant Commander.

Acting Reai -Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding Sorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

104 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Caldwell, commanding U. 8. 8. Glaucus, of injury

to that vessel by fire.

U. S. S. GLAUCUS,
Off Western Bar, May 29, 186-1.

SIR: I have respectfully to report that yesterday evening, at 9
o'clock (Bald Head light-house, bearing N. by E., distant 13 miles),
this vessel was discovered to be on fire. The first intimation we had
of the accident was a thick volume of smoke bursting out of the engine-
room hatch, followed immediately by a column of flame that shot up as
high as the top of the smokestack and spread across the deck, envelop-
ing the starboard waist boat. The crew was immediately called to fire
quarters and every effort made to subdue the flames. For some time
no impression seemed to be made, although the steam and force pumps
were at work throwing three powerful streams, and all the available
men with buckets kept up a constant dashing of water down the engine
room. Believing it to be impossible to save the ship, and that in a very
short time all communication between the two extremities of the vessel
would be stopped, I gave the order to drown the magazine and shell
room (both forward), to lower the boats, drop them astern ready for
use, fire a gun, throw up a rocket, and make the Coston signal, "Fire,
this ship is on." The fire, in the course of an hour, was extinguished
in the engine room, but raged with great fury in and about the coal
bunkers, under the berth deck and over the boilers, until alter 2 in the
morning. At that time it was under control and gradually subsided
until 10 a. m., when the last outbreak was entirely subdued.

In the midst of the fire (but fortunately not until it was confined
below) a violent squall of wind and rain from the 1ST. W. struck the
ship, hauling round to the N. E., and ending in a moderate gale. This
added much to our work, as the vessel lay in the trough of the sea
(which was fast rising) and rolling very heavily with 4 feet of water
in the forward hold and fire room. The after hold (the ship being
divided into three water-tight compartments) was very easily kept free,
but the pumps forward became choked almost as fast as cleared by
the beans and other provisions which had been emptied into the hold
by the bursting of the barrels. It was not until 8 o'clock that we got
the ship free of water.

During the whole of this appalling disaster the officers and men
worked in the most admirable manner from 9 in the evening till 10 the
next morning. Executive Officer Lieutenant Gillett, Acting Master
Redding, and Acting Ensign Holloway were particularly active on the
gun deck, where they were constantly deluged with water and almost
suffocated with smoke.

A few hours before the fire broke out I left the station to overhaul
two vessels some distance in the offing. It was on our return that it
was discovered. I have not been able to learn its cause. It seems to
have commenced below the berth deck and in the vicinity of the forward
ends of the boilers, and to have been some time burning before bursting
out.

The result of the fire is the serious injury of the ship; the loss of
4,000 pounds of powder; the probable damage of several hundred
shells, and the loss of a considerable quantity of provisions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. B. CALDWELL,

Commander, Commanding.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE. U. S. Navy,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 105

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Farrar's Island, James River, May 30, 1864 — 4 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 1 :30 p. m., 31st. Received 2 : 30 p. m.)
A deserter from rebel vessel of war Hampton reports to-day that the
enemy have now below Drewry's Bluff three ironclads, six small gun-
boats, plated with boiler iron, each mounting two guns of 6 inch and
4-inch bore, all fitted with torpedoes, and nine fire ships fitted with
combustible material, with which they propose to attack the fleet in
James River at as early a moment as practicable by sending down
their fire ships first, closely followed by the ironclads and other vessels.
The deserter says that the vessels have been ready for one week and
that their crews were" supplied by men from Lee's army. Will the
Department please send with dispatch by special messenger to Com-
mander Lynch the torpedoes now ready?
Can the Department speedily supply six or eight steam barges?

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Major- General
I littler, U. S. Army, regarding the Confederate force beloic Drewry's
Bluff.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, May 30, 1864.

GENERAL : I have information from a deserter from the rebel vessel
of war Hampton that the enemy have now below Drewry's Bluff three
ironclads, six smaller gunboats, plated with boiler iron, each mounting
two guns of 6 inch and 4 inch bore, all fitted with torpedoes, and nine
fire ships filled with combustible material, with which they propose to
attack the fleet on James River at as early a moment as practicable by
sending down the fire ships first, closely followed by their ironclads
and other vessels. The deserter says that the vessels have been
ready since Monday, a week ago; that the crews of the vessels were
supplied by men from Lee's army. Information received previously
from deserters intimated that the rebel land forces were intended to
cooperate with the attack of the rebel naval vessels. If an attack of
the nature of the above is made upon this fleet, it would at the time of
attack require all the force at my disposal to meet it. I would respect-
fully suggest the probability of a simultaneous movement against you.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

106 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADhON.

Order of Acting Hear -Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gansevoort,
U. S. Navy, to forward launches and cutters from the U. 8. S. Minne-
sota for use in James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM.

Farrar's Island, James River, May 30, 1864.

SIR : I wish the two launches and two largest cutters of the Minnesota,
with their howitzers and good crews from that vessel, sent to me in
tow of the Pink or Mount Washington with dispatch. Send with them
two very reliable officers, the best you can find, taking them from the
Minnesota, and, if necessary, some of them from the guard and ord-
nance vessels.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain GUEET GANSEVOOET,

• U. S. Ironclad Roanolce.

[Telegram.]

HEADQUAETEES IN THE FIELD, May 30, 5 : 20 p. m.
Admiral LEE: Your dispatch relating to fire ships and enemy's
naval force received. In view of the torpedo boats and fire ships, hud
you not better anchor your obstructions at least, if not sink them, in
your front, leaving a channel for pursuit.
They are awaiting your orders.
Can Graham aid >ou?

General Grant is now across the Pamunkey, at Hanovertown, 15
miles from Richmond. As for the land attack, let them come on.
Most truly, yours,

BENJ. F. BUTLEE,
Major- General, Commanding.

Capture of the British steamer Caledonia.
Eeport of Commander Crosby, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,
At Sea, Lat. 32P 57' N., Long. 77° 54' W., May 30, 1864.

SIE: I have the honor to report the capture of the British steamer
Caledonia, 185 tons burden, of and from Bermuda, at 6 p. m. to day, in
company with the supply steamer Massachusetts, Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant William U. West, commanding.

This vessel chased her three hours and fired 21 shots at her before
she hove to. She showed no colors, and had thrown overboard all of
her cargo, which consisted of, according to her manifest, boxes and
cases of bacon, medical stores, and leather. I send Acting Master
C. H. Corser, of this ship, with a prize crew, in charge of the Caledonia,
with orders to report to you at Hampton Koads for further instructions.

The crew of the Caledonia I transferred to the Massachusetts for a
passage north, with the exception of Captain Charles Nelson, Chief
Engineer Thomas Case, and John Nelson, steward, who were retained
to be sent north in the prize steamer as witnesses.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 107

I also forward you the prize list of this ship's crew who are entitled
to share in whatever may accrue of prize money for the capture.

I have also shipped by the Caledonia 4 bales of cotton, which were
picked up at sea to day by this vessel, no other ship being in sight at
the time.

I have also the honor to report that I left Beaufort on the 28th instant,
and stood on the Bermuda route about 70 miles. At daylight the next
morning sighted a large three masted propeller, burning black smoke,
distant about 10 miles, and steering south. I immediately gave chase
and gained rapidly until meridian. She was then distant about 5 miles.
She threw overboard 237 bales of cotton, which we counted, besides a
number of barrels. This lightened her sufficiently to keep her distance
until dark, when we lost sight of her. I then followed back in her
track, picked up 4 bale's of cotton, and, while hunting for the rest, saw
black smoke, started in chase, and captured the Caledonia, of which the
foregoing is a report.

During the chase I had to throw overboard a quantity of coal in order
to lighten the ship and increase her speed, the bunkers being too full
to allow her to run at full speed.

The crew of the Caledonia had destroyed her compasses, which had
been adjusted for the vessel, besides doing whatever they could to
destroy vessel and machinery during the chase, and on this account I
have taken her in tow until daylight.

As you directed, I have left the name of district judge and port
blank.

Accompanying this report I send a list of the crew of the Caledonia
transferred to the Massachusetts.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE, TT. S. Navy,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

P. S. — I think that the captain of the Caledonia is an American.

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.

Report of Acting Master Corser, U. S. Navy, of the passage of the prize steamer to New York

City.

U. S. PRIZE STEAMER CALEDONIA,

Brooklyn Navy Yard, June 8, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that I left Newport News at 5 p. m. on the eve
of the 5th instant with the prize, having received on board 78 bales of
cotton from the U. S. S. Vicksburg, with an officer in charge of same.
[ anchored just inside Cape Henry during the night to repair connec-
tions and to get clear of pilot. At daylight of the 6th instant (Monday)
proceeded to sea, shaping course to clear Nantucket Shoals. On the
7th instant (Tuesday), 2 p. in., in latitude 39° 15' N., longitude 72° 30' W.,
wind blowing strong from N. E. and a sharp sea running, the first
engineer, Mr. McMurtrie, who had given up in the morning, reported
himself disabled for duty, and also two of his firemen prostrated and
unfit for further service, and the remainder rapidly becoming so. Third
assistant, Mr. Smith, had been on duty twenty hours in the engine

108 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

room, reported to me that it was impossible for him to stand it more
than twenty-four hours longer, at same time expressing his willingness
to do all in his power. Being forty-eight hours from Boston, at the rate
of then steaming, besides finding that the coal was very short of the
engineer's calculation, for the safety of the vessel and cargo, 1 deemed
it my duty to steer for the nearest port for assistance. I therefore put
for New York, where I arrived at noon of the 8th (Wednesday), and
immediately reported to the commandant of the U. S. navy yard, mak-
ing a requisition for an engineer, two firemen, and 25 tons of coal, which
he promptly complied with, and I shortly leave for Boston, and, by his
advice, through the sound. Shall leave in an hour (10 a. in., 9th,
Thursday).

I have to say that First Assistant McMurtrie made a strong applica-
tion to Captain Gansevoort to be relieved, or to have another engineer
sent on board, but Captain Gansevoort told him that he must do the
best he could, as he could not give him a man.

The estimate of coal on board was overrated by the engineers and
firemen, and their consumption was greater than they calculated. Mr.
Smith has done nearly all the duty, night and day, since leaving Cape
Henry, and is nearly used up. A more indefatigable man I never saw.
I herewith enclose engineer's report made to me on 7th instant.

The prisoners are safe and peaceable. I regret very much that cir-
cumstances have compelled me to delay my passage so long, and to
increase the expense of it, but hope that my course will meet with your
approbation under them.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. H. CORSER, U. S. Navy,

Prize Master.

Commander PEIRCE CROSBY, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. S, Keystone State.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrarjs Island, May 31, 1664 — 1: 45 p. m.
(Via Fortress Monroe, 8:30 p. in. June 1. Received 0 p. in.)
Heard considerable cannonading for one hour last evening and four
hours this morning in the direction of Richmond. A deserter to the
army says they are mounting one 200-pouuder at Hewlett's, and that
the rains were to have come down last night.

These torpedoes and tire rafts will probably be down soon.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Bear- A dm ira L
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of officers regarding the burning of buildings near Four Mile Creek.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James L'iver, May 31, 18(>i.

SIR: Having thoroughly investigated the matter submitted to us by
your order of the 24th instant, we beg leave to report that the large

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 109

house and the buildings on the point by Four Mile Creek were burned
by order of Captain J. W. Sanderson, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artil-
lery, the former being used as a rendezvous and shelter by the enemy,
from which the}' occasionally fired upon our pickets, and the latter con-
taining forage liable to seizure by the rebels.

The other buildings were burned without authority by the picket
guard and men belonging to boats of this ship and the U. S. S. Hunch-
bad'.

We are unable to fix the act upon any individual.
Respectfully submitted.

H. W. MILLER,

Lieutenant, U. 8. Navy.
LOTHROP WIGHT,

Acting Ensign.
Commander EDWARD T. NICHOLS,

Commanding U. M. 8. Mendota, James River.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. S. Navy, regarding an
engagement with the enemy in James River, May 31, 1864.

TJ. S. S. COMMODORE PERRY, June 1, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 9 o'clock a. m., May 31, the
enemy opened on this vessel with four guns. I immediately returned
the fire, and at 11 o'clock a. m. succeeded in driving them away.

Having expended all my ammunition I dropped down the river jmd
sent a steamer to City Point, which brought up the ammunition
required.

The vessel was struck six times, and no one was injured.
A man on board the U. S. S. (General Putnam had his foot injured by
the recoil of a gun. Acting Assistant Surgeon J. E. Gregory deemed
it necessary to amputate the foot and did so, and I sent him on board
the U. S. S. Osccola.

Enclosed you will please find a report of the ammunition expended
May 31.

1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Enclosure.]
List of ammunition expended on board U. S. S. Commodore Perry, May 31, 1864.

100-pdr. Parrott.

IX-inch gun.

12-pdr.
howitzer.

Charges

80 10-pound

Shell

/HlOsec

Shrapnel

\55 5 HCC
15

Respectfully submitted.

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

110 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Master Savage, IT. 8. Navy, of the expenditure of
ammunition in engagement with the enemy.

U. S. S. GENERAL PUTNAM,
Appomattox River, Virginia, May 31, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully report the following expenditures of
ammunition on board this vessel, in an engagement with the enemy's
artillery on the left bank of river off Gilliam's Bar this day:
20-pouuder Parrott rifle: 39 shell time fuze.

24-pounder howitzer: 13 shrapnel, fixed ammunition; 1 shell, fixed
ammunition.

12-pounder howitzer: 19 shrapnel, fixed ammunition; 2 shell, fixed
ammunition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

H. H. SAVAGE,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Commander J. M. B. GLITZ,

Comdg. U. S. S. Osceola, Senior Naval Officer off City Point, Va.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8.
Vicksburg, regarding cotton picked up by that vessel at sea May 31, 1864.

U. S. S. VICKSBURG,
Off Newport News, Va., June J, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on May 31 and June 1, I picked
up at sea 78 bales and 2 half bales of cotton, which were thrown over-
board by a vessel I chased on the 31st of May. By order of Captain
Guert Gansevoort, I have just shipped it per the prize steamer Cale-
donia to Boston, and sent a prize officer, Acting Ensign John H. Harris,
in charge of the same, to deliver it to the prize commissioners at that
port.

I enclose you a list of the officers and crew entitled to share in the
above prize cotton.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRA INK,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from Brigadier- General Palmer, U. 8. Army, to Gommanaer
Davenport, U. S. Navy, regarding the transportation of refugees.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA,

New Berne, N. C., May 31, 1864.

SIR: I have long intended to carry out your request to send a
steamer to the vicinity of Washington, N. C., for the purpose of bring-
ing in such refugees as may be found, but owing to the heavy drain
upon my quartermaster's department for water transportation of all
kinds made by Major-General Butler, it has been impossible for me to
carry out my instructions.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Ill

There are several men in town who desire to go up for their families,
and I would suggest that you send them up on the first gunboat that
goes in the neighborhood of Washington and bring back the families.
If you will be kind enough to inform me when the first boat goes I will
send the men whenever you may say.

1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. PALMER,

Brigadier- General, U. 8. Army, Commanding.
. Commander H. K. DAVENPORT, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. S. Hetzel.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Nary, regarding specimen of
torpedo used by the Confederates in James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 1, 1864.

SIR : I send by express a specimen of the copper torpedoes used by
the rebels in James River.

The plan of its construction is excellent, and I request that the Depart-
ment will furnish me with a number of the same description, as early
as practicable, with fuzes such as were found on board the Atlanta.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting statements
of a refugee and deserters.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 1, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed, for the information of the Department, three
statements of refugees and deserters, as follows: (1) May 30, statement
of John Loomis, deserter from rebel steamer Hampton; (2) June 1. of
Archy Jenkins, colored, a refugee from Richmond; (3)* of Augustus
Freeman, colored deserter.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

Statement of John Loomis, a white deserter from C. S. S. Hampton, at Richmond, who
came on board the U. S. S. Hunchback at Deep Uottom.

MAY 30, 1864.

The rebels have now below Fort Darling the ironclads Virginia,
Captain Mitchell; Richmond, Pegram; Fredericksburg, Gardner; also
six wooden gunboats, partially plated with boiler iron, all armed with
torpedoes, fitted to their bows. The ironclads have each two 10-inch

* Omitted as not necessary to publish.

112 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

columbiads, and two 7-inch rifles. The wooden vessels one 0-inch and
one 4 inch rifles. The Virginia draws 14 feet, the Richmond and Fred-
ericksburg about 13£ feet. The former steams 7 or 8 knots; the others
5 or 6 knots. The crews number 150 men each, drawn from Lee's army.
They are plated with 8 inches railroad iron, rolled out and bolted
together, upon 3 feet of oak backing; the bolts go through and set up
with nuts. There are also six fire ships, or schooners, tilled with com-
bustible material: two more fitting out at Richmond.

They intend attacking the Federal fleet as soon as practicable, in the
night: first sending down the tire ships, and following with the rebel'
craft when we are disconcerted by the fire rafts. (The fire rafts are old
schooners prepared for this service.)

The ironclads came through the obstructions on Sunday last (a week
ago yesterday) and have been ready ever since.

Statement of Archy Jenkins, colored, a refugee from Richmond, Va.

JUNE 1, 1864.

I am a free man, stevedore. I was employed on the Konita. 1 left
Richmond Monday. I gave a colored man $10 to show me the batteries,
past the pickets. I crawled through the bushes and came down to
Hill Carter's place.

The firing was about 7 miles from Richmond, out toward Boar Swamp;
the firing was rapid and heavy. The mate of the Bonlta said Lee was
5 miles from Richmond and Grant about 7 miles. Opinion is divided
as to Grant's getting to Richmond. They are putting two barges and
a sloop lashed together, filled with shavings and pitch and with tor-
pedoes, which they intend to set on fire, and when it reaches the fleet
it will blow up and destroy the fleet. There is a vast quantity of pow-
der in it. There are six others, small steamers — Nansemond, 2 guns;
Raleigh, 2 guns; Hampton, 2; Beaufort, 1; Torpedo, 2; Patrick Henry;
they said she was too big an object and they would not bring her out.
All are fitted with torpedoes on long poles. The ironclads: Virginia,
about 14 feet; Richmond, about 14 feet; Fredericksburg, about 14 feet,
I guess; I don't know exactly. They were lightened over Warwick
Bar. You can carry with good tide 12 feet. You can carry about 15
feet good tide over Trent's Reach.

There is a freshet now, a little; there is about 6 or 7 inches more than
usual high water.

1 don't think they will have any trouble in bringing their ironclads
over Trent's Reach ; there is plenty of water close over to the left bank.
They must come at high water. I am no man for steering a boat, but
1 know where the bars and deep water [are|. I have been running on
the river five or six years, off and on. They all say they know "they
can whip you all; they are certain of it." They believe in their torpe-
does in preference to everything. They all say you haven't sense to
make a good torpedo; they reckon on them more than all else besides.
They say that all that they are afraid of, that you have a string of tor-
pedoes all across at Cox's and Trent's reaches, and that the river is
otherwise obstructed, and that when they come on you will fall back
and lead them on over the torpedoes and blow them all up. They say
that is all they care about.

They are very hard up for provisions at Richmond. If you took
Petersburg "they could not fight another week. They must give
right up."

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 113

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Barnes, U. S.
Navy, regarding stone ballast.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, June 1, 1864.

SIR : I desire that you obtain stone ballast to be placed in tbe schoon-
ers and bark that you will bring up. I understand that it can be pro-
cured at the ballast wharf at Bermuda Hundred, discharged there by
vessels coining up for cargo.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Fleet Captain J. S. BARNES.

[Telegram.]

FARRAR'S ISLAND,

On James River, June 1, 1864 — 4 : 30 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 5 : 30 p. m., 2d. Received 7 : 20 p. m.)
The concurrent testimony, which seems reliable, of deserters from
the rebel Army and Navy, and contrabands from Richmond, is that
enemy meditate an immediate attack upon this fleet with tire rafts, tor-
pedo vessels, gunboats, and ironclads, all of which carry torpedoes, and
that they are confident of being able to destroy the vessels here, prin-
cipally by their torpedoes.

I have not here, and am unable to fit torpedoes which are at all
reliable, and would urge the Department to forward me, with all dis-
patch, torpedo barges and torpedoes, the latter with percussion fuzes
similar to those found on the Atlanta.

In view of the novel attack contemplated, I should regard it as
imprudent to send the Tecumseh to sea now, and would request that
one or more ironclads could be added to my force here, considering the
importance of this river to the armies of Generals Grant and Butler.

S. P. LEE.
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, Farrar's Island, June 2, 1864.
(Via Fort Monroe, Va., 5:30 p. m., 4th. Received 11 a. m., 5th.)
No change in the naval situation, except that I have received here
from General Butler the vessels he had provided at City Point, as part
of his plan of campaign, for obstructing James River.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

N w R — VOL 10 8

114 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Chase and destruction of the steamer Georgiana McCaw, June 2, 1864.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Haxtun, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Maratanza.

U. S. S. MARATANZA,
Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., June 5, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 3 a. in., June 2, Acting
Master Alfred Everson, commanding the U. S. S. Victoria, discovered
a paddle steamer running in. He gave chase, opened fire on her, and
drove her ashore.

He immediately dispatched two boats, in charge of Acting Master's
Mate William Moody and Acting Third Assistant Engineer Thomas
llineline, with orders to fire her, which they successfully accomplished,
capturing 20 persons. 14 having escaped.

At daylight Fort Caswell and the adjacent batteries opened with
shot and shell on the boats and they withdrew.

She proved to be the Oeorgiana McCaw, of Liverpool, from Nassau,
this being her first trip, with 60 tons of cargo.

She ran ashore on the last of the flood, going 12£ knots.

Since then we have had considerable wind and sea from the south-
ward and westward, and to day she is reported to be bilged.

The enemy boarded her at 10 a. m. and extinguished the fire. She
lies in 10 feet of water within easy range of Fort Caswell, Western
Battery, and Battery Cameron [Fort Campbell].

Captain Everson speaks favorably of the energy and gallantry of
the officers commanding the boats, and appears himself to have
displayed considerable judgment and dash in the affair.

I transmit herewith all the papers and an inventory of the instru-
ments captured, which are retained subject to your orders.

Last night two steamers attempted to run out and were driven back.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. HAXTUN,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. MARATANZA,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., June 5, 1864.
SIR: List of articles captured from the blockade runner Georgiana
McCaic, and held subject to your order:

Two chronometers, one barometer, one sextant, one marine clock.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. HAXTUN,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Keport of Acting Master Everson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Victoria.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., June 2, 1864.
SIR: 1 have the honor to report that at 3 a. in., of this date, and
while drifting in 3£ fathoms water, Bald Head light bearing east, saw

NORTH . ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 115

white water near the beach to the south and westward, which I sup-
posed to be a steamer. I immediately steamed ahead at full speed
toward the beach in order to cut her off.

On near approach I discovered her to be a side-wheel steamer steer-
ing11 or the bar.

As he crossed my bow I rounded to in his wake and discharged at
him my starboard VHI-inch gun, loaded with one 5-second shell and
stand of grape, and kept firing my 30-pound rifle as I continued the
chase, until 3:30 a. m. she struck on the bar. I immediately ordered
the first and second cutters to board and tire her, the former under
command of Acting Master's Mate William Moody, the latter under
charge of Acting Third Assistant Engineer Thomas W. Hineliue.

On arrival on board-they found that two boats, with their crews, bad
escaped to the shore.

They, however, succeeded in capturing 29 of the crew, including the
captain and most of the officers, together with 3 passengers.

They fired her in several places, and she continued to burn until 10
a. m., when she was boarded from the shore. At daylight Fort Caswell
and the adjacent batteries opened tire on our boats with shot and shell,
which compelled them to return without accomplishing her destruction.

She proved to be the Georgiana McCaw, of Liverpool, 700 tons burden,
from Nassau, bound to Wilmington, N. C.

Her cargo consists of about (>() tons provisions, etc.

I would add, sir, that too much credit can not be awarded to Acting
Master's Mate William Moody and Acting Third Assistant Engineer
Thomas W. Hiueline for their perseverance and energy displayed, and
their cool and gallant conduct while under fire of the enemy.
1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALFRED EVERSON,
Acting Master, Commanding U. S. 8. Victoria.

Lieutenant-Commander M. HAXTUN,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Maratanza and Senior Officer Present.

Report of Commander Nicholson, U. S. Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. State of Georgia.

U. S. S. STATE OF GEORGIA,

Off Western Bar, June 13, 1864.

SIR: It affords me pleasure to report that the blockade runner
Georgiana McCaw (which steamer was run ashore by the Victoria on
the morning of the 3d instant) is a complete wreck.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. NICHOLSON,

Commander and Senior Officer Present.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Captain -Smith, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Davenport, U. S.
Navy, to send the schooner Ann 8. Davenport to obstruct the Roanolce.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, June 2, 1864.
SIR: You will please send tht schooner Ann S. Davenport up to me
as soon as you can have her tov ed here.

116 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I wish to use her for sinking iu the cut-off between Middle and Roa-
uoke rivers, so that we may have perfect command of Middle River.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Commander FI. K. DAVENPORT,

Senior Officer, New Berne, N. C.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 3 — 12 : 45 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 5:30 p. m., June 4. Received 11 a. m., 5th.)
From six to a dozen steam barges, which 1 suppose may be easily
obtained in the Northern cities, will be of great advantage to me here,
if torpedo-fitted and rifle screens enough to protect its few apertures.
I respectfully request the favorable consideration of the Department
to this subject.

8. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander BanMead,
U. 8. Navy, to proceed to duty in the sounds of North Carolina.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, June 3, 1864.

SIR : Immediately upon receipt of this order proceed with all practi-
cable dispatch direct to the sounds of North Carolina, stopping only to
leave your pilot on the Roanoke, and report on your arrival to Captain
M. Smith, senior officer present. There is coal at Hatteras Inlet.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander J. P. BANKHEAD,

U. S. S. Otsego.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the disposition of the U. S. S. Tecumseh and her
consort.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 4, 1864.

SIR : Your telegram of June 1 is received. Twelve steam barges have
been purchased and go without fittings, as two mouths would be required
if they are altered. Six torpedoes prepared by the Orduance Bureau
leave in the Baltimore this morning. You have the six best ironclads
in the Navy, and Admiral Farragut, threatened by a larger force than
is opposed to you, has not a single one. Let the Tecumseh and her con-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 117

sort go, as ordered, as soon as six of the twelve barges ordered reach
James River. Has confidential letter of Department, dated May 20,
been received?

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Eoads.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding additional tugs as picket boats for his command.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 4, 1864.

SIR : The Department has directed twelve small tugs, as picket boats,
to be forwarded at once to your command. Six from Philadelphia have
already sailed. Six acting ensigns to command these boats will be sent
by Commodore Stribling and also such engineers as he can obtain, it
being the intention of the Department that two third assistants should
be assigned to each, if qualified firemen are not available.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 4, 1864 — 10 p. m.

(Received June 5, 1864— 9: 20 p. m.)

No enemy's armed vessel has been seen since we came up this river.
A bark and four schooners, provided by and at the expense of the
Army, are here to-night, ready with shingle ballast for sinking in
Trent's Reach, at the locality designated by General Butler, who recom-
mends the measure.

This will be done, if a diminution of my force or controlling military
considerations require it, previous to the arrival of the torpedo fitted
decked steam barges, which I hope soon to receive.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Order of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Gansevoort,
U. S. Nary, regarding the preparation of the U. S. steamers Governor
Buckingham and Wilderness.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, June 4, 1864.

SIR: When the Governor Buckingham returns from Baltimore, pre-
pare her for sea with all dispatch and send her to rejoin the blockade

118 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

off Wilmington. There should be no delay about the Wilderness.
When will she be ready?
Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain G. GANSEVOORT,

U. IS. IS. Roanoke.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Roe, U. 8. Navy, to proceed to duty at City Point, James River.

FLAGSHIP AGA.WAM,

Jamett River, June 4, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the Sassacus under your command to City Point,
James Eiver, choosing favo'rable weather, and report to me.

If the condition ot the vessel renders it necessary, endeavor to
obtain the convoy of a vessel corning up from the blockade or of an
army transport.

Kespectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander F. A. BOB,

U. 8. 8. Sassacus.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. 8. Navy, regarding the disposition of

prize cotton.

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,

Beaufort, N. C., June 4, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that I picked up at sea 88 bales of
cotton, which I have shipped as prize cotton in the hermaphrodite
brig Alfred, of. Baltimore, bound to Philadelphia, with orders to deliver
it to the U. S. marshal at that port. I have also sent an officer, Acting
Ensign J. C. Murphy, with the cotton as prize master of the same. I
enclose, prize lists of the ship in duplicate.

My reason for sending the cotton direct to Philadelphia is because
the Alfred is bound to that port and is the only vessel ready to leave
for the North; there being no place here to store it, and it being in the
way on board this vessel, I took the earliest moment to get rid of it.
The greater part of it I picked up off Cape Lookout, and it is a part of
the cotton thrown overboard by the blockade runner chased by this
vessel on the 29th ultimo.

On the 2d instant, at 4 a. in., I chased a blockade runner to the east-
ward. At 11 a. m. I gave up the chase, the blockade runner having
run out of sight of the ship; the Keystone State was making over 12
knots per hour during the chase. The Fort Jackson was also in chase,
and kept on.

-I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 119

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, 17. S. Navy, requesting instruc-
tions regarding the disposition of cotton.

U. S. S. VICKSBURG,
Off Fortress Monroe, Va., June 4, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 31st of May and 1st of
June I picked up 79 bales of cotton, which were thrown overboard by
a vessel I chased on the 31st of May.

Please inform me what are your orders for its disposition. Shall I
ship it to Philadelphia or Boston to the care of the U. S. prize commis-
sioners, subject to the adjudication of the prize courts! I have been
compelled to come here for repairs required to defective machinery,
which could not be done at Beaufort, N. C.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FARRAR'S ISLAND, June 5, 1804 — 10 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, Va., June 6.)

If General Grant swings round to James Kiver, a dredging machine
to deepen the channel heretofore cut through Trent's Keach Bar will
be wanted immediately, to enable the monitors to pass up. Nothing
new.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Hear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Commander Corbin, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Augusta,
regarding the arrival of that vessel in Hampton Roads.

U. S. S. AUGUSTA,

Newport Neics, Va., Sunday, June 5, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to orders, dated 25th April, 1804, from the honor-
able Secretary of the Navy, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, I
reached Hampton Roads last evening at dusk, and this morning
anchored oft' this place, where I reported to the senior officer, Captain
G. Gansevoort, commanding the U. S. ironclad RoanoTce.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. G. CORBIN,
Commander, U. 8. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Augusta.

Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

120 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

WEST POINT, June 5, 1864.

A number of boats loaded with men have been seen crossing from
nortli to south side of Mattapony River. A small gunboat would be of
great service.

H. H. OLEY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Brigadier- General ABERCROMBIE.

[Endorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS,

White House, Fa., June 5 — 7:15 p. m.

Respectfully referred to the commander of the naval forces, with a
request that his immediate attention be given to the above.

J. J. ABERCROMBIE,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Fort Jackson,
regarding the capture of the steamer Thistle.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Blockade off Wilmington, N. C., June 5, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you the capture by this vessel of
the blockade runner, iron side- wheel steamer Thistle (new), of Glasgow,
on the night of the 4th instant (yesterday), in latitude 32° 38' N.,
longitude 75° 55' W.

At 2: 20 p. m. discerned from the masthead a steamer about 12 miles
to the southward, heading westward. We gave chase, when she
changed her course to the southward and eastward, burning black
smoke. After a chase of 70 miles and firing eleven times from the
forward 30-pounder rifle and nineteen times with the 100-pounder rifle,
at 8:20 p. m. she showed lights as signal of surrender, when we came
up alongside and sent boats to take possession of her, transferring her
captain, officers, and crew to this vessel. Her cargo, with the excep-
tion of a cotton press, was thrown overboard during the chase. We
passed casks of oil and several broken cases that had evidently con-
tained muskets. The saptain informed me the muskets were of very
inferior quality, put on board as freight. She had no papers, the cap-
tain (as he informed me) having burned and destroyed them previous
to the capture. She is a fine, iron, side-wheel steamer, with superior
engines, and very strong, costing in Glasgow £22,000. The captain
tells me she is the same vessel that was run on the Federal Point Shoal
in the March gales, and laid there so long, which we supposed was the
Will o' the Wisp. She must be a very strong vessel to have stood that
gale aground, as she was for several days, and with no apparent injury.
She is fast, going 12£ knots while we were going 13.0 and 14 knots.
Her captain's name is Alex. Hord, a British subject, and all the crew
claim to be, and seem to be, British subjects. I have sent her to Bos-
ton for adjudication in charge of Acting Master William E. Dennisou
of this vessel.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 121

P. S. — I enclose duplicate prize lists of the crew of this vessel at the
time of capture.

B. F. S.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Keystone
State, regarding the capture of the steamer Siren.

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,
Beaufort, N. C., June 5, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I captured the British steamer
Siren (propeller) to day at 12:30 p. in., no other vessel being in sight
during the chase or af the time of the capture.

I chased her an hour, fired two shots at her, when she hove to and
hoisted English colors, after using all means to escape. She is loaded
with hoop iron, liquors, and merchandise. She is 87 tons, total register
tonnage.

1 have sent Acting Ensign C. M. Bird in charge of the prize, with a
prize crew, to report to you at Hampton Roads for further orders.

I came into this port yesterday, shipped the cotton picked up at sea
by the hermaphrodite brig Alfred, and left here this morning in com-
pany with the Alfred, when I captured the Siren and returned.

The Siren was from Bermuda and cleared for Nassau. At the time
of her capture she was 17 miles from the outer buoy off Beaufort
Harbor.

Her manifest shows that she was bound to Wilmington, N. C. In
consequence of shortness of engineers, I was obliged to send Acting
Chief Engineer Eddowes, detached from this vessel to-day, as engineer
of the Siren.

The Siren draws about 4i feet of water, and made about 6 miles per
hour. I send the captain, chief engineer, and steward of the Siren in
her as witnesses, the remainder (1(5), whose names are enclosed in
duplicate, are on board the storeship William Badger, awaiting trans-
portation north.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.

Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hetzel,
in view of his detachment as senior officer at New Berne, N. C.

U. S. S. HETZEL,
Off New Berne, N. C., June 5, 1864.

SIR : I am in receipt of my orders detaching me from the Hetzel.
1 send you a few articles and papers which 1 was directed by the
admiral to turn over to my successor.

Acting Assistant Paymaster E. Mellach has charge of stores, includ-
ing masters' and engineers' stores and coal. He also has the accounts
of all boats that have no paymaster. He makes requisitions for all
stores, including coal, subject to the approval of the senior naval officer.

122 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Carpenter Mark W. Paul has charge of the repair shop, and gener-
ally keeps a few workmen hired, who are paid only when at work.

Gunner E. A. McDonald lias charge of ordnance stores.

The schooners Albemarle, James Norcom, Renshaic, Flusser,aud Susan
Ann Howard are used as ordnance and store vessels.

In sending officers and men north under orders, discharged, etc., it
is not necessary to wait for the supply steamer outside; a simple request
from the senior officer to the quartermaster will always secure them Gov-
ernment transportation on army transports.

The Sassacus, Hetzcl, Ceres, Lockwood, and Bombshell are at New Berne.
The repairs on the Ceres and Bombshell are nearly completed.

The Valley City left for Pamlico Eiver yesterday to relieve the Lou-
isiana. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Eaton will be relieved
of the command of the Louisiana by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant
F. M. Green on her arrival h'ere. I have been in the habit of relieving
the vessel in Pamlico River every two or three weeks.

The Granite is at Hatteras Inlet. As I previously wrote you, her bot-
tom requires cleaning.

A vessel will be required at Ocracoke Inlet to act as guard ship.

On my departure Lieutenant-Commander Roe will be left as senior
officer present. I have informed him that the Ceres is to be sent to
Albemarle Sound as soon as repaired, and recommended that she tow
the Ann 8. Davenport up.

There are two small prize vessels here, the Jeff. Davis and M. O'Neil.
The former has been taken for Government use; the latter I have taken
for Government use as a coal lighter. As yet my action has not been
approved by the Department.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. DAVENPORT,

Commander, U. 8. Navy.

Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. 8. Navy, regarding affairs
in the vicinity of Washington, N. C.

U. S. S. LOUISIANA,
Off New Berne, N. C., June 5, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your orders of May 24, I proceeded to Pamlico
River, North Carolina, and have the honor to report as follows:

There are no batteries erected or being erected below Castle Island,
near Washington. On Castle Island, I was informed, are mounted two
32s, and one 08 on Fort McKibbin, at Washington, with a force of about
140 men.

The river is clear of torpedoes as far as known. I have received on
board and transferred 19 men and women and 22 children for New
Berne and Portsmouth.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY EATON,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Commander H. K. DAVENPORT,

Senior Officer Present.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 123

Correspondence relative to a proposed joint attack upon Fort Fisher, N. C.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Clary, U. S. Navy, transmitting
copy of confidential letter to the senior officer off Wilmington, N. C.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, June 5, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed a copy of a confidential letter addressed by
me to Captain Sands, or the senior officer present off Wilmington,
on the 31st ultimo, which probably was not received by him before he
went on the outside blockade. 1 desire that you proceed to carry out
the directions contained therein immediately by putting yourself in
communication with General Palmer. In the absence of Lieutenant
Gushing, give a pronifuent part in the enterprise to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Breck, and such other capable officers as you may select.

I understand from General Butler that the army has light-draft boats,
the use of which will greatly facilitate the undertaking.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander A. G. CLARY,

U. 8. 8. Dacotah.

[Enclosure.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, May 30, 1864.

SIR: I have your private note stating that Colonel Jourdan proposes
to attack Wilmington. Lieutenant Gushing some time since advanced
the same idea. Other occurrences have hitherto delayed the attempt,
which the full occupation of the enemy here and his probable depletion
there encourages.

Inform Colonel Jourdan that I have desired you to give the army
every aid and encouragement in your power to cooperate against Wil-
mington, and do so. Lieutenant Gushing should have a prominent post.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS

(Or Senior Officer Present], off Wilmington.

Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. 8. Army.

U. S. S. AGAWAM,
James River, June 5, 1864.

GENERAL : I now make further reply to your communication of yester-
day, containing General Palmer's dispatch of the 31st ultimo, in which he
complains of a want of navy cooperation in a coup de main against
Wilmington, meditated by him, about which he at the same time
remarks, "I have no complaints to make as I do not know that there
is any blame to be attached to anyone."

About a week since I received a note marked "private" from Captain
Sands, from which it appears that on the 22d ultimo Colonel Jourdan

124 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Lad come from Beaufort in the Kansas (Lieutenant-Commander Wat-
mough) to reconnoiter Fort Fisher, which the colonel proposed to sur-
prise by landing 1,200 men, to be brought from Beaufort in the block-
aders returning thence after coaling, and to be landed by the small
boats of the blockading vessels. Captain Sands, doubting if such a
body of troops could thus be landed so as to make a surprise, answered
that he would ask for instructions, and meanwhile promised all practi-
cable aid, and put the Niphon at Colonel Joui dan's disposition for the
purpose of gaining information, that vessel having some refugees on
board who keep up a communication with the shore.

Colonel Jourdau told Captain Sands he had the consent of General
Palmer, who considered it a very hazardous enterprise, and it further
appears, from the colonel's remarks to Captain Sands, that the scheme
was of local origin and to be so conducted. This view also appears in
the opening paragraph of General Palmer's communication to you.

Hearing nothing from you on the subject, to save time and to aid the
army, 1 instructed Captain Sands to give the army all the aid and
encouragement in his power, and so inform Colonel Jourdan.

The Fort Jackson, which Captain Sands commands, is of too deep
draft to pass Beaufort Bar to coal, hence Captain Sands comes to
Hampton Roads for supplies, and he had left there for the blockade
before my instructions reached him.

These, however, were also directed to the senior officer present off Wil-
mington, and I now send to Commander Clary a duplicate of the same,
with instructions, in case of the absence of Captain Sands, to put him-
self in communication with our military authorities in North Carolina
and cooperate to the best of his judgment in the proposed surprise of
some of the enemy's works at Wilmington.

Just subsequent to my instructions to Captain Sands to aid the army
detachment to land and surprise Wilmington, you informed me that
you had seen in the rebel papers that our troops were evacuating New
Berne, which you could only understand as meaning a movement
against Wilmington. I then communicated to you what information I
had and the action I had taken on the subject.

It is best that plans for cooperation should be understood in time and
arranged between us.

I enclose two sketches of Fort Fisher, etc., and some information since
received of the forces at Wilmington.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. JV 'orth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

(Commanding Department Virginia and North Carolina.

Report of Commander Howell, IT. S. Navy, transmitting letter from Brigadier-General Palmer,
V. S. Army, to Captain Sands, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. NEREITS,
Off New Inlet, June 6', 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have the honor to enclose herewith a letter addressed
to Captain B. F. Sands, or senior officer off Wilmington, by General I. N.
Palmer.

On my way to Beaufort for coal I stopped off Masonboro Inlet at 1
o'clock a. m. of the 24th May, and received on board from the Niphon,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

125

Rebel Ram on the Rip1?
aground.

126 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Colonel Jourdan, commanding Sub-District of Beaufort, N. C., and his
aid, who had been to the fleet oft' New Inlet to reconnoiter and gain
information. The reconnoitering was confined to an outside view of the
forts, and an attempt to communicate by boat from the Niphon with
some so-called Union Confederate officer, who was to play traitor and
give information, but who failed to appear at the rendezvous on the
beach near Masonboro Inlet. Colonel Jourdan, before leaving at Beau-
fort, told me I would probably hear from him before the Nereus sailed.
I was four days at anchor, but heard nothing from or of the colonel.

On the afternoon of June 2, instant, Colonel Jourdau again made his
appearance. He came as far as Masonboro in the army transport Jo hn
jFarnWjthen went on board the Niphon, which vessel steamed down the
coast, passed the batteries just outside of range, and drew their fire.
It was a very dashing looking affair, although tolerably safe, but, in a
military point of view, under the circumstances, I think ill judged.

To the rebel officers of Fort Fisher the whole affair must have
appeared as a reconuoissance. A reconnoissauce is, of course, made
with a view to ulterior operations, and, necessarily, the rebels were
induced to be more vigilant, and possibly to double pickets, etc.

The advent of a steamer painted black, her communicating with the
fleet (she hung on to our stern by a hawser), and her almost immediate
return to Beaufort, were also suspicious circumstances calculated to
put the rebels on their guard.

Colonel Jourdan came on board the Nereus after his reconnoissauce,
and said that he wished to take Fort Fisher by surprise, and that if he
could land 1,500 men on the beach without being discovered, between the
hours of 11 p. m. and 1 o'clock a. m., he thought he might succeed. He
also .presented the accompanying letter. 1 made a calculation that
with all the boats of the vessels present I might (with a smooth sea)
land, exclusive of boats' crews, about three hundred and fifty men.
The colonel professed that this would not do; that unless he could land
one-half of his force at once the expedition must be given up. To land
750 men was simply an impossibility. Our boats are small merchant
ship boats. I so informed the colonel, and he left for Beaufort to con-
coct some other more feasible scheme for harasvsiug the enemy. I was
at great pains to assure Colonel Jourdau of the earnest desire of the
navy to cooperate with, assist, further the ends of General Palmer in
every possible way. I offered to make any diversion he would suggest,
to do anything but impossibilities. I pointed out to him that large
numbers of surf boats intended expressly for lauding soldiers on beaches
had been built, and, doubtless, could be had at Fortress Monroe, and,
in fact, did everything to manifest to him that we were as desirous as
he could be to strike, or assist in striking, a blow at the enemy. You
will be able to judge as well or better than I what measure of success
an attempted surprise of Fort Wisher would have met. I only know
that on dark nights the whole beach is alive with signal lights. I
should like some instructions in case the colonel should renew the
attempt, and am,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. HOWELL,
Commander, Senior Officer Present.

Acting Eear- Admiral 8. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 127

[Enclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA,

New Berne, N. C., May 30, 1ML

CAPTAIN : A few days since I addressed you a communication, which
was to have been delivered to you by Colonel Jourdau, commanding
the Sub- District of Beaufort, in which I begged your cooperation in a
movement to be made in the vicinity of Wilmington, by the forces
under my command, and which expedition was to be commanded by
Colonel Jourdati.

This letter the colonel tells me was not delivered to you as he had an
opportunity of seeing you when you were last off Beaufort. He informs
me, however, that he has informed you of the intended movement and
that he supposed you were ready to give such assistance as was in your
power.

The force designated for this affair has been for some days waiting
at Morehead [Cityj, but for some cause the movement has been delayed,
and I fear it will not take place as we desired, unless you will place
one or two vessels at the disposition of Colonel Jourdan for the purpose
of transporting troops, and give us assistance in landing them.

I only ask, captain, that we may have this assistance, and if the
thing should prove a success you will have everything to gain, for if
Fort Fisher should be captured we could, with your assistance, hold it.
If we fail you have nothing to lose. Our men can either retire to the
boats or they may be able to come through to this place by land.

We know tolerably well the position of the enemy's force about Wil-
mington, and the strength of it. Even if we can not make a good
thing of it, we hope to do some good by diverting some of the rebel
force from Virginia and thus help the cause.

I beg, therefore, that you will seriously consider this matter, and that
you will inform me at the earliest possible moment whether I may count
upon your cooperation. Colonel Jourdau knows all the plans, and any-
thing he may say in regard to this matter, please regard as coming
directly from myself.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. PALMER,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS, U. S. Navy
(Or to the Senior Naval Officer], Blockading Fleet off Wilmington.

[Endorsement.]

Told Colonel Jourdan that I could laud 350 men at outside in the
boats of the squadron. He thought it not feasible to attempt the sur-
prise of the fort under the circumstances.

J. C. HOWELL,

Commander.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.

Navy, expressing approval of the attempted destruction of the C. 8. ram

Albemarle.

NAV/ DEPARTMENT, June 6, 1864.

SIR : Your several telegrams have been received, viz, one of the 2d,
two of the 3d, and one of the 4th, instant.

The Chicopee leaves New York to-day for the sounds of North Caro-
lina direct. The Shamrock, with a ram on her bow, also leaves for the
sounds direct.

128 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Twelve steain barges are on the way to join you and the torpedoes
have also gone. If rifle screens were put on these barges, at the North,
there would be a detention of two months. You will recollect the time
required to fit out Hear- Admiral Farragut's light- drafts, which are now
with you.

The Department approves the gallant attempt to blow up the Albe-
marle. Lieutenant William B. Cushiug has proposed a scheme with
regard to another ironclad which it would be well to encourage, and
you will please instruct the senior officer oft' Wilmington to thai effect.
Risks to accomplish an important object ought to be undertaken
without hesitation, and will never be disapproved by the Department
if well arranged and intrusted to good officers.

There must be no delay in sending oft' the Manhattan with a double-
ender after the arrival of as many as six steam barges in the river.

Have Commander Davenport's orders been delivered? He has not
yet reported.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Cressy, IT. S. Navy, transmitting
enclosure regarding a reconnoissance in James River.

U. 8. S. MALYERN,

James River, off Tilman's \Tilghman' s\ Wharf, June 7, 1864.
SIR: I enclose a copy of a report from Orderly Sergeant G. E. Phent,
commanding my picket guard on shore, sent me yesterday at 7 : 30 p. m.
At 1 : 30 p. in. to day a party of the enemy were again visible in the same
place, about 2£ miles distant in the direction of Turkey Bend. I
examined them carefully with a glass, and 12 men were seen (part
negroes) with several horses; but no signs of rifle pits or earthworks
were seen. I sent word to the commanding officer of the gunboat sta-
tioned at Turkey Bend, that the enemy alluded to were in his vicinity.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. K. CRESSY,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Malvern.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Flagship Agawam.

[Enclosure.]

ON PICKET INSHORE,

Near Tilman's [Tilghman>s\ Wharf, June 6, 18(14.
SIR: This afternoon I sent a corporal and three privates to the mill
to reconnoiter. They report having seen about twenty of the enemy's
cavalry in the direction of Turkey Bend. They had been there all day,
and appear to be making rifle pits or throwing up earthworks, where
they could surprise vessels passing up or down the river. A French-
man living in the vicinity says these cavalry are in the same place where
the party who fired upon the U. S. S. Shaicsheen came from.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. E. PHENT,

Orderly Sergeant, Commanding Picket Guard.
W. K. CRESSY,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Malvern.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 129

Correspondence regarding obstructions for James River.
Eeport of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, IT. S. Navy, transmitting enclosures.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 7, 1864 — p. m.

SIR: I transmit enclosed a copy of the correspondence between
General Butler and my self relative to sinking obstructions in the river,
which the Department will recollect was a part of his original plan of
campaign.

The Department will appreciate the reluctance I have felt to adopt
this course. The ironclad force at my command is better than was
originally expected. General Grant asked for the cooperation of two
ironclads. There are four here now, and there will be three left when
the Tecumseh, now under your order for other service, shall leave. The
Navy is not accustomed to putting down obstructions before it, and the
act might be construed as implying an admission of superiority of
resources on the part of the enemy. The object of the operation would
be to make the river more secure against the attempts of the enemy
upon our vessels by fire and explosive rafts, followed by torpedoes and
ironclad vessels and boats.

General Grant seems to be expected by our military men and by the
enemy (see Richmond paper of June 7) to cross the James River and
operate against Richmond on the south side, and I understand it would
be of vital importance to the success of the campaign that the river
should be held secure against the casualties of a novel naval engage-
ment.

Of course myself and officers desire the opportunity of encountering
the enemy, and feel reluctant to discourage his approach, but the point
of embarrassment with me is the consequences that would follow a
failure of the campaign should the novel plans of the enemy succeed
in crippling the monitor force.

I therefore lay the subject before the Department, which, understand-
ing the views of General Grant, will best comprehend the extent and
the locality of the cooperation he may desire and be able to instruct me
on the subject, if thought necessary.

I am more disposed to the reference since the receipt of the Depart-
ment's dispatch of 4th instant. The water here is too shoal and narrow
for maneuvering the monitors, and they occupy a position for support-
ing the flank of the army, from which they must engage at anchor, and
to keep their turrets upstream are moored head and stern. Even our
tugs can not cross the middle ground in this reach at low water, and
there is no room for the longer wooden vessels, which are stationed to
keep open our communications, which, however, the enemy can inter-
rupt at pleasure, especially at Deep Bottom, should General Grant leave
the left side of the James.

I am inclined, in view of all the circumstances, to obstruct the shoaler
parts of this reach so as to prevent the convenient approach of the
enemy's smaller torpedo vessels and limit his approach to the channel
way, which is narrow and under the control of the monitor fire.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C.

N W R — VOL 10 9

130 KORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Endorsement.]

Left to discretion of admiral in command, in whom the Department
has confidence.

[WELLES.]

[Endorsement on margin.]

Mooring head and stern seems to me very risky and entirely unnec-
essary.

F[ox].

[Enclosure No. 1 .]

GENERAL BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS,

May 11, 18H1 — 9: 45 a. m.

The bark Franklin and five schooners are at your disposal to obstruct
the channel of the river.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.

Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, James River, June 1, 1864.
GENERAL: Will you please send to me here at once, that they may
be at hand for use if necessary, the bark and schooners provided by
you for obstructing the river?

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

Note by Admiral LEE — June 1. Written in consequence of the
opinion of monitor commanders, Commander lihind and Lieutenant
Lamson, to have those obstructions ready, but like me they were averse
to the sinking, and sustained my views on the subject at a council held
on board the Tecumseh this day.

[Enclosure No. 3.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, James River, June 1, 1864.
GENERAL: I thank you for sending the two contrabands to me;
their information is useful. I desire that the bark and schooners may
be sent me for immediate use.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

[Enclosure No. 4.]

JUNE 1, 1804—3:30 p. in.

Yonr envelope enclosing letter to French consul in Richmond, and
request for the bark and schooners for obstructions, is received.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 131

Orders have gone out to Chief Quartermaster C. E. Fuller to send
them up at once, with a tow.

B. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.

Admiral LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure Ko. 5.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 2, 1864.

GENERAL: Can you ride over this morning with General Weitzel
and arrange for sinking the vessels which you have obtained and appro-
priated for obstructing the navigation of James River, in such places
as will add to the security of the army communications? Jt must be
your operation, not mine, as I have not consulted the Navy Depart-
ment on the subject, and the Navy Department alone can find vessels
for this purpose, if it approves of so using them. I have no authority
to employ or use vessels for this purpose, but can give such assistance
to your engineers as may aid you in accomplishing the object proposed
in your plan of campaign.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major- General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

[Enclosure No. 6. ]

HEADQUARTERS IN FIELD, June 2, 1864.

ADMIRAL: Your communication, dated June 2, in regard to the
obstructions, is received. The five vessels sent up were procured by
my order for the purpose of being used as obstructions to the river, if,
in the judgment of the naval commander, they would add to the
security of his fleet. I have no difficulty as to the point at which we
desire to secure the river. It is the right of my line, near Curtis'
house, at the ravine, but whether the river should be secured by
obstructions or by vessels, or a disposition of your obstructions or
of the vessels of your navy, neither myself nor my engineers have any
right to feel ourselves confident to give our opinion. The vessels are
wholly at your service, but upon your good judgment, and not mine,
must rest their use.

In accordance with your request, as I informed your officer, I will
visit you this afternoon and designate the spot we desire to be held,
but whether by means of obstructions, or by your ships, or by both
combined, must be solely for you to determine.

While I know you would not undertake to give directions to my
engineers as to the situation of our earthworks on laud, so we ought
not to presume to advise you as to your means of defending the water.

I have not consulted the War Department upon the question whether
I should procure these obstructions. I supposed that was fairly within
my discretion, and I venture respectfully to add that the question
whether you should use them is entirely within yours. The Navy
Department can not know the exigencies as you know them, and I am
certain must leave that question to the good judgment of the rear-
admiral commanding the fleet.

132 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I ain aware of the delicacy naval gentlemen feel in depending upon
anything but their ships in a contest with the enemy, and if it were a
contest with the enemy's ships alone I certainly would not advise the
obstructions, even at the great risk of losing the river. But in a con-
test against such unchristian modes of warfare as fire rafts and torpedo
boats I think all question of delicacy should be waived by the para-
mount consideration of protection for the lives of the men and the
safety of the very valuable vessels of the squadron.

Pardon me if I have overstepped any line of duty or courtesy in this
latter suggestion.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.
Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure No. 7. ]

Confidential.] FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Farrar's Island, June 3, 1864.

GENERAL : The system of naval expenditures is so entirely different
from the army system, being controlled and directed by the Navy
Department alone, that, to prevent future misunderstanding, I desire
now to be assured by you, in writing, whether the cost of the vessels
placed by you at my disposal for obstructing the river can be made a
charge or liability, present or contingent, upon the Navy Department,
if, under my directions, they are used for the purpose indicated, or
whether I am to understand that the entire cost and expenditure for
the vessels is borne by the War Department.

Without explicit authority from the Secretary of the Navy, I should
not ieel justified in incurring any pecuniary liability in connection with
this matter.

In reply to that part of your communication of yesterday, which I
have now the honor to acknowledge, which refers to the lives of the
men and the safety of the very valuable vessels under my command
as being the primary reason for obstructing the river, I would wish to
be understood as regarding the loss of life and material as incidental
to the contest which would occur should the enemy make an attack on
us, whatever the result should be. The first consideration with me is
the necessity, as heretofore represented by you to me, of holding this
river beyond a peradventure for the great military purposes of Gen-
eral Grant and yourself. In consulting my own desires, I would do
everything to induce and nothing to prevent the enemy from trying to
assert their strength in a pure naval contest, which, in my opinion,
would give us a naval victory. The only contingency of such a battle
is the unknown effect of the novel instruments of war — torpedo ves-
sels— which are to be employed by them, and which, as the attacking
party, give them, perhaps, an advantage, which might possibly balance
our certain superiority in all other fighting material.

Please return to me the topographical sketch which you gave me and
afterwards borrowed.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department Virginia and North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 133

[Enclosure No. 8.1

Confidential.] HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD,

June 3, 1864—1: 30 p. m.

SIR: I beg leave to assure you in writing, as I have heretofore
verbally, that the obstructions furnished you by me will in no way be
any charge or cost to the Navy Department, unless it chooses volun-
tarily to assume the expenses.

I have neither doubt nor hesitation upon the subject. If the expend-
iture of the few thousands for these vessels will save one monitor from
torpedo or fire raft, or the lives of ten of the men I have sent to the
Navy, I should make it at once. You will judge of the efficiency of the
obstructions. The expense has already been assumed by the Army,
although 1 can not appreciate the difference. One treasury, one nation,
one cause, all are served alike if one is served.

Respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER.

Major- General, Commanding.
Rear- Admiral LEE,

Commanding, etc.

[Enclosure No. 9.]

Confidential.] FLAGSHIP N. ATLANTIC BLOCK. SQUADRON,

James River, June 7, 1864.

GENERAL: I desire to keep the schooners ready for sinking when I
am advised that a controlling military necessity requires that it be
done.

Judging from the tenor of a dispatch received from the Navy Depart-
ment last evening, no such precautionary measure seems to be contem-
plated.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Comdg. Military Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

[Enclosure No. 10. — Telegram.]

IN THE FIELD, June 7, 1864 — 2: 45 p. m.

(Received 6: 30 p. m.)

Your note relative to the sinking of the obstructions is received by
hand of Captain Clarke. The necessity of holding our positions here is
an overwhelming military one. But how you are to hold yours on the
river is, of course, wholly for you to determine.
Respectfully, yours,

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.
Admiral LEE,

Commanding, etc.

(/. <u/- of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Lamson,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Gettysburg, to proceed to blockade
duty off Wilmington.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, June 7, 1864.

SIR: On receipt of this order proceed with the Gettysburg under your
command to cruise offshore to intercept blockade runners to and from

134 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the port of Wilmington, N. C., first going to Beaufort, if necessary, to
take in coal and other supplies.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant R. H. LAMSON,

U. 8. 8. Gettysburg.

Report of Commander Howell, U. 8. Navy, relative to condition and
operations of the vessels off New Inlet, North Carolina.

U. S. S. NERETJS,
Off New Inlet, June 7, 1864.

ADMIRAL : I have the honor to enclose herewith iny abstract log to
June 1.

On the night of the 4th instant, at 8 o'clock p. m., the Hoicquah fired
into and chased a blockade run er, coming out. I chased off east, but
could not discover her. Spoke the Fort Jackson in the morning, and
am glad to announce that she had, on the previous evening, captured
the Thistle, side wheel steamer, of about ^50 tons. The Thistle had
thrown overboard all her cargo (she was bound in) except a cotton
press. (So reported to me. I have just seen Captain Sands, who says
she has some cargo; does not know what.)

The large side wheel steamer, before reported as having been run on
shore, coining out (supposed by Hoicquah), is still lying under the
Mound. She has slewed considerably and the sea breaks over her. 1
think she is certainly bilged.

The ram, I believe, is almost entirely broken up. An intelligent
(really) contraband avers that he has seen her, broken in two. He
also says that five were killed by the Howquah's tire, and here let me
bear witness to the excellent conduct of Acting Master J. W. Balch,
of the Howquah. His gallantry in engaging the ram, his exertions on
the bar, night after night, the constant danger he runs of being sunk
or injured, for they fire at him frequently, his cheerfulness and alacrity
in thie performance of his duties at all times, merit some substantial
recognition. I am confident Captain Sands, were he present, would
join me in recommending him for promotion. I speak of Acting Master
Balch only from what I have seen and heard on the blockade. I know
nothing of his previous character.

I would respectfully state that we are very short of men on this
blockade. The Hoicquah and Namemond both need men, and the times
of the crew of the Howquah will nearly all expire in July and August.
I have been obliged to loan the Nansemond three men from my crew,
and 1 myself have not a full complement.

I have been told that there was quite a number of men in New York.
I would respectfully state, admiral, that the blockade would be much
more effective if we had a few more small, swift vessels. If the hon-
orable Department would purchase and send here the blockade runners
caught, and not allow our engineers to meddle with the machinery,
except so far as to adapt the furnaces for hard coal, I don't see why we
could not capture almost every vessel we see coming out. Such large
vessels as the Nercns, Merceditu, Florida, and Grand Gulf can be seen
so far at night that the runners easily avoid them. My steamer is
rather fast. I have run steadily 1 1 knots, occasionally getting up to
12, for hours, but 1 am not fast enough to catch some of the blockade

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 135

runners, neither is the Fort Jackson. I write in haste, as the New
Berne leaves this evening.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. HOWELL,

Commander, Senior Officer Present.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, June 8, 1864.

(Via Fort Monroe, 5 a. in., 9th. Received 2 : .'iO a. in., 10th.)
Can the Department tlispatch several gunboats from the Potomac to
York River to answer calls from that quarter?
No change in the naval situation here.

S. P. LEE,

Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

[Endorsement.]

Attended to. W. F.

Order of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant
\Yilliams, U. 8. Navy, regarding measures for forcing the Confederate
ram out of the Roanoke River.

TJ. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, June F, 1864.

SIR: Proceed up the Middle River to-morrow morning with the
Commodore Barney and Whitehead and shell the lower battery on
Roanoke River, for the purpose of bringing down the ram.

Before commencing, the Whitehead will enter the Roanoke at the
cut off, turn and deliver her tire, and join you in the Middle River.

On the appearance of black smoke at Plymouth you can return to
your station and leave the ram in the hands of the operators below.

By stationing boats at the cut-off you can regulate your tire on the
battery by signal, so as to get the proper range.
The river chart will give you the distance.

Before entering the cut off with the vessels you will drag for torpedoes.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer, etc.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. M. WILLIAMS,

Commanding U. S. S. Commodore Barney.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, U. S. Navy, regarding
the laying of torpedoes in the Roanoke River.

U. S. S. COMMODORE BARNEY,

Albemarle Sound, June 8, 1864.

SIR: In accordance witli your request of this date I very respectfully

submit the following a.s the manner in which the torpedoes were laid in

the Uoanoke River, North Carolina, on the morning of the 7th instant:

The torpedoes were laid in the river about 200 yards above the first

13G NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

creek on the port side going up, in water at a depth of between 16 and
24 feet, the torpedoes being sunk about 9 feet from the surface, straight
across the river, at a distance of about 12 feet apart, a lock string
extending from each to the swamp on the right-hand side of the river
going up.

A line was first run for 72 feet across the narrowest part of the river
and anchored at each end. The torpedoes were then laid by fastening
first one to the line at a distance of 12 feet from the end, and anchoring
it; a lock string was then carried from that, the first laid, to the shore.
Another torpedo was then laid, at a distance of about 12 feet from the
first, and anchored, and a lock string carried ashore as from the first.
The other two were laid at the same distance and in the same manner,
each torpedo having an independent [anchor] and being separately
anchored in addition to the anchors at the end of the line, to which all
were made fast.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

General Order regarding information furnished to the press by naval

officers.

GENERAL ORDER.] FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

James River, June 9, 1864.

The attention of all officers, petty officers, seamen, and marines of
this squadron is called to the recent violations of the Department's
orders prohibiting giving information to the press regarding naval
operations. The effect and the fault are the same if this is done directly
or through private sources. Information useful to the enemy is given
and partial statements are made violating the discipline of the Navy
and injurious to the public interests.

It is the duty of all good officers, petty officers, and men promptly to
expose those who are guilty of such misconduct.

Each commanding officer will, on the receipt of this order, assemble
the officers and men of his command and read it to them, and he will
earnestly endeavor to ascertain the offenders, if any, in his command,
and promptly report them in writing for punishment.

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Destruction of the blockade runner Pevensey, June 9, 1864.
Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Harris, IT. S. Navy.

U. S. S. NEW BERNE,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, June 16, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report the stranding, on the 9th instant, of
the blockade runner Pevensey (named Penversey in the extracts April
16, 1864), under the following circumstances:

3:30 a. in., steering N. E. by N., Beaufort 45 miles distant, made a
steamer bearing N. E. by E., 4 miles distant, running slow and heading
E. N. E.; she being to the eastward did not immediately discover this
vessel. Hauled up E. N. E., when, gaining on her within 2£ miles,
she made all speed, steering E. Opened fire and stood E. by N. The

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 137

secoiid shot carried away the forward davit of her quarter boat. She
immediately changed her course, steered N., and struck the beach 9
miles west of Beaufort at 8 : 05 a. m. Her crew took to the boats at
once, this vessel at the time being 1£ miles distant. Ban into 3£ fath-
oms, and when within 100 yards of the strand, she blew up.

Sent in three boats, boarded her, and found her engines and boilers
completely blown out. Plugged up the pipes; anchored in 3 fathoms,
and made arrangements to pull her off. 9 a. m., tug Violet came down
from Beaufort and anchored on the quarter. 9 : 30 a. m., Commander
B. M. Dove arrived in the Cherokee, came on board and said he would
take charge of the wreck, and the New Berne would proceed to Beau-
fort, it being then high water, to save the tide in. Recalled boats and
arrived at Beaufort at 11 a. m., anchoriug outside too late for the tide.

One prisoner was found on board the vessel, unharmed from the
explosion, who proved himself to be an escaped prisoner from Johnson's
Island, of Morgan's guerrillas. One body was found upon the beach,
and 35 prisoners were captured on shore by the cavalry, three of whom
are supposed to be Confederate officers, one of them adjutant- general
to Magruder. She was loaded on Confederate account, cargo consisting
of arms, blankets, shoes, cloth, clothing, lead, bacon, and numerous
packages marked to individuals. She had been chased on the 7th
instant by the Quaker City, and had thrown overboard, by log book, 30
tons lead and 20 tons bacon; was 543 tons, of English register; no
manifest of cargo found. Gunner S. D. Hines has discovered seven
Whitworth tompions tied together, bright, and in good condition, which
suggests the possibility of that number of guns being under the musket
boxes.

The prisoners captured ashore were held in Fort Macon, and the one
secured on board was transferred there by order of Commander Dove.
I understood that after the army authorities had satisfied themselves
with regard to the identity of the prisoners they were to be transferred
to this [place], per Keystone State.

I have learned since leaving Beaufort that the reputed mate is the
real captain ; that he is a Captain Long, the outdoor agent of Major
Walker (the Confederate agent at Bermuda), a citizen of New York,
and having formerly commanded a ship from there. The reputed cap-
tain (an Englishman) was merely the paper or clearing captain. Of
these facts I have informed Captain Gansevoort.

It will not now be possible to get the vessel oft', but a large amount
of the cargo can be saved, if properly guarded

Had the after 30-pound Parrott,for which the requisition was approved
by you April 22, been furnished, his chances of reaching the shore
would have been reduced. He evidently was ignorant of his position,
as the first question asked was, " How far is it to Fort Caswell?"
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. A. HARRIS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Kear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Washington, D. C., July 14, 1864.

SIR: Enclosed I forward to the Department a list of those of the
cre\v of the blockade runner Fevemey, which ran on shore and was

138 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

destroyed by her crew near Beaufort, N. C., on the 9th ultimo, wlio are
now detained at Camp Hamilton, Fort Monroe, and at Point Lookout.
The late master of the Pevensey was detained by Captain Gansevoort as
a witness, he supposing that a portion of the cargo of the blockade
runner was saved and would be sent North as prize.

The others are detained as habitual violators of the blockade under
the instructions of the Department, dated May 9, 1804, to iiear-Adminil
Farragut, forwarded to me for my information May 10, 1804.

The examination of these men took place in presence of Commander
Peirce Crosby and Lieutenant-Commander Chester Hatfield. The chief
officer of the Pevensey, Joseph Brown, is detained at Camp Hamilton :is
an habitual violator of the blockade; all the others are detained at
Point Lookout. I have requested the commandant of the post at Fort
Monroe to discharge the master of the Pevemey, as there is no longer
any reason for detaining hirn, the vessel and cargo having proved a
total loss.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. 8. Navy, regarding a
cooperative attack upon Fort Clifton, Virginia, June 9, 1864.

U. S. S. COMMODORE PERRY, June 10, 1864.

SIR: 1 have the honor to report that, in compliance with a request
from Major-General Butler, I cooperated with the land forces on the
morning of the 9th instant.

At 8: 30 a. m. I opened on Fort Clifton, [Virginia], and at 11 : 15 a. m.
had dismounted one of the enemy's guns and had struck another, scat-
tering the pieces over the fort.

At 2 p. m. the enemy had left the fort.

The shots they fired at me all fell short, I having dropped down the
river [Appomattox] out of range early in the morning.

Enclosed you will please find a list of ammunition expended.
The enemy have been hard at work repairing the fort.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Jamts Hirer.

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Commodore Perry, June 9-10, 18f>4.

June 9. — At 9 a. m. opened fire on Fort Clifton ; dropped down the
river 200 yards and continued firing with 100 pounder Parrott; the
enemy replied with their batteries. From 12 to 4 p. m. engaged in
bombarding Fort Clifton; at 0 p. m. ceased firing. Expended 22
rounds IX inch shell, 144 rounds 100-pounder Parrott shell.

June 10. — At 2 p.m. dropped down the stream a short distance, so as
to bring our guns to bear upon the enemy, and opened fire. Expended
3 100-pouuder rifle shell, 11 rounds of IX-inch shell.

June 11. — Fired a IX-inch gun at rebel battery; no reply.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 139

Report of Acting Master Savage, U. S. Navy, regarding expenditure of
ammunition in the attack upon Fort Clifton, Va., June 9-10, 1864.

IT. S. S. GENERAL PUTNAM,
Appomattox River, Virginia, June 12, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report to you the following expenditures of
ammunition:

June '.). — In the engagement with the enemy at Fort Clifton, 20-
pounder Parrot rifle, 77 shell; 77 2-pound charges.
June 10. — Parrott rifle, 3 shell; 3 2 pound charges.
Total, 80 shell ; 80 charges.
June 10. — 2 t-ponuder howitzer, 2 shell.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. SAVAGE,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Commander J. M. B. CLITZ,

Comdg. U. S. S. Osceola, Senior Naval Officer, off City Point, Va.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrars Island, June 9 — 10 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 10th, 4 p. m. Received 2 : 30 a. m., llth.)
A flag of truce tug came this afternoon to deliver a letter from Mr.
Child to Major Mulford.

The army lookout on the hill near us has several times reported see
ing the smokestacks of the rebel steamers above Chafiin's Bluff.

S. P. LEE,

Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 10, 1864.

Boats can not be spared from Potomac. Steam dredging machine
can be had at Norfolk.

GIDEON* WELLES,

Secretary Navy.
Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Hampton Roads, Care Captain Gansevoort.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 10, 1864 — 10 p. m.
(Received Washington 12:15 p. m., June 12.)
No change in naval situation.
Five of the tugs have arrived.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secret a ry Na i~y.

140 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Chief Engineer Faron, U. S. Navy, regarding the Ericsson

torpedoes.

U. S. S. TECUMSEH,
James River, June 10, 1864,

SIR: In obedience to your order of the 7th instant, to proceed to the
hulk Charles Phelps, Fortress Monroe, and Norfolk navy yard, and,
if practicable, make arrangements for bringing up complete oue or
two of the Ericsson torpedoes, I have the honor to report:

On board the hulk Charles Phelps, off Newport News, I found six-
teen shells (thirty two pieces), the gum washers and connecting tubes,
a large number of iron straps for securing the air vessels, and three
imperfect boom derricks.

At Fortress Monroe a number of pieces of heavy timber for floating
the shells was pointed out to me as belonging to them.

In the Norfolk navy yard, 1 found the copper air vessels, some rig-
ging, and a number of imperfect boom derricks.

I was informed by the gunner of the ordnance depot at the fortress
that two devils or bootjacks had been removed from there by Inspector
Griffin, and I was informed also, by Commodore Livingston, that
Inspector Griffin had removed from the Norfolk navy yard, by order
of Admiral Gregory, several things belonging to the torpedoes.

The articles required to complete the torpedoes are the parallel bars
and locks, the devils, or bootjacks, the side booms, and some portion
of the rigging.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN FARON,
Chief Engineer, U. 8. Navy.
Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

On account of the doubt expressed by the admiral about these
machines, the Department will take no further action.

(" WELLES. J

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding obstructing the James River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

June 11, 186-1.

SIR: I have received your No. 325,* enclosing copy of correspond-
ence between General Butler and yourself, relative to sinking obstruc-
tions in James River.

Action in this matter is left to the discretion of the admiral of the
squadron, in whom the Department has confidence.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

* See p. 129.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 141

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, urging that a steam tug be placed
at his disposal for use in the sounds.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, N. C., June 11,. 1864.

SIR: I have to report that officers aiid men from the First and
Second North Carolina regiments are making their appearance almost
daily in small numbers for a passage to Beaufort, via Eoanoke Island,
to join their regiments, and, as I have no trausportation for them, or
any means of communicating with New Berne, I have applied to the
commanding general for one of the army transport steamers to keep
up the communication.

A steam tug is much needed here, in fact is indispensable under the
present condition of affairs, and the expense would be more than paid
by the demurrage allowed to sailing vessels in the transportation of
coal from Hatteras, which are sometimes twelve days in transit. The
Hull and Barney draw too much water for this service, and the
Whitehead is the only vessel that could be used, and her services are
required to cruise in the Perquimans and Alligator rivers to prevent
the traffic that is carried on across the sound, and in the Chowan to
cut off supplies sent to the rebel force at Plymouth.

I have destroyed a number of flats and boats on the Chowau, where
a small steamer should be employed night and day patrolling the river,
and captured a boat in the sound with a small quantity of pork, which
I can use to feed the contrabands escaping from Plymouth and desir-
ing to be sent to Eoanoke Island.

I ordered a boat to be sent on the afternoon of the 8th, from the
Maitabexett, with an officer and ten men to destroy a distillery in the
creek near the town of Edenton, a resort for the guerrillas who infest
that neighborhood, to the great discomfiture of many good Union
citizens residing there. The boilers were cut, brick foundations
destroyed, mash tubs broken up, 5 barrels of whisky stove in, and
still-worms removed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Instructions from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Commander Bankhead,
U. S. Navy, in case of the appearance of the C. S. ram Albemarle.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Albemarle Sound, N. C., June 11, 1864.

SIR : I shall leave here to-morrow for New Berne, and I leave you 'M
guard the entrance of Koanoke and Cashie rivers with the Otsego, Wya-
lusing, Tacony, Commodore Barney, Commodore Hull, and Whitehead.

Should the Albemarle make his appearance, you will commence re-
treating until you draw him well out into the sound, where you will
have room to maneuver. The Whitehead and Hull to take care of his
consort, if any should accompany him.

Do not on any account attempt to engage in the river, as his guns
are as heavy as yours and are equal in range, and it is already proved
to our satisfaction that our shot can not injure him very materially at
close quarters.

142 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

His next effort will perhaps be to out-general us by slipping by in the
night from the mouth of the Cashie, which must be strictly guarded,
particularly at night.

A plan of attack in the event of the Albemarle's making his appear-
ance, which will be varied according to circumstances, and at your dis-
cretion, is herewith enclosed, and a torpedo boat is prepared for the
Wyalusing to take in tow, and that vessel has been experimenting with
boats and can bring it in contact with the ram and explode it at the
proper moment.

There are also three heavy torpedoes placed near the first bend of the
river, and are watched during the day by an officer and four men, two
of the latter to be relieved every second day (by the double-enders) and
furnished with their rations.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Commander J. P. BANKHEAD,

Commanding U. S. S. Otsego.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, regarding the presence
of Confederate troops at Goldsboro, N. C., and the completion of the
C. S. S. Neuse.

U. S. S. SASSACUS,
Off New Berne, N. C., June 11, 1864.

SIR: I send the Ceres to you to-morrow. Commander Davenport left
me orders to let her tow up the schooner Davenport. I send you mail,
and dispatches also, by the Ceres.

There is a report to day that Beauregard is at Goldsboro with 30,000
men. I do not know how reliable it is. From a Union man, recently
escaped from the rebels near Kiuston, I learn that the ram there is in
perfect order to come down. They have dammed the river below her
to raise the water. Whether she can get through or not, I can not say.
She will doubtless accompany the rebel army when they come.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. A. HOE,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Captain M. SMITH,

Comdg. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina, Albemarle Sound.

Report of Captain Gansevoort, V. S. Navy, transmitting report of the
rescue of schooner Mary Steadman, loaded with U. S. ordnance stores.

TJ. S. IRONCLAD ROANOKE,
Newport News, Va., June 12, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to forward the reply of Acting-Master
M'Gloin, of the Gettysburg, that arrived here to-day, in relation to an
ordnance vessel picked up by him off New lulet, and brought in here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GUERT GANSEVOORT,

Captain and Senior Officer.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 143

[Endorsement.]

JUNE 16, 1864.

The Bureau of Ordnance has directed the schooner Mary Steadman
to be refitted and dispatched to New York, first lauding at Fort Mon-
roe all the army freight she has on deck, or which can be easily reached
below, without breaking out, and thus detaining the vessel; and this
at the request of the Ordnance Office, War Department.

II. AULICK,

Assistant Chief Bureau.

[Enclosure.]

TJ. S. S. GETTYSBURG,
Hampton Roads, June 12, 1864.

SIR: On June 9 I received orders from Commander Howell, U. S. S.
Nereus, senior officer at New Inlet, Cape Fear, N. C., to cruise outside,
and sailed from thence at 8 30 p. m., steering E by N., as per orders,
until I arrived at a point where blockade runners might be supposed
to be at daylight, leaving New Inlet one hour before high water and
running l!i knots an hour.

At 7 a. in., June 10, in latitude 34° N., longitude 76° 30' W., I fell in
with the schooner Mary titeadman, from Port Koyal for Philadelphia,
deeply laden with United States ordnance stores.

She was completely disabled, having lost her foremast head and
sprung her mainmast; she was also leaking badly when this ship fell
in with her. The wreck of her spars, sails, etc., were lying on deck, or
towing over the side, just as they fell, and the crew were at the pumps.
I sent an officer and men to assist in clearing away the wreck, and also
a boat for the master, who came on board with his papers, on examining
which I found he had a valuable cargo belonging to the U. S. (Joveru-
ment, which 1 felt it was my duty to save if possible.

Alter the wreck was cleared up I took her in tow for Hampton Roads,
knowing that if I had taken her into Beaufort she would have been
sent north iu tow, as there is no means of discharging her heavy guns
in that port.

I am aware that in leaving the station assigned me I assumed a
responsibility which the urgent necessity of the case really demanded.
The cargo was very valuable in United States property, and had I
taken the master and crew from her and abandoned her, some foreign
steamer might possibly have fallen in with her, and her cargo used
against us at some future time, unless I destroyed the schooner, which
I felt I had no right to do while there was a chance of saving her.

Owing to the state of the weather, the sea being very rough and the
wind blowing half a gale most of the time, I found it necessary to steam
very slowly during the passage.

Enclosed please find a copy of the schooner's manifest.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. M'GLOIN,

Acting Master.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

/Secretary of the Navy.

144

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Subenclosure.]
Copy of manifest of Schooner Mary Steadman.

2 XV-inch gnns.
10 Xl-inch guns.
2 150-pounder gnns, rifled.
2 100-pounder gnns, rifled.
2 30-pounder guns, rifled.
2 XV-inch elevating screws.
2 XV-inch locks.
2 XV-inch breech sights.

2 XV-inch front sights.

3 Xl-inch bronze saddles.

3 150-pounder bronze saddles.

^ -, ,
On deck"

1 XV-inch columbiad.

1 XV-inch barbette.

1 XV-inch chassis.
150 X\-inch columbiad shells.
148 XV-inch columbiad battering shot.
14 boxes ordnance stores.

1 platform for XV-iiich columbiad com

plete.
25 pieces deck plank ; 5 pieces on deck.

2 XV-inch columbiad battering shot.

Report of Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, regarding the cruise off Frying
Pan /Skoals of the U. S. 8. Quaker City.

U. S. S. QUAKER CITY,

Beaufort, N. C., June 12, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report the return of this steamer to-day to this
port to recoal and effect some slight repairs to machinery, after an
unsuccessful cruise of thirteen days off the south side of Frying Pan
Shoals in search of vessels attempting to run the blockade.

On the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 9th large and swift side-wheel steamers were
seen, and though at long distances were immediately given chase to,
as will be seen on reference to the abstract log herewith sent, but regret
to add that all our efforts to effect a capture of either were rendered
fruitless by their superior speed, although at the time, with a very infe
rior article of coal on board from Norfolk navy yard, this steamer was
making 11 and 11^ knots per hour.

The steamer chased on the 1st was outward, while those on the 4th,
7th, and 9th were inward bound, the one on the 7th relieving herself of
a considerable portion of her cargo in boxes, through which we passed.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. MADISON FRAILEY,

Commander, U. S. Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Rear Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting a report
regarding the placing and trial of torpedoes for defense against the C. IS.
ram Albemarle.

Confidential.] FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,

Farrar^s Island, June 12, 1864.

SIR: I enclose a communication from Captain M. Smith, dated Gth
instant, reporting experiments with torpedoes, and referring to the
probable movements of the Albemarle, and I ask the attention of the
Department to Captain Smith's remark as to floating batteries build-
ing on the Eoanoke.

If not inconsistent with the views of the Department, I would
respectfully suggest that it may be beneficial to the public service if a

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 145

portion of the light-draft monitors should be fitted either as submarine
prodders or as torpedo vessels, relieving them, if necessary, for this
purpose, of their guns and a part of their turrets.

I have the honor to to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosure.]

Confidential.] U. S. S. MATTABESETT,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, June 6, 1864.
SIR: I made an experiment to-day to foul a boat that was east adrift
in the sound by towing another astern of the Wyalusing with a torpedo
in it. The second trial succeeded, and both the old boats were blown
to atoms. I shall continue the practice, and prepare one immediately
to operate on the ram.

I am, with the assistance of an engineer officer, Lieutenant [ W. R.] King,
of the Army, placing torpedoes in the Roanoke Uiver, to be exploded by
friction matches. The trigger wires to be watched by selected men
during the day, as it is believed that the ram will never attempt to
conie down the river at night, for fear of getting aground, and I have
no idea he will make his appearance in the sound until the floating
batteries that are building at Weldon are ready to cooperate.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Lamson,
U. S. Navy, enjoining vigilance against meditated attack of the enemy
in James River.

FLAGSHIP A G AW AM,
James River, June 13, 1864 — 5 p. m.

SIR: The signal corporal ashore reports a rebel gunboat lying close
to the brick house at Dutch Gap.

5: 30 p. m. — The last report from the signal station is that a battery
of six pieces is seen at Chaffin's farm.

The enemy meditate some movement against our communications on
the river, or against our occupation here.

The advance pickets must be vigilant against surprise to-night.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant R. H. LAMSON,

U. S. S. Delaware.

P. S. — Captain Barnes just from signal station (Crow's Nest) reports
the firing is from the rebel gunboat's 100 pounder near Cox's house
Dutch Gap. No battery seen from there.

N w R — VOL 10 10

146 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 13 — 10 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 14th, 9 p. in. Received 2:35 a. in. 15th.)
Deserters from rebel ironclads confirm previous information.
Rebel tug from bend above tired a shot or two in this direction this
afternoon. .

S. P. LEE,

{Acting] Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Order of Acting Bear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Foster, U. 8. Navy, enjoining vigilance against surprise
by the enemy.

FLAGSHIP A G AW AM,
James River, June 13, 1864.

SIR : These three deserters from the rebel ironclads who surrendered
to our pickets this morning say that a boat expedition is talked of
against our gunboats in the Appomattox. Communicate this informa-
tion to the Putnam. 1 have informed General Butler of it.

The Perry and Putnam should keep in supporting distance of each
other, and be very vigilant and prepared against surprise and attack
from the enemy.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. P. FOSTER,

U. S. S. Commodore Perry.

Report of Commander Clary, U. S. Navy, regarding conference with
Colonel Jourdan, U. 8. Army.

U. S. S. DACOTAH,
Beaufort, N. G., June 13, 1864.

SIR: lam this day in receipt of your communication of the ">th
instant, enclosing a confidential letter of 81st ultimo to Captain Sands.
I have conferred with Colonel Jourdan in the matter, but at present he
is making a diversion in another direction, as he has every renson to
believe his first plans are suspected, if not too well understood.

Colonel Jourdau will apprise the senior officer of the station when to
cooperate.

Your obedient servant,

A. G. CLARY,
Commander. U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 147

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the senior officer at Hampton Roads.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 14, 1864.

SIR : It is important that the senior officer in charge of naval mat-
ters about Hampton Roads should be at Hampton Roads instead of
Newport News, and you will give directions accordingly. The busi-
ness of the anchorage is not properly attended to.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols
U. S. Navy, in view of the probable proximity of the enemy.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, June 14, 1864 — 12 m.

SiE: Meet Captain Barnes has just returned from headquarters of
Major General Gillmore, to whom he communicated the intelligence
conveyed in your note of yesterday evening, that cavalry and four
pieces of artillery had been seen in your vicinity and that musketry
was heard by you in «, northeast direction last night at or about —
p. m. General Gillmore states that he knows nothing of any of
Grant's forces in yonr vicinity, but that he knows that some of Grant's
force were at Wilcox's Wharf. General Butler replied to a telegram
from General Gillmore on this subject, that he has no knowledge of
any of our forces being in your neighborhood, and from their descrip-
tion judges they are the enemy's forces. You will not permit any
force to approach your position without being fully satisfied beyond all
question that they are our own people. It is their business to make
themselves known if they are our own troops.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
A ctg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander E. T. NICHOLS,

U. S. S. Mendota.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 14 — 10 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 6 p. m., 15th. Received 7: 15 a. m., 16th.)
No change in the naval situation. I learn unofficially that General
Grant was at General Butler's headquarters to-day; that "Baldy"
Smith's corps is here, and that the Army of the Potomac is crossing
James River at Wilcox's to-day.

S. P. LEE,

Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

148 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Babcock, U. 8. Navy, giving the location
of certain United States vessels.

U. S. S. MORSE,

Off White House, Va., June 14, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully acknowledge the receipt of your communication
dated the l()th instant, also a communication for the Crusader. The
Cactus arrived yesterday, and the commanding officer reported in
obedience to your orders. The Cohasset is at West Point, [York River],
I communicate with the commanding officer every day by telegraph.
The Shokokon is still at Cumberland Heights, the Brinker at a point 2
miles above, and the Cactus is at anchor off the White House. The
report is that our forces will evacuate this place in two or three days.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Oar-
field, U. 8. Navy, to proceed to duty in Himpton Eoads.

DEPARTMENT, June 14, 1864.
SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Banshee to Hampton Roads and
report to Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee, or the senior officer present,
for duty in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. H. GARFIELD, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Banshee, New York.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Macoml), U. S. Navy,
to proceed to duty in the sounds of North Carolina.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 14, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Shamrock to the sounds of North
Carolina direct, and report for duty to Captain Melanctou Smith,
senior officer there. You will also report by letter on arriving there to
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee, Hampton Roads, as a part of the
North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander WM. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. S, Shamrock, New York.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Beau-
mont, U. S. Navy, to cooperate with General Butler.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, June 15, 1864 — 5: 45 a. m.

SIR: General Butler asks for a gunboat to aid in crossing General
Grant's army near Fort Powhatan.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 149

There are three gunboats near Powhatan besides the Atlanta. Assist-
ance may be needed at some other point. Proceed without delay imme-
diately with the Mackinaw and ascertain where your services are needed
near or below Bermuda Hundred and there render them.
Respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander J. C. BEAUMONT,

U. S. S. Mackinaw.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar's Island, June 15, 1864 — 11 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 10 a. m., 17th. Keceived 4: 15 p. m., 17th.)
Early this morning General Butler signaled me that he would sink
his obstructions to day, ordering Commander Craven to assist the army
engineers to sink their obstructions where and as they wished. I went
to see General Grant, who informed me that he had several days ago
ordered General Butler to do so. Five vessels were, according to the
plan of campaign, sunk to day under the direction of the army engineers
on Trent's Reach Bar, which will, to some extent, add to the security
of the military situation.

General Meade's army is crossing on pontoons at Wilcox's Wharf.
The operation will take two or three days. To-night Smith's and Han-
cock's corps are attacking Petersburg. The enemy appear to be cross-
ing on their pontoons above Drewry's Bluff to day.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, with enclosures, relative
to the proposed obstruction of James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Farrar^s Inland, June 16, 1864.

SIR: The Department's dispatch of June 11, replying to my No. 325,
enclosing the correspondence between General Butler and myself on
the subject of sinking the vessels he had provided, wherewith to obstruct
James River, and leaving action on the subject to my discretion, was
received on the J3th instant.

I took no action on the subject.

I enclose copies of two dispatches received yesterday morning from
General Butler, my reply to the last, and the instructions which I gave
Commander Craven (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4).

Last evening I saw General Grant at City Point, who informed me
that several days before his arrival here he had ordered General Butler
to sink these obstructions, and that finding his order had not been
received he had renewed it.

I understand that the army considers it a military necessity to make
the river secure by every available means — as vital to the success of
the campaign and the cause.

150 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Sab- Assistant Bradford, of the Coast Survey, has, at ray instance,
been resurveying Trent's Keach since his arrival, about theGth instant.

His work shows 10 feet at low tide with 3 feet rise and fall, indicating
that at the present stage of water, on a spring tide, with an easterly
wind (which makes full tide in this river), the monitors, if lightened,
may cross the bar.

The sunken vessels in the deepest water can be easily pumped out
and removed. It would be very desirable to have an Andrews pump in
a light-draft steamer for this and other use in this squadron. I hope
the Department will approve of purchasing one; also a dredging
machine, which would be useful here in deepening the old artificial
channel.

With this preparation we could, should the movements and policy of
the army admit of it, be ready to cross this bar safely and cooperate.
The pump-boat and dredging machine, besides being useful for squadron
purposes, would also be of good service at the Norfolk navy yard. Pur-
chasing would be preferable to hiring the dredging machine at Norfolk.

I respectfully request the Department's favorable consideration of
this proposition. The expense will be inconsiderable, I suppose.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C.

[Endorsements. ]

The Bureau of Yards and Docks has not an Andrews pump. A
powerful pump is at the Norfolk navy yard, owned by contractors for
raising sunken vessels, I believe, which could probably be hired at a
high rate of compensation.

BUREAU YARDS AND DOCKS, June 22, 18(14.

An old army dredge and two scows have been turned over to the
Navy and now under repairs at Baltimore, to be sent to Port Royal.
I do not know when they will be ready. The repairs are extensive and
costly.

J. S.

[Enclosure 1.]

SIGNAL STATION, June 15 — 5 a. m.
(From General Butler's Headquarters, June 15, 4 a. in.)
Can you temporarily spare a gunboat to aid in crossing of Grant's
army near Fort Powhatan f If so, please send one. I will send to
morrow, and with your aid put down obstructions in such spot as you
may designate.

General BUTLER.
Acting Rear- Admiral LEE.

[Enclosure 2.]

SIGNAL STATION, June 15 — 9:30 a. m.
I have just received the following from General Butler:

General Grant left here yesterday for Fort Powhatan. Tell the admiral that Gen-
eral Butler proposes to sink obstructions to-day, and will waut his assistance.

Colonel SllAFKER,

Chief of Staff.
General TERRY.
Actin" Rear Admiral LEE.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 151

[ Enclosure 3.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM, June 15, 1864 — 10:30 a. m.
GENERAL TERRY: Commander Craven will in my absence give the
engineer the assistance General Butler desires for sinking his obstruc-
tions.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

[Enclosure 4.]

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
" James River, June 15, 1864.

SIR: I enclose a message just received from General Butler's chief of
staff', through General Terry.

In General Butler's dispatch of the 2d instant he said that the point
at which he desired to secure the river is the right of his line, near
Curtis's house, at the ravine.

I am going to Fort Powhatan. Give the army all the assistance it
may ask, in securing its flank and communications, with engineering
devices in the river.

Should you have any notice of the approach of the enemy (for which
you will arrange a lookout), send a tug to bring up the Jfendota and
Hunchback.

Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander T. A. CRAVEN,

U. 8. S. Tecumseh.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. IS. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Cressy, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, June 16, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Malvern under your command to report to me
in Trent's Reach on the 18th instant.
Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. K. CRESSY,

U. S. 8. Malvern.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of United
States vessels in the sounds of North Carolina.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Off New Berne, N. C., June 16, 1864.

SIR : The Sassacus leaves to-day in obedience to your order of June 4,
received on the 15th instant, and an order has been sent to the com
mander of the Commodore Barney to proceed to City Point in compliance
with your instructions this day received.

The Ceres has just completed her repairs and left to-day, in company
with an army steamer, upon an expedition up the Pungo Kiver (Pamlico

152 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Sound), for the purpose of breaking up an organized band of rebels who
have been collecting boats and schooners to make a descent upon the
lights in the sound. I consider the services of the Ceres very important
here on account of her light draft, and the information that her com-
mander has of all the rivers and creeks in these waters.

If the Miami can be repaired in accordance with the instructions of
Chief Engineer Stewart, she will be useful at Ocracoke Inlet, where
there is nearly as much water on the bar as at Hatteras, and where a
vessel should, in my judgment, be stationed.

The Chicopee arrived on the 15th instant, and reported to me at
Roan ok e Island, and I ordered her to the mouth of the Roanoke River
to await my arrival at that place, when one of the double-enders will
be sent here. The Tacony, Otsego, \Vyalusing, Ghicopee, Commodore
Hull, and Whitehead are stationed off Roanoke River.

The Louisiana and Valley City relieve each other in cruising up Pam-
lico Sound.

The Bombshell I have ordered to Hatteras Inlet to relieve the sloop
Granite, the bottom of that vessel requiring cleaning and painting, and
the Mattabesett, Hetzel, and Lockwood are here, the two latter vessels of
no use anywhere and can not get north unless towed there.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in the Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

P. S. — I received from Commander Davenport merely an abstract of
your instructions to him as senior officer in the sounds, and would
request a copy of any communication in reference to returns, etc., [to]
which you may find it necessary to call my attention.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. S. Navy, commanding
U. S. S. Commodore Perry, of engagements with Fort Clifton in coopera-
tion with army forces June 16, 1864.

U. S. S. COMMODORE PERRY, June 16, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I was requested by Major-
Ceneral Butler to cooperate with his forces, then near Petersburg, and
was asked to direct my fire on Fort Clifton, which request I complied
with.

I fired 47 shots from the 100-pounder Parrott, which did good execution.
Enclosed please find list of ammunition expended.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]
List of ammunition expended on board U. S. S. Com.nodore Perry, June 16, 1864.

100-ponnder rifle charges 47

100-pounder percussion shell 47

Respectfully submitted.

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 153

Second report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. 8. Navy, regard-
ing engagements with Fort Clifton.

U. S. S. COMMODORE PERRY, June 23, 1864.

SIR : In answer to your endorsement on my report of June 16, I
would respectfully beg leave to report that Acting Ensign Arnold
Harris, in command of army gunboat Chamberlin, came on board this
vessel at 6:30 a. m. of the 16th instant, and said that General Butler
requested me to open tire as soon as possible on Fort Clifton.

At 7 o'clock a. m. 1 moved the steamer across the stream, and at 9
a. m. opened fire upon the fort.

At 5 p. m. I ceased firing, having expended 47 charges and 47 per-
cussion shells, all of which did good execution.

At 7 p. m. Acting Ensign Arnold Harris and Lieutenant Bullard, of
Brigadier-General Graham's staff, came on board of this steamer.

Lieutenant Bullard had been ordered by General Butler to come on
board and request me, early on the morning of the 17th instant, to open
fire on the battery to the rear and left of Fort Clifton. This request I
complied with.

I commenced firing on the 17th instant at 6 a. m. The first shot fired
entered the battery; at the second shot the 100-pounder Parrott burst,
killing John Wilson (seaman) instantly, and wounding Joseph Webb,
Alfred N. Brown, Salvador Emanuel, Franklin W. Morgan (seamen),
and Gilbert Young (ordinary seaman).

John Wilson was buried in the hospital burying ground at the Point
of Eocks.

Four of the wounded men were transferred to the TJ. S. S. Osceola,
and two were retained on board this vessel.

One of those transferred to the Osceola (Joseph Webb) has since died.

The two men remaining on board this vessel are improving rapidly.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS P. FOSTER,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Endorsement.]

Respectfully referred to the admiral commanding North Atlantic
Blockading Squadron, James River, Virginia.

J. M. B. GLITZ,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Abstract log of the U. 8. 8. Commodore Perry.

June 16, 1864. — At 9 a. m. commenced to shell Fort Clifton with 100-
pounder Parrott, firing at intervals of seven minutes during the watch.
From 12 to 4 p. m.: Engaging the enemy all the watch, firing at inter-
vals of seven minutes. At 5 ceased firing. Expended 49 rounds of
100-pounder shell and 4 rounds IX-inch shell. From 4 to 8 p. m. : Opened
fire on Fort Clifton. At 7:40 cast off from wharf and dropped down
stream.

June 17. — At 6 a. m. opened fire with 100-pounder rifle on Fort Clif-
ton. At the second discharge the gun burst, killing 1 man and wound-
ing 5, completely destroying cabin bulkhead and other woodwork on
the starboard side of vessel. At 5:15 p. m. steamed up James River
and came to, off Bermuda Hundred.

154 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Graves, U. S. Navy, of joint
expedition in Pungo River, North Carolina, June 16-21, 1864.

U. S. S. LOCKWOOD,
Off New Berne, N. C., June 23, 1H64.

SIR: I have the honor to report as follows: On the afternoon of the
16th I left this place in the army transport Ella May, with a detach
merit of rneii from the U. S. S. Louisiana, 15 men from the army, and
the U. S. S. Ceres. Arrived at Mount Pleasant, Hyde County, and cap-
tured five schooners, but owing to the low water could only briny three
away, viz, Iowa, Mary Emma, and Jenny Lind; the other two I burned.
There were no papers on board. 1 then proceeded to the Pungo River
with the Valley City, she having in tow the Ceres, Avith her engines out
of order. On the morning of the 10th took a detachment from the
Valley City and Ceres and proceeded up Slade's Creek to Sladesville,
where we found a force of guerrillas, who were soon routed with a few
shots from the howitzer; landed and searched for stores, but finding
none 1 returned to the vessels, and finding the Louisiana had arrived,
1 returned her men. Having received information that the enemy were
crossing stores at Leech ville, on the Pungo, I got underway at lo p. m.
of the 10th, and landing at Saterwaite's Point with 70 men and officers,
marched across the country about 4 miles to Leechville, hoping to pre-
vent their escape. The vessels proceeding up the river, surrounded the
place, but found they had just passed out, having been informed of our
approach by mounted courier. I find that they keep a regular system
of lookouts on all prominent points, making it almost impossible to sur-
prise them. The vessels having arrived, I concluded to wait a fe\v
hours and recounoiter. In the meantime employed the men in loading
the schooners with shingles, a large quantity of which were on the
landing. On the morning of the 21st, seeing nothing of the enemy, I
returned to New Berne, arriving at 1 :30 a. m. this day. f regret that
the negro guide upon whom I mainly depended is missing. 1 gave
him permission to visit his family, and 1 fear he has been captured.

In all 1 was zealously supported by Acting Masters Brooks and Fos-
ter and Acting Master's Mate E. S. Austin, who, for courage, compe-
tency, and good conduct, deserve promotion.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. W. GRAVES,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

MELANOTON SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Captain and Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Graves, U. S. Navy, giving list of
captures in Pungo River.

U. S. S. LOCKWOOD,
Off New Berne, N. C., July 6, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to submit the following list of vessels, boats,
etc., captured by me in the late expedition to Hyde County and Pungo
River :

Schooner Jenny Lind, sails and anchors.
Schooner Mary Emma, no sails, one anchor.
Schooner Iowa, neither sails nor anchors.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 155

Six canoes (dugouts), one with sails and mast.
One yawl boat belonging to Jenny Lind.

Eighty-four thousand cedar shingles, 54,000 of which were turned
over to the army; the remainder of them are stowed in the navy stoie-
house yard.

I enclose prize lists.
Yery respectfully,

G. W. GRAVES,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Commander A. DAVIS HAREELL, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer Present, U. S. 8. Chicopee, New Berne, N. C.

[Endorsement.]

These schooners were decided not to be lawful prizes and were
returned to their owner, who was certified by General Palmer to be a
lawful trader and a good Union man.

[W. H. MACOMB.J

Report of Acting Rear Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the station
of the senior officer in Hampton Roads.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, Virginia, June 17, 1864.

SIR: The Department's communication of 14th instant is received,
and I have, as therein directed, ordered Captain Gansevoort, senior
naval officer near Hampton Roads, to remove the Roanoke from New-
port News to Hampton Roads. Newport News was the station I had
occupied, until very recently, since first assuming command of this
squadron, as the Norfolk navy yard and the roads were both protected
from this point.

Since the occupation of .James River by our vessels, it was no longer
important in this consideration, but as it was connected with Fortress
Monroe and Norfolk by telegraph., and Captain Gansevoort would, as
senior officer, be embarrassed by visits of foreign officers to whom he
is forbidden to show the ironclad he commands, and as he had a tug at
his disposal, i allowed the Roanoke to remain at her old anchorage,
where all navy transports stop to communicate in passing up and down
the liver.

Yet Hampton Roads will certainly be a more convenient station for
the senior officer.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Captain Gansevoort, U. S. [Navy, regarding the movement of
United States vessels in Hampton Roads.

U. S. IRONCLAD ROANOKE,
Neicport News, Va., June 17, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have the honor to reply to your communication of June
14, in relation to the R. R. Cuyler and Alabama.

156 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The R. R. Cuyler arrived here on tbe 12th instant with orders from
the Navy Department to report to you for duty in the squadron. She
is now at Baltimore, in obedience to your orders.

The Alabama arrived here on the 13th instant with orders to report
for duty in this squadron, and as she was all ready for sea, I sent her
to Wilmington to report to the senior officer present for duty, in
obedience to verbal orders from you to send the vessels to the blockade
as soon as practicable.

The Augusta left here on the 15th for Port Royal, with two coal ves-
sels in tow, in obedience to a telegram from the Secretary of the Navy.

The Nipsic left on the 14th witli one coal vessel for Charleston.

My means are so limited for communicating with you and the rest of
your squadron, that it would, in my opinion, greatly facilitate matters
if you would send me one of your clerks, or writers, to assist me, as I
have only my clerk and myself to do all the correspondence. I will
make his stay on board of this ship as comfortable as lies in my power.

I sent all the prisoners brought here by the New Berne north in that
vessel.

The steamer Keystone State arrived here this morning wanting
repairs. I will have a survey held upon her, and send her to the yard
for repairs.

I expect the Wilderness here from the yard in a day or two.

The Washington will tow up two coal vessels. She has on board
some plates for the Saugus.

The Keystone State brought in a small prize steamer. I have sent an
intelligent officer to examine the prisoners.

There are fourteen vessels here with 3,000 tons of coal.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GUERT GANSEVOOBT,

Captain and Senior Officer.

Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading /Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, to forward information regarding the British schooner James
Douglass.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 17, 1864.

SIR : A communication has been addressed to tlte Secretary of State
by Lord Lyons, relative to the schooner James Douglass,* which was
abandoned in March last, picked up at sea by the Monticello, Lieuten-
ant dishing, and taken to Beaufort, N. C., and Lord Lyons has
requested, in behalf of the owner, the release of the schooner.

No report concerning this vessel appears to have been received nt
the Department. Will you please furnish it with all the facts in the
case.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

'See May 9, letter of dishing to Lee.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

157

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of
the vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FL.AGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, Virginia, June 17, 1864.

SIR : The following is the disposition of vessels comprising the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron:

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

St. Lawrence . .

Hampton Roads. Virginia . .

Ordnance ship.

Minnesota ...
Youiiii Rover .

.do
.do

Violet

Tug No 2

Mystic

York and Pamunkey rivers and

Chesapeake Bay.
do

...do

. do

James River, above Newport

News,
do

Osceola

.. do

James River above Wilson's

Mackinaw

Wharf,
do

Agawam

...do ...

. . do

Saugus -

... do

Tritonia

Stepping Stones

Hydrangea

. do

Alt lieu

Alert

...do ...

POPDV . .

... .do

Rose

Mount Washington .

Pink

Tug 1

... do

Tug 3

Tug 4

Tug 5

... do

Tug6

General Putnam

Arietta
Release '.

Beaufort, N. C
do

William Badger

Lilac

Mattabesett

Wyaliismg

Tacony....

Otsego

do ...

Chicopee

Shamrock

Sassacus

Miami

.. do .

Louisiana

. . do

Hetzel

Commodore Hull

Lock wood

.. do ..

Recruiting; crew mostly discharged.

Guard ship.

Tug; without battery, in orduauce

service.
Ironclad.
Coal hulk.
Tug.

Guard ship.

Side-wheel tug.

Tug.

At Wilson's Wharf.

Tug; at Wilson's "Wharf.
Off Fort Powhatan.

Do.

Off City Point.
Off Bermuda Hundred.
Turkey Bend.

Off Tilman's [Tilghman's] Wharf.
Deep Bottom.
Above Hunchback.

Lower Dutch Gap; now covering

army at Wilcox'a Wharf.
Flagship, Trent's Reach.
Trent's Reach.

Do.

Do.
Advance guard duty ; Trent's Reach.

Do.

Tug; mail boat.

Tug; temporary torpedo boat, tender
and ram to ironclads.

Do.

Transport.

Transport, waiting for guns.
Unarmed ; fitting with torpedoes.

Do.

Ordnance ship.
Storeship.

Do.
Tug; to move colliers, etc.

Reported coming.
Ram ; reported coming.
Ordered up James River.
Worn out; ordered up for repairs.
Guard ; Washington, N. C.

158

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Valley City

Sounds of North Carolina

Ordered up for repairs.

Whitehead

... do

Ordered tip in James River.

... do

Storeship.

Guard; Hatteras Inlet.

Off Wilmington N.C

State of Georgia

.do

.. do

do ....

..do

Transport.

do ...

Florida

...do ..

Fort J ackson

Outside cruisin0' off Wilming-

ton,
do

Keystone State

... .do

Grand Gulf

Monticello

Gettysburg

Norfolk, Va

Guard ship.

Ordnance hulk.

Do.

...do

Repairing.

Kinina

. ...do

Do.

Mount Veruon

Do.

Vicksburg

Do.

do .

Do.

"W ilderness

Fitting for supply steamer.

R. R. Cuyler

...do . .

Governor Buckingham
Daylight ..

Northern ports
do

Baltimore.
Do.

Zouave

Do.

James Adger

Philadelphia.

Glaucus

Do.

Tuscarora

do ...

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear '-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Extract from the journal of Commander J. C. Beaumont, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. MACKINAW,
James River, June 17, 1862.

Calm and pleasant; air 72° to 88°. At about 4:30 p. m. steamer
Winans came down the river and reported having been fired into from
near Wilcox's Wharf. A t 4 : 35 the rebels opened upon us. Got under
way and steamed up to Wilcox's and soon dispersed them. Pontoon
bridge taken up.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 159

Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Macki-
naw, regarding transport duty performed by that vessel.

U. S. S. MACKINAW,
Off Wilcox's Wharf, James River, June 18, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully rep'ort that I left ray anchorage abreast the head-
quarters of the cominandiiig general before sunset last evening to
convoy the transports past a point on the river from which the enemy
h.id fired into one, after which I returned to my old anchorage to cover
the crossing of the rear guard of the army. By midnight the troops
had all crossed to the right side of the river. At daylight I took up
my present position to see the fleet of transports safely by. After the
fleet has passed J shall proceed to City Point to ascertain where this
vessel is most required", and await further orders.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. BEAUMONT,

Commander.
Acting Rear-Adiniral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Beaumont,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Mackinaw.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, Virginia, June 18, 1864.

SIB: You will upon the receipt of this order proceed with the Macki-
n<tir under your command and take your station oft' Aikeu's Wharf,
James River, previously occupied by you.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander J. C. BEAUMONT,

U. S. 8. Mackinaw.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Quackenbush, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Pequot.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, June 1$, 1864.

SIR: As the Mackinaw has resumed her station, you will closely
observe the vicinity of Wilcox's Wharf, whence an army transport was
recently fired on.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

U. 8. S. Pequot.

160 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN, June 18, 1864— lip. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 6 p. m., 19th. Received 8 p. m.)
Canonicus broke a long screw of XV-iuch guns by elevated firing
required here. Teeumseh is only monitor with short and reliable screws.
Shall I not detain her, in the present state of affairs, until short screws
are received for the other monitors?
It is doubted if the long screws will stand the increased charges.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

. [First endorsement.]

BUREAU ORDNANCE, June 20, 1864.

None of the monitors except the Teeumseh have been fitted with short
screws to their guns. This arrangement of short screws requires a
special fixture to the carriage, which will require time. Spare long
screws can be sent if required.

B. AULICK,
Assistant Chief Bureau.

[Second endorsement.]

Send the above endorsement. The Teeumseh must not be delayed.

Report of Commander Clary, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Dacotah,
regarding the operations of that vessel on the blockade.

U. S. S. DACOTAH,
Off Wilmington, N. C., June 18, 1864.

SiR: I think it quite important that you should be advised of the
condition of this ship, her speed and uselessness on this or any seagoing
station. (I enclose you the chief engineer's report of her boilers, etc).
En route here made a trial of her speed, smooth sea, light air ahead,
18 pounds steam; made 6 knots per second hand of a watch and 7
per glass, the knot 47 feet. We are neither in condition to run away
from a ram nor run at one.

We sighted black smoke and one of our cruisers in chase the morning
of the 17th instant, off Frying Pan Shoals, but as our speed was but 6.6
at the time and under fore and aft sail, it was utterly useless even to
head in that direction.

I wish to furnish you with some information relative to the speed of
blockade runners as experienced during the temporary command of the
U. S. S. Keystone State and while passenger in her to join this ship.

There were nine chase* in all, in about thirty days; of these, two
captures and 92 bales of cotton picked up. Three or four were com-
pelled to throw their cargo overboard. In one of these chases where
the Connecticut joined (and beating her), the Keystone State, going at
the speed of nearly 13 knots for the best part of a day, was compelled to
give up the chase. The speed of these contraband steamers is beyond
all precedent of late. I have never experienced anything like it. Our
12 and 13 knot cruisers may gain on them in the early part of the chase,
but as soon as they lighten of their cargoes they outspeed them.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 161

I think two or three fast steamers, cruisers, with the speed of 13 or
13i, aud could be worked up to 14 knots offshore, would contribute to
more captures than all our present squadron.

The runners are making double trips now. I think there were some
sixteen sighted and chased during the last month.

There were four lying near Fort Fisher on the 16th instant, and three
here on the 17th instant, in readiness to leave.

It is reported that the Gettysburg can speed 15 or 16 knots. If she
can attain 14 under the most favorable circumstances, I should be
pleased to have temporary command of her, or appointed to another
and more efficient command, exchanging this ship's officers and crew
to one awaiting men now at our navy yards north.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. G. CLARY,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. Shamrock, to proceed to a station off Roanoke
River.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Off New Berne, N. C., June 18, 1864.

SIR : You will proceed with the Shamrock to join the gunboat stationed
in Albemarle Sound oft' the Eoanoke River.

Communicate with Colonel Wardrop on your arrival at Roanoke
Island, and request him to prevent all communication with the main-
land on the arrival of the ironclad Chimo.

Order the Chimo to proceed up the sound without touching at Roanoke
Island and to anchor (where he can not be seen from the south shore)
not higher up than the Perquimans River.

You will tow up the schooner Ann S. Davenport, if she is repaired
on your arrival at Roanoke Island.
Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding U. S. S. Shamrock.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Farrar>8 Island, June 19, 1864 — 11 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 6 p. m., 20th. Received 7 : 50 p. m.)
Grant was here to-day. Three rebel ironclads and three gunboats
appeared abreast of Chaffin's farm to-day, returned, came down again,
and were off Chaffin's, as reported from armysignal station, at sundown.

S. P. LEE.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

N w R — VOL 10 11

162 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Farrar's Island, June 20, 1864 — 10: 30 p. m.

(Received 7 p. m., 21st.)

No change in the naval situation. Eeport from the army lookout that
the rebel irouclatLs are taking on board sand in bags.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Sham-
rock, of the arrival of that vessel at Hatteras Inlet.

TJ. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Hatteras Inlet, June 20, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to orders from the Navy Department, I have the
honor to report tlie arrival of this vessel here for service in the sounds
of North Carolina and also as a part of the North Carolina blockading
squadron. I shall also, in compliance with the same orders, report as
soon as possible to Captain Melancton Smith, who is now at New Berne.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Green, U. S. Navy, regarding two
schooners seized in Goose Creek.

U. S. S. LOUISIANA,
Pamlico River, June 20, 1864.

SIR : I send to New Berne, in charge of William Donaldson and three
men, two schooners which I took from the mouth of Goose Creek this
morning. I waited there some time to give their owners an opportunity
to claim them, but no one appeared. I respectfully request that the
crew may be placed on board the Valley City unless opportunity offers
to return them to this ship. I also send William Ayers, a refugee,
picked up this morning in Pamlico River.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. M. GREEN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain M. SMITH,

Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 168

Report of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting correspond-
ence in the matter of permit to trade granted to G. W. Lane.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, Virginia, June 20, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed a communication from Captain Smith, of
15th instant (1), with its enclosures, viz, copy of a letter from General
Butler to the President of the United States, dated March 19, recom-
mending that G. W. Lane be allowed to take a cargo of plows, etc., to
Chowau County, N. C., on which the President's approval is endorsed;
and a copy of a permit from General Butler to G. W. Lane, dated May 4,
to trade as recommended; (2) my answer, dated 19th instant, to Cap-
tain Smith's letter; and (3) letter from Captain Smith, of 15th instant,
stating that the copy of the President's approval was omitted on the
letter from General Butler and giving a copy of it.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure 1.]

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Off JRoanoke Island, June 15, 1864.

SIR : The steam tug Philadelphia, of Baltimore, I find here on my
arrival with an assorted cargo, and permits from General Butler,
endorsed by the President of the United States, to trade with loyal cit-
izens in Chowau County.

These permits were granted on March 19 last and before the capture
of Plymouth, and although there are many loyal persons residing at
Edeuton, the port to which the steamer proposes to go, and our navy
vessels are lying off that place, I do not consider that this county is
within our lines, and have detained her to await your instructions.

There are many articles on the manifest that would afford comfort to
the enemy if not properly distributed, viz, dry goods, groceries, and 15
barrels of whisky, but I cannot send a copy of the manifest, as the mail
boat is about leaving.

Mr. Lane, the master and owner of the steamer, has $45,000 in North
and South Carolina current funds and $5,000 in greenbacks for the pur-
chase of cotton.

I enclose herewith copies of the most important papers governing the
movements of the steamer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina,.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Subenclosures.]

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,

Fortress Monroe, March 19, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to state that I believe the public interests will
be promoted if George W. Lane, esq., shall have permission to go

164 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

through the Currituck Canal and Albemarle Sound to Chowan County,
N. C., with cargoes of plows, harrows, trace chains, ropes, twine, and
such supplies as can not be of use to an army, and to bring back return
cargoes of cotton, tobacco, and other products of the country, all to be
subject at all times to military supervision at this post.
I have evidences of Mr. Lane's loyalty and trustworthiness.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.

His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,

President of the United States.

Endorsed :

I approve the object of the within.

A. LINCOLN.
MARCH 21, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,

Fortress Monroe, May 4, 1864.

George W. Lane, esq., has permission to pass through the Currituck
Canal and Albemarle Sound, in Chowan County, IS". C., with cargo of
plows, harrows, trace chains, ropes, twine, and such supplies as can
not be of use to an army, and to bring back return cargo of cotton,
tobacco, and other products of the country.

This permit is given on the express condition of forfeiture of goods
if found in any way affording aid or comfort to the enemy, except by
trading with peaceable inhabitants in goods not contraband of war or
of use to the army.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.

[Enclosure 2.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, June 18, 1864.

SIR : Your No. 36, of 15th, is just received. The President's permit
to Mr. Lane must be respected. The papers will be forwarded to the
Department.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

[Enclosure 3.]

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Off Roanoke Island, June 15, 1864.

SIR: In my hurry to get my dispatch No. 30, of to-day's date, off in
the mail, I omitted to put the following endorsement on the copy of the
letter of General Butler to the President of the United States, dated
March 19, 1864, viz:

I approve the object of the within.

A. LINCOLN.
MARCH 21, 1864.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 165

Will you be pleased to have the above endorsement made upon that
letter.

Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of
cooperative engagements in Pamunkey River, June 20-21, 1864.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, June 29, [18G4J.

SIR: On the 29th of May, Lieutenant-Commander Babcock, U. S. S.
Morse, by General Smith's request, proceeded to White House with the
Morse, Shokokon, and Cohasset to cover the landing of supplies and
protect the army communications. I subsequently sent the Cactus and
Henry Brinker to his support. These vessels remained at White House
until its evacuation on the 23d instant, rendering most efficient service,
and then returned to Yorktown, convoying the transports.

I enclose a report from Lieutenant-Commander Babcock of 25th
instant, of an engagement on the 20th instant, with three rebel batter-
ies near White House, which had been posted on the edge of the wood
during a thick fog, and on its lifting opened fire on the wagon trains.
The tire from the Morse and Cactus dislodged them in about three hours.
Deserters afterwards reported that a force estimated at 10,000 of Wade
Hampton's and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry intended attacking our trains,
but were deterred from the attempt by the fire of the gunboats. On
the 21st a party of rebel cavalry fired on the transport Eliza Hancox,
but were driven oft* by the Shokokon's fire.

Lieutenant-Commander Babcock encloses the following reports, etc. :

(A) June 20th, Acting Master Graham, commanding Cactus, reports
engagement of 20th.

(B) Copy of General Abercrombie's General Orders, No. 10, of 20th,
instant, tendering his thanks to Lieutenant-Commander Babcock and
the officers of the Navy for the efficient aid and support rendered in the
engagement of the 20th.

(D) June 24th, Acting Master Sheldon, general report of his move-
ments since arriving at White House.

I should not fail to call attention to the hearty, efficient, and success-
ful service which Lieutenant-Commander Babcock has rendered to the
army in opening and protecting its communications and in repelling
the assaults of the enemy. He is a modest and meritorious officer and
deserves the especial notice of the Department.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

166 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. MORSE,
Off Yorktotrn, Va., June 25, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 20th
instant, while lying oft' White House, Pamunkey River, during a thick
fog, at 6:30 a. in., some firing was occasionally heard on shore, at some
distance off from this vessel, but after a short time ceased. At 9 a. m.,
the fog clearing up, three rebel batteries intrenched at the edge of
the woods opened a brisk artillery lire on our wagon trains on shore,
also on this vessel and Cactus. At once took position with this vessel
and Cactus, opening lire on them, and by noon succeeded in driving
them entirely from their position out of range of our guns. The
wagon trains retreated slowly across the river. Made excellent
shots both from this vessel and Cactus, and was informed afterwards
from accounts of prisoners who were taken that Fitzhugh Lee and
Wade Hampton's Legion, consisting of 10,000 rebel cavalry, were
intending to make an attack on our wagon trains, and that had it not
been for the gunboats they would certainly have accomplished their
purpose. At 5 p. m. General Sheridan's command arrived, and at once
followed up the rebel cavalry.

Expended from this vessel the following ammunition: One 40-second,
1 30-second, and 35 20- second shell from 100-pouuders ; 30 20-second shell
from IX-inch Dahlgrens; 37 10-pound, cartridges for 100-pounder Par-
rotts; 30 10-pound cartridges for IX-inch Dahlgrens.

On the morning of the 21st instant a party of these rebel cavalry fired
on the transport steamer Eliza Hancox off Cumberland Point, but the
Shokokon succeeded in driving them handsomely.

On the morning of the 23d instant, at 10 a. in., White House being
entirely evacuated by our forces, gave orders to get underway and
proceed down the river, bringing up the rear with this vessel. When
down to West Point stopped there a short time and found that all our
forces had left that place also; proceeded to Yorktown and arrived
safely at 1 a. m. yesterday morning. At 9 a. m. dispatched the Shoko-
kon, Cactus, Henry Brinker, and Gohasset to Hampton Roads with order
to report to Captain Guert Gansevoort for further orders.

During the firing from this vessel on the morning of the 20th instant,
at the second fire of my after 100-pounder Parrott, the socket of the
elevating screw broke; afterwards worked the gun bed and quoin.
The breeching of the 100-pounder Parrott parted, but caused no acci-
dent whatever.

Too much praise can not be given to the commanding officers of the
Shokokon, Cactus, Henry Brinker, and Gohasset for the very efficient aid
and support they afforded me at all times. Their officers and crews
behaved well, also the officers and crew of this vessel.

I respectfully forward you the enclosed reports from the Shokokon

and Cactus, also a copy of a letter received by me from General

Abercrombie, who commanded the land forces at White House during

the attack of the 20th instant, before the arrival of General Sheridan.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167

[Subenclosure A.]

U. S. S. CACTUS,
White House, June 20, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 9 o'clock, by your order, I
commenced firing my rifled 30-pounder upon the rebel batteries that
were attacking our laud forces at this place. I expended 28 30-pounder
shell with 15-second fuzes, and 3 12-pound percussion shell, at an ele-
vation of 10 degrees. At 11 o'clock I proceeded down the [Pamunkey]
Kiver to Cumberland Heights, as directed, to give notice to the U. S. S.
Shokokon. At 12 : 30 o'clock started for White House again. On my
way up I expended 3 30-pounder shell, 5, 10, and 15 second fuzes, upon
a body of cavalry. At 3 o'clock came to anchor at White House.

Amount of ammunition expended: 31 30-pounder shell, 3 12-pounder
percussion shell, 29 15-second, 1 10-second, 1 5-secoud fuzes, 31 3^-pouud
cartridges, 3 1-pound cartridges.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. GRAHAM,
Acting Master, Commanding Cactus.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BABCOCK,

Commanding U. S. S. Morse, Senior Officer Present.

[Subenclosure B.]

GENERAL ORDERS, ) HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,

No. 10. } White Rouse, Va., June 20, 1864.

The undersigned hereby relinquishes the command of the troops at
thi.s station to Brigadier-General George W. Getty.

In doing so he avails himself of this opportunity of expressing his
high appreciation of the services of his staff in their respective posi-
tions; tendering his sincere thanks to Captain Charles A. Babcock and
the officers of the Navy for the very efficient aid and support to the
land forces in the persistent attack on the post <>f to-day by the enemy.

J. J. ABERCROMBIE,

Brigadier- General.

Captain CHAS. A. BABCOCK, II. S. Navy.

[Subenclosure C.]

TJ. S. S. SHOKOKON,
Cumberland, Va., June 21, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully submit the following report:
This morning, 8:30 a. m., just after a thick fog had cleared away,
the transport steamer Eliza Hancox passed up. When abreast of
Cumberland Point, 1 mile above where this vessel was lying, she was
fired on by a party of rebels, who were concealed on the bank of the
river. I immediately opened fire with our forward battery, and slipped
the chain, steamed up to the point where the fire proceeded from, the
most of our shell exploding near and among them. They soon fell back
under cover of the woods out of sight. Shelled the woods, but could
not get any reply. Kept in the position near the point until 12 o'clock
m. 1 learned from a man whom I called down to the beach that the
enemy were a party of dismounted avalry, numbering about 150; that
they had fallen back toward New Kent Court-House. He reported that
they had some wounded, but could not tell whether there were any

168 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

killed. I also learned from him that they dismounted about a mile
back and came down to the river during the fog. Nothing more has
been seen or heard from them up to this, G p. m. Enclosed I will send
report of ammunition expended.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. SHELDON,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Lieutenant-Commander CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

Senior Officer, Commanding U. 8. 8. Morse, White House, Va.

Expenditure of ammunition, U. S. S. Shokokon, June 21, 1S64.

Rounds.

5-second 30-pound Parrott shell 5

10-secoiid 30-pound Parrott shell 5

5-secoud 30-pound Parrott case shot 1

24-pounder shrapnel 5

24-pounder canister 1

Total 17

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. CRAFTS,

Executive Officer.

[Snbenclosure D.]

U. S. S. SHOKOKON,
Off Yorktoicn, June 34, 1864.

SIR. In obedience to orders from Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee, May
28, 1864, to report to you at Yorktowu, or wherever you might be, I
reported to you at White House, May 31, 5 o'clock a. m. ; was ordered
by you to proceed down the Pamunkey and take position off Cumber-
land, to protect the transports passing up and down. In compliance
with your orders, I took position where I could command Cumberland
Point and an old earthwork formerly held by the enemy, on the right
bank of the river. Nothing occurred of note until the 6th of June, when
a small force of the One hundred and seventy-ninth New York Volun-
teers came down to occupy the heights. I gave all assistance they
required in landing and getting their stores ashore. Everything
remained quiet until the morning of the 21st instant, when a party of
about 150 rebel cavalry (dismounted) came down to Cumberland Point —
during a thick fog — and fired from the bank of the river at one of the
transports passing that point — details as per report of that day. On
the evening of the 22d the force occupying the heights evacuated and
passed down the river. I rendered them all assistance possible in
getting on board the transport.

On the 23d instant, 2:45 p. m., was ordered by you to proceed down
the river in company with the other gunboats, arriving off Yorktown
at 11:15 p. m., June 23, 1864.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. SHELDON,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Lieutenant-Commander CHAS. A. BABCOCK,

Senior Officer, Commanding U. 8. 8. Morse, Off Yorktown, Va.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 169

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding an unsuccessful joint expedition for the purpose of cutting
the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, June 20-24, 1864.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, July 11, 1864.

SIR: Commander Dove reports under date of 1st instant that a joint
army and navy expedition left Beaufort on the 20th ultimo for the pur-
I osc of cutting the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, consisting of a
detachment of the Ninth Vermont Volunteers, landed and protected by
the Calypso and Nansemond, near New River, designed to meet and
cooperate with a force operating inland. This former part of the plan
was carried out, but the enemy had received notice of the expedition
and were in too great force to make the attempt on the railroad practi-
cable, and the vessels returned to Beaufort on the 23d, the detachment
of the Ninth Vermont returning in lighters by Bogue Sound. There
were no casualties in the naval part of the expedition. The Twelfth
New York Cavalry, meeting the Ninth Vermont, unfortunately mistook
them for the enemy, fired on them, killed 1 man and wounded 2.

Commander Dove had heard nothing from Colonel Jourdan, who was
in command of the military force, and had been sick since his return,
so could not give the particulars of his movements.

I enclose Commander Dove's report with the accompanying reports
of Acting Master Stuart and Acting Ensign Porter, and the sketch of
New Eiver Inlet made by Acting Master Stuart.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. NAVAL STATION,

Beaufort, N. C., July 1, 1864.

SIR : I have been waiting for some days to hear from ColonelJourdan
before reporting the expedition for the purpose of cutting the Wilming-
ton and Weldon Railroad, but he has been quite unwell since his return
and can not write.

It was at first entirely an army affair, and the steamer to be used was
the John Farron, a small army transport. She, however, was found
impracticable, and, on being informed of the impossibility of her taking
part, I offered the Nansemond, although she, too, was not very strong.

For that reason, and to make our part sure, I directed Captain Stuart,
with the Calypso, to assist her.

The great point in the organization was secrecy, and the Nansemond
went out from here with the lighters and surfboats in tow, in the after-
noon, as if going to work on the wreck, near which she tarried until
near night.

The Calypso stood out to sea, with orders to come in off New River
in the morning, as if from the southward, and meet the Nansemond there.

So far as we were concerned the arrangement was perfect; none of
the commanders in port even knew anything of it. I am sorry to say,
though, that the expedition was a failure from a "leak" in New Berne.

The colonel told me that the Confederates had two days' notice of his

170 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

approach and knew all his plans. Two trains filled with troops at Kins-
ton were ready to start as soon as the whereabouts of ours was tele-
graphed. The country was all alarmed and in arms, and the men could
get nothing beyond the rations they carried with them.

The inland party did not get near the railroad, nor did it reach the
coast at all; and the Calypso and Nansemond, after waiting the allotted
time, returned to this port with the prisoners they had captured.

The two lighters, with some of the troops from the Nansemond, returned
by Bogue Sound, and the surfboats were towed up by the steamers.
There are no casualties with us to report.

Enclosed are the reports of Captains Stuart and Porter, with a sketch
by Captain Stuart.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BENJAMIN M. DOVE,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Subenclosnres.]

U. S. S. CALYPSO,
Beaufort, N. C., June 24, 1864.

SIR : I beg leave to report that in obedience to your orders of the 20th
instant, I proceeded to sea that evening with the Calypso, and having
arranged with the commanding officer of the Nansemond to meet him
early the next morning off New River Inlet, I cruised during the night to
the southward and westward some distance from the land so as not to
be seen from the shore, especially in company with the Nansemond, tow-
ing the lighters and surfboats, which might arouse a suspicion of our
intended movements.

The Nansemond, as Captain Porter's report will inform you, reached
New River Inlet about 11 : 30 p. m., the first point in the programme to
be visited. Captain Kelley, of the Ninth Vermont, and his men (100 in
all) had been put on board of the surfboats, and when abreast of the
inlet the boats cast loose ana ueaded for the shore, the Nansemond, with
the lighters, passing along to the southward and westward. The boats,
however, did not enter the inlet until near daylight, when, as was after-
wards learned, they proceeded without hindrance or molestation up
as far as Swan Point, where they lauded and the surf boats returned to
the Nansemond. At daylight of the 21st I made the Nansemond near
New River Inlet, and soon joined her.

Both vessels came to anchor off the bar, and with two cutters from
the Calypso and the four surfboats, an expedition was fitted out to cooper-
ate with Captain Kelley. No time was lost in getting the boats ready.
The first cutter of the Calypso was provided with a 12 pounder rifled
howitzer. At noon a party left for the shore with written instructions
from me; succeeded in crossing the bar and were soon out of sight.

It appears that Captain Kelley, with his men, had, as per agreement,
proceeded up the river about 8 miles, and took possession of Snead's
Ferry, capturing a number of the enemy's pickets, but meeting with no
opposition. Our boats found him at the ferry, and as his position was a
secure one and there appeared to be no signs of rebels in force about,
he decided that all the boats should return to the vessels with the under-
standing that a supply of provisions should be sent to him on the follow-
ing day. Accordingly the boats descended the river again. One of the
Calypso's cutters and the surf boat, manned by a crew from the Calypso,
remained inside the inlet all day; the other boats came off.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 171

On the following day, 22d, at daylight, the boats were again dispatched
to the shore, and as the message from Captain Kelley was indefinite, 1
directed Captain Porter to take charge of the party.

At noon all the boats returned, having left Captain Kelley and his men
secure for the time being. On their way down the river they were fired
at from Swan Point, but suffered no injury. (Mr. Sluyter's report will
give particulars.)

This state of things made me feel apprehensive for the safety of Cap-
tain Kelley and his men, for there could be no doubt but that the rebels
had taken possession of Swan Point and might be in considerable force,
perhaps with artillery, which would prevent the boats from reascendiug
the river. I, however, determined that every effort should be made to
bring Captain Kelley and his men oft', when the time arrived for him
to leave. With that view a plan had been arranged whereby we could
be made a ware, of his situation and wishes. Thus matters rested until
near midnight, when a fire was seen on the beach abreast of our anchor-
age (previously in the early part of the evening two rockets were seen
in the direction of Captain Kelley's camp). A boat was at once dis-
patched from the Calypso and Xansemond. The NansemoncPs boat soon
returned and reported that a sergeant and four men were on shore with
a message from Captain Kelley to the effect that he wished his men
brought off to the ship at once, being apprehensive of an attack. The
Calypso's boat entered the inlet and gave Captain Kelley's men protec-
tion until the boats passed up the river to the rescue of him and his men.

No time was lost in preparing the boats for the expedition, and at
1:35 a. m. 23d, they left with orders to bring Captain Kelley and his
men off at all hazards. At noon, to my great delight, the boats (six of
them) appeared, and the whole party under Captain Kelley with our
men and a number of prisoners were safely received on board.

From information received from Captain Kelley I had reason to
believe that our services might be required at or near Swausboro,
Colonel Savage with a part of the land forces who met Captain Kelley
at the ferry, as will be seen by Captain Porter's report, having determ-
ined to return to this place through or near Swansboro, where he feared
he might meet with a formidable opposition. I accordingly got under-
way with the Calypso and Nansemond and proceeded to Bogue Inlet.
Here both vessels anchored at 3 : 30 p. m. yesterday, and after putting
a 12 pounder howitzer with a crew of eight men from the Calypso on
board the lighters (two of them) to work the vessels and guns. Captain
Kelley left in them with his command, arranging to go to Beaufort
through the sound, if nothing occurred to prevent, and of course if
nothing was heard from Colonel Savage and his party.

At sunset the proper signals were made indicating Captain Kelley's
intention to pass through the sound, and that our services would be no
longer needed.

I concluded to spend the night in cruising, and accordingly left the
Xansemond at anchor at 9 p. m. and proceeded seaward. 1 met the
Xansemond outside the harbor this morning and both vessels entered
and anchored about 8 a. m.

I deem it proper to state that a part of the programme made by Colonel
Jourdan required our presence at New Topsail Inlet on Thursday
morning; accordingly, 1 made arrangements to that effect. But events
proved that Colonel Jourdan had given up that part of his expedition,
and our presence was not required there. That you may be apprised
of my plans to serve the army and promote the interests of the expedi-
tion at all points, I enclose a ropy of my orders to Captain Porter, who

172 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

1 had determined to send to New Topsail Inlet. I also enclose a sketch
which I made of New River Inlet, giving all the points of interest and
Captain Kelley's position and the approaches to it.

I also enclose Acting Ensign Sluyter's report,* my executive officer
who was in command of the Calypso's first cutter; also the reports* of
Acting Ensign Jennings and Acting Master's Mate Thompson, who had
charge of boats on separate expeditions.

I have on board 13 prisoners, 7 rebel soldiers and 6 citizens; also 4
of the Ninth Vermont Regiment, sent by Captain Kelley as a guard.
What shall I do with the prisoners? My 12-pounder howitzer and 8
men are on board the lighters which have just reached this place. I
need some 30 tons of coal.

In conclusion permit me to say that 1 think Captain Kelley and his
men acquitted themselves admirably; all that was desired to accom-
plish was attained.

Captain Porter and his officers and men, and the officers and men
under my immediate command, who participated (and all desired to do
so) in the operations at New River Inlet deserve great credit for the
interest they manifested in the work in which they were engaged, and
for the prompt and efficient mariner [in which] they carried out my
orders.

I ain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRED. J). STUART,
Acting Master, Commanding Calypso.

Commander B. M. DOVE, II. S. Navy,

Senior Officer Present, North Atlantic JUockadinfi fiquariron.

U. S. S. NANSEMOND, June 23, 18G4.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report:

In accordance with your order, I left Beaufort with the Nansemond
at 3: 30 p. m., on the 20th instant, having on board one company of 100
men of the Ninth Vermont Regiment, under the command of Captain
Kelley, two lighters and four surfboats in tow. Proceeded toward New
River Inlet; arrived off that place 11: 30 p. m., and with much difficulty
succeeded in landing the troops and capturing every man of the guard
without firing a gun or causing any alarm. Captain Kelley then
marched to Snead's Ferry, 3 miles above, took all but 2 of the guard
there, secured the ferryboat, and crossing the river intrenched himself
on the east bank. The prisoners captured (3 privates of the Confed-
erate cavalry and 3 citizens, supposed to have been in the employ of
the rebel Government) were brought on board the vessel.

On the arrival of the U. S. S. Calypso at 5:30 a. m., on the 21st, I
reported to Acting Master F. D. Stuart, commanding, and with his con-
currence and the assistance of his boats, communication by the river
with Captain Kelley was secured and signals arranged.

On the 22d, I again consulted with Captain Stuart, and with his
approval, proceeded up the river with supplies for Captain Kelley in
the boats of both vessels. On our return from the ferry this p. m., our
boats were attacked by rebel pickets, at a point 3 or 4 miles below, on
the right bank of the river. Believing that they were supported by
artillery, who would dispute our return past the point, we landed to

* Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 173

cut them off and capture their guns, but found no artillery, and owing
to the thick undergrowth and marshes we succeeded in taking but one
prisoner, a rebel soldier.

At 8 p. in. we observed the signal indicating an attack upon Captain
Kelley, and prepared boats for his assistance. At 11 p. m., learned by
dispatch from him that the attack was made by a detachment of the
Twelfth New York Cavalry, and unfortunately, before the mistake was
discovered, 1 of the cavalry was killed and "2 slightly wounded. Boats
were immediately sent up to the ferry, and as Captain Kelley's object
at this point was accomplished he returned to this vessel with his men,
bringing with him Captain [Daniel j Marshall, of the Twelfth New York
Cavalry (wounded by the falling of his horse) ; the body of the sergeant,
killed in the engagement; 8 prisoners and 4 contrabands.

Learning from Captain Kelley that we should not meet Colonel
Jourdan at New Topsail Inlet, as at first arranged, and that the retreat
of Colonel [James W.I Savage with the New York Cavalry might be
cut off at Swausboro, both vessels left New River at 1 : 30 p. m. to-day,
by order of Captain Stuart, and steamed up to Bogue Inlet and sent
the two lighters, one carrying a 12-pounder howitzer and 8 men, from
the Calypso, to convey Captain Kelley's command and render any
assistance possible at Swansboro. At 8 p. m. we learued by signal
that Captain Kelley, with the two lighters, had gone to Beaufort through
Bogue Sound, and it being too late for us to reach there in time to enter
the harbor before morning, we stood along the beach on blockade duty
for the night.

I beg leave, in conclusion, to testify to the ability and energy of
Captain Kelley, of the Ninth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. He has
been untiringly at work ever since his first landing, and though more
than once in difficult positions, has managed his part of the expedition
with perfect success.

For my own officers and men I can only say that, although they have
been employed constantly on boat service, rowing long and hard against
a strong current and through difficult channels, day and night, 1 have
heard no word of complaint, but an earnest desire to assist the enter-
prise in every possible way.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. PORTER,
Acting Ensign, Commanding.

Commander B. M. DOVE,

Commanding Naval Station, Beaufort, N. C.

U. S. S. CALYPSO,
Off New River Inlet, June 21, 1864.

SIR: You will take charge of the first and second cutters of this
ship, each manned with ten men, and a surfboat, furnished by the
\ansemond, to be manned by nine men from this ship, and, in company
with three armed boats from the Nansemond, will enter the New River
Inlet and proceed up the river as far as what is known as the Ferry,
about 8 miles from the entrance, where you will meet with Captain
Kelley, of the Army, who, with his company, are somewhere in that
neighborhood.

The object of this expedition is to render Captain Kelley such assist-
ance as he may require, and to cooperate with him in any demonstra-
tion he may make.

174 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The first cutter will be armed with a 12-pounder howitzer on a boat-
carriage; a lield carriage for the howitzer will be placed in the second
cutter. Each man will be armed with a musket or a pi.stol, or both,
and a cutlass. Ten rounds for the howitzer will be sufficient, and
great care must be taken not to expend ammunition without a good
reason for so doing.

You will bear in mind that you are to traverse the waters of an ene
my, and that you and your men will be exposed to danger at every
point; be vigilant, therefore, and see that no indiscretions are com-
mitted by anyone. Do not land until you fall in with Captain Kelley,
who will direct your movements after you meet him. As soon as youj
services are no longer required return to your command to the ship.

I give you a rough sketch of the river, which will serve to guide you
to your destination.

Captain Porter's officers have been up the New liiver Inlet and are
in possession of information which will be useful to you. Act in per-
fect unison with the officers of the Nansemond. who have, so far, acted
successfully within the orders of Captain Porter.

Should any accident befall you, lose no time in acquainting me with
the facts.

A careful lookout will be kept for signals from you or Captain Kel-
ley, either by firing guns or rockets.

Wishing you success, 1 am, your obedient servant,

FRED. D. STUART,
Acting Master, Commanding Steamer Calypao.

Acting Ensign S. G. SLTTYTER,

Calypso.

U. S. S. CALYPSO,
Off New River Inlet, June 22, 1M4.

SIR: From information furnished by yourself, based upon observa-
tions made and experience gained by your visit to Captain Kelley at
the Ferry [Snead's] to-day, it seems to be absolutely necessary that
either the Calypso or Nansemond should remain at this point, at any
rate for some days, to render such aid to our forces on shore as they
may need, and as we may be able to afford, while the other vessel
should repair to New Topsail Inlet to await Colonel Jourdan's arrival
there as per agreement.

From the fact that your boats were fired at from Swan Point on
your passage down the river, there is every reason to believe that that
point is occupied by the rebels, and, it may be, in considerable strength.
This cuts off our intercourse with Captain Kelley by water for the
present.

As Swan Point is on the right bank of the river, and Captain Kel-
ley with his men are on the left bank, he may be able, should it become
necessary for him to abandon his present position before he is rein-
forced to reach the coast in safety, which from your statement he will
no doubt try to do somewhere near Cedar Point. His retreat inust be
covered, if in our power, and his men must be speedily embarked
should they appear.

Having more men at my disposal, and greater facilities for the prompt
and efficient execution of such duties as may devolve upon the vessel
left, I will remain with the Calypso and take charge of the lighters and
surfboats, with the exception of one of the latter, which you will keep,
as it may be required to assist in transporting Colonel Jourdan's men

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 175

to your vessel. You will therefore proceed with the Nansemond to New
Topsail Inlet, and be ready at the proper time to render Colonel
Jourdan any assistance he may need, should he make his appearance.

As you have seen and conversed with Captain Kelley, and know how
he is situated and what his plans are, you will be better able to explain
the condition of things at this place to Colonel Jourdan than I can
verbally or by letter.

From what you informed me, I may expect to hear from Captain
Kelley any moment, either for good or for bad, but should no intelli-
gence reach me from him, I will certainly not leave this place, unless
stress of weather drives me to sea, until alter Sunday next; perhaps
not then.

Should you hear nothing from Colonel Jourdan up to Sunday next
you will repair to this place. If I am not here, take it for granted that
I have gone to Beaufort, and repair yourself with the Nansemond to that
harbor.

You will send all the prisoners you have from the shore on board of
this vessel, together with the guard sent by Captain Kelley. With
them send a list of their names, and, if any, what effects they have.
Wishing you success,

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRED. D. STUART,
Acting Master, Commanding Calypso.

Acting Ensign J. H. PORTER,

Commanding Steamer Nansemond.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Smith,
U. 8. Navy, for the transfer of his command in the sounds.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, June 21, 1864.

SIR : Proceed without delay to resume command of the Onondaga in
James Kiver.

Turn over the command in the sounds to Commander Bankhead,
delivering to him all unexecuted orders and post him on the situation
and your views.

Send the Miami, Sassacus, and Commodore Barnes/here as soon as prac-
ticable, choosing favorable weather and taking a convoy if necessary.
The two former will answer to protect points in James River.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, naming the vessels on the outside

blockade.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., June 21, 1864.

SIR: Iii reply to your communication of the 13th instant, I have to
state that the following vessels are on outside blockade, viz, Fort

176 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Jackson, Keystone State, Quaker City, and Gettysburg, and I suggest
that the Mount Vernon and Nereus, being fair steamers for speed, might
advantageously also be employed for outsiders.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. 8, Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Order of Acting Hear- Admiral Lee, TT. S. Navy, to Captain Glisson, U. 8.
Navy, regarding blockade duty.

FLAGSHIP MALVEHN,
James River, June 21, 1864.

SIR: When ready for sea you will cruise with the Santiago de Cuba
under your command off' Wilmington on the outside blockade, to inter-
cept blockade runners to and from that point. Regulate as far as
practicable and proper the quantities of coal, etc., so far as to preserve
the best trim of your vessel for speed.

Send steam prizes to Boston, except that the first cotton prize here-
after taken should lie sent to Providence, R. I., to which port I wish to
send one prize, and that the first one taken, whichever cruiser may
take it.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.

(Same to Commander Downes, commanding U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler;
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Trathen, commanding U. S. S. Mount
Vernon, and Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck, commanding U. S. S.
Niphon.}

P. S. — If the Santiago de Cuba can not enter Beaufort Harbor, come
to Hampton Roads when in want of coal and supplies.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

Engagement of Federal Jleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries
at Howletfs, June 31, 1864.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Farrar'tt Island, June 21, 1&64 — 11 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 4 : 30 p. m., 22d. Received (5 : 45 p. in.)
About noon enemy opened fire from Hewlett's Battery and from
his ironclads and gunboats, which were concealed from view above
Dutch Gap.

Saugus's deck, before turret, was injured by one X-inch shot. A
number of 1-inch iron plates required immediately to protect weak and
cover wounded places; also spare screws for XV-iuch guns. The
enemy seems determined to control this part of the river.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 177

Instead of withdrawing the Tecumseh, it is necessary to largely
increase the ironclad force here.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Hear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, IT. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, Virginia, June 21, 1864.

GENERAL: The enemy operates against us with heavy guns from the
battery at Hewlett's and from their vessels in Dutch Gap. Our wooden
vessels can not remain in Trent's Reach under their cross fire, and they
are very much exposed by it in the reach below, and the ironclads can
not maintain a protracted fire for the purpose of silencing Hewlett's
Battery. The life of the guns, the endurance of the men, and the
supply of XV-iuch ammunition and fuel will not admit of a protracted
firing on the battery.

These vessels, unless to support and cooperate with some army move-
ment, must be reserved for the rebel ironclads.

I would respectfully suggest such batteries of heavy guns, to be
placed in the most commanding positions, as will keep Hewlett's Bat-
tery in subjection.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

Letter from Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, to Commander Lynch, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Off City Point, James River, June 21, 1864.

DEAR CAPTAIN : Be pleased to send to this place with all dispatch
the following articles, viz, 200 XV-inch shells, 150 35 pounds plain
chamber charges to be put in new cylinders, 500 5-second fuzes.

Our ironclads are having a smart time of it with the rebel ironclads
and a fort, said to be formidable, unmasked to-day.
Yours, very truly,

J. M. B. CLITZ,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Commander DOMINICK LYNCH,

Comdg. U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Barnes, U. S. Navy, to Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, June 21, 1864.

SIR: We are having smart work here and desire that the Rose,
which carries this, may be filled up to her capacity for carrying with
N w R — VOL 10 12

178 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

XV-incli and 150 pounder ammunition and dispatched with all speed
on her return.

I have already sent the Hydrangea on the same errand. Let the
proportion be one third of 150-pouuder to the XV-inch.

The ironclads (rebel) are shelling us from the bend and the batteries
from Hewlett's are doing their best. No casualties that I know of as
yet.

Yours, respectfully and truly,

JNO. S. BARNES,

Fleet Captain.
Commander J. M. B. CLITZ,

Commanding Osceola, City Point.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Loe, IT. S. Navy, transmitting reports of engagement.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, Virginia, June 24, 1864.

SIR: I enclose reports of our engagement on the 21st instant with
the battery which the enemy that day mounted at Hewlett's. Their
ironclads and gunboats, lying concealed in the reaches above the bar,
participated in the action.

The firing from the monitors was good. One of the enemy's guns
was dismounted.
We met with no casualties.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

1. Report of Commander Craven, Tecnmseli, June 23.

2. Report of Commander Colhoun, enclosing Chief Engineer Peake's
report and sketches, showing injury to vessel (8augus), date, June 23.

3. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Cushman, Onondaga.

4. Report of Commander Parrott, Canonicus, June 23, enclosing Chief
Engineer Macomb's report.

5. Report of Commander Rhind, Agawam.

[Endorsement.]

Craven's and Parrott's reports sent June 29; Captain Errick's to be
returned.

Fox.

[Enclosure 1.]

U. S. IRONCLAD TECUMSEH,

James River, June 23, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with your order I have to report the part this
vessel took in the engagement of the 21st instant:

Early in the morning of the 21st we discovered that the enemy had
during the night felled some trees to the north of Hewlett's barn and
exposed a new line of works there. These works were covered with
brush.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 179

At 10:30 a. in., observing a gang busily occupied on the right of
this new battery, I threw into it five XV-inch shells, two of which
exploded in the right place, destroying a platform, throwing the plank
and timber in every direction. At 11 : 30 the enemy commenced mov-
ing the brush and unmasked a battery of six embrasures, in four of
which guns were mounted.

] immediately renewed my fire on the battery and ordered the Canon-
icy ft and Suugus also to open, on your previous instructions.

The enemy opened his fire upon us at meridian with four guns, two
of them heavy caliber, and at 12:30 some ironclads near Dutch Gap
commenced a wild Cross fire which we would not reply to, as they were
concealed by the trees.

Our fire was delivered slowly and with great precision, most of our
shells exploding within the works of the enemy. At 1:30 p. m. I
ceased firing and gave my crew a half hour to rest and eat their din-
ner. At 2 recommenced and continued firing slowly until 4 p. m., our
last shell silencing one gun, the shell having traversed through the
embrasure and disabled it. The estimated distance was 2,000 yards.
This ship expended forty-six XV-inch shells, and was not hit.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. AUGS. CRAVEN,

Commander.

Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure 2. 1

U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER SAUGTTS,

Trent's Reach, James River, June 23, 1864.

SIR: In the engagement with the enemy's battery near Hewlett's
house, on the 21st instant, the Saugusw&s struck only once by a round
shot, near the center of the deck, a few feet from the turret; thence
glancing, it struck the turret, breaking six bolts, and fell into the water.
1 think it was a X inch shot. In obedience to your order, I have
directed Acting Chief Engineer John L. Peake to make a report of the
injury to the deck and turret. His report is herewith enclosed.

We were engaged for three hours. The rebel ironclads gave us a
cross fire, their shot sometimes coming quite near. I paid no attention to
them, as they were out of sight. We fired thirty-six shell with 35-pound
charges of powder and 10 second fuzes.

Estimated distance of the battery, 2,100 yards.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND R. COLHOUN,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Subenclosure.]

TJ. S. S. SAUGUS,
James River, Va., June 23, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to orders, I herewith submit report and sketches
of the position of the wound and effects produced by shot received
[from] enemy's guiis June 21? 1#04, at Trent's Reach, James River.

180

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Sketch No. 1 is a section of tbe deck and turret, forward side. A is
where shot first struck deck, passing; along deck, sinking at center of
wound 2f inches, then taking an upward direction, leaving tlie deck
after having passed along it 20 inches, then striking the turret at I),
3 feet 10 inches above the deck, making an indentation of seven-eighths
inch on the outside of turret.

No. 1.— IT. S. S. Sauyus, James River, June 21, 1864.

Beam E, directly under where shot struck, was driven down so as to
slightly fracture the paint on it and remaining three fourths inch below
its original position. One plank (oak) was broken and splintered badly,
piece of which I enclose. The beam E is started from the deck 18 feet
athwartships.

^A >/B •+-,,-»•* sfgr*
OOOO O*O«jfO» Q

No. 2.— \'. S. S. Savtjuit, James Kiver, June 21, 1864.

Sketch No. 2 is plan of top of deck and turret, showing the line of
shot -and the plates and bolts started, the figures in red ink giving the
height they are lifted from their former places.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

181

No. 3 is sketch of inside of turret, showing the number of bolts
loosened, broken, and heads thrown off. The bolt shown broken on this
sketch was broken off 1\ inches from inside of turret (the bolt accom-
panies this report), consequently in the place where it was expected
it would upset and be strongest, that sheet (the third from outside of
turret) being left larger than the others to allow it to fill up in riveting
the bolt to form shoulder, to prevent its driving through on the inside.

Five bolts have their heads thrown off, one of which I send. Thirty-
eight are loose, some of them no doubt broken, but none of them started
in, making in all forty four bolts more or less affected by this shot. The
broken bolt was started in from 2£ to 3 inches, not thrown entirely out.

The deck plates are fractured, but show much tenacity, and are of good
quality of iron. The indentation on outside of turret shows no frac-
ture; on inside, shows a fracture of 3£ inches in length and shaped as
per sketch.

)o t>

o o

0 0

0 ©

0 0

0 ©

o o

o ©

•

/ ® Bolt out.

o ©

O Head off.

(0 0

\ 0 0

0 0

o e

\ 0 0

Top of£ase Ring.

Xo. 3.— F. S. S. Sauyvs, Jauics River, Juno 21, 1864.

The iron in bolts I send samples of, and call it good quality. The
broken bolts show it to have been overheated where broken, and not
having fitted the hole, as its shape will show, or formed a shoulder in
large sheet, as claimed it would have done.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN L. PEAKE,

Acting Chief Engineer.
EDM'D H. COLHOTJN,

Commander, U. S. 8. Saugus, James River, Virginia.

[Enclosure 3.]

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, Virginia, June 23, 1864.

Sill: In obedience to your order, 1 submit the following report of the
part taken by this vessel in the exchange of fire between the rebel
battery near Hewlett's house and the ironclads of this squadron.

At 12 : 45 p. m., June 21, went to quarters in obedience to signal and
opened fire on the battery with both rifle guns and forward XV-inch.
At .1 :30 ceased tiring with after rifle and forward XV-inch. At 3:30

182 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

ceased firing with forward rifle and opened fire with after rifle. At
5 p. m. ceased fire altogether.

Expended 2 XV-iuch charges, 45 pounds; 2 XV-inch shell, 10-second;
39 16-pound charges, 8 inch rifles; 39 percussion shell, 8-inch rifles.

The 45-pound charge in XV-inch was just able to reach over the
battery; distance, say, 2,300 yards. Elevation of battery, say, 90 feet.

The rifles reached with about 7 degrees elevation, and all the pro-
jectiles fell near or at their mark, many with excellent effect.

The battery appeared much cut up by the fire of the ironclads.

The return fire from the battery, and also that from the direction of
Cox's Landing, supposed to be from the rebel ironclads, came near, but
was not of importance.

Neither this vessel nor any of those on board were injured.

Some projectiles struck quite near, and one exploded near enough to
throw pieces on deck, but beyond this the vessel was not struck.

Everything worked to my entire satisfaction and the vessel was
comfortable.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. H. CUSHMAN,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Actiug Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Enclosure 4.]

U. S. S. CANONICUS,
James River, Virginia, June 24, 1864.

SIR: On the 21st instant, near noon, the rebels unmasked near Hew-
lett's a battery of four guns, whose completion we had been for some
time endeavoring to prevent or retard by occasional shots, and opened
a tire upon us and the vessels in our vicinity, which was kept up until
dark. They had a large smoothbore, a large rifle, and two smaller
guns. As soon as they commenced unmasking, we opened on them
with our two XV-inch guns, firing rapidly at first, but afterwards only
occasionally, to economize ammunition.

One of their guns was dismounted by a shell from the ironclads, and
another shell was seen to traverse an embrasure, but the distance,
2,200 yards, was large for firing at single guns.

We were struck twice. The efl'ect of these shot is described in the
accompanying report of Chief Engineer Macomb. The injury is slight.
We fired forty shells with 35-pound charges. Everything stood well
about the guns and gun carriages. The rebel ironclads came down the
river, but not in sight, and opened upon us a random fire, over the
trees, which hit nothing, and which, I believe, was not noticed.

The batteries have since continued silent and their guns are again
masked.

I am, respectfully, your obedient .servant,

E. tr. PARROTT,

Commander.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading /Squadron.

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER CANONICUS,

James River, June 23, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order, I have to make the folio wing report
in relation to the effect and position of the shot upon the deck and
smoke pipe (they being the only parts struck) of this vessel :

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 183

The indentation in the deck plating was made by a solid shot from a
7 or 8 inch rifle gun, as the groove from the rifle can be plainly discerned
upon the plating. The position on the deck of the place struck is 45
inches from the side of the vessel, being 40 inches from the outside of
bulwark timbers, the shot striking nearly in the center of an 18-inch
by 12-inch beam, where three beams of 12 inches by 12 inches, 18 inches
by 12 inches, and 12 inches by 12 inches are bolted together, 6 feet for-
ward of the center line of smoke pipe, and in a line with starboard main
boiler, but not over it, being just between the line of hull proper and
the boiler. There are two deck plates injured, as the shot struck where
they butted, the indentation extending fore and aft 25 inches, 7i inches
ath wartships, and 1£ inches deep in the center. There are six slight frac-
tures in the plates, five in one and one in the other. There were 38 deck
plate bolts loosened in the two plates, from slightly loose to three eighths
of an inch up from deck, but these were driven down again by a slight
blow from a sledge. There are no perceptible fractures of the beams,
or starting of bolts in the beams, or planking underneath the deck.
The plate iron of deck seems to be of good quality, or else I judge it
would have been fractured much more than it is. The deck under the
plating where it has been struck does not leak.

The shot hole through the smoke pipe is about 8£ inches in diameter,
the shot passing through both sides about 2 feet from the top or upper
edge, being 22i feet from the deck. The fragments which were detached
from the hole on front side were driven with such force that they went
through the other side of the pipe, making three ragged holes about 2
feet from the shot hole in the port side. The upper tier of pipe is made
of quite thin iron, only full one eighth inch thick, and was put up
merely to prevent water from coining down while at sea.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID B. MACOMB,
Chief Engineer, U. S. Navy.

Commander E. GL PAREOTT, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. Ironclad Canomcus.

[Enclosure 5.]

U. S. 8. AGAWAM,
James River, June 23, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully present the following report of the participation
by this vessel in the firing on the 2Lst instant with the rebel battery at
Hewlett's Bluff and vessels stationed, as near as we could judge, in the
reach at Cox's place.

At li : 50 a. m. the enemy opened fire from Hewlett's and about the
same time from their vessels. Signal being made from the flag vessel
to prepare for action, we went to quarters at 12:30 and commenced fir
ing deliberately, using the forward guns on the battery at Howlett's,
and the after toward the enemy's vessels. As the firing had to be
directed from aloft, the objects aimed at not being in sight from the
deck, we discontinued it at 2 : 30 p. in. The fire of the enemy was kept
up till near sunset. This vessel was not hit. I enclose a report of the
ammunition expended.

Kespectfully, your obedient servant,

A. C. RHIND,

Commander.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding Xorth Atlantic lilockading Squadron.

184 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. S. AGAWAM,
James tiiver, June 23, 18<>4.

Report of expenditures and firing on board of the 1r. S. S.Ayawam, James River, Ji<ne^l,1864.

100-pounder short percussion shell 11

100 pounder 15-secoud shrapnel 1

100-pounder 10-secoud shrapnel 1

IX-iuch 5-second shell 1

IX-inch 10-second shell 2

IX-inch 15-second shell 2

18 10-pound charges of powder = 180 pounds.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY F. DUNNELS,
Acting Gunner, U. 8. Navy.
Coimmuider A. C. KHIND, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. 8. Agawam, James River, Virginia.

Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-General Grant, U. S. Army.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, June 23, 1864.

GENERAL: In the engagement day before yesterday with the rebel
battery at Hewlett's, in which their ironclads, out of view in a reach
above, participated, we silenced one of the guns at Hewlett's, but
expended a good deal of our heavy and expensive ammunition.

One of the monitors was injured by a X-iuch solid shot from the
battery at Hewlett's.

The XV-inch gun has a short life, so far as it has been proved, and
it is difficult to replace it in the turret of a monitor. We have to lire
it at extreme elevation to reach Hewlett's battery, which increases the
strain on the gun and breaks its long screws.

As it was arranged yesterday between Assistant Secretary Fox and
yourself to increase the obstructions already placed by the army in
Trent's Reach, so that two monitors would be sufficient here for the
present, leaving the Navy Department to withdraw the other two, one
of which is now under orders for sea for more pressing service else-
where, I respectfully suggest that the cheapest and most convenient
control of rebel battery at Hewlett's, of Trent's Beach, and its obstruc-
tions, and of Dutch Gap, would be by mounting a few heavy guns at
the lower end of the reach. This would allow the ironclads to drop
around the point, withdrawing a few hundred yards, where they could
keep their hatches off in hot weather, whence they could in a few min-
utes return and engage the rebel ironclads, should they appear in the
upper part of the reach or interfere with the obstructions.

Our naval resources would thus be reserved for their ironclads and
not exhausted on their earthworks.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, U. S. Army,

Commanding Forces in the Field.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 185

Special order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, commanding Jamea River Squadron.

0. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 21, 1864.

Battery Uautzler, at Hewlett's house, will open on the enemy's
vessels in Trent's Beach to-day at noon.

The ironclads Virginia, Richmond, and Fredericksburg will be placed
in position and be in readiness to open fire at the same time on any of
the enemy's vessels within reach of their fire, whether in Trent's
lieacl) or Variua Beach, using shells and cast-iron bolts. The wrought-
iron belts are not to be used except within point blank range and
against the monitors.

Before getting underway, every preparation will be made for battle
on board of each vessel, which will have to be anchored in her proper
position, using light anchors and kedges carried out on lines run to the
river bank from the bows or quarters, to steady and spring ship as
required. These lines or kedges should be placed in boats before get-
ting underway, in readiness to run out the moment the positions are
reached, the inward ends under the shields, or other cover, so as to
avoid exposing the men on deck as much as possible.

Some eligible height in the vicinity will be selected and used as a
station for one of the signal corps from each ironclad, who will give
information as to the flight of the projectiles.

After reaching their positions, each vessel will immediately use every
effort and means to determine the line of tire and establish ranges for
any of the enemy's vessels (especially his gunboats and transports)
within range, but fire will not be opened until it is commenced by
Battery Dantzler, or to return the fire of the enemy, unless expressly
ordered.

Great care should be taken in dropping down to avoid noises of any
kind to attract the attention of the enemy, especially in letting off
steam, which can be distinctly seen and heard at a great distance. The
bell is not to be struck.

Particular attention should be given to a plentiful supply of water
in buckets and tubs for extinguishing fires below, as well as for the use
of the crew.

The gunboat Dreicry will keep within signal distance oi'the flagship,
but out of the line of fire of the enemy as much as possible, and be
ready to use her gun if ordered, or whenever it can be done with effect,
and to render such assistance to other vessels as may be required.

The other gunboats will keep out of the line of fire of the enemy,
and at the same time, if possible, keep within signal distance and be in
readiness to render such assistance as may be required by any of the
vessels, in towing, carrying out kedges, hawsers, etc. They will be
prepared for action and use their guns should they be brought within
effective range of the enemy. When out of signal distance they will
be under the orders of the senior officer present, who will be governed
by these instructions.

All the vessels in the squadron will be underway by — a. m., and will
move down in open order.

The position assigned the Fredericksburg is in the vicinity of the
lerry, with her tender (the Nansemond) within signal distance above her.

The positions assigned the Virginia and the Richmond are near Dutch
Gap, so as to command as much as possible the lower part of Trent's
Beach and Varina Beach.

186 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Steam will [be] kept np so as to enable new dispositions to be made
at any moment they may be required.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Gardner, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Beaufort.

C. S. S. BEAUFORT,
James River Squadron, June 21, 186 J.

SIR: I am happy to report that this vessel has not been injured in
the slightest degree to-day. I expended nine rounds, giving between
44 degrees and 5 degrees elevation, and always aiming at the Hash of
the enemy's guns, which could be distinctly seen from the masthead.

I am well satisfied with the conduct of the officers and men under my
command, and am confident that they will retain their presence of mind
when brought to close action with the gunboats of the enemy.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. GARDNER,
Lieutenant , Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, June 21, 1864 — 7 p. m.

At 12 : 15 to-day the Virginia and Frederickfiburg took up position," the
former below Cox's Landing and the latter at the ferry, with the gun-
boats Hampton, Namemond, Roanoke, Beaufort, and .Dreicry, and opened
fire on the enemy's wooden vessels in the lower part of Trent's lieach
and Varina lieach.

The Richmond parted her wheel rope, which fouled her propeller, and
she remains disabled. She goes up near the obstructions to-night to
have it cleared. I was about proceeding lower down the river, near
Hewlett's, when the piston was discovered to be out of order. The
cylinder was removed and a chisel found in the cylinder. The engine
is now in working order again. This vessel, the Fredericksburg, and
the gunboats have directed their fire to-day again-st the enemy's wooden
vessels in Trent's lieach and Varina Reach.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, commanding James River Squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 22, 1864.
SIR: On Monday morning, the 20th, it was arranged with Major-
General Pickett that Battery Dautzler, at Hewlett's, should open tire
on the enemy's monitors in Trent's lieach at noon yesterday, and that
the forces under my command would be in position to act simultane-
ously. It was also understood that Brigadier-General G. W. C. Lee
would, on the north side, so far as practicable, operate against the eue-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 187

my's wooden vessels below Varina (or Aiken's) with a force of artillery,
and to drive in any pickets he might have out.

At noon, or very soon after, Battery Dantzler opened on the enemy,
with what results I have been unable to learn.

A few minutes after noon the Virginia, in a position near Cox's Land-
ing, and the Frederlcksbury, near the ferry, together with the gunboats
Hampton, Xansemond, Drewry, Roanoke, and Beaufort, opened with
shell upon the enemy's wooden gunboats in Trent's [Reach] and Varina
Reach, and continued their fire till near sunset. As the distance of
the enemy was generally near the extreme range of our guns, and the
fire was directed over high intervening banks, the aim could only be
determined by the smoke of the enemy's guns or by directions from
lookouts on elevated positions on shore. It probably did little damage
to the enemy; certainly none that we could discover. A double ender
at Aiken's was driven by the fire of the gunboats from her position to
one lower down, apparently covered by Aikeu's house. The fire from
the enemy in Trent's Reach appeared to be directed chiefly, if not
entirely, at Battery Dantzler, and that directed at our squadron was
mostly from the double -euder near Aiken's. His fire was without
effect in the squadron, from which there is no damage or casualties to
report.

The ironclad Richmond, in getting underway, parted her wheel chain,
which fouled her propeller, and the vessel remains disabled. She has
been towed up near the obstructions, or Chaflfin's Bluff, where it is
hoped the propeller will be cleared.

I invite your attention to the report (a copy enclosed) of Lieutenant
Commanding Parker for the particulars of the accident, showing also,
as it does, the creditable efforts he made to cooperate with the rest of
the squadron and the part taken by him.

This ship (the Virginia) was about proceeding to take a more eligible
position near Hewlett's, when it was discovered that the piston was
deranged; on removing the cylinder head a chisel was found in the
cylinder, which, but for the timely discovery, might have caused serious
damage. The engine was in good condition for service again in the
afternoon, but too late as to time and tide for taking up the desired
position.

The marine guard and a division of small-arms men were landed at
Cox's to picket the high ground close to Dutch Gap; no force of the
enemy was discovered on shore. The marine guard fired into one of
the enemy's transports passing down the river.

The bow gun of the Nansemond burst on the first fire near the muzzle,
without other damage, fortunately, of any kind. A full report of the
accident has been made to the office of ordnance and hydrography by
Flag- Lieutenant Minor, ordnance officer of the squadron. The Nanse-
mond will be sent up to land her burst gun, when she will return to
the squadron till another is ready for her or the burst one rendered
serviceable.

A commendable spirit and energy were displayed by the officers and
crews of the command, which afford a gratifying assurance that their
best efforts may be relied upon whenever an opportunity for a more
close and serious action shall occur.

I was informed by Major Smith, commanding Battery Dantzler, last
evening that the battery was to be masked last night and that it would
not be ready to open on the enemy again for two or three days.

The gunboat Hampton will be sent to Richmond to day for the pur-
pose of being taken on the ways for the examination of her shaft, which

188 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

seems to be deranged, supposed to be caused by the propeller striking
a log.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Memorandum of movements of the C. S. S. Virginia.

Tuesday, June 21, 1864. — Arrived abreast of Signal Tower at 12: 15;
first gun, No. 3, fired at 12: 30; second gun, No. 1, fired at 12: 35; third
gun, No. 1, fired at 1 : 30; fourth gun, No. 1, fired at 1 : 40; fifth gun, No.

1, fired at 1:45; sixth gun, No. 3, fired at 1:50; first shot from the
enemy at 1:52; seventh gun, No. 1, fired at 1:5<J; eighth gun, No. 3,
fired at 2; second shot from the enemy at 2; third shot from the enemy
at 2 : 05 ; fourth shot from the enemy at 2 : 09 ; fifth shot from the enemy
at 2:10; sixth shot from the enemy at 2:12; seventh shot from the
enemy at 2 : 14 ; anchored with kedge below Cox's Mill at 2 : 20 ; weighed
kedge at 2:30; filing heard on shore, supposed to be between the
marine guard, under Lieutenant Gwynn, and the enemy's sharpshooters,
and small-arms men sent ashore under Lieutenant Hall, at 2:40; dis-
covered piston rod to be out of order at 3; dropped kedge and ran a
line ashore below Cox's Mill at 3 ; ninth gun, No. 2, fired at 3 : 22; eighth
shot from the enemy at 3 : 2G; ninth shot from the enemy at 3 : 28; tenth
shot from the enemy at 3:29; a few musket shots on shore at 3:30;
eleventh shot from the enemy at 3:30; tenth gun, No. 2, fired at 3:34;
twelfth shot from the enemy at 3:45; eleventh gun, No. 2, fired at
3:55; twelfth gun, No. 2, fired at 4: 05; thirteenth gun, No. 2, fired at
4:13; fourteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 4:25; fifteenth gun, No. 2, fired
at 4:34; sixteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 4:45; seventeenth gun, No. 2,
fired at 5; eighteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 5:10; thirteenth shot from
the enemy at 5 : 14 ; nineteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 5 : 18 ; fourteenth shot
from the enemy at 5:25; twentieth gun, No. 2, fired at 5:38; fifteenth
shot from the enemy at 5:41; sixteenth shot from the enemy at 5:42;
seventeenth shot from the enemy at 5: 44; twenty-first gun, No. 2, fired
at 5 : 45 ; eighteenth shot from the enemy at 5 : 48 ; nineteenth shot from
the enemy at 5:52; twentieth shot from the enemy at 5:54; twenty
second gun, No. 2, fired at 5:55; twenty-first shot from the enemy at
5 : 57 : twenty-second shot from the enemy at G ; twenty-third gun, No.

2, fired at 6:01; twenty-third shot from the enemy at G: 02; twenty-
fourth shot from the enemy at G:05; twenty-fifth shot from the enemy
at G : 08; twenty-fourth gun, No. 2, fired at G : 10; twenty sixth shot from
the enemy at 6 : 11 ; made signal to the squadron to cease firing at G: 22.

At G:30 received a message from Major Smith, commanding Battery
Dantzler, stating that the enemy's monitors have dismounted and burst
the bands of a 7-iuch rifle gun, and that there are five monitors lying
in Trent's Keach, three of them 2,100 yards from Hewlett's, and'two
400 yards lower down, just in the bend, and that our shots fell short.

Report of Commander Rootes, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Fredericksburg.

IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,
James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

SIR: On the 21st, at 11 a m., got underway, in company with the
squadron, and stood down the river. At 12 : 30 came to a short distance

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 189

below Hewlett's upper bouse, with the port anchor, in 5 fathoms water,
head downstream, kedge astern ; line to the shore from the starboard
quarter; swung ship as required. At 1:0,3 p. in. the battery at Hew-
lett's lower house having commenced firing on the enemy's squadron at
anchor in Trent's Reach, opened the battery from the starboard side of
this ship, one 7-inch rifle, one 6.4 rifle, and one X-iuch smoothbore.
Sent one of the signal men on the shore at Hewlett's to see and inform
me how the shot struck; also Acting Master Minor and Midshipman
Goode were sent on the same duty. Sent Midshipman Goode to lower
Hewlett's to see and inform me how our shot and those of the other
vessels of the squadron struck. He informed me that a greater num-
ber fell short. During the evening I fired from the two rifle guns.

At 1 a. in., the 22d, got underway from Hewlett's upper quarter, a
short distance below the house, and stood up the river. At 1: 30 a. in.
came to a short distance below the graveyard in 4 fathoms of water.
Steamers Nansemond and RoanoJce catne up and took their stations.

The following ammunition was expended :

X-incli gun :

15-pound charges 4

20-pound charges 14

- 18

10-second shell 8

5-second shell •. 1

15-secoud shell 2

Shot 7

- 18
7-inch rifle:

12-pound charges 17

14-pound charges 3

10-pound charges 6

G.4 12-pound charges 8

- 34

Cast-iron bolts 16

Percussion shell 14

Shrapnel 4

6.4-inch rifle:

12-pound charges (used for 7-inch rifle) 8

10-pound charges 8

8-pound charges 21

12-pound charges (used for 7-inch gun) 8

Percussion shell 12

Cast-iron bolts 17

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. R. ROOTES.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. S. DREWRY,

James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your orders of this date I have the honor of
reporting to you the part borne by this vessel in the shelling of the
enemy's fleet and batteries in and on James River June 21, 18G4. I
got underway at 11 a. in.; proceeded down the river to obtain the posi-
tion specified in your special order of yesterday's date. Dropped into

190 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

my position astern of Hampton at 12 o'clock. The firing from the bat-
tery at Hewlett's about this time commenced. Soon after from the
Virginia; she was followed by the Hampton and other vessels of the
fleet. Thinking that my gun could be used with effect at a distance of
3,000 yards with a 10-second shell and 10-pound cartridge, 1 had the
gun trained and poinied; the shell exploded beautifully. I kept up
the firing until ordered to cease by the flag-officer. The gun on board
of the JJreicry is a 6.4 Brooke rifle. The character of projectile used
was 10-second shell and the charge 10 pounds. The number of shots
fired by this vessel was four. The number of shots could easily have
been augmented had I seen the effect of my firing. A great portion of
the afternoon I spent in towing down the Richmond. The enemy fired
occasionally from a boat near Aiken's, which had our range very well.
The enemy seemed inclined not to shell from their laud battery, so far
as I could ascertain.

I have no casualties, either accidental or by the enemy. The crew
behaved very gallantly and with coolness. 1 am much indebted to
Signal Officers Williamson and Burchette for their valuable assistance.
The pilot, Acting Master's Mate Skinner, showed great skill in han-
dling the vessel while in action. I found the engineers, Messrs. Beams
and Ahern, worked the engine knowingly and exerted every means in
their power to handle the vessel quickly. This vessel was engaged from
dark until this morning at 5 o'clock in towing the Richmond to Chaffiu's
Bluff.

1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding Dreicry.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Maury, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Hampton.

0. S. S. HAMPTON,

James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor of stating that in company with the squadron,
by a signal, this vessel got underway and steamed down the river. At
11:30 at Cox's Wharf we commenced shelling the enemy's batteries
and gunboats at intervals varying from ten minutes to thirty minutes.
We fired 11 shell from the forward rifle, 32-pounder, as follows: 2
10-second, 1 15-second, and 8 percussion shell. From the aft 8-inch
shell gun we fired 8 shell, as follows: 1 10-second and 7 15-second
shell. We continued our fire until 5:30, when we received orders to
cease firing and moored into the north bank of the river; got underway
at 7 : 30 and proceeded up the river to our old anchorage. We received
no injury to the vessel, nor was there anyone on the vessel hurt.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant. Commanding.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL.

Report of Lieutenant Benton, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Roanoke.

C5. S. S. ROANOKE, June 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday at 12:50 p. in. I com-
menced firing at the enemy in the lower part of Trent's Keach from my

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 191

position just above Signal Tower. After firing a few times from this
position, using 15-second shell and two percussion shell, I was con-
vinced that my shell were doing no good, and moved up to the ferry,
whence I fired 1 percussion shell, but as the range was too great for
my gun and there was no indication of the presence of gunboats, I
dropped down to a position opposite Cox's Mill. From this position at
4:55 I opened on a gunboat lying near Aikeirs, firing 1 10-second
shell and 11 percussion shells. In obedience to a signal from the
flagship, at 6: 20 ceased firing. The lookout at the masthead reported
these shells as falling near the enemy, two apparently striking him.

I am happy to report no casualties, as none of the enemy's shot
struck us.

My men and officers were in excellent spirits all day, displaying a
spirit which promises well should they ever be placed in a position
where there is warm work and real fighting.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. M. BENTON,
Commanding Roanoke.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Hays, C. 8. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Nansemond.

C. S. S. NANSEMOND,
James River, June 22, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with your general order of the 21st instant this
vessel weighed anchor at 1 p. m. and proceeded in company with the
fleet down the river.

At 2 p. m. I was directed by Commander Eootes to return up the
river and signalize the Richmond to join the flagship as soon as prac-
ticable. After executing tnis order I returned with a written communi-
cation from Lieutenant Commanding Parker, after delivering which in
person to you and delivering your orders to the Drewry and Beaufort
to proceed to the assistance of the Richmond, I anchored this vessel in
the position designated near the Fredericksburg. As this position was
2,700 yards from the enemy we were necessarily compelled to remain
silent, as it was beyond the range of our guns. This vessel while near
Cox's Wharf fired but three guns, and I regret to report that the rifled
32 pounder burst at the muzzle ring at the first fire. I know not [to]
what to attribute this accident; the gun was properly loaded, and every
precaution taken to prevent accident. I respectfully request that this
gun be replaced by another of improved make. 1 think it unsafe to
use it in its present condition, and it can not be fought by the gun's
crew with any degree of confidence and security.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. W. HAYS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Oflicer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Read, C. S. Navy.

HOWLETT'S, June 22, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report the occurrences of yesterday observed
from my station near the battery, which opened on the enemy's fleet at

192 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

, 12 m. yesterday. The monitors commenced shelling our works at 11 : 30
a. rn.; our battery struck the monitors several times, but without injur-
ing them materially. The enemy's battery fired at our fleet; the moni-
tors did not direct their shots at our ironclads. A great many of the
shots from our ships did not reach the monitors, but some of them struck
near the enemy's lower battery. The last shell fired from the Fml-
ericJcsburg exploded over the enemy's battery and seemed to be a very
effective shot. The position of the enemy's fleet remains unchanged up
to dark last evening.
Eespectfully submitted.

W. W. BEAD,
Second Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. S.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, giving information obtained from deserters.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 29, 1864.

SIR: 1 have the honor to lay before you the following- information,
obtained from deserters from the enemy's squadron in the river below
Hewlett's :

Lakey (seaman), deserted from the U. S. S. Stepping Stones

about the 23d instant and reports that four schooners have been sunk
in Trent's Reach and a boom composed of their spars laid across the
channel way. These vessels have only the usual quantity of sea bal-
last and are moored head and stern. The line stretched across the
river and buoyed by casks has a net attached to it and is intended to
catch floating torpedoes. Eight torpedoes, and among them some of
the large ones captured by the enemy, have been planted in the channel
way just above the monitors and are worked by a galvanic battery
located on the left shore under a sort of bombproof abeam of the
monitors.

Two launches and two cutters, each armed with 12-pounder howitzers,
picket the river to a point near Hewlett's from just after dark to early
daylight, and during the same time twelve sailor pickets are stationed
on the north bank nearly opposite to Hewlett's.

The shore battery near Baldwin's mounts four guns (30 and 24 pounder
Parrotts), and during the action of the 21st one of them was dismounted,
probably by the Fredericksburg.

When the firing commenced the wooden gunboats were ordered to
drop down the river out of danger. One of the monitors had a piece of
iron plating knocked off by a shot, probably from Battery Dant/ler,
striking just above her port. He further reports that some of the Third
Pennsylvania Regiment of artillery are doing duty in the squadron as
marines and that they picket the north shore at night just above
Aikeii's house.

O'Halloran and Hamilton deserted from the II. S. S. Delaware about
noon on yesterday, and their reports tend generally to confirm the state-
ments made by Lakey. They say that one of the monitors was struck
squarely about a foot above the deck, the ball splitting the iron plates
off the turret for 3 feet, and the same vessel had a beam broken by a
X-inch projectile (probably from one of the ironclads) falling upon her
deck, and she has since gone to Norfolk for repairs. Our fire was said

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 193

to be very good, the shells bursting near the vessels, but as they were
sheltered by lying close under the bank very little damage was done, only
two of the wooden vessels being struck and but two men in the squad-
ron wounded.

The Northern papers are reported as criticising Admiral Lee quite
severely for fortifying his position in the river and for planting torpe-
does to ward off an attack from our naval forces when he should steam
directly to Kichmond or else admit the monitors to be a failure. It was
said that preparations were about to be made to remove the obstructions
to enable the monitors to proceed up the river.

They report 800 vessels of all kinds, including canal boats, at Ber-
muda Hundred.

Hamilton thinks that eight torpedoes have been planted in the river,
though he is only certain of there being two, as he assisted in laying
that number.

Five monitors and the Atlanta were reported in the river above City
Point, but since the disaster to the one on the 21st instant there are
but four left. The gunboats are generally within signal distance from
Trent's Keach to Bermuda Hundred.

I do not place much reliance upon the above information, except so far
as it tends to confirm the impression derived from our own observations.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding rumored removal of obstructions by the

Federals.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Graveyard, June 30, 1864 — 9 p. m.

The following is a copy of an endorsement made on a communication
referred to me by General Heth, from General Lee to Brigadier-General
G. W. C. Lee.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Respectfully returned to Major-General Heth, with the information that I have
just returned from a visit to Biittery Dantzler and to General Pickett at his head-
quarters. At Hewlett's I saw no indication of any intention on the part of the enemy
to remove the obstructions, and I discredit the report communicated to me by the
two Yankee deserters on the 28th, that Admiral Lee was about to have it done.
Major Smith informed me that on the 28th a tug (in the daytime) visited one of the
sunken vessels, placed some men on board, but, on being tired upon from Battery
Dantzler, she precipitately dropped below beyond the reach of its fire. If the enemy
should, however, make any attempt to remove the obstructions it is hoped that he
may not be interrupted.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Trends Reach, June 32, 1864,— 10 p. m.

(Received 12 :30 p. in., 24th.)

The President, with Assistant Secretary Fox, visited us to day, and
left City Point this afternoon for Washington. Enemy threatening

N w R — VOL 10 13

194 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

army position at Deep Bottom this evening. I bear from Philadelphia
that this squadron is likely soon to suffer seriously for want of coal.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Endorsement.]

JUNE 15.

Tons.

Hampton Roads 3, 448

Navy yard 713

4,161

Ten vessels in James River.

[Telegram.]

JAMESTOWN ISLAND, June 22, 1864.

(Received at Washington 9: 10 p. m.)

We shall be in Washington at 4 p. m. to-morrow. Grant is envelop-
ing Petersburg without fighting. A little firing of monitors yesterday
of not much account. The river is closed above our monitors.

G. V. Fox,

[Assistant Secretary of the Navy. \
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports
relative to the sinking of obstructions in James River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

James River, Virginia, June 22, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed a copy of a letter, with its enclosures, from
Commander Craven, of the 20th instant, relating to the sinking of
obstructions in James River by the army.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

TJ. S. IRONCLAD TECUMSEH,

James River, June 20, 1864.

SIR: During your absence (on 15th instant) I was called upon by
General Weitzel, who gave me a note from General Butler, which is
hereto appended and marked "A."

In compliance with the request of General Weitzel, I have sunk in
the main channel four hulks furnished by him, and have also stretched
across the channel a heavy boom, supporting a chain cable, well secured

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 195

at each end. Across the flats I have extended a heavy boom, which is
secured by six anchors; and in the channel along the right bank I have
sunk a schooner, from which a short boom is to he extended to the flats.
The obstructions were all complete on the 18th. I enclose you here-
with a note received from General Weitzel on 16th, together with copy
of my reply.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. AUGS. CRAVEN,

Commander.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE.

[Subenclosures.]

JUNE 15, 1864.

I am directed by General Grant to sink the obstructing vessels in
such place as I can protect them by my guns. I should be glad if you
would aid in so doing, upon a conference with my chief engineer, General
Weitzel, designating the spot which will appear the best aid to your
fleet. General Grant will this evening have his headquarters at City
Point.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major-General, U. 8. Army.
Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding, etc.

JUNE 16, 9: 40 a. in. (Received 10: 45 a. m.)

MY DEAR SIR: General Butler approves of the plan adopted for
obstructing the river, and has ordered up another schooner to fill up
the 11-foot channel. It will be up, I think, by evening.

He desires me to thank you for your zealous cooperation, and asks
you (as all our men are needed to day to follow the enemy, who has left
our front) that you may complete the obstructions with men from the
fleet.

In haste, truly, yours,

G. WEITZEL,
Brigadier- General and Chief Engineer.

Captain CRAVEN,

Commanding Ironclad Tecumseh, James River.

General Smith carried two lines of rebel works, capturing 17 cannon
and 300 prisoners. He, with Hancock, has now a position overlooking
Petersburg. Another corps will join them at 10 o'clock. Everything
looks well. The negro troops under General Hinks fought most gal-
lantly. On two charges they captured 8 out of the 17 guns above
mentioned.

G. W.

U. S. S. TEOUMSEH, June 16, 1864—11 a.m.

MY DEAR SIR: Yours of 9:40, this date, just received. It will
improve your plan to sink two more hulks in addition to the one you
propose to send. There may be some old colliers nearly empty; they
can be had at low rates, and will do as well as more valuable vessels.

196 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

They should all be well ballasted with stone, and will be sunk as soon
as received. The sails of the bark were not taken away last evening,
as those of the schooners were, and are ready for you as soon as you
send for them.
Thank you for the good news of the day.

Yours, truly, T. AUGS. CRAVEN,

Commander (for Admiral Lee).

[Brigadier-General WEITZEL, U. S. Army.]

Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding an anticipated

attack of the enemy.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
Deep Bottom, June 22, 1864.

ADMIRAL : General Foster's forces captured a prisoner this afternoon
from the enemy's forces on the left bank. The prisoner reported himself
as of Cooke's Division, Hill's Corps, and that the corps left Peters-
burg last night and crossed the river this morning; that General Lee
was sending to Richmond troops from Petersburg; and further that a
brigade had crossed from Hill's Corps to the south side of Deep Bottom,
or Four Mile Creek. Two regiments of cavalry and several of infantry
have shown themselves in front of our position, and are engaged in
throwing up rifle pits, etc.

General Foster anticipates an attack from them to night. I am at
present throwing 15-second shells to the front of our left, by desire of
General Foster.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Letter from B. Maillefert, esq., to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy,

regarding torpedoes.

U. S. GUNBOAT TRITONIA,
James River, Virginia, June 22, 1864.

SIR: I have received the last invoice of ten torpedoes from Wash-
ington, and proceeded immediately to till them. This size and shape
seem to answer my expectations very well, with the exception of the
socket, which is not proportionate to the weight it is to carry. The
size of this socket should not be less than 4 inches at the smallest end
and G£ inches at the mouth; it should also be made of stouter copper.
As it is, the socket will not be strong enough to sustain the weight <»f
both can and powder out of water.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BN. MAILLEFERT,

Submarine Engineer.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 197

Report of Captain Ridgely, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Shenandoah,
of the return of that vessel to Hampton Roads in a disabled condition.

U. S. S. SHENANDOAH,
Hampton Roads, June 22, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that I left Hampton Roads on the
5th instant in obedience to your orders.

I crossed the Gulf Stream on the line between Wilmington and Ber-
muda and cruised to the eastward.

I saw nothing suspicious until 3 : 30 p. m. on the afternoon of the 16th
instant, when we made a long, low, paddle-wheel steamer steering
toward Bermuda. We gave chase, and the first hour we came up with
her; after that the runner held her own until we lost sight of her in the
darkness. During the chase we discovered that the condenser of the
engine was disabled and the main steam valves ont of order. The
moon not being favorable to blockade running and the engine requiring
repairs, I deemed it most prudent to return to this place, as we were
liable to break down at high speed at any moment.
I am, very respectfully, etc.,

DANL. B. RIDGELY,

Captain, U. 8. Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NEWPORT NEWS, June 22, 1864.

(Received at Washington, 6:40 p. m.)

SIR : I spoke the ironclad Manhattan in tow of the Bienville yesterday
at 4 p. m., about 20 miles north of Hatteras. Sea smooth, weather
pleasant, and all well.

Very respectfully,

F. A. ROE,
Lieutenant- Commander, U. 8. Navy, U. 8. 8. Sassacus.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Trent's Reach, June 23, 1864 — 10 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 4: 40 p. m., 24th. Received 12: 40 a. in., 25th.)
No change in the naval situation. Tecumseh and jEutatc, with Admiral
Fan agut's four tugs, Tritonia, Pink, Rose, and Altliea, leave to-morrow
for Hampton Roads. Eutaic will convoy Tecumseh if Augusta does not
arrive in time, or if Department does not send a convoy from the North.
Captain Gansevoort ordered to repair and equip tugs and send them to
their destinations. Please give him or them additional instructions, if
necessary.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Xavy.

198 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVEEN,
Trent's Reach, June 23, 1864 — 10 p. m.

(Via Fort Monroe, 4 : 30 p. m., 24th. Received 12 : 25 a. m., 25th.)
It will be necessary to send stone ballast in the hulks to be sunk.

S. P. LEE,

Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, IT. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Babcock, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in the Pamunkcy River.

Confidential.] U. S. S. MALVEEN, June 23, 1864.

SIB: I understand from General Grant that General Sheridan is
expected to come here from the White House, and that after that there
will be no need for our gunboats up the Pamuukey River, etc.

You were sent up the York and Pamunkey to cooperate with the
Army, and when this is no longer necessary withdraw the gunboat force
there.

Be vigilant at all times against surprise from the enemy's boats. The
recent capture of the Water Witch, which had the usual boarding net-
tings up, impresses the necessity of having wire nettings and wire
ridge ropes for them, as used in the Potomac Flotilla, and these you
are authorized to require for your permanent vessels. Single vessels
are very subject to assault.

The gunboats should be kept in supporting distance, as near as
practicable.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BAKOOCK,

U. S. S. Morse, York River.

Order of Acting Rear Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Craven,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tecumseh, to proceed to sea under
sealed orders.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
In James River, June 23, 1864.

SIE: Proceed to sea as soon as practicable with the Tecumseh under
your command, and with the Eutaw to convoy you to your destination,
if the Augusta or Alabama, in case the Department makes no other
detail for this service, does not arrive in time to do so.

Enclosed are sealed orders from the Department to be opened when
you discharge your pilot.

On your arrival at the roads send back Pilot Tilby (James River
pilot), with his accounts, to be sent here from the Roanoke. If the men
from the Army now on board the Tecumseh are necessary to give her
efficiency, and can not be exchanged ior men from the Roanoke, about
whose accounts there is no embarrassment, take them with you, but
send a report to the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, giving their
names, and reporting that their accounts with the Army have not been

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 199

closed, if such is the case, about which you can learn from Lieutenant-
Commander Upshur, of the Minnesota.

It is desirable that you should reach your destination as soon as prac-
ticable, and you can, in your judgment, lighten and trim the Tecum-
seh and choose the weather most favorable to the success of your passage.

Transfer your superfluous ammunition, if any, which your escorts can
not take, to the ordnance schooners at City Point.

The Augusta or Alabama, in preference to the Eutaw, will convoy you
to your destination, if either is at Hampton Roads when you are ready
for sea. Otherwise the Eutaiv will convoy you, and her commander
may, if you and he think it absolutely necessary to do so, apply by tel-
egraph to the Department for authority to leave a part of her battery
at Norfolk; but it Should be borne in mind that she will not return
here. The Tritonia also will accompany you. On reaching her desti-
nation order her to report to Admiral Farragut.

Wishing you a pleasant passage and regretting very sincerely to
part with you and your efficient command,
I am, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander T. A. CRAVEN,

Commanding U. S. Monitor Tecumseh.

Report of Commander Downes, U. S. Navy, regarding the Wilmington

blockade.

U. S. S. E. E. CUYLER,
Blockade off Wilmington, June 23, 1864.

SIR: The Grand Gulf leaves the blockade for Beaufort to-day for
coal.

The force present on the north side of the shoal after her departure
will consist of the following vessels, viz, R. R. Cuyler, Mercedita, Kan-
sas, Florida, Cherokee, and Niphon.

I arrived here at 1:30 p. m. of the 21st instant, and finding myself
senior officer on this side of the shoal, and Commander Eansom's
departure for Beaufort imminent, liave remained here, where 1 shall
await the arrival of Commander Howell or Captain Sands.
Everything has been quiet since my arrival.

*******

The Cambridge has just arrived.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN DOWNES,
Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, regarding the safe
arrival of the U. S. >S. Sassacus in the James River.

U. S. S. SASSACUS,
James River, Virginia, June 23, 1864.

SIR : It gives me no ordinary pleasure that I am permitted by Divine
Providence to report the safe arrival of the Sassacus at this place, in
obedience to your order of June 4.

200 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

It is especially gratifying to me that I bring her to you in safety after
the severe treatment she lias received in the Albemarle. It has been
an anxious and careful duty. She has fulfilled her duty with fidelity
and fully justifies the principle of her construction. A single-bowed
ship could never have returned. I have run her stern first, as she could
not be trusted to a pressure from the sea on her stem. Fortunately
the rudder was not destroyed, though wrenched and twisted.

I avail myself of this opportunity to pay a feeble tribute of gratitude
to her men and officers for their patience, skill, and courage, and while
I congratulate the Department on her preservation and safety, I would
acknowledge the obligations I owe to them for the happiness of bring-
ing her to you, although sadly yet honorably mutilated.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. A. EOE,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Gleason, U. 8. Navy, regarding the loss of the
U. S. 8. Lavender and the rescue of officers and crew.

U. S. S. SASSACUS,
James River, Virginia, June 23, 1864.

SIR : It is my painful duty most respectfully to report to you the
loss of the U. S. S. Lavender.

I left the Capes of Delaware on the llth instant at 10 a. m., being
bound to Charleston, S. C. ; strong breeze from N". E. ; sky hazy. On the
12th, at 1 p. m., made Hatteras light-house, bearing S. by W. £ W.,
distance 12 miles At 3 p. m. Cape Hatteras light bore N., distance 5
miles, from which I took departure to clear Cape Lookout Shoals, steer-
ing S. W. by S. until 6 p. m., the vessel going at the rate of 8 miles per
hour. I then changed the course to S. W. £ S., which, according to my
judgment, should have brought the vessel clear of all danger. At 10 : 30
sounded 9£ fathoms of water; wind now heavy from N. E., with rain
squalls. At 11 made breakers ahead and on both bows. The vessel was
immediately stopped and the engine reversed, but before she lost her
headway she struck on the reef. I then steamed ahead, intending to
drive her over into deep water if possible, but at this time a heavy sea
washed over the vessel, staving in the sides of the house and filling the
engine room with water, putting the fires out. We were now left
entirely helpless, and about an hour later the vessel was a perfect
wreck. Officers and crew took refuge on the top of the house, standing
by to launch the boats. When gradually the forward and after part of
the house were washed away we launched the boats, but they were
immediately swamped. We now sought shelter in the wheelhouse,
which was situated near the forward part of the ship. This was carried
away during the next day, and we were now obliged to retreat to the
forecastle, which alone was out of water. During the succeeding night
four men were washed overboard and drowned. During the 14th five
men died from exhaustion.

On the morning of the 15th a large lead-colored, side-wheel steamer,
apparently a man-of-war, hove in sight, approached us to a distance of
3£ miles, stopped, and blew off steam. We made signals with shirts

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 201

and blankets; the steamer, however, did not notice them, but steered
about ten minutes later to the southward.

At about 10 a. m. we sighted another steamer, which took notice of
our signals and came to our rescue. She was the army steamer John
Far ron, Captain J. F. Smallman. They took us on board, provided
kindly for our wants, and conveyed us to New Berne, N. C.. where we
arrived on the morning of the 16th. After reporting to Captain M.
Smith we were transferred to the U. S. S. Sassacus for transportation
to Hampton Koads, with orders to report to Admiral S. P. Lee.

I am unable to give the names of the nine deceased men, as all my
papers and the ship's records have been lost.

I have the honor to enclose here a list of the rescued officers and
crew.

The suffering of all'on board was most fearful; we had nothing to eat
nor to drink from the 12th to the time of our rescue by the John Farron,
as all our stores were under water. The rescued officers and crew are
now, however, slowly recovering their health.

I am conscious of having fulfilled all my duties to the best of my
ability, and of having tried all available means to save the Lavender;
but it was beyond all human possibility to combat the force of the
elements.

I am sorry that I could not find an earlier opportunity for reporting
this sad event, but that, owing to my state of health and the want of
communication, I had to delay it until now.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. GLEASON,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Endorsement.]

JUNE 25, 1864.

Forwarded Navy Department. I have sent the sick to the hospital,
and the remaining officers and crew are to be distributed to vessels in
this squadron.

S. P. LEE,
Acig. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]
List of surviving officers and crew of U. S. S. Lavender.

* Acting Master J. H. Gleason, command- ' Acting 3d Assistant Engineer Saml. B.

ing. Roane.

Acting Master's Mate James H. McClune. Acting 3d Assistant Engineer James Fitz-
Acting Master's Mate Henry J. Derby- j patrick.

shire.
Acting 3d Assistant Engineer Thomas

Foley.

Crew.

Owen McGuire, seaman.
A. B. Sheldon, ordinary seaman.
Win. S. Lunt, ordinary seaman.
John White, ordinary seaman.

Henry Drinker, landsman.
George Thompson, landsman.
Alexander Rogers, landsman.
* Charles White, 2d class fireman.

Respectfully,

F. A. ROE,
Lieutenant-Commander.

* Not fit for duty. All the rest of officers and men are, or will he soon.

2C2 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Reconnaissance in Gape Fear River, June 23-2-1, 1864.
Report of Lieutenant Gushing, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. MONTICELLO,

Off Wilmington, N. (7., July 2, ISfit.

SIR: In consequence of permission received from you to attempt the
destruction of the ironclad rain Raleigh, I proceeded to the blockade at
that point with the intention of doing so. Judging it prudent to make
a thorough reconuoissance, first, to determine her position, I left this
ship on the night of the 23d, in the first cutter, with two officers (Act-
ing Ensign J. E. Jones and Acting Master's Mate William Iloworth)
and 15 men, and started in for the Western Bar. I succeeded in pass-
ing the forts, and also the town and batteries of Smithville, and pulled
swiftly up the river.

As \ve nearedthe Zeek's Island batteries, we narrowly escaped being
run down by a steamer, and soon after came near detection from the
guard boat, but evading them all we continued our course.

As we came abreast of the Old Brunswick batteries, some 15 miles
from the starting point, the moon came out brightly and discovered us
to the sentinels on the banks, who hailed at once, and soon commenced
firing umskets and raising an alarm by noises and signal lights. We
pulled at once for the other shore obliquely, so as to give them to
understand that we were going down, but as soon as I found that we
were out of the moon's rays we continued our course straight up, thereby
baffling the enemy and gaining safety. When within 7 miles from
Wilmington, a good place was selected on the shore, the boat hauled up
and into a marsh, and the men stowed along the bank.

It was now nearly day, and I had determined to watch the river, and,
if possible, to capture some one from whom information could be gained.

Steamers soon began to ply up and down, the flagship of Commodore
Lynch, the Yadlcin, passing within 200 yards. She is a wooden pro-
peller steamer of about 300 tons ; no masts, one smokestack, clear deck,
English build, with awnings spread fore and aft, and mounting only
two guns. Did not seem to have many men. Nine steamers passed in
all, three of them being fine, large blockade runners.

Just after dark, as we were preparing to move, two boats rounded
the point, and the men, thinking it an attack, behaved in the coolest
manner.

Both boats were captured, but proved to contain a fishing party
returning to-Wilmington.

From them I obtained all the information that I desired, and made
them act as my guides in my further exploration of the river.

Three miles below the city I found a row of obstructions, consist-
ing of iron pointed spiles, driven in at an angle, and only to be passed
by going into the channel left open, about 200 yards from a heavy bat-
tery that is on the left bank. A short distance nearer the city is a ten-
gun navy battery and another line of obstructions, consisting of
diamond-shaped crates, tilled and supported in position by two rows of
spiles, the channel in this instance being within 50 yards of the guns.
A third row of obstructions and another battery complete the upper
defenses of the city. The river is also obstructed by spiles at Old
Brunswick, and there is a very heavy earthwork there.

Discovering a creek in the Cypress Swamp, we pulled or rather poled
up it for some time, and at length came to a road, which, upon being
explored, proved to connect with the main roads from Fort Fisher and
the sounds to Wilmington. Dividing my party, I left half to hold the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 203

cross-road aud creek, while I marched the remainder some 2 miles to the
main road and stowed away.

About 11:30 a. m. a mounted soldier appeared with a mail bag and
seemed much astonished when he was invited to dismount, but as I
assured him that I would be responsible for any delay that might take
place he kindly consented to shorten his journey. About two hundred
letters were captured, aud I gained such information as I desired of the
lortification and enemy's force. As an expedition was contemplated
against Fisher by our army about this time, the information was of
much value.

There are 1,300 men in the fort, and the unprotected rear that our
troops were to storm is commanded by four light batteries. I enclose
rebel requisitions aud report of provisions on hand.

I now waited for the courier from the other direction, in order that
we might get the papers that were issued at 1 p. m. in Wilmington,
but just as he hove in sight a blue jacket exposed himself and the fellow
took to instant flight. My pursuit on the captured horse was rendered
useless from lack of speed, and the fellow escaped after a race of some 2
miles. In the meantime we captured more prisoners aud discovered
that a store was located about 2 miles distant, and being sadly in
need of some grub, Mr. Howorth, dressed in the courier's coat and hat,
and mounted upon his horse, proceeded to market.

He returned with milk, chickens, and eggs, having passed everyone,
in and out of service, without suspicion, though conversing with many.

At 6 p. m., after destroying a portion of the telegraph wire, we rejoined
the party at the creek and proceeded down, reaching the river at dark.

In trying to laud our prisoners upon an island a steamer passed so
close that we had to jump overboard and hold our heads below the
boat to prevent being seen. As we had more prisoners than we could
look out for, I determined to put a portion of tbein in small boats and
set them adrift without oars or sails, so that they could not get ashore
in time to injure us. This was done, and we proceeded down the river,
keeping a bright lookout for vessels in order to burn them, if possible.
None was found, but I forced the pilot to take nie to where the ram
Raleiyli was said to be wrecked. She is, indeed, destroyed, and noth-
ing now remains of her above water.

The ironclad North Carolina, Captain Muse, commanding, is in com-
mission, and at anchor off the city. She is but little relied upon, aud
would not stand long against a monitor.

Both torpedo boats were destroyed in the great cotton fire some time
since. One was very near completion.

As I neared the forts at the East Bar, a boat was detected making its
way rapidly to the shore, and captured after a short chase. It con-
tained six persons, four of whom were soldiers. Taking them all into
my boat, I cut theirs adrift, but soon found that 20 persons were more
than a load. By questions I discovered that at least one guard boat
was afloat, containing 75 musketeers, and situated in the narrow pas-
sage between Federal Point and Zeek's Island. As I had to pass them
1 determined to engage the enemy at once, and capture the boat if
feasible. The moon was now bright, and as we came near the entrance
I saw what we supposed to be one large boat just off the battery, but
as we prepared to sail into her, and while about 20 yards distant, three
more boats suddenly shot out from that side, and five more from the
other, completely blocking up the sole avenue of escape. I immediately
put the helm down, but found a large sailboat filled with soldiers to
windward and keeping us right in the glimmer of the moon's rays.

204 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

In this trying position both officers and men acted with true coolness
and bravery. Not the stroke of an oar was out of time; there was no
thought of surrender, but we determined to outwit the enemy or light
it out. Suddenly turning the boat's head, we dashed oft' as if for tlie
Western Bar, and by throwing the dark side of the boat toward them
were soon lost to view.

The bait was eagerly seized, and their whole line dashed off at once
to intercept us.

Then again turning, by the extraordinary pulling of my sailors I
gained the passage of the island, and before the enemy could prevent,
put the boat into the breakers on Caroline Shoals.

The rebels dared not follow, and we were lost to view before the guns
of the forts trained on the channel could be brought to bear upon our
unexpected position. Deeply loaded as we were, the boat carried us
through in flue style, and we reached the Cherokee just as day was break-
ing, and after an absence from the squadron of two days and three
nights. I am now posted in regard to the city land and water defenses,
and everything that it will interest the Department to know. I beg
leave to call your attention, sir, to the fact that Acting Ensign J. E.
Jones and Acting Master's Mate William Howorth are the same officers
who accompanied me to Smith ville some months since, and whom I select
because of their uniform enterprise and bravery.

All the men did well, but my coxswain. David Warren, is deserving of
a medal of honor for marked bravery in every critical moment. I would
also mention Ordinary Seaman John Sullivan and Yeoman William
Wright, the latter having volunteered upon every expedition of danger
since this ship has been in commission, in this instance procuring his
discharge from the sick list in order to do service.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. B. GUSHING,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

JULY C, 1864.

I submit this important reconnoissance to the Department with my
hearty approval of the skill and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant
W. B. Gushing and the good conduct of the officers and men serving
under him.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosures.]
Jieport of provisions on hand at Fort Fisher, N. C., June 23, 1864.

RESERVED SUPPLY.

Rations.

Pork ...... . ......................................................... 10,000

Beef ................................................................ 9)000

Rations.
19,000

36,000
Vegetable food ...................................................... 39) 994

""' """"""""""" """""" '

29,000
Hard oread .................................. 7

__ ....... ... 30,000

Soap ...................................................................... 30,000

balt ....................................................................... 30,000

NOKTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 205

FOR ISSUE.

Rations. Rations-
Bacon • 10,000

Rye meal 3,000

Corn meal 1, 500

Flour 1,750

6,250

Salt 8,000

Soap 8,000

Rice 8,000

Respectfully submitted.

L. E. MlLLARD,

Commissary- Sergeant.

Consolidated provision return for garrison at Fort Fisher for seven days, commencing July
9, 1864, and ending July 16, 1864—1,300 men.

Rations.

Bacon : 9, 100

Corn meal 9,100

Soap 9,100

Salt 9,100

Respectfully submitted.

L. R. MlLLARD,

Commissary- Sergeant.

The acting commissary of subsistence will issue on the above return.

WM. LAMB,
Colonel, Commanding Post.

Letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Cashing, U. S. Navy.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1864.

SIR: The Department has received, through Acting Rear- Admiral
Lee, your report of the 2d instant of your reconnoissance of the harbor
of Wilmington, N. C.

The boldness exhibited by you on this reconnoissance and the success
attending it are most gratifying to the Department. While expressing
its thanks to you, the Department does not forget that you are much
indebted for your success in this, as on your recent previous reconnois-
sance, to the brave officers and men who accompanied you and were
under your command. Please make known to Acting Ensign J. E.
Jones and Acting Master's Mate W. L. Howorth, whom you commend
for enterprise and bravery, the Department's appreciation of their
conduct.

To your coxswain, David Warren; William Wright, yeoman, and
John Sullivan, seaman, medals of honor will be awarded.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant WM. B. GUSHING,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Monticeilo, Off Wilmington.

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Monticello, Lieutenant Gushing, U. S. Navy, commanding.

June 20, 1864. — Ship lying to anchor off the shoals. At 8 p. m. got
underway and stood in to Fort Caswell. At 9: 35 p. m. Captain Gush-
ing, accompanied by Acting Ensign Jones and Acting Master's Mate

206 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

William Howorth, and 15 men with cutlasses, rifles, and pistols left the
ship on an expedition. At 10 the batteries opened fire upon the ship.
Stood out and anchored with kedge. At 12, first cutter returned to
the ship.

June 23. — At 8:40 p. in. Captain Gushing and Acting Ensign J. E.
Jones and Acting Master's Mate W. L. Howorth, with 15 men, went in
on a boat expedition, with two days' rations — beef, pork, bread, etc. —
with 11 revolvers, 7 pistols, 6 Sharps rifles, and ammunition.

June 26. — At 12 : 20 p. in. the steamer Cherokee arrived from the north
side, having in tow our first cutter. At 2 : 20 p. m. first cutter returned
to the ship, they having succeeded in getting within 4£ miles of Wil-
mington. Had possession of the main road Saturday. They captured
the mail carrier and mail. Cut the telegraph wire. The prisoners
brought to the ship.

[Telegram.]

SMITHVILLE, [ June 25, 18(>4.}

About sixteen Federals are said to be on the Cape Fear River, and
some think they are yet. Keep a close watch out on the bay.

Captain HAEDEMAN.
Colonel TAIT.

[Telegram.]

SMITHVILLE, [June 27, 1864.]

Examine the beach immediately and see if there are any tracks of
the enemy from Buzzard Bay or Cape Creek.

Captain HARDEMAN.
Colonel TAIT.

[Telegram.]

[JUNE 27, 1864.]

No traces of the enemy have yet been discovered, but Captain Barnes
reports that a sentinel posted near the head of Cape Creek last night
challenged a man, who ran oft' and made his escape. He is supposed
to have been one of the party lurking about the river.

I have taken steps to have the creek and Middle Island thoroughly
scoured.

Major HOLLAND.
Captain HARDEMAN,

Smithville.

[Telegram.]

[JUNE 27, 1864.]
Two companies, in skirmishing order, made a thorough search of

Middle Island to-day, without rinding any trace of the enemy.
The boats have not returned from Buzzard Bay yet. I will report if

they bring any news.

Colonel TAIT.
Captain HARDEMAN.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 207

[ Telegram. ]

[JUNE 27, 1864.]

The men have just returned from the search ordered by Major Hol-
land. Nothing of the enemy.

Colonel TAIT.
Captain HAKDEMAN,

Smithville.

SMITHVILLE, [June 28, 1864.}

It is reported that the enemy are still inside. Please continue search
of the islands, and where you suspect them.

General HEBERT.
Colonel TAIT.

[Telegram.]

[JUNE 28, 1864.]

A boat expedition sent out to-day has returned. No traces of the
enemy. The laud party has not yet returned.

Colonel TAIT.
Captain HARDEMAN,

Smithville.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 24, 1864.

Send immediately to the senior officer in the sounds of North Caro-
lina an order forbidding George W. Lane to trade in Chowan County
with the tug Philadelphia.

GIDEON WELLES,

/Secretary Navy.
Captain GUERT GANSEVOORT,

Senior Officer, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

[Telegram.]

JAMES RIVER, VIRGINIA, June 24, 1864.
(Received at Washington, 6: 45 p. in., June 25.)

You probably have, and will be good enough to use, the means to
correct the injustice which the files of the Department will show has
been done me by the editorial attack in the New York Herald of the
_J3d instant, and which, if not publicly corrected, will be prejudicial to
the public interests.

The bar in this reach, which is at the head of monitor navigation
until it shall be dredged out, was obstructed according to the military
phm of campaign.

The obstructions furnished by the army are of a temporary charac
ter and can be readily removed when the progress of the army makes
naval cooperation higher up the river necessary. At present, as here-
tofore, the navy is only needed to protect the communication of the
army. You know that for more than a mouth I took the responsibility

208 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

of resisting the sinking of these obstructions. It was finally done
under an army order.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to commanding officers
of vessels in James River, in view of the approach of General Sheridan.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, June 21, 1864 — 1 p. m.

The following dispatch has just been received :

General Sheridan is expected at General Foster's pontooii bridge. Don't mistake
him for the enemy.

C. J. PAINE, Colonel and Aid-de-Camp.
Admiral LEE.

Commanding officers of vessels in James River will exercise due cau-
tion upon the approach of any cavalry force on the north bank of the
James.
By order of the admiral.

JOHN S. BARNES,
Fleet Captain North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commanding officer of the Althca will show this to each command-
ing officer in James River as he passes down.

Report of Captain Gansevoort, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs at Hampton

Roads.

U. S. IRONCLAD ROANOKE,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, June 24, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have the honor to state that I have removed this vessel
to this place in obedience to your orders. The Seymour has arrived,
she having been aground off the mouth of Princess Anne [Albemarle
and Chesapeake] Canal.

The coal vessels are still at Newport News. All the navjil vessels
have left that place.

The Aries went to sea on the evening of the 23d, and the Santiago de
Cuba on the morning of the 23d. The Connecticut will leave to-day or
to-morrow.

The Banshee has arrived here from New York with orders to report
to you.

She is in a bad condition. I have ordered a survey upon her.
The papers in relation to the Seymour will follow in the Mount Wash
ington, as she is in a bad condition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GUERT GANSEVOORT,

Captain and Senior Officer.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 209

Letter of thanks from Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to the chief
inspector, U. S. Sanitary Commission.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
James River, June 25, 1864.

SIR: I desire to tender my thanks to yourself and the commission
which you represent, for the very acceptable supplies which you have
furnished to the vessels in James River, under my command.
I am, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Dr. A. MCDOWELL,

Chief Inspector U. S. Sanitary Commission,

Department Peninsula and Norfolk.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Babcock, U. S. Navy, of the evacuation
^ of White House, Va.

U. S. S. MORSE,

Of Yorktown, Va., June 25, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your confiden-
tial communication of the 23d instant, and would respectfully state
that the gunboats, being no longer needed in the Pamunkey River, I
ordered the Sliokokon, Cactus, H. Brinker, and Cohasset to proceed to
James River yesterday and report to Captain Guert Gansevoort for
further orders.

I also respectfully acknowledge the receipt of applications for
detachments from the Shokokon and Samuel Rotan, and return the one
for the Shokokon, as she is now in James Eiver.

At 10 a. m. on the 23d instant White House was entirely evacuated
by our forces. I then left with the other gunboats and conveyed all
transports safe to Yorktown, bringing up the rear. 1 will make out
my official report as soon as possible.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. A. BABCOCK,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Telegram.]

TRENT'S REACH, June 26, 1864—10 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 5 : 30 p. m., 27th. Received 6 : 45 p. m.)
The enemy is strengthening his works at Hewlett's. Our army is
mounting some heavy guns to bear on Hewlett's.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

N W R — VOL 10 14

210 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 26, 1864.

Land your IX-inch guns and return immediately to James River
after the Tecumseh reaches her destination.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.
Lieutenant-Commander HOMER C. BLAKE,

Commanding V. 8. 8. Eutaw, Norfolk, Va.

Report of Commander Corbin, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Augusta,
regarding the chase by that vessel of a suspicious steamer.

U. S. S. AUGUSTA,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, June 2(1, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to the enclosed order from Captain Gansevoort,
senior officer, I took in tow on the morning of June 15 two coal ves-
sels, proceeding direct to Port Eoyal, where 1 reported with them to
Captain De Camp, senior officer present, on the morning of June 19.

I also enclose a copy of an order from Rear- Admiral Dahlgren direct-
ing me to proceed forthwith to Hampton Roads with dispatches to the
honorable Secretary of the Navy, in obedience to which I arrived here
this afternoon.

I have the honor to report that on my way hither, about 30 miles to
the southward and eastward of Frying Pan Shoals, in latitude 33° 20'
N., longitude 78° 03' W., I discovered, distant some 10 miles to the
eastward, a long, low, lead-colored, side-wheel steamer, having two
smoke funnels, two lower masts, no topmasts or yards, and burning
black coal. This ship immediately gave chase and continued it for
nearly three hours, making 10J knots per hour and 13£ revolutions per
minute, under 20 pounds of steam, yet, despite the most favorable con-
ditions of sea, breeze, and trim, I am sorry to state that the manifest
superiority of the stranger's speed, together with the Augusta's infirm-
ities, rendered a continuance of the chase utterly hopeless. It was
necessary to abandon this brief pursuit in consequence of the heating
of the crank pin and other complaints of the engine, which subse-
quently much retarded my return to this place.

I herewith enclose a report on the condition of the engine and its
appurtenances, from the chief engineer of this ship, and one by a board
of officers attached to this vessel, whom I directed to search for and
to examine a troublesome leak in her hull.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. G. CORBIN,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. 8. S. Augusta.

Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Bankhead, U. S. Navy, of a reconnoissance in the
Roanoke River, to gain information regarding the C. S. 8. Albemarle.

U. S. S. OTSEGO,
Off Roanoke Rirer, June 2(i, 1864.

SIR : In the absence of Captain Smith at New Berne, I deem it proper
to inform you at once of such information as I have concerning the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 211

ironclad Albemarle. I sent a reconnoitering party up on the 24th
instant, which returned yesterday. That party penetrated the swamp
on the left bank of the river and reached a point immediately opposite
to Plymouth and where the Albemarle lay.

The officer in charge of the party reports that " the work upon her
appeared to be completed; her smokestack replaced by that of the
Southfield; guns mounted and in all respects ready for work." A
refugee from Plymouth reports that Captain Maffitt is at present in
command.

Captain Smith is expected back from New Berne in a few days. All
well with this squadron. The dysentery and diarrhea prevails quite
extensively among the crews. The heat excessive.
Respectfully, .your obedient servant,

J. P. BANKHEAD,
Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 27, 1864.

After seeirg the Tecumseh safe to her destination, return and report
to Acting Eear-Admiral Lee for duty.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander T. G. CORBIN,

Commanding U. S. S. Augusta, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, transmitting sketch showing
position of obstructions in Trent's Beach.

U. S. S. DELAWARE,
Trent's Reach, James River, June 27, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith a sketch* showing the
position of the obstructions, torpedoes, and vessels placed in Trent's
Eeach.

The vessels were all ballasted with sand, coarse gravel, and stone,
and the following memoranda of the position of the holes will be of
assistance in raising them again.

The bark Franklin, near the left bank, has twelve 1^-inch holes on
the starboard side, abreast the main hatchway and about 6 feet below
the deck knees, all in the same plank.

The schooner Haxall has six holes on the port side, abreast the
mainmast, and one on the starboard side opposite.

The schooner Mist has six holes on the starboard side of center-board
trunk, 2 feet from the bilge, and three through the starboard side
directly opposite, and 2 feet below the deck frames.

The schooner E. W. Ben-ton has five holes in starboard side of center-
board trunk, and two through starboard side, abreast of them.

The schooner Julia A. Whitforcl has six holes through bilge, on port
side, abreast of the fore-hatch, and two through water line on port side
opposite.

"See report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, September 16, 1864.

212 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The schooner Colonel Satterly is sunk in the south channel. She lias
seven holes through port side below light-draft line, abreast fore-hatch.
All the holes are 1^ inches in diameter.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. H. LAMSON,
Lieutenant, Commanding Torpedo and Picket Division.

Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

JULY 5, 1864.

The vessel obstructing the passageway over that part of the bar can
be easily removed. Our diver can quickly plug the holes, and the
pumpboat required could pump out the water in a very short time.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,

Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Santiago de
Cuba, regarding the chase by that vessel of a strange steamer.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,
Off Wilmington, N. C., June 27, l^iil.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 2<>th instant, 11.30 a. in.,
we discovered a steamer four points on our starboard bow, we steering
west. The strange steamer steering to the southward, with fore an d-
aft sail set; at 11:40 she took in all sail and hauled up S. S. W. .} W.
At this moment we discovered a large steamer in chase astern of the
strange steamer. The Santiago de Cuba was then under a full head of
steam and gaining rapidly on the chase, the large steamer astern
dropping very fast. At 1 : 30 the chase altered her course to S. E. and
set fore-and-aft sail and attempted to cross our bows; fired five shot at
her from our forward rifle cannon, all of which fell short. At this time
we were about 4£ miles from her. At 2 p. m. the chase took in sail
and hauled up S. W. and commenced throwing overboard her cargo,
consisting of cotton. I should think she threw overboard from 80 to
100 bales. From this moment she began to leave us, and at 9 p. in.
she was entirely out of sight, but we continued in chase until the next
day at noon, when we were in the latitude 28° N., and the longitude
of 78° 05' W., and then we altered our course to N. K. W. for the
Frying Pan Shoals. The steamer that was astern of the chase is
supposed to be the Quaker City, and she not being able to keep up
with us she commenced picking up cotton at 3 p. m., and I am in hopes
that she got nearly all that was thrown overboard. The Santiago <lc
Cuba worked well, running at the rate of 12 miles per hour, and at one
time was going 13 miles. As soon as our firemen get a little more
experience, I am in hopes that we shall be able to keep up to this speed.
Every exertion was made on our part, and much credit is due to the
chief engineer, Mr. Farrer, for the exertions he made during the chase;
he stood at the furnaces all the time, superintending the inexperienced
firemen of the vessel, until he was nearly exhausted. The Santiago de
Cuba is the fastest vessel on the blockade, and it can not be many days
before we pick up a prize. There are but few blockade runners that go
less than 14 miles per hour, so you see that it requires fast vessels for

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 213

the blockade. Few guns are mounted; speed and men are all that are
required to check the blockade runners in a very short time, and I
would earnestly recommend that one or two vessels that can run 15
or 16 miles per hour should be obtained with as little delay as possible
for the blockade off Wilmington. I have been in chase almost every
day since I arrived off this port. The offshore blockade is of the most
importance, and it is the only one that the blockade runners dread.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,

Captain, U. 8. Navy.
Rear-Admiral SAML. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron* near Richmond.

Memorandum from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, giving location of vessels
in the sounds of North Carolina, and regarding unfinished business.

U. S. S. MATTABESETT,
Roanoke Island, June 27, 1864.

SIR : I send below a list of the vessels in the sounds of North Caro-
lina, with their disposition, and a memorandum of all unfinished
business :

At New Berne. — Chicopee, Valley City, Hetzel, Lockwood, and Ceres
and Granite, repairing. Schooners Albemarle, Renshaw, Plusser, and
Susan Ann Howard, ordnance vessels. Prize schooners, Jeff Davis,
M. O'Neil, Pet, Mary L. Bryant, Iowa, Mary Emma, and Jenny Lind.

Pamlico River. — Louisiana, to be relieved Saturday next by the
Valley City.

Hatter as Inlet. — Bombshell, Master's Mate O'Hara, commanding, to
be relieved by the Granite when repaired.

Roanoke Island. — Miami, repairing; ordnance vessel, Carstairs, and
prize schooner Ann 8. Davenport, repairing.

Mouth of Roanoke River. — Otsego, Wyalusing, Tacony, Commodore
Hull, Whitehead, and ordnance schooner Jos. Norcom, sent with stores
for the vessels in the sounds.

The Ceres I intended to send to Albemarle Sound when repaired for
a picket boat. The schooner Ann 8. Davenport is being calked at
Roanoke Island for a coal vessel, or to transport provisions and stores
from New Berne to the squadron.

A vessel ought to be stationed at Oeracoke Inlet, as there is nearly
as much water on that bar as at Hatteras. The commanding general
intends placing a force there also.

To detect blockade runners passing through the sound, orders have
been given for all navy and army vessels bound to New Berne or
Roanoke Island to wear their colors. Vessels disregarding this order
should be overhauled.

A roll of charts and map of North Carolina received from the
admiral are herewith forwarded, and " Upton" and a set of uniform
drawings turned over from Commander Davenport.

All information concerning the ram and my plan for his capture have
been communicated to Commander Bankhead.

Coal will be required for the vessels in Albemarle Sound very soon.
Light-draft schooners at Hatteras had better be ordered up. Commo-
dore Adams has been informed that 400 tons per month will keep up

214 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the supply necessary for the sounds. The returns from vessels will
show the daily consumption with hanked fires and full steaming.

Acting Assistant Paymaster E. Mellach has charge of stores, includ-
ing master's, engineer's stores, and coal, for which he makes requisi-
tions and submits them for your approval.

Carpenter Mark W. Paul has charge of the repair shop.

Gunner E. A. McDonald, now on his way to Albemarle Sound, has
charge of ordnance stores.

The blacksmith's shop (at New Berne) recently occupied by the
Navy, has been claimed under the President's proclamation, and
returned to the owner. I have requested Acting Assistant Paymaster
Mellach to ascertain at what rent it can be obtained.

In sending officers and men north it is not necessary to wait for the
supply store vessel Xew Berne, which touches at Beaufort. A simple
request from the senior officer to the quartermaster at New Berne,
Captain G. W. Bradley, acting quartermaster, will always secure them
Government transportation on army transports.

There are two small prize vessels at New Berne, the Jeff". Damn and
M. O'Neil. They have been taken for Government use, but Com-
mander Davenport's action iu the case of the latter has not yet
received the approval of the Department.

Fresh beef can be procured from the acting commissary of subsist
euce twice a week, if required, with potatoes only for the vessels off
Eoanoke River.

See returns for vacancies on board the vessels in the sounds.

A coal vessel should be ordered up from Hatteras to supply the
Albemarle Sound squadron. If none can cross the Swash on account
of draft of water, you can order one from New Berne.

I send a number of blanks and official envelopes printed by the
Army without any expense.

There being no room in the naval hospital at New Berne for more
patients, I had a survey held upon the chronic cases there, with a view
of sending the severe cases to the hospital at Norfolk to make room for
others. The reports of the surveys are herewith forwarded for your
action.

Eeturns are to be made to the admiral on the 10th and 25th of each
month, of the disposition of all the forces, coal vessels, and ordnance
vessels in the sounds.

The boarding returns sent from Hatteras Inlet are to be forwarded
in duplicate to the admiral.

The admiral has directed the Miami to be sent to him. The order
has not been given.

Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH.

Captain.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding U. S. S. Shamrock.

N- B. — There were five captures made in Pamlico Sound, two by the
Louisiana and three by an army and navy expedition. These have not
been reported to the Secretary of the Navy. When satisfied that they
are legal captures, should be reported and the necessary steps taken
for their condemnation.

[Endorsement.]

^ Write to Harrell to ask the general if Mount Pleasant and Goose
Creek, the positions where the Louisiana and expedition captured
prizes, are without the army lines; I'uugo River also.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 215

[Telegram,]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, June 28, 1864 — 11 p. m.
(Received at Washington, 11 p. ID., June 30.)

Hewlett's Battery fired twice at a tug which went to the obstructions
this afternoon. Monitors replied. No casualties. Instructed Captain
Gansevoort to-night that Augusta must convoy Tecumseh, as preferred
by Assistant Secretary. If her repairs, which I suppose are slight,
can be made in time, unless otherwise ordered by Department.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Trent's Reach, June 29, 1864 — 11 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 5 p. m., 30th. Received 11 p. m.)
This morning the rebels opened a four gun battery, situated 2,000
yards up Four Mile Creek, at Deep Bottom, and commanding the river
in open view between the army iutreuchments there. An army tug
was crippled. Saugus and Hunchback fired without silencing the bat-
tery. Two double-en ders will attack it to-morrow. A deserter reports
that the enemy are mounting many heavy guns at Hewlett's.

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Report of Acting Ensign Rogers, U. 8. Navy, regarding an engagement
with Confederate battery at Four Mile Creek.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

June 29, 1864.

SIR : As the U. S. S. Hydrangea, under my command, was passing
the gap at Four Mile Creek, a battery of four guns opened on her. One
shot passed a few feet ahead of her, one passed just over her, one fell
a few feet short of her, and the other was out of range altogether.

The battery was situated on the banks of the creek about 1,500 yards
from the river and in plain sight. The U. S. S. Hunchback was under-
way and engaging the battery. 1 fired one shell from a 20-pouuder
Parrottgun.

Commander Nichols, of the Mendota, informed me that the battery
first opened about 7 o'clock this a. m. and that they were apparently
18 and '24 pounder rities.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES W. ROGERS,

Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear- Admiral S P. LEE,

Commanding.

216 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Nichols, U. 8. Navy, regarding condition of affairs

near Four Mile Creek.

U. S. S. MENDOTA, June 30, 7: 30 p. m.

MY DEAR CAPTAIN: I have no time to write and copy an official dis-
patch to the admiral, but I wish you would inform him that since the
Agawam went up, matters have changed a little. Rhind doubtless has
informed him of the report brought off by the Frenchman living near
the Malverri's old berth. I sent Fyffe down there to see if there was
any truth in the story, with orders to remain down there if there were
any rebels about. He opened fire about fifteen minutes since and was
responded to by the rebels, though the sound of their shell came
toward, and the shell appeared to explode in the neighborhood of, Gen-
eral Foster's camp on the downstream side of Four Mile Creek. I am
lying below the bridge, where I command the place of yesterday's bat-
tery, but directly stern on to where the rebels are now. If I bring to
bear on that bluff, I lay nearly across stream, which is narrow, and
stop all navigation, and have my end bearing on yesterday's position,
where they are just as likely to return as to go anywhere else. The
only guns I can bring to bear anywhere near ahead or astern, are my
howitzers, and in firing my rifle howitzers to-day, they jumped so as to
stave my hurricane deck. We are bound to have trouble in this part of
the river, I am afraid. I do not like to leave this neighborhood, as it
leaves General Foster's position entirely unprotected. I am below the
bridge, but have told the general I shall remain here to-night unless
my services are wanted above, when I shall try to go through. What
kind of a fist we can make of it in the night, with our imperfect steer-
ing, I don't know. I wish we had a few more ferryboat vessels, for
these double-euders are a most unsatisfactory kind of craft for this
kind of work.

Yours, in haste,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.

Fleet Captain J. S. BARNES.

P. S. — Everything is quiet just at present, 7 :25 p. in.

Report of Lieutenant Fyffe, U. S. Navy, commanding If. 8. S. Hunchback,
regarding the engagement of that vessel ivith Confederate battery.

U. S. S. HUNCHBACK,

Deep Bottom Creek, James River, June 30, 1864.
SIR: I have respectfully to submit the following report:
At 6: 15 a. m. on the 29th instant a rebel battery of four Parrot rifles
opened on this vessel. Went to quarters at once and shelled them,
silencing two of their guns. A percussion shell struck the port wheel-
house, burst, and fractured the iron plating, doing no other damage.
At 7 : 30 a. m. went above out of range, but in a few moments went
down again and engaged the enemy, their shells coining directly over
us but mostly too high. At 9 a. m. stood up river again, and found
they had our range exactly, but fired too high as before: their firing
was very rapid. At 10:30 a. m. again engaged the enemy for half an
hour. Our shell, IX-inch, 10-second, seemed to drop directly in their
works, which was at this time increased to four guns, the two disabled

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 217

having been replaced by others. There is a heavy smoothbore gun to
the right of this battery; it fired only twice, doing no execution, one
shell falling short, and the other bursting in the air. Besides the shell
in port wheelhouse we were struck only twice, one shell cutting away
a boat's fall, another burst before reaching us, the fragments striking
on port side amidships, doing no damage.

At 2 o'clock p. m. the ironclad Saugus took up our position in front
of the battery.

At 6 : 30 p. m, Saugus steamed up river. I then engaged the battery
again, going down the river, and fired 15 10- second IX-inch shell,
all of which seemed to land directly in the enemy's battery. They
returned our fire with only three shell, two falling short and one going
far over us. The firing from our guns at this last engagement was very
rapid, but none the less effective, and I have every reason to believe
from the fact of their not firing since that we silenced the battery.
The enemy were driven from their works three times and by the excite-
ment manifested while our shell were dropping in their works, 1 think
we must have caused them severe loss of life. I estimate the number
of shells fired at us to be about 150.

I think that some of their guns were 30-pounders, none less than
20-pounders, rifled.

Total expenditure of ammunition, 84 IX-iuch, 10 second.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Jos. P. FYFFE,
Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Hunchback.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Major-General
Butler, U. S. Army, urging the necessity of holding the position at Deep
Bottom, James River.

FLAGSHIP AGAWAM,
Trent's Reach, James River, June 30, 1864.

GENERAL: Two deserters who will be sent to your headquarters
report that the enemy are putting a number of heavy guns in battery
at Hewlett's.

At 7 a. m. yesterday the enemy opened fire from four guns on Four
Mile Creek, commanding a clear view of the river just below the
pontoon bridge. Their guns are scattered and are distant about 2,000
yards from the river. The gunboat Hunchback and the Saugus, mon-
itor, were unable to silence them. Commander Nichols reports that
Lieutenant Fyffe, commanding the Hunchback, hears the enemy at
work in the woods east of Four Mile Creek. A covered battery there
would enable them to enfilade the army works at Deep Bottom, the
pontoon bridge, and the river just above it.

The Army has four small guns at Deep Bottom, which are on the
west side of the creek, whence the rebel battery can not be seen. The
importance of having some heavy guns in position to answer or silence
Hewlett's Battery has been brought to your notice and is, I believe,
being attended to.

The importance of holding our position at Deep Bottom is obvious.
Without doing so our communications are cut there, and our wooden
vessels can not remain above that point, and the monitors would be

218 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

alone and exposed to the enemy's light torpedo craft from above and
out of Four Mile Creek. The enemy could then plant torpedoes there
to prevent the monitors passing by for supplies.

I respectfully suggest, therefore, such action in the matter as your view
of the importance of the position may demand and your means allow.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Major- General JB. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department Virginia and North Carolina.

Letter from Lieutenant- Commander Barnes, U. S. Na,vy, to Captain

Graves. U. 8. Army, regarding naval howitzer in use on board the

U. S. 8. Commodore Morris.

U. S. S. MALVERN,
Flagship, James River, June 30, 1864.

Sin: Your communication of the 29th instant has been received.
Your previous communication on same subject, of the 10th, was received
some days after it was written, and was referred to Lieutenant Fyffe,
commanding Hunchback, for information on the subject. He has
recently returned it with the statement that a naval howitzer mounted
on a field carriage was turned over to him by the colonel of the Twenty-
third Massachusetts Regiment, who stated that he had found it in a
house hard by Day's Point, and that if Lieutenant Fyffe did not take it
he would abandon it.

Lieutenant Fyffe accordingly sent on shore and took possession of the
gun, taking it on board the Commodore Morris, where it now is as a part
of the battery of that vessel.

I am otherwise informed that the gun belongs to the Navy, having
been loaned for temporary service on the Smith Briggs, captured and
destroyed at Smithfield.

The admiral desires to retain the gun as part of the armament of the
M orris.

I am, captain, very respectfully, yours,

JOHN S. BARNES,
Fleet Captain, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

CHARLES H. GRAVES,

Capt. and A. A. G., Naval Brigade, Army Gunboat Chamberlin.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mendota, regarding operations near
Jones7 Neck Reach.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

James Rivei , Virginia, June 30, 1864 — 8:30 p. m.
SIR: In reply to your note of 7 :30 p. m., to-day, the Mackinaw will go
down in the morning to assist you to clear out the woods, etc , on the
left bank, around Jones' Neck Reach. The Mendota and Hunchback
should be sufficient, ordinarily, for that part of the river, but before
moving down to and by Tilghman's Wharf, you are authorized to send
your tug to desire the Mackinatc to drop down during your absence to

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 219

strengthen General Foster's position. Whenever other aid is necessary
to clear out a battery send up a report by your tug.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron

Commander B. T. NICHOLS,

Commanding U. S. S. Mendota.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, June 30, 1864 — 11 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 5 p.m. Keceived 9:55 a. m., July 2.)
The enemy removed his battery from Deep Bottom last night, thus
avoiding the heavy gunboat fire which opened on his position early
this morning. This evening he opened a battery lower down, which
the Hunchback drove away. Am enquiring about the canal boats.
Deserters report that the rebels are strengthening Hewlett's Battery.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Report of Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker
City, regarding the cruise of that vessel off Wilmington, N. C.

U. S: S. QUAKER CITY,
Off Wilmington, N. C., June 30, 1864.

SIR : I respectfully report that while cruising since leaving Beaufort
on the 22d instant to the southward of Frying Pan Shoals to date, I
have fallen in with and chased two large and fleet side-wheel steamers,
each with two masts and having two smokestacks, one being met with
a little before 6 p. m. on the evening of the 25th instant, inward bound,
in latitude 32° 40' N. and longitude 78° 15' W., distant about 10 miles,
but which was soon afterwards lost sight of.

While chasing exchanged numbers with IT. S. ship of the line New
Hampshire and U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, both standing to the south-
ward and westward, the latter making No. 939, to which I answered
with boat code 280. Having lost sight, however, of the chase from
aloft, weather thick and hazy, hove to and communicated with the
Santiago de Cuba, and in company ran down toward the New Hampshire,
which had hove to, but which ship filled away ere she was reached.
Stood on our course.

On the following morning at 4: 30 a. m. latitude 32° 45' N. and longi
tude 78° 15' W., discovered another large side wheel two masted
steamer, with two smokestacks, to the northward, distant some 10
miles, and standing to the southward and westward. Immediate chase
was given and by 9 a. m. had gained rapidly upon chase, when her
master commenced throwing overboard bales of cotton, amounting in
number to upward of 200, we passing through the field over two hours.
The steamer then dropped me as rapidly as I had gained upon her
previously, during which time the Santiago de Cuba hove in sight from
the eastward and took up the chase. At 2 p. m. we again came up
with another lot of cotton, numbering 41 bales in sight, and the chase

220 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

evidently gaining, I deemed it unadvisable, at 3 p. m., on reaching that
point, latitude 31° 42' N. and longitude 78° 12' W., to pursue the chase
any longer, particularly as the Santiago de Cuba was in pursuit, but
with but slight hopes, I think, of overtaking her, the chase appearing
to pursue her onward course with great swiftness. I then turned my
steamer's head to the northward and eastward, lowered my boats and
with slow speed stood in that direction until near dark, gradually
securing 30 bales, the outer roping of which had all been cut ere cast
overboard, in hopes of destroying and preventing its being again
secured. On the following day I cruised in the vicinity in expectation
of falling in with the mass of that which had been thrown overboard,
but without avail, but yesterday while chasing a steamer, which proved
to be the Santiago de Cuba, fell in with 8 additional bales, 3 of which
had been cut, while the others were in good condition, iron bound.
These 8 bales were picked up in latitude 32° 40' !N. and longitude 77°
40' W. Should I meet the U. S. S. Neir Seme I will avail myself of
the opportunity of sending it north in her; otherwise endeavor to
charter a schooner bound to the north.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. MADISON FRAILEY,

Commander, U. S. Navy.
Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads, Va.

Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Ma-
comb, U. S. Navy, regarding the fitting of tugs with torpedoes for use in
the sounds.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, June ,'J(>, 1861.

SIR: In reply to communication of 26th instant from Commander
Baukhead, informing me of the reconnoissance to the rebel ram Albe-
marle and her apparent readiness for another onset, I would state that
I have ordered four tugs to be fitted with torpedoes and sent you at
the earliest practicable moment. The Bureau of Provisions and Cloth-
ing also informs me by the next trip of the New Berne it will forward
for use of crews of vessels in sounds considerable quantities of vege-
tables and provisions.
Very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Senior Officer in Sounds, North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Off City Point. James River, July 1 — 11 p. m.
(Via Fort Monroe, 11 : 45 a. m., 8th. lieceived 1 : 45 p. m.)
Six canal boats can be got for about $1,500 each, and four other ves-
sels at from $J,000 to $2,500. No Navy news. Captain Smith has
arrived.

S. P LEE
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 221

[Endorsement]

JULY 8, 1864.

LEE: Twelve boats have been purchased in Philadelphia and are on
the way to Baltimore.

[Fox.J

Report of Lieutenant Fyffe, U. S. Navy, of an engagement icith Confeder-
ate battery in James River.

TJ. S. S. HUNCHBACK,
Off Tinman's [Tilghman's] Wharf, James River, July 1, 1864.

SIR: I have the konor to make the following report:

About 2 o'clock p. in. on the 30th ultimo I received information from
a Frenchman living on Allen's farm that the enemy had a battery of
four pieces just before this place, with which they intended to annoy our
transports as they passed up and down this river. I immediately
dropped down to my present position from off Deep Bottom Creek
[Three Mile Kunf, and getting range, fired several shells at a barn about
1£ miles from the river bank. The range proved a good one, as the
rebels replied to our fire by two shots, both of which fell short. This
morning the Frenchman reports that our shell struck one of their guns,
and the rebels abandoned it until 10 o'clock last night, when they suc-
ceeded in taking the piece away.

I have every reason to believe this information to be reliable.

Expenditure of ammunition as follows: Two 15-second IX-inch shells;
nine 10-second IX-inch shells.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Jos. P. FYFFE,
Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. 8. Hunchback.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, requesting the prepara-
tion of swift vessels for the blockade.

FLAGSHIP MALYERN,
James River, Virginia, July 1, 1864.

SIR: I have forwarded to the Navy Department numerous reports of
unsuccessful chases by the fastest steamers on the blockade of the new
class of steamers now employed in blockade running. Commander
Clary, TJ. S. S. Dacotah, calls my attention to the want of experienced
vessels able to outrun them.

He states that our 13-knot cruisers may gain on them during the
early part of the chase, but after they lighten by throwing overboard
part of their cargo "their speed is unprecedented." Owing to this
lecent great revolution in the blockade running business, it is of pri-
mary importance that several vessels of equal or superior speed to the
runners should be provided, and I request that the Department will
prepare a number of swift chasers as soon as practicable. Lieutenant-
Commander Braine, in a note forwarded yesterday to Assistant Secre-
tary Fox, mentions a vessel at New York which he thinks could be
obtained and would be suitable.

The rebel Government has taken the blockade running business into
its own hands and provided these vessels of unexampled speed, and it
appears necessary that our Government should take counter measures.

222 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The outside cruisers alone are effective. The large vessels blockading
inside can readily be eluded.

Since July 24, 1863, forty-two steamers have been captured or
destroyed by the blockaders of this squadron. Taking the average ton-
nage of these vessels at 300 tons, and assuming the capacity of an army
wagon at 1 ton, there has been a loss inflicted on the rebel supply sys-
tem equivalent to the capture or destruction of a train of 12,000 wagons.
1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actq. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GTDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

FORT MONROE, July 2, 1864.

Immediately upon receipt of Department's telegram of June 24 I
sent a boat with an order to Captain Smith to stop Mr. Lane from
trading in Chowan County. Captain Smith informs me that upon the
receipt of your order he stopped him.

GUERT GANSEVOORT,

Captain, Senior Officer.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 2, 1864.

It seems impossible to obtain any replies from you to the Depart-
ment's telegrams.

Did you send the Department's message into the sounds of North
Carolina? Did you transfer the required engineers to the Tecumseh?
Did you arrange with regard to the Eutaw towing the Tecumsehf Did
you receive the telegram about Admiral Farragut's tugs? What ves-
sels of war are lying in the roads? Have the Slienandoah, Comet, and
Santiago de Cuba sailed? Report every telegram as soon as received,
as required by regulations. Report all information which the Depart-
ment ought to know, as is customary in the service, and inform the
Department the reasons for these constant and persistent omissions.
Send a copy of this telegram to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee and answer
it fully at daylight to morrow morning.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.

Captain GANSEVOORT,

Senior Officer, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding bounties and

reenlistment.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, July 2, [1864].

SIR: The men whose terms of service are expiring on the blockade
off Wilmington represent that their principal reason for desiring their

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 223

discharge is that they may go home and reenlist and obtain the
bounties there offered for such enlistment. It is asked if it could not
be so arranged that these men or any portion of them could reenlist
where they are, selecting their State and district, be credited to the
quota of that State and district, and receive the bounty there paid.
It is thought that such an arrangement Avould save to the service and
to the ship where they are most needed valuable petty officers and
men.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Pickering, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort Donelson.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
In James River, July 3, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Fort Donelson under your command to the
blockade off Wilmington and report for duty to the senior officer
present.

Very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant THOS. PICKERING,

Commanding U. S. S. Fort Donelson.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of
the British steamer Rouen.

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,
At Sea, Lai. 33° 5V N., Long. 75° 46' W., July 2, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report the capture of the British steamer
Rouen, blockade runner, by this vessel, to day at 5 p. m., in latitude
32° 50' N., longitude 75° 4(5' W., after a chase of four hours.

I have sent her to Boston in charge of Acting Ensign J. O. Murphy,
with instructions to deliver her to the United States prize commissioner
at that place.

I fired twenty-two shots at her before she would heave to, all of them
falling quite near and some directly over her.

All of her papers were destroyed, and cargo thrown overboard with
the exception of a few boxes. She is reported to be a 15-knot steamer,
but that one of her engines was out of order at the time of her capture.
She is about 230 tons, American measurement, and a beautiful steamer.

I have understood that officers and crew absent in prizes are not
entitled to share in a prize taken during their absence, and, in conso
quence of this, I have not allowed the names of those absent in prizes
to be placed on this prize list. Previous to learning this, the names of
those officers and men absent in the Caledonia were placed on the list
of the Siren, and 88 bales of cot ton picked up at sea. Will you please

224 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

instruct me how to act, as there appears to be some doubt in such cases.
I have forwarded through the admiral a prize list for the Rouen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, J). G.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, to make a personal examination of the blockade to insure greater
vigilance.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 2, 1864.

SIR: When Captain M. Smith returns to his vessel (it being under-
stood that he is now on the way from the sounds) it is desirable that
you should visit Hampton Roads, Beaufort, and the blockade, unless,
after consultation with Lieutenant-General Grant, he should desire you
to remain in James River.

Five steamers containing 6,300 bales of cotton have arrived within one
week at Bermuda, and it is of great importance that a careful exami-
nation of the blockade should be made by yourself, and such new
arrangements devised as will insure greater vigilance.

You can return after a short absence and continue to visit, alter-
nately, the different points of your squadron.

Send the Roanoke to some convenient anchorage above Newport
News, and direct the commanding officer of the Minnesota to make
reports to the Department; and to him, in your absence, information
and orders from the Department will be directed.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN, July 2, 1864.
(Via Fortress Monroe, 3d. Received 9 p. m.)

No change in naval situation. I will be in Hampton Roads Monday
on the business of the blockade off Wilmington. Please send me the
Tristram Shandy just as she is. Captain Forbes reports she is in fine
order and can go to sea in a week.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

IRONCLAD ROANOKE,
Hampton Roads, July o, 1864.

Your telegram of July 2 was not received until 7 a. m., July 3. Imme-
diately upon the receipt of the Department's telegram I dispatched

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 225

a boat to the south with an order to Captain Smith to stop Lane
from dealing there. I telegraphed Department having done so. I
ordered two engineers to the Tecumseh, one from this ship, and Third
Assistant Engineer Guy Samson from the Minnesota. Last night I
received Department's telegram ordering me to detail another officer,
which I did. I have got everything ready for the Eutaw to tow the
Tecumseh.

She is now waiting for her to come down from the navy yard. I tele-
graphed the Department in relation to her, and what vessels were here.

Yesterday I received Department's telegram in relation to Admiral
Farragut's tugs. I have had them examined, and they are now at the
navy yard undergoing repairs. The Roanoke, Minnesota, St. Lawrence,
Young Rover, Alabania, Governor Buckingham, Ino, Britannia and Fah-
~kee are the only American men-of-war lying here.

There is an English frigate and French corvette here.

The Santiago de Cuba and Connecticut have gone to sea. The Shen-
andoali is at the navy yard. I am informed she will not be ready until
the Sth of July.

I always endeavor to carry out the Department's wishes. I have but
one clerk to assist me in my correspondence, and if I have made any
omission it was not done intentionally, as 1 have a great deal to do.
1 \vill send a copy of Department's telegram to Admiral Lee by the
first conveyance.

Telegram received in relation to Ino. I will inspect her to-day. The
Tecumseh has just arrived from Norfolk at 8:30.

GUERT GANSEVOORT,

Captain and Senior Officer.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Commander Nichols regarding an engagement with a Confed-
erate battery in Four Mile Creek, James River.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River, July 3, 1864.

ADMIRAL, : I have the honor to make report of the following pro-
ceedings in and about Four Mile Creek within the past few days.

At about 7 o'clock a. in. on the 31st [liOth] ultimo the enemy opened
fire on the U. S. S. Hunchback, Lieutenant Fyfle commanding, with a
battery of five guns located on Four Mile Creek about 2,000 yards
from the river. Lieutenant Fyffe immediately returned the fire and
kept it up for some time, when the battery was apparently silenced.
During the engagement the Hunchback was struck once in port wheel-
honse, but no damage done.

About noon the monitor Saugus, Commander Colhoun, came down
and took position and opened fire. The battery fired only two or three
shots at the Saugus, but opened rapidly and spitefully whenever any
wooden vessels showed in front. A number of vessels were fired on
in this manner in the course of the day, notwithstanding the presence of
the SauguN, but only one was struck — an army tug, of which the chief
engineer was severely wounded. On the morning of the 1st instant, in
company with the Agairam, this vessel took position to bring a cross
fire to bear on the position of the battery, and both vessels opened, but

K AY R — VOL, 10 15

226 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

without eliciting any reply; neither could anyone be seen in the neigh-
borhood. After firing about twenty shell I ceased, and there has been
no demonstration in this immediate vicinity since. On the afternoon
of the 1st, information was received from a French resident that the
enemy had moved some of their guns farther down the river, with a
view "to annoying passing vessels, and to shell the camp of General
Foster, below Four Mile Creek. I therefore directed Lieutenant Fyffe
to proceed down the river below Tilghmaifs Wharf, and if the enemy
were about, to remain there.

About 7 p. ni. Lieutenant Fyffe fired again, which was immediately
responded to by the rebels, their shell bursting in the neighborhood of
General Foster's camp. Their fire soon ceased and it was ascertained
by Lieutenant Fyffe the next morning that one of his shell fell among
the rebels, whereupon they abandoned one of their guns and did not
return for it until after 10 p. m. Since then everything has been quiet
about here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander, U. 8. Vary.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James Hirer.

! Endorsement.]

JULY 9, 1864.

The engagement and movements referred to in this report of Com-
mander Nichols were in pursuance of immediate instructions from me.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Clitz, U. 8. Navy, regarding coal vessels in the

James Rirer.

U. S. S. USCEOLA,

Off City Point, James River, July 3, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of the 2d instant has been received, and in reply
have to state that there are at present lying near City Point seven ves-
sels, coal loaded, containing 1,316 tons.

The schooner H. Dilatush is up the river, and I am informed will
probably be purchased by the Government. The schooner Daniel Mor-
ris was sent down the river in tow of steamer Mount Washington on
June 30.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

J. M. B. CLITZ.
Commander, f. >. Xary.
Captain GUEET GANSEVOORT, U. S. Xavy,

Commanding Ironclad Steamer Roanoke, Newport Neir*. Va.

Report of Acting Master Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the loss by capture

of tiro pickets.

I". S. s. COMMODORE MORRIS,

HaxaWs Landing, July 4, 1W1.

SIB: I most respectfully make the following report, that on the night
of July 1. at 10 o'clock p. in., my pirkets were attacked by the enemy.
and two of my men were captured.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 227

Their names are Joseph Ferdinand, ordinary seaman ; George Smith,
seaman.

The above men were transferred from the Army.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. G. LEE,

Acting Master, Commanding.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report* of
operations in James River, July 4, 5, 1864.

FLAGSHIP KORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, July 9, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed three reports from Captain Smith, of 4th,
5th, and 6th instant, as follows:

1. Enclosing report from Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush of the
capture by a boat's crew from the Pequot of three Confederate prisoners.
A large body of cavalry approaching after the capture, the Pequot and
Commodore Morris opened fire and drove them off. The prisoners had
little information.

2. Sixth instant, enclosing copies of two telegrams, A and B, dated
4th and 5th instant, from General Weitzel to General Foster, warning
him of a probable attack by a rebel force of about 5,000, which the second
dispatch states is probably meant as a feint to cover a heavy attack on
Meade's left; also a dispatch (C)* from General Butler, of 5th instant,
requesting the assistance of the naval vessels in destroying the enemy's
forage and grain in their vicinity.

3. Of Gth instant, reports the destruction of a considerable amount
of hay aud grain on Aiken's farm, and an attempt to capture the rebel
guard stationed to protect the reapers. They escaped, however, their
arms, ammunition, and clothing only being taken.

Acting Master Lee, commanding Commodore Morris, reports to Cap-
tain Smith that while destroying a field of wheat near Turkey Bend,
an escaped Union prisoner, John H. Bond, who had been sent from
Eichmond to aid in cutting the grain, claimed his protection and stated
that there were seven other prisoners sent with him for the same pur-
pose. Eichard D. Lee, justice of the peace for Warwick County, Va.,
was taken prisoner at the same time, and turned over to General But-
ler. Captain Smith also reports that he is informed that the man
Aiken, upon whose premises the grain was destroyed, had assisted a
party of five to escape to the rebel lines. This man gave a strict pledge
of neutrality when our forces first went up the river. This report also
encloses the statement of three deserters from the rebel ironclad Vir-
ginia, who came off on the 5th. They furnish no new information.

There has been no change in the naval situation, aud all was quiet at
the last date.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron*

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

" Not found.

228 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure No. l.J

U. S. IRONCLAD ONONDAGA,

James River, July 4, 1864.

SIR: I enclose herewith a report just received from Lieutenant-
Commauder S. P. Quackenbush, of the TJ. S. S. Pequot, of the capture
of three of the enemy.

The following is all the information obtained from the prisoners:
They state that they t>elong to Ewell's corps and were cutting forage
on the bank when they were captured by the Pequofs men, and that
they had been cutting forage for the last fortnight.

They say they do not know the number of troops with Ewell, but that
there are two battalions of artillery, one with 19 guns and the other
with 8, and a brigade of cavalry. They are stationed near Malveru
Hill, about 2 miles from the river.

I have directed Lieutenant-Commander Qnackenbnsh to destroy the
quantity cut and burn the field if he can do so.
The prisoners will be sent to General Butler.
No change in the situation of affairs at this point.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

LSubenclosore.]

U. S. S. PEQUOT,

James River, Virginia, July 4, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of three Confederate
prisoners taken by a boat's crew from this vessel, under the charge of
Acting Ensign A. Smalley.

From the statement made by the prisoners, they belong to General
Ewell's corps and had been sent to obtain provender for their horses.
After their capture had been effected a large body of cavalry approached
within range of our guns, which we drove oft* with some loss on their
part, I think, as the shells of the Commodore Morris and this vessel fell
directly in their midst.

I send you the prisoners, who give their names as Samuel B. Tanner,
Johu E. Wood, and Martin V. Warburton, all privates, belonging to the
First Virginia Artillery.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Acting Rear Admiral [S. P.] LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure Ifo. 2.]

U. S. IRONCLAD ONONDAGA,
On Picket, Beloic Barricade, July 5, 1864.

SIR: I have just received a communication from Commander Nichols
informing me that everything is quiet at Deep Bottom, and no unusual
movement of the enemy has been discovered.

The Mackinaic has been sent to Commander Nichols, and the Agawam
will take her station off Aiken's Lauding.
Nothing has occurred in this vicinity worthy of mention.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 229

I send a copy of a telegraphic dispatch, the substance of which was
communicated to me last night about 3 o'clock, at which time the Mack-
inaw and Agawam were dispatched. I send you a copy of two others
this moment received, and shall carry out the suggestions in relation to
the destruction of forage and grain in the vicinity of our boats.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Sabenclosure A. — Telegram. 1

GENBRAL BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS, July 4, 1864.
I think it beyond a doubt, from information received, that you will
be attacked in the morning by about 5,000 rebels. General Butler
thinks so too. Be prepared.

G. WEITZEL,

Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff.
Brigadier-General FOSTER.

[Snbenclosure B. — Telegram.]

GENERAL BUTLER'S HEADQUARTERS, July 5, 1864.
Dispatch received. The general thinks that an attack is coming; he
supposes they did not get ready by this morning. He believes that the
attack on you will be a feint to cover a heavy attack on Meade's left.

G. WEITZEL,

Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff.
General R. S. FOSTER.

Received 0:45 a. m. and forwarded by request of General Foster.
Kespectfully,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.

[Enclosure No. 3.]

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
On Picket, Below Barricade, July 6, 1864.

SIR : The man Aiken, upon whose premises the grain was burned yes-
terday, is, from information received this morning, a great rascal. In a
conversation with John Williams, ordinary seaman, belonging to the
Minnesota's launch, Aiken informed him that he had assisted a party of
five in making their escape, and pointed out the road to the rebel lines
and the situation of the pickets.

Lieutenant [David W.| Chambers was sent last night to Aiken's
premises with 35 men assigned to the Navy by General Graham to
capture a guard of rebels placed there to protect the reapers. The
laborers and soldiers escaped, but their arms, ammunition, and clothing
were secured, all the forage destroyed, and about 10 acres of grain
burned.

Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush reports that he lauded 30 men
yesterday and destroyed 10 stacks of hay and a quantity of wheat in
the field. Walter W. Ingalls, landsman, one of the party, accidentally
shot himself with his ride and the wound is considered fatal.

I am informed by Acting Master Lee that in destroying a field of
wheat at Turkey Bend John H. Bond, an escaped Union prisoner, who
was sent down from Richmond by the authorities of that place to cut

230 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

grass for the rebel Government, claimed protection of his men, and
stated that there were seven other prisoners sent with him for the
same purpose.

Richard D. Lee, justice of the peace for Warwick County, Va., was
taken prisoner at that time and has been sent to General Butler.

Three deserters came oft' yesterday, two from the rebel ram Virt/inia
and one from Hewlett's Battery.

The first two made the statement* which is herewith enclosed, and
the latter was sent to General Butler for examination, his information
being all of a military character.

Everything is quiet here, and no dispatches have been received for
you from Washington except those marked private, which have already
been forwarded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 5, 1864.

Buy what boats you require to make the bar secure against the
descent of the enemy, and sink them, leaving some of the vessels to be
easily raised.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Xavy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July J, 1864.

Efforts are being made to get some of the North River boats
strengthened for service off Wilmington. Some of the gunboats with
Xl-inch guns should relieve some of the double enders in the sounds,
and let them go outside after landing all their large guns, giving orders
to use 30 pounds of powder and solid shot. Too small charges were
used in the last fight. The double enders, if you can put on board two
XI inch guns instead of their present battery, and two XI im-h gun-
boats ought to take care of the sounds, and would thereby increase the
blockade, which is now suffering. The double enders could have tlieir
decks shored up. It is certain that the IX-inch with 13 pounds, and
the 100-pounder rifle with 10 pounds of powder effect nothing. The
Department is confirmed in its previous opinion that ramming at full
speed was the best course. If you change to Xl-inch guns and use the
full charge, ramming, except with the Shamrock, is not so important.
Fighting should be touching each other.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

*Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 231

Order of Captain Smith, V. S. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. Agaicam, in view of anticipated attack from the
enemy.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

James River, July 5, 1864.

SIR : Get underway immediately and report above the pontoon bridge
to Commander Nichols, of the Mendota, at or near Jones' Keach, who will
assign you a position to repel an anticipated attack from the enemy.

If your services are not required, return and take the station of the
MacMnaic in the vicinity of Aikeu's Landing.

Very respectfully, etc., M. SMITH,

Captain and Senior Officer Present.
Commander A. C. T&HIND,

Commanding U. S. S. Agaicam.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Quacken-
bush, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of grain.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
Dutch Gap, James River, July 5, 1864.

SIR: You will, with the Commodore Morris, destroy all the grain and
forage in the vicinity of the two stations.
Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding U. S. S. Pequot.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Campbell, U. S,
Navy, commanding U. S. S. Stepping Stones.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

James River, July 5, 1864.

SIR: Get underway without delay and take the station of the Macki-
naic in the vicinity of Aiken's Landing, and on the return of the
Mackinaw or the arrival of the Agawam resume your station.
Very respectfully,

M. SMITH,

Captain and Senior Officer Present.
Acting Master D. A. CAMPBELL,

Commanding U. S. S. Stepping Stones.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Vicksburg, to proceed to the
blockade off Wilmington, N. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVEEN,

Norfolk, July 5, 1864.

SIR: As soon as repairs on the Vicksburf/ are completed take in
your necessary supplies, coal in the roads, or at Newport News, if more

232 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

convenient, and get ready for sea with all practicable dispatch, and
when so ready proceed to the blockade off Wilmington, reporting your
arrival to the senior naval officer there present.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

Commanding U. S. S. Vicksburg.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, acknowledging the Depart-
ments order regarding a personal inspection of the blockade.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Norfolk Navy Yard, July 6, 1864.

SIR: The Department's communication of the 2d instant is received,
informing me that it is desirable that I should visit Beaufort and
Wilmington, and directing that I return after a short absence and con-
tinue to visit alternately the different points of this squadron. I
understand this last part of the Department's instructions as authoriz-
ing my absence from the James River on squadron duty, whilst the
obstructions are down and no movement on the river is anticipated.

I have instructed Captain Gansevoort and Lieutenant-Commander
Upshur, as directed by the Department, in this same communication.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting copies of
instructions regarding measures for the protection of the monitors in
James River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Norfolk Navy Yard, July 6, 1864 — 12 m.

SIR: The Department's telegram of 5th instant is received, authoriz-
ing the purchase of such boats as are required to make the bar secure
against the descent of the enemy.

I beg leave to enclose a copy of my instructions to Captain Smith on
the subject, of this date, and also a copy of my instructions to him of
the 3d instant, therein referred to.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Norfolk Navy- Yard, July 6, 1864.

SIR: Referring to my instructions of 3d instant, in respect to sinking
additional obstructions in Trent's Reach for the purpose of making the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 233

monitors secure, as determined by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy
when there on 22d ultimo, you are authorized to buy what boats you
require for this purpose, and sink them, leaving some of the vessels to
be easily raised, and to approve bills on the Navy Department for pay-
ment for the same.

I expect to leave on Thursday evening, or possibly not until the next
night, for Beaufort and Wilmington.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Commanding U. S. 8. Onondaga and Senior Officer in James River.

Memorandum for Captain Smith.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
James River, Virginia, July 3, 1864.

The Atlanta, ironclad, is just above Fort Powhatan, the gunboat
Daicn just below Wilson's Wharf, and the well-armed tug, Young
America, communicates between them and City Point. Fort Powhatan
and Wilson's Wharf are occupied by the army and are well fortified.
These vessels are to assist in the defense of these points and vicinity.
The Osceola, double-ender, Commander Glitz, is stationed oft' City Point,
where are four small ordnance vessels, a small provision vessel, and the
navy colliers, the whole in charge of Commander Clitz.

There is a gunner in immediate charge of these ordnance stores, with
one petty officer or seaman on board of each of the vessels.

The supply of provisions is kept up by the fleet paymaster, ordnance
stores by the ordnance officer, with the aid of Commander Lynch and
the gunner, and Commander Clitz communicates with Captain Ganse
voort and keeps up the supply of coal at City Point of from 1,000 to
1,500 tons, and a weekly addition of 700 tons per week to meet the
average daily consumption, which is about 100 tons. The Mount Wash-
ington, transport, runs constantly, tows the full supply vessels up and
the empty ones down, transports the sick, etc. The Wilderness, trans-
port, comes up every Tuesday and Friday with fresh provisions and
vegetables for the crews, etc.

The ferryboat Commodore Perry and the small gunboat General Put-
nam are in the Appomattox, just above the pontoon bridge at Point of
Rocks. These should, as soon as possible, be supplied with wire board-
ing nettings. Commander Clitz looks after them, also the Sassacus,
double ender, and ferryboat Commodore Morris, which are between Ber-
muda Hundred and the lower part of Turkey Bend.

The Pequot is in the upper part of Turkey Bend. The ferryboat
Hunchback and double ender Meudota are in Jones' Reach, assisting in
the defense of the army position at Deep Bottom, which is one of great
importance, and is at present rather weakly fortified. The Mackinaic,
double-euder, is in the vicinity of Aiken's Landing, and with the double-
ender Ayaicam, which is in Farrar's Island Beach, must be always
ready to command the bluff at and below Dutch Gap, which the enemy
must not be allowed to occupy.

The army has a pontoon bridge at Deep Bottom, a landing for sup-
plies in the southeast end of Curies Neck Reach, and another about
halfway between Deep Bottom and Dutch Gap. The latter is subject

234 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

to attack from the enemy's field batteries placed in the vicinity of
Tilghman's Wharf, and firing across Jones' Neck. I have asked Gen-
eral Grant for a battery on the heights on our side abreast of Dutch
Gap and on the heights south of Jones' Neck, the latter to cover the
army landings when the gunboats are above it or otherwise occupied,
and the former to prevent an occupation by the enemy of Dutch Gap,
which would be exceedingly annoying to our ordnance vessels between
it and Trent's Reach.

' The enemy have a battery at Hewlett's (head of Trent's Reach),
which deserters report they are extending and mounting heavy guns
to command the reach.

The army has a small battery on the first hill near the upper signal
station at the lower end of Trent's Reach. I think there should be
more heavy guns on the next ridge above it, so that our batteries may
be sufficient to silence that of the enemy at Hewlett's, and command
the obstructions on Trent's Reach bar, thus avoiding the exposing of
the monitors to casualty from the battery at Hewlett's and straining
their guns and screws by firing at extreme elevation as they are obliged
to do, and save the waste of ammunition.

The army is placing a 100-pounder Parrott at Curtis' house, to bear
on Hewlett's, also a Sawyer gun, and two light mortars at the lower
signal station to play on Dutch Gap.

Trent's Reach bar, below which two of the monitors lie by night and
one by day, is at the head of monitor navigation unless dredging is
resorted to, as shown by the recent survey of Sub- Assistant Bradford, of
the Coast Survey. Above the monitors in the artificial channel on the
left bank are sunk one bark and four schooners, and in the small chan-
nel on the right bank another schooner is sunk. One or two of these
are very good vessels, almost new; they were furnished by the army
and sunk under the superintendence of its engineer, according to the
original army plan of campaign communicated to me by General Butler
at Fortress Monroe in April last, in a conference at which the Assist-
ant Secretary of the Navy was present and approved this measure for
keeping the river secure. The sinking of these obstructions was
deferred on my responsibility until June 15, when they were sunk as
described under an order from General Grant, first given before his
army arrived on James River.

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, when here on June 22, deter-
mined, on conference with General Grant, to have additional vessels sunk
on Trent's Reach bar, and notified me that the Department would obtain
and direct me to send to Washington or Baltimore for (en or twelve
coal barges for this purpose. I have since been informed, in answer to
enquiry from the Department, that vessels for this purpose can be
obtained in James River and expect instructions to purchase them.
When this is done, you will have them sunk by night to the best advan-
tage, taking care to retain and report a memorandum showing their
positions and the positions of the holes bored to sink them. Enclosed
is a copy of Lieutenant Lamson's report, giving this information as to
the vessels now sunk. There is a boom secured in part by a chain and
lashed to the bows of the vessels (which are upstream) and anchored
head and stern. The cables of all the sunken vessels should be made
fast in such a manner that if the vessels were set on fire they could not
get adrift. This boom is continued by anchors across the middle
ground to the right bank.

Ahead of the vessels and boom is a buoyed hawser with a weighted
net attached and secured by a number of small anchors and kedges up-
stream.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 235

In the channel near the left bank, just above this net, I have sunk
two of the heavy rebel torpedoes, taken up as we came up the river,
the largest of which contains about a ton of powder. To these insu-
lated wires are attached, leading to a magnetic battery in a slight
bombproof on the narrow bank on the left side the river just below the
sunken vessels. These torpedoes were planted before the channel was
obstructed and are perhaps unnecessary now. The rebel recruit from
Point Lookout, who deserted recently to the enemy, has probably
informed them as to these torpedoes. When the additional vessels are
sunk, which are designed to arrest torpedoes, fire rafts, and other tor-
pedo vessels, the connection between their bows by a boom must be
made quite secure, and the whole line of obstructions kept protected
by day a::d closely guarded by our picket boats and vessels, when prac-
ticable, by night.

Captain Sanderson, of the Army, with about 120 men assigned to the
Navy by General Graham for picket duty, are encamped near the Crow's
Nest. He has a post night and day at the magnetic battery and keeps
a strong picket by night along the left bank up to the turn and some-
times above it.

I have been keeping picket boats above the obstructions, and the
light-draft double-euder Stepping Stones, which can cross the middle
ground at any time of tide, moving to and fro below them, when the
night is not so light as to draw the fire of the battery. The tug Alert,
with her stern upstream, so as to bring her 24-pounder howitzers to
bear, has been anchored just above the monitors and below the obstruc-
tions to prevent an attack on the torpedo battery, in which two of the
howitzer boats stationed above the battery on picket cooperate.

The Delaware, Stepping Stones, and Agawam, besides their crews,
accommodate the men sent up from the Minnesota for picket duty
(before the obstructions were sunk), with her boats, two launches, and
two cutters, with a howitzer in each.

When the obstructions are completed you will, perhaps, find your
self able to return to the Minnesota at least two of her boats with their
crews, as she is very short of men, and as I do not wish to expose any
more men than necessary for picket duty.

Professor Maillefert and Mr. Hayden, electro- magnetic and torpedo
operators, with their diver and his apparatus, are here in the employ
of the Navy Department. They have just fitted five of the new
unarmed tugs with torpedoes sent from Washington, containing 150
pounds of powder. The sockets of these torpedoes are weak, and
others of proper strength have been asked for. When these are
received those now in use had better be carefully returned to Wash-
ington for alteration. Ascertain the fitness of these torpedoes for
service, and when the tugs are employed on it see that they are com-
manded by reliable officers, of cool and controlling spirit. You are
authorized for this purpose to make such changes as are necessary.
These tugs are unarmed, the torpedoes are unshipped, but on board of
them, and the rest of the torpedo fixtures are on board of the ordnance
vessels at City Point. Enclosed is a list of the whole.

Lieutenant Lamson, of the Gettysburg, has had charge of the torpedo
and picket division. I think Acting Master Campbell, of the Stepping
Stones, will be a good officer to have charge of the picket vessels, and
Acting Master Eldridge, of the Delaware, of the picket boats and
pickets.

Dutch Gap should be picketed. Commander Beaumont, of the Mack-
inaic, found some difficulty in keeping pickets there.

236 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I some time since asked the Department for a dredging machine, and
after the obstructions were sunk, for a pump boat. When Hewlett's is
ours, the holes in one or two of the schooners in the channel can be
quickly plugged by the diver, and they can be pumped out and removed
within a few hours. The dredging machine can then deepen the old
artificial channel over the bar so as to allow the monitors to cross with
their supplies in.

There is a tug at Deep Bottom to bring intelligence from that point.
The tug Hydrangea makes two trips daily to City Point, carrying mails
and towing supply vessels. Part of the torpedo tugs, which should be
examined and kept in good order, are available for other necessary
local service.

Supplies for all the vessels of ammunition, provisions, and fuel are
constantly kept up.

All the vessels on the river are expected to protect the army and
navy transports against attacks by field batteries.

My orders have been to engage the enemy as soon as practicable
when they appear, without waiting for signals.

Exercise your discretion as to the day and night positions of the
monitors and the other vessels. Enclosed is Lieutenant Lamson's
memorandum of the picket outposts, but subject to such modifications
as you may prefer. Send me a daily report of the situation.

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Naval Officer in James River.

P. S. — From City Point, Va., July 4: A boat picket has been kept to
prevent the enemy from putting over torpedo boats from Dutch Gap.

Have a strong boom, well secured by chains and heavy anchors, put
across the mouth of Four Mile Creek to prevent the enemy from getting
torpedo boats or boats out there.

Make arrangements for clearing the monitors' decks should the
enemy attempt a surprise to them by boarding from boats with which
they can pass the obstructions as at present arranged.

If you should need the Minnesota's two cutters, carrying howitzers,
write to Lieutenant-Commander Upshur and order them up.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[ Sabencloaure.]
Signals for picket division.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

July 3, [1864.]

Eed lantern — Suspicion of danger,
lied Coston — Certain danger.

Rocket thrown up by picket on shore indicates that the enemy's ves-
sels are coming down the river.

Muskets or howitzers to be fired from the boats to attract attention
to the signals.

Position of picket boats.

The picket boats have been stationed, one boat with howitzer on left
bank to guard approaches to torpedo station; one boat with howitzers
to guard approaches to break in the obstructions; two small boats far-
ther up the river to give alarm, their distance from Hewlett's Battery

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 237

regulated by the light of the night. Six sailors and three soldiers are
on duty at the torpedo station, in three reliefs of two sailors and one
soldier each, to watch and guard the torpedoes and galvanic battery
and to explode the torpedo at the proper time.

The sailors have been instructed by Mr. Hayden in the use of the
battery, and either himself or Mr. Burn [Berueyj is there to direct it.

R. H. LAMSON,
Lieutenant, Commanding Torpedo and Picket Division.

Report of Acting Master Josselyn, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of
a torpedo sparty from the U. 8. S. Commodore Null.

U. S. S. COMMODORE HULL,
Off Rofinoke River, North Carolina, July 6, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that the torpedo party which left
this vessel on the 4th instant at the usual hour did not return at night.
On the morning of the 5th instant 1 sent an armed boat up the river
as far as their station. Nothing was seen of them, but the boat in
which the men left this vessel remained in the place where they always
left it before taking canoes.

I have to-day learned from refugees that six men answering their
description were captured by the enemy on the 4th instant. I sent up
to-day and brought away the boat, and have sent their personal effects
on board the Wyalusing.
Very respectfully,

FRANCIS JOSSELYN,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Abstract log of the U. 8. S. Wyalusing.

July 4, 1864. — Arms being lost this day by our pickets being captured
on the Roanoke River: Three revolvers, two carbines, belts, frogs, and
cartridge boxes.

July 6. — At 12:30 p. m. made signal to the picket boats off Roanoke
River. Received from the steamer Commodore Hull five refugees and
the bags and hammocks of Acting Master's Mate Charles Baldwin and
George Bagnall (second class fireman), who were taken prisoners while
on picket duty on the Roanoke River July 4.

Abstract log of the U. S. 8. Commodore Hull.

July 4, 1864. — At 6:30 p. in. hove up anchor and ran up to the mouth
of the Roanoke River for the picket boat. Lay to until 8 p. m., and as
the boat did not come down we ran off a short distance from the river.

July 5. — At 4:30 a. m. anchored off the mouth of the Roanoke River.
Xo signs of the picket boat; we fear they are captured; also, John
Latham and Sylvester McCullough. At 10 a. m. sent the first cutter

238 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

and dingey ashore and brought off' 17 refugees. The U. S. S. Shamrock
came up the sound ; sent the refugees on board of her. From 12 to 4 p. m. :
Sent a boat up the Koanoke River to try and find out what has become
of the picket boat. Crew found the boat but saw nothing of the men.
july Q, — From 8 to 12 meridian: Took off five refugees from Wash-
ington County; also brought off the dingey from the Roanoke River,
our pickets having been captured.

Letter from, the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding the maintenance of the blockade.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 7, 1864.

SIR : I have received your No. 366 * and enclosures in reference to the
steamer Thomas Powell.

The Department approves of your letter to Major-General Butler.
It is presumed that the order of the latter is not intended to cover the
cases of transports of the Army approaching the blockaded coast, or
entering blockaded waters, or passing guard vessels. The Army and
Navy are independent commands. The one can not command the other,
but all orders pertaining to the maintenance of the blockade must be
enforced, and it is not doubted that they will be duly observed by trans-
ports of the Army.

Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.

Letter from Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy,
requesting information regarding trading limits.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 7, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully request the Department to inform me Avhether
persons having permits from the special agents of the Treasury are to
be allowed to trade without the military lines.

I have reason to believe that many such persons are violating their
permits. I have taken the liberty to forward this direct to the Depart-
ment, so that the persons awaiting the decision may not lose time and
money.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretarg of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Endorsement.]

I know of no authority that transcends the law and regulations on
this subject. Trade and free communication are inconsistent with
blockade.

W[ELLES].

* Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 239

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding the disposition of
the vesssels in the sounds of North Carolina.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Off Perquimans River, Albemarle Sound, July 7, 1864.

SIR, : On the 28th ultimo Captain Melancton Smith turned over to me,
as senior officer, the command of the vessels in the sounds of North
Carolina, and placed in my hands the papers in relation thereto, and
also documents and letters concerning storehouses, coal vessels, etc.

The present disposition of the squadron under my command is as
follows :

In Albemarle Sound. — Shamrock, Otsego, Mattabesett, Wyalusing, and
Tacony, and on picket duty at mouth of Eoanoke Eiver, Commodore
Hull and Whitehead, coal schooner E. Wolf, and one coal lighter.

N. B. — The coal schooner Maggie Van Dusen left this station for Phil-
adelphia on the 5th instant.

At New Berne. — Chicopee, Hetzel, and Lockwood, and Ceres repairing;
and on blockade and reconnoitering duty in Tar River, Louisiana and
Valley City. The armed sloop Granite is also at New Berne repairing.
She and the Ceres are expected to be ready every day. I have ordered
the Ceres here to relieve the Commodore Hull, which vessel is in want
of repairs. The schooners Albemarle, Renshaw, Flusser, and Susan Ann
Howard (ordnance); prize schooners Jeff Davis, M. O'Neil, Pet, Mary
L. Bryant, Iowa, Mary Emma, and Jenny Lind.

At Hatteras Inlet. — Bombshell, to be relieved by the Granite as soon
as repaired.

At Roanoke Island. — Miami (repairing), ordnance schooner Carstairs,
prize schooner Ann S. Davenport, repairing to receive coal (if she can
be made tight).

I changed the position of the large vessels of this squadron from off
Edenton to this point on the 2d instant, because I considered this the
more advantageous position to fight the rebel ram, on account of the
greater depth of water and breadth of the sound at this place.

The position and duties of the picket boats have not been changed,
they being still at the mouth of the Eoanoke Kiver. One of the squad-
ron communicates with them every day.

On the 2d instant an officer of tbe Tacony returned from a reconnois-
sance of the country along the river as far up as Plymouth. He went
up the Eastmost Eiver through the surrounding marshes, and into the
Eoanoke Eiver. He reports that he saw nothing of the ram, though he
[heard] the bell of a vessel strike, which, as he supposed, belonged to
the ram, as the other rebel steamer has no bell.

On the night of the 2d instant another officer was sent up from the
steamer Whitehead. He ascended the Cashie as far as the point where
it connects with the main river, but saw nothing of the ram nor of any
launches.

I suppose that the rebel ironclad ram Albemarle is at Plymouth, but
hauled up close alongside a wharf and screened so as to be invisible
from the opposite side of the river. The general impression is that she
is ready for service again.

The torpedoes are in the Eoanoke Eiver, all in the same position as
reported by Captain Smith.

I have formed a plan for attacking the ram, in which the command-
ing officers of the squadron coincide, some of them having made some
important additions, which I have accepted.

I received information yesterday, which has been confirmed today,
that the party in charge of the torpedoes in Eoanoke Eiver has been

240 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

captured by the rebels. The party consisted of Acting Master's Mate
Baldwin, from the Wyalusing, and 4 men. The boat had been detained
a day and a night, and a boat was dispatched from the Commodore
Hull in search of them, and to find out the cause of their detention.
This party found the boat belonging to the first party in its usual place,
but could find no traces of the men, and since then news has been
received by the Wyalusing and Mattabesett, which have been up to
communicate with the picket boats, and also from refugees, confirma-
tory of the report of their capture.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Kear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

I make this report to-day instead of the 10th, because the oppor-
tunities for sending letters from here are so uncertain.

W. H. M.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the progress on
Confederate vessels under construction in the Roanoke River.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 7, IMl-l.

SIR : I have received reports from intelligent refugees, of whom many
are delivering themselves to the squadron, that the rebel ironclad Albe-
marle is lying at Plymouth ready for service, and that Captain Maffitt,
late of the U. S. Navy, has command.

The new ironclad vessel at Halifax, [N. O.J, will be ready in three
weeks or a mouth.

The floating battery building at Rainbow Bluff is finished also, they
say. It is supposed that they will operate together (the Albemarle and
the battery).

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer in Sounds North Carolina.

Acting Kear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the rumored trans-
portation of grain for the Confederate Army.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 7, 1864.

SIR: I have learned to-day, through intelligent refugees, that large
quantities of grain are being transported across the Scuppernoug River
at Columbia for supplying the rebel army.

The grain crop of the eastern counties of this State is said to be suf-
ficient to supply the rebel troops in North Carolina for twelve months.
As I had no vessels of a draft light enough to go up the river as high
as the place of transportation, 1 have written to the commanding officer

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 241

at Roanoke Island to have this matter attended to, and if he had not
sufficient force, to forward my communication to the general.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Letter from Lieutenant- Commander Adams, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant-
Commander Upshur, U. 8. Navy, regarding salutes.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Norfolk, Va., July 8, 1864.

SIR : The admiral expects to be in Hampton Roads this evening or
to morrow morning, and wishes to be ready to answer any salutes that
may be tired for him by the foreign men-of-war in the harbor.
Very respectfully, etc.,

H. A. ADAMS,
Acting Fleet Captain.
Lieutenant-Commander J. H. UPSHUR,

Minnesota.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Williams, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Emma, to pro-
ceed to blockade duty.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Norfolk Navy Yard, July 8, 1864.

SIR : You will proceed without delay to Hampton Eoads and receive
coal and men ordered from Minnesota, after which you will proceed to
the blockade of the entrance to Cape Fear, reporting on your arrival to
senior officer present for duty.
Respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. M. WILLIAMS,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Emma.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding the burning of grain on

the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Below the Barricade, James River, July 8, 1864.
SIR : Commander Nichols, of the Mendota, reports that at 3 a. m. yes-
terday morning the enemy in small force charged upon a picket post of
our line, but not finding anyone there, it being only occupied by our
forces in the daytime, soon left. Yesterday afternoon General Foster
sent 100 men down to Major Allen's farm, where Lieutenant Command-
ing Fyffe reported there was a large quantity of corn. They secured
some 300 bushels, shelled, leaving about 1,200 bushels, and 300 men
from Kautz's cavalry (dismounted) were sent over to secure it. Very
heavy fires were seen last night on Curies Neck, presumed to be from
N w R — VOL 10 10

242 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

burning grain and barns. All the grain in his immediate neighborhood
has been destroyed by General Foster.

The field of grain which is being harvested by the rebels, next south
of Aiken's, was fired yesterday in several places, but a shower coming on
soon after, it was extinguished. Another attempt to destroy it will be
made to-day.

Five deserters came off yesterday from Hewlett's Battery, and four
soldiers from the same command were captured on the harvest field.

So soon as I can obtain the necessary information, I will require for
the anchors and chains to obstruct the mouth of Four Mile Creek in
obedience to your instructions.

Everything being quiet here I have not communicated to the Depart-
ment the unimportant operations in this vicinity.

Kegarding it as your intention to leave for the blockade on your
departure from here, I have endorsed and torwarded, as senior officer
present, all of the quarterly returns that have been sent in.

Major-General Butler, Brigadier-Generals Weitzel, Foster, and Gra-
ham, with several staff officers, Members of Congress, and a party of
ladies were on board yesterday.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort Jack-
son, regarding the capture of the British steamer Boston.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Blockade off Wilmington, N. C., July 8, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report to you the capture, by this vessel,
of the blockade runner (English), side-wheel steamer Boston, of Ber-
muda, this morning at 11 : 30 a. in., she having broken down in endeav-
oring to escape in latitude 30° 19' N"., longitude 75° 35' W.

I took possession of her, her captain acknowledging that he intended
to run the blockade of Wilmington. She was built at Quebec, in 1852;
side- wheel lake boat; 334 tons; register tonnage, 224; cargo, 24 bar-
rels copperas, 465 sacks of salt, 108 boxes of soap.
I send her to Boston for adjudication.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington City.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the obstruction of Four Mile Greek.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, July 9, 1864.
SIR: Your No. 47, of 8th instant, is received.

You can obstruct Four Mile Creek in whatever way you think best,
f you need anchors, there are some on the ordnance vessels at City
Point, which you can obtain and use.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 243

As the enemy have fortified Malvern Hill, a torpedo or other attack
from Turkey Creek [Turkey Island Creek] is possible, and it might be
well to place obstructions at its mouth, to use special care in guarding
and picketing the vicinity.

Respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Captain M. SMITH,

U. S. S. Onondaga.

Report of Captain Glisson, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Santiago
de Cuba, regarding the chase of a steamer.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

At Sea, July 9, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 8th instant, in the longi-
tude 70° 10' W., latitude 33° 57' N., at 2 p. m., we discovered a steamer
two points on our starboard bow, hauled up for her and soon discovered
black smoke. The Santiago de Cuba was soon under a full pressure of
steam, going 12 miles per hour. No wind, consequently the draft not
good, much difficulty in keeping up steam. The chase was a large,
side-wheel steamer, painted nearly white, with walking beam and two
smoke pipes. At sunset the chase was nearly out of sight, and at 7.30
p. m. we lost sight of 1 he chase entirely. Our coal being nearly out,
we steered for the capes of Virginia.

During the chase we were heading N. E. by E. and when we last
saw her, she was heading E. J X1 . When first discovered it is sup-
posed she was steering for Wilmington, X. C., and as soon as she
discovered us she wore ship and stood to the northward and eastward.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,

Captain, U. S. Navy.
Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Instructions of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Glisson,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Santiago de Cuba, regarding blockade
duty.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 9, 1864.

SIR: When the Santiago de Cuba is ready for sea you will proceed in
her to the station hereby assigned to you between the courses E. by X .
and E. from Cape Fear, and to a sufficient distance from that cape to
include the run of a fast steamer out of New Inlet entrance to Wilming-
ton between the time of half tide at night and daylight next morning.

A radius of 80 or 90 miles (see sketch herewith) would expose the
position of a runner passing out just after sunset at this season of the
year, when the chaser would have a view of the blockade runner's
smoke 15 miles farther seaward. Your necessary distance from Cape
Fear depends, therefore, upon the time of tide on the bar at Wilming-
ton, and upon the length of the night when p. m. twilight is between
half tide and high water on the bars, as then the runner, if of light
draft, has the whole night to run off the coast.

Keep accurate tables posted up in your pilot house showing the time
of high water on these bars, the rising aud setting of the moon at night,

244 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

and the rising and setting of the sun. The object is to capture block-
ade runners to and from Wilmington. At first these blockade runners
ran as nearly direct as practicable to and from Nassau and Bermuda,
but now they are supposed to make a circuitous course. Keep your vessel
in good trim for chasing, and do not allow officers and men to crowd
forward during a chase. When you need supplies obtain them at
Hampton Roads.

Try so to arrange the time of coaling that you will only be absent
from your station during the light of the moon, and select the best coal
lor chasing. Regulate the quantity of supplies received so as not to
impair the speed of your vessel. The supply of ammunition, however,
must be full. You have already received the squadron papers. Until
further orders send your prizes to the port of Boston, except sailing
vessels, those steamers and small vessels unfit to make the passage;
these you will send to Washington.

Prepare duplicate prize lists in case of capture, sending the original
in your report to the Department, and the duplicate in that to me.

Send me your abstract of the Santiago de Cuba's log, which I desire
you to keep written up daily, by every opportunity.
Respectfully, yours,

S. T. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Commanding U. 8. S. Santiago de Cuba.

[Order of same date and like tenor to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant
Tratheu, commanding U. S. S. Mount Vernon.\

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, advising the construction
of additional ironclads.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 9, 18(>4.

SIR: Referring to the Department's telegram, dated July 5, in the
transmission of which there are some mistakes, I propose, when the
torpedo boats reach the sounds, to send two of the double-enders from
there to the Washington navy yard to be fitted as the Department pro-
poses with two XI inch guns. I suppose some additional mechanical
device will be necessary to resist the recoil from the use of 30 pounds
of powder and solid shot.

1 have no Xl-inch gunboats, and the best draft of water on the swash
at Hiitteras Inlet and in Croatan Sound is about Si feet.

I have informed the Department that according"to the reports from
the sounds the rebels are building additional ironclads there. Will it
not be well to build several ironclads of the turtle-back variety, some-
what on the principle of the first western ironclads or the Merrimack
style? I suppose that these might be built of light draft with scow
bottoms, and in a very short time, say ninety or one hundred days, and
with a few torpedo boats would constitute a certain defense of the
sounds and secure our naval ascendency there.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 245

Capture of the steamer Little Ada, July 9, 1864.
Eeport of Acting Master M'Gloin, U. S. Navy, commanding TT. S. S. Gettysburg.

U. S. S. GETTYSBURG,
•Lat. 32° 30' JV., Long. 78° W ., July 9, 1864.

SIR : This ship, after a chase of four hours, brought to and seized the
steamer Little Ada, of Savannah, a Clyde-built iron boat of 94 tons,
English, or 208 tons American measurement. She has an assorted
cargo, and was bound to Charleston from Nassau, [Kew Providence].
She is one year old and very fast for a small vessel. I send her to
Boston in charge of Acting Ensign A. S. Laighton, who, on his arrival,
will forward this communication to you.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. M'GLOIN,

Acting Master, Commanding pro tern.
Acting TCear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Wilmington, N. C., August o, 1864.

SIR: On the 15th ultimo I informed the Department by telegraph of
the capture of the Little Ada by the Gettysburg. The report of this
capture furnished by Acting Master M'Gloin, temporarily in command
of the Gettysburg, being very meager, I directed a circumstantial state-
ment to be furnished. This report, dated 31st ultimo, is enclosed. It
appears from it that on the 9th instant, after a chase of about four
hours, during which three shots were tired at the chase, the Gettysburg
captured the Little Ada, of Savannah, from Nassau, with an assorted
cargo, consisting principally, as far as could be ascertained, of pig lead
and potash; $20 in American half dollars were found, with the ship's
name on the package, which was forwarded to the prize commissioner
at Boston.

She had no flag or papers. It afterwards appeared that these were
Confederate and had been burned in the furnaces before she was
boarded.

The prize was sent to Boston for adjudication. She is an iron vessel
of 208 tons, American measurement, and was built in Scotland a year
ago. She had a crew of 22 officers and men, 9 of whom were sent to
Boston and the remaining 13 turned over to Commander Dove, at Beau-
fort. They were subsequently sent to Hampton Roads by the Maratanza,
which arrived on the 27th, the day preceding my departure for Beaufort.
I directed Lieutenant-Commander Haxtun to examine these persons,
in strict accordance with the Department's instructions of May 9, ultimo,
and to turn them over to the provost- marshal at Fortress Monroe to be
released or detained, according to the result of the examination. The
result of that examination has not yet reached me, but under the new
aspect of the case, as drawn from the report of capture now forwarded,
I should suppose that, being captured in a vessel without colors or
papers, the officers and crew of Little Ada are subject to detention as
prisoners of war, particularly as, from the return of her cargo, the

246 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

vessel was in the employ of the rebel Government by furnishing muni-
tions of war.

I have notified the U. S. marshal at Boston of the facts above reported.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. GETTYSBURG,
Beaufort, N. C., July 31, 1864.

SIR: A sail was reported from the masthead at 6:15 a. m. July 9,
bearing S. E. This ship immediately gave chase, but having no wind,
it was impossible to generate more than 18 pounds of steam, though
with a good draft we have had 23 pounds. In consequence of this the
Gettysburg did not make more than 11 knots per hour, but gained on
the chase so much that at 10 a. m. she stopped, distant about 2£ miles,
we having tired three solid shot from our 30-pouuder rifle, which dropped
quite near her. On boarding her she proved to be the Little Ada, of
Savannah, with an assorted cargo, from Nassau, without flag or papers
of any kind. It was afterwards ascertained that both flag and papers,
which were Confederate, were burned in the furnaces before she was
boarded.

A letter was found in possession of one of the men, written by the
captain to the owner, detailing the annoyances he experienced in
obtaining his officers and crew, and also the amount of wages paid the
officers. This letter was handed to Captain Lamson. The cargo was
principally lead in pigs and potash, and it was suspected by the boarding
officer that she had more cargo than the captain would acknowledge.
Twenty dollars in American silver half dollars were found, having the
ship's name on the package, which was forwarded by the vessel to the
prize commissioner at Boston. The ship's position at meridian was lati-
tude 32° 21', longitude 77° 51' W. The vessel herself is a strongly and
beautifully built iron boat of 208 tons, American measurement, built in
Scotland one year ago.

She had a crew of 22 officers and men, 9 of whom were sent to Boston
and 13 brought to this port and transferred to Captain Dove. Her
engines are direct-acting inverted cylinders, 25 inches diameter and
22-inch stroke, about 100 indicated horsepower. She has one boiler,
two fires, and can carry 70 tons of coal.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. M'GLOIN,

Acting Master.
Lieutenant R. H. LAMSON,

Commanding.

Report of Commander Macoml), U. S. Navy, regarding the sale of supplies

to Confederate agents.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 9, 1864.

SIR: I have been informed by a citizen of Edentou, N. C., who is
considered a reliable Union man. that large quantities of bacon and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 247

other supplies have been sent to South Mills, at the southern end of
the Dismal Swamp Canal, on the Pasquotank River, and are there sold
to rebel agents tor the supply of the rebel Army.

It is said that this bacon, etc., is sent from Norfolk by permit from
United States authority in that district.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting confidential
communication regarding proposed attack upon the C. S. ram Albe-
marle.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 10, 1864.

SIR : I enclose herewith my confidential communication, No. 305, to
the Department, Lieutenant Gushing having sailed this morning in
pursuit of the Florida.

I respectfully refer to my Nos. 398 and 399 for information received
from the sounds.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosure.]

Confidential.] FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC

BLOCKADING SQUADRON,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 9, 1864.

SIR: Lieutenant Gushing arrived here on the 5th instant, bringing
his report of his recounoissance near Wilmington. I suggested his
making an attempt to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle at Plymouth.
He at first proposed an attack on the ram with our gunboats at Ply-
mouth, or a boat expedition, led by himself, with 80 men.

I concur in Captain Smith's opinion that it would be inexpedient to
fight the ram with our long double-endcrs in that narrow river. I pro-
posed to Lieutenant Cushing a torpedo attack, either by means of the
india-rubber boat heretofore applied for, which could be transported
across the swamp opposite Plymouth, or a light-draft, rifle-proof, swift
steam barge, fitted with a torpedo.

In the meantime delay ensued from the Monticello getting ashore in
the Elizabeth River. The enclosed letter from Lieutenant Gushing
contains his mature views on the subject. The Monticello will return
to the blockade as soon as Lieutenant Kempff arrives, who is hourly
expected, and Lieutenant Cushing, who desires to superintend the fit-
ting of the boats he may have, is instructed to report to the Department
and deliver this communication. I have enjoined secrecy and discretion

248 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

upon him. He is entirely willing to make an attempt to destroy the
ram, and I have great confidence in his gallantry.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 7). C.

[ S u I ic • 1 1 < • 1 " - 1 1 n • . ]

Confidential.] U. S. S. MONTICELLO,

Hampton Roads Virginia, July 9, 1864.

SiR: Deeming the capture or destruction of the rebel r&m Albemarle
feasible, I beg leave to state that I am acquainted with the waters held
by her, and am willing to undertake the task.

If furnished with three low-pressure tugs, one or more fitted with
torpedoes, and all armed with light howitzers, it might be effected, or,
if rubber boats were on hand to transport across the swamp to a point
immediately abreast of Plymouth. If detailed for this work, J would
like to superintend the outfit of the boats, and would be glad to see
Lieutenant Kempff, of the Connecticut, in charge of the Monticcllo dur-
ing my absence.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. CUSHING,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Smith, r. S.
Navy, regarding precautions against attacks by torpedoes in James
River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 10, 1864.

SIR: The Department has telegraphed (received this morning) me
urging the necessity of additional precautions against attacks by tor-
pedoes upon the vessels in James River. Such additional measures,
besides those already employed, as in your judgment will assist in
meeting or preventing such attacks, will be adopted by you immedi-
ately, and the utmost watchfulness and vigilance must be enjoined
upon the officers and men in the river.
Acknowledge receipt.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer in James River.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN, July 10, 1864.

Captain Smith instructed, under telegram* 8th, just received.
Tecumseh sailed 9.45 a. m., 5th instant, with Augusta and Eutaic.

*For instructions, see preceding order.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 249

Guardship at [Hampton] Roads sends daily reports of arrivals and
departures of public vessels to Department. Now dispatch two tugs
to Baltimore for the canal boats.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Upshur, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Minnesota.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN, July 10, 1864 — Midnight.

SIR : Proceed without delay with the Minnesota to Point Lookout and
report your arrival there to the Navy Department by telegraph.
Respectfully, etc.,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander J. H. UPSHUR,

U. S. 8. Minnesota.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Gushing-,
U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. Monticello, to proceed to sea in
pursuit of the C. S. S. Florida.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 10, 1864.

SIR: Proceed to sea with Monticello under your command, in com-
pany with the Mount Vernon, Lieutenant-Commander Adams tem-
porarily commanding, to pursue and capture the Florida, or other rebel
steamer referred to in the enclosed statement from the master of the
tug America.

The Monticello and Mount Vernon will keep in convenient signal dis-
tance of each other day and night, cruise together, and on finding
the Florida will make a vigorous joint attack upon and capture her.
The Florida has probably gone to the northward and eastward to put
herself in the track of the commerce of our Northern cities. Keep a
record of your proceedings and report from time to time to Depart-
ment and myself when convenient, and return to this port for coal when
you need it. Keep so close to the Mount Vernon, at night especially,
as to avoid all chance of separation, and consider yourself under the
immediate command of Lieutenant-Commander Adams during this
cruise.

Respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant WM. B. GUSHING,

Commanding V. S. S. Monticello.

P. S. — Economize your fuel during the search, which will be made
under easy steam.

250 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Adams, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mount Vernon, to proceed to
sea in pursuit of the C. 8. 8. Florida.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Va., July 10, 1864.

SIR: Proceed to sea in temporary command of the Mount Vernon,
accompanied by the Monticello, Lieutenant Cushiug, to pursue and
capture the Florida, or other rebel steamer referred to in the enclosed
report from the master of the tug America.

The Mount Vernon and Monticello will keep in convenient signal dis-
tance of each other day and night, cruise together, and on finding the
Florida will make a vigorous joint attack upon and capture her.

The Florida has probably gone to the northward and eastward to put
herself in the track of the commerce of our Northern cities.

Keep a record of your proceedings and report from time to time to
Department and myself when convenient, and return to this port for
coal when you need it.

Lieutenant Gushing is instructed to keep so close to the Mount Ver-
non, at night especially, as to avoid all chance of separation, and to
consider himself under your immediate command during this cruise.

Economize your fuel during the search, which will be made under
easy steam.

You may get information from vessels you may speak. Exercise your
discretion as to the course you should take.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander H. A. ADAMS, Jr.,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Mount Vernon.

P. S. — As cruisers will probably be dispatched from Northern ports,
you will not, unless it be rendered absolutely necessary by positive
intelligence you may receive, go to the northward and eastward of
Nantucket.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

Order of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant French, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Ino, to proceed to
sea in pursuit of the C. 8. S. Florida.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 10, 1864.

SIR: You will proceed to sea immediately in tow of the tug America,
sent with this, which will give you a good offing. When at sea, pro-
ceed in search of the vessel of war Florida, reported to be on our
coast last night, as you will see by the enclosed statement.

Obtain information from vessels at sea and use every exertion to
find and capture the Florida. Disguise the Ino, her battery, officers,
and crew, and play the merchantman in appearance so as to entice her
alongside, when you, being prepared, will open upon her suddenly and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 251

effectually. The information that you can acquire of passing vessels
will aid you in the pursuit.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. A. FRENCH,

Commanding U. S. 8. Ino.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Ridgely,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Shenandoah, to cruise off the capes of
Virginia in search of the supposed C. 8. S. Florida.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 10, 1864.

SIR : Enclosed is the statement of the master of the tug America,
made this morning, of the burning last evening of a naval collier by a
rebel vessel about 50 miles to the eastward of Cape Henry.

Cruise off the capes of Virginia with the Shenandoah in search of
the enemy. Do not extend your cruising ground north of the capes
of Delaware or south of Cape Lookout, unless you receive information
making it necessary. Report your proceedings when practicable to
the Department and myself, and return here for supplies.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain D. B. RIDGELY,

Commanding U. S. 8. Shenandoah.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove,
U. S. Navy, to inform the blockaders regarding the presence of the
C. S. 8. Florida.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, July 10, 1864.

SIR : I enclose a statement received this morning from the master of
the tug America, reporting that the Florida burned a vessel last night
50 miles E. by S. from Cape Henry. I have sent vessels in pursuit
of her. Communicate this intelligence to all the blockaders.

The Fort Donelson will land the Keystone State's crew, fill up with
coal, and proceed to her station.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander B. M. DOVE,

Commanding Naval Station, Beaufort.

[Similar letter to Commander Clary, commanding U. S. S. Dacotah.]

252 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 10, 1864.

It is desirable to send to Washington three or four of your gunboats.
Let one of them be a double-euder and one the Atlanta without delay.

GIDEON WELLES.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 10, 1864.

Let the Roanoke remain at Hampton Roads. Send the Minnesota to
Point Lookout, mouth of the Potomac, to report by telegraph. One of
the gunboats ordered up to day may go direct to Annapolis. You will
remain at Hampton Roads for the present.

GIDEON WELLES.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 10, 1864.

(Received 1:20 a. m., llth.)

New Berne passed Tecumseh, Augusta, and Eutaic on Thursday after-
noon, 7th instant, off Frying Pan Shoals, going south, doing well, with
fine weather.
The afternoon Fort J)onelson dispatched to outside blockade.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July ll, 1864.

Several very important telegrams were sent you yesterday, but have
not been acknowledged or acted upon so far as advised. The Florida
burned several vessels off Cape May this a. m.

GIDEON WELLES.
Acting Eear- Admiral LEE,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

[Telegram.]

FORT MONROE, July 11, 1864.

(Received 1 a. m., July 12.)

Operator at Cherrystone says he saw yesterday's Department order
to send three gunboats to Washington. Steam tug bringing it from

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 253

Cherrystone has mysteriously disappeared. Will send Vicksburg* and
Morse to Washington; Emma to Annapolis; Cuyler to Point Lookout
until Minnesota can clear her moorings foul of other anchors.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to the commanding officer
of the U. S. 8. Wilderness, for the delivery of enclosed orders to officers.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 11, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with all practicable dispatch with the Wilderness under
your command to deliver the enclosed communications to the command-
ing officers of the Atlanta and Mackinaw and to Captain Smith, in their
order, as you pass them up the river, and after communicating with
Captain Smith return immediately and report to. me here, when you
will take in the fresh provisions and return.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

COMMANDING OFFICER U. S. S. WILDERNESS.

[Enclosures.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 11, 1864.

SIR : By direction of the Navy Department I have ordered the Atlanta
and Mackinaw to Washington. Wilderness to return immediately.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 11, 1864.

S:R: Proceed without delay with the Atlanta under your command
to report to me here. Use all practicable dispatch.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. J. WOODWARD,

Commanding U. S. S. Atlanta.

* The U. S. S. Ficksburg was ordered to Annapolis.

254 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 11, 1864.

SIR : Proceed without delay with the Mackinaw under your command
to report to me here. Use all practicable dispatch.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander J. C. BEAUMONT,

U. 8. S. Mackinaw.

P. S. — Take the Atlanta in tow when you overtake her.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Babcock; U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Morse, to proceed to Wash-
ington, D. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 11 — 8 p. m.

SIR: Proceed with all practicable dispatch with the Morse under
your command to Washington, [D. C.], reporting your arrival to the
Department. Telegraph me from Yorktown, order obeyed, giving day
and hour. If it is entirely impossible for the Morse to go, owing to the
state of her boilers, inform me by telegraph, naming the earliest date
at which she can leave. Do not mention your destination in your
dispatch.

Caution Acting Master Wright to keep vigilant watch against torpedo
and boat attacks.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander C. A. BABCOCK,

Commanding U. S. S. Morse.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Braine, U. 8. Navy, to proceed to Annapolis, Md.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Road*, Virginia, July 11, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with all practicable dispatch with the Vicksburf/ under
your command to Annapolis, reporting your arrival to the Department.
Send me daily reports of the situation.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

U. S. S. Vicksburg.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 255

Circular order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding a night patrol of

the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 11, 1864.

The commanders of the vessels herein named will send an armed
boat from their vessel to patrol the river from sunset to daylight
between the points designated below. The object of this patrol is to
observe the movements of the enemy and to prevent them from placing
torpedoes in the river.
Mackinaic to Dutch Gap.
Agawam to sight the Mackinaw.
Mendota to the Hunchback.
Hunchback to the army landing.
Pequot to the Commodore Morris.
Commodore Morris to the Pequot.
Sassacus to Haxall's Landing.
Respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

The utmost watchfulness and vigilance must be enjoined upon the
officers and men assigned to the above duty.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Quacken-
lnish,U. S. Navy, for the obstruction of Turkey Creek, James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 11, 1864.

SIR : You will, as soon as possible after receipt of this, obstruct the
mouth of Turkey Creek by felling trees across the channel in such a
manner as to make it difficult, if not impossible, for the enemy to float
torpedoes out of the creek or attack you by boats. The utmost watch-
fulness and vigilance must be exercised by the officers and men under
your command, as there is a large rebel force in your vicinity.

After the mouth of the creek is well secured, you will report to me the
manner in which it has been executed.
Very respectfully, etc.

[MELANCTON SMITH,]

Captain and Senior Officer.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding U. S. S. Pequot, James River.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding measures of precaution

in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Below the Barricade, James River, July 11, 1864.
SIR: I am instructed by Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, under date of
10th instant, to acknowledge a telegraphic dispatch from the Depart-
ment in relation to additional precautions against attacks by torpedoes
upon the vessels in James River.

256 NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Orders have been given to obstruct Four Mile Creek and Turkey
Creek, and steamers are stationed on the river in the vicinity of every
point known to be occupied by a rebel force. All of these vessels have
been directed to send out picket boats at night to patrol the river and
keep up communication with each other.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, IT. 8. Navy, to Commander Spicer,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Cambridge.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 11, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Cambridge to Beaufort and assume command
of that station during Commander Dove's absence, keeping the Cam-
bridge in the harbor.

Eespectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. F. SPICER,

U. 8. 8. Cambridge.

Report of Commander Almy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Connect-
icut, regarding the chase of a blockade runner, July 11, 1864.

U. S. S. CONNECTICUT,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 19, 1864.

SIR: I hereby report that on the llth instant, at 4:30 a. m., while
cruising in this steamer under my command on the oft'shore Wilming-
ton blockade, and in latitude 33° 20' N., longitude 76° 50' W., 70 miles
S. E. by E. of Cape Fear, N. C., discovered the black smoke and masts
of a blockade runner steamer to the northward, hull down, and sup-
posed to be distant 15 miles. Immediately gave chase and got up addi-
tional steam; discovered that one of our cruisers (supposed to be the
Keystone State] to the northward and eastward was also in chase of the
strange steamer, and nearer to her by 6 or 8 miles than the Connecticut;
both continued in chase. At 6 : 30, perceiving that we were not gain-
ing upon the chase, and the Keystone State, by her being so much nearer,
stood a better chance for the capture, gave up the chase and moderated
steam. Soon after found ourselves in the midst of a quantity of bales
of cotton floating, turned the steamer to the westward, stood along
slowly, until we reached the end of it. At 7 : 30 a. m. the Keystone
State and chase both out of sight; at 8 a. m. lowered the boat and com-
menced picking up the cotton and getting it on board, which amounted
to 90 bales, and supposed to be thrown overboard from the vessel
chased in order to facilitate her escape.

This cotton I have transshipped from Hampton Koads to Philadel-
phia in the brig Joseph Baker, James Kickerson, master, consigning it

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 257

to the TJ. S. prize commissioners there, and placing Acting Ensign
William M. Swasey, of this steamer, as prize master in charge of it, as
prize property to be adjudicated by the TJ. S. district court there. I have
addressed a communication to the judge, giving him full particulars.

There was no United States or any other vessel in sight when this
cotton was picked up. I presume, therefore, that the usual share of
prize money falls to the Connecticut alone.

A prize list will be transmitted to the Department as soon as prac-
ticable.

I have made a report to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee similar in tenor
to this.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN J. ALMY,

Commander.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Keystone
State, regarding the chase of a blockade runner, July 11, 1864.

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,

At Sea, August 1, 1864.

SIR: I beg leave to report that on the llth ultimo, at daylight in the
morning, in. latitude 33° 22' N., and longitude 75° 51' W., I sighted a
blockade runner bearing west of this ship, and distant about 4 miles.
I immediately gave chase and endeavored to cut her off, as she was
outward bound from Wilmington, N. C., and standing to the eastward,
making her course toward Bermuda; at the same time I discovered a
steamer south of us, resembling the U. S. S. Connecticut following up
astern, and about 8 miles distant, and in the wake of the blockade
runner, but without attempting to cut her off.

The blockade runner, finding herself closely pressed by this ship, and
almost within range of our guns, immediately commenced throwing
overboard cotton to lighten the ship in order to escape. I soon found
that we could not equal her in speed, but considered it my duty to do
all the damage I could by continuing the chase and forcing her to sur-
render her cargo and possibly by accident to capture the vessel ; in this
way I continued the chase until we were hull down astern.

We were making 12 knots per hour during the chase, and passed a
large quantity of cotton which she threw overboard during the first
two or three hours. So soon as she found she could outrun us, she
hoisted the rebel flag and kept it flying during the time we were in
sight of her.

At noon I gave up the chase, finding there being no longer any pros-
pect of our catching her, and returned to pick up the cotton which she
had thrown overboard in order to escape from this ship, thinking we
might get some of it; although it was evident that the steamer, which I
have since learned was the Connecticut, had stopped to pick up the
cotton so soon as she got up to where the chase commenced throwing
it overboard, as we left her very rapidly at that time, which was about
one hour after we commenced chasing. When we arrived in the vicin-
ity of where the cotton had been thrown overboard I found that it had
all disappeared, and as I have learned subsequently was picked up by
the Connecticut and sent in as a prize to Philadelphia.

N w R — VOL JO 17

258 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

We passed in plain view of the cotton thrown overboard, and could
easily have returned and picked it up at the time, but as accident might
have disabled the blockade runner I deemed it my duty to continue
the chase and do all the damage possible, and while thus chasing the
Connecticut stopped and picked up the cotton surrendered to this ship
and has sent it in as a prize, thus reaping the benefit of the work done
by this vessel.

Thinking we would not be allowed to share in the prize, I had con
eluded on that account not to send in a prize list for a share in the
cotton picked up by the Connecticut, but as there appears to be some
dissatisfaction in regard to it by the others interested, I have decided
to make a claim and send in regular prize lists, and hope that our case
will be favorably considered.
I herewith enclose the prize lists.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding the violation of trading permits, and requesting instruc-
tions.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 11, 1864.

SIR : Commander Macomb, senior officer in sounds of North Carolina,
reports under date of 7th instant, that having been informed by the
Treasury agent at Koanoke Island that R. Overman was trading with
the rebels at Elizabeth City and supplying the rebel army, he directed
Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, U. S. 8. Tacony, to arrest the man
and seize his goods, and will deliver him with the goods to the mili-
tary and Treasury authorities at lioanoke Island. Mr. Overman denies
having dealings with the rebels. Four barrels of whisky were found
among his stores, however, which renders the whole liable to confis-
cation.

Commander Macomb asks if persons are to be allowed to trade with-
out the military lines; and if so, under what circumstances. There is
great reason to suppose, he states, that some of these traders are
engaged in smuggling and otherwise violating their permits. Since the
Department's order forbidding Mr. Lane to trade with the Philadelphia
Commander Macomb has stopped all such vessels.

I enclose his two communications on these subjects, dated 7th instant,
and request instructions if any are necessary beyond those contained
in the Treasury Eegulatious, with which I have furnished Commander
Macomb.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Hear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading 8quadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADKON. 259

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 7, 1864.

SIR: Having received information from the special agent of the
Treasury Department at Eoanoke Island that E. Overman was trading
at Elizabeth City with rebel agents and supplying the rebel army, I
sent Lieutenaut-Coinmauder Truxtun with the steamer Tacony up the
Pasquotank Eiver, who, by my orders, arrested Mr. Overman, seized
his goods, and brought him and them here.

I shall deliver him over to the military and Treasury authorities at
Eoanoke Island, together with the seized goods, although he denies
having sold anything to the rebels.

Four barrels of wftisky were found among his stores, which will
render the whole of them liable to confiscation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 7, 1864.

SIR : I respectfully request to be informed whether persons are to be
allowed to trade without the military lines in this State; and if so,
under what circumstances.

Since the order from the Secretary of the Navy stopping the trading
of the tug Philadelphia, 1 have thought it iny duty to stop all such
vessels, as Mr. Lane's (captain of the Philadelphia} permit was signed
by the President of the United States and several persons in high
authority, both civil and military.

Moreover, there is great reason to suppose that some of these men
are engaged in smuggling and in other ways violating their permits.
I am, sir, very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 12, 1864.

Send Tristram Shandy to Eear- Admiral Lee as she is, without fitting.
Supply necessary officers from station.
Thistle to be fitted at navy yard.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Eear- Admiral S. H. STRINGHAM, U. S. Navy,

Commandant Naval Station, Boston.

260 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Beaumont,
U. S. Navy, to proceed icith the U. 8. steamers Machinate, Atlanta, and
Commodore Barney to Washington, D. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 12, 1864.

SIR: Proceed to Washington with the Mackinaw, Atlanta, and Com-
modore Barney, aiid 011 arriving there report promptly to the Department.
The Mackinaw and Barney will tow the Atlanta, if they cau expedite
her passage. I send the pilot of this vessel to pilot these three vessels
up, with orders on your arrival at Washington to return immediately
by first army transport. Provide the Maclcinaic, Atlanta, and Barney
with Potomac pilots at Washington as soon as practicable.

I now send you a set of Potomac charts, which are to be returned to
my flag lieutenant when you are done with them.

Unless it is smooth in the bay, the Barney had best not join the tow
until you get into the Potomac.
Kespectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockadin;/ 8<inadron.

Commander J. C. BEAUMONT,

U. S. S. Mackinaw.

[Commanding officers of the above vessels ordered to report in person
to the Navy Department.]

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Down?*,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. R. R. Cuyler, to proceed to the mouth
of the Potomac River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Road*, Virginia, July 12, 1864.

SIR: Proceed without delay to Point Lookout, mouth of Potomac
River, and report upon arrival there to the Navy Department by tele-
graph. Unless otherwise directed, will return to Hampton Roads upon
the arrival at Point Lookout of the frigate Minnesota.

You will receive herewith a chart of Chesapeake Bay, which you will
return to me before leaving these waters.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander JOHN DOWNES,

Commanding U. 8. 8. R. R. Cuyler.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 12, 1864.

(Received 10:50, July 13.)

Your telegram of 10th instant to send gunboats received by tug
from Cherrystone last evening. Atlanta and Mackinaw, immediately
sent for, have just arrived, and are leaving now with Barney for Wash-
ington. About noou to-day Morse left Yorktowu for Washington and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 261

Vicksbury hence for Annapolis. The promptest possible attention has
been given to Department's instructions. Delay occasioned by tele-
graph line from Fort Monroe to Cherrystone being out of order. Your
telegram of llth instant about Florida's ravages off Cape May received
after Cherrystone steamer left. I have strong hopes of capturing
Florida.

S. P. LEE,
Acty. Rear-Admiral, Gomdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. •

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer
of the U. S. /S. Shokokon to proceed to Yorktoicn, Va.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 12, 1864.

SIR: The commanding officer of the Shokokon will proceed to York-
town and report to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Peter Hays, senior
officer in that vicinity, for duty in York River.

Keep your vessel underway at night; be watchful and vigilant against
boat and torpedo attacks.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actff. Rear- Admiral, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

U. 8. 8. Shokokon.

[Telegram.]

WASHINGTON, July 12, 1864 — 11 a. m.
The order was one gunboat to Annapolis.

The Florida lias gone up the coast about 50 miles distant. I hope
the Shenandoah will catch her. Juniata and Ticonderoga are on this
line, but if the Shenandoah went off the Delaware capes she has the
best chance.

Silver Spring is in the enemy's possession, but not burned yet.

G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding a joint expedition to
Cox's Wharf, and destruction of seven buildings.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 12, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that I sent the force detailed from the army,
with 50 additional men assigned me by General Butler, across Dutch
Gap to Cox's Wharf for the purpose of destroying the mill and gran-
aries at that point.

262 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

They destroyed the mill, blacksmith shop, and seven other buildings.
Captured 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 11 men, also a large quantity of
arms, ammunition, and camp equipment, and 1 galvanic torpedo bat-
tery. Destroyed all the machinery and burned the grain.

The expedition was a complete success, and the work accomplished
without the loss of a man.
Everything quiet in this vicinity.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Cajrtain and Senior Officer in James Hlr^r.

Rear- Admiral S. 1*. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the examination of Mr.
Aiken, accused of secession proclivities.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Below the Barricade, James River, July 12, 1864.
SIR : I enclose herewith some evidence given by one of the crew of
the Minnesota's launch of the secession proclivities of Mr. Aiken.

Upon the testimony (after confronting the parties) Mr. Aiken was
sent to General Butler. He was there subjected to a second examina-
tion, and the proof against him appears to have been ample, as he has
been sent to Fortress Monroe.

I have no means of ascertaining whether the party to whom Aiken
pointed out the road were deserters from the Army or Navy.

Commander Colhoun reports that three men deserted from his vessel
on the night of the 10th instant. His report was returned to him that
a descriptive list might be furnished.

The Army has two mortars in position at the Crow's Nest, one on the
upper line of works, and a 100-pounder in battery at the Signal Sta-
tion. The ranges of the two first have been tried, but the fall of the
shells could not be seen from my position.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding the obstruction of

Four Mile Creek.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River, July 12, 18CL

SIR: After cutting trees to obstruct the mouth of Four Mile Creek,
I placed them in position last evening temporarily, but they unfortu-
nately sunk. I have now a gang on shore cutting stakes, and propose
to make a fence across for the present, until a proper boom and chains
can be procured, in case a more permanent obstruction should be deter-
mined upon. The creek is about 220 feet across from high water mark,
and the depth does not exceed 6 feet at high water. At low water it is
only about a foot. By staking it across and securing branches to the
stakes, it will be so obstructed that nothing can pass up or down, and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 263

being immediately under oar light and that of the camps on shore, no
removal could be effected without its being known. If convenient, I
would be pleased to have you look at the place before deciding upon
anything of a permanent character.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.
Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer, James River.

Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. 8.
Army, regarding precautionary measures employed in James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 12, 1864.

GENERAL: I enclose herewith a copy of a letter* just received from
Commander Nichols, suggesting that a picket of twenty-five men be
stationed on Allen's place, Jones' Reach, for reasons already stated in
his communication, and I would respectfully request that such a detail
may be made if the necessity in your judgment demands it.

The Department has telegraphed urging the additional precautions
against attacks by torpedoes upon the vessels in James River, and I
have in consequence issued orders for all the armed steamers to send
out picket boats to patrol the river at night, which makes it necessary
to withdraw their usual pickets from the shore.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Major-General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Detcey, U. S. Nary,
commanding U. S. S. Agaicam.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 12, 1864.

SIR: Upon the receipt of this order you will proceed in the Agaicam
and take up your station at Aiken's Landing.
Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Lieutenant GEORGE DEWEY,

Commanding pro ttmpore U. S. S. Agaicam.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the removal of
torpedoes from the mouth of the RoanoJce River.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, July 12, 1864.

SIR : After the capture of the party in charge of torpedoes at the
mouth of Roanoke River on the Gth instant, and when several unsuc-
cessful searches had been made for them, 1 thought it best, to prevent

* Not found.

264 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the torpedoes from falling into the hands of the enemy, to have them
removed, as the parties attending them are so liable to capture.
Accordingly, on the 10th instant, I sent Lieutenant-Commander English
[commanding U. S. S. Wyalusing] to have them taken up, or in case
this could not be done to explode them. He therefore detailed an armed
party with a launch mounting a howitzer, in command of Acting Ensign
Fossett, and the cutters of the Whitehead and Hull, in charge of Acting
Ensign Barrett, who were to perform the duty.

They proceeded up the river and attempted to raise the torpedoes by
the line attaching them to the shore, but this had lain so long under
water as to become rotten, and parted under the strain. After repeated
dragging it was found impossible to raise them in that way, and they
were therefore obliged to explode them. Of the two first attempted one
trigger wire pulled out with the primers attached, and the other broke
off; the third one exploded properly.

This was all of that line of torpedoes. The other line (which explode
by the contact of passing vessels) were left in their places, they requir-
ing no attendance. Captain English says that while at Edenton he
learned that the rebels were constructing another ram, to be ready by
the first of September, 1864, engines and plating being sent from Wil-
mington, taken from the ram that was wrecked there. The concussion
torpedoes referred to above are those at the mouth of the river.
I am, sir, very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding a joint expedition
in Scuppernong River, July 12, 1864.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, July 13, 1864.

SIR : On the 12th instant I sent an expedition, consisting of the Ceres
and Whitehead, under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Earl
English, for the purpose of cooperating with a force of about 80 men
under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, from Koanoke Island,
who was under orders from General Palmer to ascend the Scuppernong
Eiver as far as Columbia and burn the bridge at that place, in order
to prevent the rebels irom transporting supplies to their army at
Plymouth. The expedition was successful.

Much credit is due to Lieutenant-Commander English and the com-
manders of the Ceres and Whitehead for their prompt and efficient
manner of performing their duty.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

[Acting Bear- Admiral LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.]

P. S.— I enclose for your information a copy of my orders to Lieu-
tenant-Commander English, and his report to me of the result of the
expedition.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 265

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, July 13, 1864.

SIR: You will take command of the naval part of the exoedition
which is to proceed to Columbia, on the Scuppernoug River, for the
purpose of destroying the bridge at that place and capturing grain
which is being transported across that river.

You will cooperate with Lieutenant-Colonel William W. Clarke, who
goes up with the expedition on the Ella May, in command of the troops,
protecting his landing and embarkation and otherwise forwarding the
objects of the expedition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Lieutenant-Commander EARL ENGLISH,

Commanding U. S. 8. Wyalusing.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle /Sound, July 13, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order of the 12th, I took command of the
naval part of the expedition, consisting of the Whitehead and Ceres,
and accompanied the steamer Ella May, under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel William W. Clarke, up the Scuppernong River as far as Colum-
bia, where they landed and effectually destroyed by burning the bridge
which crosses the river. They likewise disabled the large grist mill at
that place.

We did not meet with any resistance.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EARL ENGLISH,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding V. 8. Naval Squadron, Sounds of North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

ANNAPOLIS, July 13, 1864 — 11: 30 p. m.

I arrived at Annapolis morning of 13th. Communication cut off
between that point and Washington. The colonel commanding has no
troops save invalids.
Please send light- draft ferryboat. Place threatened.

D. L. BRAINE,

Lieutenant-Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 13, 1864 — 12 noon.

(Received 11:15 p. m., 13th.)

I leave here now to look after Potomac Division of my squadron.
Fleet captain remains here.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

266 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding the obstructing of Turkey

Creek, James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

James River, Below Barricade, July 13, 1864.

SIR: Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush reports that he has par-
tially obstructed Turkey Creek and will make it more secure to-day by
sinking a large scow in the channel and putting up another line of
obstructions. He also states that his pickets were attacked on the
12th instant, but sustained no loss. His shells did fearful execution,
falling, as he says, in the midst of a force of about 100 men, and saw
from aloft 7 either killed or wounded borne oft' of the field. One with
his foot blown oft' was captured, and another killed near him.

I would respectfully recommend that another vessel be stationed at
Jones' Reach. The Agawam, which was sent there when General Fos-
ter's force was threatened, has been ordered to Aiken's Landing to take
the station of the Mackinaw.
All quiet here.

1 send enclosed the report* of Commander Colhoun of three deser-
tions from that ship. Descriptive lists of the men are annexed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. PEQUOT,

Off Turkey Creek, James River, Virginia, July 12, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders I
have placed the first line of obstructions across the mouth of Turkey
Creek.

The line formed consists of two lines of stakes with logs laid between
them from the bottom to the surface.

To-morrow morning I intend sinking a large scow and putting up
another line of obstructions similar to the one mentioned, which 1 think
will effectually block up the creek. A detachment of men from the Mor-
ris, in charge of two officers, assisted in the work. Our pickets were
attacked. No loss was sustained on our side, and one man killed on
theirs. One of the officers of the Morris in the affair had his coat cut
by one of the enemy's balls, but the rent can be covered by shoulder
strap.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenan t- Com m an der.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer, Commanding in James River, Virginia.

Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee,
U. S. Navy, regarding trading regulations.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 13, 1861.

SIR: I have received your No. 402,t enclosing communications from
Comma nder Macomb, senior officer in the sounds, in reference to trade
without the military lines.

* Not necessary to publish. t See page 258.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 267

I know of no authority that transcends the law and regulations on
this subject. No trading is to be permitted except in strict conformity
with law, instructions, and trade regulations.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Major- General Butler, U. S.
Army, transmittingjreport of Lieutenant Chambers, U. S. Army, regard-
ing expedition to Cox's Wharf.

U. S. IRONCLAD ONONDAGA,

James River, July 14, 1864.

SIR: I herewith enclose a very modest report of Lieutenant Cham-
bers of his operation in this vicinity on the morning of the 12th instant,
witli a force assigned to the navy for picket duty, and 50 additional
men detailed by your order to cooperate.

It only remains for me to speak of the gallantry displayed by Lieu-
tenant Chambers and the force under his command, and the good judg-
ment exercised by him in the accomplishment of the object desired.

The disposition manifested by him to share the credit of his achieve-
ments with the subordinates associated with him I also consider very
creditable.

I send you herewith a sketch of the captured torpedo.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[MELANCTON SMITH,]
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Major-General B. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

[Enclosure.]

NAVAL PICKET STATION, 3D PA. ARTILLERY,

James River, July 12, 1864.

SIR: In accordance with your orders, I have the honor to report that
I proceeded last evening at 10 o'clock with 70 men of Company G, of
the Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and 50 men of the Tenth Connecti-
cut Volunteers, Lieutenants [James H.] Linsley and [Albert F.] Sharp
in charge of the latter, to a point on James Eiver below Dutch Gap,
and from thence to Cox's farm and there destroyed the signal station,
together with two barns, two mills, a blacksmith shop, and outbuild-
ings and a large quantity of grain and agricultural implements, cap-
turing 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant (wounded), and 12 men with arms and
accouternients complete, with one torpedo, 200 pounds of powder, and
the galvanic battery.

The gunboat Stepping Stones, Captain Campbell, carried me to the
point of lauding and there awaited my return, protecting my rear,
Acting Ensign Lawrence serving as a guide to the expedition.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. W. CHAMBERS,
First Lieutenant, Third Pennsylvania Artillery.

Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer in Command, James River Fleet.

268 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports

regarding an attack upon United States vessels by Confederate buttery

near Malvern Hill, July 14, 1864.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 17, l^liL

SIR: I enclose the report* of Captain Smith, dated loth instant, (I)
of an attack on the Pequot and Commodore Morris by a rebel battery
near Malveru Hill, with its enclosures, (2) report of Lieutenant -Com-
mander Quackenbush, Pequot, and (3) of Acting Master Lee, Commo-
dore Morris, both dated 15th instant. From the former it appears tbat
at 1:10 p. in. on the 14th a battery of one gun opened on the Pequot
from Malvern Hill, the first shot taking off a man's leg and doing some
injury to the vessel, which was lying to the ebb tide and could not
return the fire until she had moved up and turned, several shots strik-
ing in close proximity while this was being done. When in position a
number of shots were fired by the Pequot without reply, when she
returned to her anchorage.

Acting Master Lee reports that a battery of 20-pounder rifles opened
on the Commodore Morris from the direction of Malvern Hill on the
14th; he steamed up to within 1,000 yards of the enemy and returned
the fire with his 100-pounder Parrott; the shell from that failing to
explode, he turned his vessel round and used his IX-iuch guns; the
enemy retreated to Malvern Hill, and again opened fire, when the
Morris moved farther up the river and returned it.

The enemy ceased firing at 5 p. in. No damage was sustained by the
Commodore Morris.

Captain Smith also states that deserters from Hewlett's report that
a battery of eight guns is being mounted in the clearing to the left.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant French, commanding the Wilderness,
reports (verbally) that the Mendota yesterday (16th) engaged a battery
near Deep Bottom, which ranged upon the pontoon bridge, and lost 2
men killed and 0 wounded.

The Commodore Morris was also engaged at the same time with a
battery near Malvern Hill, and received a shell in her magazine, which
passed through 3 barrels of powder, lodging in the shot locker, without
exploding.

The Wilderness was obliged to pass down in the night, the batteries
being still in position. She brought 2 of the wounded to the Norfolk
hospital.

1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading /Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. PEQUOT,

Turkey Bend, James River, July 15, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that at 1: 10 p. in. on the 14th
instant a battery of one gun on Malvern Hill opened tire on this vessel,
the first shot taking off a man's leg and doing some injury to the vessel.
At the time I was unable to return the fire, in consequence of our lying
to the ebb tide. I was therefore obliged to get underway and move up
where the channel was sufficiently wide for me to turn round. In the

* Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 269

meantime several shots were fired at me, all of which struck in close
proximity. After rounding to, I at once proceeded down to a position
\vliere my guns could be used effectively. After tiring a number of
times and eliciting no response, I returned to my anchorage.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer Present, Commanding in James River, Virginia.

U. S. S. COMMODORE MORRIS,
OffHaxalVs Landing, James River, July 15, 1864.
SIR: I most respectfully submit the following report:
At 1 o'clock p. m. yesterday the rebels opened fire on the Commodore
Morris from the direction of Malveru Hill with a masked battery of 20-
pouuder rifles. I immediately got underway, steamed up river a quarter
of a mile to within 1,000 yards of the enemy, and opened fire with the
100-pounder Parrott rifle. Finding the shell from the rifle did not
explode, I turned the vessel around and opened on them with shell
from the IX-inch Dahlgren, firing to where I saw the flash of the
enemy's guns, and soon drove them from their hiding place.

They then retreated to Malvern Hill, from which place they opened
fire on us. I then steamed higher up river, so I could use my 100-
pounder rifle, which I did, only one shell in six from the rifle exploding.
I also used the 30 pounder. At f> p. m. the enemy ceased firing. I then
returned to my anchorage off Haxall's, sustaining no damages.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. G. LEE,

A cting Master, Commanding.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer, James River.

[Telegram.]

FORT MONROE, July 14, 1864 — 9 a. m.

Minnesota sailed yesterday afternoon; the Montgomery and Emma
this morning. The vessels with barges in tow left Baltimore yesterday ;
have not yet arrived. Wind fresh in the bay from eastward. New
Berne passed up the bay at daylight this morning with 400 seamen for
fortifications at Baltimore. Bazely and Unit not yet arrived from navy
yard.

JOHN S. BARNES,
Fleet Captain North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Navy Department.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, U. 8. Navy, regarding measures
for the protection of Annapolis.

TJ. S. S. VICKSBURG,
Annapolis, Md., July 14, 1864.

SIR : Upon my arrival here Wednesday [13th] morning I found all
on shore awaiting anxiously and fearfully the approach of the rebel

270 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

forces, who occupy the junctioii. Of course I was welcomed. I find
the place defended by invalids from the hospital, about 300 in all.
Everybody fearful of the approach by the way of the Severn River. I
placed the Vieksburg above the town to occupy a commanding Hanking
position, and telegraphed you concisely affairs and wants, which tele-
gram I sent by Mr. Hill, the governor's private secretary; he was to
send it from Baltimore. Communication with Washington is cut oft'.
I communicated with Colonel Root, commanding, and find he has a line
of rifle pits ready, with four guns, which he thinks he can defend
successfully against a raiding force.

The steamer Daylight arrived yesterday evening. I stationed her on
the other side of the town, so now the works erected for the protection
of the town can be covered by the guns of the two gunboats. I placed
my light 12 pounder howitzer with crew upon a tug here, and she will
picket up the creek on the line of the rifle pits.

I feel assured we can give the rebels a warm reception and protect
the town.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, transmitting report
of the seizure of small craft in South River.

U. S. S. VlCKSBURG,

Annapolis, Md., July 14, 1864.

SIR: On Wednesday night I sent up the South River and took pos-
session of some scows used for ferrying across that river, also a schooner
and a number of boats. This was done to prevent the rebels crossing
in rear of our line of rifle pits. I enclose the report of Acting Ensign
F. G. Osborn, the officer commanding.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. ViCKSurRG,
Annapolis Harbor, July 14, 1864.

SIR: I beg leave to respectfully report that in obedience to your
orders, in the afternoon of the 13th instant, I took charge of the tug-
bout Grace Titus, manned by an armed crew of ten men, and on which
was mounted a 12-pounder howitzer, fully supplied with ammunition.

I proceeded up South River, about 10 miles from its mouth, landed
with an armed force at Taylors ville, also at a small settlement above,
and at the lower ferry. I also scoured the shores of the river on both
banks in a small boat in search of scows and other craft which might
be used by the enemy in transporting troops. I seized and took in tow
all such scows, boats, vessels, and other means of transportation which
I saw, consisting of the following, and which, in obedience to such
orders, I have brought into this harbor and anchored near this vessel:

The schooner Well Done, commanded by Levi Wilson, and claimed

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 271

to be owned by him. She has no cargo on board except a tierce of
bacon, which the master says belongs to a farmer at Taylorsville.

I have brought the master and his crew of three men down in the
schooner.

Two large scows, or flatboats, also claimed to be owned by Levi Wil-
son; one old scow, or flatboat, said to be owned by Stephen L. Lee,
Taylorsville ; three small boats said to belong to his sous ; one large scow,
or ferryboat, said to belong to John Davis, of the same town ; one scow,
or ferryboat, and two small boats, said to belong to Samuel Duvall, of
Taylorsville, and Colonel Walton, of Annapolis.

I have the pleasure, sir, in being able to report that in obedience to
your instructions, the expedition was conducted with the utmost qui-
etude. My precautions in this respect, combined with the lateness of the
hour, enabled me to perform all my duty and return without the knowl-
edge of anyone up the river.

I am much indebted to Acting Assistant Paymaster Theo. E. Smith
for the able assistance which he rendered me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. G. OSBORN,

Acting Ensign.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRATNE,

Commanding U. S. S. Vicksburg.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1864.

Proceed to Hampton Eoads and report to Acting Kear Admiral Lee.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander JNO. DOWNES, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler, Point Lookout, Md.

Report of the commandant of the navy yard, Washington, regarding the

arrival of vessels.

NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, July 14, 1864.

The gunboat Morse arrived at this yard yesterday evening, and the
Commodore Barney and Mackinaw arrived this morning.
The monitor [sic] Atlanta is off the arsenal.

J. B. MONTGOMERY,

Commandant.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

Immediate.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1864.

Eeturn to Hampton Eoads. There is no necessity of your presence
in the Potomac.
Answer.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.
Acting Eear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

On Board Frigate Minnesota, off Point Lookout.

272 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

POINT LOOKOUT, July 14, 1864.

(Received 11:35 a. m.)

Bear- Admiral Lee proceeded up the Potomac last night at 11 : .30 p. m.
in his flag- steamer Malvern.

JOHN DOWNES,

Commander, etc.
Hon. SECRETARY OF NAVY.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 14, 1864.

The Department disapproves your leaving your station without orders
in an emergency like the present. Return to Hampton Eoads without
anchoring your vessel.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, justify ing his movement,
without orders, for the protection of the capital.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Potomac River, Below Washington, July 14, 1804 — p.m.

SIR: Returning on board this afternoon after having reported my
arrival in person at the Department, I received the Department's tele-
gram of this date informing me that the Department disapproves my
leaving my s*tation without orders in an emergency like the present,
and directing me to return to Hampton Roads without anchoring.

I am deeply concerned at this censure of the Department and beg
leave to state the circumstances which appear to excuse my coming to
assist in the defense of the capital.

It was known that a large rebel force was in Maryland and before
Washington; that our forces had been defeated when attempting to
repel this advance of the enemy; that the important military supplies
at Baltimore and Annapolis had all been embarked ready for removal
beyond the reach of the enemy; that the governors of States were try-
ing to get out the militia for the defense of the national capital; that
the communications had been cut off by the enemy between Washing-
ton, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, and that the telegraph was not work-
ing. The Department's telegram of the 10th instant was not received
by me at Hampton Roads until 6 p. m. of the llth instant.

The defenses of Washington, 30 or 40 miles in length, owing to the
reinforcements sent thence to the Army of the Potomac, were, it was
understood, to depend upon a small garrison mostly of green troops.
This defense had been strengthened by a detachment from the Wash-
ington navy yard, and as represented in the public prints, by a detach-
ment from the New York navy yard also, sent to man the fortifications
around Washington.

1 had just sent a division of this squadron, consisting of four steamers
with heavy batteries, to Washington, one of which was an ironclad.

In James River and Hampton Roads all was quiet. Obstructions
were down in the river and the ironclads and gunboats were watching

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 273

them and protecting, as for two months past, the communications of the
army.

I had done all that was practicable to send cruisers from the roads
after the Florida ; also to dispatch the blockaders which had come in
for coal and repairs to their stations off Wilmington.

I respectfully submit that the emergency appeared to be not there,
but here at the national capital. I did not know until my arrival here
that large reinforcements had come opportunely from New Orleans,
owing to the fortuitous circumstance that the orders for their leaving
found them already embarked for an operation in another direction.

Under these circumstances, but for the disapprobation expressed by
the Department, I should have always felt that I had acted well in the
matter. >/*» •

The Malvern is now underway for Hampton Roads, where the other
vessels from the squadron under my command are returning.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of the commandant of the navy yard, Washington, regarding the
departure of vessels from that station.

NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, July 15, 1864.

The gunboat Morse left the yard at 3 : 15 p. m., and the Commodore
Barney at 3 : 25 p. m. yesterday.
The Atlanta also left the arsenal point at 4 p. m. yesterday.

J. B. MONTGOMERY,

Commandant.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

OFFICE ANNAPOLIS TELEGRAPH Co., July 15, 1864.
Return with the Vicksburg to Hampton Roads, Virginia.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander I). L. BRAINE,

U. S. S. Vicksburg, Annapolis, Md.

[Telegram.]

ANNAPOLIS, July 15, 1864 — 9:35 a. m.

Dispatch received. I sail to-night, leaving the U. IS. S. Daylight
here.

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

N w R — VOL 10 18

274 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Barnes, U. S. Navy, regarding naval
affairs at Hampton Roads and vicinity.

U. S. S. EOANOKE,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 15, 1864.

MY DEAR ADMIRAL: The Cuyler arrived this morning from Point
Lookout, and reports all quiet there. The Minnesota arrived there yes-
terday p. in. Downes says she draws too much water to be of any great
assistance. The Monticello and Mount Vernon arrived at 8 o'clock this
morning. Captain Adams's report* is in your dispatches forwarded by
Mr. Cooper. They saw and heard nothing of the Florida, but passed
two burning wrecks Sunday night. They are now coaling and will be
ready to morrow to start out again in compliance with your directions.
The Fort Jackson also arrived this morning. Captain Sands reports
that he captured the British blockade runner Boston, inward bound,
and that the Gettysburg captured the Little Ada some days since.

I fear that the Mount Washington is having a bad time of it. The
weather ever since she started from Baltimore has been very boisterous
with a heavy sea in the bay.

The Tritonia arrived this morning and reports that the Mount Wash-
ington left before her with the six barges in tow, but that she was not
seen by her. One of the barges, very old and rotten, tilled and went
down. Captain Wiggin cut her adrift, and with difficulty arrived here
with the others; one of them is in a sinking condition. I got her in
the "Hole "and sent a large party to pump her out, but the water
gained upon them and they had just time to get her ashore, where she
now is. We will try to fix her up, so that when the wind goes down
she can be sent up. The other two will go up this evening to Captain
Smith.

The Unit will leave at 2 o'clock for Washington, following an army
tug to Point Lookout, where I have directed her to follow any army
transport bound to Washington.

The Bazely twisted her rudderhead off just as she was starting.
Commodore Livingston writes that he hopes to have her ready
to-morrow; none of the other tugs have come from the yard, except the
Rose, which, under your previous orders, awaits favorable weather to
go to sea to join Admiral Farragut. The tug Juniper arrived just now
from New York, bound to Washington. Through the abominable care-
lessness of her engineers, she this morning, off the light-boat, had her
cylinder head smashed, and she is now being surveyed by Mr. Fithian.
The Poppy has broken down completely, and we have now no tug here
in a serviceable condition, except the Rose, which, as she has just been
put in a condition for her long voyage, I am loath to use. Can we not
keep the Bazely when she comes down? If I do not hear from you,
however, I will send her to you as you have directed.

Captain Sands is coaling and will go to the yard for his guns. I do
not know that they will be of much use to him unless his crew can be
increased; he reports 30 men short of his reduced complement for the
guns now mounted. You know how short we are. Can not the 400
men sent to Baltimore be sent here for distribution when the rebel
raid is over"?

Commodore Livingston writes that there are fears expressed in
Norfolk that Fitzhugh Lee is about to make a raid there and asks for
double enders and ferryboats. We have nothing to send him. The
State of Georgia is there, and he can tow her to a position to flank the

* S»-e Series I, vol. 3, p. 106.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 275

yard. The Santiago de Cuba is also there under orders from you.
There seems to be no ground for apprehensions, save vague rumors.
Captain Trathen, of the Mount Vernon, has returned. Captain
[Lieutenant-Commander] Adams is very ill and will probably go to
the hospital. I have advised Captain Gansevoort to direct Tratheu
to retain his command. There is no news from up the river. The
Wilderness went up this morning with two colliers. We shall want
coal soon. Captain Adams will be telegraphed to day. There is a
good supply up the river, but here the supply is short. These large
vessels take so much that a different supply will be needed if they all
come here for supplies after active cruising. Some arrangement must
be made to supply Point Lookout and Annapolis if we keep vessels
there.

The prisoners captured in the Boston are being examined in accord-
ance with the orders of the Department. Some are citizens of the
United States, and others habitual blockade violators. They will be
released or detained in accordance with rules of the Department. Cap
tain Sands thinks some of them are the M organ raiders, as the Boston
came from Quebec. The Fort Jackson will be ready in four or five
days, but before that time I earnestly h6pe you will have returned.
We hear that the raiders have departed with their plunder and that
Silver Spring was spared, upon which I sincerely congratulate you.
The accumulation of dispatches here and the uncertainty of your
precise whereabouts or intentions have caused us to dispatch Mr.
Cooper with your papers, to go on board the Malvern anywhere in the
river. I have telegraphed you twice yesterday and once to-day the
main points of the situation here.

The Cuyler is here, ready for any emergency.

Hoping soon to see you, I am, admiral, very truly and respectfully,
yours,

JOHN S. BARNES,

Fleet Captain..

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Washington, D G.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 15, 1864 — 4 p. m.

Can not the 400 seamen sent to Baltimore by the New Berne be
transferred to this squadron when their services are no longer needed
there? They are urgently needed here, many vessels having but half
their complement and being unable to man their batteries.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Nickels, U. S. Navy, commanding
U. S. 8. Cherokee, regarding the striking of that vessel upon a wreck.

U. S. S. CHEROKEE, July 15, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that on the night of the 13th, at 10: 50 o'clock
we struck what we supposed to be the wreck of the Feterhoff, the Mound
light bearing by compass N. i W., and Bald Head light S. W. 3 w.

276 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The shock was sufficiently severe to awaken most on board, but we
do not know of any damages.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. NICKELS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Comdg. U. 8. 8. Cherokee.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE.

[Endorsement.]

Will instruct captain to send Cherokee to be docked at Norfolk if
any disability is discovered making this proper.

S. P. LEE.

Report of Commander Nichols, U. 8. Navy, regarding an engagement with
Confederate battery below Four Mile Creek.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River, July 16, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that about 7 o'clock this morning a rebel bat-
tery opened tire on this vessel and General Foster's camp. The ship
moored head and stern, I could bring but one gun to bear. Slipped
and dropped down, opening fire with all the guns as they would bear.
The rebels have not fired now for over an hour; whether driven oft' by
our guns or not I can not say. The battery is located in the edge of
the wood, below Four Mile Creek, in a very commanding position. I
regret having to report the following casualties from the bursting of a
rebel 20-pounder shell, which came through the bulwarks among the
crew of No. 1 gun: Four men severely wounded (one since dead, and
two others doubtful); two men and one officer slightly wounded. I
have directed the captain of the Wilderness not to pass down until
night, and I shall detain the Hydrangea below the bridge, sending
anything she may have for you across the point to my tug.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,
Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Comdg. U. 8. 8. Onondaga, Senior Officer, James River.

Litt of casualties on board U. S. S. Mendota by shell from rebel battery, July 16, 1864.

Thomas Kennedy, landsman; dangerously; since dead.
William F. Pottle, ordinary seaman ; dangerously in leg and groin ;
can not recover.

Charles W. Taylor, quarter gunner; dangerously in head; doubtful.
Hugh Walsh, landsman; severely in leg; doing well.
Patrick Flaherty, landsman; slightly in finger and leg; doing well.
Otto Eichberg, landsman; slightly in chest; doing well.
Acting Master's Mate McDonald; slightly in leg; on duty.
Very respectfully,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 277

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report of engagement
•with Confederate battery on Malvern Hill, July 16, 1864.

TL S. IRONCLAD ONONDAGA,

On Picket below Barricade, James River, July 16, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to enclose a report* from Commander Nichols,
of the Mendota, stationed oft' Four Mile Creek, m relation to the tem-
porary interruption of the navigation on the river, with accompanying
list of casualties on board that vessel.

1 have ordered the Agawam from Aiken's Lauding to assist in dis-
lodging the enemy, and have restricted all communicatiou about that
point by unarmed vessels until nightfall.

The Pequot was fired upon yesterday from a one-gun battery, 20-
pounder Sawyer, near Malvern Hill, the shell striking her, mortally
wounding one man and doing some slight damage to the vessel.

I enclose herewith a communication from Lieutenant-Commander
Quackeubush, giving the particulars of an engagement with the ene-
my's battery at Malvern Hill to day.

General Butler telegraphed this afternoon that the communication
for Mr. Mallory, at Richmond, has been sent and that his flag of truce
has not yet returned.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,

Captain and Senior Officer in James River.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. PEQUOT,
James River, Virginia, July 16, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to inform you that at 9 : 25 a. m. to-day the
battery of one gun on Malvern Hill opened fire on this vessel.

I at once got underway and proceeded down the river to a position
abreast of the battery and fired at it with all the effective guns on port
side. Although our firing, as well as that of the Commodore Morris,
was remarkably good, our shells falling and exploding at and about the
battery, yet the means which the enemy had of safely secreting them-
selves rendered our firing abortive.

Two of their shot struck this vessel; one carrying away an iron
stanchion on the forecastle and the other splintering the maintopmast.

One shot or shell passed through the magazine of the Commodore
Morris in close proximity to two men therein engaged, splintering two
barrels containing powder without causing further injury. At 3 p. m.
1 returned to a position some 400 yards above my usual anchorage, find-
ing it useless to expend more ammunition without obtaining a satisfac-
tory result. I enclose herewith an account of the ammunition used
during the time I was engaged in endeavoring to silence the battery
previously mentioned.

Since writing the above, another gun has been placed in position on
Malvern Hill, and I have also discovered another mark of the enemy's
shot on the foregaff.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Lieutenant Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer Present, Comdg. U. S. Naval Fleet in James River.

* See preceding.

278 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

TJ. S. S. COMMODORE MORRIS,

Off HaxalTf Landing, July 18, 1864.
SIR: I most respectfully submit the following report:
At 10 o'clock a. in. OH Saturday, July 16, in compliance with a signal
from the TJ. S. gunboat Pequot, I lifted my anchor and steamed up river to
the Pequoi, which was then being fired on by the enemy with a 12-pouuder
Whitworth rifle from the top of Malvern Hill. They also fired on the
Morris on the way up river, the shot going over and beyond. I imme-
diately opened fire on the enemy with shell from IX-inch Dahlgreu gun,
and 100-pouuder Parrott rifle, also 30-pounder rifle, with a range of 200
yards, the enemy having greatly the advantage, as he would fire and
then change his position. At 1 o'clock p. m. I was running short of
ammunition. I was advised by Commander Quackeubush to go down
to the TJ. S. S. Sassacus and borrow some ammunition, which I did. After
which I returned to my station. In the engagement the Morris was
struck once by a 12-pound rifle shot; the shot entered the side 1 foot
above the water line, passed through the sail room, tearingup the scuttle
and coamings of the after magazine, passed through 2 barrels powder
and lodged in the magazine passage.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. G. LEE,

Acting Master, Commanding.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer, James River.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy,
for the temporary restriction of navigation in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 16, 1864.

SIR: You will allow no vessels to pass up or down until after dark
until it has been ascertained that the enemy have been removed or dis
lodged. If you get sight of the enemy again you will of course open
fire upon them and endeavor to disperse them. I regret that I have
not another steamer to send to assist you.
Very respectfully, etc.,

M. SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Commander E. T. NICHOLS,

Commanding U. S. S. Mendota.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Deicey, U. S. Navy, io
proceed to Four Mile Creek for the purpose of dislodging the enemy.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 16, 1864.

^ SIR: You will immediately proceed with the Agawam to Four Mile
Creek and report to Commander Nichols for the purpose of assisting
him in dislodging the enemy, who have a battery in position near the
edge of the woods in that vicinity.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 279

You will return to your station after it becomes dark and take up
your position as before in the morning.
Very respectfully, etc.,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Lieutenant GEORGE DEWEY,

Commanding pro tempore U. 8. 8. Agaicam.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of cotton

picked up at sea.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Off Craney Island, Virginia, July 16, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report to you that on the 30th of June and
on the 7th of July, 1864, I found adrift upon the ocean a quantity of
cotton, loose and in bales, which was picked up by this vessel under
my command, amounting to 4 bales, 3 large bags, 143 smaller bags,
and 6 small bags of damaged cotton, which I have brought into port
and sent to the judge of the United States district court at Philadel-
phia for adjudication.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington City, D. C.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Devens, U. S. Navy, regarding

cotton picked up at sea.

U. S. S. ARIES,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 16, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully report that on my passage up I picked up
82 bales of cotton in latitude 34° 10' N., longitude 76° 25' W., on the
13th and 14th day of July.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD F. DEVENS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding telegraphic

communication.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, July 17, 1864.

SIR: I enclose a note* received yesterday from the manager of the
military telegraph line at Fortress Monroe, which will explain the

* Not found.

280 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

delay in the receipt of the dispatches referred to, and the uncertainty
of telegraphic communication by this line, the originals having been
lost overboard from the tug at Cherrystone; copies were sent at 8:30
a. m. yesterday (16th). Two of the dispatches were addressed to the
Department, dated 2:30 and 4 p. m. of 15th. Mr. Sheldon informs me
that the tug for Cherrystone leaves Fortress Monroe with dispatches at
the following hours: 2, 8, and 11 a. m. and 2 and 10 p. m.
Telegrams are also sent by the regular Baltimore mail boat at 5 p. m.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June [July] 17, 1864.
Proceed immediately with the U. S. 8. Mackinaw to Hampton Koads.

G. V. Fox,

[Acting] Secretary of Navy.
Commander J. C. BEAUMONT,

Commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, Navy Yard, Washington.

Instructions of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Quackenbush, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in the James River.

U. S. 8. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 17, 1864.

Snt: You will return to your former anchorage, as it appears to be
a better position than the one you now occupy. Open fire upon any
point where you consider they are erecting batteries, and shell any
building calculated to screen an enemy. If the mouth of the creek
above you can be obstructed, it had better be done immediately. Prvt-
ceed to City Point and fill up your ammunition and return to your
station without delay. Direct the Commodore Morris to get underway
and patrol the river from her station to a short distance above yours.
Very respectfully, etc.,

MELANCTON SMITH,
jtain and Senior Officer in James River.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding U. S. S. Pequot.

Report of Commander Almy, U. 8. Navy, regarding the cruise of the

U. S. S. Connecticut.

U. S. S. CONNECTICUT,
Hampton Roads, July 17, 1864.

SIR: Herewith I transmit the abstract log* of this steamer under
my command, during the late oftshore cruise from June 25 to July 17
instant.

* Omitted as not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 281

It will be seen that upon this cruise the Connecticut has chased three
different blockade runners, viz, June 28, July 6, and July 11, but they
were all unsuccessful, as they proved to be too fast for the Connecticut.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN J. ALMY,

Commander.
Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

"HAMPTON ROADS, July 17, 1864—9:15 p. m.

(Received 6 a. m., 18th.)

Connecticut arrived this afternoon. Her battery is eight guns of VIII-
inch, one 100-pounder and two 30-pounder Parrotts.

Shall she now be sent to New York for repairs as directed by Depart-
ment on 1st instant?

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

[Endorsement.]

Cruise ten to fifteen days for the Florida from Chesapeake to the
northeast, then go into Boston for final repairs.

[W.J
Commander J. J. ALMY,

U. S. S. Connecticut.

[Telegram.]

WASHINGTON, July 18, 1864 — 10 p. m.

It is stated by refugees to the senior military officer at Point Lookout
that Lieutenant Wood and 800 men have left Richmond for Wilmington
to take two armed vessels and attempt the release of their prisoners at
Point Lookout. The naval force at that point is sufficient to defeat any
such attempt, but the mouth of the Chesapeake should be guarded night
and day for the present by tugs, with the Fort Jackson within signal
distance, and if you deem it advisable you can increase her battery.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Graham, U. S.
Army, regarding the strengthening of picket guard at Cox's farm.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 18, 1864.

GENERAL: I herewith enclose a communication* from Captain J. W.
Sanderson in relation to the effective force available for picket duty at

* Not found.

282 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

this place; and as it is very desirable to strengthen the picket guard at
Cox's farm in close proximity to the small wooden gunboats, tugs, and
coal vessels, I would respectfully urge that an additional force may be
sent him if they can be spared from the naval brigade.

Lieutenant Chambers, the bearer, will explain more fully the necessity
for this detail.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Brigadier-General CHARLES K. GRAHAM,

Commanding Naval Brigade.

Order of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Dewey, U. S. Navy,

regarding a search for torpedoes placed by the Confederates in James

River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 18, 1864.

SIR: I have just received information that torpedoes have been
placed in the James Biver — one in the Swash and one in the main
channel of Harrison's Bar, and one in the vicinity of Wilcox's Wharf.

You will proceed to the point designated in the Agairam and make
thorough search for them, communicating with Acting Master [It. G.j
Lee, of the Commodore Morris, on your way down, and ascertain if any
measures have been taken by him to ascertain their locality. If proper
measures have been inaugurated for raising them, which shall, from
the information, appear to be satisfactory, you will return to your day
station and proceed to Aiken's Landing to-night.

It is thought that you can place the Agaicam in a position to protect
your boats while dragging, and it is presumed that a sufficient army
force can be procured at City Point to laud and search for the torpedo
connections. I send you below a memorandum this moment received
from refugees. Benjamin Koach, who resides at Charles City Court-
House, states that on the 15th two 6-horse wagons, loaded with three
torpedoes about the size of a hogshead, fitted with wires for explosion,
and two pontoon boats for placing them, went past his house to place
their torpedoes on Harrison's Bar.

On the 16th Delaware Clark, private, of Charles City Cavalry, told
his sister one had been planted in the Swash and one in the main
channel on Harrison's Bar.

Also understands that a party went down to plant torpedoes in the
channel at Wilcox's Landing or Wharf.

I send Benjamin Roach to you, who thinks that he can point out to
you the position of the torpedoes and the locality of the operations.

I will have your awnings surveyed as soon as you return to Dutch Gap.
Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Lieutenant GEORGE DEWEY,

Commanding U. S. S. Agawam.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 283

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding Confederate operations

in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
On Picket, Below Barricade, James River, July 18, 1864.

SIR: Major-General Butler sent last night at 12 o'clock to inform me
that there was a probability of a combined attack from the enemy on
the river, but without communicating from which direction it might be
looked for, or any other particulars.

The necessary steps were taken to prevent our vessels from being
surprised, -and the ironclads were ready for any service where they
might be wanted. This morning at 4 o'clock rapid firing from musketry
was heard in the vicinity of Hewlett's, but the occasion of it has not
transpired.

Two refugees sent up this morning from the Commodore Morris report
that at Malvern Hill are Hampton's Legion and Gary's Mounted
Infantry, say from 3,000 to 4,000 men, guarding that point, and to do
what damage they can to the gunboats. That a battery of light artil-
lery, 12 pieces, moves up and down the river firing upon the gunboats,
and is the same that fired upon the Pequot&nd Mendota. Also that on the
15th two six-horse wagons passed, having two torpedoes, 1,000 pounds
of powder each, fitted with electric wires and battery, and two pontoon
boats for planting them, in charge of J. U. Parker, of the Navy, and
that on the 16th his sister was told by a private of the Charles City
Cavalry they had been placed, one on the Swash and one in the main
channel at Harrison's Bar, and say that Lee has gone from the south
side, leaving Longstreet and Beauregard there, and that a force has
gone with him, some think into the valley and others to assist John-
ston in Georgia. The above particulars have been communicated to
General Butler.

I have sent the Agaicam to make a search for the torpedoes, and the
party giving the information, who thinks he can point out their position
and the locality of the operators, also goes in the Agaicam.

The movement of the rebel force from Cox's farm to Malvern Hill
and the report that a battery has been placed at Wilcox's Wharf, taken
in connection with the torpedo party, would seem to explain the com-
bined attack referred to by Major General Butler.

General Butler informs me, in answer to information I communicated
this morning, that Captain [Amaya L.j Fitch, of the armed transport
Reno, captured 12 torpedoes yesterday, which were all that could be
found at Harrison's Bar. He requests, however, that I will send down
and drag in that vicinity. The Agawam was sent this morning for that
purpose.

The Mount Washington has arrived with five canal boats for the
obstructions, but without suitable anchors or chains, but I maybe able
to procure them from the ordnance vessel at City Point.

Will more vessels be purchased to supply the places of the eight lost
on their passage here? Or shall I arrange these without reference to
the number first proposed?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANOTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

284 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Bear -Admiral Lee, U. 8.

Navy, expressing disapproval of Ms movement, without orders, to Wash-
ington, I). C.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 19, 1864.

SIR : I have your dispatch of July 14, No. 416, stating the reasons
which induced you to leave your station and proceed to Washington,
not only without permission, but contrary to the telegraphic order of
the Department of July 10, directing you to remain at Hampton Roads.

Your reasons for the course pursued are not satisfactory. Washing-
ton was menaced, possibly in some danger, but the principal object of
the rebels was undoubtedly to create a panic, and by withdrawing our
forces or a portion of them, to raise the siege of Petersburg. Lieu tenant-
General Grant seems to have understood the object and was immov-
able, but the naval commander, yielding to the panic that was created,
and listening to the exaggerated and groundless rumors that were put
afloat, left his station and proceeded to the capital, where neither him-
self nor his dispatch vessel could be of any service under any circum-
stance, while his absence from his post in a great emergency might
have compromised the action and efficiency of the squadron intrusted
to him and brought disaster upon the country.

There was telegraphic communication to Point Lookout, and thence
to Hampton Roads is but some hours. The wishes of the Department
had been explicitly expressed, and those should have governed you
rather than the sensational rumors and exaggerated statements that
were put in circulation, many of them for mischievous purposes, and
with a design of inducing our officers to leave their posts and withdraw
our forces. When you reached Point Lookout you were in instant com-
munication with the Department, but without an enquiry by telegraph
you hastened on to Washington.

Your course in this matter is not approved. Fortunately no immedi-
ate bad results, other than the example, have followed. To stand firm
in such an exigency is important, and I regret that the rebels, or the
rumors, should have moved you at such a time or led you to leave your
post.

The blockade just now requires your vigilant attention, and you will,
as early as you deem your presence can be spared from the roads, visit
Wilmington and the different points under your command.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.]

HAMPTON ROADS, July 19, 1864 — 4 p. m.

(Received 6:50 a. m., 20th.)

Telegram received. Santiago de Cuba, Monticello, and Cohasset sent
to mouth of Chesapeake Bay until Fort Jackson is repaired.

y. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 285

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN, July 19, 1864 — £ p. m.

At least 2,000 men are needed to fill the complements of the vessels of
this squadron. Many of them are lamentably short of their complement.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding matters per-
taining to the general interests of his command.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 19, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed (1) a copy of my instructions of July 18, to
Captain O. S. Glisson, assigning him to duty as divisional officer for the
blockade of New Inlet entrance, etc., accompanied by (2) a list of ves-
sels assigned to the division. 1 issued a similar order of the same date
to Captain B. F. Sands, and enclose (3) a list of the vessels assigned to
his division.

Both officers are now here. Captain Glisson will leave as soon as the
gale is over. A scarcity of coal and light nights and the new arrange-
ments which I have been making under the recent prize law, and the
Department's order of 2d instant for promoting the efficiency of the
blockade, and the present gale of wind have caused and will cause a
few days necessary and proper detention of the Santiago de Cuba and
some others of the blockaders. The Fort Jackson is coaling and is
detained under the Department's order, but, as Captain Sands is divi-
sional officer, I respectfully suggest that the Department allow the Fort
Jackson to be dispatched when ready for sea.

I regret to say that neither the Santiago de Cuba nor the Fort Jackson
can pass the bar at Beaufort for coal and other supplies. It is very
desirable that the divisional officers should either be immediately off
the bars at Wilmington, or not longer and further absent than to take
in the supplies at Beaufort, which is the depot for supplying the block-
aders off Wilmington, except the few whose draft does not permit them
to cross the bar there.

As the army had sunk obstructions (on June 15) in the James Eiver,
and was detained besieging Petersburg, there seemed no probability of
an early movement toward Richmond.

I therefore, on June 21, recalled Captain Smith from the sounds to
resume his command on board the Onondaga.

On his arrival I left him in charge of the James Eiver division, and
came down the river to look after squadron matters in this vicinity,
and especially in connection with the blockade of Wilmington. There
was then quite a number of outside blockaders and others vessels of
the squadron here for supplies or repairs or both, and others expected
for similar purposes. The recent raids, especially that of the Florida
on the coast, of which I had notice on the 10th instant, caused some
unavoidable delay in dispatching the blockaders to their stations, as
some of them were sent in pursuit of the Florida.

The recent arrival of Captains Glisson and Sands, senior officers on
outside blockade duty, the instructions of the Department of the 2d

286 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

and 10th iustant, and the receipt of the recent prize law have induced
and enabled me to make the arrangements shown by the enclosed
orders, to promote the efficiency of the blockade of Wilmington which
has become somewhat impaired during my protracted occupation in
James River, in part by the want of permanent senior officers oft' the bars,
and especially in view of the fact that the rebel Government, which
has taken charge of the blockade-running interest, has established
lights to the two entrances to Wilmington and encouraged or procured
the use of a number of very superior steamers for the purpose of run-
ning the blockade. In a few days most of tbe blockaders now here
may be profitably dispatched to their stations. I anticipate good
1 results from the recent arrangements, but it would be much better if
the division officers had commands which could enter Beaufort, as their
occasional presence there would doubtless give dispatch to the supply
and temporary repairing of their vessels at that point. My earnest
attention during my detention here, required by the Department's dis-
patch of the 10th iustant, has better and sooner promoted the efficiency
of the blockade than if I had gone direct from James River to that
point.

I respectfully propose, unless otherwise instructed by the Depart-
ment, when the blockaders shall have left to return up James River,
look at the situation there and confer with General Grant, when I shall
know whether my presence is most needed there or off Wilmington,
and act accordingly.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 18, 1864.

SIR: You are hereby assigned to the command of the division of this
squadron detailed for the duty of blockading New Inlet entrance of
Cape Fear River and the adjacent inlets to the northward, composed of
the enclosed list of vessels, viz (A).

Use every effort to make this part of the blockade as effective as possible
with the means at your command, guided by the squadron instructions
when not inconsistent with this order.

The main object is to keep a close and effective blockade of New Inlet,
which will require your immediate and personal supervision when not
necessarily absent for supplies. For the purpose of capturing such
blockade runners as may have eluded the inner blockading line, or who
may be approaching the coast for the purpose of violating it, you are
authorized to station not exceeding two-fifths of the number of the
vessels which are now or may hereafter be assigned to this division to
cruise .offshore on an outer line of blockade included between a line
drawn from Cape Fear, touching Cape Lookout Shoals, and a southeast-
by-south line bearing from Cape Fear at such a distance as will inter-
cept the run of a fast steamer coming out of the inlet at half flood tide,
making 12 or 13 knots an hour till daylight. The arc between the
above lines of bearing is to be divided equally between the number of
vessels assigned to this duty.

The necessary distance from New Inlet depends on the interval of
time between half flood tide on the bar and daylight, multiplied by the
speed of the vessel running out. It is, therefore, a variable distance,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 287

which should be shown on an accurate table for each night, calculated
for a mouth in advance. The table* should show the time of high water
on the bar, the rising and setting of the sun, and the rising or setting
of the moon at night. Each outside cruising block ader should be kept
in good trim for chasing, and when chasing, officers and men are not
to crowd forward.

Be particular that no unnecessary chasing is done, and no unneces-
sary expenditure of fuel made. Try so to arrange the expenditure of
fuel that the coaling may be done in the lightest time of the moon, and
that the blockade may be in its fullest strength during the dark nights.

Each vessel must carry her complement of ammunition, but the other
supplies may be judiciously diminished so as not [to] impair her speed
unnecessarily.

Prepare duplicate prize lists in case of capture, giving the name and
official designation of the officer commanding the squadron, the fleet
captain, and the senior officer commanding the division to which the
vessel is attached, sending the original in your report to the Depart-
ment and the duplicate in your report to me.

.Report particulars of the capture, destruction, or escape of each
blockade runner chased, and send me a semimonthly abstract of the log
of each blockader, which should be intelligently and neatly kept.

The number of vessels on the immediate blockade of the bar neces-
sary for an effective blockade must always be kept in preference to
outside cruising.

Much of the efficiency of the blockade will depend on the zeal and
attention of the divisional officer, and the Navy Department requires
that this important part of the blockade should be most faithfully kept.
Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, Divisional Officer off New Inlet, N. C.

A. — Blockaders of Neio Inlet Division.

Santiago de Cuba. Governor Buckingham. Howquah.

State of Georgia. Mercedita. Britannia.

Keystone State. Kansas. Victoria.

Quaker City. Alabama. Gettysburg.

Grand Gulf. Niphon. Daylight.
Monticello.

Slockaders of Western Bar Division.

Fort Jackson. Vicksburg. Banshee.

Florida. Cambridge. Fort Donelson.

E. E. Cuyler. Emma. Violet.

Calypso. Maratanza. Aries.

Nereus. Montgomery. Cherokee.
Mount Vernon.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.
Navy, enjoining vigilance against possible attack of raiders under
Lieutenant Wood, C. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 19, 1864.

SIR: The Department and the commanding officer of the Minnesota
advise me to-day by telegraph, dated 18th instant, that refugees report

288 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

that Lieutenant Wood, of the rebel Navy, left Richmond for Wilming-
ton on the 7th or 8th instant with 800 sailors to man two armed blockade
runners and attempt the release of the prisoners at Point Lookout.

It may be that these raiders will make an attack on the blockading
vessels off Wilmington, and great vigilance is therefore necessary.
Respectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

U. 8. 8. Fort Jackson, Divisional Officer off Western Bar.

P. S. — The Violet is torpedo- fitted, and leaves in the morning, accom-
panied by the Mount Vernon, for Western Bar. See the orders to the
commanding officer of the Violet and the enclosed printed directions*
about torpedoes, of which he has a copy.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign 8toth-
ard, U. 8. Navy, for the transportation of a torpedo to the Western
Bar Inlet.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 19, 1864.

SIR : Apply to Commander Lynch for a torpedo and necessary fuzes,
and when obtained proceed in company with the Mount Vernon to the
blockade off Western Bar and report to the senior officer there present
for duty.

The enclosed copy of confidential instructions shows the great care
necessary in handling the torpedo and its fuzes. It is not to be shipped
until you have occasion to use it, which will be only on a rebel ironclad
or other men-of-war making an attack on the blockade.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Ensign THOS. STOTHARD,

Commanding U. 8. Tug Violet.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Trathen, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Mount Vernon,
to proceed to blockade duty off Wilmington, N. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 19, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Mount Vernon under your command, in com-
pany with the Violet (under moderate steam to economize fuel), to
Western Bar, off Wilmington, and report to the senior officer there pres-
ent for duty on the blockade of the bar.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, JAS. TRATHEN,

Commanding U. 8. S. Mount Vernon.

* See p. 293.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ' 289

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Downes,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. R. R. Cuyler, to proceed to blockade
duty off Wilmington, N. G.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 19, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the R. R. Cuyler under your command (under
moderate steam to save fuel) to Western Bar, off Wilmington, and in
the absence of Captain Sands report to the senior officer present for
duty and deliver to him the enclosed communication.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander JNO. DOWNES,

Commanding U. 8. 8. R. R. Cuyler.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Glisson,
U. 8. Navy, to protect the entrance to Chesapeake Kay against possible
attack of raiders under Commander Wood, C. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, July 19, 1864.

SIR: The Department informs me by telegraph of 18th that refugees
state that Lieutenant Wood with 800 men have left Richmond for Wil-
mington to take two armed vessels and attempt the release of the pris-
oners at Point Lookout. The commanding officer of the Minnesota
sends me the same information by telegraph of same date (both received
to-day), stating that it is reported that these sailors left Richmond on
the 7th or 8th.

You will proceed with the Santiago de Cuba, Monticello, and Cohasset
to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, which you will guard until
relieved by the Fort Jackson, when you will proceed direct to your
station off New Inlet with the Santiago de Cuba and Monticello. Send
me any necessary information in the meantime by the Cohasset.

These raiders may design an attack on the blockaders off the bars;
great vigilance will therefore be required.

The Fahkee will bring coal from Beaufort to supply the smaller ves-
sels off each bar.

Add the Cherokee to the list of blockaders off New Inlet, accidentally
omitted.

Send the Victoria and Howquah separately, when they can be spared
(awaiting the return of the first sent), to be fitted with torpedoes.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, Divisional Officer off New Inlet.

N W R — VOL 10 19

290 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding various matters pertain-
ing to his command.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Below Barricade, James River, July 20, 1864.
SIR. I herewith enclose a copy of a letter* to the honorable Secretary
of the Navy, the only communication forwarded direct since your sup
posed departure for the blockade. I much regret that it had not your
endorsement as that would probably have insured the object desired.

In relation to the supply of vegetables mentioned in your letter of the
18th instant, I would state that a very moderate quantity was obtained
on the 7th instant from the sanitary tugboat, but it was not understood
as being a donation from any particular source.

The papers called for in your letter with a report t received to-day
from Acting Master Lee, detailing his cooperation with the steamer
Pequot in the engagement of the 16th instant, are herewith forwarded.
The barricade was strengthened last night by the sinking of the five
hulks, and a sketch with all other particulars will be transmitted by
the next opportunity.

Lieutenant Dewey, of the Agawam, has made a thorough search for
the torpedoes at Harrison's Bar, landing the marines and dragging the
channel, but nothing was discovered.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. »S\
Navy, regarding obstructions for Trent's Reach Bar.

HAMPTON ROADS, July 20, 1864.

SIR: Your No. 56, of 18th instant, is received.

You have already received five of the twelve barges ordered by the
Department for the purpose of being sunk on Trent's Reach Bar. Of
the twelve that left Baltimore, three sunk on the way and two immedi-
ately 011 arrival here. One was taken back to Baltimore in tow of the
Cactus, disabled, and one is still here and will be sent to you. You
will thus have six and probably seven altogether. If this number
shall prove insufficient, notify me and I will endeavor to procure more.
If sufficient, distribute and sink them as you judge best.

I have sent the Mount Washington to the navy yard for old chain
cable, which, if procured, will be sent to you.

I send the ShoJcokon to be stationed in the vicinity of Harrison's Bar
and Wilcox's Wharf, with directions to her commanding officer to
report by letter to you and in person to Commander Glitz on arrival.

Whenever a gunboat attack is made on the enemy's field batteries it
should be made in sufficient strength to silence them with the least loss
to us.

The dispatch of Mr. Merriam from General Foster's headquarters,
published in the Herald of the 19th, informs the enemy of the injury

* Not necessary to publish. t See p. 278.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 291

done by their firing to the gunboats at Deep Bottom. Such precau-
tions should be taken, as you and Commander Nichols can take, and as
you can induce General Foster or the military authorities to observe,
ito prevent these injurious publications.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer, James River.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Dewey, U. 8. Navy,
commanding U. 8. S. Agawam, to proceed to Four Mile Creelc.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, July 20, 1864.

SIB : So soon as you have finished coaling, proceed with the Agawam
and report to Commander Nichols, who will assign you a station in the
vicinity of Four Mile Creek, for the protection of a working party
belonging to General Foster's command.
Very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Lieutenant GEORGE DEWEY,

Commanding pro tempore U. S. S. Agawam.

Report of Commander Glitz, U. S. Navy, transmitting request from Brig-
adier-General Weitzel, U. S. Army, in relation to Wilcox's Wharf.

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Off City Point, James River, July 20, 1861.

SIR: I herewith enclose you a telegram from Brigadier-General G.
Weitzel, U. S. Army.
The request has been attended to.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. B. GLITZ,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer present, Comdg. U. S. Ironclad Onondaga.

[Enclosure. — Telegram.]

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL BUTLER, July 17, 1864.
The commanding general directs me to request you to keep all naval
vessels away from Wilcox's Wharf until further orders, unless our
transports are fired into. This request is made because lie is prepar-
ing an expedition to capture the whole rebel force there.

G. WEITZEL,
Brigadier- General and Acting Chief of Staff.

Commander J. B. M. GLITZ,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Osceola.

292 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Actiny Ensign Chad
wick, U. 8. Navy, commanding If. 8. S. Harcourt, to proceed to duty
at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay.

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, July 20, 1864.

SIR : Proceed iii the Harcourt under your command and report to
the senior officer at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay for duty as dispatch
boat at that point. A watch officer will be temporarily attached to
your vessel from the vessel of the senior officer there when necessary.
When the duty at that point is over, you will proceed to Yorktown and
report to Lieutenant Commander Babcock, commanding U. S. S. Morse,
commanding the Seventh Division of the North Atlantic Blockading
Squadron, for duty in that division.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Aetg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Ensign J. A. CHADWIOK,

Commanding Tug Harcourt.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Garjield, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Banshee.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 20, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the Banshee under your command to the blockade
of Western Bar, oft' Wilmington, and report to Captain B. F. Sands,
commanding the Second Division, or in his absence to the senior officer
there present for duty of the blockade of that bar.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. H. GARKIELD,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Banshee.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Braine, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Vicksburg.

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, July 20, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the Vicksburg under your command to Western
Bar and report to Captain Sands, divisional officer, for duty.

When the tugs Glance. Belle, Hoyt, and Martin are ready give them
convoy to Hatteras Inlet.

The Nansemond will accompany you on her way to Beaufort.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Vicksburg.

P. S. — Proceed with the Nansemond and the tugs, which are not yet
ready.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 293

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Macomb,
r. 8. Navy, regarding torpedo boats and torpedoes, with instructions for
their use.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 20, 1864.

SIR : I send you the tug Bazely for general use, and the tugs Belle,
Martin, and Hoyt, appropriately fitted for torpedo boats; two torpedoes
are sent with each, making six in all. Enclosed are six copies of con-
fidential instructions in regard to their use.

The VicJcsburg, Lieutenant-Commander Braine, will convoy them to
Hatteras Inlet. Make such changes in their officers, especially in those
of the torpedo boats, as you may find necessary to promote their effici-
ency, reporting the changes so made, and in other cases also.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Shamrock, Neic Berne, N. C.

P. S. — Great care will be necessary to keep these (especially torpedo
boats) tugs in an efficient state. It is therefore important to ascertain
that their engineers and firemen are competent and careful. Do not
allow the torpedo boats to be hacked by tug duty.

S. P. LEE.

[Enclosure.]
Description of torpedo and its mode of action.

This form of torpedo is intended to explode on impact, and to be
placed on a pole or rod projecting not less than 15 feet, and if possible
20 feet, beyond the vessel using it. It contains 150 pounds of powder.

It is fitted with four fuzes projecting 6 inches from the anterior
extremity at different angles. The fuze is composed of a glass tube
filled with sulphuric acid and then hermetically sealed, inserted in a
leaden pipe, and surrounded by a mixture of two parts of chlorate of
potash and one part of loaf sugar by weight, mixed with twice its bulk
of dry sawdust. Bending the pipe breaks the tube and causes the
explosion in about two tenths of a second. The object of the sawdust
is simply by its mechanical interposition to temper off the violence of
the explosion and cause a rush of flame into the torpedo without burst-
ing the tube. If it is too quick or too slow it is very easy to tear off
the cap, remove the tube, and sift out or add more sawdust.

Chlorate of potash and loaf sugar in the above-mentioned proportions,
without any tempering substance, explodes with extreme violence,
like fulminate, on being touched with acid.

They are made very delicate, and the fuzes must be handled with
care, whether in or out of the torpedo. A gutta-percha washer is placed
under the head of the fuze and the screw top to the filling hole, but it
is advisable to lute the joints with red lead or beeswax.

The fuzes are quite delicate, requiring an effort equal to 30 pounds
suspended from the extremity to break the tube and cause the ex-
plosion. Experiments have been made which show their certainty of
action.

Too much care can not be used in handling the torpedo after the
fuzes are placed, whether loaded or not.

294 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The fuzes should be kept in a place out of the sun, and on no account
to be placed in the magazine. It is impossible to make these fuzes
quick and certain without a corresponding increase of danger from
handling.

Order of Acting Hear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Macomb,
U. 8. Navy, assigning him to command in the Sounds of North Carolina.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 20, 1864.

SIR: You are hereby assigned to duty as divisional officer in com-
mand of the division of the squadron in the sounds of North Carolina,
which will be numbered 3 and consist of the following vessels:

Shamrock. Mattabesett. Chicopee.

Tacony. Wyalusing. Louisiana.

Commodore Hull. Valley City. Ceres.

Whitehead. Hetzel. Lockwood.

Renshaw. Granite. Albemarle.

Tug Glance and torpedo boats Belle, Martin, and Hoyt. Miami has
bee:: ordered here.

Respectfully yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding U. S. S. Shamrock,

Divisional Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Truxtun, II. S. Navy, regarding the
safety of the U. S. S. Valley City.

U. S. S. TACONY,
New Berne, July 20, 1864.

SIR: The Louisiana returned last night, reporting the Valley City all
safe. She also reports that the cavalry force in the vicinity of Wash-
ington, [N. C.],has been greatly increased, and that the Valley City has
been employed shelling them for the past day or two, which no doubt
gave rise to the report of her destruction.

The boilers of the Commodore Hull are entirely gone. They are said
to be in such a condition that it will be impossible to get up steam in
them. I have, at the request of the captain, ordered a survey, the
result of which I will send you as soon as it is made out.

Refugees report that torpedoes have been placed in the river below
Washington, N. C.

The continued wet weather has prevented my finishing the decks,
but I still think I shall be able to leave here by Tuesday. I wish you
would be kind enough to inform me if you desire me [to] wait the
arrival of a relief, or if I shall leave as soon as ready. With the great
number of u lame ducks" now here, there should be one good vessel to
look out for them.

Very respectfully, your obedient,

W. T. TRUXTUN,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 295

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding cooperative expeditions.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1864.

SIR: Your dispatch (No. 409) of the llth instant, with enclosures
relative to the joint army and naval expedition fitted out for the pur-
pose of cutting the Wilmington and Weldon Eailroad, but which failed
in the attempt, has been received.

While the Department is gratified at the manner in which the expe-
dition was conducted, it prefers that the blockade should first be
attended to before any cooperating or inland movements are under-
taken.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Hear- Admiral 8. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

/Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1864.

Send the Fort Jackson to the blockade. When did the Connecticut
leave in obedience to last order?

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1864.
Send the Connecticut directly to Boston.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Eear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton. Roads.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Gushing,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monticello.

HAMPTON EOADS, July 21, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the Monticello under your command, now ready
for sea, to the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, and report for duty to (Jap-
tain O. S. Glissou, U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, senior officer there present.
Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant W. B. OUSHING,

U. S. S. Monticello.

296 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the withdrawal of ironclads from James River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 22, 1864.

SIR: You will inform this Department whether any of the ironclads
attached to your command can be withdrawn, having due regard to the
exigencies of the public service within the limits of your command;
whether they are absolutely essential to the holding possession of James
Eiver or other waters of Virginia, and whether the military forces can
maintain their positions in Virginia, assisted and protected by wooden
vessels only, in case the ironclads should be withdrawn, or with the
assistance and protection of wooden vessels and a portion of the iron-
clads. Answers to these questions and such other information bearing
upon the subjects of enquiry as your judgment may dictate can be fur-
nished at your leisure.

The opinion of Lieutenant-General Grant upon the points indicated
would be valuable, and the Department would be gratified if you could
obtain it.

Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S, P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to the Chief of the
Bureau of Ordnance, forwarding description of floating torpedo cap-
tured at Cox's farm.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 22, 1864.

SIR: I enclose a description and drawing received from Captain
Smith of the torpedo designed to float and explode by clockwork, cap-
tured at Cox's farm, above Dutch Gap, on the night of the 12th instant.
Commander Lynch will forward this torpedo to the Bureau by the
first opportunity ; also two boxes of powder with the marks of the rebel
arsenals on them, which were captured at the same time, and were
intended for loading the torpedo.

Captain Smith thinks that the design of the rebels was to put this
afloat from the left bank below the obstructions to blow up a monitor.
Besides a boom and a hawser with a net I kept a picket on that bank
and picket boats above and below the monitors to prevent any such
attempt. .

Very respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear- Admiral.
Commander H. A. WISE,

Bureau Ordnance.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting a survey of

Trent's Reach.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 22, 1864.

SIR: I enclose a recent survey* by Sub- Assistant Bradford, of the
Coast Survey (attached to my staff by the indulgence of Superintendent

* See report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, September 16, 1864.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 297

Bache), of Trent's Reach, showing the depth of water on the bar in that
reach just before the army obstructions were sunk, the position of these
vessels, and the position of the torpedoes, boom, hawser, and network
put down by ine.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. S.
Navy, regarding the obstructions in James River.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 22, 1864.

SIR : Please inform me if any more canal barges are needed to com-
plete the obstructions, also whether the boom stretched entirely across
the river. If it does not, I think it advisable to continue it close over
to the bank, making it so that a section can be swung aside for a pas-
sage way. The boom should be arranged for moving it to another
position when the monitors, etc., change their position. When another
movement is made, the hawser and net will also be removed and
replaced.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Officer up James River.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Commander
Nichols, U. S. Navy, and information received from a deserter.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Relow the Barricade, James River, July 22, 1864.
SIR : I have ordered the Sholcokon to Turkey Bend until the army
has made the demonstration referred to in the telegraphic dispatch
sent you yesterday, after which she will take her station at Harrison's
Bar, anchoring oft' Wilcox's Wharf occasionally.

I enclose herewith a letter from Commander Nichols, of this date,
with a statement of a deserter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. MEND»TA,
James River, July 22, 1864.

SIR: I send up a deserter, who came in to the pickets of the Hunch-
back this morning. I send also the copy of a report from the command-
ing ofticer of the Hunchback. The deserter appears to be intelligent,

298 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

bat I have not been able to gain any more information from him than
is contained in the letter of Mr. Valentine. Colonel Hill has been out
all the morning, and is still out, but sends word that the army is too
strong for him to maintain the position, and he will have to fall back.
There has been some lively skirmishing along his lines. I send the
ShoJcokon up to you according to your wish, as expressed by Mr. Cush-
man this morning. The Sangus has done but little firing, as I wished to
spare her guns and ammunition, but what she has done has been well
done, as is suid by the officer on shore. If not incompatible with your
views, I think, on account of the operations at present going on here,
it would be well to allow the Saugus to remain here until the additional
troops expected are here, and the disputed territory secured to our use
instead of the enemy's. Her moral influence is considerable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH,

Comdg. U. 8. 8. Onondaga and Senior Officer James River.

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. S. HUNCHBACK,
James River, Virginia, July 22, 1864.

DEAR SIR : A deserter has Just come into our pickets, and I send him
to you. He says he belongs to the Hampton Legion of cavalry; also
that there are about 2,000 troops back of us. He says that your shell-
ing on Saturday last dismounted one gun, and they immediately vacated
the premises and went to Malvern Hill and opened on the Morris and
Pequot; also that they have three fieldpieces in the woods back of us,
and five at Turkey Bend.

1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. K. VALENTINE,
Acting Ensign, Commanding.
Commander E. T. NICHOLS,

U. 8. 8. Mendota, James River, Virginia.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 22, 1864 — 5 p. m.

Have dispatched Connecticut directly to Boston, agreeably to tele-
graphic order of 21st. After sending telegram of this date, received
Bureau's letter stating that men would be sent by New Berne.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear -Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, trans-
mitting information regarding the sale of supplies to Confederate agents
for the use of the army.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a letter from
Commander W. H. Macomb, senior officer in the sounds of North Caro-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 299

lina, relative to the manner iu which large quantities of bacon and
other supplies are sent from Norfolk and sold to rebel agents at the
southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal for the supply of the rebel
army.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding affairs in sounds

of North Carolina.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, July 22, 1864.

SIR: By reports received from Edenton yesterday I learn that the
rebels have got their floating battery ready and have sent up the river
to tow it down to Plymouth; and also that they have raised the South-
Jield and intend fitting her out.

It is also reported that they are constructing another (the third)

ironclad ram at Halifax, which will be ready for service by September.

There is also a report that Bragg has marched from Weldon with

15,000 troops — they say for New Berne. It is possible that they may

be intended to reinforce Johnston at Atlanta.

These rumors are not confined to Edenton, but the same reports exist
in other counties.

A reconnoitering party has been sent up to learn more about the
Southfteld.

Bacon and other articles are still being supplied to the rebel army
from Norfolk by way of the Dismal Swamp Canal and South Mills.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the sinking of five oarges

in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Below the Barricade, James Ricer, July 23, 1864.
SIR: I enclose herewith an accurate sketch of the position of the
hulks at the barricade, obtained from measurement, which alters very
materially the supposed security of the position.

I would therefore recommend that three barges be sent, and one
larger vessel for the channel, where there is a space of 05 feet, and 14
feet water.

*******

Very respectfully, etc.,

MELANCTON SMITH,

Captain and Senior Officer in James River.
Acting Kear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

300 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Roe, U.S.
Navy, declining to acton certain recommendations for promotion.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 23, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of the 25th ultimo, addressed to Acting Rear-
Adiniral Lee and recommending to notice Samuel Gordon, coxswain,
Peter Kelly, seaman, and Peter Hoyt, seaman, for gallantry in the
engagement of May 5, 18(>4, has been referred to the Department.

You are informed that no recommendations for promotion will be
acted upon that were not made at the time of the report of the
engagement.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander F. A. ROE, U. S. Navy,

Comdg. U. S. S. Sassacus, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding the obstructions in the

James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Beloic the Barricade, James River, July 23, 1864.
SIR : I think that two more barges, one to be placed alongside the
wreck in the south channel and the other at the termination of the
7-foot line of soundings, for the purpose of securing the boom, will be
sufficent to render the obstructions as secure as could be desired, and
the boom can then be so arranged to allow the passage of boats if
necessary.

Four more anchors of 400 pounds each will be required for two ves-
sels now here and the two to be sent. All the kedges of less than 700
pounds that were on board of the ordnance vessel have been expended.
A deserter reports that Hewlett's Battery will be completed on the
26th, when they intend to open fire upon the gunboats and drive them
out of this reach [Trent's].

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer in James River.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Ensign Rogers, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. Hydrangea.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 23, 18C>1.

SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Hydrangea under your command off
Charleston, S. C., and report to Rear- Admiral Dahlgreu.

If your promotion to the grade of acting master is recommended by
Rear- Admiral Dahlgren, it will be made.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Ensign C. W. ROGERS,

Commanding U. S. S. Hydrangea, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 301

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Glisson,
U. 8. Navy, regarding complaints received by the Department of the
inefficiency of the blockade of Wilmington.

HAMPTON EOADS, VIRGINIA, July 23, 1864.

SIR : The Department lias sent me a dispatch from the U. S. consul
at Liverpool, received at the State Department, referring to matters
connected with the blockade, in which the writer states that he is con-
stantly told that many vessels succeed in violating the blockade because
the blockaders do not fire on them, being anxious to secure prizes and
unwilling to run the risk of sinking or injuring these vessels, and that
if our cruisers would jadopt the course of firing into them it would almost
break up the business.

This he gives as report merely, but adds, " It is a little remarkable
that so few of these frail vessels have been destroyed by shot and shell.
I do not remember to have seen where any of the crews of these vessels
running the blockade have been killed by our guns."

The first object of the blockade is to weaken the enemy by preventing
his cruisers from going out or in, cutting off his supplies from abroad
and preventing his sending cotton out, which is the sole means of sus-
taining his credit abroad. If the enemy's supply vessels are kept from
entering or leaving Wilmington or run ashore by them in the attempt
to pass the blockade, this object is accomplished. It is plain that the
important part of the blockade is that of the inlets. The object of
having outside cruisers is to capture those swift vessels who may, under
favor of very dark nights, very thick weather, or superior speed, elude
the blockaders off the bar running out, or who maybe approaching the
coast for the purpose of running*in under cover of night.

Great complaints are made to the Department as to the inefficiency
of the blockade of Wilmington. I trust that your appointment as senior
officer, and the care and vigilance which you will exercise, will restore
the efficiency of the blockade of New Inlet, to which you will give your
constant personal attention.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Divisional Officer, New Inlet.

[Same to Captain Sands, divisional officer, off Western Bar.]

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, denying assertions made
regarding the inefficiency of the blockade of Wilmington.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 24, 1864.

SIR : I return to the Department the dispatch No. 308, from the U. S.
consul at Liverpool, relating to not firing on blockade runners.

I believe that there is no foundation in fact for these assertions and
inferences, and refer to the enclosed extracts from abstract logs in sup-
port of this belief. The class of small vessels referred to pass the
blockaders under cover of darkness, and at a speed which, even if they
were seen, would make it almost impossible to fire on them with effect.

302 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

These facts are not sufficiently taken into consideration by persons
ignorant of the situation, who, judging only from the result that a num-
ber of low, swift, light-colored steamers succeed in violating the block-
ade, infer that they do so through the neglect of proper measures on
the part of the blockaders.

1 will call the attention of the divisional officers off Wilmington to
the statements above referred to, and direct reports to be made in rela-
tion to the matter, which will be forwarded to the Department when
received, and I would respectfully suggest that, as this charge has been
made officially, it should be denied officially through the proper channels.

The enclosed extracts, containing minute information respecting the
positions of the blockading force, are designed only for the information
of the Navy Department.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, responding to the Depart-
ment's enquiry regarding the withdrawal of ironclads from the waters of
Virginia.

Confidential.] FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Hampton Roads, July 24, 1864.

SIR: The Department's dispatch of 22d instant received to-day asks
my opinion as to the withdrawal of the ironclads from James Kiver, and
suggests that I obtain General Grant's opinion on the same subject.

1 have directed the Fort Jackson, Captain Sands (reported ready for
sea to-day), to leave this afternoon for the Western Bar division of the
Wilmington blockade, and have directed Captain Glisson, commanding-
New Inlet division of the same blockade, to return from the mouth of
Chesapeake Bay, fill up with coal, and proceed to his station.

I am now under the Department's orders to proceed off Wilmington as
soon as practicable. I received authentic intelligence this morning that
General Grant would make an important movement in a few days. The
Department's instructions of July 2, directing me to consult with Gen-
eral Grant before leaving the river, were not received until my arrival at
Hampton Eoads, and I have since had no opportunity for personal con-
sultation with him. I propose, if the Department should approve it by
telegraph, which could reach me by Tuesday, to go up the river and
confer with him before going down the coast, both as to this movement
and as to his opinion about the withdrawal of the ironclads; and I
desire, if the movement requires naval cooperation, to be present when
it is made.

The new arrangement respecting divisional officers will, I think, admit
of my deferring my visit to Wilmington, in view of the proposed army
movement.

1 respectfully request an early reply by telegraph.

1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 303

Report of Acting Master Foster, U. 8. Navy, regarding measures employed
in view of the possible appearance of the C. 8. ram Albemarle.

TJ. S. S. CERES,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, July 24, 1864.
SIR: I have been informed by Mr. E. J. Johnson that the commander
of the ram is inclined to slip out some dark night and (if possible) cap-
ture our picket boats. I think the only sure method of preventing him
from coming out on a dark night without our knowledge is to station a
boat at the mouth of the river with a light so arranged that it can be
seen by us only; when answered by the vessels the boat to make her
way to a place of safety. We are then certain that the ram can not get
between us and the" fleet unobserved. Acting upon this idea, I sent a
boat into the mouth of the river last night. Will you please signify
whether this step meets with your approval or not ?
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. FOSTER,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 25, 1864.

When the Juniata reaches Hampton Roads, where she is to remain
unless some sudden emergency arises, you can send oft' the Santiago de
Cuba. The Connecticut, being required for service, is not to have her
crew or ofticers reduced. Four hundred men go to you by the Kensing-
ton. Send the Roanoke to Point Lookout, then withdraw the Minnesota.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of
Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding measures to prevent the
erection of Confederate battery at Deep Bottom, James River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 25, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed reports received to-day from Captain Smith,
showing the situation at Deep Bottom, where the enemy appear to be
erecting a battery which would interfere with" our communications. I
suppose that the Army will be able to prevent the accoinplishmentof this.
Enclosures: 1, July 21, Commander Nichols, Mendota, reporting the
capture of a lieutenant and four privates engaged in erecting this bat-
tery, and the capture of the position ; 2, from same, same date, later,
reporting that a brigade of the enemy having advanced, our force
retired; 3, July 23, from, same, reporting the operations of our trooos as
not altogether successful, some ground having been lost.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Nary.

304 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River , July 21, 1864.

SIR: Unusual noise having been heard last night in the direction of
the place from which the battery opened on this vessel on the L6th
instant, a scouting party was sent out this morning to see what was
going on. The officer in charge reported that the enemy were engaged
in erecting a permanent earthwork for a battery. A prisoner was cap
tured by the scouting party, but he would give no information. At I
p. m. General Foster sent across the creek a portion of the Eleventh
Maine Regiment to endeavor to capture the position and hold it. Up
to this time, 5 p. m., I have heard nothing from them, and presume they
will wait for darkness. I trust that our forces may [succeed in 'their
object, for a permanent battery there would prove a very ugly and
uncomfortable customer.

This morning I dropped a hundred yards or more below my usual
position while taking in coal, and directed the Ayaicam to drop down
and take my place while so engaged. She will resume her place in the
morning if nothing happens to prevent.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Officer of Naval Forces, James River.

P. S. — 6 p. m. : Some scattering musketry has been heard in the direc-
tion of our troops that are out, but I know not the cause.
Respectfully,

B. T. NICHOLS.

P. S. No. 2. — 6 : 30 p. m. : Lieutenant Dewey has just come from Gen
eral Foster's headquarters and informs me that the enemy's position has
been captured by our troops ; also a lieutenant and four privates. They
were erecting a battery.

E. T. N.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River, July 21, [1864] — 11 p. m.

SIR : Since my letter of this evening affairs have taken such a change
that 1 feel justified in at once making it known to you. I learn from
the colonel who captured the position this afternoon that he has been
compelled to fall back from it by a superior force and that the enemy
again occupy it with an entire brigade and are probably working upon
their battery. The colonel does not anticipate an attack to-night, and
we will try to shell them at daylight, though from present appearances
we shall have a foggy morning. General Foster has but about 2,()()u
men altogether, so it is impossible for him to reinforce \ 'olouel Hill as
he ought to be. If the Hydrangea comes down in the morning I would
suggest that she come before daylight.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 305

[Endorsement.]

JULY 22—1 o'clock.

Communication just received. Have ordered the fihokokon up, and
if they open fire in the morning shall send the Sangus down.
Respectfully,

M. SMITH.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River, July 23, 1864.

SIR: I send up two prisoners belonging to Company G, Thirty-
seventh Regiment North Carolina. They were captured by the pickets
of the Hunchback this afternoon. They do not seem disposed to give
any information. The operations of our troops to-day have not been
so successful as they were yesterday and the day before. They have
not been able to advance to the position of the battery, and in fact have
been obliged to yield some of the ground occupied by them this morn-
ing. I am in hopes that with the help of the new troops we shall be
able to hold and occupy the debatable ground. The new troops, or a
portion of them, will cross this evening. Our men have been skirmish-
ing briskly all day. Casualties, so far as I have heard, 2 killed and 4
or 5 wounded. The enemy have shown a stronger force to day and
better men than before. The shelling by this vessel and the Saugus
has been of great service, I am told. I shall have to send down by
the Hydrangea in the morning for ammunition to make good my
expenditure. If our assistance is required tomorrow, 1 shall call the
Agawam below the upper bridge to render it, and give my men and
officers a rest.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander.

Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Wiggin, U. IS. Navy, to proceed to the West Gulf Squadron
in command of tugs.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, July 25, 1864.

SIR: Choosing favorable weather, proceed with the Tritonia, Rose,
Althea, and Pink to West Gulf Blockading Squadron, reporting on
arrival to Rear Admiral Farragut.

Have a general supervision over the tugs, keep them together, and
take every precaution against accident of any kind, and deliver them
in the best possible condition.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant GEO. WIGGIN,

U. S. S. Tritonia.

N W R — VOL 10 20

306 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report ofrecon
noissance near Plymouth, N. C., July 25, 1864.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, August 1, 1864.

SIR: I enclose the report of a reconnoissauce by Acting Master's
Mate John Woodman, of the U. S. 8. Ceres.

The man Henry Hatch, whom he mentions as lost, has since been
picked up by boats sent for that purpose.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. 1*. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. CERES,
Albemarle Sound, July 26, 1864.

SIR : Having been ordered by yourself to proceed toward Plymouth on
a reconnoissauce, I left this vessel on the 25th instant at 12:30 a. in. in
the cutter with a crew of three men. I lauded on the swamp opposite
Plymouth on the Middle River. I came out opposite to where the
Southjield lies. I found her in about the same condition as when she
was sunk by the ram, though her hurricane deck appeared to be about
3 feet higher out of the water than when 1 saw her in May last, when
on a previous reconnoissauce. Her smokestack, lookout ladder, and
forward pilot house were standing.

There was an iron barge of about 500 or GOO tons on her starboard
side and a schooner of 150 or 200 tons on her port side. I could see
no purchase rigging on these vessels for raising the Soutlifield, neither
were there any persons at work on her, though it was nearly 10 o'clock
in the morning. I then proceeded up the river till 1 came abreast of
the ram lying at the wharf near the steam sawmill. I could observe
110 one at work on her. I saw the quartermaster on the top of the
casemate house, who was the only person 1 saw on her.

The towu appeared very quiet; very few persons were moving about;
I could hear the blacksmiths and carpenters at work in the town near
the river.

I could not perceive any alterations in the fortifications about the
town, as it was very hazy, and the grass and foliage were rank and
thick.

I am very sorry to report that Henry Hatch, who accompanied me
across the island, either lost his way or was captured. 1 gave him
orders to follow me closely. When I obtained a position opposite the
ram, I turned to ask him for my glass and I missed him. I waited
there for half an hour, and as he did not join me, I thought he had
returned to the boat. I returned then and found him not there. I
waited four hours for him, and as he did not appear, and I felt very
unwell, I started to return to the vessel. I left two days' rations for
him, with a message where to wait till we came for him.

My reason for taking Hatch with me was that I was very unwell,
and afraid of breaking down on the trip, and I thought I might require
assistance to enable me to return.

I am, sir, etc., JNO. WOODMAN,

Acting Master's Mate.

Captain [H. H.J FOSTER,

Of the Geres.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 307

[ Telegram. 1

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 26, 1864.

The consul at Halifax, [Nova Scotia], telegraphs that Lieutenant Kell
and several of the crew of the Alabama left there on last steamer for
Bermuda, with intention to run blockade at Wilmington and procure
a vessel in place of the Alabama.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 26, 1864.

In reference to dispatch 446, confidential, you can visit General
Grant as proposed. It is not anticipated that you can be required to
remain, but if there is a naval engagement to take place, remain.
Orders of to day move your headquarters to Beaufort.

GIDEON WELLES,

/Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding the divisions of his command.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 26, 1864.

SIR: The Department approves the establishment of two divisions
of your squadron for blockade purposes. Two more are required to
render it efficient — one for James Eiver and the other for the sounds of
North Carolina.

Let Captain Melaucton Smith command the James Eiver division,
with his headquarters up and down the river as required. The Minne-
sota to remain in the roads and attend to the current business of that
point, under Captain Smith's supervision. On the arrival of the Roa-
noke at Point Lookout she will be considered as on special service and
detached from your command.

Hereafter the headquarters of the North Atlantic Blockading Squad-
ron will be Beaufort, N. C., and you will visit Hampton Eoads only
when the public emergency requires it, giving your principal attention
to the blockade, which has latterly become very inefficient.

Eecominend to the Department such directions as to leaves of absence
and other matters connected witli the vessels which go to the Norfolk
navy yard as you consider necessary to be given to Commodore Living-
ston, and let your departure for the blockade be as early as practicable.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Eear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

308 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to the commandant
navy yard, Norfolk, regarding the forwarding of the india-rubber boat.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Norfolk Navy Yard, July 26, 1864.

COMMODORE: I send to the Brandyicine an india-rubber boat packed
in a box, and request tbat it may be kept on board that vessel (in a dry,
cool place) and held subject to the requisition of Lieutenant W. J3.
Gushing, commanding Monticello.
Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Gomdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commodore J. W. LIVINGSTON,

Commandant Navy Yard, Norfolk.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Nary, regarding orders issued
to certain vessels of his command.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 26, 1864.

SIR: The Department's telegram of 25th instant was received at 6
this a. m., and I have given orders as therein directed for the Roanoke
to relieve the Minnesota at Point Lookout, the latter then to return
here.

The Santiago de Cuba will be dispatched to her station off New Inlet
when she has finished coaling.

I am here hastening the departure of the tugs for the sounds, with
which there has been constantly recurring trouble.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Ridgely, U. 8.
Navy, commanding U. S. S. Shenandoah, to proceed to Wilmington, N. G.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Norfolk Navy Yard, July 26, 1864.

SIR: The Department by telegram received this morning revokes the
order for the Shenandoah to cruise. You will, therefore, when you have
completed coaling, proceed under easy steam (carry canvas as much as
practicable) to report for duty to Captain O. S. Glisson, commanding
the first division of the blockade off Wilmington.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain D. B. KIDGELY,

Commanding U. S. S. Shenandoah.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 309

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Gushing,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U, S. 8. Monticello.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Norfolk Navy Yard, July 26, 1864.

SIR: Proceed to Washington and report in person to the Navy
Department, referring to my No. 395 of 9th instant.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant W. B. OUSHING,

Commanding Z7. S. S. Monticello.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith, U. 8. Navy, of having
passed, off the Florida coast, a monitor in tow of the U. S. S. Eutaw.

U. S. S. BERMUDA,
Navy Yard, Philadelphia, July 27, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that on the 20th

instant at 1 p. m., I passed the U. S. S. Eutaw with a single- turreted

monitor in tow, 10 miles S. S. W. of Carysfort light-house; the wind at

the time was east and fresh and the weather fine.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SMITH,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 27, 1864.

SIR: Upon the arrival of the Roanoke at Point Lookout, you will
proceed to Hampton Roads and report to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee
for duty.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Lieutenant Commander J. H. UPSHUR, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. S. Minnesota, Point Lookout, Md.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding the obstructing of James River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 27, 1864.

SIR: Captain Smith reports,* under date of 23d instant, that on
examination and measurement he finds that more vessels are neces-
sary to make the obstructions secure, and recommends that three

* See date.

310 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

barges be sent and one larger vessel for the channel, where there is, he
states, a space of 05 feet with 14 feet of water. 1 enclose his report ( 1 ) ;
the sketch mentioned appearing inaccurate, 1 sent Sub Assistant Brad-
ford, TJ. S. Coast Survey, to-day to examine the locality and make a
correct sketch.

I enclose also Captain Smith's report* of the 20th instant (2) of the
sinking of the five barges sent him, enclosing a sketch of their posi-
tions.

As one barge has reached Captain Smith since the date of his
report, but two in addition appear to be needed besides the larger ves
sel to sink in the channel to complete the obstructions, as required by
the Department, unless Mr. Bradford's report, which will be sent to
the Department when received, should show a necessity for more.

Captain Smith reports in another dispatch of 23d instant that
deserters state that the battery at Hewlett's would be completed on
the 26th instant; would then open on the gunboats and endeavor to
drive them out of the reach [Trent's].

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Master Sheldon, If. S. Navy, regarding engagements
with the enemy at Turkey Bend, James River.

TJ. S. S. SIIOKOKON,
Turkey Bend, James River, July 37, 1864.

SIR,: I would respectfully submit the following report:

Yesterday morning, 2Gth, about 10 o'clock, our pickets on shore were
attacked by a small party of rebel sharpshooters. I opened on them
from the ship with our starboard battery. They fell back a short dis-
tance to a ravine which sheltered them from our fire. 1 then sent a
force of 10 men, in charge of Acting Ensign P. C. Assersonand Acting
Master's Mate 6. W. Lane, to attack them in the rear and cut them off
if possible by landing some distance below them. They discovering
our intentions, fell back to the edge of the woods, crossing Turkey
Creek before our men could come up with them, they returning our fire.
Owing to the bad condition of our Enfield rifles, we were not able to
do them any material damage, but succeeded in driving them from our
immediate vicinity.

We had one man wounded, but not very severely. Mr. Asserson
and Mr. Lane fulfilled the duty assigned them in a very creditable
manner.

This morning, July 27, at 0:30, an engagement commenced between
our forces and the enemy on the north side of the river. 1 immedi-
ately sent Acting Master S. P. Crafts on shore with Acting Master's
Mate G. W. Lane to ascertain, if possible, the situation and position of
the enemy. They soon ascertained their position to be at the edge of
the woods, about 2,500 yards distant. Opened fire with both 30
pounder Parrott guns, got the exact range the second fire, continued
shelling them for about half an hour, when the rebel battery stopped

* See date.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 311

firing, our shells flanking them. I afterwards learned from one of the
officers engaged in the action on shore that our shells fell directly
inside their works, killing and wounding several, and causing a great
deal of confusion, also preventing them from using their guns on our
forces, and finally [forcing them] to leave their works.

The officers of the divisions deserve credit for their accurate and
rapid firing; also the officers of the powder divisions for keeping a
supply of ammunition ready for use. Both officers and men used their
best efforts to inflict as much damage on the enemy as possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. SHELDON,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer, Commanding James River.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Ensign Porter,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Nansemond, to proceed to Hatteras
Inlet, towing tugs.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 27, 1864.

SIR: Proceed in company with the Monticello, towing the tugs Hoyt,
Martin, Belle, and Bazely to Hatteras Inlet, where you will deliver the
tugs to Commander Macomb, divisional officer, and then proceed to
report to the commandant of the Beaufort naval station agreeably
to your orders of 8th instant.

Pilot Thomson, of the Young Rover, who is acquainted with the
Swash Channel, Cape Hatteras, through which you should go with the
tugs, will accompany you and return to his vessel after their delivery.
Bespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Ensign J. H. PORTER,

U. 8. 8. Nansemond.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. 8. Navy, suggesting a system for catch-
ing blockade runners.

Unofficial.] U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,

At Sea, July 27, 1864.

DEAR ADMIRAL: I am now on my way to Beaufort for repairs, after
an absence of only three days, including the day we left. I regret to
say that the Keystone is falling off rapidly in her speed owing to want
of extensive repairs. We had just given her twelve days' repairs in
Beaufort, but even that proved inadequate. Our present repairs will
require about two days, when I hope to be off again for the rest of this
moon.

The boilers are getting very bad, not trustworthy in chase or bad
weather. They have given out four times since leaving Norfolk. Yes-
terday they gave out in chase, also to-day, and lost both vessels in con-
sequence, though we picked up yesterday 02 bales of cotton, the result
of our work; to-day we get nothing.

312

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

To-day, within the space of half an hour, we saw four blockade run-
ners; three were in sight at the same time and all within a circuit of
10 miles.

The first chase of five or six hours carried me up to the other three,
when our port boiler gave out. With one boiler I then steamed toward
another vessel lying still, but he immediately got up steam and ran oft'
south ; the third did the same and the fourth stood to the north. Find-
ing it necessary to return for repairs, we kept him company under one
boiler. In the meantime a temporary patch was put on and we chased
him oft' for the night. Although not successful in catching any I have
found their rendezvous and their course both in and out of Wilmington,
which seems to be a rule observed by them all. I will send you a chart
showing all of my chases within the last two months, sixteen in all, and
you will see the course they take. From my experience I feel satisfied
that by a certain system we can catch their fastest vessels, and during
the rainy season will catch one almost daily. The system is this: Take
eight or ten vessels and place them in the form of the letter V with apex
toward Wilmington for the inward-bounders and the reverse for the
outward-bound vessels. I will make a sketch, with explanations, and
hope you will approve of it, or let it be tested, as it seems to me the

'•No.5.

No. 4.

60 *~mit.

No.8^\

yJLi

\£

*fc.^\\.
\^

i£

//M.No.3.

No.lO.^\

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i

/JLyo.2.

only way the vessels of our speed can manage to do anything with them.
When we catch some of their smartest vessels we can add them to our
list. During the sixteen chases only two were participated in by our
other cruisers.

Naturally enough, I have wished for a faster vessel, for I am satisfied
we could have made many captures. At present it is aggravating to
see them escape so regularly. I believe 14 knots would take the most
of them.

The blockade runners very seldom make black smoke except when
chased; they are almost always reported as sails, and only make smoke
as we near them. I will make a sketch on the other page of the man-
ner I think we might entrap them.

This plan is for ten vessels. No. 6 to lay E. S. E. from Frying Pan
Shoals ; Nos. 5 and 7, 30 miles each side of No. 6, and in a N. E. and
S. W. direction. No. 1 lays on the E. S. E. line, the other vessels to lay
between Nos. 1 and 5 and 1 and 7, 10 miles distant. No. 6 will lay far
enough off to allow 11 knots an hour from the commencement of the
dark night, say from 8 p. m. to 4 a. m., 88 miles, and the other vessels
to act accordingly. No. (5 will always allow the chase to get to the east-
ward of her before chasing, then drive her toward the No. 1 station.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 313

An hour after daylight Nos. 5 and 7 will run toward one another and
half an hour after that 4 and 8 will run toward one another. Nos. 1, 2,
and 10 will run toward Xo. 6, and in this way any vessel within their
lines would be captured; for the inward-bounder the plan will be
reversed.

ffo.6.

Ko.S.

No. 4.

The position for inward-bound vessels to be taken according to the
rising or setting of the moon, or according to the location they will
occupy at noon previous to running in.

I can see no other plan for catching the fast vessels, as they can out-
run us, and I have given my experience and ideas on the subject for
your consideration.

I am, very truly, yours,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.
A ctiug Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

P. S. — I have not given the advantages in detail of this plan, as I
think they will suggest themselves to you when your attention is drawn
to the system proposed.

Should we conclude to make the experiment, the senior officer of the
party ought to take his station at sundown for the coming morning
and all the vessels accordingly, with instructions to each one to make
the same allowance for current and wind — the current varying much,
according to the direction and force of the wind.

With this plan vessels will be better able to preserve their stations,
as their chases will almost always be short ones, and little coal
expended. At present, from experience, I find it exceedingly difficult
after a chase to get my position before the following afternoon, thereby
losing one night. Then again, all the cotton thrown overboard will be
picked up by our cruisers instead of losing it or merchant vessels
getting it.

I have spoken of this plan to four or five of our commanders and
they have all expressed their strong belief in its success, particularly
with the experience I have had, and hoped that I would lay it before
you. I feel so sanguine about it that I am exceedingly anxious to see
it tried, for I think many of those blockade runners flaunting their
secesh flags in our faces would see themselves entrapped, and Mr.
Maffitt with the Lilian humbled.

Our repairs will detain us until Sunday, I am sorry to say, but as I
hear yon are expected here daily I may have the pleasure of seeing
you and explaining better my ideas on the subject.
Yours, very truly,

PEIRCE CROSBY.

314 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding
U. S. S. Alabama, regarding the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. ALABAMA,
Lat. 33° 10' N., Long. 76° 45' W., July 27, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report:

Last evening at 8 p. m. I anchored in 5| fathoms, just to southward
of station No. 6, off Old Inlet Bar. At 10 p. in. rockets were observed
to the westward, followed by a succession of guns among the squadron
on the other stations between that hour and midnight (the time of
moon's rising).

At 12:20 a.m. a steamer was discovered to the eastward crossing
the moon's glim, running out along the edge of the shoal. The night
being very calm, I had previously heard her paddles, with an increas-
ing sound, approaching. As soon as I made her out distinctly I slipped,
fired a rocket, and steamed ahead S. by E., to endeavor to keep the run-
ner close to the shoal till I had a trial of speed with him, but 1 lost
sight of him before we obtained much headway. I at once trimmed
ship for a chase by running the guns all in, lowering all the boats below
the batteries and dousing all wind sails. At 1 p. ra. found the wake of
the runner crossing my course to the S. S. W. I steered by it and hove
the log four several times in succession, three casts giving 13 knots 6
fathoms, and the fourth 13 knots 4 fathoms. The log line had been
carefully marked and measured and the glass timed both before and
after. At 1 : 30 a. in. lost sight oi the vessel's wake, having overrun his
turning point, but judging he would haul to the eastward around the
shoal, 1 hauled to S. S. E. At 2 a. m. I hauled up southeast and ran on
that course till daylight, making about 13 knots. At 4 : 30 p. m. sighted
the steamer's smoke bearing S. E. by S. and at daylight found him
hull out about 8 miles off. 'Jhe chase then commenced in earnest
and I found he was very fast, yet we appeared to draw on him in
the increasing light. About 5: 30 he hauled to the eastward across my
bow. I hauled up also to head him off and soon after discovered
another vessel to the S. S. E. in chase, but she soon dropped astern.
The runner then turned his stern to us and ran to the eastward. I
kept the chase up till 8: 30 a. in., in hopes some of our offshore cruisers
would be found on his track to head him oft', but finding then that he
was leaving us, I was compelled to give up the chase for want of coal.
Finding myself by observation on the meridian of Beaufort, I shaped
my course for that place.

Commander Clary, the senior officer present off the bar, intended
that I should leave therefor Beaufort this evening for a supply of coal,
but the chase leading me to a point quite as near Beaufort as the bar,
I deem it proper (and hope you will approve of it) to make my way
with all speed to that port, as I am now reduced to 15 tons of coal in
the bunkers.

The steamer I chased is a very long, low, side-wheel vessel, with two
smokestacks and two masts.

I have no hesitation in pronouncing her a 14-knot vessel. While it
was calm, the Alabama, could keep way with her, but a breeze springing
up from the southward at 8 a. m. it gave his fires draft, and the moment
he turned head to the wind, his speed increased amazingly.
I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

FRANK SMITH,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 315

Order of the Secretary of the Navy 1o Lieutenant Gushing, U. 8. Navy, to
proceed to Neic York for the purchase of india-rubber boat.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 28, 1864.

SIR: Proceed to New York and report to Rear- Admiral Gregory,
who will assist you in the purchase of a suitable tug and india-rubber
boat.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant WM. B. GUSHING, U. S. Navy,

U. 8. 8. Monticello, Present.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, requesting a change of

flagship,

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully request that a man-of-war-built steamer, with
efficient steam and battery power, may be allowed as flagship to this
squadron.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the departure
of steam tugs for the West Gulf Squadron.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR: The stcain tugs Tritonia, Pink, Althea, and Rose left this harbor
on the 20th instant in company, under orders to report to Rear- Admiral
Farragut, commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. These ves-
sels, having been in service during the operations in James River, were
repaired and overhauled carefully at the Norfolk yard, and previous to
their departure the Althea and Rose were each fitted with the torpedo
arrangement and furnished with three torpedoes each, which I judged
would be acceptable to Admiral Farragut.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. S.
Navy, assigning him to duty as divisional officer in James River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR: You are hereby assigned to duty as divisional officer in com-
mand of the division of this squadron in James River, which will

316 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

consist of the following vessels, viz: Onondaga, Saugns, Delaware,
torpedo boats (tugs) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6; Mendota, Hunchback, tiassacus. Com-
modore Perry, Canonicus, Stepping Stones, Atlanta, Commodore Morris,
Osceola, General Putnam, Agawam, Alert, Mackinaw, Peqitot, Eutaw,
Commodore Barney, Young America, Dawn; Mount \\axln tujton, Wil-
derness, transports and supply vessels.

Your headquarters will be up and down the river, as circumstances
may require. The Minnesota will remain in the roads and attend to
the current business at that point, under your supervision.

My headquarters will hereafter be at Beaufort, for which place 1
leave to-day.

Keep ine regularly informed of the situation, as heretofore directed,
and make reports to the Department direct if necessary.

If any emergency should occur or be likely to occur within the limits
of your division, take measures to inform me as soon as possible,
liespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Divisional Officer, James River.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, acknowledging Depart-
ment's orders regarding a change of headquarters.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR: The Department's communication of 26th instant, directing the
headquarters of this squadron to be removed to Beaufort, and giving
directions for the establishment of other divisions, is received; its tel-
egram of the same date, referring to the same subject, was also duly
received.

I issued an order on the 20th instant placing Commander Macomb in
charge of the division in the sounds of North Carolina and have
to day placed Captain Smith in command of the James River division.
I leave this afternoon for Beaufort and Wilmington, in compliance
with the Department's order of 26th instant, received to-day.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of. Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for
the capture of a party from the C. S. S. Alabama, under command of
Lieutenant Kell, C. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1X64.

SIR: Tbe Department's telegram of 26th instant, informing me of
the reported design of Lieutenant Kell, with several of the crew of the
Alabama, to run into Wilmington and obtain a vessel in her stead, was
received on that date, and I have communicated the information to the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 317

divisional officers off' Wilmington, with instructions to observe especial
vigilance and mnke every effort to capture this party.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Graves, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Miami.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the Miami under your command to report for
duty to Captain M. Smith, divisional officer in James Kiver.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant G. W. GRAVES,

U. S. S. Miami.

[Order of same date and like tenor to Acting Master George B. Liv-
ingston, commanding U. S. S. Commodore Barney.]

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant White,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. State of Georgia, to prepare for tea.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR : As the State of Georgia will have completed coaling by mid-
night, you will, at daylight to-morrow (29th), proceed to Hampton
Roads, having made the vessel ready for sea; and it Commander Nich-
olson does not return by the Baltimore or Washington boat of to-morrow
morning you will forthwith proceed to report for duty on the blockade
of Wilmington to Captain O. S. Glisson, commanding first division.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant G. B. WHITE,

U. S. S. State of Georgia.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Sheldon,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Shokokon.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 28, 1864.

SIR: Choosing favorable weather, proceed with the Shokokon under
your command to Beaufort, N. C., reporting for duty on arrival to the
senior officer present.

Respectfully, yours, S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Master W. B. SHELDON,

U. S. S. Shokokon.

318 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding the vessels of Ms

command.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, July 28, 1864.

SIR: Upon iny arrival here I found tbe following vessels present:
The Dacotah, Mount Vernon, Montgomery, Emma, Banshee, Victoria, and
Violet; the Ji'. R. Cuyler outside cruising. I also send the Mount Vernon
outside to-night.

The Montgomery, from foul bottom, is now so slow that the utmost
which can be got out of her is 10 knots, and she will not do for outside
cruising. The Fort Donelson will be outside as soon as she can take in
her coal at Beaufort, where she now is. You will perceive that we are
poorly off for speedjr vessels for outside cruisers. The best vessels are
on the New Inlet division.

The Dacotah goes for coal to-morrow. The Maratanza has gone to
Norfolk for repairs ; the Nereus also. The Florida's rudder is out of
repairs, so much as to endanger her safety, and can not be fixed here.
The Calypso and Aries now in Norfolk. The Vicksburg expected here
to-morrow from Beaufort.

The Violet's torpedo arrangement is so slight that wo must try some
other plan or the torpedo will be more dangerous to her than to the
enemy. It might do for smooth water or river work, but will not stand
for this rough sea, and the outrigger should be so arranged as to bring
the torpedo over the forecastle to be filled, or fixed upon the pole, and
to be let down under water when required for service.

The Victoria will be sent for her arrangement as soon as we can spare
her, when some other one of the vessels that are being repaired returns.
She is a very useful vessel here.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy, Commanding Division off Western Bar.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosure.— Newspaper clipping.]

The Bermuda Royal Gazette of the 12th instant says :

The steamer Little Hattic, which arrived at St. George yesterday morning, was
pursued to the "Wilmington bar on Thursday last by a Federal blockader. On cross-
ing she was again met by another, which chased her for two days. The H. ran 50
miles north of Cape Hatteras. The Federal vessel made 16 knots throughout the
chase.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Frem-h. U. S. Navy, regarding an
engagement at Four Mile Creek.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

July 28, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you that on the 27th instant,
while on my passage up the James River in this vessel, I was stopped
at a place known as Four Mile Creek, between two pontoon bridges,
and compelled to remain about twelve hours in consequence of troops
crossing the bridges. While there I witnessed an engagement between
our forces and the enemy. The U. S. gunboat Mendota also was

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 819

engaged shelling the rebels. The fight lasted about two hours, and it
was reported to me by an army officer that we had beaten them badly,
captured four guns and a number of prisoners. On my passage down
I could see our troops occupying the heights at Four Mile Creek and
Malvern Hill.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES S. FRENCH,

A ding Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. S. Wilderness.
[Captain M. SMITH.]

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the shelling of the enemy
by the U. #. steamers Agawam and Mendota, across Four Mile Creel:,
July 28, 1864.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
O^i Picket, Below Barricade, James River, July 29, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the Mendota and Agawam were
engaged all day on the -!8th shelling the enemy across Four Mile Creek,
where they had been very busy throwing up works and maneuvering
large bodies of men, supposed to be nearly all of Longstreet and Hill's
corps.

The enemy made a demonstration on General Foster's front and the
Agaicam opened tire, but with what effect it has not been ascertained.

Commander Nichols, of the Mendota, reports that he fired at inter-
vals of seventeen minutes and that General Hancock informed him that
his shelling was very effective and of great assistance to his operations.
He had the misfortune, however, to disable his after 100-pouiider pivot,
the rifles being the only guns that would reach the position occupied by
the enemy.

The gun was fractured from the forward edge of the reinforce band
on the breech to a point forward of the center of the trunnion, but from
the report of Commander Nichols, forwarded this day to the Bureau of
Ordnance, the gun was properly served and every ordnance requirement
complied with.

A confidential communication from General Weitzel, received this
afternoon, states that in view of a military movement ordered by Gen-
eral Grant all the troops excepting General Foster's original command
will be moved to-night from Deep Bottom, and requests all the assist-
ance I can render him. All the naval force that can operate to advan-
tage at that point has been sent.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Joint expedition in Chowan River, N. C., July 28, 29, 1864.
Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., August 18, 1864.

SIR: Commander Macomb reports, under date of the 31st ultimo
(received on the 3d instant), that he sent the Whitehead on the 28th

320 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

ultimo ou an expedition up the Chowan Kiver to cooperate with a mili-
tary force sent up on the steamers Thomas Colyer and Maasasolt. The
expedition proved successful, capturing the steamer Arrow, at Gates-
ville, and 90 bales of cotton and 80 boxes of tobacco, at that place and
at Winton. When the Whitehead was ready to return John Kenny,
boatswain's mate, was missing. After waiting half an hour the vessel
proceeded down the river. Commander Macomb encloses Acting
Ensign Barrett's report, and recommends him strongly for promotion,
which recommendation I approve.

Commander Macomb also reports that a body of United States
cavalry and some pieces of artillery have arrived at Eden ton, probably
from a raid through southern Virginia, and that they have captured
the rebels who have been reported as carrying on a contraband trade
through the Dismal Swamp Canal.

I enclose Commander Macomb's report with its enclosure.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, July 31, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 28th instant, in compli-
ance with a request of General Palmer, I sent the U. S. S. Whit-dicmi to
convoy and cooperate with an expedition sent by the general up the
Chowan River, consisting of the Thomas Colyer and MlMMUoit. with a
detachment of troops under command of Lieutenant [G. F.] Ward of
his staff.

The expedition was entirely successful, bringing away IK) bales of
cotton and 80 boxes of tobacco.

1 enclose a copy of Acting Ensign Barrett's report to me on the
subject.

I take great pleasure in recommending Acting Ensign Barrett for
promotion. He has been in these sounds ever since we have had a
squadron in them. I have sent him with every expedition since my
arrival here, and to judge by the efficient manner in which he performs
his duty he must have been sent frequently on such service by other
commanding officers of the squadron.

The Whitehead has just arrived at this station on her way to New
Berne for repairs, and reports that a body of cavalry and some pieces
of artillery (United States) have arrived at Edeuton. He thinks they
have been on a raid through southern Virginia.

1 shall go up to Edeuton to-day to communicate with them.

Captain Barrett also says that these troops have captured the rebels
whom I mentioned as carrying on a contraband trade through the Dis
mal Swamp Canal, in a previous communication (No. G).
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander and Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 321

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. S. WHITEHEAD,
Albemarlc Sound, N. (7., July 29, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders, I
weighed anchor on the morning of the 28th and proceeded up the Chowan
Kiver in company with the army steamers Thomas Colyer and Massasoit.
We arrived off Win ton at 11 : 30 a. m., when a company of soldiers were
lauded and captured 3 bales of cotton, 100 boxes of tobacco, -
pounds of bacon, and also destroyed a quantity of salt. We then pro-
ceeded up the river with the Thomas Colyer and Massasoit as far as
Barton's Mill, where a search was made for contraband goods, but with-
out success. At 2: 30" p. in. we started down the river and arrived oft'
Gatesville [Gates'] Ferry at 4: 30, where we stopped, and a detachment
of soldiers was landed from the Massasoit. The troops marched to
Gatesville and captured the steamer Arro?v and 10 bales of cotton. I
sent an officer from this vessel with the pilot and a quartermaster to
bring her down the creek, which they succeeded in doing. The follow-
ing morning (29th) I took the Arrow in tow and proceeded down to
Colerain, where I arrived at 8:30 a. m., and landed a working party of
25 men from this vessel to load the steamer Thomas Colyer with cotton.
We succeeded in getting all the cotton, consisting of 90 bales, and also
80 boxes tobacco safely on board by 7 p. m. \Vhen ready to leave, one
of the crew of this vessel, John Kenny, boatswain's mate, was missing,
and, after a fruitless search for him of half an hour, we proceeded down
the river and arrived and anchored near the U. S. S. Mattabesett, off the
mouth of the Chowan Kiver, at 11 : 30 p. m. During the expedition the
rudder of this vessel became disabled, owing to the shoe breaking or
becoming detached from the iron sternpost, thus leaving no support to
the heel of the rudder. It is now in a very unsafe condition and not
to be depended on in an emergency.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. W. BARRETT,
Acting Ensign, Commanding.

Commander WM. H. MACOMB,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Letter from Brigadier-General Palmer, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH. CAROLINA,

New Berne, N. G., August 4, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I desire to return many thanks for the assistance ren-
dered in the recent expedition up the Chowan. It was very successful,
and Lieutenant Ward speaks in the highest terms of the manner in
which the officers and sailors assisted in getting the cotton and tobacco
on our vessels.

A few more expeditions of this sort would quite set the Government
up in the way of these supplies.

To-day the steamer Pilot Boy runs up to the fleet, and as I hear of
several refugees up the Chowau who desire to be brought away I wish
her to run up there. If you can send a gunboat as escort I will thank
you to do so. They will not go far up the river.

Confidential. — As I wish to make another attempt to get cotton and
other products soon, I think it best that no landing by the forces should
N w R — VOL 10 21

322 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

be made other than the small boats to bring away the refugees. If
small parties go on shore to look around I fear that they (the people)
will become frightened and remove all the products from our reach.
Very respectfully, yours,

I. N. PALMER,

Brigadier- Genera L
Commander W. FT. MACOMB,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

Report of Acting Master Phelon, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of the U. S.
steamers Monticello and Nansemond, with tugs, at Hatteras Inlet.

U. S. S. MONTICELLO,
Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, July 29, 1864.

SIB : I have the honor to report our safe arrival stt this place, together
with the Nansemond and the four tugs. We left Fortress Monroe on
the evening of the 27th instant, \\\QNanscwond towing the Belle and
Bazely ; this ship, the Hoyt and Martin. The weather was tine, and
continued so until the next morning, when the breeze freshened up
from the southwest and the sea became so rough that we were obliged
to slow down our engines in order to tow the tugs in salety : as it was,
they had considerable difficulty in keeping tree of water. Toward
evening the wind and sea increased, and affairs began to assume a
serious aspect. I sent the second cutter and several spare hands to
assist in bailing, etc.; they were supplied with life preservers and Cos-
ton signals, and precautions were taken for almost any emergency that
might arise. At 9:30 p. in. I was hailed by the Martin, and they
informed me that she was sinking; this seemed to me very improbable,
as I had towed her quite comfortably during the day, and there seemed
to be no danger up to that time (9: 30 p. in.). I immediately lowered the
first cutter, and sent her on board, under the charge of Acting Ensign
Charles A. Pettit, executive officer of this ship. While lowering away
our boat, the captain and crew of the Martin abandoned their vessel,
and took to our second cutter (that had been left with them some time
before). They were ordered immediately back. Upon going on board
Mr. Pettit reported to me that she had some 14 inches of water in her
hold; the boat's crew set to work and soon had her clear; we then pro-
ceeded on our course. During the middle and morning watches the
tugs broke adrift three times, and we were delayed several hours in
picking them up. At 4 : 30 a. in. everything was secured, and at 8 a. in.
we arrived at Hatteras Inlet. The Nansemond will start at high water
(1 p. in.) with all the tugs in tow, and report as per orders. 1 can not
close this report without expressing my appreciation of the services of
my officers and crew, who cheerfully assisted me during the whole
night. The pilot sent by you on board this ship did his duty in a
satisfactory manner.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY A. PHELON,
Acting Master, Commanding,

Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 323

Report of Captain Glisson, U. 8. Navy, regarding the movements of a
steamer near Federal Point carrying troops, July 29-30, 1864.

TJ. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off New Inlet, August 3, 1864.

SIR: I have to report tliat on the evening of the 29th July, 1864, we
discovered a large steamer near Federal Point, painted black, and
filled with men; there could not have been less than 600 or 700 men
on board. At daylight the next morning she was not to be seen. My
impression at the time was that they were sending men away or were
receiving reinforcements. In the afternoon of the 30th July, about 6
p. m., we discovered the same steamer in the same place filled with
men. Since that time we have not seen the steamer with the men on
board.

My impression is that large numbers of men have been sent from
this point to reinforce other places.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and Divisional Officer.
Acting Rear- Admiral SAML. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding the disposition of
vessels in the sounds of North Carolina.

TJ. S. S. SHAMROCK, July 30, 1864.

SIR: The following is the disposition of the vessels in the sounds of
North Carolina:

A t New Berne. — The Tacony, Hetzel, Loclcwood, Commodore Hull, Loui-
siana, and Valley City. The two latter are employed, as picket boats in
tlie I'amlico River, relieving each other by turns. The Commodore
Hull and Hetzel are repairing. The Tacony has taken the place of the
Cliicopee on this station.

In Albermarle Sound. — The Shamrock, Chicopee, Otsego, Mattabesett,
and Wyalusing. These vessels lie about 4 miles southwest of Perqui-
mans Kiver. The Ceres and Whitehead are on picket duty off the
mouth of Roanoke River. The Wyalusing is on her way to New Berne
to relieve the Tacony. As it is necessary to have an experienced officer
and one of the large vessels to superintend the affairs of the squadron
in Pamlico Sound,, I have made the arrangement of sending one of the
double enders to New Berne at short intervals, relieving the one previ-
ously there, which allows them to make any slight repairs that may be
necessary with greater facility than they could be done here.

The Miami is on her way to James River with orders to report to the
admiral.

To save coal I have stationed one for the double euders off' the mouth
of Roanoke River, relieving twice a week instead of sending one up every
day, as I had previously done. My reason for sending a vessel up to
the pickets is that any important intelligence may thus be communi-
cated to me without removing the picket boats from their stations.

In conclusion, I beg leave to call your attention to the defective condi-
tion of the following steamers, viz: The Commodore Hull, Hetzel, Lock
icood, Whitehead, and Bombshell. The boilers of the Hull are very old and
require frequent repairs; she is now repairing and will probably not be

324

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

completed in less than two weeks. The valves of the HetzeVs engine
have been so ground down by frequent repairs, in consequence of long
and continuous service, that they are available for but little steaming.
The Bombshell (at Ocracoke Inlet blockading) leaks badly, and is ordered
to New Berne for repairs. The sloop Granite is at Hatteras Inlet, as
guard vessel and for superintending the supplying of coal for this
squadron.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. II. MACOMH,
Commander and Senior Officer Sounds, North Carolina.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, giving stations of vessels
of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, July 31, J8<>1.

SIR: The following is the disposition of vessels composing the Xorth
Atlantic Blockading Squadron, viz:

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Beaufort, N. C

Flagship.

Repairing at Norfolk.
Coaling at Beaufort.
Do.

Repairing at Norfolk.
Do.
Do.
Coaling at Beaufort.
Coal transport for both divisions.
Tugboat.

First Division, oft' New Inlet,
JS.C.
do

... do

State of Georgia

Monticello

Howquah

do . ...

... do

Quaker City

Mercedita

Niphon

Britannia

Cherokee

Fort Jackson

Second Division, off Western
Bar.
do

R.R.Cuyler

Mount V ernon

Cambridge

..do ....

Montgomery

Maratanza

Calypso. ...

rln

Aries dn .

Banshee

Fahkee

Violet

Florida

Nereus

Vicksburg

Emma

Fort Donelson

Shamrock

Third Division, sounds of
North Carolina.
do

Tacony

Chicopee

Louisiana

Valley City

Lock wood

Ceres

Mattabesett

Wyalusing

Otsego

...do...

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

325

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Commodore Hull

Third Division, sounds of

Hetzel

North Carolina.
do

Whitehead

Stores.

liazelv No 2

... do

Tug

Torpedo tu".

Stores.

Hovt

Torpedo boat.

Belie

Do.

Arietta

Beaufort N C

Stores.

Lilac

Tugboat.

William Badger

Stores.

Nansemond

Onondaga

Fourth Division, James Kiver,

Saugus

etc.
do

Osceola

Commodore Morris ...

Mendota

Agawam

Stepping Stoues .............

Alert

Tug.

Picket boat No 1 ...

Picket boat No. 3

Picket boat No. 4

Picket boat No. 5

•Picket boat No. 6

... .do

Atlanta

Uej>airing at Norfolk.

Miami

Do.

Dawn

Pequot

.do

Sassacns

.. .do

Hunchback..

Delaware

.do

Shokokon

Ordered to Beaufort.

Henry Brink er

Repairing at Norfolk.

Commodore Perry .

Mount Washington

Inside transport.

Wilderness

... .do

Do.

Minnesota

Young Rover

Guard.

Heliotrope

General Putnam .

St. Lawrence

Ordnance.

Daylight

. . do

Charles Phelps

Coal depot, Cranev Island, in charge

Clinton

...do ...

of colliers.
Hampton Roads, tug.

Unit

Do.

PoDDV

Do.

Cohasset

Ordered to Beaufort.

Zouave

Do.

Mystic
Crusader

York River, Virginia
. . . do -

Glance

do .

Tug.

Harcourt

: do .

Ordered to Beaufort, N. ( '.

Morse

.do

Samuel I lot an

Grand Gulf

Northern ports

New York.

Cactus

Baltimore.

Isaac N. Seymour

Do.

James Adger

.do

Philadelphia.

Glaucua

Do.

Connecticut

Boston.

Dacotah

Do.

New Berne

Miscellaneous ..

Supply steamer.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Acty. Rear- Admiral, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

326 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding United States
vessels at Beaufort, N. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, August 1, 1864.

SIR: I arrived in this harbor on the afternoon of the 30th ultimo, and
found here eight blockaders, coaling and making slight repays.

These 1 caused to coal that night and the following day, and have
dispatched six of them to their stations, one, the Grand Ou1f,to New York
for repairs, and the Dacotnh will leave for Boston to-morrow at daylight.

The arrival of the New Berne this evening will detain me here until
daylight to morrow, when 1 will proceed to the blockade of Wilmington
and use every exertion to carry out the Department's views.

The Malvern, as a tender to the flagship, while very convenient on
account of the office accommodation for the staff officers, which no
man-of-war of convenient size could supply, is, from want of steam and
battery power, unsuitable for a flagship.

I understood recently that a man of war had been built outside the
navy yard at New York, which may perhaps supply the want in this
respect referred to in my No. 4~>i>, of 28th instant.

I have requested Naval Constructor Hanscom, who is going north to
examine the pump vessel, to make exact enquiries on the subject.

I propose, after making the best practicable disposition of the inside
blockade, to inspect the offshore vessels on their stations, and for this
purpose the Department will see that the flagship I ask for will, when
it is convenient and practicable to the Department to furnish it, be very
useful on this and other accounts.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Commander Upshur, U. S. Navy,
forwarding list of vessels in James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 1, 1864.

SIR: As soon as I have a little leisure I will see what I can do for
you in relation to the tugs. At present I have two broken down and
repairing and have to rely upon the others to keep the vessels up here
supplied with provisions, stores, and coal. Below I send a list of the
vessels in James Kiver, in accordance with your request:
Agawam. General Putnam. Saugus.

Alert. Hunchback. Stepping Stones.

Commodore Perry. Mendota. Young America.

Commodore Morris. Mackinaw. Eutaw.

Canonicus. Osceola, Tugs (torpedo division)

Commodore Barney. Onondaga. Nos. 1,3,4,5, and 0.

Dawn. Pequot.

Delaware. Sassacus.

Very respectfully, M. SMITH,

Captain and Divisional Officer.

Lieutenant-Commander J. H. UPSHUR,

Commanding U. S. S. Minnesota.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 327

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding the firing upon blockade
runners by the vessels off Wilmington, N. C.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, August 1, 1864.

SIR : In reply to your communication of the 23d ultimo, just received,
quoting consular correspondence with the State Department in regard
to the vessels of the blockade off Wilmington not firing into vessels
attempting to violate the blockade, I have to state that, as far as my
experience of nearly two years upon this blockade will testify, that the
statement therein made, that the blockade runners are not fired into
by our vessels because of the " anxiety to secure prizes and unwilling-
ness to run the risk of sinking or injuring those vessels," is greatly
exaggerated, if not entirely erroneous.

There is scarcely a night when blockade runners are seen that they
are not fired at, and when they get in without being fired at it is the
exception and not the rule.

The night before my arrival upon this station, Commander Clary
(then senior officer present) informed me that two vessels going out
were fired at several times, but which escaped in the dark and through
superior speed, of whi.-h 1 suppose you already have his report.

Only a few weeks ago (the last dark of the moon) a blockade runner
was tired into by one of our vessels, and shrieks were heard on board
as if from persons wounded by the shells.

On the New Inlet side it was a common occurrence for vessels to be
fired into, and those which did not experience such ordeal must have
escaped unseen by our vessels. We do know occasionally of vessels
coming suddenly upon our vessels in the dark and escaping without a
shot, by superior speed, before the guns could be trained, as was the
case recently, I am informed, with the. Governor Buckingham on the
New Inlet division. In spite of all our vigilance, which I assure \ou is
unabated, such occasions will occur in the very dark nights, and double
our force will not prevent it.

If the consular correspondent were present upon the blockade for a
few weeks in the dark nights, to see for himself the difficulties we have
to contend with, he would place less reliance upon such irresponsible
reports, and it would not seem to him " so remarkable that so few of these
frail vessels have been destroyed by shot and shell, "and "so few of the
crews of those vessels killed by our guns," and would learn that firing a
gun in the dark is not always sure of hitting the mark, especially in
the hurry and excitement of a rapid chase.

The marks of the Xiphon's shot upon the Tristram Shandy and the
shrieks of the wounded in the case mentioned above, and in the Emily,
or flee, I think it was, a man was killed and his body burned in her
destruction, and in the Venus several men were wounded; and there
are other instances where personal injury has been done to the crews
by the fire of our vessels, shewing that all the vessels do not go free
from our shot.

The destruction of several vessels on this side of the reef in one month,
under your own eyes, and of several on the north or New Inlet side,
where I was senior officer at the time, in the month succeeding, will
show the falsity of such reports. The wrecks that strew the beach
north and south of Frying Pan Shoals testify that the blockaders off
Wilmington are not so " unwilling to run the risk of sinking or injuring
those vessels, "and the number of captures show that our vigilance is not
relaxed. If the blockade is inefficient it is not because of the want of

328 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

vigilaiice of the officers, for I have seen much to commend and but very
few instances for reproof in the many mouths that I have been senior
officer here; but it may be mainly due to fortuitous circumstances of
dark nights and fogs, and the construction and superior speed of the
vessels employed in violating it.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy, Commanding Division off Western Bar.

Acting Rear-Admhal S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Flagship Malvern.

Report of Commander Nicholson, U. 8. Navy, regarding the chase of a
blockade runner off New Inlet, North Carolina, August 1, 1864.

U. S. 8. STATE OF GEORGIA, August 8, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that at daylight on the morning of the 1st
instant, New Inlet bearing west, distant 24 miles, made a strange
steamer bearing west, making black smoke and standing to the east-
ward. We immediately gave chase at full speed, steering to head her oft'.
Without changing her course she crossed our bow. When nearest to us
we fired the 100-pouiuler Parrott at her, but the shot fell short. We con-
tinued the chase until 7:30 a. m., when the stranger was hull down and
rapidly leaving us. We were about 5 miles from her. She had three
smokestacks, one mast forward, painted the usual blockade-running
color, very long, and appeared to have both side- wheels and propeller.
The most speed that we could get out of this ship (burning wood part
of the time) was less than 8 knots.
Respectfully submitted.

S. NICHOLSON,

Commander.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Camdg. New Inlet Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Chaser had no speed, but will do for blockading, having a very good
battery, but needs extensive repairs.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regard-
ing tugs for the squadron.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 2, 1864.

SIR: Acting Rear- Admiral Lee has forwarded to the Department
your communication dated the 30th ultimo, addressed to him. relative
to the insufficient number of tugs in the squadron. The number which
have been assigned to the squadron already will not admit of others
being sent at present. The steamer Wilderness was purchased for the
purposes for which you desire a steamer.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Senior Officer, James River*

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 329

Report of Lieutenant- Commander English, U. 8. Navy, regarding readi-
ness to repel attack of Confederate boats in Neuse or Trent River.

TJ. S. GUNBOAT WYALUSING,

New Berne, N. C., August 2, 1864.

SIR: I am getting aloiig as fast as possible with all the repairs that
can be made on the ship at this place.

We are undergoing the customary ten days' excitement. "A most
reliable gentleman has come in with information" that a large number
of boats are collected up the Neuse or Trent rivers with the determina-
tion of capturing one or all the gunboats. I have made all necessary
arrangements to repel them.

The Hetzel will be under steam this afternoon, Commodore Hull in a few
days; so all the "lame ducks'7 will be in a moving condition at least.
The weather is painfully hot.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EARL ENGLISH,
Lieutenant Commander.
Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Comdg. U. S. Naval Squadron, Sounds of North Carolina.

Engagements with Confederate batteries near Wilcox's Wharf, August 3,
and near Harrison's Landing, August 4, 1864.

Report of Commander Glitz, U. S. Navy, transmitting request of Major-General Butler, U. 8.

Army.

TJ. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Off City Point, James River, August 3, 1864.

SIR: 1 enclose you a telegram from Major-General Butler, TJ. S.
Army. I got at once underway with this vessel under my command,
and when a short distance below Light-House [Jordan's?] Point met the
TJ. S. S. Miami, and gave her commanding officer orders to proceed to
the point referred to and to remain there as long as it is necessary;
also to communicate with the commanding officers of the TJ. S. steamers
Daicn and Young America, and direct them to take their stations off
that place and aid our transports, should they be again attacked.

The commanding officer of the Miami informs me that he had quite
a smart action with the battery referred to, lasting about an hour and
a half, when he finally drove the enemy off. She (the Miami) lost 1
man killed and 1 wounded.

I did not go with this vessel, as it is not prudent to run her except
in cases of necessity.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J. M. B. GLITZ,
Commander, U. 8. Navy.
MELANCTON SMITH,

Captain and Divisional Officer,

Commanding U. S. Ironclad Onondaga, James River.

[ Enclosure — Telegram. ]

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL BUTLER, August 3, 1864.
There is a rebel battery at Wilcox's Wharf firing on transports.
Will you please send a gunboat down?

BENJAMIN F. BUTLUR,

Major- General, Command in;/.
SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER,

Off City Point, [ Va.\.

330 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Beport of Acting Eear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 22, 1864.

SIR: Captain Smith, under date of 5th instant, reports operations in
James .River on the 3d, 4th, and 5th instant, for which the following is
a summary :

At about 3:30 p. m., the 3d, a battery near Wilcox's Wharf opened
on some passing transports. The tiring being heard on the Miami, then
passing up the river, she went ahead and engaged the battery, and
alter an hour's sharp firing dislodged the enemy and then shelled the
banks for some distance above and below. Acting Volunteer Lieuten-
ant Graves states that the battery consisted of six riHed 12 pounders.
The Miami had 1 man killed and 1 wounded, arid received some dam-
age, being struck by two shot, which tore away some of the woodwork
and steering gear and two outside planks for a distance of several feet,
causing her to make some water during the action.

About 11 a. in., on the 4th, a battery opened on army transports
near Harrison's Landing. The Osceola and Miami proceeded down the
river and opened tire, when the enemy immediately abandoned the
position. These vessels then shelled the bank, tiring some at houses
and other prominent points for 2 or 3 miles above and below the land-
ing. A contraband brought oft' by the Osceola (and who was injudi-
ciously permitted to return ashore) stated that the battery consisted of
from ten to fifteen guns, supported by an infantry force of 2,000, under
Ewell.

The steamer Brooks, belonging to the sanitary commission, was tired
on by sharpshooters above Turkey Creek on the afternoon of the 4th,
killing 1 man and mortally wounding 2. The Pequot and Commodore
Morris shelled the spot where the enemy were supposed to be con-
cealed, but saw nothing of them.

About C p. in., on the 5th, the battery at Hewlett's opened on General
Butler's works, the whole line soon becoming engaged, and keeping up
a heavy fire until nearly 8 o'clock. The ironclads were not engaged.

Captain Smith has stationed the Saugus so as to be shut in from the
battery at Hewlett's, and considers this the best position for the iron-
clads, as they can move up in a few minutes and engage the rams, if
they appear, and at the same time need not be subjected to the morti-
fication of dropping out of range when Hewlett's Battery opens.

He has stationed the Miami at Harrison's Landing and the Dawn at
Wilcox's Wharf to protect and convoy passing transports; which dis-
positions L have approved.

I enclose (1), Captain Smith's report of August 5; (2), August 3,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Graves (commanding Miami), reporting
engagement on the 3d; (3), same, reporting engagement on the 4th;
(4), Commander Clitz (commanding Osceola), reporting same; (5),
August 4,* Lieutenant Commander Quackenbush (commanding Pequot),
reporting the tiring on the steamer Brooks.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

* See p. 337.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 331

[End sure Xo. ].]

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
On Picket, Below the Barricade, James River, August .-}, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order of the 16th ultimo, I herewith
enclose a report from Commander Clitz, of the Osceola, in relation to
his shelling the enemy in the vicinity of Harrison's Landing, and two
reports from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant G. W. Graves, of the Miami,
in relation to an engagement with the rebels at Wilcox's Wharf on the
3d instant, in which he lost 1 man killed and 2 slightly wounded, and
of his shelling at Harrison's Landing in company with the Osceola on
the following day.

1 also enclose a report* from Lieutenant-Commander S. P. Quacken-
bush, in relation to an attack by sharpshooters on the sanitary steamer
Brooks, at Turkey Creek, in which 1 man was killed and 2 mortally
wounded.

.1 have directed Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush to clear the
bank as far as practicable of all trees and underbrush calculated to
conceal an enemy, and have sent him the Minnesota's launch and crew
to assist in the performance of that duty.

I have directed the Miami to take her station at Harrison's Landing,
to afford protection to our transports passing up and down the river,
and to make a recoimoissance with his marines at that place, when he
shall consider it prudent, and have ordered the Daicn to take her
station at Wilcox's Wharf and convoy passing transports until they
are protected by the guns of the Miami.

Hewlett's Battery opened about 6 o'clock this afternoon upon General
Butler's works, which was returned, and a regular fire kept up from
the Curtis house, Signal Tower, and Crow's Xest batteries until near
8 o'clock, a large number of our shells grazing the crest of the enemy's
works and exploding inside. The rebels fired at long intervals and
without much accuracy. From the time of the discharge of the first
gun, the whole line opened and a heavy cannonading by both parties
was kept up until near 8 o'clock.

The tiaugus was on picket, but so stationed as to be shut in from the
battery at Hewlett's, which position I think it most advisable for
the ironclads to occupy, as they can move up in a few moments to pro-
tect the obstructions, should the rams desire to participate in any gen-
eral attack on General Butler's lines, and would not be subjected to
the mortification of dropping out cf range if fired upon from Hewlett's
Battery.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain, and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding ^forth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

U. S. S. MIAMI,
James River, August 3, 1864.

SIR: T have the honor to submit the following report of my engage-
ment with a rebel battery this p. m. :

At 3:30 ]). m., while passing up the river, I heard firing above me on
the starboard hand. Upon turning the bend I discovered a battery

* See p. 337.

332 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

stationed at Wilcox's Landing, firing upon some unarmed transports
which were passing down. I immediately went to quarters and pro-
ceeded to the place of action as fast as the disabled state of my
machinery would permit. I engaged the battery at about 1,200 yards
distance. After about an hour's sharp firing, I succeeded in dislodging
the enemy and drove them off. I then shelled the banks above and
below the position for a short time, and proceeded up the river until I
met the U. S. S. Osceola, Commander Clitz, who ordered me to return
and remain for the night.

The battery consisted of six 12-pounders, two of them Whitworth
rifles, projectiles from which struck us several times, inflicting some
damage, killing 1 man and wounding 1. I enclose reports of casualties,
ammunition expended, etc.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. W. GRAVES.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain M. SMITH, U. S. NAVY,

Divisional Commander, James River.

[Subenclosnres.]

U. S. S. MIAMI,

James River, Virginia, August 3, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report the following casualties in the
engagement with the rebel battery near Wilcox's Landing:
Killed. — Mathew Callahan, marine.

Wounded. — Michael 3. Donnelly, coal heaver; sustaining slight injury,
with loss of middle finger of right hand; William H. H. Davis, coal
heaver ; slight splinter wound of hand.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. H. MARVIN,
Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. 8. Navy, U. S. 8. Miami.

G. W. GRAVES,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. S. Miami.

U. S. S. MIAMI, August 4, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of damage received
by this vessel in hull, etc., during the engagement with a rebel battery
posted on the bluffs at Wilcox's Landing, James River, on afternoon 01
3d instant.

One shell passed through port bends just abaft paddle wheel, tearing
away waterways, engine room hatchway, and division arms chest and
steering gear. One shell passed through the starboard after covering
board, bursting, tearing out two outside planks for several feet. The
ship made considerable water during the action.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

HENRY S. BUCKLESS,

Carpenters Mate.
G. W. GRAVES,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. 8. Miami.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 333

U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT MIAMI, August 4, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of ammunition
expended on the 3d instant in the action with the rebel battery on the
high bluffs opposite Windmill Point, James Eiver, Virginia:

5-second IX-inch shell 5

10-second IX-inch shell 13

15-second IX-inch shell 23

Solid IX-inch shot 2

Stand IX-inch grape 1

Shrapnel, IX-inch, Bormann fuze 12

Can canister, 24-pounder howitzer (fixed ammunition) 1

Percussion shell, 6-inch Parrott, 100-ponnder rilie 7

20-second shell, 6-inch Parrott 4

10-second shell, 6-inch Parrott 4

Solid shot, 6-inch Parrott 1

13 pound cartridge, IX-inch Dahlgren gun 2

10-pound cartridge, IX-inch Dahlgren gun 54

10-ponnd cartridge, 6-iuch Parrott 100-pounder rifle 16

Percussion primers ". ... 100

Your obedient servant,

WM. N. WELLES,
Acting Master and Executive Officer.

Actg. Vol. Lieut. G. W. GRAVES, U. S. NAVY,

Commanding U. S. S. Miami.

[Enclosure No. 3.]

U. S. S. MIAMI,
Off City Point, August 4, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report:
At about 11 o'clock this a. m., while lying at this place taking in am-
munition and burying my dead, the rebels opened fire upon our trans-
ports from a battery at or near Harrison's Landing.

In obedience to orders from Commander Glitz, commanding Osceola,
1 got underway and followed him down the river. The rebels left at
our approach, so I followed the example of Commander Glitz and shelled
the left bank of the river for a distance of 2 to 3 miles above and below
the lauding, dropping an occasional shell about the houses. I returned
to my anchorage about dark.

I append a list of ammunition, etc., expended.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. W. GRAVES,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Divisional Commander, James River.

[Subenclosure.]
Report of ordnance stores consumed on board U. S. S. Miami August 4, 1864.

Powder:

Cartridges of 10 pounds, IX-inch, or 270 pounds 27

Cartridges of 10 pounds, 6-inch Parrott. or 50 pounds 5

Shell:

IX-inch shells of 10 seconds 27

6-inch percussion shell, Parrott rifle 5

Percussion primers for same 40

Very respectfully,

JOHN B. WRIGHT,

Gunner's Mate.

334 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure No. 4.]

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,
Off City Point, James River, August 1, 1864.

SIR: I have to submit the following report:

This morning at about 7:30 the tJ. S. S. Miami returned to this
anchorage and reported all quiet down the river.

At about 11 a. ra. we discovered the enemy firing from a battery at
or near Harrison's Landing.

I immediately got underway with this vessel under my command,
followed by the U. S. S. Miami. When near Harrison's Landing the
Miami and this vessel opened fire upon all the houses and prominent
points until our arrival at Wilcox's Wharf, where we remained until
5 : 30 p. m., when the Miami and this vessel got underway and pro-
ceeded to City Point.

While at anchor off' Wilcox's Wharf, sent a boat ashore in charge of
Lieutenant and Executive Officer [John] Weidmau to bring off' to the
vessel a contraband, who was there signalizing. Information derived
from the contraband leads us to believe that the battery consisted of
from ten to fifteen guns, supported by an infantry force of 2,000, under
the command of General Ewell.

Doubtful information was received from the residents of the neigh-
borhood on shore that tbe battery and supporting infantry force returned
to camp.

The contraband, not wishing to remain, was again landed under charge
of Lieutenant Weidman.

I shall detain the Miami at this point until she can fill up her defi-
ciencies of ammunition, when she will proceed up the river and report to
you, as directed by his (Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding
Graves's) orders.

1 saw nothing of the battery either going or returning. I think it
important that a sufficient force should be kept in the immediate vicinity
of Harrison's Landing and Wilcox's Wharf, with discretion to the dif-
ferent commanding officers to patrol the river when required, to protect
our transports from this battery, which, in my opinion, is a field one.

I herewith enclose you a return of ammunition expended to-day.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J. M. B. CLITZ,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

MELANCTON SMITH,

Captain and Divisional Officer, Commanding

U. 8. Ironclad Onondaya, James River.

[ Subeiiclosn re. J

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Off City Point, Va., August 4, 186 L

SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of ammunition ex-
pended, together with the damage sustained in the gunner's depart
inent during the firing to day in the vicinity of Harrison's Lauding:

Shell and shrapnel :

Shells loaded, IX-inch 5-second 35

Shells loaded, 100-pounder 5-second 7

Shells loaded, 100-poimder percussion 25

Shells loaded, 12-pounder rifle 10-second 11

Shrapnel, 12-pounder smooth 5

Total shell and shrapnei ... 83

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 335

Powder :

67 10-pound charges powder pounds.. 670

16 1-pound charges powder do ... 16

Total amount of powder 686

During the firing the elevating screws of both pivots gave way.
There were also 15 fixed 12 pounder charges damaged by water.
Very respectfully,

J. C. BBESLYN,

Acting Gunner.
J. M. B. GLITZ, U. S. Navy,

Commander, Commanding U. 8. S. Osceola, City Point, Va.

Expedition to Cox's Mill, James River, August 3-4, 1864.
Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army.

U. 8. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 3, 1864.

GENERAL,: In reply to your enquiry* just received, I have to state
that the only move that appears to be practicable would be to land a
sufficient force at Dutch Gap after dark to capture the ''detachment."
My boats are available for this service. Without removing a portion
of the barricade I could do nothing with boats above the obstructions,
and the time would be too limited to effect that.

Should you decide to send a force, you will notify me in season to
have my boats in readiness. The distance across is only a mile, and
Captain Sanderson will undertake it with 100 additional men.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer, Commanding in James River.

Major-General BENJ. F. BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sanderson, TJ. S. Army.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 3, 1864.

SIR: It would be well, I think, to send but a few men forward after
landing to endeavor without noise to capture one of the enemy's pickets,
from whom you might get information of the force at the mill. Should
there be only a small force, try and secure the party.

The toipedo should stand upon its bottom and be placed under the
crossheads and slides. When in position, insert the friction primers
and lead the match string through the window or door, and a quick
jerk will explode it. The work should be properly done and done
quickly.

Very respectfully, etc.,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Captain SANDERSON,

Third Pennsylvania Artillery.

* Not found.

336 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Captain Sanderson, U. S. Army.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,

On Picket, Below the Barricade, James River, August 4, 1864.
SIR: I herewith enclose a report from Captain [J. W.l Sanderson,
commanding naval picket force, of another expedition to Cox's mill to
destroy an engine, which General [R. S.] Ewell proposed to send a detach-
ment of men to remove, and enquires by telegraph "if Flag-Officer
Mitchell sends picket boats below the wharf," which dispatch was read
by our operators and communicated to me by General Butler.

I have not considered it of sufficient importance to make any report
of the matter to the Department. Everything quiet in this vicinity.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

CAMP OF NAVAL PICKET DETACHMENT,

James River, Virginia, A it gust /, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations
last. night:

I proceeded with 40 of my own men on the U. S. S. Stepping Stones
(Acting Ensign [John] Barrett) to the pontoon bridge at General [R. S.J
Foster's command, where I received 100 additional men under com-
mand of Captain [E. A.] Nickels, Eleventh Maine. Returning, we
landed at a point near Aiken's Landing, known as the "Branch," and
at about 2 o'clock this morning I advanced with the forces to Cox's
farm for the purpose of destroying such machinery, etc., as might be in
the mill and on the premises

Upon nearing the point a small squad of the enemy fired on us, with-
out, however, doing any harm. 1 immediately ordered my men to move
forward in quick time, at the same time sending a firing party, under
charge of Lieutenant [D. W. j Chambers, to the mill. No machinery
could be found. The building is an utter wreck, and its contents
removed; the walls alone are standing. Upon attempting to fire the
torpedo the fuzes were discovered to be deficient, and the effort to
destroy what was left of the walls therefore failed.

The object of the expedition having, as far as possible, thus been
accomplished, I returned to the Stepping Stones and embarked the
troops.

1 have to report the loss of 2 men, Private Wattson, Company G,
Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and ! private (name unknown) of the
Eleventh Maine, who strayed away from the command.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SANDERSON.
Captain, Third Pennsylvania Artil:<rij.

Captain MELANCTON SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 337

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Quackenbush, U. 8. Navy, commanding
U. 8. 8. Pequot, of an attack upon the steamer F. E. Brooks, near
Turkey Creek, Virginia.

U. S. S. PEQUOT,

James River, Virginia, August 4, 1864.

SIR : As the sanitary boat F. E. Brooks was passing a wooded bluff
a short distance above the mouth of Turkey Creek she was fired into
by a party of the enemy, five or six in number, killing 1 and mortally
wounding 2 others on board. The Commodore Morris and this vessel
immediately got underway and proceeded to the point at which the
attack was made, firing a few shot in the spot the rascals were sup-
posed to be ambushed. They evidently did not wait for our approach,
leaving, no doubt, as soon as they had accomplished their purpose.
The Brooks had up the sanitary flag, and there were ladies on board;
in fact, the miscreants fired directly among them. The boat was on
her way to your vessel, the party on board intending to visit Dr.
Franklin. I think with another boat and a strong picket guard of
soldiers the banks in this vicinity could be kept entirely clear. Above
General Pickett's house, or Jones' Landing, I have felled the trees, and
the Morris has cleared the bank for some distance below Turkey Creek.
The intermediate space consists of wooded bluffs. I intend, to-morrow,
to send a gang on shore and clear it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. QUACKENBTJSH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
[Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.]

[Endorsement.]

U. S. S. MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 20, 18fi4.

When we first went up the river I asked General Butler to have a
detail made to picket the bank for the gunboats, and I recommended
to the general to have some clearing made on the left bank. The clear-
ing required was considerable, and as the army did not do it, I gave
verbal orders to the gunboats to clear as much as they could, and con-
siderable clearing was so done in some places.

Alter some delay the army, or rather General [C. K.] Graham, fur-
nished a picket force of about 125 officers and men. More have been
required, and I recommend that now, as marines can be got, that these
should be supplied to each gunboat.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Davis, U. 8. Navy, of an attack upon
the enemy at Bermuda Hundred.

U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT SASSACUS,
Bermuda Hundred, James River, Virginia, August 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that rebel pickets showing them-
selves at 9 a. in. to-day about 1£ miles from this vessel, I opened fire
and drove them out of sight.

I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN L. DAVIS,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Captain MELANOTON SMITH,

Commanding U. 8. S. Onondaga and Senior Officer Present.

N w R — VOL 10 22

338 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the chase of
blockade runners, and submitting suggestions for the approval of the
Department.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BJOCKADING SQUADRON,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, August 6, 1804.

SIR: Lieutenant-Commander Magaw, U. S. S. Florida, reports, under
date of 31st ultimo, that about 2 a. in. of that date a steamer was dis-
covered standing across his bows inshore. The Florida gave chase
and threw up a rocket, when the steamer headed down the coast and
was lost sight of in a few minutes.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant MacDiarmid reports seeing at about
the same time and place the wake of a steamer, probably of that chased
by the Florida. The Governor Buckingham followed the track, but
could not see the runner. At 3:30 a. m. another track was seen and
followed, and at daylight two vessels were seen inside the harbor. The
Governor Buckingham stood close to Federal Point shoals while pur-
suing them, and her commander thinks they must have passed inside
the shoal. Captain Glisson, divisional officer off New Inlet, in forward-
iugthese reports, states that both officers appear to have been vigilant,
and that these steamers were not seen by any other vessel, although
all were on the alert.

Acting Master Phelou, temporarily commanding the Monticello, re-
ports on the 1st instant that he sighted at daylight a large, low steamer,
with three smokestacks (probably one of the recently built steamers
reported to make from 20 to 22 miles an hour) which he chased until 11
a. m. unsuccessfully, the chase standing out to sea.

Acting Master [Alfred] Everson, commanding Victoria, reports on
the 4th instant, that on the evening of the 3d, while close inshore, he
saw white water, apparently the track of an outward bound vessel,
and followed it up at full speed, but it soon disappeared, when he threw
up two rockets in its supposed direction and returned to his station.

Captain Glisson reports on the 5th instant, that a low propeller
steamer, with two smokestacks, got in the previous night (which was
very dark) without being seen by any of the blockaders. He says in
reporting this, I hardly know how we are to stop them. You may rest
assured that we will do everything that men can do to stop this block-
ade running.

The blockade breakers have now facilities for running the blockade
which they have never had before. Their vessels have great speed
and are very low in the water, so that only their wake is sometimes seen
on dark nights. They have now the advantage of a light-house for
each inlet, of range lights and of army signal lights along the coast,
and each runner is understood to carry a signal officer. I am credibly
informed that many of these blockade runners are commanded by offi-
cers belonging to the British navy, on account of their superiority in
skill and boldness to the men formerly employed in this service.

The Howquali is found to be one of the most useful vessels here for
watching the bars. Six or eight more vessels somewhat of her class,
turning quickly, of light draft and of better speed than the Howquah,
would be very useful for the two bars.

The first object of the blockade is to prevent anything from passing
into or out of Wilmington. However great the exposure, labor, and
vigilance exercised to effect this, which none but practiced professional
men can appreciate, the experience of this war shows that it is impracti-
cable to make a perfect blockade against steamers built expressly for
the purpose of breaking the blockade.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 339

The force present before the port constitutes the unquestioned legal
blockading force, upon which devolves all the severe duty of the block-
ade, with but little remuneration as compared to the outside line for
prize money, except in the case of the divisional officers.

The divisional officers therefore should be present oif the bars; and
the fastest vessels, while we have but few, as at present in good order,
should be outside for day chasing, as night chasing is seldom successful.
I proposed to Captain Glisson to take the State of Georgia, a slow
steamer with a better battery than that of the Santiago de Cuba, and to
Captain Sands to take the Florida instead of the Fort Jackson. I
pointed out to them what 1 thought were the public advantages of this
arrangement, among them, that of taking in supplies at Beaufort. To
this suggestion the former was much opposed, and the latter was will-
ing to consent. Unfortunately, the State of Georgia and the Florida
will soon need considerable repairs.

If these views, which are respectfully submitted for the considera-
tion of the Department, meet its approval, and the Department can
conveniently supply divisional vessels of suitable battery and draft of
water, i believe the result would be beneficial to the blockade.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy,
in the matter of the detention of captured persons.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August (>', 1864.

SIR : Your No. 453 was received, in which you ask to be instructed
as to the course to pursue in the case of persons captured on board
vessels which have no papers to show their neutral character.

The second paragraph of the general instructions of May 9, 1864,
authorizes the detention of foreign subjects captured in vessels without
papers or colors, and the sixth section authorizes the detention of such
subjects, where the neutrality of a vessel is doubtful, until the neutral
character of the vessel is satisfactorily established, but that it is not
advisable to detain such persons unless there is good ground for doubt-
ing the neutrality of the vessel.

in these cases you must exercise your best judgment under the general
instructions.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Report of Commander Harrell, V. S. Navy, of the appearance of the C. S.
ram Albemarle at mouth of the Roanoke River.

U. S. S. CHICOPEE, August 6, 1864 — 5 a. m.

SIR: I have to inform you that the ram made its appearance this
morning at a few minutes before 4 a. m. It advanced as far as the

340 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

mouth of the river and halted. I slipped and stood out slowly, with the
picket boats, with the expectation that it would follow. It is yet in
the river. From the number of people in sight on the beach, no doubt it
was expected that an engagement would ensue. Under the circum-
stances, I have detained the boats which were to ascend the river until
I hear from you. The ram can capture them, should they do so, if she
pleases. Besides, the Geres is absolutely necessary here to do- duty
as picket. The ram is now lying in the river blowing off steam. I do
not think, however, that she will advance. Should she do so, however,
I will endeavor to draw her down toward the fleet. I shall now pay
my respects to those gentlemen on the beach in the shape of a few
shells. In haste.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. D. HAERELL,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 7, 1864.

Fit out as early as practicable two of the picket boats for Lieutenant
W. B. Cushing.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Nn /•//•
Ivear- Admiral F H. GREGORY, U. S. Navy,

New York.

Report of Lieutenant Casey, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Quaker City,
regarding the chase of a blockade runner by that vessel August 7, 1864.

U. S. S. QUAKER CITY,
Beaufort, N. 0., August 17, 1864.

SIR : About sunset on the evening of the 7th instant. Cape Fear then
bearing W. 4° S., distant 126 miles, saw a steamer steering apparently S.
1 stood for her at once, and soon after the vessel altered her course and
stood down directly toward this ship. From this circumstance and the
fact of her being a long, side-wheel steamer, with two smoke pipes and
two masts with topmasts set, I concluded it was the Gettysburg. On
approaching more closely 1 hove to and challenged with signal lights,
which not being immediately answered, burned the Coston signal for
that day, when he immediately started off at full speed. I at once
opened fire on him with the 30 and 100 pounder Parrotts, with what
etfect I am unable to tell. The shells exploded quite close to him, so
as to render him distinctly visible, but he continued on at full speed
and was soon lost in the darkness of the night. During the time I was
challenging with the lights, which did not occupy more than a minute,
the steamer, I think, was hove to. She was not more than 300 yards
distant — near enough to see distinctly her rig, which is precisely like
that of the Gettysburg. My opinion concerning the character and iden-
tity of this steamer at the time was shared by nearly all the officers of

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 341

this vessel, who were closely watching her during the whole time of her
approach toward us.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SILAS CASEY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

P. S. — Since writing the foregoing I have learned that there were
some on board who thought the steamer was a propeller. If their sup-
positions are right, I think, in view of facts now ascertained, it is
extremely probable that it was none other than the new rebel steamer
Tallahassee.

SILAS CASEY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S.Gettysburg,
regarding the chase by that vessel of a suspicious steamer, August 7, 186 j.

U. S. S. GETTYSBURG,
Beaufort, N. C., August 22, 1864.

SIR: About 5 p.m. on the evening of the 7th instant, New Inlet
bearing W. by S., distant about 120 miles, I sighted a strange steamer
with two masts, two smokestacks, and to all appearances a blockade
runner, bearing S. W. from us. My boats were picking up cotton at
the time, but I recalled them as soon as possible, and gave chase with
all the steam we could raise.

The stranger lay to till we approached within 4 or 5 miles, when he
set his jib and turned his head toward us for a few minutes; but soon
hauled it down and stood off S. E., making black smoke. I pursued,
and lost sight of him at dark ; but continued on the same course, and
about 8 : 30 saw a dim light ahead, and soon after seven or eight signal
lights were seen in the same direction ; they were white and brilliant
lights, continuing but for an instant, and apparently thrown up from
the deck.

I went to quarters, and continued so till we lost sight of the light,
about 9:30 p. m., after which we saw nothing more.

I should have reported this occurrence before, but this is the first
opportunity I have had of communicating with the flagship.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. LAMSON,
Lieutenant Commanding.
Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander T*uxtun, U. S. Navy, of observations
made while on picket duty, August 7-9, 1864.

On Sunday morning, the 7th instant, at 2 : 25, the rebel ram Albemarle
was discovered by the Ceres outside the buoy at the mouth of the river.

It is my impression that these nightly expeditions on the part of the
ram are made with the hope of picking up one of the small picket boats,

342 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

or ramming one of the double-enders and then returning. So far the
ram has, in every case, turned back as soon as she was discovered,
which looks as if she did not at present mean fight; would suggest that
both torpedo boats be put in order and sent after dark to the mouth of
river to blow up the ram. This morning the Ceres, by keeping close in
to the southern shore, succeeded in passing this vessel, though we
were at quarters and underway, with a hundred pair of eyes looking in
all directions for the enemy. This shows how easily the ram might
approach. I have therefore dropped down for a night station to a point
where I will be out of the shadow of the laud. I do not think the
torpedo boats can be safe or useful up here, unless they are to attack.
If they are to fall back, they will only be an embarrassment and dan-
gerous, should it become necessary to tow them. 1 sent the Belle away
on Saturday night because I could not get her in working order before
dark; very fortunate I did so, as I was obliged to be underway for
several hours in the dark. The present inside picket work is too much
for one bout. No commanding officer or crew can stand the strains.
There should be at least three picket boats.

Sunday night, 6: 20 p. m., a fire was discovered on the south bank of
the mouth of the Chowan River. It appeared just after a very heavy
squall of wind and rain. . t about 6 : 50 a large fire was started on the
south shore of the bay about 3 miles east of the mouth of Roanoke River.
Got the ship underway and laid knocking around till 8: 15; dropped a
200 pound kedge. At 10 p. m. larger fire near mouth of Hoanoke renewed.
All night signals were being made from Chowaii to Roanoke rivers.

Monday morning at 5 a. m. Ceres fired two guns in rapid succession;
got underway and boxed about. Ceres in mouth of Chowau River in
chase of two boats. At 6 a. m. anchored with the kedge. So far have
had a horrid time. At 10 a. m. Mr. William Atkinsoncaineon board; had
permission from the commander at Plymouth to visit Eden ton; detained
him for some time and then gave him permission to pass. Ram will
come down frequently and endeavor to pick up one of us, or will risk
an engagement with two double-enders. A boat expedition is to be
sent to Edenton of two launches, containing about fifty men each. Saw
floating battery at Halifax three weeks ago. Have never heard of
another ram at Halifax. A steamer is building there, to run on the
Roanoke River, but is not to be ironclad ; that's what Atkinson says.
At 8 p. m. enemy making signals from Chowan River, south side; got
underway. At 9 suddenly discovered the torpedo boat under our bow ;
thought she was the ram. Went ahead four bells, just missed the tor-
pedo and just missed firing into the tug. A narrow escape for both.
So far had a beautiful time.

Tuesday morning. — Officer in charge of torpedo tug reports her dis-
abled. At 7 a. m. send him back to the fleet. 10a.m., Basely just
arrived. Much obliged for the beef. I want to send in to Edenton for
news, but since I have been obliged to send away the tug (torpedo) I
am afraid to leave the river uuwatched, lest the ram might catch us in
Edenton Bay.

Very truly,

W. T. TRUXTUN,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Commander MACOMB.

There are no general signals up here. I send a proposition,* which I
think will meet the case.

* Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 343

Report of Acting Ensign Stothard, U. 8. Navy, regarding the loss of the

U. 8. 8. Violet.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Off Western Bar, N. 0., August 8, 1S64.

SIR: I have to report that last evening I proceeded to my inshore
station, close to the shoal off the bar, and after giving my personal
supervision to the ship until 9:30 p. in., I went to my room, leaving
orders to be called if anything occurred, and at 10:30 p. m. at any
rate, in the meantime to keep the vessel in 4 fathoms water as near
as possible, moving in a circle. In about ten minutes I felt her
strike. I instantly went forward and stopped the engines and backed,
asking the leadsman what water he had. "Quarter less four," said he,
" last cast," and was then hauling in the line. I took the line and
sounded around the vessel, finding from 8 to 9 feet water, and directly
forward of the stem 7 feet. By backing she moved a little astern and
swung around, seeming to hang amidships as I backed. Fearing that
she would forge farther on the shoal I let go my starboard anchor and
as she moved veered to 15 fathoms. I had previously sent an officer to
the Vicksburg, then in sight, to inform Lieutenant-Commander Braine
of my situation and ask for assistance, whicli was sent in good time,
boat, men, hawsers, and an anchor, though when they arrived it was
high water, and in my opinion, too late to be of any service, the tide
and sea having set her on the shoal into 6 feet water, hard on, and the
propeller immovable, although I had 40 pounds of steam. My boat
returned and I went personally about 12, midnight, to Lieutenant- Com-
mander Braine to inform him of my condition, when he advised me to
prepare to destroy my vessel as effectually as possible. After all prep-
arations for sending officers, crew, and ship's effects off in boats that he
and Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, of the Emma, had sent, all
of which I did, sending property, a list of which you will find enclosed,
also a list of crew, I made preparations for her destruction as follows : 1
put a lighted slow match to a powder tank in the magazine and closed the
door, then filled a large, fine drawer with shavings and straw taken from
pillows and mattresses, partially covered it with another, and sprinkled
two quarts of spirits of turpentine over all and on the woodwork around
it; hungup an oilcloth from the table, one corner hanging in the shav-
ings, which 1 touched with a lighted match (in the wardroom), after
all the boats, but mine in waiting, had left the side, and I -followed
about 2 o'clock a. in. this morning. The explosion of the magazine con-
taining about 200 pounds of powder occurred within half an hour after-
wards, and by daylight she was effectually consumed. One 12-pounder
was thrown overboard, one left on the forecastle, spiked with rat-tail
file, and the 24-pouuder was directly over the magazine aft when it
exploded, so that it was thrown into the sea.
Your obedient servant,

THOS. STOTHARD,
Acting Ensign, Late Commanding Violet.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Fort Jackson, Off Western Bar, JV. C.

344 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting the pro-
ceedings of a court of enquiry on the loss of the U. 8. 8. Violet, August
8, 1864.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Off Wilmington, N. C., August 10, 1864,

SIR : 1 transmit enclosed the proceedings of a court of enquiry <>n the
loss of the Violet, Acting Ensign Thomas Stothard, commanding, on
the nights of the 7th and 8th instant, on the shoals near Western Bar
Inlet to Cape Fear Kiver.

Acting Ensign Stothard is a very intelligent and efficient officer, not-
withstanding this casualty. I therefore respectfully recommend that
no further action be taken.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dev-
ens, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Tristram Shandy.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 8, 1864.

SIR : As soon as the U. S. S. Tristram Shandy is ready for sea, proceed
with her to Beaufort, N. C., and report to Acting Rear-Admiral S. P.
Lee for duty in the squadron under his command.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant EDWARD F. DEVENS,

Commanding U. S. 8. Tristram Shandy, Boston.

[Order of same date and tenor to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry
J. Brown, commanding U. S. S. Dumbarton.]

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, August 9, 1864.

Double-ender Eutaw arrived here yesterday, from Peusacola August
1. No news ot importance. She is in quarantine by post regulations.

J. H. UPSHUR,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Hon. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

L Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 9, 186-i.

Land all Eutaw's guns but those on the hurricane deck and send her
to Acting Hear- Admiral Lee, off Wilmington.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.
SENIOR OFFICER IN HAMPTON ROADS,

On Board Frigate Minnesota.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 345

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
Below the Barricade, James River, August 9, 1864.

SIR : I received a letter a day or two since from the Bureau of Con-
struction, etc., authorizing the purchase of two more vessels for James
River, informing me also that there was another at Baltimore ready to
be sent forward, which I have written for. When these are placed I
shall consider the work finished, and will send you a tracing of the
position of the booms and vessels.

General Butler has decided to cut a canal across Dutch Gap and will
break ground to morrow morning at 5 o'clock.

About 1,500 laborers were sent over to-day with a large picket force;
many implements for excavating are on the ground, and horses, carts,
and barrows are constantly arriving. The time estimated for complet-
ing the work by the engineer is six weeks, but General Butler says it
will be finished in three. The depth is to be 15 feet below low- water
mark, 40 feet wide below and 60 feet above. It is not supposed that
the laborers will be allowed to prosecute their work at first without any
annoyances and interruptions by the enemy. I trust I shall be able to
protect them as soon as I can get my ranges of the upper reach.

Since my last communication there has been no interruption to the
navigation, no firing from sharpshooters except a few shots from Dutch
Gap at one of the tugs yesterday.

A terrific accident occurred at City Point about meridian to day, by
which about forty persons were killed and a large number wounded.
It was occasioned by the explosion of an army ordnance barge lying at
tlie wharf, causing the destruction of several small vessels and doing
very considerable damage to buildings in the vicinity.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

[Acting Rear- Admiral LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.]

N. B. — August 10: At about 1: 30 this morning six shells were fired,
supposed to be from the rams, one exploding in the water below Dutch
Gap and another striking the bank on the opposite side of the river,
but doing no damage.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb,

U. S. Navy, in view of another engagement with the C. 8. ram Albe-

marle.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Wilmington, N. C., August ,9, 1864.

SIR: I notified you on the 6th instant that the Mattabesett and
Chicopee were to receive at the Norfolk navy yard two Xl-inch guns,
fitted so as to be fired with 30 pounds of powder and solid shot, instead
of their present battery.

The Department is of the opinion that too light charges of powder
were used in the engagement of May 5 with the Albemarle, and that
the IX-inch gun with 13 pounds and the 100-pounder rifle with 10
pounds of powder can effect nothing, and that even using Xl-inch
guns the vessels should touch the ram while engaging her and the Xl-
inch guns be fired with 30 pounds of powder and solid shot. The
Department still is of the opinion that ramming at full speed is the

346 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

best course, but if Xl-iuch guns with the full charge are used, ramming,
except witli the Shamrock, is not so important.

These views are furnished for your guidance in case of another
engagement with the ram, and I desire that you will, as far as may be
practicable in that event, carry them out.
llespectfully. yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Senior Officer in Sounds of North Carolina.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Livingston, U. S.
Navy, to proceed to Harrison's Landing for the protection of transports
passing in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 10, 1864.

SIB : Upon receipt of this order you will proceed with the Commo-
dore Barney under your command to Harrison's Landing and take
your station off that point to afford protection to transports passing
up and down the river. Shell every force you see and capture every-
body you can. Move down occasionally to Williams' Wharf. Twelve
torpedo boats have been taken up in that vicinity, and it will be neces-
sary for you to keep a bright lookout to see that no others are placed
there. 1 would advise you to clear the banks of trees and underwood,
if practicable.

Very respectfully, etc.,

[MELANCTON SMITH],
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Master GEORGE B. LIVINGSTON,

Commanding U. S. S. Commodore Barney, Newport News.

Report of Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding a
reconnoissance at Harrison's Landing, James River.

U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Off City Point, James River, August 10, 1864.

SIR: I herewith enclose you a letter from Acting Volunteer Lieuten-
ant Graves, commanding U. S. S. Miami. Also a letter* from a Mrs.
Harrison.

I would respectfully state that we have now on hand at this point
less than 400 tons of coal.

An army ordnance barge exploded yesterday at City Point. The
second cutter was on shore at the time of the explosion. Four of the
crew were wounded. One received a severe scalp wound, while another
suffered from an internal injury, to what extent it is impossible to deter-
mine as yet. The remaining two were of no serious import.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. B. CLITZ,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
MELANCTON SMITH,

Captain and Divisional Officer,

Commanding U. S. Ironclad Onondaga, James Rircr.

*Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 347

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. MIAMI,

Off Harrison's Landing, August 9, 1864.

SIR: I enclose proceedings of a court-martial held on board this ves-
sel. Will you be kind enough to forward to Captain Smith. I also
enclose a note from Mrs. Harrison.

I made a reconnoissance on shore yesterday. Saw a small force or
patrol of the enemy, six in all. They were at the rear of the brick
house. An old negro told me that there were six pieces of artillery
and 2,000 men at the landing the other morning, but they had but one
piece in position.

My boiler is leaking badly and I am out of provisions.
Very respectfully,

G. W. GRAVES,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Commander J. M. B. CLITZ,

Commanding U. S. S. Osceola, City Point.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMET, August 11, 1864.

SIR : As soon as guns are out of Ascutney and she is coaled, order her
to proceed off Wilmington and report to Admiral Lee.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore J. B. MONTGOMERY,

Commandant Navy Yard, Washington, J). C.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.
Navy, regarding measures for protecting the blockade from surprise.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Wilmington, N. C., August 11, 1864.

SIR : Care must be observed when sending vessels to cruise outside, or
off their stations for iepairs or supplies, that a sufficient number of men
and weight of metal be always kept to protect the blockade from sur-
prise from without or within, or both.

When the divisional officer finds it to be judicious and proper to
change any part of the instructions given him for the conduct of the
blockade, he is authorized to do so, but he will immediately make a
written report of what he has so done and his reasons for so doing.
Have a good arrangement for learning when an inside blockader needs
to be towed out.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Captain B. F. Sands,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar.

P. S. — Let all blockaders going to and coming from Norfolk touch at
Beaufort to deliver or receive mails.

Same to Captain O. S. Glisson, [divisional officer, off New Inlet].

348 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Master Keyser, U. S. Navy, commanding r. .S'. 8.
Victoria, regarding the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,
Off New Inlet, August 12, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 12th instant, at 1.30 a. in.,
being in 6£ fathoms water, with the Mound light bearing N. W. by \\ .
and Bald Head light S. W. by W. i W., we discovered a large side-
wheel steamer standing to eastward. He discovered us at the same
time and turned to westward; we turned also and fired our starboard
broadside gun at him, and a rocket to southward and westward. He
then turned to the eastward again; we turned also and fired our pivot
gun at him, and two rockets to southward and ea-tward. Owing to a
squall which passed over us at that time, we lost sight of him and
returned to our station.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

K S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding r. <V. 8. Victoria.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Divisional Officer, off New Inlet, North Carolina.

Report of Commander Rhitid, U. S. Navy, regarding engagement* icith
three Confederate batteries in James River, August 13, 18HI.

U. S. S. AGAWAM,
Deep Bottom, August 14 [15\, 1M>4.

SIR: On the 13th instant, shortly after 2 p.m., rebel batteries at
three different points opened fire on this vessel. One w;is placed on
Four Mile Creek and consisted of light rifled pieces. The other two bat-
teries, containing heavy guns or mortars, were to the westward of the
creek, in a position not visible from our deck or mastheads, owing to
the intervening woods. The creek battery was partly covered by houses,
but in sight from the forward deck. We engaged them as soon as their
position was determined and continued the action until about 0.30 p. in.,
when, finding our ammunition running sh'trt, having expended ~"2S
charges, we weighed anchor and dropped down to order the Hunchback
up. She advanced about sunset and fired a few rounds, when the bat-
teries ceased at dark. We filled up with ammunition that night and
resumed our station off Four Mile Creek next day, opening on the rebel
lines that afternoon, I am informed with good effect. We commenced
firing again this morning to cover the advance of our troops.

I enclose the report of the gunner and the medical officer's report of
casualties on the 13th, which were slight, considering the fire we were
subjected to. The vessel sustained no damage other than a lew
scratches.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. C. RHIND,

Commander.
Captain M. SMITH,

Divisional Officer, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 349

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. AGAWAM,
James River, August 14, 1864.

SIR: I have respectfully to report the following killed and wounded
in the action of yesterday:

Killed — John Williams, ship's corporal; W. Burke, ordinary sea-
man; W. Wilson, ordinary seaman.

Wounded. — William Winter, seaman, severe, leg; Henry Dedoll,
ordinary seaman, severe, hip, left arm amputated; John Scott, boat-
swain's mate, slight, nip; William Schuyler, ordinary seaman, leg and
hand.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

HEMAN P. BABCOCK,
Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy.
Commander A. C. KHIND,

Commanding Steamer Agawam.

U. S. S. AGAWAM,
James River, August 13, 1864.

SIR: The following is a list of expenditures in the gunner's depart-
ment for this day, viz :

5-secoud IX-inch shell 31

10-second IX-inch shell 59

10-second IX-inch shrapnel 12

5-second IX-inch shrapnel 1

100- pounder Scheukle fuzed shell 42

100-pounder Parrott fu/ed shell 22

100-pouuder 10-second shrapnel 25

100-pomider 10-second shell 36

Powder pounds . . 2, 270

Percussion primers 240

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY F. DUNNELS,

Acting Gunner, U. S. Navy.

Commander A. C. RHIND, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. S. Agawam, James River, Virginia.

Letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander
Khinti, r. 8. Navy, for gallantry in engagement icitk three Confeder-
ate batteries in James River, August 13, 1864.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 7, 1864.

SIR: The Department is gratified in transmitting to you the accom-
panying copy of a dispatch from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, commend-
ing your gallantry and endurance and that of the officers and men
under your command, in the engagement with three rebel batteries on
the 13th ultimo on James River, and expresses its thanks for the serv-
ices and energy displayed on the occasion referred to.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Commander A. C. RHIND,

Commanding U. S. S. Agaicam, James River.

350 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure. ]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C ., August 25, 1864.

SIR : I take great pleasure in calling the attention of the Department
to the gallantry and endurance displayed by Commander Rhind, of the
Agaicam, and the officers and men under his command, in the engage-
ment with three rebel batteries on the 13th instant, reported to the
Department by Captain Smith, divisional officer in James River.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Nary.

Attack upon Union forces at Dutch Qap by Confederate Jleet and batteriex,

August 13, 1864.

Beport of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
Below the Barricade, James River, August 13, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that at 5 a. m.
to-day two rebel rams opened fire on our land forces and laborers
employed at Dutch Gap, and have maintained a moderate fire during
the day.

In addition one or more gunboats or ram gunboats dropped, down to
Cox's Reach, and, together with the battery at Signal Hill on Cox's
farm and that on the hill at Hewlett's house, took part in the attack.

A movement of some kind had been anticipated, and the steamers
Mackinaw and Delaware were stationed to command Cox's Reach and
also sweep Cox's farm in the event of an attack by infantry, which was
regarded as most probable, as two divisions of the enemy were known
to be in the immediate vicinity.

After one round from this vessel, operations upon the enemy's iron-
clads were found to be impracticable from their great distance from us,
except for the possible annoyance to people on their decks, and this
contingency was so remote, and the means of directing or observing
the effect of our fire so limited, that it was not deemed advisable to
strain the large guns with the high elevation and heavy charges
necessary to reach.

The battery at Hewlett's being readily silenced by the army battery,
no attention was paid to it from the vessels. The Saugus was therefore
later in the day added to the Mackinaw and Delaware, making all the
force able effectively to operate from that point, and had, with those
two, maintained a regular fire until dark. Their fire also was dependent
upon direction from the masthead, and its effect uncertain, but it is
hoped may have been to some extent effective.

From the position of this vessel and the Canonicus, it was impossible
to aid them without greatly endangering our own forces, and they have
therefore remained without other action than preparation for any change
that may enable them to operate effectively.

General Butler's loss as far as ascertained, 30 killed and wounded.

Captain Rhind, of fas Agaicam, reports that his vessel and the Hunch-
back were attacked this afternoon at 2 p. m. by two rebel batteries, one

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 351

at Four Mile Creek and the other more to the northward; the first bat-
tery containing two 20-pounder rifles, the other a heavy gun, supposed,
from the fragments of shell, to be a X inch and a 20 pounder fieldpiece.

The casualties reported on board the Agawam are 2 killed, 1 mortally
wounded, and 3 more or less severely.

I have sent the Saugus to assist in dislodging the battery at Four
Mile Creek.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Savy, Washington, 7). G.

[Telegram.]

AUGUST 13, 1864-12:05 a. m. [p. m.J

The gunboat Mackinaw keeps the Signal Hill battery pretty quiet;
our monitors not firing. The Onondaga tired a few shots some time
since. Two of the rebel rams fire occasionally, aud the 100-pounder at
Battery Sawyer. The 100-poimder at Dutch Gap was fired twice.
One ram lirs down nearly to Dutch Gap; another is behind the group
of houses at Cox's Ferry. A number of wounded have been brought
over.

G. S. DANA,

Captain, etc.
Captain [LEMUEL B.J NORTON.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Major-General Field, C. S. Army.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Off Boulware^s Landing, August 12, 1864.

GENERAL: Your communication of this date has just been received,
and I have to state in reply that the vessels under my command will
be in position at the appointed time to-morrow morning to cooperate
with you in the proposed attack on the enemy at Dutch Gap.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.
Major- General CHAS. W. FIELD, C. S. Army,

Chaffiii's Bluff.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, August 13 — 1:30 p. m.

How long do you propose to continue firing! Our supply of ammuni-
tion is limited, and 1 do not like to expend it without satisfactory
results, which I fear is not the case, as we can not see the objects
tired at.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.
General FIKLD.

352 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

AUGUST 13, 1864.

Firing has been going on all day from our gunboats and the battery
of light artillery in position at Signal Hill (Rockbridge Battery) on the
enemy at Dutch Gap. Our firing was warmly returned by the enemy's
gunboats, assisted by the shore batteries at Baldwin's. I am happy to
say no casualties yet on our side. The Rockbridge Battery of light,
artillery did great execution among the enemy's works at Dutch (in p.
The only damage done us by the enemy was a large shell, which passrd
through an officer's bed, tearing up the floor and passing out of the
back part of the house. No one inside at the time.
Very respectfully,

G. F. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

Report of Hag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy.

0. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Salt Reach, August 14, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to inform yoi. that, in pursuance of an arrange-
ment with General Field, I took up positions on the river with the three
ironclads, the Virginia, Richmond, and Fredericksburg, and three gun-
boats, the Hampton, Nansemond, and Drewry, extending from Bishop's
to a point about a mile below, near Signal Tower. We opened fire at
6 a. m., which was kept up until 6 p. m., firing during that time at average
intervals of about 20 minutes from each of the ironclads and the gun-
boats. Our fire was returned by all the enemy's land batteries, his
monitors, and gunboats, and kept up with spirit until we ceased firing.

No casualties occurred in the squadron. The Fredericksbury was
struck several times, one shot passing through her smokestack.
Although our vessels were within three-quarters to a mile of the enemy,
it is believed that our fire did them but little, if any, damage, being
directed by signals from the shore, as we could not see the position of
the enemy from the vessels, but it appeared to be pretty accurate, our
shells exploding near their supposed position. Our smokestacks fur-
nished a good mark for the enemy's batteries, giving him a great
advantage. He kept up a steady fire all day upon Colonel Carter's
battery, established near Signal Tower, which, I am informed, received
no damage, nor did any casualties occur among his men.

I feel perfectly satisfied from the day's experience that no serious
effect was produced by our fire upon the enemy, and that it was a use-
less expenditure of ammunition. I have therefore returned to our
present anchorage.

There is no abatement of the sickness in the squadron. On the con-
trary, the effect upon the crews of the ironclads from being shut, up for
twelve hours yesterday, has increased it; almost all the officers, and a
majority of the men, still suffering, though on duty, from recent attacks
of the fever so prevalent at this time on the river.

I, myself, am now, and have been for three days, sick with this fever,
which I hope will be regarded as an excuse for any want of complete
ness which may be discovered in this report.

1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer , James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 353

Report of Commander Pegram, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Virginia.

C. S. S. VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, August 15, 1864.

SIR : In compliance with the instructions contained in article 7, chap-
ter 7, of the Navy .Regulations, I have the honor respectfully to submit
the following report of the part performed in the action of the 13th
instant by the C. S. S. Virginia, under my command:

At 10 a. m. caine to and anchored opposite Sailors' Tavern, and
about 700 yards below the Fredericksburg ; opened fire from our forward
7-inch gun and port broadside; moored ship and brought our stern gun
(X-iuch) to bear on the camp of the enemy at Dutch Gap (distant about
1,900 yards or less), from which I kept up a fire at intervals of ten,
twenty, and sixty minutes, until dark, at which time got underway, and
stood up the river and came to anchor below Chaffin's Bluff.

The ship sustained no injury in the action, and her condition is
unimpaired.

The conduct of the officers and crew during the day gave me, from
their zeal and efficiency (though many of them are inexperienced), the
gratifying assurance that, should they ever be called into close action,
the honor of the flag might be safely intrusted in their hands.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. PEGRAM,

Commander, Provisional Navy C. S.
Flag Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Flagship Virginia.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major-General Field, C. S. Army.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES KIVER SQUADRON,

Salt Reach, August 14, 1864.

GENERAL : I moved down the river yesterday morning with the three
ironclads and the three wooden gunboats, and took up positions extend-
ing from Bishop's to a point near Signal Tower. We opened fire at C
a. m. and continued it until G p. m. Feeling satisfied that we did the
enemy no damage, as we were compelled to direct our fire by signals on
shore, it being impossible to see the position of the enemy from our
vessels, and that we were merely wasting ammunition, I returned last
night to our present anchorage. I am the more strongly led to this
conclusion from the fact that the enemy, although possessing the advan-
tage of being able to see both Colonel Carter's battery and the smoke-
stacks of our vessels, inflicted no damage upon either beyond striking
the Fredericlcsburg several times without doing any material injury.

It will afford me much pleasure to cooperate with you in any move-
ment affording a reasonable prospect of injuring the enemy or retarding
his operations.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag Officer James River Squadron.

Major-general C. W. FIELD, C. S. Army,

Chaffirfs Farm.

P. S. — Has my dispatch from Signal Tower, dated yesterday, reached
you ? I should have informed you of my withdrawal from Dutch Gap
last night, had I not been suffering from a severe attack of fever.

J. K. M.

N W R — VOL 10 Jo

354 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Bootes, C. S. Navy, Commanding C. S. S. Fredericksburg.

IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG, JAMES KIVER SQUADRON,

Near Chaffirfs Bluff, August U, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order I got the Fredericksburg underway
between the hours of 2 and 3 o'clock a. m. on the morning of the 13th,
and stood down the river for the purpose of taking the ship's station,
which had been selected the day before, a short distance below Cox's
house, on the south side of the James Kiver. Commander Pegram
informed me, when getting near the Virginia, that he had a hawser
stretched across the river. We had to use all the steam power to back
and keep clear. The Fredericksburg grounded on the north side of
James Itiver; got her off with a kedge and hawser, when she again
struck on the south side of the river; no damage to the ship. Came
to with a kedge astern, at about daylight. Weighed the kedge and
stood down the river at 5 : 30 a. m. Came to with starboard anchor in 5
fathoms water a little below Cox's house, ship's head upstream, kedge
astern, lines forward and aft on port side; made fasten shore to spring
ship as required. About 6 a. m. opened fire on Dutch Gap, by the
bearings, from our X-inch smoothbore, our 04 rifle, and our 7-inch
rifle. Was informed the shot, or most of them, fell in or near Dutch
Gap. Had a signal officer at Cox's house, and he made about the same
report. The enemy soon found out the true range of the Fredericks-
burg, and struck her six times. One 6.4 rifle shell or bolt went through
the smokestack. One 100 pounder Parrott shell struck a kedge anchor
on the port side of the forecastle, broke the stack, and bent the shank.
Fragments of shell cut away two after braces of smokestack, bent flag-
staff, struck the ship in other places, doing little or no damage. Am
pleased to say no officer or man was injured. So soon as I found the
enemy had the direct range on the ship, and as I was using our guns on
Dutch Gap, and the enemy taking deliberate aim and firing on the
Fredericksburg, hauled the ship about one length ahead. He continued
to use the same range, and threw his shot and shell a short distance
from us. In changing the position of the Fredericksburg, I still
retained bearings on Dutch Gap, which were used. The enemy struck
the Fredericksburg three times in five shots.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. E. EOOTES,
Commander, Provisional Navy C. S.

Flag-officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.

Commanding James River Squadron.

Shot and shell fired August 13, 1864.

X-inch smoothbore :

15-pound charges 22

10-second shell 14

5-second shell 5

Round shot 3

7-inch rifle :

10-pound charges 24

8-pound charge 1

7-inch shrapnel 12

7-inch percussion shell .13

6.4 rifle:

8-pound charges 25

Percussion shells .24

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 355

One incendiary shell, passed up by mistake, cap taken off and, to
provide against any accident, was afterwards tired.
Respectfully, etc.,

THOS. It. BOOTES,

Commander.

At about 7:30 p. in. got underway and stood up the river, Virginia,
in company. About 9 p. in. came to anchor near Chaffin's Bluff.
Respectfully, etc.,

T. R. R.

Report of Lieutenant Maury, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Richmond.

C. S. S. RICHMOND, JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

James River, Virginia, August 15, 1864.

SIR: I have the following report to make concerning the operations
of the vessel under my command on Saturday, August 13, 1864:

At 4 o'clock a. in. I got underway and proceeded down the river, and
when about 300 yards below the Bishop house took the position pre-
viously assigned to this vessel, mooring ship head upstream. At 5:52
a. in. I opened fire QU the enemy with shrapnel; finding them bursting
far short, however, the projectile was changed to time-fuzed shell; this
being changed, also by your order, percussion shell were fired for the
rest of the day. Mr. White, the signal operator attached to this vessel,
being sent on shore to mark the effect of our shots, telegraphed they
were for the most part very accurate, but that, as far as he could see,
only about one out of five of the percussion burst. We suffered no dam-
age whatever from the tire of the enemy, only a few fragments of shell
striking the ship. The firing from this vessel, rapid for the first hour
of the engagement, was slackened, and one shot every five minutes was
ordered to be fiied. This was changed to once every ten minutes, then
to once every fifteen minutes, and finally, during the latter part of the
afternoon, to once every twenty minutes. At G o'clock a. m., according
to instructions, we ceased tiring, having fired in all 67 times — 3 shrapnel,
3 time fuzed shell, and 61 percussion shell. We ceased firing on three
occasions, once for breakfast, once for dinner, and twice to swing ship
in order to bring the guns to bear. At 8 o'clock p. m. we got underway
and proceeded up the river, and when just above the Graveyard we
grounded twice and were about one hour getting off. At 10: 30 p. in.
came to anchor in open order below the flagship. Enclosed you will
find the report of the gunner and the requisitions which were directed
to be made ont.

Respectfully submitted.

J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Report of Gunner Williams, C. S. Navy.

C. S. S. RICHMOND,

Off Chaffiri's Bluff, Virginia, August 15, 18(J4.

SIR: I am directed by Lieutenant Commanding J. S. Maury to make
out and forward to you the following report:

At the beginning of the action on Saturday last, we had on board 206
percussion, 25 10-second and 15 second time shell, 12 shrapnel, 127 VI-
inch stands of grape, and 42 Vl-inch stands of canister.

356 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Of these we used Cl percussion shell, leaving 145 in locker; 3 time
shell, leaving 22 ; and three shrapnel, leaving 9. Captain Maury designs
filling up the complement of projectiles to 200 percussion shell, 75 time
shell, and 25 shrapnel. To this end 1 have filled up the enclosed requi-
sition with the number requisite.

The grape and canister, being Vl-inch, are deemed unserviceable, and
I have therefore made requisition for the same number, respectively, of
Vll-inch in their place.

1 would further observe, sir, that the "lead-bottom " shell used in the
treble-banded rifle gun in nearly every instance were seen and heard to
tumble. This 1 suppose, sir, was caused by the nonexpansion of the
saucer, the metal being too hard to fill the grooves properly.

The 5-second shrapnel, which a table of distances and time of flight
directed to be used at 1,750 yards, burst far short of that distance.

The greatest elevation that can be given the gun of this ship is
5° 30', throwing its projectile 2,200 yards. In consequence the 15-
second time shell are unsuitable and will be returned.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EUGENE M. WILLIAMS,
Gunner, Provisional Navy C. S.

Commander JNO. M. BROOKE, C. S. Navy,

Chief Bureau Ordnance and Hydrography.

Report of Lieutenant Wall, C. 8. Navy, commanding C. 8. 8. Drewry.

C. S. GUNBOAT DREWRY,
James River Squadron, August 14, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your verbal order, I have the honor of submit-
ting to you the following report of the part borne by this vessel in
shelling the enemy at Dutch Gap, James River, on the 13th of August,
1864. At 5:30 a. m. I took position as directed near a point known as
Sailors' Tavern, keeping underway all the time. As soon as the iron-
clads opened I commenced firing at an elevation of 2,500 yards. Being
informed from the battery at the Signal Tower that my shots were in
good line, but falling short, I directed that the elevation be increased
to 3,000 yards. This elevation, the battery informed me, threw the
projectiles about the right distance. Having but a limited supply of
time fuzes on board, I was soon compelled to use my percussion iShell.
The Virginia came down and supplied me with a requisition of ord-
nance that I failed to obtain the day previous. This I soon exhausted
and at the time of the order "Cease tiring," I was out of ammunition.

By your order I left my position to carry an order to the steamers
Hampton and Nansemond, returning, however, as soon as delivering
the order was over, and took position between the Virginia and Cox's
Wharf to await your orders. The number of shots fired during the
action is as follows, viz :

Percussion shell 18

15-second shell 4

10-second shell 10

5-second shell 2

8-pound charges 32

10-pound charges used with 5-second shell 2

making a total of 34 shots. The gun used was a Brooke 6.4-inch rifle.

I am pleased to record that, although exposed to the fire of the

enemy all the time, no casualties occurred, and take much pleasure

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 357

in stating that every one on board behaved in a manner perfectly sat-
isfactory. The continual change of my position no doubt prevented
my vessel being struck.

I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,

WM. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding C. 8. Gunboat Dretcry.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Additional report of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. S. DREWRY,

James River Squadron, August 15, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to General Orders No. 16, 1 have the honor of sub-
mitting to you the following report, called for in Chapter VII, Article
VII, page 59, Navy Begulatious:

The conduct of the officers attached to this vessel was all that could
be desired. The signal operators attached to this vessel rendered
great assistance in directing the line of tire, being situated in a promi-
nent position on shore.

The condition of the vessel after the engagement was the same as
before she entered into action. I will mention that her shell, both per-
cussion and time fuzes, were expended in the engagement, and her
supply of coal limited.

I will also state that the flame from the discharge of the gun set fire
to the bulwark and caused me to knock away a slight portion of it
without materially injuring the efficiency of the vessel.

Since the engagement the vessel has been supplied with coal and
ammunition and is now in every respect ready for action.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Hurdaugh, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. 8. Hampton.

G. S. GUNBOAT HAMPTON,
James River Squadron, August 14, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor respectfully to report that, in obedience to
your order, I yesterday took position about 150 yards above the Con-
federate ironclad Richmond and opened tire on the enemy's working
party at Dutch Gap. I tired 33 shell, nearly all of which burst at or
near the gap. One percussion shell exploded immediately after leav-
ing the gun. Some of the percussion shell failed to explode. At
12:30 I ceased firing and withdrew from action.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. MURDAUGH,

Lieutenant, Commanding.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

358 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Gettys-
burg, regarding cotton picked up at sea.

U. S. S. GETTYSBURG,
Norfolk, Va., August 13, 1864.

SIR : 1 have the honor to report that on the 7th August, 18G4, in
latitude 33° 56' N., longitude 75° 33' W., this vessel picked up a quan-
tity of cotton, estimated at 30 bales.

The cotton is supposed to be the same thrown overboard by a blockade
runner chased on the morning of that day by this vessel, the U. S. S.
Shenandoah, and the U. S. S. Santiago <le Cuba.

I send it to New York to-day in charge of Acting Ensign M. C. Keith,
in the steamer Continental.

Enclosed is the prize list of this vessel for this capture, at which time
there was no other vessel in sight.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

K. H. LAMSON,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secre ary of the Navy, Washington.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding the chase of blockade runner*.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

In Beaufort Harbor, August 13, 1864.

SIR : The enclosed reports from Captains Glisson and Kidgely of the
8th and 10th instant describe a remarkable and interesting chase of a
new blockade runner, with three funnels, of the fleet Falcon class, from
New Inlet on the 6th and 7th instant.

The large number of steamers of great speed recently built abroad
for the express purpose of eluding the blockade, and favored by the
rebel system of light houses, makes it absolutely necessary to have, in
addition to vessels of battery power to protect the blockade, two. other
classes of vessels, one adapted to the close blockade of the bar, the other
of great speed for chasing, together with reasonable capacity for sup-
plies. A half dozen small steamers for each inler, of light draft, turning
quickly, and with stability allowing of accurate tiring, with a transport
collier for each inlet, would admit of a reasonably close and effective
blockade of the bar.

One swift chasing steamer, always present off each inlet to follow up
vessels seen to run out at night, and a half dozen very swift steamers,
capable of making certainly 14 to 15 knots, to chase on the Her mud a
and Nassau routes, would soon put a stop to the violation of the
blockade and its attending bad consequences.

Enclosed is a description of the Ilowquah, which is found to be one
of the best vessels for inshore service.

I enclose also a report just received of a chase yesterday (12th instant)
by the Mount Vernon of a steamer with three funnels, supposed to be
the Falcon, as the New York papers of the 9th report that she had left
Halifax on the 8th.

1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Xavy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 359

[Enclosure Xo. 1.]

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off New Inlet, August 8, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 6th August,
at 9 : 15 ]>. 111., saw two rockets thrown up from the picket boats near the
bar to the southward and westward. At this time we were heading S.
S. W.; went ahead fast. At 9:35 p. m., believing that the blockade
runner would change his course, I wore ship and headed N. ST. E. and
put the ship under a full pressure of steam, and beat to quarters. At
9: 50 j). m. saw white water and black smoke bearing N. by W., distant
three fourths mile. This smoke was about three points on our port
bow. Fired five shots from the 20-pouuder rifle, and one shot from the
30-pouuder rifle, and one shot from the 32-pounder. Having kept the
ship off, so that the guns would bear upon the chase, hauled up and
stood for the chase; it is impossible for me to say whether the shot
struck or not. By this time she was out of reach of our guns, steering
from E. to E. by S., and we under a full pressure of steam steering for
the chase. At midnight, chase bearing E., black smoke plain in sight
from deck ahead, we using every means to keep up our steam. The
highest rate of speed during the first watch was 12.6. At 1 a. m. a
large steam transport passed between us and the chase with all her
lights up, and many lights showing in her staterooms. At one time I
was fearful that I would have to keep away to clear the transport, but
fortunately she passed clear of us and I did not lose anything, and kept
sight of the black smoke all the time. Much of the time we could see
a dim light, supposed to be a light in a cabin window of the chase. At
4 a. m., chase bearing E. f S.; much difficulty in keeping up steam.
At this time the chief engineer reported that his firemen were nearly
exhausted; there being no wind, found it almost impossible to keep up
steam. At daylight the chase a little on starboard bow, about 4 miles
off, often varying her course. At 5 a. m. saw two steamers on our port
bow standing for the chase. At 5: 15 a. m. exchanged signals with the
Shenandoah and Gettysburg-, at this time" the chase changed her course
to the southward and commenced throwing overboard cotton, and
dropping us very fast. At 6:50 a. m. the Shenandoah and Gettysburg
had dropped in between us and the chase; finding that we could not
keep up with the chase and the other two men-of-war, we gave up the
chase and commenced picking up cotton, the Shenandoah and Gettysburg
continuing the chase. During the day we picked up 43 full bales of
cotton and a quantity of loose cotton, which I shall endeavor to put up
in packages, marking the weight on each. When the chase commenced
throwing her cargo overboard we were in the longitude 75° 50' W.,
latitude (observed) 34° 05' N. This blockade runner was the three-
pipe steamer that you saw while at anchor on this side, and this chase
was one of the most beautiful chases that I ever saw, and it is but
seldom that any of our vessels have been able to keep sight of one of
these swift steamers during the night. That steamer, I do not think,
can make more than 13 miles per hour, loaded as she was. I was aver-
aging over 12 miles with a log line marked 52 feet for a28-second glass,
with plenty of stray line.

Enclosed you will find the report of Acting Master E. S. Keyser,
commanding II. S. S. Victoria, by which you will see that another
steamer came out at the same time, was driven back crippled, and the
other chased by me was compelled to throw overboard about 200 bales
of cotton to avoid capture. We are doing everything that officers and

360 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

men can do to break up this blockade running. Your present arrange-
ment for night cruising is a very great improvement.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. 8. GLISSON,
Captain and Divisional Officer.

Acting Rear- Admiral SAML. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, August 8, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that on the 6th instant, at 9 : 40 p. m.,
being in 5£ fathoms water, with the Mound light bearing W. S. W. and
Bald Head light S. W., I saw a blockade runner steering about east. I
steamed toward him at full speed. As soon as he discovered us he
changed his course to southward. I fired two rockets in that direction,
and fired our 30 pounder rilie at him, loaded with a percussion shell, at
2£ degrees depression, and distinctly saw the shell strike him and
explode. He then changed his course to westward and stood for Fort
Fisher. I fired a rocket to northward. In a short time he came to
anchor under the fort and blew off his steam. Near daylight he got
underway and went in to westward of the Mound and anchored. At
noon of 7th he went up the river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER.
Acting Master, Commanding U. S. 8. Victoria.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Divisional Officer off New Inlet.

[Enclosure Ko. 2.]

U. S. S. SHENANDOAH,
Off Beaufort, N. C., August 10, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that we left Craney Island at day-
light on the morning of the 29th instant for the Wilmington blockade.
The next morning at 10 a. m., latitude 34° 21' N. and longitude 76°
00' W. made out a steamer burning black smoke, about 12 miles dis
tant to the S. W. She ran to the S. W., as the wind was blowing
from that direction. We kept the chase up until 4 p. m., when we lost
sight of her, steering S. W. At 4 p. m. made another blockade run-
ner in latitude 33° 34' N. and longitude 76° 33' W., steering to the
northward and westward. We made chase and overhauled her quite
fast; she only escaped by darkness and running into shoal water; when
we gave up the chase Cape Lookout light bore N. E. by E. We fired
140 shots at her, and I think some of them took effect. He was a bold
blockade runner and flew the rebel flag as long as we could see him.
At daylight on the morning of the 7th instant, we made a blockade
runner with three smokestacks with the Santiago de Cuba in chase.
We came up with him the first two hours when lie commenced throw-
ing over bales of cotton. After he had lightened, the blockade runner's
speed increased very much and he gained on the chasing vessels. The
Santiago de Cuba gave up the chase at about 7 o'clock a. m., the Gettys-
burg at 8: 30 a. m. The Quaker City hove in sight from the south and
eastward at 7 o'clock. The Quaker City and this ship chased him until
12:30 o'clock, when we lost sight of him, steering for Bermuda. The

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 361

blockade runner was the Falcon, I think, from the description given in
the consular extracts.

Yesterday during a chase, we broke some of the rollers in the main
steam valve, which prevents our chasing. The repairs can not be
made here.

I came off this port to communicate with you in obedience to your
verbal orders.

I shall proceed to Norfolk and make the repairs while coaling.
I am, very respectfully, etc.,

DANL. B. RIDGELY,

Captain. U. 8. Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure No. 3.]

U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON,
Beaufort, N. C., August 13, 1864.

ADMIRAL : I have the honor to report that on the 12th instant at
1:30 p.m., in latitude 34° N., longitude 77° 11' W., a strange vessel
was discovered bearing X. N. W., steaming west. The fires were imme-
diately spread and the yards sent aloft, and all sail set, and we started
in full chase after her, steering N. W. by N. At 2 p. m. we seemed to
gain a little on her. She was a very long, light lead-color painted
steamer, with three smokestacks and one mast forward. We could
distinctly see her at 2 p. m. throw several boxes overboard from for-
ward. The stranger then altered her course and steered N. N. E.,
apparently trying to cross our bar; we altered our course at the same
time to N. by E. We were now going 10£ knots. At 2:45 p.m. the
stranger was getting across our bow very fast; we then altered our
course to U. E. by N.; our speed at this time was 11 knots. At 3 p. in.
altered our course to N. E. by E. At 3: 15 p. ni. the chase was right
ahead and gaining on us very fast. At 3 : 30 he was 8 miles ahead.
At 4 p. m. he had gained on us so much that we could scarcely see his
smoke. At 4:30 he was out of sight. When we were going 11 knots
the chase must have been going 15 knots at least. The U. S. S.
Monticello was right astern of us during the whole chase.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES TRATHEN,
Acting Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, TJ. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding various vessels of his

command.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Western Bar, off Wilmington, August 14, 1864.

SIR: The Florida has to go for coal and repairs this evening, and I
have ordered her to report to you at Beaufort for further orders. The
Fort Jackson will leave here to-morrow or next day. We will coal the
Victoria to-morrow from this ship, and the Montgomery from the Fahkee,
so as to keep up a respectable force here, though the light nights have
now set in.

If the Cambridge could come she would add to the appearance of
force and might tend to keep shut up the seven double-pipe and one

362 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

single-pipe steamers now assembled inside of Smith ville and which
have been there for the last three days, and having now lost the dark
nights will have to remain for their return.

1 have heard that the Fort Donelson does not turn out as fast as was
expected, and as she may be now at Beaufort for coal, I would request
that she be sent to us for inside service.

The present plan of stations seems to have blocked the game for a
while as there are no excitements since you left. A few more vessels
to strengthen them, such as a flanking vessel east and west of the bar
tenders to guard the shore and reef approaches, an additional sup-
porting vessel, and one more just outside of them K. W. and S. E. from
Big Hill to the shoals, will make it still more difficult, and we can do
it when the vessels return from repairs.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Gapt.j U. 8. Navy, Comdg. Division Western Bar, off Wilmington.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Report of Acting Master Phelon, 17. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Mon-
ticello, regarding the chase of blockade runners.

U. S. 8. MONTICELLO,

Off Beaufort, N. C., August U, 1864.

SIB: I have the honor to report that on the 10th instant, at 5.20 a. m.,
in latitude 33° 4 1' N., longitude 76° 38' W., discovered a steamer to the
southward and westward burning black smoke. I immediately gave
chase under a full head of steam. Soon after I made out the U. S. S.
Alabama, on our starboard beam, also in chase. The steamer was a
long, low vessel, and was standing directly across our bows, steering to
the eastward. We were closing on him rapidly. When within 4 miles of
him our shaft bearings became heated and we were obliged to stop to
cool off. When we started ahead again we found lie had gained con-
siderably on us and had changed his course, showing us now his stern.
At 9 a. in. our masthead lookout reported two steamers on our port
bow (to windward of the chase) ; soon made them out to be the U. S.
steamers Mount Vernon and R. R. Cuyler. The latter was coming up
very rapidly and the chase again changed his course to the westward.
The Alabama was on our starboard beam. We were astern of the chase
and the Mount Vernon and R. R. Cuyler to windward of him. He com-
menced throwing over his deck load of cotton and left us very fast. At
9 : 40 we could only see the black smoke on the horizon, the R. R. Cuyler
and the Alabama still in chase. Finding it impossible for us to keep
with them, we commenced picking up the cotton (the Mount Vernon
doing the same) ; at 1 p. in. we had on board about 30 bales and then
stood on our course.

August 12, latitude 33° 44' N., longitude 77° 15' W., while in sight of
the Mount Vernon, discovered black smoke bearing N. E. by E. £ E.
Gave chase at once, sent up yards and topmasts, and made sail; at 4
p. m. lost sight of the smoke and gave up the chase. The same date,
at 9 p. in., Cape Lookout light bearing about N. N. E., distant 30 miles,
saw a long, side- wheel steamer to the southward of us heading about
west; I gave chase under full steam. He was heading direct for New
Inlet; at 10:20 p. m. lost sight of him; kept in chase, however, in the
direction last seen. At 2 a. m. sent up a rocket in the direction of the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 363

fleet and continued doing so at short intervals until 2.30 a. m., when
we made Bald Head light bearing W. by S. ; stopped the ship and sent
up a rocket. At 2.35 a. in. saw the flashes and heard the reports of
heavy guns, and a rocket sent up in the same direction (to the south-
ward and westward); let the ship drift until daylight, when I stood in
for the fleet. At 7 : 15 a. m., August 33, I went on board the U. S. S.
Mate of Georgia (senior officer's ship), the commander of which informed
me that he had seen my signals, and that the firing we heard was from
Fort Fisher and the beach.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY A. PHELON,
.Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. S. Monticello.

Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, referring to land operations against
the enemy at Deep Bottom, James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 15, 1864.

SIR : I herewith enclose copies of two letters to the Department, one*
containing an account of the operations on the river from daylight until
dark on Saturday, and the other requesting that the Sassacus might be
detained.

In consequence of the removal of the Osceola from City Point, I have
been compelled to order the Miami to that place to guard and distribute
the provisions and ordnance stores, and have stationed the Commodore
Barney at Harrison's Landing, regarding that a more important point
to occupy than Newport News. I shall send another vessel to occupy
the latter station so soon as the rebels are less troublesome.

On Saturday, the 13th instant, General Butler communicated to me
his intention to cross 10,000 men under General Birney during the night
at Deep Bottom, between Four Mile Greek and New Market road, and
15,000 under General Howard [Hancock! at the bend opposite Malveru
Hill.

I understand that General Birney's forces succeeded in crossing, and
the fighting yesterday was sharp and stubborn, and our losses consid-
erable. Our success as far as known was the capture of four guns.

I regret that the want of official courtesy on the part of the army
prevents me from communicating any details or any valuable informa-
tion.

Active land operations are still going on against tbe enemy at Deep
Bottom, but nothing has been heard from there to-day that is of any
importance. The enemy have not molested us at this point since the
attack on Saturday.

I enclose the official report t of Commander Ehind, which also includes
the operations of yesterday, of which the Secretary has not yet been
informed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Eear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

* See p. 350. t See p. 348.

364 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
Below the Barricade, James River, August 15, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to represent that the enemy take advantage
of every prominent point on the river, not guarded by our gunboats, to
erect batteries, and I have not at present a larger force than is neces-
sary to insure its safe navigation. I would therefore request that the
Sassacus be allowed to remain until some vessel can be sent to relieve
her.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Garfield, U. S. Navy, regarding
the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. BANSHEE,
Off Wilmington, N. C., August 15, 1864.

SIR: In conformity with your order of the 26th ultimo, I would
respectfully beg leave to make the following report in regard to the
escape of a blockade runner, chased by this vessel on the 9th instant:
At 5: 15 p. m., on the 9th instant, in latitude 32° 41' N., longitude 77°
18' W., wind W. S. VV. (2), and smooth water, while drifting about in the
Gulf Stream, with the engines stopped and the fires banked in front,
we saw black smoke bearing S. E. and standing to the westward. Think-
ing it the smoke of a blockade runner, we started our engines and
gave chase. At 5 : 45 p. m. he raised his masts and smokestacks. The
runner, seeing us at the same time, changed his course and stood S. by
E., we following in his track, and gaining upon him rapidly, so much
so that at the end of an hour's chase we could plainly see his hull,
paddle boxes, etc. It was a long, low, and narrow steamer, with two
masts and two smokestacks, very rakish build, and smokestacks painted
a light lead color, nearly white. She resembles this vessel in every
respect.

At 0 : 50 p. m. the clouds and mist shutting down thick to the south-
ward and eastward, the runner stopped burning black smoke, and we
lost sight of her in the mist. Not deeming it prudent to continue the
chase, I gave it up and stood to the northward and westward. Had I
seen his smoke in season to have had two or three hours more day-
light, I am positive that we would have captured him, as we were
gaining on him very fast. We were steaming 13 knots, and our steam
increasing.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. GARFIELD,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, IT. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 365

Report of Commander' Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding the disposition of
vessels of the Third Division, under his command.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, August 15, 1864.

SIR : The following is the disposition of the vessels of the Third Divi-
sion North Atlantic Blockading Squadron :

In Albemarle /Sound. — The Shamrock, Chicopee, Wyalusing, and Tacony,
the picket boat Ceres, and the tugs Belle and Martin (torpedoes), and
J. E. Bazely. The coal schooner Biven has just arrived. The coal
schooner Marina N. left here for Hatteras three days ago. These ves-
sels have moved up to within 10 miles of the pickets.

At New Berne. — The Otsego, Valley City, Hetzel, Louisiana, Lockwood,
Commodore Hull, Whitehead, tug Hoyt (torpedo), the last three repair-
ing, and the Bombshell, being surveyed. 1 am informed that three coal
schooners have just passed the Swash on their way to New Berne.

At Roanoke Island. — The ordnance schooner Carstairs. I have
ordered a master's mate, I. A. Peirce, of the Mattabesett, to take charge
of the stores on board her.

The steamer Mattabesett left here yesterday for Hampton Eoads, in
obedience to your orders of the 6th instant. The Tacony is still here,
but will be sent up as soon as the Otsego arrives from New Berne, where
she is now making some slight repairs. She is ordered to return here
as soon as possible.

In compliance with your directions, I have to report the following
changes of officers on board these vessels:

Acting Ensign Thomas S. Russell luis been transferred from the Belle
to the Ceres, the command of the Pelle being assigned to Acting Gunner
William Peterkin, of this vessel, who has taken a great interest in these
torpedoes, and shown himself capable of managing them. He volun
teered for service of this kind, and 1 am sure will act fearlessly.

Acting Master's Mate William White, recently arrived here for this
vessel, has been also attached to the Ceres, she having very severe duty
(being the only picket boat) and being short of officers.

The sloop Granite is still at Hatteras Inlet in charge of the navy coal
at that place. Acting Master Boomer, commanding, reports 1,720 tons
of coal now there.

*******

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. 3d Div. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding general

affairs in James River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort Harbor, August 16, 1864.

SIR : Captain Smith informs me, under date of 9th instant, that when
he has received and placed the three additional boats provided by the
Bureau of Construction (two to be purchased by him in the river and
one to be sent from Baltimore) he shall consider the obstructions fin-
ished, and will forward a tracing of their positions.

366 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

He reports also that General Butler has decided to cut a canal across
Dutch Gap, and would break grouud on the following morning (10th),
a large force of laborers with the necessary implements being already
oi the ground. The engineer estimates that the work will be completed
in six weeks, but General Butler says that but three will be required.
The depth is to be 15 feet below low-water mark, 40 feet wide below,
and 00 above. Captain Smith hopes to be able to protect the laborers
if annoyed by the enemy, as they probably will be.

Navigation is uninterrupted, except that a few shots were fired by
sharpshooters from Dutch Gap on the 8th instant at a tug.

In a postscript dated the 10th, Captain Smith reports that at 1:30
a in. six shells were fired, it was supposed from the rams, across Dutch
Gap, doing no damage.

1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Faval operations in connection with the advance of Federal forces at Dutch
Gap and Deep Bottom, James River.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
Below Barricade, James River, August 17, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 3 p. in. yesterday I was
requested by Major-General Butler to cooperate in a movement of the
troops then at Dutch Gap, and a force from Deep Bottom, whose object
was to recouuoiter northeastwardly from Aikeu's house, divert the enemy
in the front and on the left of our troops in the vicinity of New Market
road, and take advantage of any opportunity that might otter for a
further advance.

The operations of the vessels in this vicinity were more particularly
connected with the force moving from Dutch Gap.

The plan proposed was to move this force of some 800 available men
to Aikeu's Landing, and there form in line for advance upon the crest
of the hill directly in rear, then stretching out to the right to form a
junction with General [D. B.] Birney's forces at Deep Bottom, or to move
toward the left, beyond the rebel battery at Signal Hill. The Mount
Washington was detained to transport the troops from Dutch Gap to
Aiken's, and to lie off that point and use her 32-pounder, holding her-
self in readiness to reembark the troops if necessary. Just above her
the Delaware, a little farther above the Mackinaw, and at the bend of
Dutch Gap the Canonicus were stationed to cover the advance by shell-
ing the enemy's line, the Canonicus also devoting attention to Signal
Hill battery.

This vessel was held ready for operations upon the rebel rams if
opportunity should offer by their descent within range.

I am pleased to say that the plan was successfully and handsomely
carried out.

The Mount Washington took the troops, convej^ed them to Aiken's
and disembarked them with a dispatch and good order creditable to
her commanding officer, and immediately took her position for shelling.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 367

At about 5 p. rn. the troops advanced, and as soon as their movements
were observed from the Mackinaw she opened fire, which was continued
with marked effect from all the vessels, until the movement, taking the
direction to the left, advanced so far as to compel the gunboats to cease
tiring to avoid injuring our own troops, this vessel meanwhile throwing
an occasional shell in the direction of Cox's farm.

At 7 p. in. the action of the vessels ceased by request of General
Butler, which closed their share in the movement.

I am informed indirectly that the troops advanced so as to occupy
Cox's farm, the Signal Hill battery, and the rebel lines thence toward
the rear of Aiken's.

The officers of the land forces express themselves as most pleased at
the assistance afforded by the vessels. I am informed at this moment
that the movement, having effected its object, the troops from Dutch
Gap will fall back to that point this evening.

This afternoon at 5 o'clock the rain came down in the second reach
above and opened fire on the picket line established yesterday at Cox's
farm. The battery at Hewlett's house opened at the same time and
was replied toby General Butler's batteries, but the ironclads and gun-
boats did not participate. The cannonading was kept up with spirit
for some time, all firing ceasing at dark.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

August 17, 1864—9 a. m.

The enemy is on Signal Hill, fortifying. Please try and drive him
oft'. Our picket line is reestablished with the exception of Signal Hill.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

K. E. LEE,

General.
Commodore MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Fleet.

Report of Lieutenant Johnston, C. 8. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Virginia.

C. S. S. VIRGINIA,
Chaffirfs Bluff, August 19, 1864.

Sir: In obedience to your order of this date, and in the absence of
Commander K. B. Pegrain on duty, I make the following report of the
part the Virginia took in the action against the enemy at Signal Hill
on the 17th inst.

At 11:30 a. m. got underway from this place and stood down the
river. At 2 : 10 anchored in Devil's Reach, moored ship head and stern
between the overseer's house on Hewlett's farm and the bend of the
river just above Signal Hill, so as to bring the X-inch gun to bear out
of the port quarter port. At 3:14 commenced firing with the X-inch
gun at Signal Hill, using shell with 5 second fuzes; continued tiring

368 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

at intervals of five, ten, fifteen, and twenty minutes until 6: 45 p.m.
After firing two or three times, found the distance to be 1,100 yards,
the shell bursting well at this range with the 5-second fuzes. At 6: 45
commenced firing at intervals of forty-five minutes and continued it
during the night until 7 a. in. yesterday, when your order was received
to cease firing.

About the same time a scout from shore came oft' and informed us
that the enemy had abandoned their position at Signal Hill, and that
our pickets occupied it.

Your order to return to this place was received early in the forenoon
yesterday, but the tide did not serve until 1:40, when we came up,
anchoring at about 3 o'clock.

Though the hatches and scuttles were necessarily kept on for over
twenty-four hours, the heat below being almost insupportable, the
officers and crew performed their duties with cheerfulness and
alacrity.

Many of the enemy's shot and shell passed and exploded very near
us, though no damage was done.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. F. JOHNSTON,
Lieutenant and Executive Officer, Commanding pro tern.

Commander THOS. R. ROOTES, Provisional Xavy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron pro tern.

Report of Lieutenant Maury, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. 8. Richmond.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,
Off Chaffing Bluff, August 20, 18<>'4.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera-
tions of the vessels under my command during Wednesday and Thurs-
day, the 17th and 18th instant:

At 12: 50 p. m., August 17, got underway and moved down the river.
Anchored at 2 : 10 p. m. off Bishop's house at the head of Devil's Reach.
At 3: 30 p.m. opened fire upon the enemy between Signal Hill and
Cox's with shrapnel and time shell, which I used until all were
expended, when I used percussion shell. The number of projectiles
fired were: Shrapnel 9, time shell 20, and percussion shell 2; total, 31.
At 8:30 a.m., August 18, ceased firing and made preparations for
getting underway, which we did. At 1 p. m. stood up the river, and at
1:30 p. m. anchored off Chaffin's Bluff.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Commander T. R. ROOTES, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, transmitting information
regarding Confederate operations in the RoanoJce River.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, August 17, 1864.

SIR: I enclose this letter from Colonel Wardrop. commanding Sub-
District of Albernarle, which contains information with regard to the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 369

rebels on Eoanoke Eiver which, I think, the Department should be
advised of.

As the admiral is at present visiting the vessels on the blockade, and
on account of the uncertainty of letters reaching him, I have taken the
liberty to seud this direct to the Department.
1 am, sir, very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,
Comdr., Comdy. Third Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS SUB DISTRICT OF ALBEMARLE,

Roanoke Island, North Carolina, August 15, 1864.
SIR : I have received information from parties heretofore reliable that
the enemy have been fitting up some of their boats with torpedoes, and
are intending to attack the fleet in conjunction with the ram on Tues-
day next. It is also confidently reported that the second ram will be
done in a fortnight. They are very busy on the Roanoke River, but it
is very difficult to learn what is being done, and a larger amount of
travel between Plymouth and the towns up the river has been going
on for some time, and there does not seem any necessity for it unless
there is something there that they are trying to keep to themselves.

It is a very difficult matter to know whom to believe, so many stories
are told, but of this part I am sure, that they have got light-draft boats
that will carry about fifty men ; these have been provided with torpe-
does and are meant to attack you, but I do not think they will be used
until a combined attack occurs.

I have thought it my duty to inform you of what I believe to be facts.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. W. WARDROP,

Colonel, Commanding.
Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding U. S. Squadron in Sounds, U. S. S. Shamrock.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition
of the vessels of his command.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., August 17, 1864.

SIR: The following is the disposition of vessels composing the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron :

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Arietta

Release

William Badger

Do.

Shokokon

Harbor defense

Uaiisemond

Lilac

Cohasset

Do.

Harcourt

Pilot tug.

•V w -R — vr

T in 0,1

370

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Nuuifc.

Station.

Remarks.

First Division oft' New In-
let, North Carolina.
do

Coaling ut Hampton Roads.

Do.
Coaling at Beaufort. Must soon go in for
much repair.
Leaks badly ; needs repairs.
Bad boiler; requires extensive repairs.
Coaling at Beaufort.
Coaling and repairing at Beaufort.

Repairing at Norfolk.
Injured by collision with Cherokee.

Repairing at Norfolk.
Always repairing or complaining.
Norfolk, coaling.

Do.
Do.

Going novth for extensive repairs.
Norfolk, repairing.

Needs docking and repairs.
Leaks from collision with Cherokee; needs
repairs.
Repairing at Norfolk.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Coal transport for both bars; does not suit
from too deep dm ft for Beaufort. Want ot
proper boats, very slow delivery of coal
and can not serve 'both sides efficiently.

Ordered to Hampton Roads to report to De-
partment for instructions where to go to be
fitted for and receive Xl-inch guns.
Do.

Ordnance.
Tug.
Torpedo boat.
Do.
Do.

Ordered to Gosport for repairs; to leave
heavy guns and go off Wilmington.

To be sent to Philadelphia for repairs when
services can be spared.
Repairing at Norfolk.
Do.

. do

.. do

...do

Second Division, oft' West-
ern Bar.
.do

R. R. Cuyler

Florida..

Emma ... . ...

Victoria

Aries

...do ...

Calypso

Maratanza

Mount Vernon

do ...

Fahkee

do..

Shamrock

Third Division, Sounds of
North Carolina.
do

Chicopeo

Otsego

.. do

Wyalusiug

Mattabesett

Tacony

Louisiana*

Lock wood*

Commodore Hull*

Valley City*

... do

Granite*

.do .

Ceres"

Hetzel*

Whitehead*

Renshaw

Ba/elv, No. 2

Martin

Hovt

do ..

Belle

Onondaga

Fourth Division, James
River.
do

Saugus

Canonicus

Osccola

Sassaeus

...do ...

Mackinaw

Mendota

Agawam

Pequot

do ...

Commodore Morris

Hunchback

Miami

Atlanta

...do ...

Henry Brinker

Dawn

Delaware

do .

Commodore Perry

General Putnam

Commodore Barney

Stepping Stones . . .

...do...

* Several of these need extensive repairs. Surveys will bo held on them.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

37L

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Fourth Division, James

Kiver.
do

Alert

Picket No 1

. .do

Torpedo boat.

Picket No 3 .

.do

Do.

Picket No. 4

Do.

Picket No. 6

...do

Do.

Transport.

Do.

Hampton Roads.

... do

Hampton Roads, guard.

Charles Phelps

Coal hulk, Cranev Island.

Eutaw

Waiting Department's orders as to place to

he repaired.

.... do

Unit

Zouave

Repairing at Norfolk.

York River Virginia.

Guard.

Morse .

.... do

Samuel Rotan

... do

.. do

Wyandotte

Norfolk, Va
do

Guard.
Ordnance.

Ben Morgan

Do.

Dacotah

Repairing at northern ports .

At Boston.

Grand Gulf

New York.

Do.

. .. do

Philadelphia.

Isaac N. Seymour

Baltimore.

New Berne

Miscellaneous

Supply steamer from New York.

1 have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Acty. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, giving his opinion
regarding the withdrawal of the ironclads from the James River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., August 17, 1864.

SIR : The Department's communication of July 22, instructing me to
report whether any of the ironclads within the limits of my command
can be withdrawn from James Kiver or other waters of Virginia, with
due regard to the exigencies of the public service, and desiring me to
obtain the opinion of Lieutenant-General Grant with reference to the
ability of the army to maintain its position in Virginia, supported and
protected by wooden vessels only, or by these and a part of the iron-
clads, was received on the 24th ultimo. On that day I wrote to Lieu-
tenant General Grant on this subject (copy enclosed, 1), and enclosed
to him a copy of the Department's dispatch* above mentioned.

The original reply of the lieutenant-general, dated 9th instant, is
herewith enclosed (2), in which he says, "Whilst I believe we shall
never require the armored vessels to meet those of the enemy, 1 think
it imprudent to withdraw them. At least two such vessels, in my
judgment, should be kept in the upper James River. They stand a

*See p. 296.

372 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

constant threat to the enemy, and prevent him taking the offensive.
There is no disguising the fact that if the enemy should take the offen-
sive on the water, although we probably would destroy his whole James
River navy, such damage would be done our shipping and stores, all
accumulated on the waters near where the conflict would begin, that
our victory would be dearly bought."

However prudent and politic it may be, I must regret the indicated
plan of the able lieutenant general, that our ironclads will never be
required to meet those of the enemy on James River, which 1 have
always hoped that we would have the opportunity of doing when the
army should get around or by Petersburg, and take Hewlett's Battery
at the head of Trent's Reach, as then the bar in that reach might
quickly be cleared of one of the sunken vessels, and easily be deepened
with the dredging machine for which I applied to the Department, *o
as to admit of the passage and cooperation of the ironclads against
the enemy's defenses on land, and the capture of their navy.

In the Mexican war, our Government, having to land an army in
Mexico, preferred to take Vera Cruz by land attack rather than cap-
ture the Castle of San Juan de Ulua by a sea attack, as the French
had done. In that case the enemy had no navy.

The ironclads in my command are the two monitors, Canonicus, and
Saugus, the Quintard two-turreted battery Onondaga, and the prize
Atlanta, on the Merrimack pattern, now repairing at Gosport. The
Roanolie has been detached and sent to Point Lookout.

The Onondaya, Canonicus, and Saugus are on the east side of Far-
rar's Island, above wliich are the enemy's three ironclads, his gunboats
and steam barges, all torpedo fitted, and between these besides Far-
rar's Island, is the bar in Trent's Reach, on which the water at high
tide is just the load draft of the monitors, though the published Coast
Survey chart shows even less water there than the monitors draw.

The army authorities have been understood to hold that the success
of the campaign and the cause of the country depend on the security of
the communications of the army on James River. Hence the barricade
on the bar, begun by the army «md perfected by the Navy Department,
which protects the ironclads from torpedo attacks, and the gunboats
and army transports and pontoons from tire rafts.

The application of a few torpedoes would clear a passage through
the barricade, and then if the draft of the rebel ironclads allows them
to pass the bar in Trent's Reach, what would become of the communi-
cations of the army if our ironclads were withdrawn?

I always endeavored to impress upon the army authorities the policy
of making their communications secure as far as practicable against
interruptions by the rebel artillery, by a reasonable provision of artil-
lery in position on the favoring banks on our side of the river, but
General Butler's engineer, General Weitzel, resisted this method, on
the ground that in case of a retreat it would be difficult to take away
heavy artillery, which, he said, should therefore be on shipboard.

I never entertained the idea of retreating, and it is clear that guns
in battery ashore are more economically and safely placed than on
shipboard, whilst my suggestion provided for such contingencies of
service as the Department now seems to have in view, and to allow of
the occasional and temporary withdrawal of some of the gunboats,
etc., for other service, as, for instance, in the recent case of the rebel
movement against the capital, and threatened raid to release the pris-
oners at Point Lookout. Besides this convenience and the security
afforded to the army communications by a few pieces of good artillery

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 373

well placed, such, protection of that part of the river admitted of mov-
ing the gunboats to cooperate in the advance which I expected up
James River, when the line of communications to be covered would
become larger and otherwise require more naval force than we then
had.

In conclusion, I respectfully report to the Department that in my
opinion it would be unwise and hazardous to withdraw any part of the
ironclads permanently from James River, and thus expose the com-
munications of the army, and the campaign against Richmond, to
great peril if not certain reverse.

Looking at the matter in a navy light, I would be glad to see the
ironclad force on James River so increased that when the time for an
upward movement comes, it will, after allowing for losses from the
enemy's torpedoes, secure a Union triumph in an ironclad contest on
James River.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 24, 1864.

GENERAL : I enclose a copy of a communication received to-day li-om
the Navy Department relative to the expediency of withdrawing the
ironclads from James River.

I request the favor of an early reply, giving your views on the subject.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lien ten ant-General U. S. GRANT,

Commanding U. S. Forces in the Field.

Please address your reply to me at Beaufort, N. C.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,

City Point, Va., August 9, 1864.

DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 24th instant, enclosing communica
tion relative to the withdrawal of ironclads from the James River, was
duly received. Owing to my absence from here most of the time since
the receipt of your letter it has not been answered earlier.

Whilst I believe we will never require the armored vessels to meet
those of the enemy, I think it would be imprudent to withdraw them.
At least two such vessels, in my judgment, should be kept in the upper
James. They stand a constant threat to the enemy and prevent him
taking the offensive. There is no disguising the fact that if the enemy
should take the offensive on the water, although we probably would
destroy his whole James River navy, such damage would be done our
shipping and stores, all accumulated on the waters near where the con-
flict would begin, that our victory would be dearly bought.

I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, yours.

U. S. GRANT.
Admiral S. P. LEE.

374 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the seizure
and release of the steamer Dacotah.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 17, 1864.

SIR: The Dacotah, formerly the prize steamer Juno, arrived here at 9
a. in. in charge of Acting Ensign [V. J.] Young and a pri/ecrew, sent in
by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pickering, commanding the Fort Don-
elson, with the three enclosed reports* (1, 2, and 3), and two small bags
containing sealed letters, some with U. S. post-office stamps affixed, which
do not appear to have gone through the post-office at New York, and some
sealed letters without stamps. All these letters are addressed to par-
ties in Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba.

It appears from the enclosed reports above referred to that the Dacotah
was boarded by the Fort Donelson in about latitude 32° 40' N., longitude
78° W., on the morning of the 15th instant, and was detained and sent
in for adjudication by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pickering, com-
manding the Fort Donelson, because Ler mails had uot passed through
the post-office at New York and because of the admission of the master
of the Dacotah that there were liquors on board not entered on the
steamer's manifest.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pickering further reports that the
Dacotah changed her course frequently when pursued by him, and that
all her officers and crew were very much inebriated when he took pos-
session of her.

The prize master, Acting Ensign Young, uot having brought the
Dacotali's papers on board, was called on for a report and made the
enclosed report (No. 4). At the same time I dispatched Fleet Captain
[J. S.] Barnes to inspect the Dacotah'' 8 papers and to make proper exami-
nations on board of her. His report (5) enclosed shows that there was
no cause for the detention of the Dacotah, which had regular papers and
was carrying U. S. mails from New York to Havana, having also passen-
gers with regular passports.

On the receipt of the fleet captain's verbal report, at 10:10 a.m.
to-day, I ordered him to direct Acting Ensign Young to withdraw the
prize crew from the Dacotah, to inform her master that he was at lib-
erty to proceed on his voyage, and that he could have coal and water if
he needed such supplies, and a navy pilot to take him out.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Coindg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear? Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the chase
and escape of three blockade runners.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., August 18, 1864.

SIR: The Department will perceive from my dispatch No. 483, of the
10th instant, that two blockade runners coming out of Western Bar
Inlet, Wilmington, on the night of the Oth instant, were seen, chased,
and fired at by the blockaders. One of them escaped, favored by
darkness and her speed, and the other was driven back.

* Enclosures omitted ;is not necessary to publish.

NOKTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 375

Twenty-four hours afterwards, 100 miles to the eastward of Cape Fear,
the Quaker City was approached by a two [smoke] stack steamer, which,
when challenged, did not answer the private signals made to her, but
steamed off rapidly, was chased and tired at, but escaped under cover
of night.

It is quite probable, from comparison of dates, descriptions, and dis-
tances that this was the Tallahassee.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear -Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting detailed
reports regarding the chase of blockade runners by the fleet off Wilmina-
ton, N. C.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. <7., August 18, 1864.

SIR: The Department will probably be interested at this time, when
public misrepresentations are made as to the want of vigilance by the
blockaders, in the enclosed detailed reports, information concerning
some of which has heretofore been communicated to the Department.

In addition to these enclosures, I beg leave to refer the Department
to my Eos. 469, of July 30; 478, of 6th instant; 483, of 10th; 480, of llth,
and 490, of 13th, and to reports from the State of Georgia, Monticello,
and Banshee, dated, respectively, August 8, 14, and 15, forwarded by
me on the loth, 16th, and 17th instant.

[Enclosures herewith.]

1. August 7, Captain Sands, enclosing reports of chase from Vicksburg,
Emma, and Montgomery of two steamers.

2. August 11, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, Emma, report
of chases of five steamers.

3. August 11, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant [Frank] Smith, Alabama,
report of chases of three steamers.

4. August 11, Commander Crosby, Keystone State, report of chase and
capture of 235 bales cotton; chased two steamers.

5. August 12, Commander Howeil, Nereus, report of chases of two
steamers.

C. August 13, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Trathen, Mount Vernon,
report of chase and capture of 23 bales cotton; chased three steamers.
7. August 14 (extract*), Commander Downes, R. R. Cuyler, report of
chase and capture of 52 bales cotton.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Hie Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosure No. 1.]

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Western Bar, off Wilmington, August 7, 1864.

SIR: I enclose herewith reports of Lieutenant-Commander Braine,
commanding the Vicksburg, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams,

"Not found.

370 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

commanding the Emma, and Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Fancon,
commanding the Montgomery, in relation to the attempt of one or more
vessels to run the blockade out over the bar last night, by which it will
be seen that with all the vigilance exercised and promptness to pre
vent it, if possible, one of the vessels was turned back and the other
probably escaped in the obscurity after the setting of the moon, though
one of them received two of the shot fired at her by the Emma and the
other so demoralized by the fire of the Vicksburg as to give up the
attempt and return to the harbor.

Although this vessel was just outside of these vessels we saw noth-
ing of those attempting to get out; their construction (low and long)x
and light color making them invisible a few hundred yards distant.

Four blockade runners were seen inside oft' Smithville at sunset lust
evening. Three are there this morning.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,

Captain, V. S. Navy, Comdg. Division off Western Bar, Wilmington.

Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off Western Bar.

[Snbenclosnres.]

U. S. S. VlOKSBURG,

Off Wilmington, N. C., August 7, 18(if.

SIR: I have to report that last night, whilst patrolling off the West-
ern Bar in a northwesterly and southeasterly direction in 4£ fathoms
water, with Bald Head light-house bearing E. by N., at 9:30 p. in.,
whilst in 4 fathoms water, I sighted a side- wheel steamer standing to
the westward. I steamed ahead fast in a northwest direction, challeng-
ing her with the night signals. Receiving no answer, I immediately
sent a rocket in the direction of the runner and fired at her a ,'W-
pounder percussion shell, which passed close over her. The runner
immediately turned to the northward and westward and then to the
northward, standing inshore. I followed, and soon lost sight of her,
she apparently running under the batteries on shore. They fired four
shots at us from the batteries.

Shortly afterwards the quartermaster reported a steamer inshore,
steaming to the westward, I stood ahead fast to cut her oft', firing two
rockets in that direction, when feeling satisfied from my position, close
inshore, that had a vessel been seen she had turned to the eastward, I
fired a rocket to the eastward and steamed back to my station, seeing
no indications of any more runners.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Western Division, off Wilmington, N. G.

U. S. S. EMMA,
Off Wilmington, August 7, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that at 9:30 o'clock on the night of the
6th instant a large screw steamer was seen from this vessel heading
out over Western Bar, the Emma being at the time in 3f fathoms of
water, with Bald Head light bearing E. by S., Fort Caswell 1ST. E. by E.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 377

We immediately steamed toward her and challenged, but received no
answer; fired a broadside gun at her when about two cables lengths
distant, and threw a rocket in the direction of her course. We con-
tinued in chase firing at her when the guns could be brought to bear,
and throwing rockets in the direction of her course as she changed it
from time to time, until we lost sight of her, at which time she was
heading W. S. W. We threw up three rockets and fired five times;
two of the shot, in my belief, struck the object.

At 10 o'clock we lost sight of the runner, being at that time in 7
fathoms of water, with Bald Head light bearing E. by N"., about 6
miles distant. After losing sight of her we returned to our station.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANIJS,

Commanding Division, Western Bar, Off Wilmington, N. C.

U. S. S. MONTGOMERY,
Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., August 7, 1864.

SIR: I beg leave to report that at 9: 10 p. m. last evening, Bald Head
light E. by N. £ N., ship moving very slowly in a southeasterly direction,
and I should judge some 3 or 4 miles from the picket station on Oak
Island beach, saw a rocket E. N. E. of us, thrown apparently in a
southerly direction, and also saw the flashes of several guns; went to
quarters and spread fires at once.

9:15 saw a vessel on our port bow, moving rapidly to the south-
ward; put the helm to port, and steamed ahead full speed. Soon after
we challenged this vessel twice, but received no answer. I think we
challenged too soon. Immediately after the second challenge lost sight
of the vessel entirely; saw no trace of her whatever, but suddenly, the
helm still being to port, sighted another vessel on our starboard bow,
apparently standing to the S. E.

Saw a rocket to the N. W., which caused me to suppose that a vessel
was coming out along the Oak Island shore. Moved in to the N. W.
full speed; saw two vessels inshore of us, one to the northward, the
other to the N. W. The latter challenged us and we answered. The
other moved out of sight to the eastward.

The quartermaster imagining he saw some vessels close inshore, and
thinking it very possible that some vessel might be endeavoring to con-
ceal herself close under the land, moved cautiously inshore into 4£
fathoms, and took a good look E. and W. of us; saw nothing, and at
10 : 10 p. m. resumed our beat to the S. E.

I would remark that the last rocket we saw thrown appeared to be
from some picket station, and was thrown in an easterly direction. The
rocket seemed to be a poor one, and did not explode.

I beg your attention to the fact that we challenged but one, and the
same vessel twice, as will be noted in the report, and we were chal-
lenged three times by other vessels, all of which challenges we answered.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. H. PAUCON,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Blockading Division, off Western Bar, Wilmingion.

378 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

U. S. 8. EMMA,
Off Wilmington, N. C., August 11, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report vessels seen and chased by us in
attempts to run the Wilmington blockade at different times since the
arrival of this vessel on the 17th ultimo, as follows :

At 11 o'clock p. m. of July 25, about two hours before high water, a
side-wheel steamer was seen heading out over Western Bar under all
speed. I immediately started in chase, fired a gun at her, and threw
up rockets as signals to the fleet, but after chasing her forty minutes
lost sight of her. During the chase we met U. S. steamers Montgomery
and Victoria, who had taken the course from the discharge of our
rockets. The depth of water at the time of making the steamer was
1.1 fathoms.

At 9 o'clock p. m., of July 26, at low water, while lying off the bar in
5 fathoms of water, saw a rocket passing in a southerly direction, and
at the same time heard the report of a gun from U. S. S. Violet, lying
near the bar, and I immediately steamed in the direction indicated by
the rocket, but after steaming in the same direction about thirty minutes
without seeing any vessel returned to station.

At 11 : 45 p. m. of the same night, about two hours before high water,
and while laying at station off the bar in 4| fathoms of water, heard the
noise of a paddle-wheel steamer, and shortly discovered her making out
under the shade of Smith's Island. I started after her to the southward,
fired a gun, and sent up a rocket in the direction of her course, but after
a short chase lost sight of her. When passing the U. S. S. Dacotah,
which had observed our rockets and was also in chase, we received per-
mission to keep on in chase; therefore continuing on in a southerly
direction, expecting again to come across the paddle-wheel steamer, a
screw steamer was sighted at 12:20 a. m , of the 27th, bearing east-
ward, distant about 2 miles. The Emma was headed to cut her oft
and, when sufficiently near to have the lights observed, we challenged
her, and receiving a wrong answer we challenged again with a Costoii
signal, to which she replied with a common blue light, meantime increas-
ing her speed. I continued the chase until 4 : .'50 a. m., but lost sight of
her at 3: 30 a. m. We did not fire at her, as our guns were not of suffi-
cient long range to reach her, and I did not wish to disclose that fact
to them, but continued the chase in S. E. £ S. direction with all
possible steam, hoping to keep her in sight till daylight, when I hoped
to meet with an offshore cruiser which might head her off and thus effect
her capture.

At 1 : 30 a. m., of July 28, two hours before high water, saw and
challenged off the bar a side-wheel steamer standing in from sea, but
receiving no answer brought the guns to bear and fired three shots, at
the same time a shot was tired at her from U. S. S. Violet, previous to
which a rocket had been thrown by U. S. S. Mount Vernon to make
known her approach. After receiving our fire she headed seaward, in
which direction we threw a rocket, and shortly afterwards heard the
report of a heavy gun, since proved to have been from LT. S. S. Dacotah,
which fired at her as she passed her, running seaward. 1 am confident
that she has not entered Wilmington from this side (west).

At 9:30 p. m. of the 6th instant, nearly an hour before high water,
saw while lying at station in 3| fathoms water, a large screw steamer,
head out over the bar; we steamed toward her and challenged, but
receiving no answer, fired a broadside gun at her when about two cables'
lengths distant, and continued firing until we lost sight of her, when
she was heading W. S. W. We fired during the short chase five guns,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 379

several I think with eflect, and threw up three rockets, as she several
times changed her course. We saw during the chase U. S. steamers
Fort Jackson, Montgomery, and Vicksburg, all of which had observed
our rockets and were in chase.

At 3: 50 a. m. of this, llth instant, while on station, saw a large side-
wheel steamer with two masts and two smokestacks, close to the land
in shoal water W. from Fort Caswell, near the water battery, trying to
work offshore; she was heading, when first seen from the Emma, S. S. E.
At 4 a. m. the signal station near the wrecked steamer McCaic com-
menced signalizing, and was answered by signal station near where the
runner was. TheU. S. S.FortJackxon was bearing at that time W. S. W.
from us, the U. S. S. Falihee W., and the Vicksburg S. E. The runner,
in my opinion, was bound out to sea, but finding herself so completely
hemmed in by our vessels, she turned to go back when she ran ashore
on the middle ground under the guns of Fort Caswell. The vessel's
appearance agreed with that of one seen the day previous inside the bar.

The foregoing are in addition to the one chased and driven ashore,
as described in the report of the 10th instant, directed to Captain B. F.
Sands, and copy of which is enclosed.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Subenclosure.]

U. S. S. EMMA,

Western Bar Entrance, off Wilmington, N. C., August 10, 1864.
SIR: I have to report that, 11: 15. o'clock last night, a steamer was
seen coming out over Western Bar, the Emma being at the time in 4
fathoms of water, lying head to S. with Bald Head light bearing E. by
N., Fort Caswell N. E. 1 immediately rang for all speed and had helm
put hard astarboard to cut her off, upon which the runner turned to
go back, when we lost sight of her under the shadow of the land. The
nearest we were to the runner was an eighth of a mile, but I did not
think it prudent to lire at her when so close to Fort Caswell.

At 11:45 p. m. we could see the steamer quite plainly off Fort Cas-
well spit ashore.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division, Western Bar.

[Enclosure No. 3.]

TJ. S. S. ALABAMA,
At Sea, Lat. 3CP 25', Long. 76° 45', August 11, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor of reporting to you the results of my cruise.
Since receiving my orders I took up my first position 100 miles E. S. E.
from Cape Fear, and for three days and nights cruised about between
S. E. and E. by S., gradually drawing in as the moon increased, without
seeing anything but our own vessels.

On the 7th instant I took up a position S. E. from Cape Fear CO miles
and cruised about. On the evenings of the 8th and 9th we sighted
black smoke and gave chase until darkness enabled them to elude us;
they were both bound in. Yesterday morning at 0 a. m. 1 sighted a

380 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

black smoke to the northward, steering S. E. ; I chased at full speed, and
as soon as he discovered us he hauled to the eastward, and we saw the
Nereus chasing from the N. W. I shaped to head him off from crossing
my bow to the S. E. He was a large, long side wheel steamer with double
pipe and a heavy deck load of cotton on him. At 8 a. in. 1 was about
3 miles from his starboard quarter, and fired the30-pounder Parrott; a
very few minutes after, 1 discovered he was heaving his deck load off,
and we made out at the same time (from aloft) the R. R. Cuyler coming
down on him from the northward. What quantity of cotton he threw
overboard I do not know, but his accelerated speed was soon evident,
yet the Alabama was able to keep him from crossing to the S. E. till the
R. R. Cuyler got into his wake (some 4 miles astern). As soon as the
Nereus came up with the cotton she gave up the chase and hove to to
pick up, and was afterwards joined by two other gunboats. About 10
a. m. my chasing coal gave out, and after that I found my speed slacking
off so much that I felt assured the chase was hopeless, but I kept it up
until 12 o'clock. While my good coal lasted I could keep up a speed of
13 knots (often we went faster), but after it gave out 12 knots wa* the
most we could do, and that only for a short spell, and as we are rednced
below 60 tons I have deemed it best to run to Beaufort and take in about
100 tons to keep me going till the full moon.

I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

FRANK SMITH,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure No. 4.]

U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,
Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, August 11, l^fif.

SIR: Your communications of the 30th ultimo and 2d instant were
received on the 10th instant.

On the 7th instant I chased a blockade runner and captured 235
bales of cotton thrown overboard by her during the chase, and have
sent it to the port of Philadelphia for adjudication per schooner Wil-
liam H. Tiers, and have sent Acting Master O. H. Corser as prize
master.

I sighted the blockade runner in latitude 33° 30' N. and longitude 77°
52' W. at 9 a. in., and chased her until 1 p. m., ending the chase in latitude
32° 59' N., longitude 74° 35' W., when, finding her speed too great to
overhaul her before night, I discontinued the chase to pick up the cot-
ton which she had thrown overboard in order to escape us, which must
have been about 200 bales.

As the cotton was picked up prior to receiving your orders as divi-
sional officer, I have hesitated how to make out the prize lists, but have
acted as though 1 had been under your orders, and have appended your
name to the prize lists, which, if incorrect, can be remedied hereafter.
I have sent the original prize list to the Secretary of the Navy, together
with my report to him. There were no other vessels in sight during the
chase or at the time of getting the cotton.

On the 4th instant I sighted a blockade runner in latitude 30° 04' N.,
longitude 76° 04' W., and chased her until 3:30 p. in., but was unable
to overhaul her, and gave up the chase in latitude 33° 20' N., longitude
73° 57' W. The TJ. S. steamers Quaker City, Gettysburg, and Niphon
were in chase, but were easily passed by this ship; they did not appear
to make over 10 knots per hour, the Keystone State making 12 knots
per hour.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 381

I also send duplicate prize lists of this ship for the cotton picked up
by the Connecticut, which was thrown overboard from a blockade runner
chased on the llth ultimo by this ship, and sent by the Connecticut to
Philadelphia for adjudication.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.
Captain O. S. GLISSON, U. S. Navy.

JJicislonal Officer , off Netc Inlet, North Carolina.

[Enclosure No 5.]

U. S. S. NEREUS,
Off Western Bar, August 12, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that on the 10th instant, at 9:20 p. m., while
steaming slowly off Lojckwood's Folly, a large steamer was seen pass-
ing the wake of the moon's rays, and bearing south of us, distant
about 3 miles. Immediately steamed for her; finding her moving off
rapidly, challenged, and, obtaining no answer, fired at her and threw
up a rocket. Fired in all three guns and threw up three rockets, hop-
ing to bring out some fast vessel of the squadron. Chased until 11 : 18
p. m., when the moon set and we lost her.

As the steamer was evidently inward-bound, upon giving up the
chase, I determined to stand to the westward, hoping to catch her in
the morning. Stood due west all night.

At 4 : 30 a. m. a steamer was reported directly ahead and about 2£
miles off. Gave chase and fired 23 shot and shell from the 100-pouiider,
and 44 from the 30 pounder rifles at her, but unfortunately, although
some of the shells burst over her and the shot fell all around her, we
did not succeed in disabling her. I am glad to say we forced her to
throw overboard a quantity of her cargo. We could plainly see the
boxes being hoisted over the side. This waste of property continued
for an hour and a half, when the runner rapidly drew away from us. I
endeavored to force her toward the squadron, and at one time we were
not more than 12 or 15 miles from the buoy.

Chased until 12 m. to latitude 32° 56' N., longitude 78° 34' W., trust-
ing to drive the runner into the path of one of the outside blockaders.
When last seen she was standing S. W. by S., and another steamer had
apparently taken up the chase. TheNereus steamed badly, going only
10 knots 6 fathoms at the fastest, and averaging only 10. I should call
the chase a 13-knot steamer. The officers think that she had both side-
wheels and propeller, and my pilot says that there is a steamer of the
kind, called the Hero, which runs to Wilmington.

There is no doubt in my mind that the vessel chased on the evening
of the 10th instant was the same one chased on the llth. I believe
that blockade runners run under the land between Murrell's Inlet and
Lock wood's Folly Inlet, and lie there until an opportunity offers of
getting in. It is thought that as the first gun was fired at the chase
on the morning of the llth, a boat left her tor the shore, only about 5
miles distant.

At 5 p. m. on the llth, saw black smoke which, from its position, could
not have been on shore. Turned and stood for it. At 5:30 saw a
steamer with two smokestacks, burning black smoke; she stood away
from us; chased until dark, and when last seen, the Mount Vernon
(supposed) was in full chase of her. I enclose a rough chart of position,
approximate course, etc. The late lamented Nathaniel Bowditch him-
self could not have kept an exact run of the steamer. In justice to the
senior engineer of the Nereus, I will say that he told Chief Engineer

382

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Garvin that bis boilers wanted scaling and his flues sweeping, and that
the ship ought not to go outside in her present condition. Chief Engi-
neer Garvin, however, did not agree with him.

I stood in last night and anchored in 9 fathoms, off (as near as I could
judge) Lock wood's Folly Inlet.

I am, very respectfully, yours,

J. C. HOWELL,

Commander.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Senior Officer Western Bar Division.

I should judge the chase to have been a steamer of at least 1,000 tons.

J. C. HOWELL.

[Subeuelosure.]

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 383

[Enclosure No. 6.]

TJ. S. S. MOUNT VERNON,
Beaufort, N. C., August 13, 18(>4.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I left the inner blockade station,
off the Western Bar, Wilmington, N. G., on the 28th of July, and on
the 7th instant, at 7 : 50 a. m., we discovered a vessel, supposed to be a
blockade runner, bearing W. £ N., 6 railes distant, and a vessel burn-
ing black smoke in chase of her. We immediately started under full
speed toward her; for the first hour we rather gained on her, but she
appeared to be throwing heavy cargo overboard, and she then left us
very fast, a id at 1 : 20 p. m. she was out of sight ahead. The vessel
that was chasing when we first saw her proved to be the U. S. S. Fort
Donelson, who gave up the chase an hour before we did; latitude, at
noon, 33° 23' N., longit ude 76° 47' 30" W. On the 9th, at 5 : 45 p. m., we
discovered the U. S. S. Bansliee in chase of black smoke. We also
started under full speed after the same, but it soon becoming dark we
lost eight of the stranger and at 8 p. m. spoke the U. S. S. Banshee; lati-
tude, at noon, 320 49' N., longitude 77° 28' W. On the 10th, at 7:40
a.m., we saw black smoke bearing west; started in chase; a few min-
utes after we made signal to U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler, "Strange sail." At
8 a. m. saw U. S. steamers Monticello, Banshee, and another steamer,
supposed to be the Alabama, all in chase of the same vessel; we were
then gaining on her. At 9 a. m. the stranger began to throw bales of
cotton overboard; she then left us very fast; the R. R. Cuyler and Ala-
bama continued the chase. I then, in company with the Monticello,
steered for the floating cotton and picked up 23 bales; latitude, at noon,
33° 09' N., longitude 70° 3(>' W. When in clear water I could see that
the bottom of the Mount Yernon was very loul; large barnacles have
accumulated very much about both quarters and the rudder. It is my
opinion that if the bottom of this ship had been clean I could have
caught the first vessel 1 chased on the 7th, if not the other. I would,
therefore, most respectfully suggest that 1 may be allowed to go to Nor-
folk the next time I require coal and clean the bottom; it can be done
while the moon is large. I herewith enclose duplicate prize list, and
will have the 23 bales of cotton picked up by this ship sent to Boston,
if possible, or some other Northern port immediately.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES TRATHEN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Casey,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Quaker City.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 20, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the Quaker City, in company with the Keystone
State, to cruise for blockade runners on the Bermuda line.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdc). North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant S. CASEY,

Temporarily Commanding Quaker City.

384 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parrott, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. Canonicus, to engage Howlettfs Battery.

U. S. IRONCLAD ONONDAGA, August 21, 1864.

SIR: You will get underway at daylight and take position to engage
Hewlett's Battery in the event of their opening tire in the morning. It
is not desirable that you should open the battery so as to give them
a range on our vessels.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. SMITH,

Captain and Divisional Officer.
Commander E. G. PARROTT,

U. 8. S. Canonicus, James River.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Nary, regarding notification
issued to divisional officers off Wilmington.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 22, 1864.

SIR: I am informed by Lieutenant-Commander Upshur, under date
of 2Uth instant, that he has received a telegram from the Department
instructing him to inform me that "probably another pirate will soon
attempt to get out of Wilmington, N. 0."

I have so notified the divisional officers off Wilmington, and directed
them to observe the utmost vigilance.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, V. S. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. S.
Navy, regarding vessels for patrolling the Ja)nes River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 22, 1864.

SIR: Your No. 70, of the 5th instant, is received. I approve your
directions to Lieutenant-Commander Quackenbush to have the banks
cleared of undergrowth, and also the stations you have given to the
Miami and Dawn. I have requested the Department to supply
marines to each gunboat. If you have no other vessels available for
patrolling the river, order the gunboats from Fort Powhatan, Wilson's
Wharf, and City Point, to perform this duty in that part of the river.
The contraband referred to in Commander Clitz's report, who brought
off information relative to the battery near Harrison's Landing, and
who did not desire to remain, should have been detained.

I desire frequent and full reports of naval affairs in James River and
at Hampton Roads, and of the situation respecting military move-
ments as understood by you.
Very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Divisional Officer in James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 385

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.

Navy, regarding pilots.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 22, 1864.

SIR: I desire that you instruct commanding officers of vessels off
Western Bar that in coming into or going out of Beaufort they are to
employ only the navy pilots ; the tug Harcourt, with a complement of
four pilots, is stationed near the bar from daylight to dusk ready to
take blockaders in. She leaves the necessary number of pilots on
board the Arietta and Release to pilot or lead out the outward-bound
blockaders.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report
regarding Confederate affairs in the RoanoJce River, and sale of sup-
plies for the Confederate Army.

FEAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 22, 1864.

SIR: The Department's communication of 15th instant, enclosing
copy of letter* from General Butler dated 7th instant, in relation to
the contraband trade in provisions from Norfolk to South Mills,
is received. In my No. 516*, of 18th instant, were enclosed two com-
munications* (copies) received from General Butler in relation to this
matter, which are much at variance with the statements in the general's
letter to the Secretary of War of the 7th. The endorsements on these
letters are stamped only with General Butler's name, to which fact I
called the Department's attention when enclosing them.

I now enclose (1) a letter from Commander Macomb, No. 32, dated
15th instant, stating that he is informed that this trade is going on now
as flourishingly as ever, for the benefit of the rebel army, having been
interrupted for a short time by an army expedition from Norfolk. It
will be observed that General Butler's letter, dated 7th instant, states
that " Such safeguards are now thrown around it that it can never
happen again," while it appears from Commander Macomb's letter of
the 15th instant, that the trade is going on as before.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, August 15, 1864.

SIR : I have been informed from Edenton and Plymouth that the
rebels are using every means to get the ironclad now buildiug at Hali-
fax ready for service, large numbers of mechanics being employed.

*Not necessary to publish.
N W R — VOL 10 25

B86 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I am also assured, by the same authority, that the rebel ironclads
intend to attack the squadron very shortly. The Albemarle has shown
herself near the inouth of the Eoanoke Eiver several times since my
last report on the subject.

I also learn that the trade in bacon, salt, sugar, etc., at South Mills
is being carried on still, and that the rebel army in this State are get
ting supplies in this way. It is said that the trade was interrupted dur-
ing the few days that the army expedition from Norfolk remained in
the country, but was resumed immediately on their departure, and is
now as flourishing as ever.

Very respectfully, your obediant servant,

W. H. MACOMB,

Commander, Gomdg. Third Division North Atlantic Block. /Squadron.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, urging increased vigilance in mew of consular information
regarding the movement of blockade runners.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1864.

SIR : I submit herewith extracts from dispatches from the U. S. con-
sul at Halifax, [Nova Scotia], viz:

Telegram, August 22. — "Blockade runners City of Petersburg and
Old Dominion, laden with valuable cargoes, cotton, expected to reach
here from Wilmington by the 30th of this month."

Telegram, August 22. — " Five blockade runners now in port, the Little
Hattie, North Heath, Helen, Constance, and Falcon, the two latter here-
tofore described with smokestacks painted red instead of white. Will
probably leave to-night direct for Wilmington. They are laden with
valuable cargoes."

Telegram, August 22. — " Tallahassee spoken by a British brig yesterday
off Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia. One or two more rebel cruisers, formerly
blockade runners, similar in description to the Tallahassee, expected to
leave Wilmington daily, if not already left, to prey upon our commerce
along Northern coast. Of this there is no doubt."

Your particular attention is invited to these dispatches, especially
the latter one. The information corresponds with that recently com-
municated by the U. S. consul at Bermuda, that one or two vessels had
recently been taken at Wilmington for special service. One of them,
the Tallahassee, formerly Atlanta, is now at sea, and has inflicted seri-
ous injury on our commerce. The other, or others, must not be per-
mitted to escape from Wilmington, if they have not done so. Increased
vigilance should be exercised and every precaution adopted to prevent
it.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy. •

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C'.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 387

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8.
Vicksburg, regarding the chase of a blockade runner, August 23, 1864.

U. S. S. VICKSBURG,
Off Western Ear, August 26, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that on the night of the 23d instant at 8:55
p. in. (by our time), while steaming on our night station W. by N. £ N.
and E. by S. £ S., in from 4£ to 5 fathoms water, with Bald-Head light-
house bearing E. by S., I saw a distinct flash of a gun to the eastward
and a rocket thrown in a southerly direction. I immediately stood to
the southward, seeing frequent flashes of guns and other rockets, sup-
posing these to be fired first by the Victoria, then by the Emma, and
then by the Montgomery, the rockets indicating change of course of the
runner. At 9 : 25 p. m. we sighted the blockade runner, bearing about
S. S. E. from us, and standing to the southward and westward. We
fired a shell from our 30-pounder and a rocket in the direction she was
standing. The chase altered her course to the southward and then to
the southward and westward. I then kept off to intercept her, and fired
two shells, one from our -»0-pounderand one from 20-pounder. At 9:30
we lost sight of her; as it was then useless to tire I steamed after her
until 10 p. m., when, seeing nothing of her, I returned to my station.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

13. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar.

Letter from Lieutenant- Colonel Kensel, U. S. Army, to Captain Smith,
U. 8. Navy, forwarding telegraphic information regarding the enemy.

HDQRS. DEPT. OP VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA,

In the field, August 24, 1864—12:30.

CAPTAIN : I am instructed by the major-general commanding to send
you the following telegram just received from Major-General Birney,
commanding Tenth Army Corps:

The enemy are throwing up earthworks to the left of Grovels house, Deep Bottom.
The gunboats could shell them out.

D. B. BIRNEY, Major-General.

I am, captain, very respectfully,

GEO. A. KENSEL,

Lieutenant- Colonel.
[Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River. \

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 24, 1864.
Proceed to Philadelphia for repairs.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander JOHN DOWNES,

Commanding U. 8. 8. S. R. Cuyler, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

388 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck, U. S. Navy, of an attack
upon Confederate breastworks, Masonboro Inlet.

U. 8. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, August 24, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that on the morning of this date,
with your permission, I proceeded up the coast to Big Hill for target
practice, accompanied by the U. S. S. Monticello. After which, discov-
ering some cattle on the beach between Big Hill and Masonboro Inlet,
I sent two boats' crews to shoot them. They wounded several, but
were unable to capture any of them. After the boats returned and
were hoisted up, discovered about 60 or 80 rebel infantry throwing up
breastworks at the entrance to Masonboro Inlet. Thinking that they
might possibly have a battery, I opened on them with shot and shell,
assisted by the U. 8. S. Monticello. Finding that they did not respond,
sent two armed boats' crews from this vessel and one from the Monticello
to capture them. When our boats got near the beach, the rebels fled
to the marshes and Myrtle Sound and made their escape in boats. We
captured 9 rifles, with accouterments, and 160 rounds of ammunition,
also several haversacks, containing rations of corn bread and fish. The
rifles are marked "0. S. 1863. N. C."

On our return to the fleet, exchanged shots with the Half Moon Bat-
tery, and found that the 100-pounder pivot on board the U. S. S. Monti-
cello exceeded the range of the guns in the rebel battery, and that the
shell from the 20-pounder Parrott on board this vessel fell short.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. BREOK,

Acting Volunteer Lieutanant, Commanding IT. S. 8. Niphon.
Captain O. S. GLISSON, U. 8. Navy,

Comdg. 1st Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Chase and capture of the steamer Lilian, August 24, 1864.
Eeport of Commander Crosby, U. S. Navy, commanding I}. S. S. Keystone State."

TJ. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE, /
At Sea, Lat. 34° 36' N., Long. 75° W., August 24, 1864'.'-

SIR : I have the honor to inform you that this ship assisted the U. S. S.
Gettysburg in capturing the blockade-running steamer Lilian, D. H.
Martin, commanding, at 1 : 45 p. m. this day.

We sighted the blockade runner at 10 : 45 a. m. in latitute 33° 32' N.
and longitude 75° 50' W., 10 miles to the eastward of us, and imme-
diately gave chase. At the same time another steamer hove in sight to
the eastward of the blockade runner, which proved to be the U. S. S.
Gettysburg.

The Lilian then stood to the northward, this vessel and the Gettys-
burg following her, both vessels firing on her as they got within range
(this ship fired fifty shot at her), the shot and shell from both vessels
falling and bursting all around her.

At noon the Lilian and Gettysburg both gained on this ship, leaving
her some 4 or 5 miles astern, this ship running at the rate of 11^ knots
per hour.

At the time the Lilian hove to (1 : 45 p. m.) the Gettysburg was about
a half point on our starboard bow, distant about 3 miles, this ship
heading at the time N. N. W.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 389

At 12: 50 p. m. a steamer hove in sight bearing W. by N., about 10
miles distant. This steamer, from her appearance, I at first supposed
to be the Grand Gulf, but she afterwards proved to be the IT. S. iS. Mas-
sachusetts. She had her numbers flying, but we could not distinguish
them until ten or fifteen minutes after the blockade runner hove to.

During the chase the blockade runner threw overboard a large quan-
tity of cotton.

Upon arriving within hail of the prize I was informed that she was
in a sinking condition from a shot hole put through her by the Gettys-
burg. I immediately went on board of her and. found that she had
about 3 feet of water in her hold. I had all pumps started and hold
broken out until we could get at the shot hole, which we found on the
starboard bow abreast the foremast. I had it stopped up temporarily
and pumped the ship out, placed a prize crew on board of her, under
charge of Acting Ensign A. 8. Laighton, of the Gettysburg, as prize
master, with orders to proceed to Beaufort, N. C., repair damages, and
then proceed to Boston, Mass., and deliver her over to the judge of the
U. S. district court for adjudication.

Accompanying this I send a list of the officers and crew of the Lilian,
the captain, I). H. Martin, Chief Mate S. Gormon Lock, and Chief
Engineer Francis Skuse; also two passengers, Captain H. Gorst and
Mr. C. W. Westendorf, I send home in the prize as witnesses.

I also send in the prize Acting Master's Mate W. D. Burgess and
Acting Third Assistant Engineer James B. Wilbur, of this ship, and
Acting Master's Mate A. K. Noyes and Acting Second Assistant Engi-
neer Thomas Winship, of the Massachusetts.

I forward prize list of the officers and crew of this ship entitled to
share in the proceeds of this capture.

There were no letters or papers of any description whatever found on
board of her (the Lilian) ; she did not show any flag during the chase or
when she stopped, but an English ensign was found on board of her.

There were found on board of her twenty-five coupon bonds, $1,000
each, on the Confederate States of America, bearing 6 per cent inter-
est; also eight coupon bonds on the Confederate States of America,
bearing interest at the rate of 8 per cent.

The Lilian has remaining on board of her about 500 bales of cotton.
Very respectfully,

PEIRCE CROSBY,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

' . V ' .
[Endorsement.]

Inform them that the prize court will decide what vessels are entitled
to share, and that evidence should be sent to that court.

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gettysburg.

U. S. S. GETTYSBURG,

At Sea, about Lat. 34° 36' N., Long. 75° W., August 24, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that at 11 a. m. to day we sighted
black smoke bearing S. W., and I immediately gave chase. We soon
made another vessel to the southward, also in chase. We gained stead-
ily on the chase, steering N. W. to K. by W., and running 15 to

390 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

knots per hour, until fifteen minutes before 2 p. m., when the chase
hove to and proved to be the steamer Lilian, from Wilmington to Ber-
muda, with a cargo of cotton, part of which was thrown overboard, and
about 500 bales remaining on board.

Her captain, D. H. Martin, informed me that lie came out of Wilming-
ton at 10 p. m. last evening.

She had no papers and showed no flag, but an English ensign was
found in the cabin.

About 12:30 p. m. sighted another vessel to the southward and west-
ward, which joined in the chase.

The first vessel sighted in chase proved to be the U. S. S. Keyxtone
State, and was within signal distance at the time of the capture. The
other proved to be the U. S. S. Maxtachusett*, and was not within signal
distance, being certainly 8 miles distant.

During the chase we fired a number of shots at the blockade runner,
(.no of which took effect in his starboard bow, making an indentation
and causing her to leak badly. After much labor we got at the leak
and stopped it partially.

Captain Crosby, of the IT. 8. 8. Keystone State, being the senior officer,
took charge of the prize.

I have the honor to be^very respectfully, etc.,

I.'. II. LAMSON,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

lion. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Nary, Xary Department, Washington, J>. (\

Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. 8. If avy, regarding cotton thrown overboard by the steamer

Lilian.

U. S. S. GETTYSBURG.

At Sea, Lat. 34° 50' A"., Jjong. 74° 23' 11'., August 25, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report the capture to day, in company with
the U. S. S. Keyxtone State, of 80 bales of cotton, thrown overboard from
a blockade runner in order to escape us yesterday.

This cotton was thrown overboard from the blockade runner Mian,
captured yesterday evening by this vessel and the Keyxtone Mate. Her
captain reported that he came out from Wilmington on the evening of
the I'M instant.

This cotton is now on board the U. S. S. Keyxtone State in charge of
Commander Crosby, who will send it north for adjudication.
No other vessel was in sight at the time of the capture.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. LAMSON,
JAeutenant, Commanfliyj.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Nary, Washington.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports.

FLAGSHIP MAI.VERN,
Beaufort, JV. C., August 2fi, 18V4.

SIR : The Lilian, coming out over Western Bar of Cape Fear River at
about 9 p. m. of theUM instant, was briefly seen, cha-cd. and Ihvd at.
in turn, by the Victoria, Hfontgnmcry, and Emma, of Captain Sam Is'
division, but owing to the darkness and her great speed escaped t«- Ml

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 391

without injury. Tbe next day, upwards of 100 miles east of Cape Fear,
she was seen and chased by the Keystone State and Gettysburg, and
struck in the fore compartment by a shot from the latter, which caused
her to make water rapidly and brought her by the head and occasioned
her surrender.

On the 30th of July the Lilian was seen, chased, and heavily fired
upon by the Shenandoah in a chase of four hours and a quarter dura-
tion, but escaped under favor of darkness and the lightness of the draft,
which enabled her to run for Cape Lookout shoals. That night she
got into Wilmington by New Inlet, where she has since been repairing
one of her boilers, which was injured in the hard chase by the Shenandoah.

When captured on the 24th instant she showed no flag and had no
papers. When chased by the Shenandoah on the 30th ultimo she hoisted
rebel colors. I take her to be a Confederate vessel and that under the
Department's instructions all on board of her should be regarded as
prisoners of war. The master, who, from his appearance, conversation,
and conduct, I strongly suspect is an English naval officer, goes, together
with the mate, chief engineer, and two professing passengers, to Boston
in the prize, the repairs of which will be completed to morrow.

The rest of the crew have not been sent in, and are yet on board the
Keystone State. I shall leave directions to send them north by the New
Berne.

I have called the attention of the U. S. marshals at Boston and New
York to the instructions of the Department and the circumstances of
the case.

Enclosed are reports received to day from Captain Sandsfromthe com-
manding officers of the Victoria, Emma, and Montgomery of the chase
on the night of the 23d mentioned above (1,2,3). I yesterday trans-
mitted the reports of Captain Crosby, of the Keystone State, and Lieu-
tenant Lamson, of the Gettysburg, of the < hase and capture of the Lilian
on the 24th. I also transmit, enclosed, an extract from the abstract (4)
log of the Shenandoah, showing the severe chase and escape of the Lilian
on the 30th ultimo, also the statement (5) of her master, mate, and chief
engineer and two passengers, taken to day by Acting Volunteer Lieu-
tenant Dunn, commanding this vessel, by which the Department will
perceive that the blockade runners consider the blockade as very strin-
gent; that the Badger, chnsed by fehe blockaders and driven ashore as
she was entering Wilmington last month, was so seriously injured that
she will probably prove a total loss. It also appears from these state-
ments that there are about twenty steamers engaged in the blockade-
running business to Wilmington from Bermuda and Nassau, and that
in consequence of the prevalence of yellow fever at Nassau and Bermuda
a quarantine of thirty days is enforced at Wilmington. This accounts
for the number of blockade runners (eight) reported to the Department
on the ICt.h instant as lying in the lower part of Cape Fear River.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE.
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockade Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, N. C., August 35, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on August 23, at 8:40 p. m., we
saw a large, side- wheel steamer coming down from Fort Caswell toward

392 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the bar. At 8 : 50 she crossed the bar. I waited until she had got clear
of the bar; we then started ahead to bring the guns to bear. She
appeared to see our white water, and at once changed her course to
S. E.; we fired our port broadside gun and gave chase, full speed, and
fired a rocket in the direction he was going. We then h'red the bow
(pivot) gun at her and continued to load and fire as long as we kept her
in sight (in all five shots). At 9 p. m. saw guns fired to southward and
eastward. The chase changed her course to about S. TV. I fired a
rocket in that direction and lost sight of the chase. A few minutes after
saw guns fired to the westward and in a short time saw a gun fired to
northward and westward very near the land. Also a rocket in a south-
westerly direction.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,

Acting Master, Commanding U. S. 8. Victoria.
Captain B. F. SANDS, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. C., August 25, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to make the lollowing report of the movements
of blockade runners:

At 10 o'clock p. m., of August 22, 1864, we saw a steamer heading
out past Fort Caswell, but the moon rising at this time rendered the
night so light that she turned and steamed back behind the fort. Upon
sighting the steamer our crew was called to quarters, and we commu-
nicated with U. S. S. Victoria.

At 9 : 30 p. m. of the 23d instant the report of several guns was heard,
and a rocket was seen thrown in a southerly direction ; accordingly,
heading in that direction, saw a blockade runner heading toward the
westward. I continued after her, with all hands at quarters, for about
ten minutes, when, the chase being taken up by the U. S. S. Montgomery,
I returned to my station off the bar. In my opinion this last runner
was bound in for Wilmington.

I am, very respectfully, your^obedieut servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

U. S. S. MONTGOMERY,
Off Western Bar, Wilmington, If. C., August 24, 1864.

SIR: I beg leave to report that at 8:50 last evening, Bald Head light
N. E. by E., ship lying with 30 pounds of steam, heading E. S. E., Gi
fathoms water, sky overcast, wind light from S. S. W., saw the flashes
of three guns to the N. W. and soon a rocket thrown in a southwesterly
direction. Went to quarters and spread fires immediately.

Moving full speed, swung around to the S. W. ; saw a vessel on star-
board beam, bearing W. S. W., and appearing to move rapidly through
the water; 8:55 fired the rifled gun at the chase, and in a few minutes
fired a second shot from the rifled gun, also the X-inch ; 9 : 05 fired the
rifled gun again at the chase; 9 : 10, ship heading W. S. W., saw a rocket
to the N. W. thrown in a southerly direction. Fired the rifled gun and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 393

X-iiich again at the chase; 9:15 saw the flash of a gun to the N. W.,
apparently from a blockader inshore of the chase. Put helm to star-
board till ship headed S. W. £ S., and fired the rifled gun twice in rapid
succession at the chase, now on starboard beam, and fast going out of
sight.

9 : 20 saw a rocket to the N. W., thrown in a southerly direction ; 9 : 25
fired the X-inch and rifled gun at the chase, and immediately lost sight
of her; 9:35 saw the flash of a gun to the N. W. Slowed down and
moved to the S. E.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. H. FAUCON,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS, V. S. Navy,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington.

Abstract Joy of the U. S. S. Shenandoah.

Saturday, July 30, 1864.— At meridian, latitude (D. E.) 33° 50' N.,
longitude (D. E.) 76° 16' W., latitude (observed) 34° 01' N., longitude
(by chronometer) 76° 10' W. At 5 a. m. passed a bark standing to the
northward. At 10 a. m. saw a steamer to the southward; made all sail
and stood in chase. At 10 : 45 a. m. took in and furled square sails and
gaff- topsails. At 3 p. m. lost sight of chase; saw her first in latitude
34° 21' N., longitude 76° 6' W. At 3 : 45 p. m. sighted a steamer burn-
ing black smoke to the eastward ; made all sail in chase. At 4 : 30 p. m.
made stranger out to be a double smokestack, side-wheel steamer,
apparently a blockade runner, standing to the northward and westward.
At 5 : 45 he showed rebel colors. Called the first division and powder
division to quarters and began to fire at her with the 30 and 150
pounder rifled Parrott. At 6 p. m. beat to quarters and fired all the
divisions. At 7 p. m. took in fore -topgallant sail and foresail. At 7 : 30
took in fore-topsail. During the chase fired 70 rounds from 30-pounder
Parrott, 53 rounds from 150-pounder Parrott, 18 rounds from Xl-inch
guns, and 1 round from 24-pounder howitzer. At 8 p. m. stopped firing,
gave up the chase, stopped engines. At 9 : 20 Cape Lookout light bore
K. E. by X., 14 miles distant. Sounded in 12 fathoms of water. First
saw the steamer in latitude 33° 34 'Iff., longitude 76° 33' W. At mid-
night Cape Lookout light bore N. E. by N. £ K., distant 17 miles.

JOHN WATSON,
Acting Master , U. 8. Navy.

U. S. S. MALVEBN,
Beaufort, JT. <?., August 36, 1864.

ADMIRAL: Being ordered by you to examine the captain, officers,
and passengers of the prize steamer Lilian, I beg leave to report the
following.

The captain of prize steamer Lilian, upon examination, states as
follows :

My name is Daniel Martin; native of Liverpool, England; late commander of steamer
Lilian, engaged in running the blockade. Left Bermuda in ballast on or about the
24th July; on the 30th, being off to the eastward from Wilmington, was chased by a
large steamer, square-rigged forward, no bowsprit, the fastest screw boat I ever saw ;
since ascertained to be the Shenandoah. I ran to the northward. She chased nntil
7 o'clock and then gave it up. it being then near dark. At that time we had Cape
Lookout light in sight on our port bow. She tired a good many shots at us. After

394 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

losing sight of her steered to the eastward and then ran inshore again. Came in
iiear the beach above Masonboro and ran down the beach and in at New Inlet. About
3 o'clock a. m. saw two blockading vessels off the bar, but do not think they saw
me. Was three weeks at Wilmington repairing boiler, injured in tho chase. Came
down the river on the 23d, and came out over the Western Bar between Sand 9 p. m.
of that night; was seen and tired at by several of the blockading fleet, but suc-
ceeded in getting clear without being hit. Between 10 and 12 a. m. of the 24th was
chased by the Gettysburg and Keystone State, and being hit underwater by the Gettys-
burg, surrendered.

This is my second trip ; I have made one trip before in the Lilian. Captain Maffitt
brought her from England and commanded her on her first trip in ; his first lieuten-
ant brought her out, and then I took her. I do not know who are the owners, but
think she is owned in Scotland. Only two boats were loading while I was in Wil-
mington, one, the Coquette, the other, I do not know her name. Six vessels arrived
while 1 was there; they were all put in quarantine for thirty days. The City of
Petersburg was one of them. The blockade ia considered by those engaged in run-
ning it as a very stringent one, and the danger of capture great, especially by the
outside cruisers. The steamer Hawk was loading cotton when I left, bound for
Liverpool. If I had got in safely my pay would have been $3,000 for the trip.

While at Wilmington I saw 28,000 muskets brought down from Petersburg, said to
have been captured from Grant's army. There is talk in Wilmington of the Confed-
erate Government taking all the vessels engaged in the blockading running business
and putting them under command of Confederate officers.

When chased tho day before going in, the Confederate colors were hoisted on the
Lilian by some of the passengers. We had English and Confederate colors on board.
I have been a seafaring man in the English merchant service; have been in the East
India Company service and in the French transport service during the Crimean war.

When chased by the Gettysburg, the Lilian ran 13£ knots.

GEORGE GOWANLOCK,* mate of the Lilian, being examined, says:

I am a native of Glasgow, Scotland; was mate of the Li/tan: .joined her at Bermuda
about the 18th of July. Came from England in the Little Hattie. This is my first
trip in running the blockade. The Lilian went into Wilmington in ballast, having
nothing in her hut coal for the return trip. A great many of the blockade runners
go in empty. My pay would have been $600 per trip. When chased by th»i Shenan-
doah I was on the i>ridge and did not see who hoisted the Confederate flag. V.'e
went iu the eastern channel without being seen, but when we came out by tho west-
ern channel we were seen and fired at. There were six vessels at quarantine in
Wilmington and two up at the town, the Badger and Coquette. The Badger was
chased ashore on tho bar by the blockaders seven or eight weeks ago; was ashore
nine days before she got off; is so much damaged that she will be condemned.

I started in the Fenns about ten months ago to run the blockade, but was captured
and sent to Fortress Monroe. I left New York for Liverpool last March.

FRANCIS SKUSE, chief engineer of the Lilian, states as follows:

Am a native of Yorkshire, England; was chief engineer on board the Lilian;
joined her in Bermuda about the 20th July ; never have run the blockade before and
know nothing about it or of the vessels engaged in it. I was shipped by Captain
Martin and was to have $800 for the trip. The Lilian's machinery is in good order,
and I think she is about a 13-knot boat.

CHARLES W. WESTENDORFF, passenger on the Lilian, says :

I am a native of Charleston, S. C. ; a mariner by profession. I left Charleston in
November of 1861, went to England and took command of the steamer Bermuda for
a voyage to Matamoras; was captured by U. S. S. Mercedita and carried to Phila-
delphia; remained there until June, 1864, then went to New York and took passage
for Bermuda in an English schooner belonging to Bermuda. From there I went in
the blockade runner Lynx to Wilmington in the early part of July.

From Wilmington I went to Lynchburg, Va, to visit my family ; returned to Wil-
mington on the 22d instant and took passage on the Lilian for Bermuda, intending
to go to England to enter into some business. The $34,000 of Confederate bonds
found in my possession were intrusted to me by a Mr. Mitchell, in Wilmington, to
be given to his agent in Liverpool. I do not know anything about the blockftdt>
ruuning business and have had no intention of engaging in it. My physical con-
dition unfits me for it, even if I desired to engage in it.

*Giveii also as S. Goruion Lock.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 395

HENRY GORST, passenger on the Lilian, says :

I am a native of Worcestershire, England; a mariner by profession; was lately in
command of the English steamer Iranhoe, on a voyage from Havana to Mobile. My
vessel was run on shore near Mobile by an ignorant pilot and destroyed by Far-
ragut's fleet.

I came up to Wilmington by way of Charleston and took passage on the Lilian.
The blockade-running steamers Virgin and Mary were in Mobile when the Union
fleet came into the bay. The Denbigh went out a few days previous. The Denbigh
has made eight trips into Mobile; her speed is only 8 knots. I was in Wilmington
two days before the Lilian sailed; saw only two vessels up at the town, but saw
seven or eight lying at quarantine.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. C. DUNN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant West, U. S. Navy, regarding the furnishing of prize

crew.

U. S. S. MASSACHUSETTS,
Philadelphia Navy Yard, August 26, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that on the 24th ultimo, about lati-
tude 340 11' X., longitude 76° 20' W., I assisted the U. S. steamers
Gettysburg and Keystone State in the capture of the steamer Lilian from
Wilmington, N. C., loaded with cotton.

By order of Commander P. Crosby (senior officer present), I sent on
board of Lilian 1 engineer, 1 master's mate, 6 landsmen, and 2 firemen,
as part of her prize crew, and then proceeded back on my course.
Enclosed please find a prize list.

I am, very respectfully, etc.,

W. H. WEST,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U. S. Navy.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy, Washington.

Letter from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Smith,
U. S. Navy, expressing approval of his action.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 25, 1864.

SIR : Your No. 72 * of the 15th instant received. The dispositions of
vessels therein reported are good. I approve your detaining the Sassa-
cus for the present emergency; her repairs, however, which will be
extensive, the fleet engineer thinks should be made before cold weather
sets in.

It gives me pleasure to acknowledge Commander Ehind's report of
his courageous and enduring action of the 13th instant.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain M. SMITH,

Divisional Officer, James River.

* See p. 363.

396 NOKTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, transmitting copy of intercepted
telegram from General Beauregard, C. S. Army.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 25, [1864].

SIR: I received from General Butler's headquarters this afternoon a
copy of a telegram (intercepted), which was as follows:

2:30 P. M.

Your dispatch of date 2 p. m. received. Be prepared to blow up your mine at any
time. R. F. Hoke's two divisions arc ordered to you. Pontoon bridge across the
Appomattox must be captured as soon as practicable.

G. T. BKAUREGARD,

Commanding.
General PICKKTT.

This is the only indication of a movement on the part of the enemy,
and I regard it as exceedingly improbable that so important a one
should be ordered by the most simple method of telegraphing. I have,
however, dispatched the Commodore Barney to protect the bridge, and
ordered the Massacus to take her station at Harrison's Landing.

All is quiet on the river, and as soon as the Eutaw obtains pratique
the Sassamts will be ordered to Philadelphia for repairs.

The two barges obtained from General Butler will be ballasted and
ready for sinking early next week. I have had the two torpedoes
above the obstructions removed, and have sent one launch and crew to
the Minnesota.

The torpedo tugs are being refitted with new spars and stronger
guys, and I hope soon to be able to report the result of an experiment
with one of them.

The canal is progressing rapidly, and I am informed by Major Ludlow
that it will be ready for navigation in twenty days.

General Grant still holds.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

[Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE.]

Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, commanding U. '8. 8. Mendota,
regarding the shelling of Confederate earthworks.

U. S. S. MENDOTA,
James River, August 25, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of yesterday's date, informing me of earthworks
being erected by the enemy to the left of Grover's house, and directing
me to shell them out, was duly received. I at once communicated with
the commanding officer on shore, who informed me that he knew noth-
ing of it. A deserter who came in about this time was questioned, and
he stated that the enemy the night before had made some change in
their picket line, and that himself and others had been engaged during
part of the night in digging new rifle pits. He knew nothing of any
earthworks, though he heard some talk about moving some guns
toward the river on their right. I threw about forty shells over as
indicated in your order, having previously made arrangements with
the commanding officer on shore to notify of any result, or any move-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 397

ment on the part of the enemy. Not hearing anything from him, at
the end of an hour I ceased firing.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ED. T. NICHOLS,

Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy, Y

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 25, 1864.

Expedite the repairs on the Florida and Nereus. Send the Dum-
barton to Admiral Lee, off Wilmington.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Rear- Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 25, 1864.

Direct the Aster to proceed off Wilmington and report to Admiral
Lee.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore C. K. STRIBLING,

Commandant Navy Yard, Philadelphia.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the arrival of
United States vessels at Beaufort, N. C.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 25, 1864.

SIR: I have tne honor to inform the Department of the arrival here
on the 21st instant of the Tristram Shandy and Ascutney, of the Eolus
on the 22d, and the Isonomia on the 23d.

The three former sailed on the 23d to join the blockade of Wilming-
ton. The Isonomia has been examined by the fleet engineer, who
reports that her boilers and engines are new and in goocj order; some
work in the engineer department is necessary, however, which will be
finished on the morning of the 26th.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE.
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the prepara-
tion of the U. S. S. Wilderness for blockade duty.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 25, 1864.

SIR: To promote the efficiency of the blockade of the bars I have
directed Captain Smith to have the Wilderness prepared at once for

398 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

service on the blockade of Wilmington and to send her to report to me
as coon as ready. I have directed Commander Lynch to furnish her
with a battery of four 24-pounder howitzers, and have so informed the
Bureau of Ordnance and asked its sanction.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Captain Glisson, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report regarding
the chase of a blockade runner off New Inlet, North Carolina.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off New Inlet, August 25, 1864.

SIR : I herewith enclose you a report from Acting Volunteer Lieuten-
ant Breck, commanding U. S. S. Niphon, by which you will see that a
blockade runner got in about 10 p. m. last night. The Fahkee was
anchored in No. 3 day station. At about 9 :20 p. in. the blockade runner
passed under her stern, steering N. W. She fired two shots at her and a
rocket in the direction she was going. The Santiago was a little inshore
of Fahkee, steering N. N. E. ; went ahead at full speed and wore ship and
stood to the S. S. W., but could not see anything of the strange steamer.
At 10 p. m. the Niphon opened fire on the steamer near the bar, and
also the Britannia, and with all our vigilance she passed in. I do not
see how we are to stop them unless a force is landed and we take posses-
sion of the river above the fort. This can be done, and it will not
require more than 10,000 men. I hope you will approve of this plan
and do all you can to have it done at once.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and Divisional Officer.

Acting Rear- Admiral SAML. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

[Enclosure.]

IT. S. S. NIPHON,

Off Neic Inlet, North Carolina, August 25, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that while on No. 1 station last night,
at 9 : 45, saw a rocket and heard a gun from the U. S. S. Fahkee. At 10,
this vessel heading east, discovered a steamer bearing southeast und
heading northwest, going rapidly toward the bar. Immediately fired
up rockets in the direction she was going; fired seven guns at her and
chased her as near the bar as was prudent to go.

The launch belonging to this vessel is well adapted for a howitzer,
and I most respectfully request that one be furnished for it for the pur-
pose of picket duty on the bar. I am under the impression had there
been a launch armed with a howitzer stationed on the bar last night,
inshore of this vessel, that the blockade runner would not have suc-
ceeded in passing in.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. BRECK,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 399

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Glisson, U. 8.
Navy, acknowledging receipt of report regarding the chase of blockade
runner off New Inlet.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 26, 1864.

SIR: Yours of the 25th instant, enclosing Acting Volunteer Lieuten-
ant Breck's report of an unsuccessful chase on the night of the 24th, is
received. I am of the opinion, as I mentioned when I saw you recently,
that the Government is well aware of the importance of capturing
Wilmington, and that this will doubtless be done when found to be
practicable.

Your opinion should have been expressed on Acting Volunteer Lieu-
tenant Breck's proposition to fit the launch of the Niphon (herself a
small vessel) to carry a howitzer and watch the bar. Can that small
launch be so armed and used ? It does not appear to be a good plan
for a bar-tender steamer, carrying an effective battery, to devolve on
her boat the duty of watching the bar. Tugs, or small, strong, light-
draft steamers with batteries, for which I have earnestly applied to the
Department, are much better than launches, and better than the Niphon,
which, though quick and steady, draws more water than desirable for
that service.

Eeferriug to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck's report, why should
the Niphon, herself a bar tender, and expected to be close in in such a
night, throw up rockets toward the bar! There was nothing inside
of her to warn, and the warning only revealed her position to the runner
and indicated that she was not close in.
Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Divisional Officer, off Neic Inlet, North Carolina.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, requesting additional

vessels for the blocJcade.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., August 26, 1864.

SIR: Captain Glisson reports, under date of 25th instant, that a run-
ner got into New Inlet on the night of the 24th instant, being first seen
and fired on by the Fahkee and Niphon.

I beg leave most respectfully to refer the Department to my No. 490,
of 13th instant, asking for more vessels suitable for a blockade of the
bar and for chasing.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretay of the Navy, Washington, I). C,

400 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. 8.
Navy, in view of the escape into Wilmington of the G. S. 8. Tallahassee.

U. S. FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Beaufort, N~. 0., August 26, 1864.

SIR: Captain Glisson reports* that the Tallahassee succeeded in run-
ning into Wilmington last night and exchanged salutes with the fort
this morning. Use the utmost vigilance to prevent her escape. Instruct
the commanding officers of your division to assemble their crews quickly
at quarters whenever a vessel is sighted at night or if they are about
to speak one by day; train every gun that can be brought to bear oil
the str auger.

Very respectfully, S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, Third Division.

[Same order given to Captain Glisson, divisional officer off New Inlet. J

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports regarding
the chasing ashore of a blockade runner near Fort Caswell, August 25-26,
1864.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Western Bar, off Wilmington, August 28, 1864.

SIR: I enclose herewith report t of Lieutenant-Commander Braine of
the firing into and chasing of blockade runner on the night of the 23d
intaut, which had not been sent iu time to accompany those already
forwarded to you.

Also reports of running on shore and firing into another blockade
runner on the night of 25th and morning of 26th instant.

The last-mentioned vessel got off at the high water and succeeded
in getting into the river.

Very respectfully, etc.,

B. F. SANDS,
Capt., U. S. Navy, Comdg. Div., Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. G.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. VlCKSBURG,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, August 26, 1864.
SIR: I have to report that this morning at about 12: 10 a. m., while
I wasinSf fathoms water, with Bald Head light-house bearing N. E. by
E. f E., and standing slowly N. N. W., I saw the flash of a gun bearing
N., being in the direction of the Emma's night station. A few moments
after I saw two more flashes in the same direction, but heard no
reports. I steamed ahead fast to the northward into 4 fathoms water,
the flashes continuing and increasing. At 12 : 20 a. m. I could hear the
reports of the guns and discovered the Emma bearing N. N. E. from us,
and firing upon a blockade runner ashore, who had apparently got
there while attempting to run in. I immediately opened fire upon the
runner, keeping N. N. E. in 3 fathoms water. The batteries on shore
now opened fire upon us, the Emma continuing with us to fire on the run-
ner at short range, estimated about 800 yards distant. 1 fired delib-

* See series I, vol. 3, p. 172. t See p. 387.

XORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 401

erately seven 30-pounder and one 100-pounder percussion shell at the
steamer ashore. The batteries continuing their fire upon the Emma
and ourselves, the moon being at an altitude of from 10 to 12 degrees,
exposing our position plainly, I steamed to the southward and west-
ward to 3| fathoms water, and returned the fire from the batteries
with my 100-pounder, firing four percussion shell, and making some
very effective shots, causing the enemy to darken some of their lights
and slacken their fire. The Emma continuing her firing on the runner,
at 2 p. in. I ceased firing and steamed N. W. and S. E. in from 5 to 6
fathoms water, with Bald Head light-house bearing E. to N. E. (our
night station). The batteries continued their fire on us at short inter-
vals until 4 a. in., of which we took no notice. At daylight I discov-
ered the blockade runlier to be aground near the bar. She is a double
smokestack, two-masted, side-wheel steamer. Her mainmast had
apparently been shot away by our fire, and she had been struck a num-
ber of times in her hull.

I beg leave to state that it is my opinion, to the contrary of the for-
eign correspondent, that the blockade runners are fired into and often
severely injured whilst endeavoring to evade the blockade of this port.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,

Captain B. F. SANDS, Lieutenant- Commander.

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, N. C., August 26, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th instant, at 7:30 p.
m., being in 4£ fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing N. E. by
E., we saw a steamer coming down from Fort Caswell toward Bug
light. We went to quarters to await her approach, but did not see
any more of her after she came in range of Bug light. I supposed she
had anchored to wait for the tide * (it being then within an hour of low
water). At 8:15 let the men leave their quarters. At 10 p. m. spoke
U. S. S. Vicksburg and told him a steamer was lying near Bug light.
At 12:15 a. m. of 26th, being in 3f fathoms water, with Bald Head
light bearing K. E. £ N., we heard firing to northward and westward of
us. Called all hands to quarters, but could not see any vessels. The
firing continued at intervals of a few minutes from some vessels to the
northwest of us. Also from Forts Caswell and Cameron [Campbell].
The firing from the forts continued at long intervals until about 3 : 30
a. in. Five of the shots fired from the forts during the watch were
directed at this vessel, also one from the Smith's Island batteries,
which was fired about 12: 30 a. m. At daylight saw a large side- wheel
steamer aground on the flats off Fort Cameron [Campbell].
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,

Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Victoria.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Commander, U. 8. 8. Fort Jackson, off Western Bar, N. G.

* This was evidently one of the rebel picket boats, as they have been
previously seen watching us all night, sometimes using blockade
runners for the purpose.

Respectfully, etc., B. F. SANDS,

Captain, Commanding Division, Western Bar.
N w R — VOL 10 26

402 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

U. S. 8. EMMA,
Off Wilmington, N. G.. August 2t>, 1861.

Sin: I have the honor to report that at 12:15 a. in. of this, 2(>th
instant, being then in 3 fathoms of water off' the bar, heading south-
east, saw a steamer heading in toward the bar from the southeast. She
passed so close voices could be heard upon her deck, and, having jibs
set, and being a paddle-wheel steamer, proved her to be unmistakably
a blockade runner. I immediately trained the quarterdeck gun upon
her and fired, meantime having crew called to quarters. I ran as close
to her as regard for the safety of this vessel would permit (2£ fathoms)
and delivered a broadside of five guns from the port side, and, turning,
delivered another broadside from the starboard side, which drove her
ashore to the westward of Fort Caswell. I continued the fire upon her,
notwithstanding the batteries on the shore were pouring a heavy fire
upon us, the damaging effect of which was evaded by keeping this
vessel under full speed until ready to fire, when we slowed down and
delivered the fire, after which we started ahead again, turned, passed,
and delivered a fire from the other side in same manner; but the moon
rising at this time, 1 : 15 a. m., enabled them to take good aim at us,
and not deeming it prudent longer to subject the ship to their fire I
withdrew out of range of their guns, not, however, until having fired
at the steamer fifty-six shot and shell, many of which took desirable
effect upon her.

At about 1 : 15 a. m. the U. S. S. Vicksburg appeared and commenced
firing at long range, which they continued.

At favorable opportunities during the night we steamed in as near
as practicable and delivered occasional shots at her, firing in this
manner during the remainder of the night four shots.

1 am happy to call your attention to the vessel now ashore oft' Fort
Caswell as the one referred to in this report, and which I think is dis-
abled and in a sinking condition, as she received our nearest fire upon
her port side; yet I regret that it was not in my power to board her
and complete the destruction of vessel and cargo.

Trusting that my action in this case will meet with your approval, I
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Gammanding Division, Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. G.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, cautioning against the abandonment of a chase before entirely
out of sight.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 26, 1864.

SIR : The Department is in receipt of the report of Henry A. Phelon,
acting master, temporarily in command of the Monticello, dated August
20, 1864, stating that on the morning of the 10th instant he chased a
blockade runner until he got within 3£ or 4 miles, when his bearings
becoming hot, he had to stop twenty minutes. "The chase meanwhile,"
he adds, "had thrown over some bales of cotton, and as she was out of
sight when we were repaired I gave up the chase, lowered boats, and,
in company with the Mount Vernon, picked up all the cotton we could
see," etc. The Department does not understand how a vessel only 3 or
4 miles distant could get out of sight in twenty minutes, and is forced

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 403

to the conclusion that there was more anxiety on the part of the officers
to make sure of the cotton thrown overboard than to pursue the vessel,
a chase which no doubt to them seemed fruitless. An accident to the
machinery of a pursued vessel, or some other unforeseen incident, may
render her capture certain, and a chase should not be abandoned until
it is entirely lost sight of.

The Department has noticed other similar instances of neglect, and
considers it necessary that officers should be cautioned not to allow
their pecuniary interests to stand in the way of duty.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 27, 1864.
Proceed immediately with the Tacony to Washington.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander W. T. TRUXTUN,

Commanding U. S. S. Tacony, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Upshur, U. S. Navy, regarding meas-
ures of defense against a contemplated raid upon the eastern shore of
Virginia.

U. S. S. MINNESOTA,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, August 37, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to inform you that I have received information
from Brigadier-General Shepley, of this Department, of a contemplated
raid by a large force from Northumberland County upon the eastern
shore of Virginia, and requesting me to dispatch a gunboat to that quar-
ter. Having no other vessel at my disposal, I have sent the armed tug
Cactus, having previously notified Lieutenant-Commander Babcock at
Yorktown, with the request that he would send a vessel. I learn from
him to-day that having no vessel to send, he has gone himself in the
Morse to the points threatened.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. UPSHUR,
Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding, and Senior Officer Present.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Phelon, U. S. Navy, regarding expedition in

Masonboro Inlet.

U. S. S. MONTICELLO,
Off New Inlet, August 27, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to report while cruising off Dick's Bay, near
New Inlet, on the morning of the 24th instant at 6 o'clock, I was sig-
nalized by the U. S. S. Niphon, " I wish to communicate." I passed

404 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

within hail; was ordered by the commanding officer to accompany him;
there was a battery on shore he wished to silence, also a mail he wished
to capture. I cleared ship for action and followed the Niphon close to
the beach, near Masonboro Inlet. He then asked me, if I had practiced
at target this quarter. 1 answered, I had not. He then said, " We
will have some this forenoon," and ordered me to fire at anything I saw.
I shelled two signal stations, also some mills and houses at Masonboro,
which was done also by the Niphon. Boats were sent in from the Niphon
and this ship; landed, saw nothing, the boats soon after returned to
the ship. I then saw two men coming down the beach toward the ship,
also a small party of men on the beach at Masonboro Inlet. Was
ordered to shell the beach and land boats, which was done; the men
ran through the marsh. We destroyed two signal stations, captured
a few muskets with the ammunition, and a few rations. Nothing else
being in sight, I returned to the ship. Following the Niphon toward
New Inlet, passing Half Moon Battery, they fired on us. He wished
me to try the range of my 100-pounder Parrott ; fired three rounds. The
enemy's shot coming near the ship, was ordered to haul oft' and proceed
to the fleet, arriving at 3:45 p. m.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY A. PHELON,
Acting Master, Temporarily Commanding U. 8. S. Monticello.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

The Monticello was taken on this duty without my authority. I had
given Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck permission to look into Mason-
boro Inlet, and to fire at target.

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer, off New Inlet, N. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, requesting that the
Department procure vessels for the squadron.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Beaufort, N. C., August 28, 1864.

SIR: The Gettysburg is at present the only reliable chasing steamer
of this squadron; the Connecticut and Keystone State are run down, the
former gone north for repairs, the latter soon to be sent; the James
Adfjer, which I supposed would return here, has been sent to another
squadron ; the Tristram Shandy has been tried and proved fast, but not
strong enough for the Gulf Stream.

For the approaching fall and winter work, staunch, swift steamers,
of the Connecticut and Keystone State class, are needed ; they have an
advantage in heavy weather over the blockade runners.

I respectfully suggest that the Department will take early measures
to procure some vessels of the description needed for this squadron.
There are probably at New York and other cities some new steamers
chartered to the army which might be induced to give up their char-
ters and allow the vessels to be purchased for the Navy ; the steamer
Guiding Star at New York is thus chartered. I know nothing concern-
ing her speed, however, but have heard her mentioned favorably. I
would recommend that none be purchased without a thorough trial, as

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 405

only those built in the best manner and of first-rate speed are suited to
this particular service, which is a severe one.

I beg leave further to request that the Connecticut and the Keystone
State, when sent north, may be repaired thoroughly and substantially,
and returned to me as early as practicable.
The blockade is now very weak.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.Navy, to Lieutenant Robertson,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Keystone State.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Beaufort, N. C., August 28, 1864.

SIR : Prepare the Keystone State for sea and when ready proceed with
her to cruise for blockade runners to and from Wilmington and Ber-
muda on the track assigned to her by Captain Glisson, and return to
Beaufort by the first quarter of next moon, September 8.
Respectfully, etc.,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant J. P. ROBERTSON,

U. S. S. Keystone State.

Report of Acting Master's Mate Woodman, U. S. Navy, regarding a
reconnoissance near Plymouth, N. G.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, August 28, 1864.

SIR : I beg leave to report that in obedience to your orders of the
23d instant, at 8 o'clock p. m., I left the U. S. S. Valley City, then
lying off the mouth of the Koanoke River, in her dingey, accompanied
by four boys, two belonging to the crew of the Wyalusing, and two to
the crew of the Valley City, for the purpose of a reconnoissance toward
Plymouth, N. C.

At midnight I entered a creek, leading out of the Middle River,
opposite Plymouth. At daylight, August 24, I started across the
swamp toward Plymouth, leaving my men in the boat. At 10 a. m. I
arrived on the Roanoke River, opposite Plymouth. The ram Albemarle
was lying alongside of the wharf at Plymouth, protected with timbers,
extending completely around her. Above her were three large, open
boats, hauled up on the shore, repairing, capable of carrying from eight
to sixteen men each. There was also a barge under water, with the
exception of her bow, which rested on the shore. At the lower wharf
there was a steam barge undergoing repairs.

I proceeded down the river, opposite the Southfteld. Her hurricane
deck appeared to be about 18 inches above the water. The water in
the river was at this time higher than at my former visit. On the star-
board side aft of the Soutfijield there was a barge and a schooner.
There were four large sticks of timber across the deck of the barge,

406 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

with one end resting on the SouthfieWs main deck. On the port side
there was a large schooner, with shears on her after deck, there was a
heavy tackle to the shears, with the fall leading to the windlass, and
men heaving on it. I could not make out what the lower block was
attached to.

I saw one boat going from the Southfield up to Plymouth. Since my
former visit there has been a new earthwork thrown up on Bateman's
Hill.

1 returned to my boat at sundown, and arrived on board the Valley
City at 9 p. m.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. WOODMAN,

Acting Master 's Mate.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Comdg. Third Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, giving telegraphic information from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 29, 1864.

SIR: The consul for the United States at Halifax furnished the fol-
lowing information by telegraph :

August 26. — Blockade runner Constance, heretofore described, left yesterday with
valuable cargo, doubtless for Wilmington. Helen and Oicl, blockade runners, the
latter with valuable cargo, will probably follow soon.

August 29. — Another large blockade runner, the Asia, arrived here last night, and
will probably soon leave with cargo for Wilmington.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Letter from Lieutenant- General Grant, U. S. Army, to Captain Smith,
U. S. Navy, requesting that search be made for torpedoes in James
River.

CITY POINT, VA., August 29, 1864.

There is good reason for believing that one or more torpedoes were
planted in the river, between this and Wilcox's Landing, last night.
Before sending out any vessels, particularly with valuable cargo, I wish
at least to have a search made to see if the suspicion entertained is
verified. I would be pleased, captain, if you would instruct the officers
in your command convenient to this locality to search the river from
immediately below here to Wilcox's Landing.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant- General.
Captain M. SMITH,

Commanding James River Flotilla.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 407

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, regarding orders issued for a
search for torpedoes in the James River.

TJ. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 29, 1864

*******
A rebel battery, situated behind a clump of woods opposite Cox's
farm, has kept up a slow but regular fire upon Dutch Gap since the
morning of the 19th instant, and has been replied to by the Union bat-
tery at Dutch Gap.

The only casualties the army has sustained up to this time are four
slightly wounded.

General Grant informs me this morning that there is reason to believe
that two or more torpedoes were placed between City Point and Wil-
cox's Landing last night. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. Davis, of the
Sassacus, has been instructed to search for them, and give his personal
attention to the matter, using the Young America also for that purpose
if necessary. All quiet on the river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River,

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from Brigadier- General Palmer, U. S. Army, to Acting Master
Josselyn, U. 8. Navy, requesting the cooperation of the U. S. S. White-
head in expedition to Hyde County.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA,

New Berne, N. C., August 29, 1864.

SIR : General Palmer directs me to inform you that Lieutenant Ward,
his aid-de-camp, goes to-morrow with the steamer Ella May and about
100 men to Hyde County, for the purpose of breaking up, as far as
possible, the supply line of the enemy from that country out into far-
ther rebeldom. General Palmer desires very much to have you (if con-
sistent with the duties of the Whitehead), direct the captain of that
steamer to lay about in the Pungo region for a day or two, in order that
he may, if necessary, render Lieutenant Ward assistance. There will
be no necessity of aid on land, but it might possibly be well for Lieuten-
ant Ward to be well backed on the water. If you can give Lieutenant
Ward this aid the commanding general will be much obliged to you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. JUDSON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.

Acting Master [FRANCIS] JOSSELYN, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Commodore Hull.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the U. 8. S. Kansas.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 30, 1864.

SIR: Your sending the Kansas to Philadelphia, as indicated in your
No. 523, for repairs is approved.

408 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The Department can not adopt your suggestion to have the masts
and rigging taken out of the vessel, and has given directions that it be
not done.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant navy yard, Wash-
ington, regarding the U. S. S. Tacony.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 30, 1864.

SIR : Direct the Tacony to sail on Saturday morning next, September
3, at the earliest possible hour, and proceed with all practicable dis-
patch to her station in the sounds of North Carolina.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore J. B. MONTGOMERY,

Commandant Navy Yard, Washington.

Letter from the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance to Acting Rear- Admiral
Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the exchange or ordnance store vessels in the
sounds.

BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, August 30, 1864.

SIR : By direction of the Navy Department the schooner Henry Janes,
now in New York, has been directed to proceed immediately to Hamp-
ton Roads and report to you for service as an ordnance store vessel in
the sounds of North Carolina in lieu of the schooner Charles 8. Car-
stairs.

Upon the arrival of the Henry Janes at her destination you will direct
the stores on board the Carstairs to be transferred to her without delay,
and the Carstairs immediately discharged from her charter party.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,

H. A. WISE,

Chief of Bureau.
Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Fortress Monroe.

[Telegram.]

CITY POINT, VA., August 31, 1864.

(Received 9:35 p. m.)

General Grant is down the river at this moment, but returns to-night.
I will have a boat at Fortress Monroe in waiting for vou and Mr. Dana
at 6 a. m. Friday.

RUFUS INGALLS,

Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster.
Hon. G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 409

Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the sinking of a barge by
shell from Confederate battery.

U. S, S. ONONDAGA,
James River, August 31, 1864.

SIR : I have to report that one of the barges furnished by General
Butler to be used for the obstructions, and which was sent to Dutch
Gap to be ballasted, was sunk last night by a shell from the rebel bat-
tery opposite Cox's farm, or settled during the night in consequence of
undetermined leaks in her upper works. The first, however, is the
assigned cause of the accident.

The firing at Dutch Gap from the battery referred to is slow, but con-
tinues throughout th6 night and day.

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.
Navy, criticising his action in regard to blockade runner.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off Western Bar, August 31, 1864.

SIR: Yours of 28th instant, enclosing reports from the Vicksburg,
Victoria, and Emma, is received. The blockade runner referred to
should have been boarded by boats, covered by the Eolus, and burned.
Give such orders, make such preparations, and so station vessels as to
insure this being accomplished in another similar case.

I desire you always to send such reports as these, and have obscure
and conflicting statements made clear.

Was there one steamer going in and another coming out on the night
of the 25th, or was one steamer attempting to run out driven back!
.Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Third Division, off Western Bar.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of
vessels of the Fourth Division.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, August 31, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report the following disposition of the ves-
sels of the Fourth Division :

In Albemarle Sound. — The Shamrock, Wyalusing, Otsego, and tug
Martin, Chicopee, Valley City, and tug Belle being at the picket station.
The anchorage of the vessels in this sound is off Bluff Point, 10 miles
from the picket station.

410 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

At New Berne, N. C. — The Louisiana, Hetzel, Lockwood, Commodore
Hull, and Whitehead, the last two repairing. The Hull will soon be
ready for service, and the Whitehead has been ordered to Norfolk,
through the canal, to repair, by your permission. The Bombshell is
also at New Berne. Her condition will be reported in another letter.

At Roanoke Island. — The ordnance schooner Carstairs.

At Hatteras Inlet. — The sloop Granite, acting as guard vessel and
superintending the supplying of coal for this division. The coal
schooner E. S. Biven is at this station, and the schooner Ocean Wave
has this day left here for Hatteras Inlet.

The schooner Maggie Van Dusen is at Roanoke Island (full).

The steamer Tacony left the sounds, as I stated in a previous com-
munication, in obedience to your orders of the Oth of August.

Changes of officers. — Acting Master's Mate John Woodman has been
detached from the Ceres and ordered to take command of the tug
Bazely, to relieve Acting Ensign John Conner, who is sick and being
examined by a medical survey.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. 4th Div. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

HALIFAX, August 31, 1864.

(Received 11:35 p. m.)

British blockade-running iron steamer Owl, 330 tons, has just cleared
for Nassau with large valuable cargo, real destination, doubtless, Wil-
mington. Steamer, schooner- rigged ; has two pipes, one abaft the other.
Is long and low and painted light-red color. Takes nearly 100 seamen,
probably to supply another vessel at Wilmington.

M. M. JACKSON,

U. S. Consul.
Hon. W. H. SEWARD,

Secretary State.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of
the vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 1, 1864.
SIR: The following is the disposition of vessels composing the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron:

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Malvern

Beaufort, N. C., headquar-
ters of squadron.
do

Flagship off Western Bar.

Harbor defense.
Boiler in very bad condition; now surveying
Bogue Sound and waiting for new boiler,
making at Baltimore.
Harbor defense and to move colliers.
Do.
Pilot tup.

Shokokon

Nansemoud

Lilac

...do...

Cohasset

Harcourt

...do...

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

411

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

Arietta

Beaufort, N. C., headquar-
ters of squadron.
do

Ordnance.

Do.

Stores.

Run down ; will be sent north in a few days
for extensive repairs ; is a chaser and will
be much missed on blockade.
Moderate speed ; her upper story of houses,
guards, and sponsons impede her greatly.
New double-emler, in very bad condition ;
condemned by survey ; will be sent north
in a few days for e'xtensive repairs and
strengthening; at Beaufort since Aug. 28.
Have held survey on her to improve her trim,
but can not get her to chase effectually.
Just out of dock, and being clean now chases
well.
Must soon be sent in for repairs ; hull in bad
condition.

Needs repairs; will hold survey; will leave
to go north very soon.

Not strong enough for the Gulf in rough
weather; strained badly when tried lately ;
shall keep her inshore in bad weather.

Left Beaufort Aug. 26, to go to Norfolk for
repairs and docking on expiration of cruise.
Needs docking ; arrived at Beaufort for coal
Aug. 26.
Needs considerable repairing; will be sent
to Norfolk soon as other bar tenders come.

Coal transport for both divisions.
Hampton Roads.

Do.

Guard ship, Hampton Roads.
Coal hulk, Crane v Island.

James River.
Needs extensive repairs to boiler.

In very bad condition; to be sent to Phila-
delphia when services can bo spared.

Boiler very weak.

Transport.
Supply steamer; ordered to fit as gunboat
ami join blockade.

Release

William Badger

Santiago de Cuba

First division off New Inlet,
North Carolina.
do

Dumbarton..

Monticello

Keystone State

Ascutney ......

.do

Quaker City

do ..................

Gettysburg

M Arn.Artita. . . ^

... .do

Niphon

...do ...

Britannia

Cherokee

Fort Jacksou

Third division off Western
Bar, North Carolina.
do

Maratanza

Cambridge ...

Eolus

...do ..

Tristram Shandy

Alabama

...do ...

Vicksburg .

Emma

Fort J ><>i, ( 'Isi HI

Montgomery

Victoria

Mount Vernon

...do ..

Fahkee

Miimi>«i>t;i

Second Division, Hampton
Roads and James River.
do

PODDV

Young Rover

Charles Phelps

Tlelint.ropft

Clinton

Unit

Onondaga ......

Saugus

.....do

Canonicus

Dawn

Pequot

Sassacus

Young America

Commodore Morris

Mendota

Agawam

Stepping Stones

General Putnam

Mi^mj

Hunchback

...do ...

Mackinaw

Delaware

Commodore Perry

Commodore Barney

Cactus

Alert

Tug No. 1

Tug No. 3

. do

Tug No. 4

Tug No. 5

Tug No. 6

Mount Washington

do . ..

Wilderness

412

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Name.

Station.

Remarks.

York River and Chesapeake

.Blo

Ordered to Baltimore for new boilers Sept. 1,

. . do ...

1864.

.do

Tug.

Norfolk Va

Ordnance.

Do.

Fourth Division, Sounds of

North Carolina,
do

. . do

Valley City

Hetzel

. ...do

Worn out.

Granite

Sloop.

Louisiana

.do

Whitehead

Ordered to Norfolk for repairs, Aug. 20.

Renshaw

. do

Ordnance.

Bazely, or No. 2

.. do

Tug.

Martin

Torpedo tug.

Hoyt-

Do.

Belle

Do.

Eutaw

A number of vessels of this division are
worn out, or nearly so, and need extensive
repairs.
Repairing, Aug. 8, 1864.

Sheuandoah

Repairing, Aug. 12, 1864.

Daylight

Repairing, Aug. 4, 1864.

Zouave

Do.

Howquau

Repairing, July 21, 1864.

Aries

Repairing, July 13, 1864.

Calypso

Repairing, July 21, 1864.

Tacony

.do

Repairing, Aug. 23, 1864.

Atlanta

Repairing, July 18, 1864.

Osceola

. .. do

Repairing ordered Aug. 6, 1864.

Henry Brinker

Repairing, July 1, 1864.

Grand Gulf

New York since July 31, 1864.

N ereus

New York since Aug. 17, 1864.

Florida

do .

New York since Aug. 19, 1864.

Dauotah

do ...

Boston, Aug. 1, 1864.

Mattabesett

Washington, Aug. 23, 1864.

State of Georgia

do . ..

Philadelphia, Aug. 25, 1864.

Kansas

Philadelphia, Aug. 23, 1864.

R.R.Cuyler

Philadelphia, Aug. 26, 1864.

Glaucus

Philadelphia, June 4, 1864.

I. N. Seymour

Baltimore, July 10, 1864.

Banshee

do . .

At Norfolk Aug. 16, and on the 19th to Balti-

New Berne

more.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Letter from Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- General Grant,
U. S. Army, regarding the search for torpedoes in the James River.

U. S. SHIP ONONDAGA,
James River, September 1, 1864.

GENERAL: I have respectfully to inform you that since the morning
of the 29th ultimo the boats of the U. S. S. Sassacus have been

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 413

employed dragging the river with grapnels below City Point to Harri-
son's Lauding for the torpedoes supposed to have been placed in that
vicinity, but have not succeeded in finding any. It is thought that
their locality is not correctly defined or that the parties reporting them
have been misinformed. I have ordered a steamer to patrol the river
nightly from City Point to Harrison's Lauding to prevent the enemy
from indulging in any such diabolical tricks hereafter.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT,

Commanding Armies of the United States.

Additional report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the
chasing ashore of blockade runner near Fort Caswell.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,-

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., Sept. 1, 1864.

SIR: A steamer* ran in on this side on the 26th ultimo at 12: 15
a. m. The Emma (bar tender) first saw her, with jibs set, heard voices
on board her, and following her from 3 to 2 fathoms water, fired GO
shot and shell at her, some of which, delivered at short range, Acting
Volunteer Lieutenant Williams thinks took desirable effect. The moon
rose at 1:15 a. m., which exposed the Emma to the assailing and the
blockade runner to the covering fire of the battery, and prevented her
being boarded and burned. The fire of the Emma drove the runner
ashore about 1£ miles S. W. by W. of Fort Caswell and under the
batteries. Next morning two schooners lightened the steamer, and at
2 p. m. she got afloat and passed up slowly, apparently in a damaged
condition. She was a side-wheeler, with two stacks and two masts,
mainmast apparently shot away. It is to be hoped that, like the
Badger (reported by the Lilian), she is very seriously injured, if not
unfitted for further service.

The Viclisburg, Lieutenant-Commander Braine (support to the bar
boats), assisted in this assault on the runner, and will be provided here-
after with the means to blow up vessels in such cases. The Vicksburg,
with her 100 pounder pivot, returned with some effect the fire of the
battery, causing the enemy to darken some of their lights and slacken
their fire. Lieutenant-Commander Braiue asserts that the blockade
runners are frequently fired at and injured, the consular report from
Liverpool to the contrary notwithstanding.

There does not appear to be much blockade running this moon, so
far. at least. This is owing to the yellow fever at Nassau and Ber-
muda, and to the increased and increasing vigilance of the bar tenders.

Watching the bar night after night is extremely severe on the offi-
cers of the few small steamers we have here. Steamers for this service
should be seaworthy, work quickly, be of as light draft as may afford
sufficient size to bear a few effective guns, and have stability to allow
of accurate firing. The blockade runner, carrying high steam and
being low and swift, soon passes out of sight of the blockaders near
the bar, who, to avoid the noise and exposure of blowing off, must
carry steam, as they can not move about freely and work oft' their

* See pp. 400-402.

414 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

steam, being obliged to obtain and retain their positions carefully by
the lead.

The fleet engineer has called the attention of the Chief of the Bureau
of Steam Engineering to the efficacious English remedy practiced on
board the Lilian, to have good steam, yet keep position and prevent
noise.

The chase, begun near the bar by the Santiago de Cuba, reported in
my No. 490 of the 13th ultimo, shows, as many other instances do, the
necessity for blowers on board blockading steamers.

Captains Glisson and Sands and the commanding officers are now
exerting themselves earnestly to make a good blockade of the two
difficult and fortified entrances to Wilmington, which, separated by
the shoals of Cape Fear, constitute this a double instead of a single
port to blockade.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

P. S. — I respectfully recommend that the bar tenders be provided
with 24-pounders instead of 12-pounders, as the opportunity to fire is
brief and the distance near. The 12-pouuder can not produce suffi-
cient effect.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

[Endorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 13, 1864.

The Bureau has already ordered the 12-pounders of the Aster (the
only bar tender named by Admiral Lee) to be changed for a 24- pounder.
The change shall be made upon any others that he will name.

K. AULICK,
Assistant Chief Bureau Ordnance.

Instructions from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain
Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding the blockading vessels off Western Bar.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
Off Western Bar, September 1, 1864.

SIR : My order of August 5 is recalled and corrected as follows : The
blockaders should be painted the lightest lead color, the color used by
the blockade runners. The bar tenders should not have any yards,
sails, or masts, and all the steamers on the blockade of the bar, except
y the largest class, are better without yards and masts, and must leave
them when they go to Norfolk.

The bar tenders must keep underway all night (see printed General
Order of August 10, 1864) and as near to Western Bar Channel as their
draft of water and the state of the light and weather will allow. The
space extending from Marshall Shoal (Bald Head Channel, which must
be closely watched) to about 3 miles west of Fort Caswell must be
divided between the bar tenders according to the number of them,
and close to this line of bar tenders must be stationed (underway) the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 415

officer in charge of the bar tenders of this division, ready to succor them
if required and to direct any boat operations that may be necessary.

The other blockaders should be on a northwesterly and southwesterly
line, keeping in from 5 to 6 fathoms water, and moving along this
line and dividing this space between them, communicating with each
other like sentries on a beat, the limit of each beat to be determined by
the divisional office: from bearings on Bald Head light. The divisional
officer will be outside this line.

The watch must be kept at their guns, ready to fire on blockade
runners on the instant, and all hands must be quickly assembled at
quarters when any vessel is seen at night not known to be a friendly
blockader.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Third Division, off Western Bar.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, in view of the assignment of Commodore Rowan, V. S. Navy, to
command in the sounds of North Carolina.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 1, 1864.

SIR : The Department has this day appointed Commodore S. C. Eowan
to assume command of the naval forces in the sounds of North Caro-
lina, which will form hereafter a separate and distinct command.

You are directed to place him in possession of such information as
may, in your opinion, seem to be necessary for the proper discharge of
his duties.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Rowan, U. S. Navy,
assigning him to command the naval forces in the sounds.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 1, 1864.

SIR: You are hereby appointed to the command of the naval forces
in the sounds of North Carolina.

You will proceed as early as practicable and assume command, with
authority to hoist a broad pennant.

This command will be separate and distinct from the North Atlantic
Blockading Squadron, of which Acting Bear- Admiral Lee has been
advised.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Commodore STEPHEN C. EOWAN, U. S. Navy,

Philadelphia.

416 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of
cotton in the Chowan River, September 1, 1864.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, September 25, 11564.

SIR: I have the honor to report that ou the 1st iustant the steamer
Chicopee, Commander A. D. Harrell, being sent by my order up the
Chowan River to pull the army steamer Pilot Boy off some stumps on
which she had grounded, captured 7 bales of cotton, which were turned
over to Lieutenant [Giles F.j Ward, jr., of General Palmer's staff, who
was in charge of the army steamer.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. Naval Forces in the Sounds, North Carolina.-

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, V. S.
Navy, transmitting official information from Halifax, Nova Scotia,
regarding blockade runners.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 2, 1864.

SIR : I transmit for your information the following extracts from a
communication from an official who was recently in Halifax:

While in Halifax 1 learned that the Confederate blockade runners City of Petersburg
and Old Dominion were expected there about September 1 with a cargo of cotton,
which they would discharge and then return direct to Wilmington. Both vessels
are very fleet.

I learned from one of the officers of the Little Hattie that the swift steamers Lynr
and Badger were being fitted out at Wilmington to make :v dash at our blockaders
ott' that port. These vessels will have their machinery protected by compressed
cotton. Their bulwarks will also be backed by the same material, and each vessel,
having about 200 men, will sally forth early in September, and, by boarding, attempt
the capture of one or more of our vessels. If precautions are not taken this plan
will certainly succeed.

The Edith (counterpart of the Tallahassee) was to be fitted out as a war vessel at
Wilmington immediately on her return from Bermuda. Expected to be ready for
sea by September 20, and is to destroy our West India trade.

A regular line of blockade runners is to be immediately established between Halifax
and Wilmington. This line will run until the fever subsides at Bermuda.

The foregoing information was procured principally from employes of
the rebel Government, and is considered reliable.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Letter from the U. S. consul at Olasgoic, Scotland, to the Secretary of State,
correcting inaccuracies contained in previous dispatch.

U. S. CONSULATE,
Glasgoic, September 2, 1864.

In my dispatch No. 98, of date August 31 1864, there are several
inaccuracies, which 1 hasten to correct.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 417

I then informed you that a blockade runiier named Charles had sailed
for Nassau under the command of Captain McHare. The vessel referred
to and described is named the Charlotte instead of the Charles, is com-
manded by Captain McNevan instead of Captain McHare, whilst the
Julia, another vessel spoken of in the same dispatch, is' commanded by
Captain McHare. Owing to the sickness prevailing at Nassau, which
I mentioned, the Charlotte has changed her voyage from Nassau to
Halifax, thus demonstrating that every British port in America is open
to the contraband approaches of the enemies of the United States.

W. L. UNDERWOOD,

U. S. Consul.
Hon. WM. H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Report of Lieutenant Gushing, U. 8. Navy, regarding the boarding of the

British brig Hound.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, D. C., September 2, 1864.

SIR : The communication of the Department in reference to the Brit-
ish brig Hound, with the enclosures, * has been received, and in reply
I would state that at the time the Monticello was on her station off
Wilmington, N. C., a small brig was reported in sight, and as usual
directions were given to board her and overhaul her papers. I did not
go on deck, but my executive officer, Acting Ensign Charles A. Pettit,
carried the ship within hail and demanded name, destination, cargo,
etc. By this time the steamer had forged ahead so as to be out of con-
venient hail, and two or three musket shots were fired well across the
bow to bring her to. All the great guns were loaded with shell, and
it was not deemed necessary to fire one. There was nothing dangerous
or improper about the musket firing, but merely a notification that we
wished to board. The captain of the Round, however, hailed my ship
in the most insulting manner, using oaths to emphasize his language,
and my boarding officer, Acting Ensign Joseph Hadfield, reported on
his return that the language and manner of the Englishman had been
in the last degree improper both on deck in the presence of his men
and below in the cabin. The brig was not too large for a blockade
runner and was in my cruising limits; and I thought proper to overhaul
her again and examine the papers myself, and in order to do so at my
leisure I sent a boat to bring the captain and his papers. I have
directed my officers to bring captain and papers on board in all cases
where a spirit of malice is to be perceived, as I deem it a trick by
which a captain might cause the boarding officer to overlook any infor-
malities in the ship's papers.

The captain of the brig came aboard, and I took his papers, telling
him I would look them over at my leisure, and he could remain or go
aboard his ship, as he pleased. He informed me that he would remain,
with my permission. I enquired what his conduct had been, and he
answered by lame excuses and final retraction. I told him that he
should see the propriety of apologizing to the boarding officer, and he
expressed his willingness to do so. I then examined his papers, and
finding them correct, told the captain to proceed.

* Not necessary to publish.
N W R — VOL 10 27

418 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

It would have made no difference in my action had the ship been
American, or of other nationality, for a national ship must be treated
with respect.
I have the honor, sir, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. GUSHING,
Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Monticello.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1864.

Just returned. Does the fall of Atlanta make any change in your
views — especially as to the time October 1 ?

G. V. Fox,
Assistant Secretary.
Lieutenant- General GRANT,

City Point.

[Telegram.]

CITY POINT, September 3, 1864 — 6: 30 p. m.

It is impossible at this time to say what effect Sherman's victory may
have on the time of undertaking the enterprise you speak of.

U. 8. GRANT,

Lieutenant- General.
Hon. G. Y. Fox,

Assistant Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1864.

The Onondaga and the Atlanta will be the only ironclads retained in
James River. Prepare the Saugus and Canonicus to go south. Convoy
will be sent from the north. Answer.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary.
Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Naval Officer, James River, City Point, Va.

Operator at City Point, send this message to Captain Smith.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Upshur.
U. S. Navy, transmitting a communication to be forwarded to Acting
Rear-Admiral Lee.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1864.

SIR: I transmit herewith an 'important communication for Acting
Rear- Admiral Lee, and it is desirable that it should reach him at the
earliest moment. If there is no safe conveyance going to Beaufort by

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 419

sea at once, you will send any one of the vessels that may be available
to Beaufort with the dispatch.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander JOHN H. UPSHUR,

Commanding U. 8. S. Minnesota, Hampton Roads.

[Enclosure.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1864.
SIR: The following enquiries are propounded to you:

1. Lockwood's Folly Inlet; depth of water, and what defenses.

2. Character of Oak Island; feasibility of landing an army force on
its beach; what batteries, and their distance from Fort Caswell.

3. Number of channels and depth of water of each between Fort Cas-
well and Bald Head ; whether any obstructions or torpedoes are laid
down in these channels.

4. Character and location of the enemy's works on Smith's Island;
character of the south and east shores thereof, and the best points
thereon for landing an army force.

5. What is the character of the works of the enemy erected on Zeek's
Island, and is the beach dry at low water from that island to Smith's
Island?

6. Describe the New Inlet channels.

7. Is there an inside channel due north from Zeek's Island, close to
Federal Point? If so, describe it.

8. Character of the works on Federal Point and to the northward, as
far as and including Masonboro Inlet.

9. Character of the shore from Federal Point to Masonboro Inlet;
the best place thereon for landing troops ; whether there is any opening
in said beach in which boats can enter, and if so, their depth; width of
the narrowest strip of laud between Myrtle Sound and high-water
mark on the seashore opposite; give the height of the land north of
Federal Point.

10. Any information you can obtain as to the character of the defenses
erected to prevent the approach of any army force toward Wilmington
from Masonboro Inlet.

11. Can monitors drawing 11£ feet of water enter Cape Fear Elver?
If so, by what channel or channels'?

12. Can monitors drawing 12£ feet of water enter Cape Fear Eiverf
If so, by what channel or channels?

13. Can vessels of the Wabash, Brooklyn, and New Ironsides class get
near enough to Federal Point to use shells effectively in driving the
enemy from any open works that are there?

14. Are there any wooden vessels belonging to the Navy that could
run the batteries, provided an army force cooperated on the land1?

The Department requires this information in full as early as possible,
presuming that most of it is already in your possession.

In addition to the answers to these specific enquiries, the Depart-
ment will be glad to be furnished with any other items pertinent to the
subject, as well as your views with regard to operations to close Cape
Fear Eiver to blockade runners.

Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE, '

Commanding North Atlantic Jttockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

420 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Glisson, U. 8.
Navy, making a change in the instructions for blockading vessels.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Off New Inlet, Wilmington, September 3, 1864.

Sm: All that portion of iny instructions to you of August 3, begin-
ning with the words " Station one blockader in position underway near
Big Hill," is revoked and the following directions substituted :

The small vessels or bar tenders must watch the bar and its approaches
to prevent blockade runners or armed vessels from getting into or out of
Wilmington, keeping as close in as the light, the weather, and their draft
will allow. A curve line extending from the opening north of Buzzard
Bay to the first hill north of Big Pond should be divided between these
bar tenders, according to their number and to the best advantage, hav-
ing regard to the necessities of the service and to the qualities of the
vessels and their commanders. Detail an attentive officer to move along
and just outside these bar tenders, ready to succor them if necessary,
and to direct any boat expeditions that may be required to participate
in, which every vessel should be prepared for.

The other blockaders should move along just outside of these bar
tenders in a N. N. E. and S. S. W. line, curving inshore at each end,
dividing this space between them and communicating with each other
like sentries on a beat, the limit of each beat to be determined by the
divisional officer from bearings on the light houses.

The watch must be kept at their guns ready to tire on the instant on
violators of the blockade, and all hands must be quickly assembled at
quarters when any vessel is seen at night not known to be a friend.
Kespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. Division off New Inlet, N. Atlantic Blockadg. Squadron.

Report of (faptain Glisson, U. 8. Navy, regarding the escape of a blockade

runner.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

OffNeic Inlet, Septembers, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at daylight this morning I dis-
covered at anchor, under the guns of Fort Fisher and near an old wreck,
a two piped side-wheel steamer. Seven or eight shot were fired from
the shore batteries at us, and several shot were returned by the squad-
ron at the steamer, all of which fell short, and the shot from the bat-
teries falling short of the squadron. At 5 p. m. the steamer got under-
way and steamed into the river. I saw nothing of the strange steamer
during the night. About 2 a. m. a rocket was thrown up from the
direction of Bald Head light, in a S. E. direction, we heading S. S. W.
in 8 fathoms water. I waited for a second rocket to be tired before I
started in chase, which was the signal agreed upon that a vessel had
escaped from port, and, not seeing the second rocket, I came to the con-
clusion that it was a false alarm. Enclosed you will find the reports*

'Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 421

of Commander [J. F.] Nickels, Samuel Huse, J. B. Breck, marked "A,"
"B," "C".

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Respectfully forwarded for information of Navy Department. Act-
ing Volunteer Lieutenant Nickels thinks the strange steamer is the one
turned back by the Cherokee at 2 a. m. this morning.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

CITY POINT fVA.], September 4, 1864.

(Received 5 : 40 p. m., 7th.)

SIR: Telegram* received 12m. Vessels ordered to prepare for sea
and report when ready.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

[Telegram.]

FORT MONROE, September 4, 1864.

(Received 5 : 35 p. m.)
The U. S. S. Glaiwus arrived here to-day from Delaware Breakwater.

J. H. UPSHUR,
Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Capture of the British steamer Elsie, September 4, 1864.
Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, II. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 7, 1864.

SIR : The Elsie ran out of Wilmington at 7 : 50 p. m. on the 4th instant
and was captured at 10:30 a. m. next day, in latitude 32° 53' N.,
longitude 70° 40' W., by the Keystone State and Quaker City.

* See p. 418.

422 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The Elsie was seen and fired upon when she ran out by the Niphon
and Britannia, and was chased off by the Santiago de Cuba until lost in
the darkness. At 10: 30 a. in. next day, the 5th instant, she was seen
and captured as above mentioned, without papers or flag.

A shell from the Quaker City exploded in the forehold of the Elate
and destroyed about 150 bales of cotton. Part of the cargo was thrown
overboard in the chase, and there are now about 250 bales on board.
The prize will be sent to Boston.

Some of the statements of those captured on the prize should be
received with reserve.

The Elsie is a new steamer, of light draft and fair speed, of the
Rothersay Castle class, and this her first trip. She would be useful
on the blockade if supplied with one 20 pounder Parrott and two
24-pounder howitzers. I recommend avoiding all attempts to fit her
up as a man-of war, but to use her pretty much in the condition in
which she now is.

At 1 : 40 a. m. of the 5th instant a steamer ran into New Inlet, though
seen and fired at by the Niphon and Britannia.

The blockade is closely and vigilantly kept, but it is impossible to
prevent its violation on dark nights by steamers built for the purpose.

The enclosed reports give further particulars, viz:

1. Report from the Santiago de Cuba, dated September 5, 1864, of the
£hase of the Elsie.

2. Keport from the Britannia, same date, of seeing and firing at a
steamer running out on the night of the 4th instant.

3. Same from the Niphon.

4. Report from the Keystone State, same date, of the capture of the
Elsie, enclosing prize list.

5. Same from the Quaker City, September G, with particulars.

6. Keport of Acting Master T. C. Dunn, Malvern, of examination of
the master and chief engineer of th& Elsie.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Sear -Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

lion. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Captain GU^son, U. S. Navy, commanding IT. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

At Sea, September 5, 1864.

Sm: I have tiie honor to report to the admiral that last evening, the
4th September, at 7 : 45 p. m., several rockets were thrown up from the
bar tender in a S. E. direction, and several guns were tired. At this
time the Santiago de Cuba was heading N. K E., in 8 fathoms water, Fed-
eral Point light W. £ S., with a full head of steam on; beat to quarters
and cleared ship for action, and hauled in toward the light-house on
Federal Point. Seeing another rocket thrown to the southward and
eastward, stood out S. S. E. ; at 8 : 15 p. m. steering S. E. At 8 : 30 p. m.
the lookouts discovered black smoke S. E. £ S. Started ahead under a
full pressure of steam. Soon the chase was on our port bow. At 8 : 40
p. m. kept away S. E. At 8:45 p. m. kept away again S. E. £ E to
bring the black smoke ahead. At 9 a. in. kept away E. S. E. to keep

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 423

the chase ahead. At midnight the black smoke in sight ahead, steering
E. S. E At I a. in. chase edging to the eastward, kept away E. by
S. £ S. At 2 a. m. lost sight of the black smoke in a heavy rain squall
from S. S. E. At daylight discovered a sail E. N. E., steered for her and
soon discovered it to be a brig standing to the northward and eastward.
At 5: 50 a. in. discovered her to be a sailing brig beating to the south-
ward and westward. At 6 a. in. wore ship and stood for New Inlet,
W. by N.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Huse, U. S. Navy, commanding TJ. 8. S. Britannia.

U. S. S. BRITANNIA,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 5, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order I submit the following report of last
night's occurrences:

At 7 : 50 p. m. saw two rockets thrown toward us by a ship to south-
ward, followed by four guns. Went to quarters. At 8 : 05, ship head-
ing south in 5 fathoms of water, Mound bearing W. S. W., saw a vessel
nearly ahead, standing toward us. Ran for her, when she changed her
course to E. Put the helm hard astarboard and commenced firing as
soon as the starboard guns would train on her, when, seeing that we
would cut her off, she turned again, and ran across our stern, and stood
to the northward and eastward. Continued turning and ran for her,
throwing up two rockets, but owing to our low speed and the space this
ship requires to turn in, soon after, at 8: 10 p. m., lost sight of chase.
Fort Fisher and battery north of it fired four shell, exploding very near
us. Exchanged signals with three ships south and east and one ship
to northward. Having reached 8 fathoms of water, turned back. At
9: 15 p. m. were spoken by Malvern in 7 fathoms of water, after which
resumed our station. At L : 20 this morning, ship on station in 5 fathoms
of water, saw four guns fired by a ship to southward. Went to quarters.
Fort Fisher and batteries to southward of it fired at intervals about
twenty heavy guns. At 1:40 exchanged signals with the Buckingham
to northward. Sent watch below. At 4:45 commenced running out.
At 4: 25 Fort Fisher opened, firing about fourteen shells, some of which
passed over, while others exploded close under the counter. Saw a
side- wheel steamer with two smokestacks near the Mound. Found the
fighting socket for starboard 24 pounder howitzer started. At 5:30
a. m. came to with kedge near flagship. Accompanying this I send a
diagram showing the positions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL HUSE,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

424 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

This diagram shows the movements and relative positions of the two
ships, No. 1 signifying their positions when chase was first seen from
Britannia. Both courses and distances are estimated; not drawn to
scale.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Breck, IT. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 5, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to forward reports of Executive Officer H. S.
Borden, I being on the sick list, but on deck, at the time of sighting
both blockade runners. The steamer that we sighted at 8 o'clock (last
evening) was a side- wheel, double smokestack, two low masts and top
mast, and steering about E. or E. by N., this ship heading southwest at
the time. We fired at her and then threw rockets as long as she was to
be seen, some of our shots taking effect, as we heard the screams of those
on board. Soon after we lost sight of her, we heard firing at N. E., no
doubt from the Britannia. We returned to our station after losing
sight of her. While on our station (at 1:30 a. m. this morning), in 5
fathoms of water, Mound light bearing W. by N., this vessel heading
about E. S. E., saw a steamer going rapidly toward the bar. Imme-
diately opened fire upon him with all our guns, nearly all, I am confident,
taking effect. Fort and batteries immediately opened tire upon us.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 425

Several shots striking within a few feet of us, deemed it prudent to
haul off, but soon after returned to our station.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. BRECK,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. S. Niphon.

Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure A.]

TJ. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 5, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that about 1 : 30 a. in. this morning,
in 5£ fathoms of wate'r, Mound bearing W. by N., discovered a steamer
coming from the N. E. Immediately challenged, but received no
answer; beat to quarters and commenced firing. Fired 2 12-pounder
howitzer shells, 2 20-pounder Parrott shells, 1 stand of grape, 1 5-second
shell, and 1 solid shot from the 32-pounder; 2 howitzer shells, 1 stand
of grape, and 1 32-pounder shell taking effect. The steamer got over
the bar and steamed up to the Mound. The fort and batteries imme-
diately opened fire, several shells coming in close proximity to us.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. S. BORDEN,
Acting Ensign and Executive Officer.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. B. BRECK,

Commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

[Enclosure B.]

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 5, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that on the night of the 4th, about
ten minutes before 8 p. in., discovered a steamer coming over the bar
of New Inlet, this vessel being in 5£ fathoms of water and Mound bear-
ing W. \ S. Upon discovering the steamer, beat to quarters and fired
2 12-pounder howitzers, 3 32-pounder shells, and 2 20-pounder Parrott
shells, using 7 rockets, 1 howitzer shell taking effect. The steamer
after leaving the bar steered to the N. E. Losing sight of her, I
returned to my station.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. S. BORDEN,
Acting Ensign and Executive Officer.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. B. BRECK,

Commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

Report of Lieutenant Casey, IT. S. 'Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. Quaker City.

U. S. S. QUAKER CITY,
Beaufort, N. C., September 6, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report the capture of the British steamer
Elsie on the morning of the 5th instant, under the following cir-
cumstances :

At 6 a. m. of that morning, while cruising in latitude 33° 47' N.,
longitude 76° 04' W., black smoke was discovered bearing S. Chase
was immediately made, the Keystone State accompanying us. A two-
fuuneled side- wheel steamer was soon discovered steering to the south-
ward. At 8 : 40 a. m., finding that we had gained sufficiently to bring

426 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

the steamer within range, both vessels opened a continuous fire upon
her, the suspicious steamer simultaneously hoisting English colors.
At 10:30 a. in. she suddenly stopped and hauled down her ensign.
The Keystone State being a little the nearest vessel, boarded her
followed immediately by the boats of this ship, commanded by
myself. On boarding her, I was informed that she was the British
steamer Elsie, with a cargo of cotton from Wilmington, having run
the blockade of Eastern Bar the night previously under a heavy fire
from the blockading fleet. Some of the crew also informed me that
a shell from the gun (30 pounder Parrott) of the Quaker City had
struck the vessel on the starboard side, abreast the forehatch, pene-
trating the hull about 18 inches from the water line, and, exploding,
had set fire to the cargo. Perceiving a dense smoke issuing from the
fore part of the vessel, the 'crews of both ships were at once set to
work to stop the shot hole and put out the tire. After the most unre-
mitting exertions for six hours, and with the aid of the steam pumps
of both this vessel and the Keystone State, the fire was extinguished.
I then took her in tow for this port. I have been unable to ascertain
the exact amount of cotton on board at the time of sailing, but I am
told there were about 400 bales, of which about 150 had been thrown
overboard during the chase. Nearly all the cotton in the forehold is
more or less damaged by fire, but that in the main hold is uninjured.
It became necessary, in order to extinguish the fire, to cut away a por-
tion of her main deck forward; otherwise little damage was sustained
by the vessel. I have caused an examination of the captured crew to
be made in accordance with general order of May 9, 1864. The Elsie
registered 1G9 tons, and was built in Greenock, Scotland. I learn from
the master that this was the first voyage of this vessel, and that she
is just fresh from the hands of the builders. Scarcely any papers were
found on board, the only ones of any importance being the agreement
or shipping articles of the vessel when bound from Greenock to Ber-
muda, and a letter supposed to be written by the master, which lias
been enclosed to the judge of the United States district court at Bos-
ton, accompanied with engineer's log book, also account book contain
ing letters and accounts belonging to the captain.

I am, sir, very repectfully, your obedient servant,

SILAS CASEY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. G.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, U. S. Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. Malvern.

U. S. S. MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. G., September 6, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your verbal order of this date, I have examined
the captain and chief engineer of the prize steamer Elsie and beg leave
to report the following statements as made by them :

Captain LAKE, being questioned, stated as follows :

I am a native of England. Was formerly a lieutenant in the British naval service.
This is my first attempt at running the blockade. I was late in command of the
British steamer Elsie, owned by parties in London and Wilmington. Carried no
cargo; only coals for return trip. I went into Wilmington about the 2d of August.
Laid at Smithneld [Smithville] thirty days in quarantine. 1 went in over the
Western Bar about 4 : 30 a. m. I passed several blockading vessels as 1 went in ; one
so close that I could distinguish the men on her forecastle.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 427

I got ashore near Fort Caswell and did. not get off until about 10 a. m of same day.
The same night I went in three other vessels went in by the western and one by
the eastern channel. I decline giving any information about vessels in Wilmington.
The Haick is not there and never has been. She draws 13 feet water, which is too
much to run the blockade with. I came out about 8 p. m. the night of the 4th
instant over the Eastern Bar; was fired at by three or four vessels, but was not hit.
Saw a number of rockets fired. One vessel was seen to chase us close for about an
hour, then lost sight of her. Steered a number of courses in the night with a view
to baffle pursuit. At daylight in the morning was seen and chased by two steamers.
At 10 a. m., having received a shell in my starboard side, which penetrated into the
hold and set the cargo on fire, I surrendered my vessel to the U. S. S. Keystone Stale.

DUNCAN COLQUHOUN, chief engineer of prize steamer Elsie, being
questioned, made the following statement:

I left Greeuock in the Elsie in July last, bound to Havana. We got short of coals
and put into Bermuda; from there we ran into Wilmington in the early part of
August. We carried in no cargo. We were quarantined for thirty days. The ves-
sel is new and cost £13,800. On her passage out she averaged about 9 knots. Her
best speed is about 12 knots in the river. Her draft, cotton loaded, is 7 feet 6 inches.
While in Wilmington I saw several vessels loading. Among them was the City of
Petersburg, Florrie, Coquette, and some others whose names I do not know. The
Coquette was a three-masted propeller, and was loaded with cotton ready for running
when we came out. The Hawk I saw in Bermuda. I understood she was to load
with cotton for London. She is not in Wilmington and never has been. She can
not steam over 10 knots. I saw the Tallahassee in Wilmington. She was lying at
anchor in the river. She did not appear to be having anything done to her. I heard
that her machinery was much injured by hard usage during her cruise. We came
out over the Eastern Bar; were fired at by a number of vessels, but were not hit.
The Falcon, Flamingo, and Ptarmigan are owned by the Confederate Government, and
are said to be very fast, from 14 to 15 knots. The Flamingo and Ptarmigan are laid
up in Bermuda waiting for crews, on account of yellow fever. The Falcon is running
between Wilmington and Halifax. They all have smokestacks.

The vessels now in Wilmington loading are the City of Petersburg, Florrie, and Let
Her Be. Some others are lying at quarantine whose names I do not know.

The above statement was certified to on oath.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. C. DUNN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Kear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

SEPTEMBER 7, 1864.
JOHN McKEEN, quartermaster, being examined, stated as follows:

I was quartermaster on the blockade-running steamer Elsie. Came out from
Greenock in her. We went into Wilmington in the early part of August by the
western channel. The Florrie went in the same night by tho eastern channel.

The Coquette, Old Dominion, Florrie, City of Petersburg, A. D. Fance, Hope, and Let
Her Be were in Wilmington when we came out. The Tallahassee was there also. I
heard it said that she would start on another cruise in a day or two. The river is
full of obstructions and torpedoe*, but I do not know where they are placed. When
we came out the pilots went in boats to the bar and showed lights by which we ran
out. We were seen and fired at by several vessels, but were not hit. We ran some 6
miles along the coast to the N. E. before we hauled oft' to the eastward. After losing
sight of the blockading vessels off the bar we saw no others till daylight. On the
same night that the Tallahassee went into Wilmington the A. D. Vance was chased
when going in the western channel, and got ashore some distance outside of Fort
Caswell. The blockaders fired at her and one shell burst on her decks, upon which
her crew all left her. After the firing ceased they returned on board and got her
afloat again as the tide rose. The vessel was somewhat injured by getting ashore.

This is my first trip in running the blockade.

This statement was made to me by the said John McKeen, who testi-
fied to the same on oath.

THOS. C. DUNN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant,

428 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Trathen, U. 8. Navy, commanding
the U. S. S. Mount Vernon, regarding the chase of a blockade runner,
September 4, 1864.

U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON,
Beaufort, N. C., September 14, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that I left the inner blockade station
off the Western Bar, Cape Fear River, on the 29th ultimo, and on the
4th instant, at 1:20 p. m., in latitude 33° 23' N., longitude 77° 15' W.,
we discovered black smoke bearing S. E. by S. We immediately
started at full speed in chase, and at 3 p. m. made her out to be a pro-
peller, painted light lead color, with one smokestack and two masts.
We were now gaining on her. At 4 p. m. we discovered the chase to
be throwing overboard what appeared to be heavy packages, after
which she left us very fast, and at 7 p. m. she was entirely out of sight.
After steering the same course until 7: 30 p. m. and seeing nothing of
her, we slowed down and stood to the N. E. We were now in latitude
31° 28' K and longitude 77° 53' W. During the whole of this chase
the Mount Vernon averaged 11£ knots per hour. The above is the only
vessel that we have seen during the cruise that looked like a blockade
runner.

Sir, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES TRATHEN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, giving information regarding
the Confederate ram building at Halifax, N. C.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, September 4, 1864.

SIR: I am informed by citizens of Edenton, [IS. C.], that the rebel
ram building at Halifax is ready for service and is expected to attack
this division in about fifteen days.

Eefugees have reported that the Albemarle was waiting at Plymouth
until the second ram should be completed before again venturing into
the sound.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. 4th Div. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

P. S. — If the Mattabesett and Tacony can be sent back here soon, I
should like to have them before the fall freshet, as the ram in the Neuse
may come down at that time.

Respectfully, W. H. MACOMB.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report regarding the
removal of the wreck of the lark Greenland.

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, September 5, 1864.
SIR : I herewith transmit a report of Mr. Hayden in relation to the
removal of so much of the wreck of the bark Greenland as was con-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 429

sidered dangerous to navigation, and is again employed on Elizabeth
River obstructions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 14, 1864.

On September 3, 1864, Mr. Hayden removed the masts of the Green-
land.

I never authorized Mr. Haydeu to touch the obstructions in Eliza-
beth River.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. DAWN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, September 3, 186-i.

SIR: Captain Jackaway, of the U. S. S. Dawn, brought your instruc-
tions on the 2d instant for me to proceed with him outside of Cape
Henry to search out and remove the spars, etc., belonging to the wreck
of the late bark Greenland (sunk at sea), as previously described by
Acting Bear- Admiral Lee's dispatch of July 25.

I accordingly embarked on board the Dawn with Mr. Brown, my
assistant, with submarine apparatus, and reported on board IT. S. S.
Minnesota, and was there furnished by Captain Upshur with the neces-
sary powder, and same evening proceeded to sea.

Soon after daylight of this date Captain Jackaway discovered the
spars in question. They presented a dangerous obstruction to naviga-
tion, head of the maintopmast being broken off at the sheavehole,
standing erect 6 feet above the surface of the water; maintopmast
attached, one end above water, with a portion of the topsail remaining
along the leech rope; inainyard cockbilled; yardarm 3 feet above
water, with boomiron remaining (fore and mizzeninasts gone). Sea
rough, yet I managed to fire one effective charge of 110 pounds powder
35 feet below the sea's surface, breaking the lowermast in several
pieces down to the deck. The masts, etc., had been considerably
burned.

Tbe Dawn towing the debris some distance and breaking away some
rigging that held it to the hull, by further search it was apparent that
no further impediment remained.

Captain Jackaway finds the position nearly corresponds with that
given by Captain Ridgely, of the Shenandoah.

I proceed again to resume my duties on the Elizabeth River obstruc-
tions.

Very respectfully,

LEVI HAYDEN,
Of MAILLEFERT & HAYDEN,

Submarine Engineers.

Captain M. SMITH,

Divisional Officer, James River, Virginia.

430 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear -Admiral Farragut, U. S.
Navy, regarding a proposed joint attack upon the defenses of Cape Fear
River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 5, 1864.

SIR : It has been the endeavor of the Navy Department since the
winter of 1862 to get the consent of the War Department to a joint
attack upon the defenses of Cape Fear River, but they have decided
that no troops could be spared for the operation. Lieutenant General
Grant has recently given the subject his attention, and thinks an army
force can be spared and ready to move by the 1st day of October.
Upon consultation, he is of the opinion that the best results will follow
the landing of a large force under the guns of the Navy on the open
beach north of New Inlet, to take possession and intrench across to
Cape Fear Kiver, the Navy to open such fire as is possible upon the
works on Federal Point, in conjunction with the Army, and at the same
time such force as can run the batteries to do so, and thus isolate the
rebels. At ordinary high water the chart gives 12 feet on New Inlet
bar, but Lieutenant Cushiug, who has sounded it, says there is 14;
this, however, requires verification. The double-enders and small
screw gunboats are the only wooden vessels that can go in, and possi-
bly the monitors of the Passaic class.

The lieutenant-general considers that much of the success of this
plan will depend on its secrecy, and it is agreed that most of the naval
force shall assemble at Port Royal, and indications be thrown out that
a naval attack is meditated upon Charleston.

You are selected to command the naval force, and you will endeavor
to be at Port Royal by the latter part of September, where further
orders will await you. Bring with you to the rendezvous at Port Royal
all such vessels and officers as can be spared from the West Gulf
Squadron without impairing its necessary efficiency, and when you
leave, turn over the command of the squadron to the officer next in
rank to yourself until the pleasure of the Department shall be known.

I send you by this mail a sketch showing our present knowledge of
the ground. Fort Fisher is a casemated work of sand. All the others
are 2 and 4 gun batteries en barbette. There is one ironclad finished
in the river and in commission.

The Colorado, Wabash, Minnesota, New Ironsides, Siisquehanna, Canan-
daigua, Juniata, about a dozen of the double-enders and screw gunboats,
three or four monitors of the Passaic class, one light-draft monitor, one
new double-turreted monitor, built of wood, at the Boston navy yard,
and the whole of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee's squadron, besides such
vessels as you may bring up from the Gulf, are at your disposal.

If the captured Tennessee is brought around to Port Royal, it will
relieve a monitor there, and then she can be brought to Philadelphia
and coppered and put in thorough repair.

The Department will thank you to indicate your views and wishes in
regard to the matter, and authorizes you to call for any or all of the
naval force available at that time to the Department. The operation
is an important one, as closing the last port of the rebels, and destroy-
ing their credit abroad, by preventing the exportation of cotton, as
well as preventing the reception of munitions and supplies from abroad.

The whole subject is committed to your hands so far as this Depart-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 431

ment is concerned, in the confident expectation that success may attend
our arms.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT,

Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Mobile Bay.

[Telegram.]

WASHINGTON, September 5, 1864 — 6 p. m.

Launches ordered .by telegraph from here, Philadelphia, and New
York. Vessels beginning to arriveat Hampton Roads. Admiral Porter
returns from the West to-morrow, and will go direct to you. The infor-
mation and maps 1 sent you some time since were furnished by a North-
ern man who left the South very lately, and he has resided at W.
[ Wilmington ?] thirty years. He knows the sentiments of people on the
coast, and has other information, and as Governor Andrew vouches
for him I will send him down in the boat that carries Admiral Porter.

G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant-General GRANT.

Order of the Secretary of the Nany to Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, regard-
ing the U. S. steamers Juniata and Glauous.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 5, 1864.

SIR: The Juniata, Captain William Rogers Taylor, and the Glaucus,
Commander C. H. B. Caldwell, have been directed to report to you for
duty. Both of them are at Hampton Roads.

Send the Canonicus and Saugus to Port Royal, S. C., under convoy and
towage of the Juniata and Glaucus, with instructions to the Juniata to
return to Hampton Roads, and the Glaucus to join the blockade off
Wilmington, on completing the special duty assigned to them.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

James River.

Letter from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands,
U. S. Navy, regarding division of prize money in case of a capture by
the supply vessel.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off New Inlet, September 5, 1864.

SIR: The transport steamer New Berne, supply vessel of the two
blockading divisions off Wilmington, is attached to both, in order, as
requested by Captain Glisson, that the divisional officer's share of prize
money, in case of any capture by her, may be divided equally between
you.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Comdg. 3d Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

432 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Master Johnson, U. 8. Navy, regarding a search for
torpedoes in the Roanokc River.

U. S. S. COMMODORE HULL,
Albemarle Sound, September 5, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order I this morning took two boats from
this ship, namely, first and second cutters, and proceeded to the mouth
of the Eoanoke River, in order to raise the torpedoes placed there by
boats from this vessel in May last. On my arrival at the spot they
were placed, 1 found two of them floating on the surface of the water,
near the right bank of the river, being attached by a small rope to a
weight at the bottom. I then made fast to them and took them inshore,
disconnecting the wires so as there would be no danger of an explosion.
1 then commenced to drag the river from one side to the other for the other
two, four being the number placed there. After dragging the river for
nearly three hours, I succeeded in finding three of the weights belonging
to them, but did not succeed in finding the torpedoes. In order to better
satisfy myself that the torpedoes were not attached to the weights, I
requested two of my men to dive and see if they could discover any-
thing connected with them, which they did, but could find nothing. I
then came to the conclusion that they had broken adrift, the line they
were moored with being only 15-thread ratlines, and about four months
in the water had become rotten. I then took the two torpedoes and
towed them alongside the Shamrock, in obedience to your orders.
Eespectfully,

J. O. JOHNSON,
Acting Master, U. S. Navy.

Commander WM. H. MACOMB,

Comdg. Third Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

This report, it will be seen, confirms what the man from the South -
field says in relation to these torpedoes, i. e., that the rebels have got
two of them.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, requesting Department's
authority for a conference regarding a joint attack upon the defenses of
Cape Fear River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 6, 1864.

SIR: Notwithstanding that the blockade of Wilmington is now as
close as it is practicable to make it with the means at command, and
is without doubt the best blockade ever known, yet it is impossible to
prevent violations of it, owing to the facilities afforded by the use of
steam on dark nights.

The only effectual remedy is to take possession of Cape Fear River,
and now that troops are available under the draft, I respectfully sug-
gest to the Navy Department the expediency of allowing me an oppor-
tunity to communicate in person with Lieuteuant-General Grant on
this important subject. The approaching light nights will readily admit
of my leaving this vicinity for that purpose, and the authority of the
Navy Department to do so will reach me in a few days if sent through

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 433

Lieutenant-Commander Upshur, of the Minnesota, at Hampton Roads,
with appropriate directions.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C.

Report of Captain (jlisson. U. S. Navy, of the entrance of a blockade

runner.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off Wilmington, September 6, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report to the admiral that another side-
wheel steamer, with two pipes and one mast, passed into this harbor
about 9:45 p. m. of last evening, in a heavy squall of wind and rain
from the northward and westward, and only one of the squadron (the
Niphon) seeing her. Enclosed you have the report, marked "A." We
are doing all in our power to stop this blockade running, but I am
fearful that all the sleepless nights that we are passing will not stop
this blockade running, and the sooner a force is landed the better.
The taking of Fort Fisher is perfectly feasible with 20,001) men, and the
port of Wilmington is the only hope of rebeldom. I feel convinced that
if this port is taken the rebellion will not last three months.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 9, 1864.
Approved as to stopping blockade running by taking Wilmington.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off Neic Inlet, North Carolina, September 6, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that about 9 : 45 p. m. of the 5th, in
7 fathoms water, steaming S. W., Mound bearing W. S. W., discovered
a steamer coming in from the eastward, steering about W. by S., cross-
ing our stern, immediately put the helm to port, bringing the vessel
parallel to the blockade runner, trained the howitzer upon him, pulled
the lock string, the primer failing to go. At the same time, the runner
discovering us, kept off about W. N. W., which caused us to change oui
position, and before getting our guns to bear upon him he disappeared
under the land, not being in sight more than two minutes at the most.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. S. BORDEN,

Acting Ensign and Executive Officer.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

N W R — VOL 10 28

434 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, U. S. Navy, command-
ing U. 8. S. Emma, regarding the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N~. C., September 6, 1864.

SIR: I very respectfully report that at 10 o'clock p. m. of the 6th
instant, this ship being then at her station off Western Bar, in 4 fathoms
of water, with Bald Head light bearing E. by S., the report of a gun was
heard in a S. E. direction, immediately followed by a rocket thrown in
an easterly direction. [ immediately steamed toward Marshall Shoal,
the direction indicated by the rockets; meantime had crew called to
quarters. During the next half hour saw several rockets thrown up in
different directions from E. to S. E. and heard the report of guns to the
S.E.

The state of the atmosphere was such that it was difficult to distin-
guish objects near the laud.

When returning to our station we saw U. S. S. Victoria.
At daylight saw a small steamer near Fort Caswell.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Comdg. Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dennison, U. S. Navy, command-
ing U. 8. S. Eolus, regarding the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. EOLUS,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., September 7, 1864.
SIR: Having the N. W. station off the Western Bar, Wilmington,
N.C.,I have the following report to make: At 10 p. m. of the 6th instant,
Bald Head light bearing E. by S., and being in 4 fathoms of water, I
saw three flashes and heard the report of several guns bearing S. E.
During the firing there were five rockets thrown, two tending to the
westward and three to the southward. At the time 1 heard the first gun,
I ordered the steam to be run up, went to quarters, and steamed in
the direction of the firing. Finding it would take me off my station
and leave that part of the bar open to the runners, I turned to the
northward and ran into 3J fathoms of water to prevent anything going
between me and the shore. At 10:20 p. m. all firing ceased. At 11
p. m., not seeing any of the runners, I worked steam down and took
station near the wreck of the Oeorgiana McCaw. The night being very
dark and the weather thick to the southward of me, I could not have
seen a vessel offshore more than 200 yards.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. E. DENNISON,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, in Command.

Captain B. F. SANDS, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 435

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports regarding
chase of blockade runners.

TJ. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Western Bar, Off Wilmington, September 7, 1864.

SIR. I enclose herewith reports of commanding officers of the Vic-
toria, Tristram Shandy, and Alabama of the escape of one blockade
runner and the driving back of another on the night of the 6th instant.

They evidently made the attempt in couples; one trying the bar
channel, as seen by the Victoria, and driven back by her, probably dis-
abled ; the other pursued and fired into by the Tristram Shandy, coming
out by Bald Head channel.

In the obscurity of the squally weather the Alabama probably saw
both the Tristram Shandy and her chase, confounding one with the
other. The vessel she saw with a light was the Tristram Shandy, with
a light over her stern to show she was chasing (the signal I have adopted
to distinguish chaser from chased, if more than one join the chase).

At the firing my crew were called to their quarters, and steam run
up, and steamed S. S. E., but showing so much luminous water under
her paddle wheels that I stopped to await events aud not expose my
whereabouts to the runner and [be] ready to run for her should she be
seen. We saw the light mentioned by the Alabama's commanding
officer, and there being a cessation of firing, we stood for it, but soon
lost it in the black rain squall to the southward and eastward, and
returned to our station.

It was a night most advantageous to blockade running, a heavy squall
from N. and E. just as the moon set, which soon darkened the horizon
so as to entirely obscure a vessel that could get it for a background,
and it was profited by, enabling one of them to escape, though both of
them seen to be well hammered in the gantlet they had to pass.
Respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy, Commanding Division Western Bar.

Acting Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commading North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosures.]

TJ. S. S. TRISTRAM SHANDY,
Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, September 7, 1864.

SIR : I would respectfully make the following report in regard to a
blockade ruuuer seen by me last night:

About 9 : 30 p. m. saw a steamer close to us on the port bow and steer-
ing S. S. E. directly for us (at the time we were heading east); imme-
diately after she passed very close to us aud across our bow. I chal-
lenged her as soon as possible after sighting her, and not receiving an
immediate answer I fired into her with the forward howitzer, striking
her on the starboard side. I heard the shell strike the vessel; it being
percussion, exploded, and must have done some damage. I gave chase
immediately, kept her in sight for two hours, gaining on her the whole
time. The weather being very dark and squally, lost sight of her soon
after passing the end of the shoal, when I returned, and at 7 a. m.
anchored close to day station. She was a double smokestack side wheel
steamer and a small vessel. She passed so close to this vessel that cot-
ton could be seen on her decks.

436 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

During the chase the log was thrown several times. Twenty minutes
after starting we were going 13 £ knots; after we had run one hour I
hove the log myself twice from the paddle box, and we were running
14£ knots. At the time we were carrying 25 pounds of steam, and if
thfs steamer had been in good order we could have carried 10 pounds
more, and might have made at least 15 knots, and I am sure, sir, the
blockade runner would not have escaped, but that I would have cap-
tured him.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD F. DEVENS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer Commanding Third Division.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 7, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that on the 6th instant at 9 : 45 p. m.,
being in 4 fathoms water with Bald Head light bearing E. £ N. and
Bug light N. E. f N.. saw a steamer pass Bug light; went to quar-
ters and awaited her approach. At 9:50 she crossed the bar and
changed her course to the S. E. (our head being in the same direction).
I waited until she was abeam and then at 9 : 55 fired the port broadside
gun at her and a rocket in the direction she was going. At the same
time started ahead at full speed, and as soon as bow pivot gun would
bear, fired it; and continued to load and fire. Still chasing to S. E.,
fired two more rockets in that direction. At about 10:15 saw a gun
fired to the southward and eastward of us and a rocket toward us.
Soon after saw another gun and rocket in the same direction. We also
saw that the chase had turned and was standing back toward Marshall
Shoal; we endeavored to intercept her and continued firing at her, but
owing to her superior speed she escaped inside the shoals by the south-
ern channel. We fired one shot at her after she got outside the chan-
nel, and at 10:25 saw her pass Bald Head light, bound in. We stood
back to our station. Fired in all 10 shots from pivot gun and 3 from
broadside gun.

At 2 : 45 a. m. of 7th saw a steamer off Fort Oaswell ; kept her in
sight until about 5, when she steamed in toward Smith ville.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, North Carolina.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 7, 1864.
SIR : In addition to my report of this date I respectfully beg leave
to state that at the time the blockade runner was coming out a small
balloon was let up with a string for a few yards (say 50), and above
Bald Head light-house, in a few minutes pulled down again.

The night previous I saw the same thing. At 9:50 (about high
water) it was let up about 200 yards above the light-house and
a half point to northward of it, or E. by N. from us, and swayed

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 437

about by the wind for the space of ten minutes or more, then let up
about 100 yards higher and carried along the island to the south-
ward and eastward until it bore E. by S. from us, or one and one-
half points to the southward of the light-house, and then pulled down
on the beach. I think it might have been shown to draw our attention
that way in order to favor the escape of a blockade runner along the
northern shore, which was at that time shaded by a dense, black cloud,
making it impossible to see a vessel in that direction except in the
flashes of lightning.

After returning to my station from the chase on the night of the 6th
I steamed into 4 fathoms 2 feet, with Bald Head light bearing E.
by N. A large fire was suddenly kindled behind the woods to south-
ward and eastward "of the light-house, which threw a strong glare of
light a great distance offshore, illuminating the whole space of water
between Smith's Island and the northern shore and showing up the
blockaders near us so plainly that they must have been seen easily from
shore. It was so light on our deck that I could have read by it. Being
within easy range of the batteries, I steamed offshore to 5 fathoms.
They continued to light the fire up brightly at intervals until near four
a. m.of 7th, especially when either of us were moving.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, North Carolina.

U. S. S. ALABAMA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 7, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that last night at 9: 50 p. m., while
on my station in 5£ fathoms, with Bald Head light bearing N. E. £ K,
the bar tenders fired guns and a signal rocket to the southward and
eastward. I immediately beat to quarters and spread fires, and while
in the act of turning from N. W. to S. E., with head to the eastward,
observed a steamer passing to the southward with a perfect halo of
white foam around her. As she was just in the direction of the Tristram
Shandy, and running as she would have been expected to if in chase, I
withheld my fire until I challenged her. In a moment after she shot to
the eastward, and we lost sight of all except her wake. I immediately
gave chase at full speed to S. S. E. £ E., with a view to intercepting his
track along the shoal about 6 miles off. I reached there in about thirty
minutes, and turned to the eastward toward the shoal, but saw no more
of him. It is proper to observe that the runner was very much favored
by a black squall cloud which overhung and closed in the horizon to
the eastward and southward. While I was in chase the bar tenders still
kept up the firing of guns and rockets. I ran back to my station with
the hope of encountering another runner, but saw nothing except a
vessel with a light astern running to the southward in chase, which I
took for granted to be the Tristram Shandy.

I reached my station at 11:20, and nothing further transpired during
the night worth noting.

I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

FRANK SMITH,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional and Senior Officer, off Western Bar.

438 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Ensign Borden, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of a
blockade runner off New Inlet.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 7, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that at 11 p. m. of the 6th, Mound
bearing W. by S., being as close as the weather would permit, dis-
covered a vessel on our starboard quarter going into New Inlet, the
watch being at their guns at the time. It was impossible to bring the
guns to bear before losing sight of her.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. S. BORDEN,

Acting Ensign and Executive Officer.
Captain O. S. G-LISSON,

Comdg. First Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 10, 1804.

In transmitting this report Captain Glisson observes : "Everything
has been done that officers and men could, and yet it is impossible to
stop these blockade runners."

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, giving telegraphic information from Halifax, Nova Scotia, regard-
ing blockade runners.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 7, 1864.

SIR: The U. S. consul at Halifax communicates the following infor-
mation by telegraph :

September 5. — British iron side-wheel steamer Falcon, which cleared
some days ago and returned from sea, cleared again for Nassau Satur-
day, with a valuable cargo, real destination doubtless Wilmington.
Sloop-rigged, 28> tons, and 45 men ; has three smokestacks, one abaft
the other; is long and low, with straight stern; hull painted white.

September 6. — British blockade runner, iron steamer Condor, 300 tons,
40 men, arrived here to day from Ireland via Bermuda, with very large
and valuable cargo. Will take on coal and doubtless proceed to Wil-
mington with steamer Flamingo, already reported.

Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Letter from the U. 8. consul at Liverpool to the Secretary of State, regard-
ing the movement of blockade runners from that port.

U. S. CONSULATE,
Liverpool, September 7, 1864.

SIR: The steel steamer Bat cleared on the 5th instant for Halifax,
in command of the old blockade runner, A. Hora. Fraser, Treuholin
& Co. cleared lier. This steamer was built on purpose to run the
blockade and goes out for this business; she sailed yesterday, I fancy,
for Bermuda. You have a description.

Enclosed (No. 1) is a description of the new steel steamer Colonel

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

439

Lamb, just finished at this port. This is one of the largest and best
built steamers that has been constructed in this country for running
the blockade, if this, in reality, is to be her business. I understand this
vessel has been built for the Confederacy and now belongs to them,
but no doubt Fraser, Trenholm & Co. will take out a British register
for her.

Colonel Lamb, after whom she is named, I understand, is an officer
in the Confederate Army, from South Carolina. I regard her as a very
superior steamer. If armed with one or two guns, she would be able
to do much mischief as a privateer.

The schooner Majestic, of 120 tons burden, commanded by A. Tre-
garthen, was cleared, from here on the 5th instant by J. Glynn & Son
for Nassau, with a general cargo for the rebels.

The brig Driving Mist, commanded by E. J. S. Hore, was cleared from
here on the 22d instant for Bermuda by Widdecombe & Bell. She is
165 tons burden, and takes out a large quantity of machinery, blankets,
and clothing intended for the rebels.

The bark Dumfries, commanded by J. W. Wright, was cleared from
here on the 2d instant by C. D. Watson & Co. for Bermuda. She is
275 tons burden, and carries out a cargo of steam coal.

I am, etc.,

Hon. W. H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

THOMAS H. DUDLEY,

U. 8. Consul.

[Enclosure.]

Colonel Lamb (built by Jones, Quiggin & Co., Liverpool, in 1864),
steel plated, two funnels, paddle steamer, fore and aft schooner, of
Liverpool, 1,200 tons register, 1,800 tons burden ; length over all, 281
feet; breadth of beam, 26 feet; marked draft of water, 11 feet; fore-
and-aft engines, 350 horsepower, nominal, with four boilers. Her hold
consists of 5 water-tight compartments, measuring from stern to after
bulkhead, 20 feet; from after bulkhead to bulkhead abaft engine room,
51 feet; bunkers, 20 feet; engine room, 91 feet; from engine room to bulk-
head, 71 feet; from bulkhead forward of engine room to stem, 20 feet.
Hull, slate color; plain stem; round, plain stern; two deadlights in
port and starboard sides aft, and four each side forward; masts, com-
panions, mastheads, etc., slate color; funnel black, and inside of the
paddle boxes.

THOMAS H. DUDLEY,

U. 8. Consul.

List of vessels comprising the naval force in sounds of North Carolina.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, X. C., September 7, 18(i4.

Shamrock .

Belle . .

Wvalusiug

Do.

Dtsego

Hoy t

Do.

Chicopee . . .

Tuer.

Valley City..

Louisiana

Ordnance schooner.

Hetzel

Lo< kwood

Commodore Hull .

C W Flusaer

Do.

"\Vhitehead

Tacony

Double-ender, fittin

g for

Ceres

Xl-inch guns at

Wash-

Albemarle

Ordnance.

Mattabesett ....

Do.

Granite

Sloop.

440 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, giving information obtained
from an escaped prisoner regarding the Confederate rams.

TJ. S. S. SHAMROCK, September 7, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor TO submit the following statements, made by
William Reed (colored), who shipped at Elizabeth City on board the
Southfield in March, 1862, as first-class boy. He has been recognized
by one of the men, who was also on board the SoutJifield. His story,
which he told in answer to questions put to him by Lieutenant-
Commander English and myself, seems very clear.

He was taken prisoner in a boat during the action with the ram at
Plymouth, in company with Acting Ensign T. B. Stokes and seven men.
After this he was kept on duty at Plymouth by the rebels, and then
put on board the steamer Dolly, where he worked as fireman, and
finally was put in jail at .

He was back in the country at the time of the action between the
ram and the gunboats in the sound. He has seen the rani since, and
says that she was much battered in that engagement, one shot (100-
pounder Parrott) having passed completely through her side, and sev-
eral others (100-pounder Parrott also ; the IX-inch, he says, only indented
the plating) having penetrated nearly through, but that she was not
at all injured by the blow inflicted by the Sassacus when she rammed
her.

He reports that he saw the ram last Friday (2d instant), and that she
was lying alongside a dock near the heart of the city, surrounded by
logs lashed together at the ends; that she lies head down the river,
and that she only gets up steam when intending to move. He also
says that Captain Mafia tt is still in command, and that Commodore
Piukney is at Kinston. He states that the rebels have been at work
trying to raise the Southfield for a month past; that they have two
schooners and two barges there with hydraulic screws, and they have
got chains under her bottom, and commenced raising on Thursday (1st),
and that on Friday, the day he left, the vessels on which the screws
were had sunk 2 feet.

He says that he has seen the vessel at Halifax and that she is not
ironclad, but intended as a tender to the Albemarle. They have also
got a floating battery at Halifax, which, he says, is square. There are
about thirty men working on the battery and the other vessel, which
latter, he says, is 85 feet keel.

The rebels, he says, have taken a good deal of ammunition to Salis-
bury. The rebels have got two of our torpedoes from the mouth of the
river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Comdr., Comdg. Fourth Div. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

HALIFAX, September 8, 1864 — 4 p. m.

(Received 7 p. m.)

British blockade-running steamers Helen and Old, which left, as
reported, some days ago for Wilmington, are expected to return here

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 44-1

as soon as they can take in cargo, heavily laden with cotton. Helen
took pilot from here to pilot her back along the coast into this harbor.

M. M. JACKSON,

U. 8. Consul.
Hon. WM. H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State. '•

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear- Admiral Gregory, U. S. Navy,

regarding picket boats.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 8, 1864.

SIR: You will send Lieutenant Gushing with his picket boats to
Hampton Eoads as soon as ready.

Send the other picket boats to Hampton Roads as fast as completed.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Rear- Admiral F. H. GREGORY, U. S. Navy,

New York.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, responding to enquiries
made by the Department regarding naval and military operations against
the defenses of Cape Fear River.

Confidential.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 8, 1864.

SIR : I received yesterday by the Qlaiicus the Department's confiden-
tial communication of September 3, propounding to me fourteen specific
enquiries respecting naval and military operations against the defenses
of Gape Fear River, and asking my views with regard to operations to
close that river to blockade runners.

I submit the reply to the enquiries in the order of their number:

To No. 1. No visible defenses. Small transports can anchor in the
outer part of the inlet. I presume a landing could be effected there or
in the neighborhood without difficulty. I suppose the Coast Survey
Office has the necessary data to show the minute topography and
hydrography.

To No. 2. For the character of Oak Island (which I suppose is about
2£ nautical miles long) I respectfully refer to the original Coast Survey
maps, which must give better information than I have had any means
of obtaining. Since the coast survey was made the sand hills on Oak
Island have been leveled by the rebels, and two earthworks have been
erected; the largest, Fort Campbell, is about halfway the island, and
appears to be a heavy casemated battery; the other, a redoubt, between
this and the fort and near the Bug lights. At the wooded point,
about 2f miles W. of Fort Caswell, is a battery, probably movable,
which fires on the blockaders at night. I suppose a lauding is not
feasible on Oak Island proper. Thence to Lockwood's Folly Inlet the
Coast Survey map will show the topography better than I can sketch
or state it. From Oak Island to Folly Inlet the sand hills overlook the
beach, along which beach the enemy moved his artillery to attack me
when I captured the blockade runner Bendigo. at Folly Inlet.

442 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

To No. 3. There are two of these channels shown on the large-scale
Coast Survey chart. Night soundings (always unreliable because their
position can not be fixed), taken eighteen months ago, show less water
on Marshall Shoal (old Bald Head Channel) than the Coast Survey
chart gives. It is thought that light-draft blockade runners have coine
out that way, and it is now watched at night by the blockaders. I
have no better information respecting the channel bar and the rips
under Fort Caswell than the Coast Survey chart gives. There is prob-
ably no difficulty about the bar, but a great deal abont the rips, which,
I am informed by a Wilmington pilot (named John Sayres, who came
off as a refugee in March last), shift badly and frequently. I know uot
what obstruction s or torpedoes there are in the channel, but the shallow
water is so favorable for the use of obstructions that it is reasonable to
suppose that they have not been or will not be overlooked by the enemy,
particularly on the rips under Fort Caswell.

The latest information from refugees about torpedoes is that there are
none in the water, but a large number ready to be put down at a moment's
warning.

To No. 4. There is a heavy earthwork on the extreme point of Bald
Head. No other battery visible on Smith's Island. Fieldpieces have
been used on the south side of the island to annoy the blockaders.
The enemy have recently been clearing and burning in the center of
Smith's Island woods. I suppose a landing might be effected in favor-
able weather on either side near Cape Fear, if properly prepared for,
choosing the sheltered side, but the shoals interfere with moving
conveniently from side to side.

To No. 5. There is an earthwork on Zeek's Island, a small open bat-
tery mounting two or three guns, and a swash between the two islands.
The Coast Survey field map will show the topography.

To. No. G. See large Coast Survey chart. Some ot the refugees say
that the ironclad that came out of New Inlet channel, and which when
returning was for some cause grounded and lost on New Inlet rips, drew
12 feet of water. Pilot Sayres says that he never understood that she
drew more than 9£ or 10 feet. The blockade runners are generally of
very light draft; the two just captured, the Lilian and Elsie, drew
about 7 feet. They were built expressly for the business. It is con-
jectured that the use of these channels by blockade-running steamers
has deepened the water in the shoalest places. New Inlet channel was
buoyed out for the Elsie by lights in three boats, which lights showed
inward and not seaward. The two surveys made by the Coast Survey
show the variableness from gales of the channel over New Inlet shoals.
Some of the blockade runners are known to use the northern channel
under Fort Fisher. New Inlet channel is very intricate.

To No. 7. Our Wilmington pilots say there is a channel over New
Inlet rips, N. of Zeek's Island and S. W. of the S. W. part of Federal
Point. It was here that the rebel ironclad was lost. These rips are
reported to be very difficult to cross.

To No. 8. Fort Fisher, on the site of the old light house, is a very
large work, casemated seaward. I have no accurate account of the
guns in it, but by all the information received there are a large number
there. From forty to fifty is the usual account. On the elbow S. W.,
about one-half mile from Fort Fisher, is the artificial Mound, with two
open lights and two guns visible on its top. These are heavy guns and
have a plunging fire. Between these two works are two small earth-
works, said to contain two guns each, and \vhich were the first works
erected on Federal Point at the beginning of the war. At 2 miles and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 443

at 4 miles north of Fort Fisher, near the beach, are two small earth-
works, said to contain two guns each; the northern one is called Gat-
lin's battery, and the southern Flag Pond Hill battery. These otten
fire on the blockaders. Between these batteries and Masonboro the
enemies have occasionally used fieldpieces, two of which, placed to pro-
tect the wreck of the Hebe, were captured by me a year ago. There
are no works visible at Masonboro, except that recently two of the
blockaders tired on and drove off' a small company of men that seemed
to be intrenching there, and captured nine muskets left behind by
them.

To No. 9. The shore is clear and rather bold from Federal Point to
Masonboro Inlet. Several of the blockade runners have chosen to run
ashore between Flag Pond Hill and Dick's Bay, one, the Beauregard,
about a mile south of Gatlin's battery, and two, the Hebe and Venus,
from 1 to 2 miles north of it. The best place for landing troops would
depend upon the topography, which may be seen in the Coast Survey
office, and which will give the width and height of the ridge of sand,
on which there are several hills. There are no openings in the beach
for boats. I suggest landing north of Masonboro.

To No. 10. Accounts are conflicting. A Wilmington pilot named Sav-
age, formerly employed on the Monticello, told Lieutenant-Commander
Braine that there was an earthwork at the intersection of the roads
between Wilmington and Masonboro and Wilmington and Fort Fisher.
The wife of this man, now here, who left Wilmington about a month
ago, says there was then but one company of men, and one of boys from
4 to 4£ feet high, in Wilmington. Pilot Sayres, from that locality,
says there is no such work as that above mentioned, but that there is
a field battery at Masonboro. Pilot Bowen (a Wilmington pilot, who
has served faithfully in this squadron since the war broke out, when
he was decoyed out by the Gemsboli, one of the first blockaders, think-
ing she was a trader) says there are light earthworks and some field-
pieces on the roads near Masonboro, and the pond there is dammed,
but thinks that a party could land and take one of the roads easily.
There is a company with a field battery at Wrightsville. There is
a military road from Fort Fisher to near Topsail Inlet. An officer of
the Niphon, who has had considerable intercourse with the refugees in
that vicinity, has offered to go ashore to get information there, and I
propose to send him, though the person whom he relied on to accom-
pany him, named Davis, an officer of the Masonboro Home Guard, and
refugee to the Niphon, left here, as I learned to-day, a few weeks since
in the Dacotah (formerly the prize steamer Juno), bound to Havana.

To No. 11. I have no doubt that monitors of this draft could in time
of peace enter Cape Fear River easily, especially by Western Bar, at
high tide with good pilots, and with the use of buoys or marks, and the
lead line. The shoal water and shifting sands in the entrances to Cape
Fear River constitute the great but not insurmountable difficulty to
the success of naval operations inside. It is the want of water at Wil-
mington that makes the great difference between it and the prominent
ports of the South — Charleston, Mobile, and New Orleans. Invisible
obstructions are easily placed in these shoal and narrow channels, cap-
able of stopping a monitor under the batteries, and exposing her below
her armor at low water. Pilot Boweu says he would be unwilling to
take in, at this time, anything over 10 feet draft. Pilot Sayres says
that in a flat-bottomed vessel he would not attempt to carry over 10
feet over Fort Caswell rips, or 9 to 9£ feet over New Inlet, under exist-
ing circumstances, there being no buoys and no opportunity to take
good soundings. I prefer the light-draft monitors.

444 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

To No. 12. I think not, under hostile batteries, owing to the shallow
entrances.

To No. 13. Vessels of the class named could easily dispose of the
open batteries to the northward of Fort Fisher, Flag Pond Hill, and
Gatlin's batteries; they would hardly attempt any resistance. The
Wabash class could not approach near enough to Federal Point to fire
with effect, or to reach the open batteries to the westward of Fort Fisher,
which is casemated. The Richmond class could not get near enough
to it to fire into its ports with effect. The New Ironsides class could
cooperate advantageously in an attack on Fort Fisher.

To No. 14. Yes. There is water enough for the double enders and
some of the smaller gunboats, if there are no sunken obstructions.
Good provision of pilots would be necessary in these shallow, shifting,
and crooked channels. There is an ironclad in the river, and another
building since March.

Remarks. — I suppose Wilmington can only be absolutely closed to
blockade runners by taking possession of it, or of Cape Fear Kiver
below it. The occupation of Smith's Island could not effect the object,
it being at least a mile from the channel under Fort Gas well, unless
from it Zeek's Island can be approached, taken, held, and well fortified.
A good battery there would control both channels.

I formerly thought that Fort Caswell was the key to the position,
and that before Oak Island was otherwise fortified it might be easily
taken, which would have given us access to, by Western Bar, and con-
trol of Gape Fear Eiver. Northerly winds prevail in the fall and winter
months, making the coast south of Oak Island most sheltered and suit-
able for a landing. It is a question of engineering, depending on the
topography, whether the works on Oak Island can be advantageously
approached on the land side.

New Topsail Inlet is about 20 miles from Wilmington, and about 10
feet water can be carried into it, according to the statement of Pilot
Sayres, made on what he has always understood, although the Coast
Survey memoir says that only 5 feet can be taken in.

A land march from Beaufort or New Berne of about 100 miles, with
a river or two to cross, to take Masonboro or New Topsail Inlet, or sur-
prise Wilmington, would perhaps take a week. A better surprise could
be effected by landing iu good surfboats, provided with good anchors
and lines, and experienced helmsmen, from seaworthy transports, which
could keep off, waiting for a favorable opportunity. Owing to the
sounds and the difficult character of the adjacent marshes, this lauding
on the coast could only be effected where fixed land and a road could
be readily reached from the boats, or by shallow fords, of which there
are some in the sounds at low water. Upon this subject further infor-
mation is necessary, which I will endeavor to obtain and forward as
speedily as possible to the Department.

I suppose no operations will be undertaken against Wilmington until
a military reconnoissauce is made. It will afford me pleasure to accom-
modate and furnish with every facility in my power the officer or otlicers
coming on this duty.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 445

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutentant Williams, U. S. Navy, regarding a
suspicious object ichich approached the U.S. S. Emma from the land.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. C., September 8, 1864.

SIR : 1 have the honor to report that at 10 : 30 p. m. of the 7th instant,
the ship in 3J fathoms of water, heading S. E., saw a dark object about
1 i feet above the surface approaching the stern of the vessel from the
land very fast. I immediately rang for all speed, and, in turning the
vessel to train the guns upon the object, lost sight of it.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the canal
across Dutch Gap, James River.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 9, 1864.

SIR: Captain Smith informs me under date of 25th ultimo that Major
Ludlow had informed him that the canal across Dutch Gap would be
ready for navigation in twenty days.

I request to be informed if the Department has any instructions to
give me in connection with this matter.

I have, sir, the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (7.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the chase of a
steamer supposed to be the C. S. S. Tallahassee.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 9, 1864.

SIR : I have received reports from the Ascutney and Quaker City, on
6th instant, of a chase on the 25th ultimo of a steamer, which is supposed
to have been the Tallahassee. She was sighted by the Ascutney in
latitude 34° 08' N., longitude 75° 06' W., at 4: 30 a. m. on the 25th, to
the eastward, standing W. by S., distant about 7 miles, and on pursuit
being given altered her course to S. S. E. The chase was continued
until 8 a.m., when,from the condition of the engine, it was discontinued.
At 7 a. m., being about 10 miles from the Ascutney, whose machinery
had got out of order, she apparently stopped for a short time, but on
the Quaker City's coming in sight, at 7: 15, continued on her course.

Lieutenant Casey, temporarily commanding the QuaJcer City, reports
that the chase was continued but about two hours, the strange steamer
running entirely out of sight in that time, although the Quaker City was
making 12 knots an hour. She was a large propeller, with two smoke-
stacks and a foremast, the mainmast apparently being broken off a little

446 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

above the rail. From this description and the locality where she was
seen, there is little doubt that this was the Tallahassee.

I have, sir, the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Captain Sands, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports regarding the
chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. FOET JACKSON,
Western Bar, September 9, 1864.

SIR: I herewith enclose reports of the Emma, Victoria, and Eolus of
the escape of a blockade runner last night. Rockets were thrown, but
without guns at first, which led us to think they were thrown from the
shore, as has been the case in some instances by the enemy, to mislead
us; and the commanding officers refrained from firing until they could
get a sure shot, as the bright flash often causes them to lose sight of
the runner in the obscurity of the haze that hangs over the horizon,
which last night prevented the line of the horizon being defined, although
clear overhead. The runner was one of the fast ones, as she was soon
lost to the Emma and Victoria, and even the Eolus could not keep her
in sight. We saw nothing of her, although we must have been very
nearly in her course. It is another of the many instances of the diffi-
culty of arresting them when ouce they are fairly pointed for sea — our
blockaders only getting a glimpse of them before they are out of sight.

The suspicious affair, supposed to be a torpedo boat, made its third
appearance last night, as will be seen by report of commanding officer
of the Victoria. I had warned the commanding officers yesterday to
look out for and endeavor to destroy it, if possible, or at feast make it
dangerous to the enemy to approach our vessels in this way, and show
them the risk to them of such adventures.

The officers of these vessels are very vigilant and are well used to the
work they are engaged upon as bar tenders.

I send the Eolus, agreeably with your directions, to grind valves and
repair, having detained her a day over the time specified by you, as I
could not well spare her before.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Commanding Division, Western Bar.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, X. C.

[Enclosures.]

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. C., September !), Y.sv;/.

SIR: I have the honor to report that a few minutes past midnight,
while lying in 3^ fathoms of water, saw a blockade runner coming out
past Fort Caswell and head in a westerly direction. I immediately
gave chase, throwing up two rockets in the direction of her course.
After chasing about twenty minutes lost sight of the vessel under shade

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 447

of the land, the night being very unfavorable for seeing a vessel at any
great distance.

In returning to station at thirty minutes past midnight, heard the
report of a gun fired in a southeast direction, and saw a rocket thrown
in an easterly direction. At 2: 50 a. m. heard report of several guns to
the southeast of us.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division, Western Bar.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,
Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 9, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at about 1 2 . 15 a. m., of this date,
being in 4£ fathoms water, with Bald Head light E. £ N. and Bug light
N. E. by N., I saw two rockets fired to northward and westward of us,
one toward the bar and the other to the southward. I started ahead
full speed N. N. W., with a view to intercept any vessel bound in.
After steaming about 1£ miles and seeing no guns fired, I thought they
must have been tired from the beach. I turned and steamed back
toward the bar; when about halfway back discovered a large side- wheel
steamer close under the land, bound out to westward. I turned and
gave chase; she was leaving us very fast; fired bow pivot gun at her
and a rocket to the westward; when we fired, lost sight of her. I sup-
posed she had doubled upon us. I turned back again and steamed full
speed toward our station, but saw nothing more of her.

At 2 a. m., being in 4^ fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing
E. £ N. and Bug light N-. E. £ N., saw a suspicious-looking, very small
dim bluish white water crossing our stern to westward. We soon made
it out to belong to something that looked like a large whale, with the
water washing over either end of it. 1 supposed it to be the torpedo
boat, tben on our starboard quarter and to westward of us, standing
toward us. I s arted ahead on one bell to bring our starboard broad-
side gun to bear upon him (the pivot can not be used in broadside) and
fired as soon as possible; then started full speed in order to change our
position and avoid his blow under cover of the smoke. I then stopped
and looked for him again. He soon after made his appearance upon our
starboard quarter, as before. Not having room to turn my broadside to
him, I started, as we headed E. S. E., full speed to gain room, but he
ran parallel to us and as fast as we could go. 1 then rang one bell,
which soon brought him abeam, fired starboard gun again, and went
full speed. Having more steam by this time, we easily distanced him
and got, as i thought, offshore of him in the smoke and lost sight of him.
I then stopped and watched for him. In about fifteen minutes he
appeared upon our starboard side, two points forward of the beam.
We then started full speed, fired our starboard gun at him, put our helm
hard aport, and in the smoke got to westward of him by crossing his
stern. (I did expect to strike him before we got around.) I stood off
in 6 fathoms in order to have more room if he tried us again ; stopped
and set red and blue light at the peak. In about twenty minutes saw
him again on port quarter, turned the ship toward him until he was
abeam, and fired port broadside gun at him. I think, and so did all of
the officers, that the last shot struck him, as he was very near, say 40

448 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

yards, aud the gun was fired with an aim. All the others were pointed
with the helm, as he could not be seen from main deck, it being very
dark. We stood to S. W. a short distance and sighted a vessel on port
beam at 3 a. m., going same way with us; we challenged six times at
long intervals, and, receiving no answer, fired port broadside gun across
his bow. He stopped, but did not answer. We stopped also and lay
some time with him in sight. I did not fire again, as 1 believed it to
be one of our vessels. At about 3:30 was spoken by U. 8. S. Fort
Jackson. In a short time steamed back to our station, but saw nothing
more.

Fired in all five shots; our guns were loaded with shell and grape
over them. Wind N. N. E., very light, and water very smooth.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, N. C.

U. S. S. EOLUS,

Off Wilmington, N. C., September 9, 1864.

SIR: I make the following report of a chase made last night by this
steamer :

At 12 m., being in 4 fathoms water and 1 mile to the west of the
Georgiana McCaw, the weather clear overhead, with light haze on the
horizon, I saw two rockets bearing 8. E. and E., and sent to the northward
and westward.

I ordered steam run up, and stood in 3£ fathoms water to prevent
anything from going out by the north shore. At 12 : 11 a. m. saw what
appeared to be a steamer with two smokestacks heading to the west-
ward. I immediately turned and stood for him, having 30 pounds steam
and making 13 knots. The runner then headed to the southward. I
fired a rocket in that direction, the light of which caused me to lose
sight of him. In a few minutes saw him again on the starboard bow,
bearing S. W. and going in that direction. Hauled up S. W. for her
and chased until 2:30 a. m., when I gave up the chase, as the runner
had been out of sight for half an hour. I did not fire my guns, as it
would diminish the speed of this vessel and the flash would cause me to
lose sight of her, as I could just make her out with a good glass. From
the time I headed S. W. until I gave up the chase the Eolus was mak-
ing 14 knots with 32 pounds steam. When I started I had every con-
fidence of getting him within range before daylight.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. E. DENNISON,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, in Command.
Captain B. F. SANDS, U. S. Navy,

Senior Officer, off Wilmington Bar.

Report of Lieutenant Gushing, U. S. Navy, regarding picket boats.

U. S. HOTEL,

New JorTc, September 9, 1864.

SIR: Can I send the picket boats through the canal to Chesapeake
Bay in charge of their officers, and go myself by the usual route and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 449

meet them there? The torpedo is all that detains them now, and that
will soon be completed.
Very respectfully,

W. B. GUSHING,

Lietenant, If. 8. Navy.
Hon. G. V. Fox,

Asssistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. 8.
Navy, to cooperate by diverting attention from the defenses of Cape
Fear River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 9, 1864.

SIR : Eear- Admiral Farragut will be at Port Royal near the end of
this month with a force which will probably attack the defenses of
Cape Fear Eiver. Place yourself under his orders whilst he remains
and assist in creating the impression that Charleston is to be attacked
by a naval force. Have four monitors of the Passaic class ready to
accompany Kear- Admiral Farragut, and give him the Canandaigua also.
The Canonicus, Mahopac, and Saugus, new monitors, are under orders for
Charleston and will reach you probably by or before the 1st instant to
relieve those withdrawn. It is very important that this contemplated
operation should be kept secret, and have every appearance of being
intended for Charleston.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Eear- Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,

Gomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off Charleston, S. C.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Macomb,
U. S, Navy, to deliver enclosed instructions to Commodore Rowan,
U. S. Navy, assigned to command in the sounds of North Carolina.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, JV. C., September 9, 1864.

SIR : The Department informs me, under date of September 1, that
Commodore S. C. Eowan was that day ordered to assume command of
the naval forces in the sounds of North Carolina, which will constitute
hereafter a separate and distinct command, and directs me to furnish
him with such information as may be necessary.

I desire, therefore, that you deliver the enclosed communications* to
Commodore Eowan on his arrival, and furnish him in addition with
such information as he may desire and you may be able to commu-
nicate.

Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Divisional Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

* Not necessary to publish.
N W R — VOL

450 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Lieutenant- General Grant, U. 8. Army, to the Assistant Sec-
retary of the Navy, regarding the cooperative movement against the
defenses of Cape Fear River.

HDQRS. CITY POINT, VA., September 10, 1864.
Your letter* of the 9th instant, enclosing copy of instructions to
Admiral Farragut, was received by last night's mail. 1 have no sug-
gestions to make different from what those instructions contain. As
soon as the land forces can be spared and the Navy is ready to cooper-
ate, I will send an expedition of sufficient force quietly down the coast,
not even allowing the command (with the exception of the command-
ing officer) to know where they are going. The details for landing a
force can be best arranged by Admiral Farragut and the commander
of the land forces. So soon as all is arranged I will acquaint you with
what is done on my part.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant- General.
Hon. G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, of his intended depar-
ture for the blockade off Wilmington, for the purpose of reconnoissance.

Confidential.] FLAGSHIP N. ATLANTIC BLOCK. SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 10, 1864.

Sm: Arrangements are in progress here and off' Wilmington for
obtaining more full information in answer to the Department's enquir-
ies, contained in its confidential communication of the 3d instant. I
leave here to-morrow for the blockade off Wilmington, taking with me
some refugees from that vicinity, who have been employed in the
squadron, for the purpose of making a reconuoissance to ascertain
where the landing of an army can best be accomplished. Having
obtained this information, I shall at once forward it to the Department.
A personal interchange of views with the commanding army officer
will be desirable and beneficial to the public interests.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.
Navy, regarding torpedo boat seen by the U. S. S. Victoria.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 10, 1864.

SIR: Yours of the 9th, enclosing reports of a chase on the night of
the 8th, is received.

* Not found.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 451

The torpedo boat seen by the Victoria should have been run down by
her, and I desire that in case of its reappearance every effort may be
made to accomplish this.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Huse, U. S. Navy, regarding the
' chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. BRITANNIA,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 10, 1864.
SIR: At 12:20 a. m. of this day, wind light from N. IS. W., weather
pleasant, ship in 5 fathoms water, Mound bearing W. S. W., saw a
blockade runner coming out of channel, standing northward. Went
to quarters and gave chase. Threw up four rockets and fired at her
from port battery. Chase repeatedly tried to cross our bow and run
eastward, but being headed off followed coast line. Having run our
steam down to 5 pounds, and the chase rapidly leaving us, and having
two guns disabled, after an hour's chase, at 1 : 20 a. in. put about and
returned to our station off the bar. Expended four rockets and 23
shell. The chase was a side-wheel steamer, with one smokestack and
two masts, and was not going apparently over 8 knots per hour.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL HUSE,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Respectfully forwarded for the Department's information. I believe
that nearly every violation of the blockade is seen and reported.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Gushing,
U. 8. Navy, censuring him for his action in the case of the British brig
Hound.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 10, 1864.

SIR : I have received your report of the 2d instant in explanation of
your proceedings on the 1st of July last at sea, in the case of the
British brig Hound, against which complaints have been justly made.

Your own statement and that of the master of the brig concur in the
following particulars :

That, in the exercise of the belligerent right of search, you fired
musket shots across the bow of the Hound to bring her to; that she
was boarded and her papers examined and found correct by the board-
ing officer, and the vessel ascertained to be on a legitimate voyage;
that the vessel was permitted to proceed on her course, was subse-
quently overhauled again and boarded, but the captain, with his papers,

452 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

was brought on board the Monticello, unlawfully and unnecessarily
detained, and then permitted to resume his voyage.

The Department fails to find in your explanation any excuse for your
disregard of international law and courtesy, but regrets to perceive in
your conduct a disregard of either, and a flagrant violation of its oft-
repeated instructions.

The customary notice of your desire to speak the Hound by showing
your colors and firing a blank cartridge was not, in the first instance,
observed. The use of musketry was a departure from the recognized
practice. After the right of search had been exercised, no ground for
detention or seizure discovered, and the vessel allowed to proceed,
she was again brought to and unwarrantable and unjustifiable measures
adopted.

What was your object in again overhauling the brig? You state
that your boarding officer reported on his return from the first exami-
nation that the language and manner of the master of the brig had
been in the last degree improper, both on deck in the presence of his
men and below in the cabin, and that you thought proper to overhaul
her again and examine the papers yourself, and in order to do so at your
leisure, you brought the captain and his papers on board the Monticello,
which is your custom where a spirit of malice is perceived, which is a
trick that might cause a boarding officer to overlook any informalities
in the ship's papers.

If on hearing the report of the boarding officer there had been any-
thing in it to induce you to believe that the vessel was not all right, it
would not have been improper in you to overhaul the vessel for the
purpose of making a personal examination of the papers or the vessel
itself. But there was impropriety in taking the master out of his ship,
carrying him on board your own, and there detaining him some hours,
with a view to examining the papers at your leisure. Something more
than the verification of the vessel's papers is apparent in your pro-
cedure; a disposition was exhibited, if the object was not actually
accomplished, to punish the master of the brig for an offense against
courtesy, and a manifestation of authority, assumed rather than right-
ful, over him and the vessel in his charge. In adopting this course of
correcting a discourtesy on the part of the master of the brig, you
inflicted injury on the owners of the vessel in unnecessarily detaining
her, and abused the belligerent right of search.

Were this the first occasion the Department has had to remind you of
the necessity of rigidly observing the customary rules on the high seas,
it might have been induced to express in milder terms its disapproba-
tion of your proceedings in the case of the Hound. I enclose herewith
a copy of the circular instructions of the Department to our cruisers,
issued August 18, 1862, and trust that you will give them attention,
considering well their injunction to "exercise great forbearance with
great firmness, and manifest to the world that it is the intention of our
Government, while asserting and maintaining our own rights, to respect
and scrupulously regard the rights of others."

The Department is not upholding the master of the brig in his dis-
courteous and offensive manner to the boarding officer of the Monticello,
but can not allow his conduct to shield you against an earnest expres-
sion of its disapprobation.

In conclusion, I must enjoin upon you to be more cautious in future.
Such proceedings repeated can not fail to bring upon you the serious
displeasure of your Government and result to your regret and injury.
While the Department is always ready to accord to officers of the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 453

service, as it has in several instances in your own case, due credit for
valor and efficiency in the discharge of duty, it is not the less so to
disapprove and punish when disapprobation and punishment are
deserved.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant WM. B. CUSHING, U. S. ISavy,

New York.

Capture of the- steamer A. D. Vance, September 10, 1864.
Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Santiago de Cuba.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,
Hampton Roads, September 11, 1864.

SIB : I have to report to the honorable Secretary of the Navy that on
Saturday, the 10th, while on my way to Hampton Roads for coal, at
10:40 a. in., steering north, we discovered black smoke N. E. by N.
Steered for it and immediately gave the ship full steam and started in
chase. At 1 p. m. we had neared smoke sufficiently to know that it
was a blockade runner. Ban all the guns aft and sent the men aft to
trim ship. At 4 p. in. the hull of the vessel in sight and we gaining
on the chase. At sunset we were heading N. E. by E., chase plain in
sight ahead, about 4 miles distant, and we coming up with him very
fast. At 7 :40 p. m. we fired a shot across his stem, and she surren-
dered without any further resistance. Sent a prize crew on board and
took charge of her. She proved to be the English blockade runner
A. I). Vance (late Lord Clyde), from Wilmington, N. C. No log book nor
papers found on board. She is an iron side- wheel steamer, 2 years old,
and very fast. Has on board 410 bales of cotton and some turpentine;
her full cargo can not be known until she is broken out in Boston. As
soon as the necessary accounts and papers can be made out and she
gets her coal in, she will sail for Boston in charge of Acting Ensign
E. C. Bowers. The prize list will be forwarded to the Department as
soon as it can be made. This vessel has been one of the most success-
ful blockade runners, and they say she was only caught in consequence
of the bad coal on board.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and Divisional Officer.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Additional report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Norfolk, September 14, 1864.

SIR : I herewith enclose to the honorable Secretary of the Navy the
muster roll of the prize steamer A. D. Vance, captured on the 10th
instant by this ship. William Muse, third steward on board of the
prize, is a son of Captain Muse, formerly of the U. S. Navy. He

454 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

refuses to take the oath of allegiance. I have sent him to New York
as a prisoner of war. William E. Mayo is a citizen of North Carolina,
and is willing to take the oath, but refuses to serve the United States.
I have sent him also to New York as a prisoner of war. T. G. Binum
refuses to take the oath, and he is sent to New York as a prisoner of
war. Cyrus Neel was the signal officer on board of the A. D. Vance;
is an Englishman, he says, but I have reason to think he is a citizen of
Richmond, Va. I have sent him to New York, as a prisoner of war.
Since my letter of the llth instant I have to inform the honorable
Secretary of the Navy that we have found the log book and papers
and some letters belonging to the A. D. Vance, all of which have been
sealed up and sent in charge of the prize master to the judge of the
district court at New York.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,

Captain and First Divisional Officer.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 15, 1864.

SIR : Commander Frailey, of the Quaker City, reports that on the
afternoon of the 10th instant, being in latitude 34° 45' N., longitude 75°
45' W., saw black smoke bearing S. E., and on chasing it one hour, raised
the bridge of a large two-stack, schooner- rigged steamer. One hour
later discovered this blockade runner to be chased by a large side- wheel
steamer with walking beam. Commander Frailey continued the -chase
until 8 p. m., when he lost sight of the chase in latitude 35°, longitude
74° 15'.

On the 12th instant I forwarded the report of Britannia of her ineffec-
tual chase and firing at a steamer out of New Inlet at 12 :20 a. m. of
the 10th instant, on which report I endorsed that I believed nearly
every violation of the blockade is seen and reported. On the 14th I
received Captain Frailey 's report of the llth instant, of the foregoing
chase by the Quaker City, between capes Lookout and Hatteras on the
afternoon of the 10th instant. There is no doubt in my mind that this
was the runner which escaped from the Britannia (owing to her bad
condition) off New Inlet, early on the morning of that day, and the
steamer seen by the Quaker City on that day was the Santiago de Cuba.

Exaggerated reports are in circulation respecting the violations of the
blockade of Wilmington. Reported arrivals at English ports from Wil-
mington doubtless refer in many cases to arrivals from other points on
the coast. The blockade of the bars of Wilmington is now, I sincerely
believe, as close as human agency can make it with the means at my
command.

Though the list of blockaders appears to be considerable, yet when it
is considered that there are, as it were, two difficult ports to blockade
(owing to the entrances to Wilmington being 40 miles apart, around
the extensive shoals of Cape Fear), and the number of vessels required
to make the two lines of blockades close to each bar, apart from the
third or offshore line of chasers which make the captures; when it is
further considered the duration of the blockade, the wear and tear of

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 455

the steamers employed ou it, the number absent for repairs and supplies,
and the number remaining on the blockade needing repairs, and there-
fore inefficient, as in the case of the Britannia, just illustrated; also the
facilities afforded for violation of the blockade on dark nights by low,
light-draft, swift steamers, built expressly for the purpose, with the aid
now and lately of light-houses and range lights, and when all the
difficulties are fairly estimated, the present blockade of the bars of
Wilmington will, I trust and believe, be acknowledged by every impar-
tial naval mind as highly creditable to those who have this arduous
and trying duty to perform.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Additional report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, IT. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. 0., September 19, 1864.

SIR : Captain Glisson has reported to the Department his capture of
the A. D. Vance on the evening of the llth instant.

In my No. 581 1 reported the escape of the A. D. Vance from Wil-
mington by New Inlet on the night of the 10th instant; that she was
chased and fired upon by the Britannia, but escaped, owing to the bad
condition of this blockader (bottom very foul, engine department in
great need of repairs, and two guns broke loose) ; and in my No. 581 I
reported that the Quaker City, on the afternoon of the llth, saw and
chased this blockade runner between Capes Lookout and Hatteras, and
gave up the chase at night, leaving the runner pursued by a steamer
answering to the description of the /Santiago de Cuba, which I knew was
to leave New Inlet on the night of the 10th instant for Norfolk to coal,
and which I then supposed had taken up the chase off the bar. But
Captain Glissou informs me that he left an hour or two before the A. D.
Vance came out aud kept under easy steam. This prevented his over-
running at night the position I had pointed out to him for intercepting
at daylight runners from New Inlet for Halifax.

1 am informed by Captain Glisson that the master of the A. D. Vance
first attempted to come out of New Inlet with a deck load of cotton
and drawing 12 feet of water, but had to put back and leave her deck
load, and that she came out drawing 11 feet of water. This, if true,
is interesting, and shows more water than I previously believed any
runner drew in the Wilmington trade. Of course this runner had
the facility of good pilots and of lights showing inland only to mark
the channel.

Captain Glisson states that the master of the A. D. Vance admits
that she has been eight times turned back by the blockaders. The
facility afforded by the Norfolk dry dock for keeping clean the bottoms
of iron vessels makes the conversion of such of the blockade runners as
possess strength and speed into blockaders advantageous, except for
bar tenders, for which they do not do well, as they are too long and turn
too slowly, and it is difficult to distinguish them, owing to the similarity
of their appearance to the steamers trying to run the blockade. These

456 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

converted vessels, when fleet, do best for chasers on offshore cruising
and on separate blockade of the adjacent inlets.

I respectfully recommend, therefore, that the A. D. Vance may be
taken into this service, and if the Department approves this sugges-
tion I trust that her engine department may immediately be put in
perfect order, her bottom cleaned, and that no time shall be lost or
expense incurred for accommodations or other uses than for the secure
working of her battery and care of her ammunition and fuel.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, J). C.

Additional report of Captain Glisson, TT. 8. Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.

TJ. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off Neic Inlet, September 20, 1864.

SIR: In relation to the capture of the A. D. Vance, I have to say
that Captain Willie, of that vessel, informed me that he had attempted
to run out nine times, and was driven back by our fleet the eighth
time. On going back on the seventh time he took out his deck load of
300 bales of cotton, determined to get out on the eighth time, but was
driven back on that occasion. She was the vessel that Captain Nickels
reported that he had driven back, and the one that you saw at anchor
under the fort, and that you thought was too light to attempt to run
out; and you mentioned to me that you thought Captain Nickels was
mistaken, and that she had gone in, instead of attempting to go out.
Captain Willie acknowledged to me that she was the vessel, and that
this occurred on the night of the 2d of September, and if you refer to
Captain Nickels' letter you can see if the dates correspond. Captain
Nickels' letter should be dated on the Md of September. On the 9th of
September and the ninth time, she made her escape a little after mid-
night and was captured by me on the evening of the 10th instant, at
7:40 p. m., having chased her from 10: 30 a. m. up to that time.

After her capture Captain Willie informed me that I had captured
the fastest blockade runner that they had ; that his vessel had cost
$175,000 in gold two years since, and that since that time the owners
had put on her in repairs $15,000, and to show me how highly he valued
her he said he would give $100,000 in gold for her. He also stated if
she was placed on the blockade she would be a great terror to the block-
ade runners. I think this statement will show you how vigilant we are
in keeping up an efficient blockade.

There are nights when it is impossible for us to see them going in or
coming out. Be assured that everything that men and officers can do
will be done.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer, off New Inlet.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. G.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 457

Joint expedition to Elizabeth City,N. C., in search of the captors of the

U. S. mail boat Fawn.

Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, IT. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 15, 1864.

SIR : Commander Macomb reports, under date of 13th instant, that
be was informed on the 10th instant by letter from Colonel Wardrop,
commanding Sub-Division of Albeinarle, that the mail boat Fawn, from
Norfolk, had been burned by the rebels in the canal [Albeinarle and
Chesapeake] on the night of the 9th, and naval assistance was requested
to capture the party. - He accordingly sent the Wyalusing, Lieutenant-
Commander English, to Elizabeth City, on the Pasquotauk, thinking
that the rebels would probably retreat inland and might be found at
that point, and directed Lieutenant-Commander English to bring off
some of the principal citizens of that place to be detained uutil investi-
gation was made into the affair, as he had heard (unofficially) that an
understanding existed that the citizens of Elizabeth City and vicinity
should protect vessels passing through the canal in consideration of
communication being permitted them with Eoanoke Island and New
Berne ("and trade with Norfolk," Lieutenant-Commander English
adds).

Lieutenant-Commander English proceeded to Elizabeth City, having
on board the marines from the Shamrock and Ghicopee and some men
from the Wyalusing, picketed the place, and arrested 7 prominent citi-
zens. He learned that the rebels had at least eight hours' start and
thought it useless to continue the pursuit. He ascertained that the
Fawn was burned by about twenty men from the Albemarle, commanded
by one of her officers named Hopkins, who, before the rebellion, had run
a boat on this canal. They fired on demanding surrender, killing and
wounding 7 persons; 29 prisoners were taken, including 1 colonel and
2 majors; the rest soldiers, Government employes, and citizens. A
Major Jenney and Mr. [George W.] Julian, M. C., were released at Eliza-
beth City and went to Eoanoke Island.

Commander Macomb turned over the 7 hostages to Colonel Wardrop,
and they were sent by him to General Shepley at Norfolk.

I enclose the reports of Commander Macomb (1) and Lieutenant-
Commander English (2), dated, respectively, 13th and 12th instant.
I have, sir, the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Commander Macomb, II. S. Navy, commanding U. S. 9. Shamrock.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK, September 13, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 10th
instant 1 received a letter from Colonel D. W. Wardrop, commanding
Sub-Division of Albemarle, stating that the mail boat Fawn, from Nor-
folk, had been burned by the rebels in the canal on the night of the 9th
instant, and asking me to assist him in endeavoring to capture the rebel
party.

458 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

In compliance with this request I sent the Wyalusing, Lieutenant-
Commander Earl English, up the Pasquotank Eiver to Elizabeth City,
thinking that, as the rebels would probably retreat inland after they had
accomplished the destruction of the boat, this would be the point at
which they would most likely be found.

I instructed Lieutenant-Commander English to bring off as hostages
from Elizabeth City some of the principal citizens, to be detained until
some investigation had been made into this affair. I gave this order
because I had heard (unofficially) that the citizens of this city were
responsible for the safety of the boats passing through the canal, a
responsibility which they undertook in consideration of being allowed
the privilege of communication with Roanoke Island and New Berne.

My directions were promptly carried out by Lieutenant-Commander
English, as will be seen by his report, which I herewith enclose.

On the return of the Wyalusing I sent the seven citizens from Eliza-
beth City to Eoanoke Island, to be delivered to Colonel D.W. Wardrop,
commanding. They have been delivered, and Colonel Wardrop informs
me this morning that he has sent them to General Shepley at Norfolk.
The colonel also tells me that there were seven men killed and wounded
on the mail boat by the rebels, who fired the moment they demanded
her surrender.

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. 4th Div., North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander English, commanding H. 8. 8. Wyalusing.

U. S. GUNBOAT WYALUSING,
Albemarle Sound, September 12, 1864.

SIK : In obedience to your order of the 10th instant, I received on
board this vessel the marines from the Shamrock and Chicopee, with a
company of men under command of Lieutenant Duer, and proceeded to
Elizabeth City. Immediately upon my arrival landed a strong force
under command of Lieutenant4 Duer, of the Shamrock, and Acting
Master Hathaway, of this vessel, picketed the place, and arrested seven
of its most prominent citizens. Ascertained from them that the mail
steamer Fawn had been captured and burned by a party from the
rebel ram Albemarle, numbering about twenty, commanded by a person
named Hopkins, an officer of the ram, who previously to the rebellion
had been employed in running a boat on the same canal. The prison-
ers numbered 29, consisting of 1 colonel, 2 majors, one or two citizens,
the rest soldiers or employes of the Government. Two persons* were
released at Elizabeth City, who left immediately for Roanoke Island.
One small mail bag only was seen in their possession. I thought it
useless to attempt pursuit, as they had all of eight hours' start, which,
at moderate traveling, would have brought them quite to the Chowan
River, where they were to cross. Having understood that the citizens
of Elizabeth City and the adjoining counties had had an understand-
ing with the Government that they would protect the canal from all
assaults, providing they were allowed the privilege of trading with
Norfolk, I have brought these seven citizens with me and now deliver
them to you in order that a more thorough investigation may be made.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 459

If there was the least desire on the part of the inhabitants to guard
against such raids they could all be checked or suppressed by their
giving timely notice, which they have ample means of doing. I am
satisfied that should the people of this district understand that they
will be assessed and forced to pay the full value of this loss, hereafter
the Government property passing through would be cared for with the
same interest with which they cherish their own. I have discovered
that the people in this section of country are as fond of the almighty
dollar as the Chinese and possess about the same amount of patriotism.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EARL, ENGLISH,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Commander W. H. -MACOMB,

Gomdg. Fourth Division, Sounds of North Carolina.

*NOTE. — Major Jenney, U. S. Army, and Senator Julian, as I have
since been informed by Colonel Wardrop, TJ. S. Army.

W. H. MACOMB.

Letter from Colonel Wardrop, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, acknowledging

his cooperation.

HEADQUARTERS SUB- DISTRICT OF ALBEMARLE,

Roanoke Island, North Carolina, September 12, 1864.
SIR : I am under great obligation to you for your prompt attention
to my request for a boat to be sent to Elizabeth City.

Your hearty cooperation is fully appreciated, and I only need the
opportunity to reciprocate.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. W. WARDROP,

Colonel, Commanding.
Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Comdg. Fourth Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 11, 1864.

Send the boats on. You can come yourself by rail.

G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of Navy.

Lieutenant W. B. GUSHING, U. S. Navy,

United States Hotel, New York.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, giving additional notes in view of
joint operations against the defenses of Cape Fear River.

HARBOR OF BEAUFORT, K C., September 11, 1864.
SIR: I have carefully read the confidential communication of the
Department to you, dated September 3, 1864, in regard to operations
to close Cape Fear River, etc., and also your replies to the enquiries
therein contained, and I respectfully submit some additional notes to
your answers.

460 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

To No. 2. Between Fort Campbell (the traversed battery next west
and near Bug light) there is a one-gun square redoubt, about midway
between Caswell and Campbell; and Campbell has six or seven trav-
erses.

To No. 3. Within the week ending September 9 a suspicious object
in the water has been seen by three of the bar tenders, at three differ-
/ ent times, supposed to be a torpedo boat, and which was fired upon four
times on the night of the 8th instant or morning of the 9th by the Vic-
toria ; on the other occasions it disappeared upon the turning of the
wheels or propeller of the vessels from which it was seen.

To No. 4. There also seems to be a covered way, or ditch, or rifle pit
leading from the battery at Bald Head to and behind the sand hill of
Bald Head ; and refugees have stated, when the battery there was being
constructed, that roads were being cut across the island. In regard to
vessels running the batteries, there are other serious obstacles not men-
tioned by you. On the right bank of the river are two traversed bat-
teries in course of construction and near completion (in which we see
no guns as yet), one at Beeves' Point and one at Fort Johnston, near
Smithville. These I have seen with my glass from my masthead, where
I have been in the habit of constant observation for the twenty months
that I have been on the blockade off Wilmington. What I mention I
have myself seen.

Besides the bar, where are 9 feet at low tide, with a rise of from 3
feet 8 inches to 5 feet, there is the obstacle of the rip, where 8 feet at
low water is found, and which is so narrow (80 to 100 yards) and the
current so strong on each tide that its navigation is a most delicate
operation ; as a trader to this port once told me, it was like shooting the
arches of London Bridge, the least deviation of the helm throwing a
vessel on one side or the other of shoals. This also occurs at the rip at
Zeek's Island, but the current not so strong. A channel has (since the
publication of the Coast Survey chart) cut out near Federal Point, as
I have heard, and is used by blockade runners now, but the ironclad
that came out at New Inlet got aground there in returning and broke
in two.

The Mound battery, while in course of erection, seemed to us intended
purposely for a plunging fire into monitors. These obstacles I mention
in view of an attempt to pass in by monitors drawing as much as 11£
or 12£ feet water.

With reference to depth of water, the only wooden vessels that could
run the batteries at the inlets would be the light-draft double-euders
or small gunboats.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, U. S. Navy.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. G.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State referring
to the case of the British brig Hound.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 12, 1864.

SIR: I had the honor to receive your letter of the 28th of July last,
enclosing a copy of a note of the 25th of that month from Lord Lyons
in reference to the proceedings of the commanding officer of the U. S. S.
Monticello toward the British bri^ Hound.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 461

There has been an unavoidable delay in replying to your communica-
tion, arising from the fact of the first letter addressed by the Depart-
ment to Lieutenant Cushing, who had command of the Monticello, call-
ing for an explanation, not having reached him. His explanation has
recently been received, and the Department finds little in it to justify
his conduct in the case of tbe brig Sound. I enclose a copy of the
letter* I addressed to him on the 10th instant on the subject.

Lieutenant Cushing is quite young, whichfact may be pleaded in exten-
uation of his improper conduct. The Department regrets the occurrence
and hopes it may not find cause again to censure one of its officers for
failing to observe international law and courtesy, and that the action
it has taken may be satisfactory to the injured parties.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Hon. WM. H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 13, 1864.
Use the Augusta for towing monitors instead of the Juniata.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH.

(Care Lieutenant-Commander J.H. Upshur,U. S. S. Minnesota, Hamp-
ton Eoads.)

Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- General
Grant, U. S. Army, transmitting interrogatories and answers regarding
the defenses of Cape Fear River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 14, 1864.

SIR: Enclosed are certain interrogatories t propounded to Acting
Rear- Admiral Lee, and his answers.! The water seems too scant for
the ironclads to enter, but the wooden ones can enter if the fire of the
forts can be kept under. The Hatteras fort was reduced in August,
1861, with the Minnesota, frigate, 2 miles distant; therefore I think the
admiral is mistaken in saying that that class of vessels can render no
assistance.

The particular and last information we require is this: Will the army
force and its commander go to Port Royal? It is necessary to know
this, as Farragut goes there to await orders. It seems to me it would
be advisable to let them settle the details at that point together, as no
other point is so fit in all respects as a rendezvous.

In my letter of the 12th instant I should have said that it was high
water on the loth of September instead of the 30th.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. V. Fox,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, D". S. Army,

City Point, Va.

* See p. 451. t See p. 419. t See p. 441.

462

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Green, U. 8. Navy, regarding a
request of Brigadier- General Harland, U. S. Army, urging the presence
of a gunboat in Neuse River.

U. S. S. LOUISIANA,
Off New Berne, September 15, 1864.

SIR : Information having reached Brigadier-General [Edward] Har-
land, commanding the forces here, that the enemy are concentrating
about 800 men at Greenville, intending to cross the Neuse River in the
vicinity of Wilkinson's Point and cut the railroad from Morehead City,
he has requested that a gunboat might, for the present, patrol that part
of the river.

The Lockwood has accordingly gone down there, with orders to search
for and seize any boats which would be of service to the rebels in trying
to cross the river.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

F. M. GREEN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant and Senior Officer Present.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Comdg. Fourth Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of the
vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 16, 1864.

SIR : The following is the disposition of vessels composing the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron :

Vessel.

Station.

Remarks.

Malvern

Flagship.

Shokokon

. . . do

Harbor defense.

Lilac

Harbor defense and to move colliers.

Cohasset

.. . do

Do.

ILarco art

Pilot tug, needing repairs, to be made at Nor-

Arietta

folk.

Release

...do

Do.

William Badger

Santiago de Cuba

Alabama

North Carolina.
do

Monticello

do. .. .

Isonomia

Quaker City

... .do

efficient and seaworthy.

Mercedita

Niphon

...do ..

condition.

Britannia

Keystone State

do . .

Governor Buckingham ..

Do.

Minnesota

Tonng Rover

and Hampton Roads.
do ...

of repairs.

Heliotrope

Unit

Poppy

do .

Charles Phelps

do..

Onondaga

do ...

Mendota

Affawaui ..

do...

Do.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

463

Vessel.

Station.

Remarks.

Sassacus

Second division, James River

Mackinaw .

and Hampton Roads.
...do ...

sent to receive them when relieved by the
Eutaw.

. ..do

Do.

. do .

.. do

phia when services can be spared.

Delaware

General Putnam

Cactus

-no

Young America

Alert°

Tug No. 1

Fitted as torpedo boat.

Tug No. 3

Do.

Tug No. 4

Do.

Tug No 5 .

Do.

Tug No. 6

Do.

Mount Washington

Transport.

Mystic

York River and Chesapeake

Guard.

Bay.
do

Samuel Kotan

Tug.

Vicksburg

North Carolina.
do

Ki inn a

Cam bridge

Needs repairs.

.do

Montgomery

Needs docking.

Victoria

Needs considerable repairing; will be sent

Mount Vernon

...do ...

to Norfolk as soon as other bar tenders
come.
Repairing and coaling at Beaufort.

Eolus

Repairing at Beaufort; recently came to the

Fahkee

blockade of Wilmington badly fitted and
equipped for this service.

Wyandotte

Norfolk, Va...

coaling at Beaufort.

St. Lawrence

Ordnance.

Ben Morgan

Do.

-Unman .....

Sheuandoah .

Gettysburg .

Do.

Howquah

Do.

Cherokee

Do.

Davliafht. ..

Do.

Fort Donelsoii .

Aries....

Do.

Calypso

...do

Do.

.do ...

Aster

Do.

Canonicus

. do

Saugus .

Do.

Atlanta

Do.

Eutaw

Do.

Henry Briuker

Do.

Clinton

Do.

Zouave

Do.

Osceola

Repairing and fitting for blockade. \

Wilderness

Do. \

Grand Gulf

Repairing at Northern ports

First division, July 31, 1864, New York.

Nereus

.. do

Third division, Aug. 17, 1864, New York.

Florida

Third division, Aug. 19, 1864, New York.

Ascutney

First division, Sept. 10, 1864, Washington.

Dacotah

..do

Aug. 1, 1864, Boston.

Connecticut

Boston.

State of Georgia

First division, Aug. 25, 1864, Philadelphia.

Kansas

. do

First division, Aug. 23, 1864, Philadelphia.

R. R. Cuyler

.do

Thi'd division, Aug. 26, 1864. Philadelphia.

Nansemond

Sept. 1, 1864, Baltimore.

I. N. Sevmour...

do ...

Julv 10. 1864. Baltimore.

464

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Vessel.

Station.

Remarks.

Repairing at Northern ports

Third division, sent to Norfolk Aug. 16, and

.do

on the 19th to Baltimore.
Second division, Sept. 10, 1864, Baltimore.

Supply steamer from New York.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, transmitting sketch showing posi-
tions of the vessels at the barricade, James River.

TJ. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, September 16, 1864.

SIK : I transmit herewith a sketch of the position of the vessels at the
barricades. They are connected by double booms, which support a 1£-
inch chain, running the entire distance.
The obstructions are now completed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]
Obstructions in Trent's Beach, James Hirer, Virginia.

[From a survey by J. S. Bradford, sub-assistant. Coast Survey, completed July 26, with additions
from a report of Captain M. Smith, U. S. N., of September 16, 1864.]

[NOTES. — Table I contains descriptions of vessels sunk.
Table II contains the distance of the sunken vessels from each other.

The soundings are in feet at low water, and were reduced from tidal observations taken during the
survey. The torpedoes have been removed.
Correct up to September 16, 1864 — J. S. BRADFORD, sub-assistant, U. S. Coast Survey.]

No.

Name.

Class.

Sunk

by-

No.

Distance.

To—

Class.

Whitford

Feet.
18

Ben ton

Canal boat-schooner.

Mist

Haxall

5
6

Franklin
Satterly

Bark

Do.
Do

10
16

1
1

Schooner-canal boat.

Canal boat

Do.

320

500

120

Shore

Do.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

465

466 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Smith, U. 8. Navy, transmitting statement of Henry
P. Roach, regarding the bridges and obstructions in the James River.

U. S. S. ONONDAGA,
James River, September 16, 1864.

SIR: * * * I enclose herewith a copy of a statement made by
H. P. Roach, carpenter, recently employed by the Confederate Govern-
ment, and sent me by order of General Grant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MELANCTON SMITH,
Captain and Divisional Officer in James River.

Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL,

ARMIES OF OPERATION AGAINST RICHMOND,

City Point, Va., September 13, 1864.

Henry P. Roach, a native of Charles City, Va., and a carpenter by
trade, has been employed by the Confederate Government for the past
two years in the vicinity of Drewry's Bluif as engineer and pile driver.
He was conscripted about the 10th of September, 1862, and immediately
detailed as above. His information in regard to the bridges and
obstructions in the James is as follows:

About a mile and a half below Rocketts is a stationary bridge, called
Tree Hill Bridge, which is about 16 feet wide, and extends directly
across the river. At Warwick Bar is a pontoon bridge, composed of
five schooners in the center, the remaining portion of piling. There is
a draw on the bridge through which steamers pass daily. About 400
yards below the pontoon bridge on the left bank of the river is Games'
Bluff, on which is a battery for two guns. Informant does not know
the caliber, but thinks they are at least 64-pounders. The guns are not
in position, but are at hand ready to be run in when needed.

Under the cover of Games' Blu£f, and about 400 yards below the pon-
toon bridge, is one line of obstructions, composed of sunken vessels, and
one line of cribs and stones, the two being within 20 yards of each other
and each line extending from shore to shore.

In the line composed of timbers are 8 rows of piles, the tops of which
are bare at low water, and about 4 feet under when the tide is in. The
piling used will average 15 inches in diameter and will average about 4
feet into the bed of the river. There is a dried passage through these
obstructions in the center (or the channel of the river), about 80 feet
wide.

There is a stationary bridge at the mouth of Falling Creek, called
Wilton Bridge, and about 350 or 400 yards below is a bridge made of
pontoon boats extending from Drewry's Bluff across to the Wilton farm,
and about 200 yards below the pontoon bridge is a wharf and about the
same distance below another, both on the right bank. There is also a
wharf opposite them on the Wilton side. There is a draw through this
bridge about 15 feet in width. About three-fourths of a mile below this
pontoon bridge are two rows of obstructions composed of cribs and
stones, and between them a line of sunken vessels, the Curtis Peck,
Jamestown, John Roach, Damascus, and the Northampton. The distance
between the two rows of cribs is about 80 yards. The number of rows
of piling, distance below water, average diameter of piles, is the same
as the obstructions at Games' Bluff.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 467

There is an opening between the obstructions about 120 feet in width,
but very careful navigation is required in passing through it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE H. SHARPE.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, to assume command of the West (Julf Blockading Squadron.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 17, 1864.

SIR : Bear- Admiral D. G. Farragut having been ordered to the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron, you are designated to relieve that dis-
tinguished officer in command of the Western Gulf Blockading Squad-
ron. You will not leave your station until the arrival of your relief,
but will continue your duties and especially obtain all possible informa-
tion in reference to the confidential communications which have been
addressed to you touching Cape Fear Eiver. Have all the papers and
drawings connected with this subject and all unexecuted orders pre-
pared and copied, to hand over to your successor.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Instructions from Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captain
Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding the blockade.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 18, 1864.

SIR : Employ as many blockaders as practicable for a close line and
vigilant watch of the bar. Just outside this line of bar tenders have
as close and thick a line as practicable of larger blockaders, and just
outside and along this second line keep moving your ships, ready to
chase.

The bar tenders must not leave their stations to chase; chasing must
only be done by those of the second line who see the runner and while
seeing it.

Less than two-fifths of the available force of the blockade should be
assigned to outside cruising, when the number present will not admit
of forming two sufficient lines close to the bar, as above directed.

Great activity may be expected from the enemy, especially during the
approaching dark of the moon and that succeeding it, and every effort
will be made by them to get their armed vessels out to destroy our
commerce.

Yourself, the commanding officer, and the officers and men of your
division must exert the most devoted vigilance to prevent such a
catastrophe.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Third Divisional Officer, off Wilmington, N. G.
[Same to Captain Glisson.j

468 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear -Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, forwarding information from the U. 8. consul at Halifax, Nova
Scotia, regarding the movements of blockade runners.

DEPARTMENT, September 18, 1864.
SIR : The U. S. consul at Halifax, Nova Scotia, has communicated to
the State Department the following information :

September 10. — Steamer Mary, reported as formerly the Alexandra, arrived here last
night. Reported at custom-house as mercantile vessel from Liverpool via Bermuda
in ballast. Is 120 tons and has 24 men. Was built at Liverpool in 1863 ; registered
there in 1864 ; owned by Henry Lafone, of Liverpool. She is bark-rigged, has one
smokestack, rakish masts, rather high above water, round stern, and very straight
stem. Will ascertain and report if sne carries guns.

September 12. — Steamers City of Petersburg and Old Dominion mentioned in previous
dispatches as expected here, passed yesterday with 2,000 bales of cotton, which will
be transferred to steamer Asia and sent to England. Cotton belongs to Confederate
Government; steamers will soon return to Wilmington.

September 12. — Blockade running steamers North Heath, Little Hattie, Constance
(which went to sea and returned), Flamingo, Condor, Lady Sterling, Old Dominion,
and City of Petersburg, all now here, will leave for Wilmington, some with valuable
cargoes, as soon as moon changes and nights become dark. Blockade runners on
leaving this port usually cruise along the shore from St. George's Island to Sambro
and then go south and southeast.

September 16. — Blockade runner arrived here from Wilmington reports that the
Tallahassee, fully repaired and fitted for sea, was expected to leave daily, together
with privateers Edith and Coquette, both fully armed.

P. S. — September IS. — British blockade running steamer Annie arrived here yester-
day from Wilmington direct, with 566 bales of cotton. Will return to Wilmington
in four days.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Com-
mander Simpson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Isonomia, to pro-
ceed to Key West.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 18, 1864.

SIR : The Navy Department, under date of 8th instant, directs you
to proceed with the Isonomia to Key West and report to Captain
Theodore P. Greene, temporarily commanding East Gulf Squadron,
for duty in that squadron, especially for cruising in the vicinity of
Nassau and Bahama Banks. If the yellow fever still prevails at Key
West, the Isonomia will not go in, but report by letter, as above indi
cated, and proceed to her cruising ground.

You will accordingly proceed to carry out this order as early as
practicable

Eespectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander E. SIMPSON,

U. S. S. Isonomia.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 469

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 19, 1864.

Direct the Mdhopac to proceed with her tows to Hampton Roads and
report arrival there to the Department.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Bear- Admiral HIRAM PATTLDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 19, 1864.

Do not send off the Canonicus and Saugus until further orders. Try
them in the bay as to their speed.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Commanding James River Division, James River.

Report of Commander Spicer, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report of the com-
manding officer of the Victoria, regarding a supposed ram vessel seen off
Western Bar.

U. S. S. QUAKER CITY,

Western Bar, North Carolina, September 19, 1864.
ADMIRAL : There being a sufficient number of vessels in this division
of the blockade to render it complete without longer detaining the Vic-
toria from going to Beaufort for repairs, the Eolus not returning as soon
as anticipated, and the condition of the Victoria warranting, in my
judgment, her removal for the present from service here, I have directed
Captain Keyser to proceed with her to Beaufort and report to you for
further orders.

Nothing of importance has occurred since your last visit, and I am
certain that no runners have passed in or out since the 10th instant.

The captain of the Victoria believes that he saw a ram on the night
of the 15th instant, but vessels nearer in and others close aboard of him
at the time failed to discover the same, and I am induced to believe that
he was mistaken. I herewith send a report he handed me of the cir-
cumstance.

On the 16th instant I supplied the Dumbarton with coal from the
Cambridge, also with provisions, enabling her to remain for a week
longer, in which time the Fahkee will no doubt be down and coal herself
and several other vessels now getting in need.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. F. SPICER,

Commander.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. G.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 16, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that on the night of the 15th, at 8 : 35
p. m., being in 5 fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing E. by

470 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

TS. % N., I saw a vessel bearing N. by E. from us. I supposed her to be
a blockade runner and started ahead full speed N. W. to intercept her.
At 8 : 45 could see her distinctly without glasses, then bearing N. by W.
She was apparently about 250 or 300 feet long, and about 5 feet high
in the middle, with low ends, one smokestack and no mast; appeared
to be making for the Emma.

I turned our head offshore S. W., and burned a blue light. Went to
quarters; at about 9 was spoken by the U. S. S. Montgomery, and was
ordered by her commander to communicate with the U. S. S. Dumbarton,
then bearing S. E., about 2 miles distant. As we approached her she
steamed away from us, and we did not succeed in speaking her till 9 : 45.
Returning toward our station, fell in with and spoke U. S. S. Maratanza
at 10 p. m. At 10 : 30, being on our station in 5£ fathoms water, saw
same vessel return inside the bar and steer toward Fort Caswell ; being
very hazy, lost sight of her before she reached the fort.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Commander W. F. SPICER,

Senior Officer off Western Bar, North Carolina.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding the arrival
of the U. 8. 8. Augusta at Hampton Roads.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 19, 1864.

Sm: Commander Corbin, commanding U. S. S. Augusta, under date
of 12th instant, reports his arrival at Hampton Roads on that day from
Pensacola, under orders from Commodore [William] Smith, command-
ing the Pensacola navy yard, to report to me. The Augusta was placed
in quarantine at Hampton Roads for ten days, although there was no
contagious or infectious disease at Pensacola when she left.

As Commander Corbin reports that the bottom of the Augusta is very
foul, I have directed him to have her docked and cleaned at Norfolk
navy yard when released from quarantine, and then to report to me
here for duty on the blockade of Wilmington, unless otherwise ordered
by the Department.

I have, sir, the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington D. G.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the cap
ture of Confederates living in the vicinity of Walker's Wharf, James
River.

U. S. S. SASSACUS,

Off Harrison's Landing, James River, September 20, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that at the request of Colonel [J. H.]
Holman, commanding at this post, I received on the evening of the 18th
instant a detachment of 45 men, landing them at Walker's Wharf, 5 or

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 471

6 miles below for the purpose of capturing some citizens living in that
vicinity. The expedition was entirely successful and returned to the
anchorage at daylight the next day.

Yesterday I ordered the fires hauled to make temporary repairs to
the boiler and machinery, which were completed last night.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN L. DAVIS,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Captain MELANCTON SMITH, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Onondaga and Divisional Officer.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Crosby,
U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Keystone State, designating a cruis-
ing ground.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 20, 1864.

SIR : Proceed to cruise in the Gulf Stream to intercept armed rebel
vessels and blockade runners to and from Wilmington on the track of
our commerce and the Halifax route, and at such a distance from Cape
Fear as will allow for the run from New Inlet, if begun as soon as it is
dark. If the rebel cruiser should come out of Western Bar, you can,
after sunrise, look for it nearer to Cape Fear, so as sooner to fall in
with it and allow more time for chasing before night, and this will also
give you a good position for chasing steamers bound into Wilmington
that night.

Keep as ready as possible at night for the instant use of your guns.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander PEIBCE CROSBY,

U. 8. 8. Keystone State.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Captains Sands and
Glisson, U. S. Navy, urging the strictest vigilance in view of the expected
movement of the blockade runners from Wilmington.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 20, 1864.

SIR : Commander Macomb, commanding the Shamrock, in Albemarle
Sound, furnishes the following information under date of 17th instant :

A man who was taken from the shore at the mouth of Roanoke River
by one of our picket boats, reports as follows:

He is a ship carpenter by trade, and was taken by the rebels at the
capture of Plymouth.

He has been employed lately by the rebels at Wilmington in working
on vessels belonging to the Confederates, and reports that the rebels
are fitting out five blockade runners to cruise as privateers like the Tal-
lahassee, and that they are going to go out of the port of Wilmington
when the moon becomes dark.

There is every reason to consider this information reliable. Keep
both lines of blockaders as close in as possible and every available
steamer in one or the other line.

472 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Neither the Department nor the country will accept any excuse if
these vessels are allowed to escape from Wilmington for the extensive
destruction of our commerce. Officers and men have now the highest
incentive to keep a close and faithful blockade of the bars on dark
nights, from which they must not then withdraw on account of random
firing designed to drive them oft' and clear the way to sea.

On the one hand is promotion and approval for duty well done, and
on the other the distress of conscience and the penalties of courts-
martial.

Respectfully, yours,

8. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captains SANDS and GLISSON,

Divisional Officers, off Wilmington.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Master Sheldon,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Shokokon.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. 0., September 21, 1864.

SIR : You will relieve Acting Master Baker in temporary command
of the temporary naval station of Beaufort, N. C.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Master W. B. SHELDON,

U. S. S. Shokokon.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Baker,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Anemone.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Beaufort, N. C., September 21, 1864.

SIR : Being ready for sea you will proceed with the Anemone under
your command for Western Bar by daylight to-morrow morning and
report to Captain B. F. Sands, divisional officer, for duty.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Master JONA. BAKER,

U. S. S. Anemone.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy,
transmitting confidential orders to Rear-Admiral Farragut.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 22, 1864.

SIR: Enclosed is a confidential order which you will deliver to Rear-
Admiral Farragut as soon as he arrives at Port Royal. Send the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 473

Wabash to Hampton Eoads, to arrive there between the 1st and 5th
of October. None of your ironclads will be withdrawn and none sent
from the North at present.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Bear- Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,

Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.

[Enclosure.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 22, 1864.

SIR : Your official -dispatch No. 372, dated Mobile Bay, August 27,
1864, has been received, stating that your health is giving away. I have
also read your note of the 5th of September to the Assistant Secretary
in answer to his private note to you intimating that an expedition
might be organized to attack the defenses of Cape Fear Kiver.

The Department learns with much regret that your health is shaken by
long service in the Gulf and that you must have rest of several months
before you can conduct any further operations.

In accordance with the views of the Department and the universal
wish of the country, the orders of the 5th instant, were given to you;
but a life so precious must not be thrown away by failing to heed the
monitions which the greatest powers of physical endurance receive as
a warning to rest. The country will again call upon you, perhaps, to put
the finishing blow to the rebellion.

On the receipt of this order you will proceed to New York and report
your arrival. Send the vessels you may have brought up with you,
excepting your own, to Hampton Eoads, to report by letter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Hear- Admiral D. G. FARRAGCTT,

Port Royal, S. C.

Order* of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
to relieve Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, in command of the North Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 22, 1864.

SIR : Eear- Admiral D. G. Farragut was assigned to the command of
the North Atlantic Squadron on the 5th instant, but the necessity of
rest on the part of that distinguished officer renders it necessary that
he should come immediately north. You will, therefore, on the receipt
of this order, consider yourself as detached from the command of the ,
Mississippi Squadron, and you will turn over the command temporarily
to Captain A. M. Peimock. As soon as the transfer can be made, pro-
ceed to Beaufort, N. C., and relieve Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. Lee, in
command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Take with you
your personal staff; and a number of officers, not exceeding five, may

*See p. 530, October 7, for modification of this order.

474 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

be transferred from the Mississippi to the North Atlantic Blockading
Squadron.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Bear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Illinois.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Rowan, U. 8. Navy,
revoking orders to the sounds of North Carolina.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September 22, 1864.

SIR: Agreeably to your request, your orders of the 1st instant to
command the naval forces in the sounds of North Carolina are hereby
revoked, and you will regard yourself as waiting orders.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Commodore STEPHEN C. ROWAN, U. S. Navy,

Philadelphia.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Watmough,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 22, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the U. S. S. Kansas to Beaufort, N. C., and report
to Acting .Ltear-Admiral S. P. Lee for duty in the North Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander P. G. WATMOUGH,

Commanding U. S. S. Kansas, Philadelphia.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 22, 1864.
Proceed to navy yard, Washington.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander JNO. C. FEBIGER, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. S. Mattabesett, Hampton Roads.

Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S.Navy, to Acting Master Stuart,
U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Calypso, giving instructions regarding
blockade duty.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 22, 1864.

SIR: The Calypso being ready for sea, proceed with her at high
water to-day to her station, which will be on the track of Nassau
blockade runners to and from Wilmington, and at such a distance

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 475

from Cape Fear as will put you at daylight just outside of a runner
leaving Wilmington during the first darkness of the previous night.
This distance varies according to the age of the moon, so that if the first
part of the night is light you will be proportionately near Cape Fear. It
is always desirable to be as near in as you can without allowing the run-
ner to be outside of you at daylight. An hour before daylight yourself
and your chief engineer should turn out for duty, and you will get the
Calypso in readiness for swift chasing with high steam, which you can
work off and avoid the noise of blowing by continuous turning in short
circles, taking care in doing this to avoid collisions. Be watchful, taking
all practicable and necessary observations to keep your position and
not be swept from it by the Gulf Stream.

Have a loose outside suit of white for your masthead lookouts, who
should be picked men, encouraged to vigilance. Always have ready
one prize list and one prize crew detailed, with instructions on board-
ing promptly to guard the hatches and apartments of officers and crew
in order to avoid pillage and access to liquor. If floating cargo has
been thrown over during the chase, employ both the Calypso and the
prize as soon as practicable to pick it up. In event of capture, send
your prizes to Boston until further orders, with instructions to com-
municate at Beaufort.

It is understood that there are several swift, light-armed rebel ves-
sels in Wilmington intending to come out during this dark of the moon
to prey upon our commerce.

You will keep the most vigilant lookout for these, and make every
effort to capture or destroy any of them you may fall in with. Always
be prepared to fire quickly with the watch on deck, and assemble the
crew at quarters whenever you approach a vessel that you are not sure
is unarmed. Do not hesitate to ram at all hazards any armed rebel
vessel, firing at the same time your guns and small arms, using sharp-
shooters on the enemy's officers, helmsmen, and captains and loaders
of guns.

Instead of an abstract log as heretofore required, send me a semilu-
nar monthly report, one from the last quarter to the first, the other
from the first to the last quarter of each moon, to be kept up daily by
yourself, in which give every instructive or interesting fact necessary
to show and explain clearly where your command was, what she saw,
and what she did respecting her duty as a blockader. Give time of
beginning and end of chase and that of chase, your position at both
periods, and that of other chasers. Describe chase with diagrams ; give
state of wind, weather, and sea, especially during chase. Make such
a report as would give the essential information which I would have if
I were present.

Don't rack your steamer by keeping in the Gulf Stream in heavy
weather.

You have a fine command, and I expect you to accomplish good
results.

Send a copy of this order to your divisional officer, Captain B. F.
Sands.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Acting Master F. D. STUART,

Commanding U. 8. S. Calypso.

Same to Quaker City to cruise on track of Bermuda blockade runners
and with this addition: "Cruise till your coal is expended; then return

476 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

to Beaufort, take in your coal, and return to the same cruising ground
with all dispatch."

[Order of like tenor, dated September 28, to Lieutenant-Commander
P. G. Watmough, commanding U. S. S. Kansas.}

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 23, 1864.

Send the Colorado to Hampton I loads.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore GEO. F. PEARSON,

Commandant Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N. H.

Report of Captain Kilty, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Roanoke.

U. S. S. EOANOKE,
Off Point Lookout, September 23, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order of
the 12th instant, I have this day assumed command of the U. S. S.
Roanoke.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. H. KILTY,

Captain.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8.
Navy, forwarding information received from the U. S. consul at Hali-
fax,N. S.-

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 24, 1864.

SIR : The following talegrams have been received by the Secretary of
State from the U. S. consul at Halifax, [Nova Scotia], viz:

September 21. — Blockade running steamer Flamingo, heretofore reported, 283 tone,
45 men, heavily laden with merchandise, including 700 bags saltpeter, has sailed ;
destination, doubtless, Wilmington.

September 21. — Steamer Little Hattie, heretofore described, cleared to-day in ballast
for Nassau, where she will take in cargo and proceed to Wilmington. British side-
wheel iron steamer Condor, with valuable cargo, including large quantity of cloth-
ing for Confederate Army, will leave to-morrow for Wilmington. Condor is a new
and fast steamer, about 300 tons, schooner-rigged, has 3 smokestacks, is long and
low with raking masts and straight stern. Hull painted white.

September 22. — British blockade running steamer Lady Sterling, heretofore reported,
cleared to-day with cargo of provisions and merchandise for Nassau ; ultimate des-
tination, Wilmington. Has on board several passengers for Wilmington. Also
steamer Armstrong, for Nassau, with similar cargo ; ultimate destination, doubtless,
Wilmington.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 477

Letter from the U. S. consul at Nassau, New Providence, to the Secretary
of State, regarding blockade runners.

U. S. CONSULATE,
Nassau, September 24, 1864.

SIR : Since my last dispatch by the steamer in August, the following
steamers running the blockade have arrived and departed for Wil-
mington, Charleston, and Savannah :

Arrivals. — August 24, steamer Agnes Louisa, formerly Grape Shot,
from Liverpool, via Madeira; first trip. August 26, steamer Fox, from
Charleston. August 27, steamer Siren, from Charleston; steamer Will
o' the Wisp, from Wilmington. August 28, steamer Druid, from
Charleston. September 6, steamer General Whiting, from Charleston.
September 7, steamer Coquette, from Wilmington, 1,140 bales of cotton,
formerly belonged to Confederate Government, but now owned by a
Eichmond company; steamer Wando, formerly Let Her Rip, from
Bermuda. September 8, steamer Agnes C. Fry, formerly Fox, from
Bermuda. September 9, steamer Chicora, formerly Let Her Be, from
Wilmington. September 10, steamer Ella (new), from Wilmington.
September 12, steamer Fox, from Charleston; steamer Siren, from
Charleston. September 19, steamer Beatrice (new), from Glasgow.
September 22, steamer Will o1 the Wisp, from Wilmington. September
23, steamer, one, name unknown.

Sailed during same time. — August — , Prince Albert, lost entering
Charleston Harbor. August 24, Hope (new, large), for Wilmington.
August 28, steamer Fox, for Charleston. August 31, steamer Siren,
for Charleston; steamer Star, for Savannah, brought back disabled.
September 1, steamer Druid, for Charleston; steamer Stag, for Charles-
ton ; steamer Will o> the Wisp, for Wilmington. September 4, steamer
Agnes Louisa, formerly Grape Shot, sailed for Charleston, but put back
after being out, got on reef on Hog Island, will probably be a total loss.
September 17, steamer General Whiting, for Charleston. September
20, steamer Siren, for Charleston. September 21, steamer Mia, for
Wilmington. September 22, steamer Wando, for Charleston.

There is a large number in this harbor now undergoing repairs, and
large accessions to their numbers are daily expected. The last steamer
brought the news of the capture of two of their vessels, one, the A. D.
Vance, is said to be their best vessel; the other, called the Elsie, taken
near Wilmington. They are now organizing a company here for
purchasing and equipping a lot of sailing vessels to run the blockade
to and from Florida, along its coasts and up its rivers, and they look
upon schooners as being [better] calculated and less suspicious than
steamers.

I understand that officers of the British navy are now running as
blockade runners, and have been. A Captain Roberts, formerly cap-
tain of a blockade steamer Don, was absent as a post captain in the
British navy on a furlough, that when that furlough expired he went
to England and had it extended and is now in Bermuda, or about
there. His name in the Navy Register is supposed to be Hobert or
Herbert.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS KIRKPATRIOK.

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State of the United States of America.

478 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, U. 8. Navy, regard-
ing the sighting of a supposed blockade runner.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. C.t September 25, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 2 o'clock a. m. of this date,
while lying in 3£ fathoms of water off the wrecked steamer McCaw, I
saw a vessel farther offshore than myself, which looked suspicious, and
I accordingly steamed off a short distance to ascertain if it was one of
our vessels, and found it to be the U. S. S. Anemone, aud while return-
ing to station saw foaming of water inshore of us, looking like that
made by a steamer under headway, I therefore rang for all speed and
when within about a quarter of a mile of the wreck saw a steamer pass-
ing between the wreck and water battery, bound in ; a vessel, which I
suppose was the same, was seen inside Fort Caswell this morning at
daylight. At the time of sighting her Bald Head light bore E. S. E.,
Bug Light, E. by N., but as she was beyond the range of our guns I did
not fire at her.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. 0.

[Endorsement.]

I think this must have been a picket boat of the enemy, as no other
vessel saw her, and the sea on the bar was quite rough from strong
S. W. wind until near that time.
Bespectfully,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain Commanding Division.

The driving ashore and destruction of the blockade runner Lynx, Septem-
ber 25, 1864.

Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 30, 1864.

SIR : Referring to Acting Master Kemble's report of the 26th instant,
forwarded on the 28th, I transmit enclosed reports from the Howquah
(1) and Governor Buckingham (2), in reference to the destruction of a
blockade runner on the night of the 25th, which, as appears from North
Carolina papers forwarded in my No. 605 of this date, was the Lynx.

The Howquah sustained a cross fire from the fort and from our own
vessels, and Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Balch thinks that two shots
were fired by the Lynx. He lost 1 man killed and 4 wounded. The
enclosed report gives full particulars.

The main credit of this affair seems to be due Acting Master Kemble
of the Niphon. I have ordered his examination for promotion to the
grade of acting volunteer lieutenant.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant MacDiarmid, commanding the Gover-
nor Buckingham, and Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Balch, commanding

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 479

the Hoicquah, acted promptly and efficiently as usual. I was present
off New Inlet at the time.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Balch, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Howquah.

U. S. S. HOWQUAH,

Off Wilmington, N. <7., September 26, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report :
While standing on our station on the night of the 25th instant, saw
a rocket and the flash and heard the reports of three guns, Fort Fisher
bearing S. W. by W., distant 1£ miles, ship in 4£ fathoms of water.
Spread fires and called all hands to quarters and wore ship, head to
the eastward. Made a side-wheel steamer (with two smokestacks)
standing to the northward and eastward, and two of our vessels to the
southward and eastward of the steamer, firing rockets and guns toward
the steamer. Started ahead full steam, intending to run her down, but
the strange steamer was going so fast I found I could not reach her
(although we were going a good 10 knots at the time). Put the helm
to starboard, which brought the two ships side by side, heading
N. N. E., distant about 100 yards. Fired from the starboard battery
two percussion shells from the 30-pouuder rifles, one of them striking
the paddle box and the other forward of the paddle box. The explosion
of the shells illuminated the ship so that we could plainly see the parts
of the paddle box and ship flying in all directions. During this time
(to the best of my belief ) the steamer fired two shots at us. Shot and
shell were fired at us from the shore batteries, and also a continued fire
from our own vessels, coming from a southeast direction, shot and shell
passing over and near us. At 7 : 20 p. m. one 30-pounder percussion
shell struck the main rail on the starboard bow, cutting it through,
also striking the forward end of the 30 pounder pivot carriage, cutting
the breeching in two and disabling the carriage, glancing over, striking
the main rail on the port side, and falling on the deck (E have the shot
now on board). Fortunately this shell did not explode. This shell in
its passage struck Patrick Bagley, ordinary seaman, taking off his right
leg and killing him almost instantly; also slightly wounded Martin
Glynn, landsman, Thomas Judge, landsman, William Roach, landsman,
and George Stevens, coxswain. Owing at this time to the cross fire
from the batteries and our own vessels, and with a green crew that had
never before been under fire, it was almost impossible to keep them at
the guns. Immediately after our shell struck her she hauled up for
the beach, we losing sight of her when getting end on. Shortly after
made a sail to the eastward, challenged her, and was answered by the
night signal. Spoke the U. S. S. Governor Buckingham and requested
a surgeon to be sent on board. At 7:50 Acting Assistant Surgeon
W. S. Parker came on board and did all that could be done for the
wounded. At 8 : 30 p. m. saw the steamer on the beach on fire, where she
continued to burn all night. We returned on our station at 8 : 30 p. m.
I beg to call your particular attention to gallant conduct and coolness
displayed by Acting Assistant Paymaster E. W. Brooks, Acting

480

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Ensign G. P. St. John, Acting Second Assistant Engineer William G.
McLane, Acting Second Assistant Engineer D. R. Wylie, Acting Mas-
ter's Mate E. B. Smith, Boatswain's Mates William 0. Conner and
Alex Eobinson, for the faithful performance of their duties under
trying circumstances.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

J. W. BALCH,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. 8. 8. Howquah.

Actmg Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Additional report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Balch, U. S. Navy, giving diagram.

TJ. S. S. HOWQUAH,

Off Wilmington, N. C., September 26, 1864.

Diagram showing the positions of the different vessels when we first
made them, Fort Fisher bearing S. W. by W., distant 1£ miles, side-

wheel steamer S. S. E., Buckingham and Niphon in nearly the same
direction.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. BALCH,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Eeport of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant MacDiarmid, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Governor

Buckingham.

TJ. S. S. GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 26, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that shortly after 7 p. m. last even-
ing, while lying in 6 fathoms water, Mound light bearing S. W. by S.,
observed firing from U. S. S. Niphon, followed by a rocket thrown up
to N.N.E. Stood in full speed N. by W. ; saw a long, side- wheel steamer,
with two smokestacks and two masts, steering to the northward and
going very rapidly. Endeavored to get alongside of her, but found her

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 481

too fast; fired five shells at her, two of which struck and one 100-
pounder burst over her. The blockade breaker stood for the beach and
got out of sight. While standing in after her and to the northward of
her, observed one of our steamers making the night challenges very
often. Slowed down and were hailed by the U. S. S. Hoicquah, to send
the surgeon on board, as she had three men wounded. I immediately
dispatched a boat with Acting Assistant Surgeon W. S. Parker, of this
vessel. Upon his return he informed me that one of the men was dead,
the other two slightly wounded. About 8.30 p. m. saw a fire on the
beach; when I got to the northern end of my station, saw that it was
the blockade breaker burning on the beach. After daylight this a. m.
picked up 20 bales of cotton. I think the 100-pounder and 30-pounder
shells that struck the. blockade breaker must have set her on fire, as
they made a terrific explosion. She was so close that I fired all the
charges from my revolver at the men on her bridge.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN MAcDiARMiD,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

First Divisional Officer, off New Inlet, North Carolina.

Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 26, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 7.30 p. m. last evening
(25th), while on the northward beat of my station (No. 1), in 4 fathoms
water, Mound light bearing W. by S., I discovered a long steamer
painted white, with two smokestacks and two masts, coming out of
Swash Channel. Immediately gave chase; went to quarters, cast loose
port battery, and commenced firing at her. Fired several broadsides,
nearly every shot taking effect in the sides of the steamer. Finding
that she was leaving us, I immediately steered to head her off, intend-
ing to run her down, but her superior speed enabled her to cross my
bow at some 20 yards distance. T still continued firing at her and
throwing up rockets until she was sighted by the blockaders to the
northward. Feeling satisfied that she could not proceed to sea with
the damage she received by this vessel, and the vessel to the northward
having her in sight, I stood for my station to watch for her return, also
to prevent the escape of another steamer, which was lying under the
Mound ready to come out. Shortly after arriving on my station, I
discovered a dense column of smoke and flame, in the vicinity of Half
Moon battery, rising from a steamer's hull, and showing plainly her
masts and smokestacks, satisfying me that she was the same steamer
that 1 gave chase to, having been compelled to run on shore through
damages received, as no vessel to the northward claims to have run her
on shore. The name of the steamer I have not been able to ascertain.
The ammunition expended was 8 32-pouuder 5- second shell, 1 32-
pounder shot, 3 percussion shell, 20-pounder Parrott, and 3 percussion
shell, 12-pounder howitzer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Lieutenant-Commander M. HAXTUN,

Senior Officer Present, Commanding First Division.

N W R — VOL 10 31

482 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Endorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 28, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for information of Navy Department.
I take pleasure in calling the Department's attention to the meri-
torious conduct of Acting Master Kemble, recently transferred from
the Keystone State to the command of the Niphon, Acting Volunteer
Lieutenant Breck being on sick leave. He has been very vigilant and
discharged his arduous duties well.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Additional report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant MacDiarmid, U. S. Navy, regarding cotton.

U. S. S. GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 30, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that 34 bales and 2 half bales cotton,
marked "G. B. N.," picked up by the U. S. steamers Governor Buck-
ingham and Niphon on the 26th instant, about 4 miles from Fort Fisher,
have been put on board the U. S. S. New Berne, to be delivered at New
York. This cotton was thrown overboard from the blockade breaker
Lynx, which was driven ashore the evening previous and destroyed.
Acting Master's Mate Silas A. Taber, of this vessel, goes to New York
in the New Berne in charge of the cotton.

I have the honor herewith to enclose a list of the officers and crew of
this ship claiming to be entitled to share in the prize money accruing
from the capture of the above cotton. No other vessels to share.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN MACDIARMID,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. 'C.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Caldwell, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. R. R. Guyler.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 26, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler off Wilmington and
report to Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee for duty.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Commander C. H. B. CALDWELL,

Commanding U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler, Philadelphia.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant navy yard, New
York, regarding vessels undergoing repair at that station.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 26, 1864.

SIR : Send the Mahopac to Hampton Roads, weather permitting, on
the 1st of October, and do not allow any work to delay her, provided

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 483

she has power to move. Let all the vessels possible, DOW under repairs
at the New York yard, be ready for sea ou the 5th proximo.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Rear- Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 26, 1864.

Let the Monadnock leave, weather permitting, surely on the 2d
instant, with Rhode Island as convoy and tow, for New York, and the
Brooklyn on the 6th instant for Hampton Roads.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Bear- Admiral S. H. STRINGHAM,

Commandant Navy Yard, Boston, Mass.

[Telegram.]

NEW YORK, September 26, 1864.

(Received 6: 20 p. m.)

The picket boats left here on Thursday last. Lieutenant William B.
Cashing follows to-morrow; he is now at the United States Hotel,
New York.

WM. W. W. WOOD.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Report of Captain Boggs, U. S. Navy, regarding casualties to picket boats
Nos. 1 and 2, en route to Hampton Roads.

NEW YORK, September 26, 1864.

ADMIRAL : I respectfully report that picket boats Nos. 1 and 2 left the
navy yard on Thursday last, under orders from Lieutenant Gushing to
proceed to Hampton Roads via the canal routes. These boats arrived
at New Brunswick, N. J., the entrance to the Delaware and Raritan
Canal, on Sunday, Being at my residence at the time, their arrival
was reported to me. Acting Ensign Stockholm, commanding No. 2,
informed me that his boat had been on the rocks near Bergen Point, N. J.,
sunk for two days, and that boat No. 1 had been on the rocks for one
tide. I considered it prudent to haul them out for examination and
found the coppering of both boats much damaged; No. 1 with a hole in
her bottom and damaged slightly on her keel. I gave my personal
attention to having them properly repaired, supplied them with coal,
and a pilot for the Delaware River, and dispatched them through the
canal at 0 p. m. on Sunday. The ammunition of No. 2 having been

484 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

damaged at the time she sunk, I directed it to be landed at the Phila
delphia navy yard in passing down the Delaware River.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. S. BOGGS,

Captain.
Bear- Admiral F. H. GREGORY,

General Superintendent.

[Telegram.]

PHILADELHIA, September 26, 1864.

(Received 1:30 p. in.)

SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel for repairs,
in obedience to an order of the 21st instant from Captain M. Smith,
divisional officer in James River, Virginia.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN L. DAVIS,
Lieutenant-Commander, U. S.Navy, U. S. S. Sassacus, Navy Yard.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Letter from the U. S. consul at Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the Secretary of
State, regarding the British blockade runner Condor.

U. S. CONSULATE,

Halifax, [Nova Scotia], September 26, 1864.

[SiR:] I have the honor to inform you that the British blockade-run-
ning steamer Condor, which cleared from this port on the 24th instant,
as previously reported, with a valuable cargo, including clothing for the
Confederate Army, destined for Wilmington, is commanded by Captain
[William N. W.] Hewett, late commander of the British ship of war
Rinaldo, and still an officer in her Majesty's service on half pay, under
the assumed name of Samuel S. Ridge.

The Condor is a new and superior vessel of about 300 tons, built
expressly for running the blockade. She was built at Glasgow, where
she is registered, and is insured by Donald McGregor, of London. She
is of a rakish build; very long, narrow in beam, and furnished with
three low funnels and two short masts. She is of light draft and great
speed. Her hull is painted very light lead color.

M. M. JACKSON,

U. S. Consul.
Hon. W. H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding the chasing of blockade runners, off New Inlet.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Off New Inlet, September 26, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed reports, dated the 21st instant, from the
Niphon (1) and Alabama (2), of sighting and driving back a steamer

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 485

which, on the iiight of the 20th, made two attempts to run the blockade
of New Inlet, with an interval of about two hours between the two, and
was driven back each time.

Also reports from the Niphon, Acting Master E. Kemble, command-
ing, dated 23d (3) and 25th (4), the first reporting the turning back of
a steamer attempting to come out of New Inlet on the night of the 22d,
and the second the entrance of a runner on the night of the 24th, ten
shots being fired at her and two apparently striking her.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure 1.]

TJ. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off New Inlet, September 21, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to enclose to the Admiral two reports, marked
"A" and "B," with their duplicates. When the Niphon threw up the
rockets E. S. E. I was heading N. N. E. I immediately put the ship at
full speed and steered S. S. E. for twenty minutes, then steered S. E. for
twenty minutes more, and not seeing anything we returned to our sta-
tion at 11:40 p. m. The Alabama discovered a vessel, supposed to be
the same, attempting to run in, and she was again driven off', and with-
out any of the other vessels seeing her. The night was very hazy.

It gives me pleasure to state to the admiral that no vessel has passed
in or out since my return on the 18th instant.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

[•suljenclosure A.]

TJ. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 21, 1864.
SIB : I have the honor to report that a steamer was discovered last
night at 10 p. m. by the Niphon, bearing N. E., standing inshore (this
ship occupying No. 1 station in 4 fathoms water, Mound bearing W. \
N.), when she suddenly altered her course to the E. S. E., having appar-
ently sighted the vessel off Swash Channel. I immediately, under full
steam, stood to the eastward to cut her off; at the same time challenged
her twice; received no answer. I immediately opened fire upon her
with 20-pounder Parrott, throwing up two rockets at the same time.
She was across our bow in a moment, and lost sight of her, standing to
the S. E., as the third and last shot was fired. I have every reason to
believe this was a blockade runner trying to run into Wilmington, and
finding a vessel at Swash Channel, intended trying the main one, not
sighting us until seeing the challenge lights. The steamer was long and
low and with difficulty could be seen.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDM. KEMBLE,

Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Commanding 1st Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

486 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Subenclosure B.]

U. S. S. ALABAMA,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 21, 1864.

SIR : I beg leave to make the following report :

At 11:40 p. m. of the :20th I had just reached the southwestern limit
of my station, with Bald Head light bearing W. by N. and Mound light
N. by W., and was in the act of turning the ship to N. N. E., when we
observed a vessel standing out to the southeastward across our stern.
He looked long, low, and in the moon's rays appeared glowing white.
I immediately swung my ship to bring him a little forward of the port
beam, rung full speed, and beat to quarters. We made him out run-
ning and veering his course to the northward as we approached him.
As soon as I had him within the observations of the officers of the
divisions, I challenged him with the night signal, under my own per-
sonal supervision, and waited for his answer for the space of one or two
minutes. He made no reply. I, being satisfied that he was a stranger
and an enemy, I ordered the first division to point and fire, which was
done in quick succession. He made no reply, nor did he show any
signal, but turned in toward the shore to the northwestward. I fol-
lowed him at full speed, keeping him in obscure view. After running
till twenty minutes past midnight we sighted what we took to be the
same vessel hove to, a little to the westward of where we had been
tracking the chase in dim uncertainty. When near enough we found
it out to be the Mercedita and not the vessel we had first encountered
and fired into. She, it is quite evident, was headed oft' and forced back.
I observed the IX-inch shell from our pivot explode right over his deck.
I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

FRANK SMITH,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. G.

[Enclosure 2.]

U. S. S. NlPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 23, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that last evening, the 22d instant,
at 11: 20 p. m., a steamer was discovered by this vessel coming out of
New Inlet (the Niphon occupying No. 1 station, in one-fourth less 4
fathoms water, Mound light bearing W. by N.). Immediately went to
quarters, cast loose battery, and gave said steamer (at the same time
throwing up two rockets to the eastward) our whole port broadside,
which had the effect to make him about ship and put back again. Our
helm was immediately put to starboard to bring the ship around that
our starboard battery might be brought to bear on him. For a few
moments only he was lost sight of, when we caught sight of him again
near the Mound, broadside toward us. She was brought to bear abeam
and our whole broadside battery was trained upon and fired at him.
She was seen from the ship at 9 p. m. under the S. W. side of the Mound,
and a strict watch kept upon his movements. At 11 : 35 p. m. she was
seen to take up her old position near the Mound, alter which .Fort
Fisher opened fire upon us, firing five shell, which exploded near us.
There were also two shots fired from the Mound, which went over us
some distance. The steamer was long, high out of the water, having
two smokestacks, and whether propeller or side-wheel we could not

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 487

tell. One of the percussion shells from the howitzer exploded iii line
with the steamer: whether it hit the vessel or struck the shore and
exploded, I am not able to tell. During the remaining part of the night
a careful watch was kept and nothing went out of Wilmington by way
of New Inlet. The ammunition expended was 6 32-pounder 5-second
shell; 3 percussion shell, howitzer; 2 percussion shell, 20-pounder
Parrott.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Commanding l&t Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure 3;]

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off Neic Inlet, North Carolina, September 25, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that last night at midnight a steamer
was discovered by this vessel at the S. W., standing into New Inlet
(the Niphon occupying No. 1 station, in 4 to 4| fathoms water; Mound
light bearing W. by S.). Immediately went to quarters and prepared
battery for action ; gave chase to said steamer, giving her our full port
broadside. Finding him gaining rapidly ahead of us and shoaling our
water, being nearly on the bar, our helm was put to starboard, and as
he crossed our bow, received the whole of our starboard broadside.
Two percussion shell were seen to strike him. He succeeded, however,
in passing our bow and entering New Inlet, greatly to the chagrin of
officers and men. The ammunition expended was 6 32-pounder 5-
second shell, 3 percussion from howitzer, and 1 20 pounder Parrott.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Commanding 1st Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding means for reaching Washington en route to his new
command.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 37, 1864.

(Received October 1, 7:30 a. m.)

SIR: When your relief arrives you will be directed to come to Wash-
ington on your way to the Gulf. The Malvern, or some other vessel,
will take you to Hampton Eoads, whence the Baltimore (ordnance ves-
sel) can be sent for you, if you so desire, but the Department does not
wish the Malvern to come to Washington for repairs, which can not be
executed here.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

488 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to the commandant navy yard, New
York, regarding the U. 8. 8. Maumee.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 27, 1864.

SIR: Direct the Maumee to proceed to Hampton Koads and report to
the Department her arrival there.
Very respectfully, etc.)

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Rear-Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Harris,
U. 8. Navy, regarding the U. S. 8. Yantic.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 27, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Yantic to Hampton lioads and await
there the further orders of the Department.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. HARRIS,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Yantic, Wood's Holl, Mass.

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, regarding information
received from General Weitzel, U. S. Army, in relation to a combined
attack upon Wilmington, N. C.

Confidential.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Off New Inlet, September 27, 1864.

SIR: General Weitzel came here yesterday in the army gunboat
Chamberlin, from which he viewed the coast above Fort Fisher. He
is now on board this vessel with me, and finds himself so fully supplied
with important information, especially of the topography of the Federal
Point peninsula, from the pilots and guides whom I had previously
procured, that he did not even consider it advisable to land at Big Hill
below Masonboro, which he could have done with entire safety, and
which would have given him an instructive view of the peninsula,
which must be the first object of any intelligent plan to capture, as it-
embraces Wilmington, Masouboro, and Federal Point, and is the key
to the position.

A landing on the coast above Fort Fisher and near Masonboro, con-
ducted and covered by the navy, and preceded by a well-devised
demonstration above Lockwood's Folly, would give the opportunity of
surprising Wilmington and the river defenses just below it, and of
reducing the works on Federal Point by a combined army and navy
attack.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 489

Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8.
Niphon, regarding the escape of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 27, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that at 3:15 a. m. discovered a
steamer (painted white, with two smokestacks and two masts) bearing
E., standing in toward New Inlet, Niphon occupying No. 1 station in
4£ fathoms water, Mound light bearing W. J N. Went to quarters and
cast loose battery, the steamer coming toward us, apparently not see-
ing this vessel until within 50 yards, when the accidental discharge of
one of our guns made him acquainted with our whereabouts, which
caused him to change his course to the southward. Immediately we
opened upon him from our port battery, throwing up rockets at the
same time, until he was sighted by vessels to the southward, when I
returned to my station off New Inlet, at which nothing passed in or
out during the night.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8.
Niphon, regarding the discovery of a steamer on the shoals at Federal
Point.

U. S. S. NIPHON,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 27, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to state in addition to my report of this morn-
ing that there was a steamer discovered by this vessel at 3 : 45 a. m.,
bearing about W S. W. from the Mound, on the extreme end of Federal
Point, on the shoals, and have every reason to believe that said steamer
came up from Sinithville during the night, with the intention of run-
ning out, as yesterday evening there were lying at Smithville three
steamers, behind the Mound two, and at the former place this morning
at daylight there were but two in sight, while at the latter place the
same two still occupy the same positions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Phelon, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S.
Daylight, regarding the chase of a steamer.

TJ. S. S. DAYLIQHT,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 27, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that this morning at 3 : 20, Mound
light bearing N. N. W., Bald Head light bearing S. W. by W., saw rock-
ets and Hashes and heard the report of heavy guns bearing to the N.
and E.

490 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Immediately assembled at quarters and steamed in that direction.
At 3: 35 saw a double smokestack steamer ahead, steering to S. and
W. Changed our course and stood inshore for the purpose of cutting
her off, at the same time firing at her with 5 second shell. She imme-
diately changed her course to the S. and B. We signalized with a
rocket and kept our position close inshore. The vessel was soon lost
to view, and was last seen burning black smoke. From all appear-
ances the vessel was endeavoring to run in.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY A. PHELON,
Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Daylight.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Baker,
U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Huron.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 28, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the U. S. S. Huron to Hampton Roads and await
there the further orders of the Department.
Yery respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander F. H. BAKER,

Commanding U. S. S. Huron, Philadelphia.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Renshaic, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Massasoit.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 28, 1864.

SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Massaxoit to Hampton Eoads and
await there the further orders of the Department.
Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Commander E. T. EENSHAW,

Commanding U. S. S. Massasoit, Boston.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding the command of the naval forces in the sounds of
North Carolina.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 28, 1864.

SIR : The order of the Department of the 1st instant, appointing
Commodore S. C. Eowan to command the naval forces within the
sounds of North Carolina, has been revoked by that officer's request,
arid that portion of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron will be
under your command as heretofore.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Old Point, Va.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 491

Report of Captain Sands, U. 8. Navy, regarding the operations of the
Confederates at Fort Casicell.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, September 28, 1864.
SIR : * * * The rebels have been engaged this morning till noon
in the channel near and outside the rip at Fort Caswell with a tag and
two large boats, the tug with strong shears rigged forward for lifting
purposes, and large bodies like a cask hoisted into the large boats,
apparently torpedoes or other obstructions, with which they moved
across the channel. The tug is about the size of the Anemone, and has
arrangement or outrigger at the stem, apparently for torpedoes.

During this morning a large truck with eight span of horses has been
transporting heavy gUDS from Fort Caswell to Fort Campbell, having
made three trips before noon.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Commanding Division Three, Western Bar.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Report of Acting Master Keyser, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S.
Victoria, regarding the chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, September 29, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that at 12 : 25 a. m. of this date,
being in 4£ fathoms water with Bald Head light bearing N. N. E. £ E.
and Bug light N. £ W., saw a side wheel steamer pass our stern going
S. E. We immediately started full speed and as soon as a gun would
bear, fired upon her. Also fired a rocket in the direction she was
going. We did not keep her in sight long enough to fire a second shot,
as her speed was very great, and we could not accomplish more than
the rate of 3 knots, owing to the negligence of the engineer of the
watch, viz, Acting Third Assistant Engineer F. M. Dykes.

Before losing sight of her, I fired another rocket to S. E. Soon after
stopped upon my station.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, North Carolina.

[Endorsement.]

SEPTEMBER 29, 1864.

I think this was a vessel endeavoring to run in. It was dead low
water. The other vessels watching the bar to the northward and west-
ward of the Victoria saw no such vessel near their beat. Neither the
Aries, close up on N. W. and S. E. line, westward of and in sight of Vic-
toria, nor the Dumbarton, also close up and S. E. of Victoria, saw any-
thing of such runner.

My opinion is, that she must have come up along the reef slowly,
showing no wake, to run in, trimming the edge of shoals; passing the

492 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Dumbarton (the eastern vessel on N. W. and S. E. line) unseen, then
seeing the Victoria (watching Marshall Shoal), then the Aries (the next
vessel on N. W. and S. E. line), and probably the Anemone (watching
the Swash eastward of middle ground), and finding the bar so closely
guarded, when discovered by the Victoria had turned to go out again.
When the signal was made we immediately stood E. S. E. and S. E.
and the Dumbarton stood over to the reef, but saw nothing. The same
vessels seen last evening inside at sunset are there this morning.
Bespectfully, etc.,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Commanding Division Three, off Western Bar.

Case of the British steamer Night Hawk, destroyed September 29, 1864.
Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting additional reports.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 1, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report to the Department the destruction
of the blockade runner Night Hawk by the Niphon, on the night of the
29th ultimo. The enclosed report, dated 30th instant (1), from Acting
Master Kemble gives full particulars. I have disposed of the few arti-
cles saved, as thereon noted. It also appears from this report that
another vessel succeeded earlier in the night in escaping from New
Inlet, although fired at by the Niphon and apparently struck several
times.

I enclose also a report, dated 27th instant, from Acting Master Phelon
(2), commanding the Daylight, of driving off a blockade runner which
was attempting to enter New Inlet on the morning of that day.

In my No. 606, of 30th ultimo, 1 informed the Department that I had
in consideration of Acting Master Kemble's services in the destruction
of the Lynx ordered his examination for promotion to acting volun-
teer lieutenant, t now respectfully recommend that this promotion be
conferred without the formality of an examination. I also recommend
for promotion Acting Ensign E. N. Semon, of the Niphon, who, as will
be seen by his report, enclosed in Acting Master Kemble's, boarded the
Night Hawk under a heavy fire from the fort and set her on lire, and who
has also rendered valuable services, alluded to in my recent confidential
reports to the Department.

The blockade is now as close as it can be made with the means at
my command. The smaller vessels are stationed as near the bar and
batteries as the state of the weather, light, and their draft will allow.
These are pressed in by a line of larger vessels, and these again by the
divisional officer, moving along the line. The inner line are not allowed
to chase off; those of the second, which see the runner, are. All are
kept underway all night.

I have, sir, the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 493

Report of Acting Master Kemble, V. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 30, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that last evening, the 29th instant,
at 7:45 p. m., a steamer was discovered by this vessel coming out of
New Inlet, the Niphon being on No. 1 station, Mound ligbt bearing
W. £ S. in 4£ fathoms water. Stood for the bar at full speed ; went to
quarters ; cast loose starboard battery. Found the steamer to be reach-
ing ahead of us ; brought her abeam and opened fire upon her, at the
same time throwing up rockets to the S. S. E. Fired two broadsides
at steamer (nine shots), four shots of which took effect in her hull, she
being distant about -40 yards, causing her to display lights. About
this time the fort threw up a rocket to the N. and E., firing three guns
at the same time, doubtless with the intention of confusing the fleet.
Thinking the steamer had surrendered by her displaying lights, and
being at the time to the W. of Sheep Head Bock from us, I stood for
her, standing to the W. N. W. in order to clear them. When near her
she steamed ahead full speed to the S. and E., and in a few moments
was lost sight of, after which I returned to my station on the bar. At
11:15 p. m. saw a steamer at the S. E., standing in toward New Inlet,
the Niphon being in 5 fathoms water, Mound light bearing W. by S. ;
gave chase; went to quarters; opened fire upon her, causing her to run
ashore on Federal Shoals. At 11 : 30 sent second cutter with armed
boat's crew, in charge of Acting Ensign E. N. Semon and Second Assist-
ant Engineer T. L. Churchill, with orders to see if said steamer could
be got afloat, if not, to bring off officers and crew and destroy her.
Shortly after his boarding the steamer the fort and batteries opened
fire upon both her and this vessel, several of the shell falling in close
proximity to us. I enclose the report of Acting Ensign E. N. Semon,
who carried out my instructions with great coolness and energy under
the severe fire of the batteries. At 1 : 40 this a. m. the boat returned
to this ship, in company with one of the steamer's boats, bringing the
captain, officers, and part of the crew; in all, 23. The complement of
the vessel was 42, 19 of whom escaped on shore. The vessel proved to
be the English steamer Night HawTc, with general cargo for Wilming-
ton from Bermuda the 26th instant. The steamer was long and low,
side-wheel, two smokestacks, and two masted. Sailed from Liverpool
August 27, and was owned in that place. Kate of speed, 14 knots ; 300
tons burden; cost £30,000; capacity of carrying, 800 bales cotton.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 30, 1864.
SIR : In obedience to your orders I left this vessel at 11 : 40 p. m. in
charge of second cutter, accompanied by Acting Assistant Engineer
T. L. Churchill, and proceeded to destroy the vessel which we caused
to run on the Federal Shoals, distant about one-half mile from Fort
Fisher. At 12: 15 a. m. came alongside the vessel; after firing several
rifle shots at a boat which was escaping from the steamer, I succeeded
in boarding her safely on the port side, although a heavy surf was
running at the time. I immediately sent Acting Second Assistant

494 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Engineer T. L. Churchill to the engine room, and after ascertaining
that the steamer could not be got off the shoals, I collected all the com-
bustibles which could be got at, including several cases of spirituous
liquors, and set her on fire in the cabin. At the same time Acting
Second Assistant Engineer T. L. Churchill, by my order, set her on fire
forward. He also threw several shovelsful of live coals, taken from the
furnaces, into the coal bunkers. After seeing that the fire was pro-
gressing favorably, I ordered all hands belonging to the steamer,
including the captain and chief engineer, to get into the boat under my
charge. I also gave orders to the crew of the steamer to lower their
own boats and follow me to the Niphon. About this time Fort Fisher
opened upon us with shot, shell, and grape, which fell all around us.
Not deeming it prudent to remain longer on board, I started for this
ship and came aboard at 1 : 40 a. m.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. N. SBMON,
Acting Ensign, IT. S. Navy.
Acting Master E. KEMBLE,

Commanding U. B, 8. Niphon.

List of articles saved from the English steamer Night Hawk.

One chronometer, No. 1741, transferred to the New Berne (turned over
to the U. S. 8. Release to replace hers, lent Lilian).

One boat, transferred to the U. S. S. New Berne (turned over to Com-
mander Dove for general service).
One pair night glasses (retained for ship's use).

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear -Admiral.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, for an investigation
regarding the circumstances of the capture, transmitting documents from the British
minister.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 5, 1864.

SIR : The destruction of the steamer Night Hawk on the 29th of Sep-
tember last, while endeavoring to enter Wilmington, and the alleged
improper treatment of the officers and crew of that vessel has been the
subject of a complaint on the part of Lord Lyons, the British minister
in Washington.

When this subject was first brought up by Lord Lyons this Depart-
ment communicated such facts regarding the destruction of the Night
Hawk as were contained in the report of Acting Ensign E. N. Semou,
of the 30th of September last, forwarded to the Department by Acting
Rear- Admiral Lee, and sustained the course pursued by him, as therein
indicated. Lord Lyons has replied under date of the 26th ultimo, and a
copy of his reply, as well as of the papers accompanying it, is herewith
enclosed.

The Department wants a full investigation of the circumstances
attending the destruction of the Night HawTc. You will perceive what
stress has been laid upon certain alleged remarks of Captain Glisson,
condemning the action of Acting Ensign Semon and reflecting on the
official capacity of that officer. The papers transmitted contain matter
calling for explanations from both Captain Glisson and Acting Ensign
Semon.

In bringing to light all the facts bearing upon this case, the partic-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 495

ular time at which the rebel forts opened upoii the Night Hawk, the
circumstances under which musketry was fired at that vessel by the
boarding party from the Niphon, the wounding of one of the officers of
the Night Haick, and the treatment of those on board, are points requir-
ing particular attention.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
liear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Letter from the British minister to the Secretary of State, enclosing documents.

WASHINGTON, November 26, 1864.

SIR : On receipt of yom note of the 1st instant, which only reached
me on the 16th instant, relative to the case of the Night Hawk, I imme-
diately communicated a copy of it to her Majesty's consul at New
York, in order that the two statements, the one from this legation, as
reported by Mr. Archibald, and your counter statement, might be con-
fronted, the better to arrive at a clear understanding of the whole of
this painful transaction.

You will perceive by the enclosed copy of a dispatch of the 23d
instant from Mr. Archibald, that he has been at great pains to sift the
whole affair by examining Captain Smiley again for the purpose of ascer-
taining whether by any chance there was any exaggeration in the first
report submitted to you.

1 regret to say that on an examination of the paper now submitted to
you, I can not look upon your reply as conveying by any means a satis-
factory explanation of the occurrences, and must come to the conclu-
sion that there must have been some willful concealment of the facts on
the part of the boarding officer, thus obliging the Secretary of the Navy,
on his side, to take an erroneous view of these facts.

Ensign SeinoiTs conduct was, as Mr. Burnley had the honor to state
in his note of the -Oth ultimo, strongly condemned by the commanding
officer of the Santiago de Cuba, but of this no notice seems to have been
taken by the Secretary of the Navy Department ; not a single examina-
tion of the ship's papers was made, but the boarding officer immediately
set fire to the ship, and grossly ill-treated the engineer.

As to whether the seizure of the vessel when within range and protec-
tion of a rebel battery rendered the vessel liable to destruction, and the
men to be held as prisoners of war, it will be for her Majesty's Govern-
ment to decide, when the case is laid before them ; but, until that deci-
sion reaches me, it is my duty to resist such an assumption, for I consider
that the actual facts of the case furnish no foundation for it.

The vessel was, it is true, within range of the enemy's battery, owing
to the accident of the grounding, but there was no concert between
them, no seeking of protection from the fort, no expectation of it, and in
fact but for the extraordinary conduct of the boarding officer in firing
the ship, the fort might have known nothing at all about the prize.
When she was discovered and fire opened the capture of the vessel had
been completed. She had been set fire to and abandoned by her cap-
tors. I must therefore resist the pretension that a neutral crew, non-
combants and unresisting, are to be treated as prisoners of war.

Until, therefore, I am proved to be wrong, and the whole narrative of
facts proved to be a romance, I must assume that the wounding of the

496 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

men and the firing of the ship and the detention of the crew are unlaw-
ful acts, committed on a British ship and British seamen.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,

J. HUME BURNLEY,

for LORD LYONS.
Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

p. s. — 1 beg you to be so good as to return the enclosed affidavit
to me.

[Enclosures. 1

NEW YORK, November 23, 1864.

MY LORD: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your lord-
ship's dispatch of the 17th instant, transmitting to me a copy of a note
dated the 1st of November, but received by your lordship only on the
16th instant, from the Secretary of State of the United States respect-
ing the cause of the detention of the master and crew of the Night
Hawk.

This note contains the substance of an explanation in regard to the
capture of the Night Hawk and detention of the crew of that vessel, fur-
nished by the honorable the Secretary of the Navy. It is, I presume,
founded on a report made by the officer who was in charge of the board-
ing party which captured the Night Hawk.

The statements contained in it are in some important particulars so
much at variance with those made by the master of the Night Hawk,
and communicated by me to your lordship in my dispatch of the 17th
ultimo, that I deemed it right to take the earliest opportunity which the
great pressure of business admitted to visit and examine the officers, as
well as the master of the ship, in reference to the whole of the circum-
stances connected with the capture of the vessel. I have accordingly
embodied their statements of facts in affidavits, made before me by the
master, chief officer, and chief engineer of the Night Hawk, which affi-
davits I transmit, herewith, enclosed for your lordship's information.

From these depositions it appears that the Night Hawk ran aground
before the commander and crew were aware that they were being
chased, the first intimation of their being pursued being the discharge
of small arms from the Niphon's boats. That this tiring was entirely
unprovoked, no resistance being offered, nor any attempt of the crew
being made to escape until after the first volley was fired. In the
explanation forwarded by the Navy Department it is stated truly that
Fort Fisher opened fire "shortly" after the steamer was boarded, but
it is left to be inferred that the boarding party were impeded in their
efforts to get the ship off by reason of the fire from the fort. In regard
to this, Captain Smiley and his officers swear positively that not a shot
was fired from the shore until after the two boats had left the steamer,
and were well on their way to the Niphon. It is manifest from the facts
sworn to that it was owing solely to the setting fire to the steamer that
she attracted the attention of the fort, and that from this circumstance
resulted the firing from the shore.

In the explanation it is stated that the boarding party abandoned
the Night Hawk, bringing with them such of the "officers and crew as
had not succeeded in making their escape." The master and officers
swear positively to the fact of 14 men, including 3 who were wounded,
being left on the deck of the steamer; of the master's remon-
strance with the officer for his inhumanity, and of the report of the offi-
cer himself to his commander of the fact of a "lot of others" being left

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 497

on board. These 14 did not include the 6 men who had escaped from
the steamer after the firing of small arms from the boarding party.

It is sworn in the affidavits that the engineer accompanying the
boarding officer asked permission to extinguish the fire and get the ship
off, which was refused. The master assures me that in twenty minutes'
time, with the rising tide and the action of the engineer, the ship could
have been got off. It is now known that the ship did eventually float
oft', and that the fires, after burning for nearly a day, were extin-
guished. It is evident, however, that but for the erroneous conduct of
the boarding officer, the ship would have been got off and become a
valuable prize, and the lives of the men left on board would not have
been so recklessly periled, as they were.

The question, howerer, now for consideration is the legality of the
detention of the officers and crew of the Night Hawk, seemingly, as pris-
oners of war. This detention is attempted to be justified on the ground
that a part of her cargo consisted of contraband of war, and that at the
time of her capture and destruction she was within the range and pro-
tection of the rebel batteries.

The proposition that because a neutral ship carries contraband of
war, even in the attempt to violate a blockade, she is liable to destruc-
tion without adjudication, is a novel one. The fact that she was within
the range of the rebel batteries until these batteries actually opened
fire, did not, under the circumstances, render it necessary, and did not
justify the officer in destroying the ship.

The statement that the ship was laden at Liverpool by Henry Lafone
is erroneous. The ship was laden at Bermuda; Mr. Lafone merely
apted as broker at Liverpool, and was not interested as owner in the
ship or cargo. The statement that he is a well-known agent of the
insurgents may or may not be mere assertion; but surely this state-
ment and other circumstances (which are not stated) are a very insuffi-
cient foundation for the declaration that "little room for doubt is left
that both the vessel and her cargo were, in point of fact, belligerent
and not neutral property, liable to capture, or if attempting to escape,
thereby showing a consciousness of guilt to such destruction as might
result from that attempt." That a neutral vessel violating blockade
should attempt to escape is quite natural, but when boarded and cap-
tured, her destruction would not certainly be justified by any such pre-
vious attempt to escape. That men, quiet and unresisting, should,
when a volley of small arms was fired at them, escape for their lives, is
not less natural; but that from this obvious and natural proceeding
such a consciousness of guilt should be inferred as rendered the ship
liable to destruction, seems a strange deduction.

Had the Night Hawlc been got off and brought into this port for con-
demnation, it can hardly be doubted that the officers and crew, being
neutrals, would have been discharged as usual in other cases, after the
taking of the testimony before the prize commissioners. If, through the
proceedings adopted by the boarding officer, and certainly without any
resistance or interference on the part of the master and crew of the
Night Haiclc, that vessel has not become the subject of adjudication, it
seems peculiarly hard on the latter that they should be treated as bel-
ligerents and held as prisoners of war. These men, 23 in number, have
now been imprisoned for seven weeks. I trust that on a reconsidera-
tion of the circumstances the Government of the United States may be
disposed to discontinue their further detention.
I have, etc.,

E. M. ARCHIBALD.

The LORD LYONS, Etc.
N w R — VOL 10 32

498 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Affidavit of U. F. Smiley.

Uriah Francis Smiley, at present confined in the county jail, New
York, late commander of the British steamer Night Hawk, of Liverpool,
inaketh oath and saith that he is a native of the county of Down, Ire-
land, and a subject of her Britannic Majesty, and has never taken the
oath of allegiance to any foreign state.

That he has seen and read an enclosure (dated the 1st instant) in a
dispatch from Lord Lyons to the British consul, containing the sub-
stance of a report of the capta; e of the said steamer, and this deponent
saith that the facts in relation to the said transaction are as follows:

The Night Hawk ran in toward New Inlet, [North Carolina], on the
night of the 29th of September, without any hindrance from any vessel
of blockading squadron ; that at about 11 o'clock p. m. the steamer
grounded for about ten minutes, but, being backed off, proceeded on
her way, and that about three-quarters of an hour afterwards, owing
to the mistake of the pilot, she again ran aground and remained fast,
but would have floated off in a short time, as the tide was rising; that
shortly before the steamer ran aground some guns were tired from a
vessel, but at such a great distance and in a direction so different
from that of the Night Hawk that deponent believed they were directed
at some other vessel; that he had no idea that his vessel was actually
being pursued until a volley of small arms was fired from the crew of a
boat approaching the Night Hawk, which was the first intimation they
had of her being pursued; that at this time the Night Hawk was fast
aground; that the first discharge of small arms wounded the surgeon,
Mr. Taylor, who was standing beside deponent on the bridge, a ball
having passed through his thigh; that two or three more volleys were
fired before the crew of the boat boarded the steamer, wounding Patrick
Hartigan, a seaman, and John McKee, a fireman, and this deponent
solemnly swears that no one on board the Night Hawk made any resist-
ance or show of resistance, nor did anyone escape or attempt to escape
before the first volley of small arms was fired, but that directly after
the first discharge the pilot, signal man, and four others lowered a
small boat, jumped into it, and escaped to the shore, and that none of
these were wounded. And deponent further saith that the officer in
charge of the boarding party, who deponent has since learned was
Ensign Sernon, from the U. S. S. Niphon, having enquired what ship it
was, and being told by deponent that it was the Night Hawk, from
Bermuda, without asking for the ship's papers or making any further
enquiry, went into the cabin and set the ship on fire, at the same time
sending an officer into the fore part of the steamer to fire her there,
which was also done ; that within three minutes after the steamer was
boarded she was set on fire; that at the time this was done deponent
told the boarding officer that there was a canister containing about 40
pounds of powder in the mate's cabin. That a Mr. Churchill, an engi-
neer, of the U. S. S. Niphon, who formed one of the boarding party,
asked permission of the ensign to put the fire out and get the ship off,
inasmuch, as he said, no one from the shore could interfere with them
for an hour to come, and that as the tide was rising the steamer would
float off soon ; that the said boarding officer refused to grant such per-
mission, saying he did not care a d n, he would blow them all to

h ; that the boarding officer then ordered deponent and the crew

of the Night Hawk into the boat of the Niphon and the only available
boat of the Night Hawk; that at this time the chief engineer of the
Night Hawk civilly asked the boarding officer to allow him to go down

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 499

to his cabin for some of his things; that the only reply which the officer

made was calling the engineer a d d rebel, and a violent blow

with a pistol on the face of the engineer, which laid his cheek open,
inflicting a very severe wound ; that there were taken in the two boats,
including this deponent, 23 in all of the officers and crew of the Night
Haick; that there were at that time left on board 14 men in all, includ-
ing the 3 wounded men, who were lying on the deck; that on pushing
off from the steamer's side deponent remonstrated with the boarding
officer against leaving the rest of the crew and the wounded men on
board the ship ; that at this time some of the men on deck were seen
going toward the stern, as if to put the fire out, when the boarding
officer pointed his pistol at them and with coai se oaths threatened to
shoot them ; Mr. Churchill, his engineer, begged him not to do so; that
the two boats then moved off toward the Niphon, and that on deponent
again referring to the inhumanity of leaving the men on the ship, as
they might be burned or blown up, and that the ensign ought to send
a boat to their relief, that officer replied that if they could not bail out

the boat that was lying astern and get off in it they might go to h

and be d d ; that at this time the flames were coming up through

the cabin scuttle. And deponent solemnly swears that not a single
gun was fired from Fort Fisher or any battery on shore until after the
two boats had left the Night Hawk and were well on their way to the
Niphon; that Fort Fisher then fired some shot and shell over the Night
Hawk, the after part of which was at this time in flames. And deponent
further saith that when the boats came alongside the Niphon the
boarding officer called out to the commander that he had the captain
and 22 other prisoners from the Night Hawk and that there was a lot
left on board whom he could not bring off, but that there was a boat
alongside which they could bail out and get off in ; that on boarding
the Niphon deponent reported to Captain Kemble, her commander, the
leaving of the wounded men and the rest of the crew on board the
steamer and complained of the conduct of the boarding officer. Cap-
tain Kernble said he regretted having sent him, adding that he was a
man of ungovernable temper; that deponent was then transferred to
the U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, and on going on board reported to Cap-
tain Glisson, her commander, the conduct of the boarding officer in
firing on the crew of the Night Haick and in his setting fire to the
ship and leaving the wounded men and rest of the crew on board. Cap-
tain Glisson said in reply that Ensign Semon was not a proper person
to have been sent to board the prize; that the setting fire to her was
unjustifiable, and that he would report him to the admiral, or words to
that effect.

And deponent lastly saith that the Night Hawk is a British ship,
registered at Liverpool, and is the sole property of Edward Lawrence,
of Liverpool, a British subject; that the ship sailed from Liver-
pool in ballast and took in her cargo at Bermuda, which consisted
almost entirely of provisions, but including 26 bags of saltpeter and 60
pigs of lead; that Henry Lafone, referred to in the enclosure above
mentioned, was not owner of either vessel or cargo, or any part of
them, but is a ship broker and shipping agent, and as broker attended
to the clearing of the ship at Liverpool for Bermuda.

URIAH F. SMLLEY.

Sworn at the county jail, New York, this 22d day of November,
A. D. 1864.

[CONSULAR SEAL,.] E. M. ARCHIBALD,

H. B. M. Consul, New York.

500 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Affidavit of James Brown.

James Brown, late chief officer of the steamer Night Hawk, at
present confined in the county jail, maketh oath and saith that he is of
the age of 30 years; that he is a British-born subject, a native of Scot-
land, and has never taken an oath of allegiance to any foreign state;
that he has read the foregoing affidavit of CJriah Francis Smiley, and
that the statements therein made are just and true, saving that depo-
nent was not present at the time that Captain Smiley was taken
on board the Santiago tie Cuba and did not hear the conversation
which is stated by Captain Smiley to have taken place between him and
Captain Glisson.

JAMES BROWN.

Sworn by the said James Brown, at the county jail, New York, this
22d day of November, A. D. 1864, before me.
[CONSULAR SEAL, H. B. M.] E. M. ARCHIBALD,

H. B. M. Consul, New York.

Affidavit of William Mclntyre.

William Mclntyre, late chief engineer of the steamer Night Hawk, at
present confined in the county jail, maketh oath and saith that he is of
the age of 40 years, a native of Glasgow, and a British subject, and has
never taken an oath of allegiance to any foreign state; that he has
heard read the foregoing affidavit of Uriah Francis Smiley, and depo-
nent saith that he was taken from the Night Hatch in the ship's boat
and was not in the Niphon's boat, in which Captain Smiley and the first
officer were taken from the Night Hawk, and did not, therefore, hear
the conversation between Captain Smiley and Ensign Semon or see
the latter present a pistol at the portion of the crew who remained on
board the Night Hawk. Neither was deponent present at the conver
sation which is stated to bave taken place between Captain Smiley and
Captain Glisson, but deponent saith that in all other respects the
statements in the said affidavit of Uriah Francis Smiley are correct and
true.

WILLIAM MC!NTYRE.

Sworn by the said William Mclntyre, at the county jail of New York,
this 22d day of November, A. D. 1864, before me.

[CONSULAR SEAL, H. B. M.J E. M. ARCHIBALD,

H. B. M. Consul, Neio York.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State regarding decisions of court of

enquiry.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 31, 1864.

SIR: I had the honor to receive your letter of the 2d instant, enclos-
ing a copy of a note addressed to you by Lord Lyons, on the 26th
ultimo, with copies of its accompaniments relative to the case of the
Night Hawk.

For the purpose of obtaining more definite information respecting
the destruction of the Night Hawk the Department ordered a court,
composed of Commodores C. H. Bell, J. L. Lardner, and S. C. Eowan, to
assemble at Boston, where the Niphon was then lying, to enquire into
the affair. The court have concluded their enquiries and submitted a
record of their proceedings, with an expression of opinion which I here-
with transmit for your examination.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 501

The opinion of the court in substance is that Acting Ensign Semon
deserves great credit for his decision on the occasion ; that there was
no misconduct on his part or on the part of any of the persons with
him ; that the destruction of the Night Hawk was justifiable and neces-
sary, and that the treatment of her officers and crew, at the time of her
capture and subsequently, while on board the Niphon, was proper and
entirely justifiable.

As some weight appears to have been given to an alleged conversa-
tion between Captain Glissou, of the Santiago de Cuba, and the master
of the Night Hawk, in which the former is said to have condemned the
conduct of Acting Ensign Semon, the Department considered it neces-
sary to call upon Captain Glissou for an explanation. In reply he
stated substantially as follows :

Acting Ensign Semon was reported to me by the captain and engineer of the Night
Haivk as having struck the engineer, and I remarked to them that neither the Gov-
ernment nor myself would allow anyone to be improperly treated unless they resisted
the authority of the officers, and immediately sent for- Mr. Semon, who stated that
when he boarded the Night Hawk, after ordering the officers into the boat, the
engineer came up to him and said that he would not go until he got his clothes, and
appeared to resist his authority. He then struck him on the head, and afterwards
he got into the boat. I did not disapprove of Mr. Semon's course on learning the
above facts.

Yery respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

/Secretary of the Navy.
Hon. WM. H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regard-
ing the engagement of the U. S. S. Valley City in the expedition to the
Scuppernong River, September 29, 1864.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, October 3, 1864.

SIR : On the 28th ultimo I was informed by Colonel D. W. Wardrop,
commanding Sub-Division of Albemarle, that he intended sending two
army steamers up the Alligator Eiver that night to capture a party of
rebels who were conscripting in the vicinity of that river, and he
requested me to send a gunboat up the Scuppernong Eiver to head the
rebels off should they attempt to escape that way.

I accordingly ordered Commander Harrell, of the Chicopee, to send
the Valley City, the lightest draft gunboat at this time in Albemarle
Sound, up the river, accompanied by the tug Martin, to tow her off in
case she should get aground; and I also directed Commander Harrell
to station a double-ender off the mouth of the river while the Valley
City was thus employed.

I must here explain that this vessel was lying near the Croatan
light-house making some slight repairs on her engine, and that Com-
mander Harrell, as senior officer in my absence, was in command tem-
porarily of the vessels in the upper part of the sound.

I enclose the report of Acting Master Brooks, of the Valley City.

In crossing the bar at the mouth of the Scuppernong the Valley City
grounded and was fired upon by the rebels from a battery of Whit-
worth fieldpieces and musketry, which, she returned and drove the

502 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

enemy off, but by the time she got afloat it was too late to proceed far-
ther. The army boat which ascended the Alligator River was success-
ful in capturing the rebel party.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. II. MACOMB,

Commander, Commanding Naval Forces Sounds North Carolina.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. VALLEY CITY,
Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, September 30, 1864.

SIB : In obedience to orders of the 29th instant, I proceeded to the
mouth of the Scuppernoug River with this vessel, the tug Martin, and
a detachment of men in charge of Acting Ensign Gallagher, of the
Otsego.

At 9a.m. got aground on the bar. The enemy soon got information, and
while endeavoring to heave off with anchor and hawser and the tug the
rebels came down with a battery of fieldpieces, and taking position
in the woods, opened fire with artillery and musketry. Could not get
a gun to bear for some time, and they improved the opportunity by tir-
ing as rapidly as possible, shells bursting all around, several pieces
striking the vessel. One shot passed through the bulwarks, but most of
them passed over us. With the assistance of the tug I finally managed
to bring the ship round into a position to bear with the guns trained
sharp aft and gave them as good as they sent. They soon shifted their
position, but by watching closely could perceive their next, and soon
silenced them, and they limbered up and drove out of sight.

The bulwarks being plated with iron, it stopped the musket balls and
caused someof the shells to glance. Several musket balls passed through
the light woodwork of the wardroom and cabin, but am glad to state
that no one was hurt, with the exception of one or two slight scratches.

I fired 47 32-pounder 5-second shell, 22 Hotchkiss percussion shell
from 12-pounder howitzer.

I have to mention Acting Ensign R. Sommers, commanding the tug
Martin, for his assistance; also Mr. Gallagher, of the Otsego, and Mr.
[Milton] Webster, my executive officer, and the officers and crew on
board for their good behavior, etc.

At 9 p. m. got afloat and anchored for the night.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. J. BROOKS,
Acting Master, Commanding.

Lieutenant-Commander H. N . T. ARNOLD,

U. S. S. Otsego.

Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, giving extracts from Con-
federate newspapers regarding the loss of blockade runners and the
stringency of the blockade of Wilmington.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 30, 1864.

The following extracts from late Wilmington and Fayetteville, N. C.,
newspapers, referring to the recent loss of blockade runners captured
or destroyed by the blockaders off the port of Wilmington, and to the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 503

present stringency of the blockade of that port, are published for the
satisfaction of the officers and men engaged on this arduous duty.

A list of fifty sea steamers captured or destroyed in violating the
blockade of Wilmington since August 1, 1863, is annexed.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

; Enclosures.]
Editorials from the Daily Journal, Wilmington, X. C., Tuesday, September 20, 1864.

It may be something short of petit treason for us to say so, but still
we will say it — that we are not so sure that the Tallahassee expedition
will pay a large dividend. She certainly kicked up a fuss, but we doubt
very much whether she weakened the military resources of the Yankee
Government to any appreciable extent. It is pretty certain that she
has turned an unpleasant amount of attention upon this port, and may
be the cause of bringing down upon us the main part of the Yankee
Navy. The blockade here will be doubly strict, that is certain.

The prize steamer Lilian. — This prize steamer, now at the navy yard in
Philadelphia, is a new and sharp built Clyde propeller, of 475 tons burden,
and has been libeled and appraised. The Navy Department has been
informed of her appraised value, which was $140,000, and was accepted.
She is admirably adapted for cruising and will doubtless secure many
a prize. So says the Philadelphia Enquirer.

How many such have left Confederate ports !

Editorials from the Daily Journal, Wilmington, N. C., Tuesday, September 27, 1864.

The Mobile Tribune of a late date says : " There is not a word of news
from below. The fleet is inactive and we hear nothing of the movement
of the troops. Farragut, as we j udge from the Yankee papers, has gone
to another station. It is believed that he has been ordered to try his
prowess at Wilmington."

Possibly. There is a thundering blockade off here now; that's pretty
certain, whether the man with the queer name has got anything to do
with it or not. All credit it mainly to the real or supposed presence of
the Tallahassee and sundry other mysterious sea monsters. The Yankee
papers even report the Florida as among the vessels that have come
into this port.

Loss of the Lynx. — Last night the fine blockade-running sleamer
Lynx, belonging to John Fraser & Co.,* and commanded by Captain
Keid, crossed New Inlet Bar and put to sea, bound to Bermuda, with a
cargo consisting mainly of over uOO bales of cotton, one-half on Gov-
ernment account. She had also $50,000 in gold on freight for Govern-
ment. She had some few passengers. Just after she got out she was
pursued by the blockading squadron, by which she was completely
hemmed in. She was struck eight times, six at or below the water line.
Finding the ship in a sinking condition the captain beached her some
5 or 6 miles above Fort Fisher. The crew and passengers escaped with
a portion of their effects, and the vessel was burned to prevent it from
falling into the hands of the enemy. The gold belonging to Govern-
ment was saved. The enemy got so close as to fire a volley of musketry
at the Lynx, by which one of the crew was wounded.

Editorial from the Carolinian, Fayetteville, N. C., September 17, 1864.

The loss of the A. D. Vance is a pretty severe blow to our State. She
has done noble service for our North Carolina soldiers, and has paid for

* Fraser, Trenholm £ Co. Trenliolm now rebel Secretary of Treasury.

504

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

herself twenty times. There are more Clyde-built steamers, and North
Carolina has money to her credit in Europe. We believe that the State
owned but one-third of the A. D. Vance.

Blockade runners captured and destroyed off Wilmington, N. C., since August 1, 1863, by
the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Acting Hear- Admiral S. P. Lee, commanding.

Name.

Date.

Keiuarks.

Kate

Aug. 1,1863
Aug. 18, 1863
Sept. 15, 1863
Sept. 22, 1863
Sept. 23, 1863
Oct. — , 1863
Oct. 11, 1863
Oct. 21,1863
Nov. 5, 186;i
Nov. 8, 1863
Nov. 9, 1863
. . do

Captured.
Destroyed.
Do'.
Captured.
Destroyed.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Captured.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Destroyed.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Captured.
Itiin ashore tin tlio liar and destroyed.
Captured.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Destroyed.
Captured.
Do.
Destroyed.
Captured.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
\Destroyed — reported by refugees; run
/ ashore in Wilmington Harbor.
Destroyed.
Do.

Hebo

Elizabeth1

l)ouro

K. E. Lee

Ella

Nov. 10,1863
Nov. 21,1863
Dec. 6, 1863
Dec. H, 1863
Dec. 20,1863
Jan. 3, 1864

Ceres

General Beauregard

Antonica

Bendigo -

Vesta

Jan. 7, 1864
do

Dare

Hanger

Jan. 11,1864
Feb. 2, 1864
Feb. 4, 1864
Feb. 5, 1864
Feb. 10, 1864
do

WildDayrell

Nutfleld

Dee

Emily

Fannie and Jenny

Pet .

Feb. 16,1864
. . do

Spuukie

Scotia

Mar. 1,1864
Mar. 4, 1864
Mar. 6,1864
May 6, 1864
Mav 9, 1864
May 10,1864
May 15,1864
May 30,1864
JUDO 3,1864
June 4,1864
June 5, 1864
June 9,1864
July 2,1864
July 8, 1864
July 9,1864
Aug. 25, 1864
Sept. 5,1864
Sept. 10, 1864
do

Don

Mary Ann

Younp Republic

Minnie

Greyhound

Tristram Shandy

Caledonia

Georgiaua McCaw

Thistle

Siren

Pevensey

Rouen

Boston

Little Ada

Lilian t

Elsie

A. D. Vance

Florrie

Badger

Lynx

Sept. 25, 1864
Sept. 29, 1864

Night Hawk

1 Stranded and burned September 24, 1863. See Series I, vol. 9, p. 234.
Captured, 20; destroyed, 24. Total captured and destroyed, 50.

Report of Commodore Lanman, U. 8. Navy, regarding the transfer of the
command of the U. S. 8. Minnesota.

U. S. S. MINNESOTA,
Hampton Roads, September 30, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order of 24th instant to report to Acting
Rear-Admiral Lee for the command of the U. S. S. Minnesota (first rate),
I have to-day assumed the command of this vessel, as transferred to me
by Lieutenant-Commander J. H. Upshur.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 505

The first opportunity I shall report myself (by letter) to the com-
mander of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH LANMAN,

Commodore.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

The Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 30, 1864.

The Circassian ha£ been ordered to Hampton Eoads with the
prisoners for exchange. Will not army movements interfere with the
exchanges? If not, so inform the Department. The exchanges are to
be conducted by you independently of our commissioner or agent.
Answer by telegraph. Inform Mr. Quid that the Circassian will be in
Hampton Roads in three days.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Commanding James River Division, City Point, Va.

[Telegram.]

NORFOLK, VA., September 30, 1864.

(Received 8 : 10 p. m.)

The army movements will interfere with the exchange, as our forces
occupy Chaffin's Bluff.

M. SMITH,

Captain and Divisional Officer.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

[Telegram.]

DEEP BOTTOM, September 30, 1864.

Our troops hold Chapins [Chaffin's] Bluff, and the gunboats are
annoying them. General Butler wishes some torpedoes as soon as pos-
sible to place in the river to prevent them from coming down. Percus-
sion torpedoes would be preferred, and the professor had better come
with them at once. If they can not be procured from Norfolk, would
it not be advisable to order some from Washington ?

E. T. NICHOLS.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

U. S. S. Minnesota, Fortress Monroe.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 30, 1864.
Have the Osceola ready for sea by October 10, without fail.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore J. W. LIVINGSTON,

Commandant Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.

506 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Commander Crosby, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Keystone
State, regarding the cruise of that vessel on the blockade from September
26 to 30, 1864.

0. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE,

At Sea, September 30, 1864.

SIR: On the 26th instant, at 4: 20 p. m., in latitude 33° 43' K, longi-
tude 76° 08' W., sighted a blockade runner bearing N. by E. and standing
to the westward, distant about 12 miles; Cape Lookout bore N. 19° W.,
distant 57 miles. I immediately gave chase to the northward and west-
ward to cut her off. At 6:50 lost sight of chase, and when last seen
bore N. W. by W., but continued our course until 8 : 30, when we were
in latitude 34° 16' N., longitude 76° 50' W., and gave up the chase, Cape
Lookout bearing "N". 36° E., distant 26 miles.

I then returned to my station off Cape Lookout, and at daylight on
the 27th stood to the south to intercept any outward-bound vessels
(blockade runners), and seeing none I hauled up to the W. N. W. to
look after the blockade runner I chased the previous evening, thinking
it probable she did not get into Wilmington. At 9 a. m. sighted black
smoke bearing N. W. I soon after saw the blockade ruuner standing
to the northward and eastward, with a large steamer in chase, which
proved to be a transport loaded with passengers (troops). 1 think the
transport was the Fulton. I stood to the northward to try and head off
the blockade runner and prevent her getting by the Cape Lookout
Shoals. At the time we sighted her we were in latitude 33° 43' N".,
longitude 76° 39' W., Cape Lookout bearing N., distant 54 miles; block-
ade runner was distant about 25 miles when we saw her smoke first.
At noon the blockade runner passed ahead of us about 6 miles and the
Fulton about 3 miles, both heading about N. E. and directly over the
tail of the Lookout Shoals, and continued direct for the Hatteras Shoals
and passed close to them. The Fulton kept to the east of the blockade
runner and preventing her from hauling offshore. I continued on the
chase until 7:30 p. m. Cape Hatteras light bore K W. £ N., distant
16 miles; latitude 35° 05' N., longitude 75° 15' W. As the blockade
runner rounded Hatteras Shoals, and just before dark, a steamer mak-
ing black smoke ran in from the eastward, took up the chase. I sup-
posed it was the Gettysburg. During the chase the Keystone State
averaged about 1 1£ knots. The blockade runner was the same 1 had
chased the previous evening. I judged her to be making about 14
knots, and as the Fulton held on to her so close I supposed she made
about the same. The Fulton fired at her from time to time, but without
effect. At sundown we were about 14 miles astern of the chase. The
blockade runner was large and answers the description of the City of
Petersburg. She was inward bound and I think must have thrown
overboard most of her cargo in order to effect her escape.

On the 29th instant, at 2 : 50 p. m., sighted blockade runner bearing
south, standing to the westward ; headed her off and she stood to the
southward and eastward; continued in chase until 7 : 30 p. m., and then
returned to our station off Cape Lookout. At 4 p. m. the Connecticut
joined in the chase and gained sufficient to fire shot over her. The
blockade runner escaped with the darkness. She appeared to be the
same class of vessel as the Lilian, very much like her. The Connecticut
easily outran us. I fired a shot, but it fell short, as we were not within
range; we averaged about 11£ knots. At the time we sighted the chase,
we were in latitude 34° 05' N., longitude 76° 14' W., and when we gave
up the chase we were in latitude 33° 25' IsT., longitude 76° 16' W.

The steamer George Cromwell passed us at 2 : 20 p. m. and informed me
that he had passed this blockade runner about two hours previous lying

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 507

still, ready to rim into Wilmington. I immediately ran to the southward
to intercept her and fell in with her as I have stated ; about half an
hour after chased her off.

On the 30th instant, at 5 : 10 p. m., and in latitude 33° 54' N., longitude
76° 03' W., sighted a steamer, blockade runner, bearing E. N.E., distant
about 15 miles ; gave chase immediately, and continued the chase until
6 : 15 p. m., when we lost sight of her in the dark. She made black
smoke, and stood directly away from us. At the time we lost sight of the
chase we were in latitude 33° 58' N., longitude 75° 48' W. The blockade
runner had two smokestacks and painted white, and left us quite rap-
idly. At the time we sighted her she appeared to be lying still.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEIRCE CROSBY,

Commander.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Reconnaissance near Wilmington for the examination of its defenses.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports.

Confidential.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 30, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed two reports (1 and 2), dated 19th and 28th
instant, from Acting Ensign Seinou, of the Niphon, the former enclosed
in a report to Acting Master Keinble, commanding that vessel, giving
information obtained by Mr. Semon in regard to the defenses of Wilming-
ton, etc., as required by my orders to him and Captain Glisson, dated,
respectively, 12th and 28th instant, of which copies (3 and 4) are also
enclosed.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. Lee,
Actg. Rear Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

I also enclose a clear copy of a sketch of the roads above Federal Point,
obtained by Mr. Semoii and mentioned in his enclosed report of the 28th
instant.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.

Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, commanding TJ. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 19, 1864.
SIR: In obedience to orders received from Lieutenant-Commander
Simpson the evening of the 18th, I proceeded up off Masonboro Inlet and
dispatched inshore to Myrtle Grove second launch and dingey, the
former with 13 men in charge of Acting Ensign M. A. Nickerson, for the
purpose of picketing the beach and giving support to Acting Ensign
E. N. Semon and John Sears, pilot of the Isonomia, who, with the dingey
and 2 men, crossed the beach and sound to the house of Mr. Schermer-
horn to obtain any information he might have concerning Wilmington
and its surroundings. Enclosed is the report of Mr. Semon, with all

508 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

information received by him. The expedition returned to the ship at
midnight with the loss of Henry Smith, landsman, who deserted, taking
with him his arms, which consisted of a Spencer rifle, bayonet, cartridge
box, and belt. He being posted on outer picket duty, was seen at his
post last at 11 p. m., after which nothing was seen or heard from him,
although a careful search was made for him. In lauding there were also
lost two bayonets belonging to the same kind of rifles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Divisional Officer, New Inlet.

Report of Acting Ensign Semon, 17. S. Navy.

U. S. S. NIPHON,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 19, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with your orders I landed successfully at Myrtle
Grove at 8 : 45 p. in., with two boats, one under charge of Acting Ensign
M. A. Mckersou, for picket duty on the beach ; transported the small
boat across the beach and crossed the sound, 9: 10 p. m.; arrived at
Mr. Schermerhoru's house 10 p. m. and obtained the following informa-
tion from him: On Thursday last he went to Wilmington by the main
telegraph [road]. There is only one battery of six guns situated at one-
half mile from Wilmington on the road. The force at Wilmington at the
present time is about 2,000 militia and 750 regulars. The militia were
raised from the different counties, each county furnishing two compa-
nies. The Tallahassee is at Wilmington, and was ready for sea on Sat-
urday last, 17th. Her armament consists of four guns, caliber unknown.

A small vessel, name unknown, has been fitted out at Wilmington as
a privateer, and is also ready for sea. Her armament consists of two
guns, caliber unknown. He heard from good authority that nearly
one-half the garrison at Fort Fisher are sick in the hospital at the
present time, there being but 800 men on duty at the fort. There are
70 men, Parker's company, on duty at Half Moon battery. At Aimes
battery, situated in the rear of Half Moon battery and on the road to
Wilmington, there are 80 men on duty. About six weeks ago there was
laid down in Masonboro Inlet and Sound a number of torpedoes. Ten
days ago, during the night, fifteen of them exploded (cause unknown),
causing the forces around Masonboro to remain under arms all night.
General Beauregard has been ordered to the command of this depart-
ment. Mr. Schermerhorn has promised to use his utmost endeavors to
obtain reliable information for me.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. N. SEMON,
Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy.

Acting Master EDMUND KEMBLE,

Commanding Niphon.

Additional Report of Acting Ensign Semon, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, September 28, 1864.
SIR: In obedience to your orders I proceeded on board the U. S. S.
Monticello at 5 p. m. yesterday (27th), and went up the coast in the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

509

vicinity of Masonboro Inlet. Left Monticello at 8:25 p. m., accompa-
nied by Acting Pilot John Packet and two men iu the dingey, and by
an armed boat's crew from the Monticello^ under the charge of Acting
Master's Mate Charles Croton. At 9 p. m. landed safely on the beach
at Big Hill, transported the dingey to the sound, and landed at Myrtle
Grove at 9:30 p. m., without seeing any of the enemy. From Mr.
Schermerhorn I obtained the following information: He had just
returned from Wilmington; said the privateers Tallahassee and Edith
were at Wilmington. The Tallahassee was dressed with flags and was
taking in coal; a brass band was playing on board. He was informed
that they were to leave on the 28th. The ironclad North Carolina sunk
near Wilmington ; a blockade runner ran afoul of her wreck and imme-
diately sunk. It is reported that the torpedo boats are a failure and
work has been discontinued on the one that was being built at Wil-
mington. It will take about three months to complete the ironclad now
being b'uilt at Wilmington. The deserter, Henry Smith (landsman),
who deserted on the 18th instant, went to the Half Moon battery; said
he was a deserter from the Niphon, which was not believed by them.
He was placed under arrest and sent to Wilmington in irons, to be con-
fined in jail. Refusing to enter the rebel service, he was sent on the
26th instant in irons on board a blockade runner bound for Bermuda.
On the 16th instant five Union prisoners escaped from the jail in Wil-
mington. For several days afterwards there were extra pickets at
Myrtle Grove and Masonboro to watch for them. My informant prom-
ises to engage three branch pilots for me, one of whom promises to
accompany me oft' to the fleet on Friday night next. I obtained the
enclosed sketch of Wilmington and its approaches and the accompany-
ing paper from my informant. The Wilmington Daily Journal, of the
26th instant, contains a full account of the steamer Lynx, which was
destroyed by this vessel on the 25th instant.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. N. SEMON,
Acting Ensign, U. 8. Navy.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

ComJg. First Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Enclosure.]
Sketch shmcing the positions of roads, etc., around Wilmington, N. C.

510 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Copy of description accompanying sketch of Wilmington.

At Masonboro there is a battery of three 24-pounder columbiads;
at the batteries on the Downey road, near Wilmington, three 24- pounders
and two 6-pounders. I don't think that there are any torpedoes remain-
ing in Masonboro Inlet. I understand they are all drifted up. General
Beauregard's opinion is that Fort Caswell can not stand more than
fifteen minutes when a general attack is made.

The Tallahassee has five guns — one 84-pounder, two 24-pounders, and
two 32-pounders. The [Chidcamauga], or Edith, is armed the same as
the Tallahassee. There is one torpedo boat in the river and one more
nearly ready. The only topsdoes that I can hear of in the river are
about 4 miles below Wilmington.

There are six blockade runners in port at this time. The forces at
Masonboro and Camp Davis are five companies — two artillery, two
infantry, and one of cavalry. The whole will not exceed 500 men. At
Wilmington only two companies on picket duty. They are getting tor-
pedoes ready as soon as possible to place in New Inlet, but have not
placed any down yet; don't think they can have any ready under two
weeks.

Confidential instructions from Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Semon,

TJ. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 12, 1864.

Ascertain if there are any obstructions or torpedoes planted in the
entrance to Cape Fear River (New Inlet and Western Bar), or in the
river itself. If there are, their exact position, description, and the time
when placed; if torpedoes, what kind and how long they have been in
the water; what other torpedoes are ready for use, where they are
to be placed, and by what means they are to be fired.

Ascertain which of the entrances has the best water and is most
easily used; also what are the facilities for using them, and whether
buoys are planted.

Ascertain the character of the works at Federal Point and to the
northward of it; the number and names of the forts and batteries, and
the number and description of the guns in each; the best place for
landing troops and crossing them to the mainland at any point to the
northward of Fort Fisher; what number and kind of defenses, if any,
are near Masonboro, and between it and Wilmington ; depth of water in
Masonboro and New Topsail inlets, and the feasibility of landing an
army at either place; also the number and kind of rebel craft, how
armed, and for what purpose designed; number, situation, kind, and
armament of all defenses between Lockwood's Folly and New Topsail
inlets.

Endeavor to obtain some good Wilmington pilots, who shall be entirely
satisfied as to compensation. The divisional officer will afford you the
necessary facilities for landing to obtain this intelligence, which you
have volunteered to procure. This memorandum will be left with Cap-
tain Glisson. You will memorize the points.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain Glisson will return this with Acting Ensign Semon's report.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 511

Confidential instructions from Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, IT. S. Navy, to Captain Olisson,

U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Off Neic Inlet, September 27, 1864.

SIR : Keep me frequently advised as to whether the enemy is increas-
ing his force and strengthening his works, or adding new ones, in the
vicinity of Wilmington and Cape Fear River and approaches, and also
whether or not he occupies Masonboro and its inlet. Do not expose to
capture on this service any of the pilots and guides, except Mr. Pucket,
who can guide Mr. Semon on his semiweekly or triweekly trips to com-
municate with me. Mr. Semon has a light skiff, which I sent from Beau-
fort, which two persons can carry across the sand hills. He needs also
a boat and crew. The same persons should accompany him on each
trip; they should be reliable and chosen by himself. Give him all the
facilities he requires, and let him have Spencer rifles from the Niphon, if
he says he needs them. As the Niphon can not be spared from the bar,
let Mr. Semon make his landings from the Governor Buckingham or
Monticello. All persons sent ashore should be in uniform.

Send the information obtained, in triplicate reports, to me as soon
as possible. Lieutenant-Commander Braine is making sketches and
establishing positions, and will come to Beaufort in two or three days
when this is done. No further examination of Masonboro Inlet is
necessary, but Mr. Semon may get information on other points in my
letter to him, which you hold.

Excuse Pilot Sears from all night work, on account of the condition
of his eyes.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Commanding First Division, off New Inlet.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander English, U. S. Navy, regarding the

capture of cotton.

U. S. S. WYALUSING,
Albemarle Sound, October 1, 1864.

SIR: On the morning of the 30th of September I captured at a place
called Poole's Landing, near the mouth of the Chowaii River, 4 bales of
cotton, 2 of which were in the river abreast of the landing, the others
in a small boat close by. I should judge they were being conveyed to
Edenton. The parties who owned it made their escape.
I am, etc., your obedient servant,

EARL ENGLISH,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Senior Officer, Sounds of North Carolina, Comdg. U. S. S. Shamrock.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Harris, U. 8. Navy, regarding the
capture of Wilmington pilots on the steamer Lilian.

TJ. S. S. NEW BERNE,
Beaufort, N. C., October 1, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the captain. Smiley, of the
stranded blockade runner Night Hawk, now on board this vessel, states

512 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

that among the persons captured on the Lilian were five Wilmington
pilots, taking passage for Bermuda.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. A. HARRIS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Rear- Admiral 8. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear -Admiral Farragut, U. 8.

Navy, approving his decision to remain in the Gulf to engage in active

cooperation against Mobile.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, October 1, 1864.

SIR : Your confidential dispatch of the 22d ultimo, by the Connecticut,
was received this morning, expressing surprise that you should have
been selected for the important duty therein mentioned. It is proper to
state that the selection was made after consultation with General
Grant, and because of the very great confidence of the Department
and the Government in your ability to succeed. Your dispatch No. 372,
dated August 27, had not been received when the letter of the Depart-
ment of the 5th September was written. No intimation of indisposition
or want of rest or exercise had been received, and there being still a
great work to be accomplished, the country, as well as the Department,
looked to you as the proper man for its accomplishment.

Your letter of the 27th of August was received on the 9th of Septem-
ber, and the Department proceeded at once to adopt other measures for
the Wilmington expedition. That letter was the first intimation
received of impaired health and overtaxed energies. Immediate meas-
ures were taken to substitute another for the duties that had been con-
fided to you, but as your dispatches of the 29th of August stated that
General Canby had not sufficient force for any extensive military demon-
stration against Mobile, and on the 7th of September you wrote that he
had withdrawn all his forces from the bay except a garrison for each of
the forts, it was not supposed you would longer remain in the Gulf.
With this impression and in the expectation that you would proceed
north under the orders which had been issued, the Department addressed
you a letter on the 22d ultimo, which was forwarded to Port Royal,
relieving you from the proposed expedition against Wilmington, and
substituting Rear- Admiral Porter. A copy of that dispatch is herewith
annexed.

Your dispatch, No. 427, of the 19th September is the first intimation
which the Department has received that he or the military authorities
would probably be able to renew military operations in this quarter (on
the Gulf) in a short time, and your confidential dispatch of the 22d
ultimo, No. 432, advises me that you are "anxious to finish up the work
we have so successfully begun."

The Department fully approves the conclusions to which you have
arrived of active cooperation against Mobile, and only regrets that it
was not earlier informed by the military authorities of the intentions
and movements of the army in that quarter, and of your ability and
disposition to perform the duty that devolves on the naval commander.

Rear- Admiral Porter has this day been directed to send to your squad-
ron the two monitors from his command, as requested in your dispatch,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 513

and I trust they may be as serviceable to you as the two which you
now have in the bay. You have in all your movements the best
wishes of the Department and of the whole country, and it is my ear-
nest desire and injunction that you will not overtax your physical or
mental powers in the efforts you are making.

Aware of what you had done and are doing, the Department, in its
contemplated demonstration against Wilmington, proposed to take
upon itself and to devolve upon others the labor of collecting and plac-
ing at your disposal the force which may be essential to make that
demonstration effective.

The Department, like yourself, appreciates the great difficulties that
present themselves against a purely naval operation against Wilming-
ton, and it is only in cooperation with the army that the movement is
made. Could the capture of the place or the closing of the port have
been effected by a purely naval attack, the work would long since have
been effected. But, as at Mobile, and more essential than there, we
have been compelled to wait the movements of the military.

I am gratified that you are to have this active cooperation at Mobile,
and God grant that the efforts of yourself and of Admiral Porter may
be each successful.

Wishing you health and such success as will ensure your early return,
I am, my dear sir,

Very truly, yours,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT,

Mobile Bay.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, requesting a leave of

absence.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 1, 1864.

SIR : The Department, under date of the 27th ultimo, informs me
that when my relief arrives I will be directed to come to Washington,
[D. C.], on my way to the Gulf, and that the Malvern or some other
vessel will take me to Hampton Eoads, whence the Baltimore (ordnance
vessel) can be sent from Washington for me, if I so desire it, but that
the Department does not wish the Malvern to come to Washington for
repairs which can not be executed there.

I hope the Department will permit me a word of explanation on this
subject. The run from this point to Hampton Roads is made in twenty-
four hours, from Hampton Roads to Washington in twenty hours or
less. The direct trip from here to Washington could be made, and the
Malvern started on her return without waiting for repairs there in two
days, without any apparent inconvenience to the public service or to
any individual, and in less time and with less trouble than it would
take to make two shifts on the way, and to wait or be waited for by the
ordnance steamer to be sent from Washington, or in lieu of this to have
to apply (and in person, I believe, is the rule) at the provost-marshal's
office for a pass, and to exhibit my orders to enable me to obey them,
and to pass from within the limit of the blockading squadron which I
have commanded.

N w R — VOL 10 33

514

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

For the last four years, with brief interval of repose in the winter of
1861, 1 have been on constant and arduous sea service; about three
and a half years of this has been war and blockade service, and the
last two years has been in command of this large squadron. I there-
fore propose, when I come to Washington, to ask the Department for a
brief and reasonable opportunity to visit my family, arrange my affairs,
and recruit myself, which, especially in view of the tranquillized con-
dition of the situation in the Gulf compared with what it was when
Admiral Farragut was north, I trust it will feel at entire liberty to
grant me.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,

Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of
the vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 1, 1864.

SIR : The following is the disposition of the vessels composing the
Forth Atlantic Blockading Squadron, viz:

Vessel.

Station.

Remarks.

Malvern

At Beaufort, N. C., head-

Flagship.

Shokokon

quarters of the squadron.
. do

Harbor defense.

Harbor defense and to move colliers.

Cohasset

Harbor defense and to move colliers ; ordered

.. do

to Norfolk for repairs.

Arietta

... do

Do.

William Badger

Stores.

Santiago de Cuba

First division, offNew Inlet.

Along and close to second lino.

Second line, outside bar tenders.

Mercedita

Second line, outside bar tenders; needs re-

Monticello

pairs, hull in bad conditions.

Governor Buckingham . .

Daylight

Howquah

£,"• >Two of these need repairs.

Do j

Keystone State -•

Quaker City

Gettysburg

do .

Minnesota

Young Rover

Roads and vicinity.

Heliotrope

Poppy

Do.

Unit

Charles Phelps

Onondaga

Mendota

do.

Aga warn

Mackinaw

do .

Commodore Morris

Commodore Barney

do ...

Do.

Hunchback

Pequot

Dawn ..

...do...

Do.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

515

Vessel.

Station.

Remarks.

Delaware

Second division, Hampton

James River.

General Pntnani .........

Roads and vicinity.
do

Do.

sent to Philadelphia when her services can
be spared.

Phlox

Young America

do .-.

James River.

Alert

Do.

Tug No. 1

James River ; fitted as torpedo boat.

Tug No 3

Do.

Tug No. 4

Do.

Tug No. 5

Do.

Tug No 6

. ..do'

Do.

Mount Washington

do ..

Transport1 needs extensive repairs.

Guard ship York River.

Crusader

do ..

York River.

Samuel Rotan

Do.

Glance

Do.

Wyandotte

Gnard ship, Norfolk, Va.

St. Lawrence

......do

Ordnance, Norfolk, Va.

Ben Morgan .............

Do.

Koi mi n ....

Do.

Third division off Western

Maratanza.

Bar.
do

Second line and outside of bar tenders.

. do

Do.

Aries

Do.

Vicksburg ......

do..

Coaling at Beaufort N. C

Cambridge

At Beaufort ; ordered to Norfolk for repairs.

Calypso

. . do

Outside cruiser.

Mount Vernon

Do.

-do . ...

Do.

Dumbarton

Bar tender. 1

Victoria

iTbree of them need re-

...do

Bar tender ; tug. f pairs.

Eolus

Bar tender.

Fahkee

Coal tender for both bars; at Beaufort- lias

lost her propeller; ordered to New York
for repairs.

Britannia".

Do.

Aster

... do

Do.

Fort Donelson

Third division.

Tristram Shandy

Do.

Canonicus

Second division.

Saugus

Do.

Atlanta..

. do

Do.

Osceola

Repairing and fitting for a blockader.

Wilderness

Do.

Zouave

Second division.

Clinton

Do.

Grand Gulf

Repairing at N orthern ports

First division, at New York.

Nerens

. . do

Third division, at New York.

Florida

Do.

Dacotah

At Boston.

Connecticut

Do.

State of Georgia

First division, Philadelphia.

Sassacus

do..

Second division, Philadelphia.

R. R. Cnyler

Third division, Philadelphia.

Morse

Second division, Baltimore.

Banshee

1 do

Third division, Baltimore.

Nansemond

Do.

I. N. Seymour

Do.

Ascutnev

. .. do

First division at Washington.

New Berne

Miscellaneous

Supply steamer from New York.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

516 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Bear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports
and chart regarding the defenses of Cape Fear River.

Confidential.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 2, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed copies of my confidential instructions to
Lieutenant-Commander Braine, dated September 9, 23, and 27 (1, 2, 3),
and two reports from him, dated September 25 and October 1 (4, 5),
giving minute information, from personal observation, in regard to the
defenses of Cape Fear River and approaches, the depth of water at
Lockwood's Folly Inlet and on Western Bar, and such other general
information as he could obtain.

Accompanying these reports (in a separate roll) is a chart, on which
are marked the positions from which the observations were taken, and
the positions of the batteries, with a series of sketches of the topog-
raphy of the coast in the vicinity of the Western Bar and New Inlet
entrances to Cape Fear River, and of the defenses of the two entrances.
This chart is that of "Cape Fear and approaches," prepared by the
Coast Survey at my instance for the express use of the blockaders, to
which Sub-Assistant Bradford, of the Coast Survey, has transferred
copies of sketches made by Acting Master's Mate Vanderbilt, of the
Viclcsbitrg, under the superintendence of Lieutenant-Commander Braine,
together with notes furnished by the latter officer. I would recommend
that it be reproduced by the Coast Survey, with the addition of such
of these notes and sketches as may be considered necessary, and of
the topography in possession of the Coast Survey Office, of the Federal
Point peninsula, Oak Island and- vicinity, and the hydrography of
Cape Fear River; and, in fact, to produce a complete military and naval
map, embracing the entrances to Cape Fear River, Wilmington, Mason-
boro, and Lockwood's Folly inlets, and the adjacent country.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. T. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

TJ. S. S. MALVERN,

Beaufort, N. C., September 9, 1864 — a. m.

SIR : As soon as the Vicksburg is ready for sea, return to Western
Bar and proceed to ascertain at once the following information, which,
when obtained, report to me in writing:

1. Depth of water in and defenses at Lockwood's Folly Inlet.

2. The exact position and character of the batteries on Oak Island
and Smith's Island; whether or not the guns on Fort Caswell are case-
mated; what, if any, additional works have been erected at Fort Cas-
well by the rebels.

3. Feasibility of landing an army on Oak Island, at or near [Lock-
wood's] Folly Inlet, or between those points; also on Smith's Island,
and where there.

4. Ascertain by reconnoissance, as soon as practicable, the depth of
water which may be carried into Cape Fear River by a monitor over
Western Bar Channel, and whether or not there are any obstructions
there ; if so, describe place and kind.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 517

This important confidential duty is assigned to you from your experi-
ence whilst engaged on surveying duty in that locality before the
rebellion and on blockade duty since, and its performance requires
your best efforts.

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., September 23, 1864.

SIR : I enclose a copy of a confidential memorandum * to Acting
Ensign Semon, of the Niphon, dated 12th instant. After you have
obtained the information called for in my confidential communication
of the 9th instant, I desire that you give attention to the subject-matter
of this enclosure, and obtain, as far as practicable, all the information
therein called for as early as practicable. Also locate, take sketches,
and give data of the forts on the New Inlet side.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

U. S. S. Vicksburg.

Confidential.)

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Off Seir Inlet, September 27, 1864.

SIR : When you have established the positions of the various batteries
and taken views of them and of the coast irom the south point of Smith's
Island to Masonboro, come to Beaufort, bringing sketches in duplicate
or triplicate (the latter preferred) of your observations. Fix on your
chart the positions from which the views are taken.

General Weitzel is satisfied with the information he has, which will
make it unnecessary for you to take action in reference to the communi-
cation of Acting Ensign Seinoii, a copy of which was enclosed to you
on the 23d instant. .

Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

U. S. S. Vicksburg.

Confidential.] U. S. S. VICKSBURG,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, September 25, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to reply to your confidential communication
dated September 9, 18G4. Owing to bright nights and strong southerly
breezes, I have been delayed until this time, and my report is yet
incomplete.

* See p. 510.

518 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I beg leave to answer your interrogatories as follows :

Question No. 1. Depth of water into and defenses at Lockwood's Folly
Inlet.

Answer. The depth of water on the bar I find to be about C feet at
mean high water, with sea very smooth. With the usual swell arising
from southerly winds, I would not attempt to carry in more than 3 feet
draft. The shoal is bold, and I should judge it often shifts. The water
is very bold up to the bar, shoaling suddenly.

I have five times laid my vessel within 400 yards of Big Hill and
drifted along the shore for an hour each time, carefully observing every
point. I can not see any attempt to construct earthworks of any kind
upon either side of the inlet. The natural formation of the land around
Big Hill is, however, admirably adapted for hurried defenses both by
artillery and infantry, and could in a few hours be made of much impor-
tance to prevent a landing or to effectually prevent the immediate use
of Folly Inlet to land stores, ammunition, etc.

Question JS"o. 2. The exact position and character of the batteries on
Oak Island and Smith's Island, and whether or not the guns in Fort
Caswell are casemated; what further additional works have been erected
at Fort Caswell by the rebels.

Answer. I enclose herewith a chart with the exact position of the
batteries upon Oak and Smith's islands (of which I am cognizant).
They were determined by a series of bearings and almost a round of
angles by sextant, all upon known points. I also enclose sketches from
said positions (as numbered upon the chart) of Western Bar entrance,
showing the relative position and appearance of the different rebel
works; also a sketch of the shore from Piney Point to the westward
as far as the wreck of the blockade runner Ranger. This shows every
sand hill and indeed every mound of any importance between these
points. I have indicated on the chart the best points to laud troops.

Fort Caswell has 21 heavy casemates, of which 11 show to the south-
ward and westward ; outside the main works there are water batteries
to the eastward, southward and eastward, and southward and west-
ward, all, I believe, heavy guns. West of Fort Caswell, distant 1,000
yards and near the water, is a small square earthwork to cover the bar
channel approach. I do not know its strength. The enemy are mounting
guns on it. Near this battery, but to the westward, are the range lights
for passing Western Bar. To the westward of this battery 700 yards,
and 1,700 yards from Fort Caswell, there is a heavy earth battery or
series of batteries showing 12 casemates. Six of these mounds face to
the southward and are enclosed ; the balance extend back 300 yards to
the northward and westward, reaching the swamp land to the north-
ward of Oak Island. To the westward of this battery (which is called
Battery Campbell) the sand ridges of the coast are numerous almost to
Piuey Point, and much broken, though not of great altitude.

I have taken careful views of these works, lying about 1 ,000 yards to
the westward of the wreck of the Georgiana McCaw in 3£ fathoms water.

Smith's Island: On the west point of this island, called Bald Head
Point, is a battery called Holmes battery. It shows 11 casemates of
earth enclosed and two building. A rifle pit or trench extends from
this work to the southward and eastward to the crest of Bald Head
Hill, on which I think the rebels are building works. I know of no
other permanent works on the S. W. side of the island. Light fieldpieces
of great range have been frequently used from the south point of the
island.

From the fires recently seen upon Smith's Island in range of Bald

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 519

Head Hill, bearing E. N. E. and E. by N., I judge the rebels are burning
away the woods to a point to the eastward of Bald Head light house and
to Light-House Creek. This would enable them to have good, clear
range from Bald Head Hill to the swamp.

The woods are very dense upon part of the southwestern face of
Smith's Island for 1| miles to the southward and eastward of Bald
Head Hill. The high water washes in amongst them, and it is only
possible to move along this point of beach at low water.

Question No. 3. Feasibility of landing an army on Oak Island at or
near Folly Inlet or between these points; also on Smith's Island, and
where there.

Answer. It is not feasible to land upon Oak Island unless it be a
night surprise. In the Tall or winter season I deem it perfectly practi-
cable to laud an army to the westward of Piney Point about 1£ miles,
of course doing so upon smooth water, which is always the case with
the wind N.W. or N. or N.E., and there are in winter nine westerly winds
to one easterly.

At the same time it would be necessary to occupy and hold Folly
Inlet as a base of supplies. With southerly winds, even moderate ones,
there is considerable surf, as the water is bold; 3£ fathoms water can
be had up to 400 yards of the beach. Without wind indications a swell
sometimes sets in from southward and westward. During this last-
mentioned period troops and light artillery could be lauded in properly
prepared surfboats, with good anchor gear and scope of cable, as the
outer comber is close to shore and not dangerous. I suggest the points
indicated upon the chart accompanying this letter. The sand hills are
quite low, and not much resistance could be oftered.

For Lockwood's Folly Inlet boats of 2£ or 3 feet draft would operate
successfully upon half tide, sea smooth, wind to northward.

Troops can be landed upon the south end of Smith's Island under the
same circumstances regarding weather as upon land between Folly
Inlet and Piney Point, and even better when the wind gets to the east-
ward. I think it feasible to place an army at that point with provisions
and light field material. They would, however, be under the fire of the
long-range guns of Battery Holmes. The water is not as bold as the
other indicated points, but the landing place smoother.

Question No. 4. Ascertain as soon as practicable by a reconnoissance
the draft of water which may be carried into Cape Fear River by a
monitor over Western Bar Channels and whether or not there are any
obstructions there. If so, describe place and kind.

Answer. Up to the present time I have not been able to make the
reconuoissance required to enable me to indicate the depth of water on
the bar to my satisfaction, owing to the swell and wind prevailing;
hence I am unable to answer your question. As to the rip, I could not
get to that point without discovery by the rebels, owing to picket boats
and pickets, who for the last week have been constantly upon the alert
and unusually active. I did intend to cross Marshall Shoal, pass Bald
Head up toward Fort Caswell, then pull out over the rip to the west-
ward and over the bar; but as I formed the opinion from what I saw
that I would be detected at the time, I abandoned it for a favorable and
dark night, which as yet has not occurred.

Fort Caswell and the works about it mount, I think, 50 guns. The
small earth battery near Oak Island light mounts 2 or more guns.
Battery Campbell mounts 13 guns. Battery Holmes, at Bald Head
Point, mounts 11 guns. In all, about 76 guns, of which, in my opinion,
50 are casemated.

520 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I beg leave to draw your attention to the fact that, in my opinion,
every work at this point is being daily strengthened.
I am, very respectfully, yv/ur obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Confidential.] U. S. S. VICKSBURG,

Beaufort, If; (7., October J, 1864.

SIR, : I have the honor to report that I have received your confidential
communications of September 23 and 27, 1864. In reply I beg leave to
state I have carefully established the different forts and batteries of
the enemy in view from off the New Inlet entrance of Cape Fear Hi ver,
North Carolina; also that I ha*ve had careful sketches taken of their
works from the positions numbered 1, 2, and 3, off New Inlet, and num-
bers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, off the Western Bar, all of which are upon the
charts accompanying this report.

I ran the coast closedown from Masonboro Inlet to a point indicating
the Half Moon battery, taking careful sketches of the same. At the
Half Moon battery the enemy opened fire upon me, striking the ship
once aloft, doing, however, no material damage. At this point I had
the views taken indicated by No. 1; also obtained angles on the works
in sight. I then occupied positions Nos. 2 and 3 and completed the
desired observations. 1 had views taken from the masthead at an
altitude of 87 feet, and will furnish you the same of all the forts in sight.

To enumerate the batteries, commencing to the northward of the
coast, their order and description are as follows, as near as I could judge
from observation :

Half Moon battery is an open work of traverses, mounting six guns,
and near the beach, immediately in rear of which there is a portion of
the sound, and to the westward, across the sound, there is a battery
called Battery Gatlin. This was so hid by the trees I could not form
any just estimate of the number of guns or how mounted. The enemy
had a number of fieldpieces here and fired from above and below the
battery in the woods. They are both situated about 9,000 yards from
Fort Fisher.

Flag Pond battery is near the beach, an oblong work of three or four
guns, and 6,000 yards from Fort Fisher.

Fort Fisher is a very carefully constructed earthwork. For appear-
ances of same, I call your attention to the sketches from stations Nos.
1, 2, and 3, and also those from aloft. I think it mounts very heavy
guns, all casemated. My estimate of the number of guns is rough
only, but at the most I should say 36. This work and batteries which
I have mentioned numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, counting from Mound bat-
tery toward Fort Fisher, are all connected by a trench or rifle pit.

Battery No. 4 is casemated and mounts four guns. It is close upon
the beach, distant 200 yards from Fort Fisher.

Battery No. 3 is an open work, mounting two guns, distant about
400 yards from Fort Fisher.

Battery No. 2 is a casemated work, mounting three guns, distant
from Fort Fisher about 750 yards.

Battery No. 1 is a casemated work, mounting three guns, distant
about 1,000 yards from Fort Fisher.

Mound battery is a high pile of sand and earth, about 65 feet altitude,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 521

and mounts upon its top two apparently very large guns. 1 think it
must have been built with the view of throwing plunging shots upon
the decks of vessels passing that portion of Federal Point. I think it
would do so with great execution, as vessels must pass close to it up
channel way, as the best water is not over 200 yards distant. It is
situated about 1,300 yards from Fort Fisher.

Battery upon southwest end of Federal Point is an open work,
mounting three guns, and I think was built to deliver fire upon vessels
passing the New Inlet rip in the channel, which passes close to that
point, and this is the only channel in my belief that can be used to
pass the rip of New Inlet eutrauce, as it is plainly to be seen the enemy
have driven many heavy timbers down across the old channel, from
Zeek's Island to the shoal water on the rip, with the intent to close
the channel, which was used before the war; it is distant from Fort
Fisher 2,40.) yards.

Upon Zeek's Island I can not see any satisfactory evidence of a per-
manent battery. 1 know one year ago there was a battery there of
three guns, which could be plainly seen, that is now entirely changed
in appearance, and it is my opinion the enemy have, if anything, only
light fieldpieces, distant from Fort Fisher about 3,300 yards.

I must now draw your attention to the fact that the enemy are very
busy on the west side of Cape Fear Biver, erecting batteries of a
formidable character at Beeves' Point, Mount Eacker, and Deep Water
Point.

Beeves' Point battery, I judge to be a work on a smaller scale, but
planned like Fort Fisher. It mounts apparently eight guns, but I
judge from the activity at this point the enemy will soon mount more,
and from the size of the work it will admit it; it is about 4,200 yards
from Fort Fisher.

Mount Backer battery is upon a bluff on the river bank, west side,
below Beeves' Point, toward Smithville. It is not at present of much
importance, but the enemy are busy upon it with a view of increasing
its size. It mounts three guns and is about 6,750 yards from Fort
Fisher.

Deep Water Point battery: This work, a short distance above
Smithville, upon a bluff, and abreast a good depth of water in the
river, is well situated to prevent an advance of vessels of war
toward New Inlet entrance when inside, or the reverse should it be
desirable to approach Smithville from New Inlet. It does not appear
of great size, now mounting six guns, but the enemy are busy with, I
judge, good promise of increasing its size and number of guns. It is
distant 8,700 yards from Fort Fisher.

Of the Smithville works upon the river 1 suppose you are aware. I
believe they are called Fort Johnston. 1 could not form a correct esti-
mate of its size or weight of metal. I think the enemy have a battery at
Light-House Creek, back of Bald Head light-house; also that they
are erecting works to the southward and westward of Smithville. I trust
this fully complies with your letter of 27th ultimo.

I beg leave to suggest that for some time hence I be permitted to give
these batteries my attention, in order to observe their increase as to
numbers, size of guiis, also to discover any new ones which the enemy
may erect.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant Commander.

Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

522 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 2, 1864.

Send the Massasoit to Hampton Roads. If you think best, she can
go with the Rhode Island and Monadnock. Should everything work
well and the weather be favorable, let all of them go to Hampton Roads,
where they must be, if possible, by the 10th to 12th of October.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Nary.
Bear-Admiral S. H. STRINGHAM,

Commandant Navy Yard, Boston.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 2, 1864.

Direct the Lilian and Unadilla to proceed with all possible dispatch
to Hampton Roads, reporting to the senior officer there, and await
further orders.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Commodore C. K. STRIBLING,

Commandant Navy Yard, Philadelphia.

You may hire civilian firemen to take the picket boats to Hampton
Roads.

G. W.

[ Tele-train.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 2, 1864.

Order the Tuscarora to proceed to Hampton Roads with all possible
dispatch, reporting to the senior officer there, and await further orders.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Nary.
Commodore T. A. DORNIN,

Commanding Naval Station, Baltimore.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 2, 1864.

Direct the following-named vessels to proceed with all possible dis-
patch to Hampton Roads, reporting to the senior officer there, and await
further orders : Susquehanna, Nyack, Pawtuxet, Mohican, and Seneca.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Rear- Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, Neic York.

[Telegram.]

' NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 3, 1864.
Send New Ironsides to Hampton Roads without delay.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore C. K. STRIBLING, U. S. Navy,

Commandant Navy Yard, Philadelphia.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 523

Report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, regarding the grounding
of the chartered transport steamer Aphrodite, October 3, 1864.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 4, 1864.

SIR : About sunset last evening two officers arrived here in boats,
one by sea arid the other by the sound, informing ine that the transport
Aphrodite, with 400 navy recruits under Commander Clary, was ashore
north of Cape Lookout, and I immediately dispatched the Keystone
State, Commander Crosby, and the Shokokon, Acting Master Sheldon,
properly provided, to her relief.

It appears that the Aphrodite ran ashore 12 or 15 miles north of Cape
Lookout light (which was iu full sight and the sky clear) at 4 a. m. yes-
terday. The weather last night was very mild and the sea smooth, and
although one of the officers from the vessel reported that she was
bilged, I hope this is not so, and that if the weather and sea ao not
prevent it to-day, she may be got off. As soon as the pending case
before the court-martial now in session here is concluded, I will proceed
to the scene of disaster. I propose sending the draft of men to Hamp-
ton Koads, whence I presume it will be convenient to the Department
to dispatch them to their destination.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

P. S. — 4 p. m. I am just informed by a messenger from Commander
Crosby that the Aphrodite is bilged ; has 9 feet of water in her and can
not be got off. 1 am about to dispatch, as soon as possible, nine Beau-
fort lighters (small, flat bottom schooners of light draft, suitable for
the navigation of the sounds) to bring the draft here. It will be neces-
sary to send wrecking parties to save the good public property on
board. Two lives were lost in getting the men ashore through the surf;
two others have been brought down and put in the hospital here with
the measles.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

Second report of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting
additional reports regarding the steamer Aphrodite, October 3, 1864.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 7, 1864.

SIR: I transmit enclosed the following-named papers in the case of
the wrecked steamer Aphrodite, viz: (1) October 7th. Keport of Com-
mander A. G. Clary, in charge of draft. (2)* October 7th. Report of
Commander P. Crosby, Keystone State, enclosing lists of articles saved
by that vessel and the Shokokon from the wreck of the Aphrodite (3, 4, 5).t

I respectfully refer the Department to my endorsement on Commander

* Not necessary to publish. t Jot found.

524 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Crosby's report ; also to my telegram of this date, to be forwarded from
Fortress Monroe.

I Lave the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C.

[Enclosure.]

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufortj N. C., October 7, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to orders from the Department, reported to Admiral
Paulding for passage to join my command, U. S. S. Seminole. On the
30th ultimo was ordered to proceed in the U. S. chartered steamer
Aphrodite (Morgan, master), the n'rst public conveyance, in charge of
510 recruits, to be distributed to the Atlantic and Gulf squadrons.

We sailed from New York at 5 p. in. of the 30th ultimo. On Sunday,
October 2, Assistant Surgeon Charles Gaylord reported a case of
measles, advising iny lauding the sick en route as early as possible,
upon which I directed Captain Morgan to go ofl' Beaufort, N. C. Our
position at meridian of this day was nearly eastward of Cape Hatteras
and about 33 miles from it, the course directed to run S. W. £ W. At
this time, or during the afternoon, I suggested to the captain the
courses to run, getting soundings in among Cape Lookout Shoals and
up abreast of Beaufort Bar. Toward evening we made a steamer evi-
dently wishing to speak us. I asked Captain Morgan to head for her.
She proved to be the U. S. S. Powhatan. After leaving her 1 heard the
captain give the order to steer S. W. by W.

We had clear weather during the night. About 5 o'clock of the morn-
ing of the 3d was awakened by the ship thumping aground and being
called by the captain. On getting upon deck the shore was plainly
in sight and we lying nearly parallel to it, heading about N. N. W.
Efforts Mrere being made to back her off and getting her anchor out,
but the sea was broadside on and setting us inshore and the sea break-
ing just inside of us.

Soou as light made sufficiently we discovered we were ashore about
12 miles N. N. E. of Cape Lookout. Officers were dispatched by differ-
ent routes to Admiral Lee at Beaufort for assistance.

The recruits were safely landed and without accident, but I regret
to add that two of the seaman were drowned by imprudently swimming
in the surf. 1 have not yet been able to learn their names.

That night about 8 o'clock the ship bilged. The following morning
the I . S. steamers Keystone State and Shokokon arrived and anchored
near us and commenced getting out Government stores.

The recruits, with the exception of a few deserters, were all conveyed
to Beaufort by Admiral Lee's orders.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

A. G. CLARY,
Commander, U. S. Navy.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON 525

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 4, 1864.

Order R. R. Cuyler to report to senior officer at Hampton Koads and
there await orders.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore C. K. STRIBLING,

Commandant Navy Yard, Philadelphia.

[Telegram.]

CITY POINT, October 4, 1864 — .9 a. m.

Will you send twenty good launches with oars to Brigadier-General
C. K. Graham, commanding army gunboats at Point of Rocks? You
will understand their purpose.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant- General.
Hon. G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 5, 1864.

Launches ordered by telegraph from here, Philadelphia, and New
York. Vessels beginning to arrive at Hampton Eoads. Porter returns
from the West to-morrow and will go direct to you. The information
and maps I sent you some time since were furnished by a Northern
man who left the South very lately and he has resided at W. thirty «/
years. He knows the sentiments of people on the coast and has other
information, and as Governor Andrew vouches for him I will send him
down in the boat that carries Porter.

G. Y. Fox.
Lieutenaut-Geueral GRANT, U. S. Army,

City Point, Va.

[Telegram.]

FORT MONROE, October 5, 1864.

The U. S. S. Circassian sailed, having on board 43 officers, 55 men
(total number of prisoners, 98), to anchor 20 miles above Newport News.
The Huron accompanied her.

JOSEPH LANMAN,
Commodore, Senior Officer Present.
Captain M. SMITH,

Commanding. Division, James River.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 5, 1864.

Instructions from the President to Lieutenant-General Grant go by
to-day's mail relative to the exchange of the prisoners on board tbe
Circassian.

526 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Turn the whole matter over to him, and send the Circassian back to
Boston early as practicable.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.
Captain M. SMITH,

Senior Naval Officer, City Point, Va.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 5, 1864.

Endeavor to raise 100 seamen, and if possible the same number of
ordinary seamen, to send to Hampton Roads immediately. If no medi-
cal officer arrives when the Mohican is ready, take anyone within reach.

GIDEON WELLES,
Rear- Admiral PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb,
U. S. Navy, for the return of communications addressed to Commodore
Rowan.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. €., October 5, 1864.

SIR: The Department informs me, under date of 28th ultimo, that
the order of the 1st instant, appointing Commodore S. C. Rowan to
command the naval forces within the sounds of North Carolina, has
been revoked by that officer's request, and that portion of the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron will be under my command as heretofore.

You will therefore return such communications, addressed or referred
by me to Commodore Rowan, as require my action, and also return a
bag of charts which I forwarded to him on the 29th ultimo by Acting
Assistant Paymaster Dougherty, of the Hetzel. Furnish me with a
list of the present force in the sounds; forward through me the usual
quarterly lists of officers, and carry on your duties as divisional officer
in all respects as heretofore.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding Fourth Division, Sounds of North Carolina.

Chase of a blockade runner coming out of Neic Inlet.
Beport of Acting Ensign Griffith, U. 8. N&vy, commanding U. 8. S. Berberry.

U. S. TUG BERBERRY,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 5, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 9 : 45 p. m. instant, a steamer
was discovered standing out of New Inlet, North Carolina, the U. S.
tug Berberry at the time being in 4 fathoms of water on No. 1 station,
Mound light bearing W. by S. The steamer stood for us until within

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADKON. 527

about 400 yards; then she kept off' to the southward. I immediately
ran between her and the bar and opened fire on her, throwing at the
same time rockets in the direction she was steering. I kept np the chase
for some time, the U. S. S. Niphon being in company. I fired twenty two
rounds of shell at the steamer, and feel quite confident that two of
them took effect. Losing sight of the steamer, I returned, in company
with the U. S. S. Niphon, to our station. The description of the steamer
was a long, low, two smokestack, and no masts.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MILTON GRIFFITH,
Acting Ensign, Commanding.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Kemble, IT. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 9:45 p. m. last evening, the
5th instant, a steamer was discovered by this vessel coming out of New
Inlet. Niphon, on No. 1 station in 4£ fathoms water, Mound light bear-
ing W. by N. £ N., immediately gave chase (the tug Berberry, lying off
the mouth of the channel, giving chase also and opening fire upon him)
and opened on said steamer from our starboard battery, at the same
time throwing up rockets to the southward. Continued in chase for
3 miles, firing some twenty shots at steamer, when we lost sight of chase
and returned to station. During the chase the steamer threw up two
rockets and showed a white light twice, of which the fort and batteries
seemed to take notice, as they opened fire, firing some twelve shot,
shell and grape, doing no damage to us or the Berberry, who continued
in company until chase was lost sight of.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Phelon, TT. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Daylight.

U. S. S. DAYLIGHT,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 6, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that while on my station on the even-
ing of the 5th instant, the Mound light bearing N. N. W. and Bald Head
light S. S. W., I saw a steamer heading to the northward. I immedi-
ately went to quarters and stood to the northward and westward for
the purpose of cutting him off. I was challenged by him and answered
it. I put my helm aport and headed to the southward. I was chal-
lenged again by the same vessel off the starboard quarter, and answered
it. Saw flashes of guns and a rocket, bearing N. W. by W. £ W. I
was hailed by the steamer and requested to starboard my helm, which
I did. Heavy firing from the Mound and fort commenced and rockets
in different directions, mostly to the southward and eastward. Two

528 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

shots passed over us from the Mound and the fort and several passing
near us, gave the port helm and headed to the southward and westward
in 5 fathoms of water. Saw two steamers close inshore, the one appar-
ently in chase of the other. Started full speed in the direction of the
supposed blockade runner. Saw a rocket from the vessel in chase. I
sent a rocket in that direction, and at the same time a vessel on our
port beam challenged us, which we answered. I fired a shot from my
30-pounder Parrott at the blockade runner off my starboard bow, and
while training my starboard battery, two shells exploded under our
quarter, apparently from the vessel we had just exchanged signals
with. I was challenged by a vessel on the starboard quarter, which I
answered. The vessel which was off our port beam crossed our bow
and took a position in the line of our fire. Having lost sight of the
chase, I returned to my station.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENIIY A. PHELON,

Acting Master, Commanding U. S. 8. Daylight.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 6, 1864.

Send the fastest steamer at Hampton Roads to Acting Rear-Admiral
Lee, with the following order :
Proceed to Hampton Roads and await further orders.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore Jos. LANMAN,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Minnesota, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, VA., October 6, 1864.

(Received 5:45 p. in.)

I dispatch immediately to Admiral Lee U. S. S. Yantic, agreeably to
your orders, this moment received, 3 p. m.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH LANMAN,

Commodore, etc.
Hon. G. WELLES.

[Telegram.)

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 6, 1864.

The two tugs and all vessels arriving at Hampton Roads under orders
of the Department form part of the North Atlantic Squadron, and will
report for duty to the commander of said squadron upon his arrival in
the roads. So notify all the vessels as they arrive and have them all
ready for service.

GIDEON WELLES.
Commodore J. LANMAN, U. S. Navy,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 529

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Lanman, U. 8. Navy,
regarding the forwarding of launches and cutters to Brigadier- General
Graham.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 6, 1864.

SIR: Some twenty launches or cutters, with oars complete, will be
sent to Hampton Eoads, which you will cause to be towed up James
River and delivered at the Point of Rocks, Appomattox River, to
Brigadier-General Graham.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore Jos. LANMAN,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Minnesota, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram. 1

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 6, 1864.

Send the Mattabesett to Hampton Roads to report to the senior naval
officer, and let her tow the launches and cutters. Neither crews nor
armaments are required, but oars, rudders, painters, etc.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore J. B. MONTGOMERY,

Commandant Navy Yard, Washington, I). C.

Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, of the arrival at Hampton
Roads of the U. S. S. Mahopac.

U. S. IRONCLAD MAHOPAC,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 6, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report the arrival of the Mahopac at Hamp-
ton Roads at 4 o'clock p. m. this day, having left the bay of New York
on the 4th instant at 12 m., in tow of the U. S. steam tugs Clematis and
Bignonia.

We had a favorable passage, with light wind and a smooth sea. The
maximum speed attained by this vessel was 5£ knots. Nothing of
importance has occurred since we left our anchorage at New York.

The performance of the vessel was satisfactory, except that she
steered wild. This is attributed to the new-fashioned rudder, hung on
a pivot amidships, which is not approved.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. A. PARKER,

Commander.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Commande'- Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction by
the Confederates of the Croatan light.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 6, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 4th instant
the rebels destroyed the light house at the entrance from Albemarle to
N w R— VOL 10 34

530 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Croatan Sound, called the Croatan light. It was blown up and after-
wards set on fire so as to make the destruction complete.

I have also to report that since the appearance of the yellow fever at
New Berne the naval temporary hospital at that place has been broken
up by the military authority and the patients transferred either to army
hospitals at New Berne or to the hospitals at Beaufort.
I am, sir, very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds North Carolina.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
to assume command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, October 7, 1864.

SIR: The order of the Department dated the 22d ultimo, directing
yon to proceed to Beaufort, N. C., to relieve Acting Rear- Admiral Lee,
is so far modified that you will proceed to Hampton Roads to-day in the
steamer Baltimore, and upon the arrival of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee
you will assume command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Place the steamer Baltimore at the disposal of Acting Rear- Admiral
Lee to reach Washington.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Rear- Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,

Washington, D. C.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. S.
Navy, regarding the transfer of command.

Confidential.] NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington, October 7, 1864.

SIR: Upon the arrival of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter at Hampton
Roads, you will transfer the command of the North Atlantic Blockad
ing Squadron to that officer and all unexecuted orders, and agreeably
to the request contained in your letter of the 1st instant, thirty days'
leave of absence is granted you to visit your family.

The steamer Baltimore that conveys Rear- Admiral Porter to Hamp-
ton Roads is placed at your disposal to reach Washington.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Endorsement.]

Received from Admiral Porter at Hampton Roads, October 11, 9 p. m.

[LEE.j

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 531

Reports of the chase of blockade runners, and the driving ashore of the

steamer Condor.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., October 7, 1864.
(Via Fort Monroe, 5:30 p. m., 9th.)

Near daylight, October 1, Niphon drove ashore a three-piped blockade
rainier* alongside Night Hawk, under Fort Fisher. The rebels are erect-
ing a second mound battery. Mercedita leaves to day with the draft of
men and their hammocks and bags for the southern squadron. Some
damaged stores have been saved from the Aphrodite, which is broken
in two and a total wreck. It will require an organized wrecking party
to save the anchors, cables, etc. The blockade of Wilmington requires
strengthening.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Le«, U. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., October 7, 1863 \1864}.

SIR: Near daylight on the 1st instant the Niphon, Acting Master
Keinble commanding, chased, fired at five times, struck once, and drove
oft' a two-stack, high, side-wheel steamer, attempting to enter New Inlet,
and ten minutes later drove on Swash Channel Bar, near the Night Hawk
and under Fort Fisher, a long, low, three pipe, side- wheel steamer.*
These two wrecked blockade runners partially obstruct the channel.

I have already recommended Acting Master Kernble's promotion for
efficient services.

Near midnight of 2d instant a steamer ran the blockade into New
Inlet, and the Niphon was frustrated in her attempt to destroy the
three-pipe steamer by the fire of Fort Fisher, directed by signals from
the signal officer on board that grounded blockade runner.

On the evening of the 2d instant a very long, low, swift, side-wheel
steamer, with two stacks and two masts, ran out of New Inlet and stood
to sea, though fired at twelve times by the Niphon. The Santiago de
Cuba, Captain Glisson, took up the chase immediately and continued it
unsuccessfully until the afternoon of the next day. Enclosed is Captain
Glisson's interesting report, dated 4th instant (marked 5) ; also, Acting
Master Kemble's reports of the 1st, 2d, and 3d instant (marked 1, 2, 3).

At 3 o'clock a. m. of the 4th instant a steamer, twice fired at by the
tug Berberry, ran into New Inlet. Enclosed is Acting Ensign Griffith's
report (4).

I enclose two reports from Captain Glisson of the 5th instant, No*.
42 and 43 (marked 6. 7), and call the attention of the Department to his
statement that the enemy are building a second mound battery, and
that more vessels are needed in his division.

* See p. 552.

532 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Tbe Governor Buckingham is again injured by an accidental collision.
The Daylight, recently returned from a long absence for repairs, is
inefficient and in bad condition in her engine department. The serv-
ices of the Kansas seemed more needed this moon in Sands' than in
Glisson's division.

Both divisions need at least the additional number and kind of ves-
sels which I have heretofore recommended.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Beport of Acting Master Kemblo, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 1, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 3 : 50 a. m. a steamer was dis-
covered by this vessel at the N. N. E. (Niphon being on No. 2 station,
in o fathoms water, Mound light bearing W. S.W.), standing in toward
New Inlet. Immediately gave chase, went to quarters, cast loose bat-
tery, ana opened fire upon her, firing five shots, one of which took
effect, causing said steamer to tack ship and stand to the N. E., in
which direction threw up two rockets. The steamer was side-wheel,
two smokestacks, two masts, and quite high out of water. At 4 a. m.
discovered another steamer at S. and E. ; gave chase, when said steamer
ran on Federal Shoals near the wreck of the Night Hawk. Stood close
in to bring my battery to bear upon steamer, when the batteries opened
fire upon me with shot and shell, falling in close proximity to us, and
daylight coming on rapidly, I deemed it prudent to stand offshore. I
much regret not being able to destroy the steamer, but the safety of
this vessel demanded that I should forego the pleasure of doing so
until the coming night, when, under the cover of darkness, I shall try to
do so. Said steamer is long and low, side-wheel, with three smoke-
stacks and two masts.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Gomdg. 1st Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Beport of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 2, 18H4.
SIB : I have the honor to report that last evening at 11 : 40 p. m., the
1st instant, a steamer was discovered by this vessel at the southward,
standing in toward New Inlet, Niphon on No. 1 station, Mound light
bearing W. by S., in 5 fathoms of water. Gave chase and opened tire
upon her, when she crossed my bow and entered New Inlet, after which

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 533

I stood for the steamer inshore, it being nearly low water, in the hopes
of throwing a few shells into her machinery, when the batteries and
fort opened upon us. Found that the steamer had signals on board,
was directing the fire from the shore upon us so accurately that every
way my vessel was headed the shot and shell followed, thus preventing
me from firing into the steamer on shore, which has every appearance
of being stranded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. 1st Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 3, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that last evening at 7.50 p. m., the
3d instant, a steamer was discovered by this vessel coming out of New
Inlet, standing to the southward, Niphon on No. 1 station, Mound light
bearing W. by N. \ N., in 5 fathoms water. Gave chase and opened
fire upon her, tiring twelve shots from starboard battery, at the same
time throwing up five rockets in a southerly direction. Found steamer
to be rapidly going ahead of us; gave up the chase and stood back for
station to watch the movements of another steamer lying under the
Mound. The chase was extremely long, side- wheel, two smokestacks,
and two masts.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Lieutenant J. P. BOBERTSON,

/Senior Officer Present, Commanding U. S. 8. Monticello.

Report of Acting Ensign Griffith, U. S. Navy, commanding IT. S. S. Berberry.

U. S. S. BERBERRY,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 4, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 3 a. m. this morning a
steamer was discovered by this vessel standing for New Inlet, the U.
S. S. Berberry on No. 1 station, in o fathoms of water, Mound light
bearing W. Went to quarters, gave chase, and fired two shots at her,
but she succeeded in crossing my bow and gained the entrance of New
Inlet. I can not say whether any of my shots did any damage or not.
Ammunition expended: One 24-pound shrapnel, one 12-pound
shrapnel.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MILTON GRIFFITH,
Acting Ensign, Commanding.

Lieutenant J. P. EOBERTSON,

Senior Officer Present, Commanding U. S. S. Monticello.

534 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, eommanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.

TJ. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

At Sea, October 4, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report to the admiral that oil the night of
2d October, at 7 : 45 p. in., several guns were fired from the bar tenders
and also several rockets were thrown up to the southward. Started
ahead at full speed, beat to quarters, cleared ship for action, and
headed the ship S. After steering this course for about thirty minutes
and not seeing anything, changed our course to S.E. by E. In the act
of doing this, discovered black smoke bearing E. by S. ; steered for it,
the vessel edging away until we were heading E. \ N., when discovered
she was not within range of our guns. At midnight the chase in sight
ahead, burning black smoke. At 1 a. in., it being hazy, lost sight of
the chase; stood on E. £ N. until daylight, hoping to fall in with her
again. Eau the 30 [pounder] rifle on the quarter-deck and sent all the
men aft to trim ship. At 6 a. m. wore ship to the westward and dis-
covered the chase again bearing W. of us, steering S., and about 10
miles off, we heading W. ; she evidently wishing to cross our bow. The
chase was a large side- wheel steamer, two pipes, and very long. At
7 : 15 a. m. chase commenced throwing overboard his cotton and hauling
up gradually to the westward. Up to this time we were gaining rap-
idly on the chase. At 8 a. m. he stopped throwing overboard his cot-
ton, we gaining on the chase slowly. At 8 : 30 a. m. we shifted the main-
deck guns aft. At 10 a. m. the chase again commenced throwing
overboard cotton. At 11 a. in. the chase stopped throwing over-
board cotton. At meridian, the chase in sight ahead, distant about 8
miles, we gaining on her very slowly. At 1 : 45 p. m. the chase was
about 5 miles from us and again commenced throwing overboard cotton ;
from this moment she commenced leaving us. We chased on until 8
p. m. When we last saw her she was heading S. £ E., and in the longi-
tude 76° 31' W., latitude 32° 02' N. This was one of the most exciting
and interesting chases that I have ever seen, and it is a source of much
regret to me to lose so fine a blockade runner. She was one of their
largest and fastest boats, and I have no doubt she had on board at
least 1,000 bales of cotton, and we forced her to throw overboard three
different times to avoid capture. The amount thrown overboard was
about 300 bales. I chased her so far from where the cotton was thrown
overboard that I could not spare the time from my station to go and
pick it up. The tubes of my donkey boiler gave out at 8 : 20 a. m. on
the morning of the 3d. This was a sad loss to us, as it enabled us to
keep up our steam while cleaning tires. Enclosed you will find a chart
with the track of the blockade runner and this ship following her.
Longitude at 6 a. m., October 3, 75° 25' W. ; latitude at same time, 34°
03' IS". Longitude at meridian, 76° 27' W.; latitude at meridian,
33° 28' N.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer.

Acting Eear- Admiral SAMUEL P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. G.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure. I

535

8p.m. Qct.i discovered
(Cape Fear. 6fa* smote.

Totelamountofcotfonthnwn over
supposed to bt abouf 300 bales.

8p.m. Oct. 34 /aits7gfitt>f*-f/ie bjock&fe

536 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Keport of Captain Glisson, IT. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off New Inlet, October 5, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to the admiral that the Niplion has
driven another steamer on shore. She is a side-wheel steamer, with
three pipes, and is close to the Night Hawk, and both are abreast and
close to Fort Fisher. The rebels have saved her cargo, but the vessel
will not be got off; at any rate, not until the war is over. I have not
learned the name of the three-piped steamer. As soon as I do I will
inform you. I have not been able to communicate with Myrtle Grove
in consequence of the heavy swell setting on shore, and the pilot has
been sick. As soon as possible 1 shall make another attempt to com-
municate. The rebels are now engaged throwing up a second mound,
and there seems to be a large number of men employed on that work.
Enclosed you will find Acting Master Kemble's report.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer, off New Inlet.

Acting Rear-Admiral SAMUEL P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Report of Captain Glisson, IT. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,

Off New Inlet, October 5, 1864.

SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st
October, and I deeply regret that you should have found it necessary
to take the Kansas* from my command. I had looked forward to her
return with much anxiety. I am fearful that you do not think this side
of as much importance as the other. 1 consider it of more importance,
and I have a larger space to blockade and it requires more vessels. You
hold me responsible for the efficiency of the blockade of this side, and
it now becomes my duty to tell you that there is not a sufficient number
of vessels here, nor are they of the proper kind. The Daylight and
the Buckingham are broken down ; the latter is at anchor and will remain
here until more force arrives.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer, off New Inlet.

Acting Bear- Admiral SAMUEL P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports
regarding the chase of blockade runners by the U. S. 8. Emma.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

Beaufort, N. C., October 7, 1864.

SIR : I transmit enclosed three reports dated 1st, 2d, and 4th instant,
from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, commanding U. S. S.
Emma, of Captain Sands' division, off Western Bar, Wilmington. The
first (I) reports his unsuccessful effort, owing to the dullness of the

* Temporary detail Sands' division, where most needed. — LEE.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 537

Emma (which can not make more than 5 knots), to prevent the escape
to sea, at 8 p. m. on the 30th ultimo, of a large paddle-wheel steamer,
with two stacks and two masts, with long topmasts, though he fired
twenty shells at her, and thinks the firing was excellent and that the
runner was disabled. The Emma delivered her first broadside (three
24-pounders and one 12-pounder) at 300 yards, which started the runner
at full speed, when Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams fired a second
broadside, which, he could distinctly see, took effect on her.

At 1 : 30 a. m., on the 2d instant, the Emma headed off a two-stack,
side wheel steamer like the Tristram Shandy, which was attempting to
run into Western Bar (2).

At 9:20 p. m., on the 3d instant, the Emma turned back a steamer
which was trying to come out (3).

I call the Department's attention to Captain Sands' endorsement on
these reports.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams' services on the blockade have
been arduous, vigilant, and very valuable, and it is my duty to recom-
mend him to the Department for promotion.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C.

[Enclosures.]

IT. S. S. EMMA,
Off Wilmington, N. C., October 1, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 8 o'clock p. m. of the 30th
ultimo, the Emma being in 3f fathoms of water, with Bald Head light
bearing E. £ S., Bug light N. N. E., a steamer was seen coming out over
Western Bar very slowly, and at first it was almost impossible to dis
tinguish it from the land, but keeping the glasses upon it, it soon became
evident that it was a steamer, which, after crossing the bar, came slowly
along the shore.

I steamed in toward the shore and when the blockade runner was
abreast of us, and about 300 yards distant, I opened fire with the star-
board broadside, upon which she started ahead with all speed. We
also let on all steam, and having her in almost the same relative posi-
tion as before, delivered a second broadside, which I could distinctly
see take effect upon her. At this fire she stopped and I headed for her,
keeping the port battery bearing upon her, but the sluggish movement
of this vessel alone prevented me from reaching her, for after turning
to head for her, she started ahead across our bow to the S. W. I there-
upon delivered a fire from the port guns and headed to keep her on the
starboard bow, between myself and the Montgomery, but she soon dis-
appeared from sight, steaming to the S. W. Having expended all of
my rockets (three) in indicating her westward course, I could not make
known her final course to the fleet.

We fired twenty shells at her and threw up three rockets, and it
gratifies me to be able to say that the firing was excellent.

The blockade runner was a large, paddle-wheel steamer, with two
smokestacks and two masts, with long topmasts, and when we lost
sight of her had the appearance, from her rate of speed, of beiug
disabled.

Shortly after losing sight of her we sighted the Montgomery to the
westward.

538 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The greatest rate of speed which the Emma attained during the whole
time would not exceed 5 knots per hour.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. C., October 2, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 1 : 30 o'clock a. in. of this date,
the Emma, lying in 4 fathoms of water, with Ball Ilead light bearing
E. £ S., I heard a paddle-wheel steamer approaching from the W. S. W.,
bound in, and at almost the same time she was seen by the lookout and
from the quarter-deck. I immediately called crew to quarters and
steamed for her, upon which she turned and steamed away to the west-
ward. I threw up two rockets and fired one gun to indicate the course
of the runner.

She had two smokestacks and one mast, and looked like the U. S. S.
Tristram Shandy.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

[Endorsement.]

This was a night very favorable to blockade runners, being cloudy
and hazy upon the water so that the horizon could not be discerned,
and as the outside line being more extended, the vessels are more sep-
arated, permitting a runner to watch his chances and slowly approach
the bar, where I have the satisfaction to find they are almost always
seen and fired at, and frequently turned back. This runner was not
seen by any of the rest of us in the obscurity of the night. The
attempt was at nearly low water, during the ebb of the tide.
Eespectfully, etc.,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Commanding Division 3, Western Bar.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. C., October 4, 1864.

SIB : I have the honor to report that at 9 :20 p. in. of the 3d instant,
while lying at station off the bar in 2£ fathoms of water, with Bald Head
light bearing E., I saw a steamer coming slowly across the bar. I
steamed close in to the shore and had crew called to quarters. The
steamer passed about 200 yards to the westward of Bug light, when,
evidently observing us in her course, she turned and went back behind
the fort.

My position was such that it would have been impossible for her to
pass us without giving us an excellent chance to board her, which I
intended to improve.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. Sands,

Commandinq Division Western Bar.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADKON. 539

[Endorsement.]

This was a bright, starlight night, aiid the runner could doubtless see
the bar and approaches too well watched for a chance of success in his
attempt.

Respectfully, etc.,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain , Comdg. Div. 3, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Commander Frailey, U. 8. Navy, of the arrival in Hampton
Roads of the U. S. 8. Tuscarora.

U. S. S. TUSCARORA,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 8, 1864.

SIB : I respectfully inform you of the arrival of this steamer in these
waters at about 9 a. m. this day from Baltimore, which port I left on
the 7th instant, and await further orders from the Department.
I am, sir, very respectfully, etc.,

JAS. MADISON FRALLEY,

Commander, U. 8. Navy.
Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 8, 1864.

Send the Circassian to New York instead of Boston. Answer.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Senior NAVAL OFFICER,

Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Capture and destruction of U. 8. picket 'boat No. 2, October 8, 1864*
Report of Acting Ensign Stockholm, U. S. Navy.

No. 58 MYRTLE AVENUE,
Brooklyn, N. Y., October 26, 1864.

SIR : I have to report the following facts in relation to the capture
and destruction of picket boat No. 2, of which 1 was in command in
Wicomico Bay, between the Potomac and Kappahannock rivers, on the
8th of October instant:

After leaving Baltimore, Md., picket boat No. ljs engine broke down,
and it was necessary for nie to take her in tow, which I did, and arrived
at Annapolis, remaining there until the following morning, October C.
Started again, with No. 1 still in tow, the wind S. E. and freshening so
as to compel us to make harbor under the eastern shore to enable the
engineers of No. 1 to get their engine in order. At 3:30 p. m., the
wind suddenly shifting around to the S. W., we were compelled to run
across into West Biver, where we remained for the night, starting

* See also Series I. volume 5, pp. 486-488.

540 NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

again early in the morning of the 7th October, arriving at Point Look-
out at about 0 p. m.

I made all necessary repairs to engine, which had become injured by
the heavy rolling and pitching of the boat, and started on my way for
Fortress Monroe, to reach which I used all expedition possible; but
the wind blowing very fresh, and our engine again breaking down
worse than before, [we] were compelled to come to anchor for the pur-
pose of repairing. After nearly completing the necessary repairs a
body of guerrillas attacked me with musketry from all sides of the
surrounding woods in which they were concealed. I immediately
returned their fire and fought them until I had expended my last car-
tridge; previous to which I had slipped my cable, and in trying to get
out of the enemy's reach grounded on a sand bar. I lightened her
forward all I could by throwing everything of a heavy or bulky nature
overboard, and tried all in my power to get her off, but to no purpose,
and after having received upward of a hundred shots in the hull, and
making water very fast, and finding it impossible to get her off, I
destroyed all that I could before surrendering, and set her on fire for-
ward. I also received one shot in the hand and one through the cap.
I did all in my power to destroy the engine by breaking and bending
it as much as possible. I also tried to blow her up by having a very
large fire under the boiler and blowing the steam and water off. When
I found I could do no more, I surrendered to Captain Coviugton, of
the Home Guard. The boat burned completely up forward, but was
too much under the water aft.

On my way to Richmond myself and crew were robbed of clothing,
boots, etc., and had to walk, footsore and hungry, for four days before
reaching that place.

On the 18th instant I was paroled and returned by flag-of-truce boat.
I must here state that on the evening of the 7th, when at Point Look-
out, I requested Acting Ensign Howorth, commanding picket boat
No. 1, to remain by me until my repairs were completed, but he
declined, he wishing to get to Fortress Monroe as early as possible.

I enclose herewith a report* of Edward T. Beardsley, acting third
assistant engineer.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ANDREW STOCKHOLM,
Acting Ensign, late Commanding U. S. Picket Boat No. 2.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C.

Report of William H. Rossom, pilot on the TJ. S. picket boat No. 2.

WASHINGTON, D. C., March 13, 1865.

SIR: I would most respectfully submit the following statement ot
my connection with the loss or capture of the U. S. steam picket boat
No. 2, on the 8th of October, 18G4, in the Great Wicomico Bay:

I was engaged by Acting Ensign Andrew Stockholm, commanding,
to pilot the above-named vessel from Baltimore to Hampton Eoads, by
order of Lieutenant William B. Gushing, and was to receive the pay of
a Government pilot for so doing.

The engine breaking down, we were obliged to make harbor, and put
into the mouth of Reason Creek, in order to make repairs, as the
engineer said it would require smooth water.

*Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 541

At this time we were attacked by a force of seventy-five or eighty
rebels; the captain ordered the cable slipped and his order was exe-
cuted. By this time they had a raking fire on us, and to prevent them
irom boarding us we attempted to cross a point, and in doing so
grounded. We made every exertion in our power to get the vessel off,
but after expending all our ammunition, and destroying the colors and
all that might be of value to the enemy, we were forced to surrender.
I would therefore respectfully request that I may receive the com-
pensation of a Government pilot from the time I was employed until
the date of my arrival North as a released prisoner, which was on the
12th instant.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. KOSSOM,
Chesapeake City, Cecil County, Md.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

List of officer* and men OH board U. S. jncket boat No. 3.

In Washington. — Acting Ensign Commanding Andrew Stockholm,
Acting Third Assistant Engineer Edward T. Beardsley.

At navy yard, Washington. — First-class Fireman Francis [Morgan],
Second-class Fireman John Henry, Seaman W. H. Underbill, Landsmen
William Peunington [probably C. W. Pen field] and Henry .

Prisoner, Richmond. — Pilot [William 11.] Rossom.

Loss of the U. /S'. tug Aster, October 8, 1864.
Report of Acting Master Hail, U. S. Navy, late commanding IT. S. tog Aster.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 8, 1864.

SIR : I respectfully submit the following report of the loss of the
U. S. tug Aster, under my command, on the morning of the 8th
instant, on Caroline Shoals, at the entrance of New Inlet. I arrived
off New Inlet on the 7th instant and reported to Lieutenant J. P. Bob-
ertson, senior officer present, for blockading duty. I informed him
that I had never been in on the bar, and as the Aster was then drawing
12 feet of water, requested him to send on board some one to act as a
pilot. He said that he would send me an officer who was well acquainted
with the bar and vicinity. He accordingly ordered Acting Ensign
E. N. Semou to the Aster. At 5:30 p. m. U. S. S. Monticello made
general signal No. 8251. We immediately got underway and proceeded
slowly in toward the bar on a W. N. W. course; when in 7 fathoms
water, stopped and cruised about until the moon had set. At that time
the batteries on shore threw several random shots about the inlet. We
then stood in full speed for Xo. 1 night station on the bar. At 10:40
arrived in 5 fathoms water, Mound light bearing W., slowed down,
sent the watch to quarters with their arms on, and proceeded to cruise.
At 11 p. m. the Aster, heading S. W. by S., saw a blockade runner to
the westward of us, heading for the inlet; called all hands to quarters,
put the helm hard to port and came round, head to the northward.
We gradually ranged ahead of him ; we then hauled up more to the
westward to cut him off, the It-ad at the time showing a quarter less
5 fathoms water. Before the soundings could be taken again, the Aster
struck on the eastern extremity of Caroline Shoals. We stopped and

542 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

reversed the engine. I ordered the engineer in charge to put on all
the power he possibly could. She started astern for a few feet and then
stopped. I immediately lowered away a boat and sent my executive
officer to the U. S. tug Berberry for assistance; at this time Mound
light bore W. £ N. We also discovered that the strange steamer was
on shore about 250 yards to the southward and westward of us. About
12 midnight the Berberry came near us. We gave her a new 8-inch
manila hawser, which she parted. Iimmediatelyorderedthe24-pounder
howitzer aft. and everything that would tend to lighten to be thrown
overboard, which was done. The Berberry, as soon as possible, came
up to us again. We gave her the hawser the second time, and after
trying for half an hour and not moving the Aster (it being then about
two hours ebb tide), I ordered the Berberry to come alongside. At the
same time I passed an order for every man to be ready witli his
clothing to go on board of the Berberry. I then called my executive
officer and Acting Ensign Semon and asked them if, in their opinion,
anything more could be done to save the Aster. They fully concurred
with me that nothing more could possibly be done. The Berberry then
came alongside, and as the tide was falling rapidly I ordered the men
on board of her, retaining on the Aster my executive officer, Mr. Semon,
chief engineer, and two master's mates, to assist in destroying the
Aster. At 2:20 a. m., 8th instant, I set her on fire nearly over the
magazine. Just at that time a boat was reported to me pulling from
the shore. When everyone had left the Aster but myself, I saw that
the fire was well started and got into the boat. We pulled round the
bow of the Aster, when we encountered a boat. We hailed her and
ordered her alongside of us. After hailing her three times we fired a
revolver across her, when she came alongside. It proved to be a boat
belonging to the blockade runner Annie, and had on board the chief
engineer and 14 others belonging to the fire department of the Annie.
I ordered them to follow our boat. At 2: 40 a. m. the fire broke out on
board the Aster, disclosing our positions to the rebels. They immedi-
ately opened fire upon us from Fort Fisher and other batteries, the
shot and shell striking on all sides of us. At 3 a. m. arrived alongside
of the Berberry. I ordered Mr. Semon to take the Annie's boat along-
side of the TJ. S. S. Niphon, which vessel was lying within hail of the
Berberry. The fire was still continued from the batteries, but without
doing any damage.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL HALL,

Acting Master, Commanding late U. S. S. Axter.
Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N. C.

[Endorsement.]

Respectfully forwarded. I believe the steamer Annie was got off by
the rebels and taken into Wilmington.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear -Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Eeport of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon.

II. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 8, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 2:20 this morning a ves-
sel was discovered by this ship, apparently on shore off New Inlet Bar;

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 543

Niphon on No. 1 station, in 4£ fathoms water, Mound light bearing
W. Is". W.; stood slowly in for the bar until in a quarter less 4 fathoms
water, Mound light bearing W. by N. £ N., when I hove to to obtain a
better view of the vessel on shore. After a few moments a dense column
of smoke and flame was seen to issue from the vessel ashore, showing her
to be a steamer. Almost at the instant a vessel was seen to the N. N. W.
of us, distant 300 yards, burning a blue light, which is known to be the
signal of distress. Stood for her. and in a few moments was alongside
of the U. S. tug Berberry, disabled, having got a hawser round her pro-
peller in trying to get the IT. S. tug Aster from off Caroline Shoals, the
Aster having, in chase of the blockade runner Annie, and running her on
shore, grounded herself. From the Aster came the fire and smoke first
seen by me off New Inlet Bar. After some difficulty the Berberry was
taken in tow and safely towed out to the day station, the light from the
burning Aster lighting up the sides of the Berberry and this vessel to the
extent of showing the enemy our exact position, upon which they opened
from their forts and batteries, firing some hundred shot and shell, fall-
ing upon all sides of the vessels, but fortunately doing no damage to
either. I received on board from the Berberry the officers and men
composing the fire department of the blockade runner Annie.
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLB,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.

Lieutenant J. P. KOBERTSON,

Senior Officer Present, U. 8. S. Monticello.

Report of Acting Ensign Griffith, U. 8. Navy, commanding TJ. 8. 8. Berberry.

U. S. S. BERBERRY,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 8, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that at 12: 15 this a. m. the Berberry,
being on the extreme northern beat of No. 1 station, in 4£ fathoms
water, Mound light bearing W. by S., the Aster being in sight at the
southward, a boat was seen coming toward us. I hailed the boat and
ordered her alongside. It proved to be one of the Aster's boats, in
charge of an officer in want of assistance, the Aster being on Caroline
Shoals. Immediately steamed in for New Inlet Bar and took a hawser
from the Aster; gave all steam to the Berberry, but could not succeed in
starting her off. I then backed in and went ahead full steam, in hopes
to take her off' by the sudden strain upon the hawser, which parted.
Immediately took it again from the Aster, with no better success than
before. After several attempts with no hopes of success, the tide fast
falling, I was ordered to let go the hawser and come alongside to take
off the crew. 1 got alongside after some twenty minutes, the Berberry
thumping heavily on the bottom, having taken on board all the crew
and officers excepting the captain, executive officer, and Mr. Seinon,
who was acting as pilot for the Aster, who remained behind to destroy
her. Attempted to stand off; found the hawser had become foul of the
propeller, rendering it unserviceable. The wind being to the S. W., got
up all awnings, blankets, etc., and used them as sails to drift the Ber-
berry off shore; got off in 4 fathoms. I then burned a Coston blue light
on my port quarter for the Uowquah, thinking I was near her station.
Waited some twenty minutes, and seeing no answer, nor seeing anything
of the Hoicquah, I then burned another Coston blue light on my star-
board bow for the Niphon. Upon the first flash discovered the Niplion

544 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

coming toward us, answering the signal. The flames from the Aster
having burst forth, together with my signal for assistance, showed the
enemy the position of both the Niplion and this vessel, when the whole
fire from the fort and batteries was directed upon us, the shot and shell
falling thick around us. All credit is due to the commanding officer of
the Niplion for the prompt assistance rendered to this vessel, saving her
and the lives on board from the heavy fire from the shore batteries,
which must have sunk this vessel in a short time. The Berberry leaks
badly, no doubt caused by her striking on the bottom ; part of her guard
aft is also broken.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MILTON GRIFFITH,
Acting Ensign, Commanding.
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, to furnish facts in

the case.

HAMPTON ROADS, October 20, 1864.

CAPTAIN : You will please enquire into the facts of the case regard-
ing the loss of the TJ. S. S. Aster, and also why the blockade runner
Annie was not destroyed, and report to me.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DA\ID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Captain O. S. GLISSON,

Comdg. Santiago de Cuba and Senior Officer, off New Inlet.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, placing the
responsibility for the failure to destroy the blockade runner Annie, chased
ashore October 8, 1S64.

U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS,
Beaufort, N. C., November 28, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General
Orders to No. 52, inclusive.

Also of your communication in response to reports of officers from this
vessel in relation to my treatment of them, which has been read to the
officers, and I am sure will have a beneficial effect. I respectfully ask
that further proceedings against them may be dropped.

I am requested to state my opinion as to who was to blame for the
nondestruction of the Annie at the time she grounded. I was not here
at the time, but from my enquiries, and the official reports made by the
captain of the Aster, Acting Master Samuel Hall, and the captain of
the Niplion, Acting Master Ed. Kemble, I am satisfied Captain Kemble
was responsible for the failure to destroy her, as Mr. Hall, the instant he
put his foot on the Niphon's deck after having destroyed his own tug,
asked Captain Kemble for a boat to go and destroy the Annie. It was
at 3 a. m., and they were within a mile of her. Mr. Hall having very
handsomely captured a launch load of her crew and officers in a small
boat with two oars, having but his revolver, the request was refused oil

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 545

the grounds of its being too near daylight. Acting Master Hall assures
ine he is confident he would have destroyed her within an hour.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

PEND. G. WATMOUGH,

Lieutenant- Commander.
Kear- Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, explaining failure to destroy
the blockade runner Annie, chased ashore October 8, 1864.

U. S. S. NIPHON,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 30, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report why the block-
ade runner Annie was not destroyed on the night of the 8th instant by
this vessel. The Annie was not discovered by this vessel until she had
run on shore; then all preparations were made for boarding her, but
scarcely w ere things ready when a blue light was burned at the N. N. W.
of this ship, distant 300 yards, that being the signal of distress, and
wanting assistance, I immediately stood for the signal. At the same
time a column of flame and smoke issued from what proved to be the
U. S. S. Aster, run ashore while chasing the Annie, showing to us the
tug Berberry disabled, having fouled her propeller in trying to get
the Aster afloat and had made the signal. The flames showing us dis-
tinctly to the enemy, who opened a heavy fire upon us from all his bat-
teries, took the Berberry in tow. While doing so was boarded by Acting
Master Hall, commanding the Aster, who asked for a boat to destroy
the Annie. I replied that it would be impossible to stop and give him
a boat, as the enemy was getting his range upon the two vessels very
accurately, as his firing gave evidence, but as soon as the Berberry was
out of danger would return and destroy the Annie; but the time of our
arrival at the day station with the Berberry was so near daylight, the
time was not sufficient for us to return ; otherwise the Annie would have
been afloat or destroyed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDMUND KEMBLE,
Acting Master, Commanding Niphon.
Kear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. • ..

Report of Acting Master Hall, U. 8. Navy, explaining failure to destroy
the blockade runner Annie, chased ashore October 8, 1864.

II. S. S. KANSAS,

Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 30, 1864.
SIR : In obedience to an order from Lieutenant Commander P. G.
Watmough, calling for a statement regarding the nondestruction of
the blockp.de steamer Annie, I hereby respectfully submit the following
report :

At that time I was in command of the U. S. tug Aster. While pur-
suing the Annie we struck on the eastern extremity of Caroline Shoal;
the Annie struck about the same time, and about 300 yards from the

N w R — VOL, 10 35

546 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Aster and to the southward and westward of her. We had but two
boats, both very small; one of them was stove and swamped by the
U. S. tug Berberry, the other I retained to take myself and officers
away after having set fire to the Aster. At the time I left the sea was
running so high that it was with difficulty that I could get clear of the
ship's side; we shipped considerable water in so doing. I noticed
that it was breaking quite heavily between the Aster and Annie.
After leaving the Aster I encountered a boat containing 15 of the
Annie's crew. I ordered them to follow my boat. I then pulled for
the Berberry, she lying within a short distance of the Aster; on com-
ing up with her, saw the TJ. S. S. Niphon lying within hail of the Ber-
berry. As soon as I arrived on board of the Niphon I informed her
commanding officer of the situation of the Annie, and requested a boat
of him to destroy her. His answer was that he thought it not prudent,
being only a short distance from the Aster, the flames from her lighting
up everything in the vicinity, upon which the enemy commenced firing
at the Niphon and Berberry, and the sea breaking heavily around the
Annie and Aster, he considered it imprudent to make the attempt until
the Berberry was out of danger, when he would return and destroy her.
When the Berberry was considered out of danger it was nearly day-
light, thus preventing the return of the Niphon. Although I might
have been unsuccessful, I very much regret that I was not permitted
to have made the attempt.

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL HALL,
Acting Master, U. S. Navy.
Rear- Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 9, 1864.
Send the losco to Hampton Roads and the Florida to New York.

GIDEON WELLES.
Eear- Admiral S. H. STRINGHAM,

Commandant Navy Yard, Boston.

Report of Acting Master Stuart, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S.
Calypso, regarding the chase of a blockade runner, October 9, 1864.

U. S. S. CALYPSO,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., October 28, 1864.
SIR: I give below, as required, my semilunar monthly report ending
20th October:

******

October 9.— Commences with fresh breezes from N. N. W., with a
heavy swell and rough sea; weather cloudy and thick about the
horizon. At 5:50 a. in., latitude 32Q 58', longitude 77° 50', about,
discovered what was taken for black smoke bearing N. W., very dis-
tant. Spread all fires at once and started for it. At 5 : 35 a large side-
wheel steamer with two masts and two smokestacks, burning black
smoke, was seen bearing N. W. by W. £ W., distant, as was supposed,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 547

about 10 miles, steering' to the southward and westward, the weather
being at the time thick in the direction of the steamer; wind very
fresh from N. N. W., with a large rough sea and heavy swell. Gave
chase for the side- wheel steamer, steering W., then S. W. by W., hop-
ing to cut her off; made all sail. At 6:45 a. m., the chase hauled
more to the southward; changed our course accordingly to S., then
round to S. S. E., following the chase, who, at times, we appeared to
near, but who again seemed to be leaving us, we carrying 30 pounds
of steams and making 95 revolutions with the propeller. At noon we
were in latitude 32° 1', longitude 77? 58', the chase nearly out of sight
and evidently gaining on us. The weather being thick and hazy south-
ward, wind moderating and sea going down, at 1 : 45 p. m, the chase
was entirely out t>f sight from the masthead. When last seen she
bore S. by E. from us. At this time the engineer in charge reported
the key to the air-pump links broken, and that it was absolutely nec-
essary to stop the engine to repair the damage. Stopped the engines
accordingly, latitude 31° 45', longitude 77° 54'. At 2 p. m. took in all
sail and started ahead on a N. N. E. course, thus abandoning a chase
which at first encouraged us with the hopes of success, but as the hours
passed, proved too plainly tbat we had not the speed to compete with
the stranger. During the chase (eight hours) the ship ran about 80 miles.
According to the log, the highest speed attained was 11 knots, but at
times, all sail being set, she made at the rate of not less than 12 knots
an hour and perhaps more. Every effort was employed to raise steam;
the engineer in charge burned all the light stuff and combustible
material he could obtain. The wind being aft, or nearly so, afforded
but little aid in the way of draft although every means was resorted to
to increase it. During the run the propeller worked badly, or, in other
words, some derangement existed aft, which created a great noise and
jarred the ship terribly at each revolution of the shaft; as long as the
chase was in sight the engine was worked to its utmost capacity.
*******

Eespectfully submitted.

FRED. D. STUART,
Acting Master, Commanding Steamer Calypso.

Rear- Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Capture of the British steamer Bat, October 10, 1864.

Beport of Lieutenaiit-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, senior officer present off Western Bar.

U. S. S. YlCKSBURG,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, October 10, 1864.
SIR : I have the gratification to report the capture of the English
blockade running steamer Bat. Her capture was completed by the
TJ. S. S. Montgomery after she had been turned off' from the bar by
the U. S. S. Uolus, fired at by the U. S. S. Emma, and chased by the
U. S. S. Viclcsburg. The U. S. S. Montgomery struck her forward in
her covered forecastle, and the shot (a 30-pounder rifle) took off the
leg of one Match Madick, an Austrian, serving on board of her. He
died since the amputation of his limb, which it was necessary to
perform.

548 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The Bat had no papers of any kind. Cargo, machinery for manu-
facturing shoes.

This was the first trip of the steamer Bat. She attempted to enter
this port at this entrance on the night of the 8th instant, but was
driven off' by the blockaders, when she went down the coast and
anchored all the 9th instant near Georgetown entrance and attempted
to evade us again this morning, when she was captured. She was from
Halifax, bound to Nassau.

I enclose the report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. H. Faucon,
commanding the U. S. S. Montgomery.

I haveordered Acting Ensign Kobert Wiley, of the U. S. S. Montgomery,
to go home in charge of thesteamer Bat, and to proceed to Beaufort, N. 0.,
reporting to you. I have also sent in her, to assist him, Acting Mate
Eobert B. Elder, Second Assistant Engineer (in charge) James Allen,
Third Assistant Engineer Luther It. Harvey, Third Assistant Engineer
A. F. Nagle, also Acting Ensign Charles W. Seekins, also 2 boatswain's
mates, 1 coxswain, 3 quartermasters, 1 seaman, 1 ordinary seaman, 6
landsmen, 6 firemen, and 2 coal heavers, all of whose times have expired,
or nearly so. Her captain, chief engineer, cook, and steward (of prize)
go home in her.

She is a fine, new steamer, built of molded steel, by Messrs. Jones,
Quiggin & Co., of Liverpool, and this was her first trip. She is 230 feet
long, 26 feet beam, and 9 feet 6 inches depth of hold; she has double,
powerful oscillating engines, 180 horsepower (nominal), 52-inch cylinders,
of 4 feet stroke; draft, when loaded, 6 feet 6 inches, and will carry coal
for six days; has capacity for 850 bales of cotton ; speed, 13 knots; will
do better when engines are in good working order. She is admirably
adapted for blockading purposes, and owing to her present arrange-
ments of apartments I think she could be got ready for that service in
ten or fifteen days.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Faucon, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Montgomery.

U. S. S. MONTGOMERY,
Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., October 10, 1864

SIR: It is my duty to report to you the capture of the blockade run-
ner Bat under the following circumstances:

At forty-five minutes past midnight of this instant, whilst on my
station and moving on a line from a point 4 or 5 miles east of Lock wood's
Folly to Bald Head light, on Smith's Island, bearing E. N. E, I saw,
when near the northern shore, a vessel to the westward. Fires were at
once spread and ship headed to W. N. W., the stranger standing to the
northward. Soon afterwards he turned and moved rapidly offshore,
and although we were at the time running 9 knots she soon disappeared.

I at once concluded that it was a blockade runner, and the one seen
and chased by this vessel on the night before.

Suspecting that he would again endeavor to get in before morning, I
at once returned to my station and kept close in under the land.

At 2:45 a. in. the Bug light bore from this ship E. £ S., and Oak
Island beach less than half a mile distant, we heading E. by N., two

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 549

guns Avere fired to the N. E. and a rocket thrown southerly. At once
spread fires and went to quarters, put helm to port and moved full speed.
Several guns now followed in quick succession N. E. of us, and two or
three vessels were seen in that direction. As the vessel was swinging
her head to the southward, we suddenly made a vessel ahead and stand-
ing toward us, who, upon seeing us, at once put his helm to starboard.
As she was running out at full speed, I was at once satisfied that it
was a blockade runner, and instantly ordered the rifled gun to be fired,
the shell from which took effect in the bow of the chase, and as we were
about to fire the port battery, put up a light and blew off steam.

In reply to my hail, I was informed that the chase was the blockade
runner Bat, and desired to send a surgeon on board immediately.

The surgeon, ar prize officer, engineer, and a prize crew were at once
dispatched in the second cutter.

The vessel proved to be the steel-built, side-wheel steamer Bat, of
Liverpool, and from that port via Halifax, bound to Wilmington.

The 30-pounder Parrott shell thrown from this vessel entered the
forward part of the house, or covering, and took oif the right leg of one
of the crew, who has since died.

The Bat1 s cargo consisted of 200 tons of coal and some machinery.
Not a paper of any description was to be found on board. Her captain
informed me that, by order of her owners, he had destroyed all his
papers, including log book.

"Bat, of Liverpool," was painted in large letters on her stern, and she
had an English ensign on board.

The exact point of capture I judge to be Bald Head light, E. £ N., 7
miles distant, and the time 3 a. in.

The capture was known to no other vessel or vessels in the squadron
until after sunrise, although there may have been some witjiin signal
distance when the capture was made.

The Bat is an entirely new vessel, not having been a month at sea;
is 230 feet long, 20 feet beam, 9 feet G inches depth (molded); built by
Jones, Quiggin & Co., Liverpool, England. Two double oscillating
engines, built by Watt & Co. (formerly Watt & Boultou); 180 horse-
power, 52- inch cylinders, 4 feet stroke, draft, when loaded, 6 feet 6
inches; carries coal tor six days in present bunkers. Can take 850
bales of cotton. Speed, 14 to 15 knots.

I enclose a copy of the report of the surgeon of this ship.

I have just been informed that M. Madick, seaman, who died from the
effects of a shell thrown from this ship, was captain of the forecastle on
board the Alabama at the time that ship fought the Kearsarge.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. H. FAUOON,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). G.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Williams, IT. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Emir a.

U. S. S. EMMA,

Off Wilmington, N. G., October 10, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 2 : 30 a. m. on the morning of
the 10th instant, while at night station off Western Bar, in4£ fathoms
of water, Bald Head light bearing E. by S., Bug light bearing E. N. E.,

550 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

it being then the time of high water, I saw a blockade runner coming
in from the westward. Immediately called all hands to quarters, and as
I was then heading to the westward, I opened tire OH her with the star-
board battery, she being inshore of me. Upon my first fire she turned
and steamed to the westward. I rang for all speed, and continued
firing, and threw up two rockets to indicate her course to the fleet.

The nearest vessel to the Emma at the time was the U. S. S. Vlclcs-
burg, bearing S. W., and which, by appearance, noticed my signals.
The U. S. S. Eolus bore W. S. W. and the U. 8. S. Montgomery bore
W. by S. I fired 11 times at her, and ten minutes after ceasing my fire
I saw a gun fired from the U. S. S. Montgomery.

The runner was a side-wheel steamer with two masts and two smoke-
stacks. After chasing to the outside limits of my station, I hove to, and
at sunrise saw the U. S. S. Montgomery in charge of the steamer Bat,
which proved to be the one we fired at just previous to her surrender
to the Montgomery.

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. WILLIAMS,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Acting Bear- Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, calling attention of the Department to
changes made by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Faucon in his official report.

U. S. S. PEQUOT,
Beaufort, N. C., November 9, 1864.

SIR: It is my duty to report Acting Volunteer Lieutenant K. II.
Faucou, commanding the U. S. S. Montgomery, to the Department for
altering his official dispatch to the Navy Department after he had sub-
mitted it to me and it had been read and forwarded by me over my
official signature as his immediate commanding officer.

The circumstances of the case are as follows: I was left off Western
Bar, Cape Fear Kiver, North Carolina, as senior officer, on the 9th of
October, 1804, with the following vessels under my command, to block-
ade that entrance, viz: U. S. steamers Montgomery, Maratanza, Aries,
Victoria, Eolus, Emma, and Viclcsburg, which last-named vessel I com-
manded in person.

On the morning of October 10, 1804, at or about 2 : 30 a. m., the U. S. S.
Montgomery headed off a blockade runner which had been turned off
the bar by the Eolus, fired at by the Emma, and chased by the VicJcs-
burg.

The Montgomery fired a shot which caused the capture of the English
prize steamer Bat.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Faucou submitted to me, as his com-
manding officer, his official report to the honorable Secretary of the
Navy, a report to Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee, and to the Hon.
Judge P. Sprague of the circumstances of the capture of the Bat, and
in them he stated that the U. S. steamers Eolus, Emma, Victoria, Mar-
atanza, and Vicl;sburg were in signal distance at the time of the capture,
or words to that effect.

The official dispatches to the honorable Secretary of the Navy and to
Acting Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee were delivered into the hands of Acting
Volunteer Lieutenant Faucon by me and he, in the Montgomery, con-
voyed the prize steamer Bat to Beaufort, N. C

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 551

While there, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Faucon removed one of
theiialf sheets from the report and altered it this much, that he left out
of the report of his capture all that part relating to the vessels he stated
to be in signal distance and he introduced the following clause, or words
to that effect: "The capture was known to no other vessel or vessels in
the squadron until after sunrise, although there may have been some
within signal distance when the capture was made."

I deem it my duty to report this act to the Department as a most
gross outrage upon his official document after it had passed through my
hands and received my official sanction as his commanding officer ;
besides, it affects the claim of the officers and crews of the Maratanza,
Victoria, Eolus, Emma, and Vicksbiirg in their just share of the proceeds
of the prize; and also, in it there exists an attempt to deceive all con-
cerned, with the motive, I doubt not, of benefiting himself pecuniarily.

When I charged Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Faucon with having
said that the Montgomery alone shared in the prize he denied it, and
when he was asked by me if his report had been altered he admitted
that it had been after I delivered it as a document to be carried by him
to his and my superior officer, Acting Eear- Admiral S. P. Lee.
*******

I place the matter before the Department, trusting it may be inves-
tigated and the officer be compelled to answer iny charge against him.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 10, 1864.

Let the Tallapoosa go direct to Hampton Roads.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Rear-Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

Order of Acting Rear- Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S.
Navy, regarding transfers in the divisions of the squadron.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Beaufort, October 10, 1864.

SIR : I have detached the Fort Donelson and Kansas from the Third
Division, under your command, and ordered them to report for duty
in the First Division, and have ordered the Gettysburg to report to
you.

I desire that the outside blockaders of your division cruise only
within the limits of your command.
Respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Comdg. Third Division, Sorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

552 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, referring to the loss of
the U. S. S. Aster and to the blockade runners Annie and Condor1.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

At Sea, October 11, 1864.

SIR : The Department's telegram of the 6th instant to Oomodore Laii-
man directing my return to Hampton Roads, there to await further
orders, was received by the Yantic at Beaufort on the 10th instant at
10 : 30 a. in.

I immediately left Beaufort for the roads.

I had just returned from off Wilmington. On the night of the 7th
instant the tug Aster, Acting Master S. Hall, commanding, chased
the Annie ashore at New Inlet and under Fort Fisher, got aground,
could not be got off, and was blown up by her commanding officer to
prevent her falling into the enemy's hands. About twenty of the offi-
cers and crew of the Annie were brought off; the others escaped to
Fort Fisher. They report that the three-piped steamer chased ashore
on the night of the 1st instant, reported in my No. 623, of the 7th
instant, was the Condor. *

The Annie was from Halifax. She was lightened of her cargo and got
oft' next day by the enemy, favored by an offshore wind.

The destruction of three fine blockade running steamers this moon is
creditable to the blockade of New Inlet.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Comdg. Nortli Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

P. S. — Captain Sands informs me that the enemy are erecting one or
more small batteries on the south side of Smith's Island.

The tug Anemone, which lost her rudder on Western Bar, has been
sent back to Norfolk for repairs.
These disasters to the tugs indicate their activity.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, October 11, 1864.

SIR: Shall I assume command before Admiral Lee conies'? There is
much to be done, and it is necessary.

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Hon. G. WELLES.

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, October 11, 1864— 7 p. m.

(lieceived 7:20 p. in.)
Malvern arrived at Hampton Roads at 6 : 30 p. m.

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

* See pajje 531.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 553

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, VA., October 11, 1864.

Mattabesett, with nine launches, arrived 6 a. m. Dispatched imme-
diately uj) James Kiver, agreeably to orders October 6. Brooklyn
arrived this morning.

Jos. LANMAN,

Commodore and Senior Officer Present.
Hon. SECRETARY NAVY.

Report of Commander Renshatc, U. 8. Navy, of arrival at New Yorfc en
route to Hampton Roads.

U. S. S. MASSASOIT,
New York, October 11, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report iny arrival at this place on my way
to Hampton Roads, in company with the monitor Monadnock, steamers
Rhode Island and Little Ada.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

It. T. REN SHAW,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Hoii. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Brainc, U. S. Navy, transmitting report
regarding the escape of a bloclcadc runner, October 11, 1864.

TJ. S. S. VICKSBURG,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, October 12, 1864.
SIR: i enclose report* from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. M.
Williams relative to his chase of the prize steamer Bat, which vessel's
capture was perfected by the U. S. S. Montgomery. By this time I sup-
pose you have seen her, as I sent her up yesterday evening. I also
send a report of Acting Master Keyser, commanding the U. S. S. Vic-
toria, who saw a vessel pass him on the night of the 10th instant, or,
rather, morning of the llth, at 2:30 a. m. I have instructed him to
hereafter fire at runners, even if they are passing the bar and he can
not catch them ere they get over. 1 press the vessels close in upon
their stations as soon as the moon sets, the outer vessel ( Vicksburg]
being in 5 and o£ fathoms water. Bug light bearing N. E. The U. S. S.
Eolus does not go in as close as I could desire. I have had to run down
and order her in ; the commanding officer is slow. The Victoria keeps
her station well. I shall be very sorry to part with the Emma. Her
commanding officer is very vigilant, and it is a great loss to this service
to take him from his station, even for a few nights. I trust he and his
vessel may soon return. Oblige me by hurrying the return of the tug
Anemone and the U. S. S. Dumbarton. I have placed coal on board the
U. S. S. Maratanza for the steamers Eolus and Victoria. The command-
ing officer of the latter vessel says she is sadly in want of repairs. I
shall put off surveys, if possible, until the return of divisional officer.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,

Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present.
Bear-Admiral S. P. LEE,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

* See page 549.

554 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

TJ. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, October 11, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that at 2 : 30 a. m., being in 3 fathoms
water, with Bald Head light bearing E. by N. £ N., Bug light N. E. £
N., U. S. S. Maratanza S. W., one half mile distant, U. S. S. Aries S. E.,
saw a steamer passing Fort Cameron from the westward, bound in.
Started full speed and turned toward her, but before we could bring
a gun to bear she had crossed the bar and was out of range. At 3
a. m. she came to between the water battery and Fort Caswell.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Victoria.

Lieutenant-Commander DANL. L. BRAINE,

Senior Officer Present.

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. 8. Navy, transmitting copy of
memorandum given to Rear-Admiral Porter on transferring the com-
mand of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

STEAMER BALTIMORE,
Chesapeake Bay, October 12, 1864.

SIR: On my arrival in Hampton Eoads last night Bear- Admiral
Porter handed me your communication of the 7th instant, which
informed me of his appointment, by instructing me to transfer to him
the command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Enclosed is a copy of a memorandum prepared for Hear- Admiral
Farragut, which I delivered to Bear-Admiral Porter, together with the
papers mentioned in the accompanying list.

At 8 o'clock this morning Admiral Porter hoisted his pennant on
board the Brooklyn.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Beaufort, N. C., September 23, 1864.

ADMIRAL: 1 prepare this memorandum for delivery to you on your
arrival.

The limits of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron embrace the
seacoast and bay shore of the two eastern shore counties of Virginia,
and include Mobjack Bay, York, James, and Elizabeth rivers, this por-
tion of Chesapeake Bay, and the coast of Virginia and North Carolina
to the dividing line between North [Carolina] and South Carolina.

The squadron is divided into three divisions, numbered according to
the relative rank of their commanding officers. The First Division,
Captain O. S. Glisson commanding, blockades the bar at New Inlet and
the adjacent inlets or cruises on .the Halifax and Bermuda tracks.
The Third Division, Captain B. P. Sands commanding, blockades the
western bar of Cape Fear Eivef and the adjacent inlets or cruises on
the track to Nassau.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 555

The blockade of the two entrances to Wilmington is kept by moving
the small vessels as close to the bar and batteries as the state of the
light, weather, and their draft will allow. This line is pressed in and
supported by a line of larger vessels moving outside and as near as
practicable, the space being divided between them so that they can
communicate with each other like sentries on a beat. Just outside of
and pressing this second line by moving to and fro at good speed is the
divisional officer's steamer. The bar tenders do not chase off; those of
the second line who sight the runner do, and the divisional officer,
having a fast steamer, chases off so long as the runner is in sight. All
the blockaders keep underway all night.

The outside vessels on the respective tracks mentioned keep low
steam during the night and get up high steam just before day. Their
distance from the inlets is regulated by the run that a fast steamer can
make in the interval between the first darkness of the night and day-
light. A copy of my instructions to one of the offshore blockaders
accompanies this.

The blockade is deficient in the number and kind of vessels required.

The Department's instructions of June 25, 1863 (copy herewith),
requires that a fair proportion of vessels captured be sent to Boston,
and the Department's verbal interpretation of this order has been that
the claim of Boston was largely in arrear of that of New York or
Philadelphia.

The papers in package "A7' (described in the accompanying list)
contain confidential instructions and reports concerning the entrances
and defenses of Wilmington, and are accompanied by a chart (in bag
marked "D") giving views and notes of the defenses prepared by my
order.

The Second Division of the squadron, embracing James Eiver,
Hampton Roads, and vicinity, is commanded by Captain M. Smith.
Accompanying this is a tracing from the survey made by-Sub- Assistant
J. S. Bradford, of the U. S. Coast Survey, by my order, of the obstruc-
tions in James Eiver. This distinguishes the vessels provided by the
Army and sunk under the direction of General Weitzel, according to
the original army plan of campaign from those subsequently added by
order of Assistant Secretary Fox after he had visited the locality. The
exact position of each sunken vessel and the distances between them,
the depth of water in which each lies, and the number and position of
the holes by which it was sunk are shown on this sketch. By the use
of boxes around the hatches and of the steam pump and dredging ves-
sel provided by the Department on my application the channel way can
be cleared in a few hours for the monitors to pass.

The accompanying survey of Trent's Eeach and bar, also prepared by
Sub-Assistant Bradford at my order, in June last (when the water was
discolored and there was some rise in the river), indicates that there is
water enough on the bar for the Onondaga and Passaic class of monitors
(if substituted for the Canonicus class) to pass at high water.

The enemy have in the river below Drewry's Bluff one or more small
steam torpedo boats, several gunboats, and three ironclad rams of the
Tennessee style. The gunboats and rams are reported by refugees and
deserters to carry torpedoes. I applied to the Department for a num-
ber of small, light-draft, quick-working, musket-proof steam torpedo
boats and received and temporarily fitted five tugs with torpedoes.
I believe that better torpedo craft have since been prepared by the
Department.

I had the James Eiver expedition prepared witli grapnels, to be used
by rowboats and small steamers to drag for torpedoes, with organized

556 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

landing parties to examine the banks for the magnetic batteries.
This advance and torpedo division was covered by the wooden vessels,
followed by the ironclads.

Regular army steam transports and hospital vessels pass the guard
ship at Hampton Roads on a certified list furnished by the Army.
Army supply vessels are admitted on the authority of quartermaster's
passes; vessels carrying merchandise on that of passes issued by Gen-
eral Butler or of custom-house papers issued in conformity to Treasury
regulations.

General Butler's power to issue passes for merchandise is based on
the President's order of November 11, 18G2, and the Department's
decision of June 9, 1803 (copies herewith). These passes and those of
the quartermaster accompany the original weekly returns from the
guard vessel and are sent to the Navy Department. The cargoes of
vessels passing under Treasury Department's clearances are only
briefly noted in the returns, as the manifests are exhibited but not
retained.

Herewith is a copy of an order to Commander Lynch, inspector of
ordnance at Fortress Monroe, respecting the supply of ammunition for
this squadron, requiring that there should be kept in depot as much
ammunition as would, with that afloat, make 400 rounds for each pivot
or single gun in the squadron and 200 rounds for each broadside gun.

Coal returns are made semimonthly from the various coaling stations
of the squadron. A statement will be found among the papers accom
panying this memorandum, made up to the date of your arrival, of the
amount in depot at Gosport [Norfolk] navy yard, afloat at Beaufort, in
the bight of Craney Island, and at City Point, where there are also
several small ordnance vessels and a provision schooner. Captain Smith
and Commander Lynch have the invoices of the ordnance schooners,
and the latter officer keeps up the supply. The provision vessel is kept
supplied by the fleet paymaster. The charter parties of these vessels
are kept by the fleet paymaster and ordnance officer.

Herewith you will receive a full list of papers, charts, etc., turned
over to you, in which are included a list of the vessels of the squadron,
their officers, battery, draft, speed, etc., the squadron signal book, which
contains complete systems of night signals in use on" Wilmington and
in James River; charts for yourself and others for distribution, etc.
Among these latter are a military and naval chart and a deckboard
chart, got up by the Coast Survey on my application, for the express
use of the blockaders ; a new chart of a resurvey of Beaufort Harbor,
made at my request, with a view to the establishment of an army wharf
and navy depot there; and a bag (marked "D") containing several
rolls of original charts and topographical tracings of James River,
Cape Fear River, etc.

I also transfer to you a set of Rogers' semaphoric telegraphic signals.
Five sets were furnished to this squadron by the Bureau of Navigation.
Of these the divisional officers off Wilmington have the remaining four.

With hearty good wishes for your complete success at Richmond and
at Wilmington,

I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Actg. Rear- Admiral, Gomdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Rear- Admiral D. G. FARRAGTFT.

P. S. — October 5, 1864. I received to-day a communication from the
Department, dated September 28, informing me that Commodore Row-
an's orders to command the naval forces in the sounds had been revoked

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 557

at his request, and that portion of the North Atlantic Blockading
Squadron would be under my command as heretofore. These vessels
in the sounds were transferred to Commodore Rowan on the 9th ultimo,
in conformity with the Department's instructions of the 1st ultimo. In
consequence of this first transfer the cases in the sounds requiring the
action of a court martial have not been tried. The papers in package
" C" will inform you of the situation in the sounds.

I have not learned what means the Department has provided for
destroying the rebel ram Albemarle, to which I invited its attention in
a confidential communication of July 9, sent by Lieutenant Gushing.

S. P. LEE,
Acting Rear- Admiral.

First general order issued by Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, in com-
mand of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

No. 1. i Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 12, 1864.

By order of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, I assume command
of the North Atlantic Squadron. From this date all commanders of
vessels or divisions will make their reports to me. The vessels of this
squadron will fill up at once with coal, provisions, and ammunition, and
report to me when ready for service. Deficiencies in officers and men
will be reported at once. The commanding officer of each vessel will
send in a list of his officers, number and caliber of guns, and draft of
water. Commanders of purchased vessels will also send in a general
description of their vessels, vulnerability, etc.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Abstract log of the U. S. flagship Malvern, October 12, 1864.

October 12, 1864. — Hampton Roads. At 8 a. m. hauled down the
rear-admiral's pennant, and it was hoisted on board the U. S. sloop
of war Brooklyn. At 9 a. m. Rear- Admiral Porter saluted his flag
with thirteen guns from the Brooklyn. At 10 : 30 the Colorado came
in from sea and anchored near this ship. At 11 Acting Rear- Admiral
Lee and staff left this ship and went on board the steamboat
Baltimore for passage to Washington. At 11 : 40 Rear- Admiral Porter
and staff came on board this ship. At 12:45 p. m. got underway and
proceeded to Norfolk navy yard. At 12 : 50 hoisted the broad pennant
of Rear- Admiral D. D. Porter at the main. 1:45 p. m. stopped and
communicated with and exchanged numbers with the vessels of the
squadron. At 2 : 45 stopped and made fast to the frigate Neic Ironsides
at the Norfolk navy yard. At 3:15 the admiral left the ship. At
5:20 Rear- Admiral Porter and staff returned on board. At 5:25 got
underway and proceeded down the river. At 7 came to anchor in
Hampton Roads.

October 13-November 26. — Lying at anchor in Hampton Roads.

558

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Second general order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, giving lists
of vessels comprising the four divisions of the squadron.

U. S. FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 12, 1864.
The North Atlantic Squadron will be composed of the following
divisions of vessels, under the command of the senior officer of the
division :

First Division, Commodore Thatcher commanding, will be composed
of the following vessels:

GENERAL ORDERS,
No. 2.

Colorado.

Alabama.

Nyack.

Lilian.

Florida.

Grand Gulf.

Howquah.

losco.

Powhatan.

Moiiticello.

Agawam.
Fort Donelson.
Rhode Island.
Mauinee.
James Adger.

Huron.

Mohican.

Cherokee.

Tiillapoosa.

Aries.

Second Division, Commodore Laninaii commanding, will be composed
of the following vessels:

Minnesota.

Mackinaw.

Seneca.

Emma.

Kansas.

Nereus.
Niphon.
Fort Jackson.
Brooklyn.
Osceola.

Cambridge.

Eolus.

Yautic.

Massasoit.

Gettysburg.

Third Division, Commodore Godou commanding :

Susquehanua.

Augusta.

Vicksburg.

Victoria.

R. R. Cuyler.

Shen audoah.

Mount Vernon.

Unadilla.

Wabash.

Governor Buckingham.

Maratanza.
Tristram Shandy.
Quaker City.
Pequot.
Dumbarton.

State of Georgia.
Juniatu.
Keystone State.
Calypso.

Montgomery.
Tuscarora.
Britannia.
Pawtuxet.
Santiago de Cuba.

Fourth Division, Captain Melancton Smith commanding, will be
composed of the following vessels:

Onondaga.

Daylight.

General Putnam.

Morse.

Mercedita.

Miami.

Commodore Barney.

Crusader.

Mendota.

Hunchback.

Atlanta.

Delaware.

Division of Ironclads :

New Ironsides.
Monadnock.

Canonicus.
Mahopac.

Mount Washington.
Henry Brinker.
Dawn.

Commodore Perry.
Samuel Rotan.
Eutaw.

Dictator.

Commodore Morris.
Stepping Stones.
Mystic.
Phlox.

Sangus.

As the vessels arrive in Hampton Koads, or join the squadron else-
where, the commanders will report to the commander in chief if he be
present and to the commander of the division to which they belong.

The commander of a division will place his vessel in a position that
will enable the vessels of his division to anchor in line ahead, com-
manding officer in center. The vessels of each division will wear at
the fore the distinguishing flag of the boat signal code: First Division,
blue, white; blue, horizontal. Second Division, red, white; red hori
zpntal. Third Division, white, blue ; white horizontal. Fourth Divi-
sion, steamer's cornet.

The commanding officer of First Division will wear the triangular
blue flag at the main; Second Division, triangular red flag at the main ;
Third Divison, triangular white flag with red cross at the main ; Fourth
Division, triangular blue flag at the main; Ironclad Division, triangular
blue flag at the main.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 559

Commanders of divisions will see that their vessels make these dis-
tinguishing flags and hoist them without delay. They will also regu-
late the movements of their divisions when underway or at anchor
without reference to the commander in chief, except on important
occasions.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Request from Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to the commandant navy
yard. Norfolk, regarding stores for the vessels of his command.

NORFOLK, VA., October 12, 1864.

SIR: You will please furnish upon requisition all kinds of stores
required by the vessels of this squadron without other approval than
that of their commanding officer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.

Commodore J. W. LIVINGSTON,

Commandant of Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 12, 1864.

Send the Saco to Hampton Roads for duty in the North Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Rear- Admiral S. H. STRINGHAM,

Commandant Navy Yard, Boston, Mass.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 12, 1864.

Retain the Rhode Island to go with the Dictator to Hampton Roads,
Virginia, and let the Massasoit go with the Monadnock. The Mohican
and A da to go off when ready.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Rear-Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S.

Colorado.

U. S. S. COLORADO,
Hampton Roads, October 12, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to inform the Department that I have this day
reached this anchorage with the Colorado from Portsmouth, N. H., from

560 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

which port I sailed 011 the 4th instant in obedience to a telegraphic order
of the Department under date of the 23d ultimo, received on the 29th.
The voyage from Portsmouth has been prolonged by adverse winds
and heavy head sea since leaving Nantucket Shoals.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. THATDHER,
Commodore and Senior Officer Present.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Pilot Mott regarding the channels leading into Wilmington,

ON BOARD U. S. S. OSCEOLA,

Norfolk Harbor, October 12, 1X64.

SIR: In reference to your enquiry as to my knowledge of the chan-
nels leading into Wilmington, I would state that I have been there
several times in the last fifteen years in vessels drawing from 9 to 12
feet of water. Have taken pilots in and out over both New Inlet and
Cape Fear channels, but more frequently have piloted my own vessel,
without accident. From the roadstead to Wilmington I do not profess
to be very well acquainted, having most generally taken pilots up the
river. I would remark that all barred harbors on the Southern coast
are liable to change after heavy storms; consequently, in the absence of
buoys, we have to be governed by the eye and our own judgment in
piloting our vessels into the harbor.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLETT MOTT, Pilot.

Commander J. M. B. GLITZ,

Commmading U. 8. S. Osceola.

General order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

No. 6. ( Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 13, 1861.

The vessels of this squadron will be kept in readiness for service at
all times, and a report must be made to me immediately when they are
not able to proceed on any duty that may be required of them.

The crews of all vessels must for the present be drilled daily, unless
something unavoidable occurs to prevent it, and be practiced at a target
before leaving port. The distance at which a vessel will be required to
fire is 1| miles.

The dress of the crews will be directed by signal from the senior
officer.

When vessels come into port the commanders will report at once to
me or the senior officer or officer commanding the division, and will not
let the steam go down until ordered to do so.

It is enjoined on officers commanding divisions to pay the strictest
attention to the drill and discipline of the vessels under their immediate
command. They will inspect them frequently, make them observe uni-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 561

formity in all things, and require strict attention to the rules and. regu-
lations of the Navy, which are quite sufficient, if properly observed, to
ensure the best discipline.

As a sanitary precaution the crews of all vessels must have their
breakfast before washing decks. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
will be wash days, and hammocks will be scrubbed on the 1st and 15th
of the month.

It is expected that commanders of vessels that can sail will use their
canvas and dispense with their steam whenever it is possible.

All vessels met with at sea must be spoken and their character satis-
factorily ascertained.

When blockaders, are in chase they must not stop to pick up cotton,
but must chase the blockade runner as long as they can see the
smoke in the daytime and pursue at night in a direction best calculated
to cut off the blockade runner. This does not apply to slow vessels,
stationed close in to the bar.

Boats' crews must be exercised in rowing, lauding guns, etc., when-
ever opportunity will permit.

The sick are not to be detained for survey, but commanders are author-
ized to send them off in a supply vessel or any vessel bound to Northern
ports with a sick ticket and their accounts. Commanders of divisions
will order surveys on officers, which any senior officer is also authorized
to do when the case requires prompt action.

All general orders from me or the Department are to be kept in an
order book and transferred when a commander turns over his vessel to
another officer.

No letter, report, or return will be accepted that is not forwarded Dy
the commanding officer of a vessel.

Commanding officers will, when convenient, refer to me before mak-
ing any material alteration in their vessels See regulations of the
Department on this subject.

Every commander will send in monthly a report of expenditure of
coal, and will keep his coal bunkers as full as circumstances will
permit.

All absentees will be reported to me when they have overstayed their
leaves of absence.

When a vessel is about to leave her station for a Northern port the
commander will transfer all the men that can be spared, stores, cloth-
ing, and provisions to vessels that stand in need of them.

The commander of the Fourth Division will see that a guard vessel
is stationed at Fortress Monroe. The commander of the guard vessel
will examine all merchant vessels, register them, and make duplicate
reports daily, one to be directed to the Department. No vessels will be
permitted to depart without a permit from the military authorities, and
the vessels must be so informed when they enter.

All returns made to the Department are to be sent through me.

Commanders will require a strict conformity to the uniform of the
Navy, and will require all officers under them to pay the honors pre-
scribed by the Navy Department. Officers are particularly enjoined to
observe the etiquette of the service and to salute each other in passing
or reporting.

Duplicate prize lists and reports of captures will be sent to me with-
out delay, and all the circumstances of the capture mentioned in the
report.

All prizes will for the present be sent to Boston, provided they are
capable of making the voyage, and the captain, mate, supercargo, and
N w B — VOL 10 36

562 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

engineer and two seaineu are to be sent in the prize to give evidence
before the court. None other of the crew are to be allowed to go in the
prize, for fear of recapture. The law regarding prizes is to be strictly
complied with.

It will be almost useless to enjoin on all officers the importance of
their being vigilant at all times. We have an active enemy to deal
with, and every officer and man must be on the alert. A quarter watch
must be kept at all times at night in port, and at sunset when there is
no sea on the guns must be cast loose and the vessels prepared in every
respect for action.

Every vessel, especially those likely to go into the river, must be
provided with a torpedo catcher, rigged out ahead of them, and with
depth enough to prevent a torpedo from running against the bottom.

Inshore vessels will also fit wire boarding nettings. The wire is at
the Norfolk navy yard and can be obtained by requisition on the
commandant.

The blockaders will shortly be provided with calcium lights, and
commanders must learn how to use them without delay. They will be
found very useful in lighting up the bars and also while in chase.

General orders will be issued without delay on many subjects relat-
ing to the management of the fleet, to which particular attention will
be paid.

When the divisions are lying with the commander in chief present,
all evolutions, such as getting underway together, loosing and furling
sails, sending up and down yards and masts, will be regulated by sig-
nal from the flagship. But the division commanders will signalize the
vessels of their divisions whenever it may be necessary to give orders
or correct them when making mistakes. The divisional commander
will repeat all general signals made from the flagship.

In loosing sails the preparatory signal will be made ten minutes
beforehand, when all preparations to loose are made. The loosers will
lay aloft as the signal to loose goes up and let fall when it comes down.

In furling sails preparatory signal will be made ten minutes before-
hand. As soon as the signal to furl is hauled down, lay aloft and furl.

It is strictly prohibited by the regulations of the Navy Department
for any officer to mention in his private correspondence any movement
whatever of the squadron to which they belong, and this rule must be
strictly observed in the North Atlantic Squadron.

Meal pennants to be hoisted only when at meals, without regard to
senior officer. Breakfast as soon as hammocks are stowed. Dinner
12 to 1. Supper at 4 p. m.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Circular issued by Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, regarding the move,
ments of blockade runners from foreign ports.

CIRCULAR No. i.| FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

t Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 13, 1864.

The following named and described vessels have left various ports to
run the blockade at Wilmington :

The British side-wheel iron steamer Caroline arrived at Halifax
October 4, en route to Wilmington, with a valuable cargo, including a
large quantity of important machinery for the Confederates. The

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 563

Caroline is new, schooner-rigged, two smokestacks, painted white, long,
low, and rakish.

The Old Dominion, heretofore reported, 518 tons and 57 men, cleared
October 5 for Nassau from Halifax, [Nova Scotia], destined, together
with the cargo (probably), for Wilmington direct.

The British new side-wheel steamer Colonel Lamb, 688 tons, 57 men,
built expressly for running the blockade, arrived at Halifax about
October 5 with a large cargo, and will leave soon for Wilmington. The
Colonel Lamb is long, low, rakish, schooner-rigged, and two smokestacks,
and is at present painted a light lead color.

Seventeen prisoners, escaped from Johnson's Island, were to take
passage on these or other vessels for the South.

Information has -been received that many Union prisoners have
escaped from the rebel prisons and may be expected to appear on the
coasts and rivers in the limits of the command. Commanders will be
watchful to lend them every assistance possible.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Report of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, of his readiness for coopera-
tion icith the Army.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 13, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I have assumed command and
am ready with a sufficient force to cover any landing that may be made
by the Army. Many of the vessels that have come here want repairs
of some kind; many are unfit for the service.

To be prepared, it will require twelve to fourteen days to get the ves-
sels ready for sea, the Juniata twelve days, and some ten of the others
will require six days.

There are too few men at the yard to expedite the work.
From present appearances the Navy will be ready long before the
Army. General Grant informs me he has taken some works which he
can not give up, and has to retain the men intended for us until more
arrive.

It is desirable that a vessel filled with stores of all kinds be sent here
at once, as the squadron is very deficient in everything, and a vessel
with provisions will be required at Beaufort to supply their wants.
I can leave here at one hour's notice when the Army is ready.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, October 13, 1864.

Hurry the Pequot down to report to me. Her gun is here waiting for
her.

D. D. PORTER.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH, U. S. Navy,

City Point.

564 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Hampton Roads, October 13, 1864 — 6:30 p. m.

Lieutenant Gushing arrived three days ago with one of the picket
boats ; two are missing. I sent him off in an army tug to look for them.
Weather has been bad and likely detained them.

DATED D. PORTER,

Rear- A dmiral.
Hon. G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary.

Request of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Captain DeCamp, U. 8.
Navy, for particulars regarding the grounding of the U. S. S. Wabash.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

Hampton Roads, October 13, 1864.

SIR : I have received a communication from the Department in relation
to the grounding of the Wabash on Frying Pan Shoals. You will please
give me all the particulars in regard to it, so that I can inform the
Department of the actual facts in the case.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER.

Rear- Admiral.
Captain JOHN DECAMP,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Wabash, Norfolk Navy Yard.

Report of Captain DeCamp, U. S. Navy, regarding the grounding of the
U. 8. 8. Wabash on Frying Pan Shoals, en route from Port Royal, S. C.,
to Hampton Roads.

U. S. S. WABASH,
Off Norfolk Nary Yard, Virginia, October 11, 1864.

ADMIRAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 13th respecting the grounding of this ship on Frying Pan Shoals
on the 1st instant.

In reply I would beg to give the following particulars of the ship's
passage from Port Royal, [S. C.], to Hampton Roads:

At daylight of September 30 crossed the bar and stood on our course,
N. E. by E., with wind light from the N. E., steaming at the rate of 5
knots by both chip and patent logs; weather during the day pleasant.
In the afternoon made the lookout tower on Folly Island. At 8 p. m.
wind light from eastward; the light-ship off Charleston Bar bore W. £
S., distant about 20 miles; water 9 fathoms. Changed course to N. E.
by E. J E.

October 1.— Weather thick, with showers ; ship steaming with fore-and-
aft sails set, moderate breezes, and smooth sea; hands in chains on both
sides heaving the lead; soundings from 16 to 12 fathoms; a lookout
kept at foretopmast head.

At 10 a. m. stopped the ship and got a good cast of the lead; water
12 fathoms.

At 12 m. showery; no observation.

The patent log upon being hauled in this morning had been found to
agree with the chip log within 3 miles since leaving Port Royal on the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 565

30th September. Acting Master Grozier and myself worked up reckon-
ing and supposed the ship at noon to be S. E. £ E. from Frying Pan
Shoals, distant 20 miles.

At a little after 1 p. m. the ship was in 12 fathoms of water; the next
cast gave 10 fathoms, the next 6, and before the ship's course could be
altered she struck moderately and immediately stopped. The boilers
being very leaky at that time, the ship was not making much more than
4 knots. Backed the engine, but to no purpose; the ship being hard
and fast forward, but with 4£ fathoms water astern. Continued back-
ing engine and got out an anchor astern, which was let go in 5 fathoms;
ran the after guns on main deck forward to prevent the stern's striking,
if possible, and thr^w overboard solid shot from after lockers. Cut
away the spare spars in the chains, which were not only rotten, but
threatened to carry away the channels and endangered the boats
alongside. Housed topgallant masts and buoyed spar-deck guns for-
ward, ready to heave overboard, should the ship not float at high water.

The tide rising, we continued to heave taut the hawser as it slacked ;
ship striking uncomfortably for the first hour, as she lifted on the rising
tide.

Dispatched a boat in charge of Acting Ensign Davis to blockading
squadron off Wilmington and fired minute guns during the afternoon.

At high water (about 7 p. m.) the ship floated clear of the shoal;
when we let go an anchor, hoisted the launch in and the quarter boats
to davits.

Very soon after getting afloat, the blockade steamer JBolus came to
our assistance, having a pilot on board.

After making all secure on board, hove up anchor and steamed on
our course for Hampton Eoads, where we arrived on the afternoon of
the 5th and from which point I reported our accident to the Chief of
Bureau of Construction and Repair.

During the run of the ship from Frying Pan Shoals to Hampton Eoads
I was guided by the advice of the pilot of the Eolus, whom 1 had brought
with me, until meridian of October 3, when, obtaining sights, it was
found that instead of the ship's being well to the northeast of Cape
Hatteras, as had been supposed, she was in fact southwest of the cape,
so that to round the shoal she had to be steered to the eastward for
three or four hours.

I can attribute the ship's grounding on Frying Pan Shoals to no other
causes than defective compasses, as, by referring to the chart, it will
be observed that the depth of water is about the same in our real and
supposed positions at noon of the 1st October.

At the date of my report to Mr. Lenthall it was not known that the
ship had sustained any injury; but since our arrival here it has been
discovered that the braces supporting the rudder-post are broken ; they
are now being replaced, and this will be finished by the time the boil-
ers are ready.

I deem this a proper occasion to invite your attention to the crew of
this ship, whose inefficiency was fully displayed when we were ashore.
Consisting of little more than 400 men, it numbers nearly 100 inferior
plantation negroes and 50 reformed rebels from Forrest's and other
armies, with the remainder of landsmen and boys. The fewpetty officers
now on board were nearly all landsmen and boys when the old crew
was discharged last June.

Upon this subject I have already made a special report to Commo-
dore Lanuian.

I take this opportunity to state that the coal, provisions, and stores

566 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADKON.

will be on board by Monday night next, and that the necessary repairs
to boilers and rudder are in such train as to lead me to hope for their
completion by the 20th instant.

I remain, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. DE CAMP,

Captain.
Rear- Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy regarding
the departure of French subjects from Confederate States.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, October 14, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter* of
the 12th instant relative to the departure of French subjects from
insurgent States. In reply I have the honor to acquaint you that since
my previous letter to you in regard to this matter 1 have conferred with
Mr. Geofroy and we have reached the conclusion that Fortress Monroe
will be the most suitable place for those persons to be received on board
of the vessels of war of France. It is understood that they will proceed
thither by way of Aiken's Landing, on the James Kiver, from which
point the Secretary of War will direct that they shall be furnished with
transportation.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

[Secretary of State.}
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 14, 1864.

The Monadnock requires six days to fix her hawse pipes so as to render
them water-tight.

G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Rear- Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,

Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

[Telegram.] .

FORTRESS MONROE, October 14, 1864.

Very much wanted in the squadron 500 seamen and 300 ordinary
seamen.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Hon. G. WELLES,

Secretary Navy.

*Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 567

Order of Rear -Admiral Porter , U. 8. Navy, to Commander Febiger, U. S.
Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Mattabesett.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 14, 1864.

SIR : Proceed with the Mattabesett under your command to Beaufort,
N. G., and there await further orders.
Very respectfullyj

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic /Squadron.

Commander J. C. FEBIGER,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Mattabesett.

Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Commodore Thatcher,
U. 8. Navy, regarding orders to the U. S. 8. Tallapoosa.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, October 14, 1864.

SIR : I have ordered the Tallapoosa to proceed to Norfolk, Va., to
receive on board the stores and ammunition of the Mahopac, and make
other preparations for towing her around Hatteras.
Very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Commodore THATCHER,

Commanding First Division, North Atlantic Squadron.

Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Commodore Lanman,
U. 8. Navy, regarding orders to the U. 8. steamers Osceola and Macki-
naw.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, October 14, 1864.

SIR : I have ordered the Osceola and Mackinaw to proceed to Norfolk,
Va., to receive on board the stores and ammunition of the Canonicus
and Saugits, and make other preparations for towing those vessels
around Hatteras.

Very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Commodore Jos. LANMAN,

Commanding Second Division, North Atlantic Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Breese, U. 8. Navy, acknowledging
order of transfer from the Mississippi Squadron to the North Atlantic.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 14, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of orders detaching

568 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

me from the Mississippi Squadron and to report to Eear-Admiral David
D. Porter for duty as fleet captain of the North Atlantic Squadron.
I reported in obedience to the above October 6.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

K. It. BREESE,

Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 15, 1864.

Pickering is ordered to command the Wabash. Perhaps Smith will
be taken for the Vanderbilt, which goes to you in live days. Every
seaman and ordinary seamen in every port north will be sent to you,
but they are very scarce. Saco, Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Walker,
has sailed from Boston. Dictator goes next week. Bridge promises the
provisions. If there is delay, the iron bottom monitors ought to go up
into fresh water. They did not report their trial of speed.

G. V. Fox.
Kear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Ilampton Roads.

Order of Eear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Clitz, U. S.
Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

October 1^, 1864.

DEAR GLITZ: The admiral wants you here by 6 a. m. Monday morn-
ing, to take him to City Point. He says you must work to-morrow, if
necessary, to enable you to do so.
Very truly,

K. E. BREESE,

Fleet Captain.
Commander J. M. B. CLITZ,

Commanding U. S. S. Osceola.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. 8.
Navy, regarding the services of a double-ender in Hampton Roads.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, October 15, 1864.

SIR : You will please inform me of the name of the best double-ender
you have in your command, as I shall require her services for a few days
only, if, in your judgment, she can be spared.

There will be no vessel sent to relieve her, nor additional force to the
sounds for the present.

Eespectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding Shamrock, etc.

NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 569

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. 8.
Navy, regarding force of men for Lieutenant Gushing.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 15, 1864.

SIR : On the arrival of Lieutenant W. B. Gushing you will supply
him with all the men he will need in the performance of the duty
assigned him.

Very respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. \

Commander W. ,H. MACOMB,

Senior Naval Officer in Sounds of North Carolina, Neiv Berne.

Report of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, of the departure of Lieu-
tenant Gushing for the execution of his orders.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 16, 1864.

SIB : Having reason to think that some accident had happened to
one of the torpedo launches, I sent Mr. Gushing in an army tug to hunt
her up. He could hear nothing of her.

I then sent the Pawtuxet to look for her, and as time is passing and
Mr. Gushing was confident of succeeding with one launch, I have sent
him to execute his orders.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfuliy, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. POBTEB,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Commodore Radford, U. 8.
Navy, commanding division of ironclads, to proceed up James River.

FLAGSHIP MALVEBN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 16, 1864.

GOMMODOBE : You will direct the ironclads, so soon as they are ready,
to proceed up James Eiver until they meet fresh water, where they will
remain until further orders. Direct their commanding officers to inform
you of their arrival and locality.

Eespectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

DAVID D. POBTEB,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Commodore WM. EADFOBD,

Commanding Division of Ironclads.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. 8. Navy,
annulling orders to Rear-Admiral Farragut.

NAVY DEPABTMENT, October 17, 1864.

SIB : You are hereby informed that the confidential order which you
were directed by order of the 22d ultimo to deliver to Bear- Admiral

570 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Farragut as soon as he arrived at Port Eoyal is void, and you will not
deliver it. Admiral Farragut is not expected to come north at present.
Eeturn the letter to the Department.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Rear- Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,

Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8.
Navy, regarding a proponed plan for the importation of foreigners for
the Confederate Army.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 17, 1864.

SIR : It is reported that an agreement has been effected between the
rebel Government and some European power (Poland, it is intimated)
by which 30,000 soldiers from abroad are to be added to the rebel Army,
and that the rebel Government are making arrangements for having
built in England some 50 swift steamers, similar to the Colonel Lamb,
for the purpose of running these soldiers through the blockade.

The Department places little confidence in rumors regarding a scheme
so impracticable in almost every feature, and should such be contem-
plated we will, without doubt, hear something reliable of it hereafter.
In the meantime, however, I communicate the report to you for your
information.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Hear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Report of Acting Master Foster, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of a

boat in Core Sound.

U. S. S. CERES,

Off New Berne, N. C., October 17, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that I arrived here last night from
Painlico River, having been relieved there by the U. S. S. Louisiana.
On the 14th instant Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. M. Green and
myself started on an expedition into Core Sound for the purpose of
capturing blockade runners. We succeeded in capturing one boat con-
taining goods, the owner of which made his escape. I will turn them
over to Treasury agent. The fever, I understand, is abating somewhat,
there being but few new cases. Our vessels still remain healthy.
*******
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. FOSTER,
Acting Master, Commanding.
Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 571

Report of Acting Master's Mate Woodman, U. S. Navy, regarding a recon-
noissance in the vicinity of Plymouth, N. C.

U. S. S. COMMODORE HULL,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 17, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders, I left
this steamer on the loth instant at 3 p. m. and went on board the
TJ. S. S. Tacony to make arrangements for a reconnoissance toward
Plymouth. I was furnished with the Tacony's second cutter and a
crew of seven men. At 7 p. m. I left the Tacony and went alongside
the U. S. S. Valley City and remained there till 2 a. in. of the following
morning, the 16th, and proceeded up the Middle Eiver, and at daylight
landed in the swamp at my usual landing and proceeded across the
island toward Plymouth, in company with one of the cutter's crew by
the name of Green. At 10 a. m. came to the Koanoke River opposite
Plymouth, where I had a good view of the rebel ironclad Albemarle.
She was moored alongside the wharf, head downstream, apparently
having no steam. On her port side, which is toward the stream, there
are timbers extending from the wharf and lapping on her prow and
stern one-quarter her length from each end, one-half her side being
protected by piles (apparently), the other half being unprotected.
There were no other vessels in Plymouth. At 10 : 30 a. m. I proceeded
down the river toward the Southjield and arrived opposite her at
meridian. The Southfield is in the same position as when first sunk.
The only change I could see in her appearance since I last saw her,
which was last August, is that of her smokestack being removed.
There were two vessels forward, one on each side, and two aft, one on
each side, having timbers extended across for the purpose of raising
the Southfield. I could not remark that there was any weight hove on
the timbers. The work of raising the Southjield seems to be abandoned
for the present. Feeling satisfied that I could not obtain any more
information, I returned to the boat and returned on board this steamer
at 4 p. m. on the 16th instant.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. WOODMAN,
Acting Master's Mate.

Acting Master FRANCIS JOSSELYN,

Commanding U. S. S. Commodore Hull.

Report of Commander Macomb of reconnoissance in the vicinity of Ply-
mouth, N. C.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 18, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 15th instant Acting
Master's Mate John Woodman, of the U. S. S. Commodore Hull, made
another successful reconnoissance of the enemy's position at Plymouth.

He reports the ram alongside the wharf in the same position, and
the Southjield still sunk, with the four barges and schooners around
her endeavoring to raise her, as before, but apparently without success.

The general aspect of affairs is, he says, the same as he represented
it in a previous report.

I approved and forwarded an application for promotion from Mr.

572 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Woodman some time ago, and I think he deserves something for his
repeated recounoissances.
Very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,

Commander, Comdg. Fourth Div., North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[Bear-] Admiral [DAVID D. PORTER],

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy regarding the U. S. steamers Cam-
bridge and James Adger.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 18, 1864.

SIR : The Cambridge has been ordered to report to you for duty. On
her arrival you will direct the James Adger to proceed off Wilmington
and report to the senior officer present for duty in the North Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
Bear-Admiral JNO. A. DAHLGREN,

Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off Charleston.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 18, 1864.

Direct Commodore Bodgers not to run the Dictator faster than 8
knots on his way to Hampton Boads.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Bear- Admiral HIRAM PAULDING,

Commandant Navy Yard, New York.

Letter from Captain Lee, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy regard-
ing an article in a Liverpool paper regarding evasions of the blockade
of Wilmington.

WASHINGTON, [D. 0.,] October 18, 1864.

Sir : 1 have read the letter of the consul at Liverpool to the honora-
ble the Secretary of State, transmitting an editorial article in a Liver-
pool paper, in regard to evasions of the blockade of Wilmington in the
squadron lately under my command.

The consul considers the article to merit notice because the editor is
a friend to our Government and cause.

The charges are very vague and indefinite. They are introduced
with some more general observations still, on the "official venality,
the treachery, treason, iniquity, and rascality that pervade official life"
in the United States. On that ground the editor recommends his state-
ments and charges to credit; and because otherwise "the Yankees
would belie their character " for turning occasions of "jobbery to profit-
able account."

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 573

T find only one matter stated with a show of tangible specification —
that " A Liverpool gentleman being so unfortunate as to be captured,
bribed the prize master and thereby procured leave to walk on deck
and the use of a bed, and afterwards, at Boston, by the friendly aid of
the same officer, bribed the U. S. marshal with 50 sovereigns and
thereby procured his discharge to take his passage home in the next
steamer."

Among the many prizes sent into Boston for adjudication it is impos-
sible for me to conjecture on which one this improbable tale is meant
to hang.

If, however, it can be ascertained what prize case is meant, and the
information furnished to Admiral Porter, it may be in his power to
institute an enquiry into it so far as the naval service is concerned.

In regard to the general effectiveness of the blockade of Wilmington,
I have had the satisfaction to do justice to the officers and men of the
squadron in a continued service of such severe labor, by bringing to
the notice of the Department that in fourteen months they have cap-
tured or destroyed fifty-two ocean steamers, prepared and furnished,
with few exceptions, with all the resources of science and the mechanical
skill of the shipyards of England. Than such fact no statement or
argument can be more convincing. It is true the Department could
not command vessels to establish a blockade impossible to be evaded,
if indeed such blockade can ever be. It was a blockade of peculiar
difficulties. The port has two entrances. The extent of the shoals
makes the distance by sea between the entrances near 50 miles to the
blockading squadron. Low, swift steamers, guided by harbor lights,
running the bar and shoals under the shore batteries, and under cover of
darkness, might sometimes evade the most vigilant watch. Under the
circumstances all was done that could be.

The suggestion that a blockade maintained by many vessels wherein
every officer and man is interested in every capture can be evaded by
criminal connivance and arrangement with any parties in the squadron,
is contrary to sense and probability.

The laws for the government of the Navy and the distribution of
naval prize seem to contain every necessary and useful provision that
could unite the incentives of interest and duty.

I have tne honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE,
Captain, U. 8. Navy.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Commander Parrott, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. 8. S. Can-
onicus, of the arrival of that vessel in James River, needing repairs.

U. S. IRONCLAD CANONICUS,
Off Wilson's Wharf, James River, October 19, 1864.
SIR : We have arrived at this place, and I regret to inform you that
our main pillow block of the crank bearing is broken across the key-
hole of the holding-down bolt on the port side. I believe it can be
repaired in three days, but it is not now considered safe to turn the
engines. It will be necessary to have two tugs or other propellers
alongside to take her back to Norfolk, as she would not steer with a
tow ahead. I have sent for them to City Point, to be asked for from
the Navy or Army. As there may be some delay in getting them,

574 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

i very anxious
in time.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. G. PARROTT,

Commander.
Commodore WM. RADFORD,

Commanding Division of Ironclads.

October 20. — We are on our way down, towed by two array tugs, but
moving slowly.

Respectfully, E. G. PARROTT.

Order of Rear -Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Smith, V. 8. Navy,
to assign the 'U. S. S. Stepping Stones to duty in the Severn River.

HAMPTON ROADS, October 19, 1864.

CAPTAIN: When you can spare the services of the Stepping Stones
you will order her to the mouth of Severn River, Mobjack Bay, with
strict instructions to prevent intercourse with the rebels, and to break
up the contraband trade supposed to be going on there. Take one of
the other vessels away if you find it necessary.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID 1). PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Captain MELANCTON SMITH,

Comdg. Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron, James River.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieuten-
ant Harris, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty on the blockade of New
Inlet.

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, October 20, 1864.
SIR: Proceed with the Lilian under your command to New Inlet,
Cape Fear River, and report 1o Captain O. S. Glisson for duty on the
blockade of that inlet as an outside cruiser.
Very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. A. HARRIS,

Commanding U. S. S. Lilian.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of
the U. S. S. Cherokee to proceed to duty off New Inlet, North Carolina.

HAMPTON ROADS, October 20, 1864.

SIR: You will proceed down the coast off New Inlet, North Carolina,
and report to Captain O. S. Glisson, commanding Santiago de Cuba, for
duty on the blockade as a chaser off the bar.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
COMMANDING OFFICER U. S. S. CHEROKEE.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 575

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Baker, U. 8. Navy, commanding 0. 8. 8. Huron.

HAMPTON EOADS, [October 20,} 1864.

SIR : You will proceed with the Huron under your command, without
delay, and report to me at Hampton Eoads.
Respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander F. H. BAKER,

V. 8. 8. Huron.

Report of Acting Master Lundt, U. 8. Navy, regarding the escape of a
blockade runner into the Cape Fear River.

U. S. S. EOLUS,
Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, October 20, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you, with much regret, the
entrance of a blockade runner over the bar at about ten minutes past
12 o'clock last night. It was a small two-smokestack steamer and very
fast. While patrolling on my station, I had just turned around on the
western terminus, Bald Head light bearing E. by S. J S. per compass,
a strange light was reported by the lookout right astern and close to
the beach, which I soon made out to be the flame out of the smoke-
stacks of a steamer at full speed. As quick as it could be done I
turned the head of the Eolus around and toward the steamer, firing
first a shell from the 24-pounder howitzer from the stern at him, and
from the 30-pounder Parrott rifle from the bows, as soon as I could get
it to bear, at the same time running after him as far as it was prudent
for the safety of the Folus, and finding it impossible to head him off' or
to overtake him, 1 fired, alternately, five shells from the howitzers and
three from the rifle, all of which struck and exploded near and over, if
they did not hit him, but all of no avail, for he succeeded in getting in.

When the blockade runner was first discovered, Bald Head light
bore E. by S. £ S., the Eolus at the time heading S. in 4 J fathoms water,
and the D". S. S. Aries bore S. S. E. and another of the blockading
vessels about S. E. The weather at the time was hazy around the
horizon with a bright moon overhead.

Being so very close in, and sheltered by the land, nothing could be
seen of the steamer excepting the flame out of her two very low smoke-
stacks.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. O. LUNDT,
Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Eolus.

Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

Senior Officer Present.

[Telegram.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES,

October 20, 1864 — 4: 10 p. m.

I desire very much six 12-pounder boat howitzers for a special
service, with their equipments, complete, as well for land as water.

576 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Please send them to me and 1 will forward any sort of requisition or
receipt that the Navy Department shall think necessary.

BBN.T. F. BUTLER,
Major- General, Commanding.

Captain G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. G.

[Telegram.]

WASHINGTON, D. C., October 21, 1864.

Howitzers ordered from New York by express to Hampton Roads.
I presume you wanted smoothbores. At any rate, I doubt whether we
have six rifles to fill Graham's requisition. Anything we have in that
line is at your service. Please declare those naval officers you sent up
exchanged as soon as possible. They will fight for their sojourn South.

G. V. Fox,

Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
General BUTLER.

General order of Rear -Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, regarding the enforce-
ment of the Department's regulations forbidding correspondence with
the press.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) FLAGSHIP MALVERN,

No. 13. ( Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 21, 1864.

The regulations of the Navy Department forbid any officer corre-
sponding with the newspaper press or communicating to anyone the
movements of a squadron. All persons under my command are enjoined
to conform strictly to this order. It will be ray duty (and I will per-
form it) to detach any officer for a violation of this regulation. The
commander in chief is the person to communicate what it may bo
proper for the public to know, and it will be done in official form. Writ-
ing for the press is not the right kind of employment for an officer of
the Navy. In this way injustice is done to other officers, and improper
comments are made on the movements or acts of commanders of expe-
ditions.

I shall treat a disobedience of the order (forbidding this kind of cor-
respondence) as I would any other violation of the law. Commanders
are instructed to make this order known to their officers and report to
me any violation of it.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 21, 1864.

Assign Captain Melancton Smith to the command of the Wabash and
Captain Pickering to the Vanderbilt, which is ordered to Hampton
Roads.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.
.Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 577

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Smith, U. 8.
Navy, to transfer the command of the Fifth Division.

OCTOBER 21, 1864.

SIR : You will turn over the command of the Fifth Division to the
officer next in rank to yourself, together with the books, general orders,
and other public property in your charge, and proceed to Hampton
Roads and take command of the U. S. S. Wabash.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.
Captain M. SMITH,

Comdg. Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron, James River.

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy, of chase of
a blockade runner off Western Bar, Wilmington.

D". S. S. DUMBARTON,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, October 21, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 8 : 30 last night, Bald Head
light bearing N. by E., Bug light N. by W. £ W., heard a report of a
gun in a N.W. direction; immediately after saw a rocket fired in S.W.
direction, so immediately started ahead under full speed, steering W.
N. W., and went to quarters. Guns and rockets continued to be fired
as before. When we arrived at the western limits of our beat, Bald
Head light N. E., Bug light N. £ E., we stopped, pulling the ship's
head W. S. W., to await further developments of the runner. We had
not laid still over two minutes before we saw a steamer burning black
smoke steering S. E. Attempted to cross our bow at a distance of 600
yards, as near as we could judge. The forward pivot gun was immedi-
ately fired at her, and the ship started ahead at full speed j the runner
immediately, on becoming aware of our presence, turned head S. S. W.
We gave chase, at the same time kept firing the forecastle pivot at her,
and sent two rockets in that direction, and in attempting to fire a sec-
ond rocket it exploded on deck and burned the hand of Arthur Ball,
quartermaster, very severely. We kept up with the chase very well
for some fifteen or twenty minutes, when we began gradually to drop
astern. As we had laia with four fires banked, we were unable to gen-
erate steam enough to keep up a full supply at this speed. At 9: 10
the Fort Jackson came up from a westerly direction and took up the
chase. This necessitated my returning to my beat, which I did, and
arrived there at 10 p. m.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. BROWN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS, U. S. Navy,

Commanding Division Western Bar, Wilmington Blockade.

N w R — VOL 10 37

578 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Master Keyser, U. S. Navy, of chase of a blockade
runner off Western Bar, Wilmington.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, October 21, 1864.
SIB: I have the honor to report that on the 20th instant, at 8: 15 p.
m., being in 3£ fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing E. £ N.
and Bug light N. E. £ N., we saw a side- wheel steamer pass Bug light
and stand to westward close along the beach and to northward of the
shoals. We started ahead N. N. E. very slowly. For some reason,
which I do not know, she turned back, and we saw her pass close under
the light toward the water battery. In about fifteen minutes saw her
approaching the bar by the channel. As soon as she had crossed the
bar we started ahead full speed to westward and opened fire with our
starboard battery, also threw up rockets. Soon after the U. S. S.
Vicksburg opened fire upon her, and threw rockets also.

We continued the chase as long as we could see her, and then
returned to our station.
Fired in all 18 guns and 5 rockets.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Victoria.

Captain B. F SANDS,

Senior Officer Present, off Western Bar, North Carolina.

Report of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, transmitting report regard-
ing the capture of the steamer Wando, October 21, 1864.

FLAGSHIP NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

Norfolk, October 23, 1864.

SIR: I enclose you a report of Captain B. F. Sands, commanding
U. S. S. Fort Jackson, in relation to the capture of the blockade runner
steamer Wando, late Let Her Rip, with 550 bales of cotton on board.
This vessel is a registered Confederate vessel by the captain's confes-
sion. Please instruct me with regard to the prisoners.

Captain Sands chased this vessel in accordance with instructions
which I gave him, which seem to work well so far. I enclose a plan
for the capture of vessels for the future, which I hope will be followed
by success.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Hear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,
Off Wilmington, N. C., October 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you the capture by this vessel,
under my command, of the steamer Wando (late Let Her Rip] this
morning at 11 o'clock, in longitude 76° 40' W,5 latitude 33° 05' ff.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 579

She was seen by the blockading division off Western Bar as she came
out over the bar of that entrance of Cape Fear River. This vessel
took up the chase at 9 : 30 p. m. last night, soon losing sight of her, but
continued the chase S. by E. until daylight, when she was discovered
on our port beam, and as. we stood for her she altered her course N. E.,
we gaining upon her; she afterwards set sail and steered E. by S., and
finding she did no better on that course, she took in sail, hauling JT, E.
again, we firing at her and overhauling her, and at 10 : 30 a. m. she
rounded to and gave up, as a vessel attempting to run the blockade off
Wilmington, after receiving a fire from us in the chase of 56 shots from
100-pounder and 42 from 30-pounder.

She hoisted English colors during the chase, but upon surrendering
hauled them down and threw them overboard, having destroyed her
Confederate colors and register, as her captain states to me, acknowl-
edging that she was a Confederate registered vessel and had no right
to the English colors.

She is a fine paddle-wheel steamer of 600 tons, and this is her second
trip to Wilmington; is now loaded with about 550 bales of cotton,
having thrown overboard some 40 bales in the chase. I send her to
Boston for adjudication in charge of Acting Ensign S. K. Hopkins and
Boatswain P. A. Chason, of this vessel, with a prize crew, and respect-
fully request they may be ordered to return to the Fort Jackson as
soon as their services to the court can be dispensed with.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,

Captain, U. 8. Navy, Senior Officer,
Comdg. Division off Western Bar, Wilmington.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington City, D. C.

General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, embodying instruc-
tions to blockading vessels off Eastern and Western bars.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

No. 18. } Flagship Malvern, October 22, 1864.

The following instructions are issued for the guidance of blockading
vessels, and must be observed as nearly as possible, except in cases
where there is a chance of losing a vessel by too close adherence to
orders. While it is desirable to observe some system in blockading,
still there are times when officers must deviate from their orders to
insure success; and when success follows, or the officer shows the
necessity of deviating from general orders, I will approve. A few ves-
sels properly arranged will do more than a crowd of vessels with no
system.

To enable me the better to form a correct idea of the situation of
things at the bars, senior officers blockading are directed to give me
their views and experience on the subject, and for the future the follow-
ing order will be carried out as nearly as possible:

An equal division of vessels must be made at the Eastern and West-
ern bars, and there must be established an inner and outside line. The
slower vessels of the divisions are to be stationed near the bars ready
to fire on the blockade runners as they attempt to pass in or out, and

680 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

one or two fast vessels furnished with calcium lights are to be ready
with steam up to chase. The slow vessels stationed at the bar are not
to chase offshore, but the fast chasers are to pursue as long as there is
any chance of catching the blockade runner. The moment a chase
commences the chasers must, at night, carry a red light over the stern
so that there will be no danger of our vessels firing into each other.
These lights must be protected on the sides that they may not show
abeam.

Whichever vessel sights a blockade runner and chases her at night
must indicate by signal the course the blockade runner is steering,
according to the following table:

Course signals.

1 rocket — Northward.

2 rockets — Northeastward.

1 rocket and white Coston — Northwest-
ward.

1 rocket and green Coston — Eastward.
1 rocket and red Coston — Westward.

2 rockets and white Coston — Southward.

2 rockets and red Coston — Southwest-
ward.

2 rockets and green Coston— Southeast-
ward.

And rockets will be thrown horizontally in the direction of the chase
from time to time.

Course signals by steam whistle.

1 short whistle — Northward.

1 long whistle — Northeastward.

2 short whistles — Northwestward.

2 long whistles — Eastward.

3 short whistles — Westward.

3 long whistles — Southward.

1 long aud 1 short whistle — Southeast-
ward.

1 short and 1 long whistle — Southwest-
ward.

The vessels blockading the bars must not go in until twilight, and
must then lie in as close as they can. The picket boats will cruise
inside of them over the bar. No lights will be shown by bar blockaders,
nor will any noise be allowed on board.

Each bar vessel will keep out a good, swift boat in fair weather, well
armed, and provided with a bright red lantern, enclosed in a box, and
the light is to be shown only toward the bar blockaders when anything
is seen coming out. The picket steam launches will be provided in the
same way.

Vessels lying at the bar will be careful to ascertain the position of
each and every blockader, so that there will be no danger of collision
or firing into each other.

Those vessels that are not to chase will (when signal is made that a
blockade runner has passed the bar) hold a red light over the side
opposite the batteries; these lights always to be kept lit on deck. It
is to be remembered that the inshore line is not to chase, but to fire on
blockade runners as they go in or out.

The moment a blockade runner is signaled the bar vessels will
endeavor to get in between her and the bar and turn her off. If a
vessel supposed to be a blockade runner does not show a red light at
once, and attempts to run, she must be fired into immediately, and any
vessel making doubtful movements must be brought to. If a vessel
moves while being boarded, the boarding boat must be left to take care
of itself and the vessel pursued and fired at. The chase must lie with
her broadside bearing on the blockade runner and make her blow off
her steam.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

581

The following are the signals to be made when a vessel is sighted,
and every commander will study them and strictly observe them:

Day of
month.

Vessel making signal first.

Answer.

3 flashes red.

2 flashes white -

1 flash red.

2 flashes red.

3 flashes white.

2 flashes red

1 flash white.

3 flashes red -.

2 flashes white.

1 flash white, red burning

3 flashes red, white burning.

2 dashes white, red burning

1 flash red, white burning.

2 flashes red white burning.

1 flash red, whit* burning

3 flashes white, red burning.

Day of
month.

In fog, vessel making signal first.

Answer.

1 short whistle

2 short whistles

1 long whistle.

3 short whistles

2 long whistles.

4 short whistles

3 long whistles.

1 short, 1 long

4 long 1 short.

2 short, 1 long

1 long, 1 short.

8 short, 1 long

2 long, 1 short.

4 short, 1 long

3 long, 1 short.

1 long, 1 short

1 short, 1 long.

2 long, 1 short

1 abort, 2 long.

Day of
month.

Vessel making signal first.

Answer.

Coston's No 1

Coston's No 2.

fl.

This system to be recommenced at the end of every ten days of the
mouth. It is not intended by it to particularize any vessel or ship, but
to serve as a password to any vessel which may be moving within or
about the blockading line or suddenly sighting a friendly vessel at
night; the Coston signals to be the last resorted to. Should either
of the vessels thus interchanging signals desire to communicate by hail
or by boat, the vessel so desiring will " wave" a white light until it be
answered by a similar movement from the other vessel. But should
the vessel thus summoned be upon urgent duty admitting of no delay,
she will, after answering, burn a Coston " A." The challenge for the 31st
day of the mouth will be the same as on the 1st. To signalize to the
blockading fleet the presence of a blockade runner, a gun will be fired
by the vessel sighting her and signals made to show the direction she
is going. Care should be taken, however, that the runner be not pre-
maturely alarmed, and if coming out or going in the vessel seeing her
should endeavor to get, if possible, between her and the bar before
alarming her or the fleet. The signal for danger will be the firing of a
gun and the burning of a blue light.

One or two fast vessels will be kept 40 miles to the eastward and
westward of the bar, and cruise alongshore in the daytime to see if any
vessels are anchored ready to run in at night. The vessels to the east-
ward and westward of the bar will sometimes, at night, burn false lights

582 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

corresponding as nearly as possible to the lights shown by the light-
houses at the entrances to Cape Fear River. This may lead the ruimers
astray. In doing this the same position must not always be taken.

There will be a line of outside blockaders, who will observe the fol-
lowing general rules, deviating from them only when there is a chance
of losing a blockade runner. These vessels must lie off Cape Fear at
such a distance as would allow the outward-bound blockade runner to
make 13 miles per hour from sundown until daylight, remain with low
steam after 10 o'clock in the morning, to keep everything in working
order, the lookouts aloft to dress in light colored clothes. Before day-
light full steam must be got up to chase the moment a blockade runner
appears.

The position for the senior officer to take will be about the latitude
of 33° 15', longitude 75° 50'. A line of vessels will then stretch in a
N. N . W. line for Cape Lookout, keeping in signal distance of each other
if possible. Another line will stretch N. B. by E., keeping within
signal distance. Vessels and diagrams will be sent to these stations as
soon as possible.

The blockade runners will likely try to cross the bar after dark or in
the twilight. By allowing 13 knots an hour, they will make the posi-
tions assigned the outside line about daylight; they will also start from
about that point at night to make the bar at daylight. If seen by the
outside line, they must be chased until lost sight of; and commanders
will keep on hand a supply of pine wood to enable them to run their
steam up quickly.

If nothing is in sight at daylight, the vessels on the N. E. by E. line
will steer iu, calculating to meet blockade runners that left as late as
12 o'clock of that night. After running in about 20 miles, and not
meeting anything, they will return to their stations, looking out for
inward-bound blockade runners. These will likely make their appear-
ance from 2 o'clock p. m. until sunset, at such a distance from Cape
Fear inlets as will enable thein to cross the bar by or before daylight.

Blockade runners will try to get head to wind and sea on account of
draft and steady running. If two vessels are chasing them, try and
keep them in the trough of the sea and not let them get before or off
the wind to enable them to carry sail. Other directions will be issued
as occasions offer and I become more familiar with the tricks of these
blockade runners.

Every officer will keep a small chart or diagram, including Cape
Lookout and Cape Fear, and 40 miles each side of both those places.
The position of vessels seen and the line on which they are chased will
be marked down and sent to me at such times as may be most con-
venient. This will best enable me to lay down general rules for the
capture of vessels.

When blockade runners are run on shore at the bar, or beached, they
must be destroyed at all hazards, unless they are in a position where
they can certainly be got off.

Every officer must keep a close account of the tides, as the runners
will often be governed in their movements by high water, especially at
night; but the tides must not be relied on to govern their movements,
as the class of vessels now employed in illicit trade do not draw much
water and can run in and out at any time.

When calcium lights are supplied they will be kept at night in readi-
ness on the forecastle, and when chasing be kept turned to the runner.
Certain vessels on the bar will be supplied with calcium lights, and
they will turn them on the bar when a runner is trying to get out or in.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 583

As these lights require nice management, they will only be intrusted to
competent persons.

The pipes, hulls, and all parts of blockaders should be painted one
uniform color. As the fog signals and course signals will be used at
different times, the latter only in clear weather, the former only in fogs,
there can be no confusion.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear -Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 22, 1864.

Let the Unadilla go to Hampton Roads and report to Rear- Admiral
D. D. Porter.

GIDEON WELLES.
COMMANDANT PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD,

Philadelphia, Pa.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Pickering, U. S.
Navy, to assume command of the U. 8. 8. Vanderbilt.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Norfolk, Va., October 22, 1864.

SIR : Your orders to the Wabash are hereby revoked and you will,
upon the arrival of the U. S. S. Vanderbilt at Hampton Roads, assume
command of that vessel and at once prepare for sea.
Very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Captain CHAS. W. PICKERING, U. S. Navy.

Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General
Shepley, U. S. Army, advising a search of Mayor LamVs house for impor-
tant information.

NORFOLK, October 22, 1864.

GENERAL : I beg leave to send the following information of impor-
tance, just received: There is a Major Lamb living at Tanner's Point,
Norfolk. He has two sons in the Confederate service, one a quarter-
master and the other commanding at Fort Fisher or Fort Caswell.
They are in constant correspondence by the way of Nassau, and I under-
stand that much valuable and important matter can be found at Lamb's
house.

1 would respectfully suggest that Lamb's house be searched and he
arrested, as it is very important that no information should be sent to
the rebels at this time.

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.
Brigadier- General GEO. F. SHEPLEY,

Commanding Department of Eastern Virginia, Norfolk, Va.

584 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Brigadier- General Shepley, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral
Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding Mayor Lamb.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN VIRGINIA,

Norfolk, Va., October 22, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this

date.
There is no such person at Norfolk as Major Lamb, residing at Town

Point.

The person referred to by your informant is undoubtedly Mayor
Lamb, who lived on Smith's Point, Norfolk. He is the father of Colo-
nel Lamb, commanding at Fort Caswell [Fisherl. He was sent into
the Confederacy in May last. His house was confiscated and searched,
and is now assigned for quarters to Major [Wickham] Hoffman, assist-
ant adjutant general, who would be happy to see you there at all times,
especially if accompanied by Mrs. Porter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. F. SHEPLEY,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.

Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,

U. S. Flagship Malvern.

Report of Captain Glisson, U. 8. Navy, regarding the condition of the
U. 8. steamers Governor Buckingham and Monticello and the blockade
of Wilmington, N. C.

U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA,
Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 22, 1864.
SIR: I have ordered the Governor Buckingham and the Monticello
to proceed to Hampton Eoads and report to you for repairs. You will
see by the survey that they are considered unsafe to remain here, should
a gale of wind come on. It will require but a short time for their repairs.
The rebels have a large force employed increasing their fortifications
at New Inlet. The impression here is that this channel is no longer
used by the blockade runners, and that torpedoes have been laid in it
ready for our fleet. No vessels have gone in or out on this side for the
last fifteen days.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. S. GLISSON,
Captain and First Divisional Officer, off New Inlet.

Bear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Engagement of Confederate feet and naval batteries with Federal army
batteries near Signal Hill, Va.

Report of Captain Pierce, TJ. S. Army.

FORT BRADY, VA., October 22, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, by reason of being com-
pelled to attend to the fire on the gunboats, was unable to visit the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 585

[Dutch] Gap until late this p. in. Arn informed by my sergeant, how-
ever, that the rebels have shelled but little and with slight effect. Mr.
Lewis sent a few shots at them from 4.5-inch gun, making very good
practice. Presume Mr. Woodruff gave you all particulars of the firing
at the rebel boats this afternoon. The wooden one was struck at least
fifteen times before she could get out of the way; was evidently some-
what damaged. Ironclads and all were much frightened and steamed
up the river out of sight. Ashby's battery made miserable practice.
Regretted that you could not be there.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. PIERCE,

Captain, First Connecticut Artillery.
Colonel H. L. AfiBOT,

Commanding Siege Artillery.

Detailed report of Captain Pierce, IT. S. Army.

FORT BRADY, VA., October 23, 1864.

SIR: Pursuant to instructions, I have the honor to report that the
three 30-pounder and the four 20-pounder Parrotts (the latter belong-
ing to Ashby's battery) were placed in position in the new work above
Fort Brady during the night of the 21st, and everything put in order to
open fire on the morning of the 22d. At daylight discovered what
appeared to be one of the enemy's wooden gunboats lying quietly in
plain sight from my pieces, distant 1,000 yards, according to Colonel
Abbot's computations. Fearing the distance might be greater, or the
powder prove weak (as it often does), ordered three and a half degrees
elevation, which, by the tables, gives a range of 1,506 yards. The first
shell (percussion) struck apparently about C feet from her hull and did
not explode; added one- fourth degree to the elevation and worked all
of the pieces as rapidly as possible, concentrating the fire upon that
single boat. Evidently taken by surprise, it took her some time to get
in readiness to move. Had the satisfaction of seeing sixteen shell strike
her and burst before she was fairly underway. Sent some six or eight
shots after her with good effect while getting out of sight; consider
her somewhat damaged. In the meantime the rebel rams and iron-
clads, seemingly startled by the sudden attack, had got up steam and
moved farther out into the stream for the purpose of following in the
wake of the wooden vessel. Turned all my attention to them. Deem-
ing the fire too hot to permit of their crossing the open space, they
gave up the attempt and sought the shelter of the bank below as
rapidly as possible, giving us one or two rounds as they went. The
bank did not prove high enough, however, to hide their smokestacks
by 4 or 5 feet, and we aimed at them, striking one. Not thinking it
prudent to remain longer in that position, after steaming up and down
the river several times, seeking a safe hiding place, but failing, they
finally mustered courage sufficient to pass the open space. Paid strict
attention to them as they sailed by. After reaching a point a mile or
two above they overtured four shots, which came bounding over the
field, doing us no injury. After the boats were out of danger the rebel
heavy- gun batteries on the opposite shore opened on us with great
vigor, bursting three X-inch columbiad shell on the parapet, two inside
the work, and the remainder far in rear. One of the shells which
went over cut off a man's foot and killed a horse belonging to Captain

586 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Ashby's battery; all the casualties that occurred. Eeturned the fire
of the land batteries with the only piece (a 30-pounder) that I could
bring to bear. Expended 145 rounds of ammunition, all of which took
the grooves and burst, but two.

Am happy to state that the affair was more successful than I at first
expected. Deem it just to say that I am greatly indebted to Mr. Wood-
ruff, of my company, for his valuable assistance.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. H. PIEECE,
Captain, First Connecticut Artillery.

Lieutenant PETER S. MICHIE,

V. 8. Engineers, Acting Chief Engineer.

Beport of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 22, 1864.

, SIE, : This morning about 7 o'clock the enemy's batteries near Boul-
ware's house and on Signal Hill opened upon the gunboats Drewry,
Hampton, and Roanoke, anchored in line just above Kingsland Keach.
Acting under previous instructions from me, they weighed anchor and
retired under cover of Chaffiu's Bluff. The Drewry reports by signal
having been struck four times, had two men wounded, and her gun
carriage disabled.

After the g'inboats retired, the batteries opened successively on the
Fredericksburg, the Richmond, and the Virginia, anchored in the order
named, from Kingsland Bar to Boulware's Lauding.

In ten or fifteen minutes the Fredericksburg had her smokestack badly
riddled and five men wounded by splinters from the wooden grating of
the shield deck. She was repeatedly struck in hull and shield without
serious damage.

The Richmond and this vessel were both struck without serious dam-
age to either and no casualties. The Richmond has several holes
through her smokestack and one plate knocked out of the knuckle on
her starboard quarter.

The projectiles that struck us appeared to be chiefly about 30- pounder
Parrotts, although heavier projectiles were used without eft'ect.

From the distance, near 1 mile, of the nearest batteries of the enemy
and their position, it would have been a useless waste of our ammuni-
tion to engage in a regular contest with them. I therefore retired with
the ironclads up the river beyond their effective range, taking with the
Richmond and this ship a position still to cover the front of the works
on Chaffin's Bluff, within reach of our fire. The fire was returned from
the ironclads as their guns were brought to bear on the enemy.

To-night our usual position with the ironclads will be resumed, ready
to operate against the enemy should he attempt any movement across
the river.

So soon as regular reports are received from the several commanding
officers a more detailed report will be submitted to the Department.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 587

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Cenas, C. S. Navy, commanding

Battery Semmes.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 22, 1864.

SIR : Whenever the enemy opens fire upon our squadron, the naval
batteries on shore will immediately open on him, taking care not to
waste ammunition when it can be avoided.

Be pleased to keep an exact record of the firing of each of your guns,
which will be required for your regular returns. In your next report
state the quantity of ammunition expended in your firing against the
enemy this morning.

You will communicate these instructions at once to Lieutenant Com-
manding Hays at Battery Brooke.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Lieut. Comdg. HILARY CENAS, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Battery Semmes.

Additional report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, transmitting reports of commanding

officers.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 27, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to enclose herewith for the better information
of the Department the reports from the commanding officers of the iron-
clads Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Virginia, of the gunboat Drewry*
and of the batteries Semmes and Brooke of the affair of Saturday last,
the 22d instant, between them and the batteries of the enemy on the
north side above Dutch Gap.

I have little to add to my report made on the 22d. The firing con-
tinued not more than an hour and a half, or possibly two hours, com-
mencing about 7 a. in. The fire from our two batteries seems to have
been well directed, and though those of the enemy ceased firing, I am
inclined to think it was on account of the retirement of our gunboats
and ironclads up the river rather than from any damage sustained from
the fire of our well-served batteries.

The reports from the gunboats Hampton and Roanoke are important.

The conduct of officers and men afforded satisfactory assurance that
they could be relied on for courage and zeal in more serious affairs.
But the occasion showed the necessity for full and well-trained crews at
the guns of the ironclads, which has been rendered impracticable from
deficient complements of officers and men on account of sickness, etc.,
and the frequent chan ges among them. The importance of well- trained
officerr and guns' crews can not be overrated, especially respecting the
heavy guns of the ironclads, and they should become, by long and con-
sistent practice, thoroughly acquainted with each other as well as the
guns they serve. Changes among officers and men are very much to
be deprecated, unless obviously for the interests of the service, espe-
cially when important services may be required at any moment from the
vessels to which they belong.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Hon. S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

* Not found.

588 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Beport of Lieutenant Maury, C. 8. Navy, commanding C. 8. S. Richmond.

C. S. S. ElCHMOND,

James River, October 22, 1864.

SIR : The enemy opened fire upon us from their shore batteries and
Signal Hill at 20 minutes to 7 a. m. to-day. In obedience to signal, got
out spring and opened fire upon them. Got underway and moved far-
ther up the river, by signal. We fired, in all, 4 10-second shell. Whilst
under the enemy's fire our smokestack was perforated in 24 places by
fragments of shell. A slab of iron 2 inches thick, about 8 feet long, on
the fantail on starboard side near the water's edge, was knocked off;
another slab of the same kind started, and the iron pennant staff shot
in two. This is all the damage we sustained.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Beport of Commander Bootes, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Fredericksburg.

IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,
James River Squadron, October 22, 1864.

SIR: I have to report this morning, after getting underway from
Bishop's and standing up the river for the anchorage above the Grave-
yard, about 7 o'clock a. m., the enemy opened his batteries to the right
and left of Boul ware's house, on the gunboats Drewry and Hampton,
also the ironclad FredericJcsburg.

This ship was under a very heavy fire for twenty-five or thirty min-
utes, head upstream, and as I received no signal from the flagship, put
the ship's head downstream and stood for the flagship Virginia and
hailed, when I was ordered to send a boat. On return of the boat
received orders to put ship's head upstream and follow the motions of
the flagship. I afterwards received orders from the flag-officer to pro-
ceed to Chaffm's Bluff. In proceeding up the river the ship was again
under the fire of the enemy about twenty-five minutes. The ship was
struck from twenty to fifty times with shells and bolts, size, I should
judge, from 20 to 100 pounder Parrotts. One shot struck the wooden
gratings on the upper deck, fore and aft; the splinters came inside the
shield and wounded five men. This shot, I think, afterwards struck the
pilot house, started a number of the bolts and boltheads, and made a
considerable indentation in the plate of iron, and from the appearances
should say it was a 100-pouuder Parrott. Another shot, same size, struck
the iron plate on the coamings of the open space of the upper deck,
sprung the iron and several bolts, also the fore and aft and athwartship
carlines that support the upper deck. A number of shot and fragments
of shells struck the ship, doing but little damage, starting some of the
bolts and boltheads. Smokestack struck a number of times by frag-
ments of shells. Iron braces of same cut away, etc.

I would respectfully recommend that between the iron on the upper
deck, which is 9 inches apart and 2 inches thick, that iron bars of the
same thickness be placed in the middle, making a distance of 4£ inches.
The wooden gratings are very dangerous, as the splinters are likely
to wound many men. This distance, 9 inches, will allow a 7 or 8 inch
shot or bolt, also shell, to pass through, and no doubt but would go
through the main deck into the engine room or magazine.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 589

I would again call your attention to the upper deck over the shield
having no iron on it, and ask, so soon as circumstances will permit, to
have it covered with iron, as it will make her a much more effective
ship, and, in my opinion, save many lives.

I have seen Mr. Meads, and he informs me that he can have the iron
placed on the deck in forty-eight hours, as he has it on hand.
The following are the charges we fired at the enemy on the 22d :
Two 15-pound charges X-ineh, one 6-inch stand X-iuch grape, one
5-secoud X-inch shell, one 8-pound charge 7-inch rifle, one 10-second
7-inch shell, one 8-pound charge 6.4-inch rifle, one 5-second 6.4-inch
shell.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. E. BOOTES,
Commander , Provisional Navy C. 8.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy 0. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron, near Chaffiri's Bluff.

Wounded. — Samuel Barnes, pilot, in left hand and right hip. Law-
rence Hinds, seaman, left hand and forearm. M. B. Turner, landsman,
on. head. David Homer, ordinary seaman, over sacrum and right
scapula. William M. Stedman, landsman, near left eye (severely).
M. C. Williams, landsman, in dorsal region.
Eespecfully,

T. E. E.

[Endorsement. [

October 27. — Transmitted a copy to the Secretary of the Navy with
the following endorsement, viz : " The recommendations of Commander
Eootes for protection to his shield deck are fully approved, and ought
by all means to be adopted, as all the ironclads will necessarily be
exposed to a plunging fire from the elevated or distant batteries of the
enemy.

Eespectfully,

J. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.

Beport of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, regarding the opening of the enemy's battery in
Boulware's field upon the C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. GUNBOAT DREWRY,
James River Squadron, October 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor of submitting to you the following report of
the opening of the enemy's battery, located in Boulware's field and near
what is known as the Fishery, on James Eiver, upon my vessel this
morning. At 6 : 20 a. in. the " offdeck" reported to me that the enemy
had opened their battery upon me. I immediately went on deck and
gave orders to get underway. The firing being quite rapid, I had the
men conceal themselves behind the bulwarks as much as possible.
Several shot struck the vessel, one striking the boat hoisted on the port
quarter, one passing through the smokestack, one striking the flagstaff,
and one entering the slide of the gun carriage, burying itself in the
center transom near the center pivot and exploding, wounding two of
my men severely and disabling the gun. Many places in the awning
show that fragments of shell passed through it. The enemy having
my range so accurately, and my gun being loaded with grape, together
with your order not to engage the land batteries unless necessary, I

590 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

deemed it prudent iiot to fire, but to get out of range as soon as pos-
sible. I accordingly went under cover of Chaffin's Bluff and anchored.
Sickness prevented my reporting on board to you in person after the
occurrence. I have j ust received your order to go to the city for repairs
and will exert all my energy in soon being again able for duty.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. WALL,
Lieutenant Commanding, Provisional Navy C. S.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

The number of guns of the enemy, I think, was three 30-pounder
Parrotts.

Report of Lieutenant Shepperd, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Virginia.

C. S. S. VIRGINIA,
James River, October 24, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera-
tions of this ship on Saturday, the 22d instant, on the occasion of the
shelling of our squadron by the enemy's batteries on the north bank of
the river.

About 7 a. m. I got under way preparatory to moving up the river in
obedience to your orders, the Fredericksburg lying at the time above us
near the bar in Kingsland Reach, and the Richmond about two ships'
length below us in Graveyard Reach.

The whole fire of the enemy was at first concentrated upon the
Drewry, lying at the head of Kingsland Reach. As soon as she passed
out of range their fire was directed upon the Fredericksburg ; now and
then a shell was fired at the Richmond from Signal Hill, but this ship
did not receive their attention until she got into the position occupied
by the Fredericksburg, when a concentrated fire from the battery above
Boulware's was directed at her, but, being underway at the time, only
two shells struck her, doing no damage whatever. Whenever we could
get the range we returned the fire from the stern and broadside guns.
We fired three shells from each, and after coming to anchor above
Kiugsland Reach I used the bow gun of the Beaufort against the
enemy's battery.

After our squadron passed up the river a brisk duel was kept up for
an hour between our batteries on the south bank and those of the
enemy on the north bank.

None of the enemy's guns were, I believe, larger than 30-pounder
Parrotts.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. E. SHEPPERU,
Lieutenant, and in Command.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Cenas, C. S. Navy, commanding Battery Semmes.

NAVAL BATTERY SEMMES, October 22, 1864—9:30 a. m.
SIR: I most respectfully report that, in obedience to an order from
Captain Hays, at 8:30 I opened on Signal Hill from my columbiads.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 591

The firing, sir, was excellent, most of the shells exploding either in the
enemy's works or just above them. Our firing was returned from light
pieces, but without effect. We succeeded, sir, in silencing them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HILARY OENAS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Additional report of Lieutenant Cenas, C. S. Navy, commanding Battery Semmes.

NAVAL BATTERY SEMMES, October 23, 1864.

SIR : The following amount of ammunition was yesterday expended
from the two X-inch columbiads :

Fifteen 15-pound charges of powder, 2 12-pound charges of powder,
17 X-inch shells, 16 15-second time fuzes, 1 10-second time fuze, 19
friction primers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HILARY CENAS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Hays, C. S. Navy, commanding Battery Brooke.

BATTERY BROOKE, October 25, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully inform you that the enemy opened fire about
8 a. m. on Saturday last on this place from two batteries. The fire was
returned from this and Battery Semmes with apparently good effect;
the firing was continued about one and one-half hours, when it ceased
altogether at Signal Hill. The enemy fired with rapidity and precision,
but no casualties occurred at the battery.

The conduct of the officers and men was good, notwithstanding it
was the first time many of them had been under fire.

There was expended from this battery 13 10-pound cartridges for
7-inch gun, 13 10-second shells for 7-inch gun, 12 15-pound cartridges for
X-inch gun, 12 10-second shells for X-inch gun, 40 primers, 13 McEvoy
igniters.

I am unable to state the precise time the enemy opened on the fleet.
I think about half an hour before fire was opened from this battery.
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. W. HAYS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, etc.

Report of Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Hampton.

C. S. S. HAMPTON,

James River Squadron, October 22, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at 6 : 40 a. m. the enemy's bat-
teries opened on this vessel.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

iu obedience to orders for such a contingency 1 immediately hove up
anchor and retired beyond the reach of the enemy's fire.

Although a number of shells fell and burst in my immediate vicinity
I can not discover any damage done to the vessel.

My officers and crew are deserving of credit for their coolness under
a very hot, accurate fire. No one nor the vessel touched.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. MURDAUGH,

Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding, etc., James River Squadron.

Report of Master Shippey, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. 8. Roanoke.

C. S. GUNBOAT ROANOKE,
James River Squadron, October 22, 1864.

SIR: At 6:30 this morning the enemy opened a heavy fire from his
battery at Boulware's upon the fleet of wooden gunboats lying in the
reach below Chaffin's Bluft', firing with such rapidity and precision as
to render our position very dangerous; and in compliance with your
instructions, after satisfying myself that the fire was not for the pur-
pose of covering any important movement of troops, which, by holding
my position, I could harass, I retired under the shelter of the bluff in
company with the Drewry and Hampton.

Although many shells fell near to and exploded over the Roanoke, she
was not struck, and sustained no damage in the shelling.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. FRANK SHIPPEY,

Master in Charge.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Flagship Virginia.

Capture of the Confederate steamer Hope, October 22, 1864.

[Telegram.]

FORIRESS MONROE, October 26, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report the capture by the Eolus of the
blockade runner Hope, of 1,000 tons, and a very valuable assorted
cargo — a new vessel of great power and speed, caught by bursting of
steam pipe. I recommend her to be purchased.

DAVID D. PORTER,

.t< Rear -Admiral.

Hon. G. WELLES.

Report of Captain Sands, TJ. S. Navy, transmitting report.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, October 23, 1864.

SIR: I have the pleasure to enclose herewith the report of Acting
Master W. O. Lundt, commanding U. S. S. Eolus, of the capture of the

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 593

fine Confederate steamer Hope, of Wilmington, which was driven off
from this iulet endeavoring to violate the blockade off Wilmington on
the night of the 21st instant, chased, and captured the next morning
at 6 a. m. by the Eolus. She was inward bound with a cargo of
machinery.

She is said to be the finest and fastest steamer in the trade, and so
well adapted for war purposes or for privateering that it was boasted
she would fight her way through the blockade. She is steel, side- wheel,
very strong, 1,000 tons, 280 feet long, 30 feet beam, 11 feet draft, water-
tight compartments, and has carried 1,800 bales of cotton. Should she
be taken by the Government, I would respectfully recommend the com-
mand to be given to Lieutenant-Commander D. L. Braine, who has
shown himself most active and energetic in this blockade for the two
years that I have been senior officer in command.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Comdg. Division Western Bar, off Wilmington, N. C.

REAR-ADMIRAL,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads,

[Enclosure.]

U. S. S. EOLUS,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, October 23, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report to you the capture of the side- wheel
steamer Hope, of Wilmington, N. C., by the U. S. S. Bolus, under my
command, sailing under the Confederate flag, while trying to run the
blockade of this bar on the morning of the 22d of October.

She was sighted at 1 a. m., chased 65 miles out to sea, and finally
captured at 6 a. m., October 22. No ship's papers of any kind were to
be found on board of her, but a Confederate flag, which her commander
freely acknowledges for the Hope to have sailed under, besides which
her name, "Hope, of Wilmington," is painted in large letters on her
stern. She was from Nassau, New Providence, last, with a very valua-
ble cargo and a crew and officers of 66 men. The above prize was cap-
tured by the U. S. S. Eolus alone, no other vessel being in sight or
within signal distance at the time. Enclosed I send a complete prize
list of all officers and crew attached to the U. S. S. Eolus at the time
of the above capture claiming a share in said prize. The Hope will
be sent in charge of a prize master and crew to Boston.

Along with this I send a list of the names of all persons found on
board of the prize, and their depositions taken before me under oath.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. O. LUNDT,

Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Eolus.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, October 27, 1864.

There are 58 prisoners here, captured on the Hope, who claim protec-
tion as foreign subjects. The Hope was a Confederate vessel, having
her name "Hope, of Wilmington," painted on her stern and sailing
under the Confederate flag. The captain acknowledges her to be a
N w R — VOL 10 38

594 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Confederate vessel. Shall 1 turn the prisoners over to the provost-
marshal here as prisoners of war?

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES.

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 27, 1864.

Turn over prisoners captured on board the Hope to the provost-mar-
shal at Fortress Monroe as prisoners of war.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Kear- Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Commander
Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding the course of action against the Confed-
erate ram in the sounds.

Confidential.] NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

II. S. Flagship Malvern, Norfolk, October 22, 1864.

SIR : As there is a ram in your neighborhood and she may be induced
to attack you if you do not keep a strong force together, you will be
ready to attack her at all times.

There is but one chance for wooden vessels in attacking an ironclad.
You will, in case she comes out, make a dash at her with every vessel
you have, and "lay her on board," using canister to fire into her ports,
while the ram strikes her steering apparatus and disables her. You
will see that every vessel is provided with proper grapnels, to hold on
by while going alongside, and a boarding party will be appointed to
lash the vessels together. Even if half your vessels are sunk you must
pursue this course. At the time of boarding you must cover the ene-
my's ports with riflemen and prevent him from opening them. While
lashing the vessels, make each one let go their anchors, which will hold
the ram stationary and you can then fight it out. There will be no
doubt about the result. You should be provided with hand grenades.
Your hot-water apparatus should be kept ready, if you have any, or
buckets should be kept in readiness to draw hot water from the boilers,
and pour it through the air holes and hatches on to the enemy.

A well-organized party should capture that vessel in ten minutes.

I have directed Lieutenant Cushing to go down in a steam launch,
and if possible destroy this ram with torpedoes. I have no great con-
fidence in his success, but you will aiford him all the assistance in your
power, and keep boats ready to pick him up in case of failure.

Send me a description of the ram and who commands her.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of North Carolina.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 595

Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Green, U. S. Navy, regarding
expeditions in Core Sound and Pungo Creek.

TJ. S. S. LOUISIANA,
Pamlico River, October 22, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that on the 14th instant I sent a
boat expedition from this ship and the TJ. S. S. Ceres to break up a
notorious rendezvous of contraband trade at a place called Burnley's
Hammocks, in Core Sound. The boats returned the next day, having
captured a large boat loaded with contraband goods, which were sent
to New Berne by the U. S. S. Ceres. I am sorry to say that the man
in charge of the boat escaped. On the 21st instant, learning that a
large amount of provisions was being carried out of Hyde County for
the support of the rebel troops, I anchored in Pungo Creek and sent Act-
ing Master's Mate Edward Cassady with twenty- three men to destroy the
bridge across Pungo Creek, with orders to capture and destroy any
wagons or other rebel Government property. Mr. Cassady obeyed his
orders perfectly, returning the same day after destroying the bridge,
capturing a four-mule baggage wagon (one evidently captured from us),
and attacking and destroying, after a slight skirmish with the cavalry
pickets, the picket station with a lot of provisions, clothing, saddles,
and arms. The baggage wagon contained corn meal and flour and was
destroyed by burning. The mules were shot.

I am happy to say that not a man on our side was hit. Whether the
rebels got off as easily, I do not know.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. M. GREEN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Commander W. H. MACOMB, TJ. S. Navy,

Comdg. Fourth Division, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Report of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports regard-
ing a reconnoissance of the RoanoJce River, October 22-24, 1864.

NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 16, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith the reports of Lieutenant-
Commander Truxtun, of the Tacony, in which he warmly commends
Acting Ensign E. Sommers, of that vessel, in a reconnoissance of the
Eoanoke Eiver, which reports are approved and forwarded by Com-
mander Macomb, commanding the District of the Sounds.

I wish to join my commendations to those above mentioned, and to
call the special attention of the Department to the gallantry and skill
displayed by Mr. Sommers in this affair.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosures.]

TJ. S. S. TAOONY,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 25, 1864.
SIR: I have to report to you that with your approbation I sent, on
the 22d instant, Acting Ensign E. Sommers, in one of the cutters of

596 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

this vessel, with a crew of seven men on a reconnoissance of the Boanokc
River.

Mr. Sommers has just reached the ship, and states that about merid-
ian of the 2dth instant, while on his return, he was fired into by a party
of rebels placed fn ambush, by which John Williams, quartermaster,
was killed, William G. Green, ordinary seaman, seriously wounded in
the head, and the boat so badly shattered as to cause her to sink, and
force himself and party to take to the swamp.

After great exertion, and with his usual indomitable perseverance,
Mr. Sommers succeeded in constructing a raft, on which he made his
way to the mouth of the river, where he was picked up by the boats of
the Wyalusing. He brought with him William G. Green, wounded,
and Charles Seaton, quartermaster.

Mr. Sommers says Green behaved, as usual, in the most gallant man-
ner. I know that Mr. Sommers did.

The missing are, no doubt, still in the swamp, and we may be able
to find them. One of the missing men, while in the swamp and still
under a heavy fire from the opposite bank, reported himself as wounded
in the arm. The voice sounded like that of McKenzie, seaman.

I append a list of the killed, missing, and wounded: John Williams
(quartermaster), killed; William G. Green (ordinary seaman), wounded
(head); John Scott (coxswain), missing; Henry Parker (seaman), miss-
ing; Samuel McKenzie (seaman), missing, and supposed to be wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. T. TRUXTUN,

Lieutenant- Commander.

Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding District of the Sounds, North Carolina.

U. S. 8. TACONY,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 29, 1864.
SIR: I have to state that the following men reported as missing from
a reconnoitering party on the 25th instant have this day returned to
the ship, after being four days in the swamp without food, viz:

John Scott (coxswain), Henry Parker (seaman), Samuel McKenzie
(seaman), wounded, doing well.

They were brought off by a party from the torpedo boat Belle.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. T. TRUXTUN,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Commander W. H. MACOMB,

Commanding Division of the Sounds, Albemarle Sound, N. C.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Quackenbush, U. S. Navy, regarding the transfer as passenger of Com-
mander Rolando, U. 8. Navy.

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, October 24, 1864.
SIR : You will proceed without delay to a point on the coast where
you will be likely to find the Vicksburg, looking out in the meantime
for blockade runners.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 597

You will take on board as a passenger Commander Rolando, and put
him on board the Keystone State, somewhere in latitude 33° 15', longi-
tude 75o 50'.

Lieutenant-Commander Braine will relieve you in the command of
the Pequot, after which you will return by first opportunity and report
to the Department.

Respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander S. P. QUACKENBUSH,

Commanding U. S. S. Pequot.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Braine, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Pequot.

HAMPTON ROADS, October 24, 1864.

SIR : You will take command of the U. S. S. Pequot, agreeable to the
orders of the Navy Department. Your cruising ground will be from
the latitude 33° 15', longitude 75° 50', on a line N. E. by B. or there-
about, filling as near as possible the instructions in General Orders,
No. 18, enclosed herewith.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Lieutenant-Commander D. L. BRAINE,

Commanding Vicksburg.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of

the U. S. S. Clematis.

OCTOBER 24, 1864.

SIR: You will proceed without delay with the vessel under your
command to the Western Bar, off Wilmington, and report to the senior
naval officer for such duty as he may assign you.
Very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

COMDG. OFFICER [Act. Vol. Lieut. E. D. BRTJNER, U. S. Navy],
U. S. S. Clematis, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, regarding the blockade of Wilming-
ton, N. C.

U. S. S. FORT JACKSON,

Western Bar, off Wilmington, October 24, 1864.

SIR: Having read with much concern, as senior officer commanding
this division of the blockade off Wilmington for nearly two years, the
frequent animadversions in newspapers, reflecting upon it as wanting

598 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

in vigilance and efficiency, I deem it my duty to report information
obtained in the examination of prisoners captured in the prize steamer
Wando (late Let Her Rip] by this vessel under my command.

The captain of the Wando, speaking of those newspaper articles,
says, "The people of Wilmington abuse you much more for the stringent
blockade kept, and are much exercised at the vigilance of the cruisers
off the bar, and the danger of running the blockade," and assured mo
that blockade running was still carried on at Charleston. Two of the
Wanda's passengers testify that there were, on the 18th instant, seven
blockade runners in that port (Charleston), lately arrived; among them
the Coquette, Let Her Be, Stag, Siren, General Whiting, etc., and in the
newspapers I sent you are notices of the sale of the cargoes of the
Siren and Coquette.

The captain states that the Red Gauntlet and Little Heroine, blockade
runners, escaped from Mobile since the capture of Fort Morgan.

If this is done in ports in our possession (wholly in one and partly in
the other) is it surprising that they succeed here ?

I make the statement received from prisoners in justice to the com-
manding and other officers who have passed so many sleepless nights
and watchful days in the endeavor to render this blockade perfect, and
that they may receive some credit for their labor.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. SANDS,
Captain, Commanding Division, Western Bar, off Wilmington.

Bear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Escape of a blockade runner at Western Bar, October 24, 1864.
Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wells, TJ. 8. Navy.

U. S. S. ARIES,

Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. 0., October 25, 1864.
SIR : I beg leave to report that at 7 : 30 last evening, while on my
night station No. 4, in 5 fathoms water, Bald Head light bearing E. by
S., saw guns and rockets fired from vessels bearing E. S. E., indicating
the presence of a blockade runner, standing to the westward. I steamed
a short distance S. W., in a direction to head the runner off, and then
stopped to await a more accurate development of his course and posi-
tion. At 7 : 45 a flash of lightning revealed the stranger on my star-
board quarter, bearing N., and steering about W. by N. with two
blockaders in chase bearing E. by N. I immediately gave chase on a
course nearly parallel with that of the stranger, intending to corner
him between the other blockaders and the land, thereby rendering his
destruction or capture almost a certainty; meantime kept up a fire upon
him and threw rockets in his direction, to encourage the other vessels
to follow, in case they had lost sight of him. I continued to chase in
this manner till 10 p. m., when the stranger disappeared to the west-
ward, having altered his bearings about 8 points in two and a quarter
hours. We were then off Little River, well in with the laud, and
obliged to keep off more to the southward. I steamed S. W. till 10: 25
and gave up the chase and turned toward Western Bar, where I arrived
at 3:20 this morning. While chasing I gained rapidly away from my
two consorts, and at 9 : 30 they were out of sight astern. The stranger

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 599

appeared to be a very long, side- wheel steamer, with three funnels. So
long as my wood lasted, I could steam 12 knots and the stranger gained
little, if any, on me. After the wood was exhausted my speed dwindled
down to 9 knots.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. S. WELLS,

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding Division off Western Bar. Cape Fear River.

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Braino. IT. 8. Navy.

U. S. S. VlOKSBURG,

Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, N. Carolina, October 35, 1864.

SIR : I have to report the escape of a blockade runner, supposed out-
ward bound, under the following circumstances: At 7:30 p. m., 24th
instant, while steaming slowly S. E. on our night station, in 5£ fathoms
water, Bald Head light bearing N. E., saw the flash and heard the
report of a gun and afterwards a rocket thrown to the S. W. from one
of the blockaders bearing about N. W. by N. of us. Immediately
steamed fast, steering W. by N. and then W. We then sighted the
runner steering W. S. W. Discovering us she altered her course to
about W. N. W., we keeping in chase and endeavoring to intercept her,
throwing up rockets to indicate the runner's course and firing at her.
She now changed her course to the southward and westward j we con-
tinued firing. I again tried to intercept her when she stood to the
westward. At 9 : 15 lost sight of the chase.

The U. S. S. Dumbarton was in company with us part of the time,
and a vessel offshore, supposed to be the U. S. S. Fort Jackson,* show-
ing a light, and afterwards burned the Coston signal for the night.

Now being satisfied I had lost the runner, owing to her superior
speed, I returned to my station. At this time I was in 5£ fathoms
water, Bald Head light-house bearing E. £ S.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, Cape Fear River.

Report of Acting Master Keyser, XT. S. Navy.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, October 25, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 24th instant, at 7:35
p. m., being in 3| fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing E. £ N.
and Bug light N. E. by N., I saw a large side- wheel steamer, two smoke-
stacks, coming toward us from the bar, bound out, to southward and
eastward. Waited with crew at quarters until she discovered us and
then fired our port broadside gun at her (about 300 yards distant, ships
rolling heavily) and a rocket in the direction she was going; for want
of speed could not keep her in sight. In about five minutes saw

* The Fort Jackson did not show light or Coston signal — Note on original.

600 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

rockets to southward and eastward of us, and a gun; then saw more
rockets from two vessels in that direction. Am sure one of them was
the runner, as I could see two smokestacks by the light of the rockets,
which were different from ours. Soon after saw guns and rockets to
the southward and westward of us, and later more guns and rockets to
the westward of us, and at 8:45 a Coston signal W. by K from us,
followed by a gun and rocket toward the bar. As soon as 1 lost sight
of her (7:45) returned close to the bar. I think no other vessel came
out with her, as we kept a close watch upon the bar all the time, sus-
pecting she had a companion

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,

Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. S. Victoria.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Senior Officer Present, U. S. 8. Fort Jackson, off Western Bar.

Beport of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, U. S. Navy.

U. S. S. DUMBARTON,
Off Western Bar, Wilmington, Octobor 25, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully beg leave to report that at 7: 20 last night, Bald
Head light bearing N. E., Bug light N., heard a report of a heavy gun
in a northerly direction, and immediately after saw a rocket fired from
that direction directly toward us. Called all hands to quarters, started
ahead under one bell and laid the ship's head in westerly direction,
knowing very well that as soon as the runner got sight of us he would
have to turn in that direction. At about 7 : 25 saw a large white
steamer coming under a full head of steam directly toward us. I
stopped the engines and gave orders for everything to be kept still and
quiet, but for all these precautions the runner saw us before he had
approached nearer than a thousand yards. He immediately put his
head round in a W. by S. direction. We started ahead under full
speed, parallel with him and about 3 points forward of our beam. We
fired our forecastle pivot at him, and sent a rocket in the direction he
was going to indicate his course to the blockaders on the western sta-
tion. Being very anxious to have him headed off by them, I ordered
another rocket to be fired, and here one of those vexatious occurrences
happened by the explosion of the rocket, which we ought not to be sub-
ject to if proper rockets were supplied us. The rocket, instead of going
into the air to indicate the direction of the blockade runner, blew all
the charge downward, causing an intense blaze of light for half a min-
ute, and when the head exploded fragments of fire flew all over the ship.
This naturally caused every man in the ship to look in that direction,
the effect of which was that every man on board was blinded for per-
haps ten or fifteen minutes. When we had recovered sufficiently to see
any distance, the runner was nowhere to be seen ; seeing, however, the
VicJcsburg keep the chase and firing guns and rockets to the westward,
we still kept on and passed the VicJcsburg about 9 o'clock. 1 hailed her
and enquiring the direction of the runner, was answered, " On the star-
board bow." Went in that direction until 9:40, but did not see the
slightest indication of a vessel anywhere; at this time Bald Head was
out of sight. Under these circumstances, not seeing anythingto chase,
I turned round for my station, at which place I arrived at LI : 30.

In connection with the explosion of the rocket above stated, I wish

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 601

to say tbat the bottom of the rocket had not been punctured; it was
exactly in the state we received in at the Boston navy yard.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. BROWN,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

Captain B. F. SANDS, IT. S. Navy,

Commanding Division, Western Bar, Wilmington.

Memorandum and extracts from consular dispatches.
From U. S. consul at Bermuda.

October 24, 1864. — In port: Steamers Wild Hover and Talisman, under
British flag, from Wilmington, with cotton. Owl and Little Hattie,
under the rebel flag, with cotton, from Wilmington. The Owl received
several shots coming out, wounding the captain and some of the crew.
The Agnes Fry and Stormy Petrel attempted to enter Wilmington, but
failed and returned here. Wild Rover and Agnes Fry leave to-day for
Wilmington. Caroline loading. Dieppe has been here for some weeks;
difficulty about ownership. The Talisman is commanded by Captain
Gilpin, who has been captured three or four times.

November 7. — Departures for Wilmington : Wild Rover and Agnes
Fry, on 26th October. Owl, Carolina, and Little Hattie, on the 29th.
Stormy Petrel and TaUsman on 4th November. The Stormy Petrel is
commanded by Captain Gordon, who has made twenty-seven voyages
through the blockade. Virginia, from Wilmington, on 30th October,
with 1,000 bales cotton ; considered the most valuable vessel of the fleet.

November 16. — Arrivals from England: Vixen, Vulture, Emma Henry,
and Evelyn. The three first named are much alike, paddle wheel, two
masts, two stacks, and about 300 tons. Evelyn, larger, has three stacks,
fore and aft, side-wheels, with capacity for about 1,000 bales of cotton.
All have been painted white since arrival, have cargoes, and will proba-
bly leave for Wilmington in a few days. Mary, late Alexandra, arrived
yesterday, reported eight days from Halifax, bound to Nassau; very
slow boat. Virginia sailed yesterday for Wilmington.

From U. S. consul at Nassau.

November 1. — Banshee arrived from Wilmington with 1,241 bales of
cotton, turpentine, etc. If her time is correctly reported, she is the
fastest boat engaged in the trade. She brings news of the loss of the
Florrie, which left here for Wilmington sometime since; ran on an old
wreck. Flora, formerly the prize steamer Rouen, and on 25th from
St. John, [New Brunswick], went to Havana on the 27th to run to Gal-
vestou. Beatrice has probably gone into the same trade. Wild Rover
arrived last night, having been driven oft' from Wilmington; brings
news that the Stormy Petrel exploded lier boilers at Bermuda, killing
and wounding several. Since last report-CMcora, Armstrong, and Siren
have arrived from Charleston and Wilmington.

November 7. — Arrivals since last report from England via Halifax
and Madeira: Caroline, Marmora, Colonel Lamb, and Laurel. From
Charleston, the steamers Kate Gregg, recently the Stag, and the Coquette,
each with 1,200 bales of cotton. Will o' the Wisp arrived; reports hav-
ing been driven off from Wilmington and chased twelve hours. One
of the steamers engaged in blockade running started yesterdav for

602 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Savannah ; another to leave soon. Large qnantitiesof cotton are said to
be lying there, and as so many of the vessels have been unsuccessful in
reaching Wilmington for the last few days, they are looking out for
other ports to employ the large and accumulating fleet now here and
expected. The Colonel Lamb is commanded by the notorious Tom
Lockwood, who used to make his boast that his success lay in his man-
aging to make arrangements with the naval officers to let him pass. She
is 285 feet long, good beam, but can not carry as much as expected;
light draft and of great speed. The Charleston route appears to be
still open, and they are looking for two more arrivals during the morning.
November 21. — Few arrivals and departures since last report. The
Colonel Lamb, now here, is reported as having sixteen guns, many of
heavy caliber, in her hold. The Laurel is supposed to be intended for
war purposes; she is still here. The abatement in arrival of steamers
from blockaded ports is attributed to moonlight nights. About twenty
were in this harbor on Friday last. The Ptarmigan went to Havana
on the 9th instant to engage in the Galvestou trade.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
regarding prize steamers.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 25, 1864.

SIR : Until further orders, send the captured prize steamers to New
York.

Yery respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Bear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant
Pickering, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Fort Donelson.

HAMPTON Bo ADS, October 25, 1864.

SIR : You will proceed and take up your position off Wilmington on
the blockade, according to the place marked on the enclosed chart,
longitude 76° 48' W., latitude 33° 15' N.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.
Acting Volunteer- Lieutenant THOS. PICKERING,

Commanding Fort Donelson, Hampton Roads.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Spotts, U. S.
Navy, regarding cruising station.

HAMPTON Bo ADS, October 25, I8a4.

SIR: You will proceed down the coast and cruise between Cape
Lookout and Cape Fear on blockading duty.

Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear -Admiral.
Commander J. H. SPOTTS,

Commanding Pawtuxet, Hampton Roads.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 603

[Telegram.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 25, 1864.

Order the Chippeira to Hampton Eoads, when she is ready, without
waiting for officers. When the officers ordered to her report, send them
to Hampton Eoads.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary Navy.
Commander REED WERDEN,

Commandant Navy Yard, Philadelphia.

Letter from Lieutenant- Commander Truxtun, U. S. Navy, to the Chief of
the Bureau of Ordnance, regarding the condition of the magazines of the
U. 8. S. Tacony.

II. S. S. TACONY,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 25, 1864.
SIR : I have to call your attention to the condition of the magazines
and magazine passages of this ship. They are so damp that I am obliged
to keep them open for several hours at a time, at least twice a week;
notwithstanding these precautions 500 musket-ball cartridges and 25
red signal lights have been ruined. One magazine dress has become so
rotten as to be useless. All the metallic cartridges are covered with
verdigris, and the rats, with which the ship swarms, have cut their way
through the bulkheads and destroyed in one night three magazine
dresses and the dusting brushes.

The magazines are not leaded or provided with waste or emptying
pipes.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. T. TRUXTUN,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Commander HENRY A. WISE,

Chief of Bureau Ordnance, Washington, D. C.

[Endorsement.]

Returned to Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun. Such reports as effect
the efficiency of a vessel should be made to me direct. Your vessel
will be relieved to have the necessary repairs made.

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Parker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Maumee, to proceed in search
of the C. S. S. Tallahassee.

HAMPTON ROADS, October 26, 1864.

SIR : You will get underway without delay and go in pursuit of the
Tallahassee. Keep 40 miles off the coast until you get up to the latitude
of Boston, then proceed off the port of Halifax. Make enquiries as
you go along about this vessel, and follow her wherever you can hear
of her. Keep a good lookout off the port of Halifax for her, and see
that she does not get in. Sink her at all hazards. If you find there is
no truth in the reports, return to your station. You will not enter the

604 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

port of Halifax unless in want of coal, and Portland is a better place
to get it. If you hear of the Tallahassee committing depredations,
follow her up and go on the banks among the fishermen.

Come back on the track blockade runners would take if going to
Wilmington.

Kesort to every expedient to get that vessel, Tallahassee.
Eespectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander JAMES PARKER,

Commanding U. S. 8. Maumee.

[Orders of same date and tenor to Lieutenant-Commander J. E. De
Haven, commanding U. S. S. Tallapoosa, and Lieutenant-Commander
T. C. Harris, commanding U. S. S. Yantic.}

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Newman, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S. Nyack.

HAMPTON KOADS, October 26, 1864.

SIR : You will proceed to your station on the blockade off' Wilmington.
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Lieutenant-Commander L. H. NEWMAN,

Commanding U. 8. S. Nyack.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieuten-
ant Roath, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Bignonia.

HAMPTON KOADS, October 26, 1864.

SIR: You will proceed with tlie Bignonia under your command to
Western Bar, off' Wilmington, and report to senior officer present for
duty.

Very respectfully,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. D. ROATH,

Commanding Bignonia.

Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S. Navy,
calling attention to general order regarding blockaders.

HAMPTON KOADS, October 26, 1864.

CAPTAIN : I beg leave to call your attention to the general order in
relation to blockaders, etc.

You will select the fastest vessels now near the bars and mentioned
as bar blockaders. These fastest vessels are to chase as long as there is
any chance of catching the runner. It is useless for the dull vessels to
chase oft'.

You will see by the diagram I enclose you the arrangement 1 have
made for blockading. A small, fast lot of vessels will be sent to the
bar as soon as possible.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 605

Stick to the arrangement (I send) in the diagram, and let no vessel
come north if it can possibly be helped. Arrange it so that two-thirds
of the vessels will always be off the bar.
Very respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Commanding U. 8. 8. Fort Jackson.

[Letter of same date and like tenor to Captain Glisson, commanding
U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba.}

Report of Commander Renshaw, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Massa-
soit, of departure from New York for Hampton Roads.

U. S. S. MASSASOIT,

At Sea, October 26, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to inform you that I left New York in this ves-
sel for Hampton Eoads, Virginia, at 1 : 05 p. m. to-day, in company with
the monitor Monadnock and steamers Mohican and Little Ada.
The list of officers on board this vessel remains the same.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. T. EENSHAW,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Lieutenant- Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. S.
Vicksburg, regarding the unsuccessful chase of a blockade runner.

U. S. S. VICKSBURG,

Off Western Bar, Gape Fear River, October 26, 1864.
SIR: 1 have to report that this morning at 1:30 a. m., while steam-
ing slowly N. W. in 6£ fathoms water, Bald Head light-house bearing
N. E. by E., saw a blockade running steamer off our port bow, and
going at a high rate of speed W. N. W. None of our guns bearing on
her, could not fire with effect. We immediately steamed fast in chase
of her, and threw a rocket to indicate her course. Her speed was such
that before our guns could be brought to bear she was out of sight.

Shortly after a gun was fired from the northward and westward at
her, supposed from the U. S. S. Victoria. We stood in till in 4£ fathoms
water; could see nothing of the runner.

From the lights displayed on shore I presume he made his entrance
in this port.

What effect the shot had upon him, fired by the vessel inshore, I can
not tell.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. BRAINE,
Lieutenant- Commander.
Captain B. F. SANDS,

Divisional Officer, off Western Bar, North Carolina,

606 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Acting Master Keyser, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. 8. Vic-
toria, of the escape of a blockade runner at Western Bar.

U. S. S. VICTORIA,

Off Western Bar, North Carolina, October 26, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that at 1:40 this a. m., being in 3£
fathoms of water, with Bald Head light bearing B. £ N. and Bug light
K. E. by K, I saw a rocket fired from the S. W., near by us, and in a
moment afterwards saw a steamer cross our stern from southward and
westward bound in. Before I could turn my vessel and get a gun to
bear she had crossed the bar. We fired the bow pivot at her, while she
was steaming up the channel toward Caswell. She had a light set at
the time we fired.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. S. KEYSER,
Acting Master, Commanding U. 8. 8. Victoria.

Captain B. F. SANDS,

Senior Officer Present, off Western Bar, North Carolina.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S.
Navy, forwarding information received from the U. S. consul at Hali-
fax, Nova Scotia.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 27, 1864.
SIR: The U. S. consul at Halifax reports to the Secretary of State by

telegraph as follows :

October 24. — British blockade running steamer Ptarmigan, 284 tons, 50 men, hereto-
fore described, sails to-day with valuable cargo adapted to Southern markets, includ-
ing large quantity of medicines. She cleared for Nassau, but doubtless will attempt
to go direct to Wilmington.

October 25. — Blockade runners at Bermuda report that pirate steamers Tallahassee
and Edith have sailed from Wilmington and will cruise along our Northern coast.

October 25. — The Colonel Lamb draws too much water to [enter] any of the inlets,
and, it is said, will be able only to enter the main channel at Wilmington. It is
believed she is intended to be converted into rebel privateer.

October 25. — British blockade running steel-plated new steamer Colonel Lamb, here-
tofore reported and described, cleared to-day for Nassau with valuable cargo, and
will doubtless attempt to go direct to Wilmington.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.
Bear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

Instructions of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Stud-
ley, U. S. Navy, regarding guard duty at the mouth of York River.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 27, 1864.

SIR : Ton will proceed with your vessel to the mouth of York River
and select the best position you can for permanent guard ship. Two
twelve-oared cutters will be furnished you as soon as possible, and you
will be careful to see that they are properly fitted for service of any kind.
In addition to the general instructions for guard ships, you will see that
vessels arriving for the purpose of oystering are strictly examined j that

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 607

they have nothing on board for the purpose of trade. Direct that they
shall anchor near you at night, and take any precautions that may
suggest themselves to you to prevent capture or illicit traffic.

You will keep a watch ready day and night for service and one boat
always ready for instant service.

A sufficient number of men will be allowed you for these purposes,
and if you have not a sufficient number of officers and of men, you will
immediately inform me of the deficiency.

Make all your reports to Lieutenant-Commander R. B. Lowry, of the
Sabine, and inform him from time to time of such wants as you may
have. The boarding officer must wear his proper uniform and side arms.
Respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Acting Master IRA B. STTJDLEY,

Comdg. Guard Ship Young Rover, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Instructions of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander
Lowry, U. S. Navy, regarding guard duty at Hampton Roads.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 37, 1864.

SIR : Yon will, until further orders, assume the duties of guard ship
for Hampton Eoads, and the commander of the present guard vessel,
Young Rover, will be instructed to turn over to you all orders now in
his possession.

It will be your duty to examine, night and day, all vessels that come

into or go out of port, mentioning in the columns of the reports

furnished you the required information.

You will examine the manifest of all vessels and see that they have
on board nothing but what is intended for the Army and Navy. Sut-
lers' stores, and stores of all sorts within fort, and stores to be sent, will
be permitted to pass.

No vessel will be allowed to carry any stores or merchandise to trade
within the limits of my command, and you will see that the vessels
entering this port will anchor in a proper place and not obstruct the
main channel. Merchant vessels will anchor on the Hampton side, and
vessels of war where they now are, leaving a wide, open passage between
them.

No vessels employed by the Army, except the passenger boats to
Baltimore, will be permitted to leave unless they are permitted by the
military authorities.

Vessels entering at night must anchor by the guard vessel unless, in
your opinion, there is a necessity for their passing in, which they must
do with care, keeping the main channel and not running into other ves-
sels. Any vessel entering and colliding with another at night will be
responsible for damages inflicted.

Whenever a vessel is lying on the main way, you must have her
moved.

Give to vessels entering information on these points, and also in rela-
tion to having proper permits from the military authorities before they
can go out. If a vessel employed by the Navy, you will pass her your-
self and endorse her papers.

608 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Make daily reports to me in duplicate of all vessels entering this
port when I am here, and when not, send one copy to senior officer and
one to the Navy Department.

Weekly reports to be made as has heretofore been the custom.

You will receive the reports of the guard vessels at York River and
Norfolk and forward them to me when I am here and to the Department
when I am not.

These vessels will be subject to your inspection at all times, and you
will see that the duty required of them is properly performed and they
are kept in an efficient state for service.

They will be required to wear the guard flag at the fore during the
day, and one red and one white light at night, the red above the white,
and displayed in some conspicuous part of the vessel.

See that the Young Rover has a full complement of men and two
twelve-oared cutters, properly fitted for service, in addition to the two
boats she now has.

Any men over the required number you will receive on board.

You will keep a watch on deck at night and two boats ready to go at
a moment's notice for boarding vessels or other purposes, and the board-
ing officer must always wear his side arms and proper uniform. At
sunset, at evening inspection at quarters, you will see that the guns are
cast loose and ready for instant action in the event of an enemy's ves-
sel attempting to enter the harbor.

Examine all suspicious boats that may be seen night or day about
the roads, and when you can spare a tug for the service, let her patrol
the harbor and environs.

Great attention must be paid to the health of your crew, and you are
particularly enjoined not to wet decks before breakfast and to keep the
ship in cold weather as warm and dry as possible. Make requisition
for stoves for gun deck, and get sashes to your ports if you can. Any-
thing you can get up for the improvement of your crew or for their
recreation will be approved.

You will see that all buoys in the harbor are properly looked after
and kept in place.

Keep a list of all pilots hereabout, with their respective degrees of
skill, so far as you may be enabled to decide, that I may be able at all
times to select the best. Naval vessels must have the preference in
obtaining pilots.

It will be your duty to take charge of all mail matter for this squad-
ron, assort it, and have it ready to send off when an opportunity occurs.
I will have you a list of vessels and their stations made, which will
enable you to perform this duty satisfactorily. You will appoint a
competent mail officer, who will go on shore every day for the mails and
deliver them to each vessel. He must keep a list of the vessels in port.
While I am in port, I will send for my own letters, but when I am absent
my letters must be taken from the officer, put in a separate bag, and
sent to me by the first opportunity.

You will take on board all supernumerary recruits that may come to
this station or be sent on board to you from vessels of the squadron.
You will station these men at once at guns. * * * Supply them to
vessels that may be deficient in their complement, keeping on hand a
list of good names whom you can recommend as petty officers. You
must also select a number of the smartest seamen for captains of guns,
to be thoroughly drilled in the exercise and at target firing, so that
when called upon you can furnish good captains of guns. All the exer-
cises required in a port with men-of-war will be taught the men on
board your vessel.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 609

You will keep an account of all the harbor tugs, a list of which will
be furnished you. Supply them with men when necessary, keep them
painted and in good order, and have them numbered and painted of a
uniform drab color, with a red streak. Keep on hand such supplies as
the tugs may require, and make them coal from the vessel kept here.

The tugs assigned for service here will be ordered to report to you.

Keep a coal schooner in the harbor below here, ready to coal vessels
coming in, and do not let any vessels coming here with coal delay.
They will not be entitled to demurrage until they go to the yard to dis-
charge, and you will so inform them. After this squadron leaves here,
not more than two coal schooners at a time will be kept at Craney
Island, and you will so instruct the coal inspector, Acting Ensign Wil-
liam Ottiwell.

One of our steam launches has been captured and supposed destroyed
by the rebels in Wicomico Kiver. The destruction is not certain, and,
therefore, as she is fitted with, and admirably adapted for, torpedoes,
you will instruct the guard vessels to keep a particularly bright lookout
for such an object. A tug would soon destroy her by running her
down, and musketry more advantageously used than great guns, though
they should be used also with grape and canister.

Orders will be sent to you from time to time upon matters relating
to harbor duty.

You will send me a list of such officers as you may require to enable
you to carry out closely these instructions.

Have plenty of sentries on duty at night with loaded muskets.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander R. B. LOWRY,

Commanding U. S. 8. Sabine.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Nichols,
U. 8. Navy, regarding the detachment of guard vessels from the Fifth
Division.

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, October 27, [1864].
SIR : The Wyandotte and Mystic are temporarily detached from the
Fifth Division as guard vessels, and will report to Lieutenant
Commander R. B. Lowry, commanding the U. S. S. Sabine.
Respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Commander E. T. NICHOLS,

U. 8. 8. Mendota.

General order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the assign-
ment of vessels.
GENERAL ORDERS, »
No. 27. }

NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,
Flagship Malvern, October 27, 1864.

The herein named vessels of the North Atlantic Squadron are
assigned to divisions as follows, and their commanders are ordered to
N w R — VOL 10 30

610 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

conform to directions given in previous general orders relative to flags,
reports, etc. :

First Division — Vanderbilt, Wilderness.

Third Division — Nansemond, Mercedita, Banshee, Bignonia, Sassacus.

Fourth Division — Clematis, Chippewa.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Pickering, U. S.
Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Vanderbilt, regarding that vessel.

FLAGSHIP MALVERN,
Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 27, 1864.

SIR : The Vanderbilt is hereby attached to the First Division of the
North Atlantic Squadron, and will report to Commodore H. K. Thatch-
er, U. S. S. Colorado, commanding that division.
Respectfully, yours,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear- Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Captain C. W. PICKERING,

Commanding 17. S. 8. Vanderbilt.

Expedition for the destruction of the C. S. ram Albemarle, at Plymouth,
N. C., October 27-28, 1864, under the command of Lieutenant Cushing,
U. S. Navy.

[Telegram.]

FORTRESS MONROE, VA., November 1, 1864.

(Received 1 : 25 p. in.)

I sent Lieutenant Cushing on the 17th of October, with picket launch
No. 1, to blow up the ram Albemarle. He returned to-day and reports
to me he blew up the Albemarle on the morning of the 28th. The
destruction was complete. Picket launch No. 1 was destroyed by the
enemy's shot and sunk; one man escaped with Lieutenant Cushing;
the others captured. I promised Cushing promotion to another grade
if he succeeded. Hope the Department will honor the promise if the
report is corroborated. Commander Macomb writes me : " From circum-
stances which have since occurred, I am able to inform you that the
ram is sunk."

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear- Admiral.
Hon. G. WELLES.

Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, transmitting reports.

NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 1, 1864.
SIR : 1 have the honor to enclose herewith copies of the reports of
Commander Macomb, dated October 29, 1864, and of Lieutenant Cush-
ing, dated October 30, 1864, of the destruction of the rebel ram Albe-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 611

marie at Plymouth, N. C., on the night of October 27, ultimo, by the
steam torpedo launch under command of Lieutenant Gushing.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commanding district of the sounds.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, October 29, 1864.
ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 27th
instant Lieutenant W. B. Gushing ascended the Roanoke River in his
torpedo boat, having the second cutter of this vessel in tow, for the
purpose of blowing up the ram Albemarle at Plymouth. He passed the
Southjield without being noticed, and arrived, within a short distance
of the ram before he was discovered, when he cast loose the cutter,
ordering it to board the Southjield and capture the picket stationed
there, while he attacked the ram with his torpedoes.

Although the enemy kept up a severe fire of musketry and with
howitzers mounted on the wharf, Lieutenant Gushing succeeded in
exploding his torpedo under the Albemarle at the same instant that the
gun of that vessel (to which they were directly opposite) was fired on
the torpedo boat, which immediately filled, and the lieutenant ordered
his officers and men to save themselves, and jumped overboard. He
was picked up by the Valley City on the night of the 28th.

From circumstances which have since occurred, and which I will
explain in a detailed report by the first opportunity, I am able to inform
you that the ram was sunk.
Very respectfully,

W. H. MACOMB,

Commander, etc.
Bear- Admiral D. D. PORTER.

Report of Lieutenant Cashing, U. S. Navy, commanding expedition.

ALBEMARLE SOUND, NORTH CAROLINA, October 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the rebel ironclad Albemarle is
at the bottom of the Roanoke River. On the night of the 27th, having
prepared my steam launch, I proceeded up toward Plymouth with 13
officers and men, partly volunteers from the squadron.

The distance from the mouth of the river to the ram was about 8
miles, the stream averaging in width some 200 yards, and lined with the
enemy's pickets. A mile below the town was the wreck of the South-
jield, surrounded by some schooners, and it was understood that a gun
was mounted there to command the bend. I therefore took one of the
Shamrock'' s cutters in tow, with orders to cast off and board at that
point if we were hailed. Our boat succeeded in passing the pickets,
and even the Southjield, within 20 yards, without discovery, and we
were not hailed until by the lookouts on the ram. The cutter was then
cast off and ordered below, while we made for our enemy under a full
head, of stearn.

The rebels sprung their rattle, rang the bell, and commenced firing,
at the same time repeating their hail and seeming much confused.

612 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The light of a fire ashore showed me the ironclad made fast to the
wharf, with a pen of logs around her about 30 feet from her side.

Passing her closely, we made a complete circle so as to strike her
fairly, and went into her bows on. By this time the enemy's tire was
very severe, but a dose of canister at short range served to moderate
their zeal and disturb their aim. Paymaster Swan, of the Otsego, was
wounded near me, but how many more I know not. Three bullets struck
my clothing, and the air seemed full of them.

In a moment we had struck the logs, just abreast of the quarter port,
breasting them in some feet, and our bows resting on them. The tor-
pedo ooom was then lowered and by a vigorous pull I succeeded in div-
ing the torpedo under the overhang and exploding it at the same time
that the Albemarle's gun was fired. A shot seemed to go crashing
through my boat, and a dense mass of water rushed in from the torpedo,
filling the launch and completely disabling her.

The enemy then continued his fire at 15 feet range, and demanded
our surrender, which I twice refused, ordering the men to save them-
selves, and removing my own coat and shoes. Springing into the river,
I swam, with others, into the middle of the stream, the rebels failing to
hit us.

The most of our party were captured, some were drowned, and only
one escaped besides myself, and he in another direction. Acting Master's
Mate Woodman, of the Commodore Hull, I met in the water half a
mile below the town, and assisted him as best I could, but failed to get
him ashore.

Completely exhausted, I managed to reach the shore, but was too weak
to crawl out of the water until just at daylight, when I managed to
creep into the swamp, close to the fort. While hiding a few feet from
the path, two of the Albemarle's officers passed, and 1 judged from their
conversation that the ship was destroyed.

Some hours' traveling in the swamp served to bring me out well below
the town, when I sent a negro in to gain information and found that the
ram was truly sunk.

Proceeding through another swamp, I came to a creek and captured
a skiff, belonging to a picket of the enemy, and with this, by 11 o'clock
the next night, had made my way out to the Valley City.

Acting Master's Mate William L. Howorth, of the Monticello, showed,
as usual, conspicuous bravery. He is the same officer who has been
with me twice in Wilmington harbor. I trust he may be promoted,
when exchanged, as well as Acting Third Assistant Engineer Stotes
bury, who, being for the first timeunder fire, handled his engine promptly
and with coolness. All the officers and men behaved in the most gal-
lant manner. I will furnish their names to the Department as soon as
they can be procured.

The cutter of the Shamrock boarded the Southfield, but found no gun.
Four prisoners were taken there.

The ram is now completely submerged, and the enemy have sunk
three schooners in the river to obstruct the passage of our ships.

I desire to call the attention of the admiral and Department to the

spirit manifested by the sailors on the ships in these sounds. But few

men were wanted, but all hands were eager to go into the action, many

offering their chosen shipmates a month's pay to resign in their favor.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. GUSHING,
Lieutenant, U. 8. Navy.

Bear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 613

The name of the man who escaped is William Hoftmau, seaman, on
the Chicopee. He did his duty well, and deserves a medal of honor.
Respectfully,

W. B. GUSHING,

U. 8. Navy.

Report of Acting Ensign Gay, U. S. Navy.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H., March 7, 1865.

SIR : Iii obedience to your order I have returned to my home, and
submit the following report of my capture: On the 26th of October,
1864, Lieutenant" Cushing came alongside of the U. S. S. Otsego, then
on picket duty near the mouth of the Roanoke River, with picket boat
No. 1, to proceed up to Plymouth to endeavor to destroy the rebel ram
Albemarle. Wishing to act a part in the expedition, 1 immediately
offered my services, which were accepted. Having made all necessary
preparations we left the U. S. S. Otsego at 11 p. m., having the U. S. S.
Shamrock's cutter in tow, with 2 officers and 10 men. We then pro-
ceeded up the river. Having passed the pickets ou the Southfield and
Fort Race without being discovered, we came within hailing distance
of the ram. The cutter was then cast off and ordered to proceed back
and capture the pickets on the Southfield. Seeing a light ahead, which
we took to be on board the Albemarle, we approached carefully under
full speed, but on coming parallel with the light [it] showed us the ram
astern of us. On turning around we were hailed from the ram. We
made no answer. We were hailed again, making no answer, but still
getting in a fair position.

The next call was not so pleasant, for we were discovered, and the
grape and canister began to play on our small craft in rapid succession,
which was returned by our 12-pouuder. At the same time Lieutenant
Cushing sang out with several others, "Leave the rani, or I'll blow you
to pieces ! " Having backed our boat sufficiently to get headway enough
on her to jump the log pen which encircled the ram, we succeeded in
jumping the logs and lowering the torpedo boom, and by a vigorous
pull Lieutenant Cushing succeeded in exploding the torpedo under the
port bow of the ram. Everything now was in the greatest of excite-
ment on account of the heavy musketry we were receiving from the
ram. Having backed our boat off from the Albemarle, we came in con-
tact with the logs which were encircled around her. Finding it impos-
sible to extricate our boat, and being twice ordered to surrender,
Lieutenant Cushiug gave the order not to surrender, at the same time
sang out, "Men, save yourselves," and immediately sprang overboard,
several others following the example. I had not proceeded far from
the boat when I fell in with Acting Ensign William L. Howorth on a
log, unable to proceed farther without assistance. Having a life pre-
server with me, I gave it to him and returned to the boat to procure
another, not knowing how far I might have to swim, and at the same
time I destroyed two boxes of ammunition and several carbines. I had
not gone far the second time when I found myself chilled, and after a
severe struggle I regained the circle of logs, where I found several of
the crew, with a boat from the ram in charge of Lieutenant Roberts.
We were all taken on shore and marched to the prison, where we
remained until our gunboats made their approach up the river. We
were then marched to Tarboro, N. C., a distance of 60 miles, [at] which
place we arrived on the 2d of November, being very tired and feet

614 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

badly swollen. On the 3d we were sent to Salisbury, where we arrived
on the 5th. After marching about 2 miles we arrived at the stockade,
where we were enclosed with some 10,000 prisoners. Here we suffered
immensely for the want of shelter from the inclemency of the weather
and also for provisions, as our fare was very poor, being one-half pint
of meal per day, which was very inconvenient on account of having no
cooking utensils. On the 13th we were sent to Danville, where [we]
arrived on the 14th. Here we were placed in a brick building with
about 500 army officers. This place we found to be more comfortable,
as we were sheltered from the weather, but still not having a blanket
or cover of any kind, which made it very severe for us. Our ration
here was a piece of corn bread, 4 inches long, 2 wide, and H thick;
this consisted of our day's ration. On the llth of December we were
sent to Richmond, Va., and confined in Libby Prison. There we found
the treatment much the same as at Danville. On the 21st of February,
1805, we were paroled, and arrived at Cox's Landing the same afternoon
and repaired on board of the flag- of- truce steamer New York, where we
received a bountiful supply [of] eatables. Hoping this will meet with
your approbation,

I remain, your obedient servant,

THOMAS S. GAY,
Acting Ensign, U. 8. Navy.
Hon. GriDBON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Report of Bear-Admiral Porter, TJ. 8. Navy, forwarding papers.

NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,
U. 8. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 11, 1864.

SIR: I have just received, and have the honor to forward to you, the
following papers from Commander Macomb, commanding the District
of the Sounds [North Carolina] :

(a) Commander W. H. Macomb, November 1, 1864, reporting the
sinking of the ram Albemarle and enclosing —

(6) Copy of a paper,* apparently official, addressed "Hon. S. B. Mai-
lory, Secretary of the Navy," which is evidently the report of the com-
mander of the ram to his chief.

(d) Report of a survey on the rani Albemarle made by order of Com-
mander Macomb; and

(«) A drawingt of the ram, showing her casemate and mode of
plating.

The attack of Lieutenant Gushing was evidently a surprise, and the
destruction of the ram complete and immediate.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

*This paper was an unsigned copy of the official report of Lieutenant Warley,
C. S. Navy, of the destruction of the C. S. ram Albemarle.— COMPILERS.
tSee Series I, volume 9, for view and deck plan of the C. S. ram Albemarle.—

PILKR8.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 615

Report of Commander Macomb, IT. 8. Navy, commanding District of the Sounds.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Off Plymouth, N. C., November 1, 1864.

ADMIRAL : I have the honor to report that on the night of the 27th
ultimo Lieutenant W. B. Gushing went up the Eoanoke River in his
torpedo boat, having the second cutter of this ship in tow, with a crew
of 11 men, under Acting Gunner William Peterkin and Acting Master's
Mate W. D. Burlingarne, both of this ship. He arrived at a short dis-
tance from the ram before he was perceived, when he cast loose the
cutter and going at full speed he struck the logs with which the ram
was surrounded with such force as to run his vessel over them. He
then exploded his forpedo, but a gun which was fired from the Albemarle
at this instant prevented him from seeing what damage he had done,
and his boat being full of water, he jumped overboard and swam down
the river.

He will, himself, I suppose, give you the account of his escape, and I
shall therefore merely state that he was picked up on the night of the
28th ultimo by the Valley City.

I enclose a copy of a letter which I found in the post-office at Ply-
mouth on taking possession of that town, as I report in my No. — , and
also a copy of paper found in the town, which seems to be official, both
of which give accounts of the affair. On my arrival I found the ram
sunk at the wharf as far as her ports, and the top plating of her case-
mates entirely blown off. I have ordered a survey, and herewith enclose
the report.

Lieutenant Cushing's intention in taking the cutter with him was to
land at the wharf in case he was not discovered, and casting loose the
fastenings of the ram, to take her out of the river. This he was pre-
vented from doing, but the cutter captured four rebel pickets on duty
on the Southjield, which they brought off.

As far as I know at this time, Lieutenant Cushing and Edward J.
Horton, ordinary seaman of the Chicopee, were the only persons belong-
ing to the party that escaped ; the rest were either captured or drowned.
I have private letters picked up in Plymouth which state that 11 were
taken prisoners. The following are the names of the missing ones
belonging to the vessels under my command :

F. H. Swan, acting assistant paymaster, Otsego.

Charles L. Steever, acting third assistant engineer, Otsego.

Thos. S. Gay, acting master's mate, Otsego.

John Woodman, acting master's mate, Commodore Hull.

Bernard Harley, ordinary seaman, Chicopee.

William Smith, ordinary seaman, Chicopee. .

Eichard Hamilton, coal heaver, Shamrock.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron.

Eear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Copy of letter found in the post-office at Plymouth, N. C., November 1, 1864.

C. S. S. ALBEMARLE,
Plymouth, N. C., October 29, 1864.

ESTEEMED FRIEND : I received your kind epistle of the 20th instant,
finding me lingering under a severe attack of the fever. I am now up

616 NOIiTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

and about again, nearly as well as ever. They are sending out expedi-
tions every now and then. We captured a Yankee yawl boat. It is
supposed wo killed nearly all of her crew, consisting of about eight
men. But the most awful thing of all (perhaps you will hear of it
before this reaches you) is that a Yankee torpedo boat steamed up the
river Thursday night, and about 3 o'clock Friday morning ran into the
Albemarle. The torpedo bursting, blew a great hole in her some (> feet
long, sinking her almost instantly. She is now lying at the bottom of
the Koanoke River. The crew lost everything they had, bed clothing
and everything. Some lost their hats and shoes, and some even came
out in their shirts and drawers, barefooted. We are in an awful con-
dition. I believe they are going to hold the place to the bitter end.
Captain Warley says he intends to fight as long as there is a man left
(this is all gas). I never did witness such an uproar before in my life.
Troops were hurrying to and fro, expecting every moment to meet in
battle dread. But, fortunately, there has been no attack, though there
is no telling how soon we may see a man-of-war steaming up the river,
belching forth fury in her mad career, carrying in her front the token of
devastation and ruin. We are going to take command of one of the
forts on the river.

* * * * * * *

Direct your letter to Plymouth, N. 0., care of Captain Warley.
I remain, as ever, your sincere friend,

E. K. L.

Order of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, to a board of engineers for the examination of the

ram.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Off Plymouth, N. <?., November 1, 1864.

GENTLEMEN: You are hereby appointed a board to examine the late
rebel ironclad Albemarle, and will report in duplicate, describing her
hull, armor, machinery, armament, and general condition, and the
injuries probably inflicted on her by the torpedo exploded by Lieuten-
ant Gushing.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron.

H. H. STEWART,
Chief Engineer.

T. M. DUKEHART,

First Assistant Engineer.
WM. H. HARRISON,

Second Assistant Engineer.

Keport of the board appointed for the examination of the ram.

U. S. S. WYALUSING,
Off Plymouth, November 1, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order of this date, we have examined the
late rebel ironclad ram A Ibemarle, and respectfully submit the following
report :

She is sunk at the wharf and heading downstream, heeling offshore at
an angle of about 10°; the flat part of the casemate on the port side is

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 617

22 inches out of water. We find the entire top of the casemate blown
off; the angles* marked a, 6, c, and d in the drawing are completely
disconnected, the angle marked d quite 10 inches.

As it is reported that she was again blown up by the rebel authori-
ties after she was sunk by Lieutenant Gushing, it is impossible to say
how much of the damage was done by him.

Her armament consists of two 8-inch t rifle guns worked on pivots, so
as to fire either from the side or ahead; one of these guns is partly out
of water, the other entirely immersed.

Her machinery is entirely submerged, so that it is impossible to
examine it. The dimensions of the hull and casemate we enclose with
this report.

We are, respectfully,

H. H. STEWART,

Chief Engineer.

THOS. DUKEHART,

First Assistant Engineer.

WM. H. HARRISON,

Second Assistant Engineer.

Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy,

Commanding District of the Sounds, North Corolina.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. 8. Navy, regarding the guns of the C. 8. ram Albemarle.

TJ. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Off Plymouth, N. C., November 10, 1864.

ADMIRAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of
your two letters of the 1st instant, and one of the 28th ultimo, also
of General Orders, Nos. 27 to 30, inclusive.

1 beg leave to correct a mistake made by the board in surveying the
late C. S. ram Albemarle. They stated that the guns were 8-inch Brooke
rifles, but I find by careful measurement that they are but 6ff inches
bore.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,
Comdr., Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron.

Bear- Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, of the burial of those lost in the expedition.

U. S. S. SHAMROCK,
Off Plymouth, N. C., November 9, 1864.

ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that the bodies of Acting
Master's Mate John Woodman, U. S. S. Commodore Hull, and Samuel
Higgins, first-class fireman, of the steam launch, who lost their lives in

* For deck plan of C. S. ram Albemarle see Series 1, Vol. 9, p. 733. The angles
a, b, c, and d are the four angles of the casemate at the forward end. The angle d
was the angle at the junction of the forward transverse casemate with the starboard
diagonal casemate. — COMPILERS.

t See following letter.

618 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADEON.

the expedition to blow up the Albemarle, have been found and buried
with the usual honors.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. MACOMB,

Comdr., Gomdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron.

Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,

Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

General order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. 8. Navy, announcing the destruction of the ram.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,

No. 34. ) Flagship Malvern, November 5, 1864.

Nothing stimulates the energy and zeal of officers and men more than
a proper appreciation of their services. It is always my desire to give
full credit to all officers and men under my command who may distin-
guish themselves and reflect credit upon the naval service. It is right
that the creditable works of an officer should be made known to those
serving in the same squadron.

It affords me pleasure to inform the officers and men of the squadron
under my command that the rebel ram Albemarle, which lias for so long
a time kept a large force of vessels employed to watch her, has been
destroyed by Lieutenant William B. Gushing, who, in this hazardous
enterprise, has displayed a heroic enterprise seldom equaled and never
excelled. In the face of a watchful enemy, and under a heavy tire of
musketry and great guns, he went right into the ram Albemarle and
blew her up, his own boat being destroyed by one of the enemy's shot.
To say nothing of the moral effect of this gallant affair, the loss of this
vessel to the rebels can not be estimated. It leaves open to us all the
Albemarle Sound and tributaries, and gives us a number of vessels
for employment elsewhere (hitherto kept to watch the ram), which has
been a great source of annoyance to the vessels in the sound. The gal-
lant exploits of Lieutenant Gushing previous to this affair will form a
bright page in the history of the war, but they have all been eclipsed
by the destruction of the Albemarle. The spirit evinced by this officer
is what I wish to see pervading this squadron. He has shown an
absolute disregard of death or danger, and will no doubt be suitably
rewarded by the Government, which reward he well deserves. Oppor-
tunities will be offered to all those who have the energy and skill to
undertake like enterprises ; and 20 volunteers are wanted at this moment
to perform a like service. The chances are death, capture, glory, and
promotion.

DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral^ Commanding North Atlantic Squadron.

To be read to the officers and crew assembled on the quarter-deck of
each vessel in this squadron.

NOTE. — In response to General Orders, No. 34, requesting twenty volunteers for
extra hazardous duty, 77 officers, 149 enlisted men, and the entire ship's company of
the U. S. S. Tuscarora volunteered their services.— COMPILERS.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 619

Letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Gushing, U. S. Navy.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 9, 1864.

SIR : Your report of October 30 has been received, announcing the
destruction of the rebel ironclad steamer Albemarle on the night of the
27th ultimo at Plymouth, N. O.

When last summer the Department selected you for this important
and perilous undertaking, and sent you to Rear- Admiral Gregory at
New York to make the necessary preparations, it left the details with
you to perfect. To you and your brave comrades, therefore, belongs
the exclusive credit which attaches to this daring achievement. The
destruction of so formidable a vessel, which had resisted the continued
attack of a number "of our steamers, is an important event, touching our
future i:aval and military operations. The judgment, as well as the
daring courage displayed, would do honor to any officer, and redounds
to the credit of one 21 years of age.

On four previous occasions the Department nas had the gratification
of expressing its approbation of your conduct in the face of the enemy,
and in each instance there was manifested by you the same heroic
daring and innate love of perilous adventure — a mind determined to
succeed and not to be deterred by any apprehensions of defeat.

The Department has presented your name to the President for a vote
of thanks, that you may be promoted one grade, and your comrades
also shall receive recognition.

It gives me pleasure to recall the assurance you gave me at the com-
mencement of your active professional career that you would prove
yourself worthy of the confidence reposed in you and of the service to
which you were appointed. I trust you may be preserved through
further trials, and it is for yourself to determine whether, after entering
upon so auspicious a career, you shall by careful study and self-
discipline be prepared for a wider sphere of usefulness on the call of
your country.

Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.

Lieutenant W. B. GUSHING, TJ. S. Navy,

Washington, D. C.

Letter of the President of the United States to Congress, recommending a vote of thanks to
Lieutenant Gushing, TJ. S. Navy.

To the Senate and Howe of Representatives :

In conformity to the law of the 16th July, 1862, 1 most cordially
recommend that Lieutenant William B. Gushing, U. S. Navy, receive a
vote of thanks from Congress for his important, gallant, and perilous
achievement in destroying the rebel ironclad steamer Albemarle on the
night of the 27th October, 1864, at Plymouth, N. C. The destruction
of so formidable a vessel, which had resisted the continued attacks of
a number of our vessels on former occasions, is an important event
touching our future naval and military operations, and would reflect
honor on any officer, and redounds to the credit of this young officer
and the few brave comrades who assisted in this successful and daring
undertaking.

620 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

This recommendation is specially made in order to comply with the
requirements of the ninth section of the aforesaid act, which is in the
following words, viz :

That any line officer of the Navy or Marine Corps may be advanced one grade, if,
upon recommendation of the President by name, he received the thanks of Congress
for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, or for extraordinary
heroism in the line of his profession.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON CITY, December 15, 1864.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the secretary of the New York Chamber of Commerce,
acknowledging resolutions of approval.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 17, 1864.

SIR : The Department has had the satisfaction to receive a copy of
the resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Commerce of New York,
enclosed in your letter of the 13th instant, recognizing the gallant and
perilous exploit of Lieutenant W. B. dishing, U. S. Navy, in destroy-
ing the rebel ram Albemarle, and also the services of Chief Engineer
William W. W. Wood, U. S. Navy, for his invention of the torpedo,
which was so skillfully and successfully applied on the occasion referred
to. The Department expresses its gratification at the deserved and
timely notices of these officers from so eminent a source, and trusts
that the resolutions of the chamber will inspire them to renewed efforts
in arresting the causeless war in which the country is engaged.
Very respectfully,

GIDEON WELLES,

f Secretary of the Navy.}
JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr.,

Secy. Chamber" of Commerce of the StateofNew York, New York City.

Resolution tendering the thanks of Congress to Lieutenant Cashing and to the officers and men
who assisted him in the destruction of the C. 8. ram Albemarle.

That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to
Lieutenant William B. Cashing, of the United States Navy, and to the
officers and men under his command, for the skill and gallantry dis-
played by them in the destruction of the rebel ironclad steamer Albe-
marle at Plymouth, North Carolina, on the night of the twenty-seventh
of October, eighteen hundred and sixty-four.

Approved December 20, 1864.

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Shamrock, Commander Macomb, IT. B. Navy, commanding.

October 24, 1864.— From meridian to 4 p. m : Steam launch, under com-
mand of Lieutenant Gushing, arrived.

October 26.— From 8 to midnight: Steaming up the sound. At 9 : 30
p. m. came to anchor at picket station. Acting Master's Mate Burliu-
game and 6 men returned from an expedition up Eoanoke Kiver.

October 27.— From midnight to 4 a. m. : Steam launch went up Roanoke
Eiver. Fleet came up and anchored off picket station. At 6 : 30 a. m.
the steam launch returned from up the river and communicated with
this ship. At 6:45 the fleet weighed anchor and steamed down the
sound. At 8 came to anchor at their respective stations. At 8 : 30 p. m.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

621

came to anchor up at the picket station. At 11 : 15 p. m. weighed anchor,
shifted berth, came to anchor, and veered to 15 fathoms. At 11 : 28 p. m.
the steam launch under command of Lieutenant Gushing, together with
Acting Gunner William Peterkin, Acting Master's Mate Burlingame,
and 10 men from this ship, with the second cutter, started up the Roan-
oke River.

October 28. — At 6 : 45 a. m. the second cutter returned with Acting
Master's Mate Burlingame and Acting Gunner William Peterkin and 4
rebel prisoners, which they took from the Southfield. Reported the steam
launch, under Lieutenant Gushing, as having attacked the rebel ram,
but what damage to her did not ascertain, as the ram kept up a heavy
fire of musketry and artillery for about ten minutes. At 6 : 50 a. m.
made 192 to Otsego and 252 to Commodore Hull. At 7 : 15 a. m. the Com-
modore Hull got underway, came down, and communicated with us.
From 4 to 6 p. m : The tug Belle returned from up the river with the
Otsego's cutter. Recovered 3 of the Tacony's men who were missing after
an expedition up the Roanoke River ; also picked up two torpedoes. At
9:15 p. m. the Valley City arrived from Roanoke Island. At 10p.m.
went on picket at the mouth of the Roanoke. At 11 p. m.. returning from
picket, blowing her whistle. We hove up anchor. At 11 : 30 the Valley
City came off our starboard beam, having on board Lieutenant Gushing,
of the steam launch. Called all hands to u cheer ship." Lieutenant
Gushing reported the ram blown up and launch sunk. Fired one round
IX-inch gun and made Coston signal to fleet preparatory. At 11 : 45 p. m.
the Valley City left for the fleet. We anchored, veered to 15 fathoms.

November 8. — From 8 a. m. to meridian : Discovered u dead body of a
man floating around the ship; recognized the same to be the body of
Acting Master's Mate John Woodman, who was supposed to have been
drowned on the morning of October 28, 1864, he being one of the party
in the steam launch at the time of the blowing up of the rebel ram Albe-
marle. From 4 to 6 p. m. : Steamer Massasoit arrived with troops from
New Berne. Picked up the body of a seaman floating in the river. It
proved to be the body of a fireman belonging to the steam launch engaged
in blowing up the rebel ram Albemarle.

OCTOBER 27, 1864.

Hour.

Wind.

Weather.

Temperature.

Barom-
eter.

Direction.

Force.

Air.

Water.

S.
S.

s.
s.
s.

S. S. E.
S. S. E.
S. S. E.
S.byE.
S.byE.
S. byE.
S. by E.
&
S. S. E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.
S.
S.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2

C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
B.C.
B.C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.
C.

C. &R.
C. &R.
C. &R.
C. &R.
C. &R.
C. &R.
C. &R.

2 a. ni

3 a. ro

4 a. m

30.42

5 a. in

6 a. m

7 a. m

8 a. m .

30.44

9 a. m

10 a. m

lift, m .

12 a. m

30.44

1 p. m

2 p. in

3 p. m

4 p. ni -

30.34

6 p. m

7 p. m

8p m

30.24

9 p. ni

10 p. m

lip. m

12 p. m

30.12

622

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

OCTOBER 28, 1864.

Honr.

Wind.

Weather.

Temperature.

Barom-
eter.

Direction.

Force.

Air.

Water.

S.
S.

s. w.

S.W.

w. s. w.
w. s. w.

W.byS.

W. by S.
W. by S.
W.byS.

W.
W.
W.
W.
W.
W.
W.
S. W.

s.w.
w.s.w.
w. s. w.
w. s. w.

1
1
1
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

K.
C.
B.C.
B.C.
C.
C.
C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.
B.C.

30.04

„

30.09

30.10

30.11

30.10

30.02

30.18

10p.m....

30.24

Abstract log of the U. S. S. Valley City, Acting Master Brooks, TT. S. Navy, commanding.

October 27, 1864. — At 6: 30 p. m. came to anchor oft' Roanoke Island;
weather too rough to proceed.

October 28. — At 6 : 20 a. m. weighed anchor and proceeded up, the
schooner James S. WaUon and U. S. tug Hoyt in tow. At 7: 10 a. m.
entered Croatan Sound. From 8 to meridian, as per column : Proceed-
ing up Albemarle Sound. At 5: 10 p. m. went to quarters for exercise.
At 7 p. m. arrived at the fleet off Sandy Point. At 7:55 p. m. pro-
ceeded up the sound toward Roanoke River. At 8:45 p. m. stood for
the mouth of the Roanoke River. At 9 : 40 p. in. anchored oft' the buoy.
At 10:15 p. m. heard some one hailing for a boat. Went to quarters
and slipped the cable, sent an armed boat away in charge of Acting
Ensign Milton Webster, which brought on board Lieutenant William B.
Gushing, who was afterwards put on board the flagship Shamrock.

October 29. — At 1 : 40 a. in. proceeded up the sound. At 3 : 50 anchored
up the mouth of the Roanoke River. At 10 : 49 a. m. cleared for action,
weighed anchor, and proceeded up the Roanoke River in obedience to
signal from flagship. At 12: 05 p. m. entered the Middle River; called
all hands to quarters. Picked up William Hoftman, seaman, of the
U. S. S. Chicopee, out of the swamp, he being one of Lieutenant William
B. Cushing's party. At 1:50 p. m entered Roanoke River. At 2: 20
p. m. anchored about 1£ miles from Plymouth, N. C. Captain went
away in the launch to reconnoiter and was fired upon from river bat
tery. At 4:30 p. m. launch returned and we proceeded down the
Middle River, entered the Cashie River. At 7:15 p. m. entered the
Albemarle Sound. At 7: 50 p. m. exchanged signals with the steamer
Commodore Hull. From 8 to midnight: Went alongside the IT. S. S.
Shamrock and received 4 rebel prisoners, also 2 sick men from the
U. S. S. Wyahisina. Names of prisoners: John R. Carbet, John Ward,
William Carey, and John Baise.

October 30. — At 12:30 a. m. cast off from the Wyalusing; proceeded
down the sound. At 0 a. m. passed within hail of the U. S. S. Chicopee
and sent William Hoftman, seaman, on board. At 6:15 a.m. entered
Croatan Sound. At 7:45 anchored off Roanoke Island. At 12:03
p. m. weighed anchor and proceeded down Croatan Sound.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

623

November 1. — At 7:15 a. m. anchored near the flagship Malvern in
Hampton Roads. Lieutenant William B. Gushing went on board the
flagship. From 8 to meridian delivered the 4 prisoners of war to the
provost marshal at Old Point, Va.

Description of torpedo shell and head of bar as adapted to the picket boats and light-draft

monitors.

The shell, which is shown in figure 2 of the accompanying drawing,
is constructed and used in the following manner:

A is a cylinder which is conical shaped at its lower extremity and
which contracts into a smaller cylinder, B, at its upper end. Through
the center of this cylinder there runs a tube, C, to the lower end of
which a gun nipple, D, is attached, and at the upper end the ball or
weight E is deposited, which is held in its place by the pin F, which
works through the stuffing box G from the outside, the same being
attached to the small cylinder B. The weight is inserted through the
opening H, and the loading of the shell is accomplished through the
opening «, while b is a small opening for priming the nipple tube, and
the cavity and opening m is for capping the shell. In order to fire this
shell, withdraw the pin F and the ball E will drop on the nipple D and
explode the cap, igniting the powder and exploding the shell. The
diaphram n prevents the powder from shifting about, thus forcing the
shell to assume a vertical position when in the water. The lug o and
pin p are intended to hold the shell down on the head or socket, the
pin going through the inclined plane i, as shown in figure 1, which
represents the head of torpedo bar. ' f:

The upper end, B, of the shell is deposited into the socket E, and
the lower end is fastened as before stated by means of the lug. There
are two brackets, Jc and fc, of which tho former is provided with a fric-
tion roller and by means of which the shell is to be detached from the
head. A lanyard, which is fastened to k, runs into the socket around
the upper end of the shell through the two lugs a a, and from thence
to '&, around the friction roller, and from there to the vessel. The pin
p -is also connected with the same lanyard and in such a manner that
when the lanyard is drawn tight it must draw the pin first before it
forces the shell out of the socket, the latter being accomplished by
drawing the lanyard tight between the brackets ft and A*. After thus
being attached, the shell is fired by withdrawing the pin F.

List of names of the officers and men who took part in the destruction of the C. 8. ram Albe-

marle, October 27, 28, 1864.

NaincH.

Rank.

Vessel.

Remarks.

William B. Gushing . .

Lieutenant

Commanding expedition .

Escaped.

William L. Howorth

Picket boat No. 1

Taken prisoner.

John Woodman

U. S. S. Commodore Hull -

Drowned ; body found .

Thomas S. Gay

... .do

TJ. S. S. Otsego

Taken prisoner.

Francis H. Swan

Acting assistant paymas-

Do.

William Stotesbury .

ter.
Acting third assistant

Picket boat No. 1

Do.

Charles L Steever

engineer.

U S S Otsego

Do.

Edward J. Hough ton

U. S. S. Chicopee

Escaped.

Bernard, Harley .

do .

Taken prisoner.

William Smith

Do.

Richard Hamilton

Coal heaver . . ....

U. S. S. Shamrock

Do.

E. H. King

Landsman

Picket boat No. 1

Do.

Henry Wilkes

.do

Do. . -

. do

do .

Do.

Samuel Higgins ......

First-class fireman

Drowned ; body fonnd.

624 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[According to some accounts, and the logs of some of the ships the
name of Steever is given as Heener, and Houghton is given as Hoftman
and Horton.]

Report of Lieutenant Warley, C. 8. Navy, commanding the C. 8. ram Albemarle.

PLYMOUTH, N. 0., October 28, 1864.

SIR : The night of the 27th instant, a dark, rainy night, I had the
watch on board doubled and took extra precaution. At or about 3
o'clock a.m., on the 28th, the officer of the deck discovered a small
steamer in the river, hailed her, received an unsatisfactory answer,
rang the alarm bell, and opened fire on her with the watch. The offi-
cers and men were at their quarters in as quick time as was possible,
but the vessel was so near that we could not bring our guns to bear,
and the shot fired from the after gun loaded with grape, failed to take
effect. The boat running obliquely, struck us under the port bow, run-
ning over the boom, exploded a torpedo, and smashed a large hole in
us just under the water line, under a heavy fire of musketry. The boat
surrendered and I sent Lieutenant Roberts to take charge of her.
Manned the pumps and gave the order to fire up, so as to use the don-
key engine. The water gained on us so fast that all exertions were
fruitless, and the vessel went down in a few moments, merely leaving
her shield and smokestack out.

In justice to myself I must say the pickets below gave no notice of
her approach, and the artillery which was stationed by the vessel for a
protection, gave us no assistance, manning only one piece at too late a
time to be of any service.

Having condensed this report as much as I could, I respectfully
request a court of enquiry, to establish on whose shoulders rests the
blame of the loss of the Albemarle.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. F. WARLEY,
Lieutenant, Commanding, C. 8. Navy.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

CONFEDERATE REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.

Report of Captain Forrest, C. 8. Navy, acknowledging order of detach-
ment from James River Squadron.

COMMANDANT'S OFFICE,

Richmond, May 6, 1864.

SIR: Your order detaching me from the command of the naval forces
on James Eiver and this station has this day been received, and I shall
regard myself as awaiting orders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. FORREST, C. S. Navy.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 625

Order of detachment from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander
Mitchell. C. 8. Navy, in charge of Office of Orders and Detail.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 6, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby detached from the Office of Orders and Detail,
and will immediately assume command of all the naval vessels in the
James River, the school-ship excepted, and prepare them for service
against the enemy with all possible dispatch, exercising all the author-
ity and- perform ing all the duties of the flag-officer of a squadron.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Commander J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

In charge of Orders and Detail.

[Endorsement. ]

Assumed command by General Order May 7, 1864.

[J. K. MITCHELL.]

Order of Major- General Hoke, C. S. Army, to Lieutenant Minor. G. 8.

Navy.

POLLOCKSVILLE, N. C., May 6, 1864.

Captain Minor will return as soon as possible with his fleet of boats
to the point at which he launches them.
By order of Major-General Hoke:

JNO. M. RICHARDSON,
Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, urging
that a passage through the obstructions in James River be completed.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, May 7, 1864.

SIR : Permit me to call your attention to the fact that the obstruc-
tions in the river near Drewry's Bluff are not yet opened to admit the
passage of the naval vessels now ready for service below them, and
that the work of removing them seems to have ceased. I deem it
proper to urge that the passage through them be completed without
delay.

Very, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR.

[First endorsement.]

ENGINEER BUREAU, May 7, 1864.

I understood some days since that there was a distinct understand-
ing with the honorable Secretary of the Navy that the obstructions
would be removed at any time that he would name when his vessels
would be ready, and that he was to give a few days' notice. Is not
N w R — VOL 10 iO

626 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

this so? Since he now desires the obstructions to be moved so as to
allow the desired passage, let it be done.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary.

[Second endorsement.]

The work has never been discontinued in removing the obstructions
since the order for doing so was first given, except during freshets,
when it was impossible to work. Every effort has been made to get
them out, and I believe there is now and has been enough water to pass
them since they have been ready to move.

W. H. STEVENS,

Colonel of Engineers.

[Telegram.]

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Richmond, May 7, 1864.

Send the crew of the Virginia on board at once. They will be required
to receive the guns, which will go down to-day.

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.
Commander JOHN K. MITCHELL.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, commanding James River
Squadron, regarding affairs of his command.

C. S. FLAGSHIP RICHMOND,

Dretcry's Bluff, May 8, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order of the 6th instant I yesterday
assumed the command of the naval forces on James River.

For the present the Richmond is made the flagship. I found her and
the Patrick Henry at anchor near the Virginia, about three fourths of a
mile above "Drewry's Bluff," with springs out, both vessels prepared
to use their batteries to cover the approaches of the enemy to the
works at the "bluff," a position which seems to me to have been judi-
ciously selected on the 5th by Commander Pegram as the best for most
effectively operating for the defense of that position under existing
circumstances.

The convenient proximity of the Patrick Henry to the Virginia, on
board of which the chief part of the crew detailed for her is quartered,
makes it desirable that the crew should not be permanently sent on
board of the Virginia until it can be done without interference with the
mechanical and other work in progress. As many men as can be used
to advantage on board are kept employed in working parties detailed
from her own crew and that of the Richmond. This arrangement I
conceive to be acting in accordance with the spirit of your telegraphic
order of the 7th to send the Virginia's crew on board at once, as, in my
judgment, it tends most to the speedy preparation of the vessel for
service.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding C. S. Naval Forces, James River.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 627

Letter from Commander Cooke, C. 8. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy,
advising the building of an additional gunboat in the Roanolce River.

C. S. 8. ALBEMARLE,
Off Plymouth, N. C., May 8, 1864.

SIR: In the absence of Commander E. F. Pinkney, I presume to
write you indirectly upon a subject of vital importance, which I know
will meet Commander Pinkney's approval, as he instructed me to make
any communication I saw fit, and I will send him a copy of this letter.

The recent fight in the Albeinarle Sound with the enemy's boats
demonstrated to me that the Albemarle draws too much water to navi-
gate the sounds well, and has not sufficient buoyancy. In consequence,
she is very slow and not easily managed. Her decks are so near the
water as to render it an easy task for the enemy's vessels to run on her,
and any great weight soon submerges the decks.

It is, in my judgment, as I before took the liberty of informing you,
of the greatest importance that at least one additional gunboat should
be built on the Eoanoke Eiver, with the least possible delay, and that
the vessel should only draw 6£ feet water. Two courses of 1-inch iron
plates are found to answer a better purpose than one of 2-inch iron ; the
2-inch plates do not seem to be rolled as compactly as the 1-inch, and
two bars of the latter are found to bend where the 2-inch would break.
If possible to construct the vessel so that she could have a midship
gun, or two broadside guns, making four in all, it would be of the
greatest advantage in fighting the ship. I feel no doubt but that we
should have had an entire victory in our late fight if there had been
two broadside guns in addition to the two now mounted on the
Albemarle.

I find the shifting the guns in action a very great disadvantage;
while the gun is being shifted the enemy's vessel, being close aboard,
has time to change position.

I am,' very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. COOKE,
Commander, C. 8. Navy.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Telegram.]

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Richmond, May 9, 1864.

Can the Nansemond and Hampton take a position below Chaffin's
Bluff and, covered by it, to annoy the advance of the enemy on
Drewry's Bluff ? I suggest this for your consideration. I suggest also
that you know with certainty your pilots and have good ones for
ironclads.

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary.

Commander MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

(Or Commander Pegram in his absence),

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

628 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

PETERSBURG, [VA.], May 9, 1864.

Three gunboats attacked Fort Cliftou this afternoon. Martin's ligbt
battery disabled one of them, which was afterwards burned by the
enemy. What news from General Lee? We are very anxious.

G. E. PICKETT,

Major- General.
General BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, regarding his readiness for
cooperation at Drewry's Bluff.

C. S. FLAGSHIP RICHMOND,
Wilton, Above Drewrtfs Bluff, May 11, 1864.

SIR: The three ironclads and three of the gunboats are ranged in
position at this anchorage, prepared to cooperate with the army to
resist a threatened attack by the enemy, who were reported by General
Ransom this morning to be in front of the lines of Drewry's Bluff.

The Fredericlcsburg dropped down to this anchorage this morning

from the position taken up yesterday between the bars above this point.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP RICHMOND,

Drewry's Bluff, May 12, 1864.

Your telegram to place the gunboats at the disposition of General
Hoke for transportation of troops received.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.-
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Maury, C. 8.
Navy, commanding C. S. 8. Hampton, in view of the detention of that
vessel at Richmond.

0. S. FLAGSHIP RICHMOND,
Wilton, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 12, 1864.

SIR : Your report of this date, together with that of Third Assistant
Engineer Toinlinson, of the condition of his department, has been
received.

You will be pleased to report to the Secretary of the Navy, without
delay, the causes of your detention at Richmond, and at the earliest
practicable moment rejoin the squadron at this anchorage.
You will, while delayed at Richmond for repairs, till up with coal,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 629

provisions, stores, etc., and make the Hampton ready in all respects for
active service.

See that the Hampton is provided with three grapnels, fitted with
chains, to be used for boarding and dragging, etc.

While in Richmond make a diligent search for competent pilots for
the ironclads and the gunboats.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding JNO. S. MAURY, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Steamer Hampton, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, regarding tlie need of pilots in James River.

FLAGSHIP RICHMOND,
Drewrtfs Bluff, May 12, 1864.

SIR : Pilots Parrish and Face, appointed, respectively, for the Fred-
ericksburg and the Virginia, have not yet made their appearance. There
is a serious deficiency in the number of pilots required, and I respect-
fully request that you will endeavor to provide the squadron with at
least three or four as soon as possible.

I am informed that there are two in Petersburg, viz, David Wright
and Hezekiah Williams. The latter was in the Merrimack in Hampton
Roads, and the Department may know whether he is implicated in
any way with the loss of that vessel. Any communication for them
addressed to the care of Saml. H. Marx, Petersburg, would be received
by them.

Six or eight pilots, in addition to those we now have, would not be
too many.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navy Department, Richmond, Va.

[Telegram.]

DREWRY'S BLUFF, May 12, 1864— 12:10 p. m.

The enemy are immediately in our front and skirmishing has com-
menced with small arms. Have just received the following dispatch
from the signal station at Gregory's farm :

Two Yankee regiments are moving this way. I will have to cross the river very
soon.

Major Terrett is in the trenches. I will keep you informed of the
situation.

F. MACRAE,
First Lieutenant, C. S. Marine Corps, and Adjutant of Post.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond.

630 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

DREWRY'S BLUFF, May 12, 1864 — 1 p. m.

Bring down the Beaufort and Drewry, also the Allison, and any other
vessels that can be found, forthwith, for the transportation of troops
from this place to Richmond. Lose not a moment.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

COMMANDING OFFICER [Lieutenant E. J. MEANS],

Steamer Beaufort, Navy Yard, Rocketts:

Major Terrett will please telegraph the above.

Order of the Chief of the Office of Orders and Detail to Lieutenant Minor,
C. S. Navy, to proceed to duty in James River Squadron.

C. 8. NAVY DEPT., OFFICE OF ORDERS AND DETAIL,

Richmond, May 12, 1864.

SIR: Report to Flag-Officer John K. Mitchell, C. S. Navy, for duty as
flag-lieutenant in the squadron under his command temporarily.
By command of the Secretary of the Navy.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. S. LEE,
Captain in Charge.
First Lieutenant ROBERT D. MINOR, C. S. Navy,

Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, requesting the assignment of Commander Wood to
the James River Squadron.

C. S. FLAGSHIP RICHMOND,
Wilton, Near Drewry^s Bluff, May 12, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully request, if agreeable to him, that Commander
J. Taylor Wood,C. S. Navy, be assigned to temporary duty in the James
River Squadron, under my command, as fleet captain or commander,
during the contemplated movements against the enemy.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navg Department.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy,
regarding method of using fire vessels and rafts.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 12, 186-L

SIR: I have had some fire vessels and fire rafts prepared, and the
Shrapnel will possibly tow them down and deliver them to you this

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 631

evening. I think it would be well to have them towed as far down the
river as the enemy will permit, and set on fire on an ebb tide. Perhaps
one man might be left on board of each with a skiff to enable him to
escape after firing the boat. The rafts should, I think, be sent in
couples, and they are consequently fastened together.

You will please receive them and do with them as your judgment
may deem best.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary.
Commander JNO. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Defenses, James River.

Letter from Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General Cooke, C. 8. Army,
to Commander Cooke, C. 8. Navy, regarding the withdrawal of the
C. 8. 8. A Ibemarle in case of the evacuation of Plymouth, N. C.

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

Petersburg, May 12, 1864.

CAPTAIN: After having consulted the general commanding in refer-
ence to the protection of your ironclad, he directs me to say to you that
General Whiting has been placed temporarily in command of this
department, and will be given the necessary instructions as to protect-
ing your gunboat in case the enemy should make any serious demon-
stration against Plymouth. To the end, therefore, that you incur no
risk as to the capture of the ironclad vessel that you command, he thinks
that you had better communicate by letter with General Whiting, who
will, for the present, establish his headquarters at this place. In case
it becomes necessary to give up Plymouth, the general commanding is
of the opinion that you had better withdraw the Albemarle from Ply-
mouth and ascend the Roanoke River, at least to a point beyond Ham-
ilton, where General Whiting has been directed to concentrate the
troops now garrisoning Plymouth, and to mount the necessary heavy
guns to prevent the enemy from passing the fort located at that place.
Of course the above arrangement will only be carried out when the
necessity arises for evacuating Plymouth. By communicating by letter
with [the] major-general from time to time, you will receive explicit
instructions as to what course to pursue as regards your movements
against the enemy or his movements against you. In conclusion, the
general commanding instructs me to thank you, and, through you, the
officers and men of your command, for your and their gallant action in
the late attack made on you in Albemarle Sound by nine of the enemy's
war vessels.

I am, captain, yours, very respectfully,

GILES B. COOKE,
Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General.

Captain COOKE,

Commanding Ironclad Albemarle, Plymouth.

632

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant Means, C. 8. Navy, giving lint of officers attached to

the C. 8. S. Jieaufort.

C. S. 8. BEAUFORT, May 12, 1864.

SIR : I respectfully make the following returns of the officers now
attached to this vessel :

William H. Carlon, acting master and

pilot.
C. Meyer, midshipman.

William T. Harding, third assistant eugi-

ueer.

A. E. Albertson, master's mate.
William R. Rowe, master's mate.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. J. MEANS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL.

Report of Commander Rootes, C. S. Navy, giving list of officers attached
to the C. S. S. FredericJcsburg.

C. S. GUNBOAT FREDERICKSBURG,

James River, May 12, 1864.
SIR : The following is a list of the officers attached to this vessel :

Present.

Commander Thomas 11. Rootes.

First Lieutenant Francis E. Shepperd.

Acting Master's Mate Lyiiian L. Foster.
Acting Master's Mate J. J. Bronson.

Second Lieutenant Matthew P. Goodwyn. Gunner C. H. Gormley.
Second Lieutenant .Joseph M. Gardner. Acting Third Assistant Engineer E. F.

Gill.

Second Assistant Engineer J. J. Lyell.

Lieutenant for the war W. H. Wall (tem-
porary).

Acting Master John C.Minor(temporary). Third Assistant Engineer Jos. E. Viernel-

Acting Midshipman Alex. [T.] Hunt. son.

Acting Midshipman P. H. McCarrick Surgeon H. W. M. Washington (tempo-

( temporary). rary).

Acting Midshipman W. D. Goode (tern- Assistant Surgeon W. J. Addison.

porary). Assistant Surgeon John Leylmrn.

Acting Master's Mate R. N. Spraggins. ; Paymaster Ladd.

Absent. — Boatswain Archibald Wilson, captured, on special duty
under Lieutenant Minor. Acting Third Assistant Engineer B. J.
Hackley, captured.

Deficiencies. — One carpenter, one marine officer, one first assistant
engineer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. K. BOOTES,

Commander, C. 8. Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

List of officers on board C. S. 8. Roanoke, May 13, 1864.

Maxwell T. Clarke, lieutenant, command-
ing.

W. F. Shippey, acting master.
fF. B. ] Dornin, midshipman.

[P. H. ] Gibbs, midshipman.

Chas. Russell, master's mate.

J. H. Parker, third assistant engineer.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 633

List of officers attached to the steamer Drewry, May 13, 1864.

Lewis Parrish, master, commanding, ab- E. C. Skinner, master's mate.

sent as pilot for Fredericksburg . \ W. Ahern, first assistant engineer.

C. N. Golden, master's mate. j J. T. Reams, third assistant engineer.

Letter from Mary Davidson to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, giving
information of the approach of the enemy's gunboats.

[MAY 13, 1864.]

Captain Davidson informed me by note late this afternoon that he
was this side of Varina at a place called "The Two Gates." The
enemy's gunboats were coming up the river, and then reported a little
below Varina. I regret that I can not give you a more direct idea of
Captain D.'s position, but anyone following the Varina road could not
fail to find him, unless he has been again compelled to fall back.
Respectfully, etc.,

MARY DAVIDSON.
Captain MITCHELL.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell. C. 8. Navy, to
furnish information regarding time of proposed cooperative movement.

CONFEDERATE STATES OP AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 15, 1864.

SIR : The Secretary of the Navy requests that you will please inform
him at the earliest moment when you will be ready to move, in case
you are called upon to cooperate with the Army. It is understood that
the obstructions are now in condition to allow the vessels to pass, or
will be during the day.

It is important that the commanding general should be informed
when we are ready.
By order Secretary Navy :

Very respectfully, E. M. TIDBAL^,

Chief Clerk.
Commander J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding Naval Forces James River.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to commanding officers, to
furnish complete muster rolls of the vessels under their command.

C. S. IRONCLAD, EICHMOND, FLAGSHIP JAMES EIVER SQUADRON,

Near Drewry's Bluff, May 15, 1864.

SIR: Before moving down the river a complete muster roll of all
officers, the crew, and other persons on board of the Virginia, under
your command, will be forwarded to me, for transmission to the Navy
Department.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander 11. B. PEGRAM, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. S. Ironclad Virginia.

[Same order sent to the commanding officers of the Fredericksburg,
Richmond, Hampton, Nansemond, Roanoke, and Beaufort.]

634 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Master Read, C. 8. Navy,
commanding C. 8. 8. Nansemond, to relieve the C. 8. 8. Beaufort in
attendance upon the G. 8. 8. Virginia.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

Flagship James River Squadron, Near Drewry>8 Bluff, May 15, 1864.
SIR : The Nansemond will relieve the Beaufort to-day of her duty in
attending upon the mechanics of the Virginia, and will receive from
Lieutenant Commanding [E. J.I Means his orders respecting this service.
The Nansemond will proceed to Richmond with Mr. Graves as soon
as he is ready to go up, and await at Rocketts any calls that may
be made for important army or naval service, not to allow, except in
urgent cases, the regular hours of taking up and bringing down the
mechanics to be interfered with.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Master WM. "W. READ, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Steamer Nansemond.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Davidson, C. 8.
Navy, to furnish information regarding the force and movements of the
enemy in the James River.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

Flagship James River Squadron, near Drewry's Bluff, May 15, 1864.
SIR: If you have any information on the following points, or can
obtain any, please forward it to me as speedily as possible:

Force and movements of the enemy in the river. Number of moni-
tors, other ironclads, and wooden gunboats. If the enemy have planted
torpedoes and placed obstructions, and if so, please state their position.
If the banks of the river are occupied by the enemy's pickets, and if
they have any artillery posted to command the channel way. The
general condition of the navigation of the river. If any of your torpe-
does or stations have fallen into the hands of the enemy.

Any general information in relation to the condition of affairs below
which may be useful or important for the commanding officer of the
naval forces to be aware of.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding HUNTER DAVIDSON, C. S. Navy,

In charge of Submarine Batteries.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, of the readiness of the squadron
to move down the James River.

0. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 15, 1864.
SIR : In reply to your enquiry of this date, through the chief clerk, as
to the readiness of the squadron to move, I have the honor to report
that the ironclads Richmond and FredericJcsburg and the four gunboats
are now ready for service against the enemy at any moment. The
Virginia is equipped for battle in all things essentially necessary

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 635

except that the steering apparatus is as yet incomplete, broadside port
shutters not hung, and no arrangements made for securing the other
shutters when closed.

The steering apparatus is promised by Mr. Graves to be ready
to-morrow. When ready, it will be tested immediately by getting the
vessel underway, and until this test is made — an indispensable requi-
site— she can not be pronounced ready. A short time will then be
desirable to properly train the officers and men at quarters before it
would be proper to attack an enemy of superior or equal force.

Torpedoes are not yet fitted to any of the vessels. I deem them of
great importance to the success of any enterprise against the reported
greatly superior forge of the enemy in ironclads as well as in gunboats.

I respectfully refer you to the copy of the report* of Commander
Pegram, herewith enclosed, respecting the condition of the Virginia
to-day.

Captain Mason, Engineer Corps, C. S. Army, informed me this after-
noon that a passage has been opened for the ironclads through the
obstructions, and Lieutenant Commanding William H. Parker, with
the pilots of the squadron, is engaged at this time in its examination
to determine whether it is in a condition for the passage of the iron-
clads and at what stage of the tide.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

P. S. — Lieutenant Commanding Parker has just returned and reports
that the passage is not yet practicable for the ironclads. The engineer
corps is still at work removing the obstructions. Enclosed is a copy of
his report.

J. K. M.

Report of Lieutenant Parker, C. S. Navy, regarding the examination of
the passage through the obstructions at Drewry's Bluff.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

James River, May 15, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your order of this date, I have made with Pilots
Parrish and Skinner and Master Carlon, of the Beaufort, an examina-
tion of the passage through the obstructions, and report that neither
the Virginia nor Richmond can be taken through with safety. Neither
would it be prudent to attempt to get the Frederichsburg through until
after it has been carefully sounded and swept with a weighted line.

I pointed out to the engineer in charge, Captain [Charles T.j Mason,
the shoal places, and left him with his men still at work. No attempts
should be made with the vessels but at high water. The engineer is
working with that end in view. I would suggest that a good pilot be
sent there every day to sound at low water, and to assist the men at
work with his advice.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. PARKER,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Omcer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

*Not fonnd.

636 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
malting suggestions regarding operations in the James River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Richmond, May 15, 1864.

SIR: Lieutenant Commanding Davidson, who has just come from the
vicinity of the enemy on the river, makes an interesting report, which
I have requested him to repeat to you. From his statement you will see
that the enemy is slowly feeling his way to discover our submarine bat-
teries, and that if permitted to pursue his present methodical investiga-
tions, those under Lieutenant Davidson's control will soon be discovered
and captured. One of your vessels would probably be sufficient to keep
his sounding and picket boats back, and compel him to push his iron-
clads in front, or his heavy gunboats, in which case the torpedoes could
be brought into operation. It would seem that the Fredericksburg
might perform this duty effectually, and I submit the suggestion for
your judgment.

No report has yet been made to me of the openings in the obstruc-
tions, but I was led yesterday to hope that they would be open to-day.
The sounding and exploring operations of the enemy should, in my
judgment, be checked, as his ascending vessels afford a base and great
encouragement to his land forces on either bank.

You will keep the commanding general near you advised of your
movements, and you will please inform me of your designs.

From the constructor's report to-day I infer that your vessel is ready
for action.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

8. R. MALLORY,

Secretary.
Commander JNO. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Defenses, James River.

Second letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S.
Navy, regarding operations in the James River.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 15, 1864.

SIR : I this day brought to your attention the report of the proceed-
ings of the enemy as high as Curies Neck, made by Lieutenant David-
sou, and I requested him to call on you and advise you of his observa-
tions yesterday and to-day. To keep back the approaches of the enemy
by the river, 1 suggested that the Fredericksburg be sent down to pre-
vent them from dragging for torpedoes in their small boats. I have
just now, 11 p. in., received the report on the condition ef the obstruc-
tions, from which I perceive that neither the Virginia nor the Richmond
can yet pass them, and that it is deemed unsafe to attempt to get the
Fredericksburg through until the opening shall have been swept. I
hope this has already been done, and that it has been found sufficient,
and that she will be able to get through.

You make no reference to the approaching contest, and may not be
aware that General Beauregard intends to attack the enemy at daylight,
and that he desires the cooperation of the navy. Confiding in the hope
held out by the engineers that they would make a passage for your ves-
sels, I have looked with certainty to such cooperation, and I know that

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 637

your disappointment will equal my own if you shall be prevented from
rendering it. I trust that you will get your vessels below the obstruc-
tions as soon as the passage is made practicable, and that you will
cooperate with the army against the enemy iii the most effective man-
ner. He should not be permitted to send his boats and unarmored gun-
boats to drag for and remove torpedoes. From Mr. Graves's report
to day, and your report just received, your vessel, I think, in all essen-
tials, save the drill of the crew at their guns, may be regarded as ready
for action. All the ports are up, I perceive, except the port broadside,
and should you not leave early in the morning this one will be in place;
but this I am convinced would not delay you. The Virginia fought her
action in Hampton Roads without her port shutters. It would be a
great advantage, of course, to have a crew long accustomed to work
together, but we can not take time now for imparting such experience,
and, moreover, your crew embraces many capital men.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary.
Commander JNO. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Defenses, James River.

Letter from Lieutenant- Colonel Maury, C. S. Army, to Lieutenant Minor,
C. 8. Navy, regarding the movements of the enemy.

HEADQUARTERS,
Chaffin?8 Bluff, May 15, 1864.

There are six wooden gunboats about 15 miles below here by water,
feeling their way up, several ironclads following them. They have not
advanced to-day, but are examining the banks on both sides for tor-
pedoes, and I suppose will move up as fast as they can satisfy them-
selves that all is safe. I will keep you advised of all the information
that I can obtain.
Yours, truly,

J. M. MAURY,
Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding.

Flag-Lieutenant R. D. MINOR,

James River Squadron.

Second letter from Lieutenant- Colonel Maury, C. S. Army, to Lieutenant
Minor, C. S. Navy, regarding the movements of the enemy.

HEADQUARTERS,

Chaffirfs Bluff, May 15, 1864— 6: 45 p. m.

The enemy are coming slowly up the river with a small gunboat and
a few troops, examining the banks and dragging for torpedoes. The
ironclads follow when all is discovered to be safe. The exploring party
advanced about 3 miles to-day and anchored at Varina. They are now
examining the banks in that vicinity. Varina is 12 miles below here
by water.

J. M. MAURY.
Flag-Lieutenant R. D. MINOR,

Flagship Virginia.

638 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

RICHMOND, 15Tn, [1864].

(Received 6:30 a. ra., 16th.)

Are not the obstructions so removed that the Fredericksburg may
pass out to-morrow morning? It is very important. If others can not
pass, can not at least the Fredericksburg, which I understand draws
least water? Answer at once.

JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.
Colonel W. H. STEVENS.

[Endorsement.]

The ironclad Fredericksburg can pass the obstructions at high tide
to-morrow.

C. T. MASON, C. S. Army.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
desiring information regarding the condition of the passage through the
obstructions at .Drewry's Bluff.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 16, 1864.

SIR: I regret to learn from your letter just received through Lieu-
tenant Minor that you have not been able to get either of your vessels
through the obstructions to-day.

The report upon the condition of the passage, made by your officers,
leaves the question as to the sumciency of the depth and width unset-
tled, and I can not determine from it whether either of your ironclads
could be gotten through at slack water. If this question can be deter-
mined, it would be well to do so, as it would enable me to point out to
the Secretary of War what work is still necessary to be done by the
engineers and to urge its completion.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

[First indorsement.]

FLAGSHIP RICHMOND, JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

May 17, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Commander Rootes, and others composing
the commission on the passage through the obstructions, to supply the
information desired by the Secretary of the Navy, as far as practicable,
by making a supplementary report.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

[Second indorsement.]

MAY 17, 1864—1 p. m.

The supplementary report received and a copy transmitted to the
Secretary of the Navy, together with a copy of instructions to Com-
mander Rootes respecting the work on the obstructions.

J. K. M.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 639

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy
regarding the proposed cooperative movement in the James River.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

Flagship James River Squadron, Monday, May 16, 1864 — 3 a. w.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica-
tion of this date in relation to getting the ironclads below the obstructions,
and cooperating with General Beauregard in his contemplated attack
upon the enemy this morning.

I was not aware, until the receipt of your letter, of the proposed attack
by General B., alluded to by you. My flag-lieutenant (Minor) called
upon General B. to-day to communicate to him the information brought
by Lieutenant Commanding Davidson. Ho expressed his thanks for
it, but communicated not a word as to any of his own purposes, or any
desire for cooperation on the part of the naval forces.

I had already determined, in my own mind, on the receipt of the intel-
ligence brought by Lieutenant Davidson, to place one or more of the
ironclads below the obstructions the moment the passage was found
practicable, and oppose the advance of the enemy up the river. The
determination, I am pleased to find, accords with the wish and views
expressed in your letter. No time will be lost nor proper measures
omitted to ascertain when the passage becomes practicable, and the
ironclads will be held in readiness to take immediate advantage of it.

Master Parrish is the only reliable pilot in the squadron for the iron-
clads. I would, therefore, beg that the efforts to obtain others be con-
tinued, and that Mr. Moore be sent down at once to the squadron.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Commander Rootes, C. S.
Navy, for the examination of the passage through the obstructions at
Dreicry's Bluff.

FLAGSHIP RICHMOND, May 16, 1864 — 3 a. m.

SIR : As soon as it is daylight send Master Parrish, with Pilot Skin-
ner, to the obstructions, with directions to thoroughly examine by
sweeping and sounding whether the passage is practicable for the
Fredericksburg, and to report the result to me immediately.

You will be pleased to keep the Fredericksburg in readiness to pass
below the obstructions the moment it shall be deemed proper to make
the attempt.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander THOS. R. ROOTES, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. S. Ironclad Fredericksburg.

640 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding the proposed move-
ment of vessels through the obstructions.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Near Dreicry's Bluff, May 16, 1864 — 6 a. m.

SIR: The moment the Fredericksburg can pass the obstructions I
shall embark on her and move to oppose the advance of the enemy up
the river, or to cooperate more directly with the army, as circumstances
may dictate.

Instruction swill be left for the Richmond and. the Virginia to pass the
obstructions as soon as practicable for either or both, and to join me
with the utmost dispatch.

Master Parrish and Pilot Skinner were sent at daylight to examine
the passage.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient

servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Nary, Richmond.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, regarding the impractica-
bility of a passage through the obstructions in James River.

0. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

Flagship James River Squadron, Near Dreicry's Bluff, May 16, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a report* made
to me this day by the commanding officers of the ironclads and three
pilots, adverse to the practicability of their passing safely through the
obstructions in the present condition of the river.

I have examined the obstructions myself and concur in the opinion
expressed by the commission.

At the earliest moment deemed advisable the attempt will be made
to get all the ironclads through, trying first the Fredericksburg.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Report of Commander Cooke, C. S. Navy, regarding the raising of guns
from the U. S. S. Southfiela.

C. S. [RAM] ALBEMARLE,

Plymouth, N. C., May 16, 1864.

SIR: I have succeeded in raising two IX-inch Dahlgren guns and one
100-pouuder Parrott gun from the Southfield and hope to succeed in
getting the others.

The Parrott gun I mounted to-day on the river front, and 1 wish to
know what I shall do with the IK-incli Dahlgrens as I have no pro-
jectiles for them. I am very anxious to receive the gun to supply the
place of the stern gun. I think that your gun is superior to all others,

*Not found.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 641

and had I had two broadside guns I think that I should have succeeded
in sinking: the whole Yankee fleet. We were struck 44 times, and that,
too, at short musket-shot range; they also endeavored to run us down,
and when that failed endeavored to surround us with a seine, but
fortunately the lines parted in paying out. Have you sent a torpedo!
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. COOKE,

Commander.
Commander J. M. BROOKE,

In Charge of Ordnance Department, Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, transmitting supplemental
report regarding the passage of the obstructions in James River.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

Flagship James River Squadron, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 17, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the supplemen-
tary report* made this morning by Commander Bootes and others,
comprising the commission on the passing through the obstructions,
which appears to me to afford the additional information called for in
your letter of yesterday on the subject.

I also enclose you a copy* of instructions to Commander Eootes, which
1 had prepared before the receipt of your letter referred to above.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Commander Rootes, C. S.
Navy, to facilitate the passage of the ironclads through the obstructions
in James River.

C. S. IRONCLAD RICHMOND,

Flagship James River Squadron, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 17, 1864.
SIR: Be pleased to visit the obstructions this morning with such offi-
cers of the squadron as you may desire to accompany you and the
pilots, and make such suggestions to and requests of Captain Mason,
Engineer Corps, C. S. Army, respecting the proposed piling and other
work that may be deemed necessary to facilitate the speedy and safe
passage of the ironclads at the earliest practicable moment.

As soon as the current will admit of it accurate soundings should
be taken and the channel or passage swept to determine whether it
will be practicable for all or any of the ironclads at slack water.

You will tender and render to Captain Mason any assistance that can
be afforded by the squadron.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander THOS. R. EOOTES, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. S. Ironclad Fredericksburg.

[A copy sent to the Secretary of the Navy.J

* Not found.
N W R — VOL 10 41

642 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Master Read, C. 8. Navy, commanding C. 8. 8. Nansemond,
forwarding list of officers attached to that vessel.

C. S. S. NANSEMOND,
Near Drewry>s Bluff, Va., May 17, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with your order of the 14th instant I hereby
transmit a list of the officers and men * attached to this vessel :

Master (in charge) William W. Read.
Midshipman F. C. Morehead.
Midshipman T. C. Pinckney.

Acting Third Assistant Engineer S. B.

Jordan.

Second-Class Pilot Charles Layton.

Acting Master's Mate C. B. Bohannon.

Eespectfully submitted.

W. W. BEAD,
Master, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding Naval Forces on James River.

[Telegram.]

CHAFFIN'S, May 17, 1864 — 4:50 p. m.

Three of the enemy's gunboats came up this evening. Opened on
them with two X-iuch mortars, and after exchanging a few shots they
retired. No damage done on either side as far as discerned. They did
not come within reach of the main batteries.

J. M. MAURY,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding.
General BRAGG,

Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. S.
Navy, to assume temporary command of the C. 8. 8. Nansemond.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, May 18, 1864.

SIR : You will assume the temporary command of the C. S. gunboat
Nansemond, relieving Master William W. Read, who has been directed
to return to duty on board the Richmond.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant for the War JOHN W. MURDAUGH, C. S. Navy,

C. S. Ironclad Richmond.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Fleet Surgeon Harrison. C. 8.
Navy, to report for duty on the flagship.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 18, 186-1. ,
SIR: As this vessel is now the flagship of the squadron, you will

' Not necessary to publish.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 643

report to Commander Pegram for duty and take up your quarters on
board of her.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Fleet Surgeon W. D. HARRISON, C. S. Navy,

C. S. Ironclad Richmond.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Clarke, C. S.
Navy, to report daily regarding repairs to C. 8. 8. Roanoke.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 19, 1864.
SIR : You will be pleased to report to me in writing, daily, the progress
of repairs in the Roanoke, under your command.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding M. T. CLARKE, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. 8. S. Roanoke.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Hall, C. S. Navy,
transferring him from the C. 8. 8. Virginia to the C. S. 8. Drewry.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 19, 1864.
SIR : You are hereby detached from the C. S. ironclad Virginia and
will immediately assume the command of the C. S. S. Drewry.

A banded rifle is being prepared under the direction of the office of
Ordnance and Hydrography for mounting forward on the Drewry.
You will please omit no efforts to prepare her for service as a gunboat
with all dispatch, and in the meantime she will continue to perform the
duties of mail boat now assigned to her.

You will also have the torpedo apparatus fitted to the Drewry as
speedily as possible.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding, etc.
Lieutenant W. B. HALL, C. S. Navy,

C. S. Ironclad Virginia.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, giving the changes made among
the officers in the squadron.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 19, 1864.
SIR : Yesterday the flag of the commander of the James Eiver Squad-
ron was transferred from the ironclad Richmond to the ironclad Virginia.
I have the honor to report the following changes among the officers
of the squadron :

May 15, Assistant Surgeon Addison was transferred from the Fred-
ericksburg to the Richmond.

644

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

May 17, Surgeon Oarrington was transferred from the Virginia to the
Richmond.

May 18, Fleet Surgeon Harrison was transferred from the Richmond
to the Virginia. Master William W. Read was detached from the
Nansemond and ordered to return to his duties on board of the Richmond.
Lieutenant for the War John W. Murdaugh was transferred from the
Richmond to the command of the Nansemond.

May 19, Lieutenant W. B. Hall was transferred from the Virginia to
the command of the Drewry.

The following officers ordered to the squadron have been assigned to
the following vessels, viz :

Name of officer.

Vessel.

Name of officer.

Vessel.

Lieutenant T. W. W. Davies . .

Virginia.
Do.

Acting Third Assistant En-
gineer J. E. Viernelson.

Fredericksburg.

Midshipman R. Pinckney

Do.
Do.

Midshipman F. B. Dornin
Midshipman P. H. Gibbs

Roanoke.
Do.

Midshipman D. B. Talbott
Acting Master H. B. Edinbor-
ongn.
Boatswain A. Blakie

Do.
Do.

Do.

Midshipman F. C. Morehead.
Midshipman T. C. Pinckney.
Midshipman F. S. Hunter
Midshipman G. A. Joiner....

Nansemond.
Do.
Hampton.
Richmond.

Midshipman P. [H.] McCar-
rick.
Midshipman W. D. Goode
Midshipman J. B. Katcliff

Fredericksburg.

Do.
Do.

Midshipman H. H. Tyson
Midshipman W. F. Wilson. . .
Second-Class Pilot W. W.
Skinner.

Do.
Do.
Do.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, 0. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. 8. Navy Department, Richmond, Va.

Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War relative to the
delay in making a passage through the Confederate obstructions in James
River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, \ Va.,] May 19, 1864.

SIR : Without special reference to my correspondence on the subject,
you are aware of the earnest desire I have evinced to have a passage
made through the James Eiver obstructions to permit our ironclads as
completed to go below them, a measure deemed by me as important to
the defenses of Richmond. My last letter to your Department calling
attention to this subject was of the 2d of January, 1864, in which I
referred to the ironclads Richmond and Fredericksburg. On the 3d of
March last I received the following letter from Colonel Stevens, dated
February 29, 1864:

I have the honor to state that a copy of your letter to the Secretary of War, of date
January 2, 1864, has been sent to me by General Bragg. I shall commence at once to
open the obstructions upon the receipt of information when the gunboats will be
ready to move. I respectfully enquire if I can have a caisson built at the navy yard.

The Richmond was then ready for action and the Fredericksburg was
completed and required only her guns to be put on board, and in my
reply of the 10th of March to Colonel Stevens I named six weeks, the
time within which the Virginia would also be ready. Up to this hour
I am not advised that a practicable passage for the ironclads had been
completed, and they are still above the obstructions. On the 6th instant
the enemy's war vessels in ascending the river approached our lowest

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 645

submarine battery station at Deep Bottom, and we blew up and totally
destroyed the gunboat Commodore Jones. This checked his advance,
and he began methodically sounding and dragging the river, using for
this purpose row barges followed at a distance by wooden gunboats and
protected by infantry pickets on the river banks, advancing at the rate
of only half a mile per day on the ground guarded by our submarine
batteries; and in this manner he has succeeded in gradually pushing
back Lieutenant Davidson and his torpedo party to Chaffin's Bluff,
captured the submarine batteries up to that point, and opened fire upon
it from a wooden gunboat. It is needless to say that this unfortunate
result, paralyzing the usefulness of our vessels and rendering the labors
of our submarine-battery party abortive, is due to the failure to open
the obstructions. Had a practicable passage even for the Fredericks-
burg, the lighter ironclad, been made in time, she could have arrested
the operations of the enemy's boats and checked his advance. He
would have been compelled to explore the river in his ironclads, against
which our torpedoes were designed to act. Without a knowledge of the
causes which have prevented a removal of the obstructions for the pas-
sage of the ironclads in time for the service indicated, and for such other
service as they might have rendered, I must limit myself to bringing
the subject by this brief statement to your notice, and to saying that I
regard the failure as prejudicial to the interests of the country, and
specially to the naval service, which has thus been prevented from
rendering important service.*

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

8. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.
Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretory of War.

[Telegram.]

What about the obstructions? Is a practicable passage yet made, or
is the work to make one progressing rapidly as possible?

8. E. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.
Commander MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Eeceived on board at 12:30, May 20, 1864, after Commander M. had
left in Richmond.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding the progress upon
the passage through the obstructions.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, Near Dreicrtfs Bluff, May 21, 1864.

SIR : In reply to your endorsement on the report of Colonel W. H.
Stevens, C. S. Engineer Corps, to Lieutenant-Colonel D. Urquhart,
assistant adjutant-general, of the 18th instant, that there is a practi-
cable passage through the obstructions at Drewry's Bluff for the iron-

. * See Mallory to Seddon, May 24, 1864.

646 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

clads of this squadron, I have the honor to submit the following
statement :

On the 12th Captain Charles T. Mason informed me by note, a copy
of which is furnished herewith, that there were about 18 inches of stone
to be removed from the cribs, and that the passage would probably be
open by evening.

On the 13th, at the request of Colonel Stevens, I furnished him with
a cross-section sketch of the ironclads, which I obtained from Chief
Constructor Porter.

Sunday, May 15, Captain Mason informs me by note, a copy of which
accompanies the report of Colonel Stevens, that the engineer officers
think the obstructions sufficiently removed to pass the ironclads ; he
gives no soundings or depth, however, but suggests an examination by
navy officers. An examination was accordingly immediately ordered by
me and made that day by Lieutenant Commanding William H. Parker
with Pilots Masters Parrish and Skinner, a copy of whose report is
herewith furnished, stating that neither the Virginia nor Richmond can
be taken through with safety ; neither would it be prudent to attempt
to get the Fredericksburg through until it has been carefully sounded
and swept. He states, moreover, that he pointed out to the engineer
in charge, Captain Mason, the shoal places.

The next day, Monday, the 16th, a commission, composed of Com-
manders Kootes and Pegram, Lieutenant Commanding Parker, and
Pilot Moore, Masters Parrish and Skinner, examined the obstructions
and found it impossible to sound or sweep the channel on account of the
strong current produced by the freshet, owing to which and the tortuous
course [to] be steered, it would be attended with very great risk to
attempt getting through the lightest draft ironclad in the squadron, etc.

Their supplementary report of the 17th says the width of the channel
is sufficient, but could not determine the depth, as they were unable to
take soundings on account of the rapid current, and that before taking
any vessel through the passage should be carefully sounded and swept,
which can only be done at slack water. Copies of their report and sup-
plementary report are sent herewith.

The day after Captain Mason reports the obstructions sufficiently
removed, the views of the commission were communicated to him ver-
bally, at the obstructions, about the impracticability of the passage dur-
ing the freshet and of the impossibility of determining while the freshet
continues whether at slack water there would be a sufficient depth, and
this may be considered a sufficient reply to the endorsement of Colonel
Stevens stating, "No answer received up to the 18th." Further commu-
nication from me direct, either to Captain Mason or to Colonel Stevens,
did not and has not since appeared to me called for until the required
examination could be had. Up to yesterday, inclusive, the rapid current
in the channel through the obstructions, caused by the freshet, continued
to prevent the necessary examination, which requires slack water to
render it reliable.

Constructor Porter, in his note accompanying his cross-section dia-
gram, states that the depth of 15 feet would be sufficient. Colonel
Stevens deduces (vide his letter of the 18th instant) from the cross-
section sketch that the draft is 13 feet 9 inches, and that according to
his soundings on the cribs there are 14 feet, and adds that "but for
the freshet in the river they could have gone out." There appears to be
an error in the measurement of Colonel Stevens, for from the sketch it
would give a draft of a very small fraction under 14 feet, which, accord-
ing to the cross-section sketch, may be assumed as the draft, and of
course something more than 14 feet is required to float the vessel.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 647

The channel, as far as it can be determined by personal observations
on the spot, appears to be more tortuous than it is represented in the
accompanying sketch, marked "No. 1," which makes it almost direct.

Colonel Stevens' letter of the 18th May states that two days were lost
by an accident to the pile driver, and two days after the repairs of the
pile driver there was 14 feet on the cribs. This would make the 12th
of the month, and on that very day Captain Mason states in a note to
me (a copy of which is sent herewith) that he then had about 18 inches
of stone to remove from one of the cribs. It was not until the 15th that
Captain Mason informs me by note, in reply to my enquiry of the same
date, "The engineer officers think the obstructions sufficiently removed
to pass the ironclads," not, however, stating the depth of water, as
before remarked.

A copy of the report of the examination of the obstructions to-day,
by the commission composed of Commander Bootes and others, is sub-
mitted herewitu, a copy of which will also be furnished Colonel Stevens.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Fa.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Naval Constructor Porter,
C. S. Navy, calling attention to discrepancy in reported draft of the
C. S. 8. Virginia.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 21, 1864.
SIR : The draft of this ship, by the drawing of the cross section for-
warded by you, is a very small fraction less than 14 feet; by the report
of Constructor Graves, a copy of which is annexed, it is stated to be,
aft, 13 feet 4£ inches; forward, 12 feet H inches.

Your attention is called to the discrepancy, for such action as you
may deem proper.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Chief Constructor JNO. L. PORTER, C. S. Navy,

Richmond, Fa.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Hall, C. S. Navy,
revoking his orders to the C. S. S. Dretcry.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 21, 1864.

SIR: In consequence of previous arrangements having been made by
the Navy Department for the command of the steamer Dreicry, your
order of the 19th instant is hereby revoked, and you will relinquish the
command of that vessel to the executive officer and report to Com-
mander E. B. Pegram for duty on board of this vessel.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding Janus River Squadron.

Lieutenant W. B. HALL, C. S. Navy,

C. S. S. Dreicry.

648 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
regarding orders to vessel*.

EICHMOND, Sunday, May 22, 1864 — 5: 40 a. m.

(Received C a. m. by Shrapnel.)

SIR: Your dispatch is just received, and the Beaufort is directed to
join you at once, and the J)rewry and Roanoke also as soon as ready.
I will attend personally to it at daylight.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLOBY,

Secretary.
Commander MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Defenses, Drewry's Bluff.

Notify Lieutenant Davidson to be ready with such services as his
submarine batteries may render.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Commander Rootes, C. S.
Navy, to move the C. S. S. Fredericksburg below the obstructions when
practicable.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 22, 1864.
SIR: So soon as the passage through the obstructions shall be
deemed practicable by the commission (of which you are the senior
officer) lor the ironclad Fredericksburg, under your command, you will
proceed immediately to get her below the obstructions. Every facility
that can be afforded by any and all the vessels of the squadron will be
at your command.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James Rirer Squadron.

Commander THOS. R. ROOTES, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. S. Ironclad Frcdericksburg.

[Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 23, 1864.
SIR: I respectfully request that you will keep me advised of the
position, number, and character of the enemy's naval forces on James
River, so far as can be ascertained, and of all changes that may take
place.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C. S. Army.

[Same to Lieutenant-Colonel Maury, commanding at Chaffiu's Bluff.]

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 649

Letter from General Beauregard, C. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Mitchell,
C. 8. Navy, regarding the obtaining of information.

HDQBS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

May 23, 1864.

SIR: I am directed by General Beauregard to acknowledge the
receipt of yonr communication of this date and to say that, though
the means at his command for complying with the request therein con-
tained are limited, he will take pleasure in forwarding you such infor-
mation as he may obtain of the character you desire so soon as it may
come to his possession, and that he will use every effort in his power
to get such information.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant- General.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

P. S. — There are three gunboats and three monitors reported in
sight of our lines this evening.

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding the passage of the
obstructions by the C. 8. S. Fredericlcsburg.

0. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 23, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that the Frederlcksburg passed safely
through the obstructions this afternoon, and is now at anchor a short
distance below them.

It is believed that there is a sufficient depth of water in the channel
for the Virginia and the Richmond. The attempt will be made
to-morrow to pass one of them through at high water and the other on
the following day. The two can not be passed through at one tide.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, advising an attack upon the

enemy at Trent's Reach.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 24, 1864.
SIR: I reported yesterday the safe passage of the Fredericksburg
through the obstructions.

A communication from General Beauregard, received last night, says
"There are three gunboats and three monitors reported in sight of
our lines this evening."

Every effort will be made to get the Virginia and Richmond through
this afternoon at high water. Should the effort succeed, I propose,

650 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

with your approbation, making an attack with our three ironclads and
the gunboats on the enemy at Trent's Reach at the earliest practicable
moment. I contemplate moving down into his immediate vicinity under
cover of the night, attacking about daylight to-morrow morning, or as
soon as the position of the enemy's forces can be determined with
sufficient accuracy

I shall advise General Beauregard of my purpose.
Pilots are essential to the movement, and I beg that every effort will
be made at the Department to send them down to-day.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORy,

Secretary of the Navy.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Commander Bootes, C. 8.
Navy, in view of immediate movement against the enemy in Trent's
Reach.

Confidential.] 0. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, May 24, 1864.

SIR : Be pleased to use every effort to get your torpedo apparatus
fitted to-day and have the Fredericksburg prepared in all other respects
for an immediate movement against the enemy's laud and naval forces
at Trent's Reach.

A movement is contemplated to-night should the Virginia and Rich-
mond pass the obstructions during the day. This is strictly confi-
dential.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander THOS. R. ROOTES, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. 8. Ironclad Fredericksburg.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to General Beauregard,
C. 8. Army, stating plan of operations.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, May 24, 1864.

GENERAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, last night,
of Colonel Jno. M. Otey's communication of yesterday's date, and to
thank you for the important information it contains of the position,
number, and character of the enemy's naval forces in sight of your
lines. The ironclad Fredericksburg passed below the obstructions yes-
terday, and the attempt will be made to get the other two, the Virginia
and Richmond, through at slack water to-day. If successful, and
should it not interfere with any of your plans, I contemplate making a
movement down the river so as to approach the immediate vicinity of
the enemy under cover of the night and attack him about daylight >r
as soon as the position of his forces can be satisfactorily determined.

When the movement is definitely settled you will be immediately
apprised of it.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 651

It shall be ray pleasure at all times to cooperate with your forces in
auy practicable manner you may be pleased to indicate, and I shall
always be glad to receive from you any suggestions or advice to this
end or for the public interests.

I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,,
Commanding James River Squadron.
General G. T. BEATJREGARD,

Comdg. Department North Carolina and Southern Virginia.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Mitchell, C. S.Navy,

regarding pilots.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 24, 1864.

SIR : Your letter of this date is just received.

Captain Lee is directed to send you such pilots as he can procure,
and I will respond to the further subject of your letter to-day.
Yery respectfuly, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary.

Commander JNO. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Naval Defenses.

Instructions of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S.
Navy, regarding operations in the James River.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, Va., May 24, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of this date has been received, apprising me that
"Every effort will be made to get the Virginia and Richmond through
this afternoon at high water. Should the effort succeed, I propose, with
your approbation, making an attack with the ironclads and the gunboats
on the enemy at Trent's Eeach at the earliest practicable moment."

While for the disposition, direction, and action of your fleet the
Department confides in your judgment, it is deemed proper to make the
following suggestions for your consideration:

A danger to be specially guarded against is the grounding your
vessels, or either of them, in the river. To guard against the effects of
such a disaster, escape from which will depend mainly upon your pilots,
it will be judicious to have the smaller gunboats and an extra supply
of hawsers and anchors in readiness. The draft of the several vessels
must be thoroughly understood by the pilots, and whenever they are in
doubt as to the positive depth of the channel they should determine it
by proper means before risking getting ashore.

The enemy is understood to be on the banks of the river with artillery
and sharpshooters, and before going down the banks should be scoured
and cleared at least as low down as the position of the left wing of
General Beauregard's army. General Batisom, a copy of whose letter
is enclosed, desires at least a day's notice of your design and plan of
movement upon the enemy, and you will confer fully with him and with
General Beauregard, and specially with reference to clearing the banks
of the river. I am informed that the enemy has thrown up works on

652 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

tlie banks of Trent's Reach, where the land is high enough to give a
plunging fire upon your vessels, aud in which he may have placed some
heavy naval guns. The fullest understanding with the army and coop-
eration between the two services is important.

While the exact disparity between the speed of your ironclads is not
known, you cannot, I think, depend upon over 4 miles from the Richmond.
In approaching or leaving the enemy with them, therefore, if it be
necessary to keep them together, the speed of the Fredericksburg and
Virginia will be the speed of the Richmond. This consideration will
therefore enter into your arrangements for an action in the river this
side of City Point, where there is no space to maneuver, and merely
enough to turn.

The Virginia being the strongest and fastest vessel, with 8 inches of
iron on her ends, it would seem expedient to place her nearest the enemy
in action if the circumstances and situation justify any discrimination
in this respect. At any distance under 400 yards her double-banded
X-inch smoothbore, with its heavy wrought-iron projectile and a large
charge of powder, to insure the greatest velocity, would, in my judg-
ment, be the most effective gun of her battery against the enemy's tur-
rets; but beyond that range and under all conditions where accuracy
is specially important your 7-inch rifles would seem best. Experiment
has demonstrated their effect upon iron plates as far as 260 yards.

If you could bring your X-inch and the bow guns of the two other
vessels at the same time to bear upon either of the enemy's turrets
within 800 yards the effect would be very damaging, and specially so
if, under these circumstances, bolts from two of your guns should strike
at the same time.

Your vessels are prepared to use torpedoes on spars in advance of
their stems against the enemy, and I doubt not they may be made very
effective. The enemy will adopt devices to avoid them so soon as he
learns how you proposed to employ them, and to guard against this
and other injurious disclosures extraordinary vigilance should be
observed to prevent desertions from your vessels. The most reliable
intelligence in here upon the subject gives the enemy six ironclads,
exclusive of the Roanoke and including the Onondaga, of 1,250 tons and
four guns and sixteen wooden gunboats. In view of the importance of
the fleet you command to the defenses of Richmond and of the superior
force of the enemy, it would seem proper so to conduct your operations
as to reserve the option of fighting.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

/Secretary of the Navy.

Commander JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

I*. S. — I deem it proper to direct your attention to the subject of
pilotage, a most important element in your operations. It is painful to
reflect that whatever your means, and whatever your plans may be,
your efforts must, to a large extent, be controlled by your pilots, and
that timidity, unskillfuluess, negligence, or bad faith in this class may
defeat or prevent success.

They know that their services to the country are indispensable.
Knowing this, they have convened together aud signed a demand for
exorbitant terms as the price of them. This conduct admonishes me to
say to you that both Admiral Buchanan aud afterwards Captain Tatt-
nall, in the Virginia, were dissatisfied with the conduct of their pilots,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 653

and to suggest to you the exercise of watchfulness to guard against
their want of zeal.

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, regarding transfer of men.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrifs Bluff, May 34, 1864.
SIR: I have directed Commander Bootes to transfer Lieutenant
Lewis, Sergeant Pargoud, and the men of Captain Young's howitzer
battery, temporarily assigned to duty on board the Fredericksburg, to
the C. S. S. Patrick Henry.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. 8. Navy Dept., Richmond, Va.

Letter from General Beauregard, C. 8. Army, to Flag- Officer Mitchell,
C. 8. Navy, regarding the movement down the river of two of the enemy's
gunboats.

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VA.,

Hancock's House, May 24, 1864.

SIR : The commanding general directs me to inform you that Colonel
Ferebee, commanding the cavalry on the leit of our lines, with head-
quarters near Finley's house, reports that two of the enemy's gunboats
went down the river at 9 a. m. to-day.

The commanding general further desires me to communicate to you
the fact that we have a battery of Parrott guns opposite Dr. Hewlett's
house on James Eiver, and it is thought that if you will communicate
with the officer in command when you come down the river that he may
be able to aid materially in the attack on the enemy's vessels.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. M. Navy, of the passage of the obstruc-
tions by the C. S. steamers Virginia and Richmond.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, Near Drewry's Bluff, May 24, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to report that this vessel and the Richmond
passed the obstructions safely this afternoon.
The three ironclads are now at anchor below them.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

654 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War regarding

delay in making a passage through the Confederate obstructions in

James River.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, May 24, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of the 20th instant, in reply to mine of the 19th
instant, upon the subject of making a passage through the obstructions
in the James Eiver, has been received. My object was to place the
action of this Department upon this subject in a clear and correct light,
and not to complain of the action of others. I believe that your views
upon this subject corresponded with my own, and you promptly referred
my letter to you of the 10th of April, 1863, to the Engineer Bureau for
a full report, and that report was against my proposition. I have just
read a report of Colonel Stevens of the 20th instant upon this subject,
together with a letter from Colonel Eives, of the 21st instant, in which
he refers to letters of Colonel Gilmer of the 14th and 20th of April,
1863, and to his own previous letter of September 10, 1862. These
papers are now brought to my attention for the first time, and as they
refer specially to the action of this Department and to that of the Engi-
neer Bureau, 1 deem it proper to place this statement on file.

Upon the completion of the ironclad steamer Richmond I deemed it
important to the river defenses that she should be at liberty to pass and
repass the obstructions. The work of making a practicable passage
was not difficult; a position below them, under the guns of Drewry's
and Chaflm's would have been safe, and by holding a vessel or caisson
ready to sink in the gap at any moment, the passage could have been
rendered secure. I applied to General Randolph, Secretary of War, in
September, 1862, to have such passage made. He referred the subject,
as I learn from Colonel Eives' letter, to the Engineer Bureau, and it
was not done.

On the 10th of April, 1863, 1 wrote to you the following letter, repeat-
ing my views :

I have the honor to request that the James River obstructions be opened at the
earliest practicable moment to permit the Richmond to pass below them. I deem it
very important that our armored vessels in the river should be able to pass the
barrier at any time; and I respectfully suggest that this be provided for. The large
schooner Gallego may perhaps be used in connection with this measure.

To this application I received no response ; and I now learn for the
first time from Colonel Eives' letter that my communication was
referred to the Engineer Bureau, and that Colonel Gilmer referred it to
Colonel Stevens for a report, which was made. I also learn for the
first time that Colonel Gilmer, on the 20th of April, 1863, reported
against my proposition, and the following is a part of his report:

In conclusion, considering the fact that there are two bars in James River between
Drewry's Bluff and City Point over which the Richmond can pass only in time of
freshets, and, further, that her machinery and speed are so defective, I most respect-
fully but earnestly represent that it will be judicious to make an opening in the
James River obstructions only when a second ironclad is on the eve of completion.

I regret that the several reports of these officers and the action of
the Engineer Bureau were not communicated to me, and that I now
learn them for the first time. It was certainly due to this Department
and to the public interests that I should have been so informed. I am
not aware of the grounds upon which Colonel Gilmer pronounced the
machinery (the engine I presume he meant) of the Richmond " defect-
ive." It is not so regarded by the Engineer in Chief of the Navy, who
is familiar with it, and no defects have been reported. The engine is too
small for the vessel, and her speed is consequently but 4 miles an hour,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 655

a speed, however, which is understood to be but little, if any, inferior
to the enemy's monitors. Had this vessel been below the obstructions
the enemy could not have sounded and dragged the river with his row-
boats, followed by his wooden gunboats, and have captured our sub-
marine batteries, rendering our labors for two years in this work
abortive. The Richmond would have kept them back and compelled
him to bring forward his ironclads, when our torpedoes would have
been available for what they were designed.

My next application to have the obstructions opened was on the 2d
of January last, as follows:

I have the honor to request that orders may be given to the engineer officers in
charge of the construction of the obstructions in the James River to open those at
Drewry's Bluff sufficiently to permit the passage of the ironclads Richmond and
Frederioksburg. I deem it highly important to the defenses of the river that these
vessels should be below the obstructions. I beg leave to suggest for your considera-
tion the expediency of constructing a suitable caisson to hold in readiness to be
sunk in the space made for these vessels, and which can be made by the time
the obstructions are removed.

To this I received no response until the 3d of March last, when
Colonel Stevens addressed me the following letter, dated February 29,
1864:

I have the honor to state that a copy of your letter of date January 2, 1864, to the
Secretary of War, has been sent to me by General Bragg. I shall commence at once
to open the obstructions upon the receipt of information when the gunboats will be
ready to move. I respectfully enquire if I can have a caisson built at the navy yard ?

To this I returned the following reply, dated March 10, 1864:

An earlier reply to your letters of the 29th ultimo, which was received by me on
the 3d instant, has been delayed by the want of information as to the ability of the
Tredegar Works to furnish certain iron plating. I am now advised by the constructor
that the Virginia will be ready to pass the obstructions in six weeks.

In reference to your enquiry as to the building of a caisson at the navy yard here,
the chief constructor states that we "can not conveniently build a caisson at the
navy yard just now; our sawmill is down, undergoing repairs, and we have furn-
ished a large amount of timber to rebuild the boat bridges. The gun-carriage
maker will require one month from date to complete the carriages of the Fredericks-
burg."

The Richmond had long been ready to pass the barrier and to fight,
and I desired her to go below at once, and the FredericJcsburg was com-
pleted and required only her guns to be placed on board. The Vir-
ginia was incomplete, and there was, in my judgment, reason for open-
ing the barrier as early as possible. With regard to the report of
Colonel Stevens of a conversation held with me as to the time of com-
pleting the Virginia, I have only to say that neither in that nor in any
other conversation have I ever acquiesced in any delay in opening the
obstructions; and that I have earnestly and repeatedly sought to have
them removed is, I trust, evident from my action upon the subject.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.
Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

[Telegram.]

RICHMOND, May 25, 1864.

Report in person to the Department as early as practicable to-day.

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of Navy.
Commander JNO. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

656 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from General Beauregard, C. 8. Army, to Flag- Officer Mitchell,
C. 8. Navy, regarding measures to prevent accident from torpedoes.

HDQBS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

May 25, 1864.

SIR: I ain directed by General Beauregard to inform you that tor-
pedoes have been placed in the James Kiver in front of our lines, and
to request that, in order to avoid any accident therefrom, you confer
with the officer commanding the Parrott-guu battery, with Captain
Diminock, engineer in charge of the works, and with Colonel Williams,
who will inform you as to the positions of the torpedoes. Every effort,
of course, will be made to prevent any such accident.
Eespectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to General Beauregard,
C. 8. Army, giving the result of a reconnaissance in the James River.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 35, 1864.

GENERAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com-
munications of the 24th and 25th instant, and have to return my thanks
for the information they contain in relation to the movements of the
enemy's vessels and the fact that torpedoes have been placed in the
river in front of your lines.

From a reconnoissance made this morning by Flag-Lieutenant Minor,

it is ascertained that 4 monitors, 5 wooden gunboats, 2 supply vessels,

and 3 small tugs are in the vicinity of Hewlett's house, the larger portion

of the force being about 1,000 yards from the two 30-pounder battery.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C. S. Army,

Comdg. Department Southern Virginia and North Carolina.

[Telegram.]

CHESTER, Va., Via Richmond, May 25, 1864 — 1 p. m.
From Lieutenant Minor's report of enemy's fleet in James River it is
probably best to await armament of the Hewlett battery, which will be
ready in one or two days.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL.

[Telegram.]

NEAR CHESTER, May 25, 1864 — 1 p. m.

Lieutenant Minor, C. S. Navy, reports 4 monitors and 6 wooden gun-
boats in James River, necessitating protection of the Hewlett battery
for our 3 ironclads. Can we not have sent immediately for that battery

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 657

2 or 3 X-inch coluinbiads, witli carriages, chassis, etc., platforms com-
plete, with 200 rounds apiece ? No time should be lost.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General BRAXTON BRAGG.

Letter from General Beauregard, C. 8. Army, to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8.
Navy, giving information regarding HowletVs Battery.

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

May 25, 1864.

SIR : General Beauregard instructs me to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter ot this date, and to say that the battery near How-
lett's house will only be completed after having received one 200-
pounder Parrott, now at Petersburg, and two or three X-iiich colum-
biads, already applied for, when it will be ready to open fire on the
enemy's fleet and to receive the assistance of your fleet.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Dreicrtfs Bluff.

[Telegram.]

RICHMOND, May 25, 1864.

Before making any movement be careful to give General Beauregard
and General Bausoin twenty-four hours' notice of your intention.

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.
JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy.

[Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 26, 1864.

Your telegram of 25th instant received. Due notice will be given to
Generals Beauregard and Ransom.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from General Beauregard, C. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S.
Navy, forwarding information regarding movements of the enemy.

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

Hancock's House, May 26, 1864.

SIR: I am instructed by the commanding general to communicate
for your information the following, just received :

RIVER BATTERY [at Dr. Hewlett's], May 26, 1864.

GEXKRAL: I would most respectfully beg leave to report much activity in the
bends of the river last night among the fleet, and about daylight this morning two

N \V R — VOL 10 42

658 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

out of the three monitors dropped down the river and are not to be seeu up to this
time, 8 a. in. My sentinels also think they are accompanied by other vessels. One
moni'tor and one tug and four transports still remain.
Respectfully,

B. W. PALMER,
Captain, Commanding Rirer liattery.

R. E. FOOTE,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant A djutant- General.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River 8ouadron.

[Telegram,]

CHESTER, via Richmond, [May] 26 [1864\.

Three of enemy's monitors reported authentically to have gone away.
Does not this appear a favorable opportunity for speedy action?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL.

Letter from General Beau-regard, C. 8. Army, to Flag Officer Mitchell,
G. 8. Navy, inviting discussion of a combined movement.

HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD,

Near Chester, Va., May 26, 1864.

SIR: Will you please meet Major-General K. Hansom and mysqlf at
Major Drewry's house to-morrow at 10 a. in. for the purpose of discuss-
ing a combined movement against the enemy's forces along the James
Eiver.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General, Commanding.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Drewry's Bluff, Va.

[Endorsement.]

Received at 1:30 p. in., May 26. Acknowledged, and appointment
made to meet at time and place designated above.

R. D. MINOR,
Flag -Lieutenant James River Squadron.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to General Beauregard,
C. 8. Army, regarding contemplated movement against the enemy.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 26, 1864.

GENERAL: The original of your telegram of the 25th instant, in
relation to Flag-Lieutenant R. D. Minor's report of the enemy's squad-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 659

ron in the vicinity of Hewlett's, has been received, and no movement
will be made by the squadron under iny command until further consul-
tation with you.

Please inform me if my communication of May 24, in relation to a
contemplated movement against the enemy at night or about daylight
on the 25th, has been received by you.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Comdg. Department North Carolina and Southern Virginia.

CHESTER, [May] 26, [1864].
Your letter of the 24th May was duly received.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.
JNO. K. MITCHELL.

[Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 26, 1864.

Colonel Maury, commanding at Chaffin's Bluff, telegraphs me that a
flag-of-truce boat has just arrived at Varina, and is said to contain no
prisoners.

R. D. MINOR,
Flag-Lieutenant, Ordnance Officer, James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander CooJce, C. S. Navy,
regarding icork upon ironclads in the Roanoke River.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, May 26, 1864.

SIR : Your letter of the 8th instant has just been received. Another
ironclad vessel will be built on the Roanoke River as soon as the iron
plating can be procured, and measures are being taken which it is hoped
will secure it. In this work your views will be consulted and improve-
ment on the Albemarle be made. The three requisites which are
demanded for a vessel of war in the waters of North Carolina are of
different combination, and I will be glad to hear from you on the prob-
lem of uniting invulnerability, good speed, and light draft in the best
manner. I have this day addressed Commander Pinkuey upon the sub-
ject of pushing on the completion of the Albemarle. Not a day must be
lost in this work.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander J. W. COOKE, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Steamer Albemarle, Plymouth, N. C.

660 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

RICHMOND, \May] 27, \186i}.

I have just seen the following dispatch from General Beauregard to
General Bragg:

Lieutenant Minor, C. S. Navy, reports four monitors and six wooden gunboats in
James River, necessitating the protection of the Hewlett battery for our three
ironclads.

Did Lieutenant Minor report that such a battery or any battery is
required to protect your ironclads'? If they require batteries on the
banks of the river to protect them, their position would be best on this
side the obstructions.

S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.
Commander MITCHELL,

Commanding Naval James River Squadron.

Report of Flag Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy, giving the result of interview
with Generals Beauregard and Ransom, G. S. Army.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 27, 1864.

SIR: At the request of General Beauregard I met him and General
Ransom this morning at 10 o'clock at Major Drewry's house.

He deems it advisable that the ironclads should not move below until
a battery of three heavy guns is placed in position at Hewlett's, which
he thinks will be done by to-morrow evening, and of which he will give
ine due notice. Upon receiving such information it is agreed between us
that the naval force will move down into the vicinity of the enemy under
the cover of the night with a view to an attack at daylight, if justified
by circumstances.

Your telegram of this date about the report of Lieutenant Minor,
respecting the Hewlett battery, has been received and referred to him
for such explanation as he may deem proper to make to you. Lieuten-
ant Minor did not report to me that Hewlett's or any other battery is
required to protect our ironclads, nor has he said anything to me to lead
me to suppose that such was his opinion.

1 concur with you in the opinion that if they do require batteries on
the banks of the river to protect them, their position would be better
above the obstructions.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, G. S Navy, to Acting Master Shippey, G. S.
Navy, commanding G. S. S. Roanoke.

C. 8. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, May 27, 18f>4.

SIR : You will join the squadron as soon as the torpedo apparatus and
the repairs of your gun carriage and deck circle are completed.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Acting Master W. FRANK SHIPPEY,

In charge C. S. S. Roanoke.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

661

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Carpenter Meads, C. 8.
Navy, regarding the fitting of Jire vessels.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Near Drewrtfs Bluff, May 27, 1864.
Mr. Meads would oblige me by having one pair of the fire vessels
fitted according to the above plan as soon as possible, to be used with
the Roanoke, or some other small steamer, and the other pair, as agreed
upon yesterday, without beams. The tillers should be in place, so that
the fire vessels can be steered. As soon as ready, please send me
word, so that I can send for them the moment they are to be taken
down.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Sketch of James River in vicinity of Trent's Reach, May 28, 1864.

\ o Signal Totver.
CoxtMiU.

i/s!>ernes.^\ x-^

May 28, 6p.m.
I -Monitor, single furrer.
2-Monitor,double furrtf.

team gunboats.
4 -Admirals double eflder.
J-Herm. Brig.
6~ Schooner. ,
7- Steamer.

a -b-iine orcfain buoyed irittl
breakers, svppoxd fo utcA tff-
ptdoes.

Dr. Hewlett*.

662 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, transmitting correspondence
with General Beauregard regarding immediate operations against the
enemy.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 29, 1864 — 1 a. m.

SIR: I have just received the following dispatch from General Beau-
regard :

HANCOCK'S HOUSE, via Richmond.

J. K. MITCHELL: It is impossible to state now when river battery will be ready.
Do not await its completion to operate against enemy's llret. Further delay may be
fatal to your attack and to our operations.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

To which I have made the following reply:

GENERAL BEAU REGARD: Your dispatch from Hancock's house just received. I shall
get underway immediately with the ironclads and two gunboats and proceed to
operate against the enemy as circumstances may dictate. Will General Ransom act
against the pickets of the enemy on the north bank of the river ?

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Please order the Beaufort to join me, and, as soon as they are ready,
the Roanoke and Drewry.

Please request General Ransom to clear the north bank of the river
of the enemy's pickets.

This will be handed to you by my secretary, who will follow me down
in the C. S. S. Shrapnel.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Telegram.]
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Hancock's House, , 1864,

(Received at Drewry's May 29.)

General Ransom is not under my orders. It would be well to tele-
graph him to that effect. I regret the condition, etc., of my troops do
not permit me to afford you any assistance. I shall order the two 30-
pounder Parrotts at river battery to aid you as far as practicable.

G. T. BEAUKEGARD.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL.

[Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Chaffiri>s Bluff, May 29, 1864.
GENERAL : One of my ironclads, the Fredericksburg, is temporarily
disabled. With the other two, and the gunboats, I am going down to
observe the enemy and act as circumstances may dictate. General

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 663

Oracle will operate by 11 a. m. against the enemy's pickets about
Dutch Gap. General Beauregard has been advised of my proposed
movements.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
General HANSOM,

Richmond, \'<i.

[Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

- ' James Elver Squadron, May 29, 1864 — 1 p. m.
In consequence of the ironclad Frederick&bury being temporarily dis-
abled, the movement of the squadron will be deferred until to-morrow
morning, when the Fredericksburg will probably be ready for service.
We have information that the enemy have four monitors in Trent's
Reach and immediate vicinity.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLOBY,

Secretary of the Navy.

[Same to Generals Beauregard and Ransom. |

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Commander Robb, C. S.
Navy, regarding torpedoes and fire vessels.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGIN (A,
James River Squadron, May 2!), 1864.

SIR: I respectfully request that you will send me, by the steamer
Shrapnel as soon as possible, all the torpedoes now at the navy yard,
and all you can without delay obtain, including those on board of the
fire vessels. It is my wish that the fire vessels should remain at the
navy yard, prepared for immediate service, until I can send for them.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander R. G. ROBB, C. S. Kivy,

Commanding C. S. Navy Yard, Roclietts.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of Office of

Ordnance and Hydrography, regarding torpedoes for gunboats and fire

vessels.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, May 29, 1864.

SIR: Having no torpedoes for the small vessels, I have had to send
for those put on board of the fire vessels.

It is my wish to have a full set for the gunboats and fire vessels pro-
vided as soon as possible, and I would be much obliged to you if you
will have them sent down to me as soon as ready, as far as Signal
Tower, near Cox's Mill.

664 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The fire vessels will be held in readiness at the navy yard imtil I can
determine as to their use. They can soon be brought down when
required. If not required, they might be very much in the way, and
perhaps unnecessarily embarrass our operations.

Please inform the Secretary that an injury to the boiler of the Freder-
icJcsburg prevents her accompanying me, but she will probably be ready
to follow me during the day.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander JNO. M. BROOKE, O. S. Navy,

Office of Ordnance and Hydrography, G. tf. Navy Department.

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, May 29, 1864.

One monitor came up above Baldwin's and has turned around and
gone back. There are two monitors lying opposite enemy's fortifica-
tions now.

G. W. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, VA., May 29, 1864.

We have been waiting at the barn all night and this morning, hoping
to have a chance at the Yankees, but they did not come out. Two
deserters came in to us this morning at Cox's barn, and they report
that there are four monitors lying up near Baldwin's. One of the
monitors two turret, and the others single and much lighter. Every-
thing quiet. Mr. Gregory is all ready.
Very respectfully,

G. W. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, May 50, 1864 — 5:10 a. m.

Three transports lying off Jones' barn, one double- [ender] lying just
below Dutch Gap; one small transport lying a little below Dutch Gap;
one large transport lying off Dutch Gap; one small transport moving
up the river, now a little below Baldwin's; two double-enders lying off
enemy's fortifications. We could see three smokestacks between Bald-
win's and Dutch Gap. I went to Cox's barn last night with a detach-
ment of men about 2 o'clock, and found everything quiet there. There
seemed to be much more activity with the fleet all night than usual.

G. W. SMITH.

Captain DAVIDSON.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 665

Letter from the Chief of the Office of Ordnance and Hydrography to Flag-
Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding the progress in the manufacture
of torpedoes.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Office of Ordnance and Hydrography, Richmond, May 30, 1864.
SIR: Your letter of the 29th instant was received this morning.
Torpedoes are being made as rapidly as possible here and at Charlotte,
[N. C.J. There have been supplied up to this time for the ironclads
and other vessels nine torpedoes, two large ones (soda fountains), for
which clamps are being made by which to attach them to their spars;
will be sent to Captain Eobb to-morrow to be forwarded to you. The
armament of the Drewry is being put on board. I would suggest that
the house on deck be removed, and that such simple arrangements of
galley, wheel, etc., will be made as will leave the deck as clear as pos-
sible. She could carry a third gun, if we had it, amidships.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN M. BROOKE,

Commander in Charge.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Colonel Maury, C. 8.
Army, regarding probable delay in movement.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Off Chaffing Bluff May 30, 1864.

COLONEL : The flag-officer desires me to say that there will probably
be no movement to-day, but if there should be timely notice will be
given General Gracie of it.

Eespectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOR,

Flag-Lieutenant, James River Squadron.
Colonel MAURY,

Commanding Chaffiii's Bluff.

Letter from Lieutenant Minor, C. 8. Navy, to Colonel Gorgas, C. 8. Army,
making requisition for old muskets.

C. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER VIRGINIA,
Fl'agship James River Squadron, May 50, 1864.

COLONEL : There are required for immediate service in this squadron
200 old muskets, without stocks or locks, the only requisite being that
the barrels should be straight. Also 800 ball and buck cartridges of
the same caliber as the muskets.

The above are needed for a special purpose, and if you can supply
them, please direct them to be delivered to Commander E. G. Eobb, at
the navy yard at Eocketts.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOR,
Flag Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer, James River Squadron.

Colonel J. GORGAS,

Chief of Ordnance.

666 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, transmitting copy of letter to
General Beauregard regarding proposed cooperative attack upon the
enemy.

0. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a com-
munication addressed by me to day to General Beauregard, from which
you will see the motives which govern iny movements and my proposed
plan of operations. The number of torpedoes, upon which great reli-
ance is placed in any attack upon the monitors, is yet insufficient, there
not being one to each vessel, including the fire vessels. Besides, addi-
tional security is found necessary for attaching the torpedoes to the
staff, which involves some further delay.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

/Secretary of the Navy.

[Enclosure.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 30, 1864.

GENERAL : On the receipt, about 1 a. m. on the 29th, of your dispatch
of the 28th instant, informing me that it was impossible for you to state
when your river battery would be ready, and advising me not to await
its completion to open against the enemy's fleet, that further delay may
be fatal to my attack and to your operations, supposing from the tenor
of the dispatch that there was some pressing necessity for an immediate
attack upon the enemy, i immediately moved my forces for the purpose
of proceeding at once to Howlett's to operate (as I then informed you
in reply to your telegram) " against the enemy as circumstances may
dictate."

On reaching Chaffin's Bluff, finding one of my ironclads temporarily
disabled (now ready for service), and having our observations of a week
ago corroborated by two deserters from the enemy's vessels that day
of the continued presence in and near Trent's Reach of four monitors,
and on account of the known difficulties, under the most favorable cir-
cumstances, of the navigation of Trent's Reach and the channel leading
to it, together with devices that the enemy might be supposed to resort
to in order to obstruct my approach for attacking him in the most
favorable position for him in the whole river, I have delayed proceeding
farther down to avoid showing my forces and movements until every
preparation is made to insure an attack upon his monitors.

From the difficulties in the navigation of the river before stated, it
is uncertain whether our ironclads can get in position to make an
attack at all, and even if the channel were open to us, our vessels will
have to approach "in line ahead," in water barely sufficient to float
them at high tide, only the leading vessel being able to use a single
gun, and these movements of our ironclads require daylight. I am
preparing, however, for a night attack, to take place just before the
dawn of day, by four or five gunboats with torpedoes and fire vessels,
the latter also having torpedoes attached to them. To give promise of
success the preparations should be complete and each actor be made
fully to understand the part he is required to perform. This will render
necessary some little delay, when the only remaining consideration

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 667

will be the tide and weather to determine upon the day for making
the attack.

If there were any certainty of the ironclads being able to unite with
or to follow up the attack by gunboats with fire vessels and torpedoes,
no hesitation would be felt in making it; but as this is very doubtful, it
is important to insure a reasonable prospect of complete success to the
attack by the gunboats and fire ships to have the support of the heavy
battery of 200-pounder Parrott gun and columbiads at Hewlett's pro-
posed by you. Such support is not deemed necessary for the ironclads.

I would therefore respectfully ask of you the favor of naming some
time, if practicable, when the battery referred to may be ready to open
upon the monitors of the enemy.

I have thus freely communicated my views to you, deeming them
essential to a proper understanding of the position of the opposing
naval forces.

1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Comdg. Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to officers of the C. S. Navy,
submitting plan of attack upon the enemy and requesting an opinion
upon the same.

Confidential.] 0. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, May 30, 1864.

SIR : It is proposed to make an attack on the enemy in the following
manner:

Owing to the narrow channel and the shallow water at high tide
being barely sufficient for the large ironclads, and in consequence of
the impossibility of determining whether the enemy have planted tor-
pedoes and other obstructions in the channel, it appears to me that the
attack might be inaugurated oy the gunboats, with torpedoes and four
fire vessels, two of them towing the fire vessels to their position, say
within 100 yards of the monitors, when they (the fire vessels) should be
fired, and the gunboats towing them back out from between them and
then use their own torpedoes against the monitors. The other gun-
boats will attack with their torpedoes at the same time, dividing so as
to approach from both shores. The gunboats and fire vessels should
have an instrument of some kind placed on the cutwater for cutting
hawsers or lines stretched across the channel.

The ironclads will follow the fire vessels and gunboats, led by the
Richmond, which (as Pilot Moore says) will have to be done by drop-
ping down stern foremost from Osborne's Eeach to a short distance
below Rock's, where, if tide and other circumstances favor, she may be
turned head downstream. The pilot suggests that the FredericJcsburg,
being of lighter draft than the other two ironclads, ought to be reserved
for assisting them should they get aground.

One of the chief difficulties in the way of the ironclads cooperating
in the attack of gunboats and fire vessels is that, the attack being
necessarily made at night, the ironclads can not be depended upon
until there is sufficient light for the pilots to see their way.

668 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

All these points should be duly weighed and free consultation had
with the pilots and charts.

It is uncertain when any material aid can be expected, or whether it
can be looked for at all, from the proposed heavy battery at Hewlett's.
In relation to the time when the battery at Hewlett's will be completed
I will to day address a communication to General Beauregard.

The whole question of an attack upon the enemy by the naval forces
under my command is submitted, with this memorandum, for your full
discussion and the expression of your own opinion as to any mode of
attack which may afford, in your judgment, a reasonable prospect of
success.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commanders THOS. R. BOOTES, C. S. Navy (commanding C. S. iron-
clad Fredericksburg) and R. B. PEGRAM, and Lieutenants Commanding
PARKER, MAURY, and MUBDATTGH, and Lieutenants JOHNSTON, WARD,
and SHEPPERD.

Letter from General Beauregard, C. S. Army, to Flag Officer Mitchell,
C. 8. Navy, regarding the placing of floating torpedoes in the James
River.

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

May 30, 1864.

SIR : The commanding general desires me to inform you that float-
ing torpedoes have been placed in the James River, and it is thought
probable that they have lodged against the raps obstruction placed in
the river by the enemy.

The general desires this communicated to you in order that no acci-
dent may occur to your vessels from the torpedoes.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Telegram.]

FORT CASWELL, May 30, 1864.

I am told that one and sometimes two vessels lie close in on east side
at night, leaving at daylight. Can't you hurt them ?

General HEBERT.
Colonel HEDRICK.

[Telegram.]

FORT HOLMES, |N. C.], May 30, 186 L

We have been watching them. We had the Whitworth up twice last
week to get a shot early in the morning. It is a mistake ; they do not
lie in range.

Colonel HEDRICK.
General

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING! SQUADRON. 669

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Goodwyn, C. 8.
Navy, to proceed to Howletfs Battery for the purpose of observing the
force and movements of the enemy.

0. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, May 31, 186-1.

SIR: You will proceed to the battery at Hewlett's and remain there
in the vicinity, for the purpose of observing the number, force, and
movements of the enemy's squadron, of which you will keep me advised,
reporting by courier, or otherwise, twice daily. Pilot David Wright,
of this ship, will accompany you on this duty. Please say to the com-
manding officer of the troops in the vicinity of the battery that he will
confer a favor by placing couriers at your disposal to convey the infor-
mation which you may have to forward to ine, and afford you such
other facilities as you may require.

[ am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant M. P. GOODWYN, C. S. Navy,

C. 8. Ironclad Fredericlcsburg.

Letter from General Beaurcgard, C. 8. Army, to Flag-Officer Mitchell,
C. 8. Navy, regarding the impracticability of completing Hoicletfs
Battery.

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND S. YA.,

In the Field, Near Chester, Va., May 31, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of the 30th instant was received last night. I
regret to have to inform you that the movements of my forces are of
such a nature at present as to render it impracticable to complete the
battery of three heavy guns at Dr. Hewlett's, hence your operations in
the James Eiver must not depend on any assistance to be derived from
that battery.

Hoping that you may still be able to command the navigation of that
stream,

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Drewry's Bluff, Va.

Report of Lieutenant Davidson, G. 8. Navy, regarding the movements of

the enemy.

MAY 31, 1864—8 : 30 p. m.

COMMODORE : I enclose you two telegrams. The ironclads, of course,
can not be seen from Signal Hill. Several tugs have towed forage
vessels down this evening, and it may be that Butler is leaving Ber-
muda Hundred and going round to the York to Grant, and that the
fleet may drop down to Turkey Island to shell Malvern Hill and the
left of Lee's army.

Yery respectfully, yours,

HUNTER DAVIDSON.

670 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosures. —Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, May 31, [1864]— 6: 30 p. w.

Two transports gone down, towed by tug.

G. W. SMITH.

Captain DAVIDSON.

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, May 31, [1864]— 7 o'c/ocfr.

One transport lying off Jones' barn; one double-ender lying just
below Dutch Gap; two small transports lying between the double-
ender and Dutch Gap; one double-ender lying just above Dutch Gap;
one double-ender lying off Baldwin's. The fleet seems to be quiet.

G. W. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, May 31, [1864] — 9 o'clock.

There is an unusual noise in the direction of Dutch Gap, such as
wagons crossing a bridge.
Very respectfully,

G. W. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

[Entlornement.]

Serious matter if true.

H. D.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant-Colonel
Williams, G. IS. Army, regarding floating torpedoes.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Chaffiri's Hluff, May 31, 1864.
SIR: The flag-officer requests me to say to you that your drifting
torpedoes may be caught on the buoyed line stretched across the river
by the enemy above the anchorage of their squadron and can not, there-
fore, be relied on hereafter to do them much injury, while they may do
us much harm, should we have, as we may, occasion to cut through that
obstruction.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOR,
Flag-Lieutenant James River Squadron.

Lieutenant-Colonel JNO. A. WILLIAMS,

C. S. Engineer Corps.

Report of Lieutenant Ooodwyn, C. 8. Navy, regarding the position of the
enemy's force in James River.

HOWLETT'S BLUFF, May 31, 1864—5 p. m.

SIR: There are now lying in Trent's Reach five wooden gunboats,
including the double-ender, which is the flagship, carrying ten guns.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

671

The rest of the wooden boats are small craft, carrying, as well as I can
see, one or two guns each. One single turret and one double-turret
monitor are lying close in to the north shore; one double-turret monitor
now coming up. They are all anchored about a mile from the bluff.
They have stretched across the river, about 100 yards from where they
are anchored to-day, what they suppose here to be a heavy chain or net.
One end is made fast inshore on the north side and the other anchored
well over on the south side; it is buoyed up by what looks to be fifteen
or twenty gallon breakers. There are lying in Varina Eeach one side-
wheel steamer and three schooners. There is a monitor and a large
vessel, which I am not able to make out, lying just at the turn of Trent's
Eeach, about a mile and a half from the bluff. They are all moored
head upstream. Tlie wooden vessels are constantly moving back and
forward, up the river. There is no army news that I can learn. Gen-
eral Hoke's division has gone to reinforce General Lee. Deserters say
all but a small force of the enemy have left Bermuda Hundred. I will
try and inform you more correctly of the force and position of the
enemy's fleet in my next dispatch.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. P. GOODWYN,

Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

List of officers attached to the C. S. S. Virginia.

Commander R. B. Pegram.
Lieutenant O. F. Johnston.
Lieutenant W. B. Hall.
Lieutenant M. M. Benton.
Acting Master T. P. Bell.
Passed Midshipman [W. J.] Craig.
Midshipman A. S. Doak.
Midshipman J. De B. Northrop.
Midshipman C. Gary.
Midshipman R. Pinckney.
Boatswain A. Blakie.
Gunner Robert J. Webb.

Warrant Master's Mate L. Bowdoin.
Warrant Master's Mate E. Smith.
Surgeon Carrington.
Assistant Surgeon J. E. Moyler.
Paymaster James O. Moore.
Flag-Officer's Secretary John W. Daniel.
First Assistant Engineer G. W. Tennerit.
Third Assistant Engineer J. L. McDonald.
Third Assistant Engineer S. K. Mooers.
Second Assistant Engineer B.F. Rodman.
Chief Engineer M. Quinn.

List of officers on board C. S. S. Richmond.

Lieutenant Commanding William H.

Parker.

First Lieutenant W. H. Ward.
Lieutenant Otey Bradford.
Master W. W. Read.
Acting Master W. D. Porter.
Acting Master Thomas Bell.
Assistant Surgeon Pike Brown.
Assistant Surgeon H. G. Land.
Assistant Paymaster M. Bellamy.
Lieutenant of Marines Samuel [M.]

Roberts.

Midshipman H. H. Tyson.
Midshipman G. A. Joiner.
Midshipman W. F. Wilson.
Midshipman Richard [C.] Slaughter (on

leave of absence).

Boatswain John Cassidy.

Gunner E. G. Williams.

Carpenter W. R. Jarvis.

First Assistant Engineer H. X. Wright.

Third Assistant Engineer H. C. Patrick.

Third Assistant Engineer J. H. Bailey.

Third Assistant Engineer Edward [J.]

Dunigan.

Pilot George Wright.
Pilot H. Williams.
Master's Mate W. B. Littlepage.
Master's Mate C. E. Bragdon.
Master's Mate S. M. Foster.
Master's Mate Thomas E. Gibbs (on

detached service).

MARSDEN BELLAMY,
Assistant Paymaster, C. S. Navy.

672

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

List of officers attached to the C. 8. gunboat Fredericksburg, James

River, May 31, 1864.

Commander Thomas R. Rootes.
First Lieutenant F. E. Shepperd.
Second Lieutenant J. M. Gardner.
Second Lieutenant M. P. Goodwyn.
Lieutenant for the War W. H. Wall.
Acting Master John C. Minor.
Acting Midshipman P. H. McCarriek.
Acting Midshipman W. D. Goode.
Acting Midshipman Alex. [T.] Hunt.
Acting Master's Mate R. N. Spraggins.
Acting Master's Mate L. L. Foster.
Acting Master's Mate J. J. Uronson.
Gunner C. H. Gormley.

Acting First Assistant Engineer John C.

Tenuent.
Acting Second Assistant Engineer J. J.

Lyell.
Acting Third Assistant Engineer E. F.

Gill.
Acting Third Assistant Engineer J. E.

ViernelsoD.
First Lieutenant C. S. Marim- Corps

David Bradford.

Assistant Surgeon W. J. Addison.
Assistant Surgeon John Leyhurn.
Assistant Paymaster William M. Ladd.

Respectfully submitted.

F. E. SHEPPERD,
Lieutenant and Executive Officer.

Lint of officers on board C. 8. *Sf. Nansemond, May 31, 1864.

J. W. Mnrdatigh, lieutenant, comn.and-

iug.

F. C. Morehead, midshipman.
T. C. Pinckney, midshipman.
C. B. Bohannon, master's mate.

R. M. Ross, acting third assistant engi-

neer.
Thomas McLaughlin,

assistant engineer.
Charles Laytou, pilot.

acting third

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. MURDAUGH,

Lieutenant, Commanding, C. S. Navy.

Report of Lieutenant Goodwyn, G. S. Navy, regarding the position of
the enemy's force in James River.

HOWLETT'S, June 1, 1864.

SIR: There were lying in Trent's Reach this morning at sunrise
three monitors, two single and one double turret ones, anchored abreast
at the lower end of the reach. They each have a tug alongside. There
is also a small side- wheel steamer. There is one monitor anchored at
the head of Yarina Reach. All the balance of the gunboats left last
night at sunset. Three schooners are lying below. They are all I can
make out this early in the morning. The firing heard this morning was
our batteries shelling the enemy. The reason of the delay of my dis-
patch in reaching you was on account of the courier not arriving here
sooner.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. P. GOODWYN,

Lieutenant, C. S. Navy.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron, C. S. S. Virginia.

Report of Lieutenant Goodie yn, C. & Navy, regarding the position of the
enemy's force in the James River.

HOWLETT'S, June 1, 1864 — Sunset.

SIR: The position of the enemy's squadron is the same as it was this
morning, with the addition of two wooden vessels, one, I think, a

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 673

transport. Three monitors, one double and two single turret ones, are
anchored abreast of each other about 300 yards below the line across
the river, with their guns run out; there is another monitor, whether
single or double turret, I can not tell, anchored in the bend below
Trent's Eeach. The enemy have thrown up works on the south side
of the river bearing on the line or obstructions across the river. I am
not able to see whether they have any guns mounted on it; they also
have rifle pits on the river bank. Large bodies of men can be seen in
front of their works, apparently working parties. I have only one
courier, which will account, sir, for the lateness of my dispatches reach-
ing you. I shall apply again to the commanding general for more.
Two schooners are still lying in Yarina Eeach. Flagship has not again
made her appearance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. P. GOODWYN,

Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron, C. 8. 8. Virginia.

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL HILL, June 1, 1864 — 3:30 a. m.

I have just returned from Cox's barn. There seemed to be great
activity with the fleet before the firing commenced. The firing was
from our batteries and the enemy's batteries on the shore.

G. W. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

Opinion of commanding officers regarding proposed plan of attack upon the
enemy' '$ fleet in the James River.

C. S. IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,

James River , June ly 1861.

SIB : In accordance with your wishes we have carefully read and dis-
cussed your communication of the 30th ultimo, in which you describe
the plan you propose to adopt in attacking the enemy's fleet in this
river.

We would respectfully state that the method proposed by you of
using the wooden gunboats and fire vessels is, in our opinion, not alto-
gether practicable, for the following reasons, to wit:

The fire ships being towed on each side of a gunboat would, we fear,
when cast adrift, involve the risk of fouling and exploding the gun-
boat's torpedo.

Moreover, as the attack upon the advanced monitors of the enemy's
fleet, must, on account of the depth of water in Trent's Eeach, neces-
sarily occur at the time of high tide, the fire vessels would not, when
cast off, drift upon them ; but on the other hand interfere with our
progress down the river, and perhaps endanger our own vessels.

We are also of the opinion that the wooden gunboats with the fire
vessels would be destroyed by the enemy's guns before they arrived at
a point from which they could use either the fire vessels or their tor-
pedoes; and we regard the risk of such a sacrifice of life and material
N w R — VOL 10 43

674 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

as entirely unnecessary ill order to protect the advance of our formid-
able ironclads, which, instead of following in the wake of the light
vulnerable vessels, should lead in the attack upon the enemy's monitors
under any circumstances whatever.

If the river be in no way obstructed above the position now occupied
by the enemy's monitors, we would suggest that the fire ships be used
in the manner proposed by Lieutenant Shepperd. His plan would
involve the loss of but one steamer and the risk of only half a dozen
lives.

In addition to the possibility of destroying one or more of the moni-
tors by means of the fire, the combustibles, or the torpedoes attached
to these incendiary vessels, another not inconsiderable object suggests
itself to our minds, in the use of fire ships, viz: That, in sending them
down the river about a mile in advance of our squadron, they might
force the enemy's fleet from their present position in Trent's Keach,
and enable us to pass safely through that narrow channel, which three
monitors now partially obstruct by lying close to, side by side.

We are of the opinion that the Virginia should lead the attack, of
course following the fire vessels, if circumstances be such as to render
them useful. Our three ironclads should, we think, pass through Trent's
lieach head on, as they would undoubtedly be more manageable than
if dropped down sternforemost. Moreover, the advantage in going
head on, is that their torpedoes and prows could be used with good
effect.

From information obtained from the pilots and the examination of
the chart, we regard the turning around of any one of our ironclads in
Trent's Eeach as dangerous and unsafe to attempt, either from drop-
ping down sternforemost or going head on.

We are not sufficiently well apprised of the position selected by the
three monitors in Trent's Eeach to advise any general mode of attack
upon them, but should they be in a position similar to that occupied by
them when viewed by yourself and the commanding officers in the
squadron on the afternoon of the 26th ultimo, we submit the following
suggestions :

I. That the time selected for an attack be early dawn on the day
when the flood tide will be on its last quarter at that time.

II. That the fire ships advance about a mile ahead of the Virginia
(the leading vessel of the squadron).

III. That the three ironclads form the van, followed by the wooden
gunboats, all with torpedoes attached to their bows.

While the ironclads attract the fire of the monitors the wooden gun-
boats could advance upon them with impunity and use their torpedoes
deliberately without the fear of receiving a shot. The monitors, car-
rying but a few guns each, would use them against our ironclads and
perhaps not fire a shot at the less formidable vessels.

We would respectfully urge upon you the consideration of the torpe-
does as a powerful auxiliary in the attack upon the enemy's fleet, as
depending alone upon our guns we can not expect to cope with six or
seven monitors. It would therefore be well to avoid placing the wooden
gunboats of the squadron in such a position as to draw upon them tbe
full force of the enemy'-s fire as they should be used only against the
vessels of the enemy while our ironclads attracted the fire from their
guns.

We have carefully examined the chart and consulted freely with the
pilots, no one of whom regards a night attack as at all practicable, but,
in fact, unsafe, owing to the narrow channel and the shallow water

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 675

in Trent's Reach. We have therefore suggested that the attack be
made at early dawn, if made at all.

The pilots further state that neither the Virginia nor the Richmond
could remain in Trent's Eeach half an hour after the tide commenced
falling. In view of this fact we suggest that the three ironclads push
through that reach, passing between the outer and inner monitors, if
possible, so as to avoid running aground which might occur were we to
attempt to go round them either inside or outside of them. We would
thus force the enemy to follow us and engage us in the reach below,
where there is more water and where we could maneuver our vessels
with comparative ease and safety.

If, though, the enemy should force us to fight in Trent's Reach, or in
any maiiner obstrnct the channel, we would doubtless run aground;
and should such a calamity befall any one of our ironclads, she would,
we fear, fall an easy prey to the enemy's monitors, which, from their
light draft of water and the advantage of a revolving turret might
select a position out of the range of her guns.

All of the above is respectfully submitted for your careful consid-
eration.

We are, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servants,

THOS. R. ROOTES,

Commander, C. 8. Navy.
R. B. PEGRAM,

Commander for the War.

J. S. MAURY,

Lieutenant, Commanding.

WM. H. PARKER,

Lieu tenan t, Comma n ding.

(). F. JOHNSTON,

First Lieutenant.

WM. II. WARD,

First Lieutenant.

F. E. SHEPPERD,

First Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.

J. W. MURDAUGH,

Lieutenant, Commanding.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, (3. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant GotHhcyn, C. S. Navy, regarding the position of the

enemy's fleet.

HOWLETT'S, June 2, 1864 — Sunrise.

SIR: The position of the enemy's fleet is the same as last night.
They have now in Varina Reach one bark and five schooners. Our
army is driving in their pickets this morning.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. P. GOODWYN,

Lieutenant, C. S. Navy.

Flag Officer JOHN K MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

676 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Goodiryn, G. S.
Navy, to obtain information regarding the enemy's water batteries at
Trent's Reach.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, June 2, 1864.

SIR: The flag-officer requests me to acknowledge the receipt of your
reports to this date, and to instruct you to obtain all the information
you can respecting the enemy's water batteries at Trent's Reach, their
position, with number and size of guns. This information may be
obtained from the commanding officer of the troops in the vicinity, or
from the engineer in charge. It is suggested that spies might be
employed for this purpose.

Your attention is particularly called to any obstructions which the
enemy may place in the river.

Eespectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOR,
Flag-Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer, James River Squadron.

Lieutenant M. P. GOODWYN, C. S. Navy.

Report of Lieutenant Goodwyn, G. 8. Navy, regarding the rout of the enemy

from their rifle pits.

HOWLETT'S, June 3, 1864 — 5 p. m.

SIR: I have to report no changes in the enemy's squadron since this
morning. The three monitors are still lying moored abreast of each
other, very close together, with three side- wheel wooden vessels anchored
near them. The other monitor is still lying in the bend below the reach.
There are six schooners and a bark-rigged vessel, which I think a war
vessel, lying in Yarina Reach. To-day one of the tugs, which is a
tender to one of the monitors, was experimenting with what had
every appearance of a torpedo on a spar rigged out from her bow, as
those are rigged on the vessels of your command. She would sink it
and raise it, as we do ours. There appeared to be quite a number of
officers on her. I think they have torpedoes on their vessels. The one
on the tug appeared about 50 pounds in weight. The engineer in
charge here does not think the battery I informed you of is intended
for a water battery; but they have felled the timber in between it and
the river. I can not see any guns mounted on it; it is evidently not
completed, from its appearance. I will use every exertion to find out
more about it and inform you as soon as possible. It is very difficult
to get a good observation without drawing their fire, and I have to be
very particular not to do so, as it interferes with the working parties.
Our forces charged and drove the enemy from their rifle pits this morn-
ing, capturing some eighty-odd prisoners; our loss small. We will still
hold the position. They are now moving the guns and carriages intended
to have been mounted here to Richmond.

I most respectfully request, sir, that an officer be sent here to
relieve me.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. P. GOODWYN,

Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 677

[Telegram.]

SIGNAL, HILL, June 3, [1864] — 7: 30 a. m.

Two transports lying off Jones' barn, one double- ender lying off
Variua, seven transports lying in the vicinity of Dutch Gap, one double-
ender lying below Baldwin's, one double-ender lying off Baldwin's, two
transports just gone down.

G. W. SMITH.
Captain DAVIDSON.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, requesting a change of commanding officers for the
C. S. gunboats Roanoke and Beaufort.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 3, 1864.

SIR : The present inexperienced officers in command of the gunboats
Roanoke and JJeaitfort were ordered to them that officers who were
eligible to the command from their superior rank and professional quali-
fications might be employed where their services were then deemed of
far greater importance.

These vessels for some time have been employed on service requiring
but little professional skill. As they are now, however, needed for
active work and may be made to perform an important part in any
attack upon the enemy, it is a matter of great moment that they should
be ably commanded.

I therefore respectfully request that, if practicable, officers of greater
professional experience and knowledge be placed in charge of the gun-
boats named in the places of Lieutenants for the War M. T. Clarke and
E. J. Means.

In making this request, there is no intention to reflect upon or dispar-
age, in the slightest degree, the character of those officers, for whom,
in all other respects than those purely of professional knowledge, I
entertain sincere respect.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Captain S. S. LEE,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navy Department.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Wall, C. 8.
Navy, to observe the movements of the enemy's squadron in James River.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 5, 1864.

SIR: You will relieve Lieutenant M. P. Goodwynat the Hewlett bat-
tery, and remain there and in the vicinity for the purpose of obtaining
the number, force, and movements of the enemy's squadron, of which
you will keep me advised, reporting by courier, or otherwise, twice
daily. Midshipman Scott and Pilot George Wright will accompany you
on this duty.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Lieutenant W. H. WALL,

C. S. S. Fredericksburg.

678 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, regarding the movements of the
enemy"1 s fleet in James River.

HOWLETT'S, JAMES KIVER, June 3, 1864 — 5 p. m.

SIR: I ha/e relieved Lieutenant Goodwyn, as specified in your order
of this date, and submit to you the following, in regard to the move-
ments of the enemy's fleet, since my arrival. The fleet in Trent's Keach
consists of two side-wheel steamers and one propeller (wooden), lying
in line just below the buoys. Below these, some 300 yards, are lying
three monitors, one of them with two turrets; they are in line and have
a small tug between each of them, and one on the outside of each one.
Just around the bend is another monitor, with a wooden boat alongside
of her, and in the same reach I can see the masts of five vessels. One
of them a three-master and the other four two-masters. They have
been quiet all day, not firing a shot, and remained at anchor. A small
boat has been engaged to-day along the line of buoys. I believe that they
were clearing drift from it or securing better the buoys. 1 could see
that there was a large hawser for some purpose as they pulled their boat
along by it, and paid it out again as soon as they hauled it in; I don't
think that there is anything attached to it in the shape of torpedoes,
but that it is simply a hawser stretched across the river to prevent any-
thing from drifting down upon them. The wooden vessels that I have
seen all have torpedo staffs on them, rigged in the same manner that ours
are; saw none with two staff's. The flag-officer went ashore in a small
boat about 1 o'clock, lauded where there appears to be some works going
up. Don't think that they have any heavy battery that can be seen.
The guns to have been mounted here are now being sent to Richmond.
The large Parrott gun is on the cars at Chester, to remain there until
further orders. One of the side-wheel steamers has just put on her
torpedo; also a small tugboat just come up and lying just below the
obstructions. One of the tugs between the monitors has also a torpedo
shipped on her prow or staff. The tugs and monitors are now lying
close enough together to step from one to the other.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. II. WALL,
Lieutenant, C. S. Navy, on Special Service, James River Squadron.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Sliepperd, C. S. Navy, proposing a plan of opera-
tions against the enemy's fleet.

C. S. GUNBOAT FREDERICKSBURG,

James River, June 3, 1864.

SIR: .1 beg that you will not regard me at all presumptuous in sub-
mitting for your consideration the following propositions suggested to
my mind by the observations I made yesterday from the battery near
Hewlett's, together with much thought upon the various points intro-
duced for discussion in the council of which 1 was a member.

I fully appreciate the several causes, which, under existing circum-
stances, must necessarily delay our attack upon the enemy's fleet in this
river, and I am also aware of the fact that they are resorting to every

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 679

means within the bounds of their extensive resources to place addi-
tional obstacles in the way of our reaching them. The latter might,
when completed, preclude the possibility of success on our part, even
should those now existing be removed. I feel safe, though, in saying
that no important additions to their present strong position have as
yet been fully consummated, though two considerable elements of
strength are being added to those which they now possess, viz, that
they are erecting a battery on the right bank of the river about a mile
below Hewlett's house, and (imitating our example) are fitting torpe-
does to the bows of their small wooden steamers. If, therefore, an
attack be imperative, might not delay be fatal to us? But just at this
time two important difficulties in the way of attacking them exist. The
first is the three monitors, by lying close together in Trent's Keach, so
obstruct the channel as to prevent any one of our ironclads from pass-
ing them without running aground; and the second is, that the chan-
nel in that reach is too shallow and narrow to admit of our ironclads
maneuvering in it. In short, in the present state of the tides, it would
be hazardous to attempt to pass through it unless we could do so
unmolested.

Two other points then suggest themselves to my mind; first, if the
attack be delayed, will the enemy then not be better prepared to
receive us than if it were made now; and, secondly, how, even now, can
we with safety reach the position they occupy?

It is with regard to the removal of the latter difficulty that I am
induced to submit certain propositions for your consideration, volun-
teering my services to carry out the plan I propose.

The plan of fire vessels I submitted to you sometime since is, in my
opinion, the only feasible method I can suggest for the accomplishment
of this object.

There is still one obstacle in the way of the fire vessels reaching the
position occupied by the three monitors — that is, the hawser stretched
across the channel about 300 yards above the monitors. By means of
two skiffs with three men in each, 1 propose, under the cover of dark-
ness, to cut that hawser, giving my personal attention to the execution
of the work, and as soon as it is removed, to return to the fire ships,
start them fairly down the river and then to rejoin my ship. All of
this could, 1 think, be accomplished in four hours. The matters of
detail I can explain to you in person. I have been induced to make
the foregoing proposition with the simple view of promoting the suc-
cess of the squadron you command, with which and the naval service
I am in heart and spirit thoroughly identified. I make it also because
I firmly believe that if success should attend our efforts and the fleet
of the enemy be driven beyond their present advanced position, we
could, in cooperating with our army on both sides of the James Eiver,
inflict severe punishment upon the hordes of hirelings under command
of Grant and Butler. And should we entirely defeat the enemy's iron-
clad fleet, their wooden gunboats and transports would fall an easy
prey to us, and their grand army in turn be routed and dispersed.

I make it also because I am ready and willing to run such a risk for
Ihe sake of our cause, and with a firm belief that a merciful and just
God will crown our efforts with success.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. E. SHEPPERD,
Lieutenant, C. S. Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, G. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

680 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, regarding the enemy's position.

HOWLETT'S, June 4, 1864.

SIR : I have just taken a look at the enemy's fleet, and find them occu-
pying the same position, and the same numbers as specified in my
report yesterday evening. One of the small tugs, at dark last night
lying on the outside of one of the monitors, this morning is up in line
with the wooden vessels, just below the obstructions. I think that the
wooden propeller spoken of in my last report is a double-euder (sharp
at both ends). I think she has wheels on her side, and may not be a
propeller. This morning all the wooden vessels, including the tugs,
have their torpedoes on their staffs. Have learned nothing further in
regard to their batteries. The musketry last night was picket firing.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, C. S. Navy, on Special Sercive, James River Squadron.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Wall, C. 8. Navy, regarding Union and Confederate
affairs in James River.

HOWLETT'S, June 4, 1861.

SIR: Since my last report I learn that Hansom's brigade has been
ordered to Richmond, leaving but Elliott's and Wise's brigades here.
This, so far as I can learn, are all the troops that are here, excepting
some batteries of light artillery. The enemy's works on our center look
very strong, and our line of pickets at this point are not more than 200
yards from those of the enemy; there is, however, no firing between
them, as they have agreed not to fire upon each other. It is the impres-
sion among the officers that I have conversed with, that they have but
a small force, and are evacuating; they believe this from their extreme
quietude and the number of bands of music that are heard playing all
the time. Our forces are still working on the battery to the left of
Hewlett's house, but I was told this morning that there would not be
any guns mounted at present. I see not a single heavy gun here. I
have heard a rumor that Elliott's brigade would leave for Richmond
this evening. The musketry heard last night was our pickets in front
of Wise's brigade, and on the left of our line. From an officer of the
brigade, I learn that it was a false alarm. The enemy fired three shots
to-day from one of their monitors. The fire was drawn by some sol-
diers showing themselves to the left of Hewlett's house; the shell ex-
ploded directly over the battery being erected to the left of the house.
Their number in Trent's Reach remains the same, viz, 3 monitors
(one double turret), 3 tugs, 2 side-wheel steamers, and 1 propeller or
double-ended vessel. Two of the monitors are still lying very close
together. The firing was done by one of these lying in this position.
The other monitor with two turrets has been lying some 50 yards from
them, with a tug having a torpedo on her staff alongside of her. The
tugs and wooden vessels just below the buoys have had their torpedoes
shipped in the staffs all day. The torpedo looks to be about the size of
one of our 50-pound torpedoes and made of tin. One monitor still
remains just around the bend, and in the same reach are still 4 two-
masters and 1 three-master. No boats have been seen to-day clear-

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 681

ing along the line of buoys. I have as yet been unable to see or learn
anything in regard to their battery building on the bluff just below
Hewlett's. The fleet to be seen in Trent's, number as follows, viz, 3
monitors, 3 tugs, 2 side- wheel steamers, and 1 propeller. In the reach
below, 1 monitor with a wooden vessel of some kind alongside, 1 three-
masted vessel, and 4 two-masted vessels. This, I believe, is all that has
transpired since my last report.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. WALL,

Lieutenant, C. S. Navy, on Special Service, James River Squadron.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

P. S. — I think the enemy send launches with howitzers on guard duty
every night about the obstructions and perhaps higher up, as I see
several launches alongside of the wooden vessels.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, transmitting telegraphic cor-
respondence with General Beauregard, C. S. Army, regarding Howletfs.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 5, 1864.

SIR : For your information I have the honor to furnish you, herewith
annexed, a copy of the telegraphic correspondence with General
Beauregard respecting the proposition to place a naval battery of heavy
guns at Hewlett's.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Enclosures. — Telegram.]

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA.
Ghaffin's Bluff, June 4, 1864—10 p. m.

I propose, if the Secretary of the Navy shall consent, to place heavy
navy guns in your unoccupied works at Hewlett's, and to man them
entirely from the Navy. Will you be able to protect them from the
land forces of the enemy? Please reply as soon as possible.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Hancock's House.

[Telegram.]

DUNN'S HILL, NEAR PETERSBURG, June 5 — 9 a. m.

(Received 11.45.)

River battery at Hewlett's was not armed because I was not certain
of being able to protect it. The same doubt still exists.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL.

682 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant Wall, G. 8. Navy, regarding affairs in James River.

HOWLETT'S, June 5, 18K4.

SIR : The fleet since my last report has remained unchanged in regard
to numbers and position. Several shots were tired by one of the moni-
tors late last evening. General Johnson has had all the, sand bags taken
from the battery here emptied and sent to his headquarters. The work
has, I understand, been suspended for the present. I heard a rumor
of evacuation late yesterday evening, but could not learn anything
in regard to it at General Johnson's headquarters to day. The troops
are still in the trenches, and the batteries of light artillery still in
position. The enemy is believed to be in very small force. Our troops
are under marching orders, and have been since yesterday. This order
is given so as to have them ready to move as soon as it is ascertained
definitely that the enemy has gone. It rained hard all yesterday
evening and last night.

This dispatch would have been sent this morning, but could get no
courier; went to the general's headquarters twice for one; none has
reported yet, although they promised to send me one. I send this by
Midshipman Pinckney.

I learned at division headquarters that we had three brigades here
of infantry and one of cavalry, besides some artillery.

General Beauregard's headquarters are at Petersburg.

The fleet to-day number as follows:

In Trent's Reach, 3 monitors, 3 tugs, 2 side-wheel steamers, and 1
propeller.

In reach below,! monitor, 6 schooner-rigged vessels, and 1 bark-rigged
vessel.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. II. WALL,
Lieutenant, G. 8. Navy, on Special Service, James River Squadron.

Flag-Omcer J. K. MITCHELL, 0. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

The pilot, Mr. Wright, desires me to state to you that he would
respectfully ask to be relieved to-morrow.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Shepperd,
G. 8. Navy, acknowledging suggestions regarding fire rafts.

C. S. FLAOSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Ghaffin^s muff, June 6, 1864.
SIR: I have received your communication of the 3d instant in rela-
tion to your proposed operations against the enemy with fire vessels, etc.
I beg you to be assured that i fully appreciate 'the importance of the
proposed service, no less than the gallantry and public spirit that
prompted the offer, and that I shall gladly avail myself of your services
in carrying out any plans that may be adopted for operating against
the enemy, when the moment arrives for making a demonstration.
Suggestions and propositions from you, in furtherance of the public good,
will always receive my respectful consideration.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Lieutenant F. E. SHEPPERD, C. S. Navy,

C. 8. Ironclad Fredcricksburg.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 683

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Bradford, G. 8.
Navy, regarding the establishment of signal station at Howletfs.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Off Chaffing Bluff, June 7, 1864.

SIR : If it is possible, you will to-day establish a signal station for
the army signal corps on the slope above the new works at Hewlett's,
in such a position that they can not be observed by the enemy, but can
communicate with our squadron when it goes down into Osborne's
Keach.

The commanding officer of the army in the vicinity should be con-
sulted before taking any steps in this matter, and his assistance or co-
operation requested.

You will direct Pilot Barnes to return to the Fredericksburg to-day.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITOHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant OTEY BRADFORD, C. S. Navy,

Hoicletfs Battery.

Report of Lieutenant Bradford, C. S. Navy, regarding suspicious move-
ments of the enemy in James River.

HOWLETT'S, June 7 — a. m.

SIR : The position of the fleet remains unchanged at 6 a. m. this morn-
ing. The following vessels are here:

Four monitors, 3 side [wheel] steamers, 3 tugs. The steamer I
reported as round the point yesterday is still hid there, and I think she
is a gunboat, as she was exchanging signals with the double-turret
monitor. Whetheramonitor or not, it is impossible to tell. About 5 p. m.
last evening, after sending my p. in. dispatch, a side- wheel river steamer,
accompanied by a small boat (the same as in the morning), came above
the obstructions, and was engaged in sounding river. Sharpshooters
drove her off in about one hour. About 8:30 p. m. I walked to Hew-
lett's house and found a strong picket guard of our men there. After
being there about fifteen minutes, a steamer was heard moving, and
presently the same steamer came in sight and took up the same posi-
tion as during the day. She remained all night, and at daylight this
morning had six or eight boats around her. About half an hour after,
she retired and took up her old position below obstructions, near the
shore. What can be her object no [one] here can tell, and whether she
was sounding or engaged in putting something in the river last night I
do not know. She did not remain stationary, but appeared to turn her
engines over two or three times, and then stopping ten or fifteen min-
utes, possibly longer; I had no means of telling exactly. I have also
discovered a signal station this side of the river, and abreast of the
monitors. It is in a high tree, and is probably for observing our move-
ments. I also observed that they had their torpedoes on their poles
this morning. It is my impression they ship them every night.

There is no army news. I think, however, from what I can hear, that
they intend abandoning this line and going back to Drewry's Bluff, as
the baggage has all been sent to Petersburg and the men are still under
marching orders. I think the next line will be along the railroad from

684 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Drewry's Bluff to Petersburg. My three days ended last night. I hope
I may be relieved to-day.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

OTEY BRADFORD,

Lieutenant for the War.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding, etc.

My camp is moved to Major Goit's headquarters.

Report of Lieutenant Bradford. C. 8. Navy, regarding affairs in James

River.

HOWLETT'S, June 7, 1864.

SIR : The fleet off this place now numbers as follows :
Four monitors, side and side in the channel; 1 double- turret monitor,
at lower end of reach; 3 side- wheel steamers, 2 tugboats, transports, etc.
This morning I observed that one of the side-wheel steamers was
much nearer the obstructions than last evening. I am led to believe
she takes position there at dusk every night and alters position in the
morning. I will be able to let you know with certainty to-morrow.
No army news; men still in trenches, as also the light artillery. John-
son's brigade is still under marching orders. I think, however, it is
only in case the Yankees leave the front and peninsula that they will
advance. No picket or gunboat firing since my arrival here. The bat-
tery still on the hill abreast of the monitors. No work going on in our
battery at this place.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

OTEY BRADFORD,

Lieutenant for the War.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding, etc.

Report of Lieutenant Bradford, C. S. Navy, advising against the estab-
lishment of a signal station at Howlett's.

HOWLETT'S, June 7 — p. m.
(Received 8 p. m., on return to ship.)

SIR : The fleet is the same as this morning. No army news, except
shelling the enemy from our center to annoy their working parties.
General Johnson thinks a house about half a mile from here would be
the best place for signals. It will not do, in my opinion, to establish a
station at Hewlett's, for the enemy shell everything that appears there.
I should like to have some one here with me, as I am entirely alone,
being afraid to leave camp, fearing my clothes, etc., will be taken
away. Mr. Barnes goes with the courier. I will make enquiries and
observe as far as possible this afternoon about the signals.
I am, etc.,

OTEY BRADFORD,

Lieutenant for the War.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding, etc.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 685

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. 8.
Navy, transferring him from the C. $. 8. Nansemond to the C. 8. 8.
Richmond.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffin's Bluff, June 8, 1864.
SIR: You will, upon receipt of this communication, turn over the
command of the C. S. gunboat Nansemond to First Lieutenant Charles
W. Hays, Provisional Navy C. S., and resume your duties on board of
the C. S. ironclad Richmond.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding J. W. MURDAUGH, C. S. Navy,

Commanding G. 8. Gunboat Nansemond.

Report of Lieutenant Bradford, C. S. Navy, regarding the movements of
the enemy's fleet in the river.

HOWLETT'S, June 8, 1864.

SIR : This morning the following is the number and position of the
enemy's fleet:

Three monitors, side and side in channel; 1 monitor, at lower end of
reach; 3 side- wheel boats; 2 tugboats; 1 steamer, round the point
below the monitor; can not make her out.

In my opinion, they are either evacuating or reinforcing, and I am
inclined to the latter belief. For the last two nights they have been
moving steamers all night, and, I believe, have all the bands of music,
bugles, and drums to be procured and stationed at this end of the line.
The whole of last night was one continual roar. When I took my
observations, at 6 a. m. this morning, it was too hazy for me to distin
guish as clearly as necessary the different colors of monitors, etc. At
12 m. to-day I will note the difference.

Eespectfully, your obedient servant,

OTEY BRADFORD,

Lieutenant for the War.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding, etc.

Report of Lieutenant Bradford, C. 8. Navy, regarding the position and
movements of the enemy.

HOWLETT'S, June 8, 1864, — p. m.

SIR: There are this evening in Trent's Reach the following:

One monitor round the point, white ring top of smokestack, and
white steam pipe.

No. 1, monitor to the northward, black steam pipe; can not make
out smoke pipe; think it is telescopic.

No. 2, center, lead-colored smokestack, lead-colored steam pipe, and
round the top of turret, lead colored.

No. 3, southward, smokestack lilac, steam pipe lilac, two turrets;
steam pipe near forward turret; smokestack near after one.

686 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

The steamer I reported this morning as round the bend below the
monitors, 1 found at 12 o'clock in. to have a lilac smokestack, and she
was either a schooner-rigged, or lying alongside a schooner. 1 could not
see her hull. A propeller transport, painted lead color, with foremast,
went down at about 11 a. in. I saw her until she had passed City
Point. Major Carr [Coit?], of the artillery, reported to me that he saw
a small boat engaged in sounding above the seine some hundred
yards, and also a transport come above the seine and go in the bend,
out of sight. 1 immediately went down, but the small boat had gone.
The shelling to-day was from our lines at working parties. General
Beauregard rode along the line this m.

In reply to your communication, I have to state that I dated that
second dispatch p. in. to distinguish from the first I sent. As I have
no watch it is impossible for me to tell the exact hour, and I have to
judge by the sun. Mr. Barnes can inform you that there were five
monitors.

Hoping this explanation is sufficient, and informing you that I am at
my post often during the day,

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

OTEY BRADFORD,

Lieutenant for the War.

[Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy.]

I have moved to Major Coit's headquarters for a camp.

O. B.

Report of Lieutenant Bradford, C. 8. Navy, regarding exchange of fire

with the enemy.

HOWLETT'S, June !>, l*t;f.

SIR: The fleet occupy the same position as this morning. The heavy
firing to-day was from one of the wooden gunboats, from a heavy Par-
rott gun, shelling our lines to annoy a battery playing on the enemy.
The other firing was in response to the Yankees, who opened fire from
central fort on our center. As soon as the Yankees commenced, five
batteries along the line responded. No damage; and as I write this,
all quiet. Heard frequent firing in the direction of the Appomattox,
and understand it is the Yankees shelling Fort Clifton. 1 learned from
one of the pickets that the Yankees were engaged in putting something
in the river last night. I have, since writing the above, learned that
two batteries of artillery have been ordered to Petersburg, and that
there is quite [a] fight going on there. I also learned that a spy was
captured in rear of our lines to-day.

OTEY BRADFORD,

Lieutenant for the War.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,C. S. Navy,

Commanding, etc.

P. S. — Johnson's brigade and two batteries of artillery just ordered
to Petersburg. There are no troops on the left where I have been, and
I have thought it best to move to Hewlett's upper place, where 1 can
go half a mile and observe as much, if not more, than where I was.

OTKY B.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 687

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Maffitt, C. S. Navy, to
assume command of the C. 8. S. Albemarle.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Office of Orders and Detail, Richmond, June 9, 1864.
SIR: Proceed to Plymouth, N. C., and report to Captain E. F. Pink-
ney, commanding, etc., for the command of the C. S. [ram] Albemarlc.
You will report by the 22d instant, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
By command of the Secretary of the Navy.
I am, respectfully,

[S. S. LEE,
Captain in Charge.]
Commander JOHN N. MAFFITT, C. S. NAVY,

Richmond, Va.

-. :-. [Endorsement.]

Reported June 25.

K. F. PINKNEY,

Commander.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of Office of
Orders and Detail, requesting boats for use by the army in placing
torpedoes.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffirfs Bluff, June 10, 1864.
SIR : An application for two of the boats at the navy yard, to be used
by the army for placing torpedoes, was referred to me by General
lieauregard, supposing they were under my command. My reply was
that they were under the control of your office.

I respectfully request that all the available boats at the navy yard
may be thoroughly prepared for service with grapnels, spare oars, muf-
flers, etc., and held in readiness when required.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Captain S. S. LEE,

In Charge Office of Orders and Detail.

Report of Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. S. Navy, regarding the unchanged
position of the enemy's fleet.

HOWLETT'S HOUSE, June 11, 1864.

SIR: 1 respectfully report that on the evening of the l()th the follow-
ing vessels were in sight : Four monitors, 4 tugs, and 3 transports. Two
of the monitors are side by side, about 40 yards apart; the others are
some distance below, one around the point; none of them are chained
together. One monitor has a tug and schooner alongside.

At 11 a. m., June 11, a transport came above the hawser and removed
three torpedoes that they had placed there the night before; the tor-
pedoes were not more than 50 or CO pounds.

Two transports joined the squadron during the night; the monitors
have not changed their positions.

688 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The line of buoys extending across the river is not attached to a
chain. I had a good view at low water and saw the hawser; it is made
fast to a tree on the north side, and might be cut if we went down the
river.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. MURDAUGH,
First Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. S. Navy, regarding the unchanged
position of the enemy's fleet.

HOWLETT'S, June 12, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that the monitors, four in number, have
not changed their positions; 3 tugs, 2 transports, and 1 picket boat are
above, and 1 side-wheel steamer, 1 bark, and 1 tug below the point.
The gunboats, 6 miles below, were exchanging shots with a land battery
yesterday evening.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. MURDAUGH,

First Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Commander Pegram, C. S.
Navy, to proceed to a conference with General Beauregard, C. S. Army,
regarding offensive operations in Trent's Reach.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, off Chain's Bluff, June 12, 18(11.

SIR: You will proceed to General Beauregard's headquarters and
represent to him the importance of a shore battery to drive the enemy's
monitors from Trent's Beach. You will take with you and show to the
general, should he desire to see it, a copy of the report of the council
called by me on the 8th. You will inform the general that in all the
essential points I concur in the opinions expressed by the council.

The only effective disposable guns belonging to the Navy that can be
placed in a battery are one 7-inch double banded rifle and one 6.4-inch
double-banded rifle, both belonging to the gunboat Drewry, which might
be disarmed, temporarily, for the occasion. The 7-inch Parrott rifle,
captured at Plymouth, N. C., might be used, but it has only thirty-nine
rounds of projectiles.

The squadron can furnish, if necessary, officers and men to man well
four heavy guns in shore battery, whether mounted by the Army or
Navy.

It is desirable that the general should be made fully acquainted with
the condition of our force and its means of operating directly against
the enemy in Trent's Reach, and also to ascertain from him whether
there is any probability of his being able to support any battery that
may be put up at Hewlett's.

Being familiar with the subject, you may be able to give information
to the general that will be useful to him in any plans that may be
devised for the cooperation of the two services.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 689

You will assure the general that I shall gladly do all in my power to
aid him in any of his operations.

Should the general desire it, you can leave the copy with him.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Commander R. B. PEGRAM, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. 8. Flagship Virginia.

Correspondence regarding proposed offensive operations against the enemy's
fleet in Trent's Reach, James River.

Eeport of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, transmitting papers.

0. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffiri's Bluff, June 13, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to submit herewith a copy of a letter of the
8th instant, addressed by myself to Commander Bootes and other offi-
cers of my command, together with their reply of the 9th, in relation
to operations against the enemy's naval forces in Trent's Eeach, and
also the plan submitted by Lieutenant Shepperd for preparing and
using fire vessels.

I concur in the views expressed by the council in regard to opera-
tions against the enemy. It will be seen that the use of fire vessels, as
proposed by Lieutenant Shepperd, renders necessary the certain sacri-
fice of the steamer employed for towing them. I do not, therefore, feel
myself authorized to use any of the steamers under my command for
the purpose when the hoped-for results are, in my judgment, so very
doubtful from the great hazard attending the enterprise under existing
circumstances. The question of taking one of the small steamers or
purchasing some old steamer that will answer is respectfully submitted
to the Department.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, for a counsel of officers to report on the feasibility

of an attack.

Confidential.] O. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, Chaffing Bluff, June 8, 1864.

GENTLEMEN : I am desirous of making an attack, without delay, with
the naval forces under my command upon those of the enemy now in
Trent's Reach. Before making any decisive and final movements to this
end I wish to have the benefit of your counsels, and therefore call upon
you for your opinions and advice.

First. Whether an attack under existing circumstances be deemed
advisable.

N w R — VOL 10 44

690 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Secondly. If an attack be deemed advisable, when and how it shall
be made.

In arriving at a decision upon the foregoing points, your attention will
be given to the position and force of the enemy known from constant
observation to be opposed to us in and near Trent's Reach, consisting
certainly of 1 double and 3 single turreted monitors, the former and
2 of the latter forming a line abreast and occupying the channel just
below the bar in Trent's Reach, together with 10 or more gunboats
and tugs, provided with torpedoes fitted to their bows similar to our
own.

It has not been positively ascertained yet whether the enemy has a
water battery on the right wing of Butler's army ready to unmask and
cooperate with his monitors and gunboats, but it is reasonable to sup-
pose, from appearances, that he has, and that he would not with his
means omit such a material support for strengthening his position.
Nor would it be at all surprising, as he has followed our example in
placing torpedoes on his vessels, that he should imitate us further by
placing them in the channel through which we must pass in approach-
ing him, together with other obstructions, simple but effective, that
would not be overlooked by an intelligent and wary enemy. Your
attention is called to the practicability of ascertaining whether such or
other obstacles exist in the channel leading immediately to the enemy's
vessels, and to devising means for their removal, if found to exist.

The width and depth of the channel, the bar in Trent's Reach, and
everything relating to the navigation of the river; the use of fire ves-
sels as well as torpedoes, the plan of carrying monitors by boarding,
the feasibility of a night attack, and whether it be perferable to one by
day; the manner of approach and the number of guns that will be
available in our ironclads in an attack on the monitors; the notice that
we can rely upon no cooperation from General Beauregard's army, and
that he has no water battery to aid us, are all questions which will
suggest themselves for your consideration as having important bearings
upon the subject.

The pilots should be carefully consulted as to the navigation of the
river.

The great benefits to our cause that must necessarily follow any
decided success in an attack upon the enemy's monitors in particular,
and his naval forces and transports generally, will warrant the adop-
tion of any plan of attack which may afford a reasonable prospect of
such a favorable result. On the other hand, the importance of the
squadron to the defenses of Richmond and the extent to which these
defenses would be imperiled in the event of any serious disaster to us
will not escape your due consideration.

In whatever decision I may make, great reliance will be placed upon
the counsels of officers who have been selected by the Department for
performing important parts in naval operations so full of hope for the
good of the country and the glory of our service, and who must feel
that their own reputations as well as the public interests are deeply
involved in any issue that may flow from an expression of their opin-
ions on the questions submitted to them.

My general instructions from the Navy Department contain so many
valuable suggestions for operations of the fleet that I submit them
herewith for your information.

1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADBON. 691

Commander THOS. E. EOOTES.
Commander E. B. PEGRAM.
Lieutenant Commanding JNO. S. MAURY.
Lieutenant Commanding CHAS. W. HAYS.
Lieutenant Commanding WM. H. PARKER.
First Lieutenant O. F. JOHNSTON.
First Lieutenant W. H. WARD.
First Lieutenant F. E. SDEPPERD.
Lieutenant Commanding M. M. BENTON.
Lieutenant Commanding J. M. GARDNER.

Report of the council of officers expressing the opinion that an attack is not advisable.

C. S. IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,

Off Chaffing Bluff, June 9, 1864.

SIR : In reply to your letter of the 8th instant and the question pro-
posed therein, we have respectfully to state that having maturely con-
sidered the case in all its bearings, it is our opinion that an attack upon
the enemy's fleet in Trent's Eeach by the naval forces under your com-
mand is not advisable under existing circumstances.

In submitting the above opinion, we beg leave to state the reasons
upon which it is founded :

1st. The enemy's fleet (exclusive of wooden vessels) consists of prob-
ably live monitors, one of which is double- turreted, a force equal to, if
not superior to our own.

2d. This fleet is anchored in a channel too narrow and too shallow to
admit of our ironclads maneuvering.

3d. The fleet is anchored in such a manner (three or four abreast) as
to prevent our ironclads from passing them; and in the opinion of the
pilots two of our vessels can only float for half an hour at high water,
in the reach, and can not turn.

4th. The channel a short distance above the enemy's fleet is
obstructed, we believe, by a hawser and network, and we fear that
other and more formidable obstructions, such as sunken logs, torpedoes,
etc., exist, which obstructions we have no means of removing under
the enemy's fire.

5th. The enemy's fleet is supported apparently by a battery on the
south side of the river, and he holds the banks on both sides.

6th. We have no battery at or near that position.

Having stated our opinion as to the advisability of attacking the
enemy's fleet with your whole force in his present position, we beg leave
further to state that we think every exertion should be made to force
him from that position. To do this, it occurs to us —

To erect a battery of heavy guns at Hewlett's to act in conjunction
with the guns of the ironclads.

To send down tire ships, as proposed by Lieutenant Shepperd.

To send down floating torpedoes inside or below the hawser and net-
work.

Before putting up a battery, its protection should be assured by the
general commanding the land forces.

The fire vessels, fitted with an instrument for cutting the network,
could be sent down the first dark night after being, in the opinion of
the officer in charge of them, properly prepared, always provided that
the hawser and network can be probably cut by the means proposed.

The floating torpedoes would have to be taken below the hawser and
network by rowboats before being set adrift.

692 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

This hawser and network could be examined by sending a boat down
some dark rainy night. Of course this examination would be attended
with great risk.

In expressing the opinion then that an attack is not advisable, we
mean to say an attack direct with the ironclads and wooden vessels.
The great object to be attained is to drive the monitors below Trent's
Beach, so that we may drag through and pass it. We do not think
that a bombardment from our ironclads at long range (three guns
against eight or ten) would effect this; but this in conjunction with the
other means specified might do so. At all events fire ships and tor-
pedoes should be sent down, and every means used to harass the enemy.
Should our army succeed at any time in holding any one point of the
river below the monitors, Fort Powhatan, for instance, we believe they
(the monitors) would immediately drop down below it for fear of tor-
pedoes. If we are to hold the position at Hewlett's, a torpedo and
battery should at once be put there as an additional protection to our
fleet.

At some future time it may become necessary to make an attack, even
though our entire squadron be sacrificed, either for the good of the
country or the honor of the Navy. When, in the opinion of his Excel-
lency the President or other authority, such a course becomes incum-
bent upon us, we will most cheerfully adopt it, and will not be found
recreant to the trust confided to us by the [country.]

We herewith return your letter of instructions from the honorable
Secretary of the Navy.

And have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,

THOS. B. BOOTES,
Commander, Provisional Navy G. S.

B. B. PEGRAM,

Commander, Provisional Navy C. S.
J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
CHAS. W. HAYS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
WM. H. PARKER,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
O. F. JOHNSTON,
First Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. 8.

W. H. WARD,
First Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. S.

M. M. BENTON,
First Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. S.

J. M. GARDNER,
First Lieutenant, Provisional Navy G. 8.

Owing to the strength of the enemy's fleet in its present position
and my knowledge of the fact that all the means at our command have
nol been rendered available for the purposes of attack, induce me to
concur in the above report.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. E. SHEPPERD,
First Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. 8.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

* [The above is marked out, and across it is] " Annulled by Lieutenant
Shepperd, and the report signed by him, another copy being made."

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 693

Statement of Lieutenant Siiepperd, C. S. Navy, regarding his action as a member of the council

of officers.

C. S. IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBTJRG,

James River, June 11, 1864.

SIR : Having withdrawn the qualification I made to the report of the
council of officers on the 9th instant, I respectfully beg leave to state
wby I withdrew it, and also my reasons for having, in the first instance,
added it to the report:

2. My reasons for having withdrawn it are that it was not my desire
to reflect upon you or upon anyone particularly; that it was perhaps
not relevant to the subject-matter of your letter, to which the report
was a reply, and that a reflection upon you might have been unjustly
inferred, no explanation being expressed as to what I meant by the
" available means at our command."

3. I still deem it a duty to myself, personally as well as professionally,
to state that, although having signed a copy of the report without qual-
ifying it in any way, I am nevertheless of the same opinion as was
expressed in my qualification annexed to the original, but I regard it
more becoming in me to express my views in another form, and also in
such a manner as to be more clearly understood.

4. The paragraph above my signature in the original report reads, I
believe, as follows: " Owing to the strength of the enemy's fleet in its
present position, and my knowledge of the fact that all the means at
our command have not been rendered available for the purposes of
attack, induce me to concur in the above report."

5. Should the conduct of the navy on the James Eiver hereafter
become a matter of investigation, and it appear that I, among other navy
officers, advised that an attack upon the enemy's fleet on the 9th day of
June, 1864, was not feasible and ought not to be made, was my reason
for making the qualification I did to my concurrence with the other
members of the council.

6. The enemy's position was undoubtedly a strong one, his strength
consisting mainly in the narrowness and shallowness of the channel
which he had selected as an anchorage for his fleet.

7. Our plans and preparations for an attack certainly had not been
consummated.

8. It was simply this latter fact that I desired to add to the report,
to complete the expression of my reasons for advising that an attack
should not then be made.

9. I do not pretend even to intimate whose fault it is that such a
state of affairs existed, or to go beyond the enumeration of the follow-
ing facts, viz:

I. That it was within the power of the naval authorities to have made
more progress in the building and in the equipping of our vessels.

II. That the Richmond, and Fredericksburg, together with the wooden
gunboats, could have been used against the enemy's fleet upon its
arrival in this river, and could have held and strengthened the posi-
tion it now occupies in Trent's Beach, and afterwards harassed his land
forces when they attacked our defenses at Drewry's Bluff.

III. That the work upon the Virginia was not progressing rapidly
when the enemy's fleet arrived at City Point, and, even after that time,
no work was done upon her except during the customary working hours
of the day.

IV. That the obstructions in the river below Drewry's Bluff were

694 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

not sufficiently removed to allow the Virginia and the Richmond to pass
through with safety until the 22d day of May.

V. That the work of fitting torpedoes securely to the bows of our ves-
sels was not completed.

VI. That the fire vessels (admitted by most officers to be one of the
best means of driving the enemy out of Trent's Reach) were not in
readiness for immediate use.

VII. That no cooperation on the part of the army could be relied upon,
either regarding the disposition of troops or the placing of suitable bat-
teries on the banks of the river.

10. The cooperation of the army could, in my opinion, have been relied
upon had our plans been consummated at an earlier date; in fact 1 have
been informed that certain army officers of high rank made the proffer
of cooperation to us.

11. It is evident to my mind that, had our squadron (or at least a por-
tion of it) been below the obstructions at Drewry's Bluff, we could, with
the aid of our army, have dealt a severe blow to the enemy when he
attacked that place, and perhaps been the means of driving him beyond
his present mtrenchments at Bermuda Hundred.

12. It has never appeared to me that the vigor with which the work
of preparing our squadron for service has progressed was in consonance
with the great objects in view, viz, the defense of our capital and with
it the safety and independence of our country; for it must be admitted
that any decided success of our fleet over that of the ememy must result
in the total defeat of his army on either side of the James River.

13. But that such could be expected after so much delay is a matter
much to be doubted; and the attempt, under existing circumstances,
would be extremely hazardous.

14. In compliance with your request, I have I think (though at much
greater length than I anticipated) expressed to you the full meaning of
the hitherto unexplained paragraph above my signature, numbered 4
in this letter.

For two other reasons have I done so, viz: Having in one instance
only intimated the views expressed by me in this letter, I felt it due to
my consistency in the matter to explain them more fully. To sustain
myself personally in the matter I have been induced also to make the
foregoing explanations, for, when the history of this war is written,
and the capture of Richmond be a sad fact recorded in it, and the ques-
tion be asked why the Navy took no active part in its defense, and why so
much money and so much valuable time has been devoted to the build-
ing of three formidable ironclads, two of which can barely, under the
most favorable tides, navigate the river, I, for one, desire that my
conduct in the matter, however humble and unimportant it may be,
shall appear above reproach, and that those who are directly responsi-
ble shall bear the burden of condemnation they deserve.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. E. SHEPPERD,
Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, C. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 695

Beport of Lieutenant Sheppord, C. S. Navy, transmitting plan of fire vessels to be used against

the enemy's fleet.

0. S. IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,

James River, June 10, 1864.

SIR: I herewith respectfully submit a plan of fire vessels to be used
against the enemy's fleet in this river.

Four hulks filled with pine wood, saturated with turpentine, inter-
spersed with shavings, tar, and rosin; old musket barrels, heavily
loaded and placed on the bows of all the hulks and on the shore side of
the outer ones ; shells, shot, old iron, etc., placed on the decks, a torpedo
on the bows of each hulk and one also on that of the steamer towing
them.

The hulks are to be lashed together in pairs; and a pair lashed on
each side of a steamer; all the lashings to be of chain.

The steamer to have 500 or 600 pounds of powder in a secure maga-
zine, to which I propose attaching a slow match., protected from acci-
dental fire by means of an iron or copper pipe.

The plan of a cutter, invented by Mr. Meads, of the navy yard at
Kocketts, would, I believe, remove or rather cut, any hawser stretched
across the channel by the enemy.

The shells, having time fuzes of different durations, would be con-
stantly exploding, and the old musket barrels, loaded, would be dis-
charged as each became sufficiently heated. The whole would not only
kill and maim the enemy, but prevent their interfering with the progress
of the fire vessels. The torpedoes on the bows of the vessels ought to
be relied upon to sink or destroy whatever they came in contact with.

The slow match to the magazine of the steamer could easily be grad-
uated so as not to burn out till she reached the position of the enemy.

An allowance of ten or fifteen minutes after that time would not, in
my opinion, be fatal to the enterprise, as the removal of the fire vessels,
prepared in the manner above described, would be attended with too
much risk by the enemy. The explosion of the steamer's magazine
would, I believe, cause the death of every man within 50 feet of it, and
dismount the guns of any vessel near which it should explode; say, 30
or 40 feet. The manner I propose to use the fire vessels, is to take
them down in the reach occupied by the enemy's fleet, and, if possible,
to get within 300 or 400 yards of the advanced vessels; put the steamer
under full headway, point her straight, set fire to the hulks, ignite the
slow match, and make my escape in a small boat. Six men are all that
would be required to manage the steamer and the hulks. The advan-
tage the use of a steamer would be to that of floating vessels down the
tide, is that her speed would enable them to reach the enemy before he
could escape, and also remove any obstructions across the channel.
Moreover, they would be more manageable and more apt to strike
bows on.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. E. SHEPPERD,

Lieutenant, C. S. Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, 0. S. Navy,

Commanding James River Squadron.

696

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

AB Beams across fire vessels
to steady them.

cc Springs to steady and keep
fire vessels from working fore
and aft.

cd Lines leading into the
shield or hold to keep the fire
vessels braced aft and secured
to the steamer.

E The bow of the steamer let
into the after beam to steady
the fire vessels to the steamer.

F Torpedoes.

/// Old muskets loaded.

gg A piece of old slack chain
to connect bows as a bridle.

Fire ships to be adjusted to
the Fredericksburg and the
Hampton or Roanoke on the
above plan.

The steamers to have kedges
ready to drop astern the moment
they are needed, and hands,
with axes, stationed inside of
shield or hold to cut the lines
cd, when sufficiently near to be
certain that the tire vessels have
way enough to reach the enemy
and that no deviation from their
course can prevent it. These
lines should be the only fasts
to the steamer. When near
enough to insure the fire vessels
reaching the enemy or a little
before, a stern kedge should be
dropped from the steamer, and
the moment the lines cd are cut
the engine should be reversed
and a turn taken with the stern
fast. The steamer, as soon as
disengaged from the fire ves-
sels, backs out of the way,
weighs or slips the kedge, and
acts as circumstances dictate.

The steamers, as soon as clear
of their fire vessels, should rim
into an ironclad with their tor-
pedoes ; the Roanoke or Beaufort
should then retire beyond the
reach of the enemy's fire, and
the Fredericksburg spring her
broad.side or stern upon the
enemy so as to bring her heaviest fire (concentrated upon some one
ironclad).

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 697

The enemy's ironclads are probably secured or arranged in line of
battle where they will float at low tide; at high tide there ought to be
ample water to float the Fredericksburg and perhaps the Virginia and
Richmond in the same place. If such should prove to be the case, the
Virginia and Richmond could unite in the torpedo attack, and the Vir-
ginia, in addition, use her ram with effect.

Report of Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. 8. Navy, regarding the unchanged
position of the enemy's fleet.

HOWLETT'S, June 13, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully report that no change has taken place except
during the night, when the [enemy] might be heard underway and mov-
ing up and down the river. We also heard the enemy opposite our
position. The four monitors, each with a tug, and one with a schooner
alongside, have not changed their position. Two transports and 1
picket boat above and 1 side-wheel steamer and 1 bark and several
schooners below the point.

I also respectfully report that my rations gave out yesterday. Neither
the midshipman nor man with me has anything to eat. I would rather
remain on present duty than return to the Richmond.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. MURDAUGH,

First Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.
Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, transmitting copy of a letter
from General Beauregard, C. 8. Army, regarding Battery Dantzler.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffin's Bluff, June 14, 1864.
SIR : I have the honor to submit, herewith enclosed, a copy of a com-
munication received from General Beauregard, respecting the arma-
ment of Battery Dantzler at Hewlett's.

You will perceive that the support promised by the general is quali-
fied and not permanent.

One of the 7-iuch rifles proposed by him for the battery is on board
of the Drewry, attached to this squadron, which I will at once transfer
for the purpose, unless disapproved by you.

All the assistance at my command in the preparation and manning
of the battery that may be desired by the army will be cheerfully
rendered.

I would especially invite your attention to the request of General
Beauregard " that the Navy Department shall have made immediately
as many bolts for the two 200-pouuders of said battery as can be made
at present."

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

698 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

HDQRS. DEPT. NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA,

Swift Creek, Virginia, June 13, 1864.

SIR: Captain Pegram, C. S. Navy, submitted to me last night your
letter enclosing the copy of one of the 9th instant, signed by ten offi-
cers of the Navy, in answer to questions propounded to them by you on
the 8th instant, relative to attacking the enemy's fleet in Trent's Reach,
James Eiver. As I have already informed you, I am unable to furnish
a permanent support to the land battery at Hewlett's (now known as
Battery Dautzler), but in view of the important object to be obtained,
viz, to get the command of the navigation of James Eiver, I am willing
to risk putting the armament in that battery, with only such support
as my present diminished forces will enable me to give.

I have already issued all necessary orders for completing said bat-
tery and transporting to it the following guns: One 200- pounder, taken
at Plymouth ; one 200-pouuder, from Colonel Gorgas ; one 7-inch Brooke
gun or one X-iuch columbiad from Drewry's Bluff, and one 7-inch
Brooke gun which Captain Pegram informed me can be spared from
gunboat Drewry. I must beg your assistance to have fitted to the lat-
ter a X-inch carriage, which Colonel Waddy, my chief of ordnance, will
furnish you for that object, and to request that you will send said gun,
its carriage and ammunition, as soon as practicable, to Battery Dantz-
ler. I have to request also that the Navy Department shall have made
immediately as many bolts for the two 200-pounders of said battery as
can be made at present.

With regard to the officers and men required to serve the guns of
that battery, I hope to be able to procure them from the garrison of
Fort Drewry. If unable, however, to do so, I will then call on you to
furnish the number which may be wanting.

I shall order the officer in command of that battery to confer fully
with you as to the time and manner of opening fire on the enemy's
fleet in Trent's Reach, and I shall be happy to assist you in any man-
ner whatsoever in your important undertaking, and remain,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Drewry's Bluff, Va.

[Telegram.]

RICHMOND, June 15, 1864.

Your letter of 14th received. Operatives all in the field. No bolt
for 200-pounder Parrott gun can be made. Take 7-inch rifle of Drewry
if you deem it advisable.

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 699

Report of Lieutenant Bell, C. 8. Navy, giving the result of observations at

How left's.

C. S. S. EICHMOND, June 15, 1864. .

SIR : In obedience to your command to make a report of my observa-
tions at Hewlett's, allow me to inform you that after a night of unusual
quiet I found the enemy had advanced all of his small vessels, consist-
ing of 5 schooners and 1 bark, up near the obstructions and had sunk
the 2 schooners nearest the north bank and had the other vessels
before mentioned in line across the river, ready, I presume, to sink. I
remained at Hewlett's until all the men engaged on masked batteries
had left, I then retired along the river bank to 1£ miles of Hewlett's,
hour o a. m. At 7 a. m. I perceived with assistance of a glass several
cavalrymen and about thirty men on foot take possession of battery
around Hewlett's; they appeared to move about very fast, passing
toward and from their lines. They remained in the yard around the
house until meridian, then suddenly disappeared. At 1 : 30 p. m. one of
the monitors fired two shells and all remained quiet. Monitors when
last vseen had not changed their former position. I left in boat for ship
at 1 : 40 p. in., after being relieved by Lieutenant Hall.
I remain, sir, your obedient servant,

THOS. P. BELL,

Lieutenant , Provisional Navy C. S.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Bell, C. 8. Navy, of the addition of a steamer to the

enemy's fleet.

JUNE 15, 1864 — 4 p. m.

SIR : I have the honor to inform you that there has been an addition
of 1 side-wheel steamer to the enemy's fleet. The monitors have all
of the schooners alongside, also the bark. I think they are taking
provisions and coal on board. They sounded the river with small boats
higher up than before. The fleet consists of 4 monitors, 3 side- wheel
steamers, 6 schooners, 1 bark, 2 small steam tugs, 1 transport. Each
monitor has a small tug. They have not shelled us to-day. There are
also 2 small picket boats.

I remain, sir, your obedient servant,

THOS. P. BELL,

Lieutenant, Provisional Navy G. 8.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

700

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

(f 6)

Swamp.

1- Monitor.

2- "

3- "

4- Schooner gunboat.

6 '-Dredging machine.
'Side -6~ Gunboat, wooden.
Side -7- " "

8~ " "

9 ~ Double-ender gunboat,
side-wheel.

Report of Lieutenant Bell, C. JS. Navy, regarding the sinking of obstructions

by the enemy.

HOWLETT'S, June 16, 1864 — 5 a. m.

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the enemy is sinking
schooners close up to chain with bows upstream. The monitors occupy
the same position. There are C steamers, 2 tugboats, and 1 transport.
The whole line of our works is evacuated; our masked battery is lev-
eled, guns covered up. The colonel sent us word that he was going to
withdraw all men from [the] works. There are 2 tugs nearer up
than they have been. They say that enemy has our works on the left,
and are advancing.

Yours, respectfully,

T. P. BELL.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

P. S. — Send boat as soon as possible up the river to take us oft'.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 701

Report of Lieutenant Hall, C. 8. Navy, regarding the movements of the

enemy at Hoicletfs.

BISHOP'S HOUSE, June 16, [1864] — 4 p. m.

SIR: The enemy hold Hewlett's house in small force. I think there
are not more than twenty-five or thirty men there. They have kept a
man on top of the observatory all day as a lookout. I can see them
moving back and forward very plainly. They brought the United
States flag there this noon, but if it is hoisted, we can not see it. No
movements are taking place in their intrenchments. I can not get a
view of the fleet without danger of capture, as the road leading direct
from here there is open to them. I think it will be prudent to sleep on
the north bank, keeping one person constantly on watch, and occupy
this place during the day.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

W. B. HALL,
Lieutenant, C. 8. Navy.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Telegram.!

SMITHVILLE, [June 16, 1864.]

Please report all about lights and signals last night at sea off Smith's
Island.

Captain HARDEMAN.
Colonel TAIT.

[Telegram.]

FORT HOLMES, June 16, 1864.

The mounted picket only reported two lights shown for a very short
time, evidently by a blockader off New Inlet.

Lieutenant-Colonel TAIT.

Captain HARDEMAN,

8mithville.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Colonel Waddy, C. 8.
Army, regarding the inability of the naval ordnance workshops to
supply bolts for the army.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffirfs Bluff, June 17, 1864.
COLONEL : I am directed by the flag-officer commanding to inform
you that wrought or cast iron bolts for the 7-inch rifle gun can not be
supplied by the naval ordnance workshops, as the employes, with the
exception of some eight or ten workmen, are now in the field.

I learn that some projectiles for the 7-inch rifle have been made for
the army ordnance at Tredegar.

Eespectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOR,
Flag -Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer, James River Squadron.

Colonel WADDY,

Chief of Ordnance.

702 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding substance issued as

coffee.

G. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffirfs Bluff, June 17, 1864.
GENTLEMEN: Be pleased to report to me in duplicate your opinion
of the "substance now issued as coffee," and complained of in the
enclosed communication from Assistant Surgeon Pike Brown, of the
ironclad Richmond, as having a bad effect on the health of the crew.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Fleet Surgeon W. D. HARRISON,

Ironclad Virginia.
Surgeon H. W. M. WASHINGTON,

Ironclad Fredericksburg.
Assistant Surgeon JNO. LEYBURN,

Ironclad Fredericksburg.
Assistant Surgeon H. G. LAND,

Ironclad Richmond.
Assistant Surgeon JAS. W. BELVIN,

Gunboat Hampton.
Assistant Surgeon JAS. E. MOYLER,

Ironclad Virginia.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Chief of Office of Orders
and Detail, nominating Lieutenant Wall, C. 8. Navy, to command the
C. 8. 8. Drewry.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chain's Bluff, June 17, 1864.
SIR : In compliance with your directions of the 16th instant, I have
the honor to nominate First Lieutenant William H. Wall, of the Freder-
icksburg, to succeed Lieutenant Lakiu in the command of the Drewry.

The additional officers required for the Drewry in the place of Lakin's
command, are one lieutenant, master, or passed midshipman, and
twenty-eight petty officers, seamen, ordinary seamen, and landsmen.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navy Department.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Lakin, G. S.
Navy, regarding a gun and equipment for Hewlett's Battery.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, June 17, 1864.

SIR: The flag-officer directs that you proceed without delay to the
Wilton wharf, where you will land your 7-inch rifle, carriage, chassis,
ammunition, implements, and all connected with the gun, with Lieuten-
ant Lewis and the gun's crew.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 703

Tbe gun and all its equipments, with the gun's crew ready for service
with it, should be landed on the wharf by 11 a. in. to-day, or even
sooner, if it can be done. Transportation will meet you there. It is
intended to mount the gun at Hewlett's, and Lieutenant Lewis and a
gun's crew from the steamer under your command are to go with it.

If you have not finished coaling, it can be delayed until after this
duty is performed.

The shipping of the 6.4-inch rifle can be delayed until your 7-inch is
landed.

Belying upon your energy and industry to have the work done with
dispatch and by the time named, I am,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOE,
Flag- Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer, James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding E. LAKIN,

C. 8. 8. .Drewry, Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, transmitting report of Lieu-
tenant Hall. C. 8. Navy, regarding the obstructions in Trent's Reach.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffin's Bluff, June 17, 1864.
SIR : On learning that the enemy had taken possession of Hewlett's,
I had the Frcdericksburg placed in position at the ferry so as to keep
in check any of his marauding or scouting parties near the river above
that point. Two picket gunboats and two guard rowboats are kept in
advance of our ironclads.

Enclosed is a copy of the last report from Lieutenant Hall, the
officer stationed at Hewlett's, by which you will see that the most diffi-
cult part of the channel has been obstructed by the enemy by sinking
vessels.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Enclosure.]

JUNE 17, 1864.

SIR : I came over to Hewlett's this morning. We took possession of
the works this morning and are now at work on them. The enemy
have sunk four schooners about 20 yards below the cable and are now
cutting away their masts. They have placed heavy timber between the
schooners from one to the other and obstructing the river in that way.
The bark which you see on the sketch is not yet sunk, but I saw men
aloft unreeviug the rigging, which indicates that she may be getting
ready to sink. The timbers extend to the north bank from the schooners
and nearly over to the south bank. No movements, except a launch
with a howitzer, which came up to the bark and is lying hid behind
her or some of the schooners.
Respectfully, etc.,

W. B. HALL,
Lieutenant, C. S. Navy.
Flag- Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

704 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Cooke, C. 8. Navy, reliev-
ing him from the command of the G. 8. ram Albemarle.

C. 8. NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Office of Orders and Detail, Richmond, Fa., June 17, 1864.
SIR: On the reporting of your successor, Commander Maffitt, you
will consider yourself relieved of the command, at your request, of the
C. S. [ramj Albemarle, to await orders.
By command of the Secretary of the Navy :

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. S. LEE,
Captain in Charge.

Captain JAMES W. COOKE, C. S. Navy,
C. 8. [Bam] Albemarle, Plymouth, N. C.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Lakin, G. S.
Navy, relieving him from the command of the G. 8. 8. Drewry.

0. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off Chaffing Bluff, June 19, 1864.
SIR: First Lieutenant W. H. Wall, C. S. Navy, having been
appointed by the Navy Department to succeed you in the command of
C. S. gunboat Dreicry, you will, on being relieved by him, report to
Captain S. S. Lee, officer of Orders and Detail, for further orders.

The twenty-eight men belonging to your company, and now serving
on board of the Drewry, are hereby detached from her and will con-
tinue under your orders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding EDWARD LAKIN, C. S. Navy,

Commanding C. 8. Gunboat Drewry.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding thejireofthe enemy
upon the flagship Virginia.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, off the Graveyard, June 20, 1864.
SIR : To enable the forces under my command to move at any moment
that they may be required to act against the enemy in Trent's Reach, I
dropped down yesterday below Kiugsland Bar, which the Virginia and
Richmond can pass only at half tide, and anchored about 1 : 30 p. m. at
the ferry, about 1 mile above the Signal Tower, 2 from the enemy's
works at Baldwin's or Trent's Reach, and not less than 2,900 yards
from their monitors. We had anchored but a few minutes when the
enemy opened fire upon us, apparently from his vessels about Hatcher's
Wharf, or his monitors in Trent's Reach, with XV-inch shell, which
were fired with accuracy, all five of them falling and exploding within
a few yards of our vessels, one near the Fredericksburg and four near
this ship, the fragments from one very slightly wounding two of the
crew of the Virginia.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 705

The intervening high land prevented our seeing the enemy, and it
was only from the observer at the Signal Tower that we were able to
ascertain the exact quarter from whence the enemy fired. The high
banks and trees under which we were at anchor rendered it impossible
to properly direct our fire, and to reach him we would require the ele-
vation of 6 to 7 degrees of our best guns, which even then would give
but uncertain results.

Unable to return the fire, I moved back to the Graveyard, just below
Kingsland Bar.

A suitable position will be selected, if practicable, for the ironclads
to cooperate efficiently with Battery Dantzler at Hewlett's, which may
be ready in a day or two to open on the enemy.
Eanges will be placed, if possible, for our guns.
Eespectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

P. S. — It has been arranged that Battery Dantzler will open to-
morrow (Tuesday, 21st) at noon.

Memorandum from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S.Navy, regarding proposed
attack upon the enemy's fleet by Battery Dantzler.

Memorandum.]

MONDAY, June 30, 1864.

General Pickett, commanding line from Hewlett's to Appomattox,
informs me through his adjutant-general that Battery Dantzler, at Hew-
lett's, with four guns, composed of two 7-inch rifles, columbiads, will be
ready to open fire on the enemy's monitors at noon to-day, and pro-
poses to do so as soon as General Custis Lee and the squadron can act
simultaneously.

General Custis Lee will be left to act in such manner as his judgment
may dictate; it is proposed, however, that the enemy's pickets from
Aiken's and Dutch Gap and on Farrar's Island be driven in this
afternoon, which will enable the ironclads to drop down at night with-
out being observed, and that Colonel Carter plant (as he suggests him-
self) to-night his batteries in pits on the elevated slope between Aiken's
and Cox's Landing, near Signal Tower.

The position of the ironclads will be determined to-day, and will be
taken up to-night, which, from present appearances, may be near Cox's
Lauding.

It is proposed that Battery Dantzler open on the enemy at noon
to-morrow (Tuesday), the 21st.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

C. S. Ironclad Steamer VIRGINIA,

Off the Graveyard, James River.

N w R — VOL 10 45

706 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Lieutenant Read, C. S. Navy, of the reappearance of the monitor

with the enemy's fleet.

HOWLETT'S, June 20, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that there is no change in the posi
tion of the enemy's fleet, excepting the reappearance of the large inoni
tor which dropped down the river yesterday. She is now lying at the
bend on the north side of the stream.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. W. READ,

Second Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. S.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Acting Master's Mate Golden,
C. S. Navy, to return to the C. S. S. Dretcry.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 20, 1864.
SIR: You will please return to the Drewry with all the men belong-
ing to her, as Major Smith informs me that they are not needed to man
her gun loaned to Battery Dantzler.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Master's Mate C. N. GOLDEN, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Battery Dantzler, near Rowlettfs.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of the
C. S. S. Shrapnel, detaching that vessel from the James River Squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 21. 1864.
SIR: The steamer Shrapnel, under your command, having been
detached from the James River Squadron by order of the Navy Depart-
ment, you will please report to Captain S. S. Lee, Office of Orders and
Detail, for further instructions.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Captain JNO. TROWER,

Commanding Steamer Shrapnel.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major Smith, C. S. Army,
requesting notification regarding attack.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

MAJOR: Will you do me the favor to notify me when you propose to
reopen fire upon the enemy's vessels in Trent's Reach, and oblige,
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Major F. W. SMITH, C. S. Army,

Commanding Battery Dantzler.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 707

Report of Lieutenant Read, C. <S'. Navy, regarding the enemy's fleet.

HOWLETT'S, June 22, 1863 \1864}.

SIR : The large double turreted monitor dropped down the river this
morning about 7 o'clock; the three remaining monitors are lying in the
same position as yesterday. There are no transports o*- other vessels
in sight. No firing from our battery or the enemy's ships or battery
since last evening.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. W. READ,

Second Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. 8.
Commander JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Telegram.]

SMITH VILLE, \June 22, 1864].

Vou will prepare at once a detail of 1 commissioned officer, 4 non-
commissioned officers, and 40 men, armed and equipped fully, in light
marching order, for special service, to report at these headquarters.
The Cape Fear will go over for them at once.
By order of Brigadier General Hebert :

W. D. HARDEMAN,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General.
Colonel TAIT.

[Telegram.]

[JUNE 22, 1864.]

The Cape Fear had left here when dispatch arrived. The men were
on the beach in fifteen minutes. The delay was the ship weighing anchor
and getting the men aboard.

Lieutenant-Colonel TAIT.
Captain HARDEMAN,

Smithville.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Hays, C. 8. Navy,

for the examination of the channel of the James Riverfront .Dutch Gap

to Trent's Reach.

IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, Graveyard, June 25, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby charged with the duty of examining the channel
of the river from Dutch Gap. near Cox's Landing, as low down as prac-
ticable toward, and if possible up to, the raft placed in the river in
Trent's Reach by the enemy. The object of this examination is to
ascertain whether torpedoes or any other obstructions have been placed
in the channel.

This service will have to be performed in rowboats, under cover of
the gunboats, and a land party to capture or drive away any pickets
of the enemy that may be stationed on Farrar's Island.

All the resources of the squadron in gunboats, officers, and men in
rowboats and equipments of every kind will be placed at your dis-
posal. The rowboats should be thoroughly equipped for fighting, as

708 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

well as for dragging and sweeping for torpedoes, and the gunboats
kept ready to act against gunboats, rowboats, or shore parties. Grape
or canister would be the most effective for this purpose.

All the marines of the squadron, under the command of Lieutenant
Gwynn, will be landed to-night at Cox's Landing to act under your
orders against the enemy's pickets. He will have the cooperation of
a detachment from the command of Brigadier-General G. W. C. Lee.

You should time your movements so as to avoid the observation of
the enemy, and have all your arrangements completed so as to begin
the work of dragging to-night as soon after dark as possible.

To this end the gunboats and rowboats ought to move down as soon
after suuset as possible, when they can not be seen from the enemy's
lookouts.

Major F. W. Smith has been advised of the contemplated movement.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieut. Comdg. CHAS. W. HAYS, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. S. Gunboat Nansemond.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major Smith, C. 8. Army,
announcing his intention of sweeping for torpedoes.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 25, 1864.

MAJOR : Six of our boats will be engaged during to-night sweeping
for torpedoes in the river from Cox's Landing to Hewlett's and as far
below it as it is practicable for them to go. They will be supported by
three gunboats on the water and by our marines and by some of the
local defense troops on shore, under General Custis Lee, who will drive
in the enemy's pickets in Dutch Gap and on Farrar's Island, leaving
the boats to work uninterruptedly.

This information is forwarded to you in order that your pickets may
be instructed not to fire upon our boats, and you will oblige me by com-
municating this fact to the officers in immediate command of the troops
in your vicinity, that his pickets may also be instructed not to fire
upon my men.

Should any of the enemy's vessels advance upon our boats, your guns
can do good service by keeping them in check.
The work will commence probably by 9 o'clock to night.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Major F. W. SMITH,

Commanding Battery Dantzler.

Report of Lieutenant Bell, C. S. Navy, from observations of the enemy's

fleet.

HOWLETT'S, June 25, 1864 — 5 a. m.

Sm : I have the honor to inform you that the two monitors remain in
their same position. They sunk another schooner last night very near
the bank on the north side of the river.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 709

The pickets from battery fired iiito a small boat last night. They say
the boat was coming from up the river. I think they must have been
deceived, for any boat passing down the river would have to pass our
men. The place where they say they saw the boat is about 200 yards
below Osborne's Landing. There are four guns mounted and one X-inch
gun ready for mounting at Battery Dantzler.
I remain, sir, your obedient servant,

THOS. P. BELL,
Lieutenant, Provisional Navy C. S.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of the Office
of Orders and Detail, regarding small boats of the squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 26, 1864.

SIR : In compliance with your orders of this date, received yester-
day, all the midshipmen and Boatswain Blakie have been ordered
to return to the Patrick Henry and report to Lieutenant Commanding
William H. Parker for duty. The loss of these officers to the squadron
will be seriously felt, as the vessels are now deficient in watch officers
to take charge of the deck.

The cutter on board of this vessel, and the metallic boat on board of
the Fredericksbtirg, which you directed to be returned to the Patrick
Henry, have been fitted with torpedoes and otherwise equipped for expe-
ditions, and they are the only boats these two ironclads have at all suit-
able for carrying out or weighing kedges. Under these circumstances,
you will readily perceive their importance to the efficiency of the squad-
ron, while I can see no special necessity or use for such boats to the
Patrick Henry, but to an ironclad one at least is essential. These boats
are now engaged in important examinations and reconnoissances near
the enemy, but they will be returned to the Patrick Henry to-morrow,
unless I shall be authorized to retain them.

The requisitions for boats for the Virginia and Fredericksburg have
not been tilled. This vessel has only one whale-built boat, furnished as
a barge, and a dingey. The Fredericksburg has one small metallic boat
and a four- oared skiff.

In addition, however, to the regular boats of the squadron, eleven
small skiffs were purchased for special service expeditions and were
distributed yesterday, two to each ironclad and one to each gunboat.
Fortunately in our present deficiency of boats, these skiffs can be u>ed
for ordinary communication with the shore, and among the vessels of
the squadron.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navy Department, Richmond, Va.

710 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Colonel
Ruffin, G. S. Army, regarding skiffs pressed into the naval service.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, June 26, 1864.

COLONEL : Eleven skiffs owned by Messrs. Allen & Taylor, and used
by them at their fisheries near Chaffin's Bluff, were on yesterday
pressed into the naval service by my orders. As you have been ver
bally informed by Flag Lieutenant Minor that the boats would be
neetled in the squadron, and your advice taken in regard to the manner
of obtaining them, I deem it my duty to inform you that they are now
in use, and unless the public service will suffer by it, they will be
retained in the squadron.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant-Colonel T[HOMAS] EUFFIN, [Jr.], C. S. Army.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Major Smith, C. 8. Army
regarding the examination of the river.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 26, 1864.
The expedition of gunboats and rowboats from the squadron will
continue to-night; the examination of the river commenced last night
toward the enemy in Trent's Reach. Will you do me the favor to make
the same arrangement about the pickets agreed upon for last night?
Very respectfully,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Major SMITH,

Commanding Battery Dantzler, at Howletfs.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding sanitary measures
for the James River Squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, June 27, 1864.

SIR : Enclosed I have the honor to submit to your consideration a
copy of a communication* from Fleet Surgeon W. D. Harrison, recom-
mending sanitary measures for the squadron, in whose views, as therein
expressed, I fully concur, and so far as in my power, they will be car-
ried out. I would, however, invite your attention to providing, if prac-
ticable, canal boats, or other suitable craft, that may be used as tenders
or temporary quarters for the crews of the Virginia and the Freder-
icksburg during the hot season, or, if these can not be procured, I
would suggest that open tents and flies be provided for the same pur-
pose, to be pitched on the river bank near the ship.

This vessel has not yet been provided with awnings for her shield
deck and boats, or rather with the canvas to make them, as well as for

*Not found.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 711

wind sails. I am aware of the difficulty of procuring an adequate
supply of tent canvas for the navy for general purposes, but the impor-
tance of the articles named to the comfort and health of not only this
vessel, but of some others in the squadron that require them, induces
me to bring the matter to your notice in the hope that some means may
be devised to obtain the canvas required.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLOEY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major Smith, C. S. Army,

regarding pickets.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, June 27, [1864].

By direction of the flag-officer our pickets will extend to-night, and
until further orders, from Osborne's to 1 mile above it, with orders to
fire on any boats passing in the vicinity. Will you arrange for the
army pickets, with similar orders, to be stationed from Osborne's to
Hewlett's1? We send no expedition out to-night.

11. D. MINOR,
Flag- Lieutenant, James River Squadron.

Major F. W. SMITH,

Commanding Battery Dantzler.

Letter from Major- General Whiting, C. S. Army, to Brigadier- General
Hebert, C. S. Army, urging the strengthening of Fort Fisher against
sudden assault.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, June 27, 1864.

MY DEAR GENERAL : I send you some information which is impor-
tant and, I believe, reliable. Major Norman S. Walker, agent in Ber-
muda, just in, confirms it. This will explain the absolute necessity of
at least making a show of resistance at Masonboro, and the orders of
yesterday. I have telegraphed everywhere for aid. Have been com-
pelled to bring Jackson down from Kenansville with his two companies.
As you may suppose, I am greatly exercised. I wish you would put all
your available working force on strengthening Fort Fisher, especially
against sudden assault. That is greatly to be feared, with the great
extent of the works and the smallnessof the garrison. Thelast exploit
of Cushing is pretty strong, pas trop fort. What do you think can be
done? Can you get any help from the Navy? I shall have to have a
guard for my bouse in town. He says he was up here three weeks ago.
If you have any advice or plan to give me, let me hear.
Yours, truly,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
General Louis HEBERT,

Commanding, etc., Smithville.

712 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy,
regarding sanitary measures for the James River Squadron.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, June 28, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of the 27th instaut, transmitting one from Fleet
Surgeon Harrison of the 25th instant, has been received, and you are
requested to make all practicable arrangements to preserve the health
of your people.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. B. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Telegram.]

[FORT HOLMES, June 29, 1864.]

More blockaders off than any time since 30th May; seven east, nine
west.

GEORGE TAIT,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post.
Captain HARDEMAN,

Assistant Adjutant- General, Smithville.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 1, 1864.
SIR : Your communication of this date, stating that your knife boom
has been carried away, etc., has just been received.

In reply I have to direct that you will obtain the necessary timber
from the navy yard and have the boom made, either by your own car-
penter or by some other in the squadron.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieut. Comdg. WM. H. WALL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. S. S. Drewry, Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to LieutenantWall, C. S. Navy
for the transfer of soldiers from that vessel.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 1, 1864.
SIR : You will be pleased to transfer to the Army the detachment of
soldiers now on board the Drewry, attached to the company of Lieuten-
ant Lewis, their services being no longer required for the naval service.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. 'MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieut. Corndg. WM. H. WALL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. S. Gunboat Dreicry.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 713

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Ward, C. S. Navy,
to assume command of an expedition to report to Flag-Officer Lynch at
Wilmington, N. C.

C. S. IEONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 2, 1864.
SIR : You are hereby detailed to take charge of an expedition from
the squadron, composed of Lieutenants Commanding Benton and Gard
ner and the officers and crews of their respective vessels, except one
master's mate to each and enough men to take care of them.

The officers and men will be armed and equipped for an expedition
and provided with four days' cooked rations and one blanket to each
man.

You will apply to the commanding officer of the Patrick Henry for 100
men, ordered from that vessel for the same expedition.

A steamer will be at the Patrick Henry by 3 a. m. to-morrow to convey
the party to Eichmond, and the expedition will leave the Danville depot
at 7 o'clock a. m.

You will proceed to Wilmington, N. C., and report to Flag-Officer
Lynch.

The Dreicry or some other gunboat of the squadron will convey the
party from the squadron to the Patrick Henry, and, if necessary, to
Richmond.

Lieutenants Commanding Benton and Gardner have been ordered to
report to you immediately.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant W. H. WARD, Provisional Navy C. S.,

C. 8. Ironclad Richmond.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Benton, C. S.
Navy, to report for duty to Lieutenant Ward, C. 8. Navy, commanding
expedition to Wilmington.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 2, 1864.
SIR : You are hereby detailed and will be ready to leave on the Dan
ville Railroad to-morrow (Sunday) morning at 7 o'clock, with all tbe
officers and men (including those belonging to the engineer depart-
ment) attached to the Roanoke under your command, except one mas-
ter's mate and men enough to take care of the vessel.

The officers and men will be armed and equipped for an expedition
and provided w;th four days' cooked rations and one blanket to each
man. They will be ready to leave by 2 a. in. to-morrow, when tbe
Dreicry, or some other steamer, will be ready to convey the party to
Richmond.

You will forthwith report to Lieutenant W. H. Ward, who will have
charge of the expedition.

I am, vejy respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieut. Corndg. M. M. BENTON, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. S. Gunbout Roanokc.

[Same to Lieutenant-Commanding J. M. Gardner, of the Beaufort.]

714 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell to Acting Gunner Stewart, C. 8. Navy, to
report for special duty.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 3, 1864.
SIR: You will proceed to llichmond without delay and report to
Commander John Taylor Wood, at the Navy Department, for tempo-
rary special duty, at 8 o'clock this evening.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Acting Gunner DAVID STEWART, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Flagship Virginia.

[Same order to Acting Boatswain John Cassidy.]

Report of Major- General Whiting, C. S. Army, regarding the inadequate
defenses of Wilmington, N. G.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, July 4, 1864.

GENERAL : I send you for the information of the President the accom-
panying letter of General Hebert, not that the matters referred to have
not been fully pointed out heretofore, but as bearing out my own views,
and especially because I think the time has come, if this port is worth
keeping, to be ready. And first, as to the letter to General H., I call
attention to the passages marked. A point of greater importance is
that while each of the three garrisons — Bald Head, Fisher, and Cas-
well (the loss of either of which would entail that of all, see maps) — is
inadequate to its own defense, they can not be united for the defense of
any one of them attacked, or withdrawn to aid the city, more exposed
than either. The plans and various expositions of the system of
defenses show this.

Second, the allusion to Gushing is to the enterprising commander of
the two expeditions of the enemy which have succeeded in passing my
forts by both entrances, the first time carrying off General H.'s engineer,
Captain [Patrick] Kelly, the last coming to within 8 miles of Wilming-
ton, lying concealed in a creek for four days, and finally cutting the
telegraph to Fort Fisher and capturing and carrying off the mail carrier
from Fisher with the provision returns, 3 soldiers taken fishing, 3 citi-
zens likewise, and 2 women; passing on their way out by two of the
army picket boats which I have established. There is much more in
this last expedition than would at first appear. The women and one of
the citizens were taken to Beaufort the next morning and let loose.
They have made their way from there on foot. Gushing commands the
Monticello, and his exploit and information were regarded as so impor-
tant that he was at once sent with his vessel to report at the North.

Third, there is no doubt that in this State, and among some of the
troops here who have not been in the field, there is a spirit of disaftec
tion, and General H. is right in saying that all are not to be relied on.

Fourth, he is correct in saying that his force is not increased by the
reserves, some 250 only, both for the reasons assigned and because they
only replace two small battalions of his artillery, which I have been
compelled to place in the city and at Masouboro.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 715

Previous to Cushing's expedition the enemy had been making con-
stant nightly and daily landings between Fisher and Masonboro.
Owing to an entire want of cavalry and any supporting force I was
unable to prevent or punish them. It was to stop their means of com-
munication that I advocated stopping the North Carolina salt works,
with their disloyal conscripts, and the removal of the families living
along the line. Owing to the interference of the Government this has
not been done. Since that expedition, however, the enemy appear only
at night, when they are actively engaged in locating buoys for the
Masonboro inlets and for an outside anchorage. At daylight their
steamers can be occasionally [seen] making off out of sight. The plan
of attack here on their part has always been by a landing at Mason-
boro, 6 miles from the city, and attack by their navy on Fisher. To
this may be added a boat entrance in the river by night in force. Our
naval force here being entirely useless for defense, I have only to say
that as now situated any expedition they may make, unless providen-
tially frustrated, will be successful. There is nothing to prevent their
cutting off' communication with the forts, even if they do not force the
town, and I am satisfied they contemplate it. I am trying to get as
many citizens as I can under arms, but with results not at all encour-
aging. I have been compelled to leave a large and important part of
the railroad imperfectly guarded in order to watch the coast merely by
pickets, and the town guard is not sufficient for the daily routine of
duty. I hope you will not think me importunate or too careful of my
trust, or too fearful, but totally unable to secure even labor to complete
my designs (four months having been already lost without any work,
in spite of repeated endeavors and constant entreaties to procure it,
and still without it), and wanting that support which the topography
makes absolutely essential, this place can be taken now with ease.
And so I give warning. I shall do all I can, whatever the result.

I can only add that, considering the present condition of our commu-
nications and the importance of the place, too much is left to chance,
especially with our present light, and if you hear of disaster it will
occur in the manner I have stated, though, for that matter, without a
supporting force there are half a dozen other modes equally possible
and against which I am equally powerless. The case here is not at all
that of a place which attacked may hold out until relieved, nor can
such be predicated of it. There are too many vital points, and it is too
open. I think the circumstances warrant the utmost foresight and pre-
paration. Look! The information I received from New "York and for-
warded; from New Berne and Beaufort to the same effect; preparation
of small boats at the North, especially flat bottoms ; movement of troops
from Foster's command; the two expeditions of Gushing and his imme-
diate departure for the North, especially the present movements of the
fleet. If this was like some places still held by us, the taking of which
would not materially influence the war, I would not say a word at this
crisis. As its commanding officer, I would trust to such poor resources
as I might command — the people, chance, a storm, what not — and take
the consequences; but this is different, and everyone knows it. Still
none but myself is aware of the extreme hazard which it now runs, and
of which I think it my duty to warn you.

Please to lay this before the President.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.

716 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Enclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES MOUTH CAPE FEAR RIVER,

Smithville, July 3, 1864.

GENERAL : I am as fully, if not more anxious than you are concern-
ing any attack the enemy may at any moment make upon the defenses
of Wilmington. I have a full appreciation of the dangers to which my
command is exposed and am sadly aware of my weakness. At the same
time I will use all exertions, spare no pains and labor to meet any
attack of the enemy, and light him as long as possible. I must be per-
mitted to state here, and put on record, that my present force of avail-
able troops is, in my opinion, inadequate to a successful defense. An
examination of my last trimonthly report will prove how weak my
available force is for the defense of all the points at which I may be
attacked. It must not be overlooked at the same time that each of
my posts has not men enough for its own proper defense, the means
of reinforcing one post by troops from another can not be counted upon
in case of a sudden attack ; and you are well aware that sudden attacks,
attacks of which we can know nothing till they actually commence, can
and will probably be the ones made. The reported sayings of Lieu-
tenant Gushing, U. S. Navy, I take at their proper value, only believing
portions, but his words come very near the truth when he says what
could be done by our enemies. His two entrances into the river and
safe exits, besides being a proof of my inability to guard myself, must
necessarily have furnished him pretty correct information of our
strength as to troops and the position and quality of our works. I
am, like yourself, in the belief that something will be attempted by the
enemy soon.

Another matter which places me under constant and anxious appre-
liensi nis is the fact that I do not believe there can be reliance placed
in the loyalty of all the people of this and the adjoining counties. I
will go further and state that I do not place full reliance in all my
soMiers. I very much fear that some disloyal sentiments are enter-
tained by some of them; how many must, of course, remain unknown.
Hut I am satisfied that some disloyalty does exist; and, however lim-
ited it may be, it is dangerous. Such sentiments are more liable to
spread in a weak force (I mean a force which conceives itself weak
; gainst t lie enemy) than in a large and strong force. The remedy would
then be to increase the force materially, and it would be better still if
the increase was effected by means of troops from another State than
this, and who can have no affiliation with our present ones. My men
ai e on guard and picket duty every other day, and during the dark of
the moon and on account of blockade-running steamers almost nightly,
and sometimes twice in the night, every man is under arms from alarms.
Sickness is also now greater than it has been. The accessions of the
Junior Reserves to my command can not be said to have added to my
strength. They are as yet totally ignorant of all military knowledge,
and many are so weakly that they can perform but very little duty.
They have besides brought diseases with them, and 1 particularly men-
tion the measles, of which many are now ill. Their officers are nearly
as inexperienced and untaught as themselves. It is impossible for me,
with my means, to picket the waters more effectually than I do. Flag-
Officer Lynch and myself are in daily consultation, and he will do cheer-
fully all he can. His means are, however, very insufficient also. I have
strengthened the garrison at Fort Anderson and Battery Lamb as much
as I could.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 717

I have not written this letter, general, to give an exaggerated expres-
sion of my fears. I have no other object than to state facts as they are,
and to show that I understand the dangers to which I and my command
are exposed. Knowing and fully estimating those dangers, I will meet
them to the best of my ability, and with my present means, should it
be out of your power to furnish me additional ones. It is right, how-
ever, for me to say that I do ask for more troops.
I remain, general, respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, etc.,

Louis HEBERT,

Brigadier- General.
Major General W. H. C. WHITING,

Commanding Third Military District, Department

North Carolina and Southern Virginia, Wilmington.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, transmitting lists of those sent on expedition to
Wilmington.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July (i, 1864.
SIR: Enclosed are lists* of the officers and men belonging to the
gunboats Roanoke and Beaufort that left the squadron on the 3d instant,
under the command of Lieutenant Ward, of the Richmond, for Wil
mington, N. C., with orders to report to Flag-Officer Lynch at that
place, viz:

From the Boanoke a total of 27

From the Beaufort a total of 31

Pilot Williams left the squadron at the same time to report to Com-
mander J. T. Wood at the Navy Department, and Pilots Layton .from
the Nansemond) and Barnes (from the Fredericksburg) are absent, hav-
ing been ordered to report to the Secretary of the Navy.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. 8. Navy Dept., Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Murdaugh,

C. S. Navy.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 6, 1864.
SIR : You v/ill be pleased to proceed on board forthwith and assume
temporary command of the C. S. gunboat Hampton.
1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant J. W. MURDAUGH, Provisional Navy (3. S.,

C. 8. Flagship Virginia.

* Not found.

718

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Brigadier- General Baker, C. 8. Army, to Captain Maffitt, C.
8. Nary, cautioning against proposed attack upon the enemy's gunboats
in Albemarle Sound.

HDQRS. SECOND DIST., DEPT. OF N. C. AND SN. YA.,

Goldsboro, July 6, 1864.

CAPTAIN: A rumor having reached me that it was your intention at
an early day to assume the offensive and attack the enemy's gunboats
in Albemarle Sound, I take the liberty of writing to urge upon you the
great necessity for extreme caution in the matter, and to beg that you
will not make the proposed movement unless you are certain of success.

I beg leave to remind you of the importance to the Confederacy of
the country opened to us by the taking of Plymouth, to suggest that
its recapture now engages the serious attention of the U. S. Govern-
ment, and that the loss of the gunboat which you command would be
irreparable and productive of ruin to the interests of the Government,
particularly in this State and district, and indeed would be a heavy
blow to the whole country. It has been reported to me that within the
last few days two of the largest gunboats at New Berne have been sent
to Koanoke Island.

I have no doubt that in event of an attack by you the most desperate
efforts will be made to destroy your boat, and thus open the approach
to Plymouth and Washington.

I hope, captain, you will appreciate the importance of the matter
which has induced these suggestions, and pardon the liberty taken.

With high consideration, I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. S. BAKER,
Brigadier- General, Commanding District.

Commander JOHN N. MAFFITT, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Gunboat Albemarle, Plymouth, N. G.

List of officers of the C. S. Earn Albemarle.

J. N. Maffitt, commander.

F. M. Roby, first lieutenant.

James C. Long, master.

B. F. Shelly, acting master.

J. T. Robinett, acting third assistant en
gineer.

Hugh McDonald, gunner.

P. M. DeLeon, assistant paymaster.

George A. Foote, assistant surgeon.

Henry Discher, acting third assistant en-
gineer.

W. H. Hardy, acting third assistant en-
gineer.

J. B. Hopkins, pilot.

George D. Fentress, carpenter.

John Luck, pilot on E. Mills.

Robert Freeman, acting master's mate.

James C. Hill, acting master's mate.

L. D. Pitt, acting master's mate.

Walter Shipley, second-class pilot on

Ruby.

J. S. Johnston, paymaster's clerk.
A. P. Chalk, signal officer.

Report of Chief Engineer Wright, C. S. Navy, regarding the high state of
efficiency of the C. 8. 8. Virginia.

C. S. S. RICHMOND,
James River, July 7, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report that at general inspection held on
board the C. S. S. Virginia this day, that after a very careful and

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 719

thorough examination of the engines, boilers, steam pumps, and their
appendages, under steam, I found everything in good order and con-
dition and in a very high state of efficiency.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. X. WRIGHT,
Chief Engineer, Provisional Navy C. S.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Letter from Brigadier- General Baker, C. S. Army, to General Beaure-
gard, C. 8. Army, protesting against the proposed attack upon the
enemy's fleet in A Ibemarle Sound.

HDQRS. SECOND DIST., DEPT. OF N. C. AND S. YA.,

Goldsboro, N. C., July 8, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I desire to call the attention of the general commanding
to the fact that Captain J. N. Maffitt, C. S. Navy, commanding gunboat
Albemarle, has verbal instructions to attack the enemy's fleet in
Albemarle Sound. In the opinion of Commodore Pinkney and Cap
tain Cooke, both thoroughly acquainted with the capacity, etc., of the
gunboat Albemarle, there is great danger of her capture if she goes out
into the sound for this purpose. I have received to-day an earnest
protest from Colonel Wortham, commanding at Plymouth, against this
step, which I have taken the liberty of forwarding direct to the Secre-
tary of War, with my approval thereof, and a request that he will
obtain an immediate revocation of the order to Captain Maffitt. This
was done in order to avoid the necessary delay which would have
occurred in sending it through your headquarters, and I hope this
course will meet the approbation of the general commanding, and that
he will deem it necessary to take immediate steps in the premises to
procure a revocation of the order to Captain Maffitt, as the loss of the
Albemarle would probably necessitate the evacuation of the country
recently recaptured by our forces and now so important to the
Confederacy.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. S. BAKER,

Brigadier- General, Commanding District.
Captain J. M. OTEY,

A. A. G., Dept. ofN. G. and S. Va., Petersburg, Va.

[First endorsement.]

HDQRS. DEPT. OF N. C. AND S. YA.,

July 15, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded.

G. T. BEATJREGARD,

General.

[Second endorsement.]

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

July 19, 1864.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

H. L. CLAY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.

720 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Third endorsement.]

JULY 23, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to the honorable Secretary of the Navy,
earnestly requesting his consideration of the views presented.

J. A. 8.,
Secretary.

[Fourth endorsement.]

JULY 30, 1864.

Respectfully returned to honorable Secretary of War.

It is evident from these papers that the military authorities imme-
diately in charge at Plymouth regard our tenure of Plymouth, Wash-
ington, and the rich valley of the Roanoke as dependent upon the
ironclad Albemarle; and hence their protest against the alleged verbal
orders given her by the Navy Department to attack the enemy. The
importance of this vessel in holding the country she greatly aided to
recover is apparent, even if the water fronts of Plymouth were
strengthened, but she was not designed to act as a floating battery
merely, and while her loss must not be lightly hazarded, the question of
when to attack the enemy must be left to the judgment of the naval
officer in command, deciding in view of the relations she bears to the
defenses of North Carolina.

S. R. MfALLORY,]

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from Flag Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Major- General Pickett,
C. 8. Army, requesting him to picket the right bank of the James
River above Hoicletfs Battery.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, July 9, 1864.

GENERAL : To prevent the enemy from hauling their boats through
the swamp and over the low bank of Farrar's Island, and using them
to plant torpedoes and other obstructions in the river above Hewlett's,
1 have since the 13th of June had a picket guard of 20 men stationed
every night from Osborne's, on the right bank, to a mile above it, with
instructions to fire upon all boats passing in the vicinity. At the
same time our gun and row guard boats continue to picket the river to
a point below Cox's Landing and in the vicinity of the enemy's pickets
in Dutch Gap.

As the continued employment of my men, both on shore and river
picket duty, interferes with the more appropriate ship duties and
heavy gun exercise of the squadron, I would therefore respectfully ask
of you the favor, if practicable, to picket the right bank of the river at
night, from Hewlett's up, so as to connect as nearly as convenient with
our row picket boats below Cox's Lauding.

1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Major-General G. E. PICKETT.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 721

Extract of letter from Hon. John Tyler, to Major- General Price, C. 8.
Army, giving plan of combined attack upon Point Lookout, Md., for
the liberation of prisoners and operations against Washington, D. C.

PETERSBURG, VA., July 9, 1864.
MY DEAR GENERAL:

* ******

While these things have been going on General Early, in command
of Ewell's old corps, has been dispatched in the direction of Baltimore,
by way of the valley. In the valley, near Lynchburg, he met Hunter
and tore him to pieces, driving him back to Wheeling, and at Martins-
burg he met Pope [Sigel] and took from him 1,200 prisoners. He is
now in Maryland with 15,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry. The plan is
that he shall seize Baltimore and hold it with his infantry while his
cavalry proceeds to Point Lookout to liberate our prisoners there con-
centrated to the extent of near 30,000. In the meanwhile Captain
Wood, of the Navy, proceeds from Wilmington with 5 gunboats and
20,000 stand of arms for the same point by water. If successful in thus
liberating and arming our imprisoned soldiers, Washington will be
assaulted and no doubt carried. This I regard as decidedly the most
brilliant idea of the war. Grant has lost in front of Petersburg in
killed and wounded not less than 15,000, and now the malarious dis-
eases of the climate begin to tell upon him fearfully.

* ******

So, I am, truly, yours,

JOHN TYLER.
Major-General STERLING PRICE,

Commanding District of Arkansas.

[Telegram.]

WILMINGTON, [N. C.], July 9, 1864.

Will try and get out to-night. Am badly off for officers, but hope for
the best. I request that you will not act on Wilkinson's case until I
see you.

J. TAYLOR WOOD,

C. 8. Navy.
President DAVIS.

[Telegram. ]

RICHMOND, VA., July 10, 1864.

Telegram of yesterday received. The object and destination of the
expedition have somehow become so generally known that I fear your
operations will meet unexpected obstacles. General R. E. Lee has
communicated with you and left your action to your discretion. I sug-
gest calm consideration and full comparison of views with Generals G.
W. C. Lee and others with whom you may choose to advise.

JEFF'N DAVIS.
Colonel J. TAYLOR WOOD,

Wilmington, N. C.

N w R — VOL 10 46

722 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram. ]

ElCHMOND, VA., July 10, 1864. — 6:15 p. m.

Sent telegram this morning to Colonel John T. Wood to indicate my
belief that tlie attempt would now be fruitless. If you have not other
information I advise abandonment of project.

JEFF'N DAVIS.
General G. W. 0. LEE,

(Care of General Whiting], Wilmington, N. C.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding the C. S. 8. Drewry,
ordered to Richmond for repairs.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 10, 1864.
SIR: The Drewry returned to the squadron yesterday, after having
been in the hands of the engineers, apparently in no better condition
than she was previously.

I had her carefully examined to-day by Chief Engineer Wright and
by First Assistant Engineers G. W. Teiment and John C. Tennent,
the three senior engineers in the squadron, who recommend that she
be sent to Richmond for repairs at the naval workshops.

I have accordingly ordered her to Richmond for this purpose, direct-
ing her commanding officer to report to the engineer in chief, to whom
a copy of the survey has been sent.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Hon. S. It. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, giving various items of infor-
mation obtained from deserters regarding the enemy.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 11, 1864.

SIR: Three deserters from the enemy's monitor Saugus (single turret)
came in together and delivered themselves up to the squadron this fore-
noon. Their names are David Johnson (landsman), native of Pennsyl-
vania; James Newman (seaman), native of England, and J. H. Frazier
(landsman), native of Pennsylvania.

They brought their bags with them, and one of them a Sharps &
Hawkins carbine. The carbine will be sent to the Office of Ordnance
and Hydrography. A New York Herald of the 8th was obtained from
them, which contains interesting news, and has been sent to you.

In their statements they concur very generally, few and unimportant
discrepancies being noticed, and are intelligent, especially the last
named. They corroborate the former reports and accounts of the
obstructions by sinking vessels, hawser, and torpedoes; the latter, they
think, extend to the bend (Hewlett's) in the river, which is picketed on
the bank, and by four launches at night above the obstructions. At
night one of the monitors lies close up to the obstructions, leaving before
daylight again, and two others lower down at their usual anchorage
in Trent's Reach. Torpedoes are exploded by friction and are being

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. /23

extensively made on board of the Saugus. The Saugus and Canonicus
(another single-turreted monitor) draw 13 to 13£ feet; speed, 6 to 8
knots; steer wild, and take a long time to turn. Turrets 12 inches
thick, no wood; mount two XV-inch guns each; use solid shot as well
as shell; load and fire in 4£ minutes; charge, 30 pounds for shell, 50
pounds for solid shot. The Saugus was struck during the bombardment
of 21st June on deck over a beam, and the shot, glancing, struck the
turret, knocking oft' several boltheads, but causing no casualties, as the
turret is cushioned inside. The sunken schooners could be easily
removed by plugging up the few auger holes bored in them (these men
assisted in boring them) and pumping them out. The cross section of
the monitors corresponds to our impressions; they overhang about 2£
or 3 feet under water; about 2 inches of iron on deck, the latter slightly
built; are not built for ramming. The ports have been cut away, so as
to increase the former elevation of 7 degrees of the guns.

The Onondaga draws about 14 feet; has two turrets, mounting in
each one XV-inch and one heavy rifle. Only three monitors are in the
reach; one left some time since, supposed for the Southern coast.
Admiral Lee also left for Wilmington, N. O. They took a skiff from
the Saugus at 11 last night, landed at Dutch Gap, eluded some pickets,
who fired at them (supposed to be their own) in Cox's field, and reached
our position about 10 : 30 a. m. to day without being discovered by any
of our own troops. Know nothing of army movements or their own
fleet except such as are in sight.

The deserters will be sent to the Department to-morrow for such
examination and disposition as you may direct. Two of them are desir-
ous of entering our service, but I should regret having them in this
squadron.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commandiny James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Gwynn, G. 8.
Marine Corps, regarding inspection of pickets.

G. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, off Graveyard, July 12, 1864.
SIR: Your report of the 10th instant of your picket service near
Osborue's on the previous night states that "three or four of the sailors
had not more than one or two gun caps apiece." This could not have
happened if the men, with their equipments, had been properly inspected
before leaving the Virginia, and the responsibility rests with the com
niauding officer of the party, whose duty it is to see himself that the
inspection is carefully made before leaving on the expedition.

Your failure to take the names of the men whom you report for not
being provided with caps is another omission of duty on your part if
you deem them to blame.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

First Lieutenant T. P. GWYNN, 0. S. Marine Corps,

Commanding Marine Guard, Flagship Virginia.

724 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, to Brigadier- General Conner,
C. 8. Army, regarding the accidental firing upon naval guard party.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES KIVER SQUADRON,

Off Boulware's Landing, July 16, 1864.

GENERAL: For some weeks past, from dark until daylight. I have
kept a gunboat anchored at the Signal Tower and another a short dis-
tance below her, at (Jox's Landing, underway, with two rowboats a few
hundred yards below her, under the banks of the river, for the purpose
of watching the enemy and giving timely notice of any advance or move
mentson his part, and to act against him as circumstances might dictate.
In taking up her station last night it seems that our guard party was
fired into while attempting to make the usual communication with your
picket at Cox's Mill — of course the result of a misapprehension of the
character of our forces

Annexed is a copy of the report made by Lieutenant Commanding
Hays, commanding the guard boat Nansemond, of the unpleasant occur-
rence, which I have the honor to submit for your information and with
a view to your picket receiving such instructions as may prevent a
recurrence of such mistakes.

Our guard boat is instructed to communicate with your picket at
Cox's every night on taking her station.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Brigadier-General JAMES CONNER, C. S. Army,

Commanding, etc., Chaffin's Farm.

List of torpedo stores received and expended in James River Squadron,

[July — , 1864.]

Flagship Virginia. — One staff and rigging, 1 spare staff, 1 torpedo
tank, 3 barrels of powder, 1 small tank for boat, 1 staff for boat, 4 sensi-
tive fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw-driver, and 1 nipper, and washers.

Steamer Richmond. — Two torpedo tanks, 1 small tank for boat, 1 staff
and rigging, 3 barrels of powder, 2 spare staves, 12 sensitive fuzes, 2
wrenches, 1 screw-driver, and washers.

Steamer FredericTcsburg. — One staff and rigging, 2 spare staves, 2 tor-
pedo tanks, 3 barrels of powder, 1 small tank for boat, 1 staff for boat,
12 sensitive fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw-driver, and washers.

Steamer Nansemond. — One staff and rigging, 1 torpedo tank, 4 sensi-
tive fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw-driver and washers, 1 barrel of powder.

Steamer Hampton. — One staff and rigging, 1 torpedo tank, 4 sensitive
fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw driver and washers, 1 barrel of powder.

Steamer Beaufort. — One staff and rigging, 2 torpedo tanks, 4 sensitive
fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw-driver and washers, 1 barrel of powder.

Steamer Drewry. — One staff and rigging, 1 torpedo tank, 4 sensitive
fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw driver and washers, 1 barrel of powder.

Steamer RoanoJce. — One staff and rigging, 1 torpedo tank, 4 sensitive
fuzes, 2 wrenches, 1 screw-driver and washer, 1 barrel of powder.

Steamer Torpedo. — One torpedo tank, 2 wrenches, 1 screw-driver, and
washers.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 725

Fire rafts, each. — 1 staff aud rigging (4), 1 torpedo tank (4), 5 washers
(25).

On hand (on board steamer Virginia). — One staff (on tire raft), 28 sen-
sitive fuzes, 8 wrenches, 4 screw-drivers, 24 washers, 2 pounds of while
lead, 16 spare bolts, 4 barrels of powder, 6 tin funnels.
Very respectfully submitted.

T. W. W. DAVIES,
Lieutenant, in Charge of Torpedoes, James River Squadron.

Lieutenant E. D. MINOR,

Ordnance Officer, James River Squadron.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Con-
ner, C. 8. Army, offering to cooperate in any enterprise against the
enemy.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Off Boulware's Landing, July 20, 1864.

GENERAL : After my interview with you on Monday, the 18th instant,
in relation to a battery supposed to be erected by the enemy on the
left or north bank of the river at Dutch Gap, and which opened upon
one of our gunboats the previous night while at Cox's Landing, I had
the position reconnoitered by our picket boat, which reports that five
or six of the enemy's pickets were discovered about 500 yards below
Cox's Mill or Landing; that no gun could be seen, but that a clearing
had been made at the point.

Should the reconuoissance, which I understood you to say that you
would direct, discover any battery of the enemy at or in the vicinity
of the point indicated, 1 would be glad to know it, with the view to
unite with you, as far as practicable with the forces under my com-
mand, in any effort you may be disposed to make to dislodge the enemy
from so important a position.

It will at any time afford me great pleasure, general, to cooperate
with you in any enterprise against the enemy.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Brigadier- General JAMES CONNER, C. S. Army.

Commanding Confederate Forces North Side James River.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, July 20, 1864.

Our picket line will be extended from Osborne's to opposite Dutch
Gap and will continue on duty during the day as well as night. Please
inform the officer directing the movements of the army pickets in the
vicinity of this change. Answer.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.
Major SMITH,

How letfs.

726

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

List of officers attached to the C. 8. S. Virginia.

Commander R. B. Pegram.
Fust J ientenant O. F. Johnston.
Master W. J. Craig (sick < n board).
Acting Master H. B. Ediiiborough (at

hospital).

Midshiiiman J. de B. Northrop.
Gunner Kobt. J. Webb.
Acting Carpenter William R. Jarvis (sick

on board'.
Master's Mate L. Bowdoin (sick on

board).

Master's Mate E. Smith (sick on board).
Fleet Surgeon W. D. Harrison (sick in

Richmond).

Assistant Surgeon J. E. Movler.
Paymaster James 0. Moore (sick on

board).

First Assistant Engineer G W. Tennent.
Second Assistant, I ngineer B. F. Rodman.
Third AssistantEngineer.p. L. McDonald.
Third Assistant Engineer S. K. Mooers

(on leave).
Third Assistant Engineer S. B. Jordan

(at hospital).

Lieutenant of Marines T. P. Gwynn.
Pilot Edward Moore.
Pilot David Wright.

List of officers attached to C. S. 8. Richmond, July 27, 1864.

First Lieutenant J. S Maury, command-
ing.

First Lieutenant Otey Bradford (on sick
leave).

Second Lieutenant W. W. Read.

Master W. D. Porter.

Assistant Surgeon Pike Brown.

Assistant Surgeon H. G. Laud.

Second Lieutenant Marine Corps S. M.
Roberts.

Chief Engineer H. X. Wright.
Second Assistant Engineer J. H. Bailey.
Second Assistant Engineer Ed. Dunigan.
Third Assistant Engineer William T.

Harrison.

Gunner E. G. Williams.
Master's Mate C. E. Bragdon.
Master's Mate S. M. Foster.
Pilot George Wright.
Pilot H. Williams.

NOTE. — First Lieutenant W. H. Ward, Assistant Paymaster M. Bel-
lamy, and Boatswain John Cassidy are temporarily detached.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

List of officers attached to the G. 8. 8. Fredericksburg, July 27, 1864.

Thos. R. Rootes. commander.

F. E. Shepperd, first lieutenant (returned
and sick).

M. P. Goodwyn, first lieutenant.

T. P. Bell, second lieutenant (returned).

David Bradford, first lieutenant marines.

John [C.] Minor, acting master (at hos-
pital).

C. H. Gormley, gunner.

A. J. Wilson, boatswain (prisoner of war).

J. J. Bronson, master's mate.

R. N. Spraggins, master's mate (at hos-
pital).

H. W. M. Washington, surgeon.

John Leyburn, assistant surgeon.

J. C. Tenneut, first assistant engineer.

[Junius] Hanks, second assistant engi-
neer.

E. F. Gill, temporarily detached.

J. E. Viernelson, third assistant engineer.

Win. M. Ladd, assistant paymaster (since
ordered to Patrick Henry).

Lewis Parrish, pilot.

Saml. Barnes, pilot.

WM. M. LADD,

Assistant Paymaster.

List of officers attached to the G. 8. S. Beaufort, James River Squadron,

July 26, 1864.

William H. Carlon, second-class pilot.
A, E. Albertsou, master's mate.

Very respectfully, yours,

William R. Rowe, master's mate.
J. F. Bush, signal officer.

Commander J. K. MITCHELL,

James Rirer Squadron.

A. E. ALBERTSON,

Master's Mate.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 727

List of officers attached to the C. S. 8. Nansemond, July 27, 1864.

Charles W. Hays, lieutenant command-
ing.
R. C. Slaughter, acting midshipman.

C. 13. Bohannon, muster's mate.
W. B. Littlepage, master's mate.
James E. Turner, pilot.

List of officers attached to the C. 8. S. Roanoke, July 27, 1864.

J. E. Carlon, third assistant engineer.

H. Smith, boatswain's mate.

E. Beckwith, signal operator.

J. E. CARLON,
Acting Third Assistant Engineer.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Hays, C. S. Navy,
regarding station of picket boat.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Off Boulware's Landing, July 28, 1864.

SIR : The flag-officer desires me to call your attention to the following
request of Commander Davidson and to say that he wishes you to act
in accordance with it.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. MINOR,
Flag- Lieutenant, Ordnance Officer James River Squadron.

Lieut. Comdg. CHAS. W. HAYS, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. 8. 8. Nansemond.

[Same to Lieutenant-Commanding Wall, of the Drewry.]

[Enclosure.]

I respectfully request that your picket boat may be directed not to
anchor near my lower submarine battery, stationed at Sailor's Town.
They may catch and destroy the wires.

HUNTER DAVIDSON.

Commander MITCHELL.

Order of Commander Wood, G. 8. Navy, to Acting Master Curtis, C. 8.
Navy, to proceed on special duty to Plymouth, N. C.

WILMINGTON, N. C., July 29, 1864.

SIR : By order of Lieutenant-Commanding Poindexter, C. S. Navy,
you will proceed at once to Plymouth, N. C., for the shot and shell of
the 200-pounder Parrott which was captured at that place, with all possi-
ble dispatch. Report to the commanding officer at Halifax, and request
of him to facilitate you as much as possible. Commander Brooke [is]
Chief of Bureau of Ordnance and will send the necessary orders to the
commanding officer at Plymouth.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. TAYLOR WOOD.
Acting Master CURTIS, C. S. Navy.

728 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[First endorsement.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 2, 1864.

Acting Master Curtis reported to this Department the facts covi-
nectecl with the attempts to obtain the shot and shell referred to within,
and his action is approved. He will return to Wilmington without
delay and report to Commander Wood; in his absence, to Flag-Officer
Lynch.
By direction of Secretary of Navy:

E. TIDBALL,

Chief Cleric.

[Second endorsement.]

Reported August 6, 1864.

J. TAYLOR WOOD,

Commanding.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, to Acting Master's Mate Albertson
C. 8. Navy, to assume temporary command of the C. 8. 8. Roanolce.

C. 8. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Off Boulware's Landing, July 31, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby temporarily transferred to the charge of the C. S.
gunboat Roanoke, of this squadron, until the return of one of her own
sea officers senior to yourself, when you will resume your duties on board
of the C, S. gunboat Beaufort. You will be careful to keep the Roanoke
at all times in condition for any service that may be required and the
crew in efficient discipline. No change in the orders or rules estab-
lished by her regular commanding officer will be made without my
sanction.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Master's Mate A. E. ALBERTSON, Provisional Navy C. S.,

C. 8. Gunboat Beaufort.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Maffitt, C. S. Navy,
referring to correspondence regarding proposed attack by the C. S. S.
Albemarle.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, August 4, 1864.

SIR: In reply to your letter* of the 9th ultimo, enclosing copy of a
letter t from General Baker, relative to the proposed attack by the Albe-
marle upon the enemy's gunboats, I enclose for your information copy
of my letter * to Captain Piukuey, relative to a similar letter \ from
General Baker, referred to me by the Secretary of War.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Commander J. N. MAFFITT, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding Steame'r Albemarle, Plymouth, N. C.

* Not found. t See p. 718. t See p. 719.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 729

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Minor, detaching him
from the James River Squadron.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Office of Orders and Detail, Richmond, Va., August 6, 1864.
SIR: You are hereby detached from the James Eiver Squadron, and
will report to Commander Brooke, to resume your duties in the ordnance
works in this city.

By command of the Secretary of the Navy:
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. S. LEE,
Captain in Charge.

First Lieutenant ROBERT D. MINOR, C. S. Navy,

James River Squadron, Virginia.

Letter from Major Smith, C. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
transmitting diagram of the enemy's batteries in James River.

HEADQUARTERS,
Battery Dantzler, August 6, 1864.

SIR : The accompanying diagram will give you an idea of the posi-
tion of the batteries established by the enemy on the river below us.
He opened yesterday evening upon us with the following guns, in reply
to a few shots of ours, fired by General Pickett's order:
From Battery A, one X-iuch mortar.
From Battery B, one 30 pounder Parrott.
From Battery C, three 30-pounder Parrotts.

From Battery D, one 100-pouiider Parrott and one X-inch mortar.
Their mortar firing was very inaccurate, but from the Parrott guns
they fired with great accuracy, doing, however, no damage. Our guns
from inferiority of powder, 'could not reach C and D, and A and B were
too far to the right for the embrasures, having been marked before.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANCIS W. SMITH,

Major, Aid.
Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron, Graveyard.

730 NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[ Enclosure. 1

[Telegram.]

[AUGUST 7, 1864.]

Our watchman reports six steamers, and in addition one sailing trans-
port, towed in at dark by the tug.

Colonel HEDRIOK.
General HUBERT,

Smithville.

Letter from Flag -Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, requesting the temporary services of medical officers.

0. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, August 9, 1864.
SIR: In consequence of tlie increasing sickness on board of all the
vessels of this squadron, amounting in the aggregate to-day to about

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 731

150 on board aud at the naval hospital, and believing that our late
anchorage at Boulware's Landing was peculiarly unhealthy, owing to
an extensive marsh on the south side of the river, I moved this squad-
ron to-day about a mile and a quarter higher up to a position below
Chaffin's Bluff, which, from the appearance of the adjacent shores, will
probably prove less unhealthy than the one we have just left.

Our new position is also convenient for movements against the enemy,
though not so desirable on account of Kingsland Bar being below us,
which can be crossed only at half tide by the heaviest draft ironclads.

I respectfully request that medical officers may be temporarily ordered
to the squadron, as there are now sick three of those attached to it, viz,
Fleet Surgeon Harrison and Assistants Brown and Leyburu.

I would also call your attention to the fact, though fully sensible of
the embarrassments of the Department in providing complements of
officers for our vessels generally, that this ship (the Virginia) has but
one lieutenant and no master; marine officer, boatswain, gunner, nor
carpenter on duty, and her chief engineer is at the hospital.

The ironclad Richmond has her commanding officer absent sick, and
has but one lieutenant and master on duty, and her only forward officer
is a gunner.

The ironclad Fredericksburg has her marine officer, Lieutenant Brad-
ford, in the hospital. All her lieutenants and her master are sick, and
she is also without forward officers except a gunner.

The smaller vessels of the squadron also have their efficiency mater-
ially impaired from the sickness of their officers as well as crews.

I respectfully request that you will bring to the special attention of
the Secretary the whole or such portions of this communication as you
may deem called for.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. 8. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, Navy Department, Richmond.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, August 10, 1864.

Our crews are so much reduced in number from sickness that we shall
have to discontinue our picket guard above Osborne's on James River
to enable us to man our batteries, in order that we may act against the
enemy. About one-third of the men are sick.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Major-General G. B. PICKETT,

Hancock's House, care Colonel Maury, Chaffin's Bluff.

Letter from F lag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major- General Pickett,
6. S. Army, regarding his readiness to cooperate against the enemy at
Dutch Gap.

(By Courier.) FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, August 10, 1864.

GENERAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com-
munication of this date in relation to operations against the enemy at
Dutch Gap.

732 . NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

I understood Colonel Carter to state that he would have to intrench
his battery and that it would take him till 1 2 o'clock to-morrow at least.
Generals Ewell, Field, and Conner seemed to concur in the opinion that
tlie naval forces should cooperate with Colonel Carter. I share this
opinion, and have informed the generals that I will be ready to open
tire at any time that may be fixed upon by them.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Major-General GEO. E. PICKETT,

Headquarter •« , Hancock's [House].

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Major-General Field,
C. 8. Army, regarding proposed attack on Dutch Gap.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Off Boulware's Landing, August 11, 1864.

GENERAL : I hold the ironclads in readiness to move and cooperate
with yon in the proposed attack upon Dutch Gap at any time you may
designate.

Will you do me the favor to let me know the exact time, as near as
may be, when ascertained, when you expect to open tire?
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Major-General FIELD.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, August 11, 1864 — 10:15 a. m.
Your signal dispatch received. I have sent to General Field to ascer-
tain when Colonel Carter's battery will be ready to open, and will move
down at the appointed time and open with him. As soon as the time
is fixed I will let you know.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.
Major-General PICKETT,

Hancock's House.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Major-General Pickett,
C. 8. Army, announcing the hour of the proposed attack.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, August 11, 1864 — 11:30 a. m.
GENERAL : I have just received the following dispatch from Major-
General Field:

I shall be ready sometime this evening, say 4 o'clock, but I will inform you more
precisely hereafter.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.
Major-General PICKETT,

Hancock's House.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 733

ir.r from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major-General Pickett,
C. 8. A rmy, regarding the time of opening the attack.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, August 11, 1864 — 2:30 p. m.
GENERAL: I have just had an interview with Major-General Field,
who informs me that his batteries will not be fully ready to-day, but it
is arranged that we will open fire together to-morrow morning at day-
light.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Major-General GEO. E. PICKETT,

Headquarters, Hancock's House.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell. C. S. Navy, regarding proposed cooperative
attack upon the enemy at Dutch Gap.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,

Off JSoulw are's Landing, August 11, 1864.

SIR : I have made arrangements to cooperate with our land forces
under Major-Generals Pickett and Field at daylight to m«.rrow inoi ni g
in an attack by cannonade on the enemy at Dutch Gap. For tins |>n
pose the ironclads will be put in position during the night.

1 have been ready for this cooperation since the 9th, although ii>e
efficiency of the squadron is very much impaired for the * ant of omVrr
and men, who have been reduced in number by sickness, detachments,
and transfers on temporary duty.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

P. S. — Since writing the foregoing I received the enclosed communi-
cation from Major-General Field. It has much the appearance ot a
trick of the enemy to fortify Dutch Gap without molestation. I sin-
cerely hope that the exchanged prisoners will not be sent down the
river to observe our condition as has been done on former occasions.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, James River Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
FLAGSHIP JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,
Off -Boulware's Landing, August 11, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward for your information the
following copy of a dispatch just received from Major-General Field.

HEADQUARTERS,
Chaffiris Bluff, August 10, 1864.

COMMODORE : I am informed that an exchange of sick and wounded men, prisoners,
will be made at Cox's Wharf in the morning; the enemy to meet ua there and convey
them to and from Aiken's in ambulances.

734 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

This will necessitate a postponement of the shelling till it is over.
You will much oblige me if you will apprise General Pickett of these facts.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. W. FIELD,

Major- General.
Commodore J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding Squadron.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag-Officer :
Major-General G. B. PICKETT,

Hancocks House.

Letter from Commander Rootes, C. 8. Navy, to the- Chief of the Office of
Orders and Detail, requesting additional officers for temporary service
in James River Squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,
James River Squadron, Kingsland Reach, August 17, 1864.
SIR : From the present appearance of things, I am under the impress-
ion that the James River Squadron may at any moment engage the
enemy's land forces on the north side of the river.

General Robert E. Lee informs me that 3,000 of the enemy landed at
Varina last evening.

I have but one lieutenant on duty in this ship, and that the first; the
Virginia but one, and the Richmond one. I would respectfully ask that
two lieutenants or masters be ordered to each ship for temporary duty
until things become quiet.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. R. ROOTES,
Commander, Provisional Navy C. S., for Flag- Officer Mitchell.

Oapt. S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navy Department.

[Telegram.]

SMITHVILLE, August 17, 1864.

By order of General Whiting you will put at once the guns and
ammunition saved from Yankee tug on wharf for shipment.

General HEBERT.
Colonel TAIT.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding the sick on the ves-
sels of the James River Squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,

James River Squadron, Near Chaffin>s Bluff, August 22, 1864.
SIR: I beg leave to forward for the information of the Department
the following statement of the number of sick on board of the different
vessels of the James River Squadron:

Fredericksburg :

In naval hospital 47

On board . 14

Total . . .61

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 735

Richmond :

In naval hospital 34

On board . . 7

Total . . 41

Virginia:

In naval hospital 26

On board 21

Total . . 47

Hampton :

In naval hospital 9

On board 11

Total 20

Drewry :

In naval hospital 22

On board 6

Total 28

Roauoke :

In naval hospital 1

On board . . 5

Tot?l 6

Nansemond :

In naval hospital 18

On board 5

Total 23

Believing that it will improve the health of the officers and men, 1
shall to-day move the squadron a short distance up the river, and nearer
to Chaffin's Bluff, to an anchorage more convenient to good water and
equally favorable to operations against the enemy.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. R. ROOTES,
Commander, Provisional Navy C. S.,for Flag-Officer Mitchell.

Capt. S. S. LEE, C. S. Kavy,

Office of Orders and Detail, C. S. Navy Department.

[Telegram.]

SMITHVILLE, August [24, 1864.}

The General says "There are troops on the enemy's vessels off
Masonboro." Be on the alert. Let no one be absent. You will not go
to Wilmington, nor Captain Whitehurst.

General HEBERT.
Colonel TAIT,
Fort Holmes.

Report of a board of surgeons, of a sanitary inspection of the vessels of

the James River Squadron.

RICHMOND, August 26, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your order of August 24, we yesterday visited
the fleet in James River, conferred with the fleet surgeon, visited and

736 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

inspected the ships with a view to obtain the information called for, and
have to report as follows :

We consider the causes of the great amount of sickness on board
said vessels to be, first, and chiefly, that exposure to malaria, the neces-
sary consequence of a residence upon the waters of James Kiver; as
secondary causes to this, but in our opinion highly conducive to the
hurtful influence, we would enumerate the heated atmosphere of the
ironclads, especially when at quarters for and during action, the want
of proper exercise on shore and of a deficient supply of vegetables and
fruits for the ships' companies. We also learned that some of the boats'
crews were employed on boat duty without awnings, a fruitful source
of fever and other sickness; also that the fresh provisions which are
served four days of the week are served consecutively, and so with the
salt provisions for three days. The heat from the galleys is sufficient
to render the portion of the berth decks assigned to the crew quite unin-
habitable. The position of the galley on board the Richmond, being more
amidships than those of the Virginia and Fredericksburg, seemed to heat
the deck up; the test of the thermometer was unsatisfactory.

In view of the above, we would recommend that in selecting an
anchorage for the fleet (the military status permitting) it is all impor-
tant to choose a point where there is a free circulation of air and where
the prevailing winds do not pass over marshes; that the air apparatus
of the ironclads be kept open, except when absolutely necessary to close
them; that wind sails or ventilators of canvas, metal, or wood be fitted
to them ; that the officers and men be allowed free and healthful exer-
cise on shore; that the supply of vegetables be largely increased and of
greater variety, certain seasonable fruits being added; that the boats
use their awnings constantly; that the fresh and salt provisions be
issued on alternate days.

We are decidedly of opinion that the whisky ration be issued to the
men with hot coffee given every morning at an early hour. As regards
clothing the men seemed comfortably clad.
We are, very respectfully, etc.,

W. B. SINCLAIR,

Surgeon, C. 8. Navy.
JAS. F. HARRISON,

Surgeon, C. S. Navy.
W. F. CARRINGTON,
Surgeon, Provisional Navy C. S.

Surgeon W. A. W. SPOTSWOOD, C. S. Navy,

In Charge of Office of Medicine and Surgery, Richmond, Va.

[Endorsement.]

Extracts furnished Paymaster Sera pie in relation to supplies, etc.,
furnished by his office of supplies. The squadron moved up to Chaffin's
Bluff, deemed the most suitable for health, keeping in view its readiness
for service against the enemy.

Order of Commander Maffitt, C. S. Navy, to Pilot HopUns, C. S. Navy,
to command expedition for the capture of mail boat.

PLYMOUTH, N. C., August 31, 1864.

SIR: You will take charge of the party now organized and proceed to
the [Dismal Swamp] Canal near Elizabeth City. Capture the mail boat,

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 737

and if you can not bring her into this port, destroy her by fire and
retreat to this place with your prisoners.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. N. M[AFFITTj,

Commander.
Pilot J. B. HOPKINS, C. S. Navy,

C. S. S. Albemarle.

Letter from Major- General Whiting, G. 8. Army, to the Adjutant and
Inspector General at Richmond, regarding torpedoes for the defense of
the entrances to Wilmington, N. G.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, August 31, 1864.

GENERAL : I shall be very much obliged if you can give orders to
have me speedily supplied, or facilitated, rather, in procuring the gal-
vanic torpedoes for the defense of the entrances here. I made many
efforts for this mean s of defen se some ti me ago — at least eighteen months —
but uu successfully, for want of material. The difficulties presented by
the quicksands and force of the sea, and tides on inlets from the ocean,
were found to be very great, and at Charleston, as I am informed, the gal-
vanic apparatus and torpedoes proved failures. I have, however, had
an interview with Captain Davidson, of the Navy, who has had charge
of this means of defense on the James River, an accomplished and
successful officer, and am assured that the arrangement of this means
[of defense] is perfectly practicable. It will be a very great addition
to my power of defense, especially since the destruction of one iron-
clad of our Navy here and the almost entire uselessness of the other,
owing to the worms eating out her bottom, if I could put down some
galvanic torpedoes as soon as possible. You are aware of my condition
here; on that subject I can say no more to the Department, if, indeed,
I have not already said too much. I propose that the services of Mr.
R. [O. ] Crowley, electrician on the James, be spared to me for a time,
that the Tredegar or other convenient works provide me as soon as
possible with the powder tanks, and that I be authorized to procure
from abroad or elsewhere as soon as possible the requisite material in
the way of insulated wire, apparatus, etc., and that the Ordnance
Department be directed to use every effort to aid in this. The results
on the James River will justify this action, I think. If I can be
aided, the question of time will be the main point, for, since by the loss
of the harbor of Mobile and partial occupation of that of Charleston,
this port is our last one. There can be little doubt that the enemy will
attempt to close it, especially since we have begun to attack their com-
merce from this place. I hope you will not object because I so often
call attention to the needs of this place, but the magnitude of the
interests involved compels me to use all efforts to save it that are in my
power.

Very respectfully,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
General COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond.

N w R — VOL 10 47

738 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Hays, C. S.
Navy, to report for special duty to the Secretary of the Navy.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, September 1, ]S64.

SIR: Proceed without delay with the Nansemond under your com-
mand to the navy yard at Rocketts and have her ready at 11:30
o'clock a. m. to convey Mr. Trenholm down the river and back.

You will report your readiness for such service to the Secretary of
the Navy.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieut. Coindg. CHAS. W. HAYS, Provisional Navy C. S.

Commanding Steamer Nansemond

Letter from Master Long, C. 8. Navy, to Commander Maffitt, C. S. Nary,
submitting plan of operations against the enemy in the sounds of North
Carolina.

C. S. S. ALBEMARLE,
Plymouth, N. C., September 5, 1864.

SIR: I beg to lay before you a plan for operations against vessels of
the enemy.

Allow me to take a boat and ten OB fifteen men, start from Plymouth,
pass through Welch's Creek into the Pungo River, thence into Panilico
River and Pamlico Sound. On the shores of the Pamlico Sound are
numerous creeks and bayous where I could conceal my boat until a
favorable opportunity presented itself for intercepting some of tlie
enemy's sailing craft that ply between New Berne and Roanoke Island,
carrying supplies, etc. We could burn these craft with little risk to
ourselves, as we could see a gunboat that might approach so much
sooner than she could see us, that it would be easy to retire and secrete
ourselves in one of the numerous creeks that abound on the shore of
the sound. If discovered in our hiding place we would be secure from
pursuit, for we could ambush and drive back more than treble our own
number. Moreover, the enemy would be afraid to send boats up these
creeks as the country is occupied by our troops. In case a boat can
not pass through Welch's Creek, I can haul a boat on a wagon to
Alligator River, a distance of 30 miles from Plymouth, ascend the river
to the canal, pass through the canal into the upper part of Mattamus-
keet Lake through one of the canals on the lower side into Pamlico
Sound. Or I could inarch my men across the country to the shore of
Pamlico Sound and seize one of the large fishing boats, which would
suit my purpose very well.

In addition to destroying sailing craft, I might cross Pamlico Sound
during the night to Hatteras light-house and burn or blow it up, which
would be a great inconvenience to the enemy, as a great many vessels
would in consequence be wrecked on Hatteras Banks.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. C. LONG,
Master, Provisional Nary C. S.

Captain J. N. MAFFITT, C. S. Navy,

Commanding, etc., Plymouth, N. C.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 739

[Telegram.]

SMIT HVILLE, September 5, 1864.

Five or six marines took a boat belonging to Bodger, in Wilmington,
and started down the river to-day, supposed to be going to the block-
ading fleet. Catch them.

Captain HARDEMAN.
Colonel TAIT.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Maffitt, C. 8. Navy, to
proceed to Wilmington, N. C.,for the command of a blockade runner.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Office of Orders and Detail, Richmond, Va., September 9, 1864.
SIR: You are hereby detached from the command of the C. S. [ram]
Albemarle, and will proceed to Wilmington, N. C., and report to Flag-
Officer William F. Lynch, commanding, for the command of a blockade
runner.
By command of the Secretary of the Navy:

[S. S. LEE,
Captain in Charge.]

Commander J. N. MAFFITT, Provisonal Navy C. S.,

Commanding C. S. [Ram] Albemarle, Plymouth, N. C.

[Endorsement.]

Reported, September 20, 1864.

C. B. POINDEXTER,

Commanding Officer.

Report of Major Smith, C. S. Army, regarding the operation of Brooke
rifle mounted in Battery Dantzler.

BATTERY DANTZLER,
Hewlett's Farm, September 11, 1864.

SIR : In accordance with your request I beg leave to submit the fol-
lowing report of the double- banded, 8-inch Brooke rifle No. 2010, in
position at this battery. This gun has been opened eight or nine times
upon the enemy's fleet and batteries. The results in three of these
cases are given :

I. On the 22d June this battery engaged the enemy's fleet of four
ironclad monitors. A very high wind prevailed, the vessels lying about
2,400 yards from the battery. We commenced with cast iron bolts, and
when we had obtained the range made use of the wrought-iron projec-
tiles. The accuracy of the gun with this latter bolt was remarked by
all, and deserters report that one of the turrets was struck (normal to
the surface) ; an indentation several inches deep was made, and the
turret was cracked some 3 feet above [and] 4 below the indentation.
They add that a board of survey condemned the vessel and that she
was ordered to the Gosport navy yard for repairs, and this report was
confirmed by parties coming in at different times.

Certain it is, that on the 23d the monitor upon which we concen-
trated left the fleet, and that since the 22d no monitor has fired a gun
at this battery, though previous to that time the shelling was very
frequent.

740 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

About the 28th all the monitors withdrew from sight, aiid since July
1 hardly one has shown itself where we could get a fair shot at it. The
vessels were struck several times this day by shell from the other guns.
But generally speaking the firing was not accurate, as we could make
no allowance for the wind, which was blowing in gusts.

II. On the day on which the Confederate fleet engaged the enemy at
Signal Hill, orders were received [for] this battery to engage a battery
of the enemy, distant 3,100 yards, and elevated 125 feet above the
water, so as to draw its fire from our fleet.

Seven percussion shells were fired by this gun at this battery. Two
shots only were necessary for the range, the remaining five bursting
with unerring precision upon the superior slope of the enemy's parapet.

Of fifty of these percussion shells which have been fired from this
gun, only two have burst in the gun.

III. On yesterday, September 10, similar orders were received to draw
the fire from some guns and mortars which were shelling the enemy's
working parties at Dutch Gap. Nine shell were tired and this gun
alone was used at this battery.

After the fifth or sixth fire the battery turned its gun upon us, and
the object of our opening was fully attained. As many shell were fired
by this gun on this day during a given time as were fired during the
same time by two 8-inch rifled Gorgas guns.

In conclusion, I would remark that the gun is the best heavy piece
of ordnance that I have ever seen used. It is worked more rapidly
than a X-inch columbiad, army carriage, with only 12 men (I allude to
such carriages as are made and furnished now).

I would suggest that the heads of the bolts which pass vertically
through the rear of the cheeks of the carriage be countersunk, as the
breeching is cut by them. The powder furnished is very good. I have
used some to great advantage in the army guns.

The last shell sent down do not seem to answer so wen as the per-
cussion shell gotten from the Drewry. Only four have been fired and
of these, three burst in the guns. Can you not send me some more
shell with Girardey's percussion fuze? I would like to get them as
soon as possible as we shall open again in a day or so.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANCIS W. SMITH,

Major, Commanding.

Commander JOHN M. BROOKE, C. S. Navy,

Chief Bureau Ordnance and Hydrography ', Richmond.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Jones, C. 8.
Navy, regarding the services of Lieutenant Johnston, C. S. Navy.

RICHMOND, YA., September 12, 1864.

SIR: Yours of the llth instant has been received. The services of
Lieutenant O. F. Johnston are indispensable at this time in the squad-
ron; but I have no objection to his assuming your duties here, if he is
willing to undertake them in addition to his own under my command,
and it will give me great pleasure if he can do so.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Lieutenant J. PEMBROKE JONES, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Submarine Defenses, Chaffin's Bluff.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 741

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to
furnish a gunboat for cooperation with General Lee, C. S. Army.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Navy Department, Richmond, September 13, 1864.
SIR: General Lee is establishing a battery at Bishop's, on the right
bank of the James, near the point where the Osborue turnpike strikes
it, and Colonel Wood informs me that the general desires that one of
the gunboats be sent there immediately, and that the ironclads may
take up their positions there as early as practicable, the object being to
operate against the movements of the enemy through his work at Dutch
Gap. You will please comply with these requests.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Received this from Commander Bootes, at Bishop's, September 15,
who had carried out the order by placing the ironclads in position at
this point to act against the enemy should he attempt any movements
through Dutch Gap.

J. K. M.,
Mag- Officer.

Order of the Chief of the Office of Orders and Detail to Captain CooJce, C. S.
Navy, to proceed to duty at Halifax, N. C.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Office of Orders and Detail, Richmond, September 13, 1864.
SIR : Proceed to Halifax, N. C., without delay, and relieve Captain
E. F. Piukney, Provisional Navy C. S., of his present duty, command-
ing naval defenses, etc.
By command of the Secretary of the Navy :
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. S. LEE,
Captain in Charge.
Captain JAMES W. COOKE, C. S. Navy,

Warrenton, N. C.

Order of the Secretary of -the Navy to Commander Maffitt, C. S. Navy,
regarding the command of the blockade runner Owl.

C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, Va., September 14, 1864.

SIR: The Owl is the first of several steamers built for and on account
of the Confederate Government, and which are to be run under the
direction of the Secretary of the Navy. Naval officers are to be placed
in command, and you are selected to take charge of the Owl. All the
information I have as to this vessel is derived from the enclosed copy
of a letter from Colonel Bayne, which, you will perceive, says nothing
as to the condition upon which the officers and crew are engaged, nor
does it inform me as to the vessel's papers. You will at once ascertain
all necessary information upon these points.

742 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

It is possible that, after the manner of seamen, there may be murmur-
ing or discontent by those on board at the change of command; and, as
it is difficult to find crews and engineers at pleasure, your judgment
and tact are relied upon to meet such a contingency.

The Owl should go to Bermuda rather than to Halifax for the reason
that she could bring but little cargo from the latter point in addition to
the coal required for her inward and outward trips, and for the addi-
tional reason that the risks of capture and loss are far greater on the
Halifax route. From Halifax the United States agents may telegraph
to any naval station and city of the enemy the exact time of the depart-
ure of our ships and thus greatly increase the chances of intercepting
them.

. This Department having to defray the expenses of the vessels sailing
under its direction, sterling bills will be placed in your hands to enable
you to meet those of your command; and you are enjoined to see that
economy and efficiency in all its departments are practiced. So soon as
a naval assistant paymaster can be spared one will be sent to you.

As the Owl will soon be followed by several other vessels under this

Department, it is important that uniformity, as far as practicable, be

observed in their management. For this purpose the expenses of every

round trip will be stated under their appropriate heads of expenditure.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Commander JOHN X. MAFFITT, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Wilmington, N. C.

P. S. — All the civil duties pertaining to the running of these vessels
and their expenditures are devolved upon Mr. W. H. Peters, who is the
special agent of the Department at Wilmington ; and such as are of a
military character are devolved upon Lieutenant E. T. Chapman, C. S.
Navy, with both of whom you will please confer.

Mr. Peters will apprise you of such reports as are required upon the
return of every vessel, and which you will have made accordingly.

S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary Nary.

[Telegram.]

[SEPTEMBER 14, 1864.J

Has any flag of truce been received at your fort this morning? I
am told that a boat came from the ship, now so close in. Answer at
once.

Colonel TAIT.
Colonel JONES,

[Fort] Caswell.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding deficiencies in the
complements of vessels of the James River Squadron.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship, James River Squadron, Bishop's, September 15, 1864.
SIR: There are required to fill deficiencies in the complements of the
vessels of this squadron, the following officers, viz:
One lieutenant as executive for the Richmond.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 743

One lieutenant as watch officer for the Virginia.
One lieutenant as flag-lieutenant.
One master for the Fredericksburg.
One master or lieutenant for the Drewry.
One medical officer for the Richmond.
Three masters for gunboats.

Summary : Three lieutenants, 5 masters (one or two may be lieuten-
ants), 1 medical officer.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, €. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, Navy Department, Richmond.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Supplies, requesting action upon the recommendations of medical board
after inspection of James River Squadron.

IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,
Flagship James River Squadron, Bishop's, September 16, 1864.

SIR : Annexed are extracts from the report * of a medical survey on
the sanitary condition of this squadron, made in pursuance of an order
from the Navy .Department, the recommendations in which report I
am instructed by the Secretary of the Navy to conform to as far as
practicable.

I would therefore respectfully ask such action on your part as will
give effect to those recommendations in the report which appropriately
conies under the control of your office, viz, the increase of the supply of
vegetables, with the addition of fruits and the issue of the whisky por-
tion of the ration, or at least a sufficiency of the latter for one issue
daily before breakfast.

As the men are given their breakfast at 6 o'clock, immediately after
all hands are called in the morning, coffee, in addition to the full reg-
ular ration, I do not deem necessary.

The supply of vegetables is very irregular in quantity and inferior in
quality, especially the cabbage greens. The average proportion of
vegetables to the ration of 1 pound is about one-third the quantity,
varies with every issue, being about from 42 to 70 pounds per 150 rations
for this vessel, nor is the proportion uniform throughout the squadron.
An agent of the contractor or of the Navy, it is suggested, should
accompany the provisions to the squadron and attend personally to the
delivery to each vessel of the squadron in just proportions and in uni-
form quantity for each ration and vessel. To the want of some such
arrangement I attribute much of the prevailing irregularity respecting
the vegetables lurnished.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Paymaster JAMES A. SEMPLE, C. S. Navy,

In charge of Office of Supplies, Naey Department.

* See p. 735.

744 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of General Lee, C. S. Army, to Major- General Pickett, C. S. Army,
regarding the transfer to the Navy of Battery Semmes.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

September 19, 1864.

GENERAL : As the Navy can spare the officers and men for the bat-
tery at Bishop's, 1 desire you to turn it over to Captain Mitchell. I
will leave it to your better judgment whether you will turn over the
two guns already in position at once, and then proceed to mount the
third gun and finish the magazines, etc., or first complete the battery
and then give the whole into his charge. I hope the gun is at hand
and you will be able to complete the work at an early day.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General
Major-General G. E. PICKETT,

Commanding, etc.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Maffitt, C. S. Navy,
repeating telegram of instt actions regarding the command of the blockade
runner Owl.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Navy Department, Richmond, September 19, 1864.
SIR : The following telegram was this day sent to you :

It is of the first importance that our steamers should not fall into the enemy's
hands. Apart from the specific loss sustained by the country iu the capture of block-
ade runners, these vessels, lightly armed, now constitute the fleetest and most effi-
cient part of his blockading force off Wilmington.

As commanding officer of the Owl you will please devise and adopt thorough and
efficient means for saving all hands and destroying the vessel and cargo whenever
these measures may become necessary to prevent capture. Upon your firmness and
ability the Department relies for the execution of this important trust. In view of
this order, no passengers will, as a general rule, be carried. Such exceptions to this
rule as the public interests may render necessary, embracing those who may be sent
by the Government, will receive special permits from this Department.

Assistant Paymaster Tredwell has been instructed to pay over to
you, taking your receipt for the same, 5,000 pounds in sterling bills.
You will please keep an accurate account with vouchers in duplicate
of all your expenditures, one set of which you will submit to Mr. W. H.
Peters, our special agent at Wilmington, upon each round trip you may
make.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.
Commander JOHN N. MAFFITT, C. S. Navy,

(Care W. H. Peters, esq., Wilmington, N. C.)

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major- General Pickett,
C. S. Army, naming Lieutenant Goodwyn, C. S. Nary, for the com-
mand of Battery Semmes.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, Bishop's, September 20, 1864.
GENERAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let-
ter of this date in relation to the guns to compose the battery to be

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 745

maimed by the Navy, together with a copy of a letter from General
E. E. Lee to you of the 19th on the same subject.

I have designated Lieutenant M. P. Goodwyn to take charge of the
battery, who will receive the guns as soon as you are ready to turn
them over.

Lieutenant Goodwyn is now in Eichmond collecting from the Army
Ordnance Department the equipments required for the X-inch army
columbiads. The equipments needed for the Navy 7-inch rifle will be,
I presume, supplied by the Navy Department.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Major-General G. E. PICKETT, Provisional Army 0. S.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding the change of guns

on the C. S. 8. Virginia.

C. S. GUNBOAT BEAUFORT,

Flagship, James River Squadron, Bishop's, September 21, 1864.
SIR : To facilitate the exchange of the forward (7-inch rifle) and stern
(X-inch smoothbore) guns of the ironclad Virginia for an 8 inch rifle and
an Xl-inch smoothbore, as directed by the Office of Ordnance, 1 have
ordered her to a position as near as practicable to the obstructions below
Drewry's Bluff.

In shifting the guns the utmost diligence will be observed so that the
Virginia may resume her position at this point, ready for service, with-
out loss of time.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, referring to expedition pro-
posed by the army against the enemy in James River.

C. S. GUNBOAT BEAUFORT,
Flagship, James River Squadron, Bishop's, September 21, 1864.

SIR: On thalSth August last, I received the accompanying report*
of Colonel T. H. Carter, C. S. Army, to Lieuteuant-General Ewell, dated
the 6th, in relation to operations made and proposed against the enemy
on James Eiver, and, in reply to your endorsement thereon, 1 have the
honor to inform you that immediately on the receipt of the report
above referred to I addressed Colonel Carter a note (a copy of which is
annexed), under cover to General Ewell, inviting him to a conference
with me on the subject at such place as he might designate.

Until the loth irstaut, with the exception of a brief interval, I have
been absent in Eichmond from my command on account of an attack of
the fever prevailing on the river, but no reply has been received by me,
nor, in my absence, by the commanding officer of the squadron, to my
invitation to Colonel Carter for a meeting.

* Not found.

746 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The number of officers and men of this squadron has been so much
reduced below the regular complements of the vessels composing it, by
sickness and other causes beyond my control, as to render impracticable
for a month past the fitting out of any expedition of the kind indicated
without decreasing its efficiency to a degree to render it incapable of a
contest with the enemy at all commensurate with its strength in other
respects.

The efficiency of my command is reduced at this moment by the trans-
fer of men to a battery of three heavy guns at Bishop's, which, by your
instructions, is to be manned by this squadron.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Endorsement.]

FLAGSHIP BEAUFORT, September 21, 1864.

Respectfully returned to the Secretary of the Navy, and his attention
invited to my communication of this date, herewith forwarded, in reply
to endorsement above.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

The above endorsement made on Colonel Carter's letter referred to me
and received August 15, 1864.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

[Enclosure.]

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship, James River Squadron, Salt Beach, August 15, 1864.
COLONEL : Your communication of the 6th instant, to General R S.
Ewell, in relation to certain operations against the enemy on James
River, has been finally referred to me with the view of devising measures
for carrying out your objects.

I have had prepared for this very service small boats, and it will afford
me much pleasure to meet you on board of this ship, in Richmond, or at
any other point agreeable to you to confer on the subject, with a view
to organizing parties to operate against the enemy's transports and
gunboats on the river, although at this time the efficiency of my com-
mand, especially for such service, is much impaired for the want of
officers and by reason of sickness.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Colonel T. H. CARTER, C. S. Army,

Headquarters Artillery Division, Department of Richmond.

[Telegram.]

SMITHVILLE, [September 21, 1864.]

It is suspected that a party of Yankees went inside last night. Be
vigilant and strict. The man Piver, with three other Yankee prisoners,
escaped from Wilmington jail last night.

General HEBERT.
Colonel HEDRICK.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 747

Letter of General Lee, C. S. Army, to the Secretary of War regarding the
necessity of obtaining military supplies through the port of Wilming-
ton, y. c.'

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

September 22, 1864.

SIR : Since the fitting out of the privateer Tallahassee and her cruise
from the port of Wilmington, the enemy's fleet of blockaders off that
coast has been very much increased, and the dangers of running the
blockade rendered much greater. The question arises whether it is of
more importance to us to obtain supplies through that port or to prey
upon the enemy's commerce by privateers sent from thence. Your
knowledge of what has been obtained from abroad by the Quartermas-
ter's, Commissary, and Ordnance Departments will enable you to judge v
in the matter. It is stated by those acquainted with the harbors on the
coast that by a proper arrangement of lights the privateers could go in
and out of Charleston Harbor with not much more risk than at Wil-
mington. It might be well, therefore, if practicable to divert the enemy's
attention from Wilmington Harbor and keep it open as long as possible
as a port of entry. While it is open the energies of the agents of the
Quartermaster's, Commissary, and Ordnance Departments should be
exerted to their full extent to get in two or three years' supplies so as
to remove all apprehension on this score.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

E. E. LEE,

General.

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

Letter of the Secretary of War to General Lee, C. S. Army, regarding the
obtaining of supplies through the port of Wilmington, N. C.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., September 23, 1864.

GENERAL : x have to thank you for the suggestions of your letter of
the U2d instant, which I have just received. The subject has been one
of consideration with me, and I have shared the anxiety you express
relative to the safety of vessels evading the blockade at Wilmington.
The increased number of blockaders off that port is doubtless due to
the knowledge that other vessels are being prepared for a foray on the
enemy's commerce, and with the expectation that they will soon attempt
to run out. From the best information I can get, however, I do not
think the danger of going out is materially enhanced by the number of
vessels lying off. Such is the character of the coast that the blockad-
ing vessels are obliged to lie at such a distance from the land that rapid
steamers under cover of darkness find no difficulty in making their way
to sea. Of the large number of vessels that have, since my attention
was attracted to the subject, sailed from that port, not more than two
have been captured in going out, and in one of these instances by neg-
lect. There is, however, no doubt that the use of this port as a means
of offense against the enemy's coasting trade must enhance very much
the desire to take and close it, and consequently increase the danger
of attack on that point. Its importance to the Confederacy can hardly
be overestimated, and I am very reluctant to have the motives to assail

748 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

it increased. At the same time it is not to be doubted the destruction
of the coasting trade would be one of the most impressive measures of
offense we could adopt against the enemy, and would reach especially
the class of their people (those of New England) who have heretofore
profited rather than suffered by the war. The suggestion you make of
preferring the port of Charleston for such hostile operations strikes me
as judicious, and will be the subject of conference with and recommenda-
tion to the Secretary of the Navy.

The policy of obtaining supplies from abroad has been steadily pur-
sued by me from the first inauguration of the plan of evading the
blockade for the benefit of the Government. The difficulty has been
the want of adequate means abroad to purchase more than current sup-
plies, to which may be added that heretofore the shipping at command
did not allow the accumulation beyond that point. My injunction has
ever been to introduce as far and as rapidly as means would allow, all
permanent supplies, and as, since the recent legislation of Congress
and the regulations in pursuance of it, a larger amount of cotton is being
taken out and greater resources can be commanded by the Government
abroad, I hope we shall begin not only to meet present demands, but
to accumulate supplies for future use. Such shall be, in conformity
with your suggestion, the constant effort of the Department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

General E. E. LEE,

Commanding Army of Northern Virginia.

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Shepperd, 8. C.
Navy, to command temporarily the C. 8. 8. Virginia.

C. S. GUNBOAT BEAUFORT,

Flagship, James River Squadron, Ghaffin's Bluff, September 24, 1861.
SIR : You will be pleased to assume forthwith the temporary charge of
the C. S. ironclad Virginia, attached to the James Eiver Squadron.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

First Lieut. FRANCIS E. SHEPPERD, Provisional Navy C. S.,

G. S. Ironclad Fredericksburg, James River Squadron.

Letter from General R. E. Lee, C. S. Army, to the Secretary of War,
regarding proposed cooperative movement in the James River.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

September 26, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to call your attention to the remarks of Major -
Geueral Pickett, contained in the enclosed letter, with reference to the
cooperation of the navy with the land forces on James River. I respect-
fully recommend that the Navy Department be requested to give such
directions to the officer commanding the fleet as will enable them, by

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 749

agreement with General Pickett, to arrange for immediate and full
cooperation between them, should it become necessary. The navy can
readily prevent the enemy from crossing the river at the point indi-
cated by General Pickett, if an understanding be come to by which
they shall move promptly to the spot upon being notified of the exis-
tence of danger.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. E. LEE,

General.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR,

Richmond.*

[Endorsement.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Bouhcare's Landing, September 30, 1864.

Eeceived yesterday and respectfully returned to the Secretary of
the Navy, with the letter accompanying it from General Pickett.

The ironclads and several of the gunboats have been in position at
Bishop's since the 15th instant until yesterday, except for a few brief
hours to avoid the notice of the exchanged prisoners when coming
down the river, in pursuance of the order of the Department, for the
very purpose proposed in General Pickett's letter, viz, to move down to
oppose any movement of the enemy through Dutch Gap, and to act
against him anywhere and at any time when it can be done with effect.

The squadron was yesterday anol is now stationed from this point up
to the pontoon bridge above Chaffin's Bluff, to operate on the enemy
at and near Fort Harrison ; its fire yesterday is represented to me by
General Anderson as being very effective.

Last night dispositions were made with an ironclad and a gunboat
below Bishop's to protect General Pickett's left.

1 have offered repeatedly to the commanding generals on both sides
of the James River to cooperate with them, and shall always be happy
to answer any call for this purpose, and feel thankful for any informa-
tion which will enable the squadron to move promptly when its services
can be useful.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Report of Major- General Pickett, C. S. Army, regarding measures for
retarding work by the enemy on the canal at Dutch Gap.

HEADQUARTERS,
Chesterfield, September 25, 1864.

< COLONEL: I have the honor to report that Colonel Poague fired
ninety-four times on Friday and only forty shots yesterday.

He says that the flag of-truce boat came down to Cox's Wharf and
remained many hours; that it would have to cross the line of enemy's
fire, and he did not wish to draw the fire on the boat loaded with our
returned prisoners. In the meantime, Yankee-like, the enemy vigor-
ously push forward their work at the gap.

I have already reported this twice. I now again respectfully call the
attention of the commanding general to the facts; something should be
done, some uuderstauding come to; either another point of exchange

750 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

should be agreed upon, or they should be compelled to desist working
whilst the flag is pending, as the flag visits so frequently, and remains
so long, it interferes materially with our mortar practice. The firing of
Colonel Mayo's sharpshooters has succeeded in keeping the enemy
from the bank of the river. A feeble attempt was made to reply with
musketry, which soon ceased, and the enemy then shelled the pickets
with mortars, of course without effect. The firing of the mortnrs,
Poague's and Huger's VHI-inch, has kept the working parties of the
enemy very busy dodging, and their dredging machine has come to a
standstill. If they wish to complete the canal, they will be compelled
to occupy this bank of the river; any attempt to do this ought to be
prevented by the gunboats. They certainly can and ought to do so
and I should like much if the commanding general would have it so
understood that when the pickets report any endeavor to, or appearance
of, crossing, a body of troops in barge, or of laying down a pontoon,
that the fleet immediately move down to prevent it. Mayo's regiment
is small, but with the defenses which we will soon have, with the assist-
ance asked for from the fleet, it, with Poague's artillery, will be enabled
to hold in check any advance of the enemy till we can be reinforced.

I regret to report four desertions from the Fifteenth Virginia, Crew's
[Corse's] brigade, last night; General C. speaks of them as among the
most reliable in the regiment; also two from Hun ton's brigade. I send
his own report in the premises, to show that every effort is being made
to prevent this practice.

Deserter from the enemy last night, order No. 65, Canadian, says he
was kidnaped with a half dozen others, drugged, and forced into service.
This is evidently the way in which the "quota" is made up. The
enemy are certainly put to great straits to get men, and by turning in
our detailed men and employing negroes, we will more than equal them
in nerve, if not in numbers.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. E. PICKETT,
Major -General, Commanding.

Colonel WALTER H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant General, Army of Northern Virginia.

Letter from Major- General Whiting, C. 8. Army, to the governor of
North Carolina, proposing to retain the C. S. steamers Tallahassee and
Chickamauga,for the defense of Wilmington, N. C.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, September 26, 1864.

GOVERNOR : My great solicitude for the preservation of this place
induces me to call your attention to a matter which I deem of much
importance to its defense. The Confederate steamers Tallahassee and
Chicamauga are now nearly ready for sea, and will leave this port for
the purpose of operating against the enemy's commerce. Should they
leave on this service the few vessels they might destroy would be of
little advantage to our cause, while it would excite the enemy to increase
the number of the blockading squadron to such an extent as to render
it almost impossible for vessels running the blockade to escape them.
I am fully persuaded that the public interest would be better served
by retaining the Tallahassee and Chickamauga for the defense of this

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 751

place. They would be of vast importance in transporting troops and
supplies to the different points which might be attacked, and thus
might save Wilmington, which it is so necessary for us to hold.
Should you concur in these views, 1 beg your Excellency will write at
once to the Government at Richmond and ask that the vessels in ques-
tion may be retained here for objects indicated, which I can not but
believe are of paramount importance, and which doubtless a request
from your Excellency will accomplish.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
His Excellency Governor VANCE,

Raleigh, X. C.

Letter of Major- General Whiting, C. S. Army, to the Secretary of the Navy
requesting naval cooperation in the defense of Wilmington.

HEADQUARTERS,
Wilmington, N. C., September 27, 18V4.

SIR: In the present condition of this post, our last remaining sea-
port, I respectfully request that you will direct Captain Wilkinson's
command, for the present at least, to report for the defense of the place
to flag-officer. I have less force to secure Wilmington now than at
any time during the war, and every available man and gun are needed
more than ever. The two ironclads, the Raleigh and North Carolina,
on which we relied to defend the rips, or inner bars, are both gone.
We have here no naval forces afloat, and one is greatly needed. The
officers, men, guns, and ships of the expedition would be of the very
greatest assistance in every way in event of attack, now regarded as
imminent. I have been notified that I must depend on this State for
aid. The departure of this force, at this time, will be a serious loss to
us. For the present, at least, I beg you will aid me in this. The ene-
my's fleet is very largely increased. The difficulty of running the
blockade has been lately very great. Far more than the average of
ships have been lost, and the receipt of our supplies is very precarious.
Unless I receive strong accessions of force, and that very soon, I can
not answer for keeping the port even for the return of these ships.
With regard to the propriety of their remaining to increase the means
of defense here, I am satisfied that Generals Lee and Beauregard, and
the chief officers of the Navy agree with me. I beg leave to refer you
to the War Department for a statement of the condition of this place
and the necessity of procuring every available man for its security.
You know its vital importance to our credit abroad and to our ability
to continue the war. The extreme urgency of the case has induced me
to take the liberty of addressing you on this subject, for which I trust
you will pardon me. I requested an application from the flag-officer,
but, though he concurred with me in the matter, he informed me that
he could not properly make it. I hope you will excuse me, therefore,
as writing in the interest of the defense for both arms of the service.
I am building batteries and quarters for the small naval force here, to
be, of course, an exclusive naval command, and the addition of these
vessels will be of the greatest help. On the other hand, should they
succeSiSfully evade the fleet and get out, it may precipitate an attack

752 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

before either our reinforcements can be gathered or my preparations
completed. I beg that before giving your final orders on the subject
you will obtain from the War Department a report of our exact con-
dition and resources.

I arn. sir. with great respect your obedient servant,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
approving suggestions regarding the C. 8. 8. Fredericksburg.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Navy Department, Richmond, September 28, 1864.

SIR: Constructor Porter has referred to the Department the letter of
Commander Rootes, with your endorsement, relative to placing iron on
the upper deck of the Fredericksburg.

The suggestion is approved, and when the iron can be obtained the
work can be done.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding Naval Forces. James River.

Operation in conjunction with Confederate army forces against Fort Har-
rison, Chaffiri's Farm, James River, September 29-October 1, 1864.

Letter from Major-General Pickett, C. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding

cooperation.

HEADQUARTERS,
Chesterfield, September 29, 1864 — 8:30 a. m.

(Received 12: 10 p. m. Answered 2 p. m.)

SIR: I have the honor to state that General Lee, in speaking of the
operations of the enemy against Signal Hill, desires that you will render
whatever assistance you can. The battery at Bishop's might be used
with effect, I should think, and the fire from your fleet might interfere
considerably with movements of enemy.

1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. E. PICKETT,
Major- General, Commanding.
Flag- Officer J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Fleet.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Major-General Pickett, C. S. Army, regarding

measures of cooperation.

FLAGSHIP BEAUFORT,

Off Bishop'1 s, James River Squadron, September 29, 1864 — 2 p. m.
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of
this date in relation to opening the fire of battery at Bishop's. The

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 753

commanding officer of that work has instructions to conform to your
wishes in all respects, and to open fire on the enemy in any quarter
when he can do so with effect.

At the request of General Lee three gunboats have been stationed at
the pontoon bridge above Chaffin's Bluff for its protection. The iron-
clads Richmond and Fredericksburg and one gunboat are now firing,
and have been for some hours, on the enemy about Fort Harrison, at the
request of General Ewell.

The squadron will be kept, as it has been since the loth instant, in.
hand to oppose any movement at or in the vicinity of Dutch Gap; for
this purpose it has been kept until to-day at this anchorage.

1 beg that you will give me early information of any movement of the
enemy that may come to your knowledge which will enable me to coop-
erate with you against him at any point your judgment may deem
advisable.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Major General G. B. PICKETT,

Commanding Forces, Headquarters, Chesterfield.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, explaining the delay in forwarding facts regarding

operations.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Chaffing Bluff, October 3, 1864.

SIR : I have to apologize to the Department for my apparent neglect
in not having reported the operations of the forces under my command
in their cooperation with the army against the enemy in front of Chaffin's
Bluff. My whole time and attention have been taken up with pressing-
duties, and I have been without the assistance customary for officers in
my position to have, viz, a commander to act as fleet captain, a flag-
lieutenant and midshipman as aids. Even my secretary is now and
has been sick for several weeks. This, I hope, will be regarded as a
sufficient explanation. A pause in our active operations will enable me
to make my report without further loss of time.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 6, 1864.

SIR: As soon as the movement of the enemy, about 8 o'clock a. m.,
the 29th ultimo, against Chaffin's Bluff became known to Commander
Kootes, the commanding officer during my temporary absence from the
squadron, then lying at Bishop's, he promptly moved the ironclads Fred-
ericksburg and Richmond and placed them with the gunboats Nansemond
and Drewry\\\ good positions in the reach below Chaffin's Bluff, and at
about 10:20 a. in. opened fire upon the enemy, who had obtained pos-
session of Fort Harrison. A copy of Commander Kootes' report is
N w R — VOL 10 18

754 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

enclosed herewith, to which I would refer you for particulars as to the
beginning and effect of our operations.

In about an hour after the squadron opened fire I returned to iny
command. •

In order that the services of the Virginia should not be entirely lost
in the emergency, she was promptly cleared for action by Lieutenant
Commanding Shepperd, who had to dismantle the derrick which he was
using for getting on board a new forward gun (an 8-inch rifle), the car-
riage for which was already in place, but the gun had to be left on
board of the Hampton.

The Virginia, for the reasons mentioned, was not able to get into the
position assigned her until the afternoon, opening her fire about 4:45
o'clock.

The fire from the squadron, as 1 was informed by General Ewell, was
very effective, and it has been so represented by other officers whose
positions on shore enabled them to observe and judge of the effect.

On Friday, the 30th, our fire upon the enemy and in the vicinity of
Fort Harrison was resumed during the forenoon and kept up with more
or less spirit until sunset, according to circumstances, being particularly
regulated so as to aid the land forces in an assault upon Fort Harrison,
which, however, unfortunately failed.

On Saturday, the 1st instant, our fire commenced in the forenoon and
continued during the day, though slowly, as the rapid firing of Thursday
and Friday had caused a very large expenditure of ammunition, which
seemed called for by the occasion, but could no longer be justified,
neither from results nor from the difficulty of supplying it.

The three ironclads and the Drewry were engaged pretty steadily the
three days; the Nansemond for a short time only, on the 29th, when she
was detailed with the Hampton, the range of their VHI-inch shell guns
being short of the enemy, to protect the pontoon bridge at Chaffin's
Bluff.

The gunboat Roanoke, temporarily placed in command of Acting Mas-
ter Frank Shippey, and the Beaufort, in command of Second Lieutenant
W. P. Mason, with their rifled 6.4s, did good service. About fifteen men
were borrowed from the Patriclc Henry to man the former.

On the 30th, the bow gun (7-inch rifle) of the Fredericksburg burst
at the third discharge.

I intercepted dispatches of the enemy testifying to the efficacy of
our fire in annoying him, and I have no doubt that on the first day (the
29th) it served to demoralize him and to check his operations, if it did
not frustrate more serious designs upon the works of Chaffin's Bluff',
thereby amply compensating for the large expenditure of ammunition.

The officers and men conducted themselves well, but there seemed to
be no opportunity for special distinction.

The first position of the Virginia at Boulware's Landing was over-
reached by the enemy's 100-pouuder rifled battery near their observa-
tory beyond Dutch Gap, but their fire was in line.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 4th, I permitted the Frederiekshurg
to try the effect of a few shot on the works being constructed by the
enemy near Boulware's house. Her tire, though well directed, could
not materially check the works in progress, the distance being about
1 mile.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Namj, Richmond, Vat

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 755

Eepert of Lieutenant Shepperd, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Virginia.

C. S. S. VIRGINIA,
James Hirer, October 7, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of this
ship since the appearance of the enemy in force on the north bank of
the river and in front of the field defenses of Chaffin's Bluff.

On the 29th ultimo, about 8 a. in., I received a telegraphic dispatch
from General Ewell, addressed to the commanding officer of the squad-
ron, requesting that the guns of the squadron be used against the
enemy in and around Fort Harrison, which work they had surprised
and taken about 7 a. m., and near which they were organizing a large
force for further operations.

At the time of the receipt of this information this ship was without
steam and hampered with derricks, skids, and heavy purchases, pre-
paratory to taking on board an 8-inch rifle gun, which was alongside in
the Hampton. The chassis and carriage were on the spar deck and
had to be struck below out of the way. It was not until 1 p. m. that
the ship was in readiness to go down the river, and when the anchor
was hove short the chain of the schooner Qallecjo was found to be afoul
of it. To clear this occasioned additional delay of half an hour or more.

I visited the lines and found that the force there was inadequate to
the defense of Chaffin's Bluff; and marking well the position of the
enemy, I visited the several ships of the squadron, and directed their
fire, which I was pleased to observe did much to deter the enemy from
any forward movement.

Reinforcements did not arrive till about 2 p. m., and I am confident
that the fire from the guns of the Fredericksburg, Richmond, Nanscmond,
and Drewry had the effect of keeping the enemy under the cover of
the fort till our lines were well filled with veteran troops.

At 1 : 30 came to about half a mile below Chaffin's Bluff and pre-
pared to open upon Fort Harrison ; but upon receiving orders from you
to repair with the ship to the Graveyard Reach, I accordingly got under-
way and at 3 : 30 anchored off the Graveyard.

At 4:45 opened upon the supposed position of the enemy with the
Xl-inch (stern gun) and upon the Yarina road with the port broadside
gun (7-inch Brooke rifle).

At 5 : 30 ceased firing at the request of General Lee, to allow our
troops to charge the enemy's position. It was subsequently learned
that the charge was repulsed.

On the morning of the 30th, the enemy being still in possession of
the works taken on the day before, I sent Acting Master Edinborough
on shore with two signal operators to observe and report the effect of
the fire from this ship.

It being necessary to clear the trees from the bank of the river to aid
our vision, it was not until 11 a. m. that I again opened upon the
enemy's position in and around Fort Harrison, as well as that road to
the right of it.

At 12:30 [p. m.J, having discovered that our Xl-inch shell fell short
and endangered our own troops, commenced getting underway. While
so engaged, the enemy's battery near his tower beyond Trent's Eeach
fired two shells at this ship, both of which went beyond her about 200
yards.

At 1 : 30 came to below Chaffin's Bluff and reopened upon the enemy's
position in and around Fort Harrison, apparently with more effect than
from the Graveyard Reach. After 3 p. m. slackened our fire to a shell

756 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

every half hour, and after 4 p. m. one every hour. At dark ceased
firing.

At 9 : 30 a. m. on the 1st instant reopened upon the enemy's position,
using only the 7-inch rifle. The shell from the Xl-inch gun falling
short and endangering our soldiers, it was thought prudent not to use
that gun.

Much of the early part of the day was occupied in clearing a hawser
from around the propeller. Fired slowly during the day, ceasing at
dark.

On Monday and Tuesday I was engaged in getting on board the
8-inch rifle gun, since which this ship has occupied her position in the
squadron.

The following amount of ammunition was expended on board this
ship :

On the 29th.

Port broadside gun (7-inch Brooke rifle) :

10-pound charges 12

Shrapnel, 10-second 12

Stern gun (Xl-inch) :

20-pound charges 4

15-pound charges 4

15-second shell 8

On the SOth.

Port broadside gun (7-inch Brooke rifle) :

10-pound charges 7

Shrapnel, 9-second and 10- second 7

Stern gun (Xl-inch) :

20-pound charges 1

15-pound charges 4

15-second shell 2

10-second shell 3

On the 1st.

Starboard broadside gun (7-inch Brooke rifle) :

10-pound charges 14

Percussion shell 14

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. E. SHEPPERD,
Lieutenant and in Command.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.

Commanding James River Squadron.

[Endorsement.]

Sent a copy of the above to the Navy Department, with the follow-
ing endorsement, viz :

OCTOBER 8, 1864.

Respectfully furnished for the information of the Secretary of the Navy and as an
accompaniment to my report of the 6th instant.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

XORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

757

Report of Lieutenant Maury, C. S. Navy, commanding. C. S. S. Richmond.

C. S. S. RICHMOND,
James River Squadron, off Boulware's Landing, October 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera-
tions of the vessel under my command during Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday, the 29th and 30th of September and the 1st of October:

On the 29th of September, having moved ship so as to bring my
guns to bear on Fort Harrison, according to orders, I opened fire.
The following is the result of the three days' firing:

The heavier charges of 14 pounds of powder were used on the first
and second days, as it was reported the shell fell short, although the
guns were at extreme elevation.

September 29.

12-pound 14-pound
charges, charges.

Time
shell.

Percus-
sion shell.

Primers.

No. 1 gun ................................

35 13
30 15
39 { 16

12
10
14

36
35
41

Friction.
[•Percussion.

No. 3 gun ........ ..

No. 4 gun.

Total

104 44

112

September 30.

12-pound
charges.

14-pound
charges.

Time
shell.

Percus-
sion shell.

Primers.

No. 1 gnn ..........

Friction

Xo. 3 gun.....

IT,

No. 4 gun...... ...

>Percnssion.

Total

October 1.

12-pound
charges.

14-pound
charges.

Time
shell.

Percus-
sion shell.

Primers.

No. 1 gun

7
5
«

1
1
1

4
3
3

4
3

Friction.
jPercussion.

No. 2 gnn

No. 4 gun ...... ..

Total

Total number of shots fired September 29 148

Total number of shots iired September 30 90

Total number of shots fired October 1 . 21

Grand total 259

Respectfully submitted.

J. S. MAURY,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL.

[Endorsement.]

Sent a copy of the above to the Navy Department with the follow-
ing endorsement, viz:

OCTOBER 8, 1864.

Respectfully furnished for the information of the Secretary of the Navy and as an
accompaniment to my report of the (5th instant.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flay-Officer James River Squadron.

758 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Eeport of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. 8. S. Drowry.

C. S. S. DREWRY,

James River Squadron, September 29, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor of submitting to you the following report of
tlic part borne by this vessel in shelling the enemy at Fort Harrison
and the outer works of Chaffin's Bluff: At 9 a. in. I was ordered by
Commander Thomas R. Rootes to proceed from my anchorage oil
Graveyard to ChaflBn's Bluff, and render any assistance in my power to
the defense of the bluff. I immediately steamed up the river and
reported to the commanding officer. Colonel Maury being absent and
supposed to be in the enemy's hands, the officer in command could give
me no instructions. Learning, however, the position of the enemy, I
steamed down below the bluff a short distance and took position, and
opened fire on Fort Harrison at 10:45 a. m. with shell, at an elevation
of from 1,800 to 2,100 yards, which distance being sufficient to reach the
enemy, so I was informed by officers stationed ashore, the majority of
my shell exploding over and near the fort, I received orders from you
to keep up the firing in the same direction, which was kept up until 5
p. m., when, my supply of ammunition being nearly exhausted, I was
ordered to cease firing. The amount of ammunition expended during
the day is as follows, viz: Thirteen 5-second shell, 15 10-second shell, 5
15-second shell, 17 percussion shell, 2 10-pound charges, 48 8-pound
charges powder. During the early part of the day a piece of shell struck
me on the port quarter some 2 feet above the water line without doing
any damage. I am pleased to inform you that no casualties either acci-
dental or from the enemy occurred during the day. The conduct of all
on board was satisfactory,

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding Steamer Dreicry.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Letter from i lag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to General Anderson, C. S. Army.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

Boulware's Landing, September 30, 1S64 — 3:30 a. m.
GENERAL: Your dispatch of to-night has been received. General
Lee's wishes have been anticipated by making the necessary disposi-
tions of the squadron to protect General Pickett's left.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.
General ANDERSON,

Chaffirfs Farm.

Additional report of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. S. DREWRY,

James River Squadron, September 30, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with your order, I moved down the river at 8:30
last night, communicated with Battery Semmes, at Bishop's. Lieu-
tenant Goodwyn, Provisional Navy Confederate States, informed me

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 759

that he had been trying to shell Signal Hill all the afternoon, and that
the enemy undoubtedly had the hill. Finding no one else that could
give me any information, I deemed it improper to venture farther down
the river with my vessel than the low ground below Bishop's house,
sending the small boats near the point usually occupied by this vessel.
I made arrangements with Lieutenant Goodwyn to let me know
should the enemy attempt to throw a pontoon across at Dutch Gap
and I would immediately go down to it, Mr. Goodwyn having arrange-
ments made with the army by which he would be in possession of the
information much quicker than anyone else. The Fredericksburg came
down about 12 o'clock and anchored just below ine, giving me orders
in case he should go down to follow him. I left the station at 5
o'clock this morning, and have nothing of importance to report in
regard to the enemy, everything being very quiet.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Third report of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. S. DREWRY,

James River Squadron, September 30, 1864.

SIR : Agreeable to your order, I occupied the same position as yester-
day and opened fire upon the enemy in Fort Harrison at meridian with
10-second shell and 8-pound charges of powder, at an elevation of from
1,800 to 2,400 yards; continued firing slowly until 4 p. m., when, on
account of my limited supply of ammunition, you ordered me to cease
for the night. From officers stationed in our works near the enemy, I
learn that my fire was very effective.

1 have no casualties to report, and the good conduct of all under my
command merited my attention. The amount of ammunition expended
during the day is as follows, viz: 15 10-second shell, 1 percussion shell,
14 8-pound charges, and 2 10-pound charges.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding, Provisional Navy C. S.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Mason, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Beaufort.

O. S. S. BEAUFORT,

James River Squadron, September 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to yon that at 10: 20 this morning I
weighed anchor and went alongside the Drewry and received on board
9 barrels of powder, 40 7-iuch rifle shell, 30 7-inch cast bolts, and 2
boxes of friction primere, which, together with 1 box of medicines, I
delivered to Lieutenant Goodwyn, commanding naval battery. I then
returned and took up my position bet ;ween the Virginia and the Richmond.
At 3:30 p. in., according to your order, I opened fire on the enemy,

760 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

throwing one 5-secoud shell aud 10-second shell, and 7 percussion shell
at intervals of thirty minutes, with one exception, when, by order, I
fired immediately after the Virginia. At C p. in., by your order, I
ceased firing. The signal man on shore reported the range of my shell
to be good. This closed my operations for the day.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. P. MASON,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL.

Report of Lieutenant Goodwyn, C. S. Navy, commanding Battery Semmes.

C. S. NAVAL BATTERY,
Bishop's, James Eiver, September 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that in compliance with the request
of Major-Geueral Pickett I opened fire on the 29th instant from the
X-inch columbiads in my battery on the Varina road.

I am sorry to say all my shots fell far short, which 1 can account for
in no other way than defective powder.

The enemy fired six shots at me, all of which passed beyond me
some distance.

I would most respectfully call your attention to the powder that I
have. I can never make my battery effective as long as I have to
depend on the powder I now have.
I am happy to state no casualties.

Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant,

M. P. GOODWYN,

Lieutenant in Charge.

I Endorsement.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, September 30, 1864.

Kespectfully forwarded to Commander John M. Brooke, Chief Ord-
nance, and his attention invited to the within statement of Lieutenant
Goodwyn of the quality of the powder. He refers to the ammunition
for the X-inch columbiads, army guns, as he had not at the time of firing
used any for his navy 7-inch.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Lieutenant Hays, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Nansemond.

C. S. S. NANSEMOND, October 5, 1864.

SIR: I respectfully inform you that on the morning of the 29th
ultimo a large force of the enemy were reported in the rear of Chaffin's.
This vessel was dropped down in position below the bluff, and at 10: 30
opened fire on their supposed position with shell. Twelve rounds were
fired at G degrees elevation. 1 am unable to state with what effect, as
but three of the shell exploded, and those prematurely. Our distance
from the enemy's line was upward of 1,800 yards.

There were expended 84 pounds of powder, 10 15-second and 2
10 second shell.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING 6QUADRON. 761

The shell on board this vessel I consider unreliable. They have so
proved at least on every occasion iu which I have seen them, fired.
They were received on board at Norfolk over two years since, and the
fuzes have doubtless received injury from dampness in the lockers.

I deem it proper to report that the pivot gun of this vessel is worked
with the greatest difficulty; the united efforts of the entire gun's crew
are not sufficient to train it with that degree of celerity that is neces-
sary in rapid firing. The ofteuer the gun is fired this difficulty seems
to increase.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

OHAS. W. HAYS,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Flag-Officer JNO/K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Squadron.

The difficulty in training the gun (above referred to) is owing to the
deck having settled under the middle transom. It will be necessary to
stanchion the deck up, which can be done by the mechanics of the
squadron.

Very respectfully,

OHAS. W. HAYS.

Report of Commander Rootes, C. S. Navy, commanding C. 8. S. Fredericksburg.

IRONCLAD FREDERICKSBURG,
James River Squadron, October 4, 1864.

SIR : I respectfully report, on the morning of September 29, Lieu-
tenant M. P. Goodwyu, commanding naval battery, Bishop's, informed
me the enemy were crossing Boul ware's farm, and that an engagement
was going on at Ghaffm's farm or bluff. Sent Acting Master's Mate
G. M. Eootes to the Graveyard to ascertain what was going on at Ghaf-
fin's Bluff", and ordered the commanding officers of the gunboats Nanse
mond and Drewry to go up and offer all assistance to the commanding
officer of the fort at Ghaffin's Bluff. Acting Master's Mate G. M.
Eootes informed me on his return that a courier had arrived at the
Graveyard from the commanding general, saying the enemy had taken
Fort Harrison, and wished the naval squadron to cooperate with the
army in preventing their further advance toward the bluff.

About 9 a. m. got underway, ironclad Richmond in company, and
stood up the river ; 9 : 30 a. m. came to anchor a short distance above
the Graveyard ; 10 : 20 opened with shell and shrapnel on Fort Harrison,
its rear, and heavy columns of the enemy crossing the fields, using
heavy charges, owing to the distance we had to throw the shells. Sent
Lieutenant E. T. Egglestou, of the Marine Corps, with a signal officer
on shore to take an elevated stand and inform me from time to time
the movements of the enemy, and how our shot and shell were falling,
tie informed me that the enemy were in line of battle, in large numbers,
to the right of the fort and some distance beyond, and our shells were
falling short. Feeling perfectly satisfied this was the time for prompt
action on my part, a case of extreme emergency, and to save Chaffiu's
Bluff, I used the high charges and gave Lieutenant Commanding
Maury, of the ironclad Richmond, orders to use 14-pound charges in the
7-inch rifle guns.

Much to my satisfaction the marine officer made signal that our shot
were reaching and extending all along the enemy's lines, and in a short

762 NOETH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

time after lie again made signal saying the enemy had broken and were
retreating across the fields to the woods, ambulances and teams iu
great disorder, making their way down the road toward Signal Hill.

I was requested by the commanding general to fire fast, and for some
time kept up a brisk fire. Captain Fitzhugh, of the Army, was on board
a part of the time, and said we were doing good work.

So soon as i was informed the enemy was forming in line of battle,
and massing in large bodies, came to the conclusion they were going to
make an advance on Chaffin's Bluff iu heavy columns, and to prevent
this and keep the enemy in check until the commanding general could
bring up his forces, I continued to fire heavy charges all the time, and
am firmly of the opinion that the squadron did this and saved Chaffin's
Bluff.

I have been informed that a number of army officers give the squad-
ron the credit of saving Chaffiu's Bluff.

I send the amount of ammunition expended on board this ship on the
29th day of September.

X-inch gun:

30-pound charges 14

25-pound charges 34

20-pound charges 12

15-ponnd charges 8

X-iuch shot 20

10-seeoud shell 26

15-second shell 20

5-second shell 2

6.4 rifle:

12-pound charges 41

10-ponud charges _ 7

10-second shell 32

15-aecoud shell 12

Percussion shell 4

7-inch rifle :

14-pound charges 11

12-pound charges 21

10-pound charges 6

8-second shrapnel 5

10-second shell 22

Percussion shell 6

15-second shell 5

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. It. HOOTKS,
Commander, Provisional Navy C. 8.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding James River Squadron, Ghaffin's Bluff.

Memorandum of instructions to vessels, October 1, 1864.

All to fire on Fort Harrison and its rear as desired by General Lee
in note of this morning. The distance is about, as estimated by us,
3,300 to 3,600 yards. It requires our extreme (of ironclads) elevation,
say 0 to 7 degrees, not to use the high charges intended for conflict with
ironclads, except in cases where the issue of a battle may depend upon it.

The Fredericksburf/ to fire her G.4 broadside every twenty minutes
with shells with not less than 15 second fuzes. (Advised to fire at 1
o'clock once in every hour with cast bolts, there being no shells with
proper fuzes.)

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 763

The Richmond to use her 7-inch, firing once in fifteen minutes with
shell; at 1 o'clock p. m. to fire once in thirtyiniuutes.

The Virginia to fire her broadside 7-iuch once in twenty minutes
with shell not less than 15-second fuze. Commence firing about 10: 15;
at 11: 30 ordered to fire once in thirty minutes; at 4 ordered to fire
once in every hour.

Drewry to fire bolts (having no shells for the purpose cast) once in
half an hour; ordered to fire at '2 o'clock p. m. once an hour.

Beaufort to fire her 32-pounder Parrott once in thirty minutes with
percussion shells at 8 degrees elevation. To fire after 2 p. m. at inter-
vals of forty minutes.

The foregoing vessels are ranged in the following order, beginning
about three-fourths of a mile below Chaffin's Bluff, viz: The Dreicry
(1st), Beaufort (2d), Virginia (3d), Richmond (4th), Fredericksburg (5th).

The Hampton, stationed at the pontoon bridge, ordered to attend to
securing the articles in Qallego, and assist in getting her into a place
for beaching, to be selected by Pilot Moore.

The Roanoke ordered also to assist in this duty; she is stationed at
the pontoon bridge.

The Nansemond, stationed at the pontoon bridge, ordered to Rich-
mond to bring down ammunition that may be ready for the squadron.

The ironclad Frederickxburg ordered on pilot duty below Bishop's
to-night, and also the gunboat Beaufort.

The Nansemond and the Hampton, stationed at the pontoon bridge,
above Chaffin's Bluff, for its protection.

The Gallego, having sunk at her moorings when left by the Virginia
on the 29th, was placed on the shore above pontoon bridge at high tide,
broadside on.

Earning all day this Saturday, October 1, 1864.

SUNDAY, October 2.

No firing from squadron at the enemy to-day; a few at and in the
neighborhood of Boulware's house were seen reconnoitering or on
picket duty. Our ammunition of the right kind (shells and shrapnel
and fuzes) being out. Works at Chaffin's Bluff fired a few shots at
enemy at Boulware's house; so did navy battery at Bishop's.

I went down after dark in the Fredericksburg, with Richmond and
Drewry, below naval battery, where we anchored and performed picket
duty.

Hauled off the Gallego at high water in the afternoon, and with the
Dreicry and Beaufort run her aground again, bows on, preparatory to
going to work to stop ports and pump water out.

Barge with ammunition for Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond
arrived in the evening.

MONDAY, October 3.

The picket vessels, Fredericksburg and Richmond, returned to their
anchorages (as stated on 1st) below Chaffin's Bluff about 8 a. m., the
Drewry at 5 a. m. Before coming up, inspected the navy battery at

Bishop's; two men, viz, and , deserted to the enemy last

night by taking the skiff and crossing the river to Boulware's farm.

The Virginia moved up to the pontoon bridge to take in her new for-
ward gun (8-inch ride), now on board of the Hampton.

At 12 : 30 p. m. called to see Brigadier-General Alexander, Chief of
Artillery, Army Northern Virginia, at Chaffin's Bluff; could not be
seen, being out on the lines; sent him a note saying I would meet him
at any place he may appoint. Wish to confer with him about our firing.

764 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

[Telegram.]

OCTOBER 1, 1864.

SIR: Our attempt to retake Fort Harrison on yesterday having
failed, I respectfully request that you will direct your guus to fire upon
it and also in its rear, that as much injury as possible may be inflicted
upon the force occupying the fort, and the enemy's communications be
annoyed whenever an opportunity is presented.

In this connection I would remark that the fire from the heavy guus
of the boats on yesterday would have accomplished more if the fuzes
had been a little longer and the guns a little more elevated. The range
was rather short.

I am, most respectfully,

E. E. LEE,

General.

The ADMIRAL or
COMMANDING OFFICER, JAMES RIVER SQUADRON.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to General Lee, C. S. Army, expressing compliance

with his wishes.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 1, 1864.

GENERAL : Your note of this date, requesting that the fire of the
squadron may be reopened on Fort Harrison, etc., has been received.

Our guns were all fired at the highest elevation, which, in the iron-
clads, is very limited, to about 6 or 7 degrees, and with the heaviest
charges justified for a steady fire — indeed even heavier than authorized
by our regulations — to which cause is attributed the bursting of one of
our guns yesterday. We are short of fuzed shells, and until a supply
be obtained will use percussion.

Your wishes, as expressed in your note, will in all respects, general,
be complied with as far as possible, and fire will be reopened at once.

I shall be glad if you would cause accurate observations to be made
upon our firing, in order that errors may be corrected if in my power.

I have the honor to be. very respectfully, general, your obedient
servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

General E. E. LEE,

Commanding Army of Northern Virginia, Headquarters.

Fourth Beport of Lieutenant Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. S. DREWRY,

James River Squadron, October 1, 1864.

SIR : In pursuance with your orders, I took the same position as
occupied yesterday. At 10 a. in. opened fire upon the enemy in and in rear
of Fort Harrison, at extreme elevation, using 10-pound charges and cast-
iron bolts, on account of having no other ammunition on board. I kept
the firing up at intervals of thirty minutes, as you directed, until you
ordered me to fire once every hour. I have no casualties to report, and
the good conduct of all on board continued as specified in yesterday's

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

765

report. The amount of ammunition expended during the day is as fol-
lows: 1 10-second shell, 7 cast-iron bolts, and 8 10-pound charges.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. WALL,
Lieutenant, Commanding, Provisional Navy C. 8.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL.

Commanding James River Squadron.

Second report of Lieutenant Mason, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Beaufort

C. S. S. BEAUFORT, October 2, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to report to you that on yesterday morning, in
pursuance of your order, I opened fire on the enemy at 10 a. m., firing
at intervals of half an hour. At 11 : 20 a. m., according to your order,
1 moved my anchorage from between the Richmond and Virginia to a point
farther up the river, just swinging clear of the Virginia. I continued
firing at half-hour intervals until 2 p. m., at which time I had fired six
percussion shell and three 10-second shell that were found among the
percussion shell. At 2 p. m., according to your order, I commenced firing
at intervals of forty minutes, which I continued till 6 p. m., at which
time, being signaled from the flagship to do so, 1 ceased firing. Between
the hours of 2 and 6 p. m. I fired six percussion shell. At 6:30 I sent
Mr. Kowe to Castle Thunder for A. Fritz, a deserter. At 7 p. m., having
been ordered by you to do so, I weighed anchor and proceeded down to
the Fredericlisbnry and reported to Captain Rootes for picket duty. By
his order I came to anchor abreast of the wharf at Bishop's and remained
there till 4 : 30 this morning, at which hour I weighed anchor and returned
to my position between the Virginia and Dreicry.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. P. MASON,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Flag-Officer J, K. MITCHELL.

List of officers of James River Squadron, per returns of October 1, 1864.

Name.

Rank.

Vessel.

John K. Mitchell
F E. Shepperd

Flag-officer
.Lieutenant

C. S. S. Virginia.
Do.

Daniel Trigg

....do

Do.

Master .....

W. F. Wilson

Midshipman

Do.

P. H. McCarrick

Sick in hospital.

J. De B. Northrop

Do.

Robt. J. Webb

Gunner

C. S. S. Virginia.

William R. Jarvis

Do.

J T Lavton

Eugene Smith . .

Master's mate

Do.

William D. Harrison
J E Moyler

Surgeon

Do.
Do

N. K. Adams

Assistant paymaster

Do.

J. W. Daniel
B F Rodman .

Flag-officer's secretary

Sick in hospital.

J. L. McDonald

.... do

On Beaufort, and sick in hospital.

S.K Mooers

Do.

S. B. Jordan
T. P. Gwvnn

do
Lieutenant marines .

Do.
Do.

Ed ward Moore

Pilot

Do.

Charles Lavton...

...do..,

Do.

766 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

List of officers of James River Squadron, per returns of October 1, 1864 — Continued.

Name.

Rank.

Vessel.

Lieutenant commanding
do .

C. S. S. Richmond.
Sick
C. S. S. Richmond.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Sick.
C. S. S. Richmond.

W 'W Read

c'o

W D Porter

H H Scott

H H Tyson

J R Norris ......

... do

S M Foster

Acting master's mate

At naval hospital.
Do.
C. S. S. Richmond.
Do.
Do
Do.
Do.
Do.
At naval hospital.
C. S. S. Richmond.
Detached at battery at Bishop's.
In naval hospital.
C. S. S. Richmond.
Temporarily attached.
C.S.S.Roanoke.
On duty on Fredcricksburg.
Do.
On sick furlough.
Nansemond.
Sick at hospital.
C. S. S. Nansemond.
Do.
Temporary duty at Wilmington.
N. C.
C. S. S. Nansemond.
Do.
Do.
C. S. S. Beaufort.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Temporarily attached to Roaiiokc.
C. S. S. Drewrv.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
C. S. S. Fredericksburg.
Charge of Battery Mclntosh.
Temporarily attached to Ham pi on.
Naval hospital, Richmond.
Temporary duty at Battery Mcln-
tosh.
Fredericksburg.
Do.
Do.
Prisoner of war.
Fredericksburg.
Do.
Do.
Detached, and Assistant Surgeon
Goldsborough instead.
In hospital, Richmond.
Do.
C.S. S. Fredericksburg.
In hospital.
Temporary.
Prisoner of war.

Unfit for duty (sore leg).
Naval hospital, Richmond.
In hospital, Richmond.
Fredericksburg.
Temporary.
Hampton.
Hospital.
Hampton.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.

do ,

E M Williams

H G Land

.. do

H X Wright

Chief engineer

J H Bailey

Assistant engineer

B. J. Dnnigan

W T Harrison

Assistant engineer
do.

S M Roberts . ..

Pilot

H "Williams

S Wood

W F Shippey

J H Parker

J E Carlon

Pilot

Charles W. Hays
R C Slaughter

Lieutenant commanding

E L Dick

A V Rowe

R. M. Ross

James Turner

Pilot

W. B. Littlepage

W. P. Mason

W. H. Carlon

Master

J. F. Bush

Signal officer

W. T. Harding

Third assistant engineer

A. E. Albertson
W.H. Wall

Master's mate
Lieutenant commanding

E.C.Gill
H. Ahem

Assistant engineer
do

B.C. Skinner

Pilot

L. L. Foster

Master's mate

Thomas R. Rootes
M.P.Goodwyn

Commander
Lieutenant

T. P. Bell

John Minor
F. S. Hunter

Acting master

L. M. Rootes

Midshipman . .

A. S. Doak

. do ....

A.T.Hunt

. . do

Arch. J. Wilson

C. H. Gormley

Gunner

R. N. Spraggins

Master's mate . .

H. W. M. Washington

Surgeon

John Leyburn

C. G. Pearson

Assistant paymaster

T. C. Tennette

Assistant engineer . .

J.E. Viernelson

J. Hanks

John f H. ] Parker

R.J. Hackley

E. T. Eggleston

Lewis Parrish

Pilot

S.Barnes

N. H. Lewis

L.W.Hodgea

V.F.Bush

J. W.Murdaugh

James Cahoon

Acting master

J. W.Belvin

L.M. Tucker

Assistant paymaster

J. Minchener

Assistant engineer

W.W.Skinner

Pilot .

J.E.Rollins

Master's mate .

L.Buck

do.. .

Thomas Mason

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.
Officers recently ordered to James Itirer Squadron.

767

Name.

Rank.

Date.

Acting master

September 13 1864

J T Lay ton

Acting master's mate

September 17, 1864.

First lieutenant

Do.

September 21 1864

H 0 Bowles

A ssi s t a ii surgeon

September 23, 1864.

do ..

Do.

XV U Dalton

Second lieutenan'.

October 1,1864.

Do.

Third assistant engineer

October 5, 1864.

F L Gait

October 7, 1864.

J? M Thomas

October 10, 1864.

do -

October 7, 1864.

H H Scott

Do.

W P A Campbell

First lieutenant

October 11, 1864.

H. S Cooko

Master

Do.

October 12, 1864.

Do.

P. H.Gibbs
W A Collier

Passed midshipman

.Do.
October 17, 1864.

Muster roll of officers on board the C. S. S. North Carolina, October 1, 1864.

Xame.

Rank.

Name.

Rank.

W L Maury

O. L. Jones

. Assistant paymaster.

A V Wiatt

W. A Lee

Midshipman.

W. \V. Griggs
W R Mayo . ..

Assistant surgeon.

O. L.Jenkins ...
R. S. Herring . .

. Master's mate.
. Third assistant engineer.

J. M. Freeman

Second assistant engineer.

W. A.Lamkm ..

.J Master's mate.

Letter from General Lee, C. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
requesting a consultation.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

Cliaffitfs Farm, October 3, 1864.

COMMODORE: I will be glad to see you if you can come up conven-
iently, in order to consult as to some arrangements to meet the present
position of our lines. An officer and a liorse will meet you at Chaffin's
Bluff' to conduct you.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

E. E. LEE,

General.
Commodore J. K. MITCHELL,

Commanding James River Fleet.

[Endorsement.]

Complied with, and an interview had with the General (and also
Brigadier-General Alexander). My disposition of the squadron for the
night quite satisfactory to him.

J. K. M[ITCHELL],

Flag- Officer.
Seven o'clock p. m. returned.

768 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Disposition of the vessels of the James River Squadron for the night of

October 3, 1864.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Chaffin's Bluff, Monday, October 3, 1864.

The Richmond and Nansemond and the row guard boat (from the
proper ironclad), to perform the usual picket duty below the naval bat-
tery at Bishop's, with the usual orders and to keep a strict watch on
the river above, as well as below them, to detect and prevent any
attempt the enemy might make to cross from Boulware's farm to the
rear of our battery. They will resume their present positions after
sunrise to-morrow morning.

The Roanolce will take position at dark as low down as practicable so
as to keep within signal distance of the Fredericksburg.

The Drewry will retain her present position unless it be necessary to
move lower down to get within signal distance of the Frederioktburg.

The Fredericksburg will retain her present position to protect the
works of Chaffin's Bluff, under cover of her guns, calling upon the
Drewry and Roanoke for cooperation if necessary, keeping me advised
of all important occurrences.

The Beaufort will take position at night just below and close to the
pontoon bridge for its special protection.

The Hampton will be held in readiness for cooperation with the Beau-
fort in this duty, and see that she can cast off from the Virginia at short
notice.

All vessels, especially those lower down, will keep vigilant watch on
the river above them as well as below, and also upon the shore to detect,
report, and prevent all offensive movements of the enemy.

The Virginia, although engaged in receiving a new bow gun, will be
ready to meet any emergency for service that may arise during the night.

All vessels will keep prepared to return with grape or canister any
fire they may receive from pickets.

Sufficient steam will be kept up during the night for moving any
vessels, if suddenly called upon for service.

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Postscript to the detail of duty of the squadron for the night:

MONDAY, October 3, 1864.

The Beaufort will take the place of the Dreicry, and the Dreicri/ will
take a position between the Nansemond and the RoanoTce.
Respectfully,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Memoranda of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, on naval a fairs in James
River October 3-14, 1864.

MONDAY, October 3.

Arranged by written memoranda, or orders, for the proper disposition
of the squadron for the night, viz, the Richmond, Nansemond, and a
rowboat on picket duty at Bishop's in the following order, next above
the Drewry, the RoanoTce, the Fredericksburg, and the Beaufort, arranged

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 769

as far as practicable within signal distance of each other, to about
three- fourths of a mile below Ghaffin's Bluff. The Virginia at the
pontooii bridge transferring her 8-iuch gun from the Hampton alongside.

TUESDAY, October 4, 1864.

The Fredericksburg fired a few shell about 5 p. in. at enemy throwing
up works north of Boulware's house; though well directed, they were,
as a matter of course, without any material effect in preventing or even
checking the progress of the work.

Received certain intelligence through intercepted dispatches fur-
nished by General R. E. Lee that the enemy designed putting percus-
sion torpedoes in the river. The squadron was assigned the following
position for the night by written memorandum, viz, picket station just
below Bishop's, the Fredericksburg, Drewry one cable's length above,
Nansemond next in signal distance, Hampton (not being available sent
the Beaufort) to Boulware's Landing, reach above and below open to
her; Roanoke head off Kingsland Reach, so as to have the one above
open and in signal reach of Richmond, the Richmond in usual anchorage.
The Virginia at pontoon bridge taking 8-inch bow gun from the Hampton.

BOULWARE'S LANDING, October, 1864.

Quite an alarm gotten up about the enemy's massing forces opposite
General Pickett's line between Bishop's and Hewlett's.

WEDNESDAY, October 12.

About sunset, seeing a good many officers grouped near Boulware's
house, about 900 yards off, I allowed the Beaufort's gun to be fired at
them three times (she being alongside) over our forecastle. The fire
was poorly directed, as the shell passed over the building. The officers,
however, disappeared; probably entered the house.

THURSDAY, 13.

Six of our men took a boat from alongside the forecastle and deserted
to the north shore, no doubt going to the enemy; three more have
deserted from us since we have been picketing the north bank front of
the enemy. Our battery at Bishop's (Semmes) lost two a fortnight
since, and the Richmond, a boat party of six went oft' about a week ago,
all doubtless to the enemy, carrying some information of all our move-
ments, doings, etc. This no doubt enabled the enemy to direct his fiie
in the afternoon to-day, so much to the annoyance and danger of our
vessels at Bishop's Bluff, viz, the Fredericksbury and Hampton, also a
lighter, and the Beaufort; one soldier was instantly killed by a shot.
Our vessels being in continued danger of serious injury from the fire of
XV-inch shell and other projectiles, I ordered them to come up above
Boulware's Landing in the morning. An ironclad and perhaps a gun-
boat, as formerly, will be sent down for the night only hereafter.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, Friday, October 14, 1864.

The following appears to me to be the situation of military affairs so
Tar as the naval forces are particularly interested : Our line includes the
south bank of the river from Richmond to Hewlett's, thence across to
the Appomattox, and the north bank to the rear, covering by the guns
of Chaffm's Bluff.

The enemy's lines on the north begin at Fort Harrison, about 900
yards from the river, thence in a southerly direction till they touch the
N w R — VOL 10 19

770 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

bank at the bend above Cox's Landing or Signal ITill, including our
torpedo station at Sailor's Tavern, and having, beyond a doubt, the
important torpedo atthatpointcontainingabout 2,000 pounds of powder;
thence they hold the north bank below. The guns already established
on the south bank at Trent's Reach and opposite Dutch Gap ; those at
Dutch Gap and Signal Hill have all or many of them been unmasked
and reach the river above Boulware's Landing. The batteries now
being prepared on their lines at or near Boulware's house, and no doubt
at other points not yet unmasked, will command the river so as to pre-
vent its safe navigation by us; our gunboats (of wood) will have to
retire to Chaffm's, nor will our ironclads be safe; they will be exposed
to the annoyance and danger from the batteries already unmasked and
others that may at any moment be brought into play against them, as
well as to torpedoes which the enemy can readily place in the river,
having command of the northern bank, and being able to take advan-
tage of dark, stormy nights and of thick weather during the day, to
place them, by means of skiffs or india-rubber boats, for it is impossible
for the squadron to continue to picket, as it now does, the north shore
after the gunboats retire. Indeed, even now there is nothing to pre-
vent the enemy from placing his torpedoes at the many unguarded
points in a distance of near 3 miles.

The south bank may be picketed by our army, but, however close the
pickets may be placed, they can not entirely prevent the enemy from
placing torpedoes at night and, on many occasions, in the daytime.
The river below Bishop's has no doubt been fortified by the enemy, not
only by preparing our own torpedo at the Fishery and Sailor's Tavern,
but by placing others to support it, and thereby prevent any movement
of our squadron to counteract their designs of crossing his army at
Dutch Gap. If he has such a design, he will certainly protect himself
from interruption by the squadron when it can be so easily done. If
he has not placed torpedoes below Bishop's, then he has no designs or
intention of crossing the river in that neighborhood.

Torpedoes placed by him between Chaffin's and Bishop's will render
the movements of our ironclads so full of peril that the question at once
arises whether the service which the ironclads can render to the army
at this juncture of our affairs by their presence in that part of the river
will justify their exposure to the clanger in question, and whether the
importance which they may hereafter be to the more immediate defenses
of the city will also justify the hazard of their destruction by torpedoes
and by exposure to the fire of heavy batteries, which they are unable
to return with effect, and have not the ammunition to spare to engage
in a protracted cannonade with forts, nor guns to replace those now
mounted, if rendered unserviceable by undue practice against the
enemy. Our means, if not husbanded, both in ammunition and in pre-
serving the lives of our guns, may find us in a condition, when some
great crisis comes upon us, which will unfit us to meet it, the odium of
which must rest somewhere. So long as we hold the south bank, we
have the power to prevent the navigation of the same river in our front
by the enemy that he has to prevent our use of it, both by the batteries
which we have and are now constructing, as well as by placing tor
pedoes, if we have them, either galvanic or self-acting. Our system of
policing the river, and the condition of the squadron in all respects, is
no doubt communicated to the enemy by our deserters, about twenty
of whom have gone to him within three weeks.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 771

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, transmitting correspondence
regarding the placing of torpedoes in the river by the enemy.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Chaffirfs Bluff, October 4, 1864.

SIR: Annexed herewith I transmit for the information of the Depart-
ment a copy of a communication just received from General Lee, fur-
nishing me with copies of intercepted dispatches of the enemy respecting
the placing of torpedoes in the river to interrupt our operations,
together with my reply to the general. In an interview with General
Lee last evening, I mentioned to him my apprehensions on this very
point, and suggested the impracticability of preventing their being
placed, if he desired to do so, wherever he could approach the banks
under cover of a dark night, as is now the case below Chaffin's Bluff.

Every effort, however, will be made to defeat the enemy's designs in
this respect, but it will require at night and in foggy weather the
untiring vigilance of rowboats, as well as the ironclads and gunboats.

This service will involve much exposure to weather and the fire of
pickets and batteries of the enemy, and render important the full man-
ning of the two gunboats Roanoke and Beaufort, and a full complement
of all officers and men to every vessel.

I shall state more explicitly to the Office of Orders and Detail the
number of officers and men needed, and beg that they may be supplied,
if possible, without delay.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Enclosures.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

October 4, 1864.

CAPTAIN : I have the honor to transmit to you copies of the follow-
ing intercepted dispatches :

DEEP BOTTOM, September 30, [1864],

Our troops hold Chaffin's Bluff and the gunboats are annoying them. General
Bntler wishes some torpedoes as soon as possible to place in the river to prevent
them from coming down. Percussion torpedoes would be preferred, and the pro-
fessor had better come with them at once. If they can not be procured at Norfolk,
would it not be advisable to order some from Washington?

E. T. NICHOLS.
Captain M. SMITH, U. S. Navy,

U. S. S. Minnesota.

CITY POINT, September 30

Captain EDSOX: Please keep four carpenters and two blacksmiths ready to go to

work on my arrival. Leave here at once to make torpedoes. General Grant's order.

JNO. A. KRESS,
Second Lieutenant and Chief Ordnance in the Field.

You will see by the above that your apprehensions as regards the
placing of torpedoes in the bed of the river by the enemy are correct. I
hope you will be able to prevent them. You must at least keep that
part of the river clear in which you wish to operate.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.
Captain J. K. MITCHELL,

Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

772 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Chaffing Bluff, Tuesday, October 1, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of, and to
thank you for, the intercepted dispatches of the enemy respecting
torpedoes.

I will do all in my power to prevent their nse against us by the
enemy, though with their facilities for placing them in the river it will,
I think, be impossible to prevent it when they have access to the banks
of the river.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

General R. E. LEE,

Commanding Army Northern Virginia, Chaffing Farm.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
acknowledging receipt of enemy's dispatches relative to torpedoes.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Navy Department, Richmond, October 5, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of yesterday has been received, covering copies of
enemy's dispatches relative to torpedoes to be placed by them in the
part of the river occupied by your fleet.

Your requests for increase of officers and men will meet the prompt
attention of Captain Lee, and be complied with as far as practicable.
I entertain no doubt, however, that you will effectually prevent the
execution of the enemy's plans.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary Navy.

Flag-Officer JNO. K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding the deficiencies in
complements of vessels of the James River Squadron.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 5, 1864.

SIR : On the detachment of First Lieutenant O. F. Johnston from this
ship, Lieutenant Shepperd was transferred from the Frederieksburg to
her, and is now in command. This leaves every ironclad in the squad-
ron without a single lieutenant of experience to act as executive officer.

Lieutenant Goodwyn, C. S. Navy; Lieutenant Koberts, C. S. Marine
Corps; Passed Midshipmen Hunter and Morehead; Assistant Surgeon
James G. Boxley, and 37 men from the squadron have been assigned to
duty at the naval battery at Bishop's.

Second Lieutenant W. P. Mason has been assigned to the temporary
command of the gunboat Beaufort, and Master Shippey to the tempo-
rary command of the Roanolte.

The want of lieutenants and other sea officers, and of engineers, is
more seriously felt now that we are immediately engaged in active

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 773

service against the enemy. The efficiency of the squadron is materially
impaired in consequence of the deficiency in our complements.

There are required to fill deficiencies the following' officers, viz: Six
lieutenants (1 a flag-lieutenant and 3 as executive officers of ironclads) ;
Lieutenant Otey Bradford has been condemned by survey; 1 master, 3
masters or passed midshipmen, G engineer officers, 3 boatswains, 2 car-
penters, 7 midshipmen or master's mates, 110 men to fill vacancies
arising from detachments, deaths, desertions, etc.

The officers and men to complete the complements of the squadron,
as called for above, are more essential than ever, now that we have to
guard the north bank of the river against the operations of the enemy's
scouts, pickets, and- torpedo parties, especially the latter.

The enemy is also constructing works on the heights near Boulware's
house, which is within effective range of our gunboats.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, Navy Department, Richmond, Va.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to commanding officers, urging
care in the expenditure of ammunition.

C. S. IRONCLAD VIRGINIA,

Flagship James River Squadron, October 5, 1864.
I have been informed by Commander Brooke, Chief of the Office of
Ordnance, that "the stock of shells in Richmond for 7-inch rifles is now
exhausted. The squadron will therefore depend upon the daily pro-
duct of the ordnance establishments for its supplies of shells."

I have, therefore, to enjoin upon all commanding officers in the
squadron the utmost care and economy in the expenditure of ammuni-
tion, and to use it only where the public service renders it absolutely
necessary and proper.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Copies of the above sent to the commanding officers of the ironclads
Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond; also, to gunboats Nansemond,
Hampton, Drewry, and Roanoke.

W. F. W.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to F Jag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy,
giving reasons for expecting an immediate attack by the enemy upon the
James River Squadron.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Navy Department, Richmond, October 6, 1864.

SIR: In an interview with Mr. Robert Ould, commissioner, last even-
ing, he said that from remarks made in his presence yesterday by one
of the enemy, and one who is more or less acquainted with his plans,
he had reason to apprehend an immediate movement against your fleet.

774 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Iii addition to the employment of torpedoes, as disclosed by the inter-
cepted dispatches, you may reasonably anticipate that the enemy will
send his boats up by land, or haul them across Dutch Gap, and with
a body of his seamen make a night attack to carry some of your ves-
sels. The use of the river by the truce boat gives him assurance that to
a certain extent nothing exists to prevent a boat attack. I advise you of
this at once that you may be on guard for it.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. K. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding Naval Forces James Hirer.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Nary, acknowledging information
regarding the probable designs of the enemy in James River.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Boulware's Landing, October 6, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of this
date, conveying information as to the designs of the enemy upon our
fleet, for which I have to thank you, and to assure you, at the same
time, that I will endeavor to make the best use of the means at my com-
mand to frustrate any offensive movements he may make against us.

The addition of the officers and men required to fill up our comple-
ment is all important to the efficiency of the squadron at all times, but
it is especially so in view of the picket and boat service that will have
to be performed constantly, a service, too, for which supernumerary
officers ought to be provided, if practicable.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Major- General Whiting, C. 8. Army, to the Secretary of the
Navy, stating his reasons for urging the retention of the C. S. steamer*
Chickamauga and Tallahassee at Wilmington, N~. C.

HEADQUARTERS,

Wilmington, JV. C., October 6, 1864.

SIR: I have received your reply* to my letter of the 27th [ultimo].
I only wish to say that 1 fear you have entirely misapprehended my
reasons for making the request as to the Tallahassee and the Chicka-
mauga, if it is supposed that I ever thought of them as fighting vessels
in any way or needed them to resist the enemy's men-of-war, or shot.
Their weakness and notable incapacity as ships of war might be an
argument against their going to sea ; but I should never think of employ-
ing such vessels to fight. It is the men and guns that are wanted as
well as the ships, not only to man the naval batteries now being sub-
stituted for the North Carolina and the Raleigh, which were to defend

*Not fouud.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 775

the inner bars, but to guard or picket the entrance and river, a duty
devolving upon the Navy, and for which there are neither forts nor
vessels here. This is a, matter for very serious consideration at all times.
It is not only perfectly possible for the enemy to send in their armed
boats by wide entrances at night, but they do and have done so
repeatedly. Three nights since the Banshee, after passing the bar, was
tired upon three times from an armed launch lying inside and in wait.
They have repeatedly ascended the river to within a few miles of town,
concealed themselves in the marsh during the day, and rowed out again
at night, with muffled oars. On one occasion they surprised and carried
off the mail carrier from Fisher and cut the telegraph wire. They boast
that they set fire to the cotton when we had our great loss and the Gov-
ernment cotton attd the navy-yard were burned. I doubt this, but it is
possible, and they assert it. If I had a sufficient land force — if I had
any cavalry at all — I could, no doubt, stop anything of the kind on land;
but how can I guard this broad river at night without a force afloat?
It is precisely because we have so small a force that these are asked for.
We need every man at home that can be available for service. These
are both gunners and sailors. Their duty in the rips batteries is as
essential to the defense as, and will be more effective than, the ironclads.
The river guard is purely a naval duty, and is necessary at all times,
especially so when the large number of valuable vessels at anchor below
are considered. Just before this request was made I was notified that
we must depend on the garrison we have and what North Carolina can
send us, militia, to save Wilmington. No wonder we need gunners and
guns, and that I was extremely urgent in endeavoring to obtain all of
which there could be hopes.

There are other considerations apart from the particular need of this
force, ashore and afloat, which surely deserve at this crisis special atten-
tion. First, while the departure of this force might be considered to
leave things as they have been, and as it was not here previously, we
should be no weaker than heretofore, yet this is not so. It will inevi-
tably increase the blockade, precipitate attack, render the receipt of
supplies precarious. There can be no question that in the past four
weeks the loss of seven of the very finest and fastest of the trading
fleet is due, directly or indirectly, to the expedition of the Tallahassee —
directly, on account of their having been compelled to give up their coal
to her, and show the black smoke of the soft coal in a sea swarming
with cruisers, and with speed diminished nearly one half; the days when
vessels successfully ran the blockade with North Carolina coal are long
passed; indirectly, so that in consequence of that ship having gone out
from and returned here the fleet has been doubled. Last week gives us
the record of the Lynx, the Night Hawk, and the Condor lost with much
valuable cargo, and Owl in going out compelled to throw over her cargo
of cotton, if, indeed, she be not caught. It was from an earnest con-
sideration of these points, as well as the paramount necessity of obtain-
ing everything available for the defense, that I addressed you, and, in
addition, I was urged by the unanimous sentiment of the community
and the State, not to be neglected, the report of General Beauregard
on this very subject, and further, by the fact that, as far as I can learn,
the officers of the Navy agree with the views expressed.
Very respectfully,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
'>. Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the JVany, Ii

776 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Disposition of the vessels of the James River Squadron for the night of

October 7, 1MJ.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Boulware'>8 Landing, Friday, October 7, 1864.

No. 1. The Richmond, ravine at Bishop's.

No. 2. The Drewry, one cable's length above naval battery and in
sight of the Richmond.

No. 3. The Hampton, one cable's length below Boulware's Lauding,
where the Richmond is now anchored.

No. 4. The Virginia, remain at present anchorage.

No. 5. The Nansemond, about the present position of the Drewry, near
the buoy in Kingsland lieach.

No. C. The Fredericksburg, at bead of Kingsland Keach, so as to keep
open Chaffiu's Bluff and Boulware's Landing.

No. 7. The Beaufort, to lay alongside of the flagship under cover of
her shield, and ready for any service that may be required of her.

A picket boat from each vessel, as ordered for last night, will be sta-
tioned with the same orders on the north bank of the river, not to hail
any persons approaching, but to fire upon them and continue it or fall
back to the boat at discretion and return to their own vessels.

The practice of hailing boats at night from vessels while on the
enemy's line should be discontinued. If known to be our own boats, it
is unnecessary, and if in sufficient force to apprehend an attack of dan
ger, they should be fired upon without a bail.

A small line of 2£ or 3-inch rope, with a few buoys, or a seine, if any
are procured, will be placed across the river every night until further
orders, about 10i) yards below her, by the vessel having the lowest sta-
tion, and one placed across by the vessel having the upper station
(about 100 yards above her) as soon as dark enough to avoid being
observed by the enemy, and removed for the same reason before day-
light. Each ironclad will also, in the same manner, place at least one
line or seine across the river 100 yards above or below her, according to
the direction from whence an approach may be looked for by the enemy
or his torpedoes.

The guns of every vessel will be kept cast loose and ready for imme-
diate service night and day, the captains being always provided with
primers. At night the men will have their cartridge boxes on and their
firearms by them, ready loaded, with their cutlasses.

The hatches and spare ports of the ironclads should be kept closed,
and all persons forced to use only ladders leading from the berth deck to
the gun deck ; those leading to the fantail should be unshipped, and the
scuttles, except in very hot weather, closed.

In the event of attempt to board, canister would probably be found
more effective than grape.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, requesting that no more
deserters be sent for service in the James River Squadron.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 8, 1864.

Respectfully submitted for the information of the Secretary of the
Navy:

About four days since two men, one a Dutchman and another French

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 777

by birth, and both last from New Orleans, deserted from the naval bat-
tery at Bishop's to the enemy by taking the skiff and crossing to the north
bank of the river during the night.

I would respectfully call the attention of the Department to the fact
that nearly all men who have been sent to this squadron as deserters
from the Yankee service, or who have deserted their flag by volunteer-
ing when prisoners, have alike proved traitors to us by again going
back to the enemy. The opportunities now afforded for easy escape
will, I fear, be taken advantage of by many to leave our service, par-
ticularly now that their duties are more severe and dangerous. I beg
that no more deserters from the enemy be sent to the squadron in
future, for they are apt not only to desert themselves, but induce others
to do so who might otherwise continue loyal. The fidelity of no man
can be relied on who has ever proved a traitor to any flag he has engaged
to serve under. They form a dangerous element on board a ship.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Report of 'Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding the command of the

battery at Gregory's.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Boulirare's Landing, October 9, 1864.
SIR: A note just received by me from General Ewell, says:

On visiting General Lee last evening he informed rue that the battery at Gregory's
was on the point of completion, and said it would be occupie I by the navy. He
requested ine to write to you on the subject so that a command might be sent there.

I have no instructions from the Department in relation to this bat-
tery, and so informed Commander Brooke yesterday. I have neither
officers nor men to spare from the squadron to man it, as we are defi-
cient in both, especially in officers, the number being inadequate to the
service to be performed. I shall have no objection to taking charge of
the battery, however, though some distance from the river, provided the
officers and men are not taken from the squadron.

1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Report of Flag -Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy, submitting a statement of the
situation of the forces under his command.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Boulware's Landing, October 9, 1864.
SIR: The pause in active hostilities on the river has been taken
advantage of to mount the new forward gun of this vessel, an 8-iiich
rifle; the new after gun, a Xl-inch smoothbore, had been previously
substituted for the X-iuch.

The Fredericltsburg has also exchanged her burst bow gun for a new
one, the exchange having been greatly facilitated by sending her up

778 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

to use the shears at Eocketts. She is again on duty in the squadron,
having returned yesterday.

I would suggest that a pair of shears, if put up at some point on the
river between Chaffin's Bluff and the lower bar above Drewry's Bluff,
over which the larger ironclads can not pass, might under many cir-
cumstances prove of great advantage to the service in facilitating the
handling of guns or machinery of vessels of their draft of water.

The naval battery at Bishop's, under the command of Lieutenant
M. P. Goodwyn, is manned by about fifty officers and men; it has two
army X-inch columbiads and a 7-inch Brooke rifle. It is fully estab-
lished under naval authority, but the works in charge of the army
engineers are not yet complete for the proper security of the command,
nor for the quick working of the X-iuch guns in wet weather. A small
rifle fieldpiece has been added to the command by General Pickett.
As transportation by water to this battery may be interrupted at any
moment by the operations of the enemy on the north side of the river,
I have directed Assistant Paymaster Tucker to take charge of subsist-
ing the garrison, which may require transportation of rations by land
below Drewry's Bluff should the interruption referred to take place.

The enemy now hold the line of heights on the north side of the
James down to Dutch Gap, and though the more distant land recedes
from the bank at the bend below Bishop's Bluff, yet it is so near that
his works, which are now being constructed in plain view in the vicinity
of Boulware's house, command the river below Chaffiu's Bluff, and will
ultimately, with the batteries at Signal Hill, and probably others at
present masked by the woods and those previously established on
Dutch Gap and on the south side of the river beyond, effectually close
the navigation of the river to all wooden vessels except possibly by
night. The river batteries named may at any time open upon us; to
the others we have already been and are now exposed.

It is impossible now, with the gunboats, to guard all points of the
bank on our line in front of the enemy from Chaffin's Bluff to Bishop's
Bluff, a distance by the river bank of about 3 miles, so that the enemy
has it in his power to approach its northern shore at unguarded points
and place his torpedoes as well as plant his field batteries and station
his pickets to operate against us.

The difficulty of guarding the north bank will be greatly increased
should the fire of the enemy become such as to force them to keep
above Chaffin's. The three ironclads will then be left alone to police
the river and protect themselves against any attempts of the enemy
with torpedoes, boat expeditions, or other means to compass our
destruction.

To protect the squadron from any such attempts as appear to us
likely to be made, small lines with seines are kept at night stretched
across the river at both ends of our line of ironclads and gunboats,
and above and below each ironclad, according to the direction from
whence danger may be most apprehended. This must serve as a con-
siderable protection from drifting torpedoes and surprises by boat
expeditions, but the self acting, stationary torpedoes, if introduced by
the enemy, will be more to be feared on account of the difficulty of
detecting their presence with the means at our command, in making-
sudden movements of our vessels before they can be swept for.

The foregoing statement of the situation of the forces under my
command is respectfully submitted for the information of the Depart-
ment, with my views as suggested by the military aspect of our affairs.

There appears to be no immediate prospect of any movement against

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 779

us on the part of the enemy with his monitors, as the navigation of
Trent's Reach is closed as much to him as to us, and the success of his
Dutch Gap Canal is yet a problem. Should such a movement, however,
be eventually made, judging from his naval operations elsewhere, it
will be with overwhelming forces, especially if undertaken by Admiral
Farragut.

Each vessel of the squadron has a boat, with an officer and six men,
who occupy a position abreast of her on the top of the north bank of
the river as pickets. ,

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Paymaster Semple, G. fl.
Navy, regarding supplies of clothing for the squadron.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA.
Boulware's Landing, October 10, 1864.

SIR : The greater portion of the crews of the vessels under my com-
mand are without pea-jackets, and I would request that they may be
issued to the squadron, if practicable with the resources of the Clothing
Bureau.

The duty performed by the squadron is now very arduous, and exposes
the men to the inclemency of the weather very much. Their supply of
bed clothing is limited, some of the men having no blankets at all,
which makes the issue of jackets necessary.

An adequate supply of winter clothing is all important at this time to
make the men comfortable, and unless they are made so they must
become discontented and unreliable in health and loyalty. It should be
remembered that exposure to bad weather on shipboard is worse than
in camp life, where the men can have the advantage of exercise and
cheerful fires ; hence the wants of a sailor in clothing are greater than
those of the soldier in the field.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Paymaster J. A. SEMPLE,

Richmond, Va.

[Telegram.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, Monday, October 10, 1864.
I deem it important that the requisitions, if possible, be filled for
grape and canister for the navy battery at Bishop's. They may be
needed at any moment and especially any night. Please send some
down to-day if possible; the necessity is urgent.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.
Commander BROOKE,

Chief Ordnance Office, Navy Department.

780 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Acting Master Shippey, C. 8.
Navy, regarding the transfer of men for Battery Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 11, 1864.

SIR: You will transfer and send to Battery Brooke, Lieutenant
Commanding C. W. Hays, fifteen men, who will be subsisted from the
Roanoke until some other arrangement shall be made.

The men are required at the battery without delay, as no time should
be lost in preparing it for active service.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Acting Master W. F. SHIPPEY, C. S. Navy,

Commanding Gunboat Roanoke.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Hays, C. 8. Navy,
to assume command of Battery Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 11, 1864.

SIR: You are hereby detached from the command of the C. S. gun-
boat Nansemond, and will forthwith assume command of Battery
Brooke, at Gregory's, which will be turned over to you by the engineer
officer of the Army who has charge of its construction.

On being informed by you of the number of officers and men required
to garrison the fort, they will be furnished from the squadron as far as
possible. In the meantime working parties will be daily furnished to
assist in mounting the guns, etc.

You are authorized to make the same organization for Battery Brooke
that has been authorized for Battery Seinmes, at Bishop's, and the
instructions issued by me for its government will be adopted by you
for Battery Brooke.

The squadron will render you every possible assistance in preparing
your battery for efiective service with all dispatch; to this end no time
should be lost in making requisitions for all needful articles for its
proper equipment and the care and comfort of the command.

Battery Semmes, at Bishop's, in charge of Lieutenant M. P. Goodwyn,
C. S. Navy, will be attached to your command, but the commanding
officer will report to me direct all important occurrences necessary for
my prompt attention.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding C. W. HAYS, C. S. Navy.

Gunboat Nansemond.

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Shepperd, C. 8.
Navy, regarding the transfer of men for duty at Battery Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 11, 1864.

SIR: You will please transfer at once to Battery Brooke 1 quarter
gunner, 2 seamen suitable for petty officers, and 2 seamen, ordinary

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON 781

seamen, or landsmen. The men, as well as officers, at Battery Brooke,
detailed from the Virginia, will be subsisted from her until some other
arrangement shall be made.

The men are required at the battery without delay, as no time should
be lost in preparing it for active service.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.
Lieutenant F. E. SHEPPERD,

Commanding Ironclad Virginia.

[Five men ordered to be transferred from C. S. S. Fredericlcsburg, 6
men from the (J. S.jS. Richmond, 10 men from the C. S. S. Nansemond,
and 9 recruits from the C. S. S. Virginia.]

Report of Major- General Whiting, C. 8. Army, regarding the condition of
affairs at Wilmington, and urging the retention of the C. S. steamers
Tallahassee and Ghlckamauga.

HEADQUARTERS. Wilmington, October 11, 1864.

SIR : I beg you will call the attention of the President to my several
letters to yourself, the Secretary of the Navy, and to General Lee, also
to General Beauregard's report on the subject of the expedition of the
Tallahassee and the Chickamauga. Since those letters I have an addi-
tional and very urgent reason for protesting against this force leaving .
this post. By the Annie, which vessel we fortunately saved from
destruction by the enemy three nights ago, I learn from an English gen-
tleman, who has been running the blockade here and who is just from.
New York, where he exerted himself to procure useful information, first,
that 10 steam launches were nearly completed when he left, expressly to
stop and destroy inside the bars the blockade runners; they are well
armed and carry 50 men ; they will be very dangerous in every way. A
naval force afloat here is absolutely necessary at all times, much more
with this prospect. Second, Farragut is preparing his expedition 5 of
this there can be no doubt. Under these circumstances I must ear-
nestly ask for this force to man batteries for which I have no troops,
and to aid as river guard. Every single vessel that has arrived during
the present moon has most narrowly escaped ; four have been wrecked,
stopped, and run ashore on the bar directly under the guns of Fort
Fisher; one of these was fired by the enemy; two are lying there now
loaded with most valuable Government stores. My men, who ought to
be at their work and at their drill, have to be transformed into boatmen
and wreckers, and at night have to stay in these wrecks to keep off the
enemy's boats. This is peculiarly a naval duty. What is it for the Navy
to burn fishing smacks off New England if they lend no hand to defense
at home, and this, too, when they are, to a man, eager and anxious
to aid?

Three nights since the enemy, with a fleet of barges and a gunboat of
light draft, made an attempt to destroy the Condor, which lies on the
north reef with very valuable stores on board. Colonel Lamb had a
guard of 18 men on board and, as usual, his channel batteries manned.
At the same time the steamer Annie, from Halifax, [Nova Scotia], with
cargo of provisions, finding the enemy with their launches on the bar,
attempting to move, grounded. The captain sent his boats to the Con-
dor, and the guard, mistaking them for the enemy, fired. The accident

782 NOKTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

saved Doth the Annie and the Condor, for the fort opened at once, and
the enemy, finding all on the alert, withdrew. A chance shot struck
the gunboat and sunk her instantly; her wreck now lies on the bar. I
mention this only to show what sort of work this little garrison is daily
and nightly at, and to justify me in demanding aid from some naval
force afloat. Fortunately they did not get out this moon, and they are
safe here for a week or ten days at least. Before they can get out there
will no doubt be such a fleet as will keep them here altogether; but
they are still impressing coal from vessels which have little or none to
spare and thereby endangering their safety. We have already paid for
the expedition of the Tallahassee with 10 or 1 1 of the best ships, for the
4 lost during the last ten days are due to the great increase of the fleet
brought about by that unfortunate cruise. The difficulty of getting in
supplies is trebled. Both bars swarm with boats; we can't see them
from shore. At what better work can this naval force be put, with or
without their vessels, than operating against the enemy at our own
doors'? I beg you to consider this, in the name of this place, which has
a smaller force than ever in the whole war and less prospect of more,
and in the name of the community which is unanimously and bitterly
opposed to it.

Very respectfully

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War, Richmond.

endorsement.]

OCTOBER 19, 1864.

Respectfully submitted in conformity with General Whiting's request
to the consideration of the President.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary.

[Second endorsement.]

OCTOBER 21, 1864.

Returned to the Secretary of War.

It is to be regretted that in presenting his views General Whiting
should so frequently have violated the courtesy due to the naval arm
of the military service. The vessels referred to are not "privateers,"
and such an otteuse to the Navy as was committed in so calling them
should have caused the return of his letter as one not entitled to a place
on the files of the War Department. His strictures on the cruise of
the Tallahassee evinced both ignorance of the events and disregard of
the rights of others on whose service it was no part of his duty to
report. General Bragg will enquire into the wants of the service at
Wilmington, having been ordered there for that purpose before these
letters were referred to me.

JEFF'N DAVIS.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 783

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Skinner, C. 8.

Navy.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Boulware's Landing, October 13, 1864.

SIR : You will forthwith assume the temporary command of the C. S.
gunboat Nansemond.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag -Officer James River Squadron.
First Lieutenant THOS. L. SKINNER, Provisonal Navy C. S.,

C. S. Ironclad Virginia.

Letter from the Governor of North Carolina to the President of the Con-
federate States, remonstrating against the departure of the C. S. steamers
Tallahassee and Ghickamauga from Wilmington, N. C.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,

Raleigh, October 14, 1864.

SIR: I beg leave to enter my most respectful and earnest remon-
strance against the sailing of the two privateers from the port of Wil-
mington. Ten or twelve valuable steamers have already been lost in
consequence of the cruise of the Tallahassee, and among them the noble
steamer A. D. Vance, which alone, I respectfully submit, has been of far
more value to the Confederacy than all of our privateers combined.
For these and other and obvious reasons I hope these two vessels may
remain in the Cape Fear to assist in its defense.
Kespectfully, your obedient servant,

Z. B. VANCE.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President, etc.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Colonel
Hoivard, regarding an expected attach upon Chaffiri's Bluff.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Friday, October 14, 1864 — 10 p. m.

COLONEL : Your note, this moment received, of this date, 9 : 30 p. m.,
is the first intimation I have received of any intention on the part of
the enemy to assault your line or to make any other movement. I send
up an officer to confer with you as to the best positions for us to take
to cooperate with you in resisting the attack and to ascertain the point
expected to be assaulted.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.
Lieutenant-Colonel HOWARD,

Commanding Chaffin's Bluff.

784 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Report of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding an expected itttaclc

upon Chaffirfs Bluff.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Chaffin>s Bluff, October 15, 1864.

SIR: A dispatch received last night at 10:30 p. m. from Lieutenant-
Colonel Howard, commanding Chaffin's Bluff, informed me that, from
the movements of the enemy, an attack on his line was expected some-
time during the night or early in the morning.

Preparations were accordingly made with the squadron to be ready
to oppose any assault the enemy might make, and this vessel was got
underway from the Graveyard before daylight and moved up to a posi-
tion near the works of Ohaffin's Bluff for better cooperation. Every-
thing has, however, passed off quietly.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Disposition of the vessels of the James River Squadron for the night of

October 15, 1864.

From above.
No. 1. Beaufort, ^

lol S'mld, [Ohafflu's Keach, in sight of tbe bluff.

No. 4. Richmond, j

No. 5. Fredericksburg, Kingsland Reach.

No. 6. Drewry, Graveyard.

No. 7. Hampton, Bishop's.

No. 8. Virginia, Bishop's.

Anything of importance occurring on any part of the line from above
will be communicated to the flagship by signal and by an officer sent
in a boat.

The rocket signals arranged by General Pickett will be repeated
from below (along the line) until they reach Chaffin's Bluff.

Commander Rootes will please render all the assistance required to
land and secure the ammunition for Battery Brooke.

The Virginia and the Hampton will return toward Boulware's Laud-
ing at sunrise to-morrow.
Very respectfully,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer, Commanding James River Squadron.

Order of the President to General Bragg, C. S. Army, to proceed to the
command of the defenses of Wilmington, N. C.

RICHMOND, VA., October 15, 1864.

SIR : The condition and threatening aspect of affairs in the district
of the Cape Fear River render it, in my judgment, desirable that you
should exercise immediate command over the troops and defenses of
Wilmington and its approaches. For this purpose you will temporarily

•
NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 785

leave your office here in charge of one or more of the members of your
staff* and proceed to Wilmington to assume for the time being command
above indicated.

Very respectfully, etc.,

JEFF'N DAVIS.
General B. BRAGG,

Commanding Armies, etc.

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, regarding the crippled con-
dition of the James River Squadron from want of officers and men.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
Boulicare's Landing, October 16, 1864.

SIR : In obedience to your instructions of the 10th, Battery Brooke
has been taken charge of and officers and men assigned to it from my
command. To obtain an officer of experience, I had to transfer Lieu-
tenant Commanding C. W. Hays from the Nansemond to the immediate
charge of this battery, and at the same time, as he is the senior officer
on this service from the squadron, I have included Battery Semmes in
his command. Lieutenant Dalton and Passed Midshipman Morehead,
Surgeon Gait, and Assistant Surgeon Bowles (temporarily) have also
been assigned to this battery.

In consequence of the illness of Lieutenant M. P. Goodwyn, C. S.
Navy, and Lieutenant Roberts, C. S. Marine Corps, they had to be sent
to the hospital, and Lieutenant Cenas and Master Moses have been
assigned to duty at Battery Semmes in their place.

Lieutenant Thomas L. Skinner has been transferred from this vessel
to the command of the Nansemond, vice Lieutenant Hays, ordered to
batteries, and Lieutenant W. P. Mason has been temporarily ordered
to Battery Brooke vice Lieutenant Commanding Hays, absent on
account of sickness.

Lieutenant Commanding Shepperd, of this vessel, is now quite sick,
and the only sea lieutenant on board (Daniel Trigg) is without the
necessary experience for the command, the executive duties, or eveu
the proper duties of a watch lieutenant; there is but one other com-
missioned sea officer on board, viz, Master Edinborough.

The Richmond, Lieutenant Commanding J. S. Maury, has but one
lieutenant on board, with but little experience, and a master who has
been represented to the Department as of no use anywhere. Such is the
condition as to commissioned officers of the Richmond.

The Fredericksbury, Commander Thomas E. Rootes, has only two
young, inexperienced lieutenants and no master.

The gunboats are no better off than the ironclads for the want of
officers, and indeed not so well.

To man Battery Brooke 1 had to weaken the ironclads, already de-
ficient, to leave the gunboats Roanohe and Beaufort with only men
enough to take care of them ; and, when the battery is fully provided
with its complement, the Nansemond will probably be left without a
crew to man her guns.

I enclose herewith a copy of a letter* received this afternoon from
General R. E. Lee, respecting the manning by this squadron of Battery

* Not found.
N W R — VOL 10 50

786 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Wood, and a copy of my answer. From this correspondence you
perceive that, in consequence of the crippled condition of the squadron
from the want of officers and men, I deemed it proper to refer the ques-
tion of taking charge of Battery Wood to the Department before com-
plying with my general instructions from your office of the 17th ultimo.
If the Department decides under the circumstances that Battery Wood
is to be manned by the squadron, I respectfully suggest that after it is
manned all the ironclads be fully officered and manned as far as practi-
cable from the gunboats, and those of the latter that may be left without
crews be put in a secure place until they can be manned.

In any contest which the ironclads may have with the enemy, whether
with his own monitors or batteries, it is important that they should be
rendered as efficient as possible, in order that the public hope in respect
to them shall have at least every chance that can be afforded of being
realized.

I am well aware of the embarrassments of the Department to provide
fully for the wants of our vessels in officers and men, and feel assured
that it has done all in its power to meet them, but I nevertheless deem
it proper, in justice to myself, to those under my command, and to the
Department itself, that the present exhibition of the personnel of the
squadron should be made.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE,

Office of Orders and Detail, Navy Department.

Letter from Flag -Officer Mitchell, C.8. Navy, to Lieutenant- Colonel Hoirard,
C. 8. Army, regarding measures of protection for Chaffin's Bluff.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 16, 1864 — 10 p. m.
COLONEL : Your dispatch just received. Our gunboats and one iron-
clad are now so disposed as to cover your front from an attack within
reach of their fire. Another ironclad is also at hand to cooperate. We
will be on the alert and render all the assistance in our power.
Very respectfully, etc.,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. HOWARD,

Chaffing Bluff.

Letter from Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to General Lee, C. S. Army,
regarding the insufficiency of the naval force for the command of Battery
Wood.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
JAMES RIVER SQUADRON,
Boulware's Landing, October 16, 1864 — 3 p. m.

GENERAL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this moment
of your communication of yesterday's date in relation to my taking
charge of Battery Wood of three heavy guns.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 787

On referring to my instructions of the 17th ultimo from the Xavy
Department, I find they were general to take charge of any batteries
you may designate. This general clause of course included Battery
Brooke, but it escaped my recollection when I informed General Ewell
on the 9th that I had no instructions in relation to it; that battery was,
however, taken charge of a day or two after.

The same general instructions just referred to require that I shall take
charge of Battery Wood, now designated by you, but in doing so it will
be at the expense of seriously crippling the squadron, its efficiency
already sadly impaired from the want of both officers and men.

I shall to-day advise the Department of your wish in relation to the
Kavy taking charge of Battery Wood, as, in view of the fact that I have
not the officers and men to spare, I deem that fresh instructions are
necessary before 1 can assume responsibility of taking charge of works
without the means of manning them, save at the expense of disabling
at least a portion of the command afloat.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

General K. E. LEE, C. S. Army,

Commanding Army NorthernVirginia, Headquarters.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, of his inability to execute
the Department's orders on account of the lack of officers.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 19, 1S64.

SIR: Your general order of the 18th, in relation to desertions, etc.,
has been received and duly communicated to all the vessels under my
command.

That part of the order requiring two officers to be sent in charge of
boats it is impossible to carry out in many cases; on board the Dreicry
the only sea or other officer who can be called upon for such duty is
the commanding officer, the others being sick. Several other of the
small vessels have only one or two officers besides the commanding
officers on duty. The commanding officers of the Beaufort and Roanoke
are the only sea officers on board or attached to them. Even in the
ironclads the want of officers is so much felt at times that no officer
can be had to go in boats, the number for duty being almost constantly
reduced by sickness, besides being short of complements. For the same
reason the picket service on the bank of the river will have to be aban-
doned, as scarcely any vessel can spare two officers for the duty.

Men, as required by the general order, have hitherto been selected
for duty from the ship affording opportunity to desert, and yet they are
afterward reported among the desertions. The facilities for desertion
on our extended front to the enemy are such that it will be impossible
to preventit, although with vigilance it may in some measure be checked.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Xavy,

Officer of Orders and Detail, 3"avy Jte^artment.

788 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Minor, C. 8.
Navy, requesting the temporary services of an ordnance officer.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,

James River Squadron, Wednesday, October 19, 1864.
SIR : Finding that new forward and after guns (8-inch rifle andXI-inch
smoothbore) did not work properly, that even the center pivot bolts of
the former could not be unshipped when brought to the bow ports, I
sent for carpenters and have had the wood trimmed in the ports so as
to remedy in a great measure these difficulties.

I still find that for the forward gun it is necessary that the iron
armor in the bow ports should also be trimmed oft' to admit of its proper
working, and it appears to me that it would be an improvement to trim
off some of the armor in the ports for the bow gun (Xl-inch).

I should be glad to have an ordnance officer sent down to determine
to what extent the ports should be trimmed, so that they may be made
to accommodate the guns conformably to the views of the officer of
ordnance, etc. I have no officer at present on duty in the squadron
whose knowledge and experience qualify him for the proper supervision
of such work. Lieutenant Commanding Shepperd, of this ship, is off"
duty from severe sickness, and my personal attention has become neces-
sary to details belonging to subordinate departments, interiering
thereby materially with the duties of my command.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant R. D. MINOR,

Commanding Naval Ordnance Works, Richmond, Va.

P. S. — Please send mechanics down as soon as practicable to trim the
armor in the ports. I beg to refer you to Mr. Browseley, foreman in
the ordnance works, who has become acquainted with the work required
to be done to the ports to facilitate the working of the guns in question.

J. K. M.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of Office of

Orders and Detail, regarding the command of Batteries Wood and

Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 20, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-
cation of the 18th instant in relation to the manning of Battery Wood
by the squadron. I regret that the want of officers and men compels
me to avail myself of the discretion given me to decline compliance
with the request of General Lee.

The Beaufort, Roanoke, and Nansemond are now without the officers
and men necessary to man their guns and have barely sufficient on
board to keep them in order and in a condition for service in other
respects, which may become very important as tugs, transports, or tor
pedoes, and, in emergencies, guns' crews may be improvised to enable
them to operate against the enemy. All the other vessels continue
short of their complements, which is the more seriously felt as many
are sick and off duty, while some of them manage to continue on duty,
although sick.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 789

I annex herewith a copy of my communication to General Lee, stat-
ing the necessity which compels me to decline manning Battery Wood.
Lieutenant Commanding Hays resumed command of Battery Brooke
two days since, thereby relieving Lieutenant W. P. Mason, who returns
to this ship, though his services, from sickness, are at present not
available.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, Navy Department, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Nary, to General Lee, C. S. Army,
regarding the command of Batteries Semmes, Brooke, and Wood.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 20, 1864.

GENERAL : On the 16th instant I informed you that I had that day
referred to the Navy Department the question of manning Battery
Wood from this squadron, and I have received the reply from the offi-
cer of orders and detail :

The Department, ever anxious to carry out the views of General Lee, will take
charge of and man the three batteries, viz, Semmes, Brooke, and Wood, provided it
can be done without impairing the efficiency, for the time being, of the gunboats of
the squadron; but if you do not feel justified for the want of officers and men, to
take charge of Battery Wood also, however desirable it may be (these batteries
being named in compliment to the Navy) to the Navy to man and fight them, you
must decline to do so, giving as your reason to General Lee the want of officers and
men, and you will not take upon yourself more shore duty than you can properly
manage. It would, nevertheless, be gratifying to the Department, if you could,
under all the circumstances, take charge of Battery Wood also.

I beg you to be assured, general, that I feel, in common with all the
Navy, the compliment implied in your wish and offer to have Battery Wood
manned by us, and that nothing but the absolute want of both officers
and men compels me to avail myself of the authority of the Secretary
of the Navy to decline taking charge of Battery Wood, which can not
be done without further detriment to my command already crippled by
the virtual withdrawal of three gunboats from active work, and the
want of full complements for all of the other vessels.

If all the officers and men already supplied to Batteries Dantzler and
Brooke were returned to the squadron, it would still be deficient. Ves-
sels that are expected to encounter those of the enemy, or his land bat-
teries, should, to do justice to themselves as well as the public interest,
be in condition as to their officers and crews to use, to the best advan-
tage, their material strength and power in other respects.

I have the honor to be, general, with great respect, your obedient
servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

General K. E. LEE,

Commanding Army of Northern Virginia, Headquarters.

790 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of

Orders and Detail, regard ing arrangements for the manning of Battery

Wood.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 21, 1864.

SIR: Yours of the 20th, giving a list of additional officers and notice
of men ordered to the squadron, and with further directions as to
manning Battery Wood has been received.

I shall at once notify General Lee that arrangements have been made
by the Department to add to the officers and men of the squadron, and
that, as soon as they arrive, Battery Wood will be taken charge and
manned by the Navy.

On account of sickness arising from unusual exposure, both of offi-
cers and men, and the constant calls for detached service from the ves-
sels, and the extra degree of vigilance necessary to guard against
the movements of the enemy and to prevent desertions, an extra num-
ber of officers are essential over and above the ordinary complements.

I hope soon to complete a full statement of my views on this subject,

as called for in yours of the instant, and, in the meantime, that

you will be able to provide a boatswain for each of the ironclads and a
carpenter for the Richmond and Fredericksburg, each.

Now that officers are returning from abroad, I should be glad if a
commissioned commander be provided for the Richmond, which I think
indispensable to her efficiency, at this time all important.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Captain S. S. LEE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Orders and Detail, Navy Department.

Letter from Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to General Lee, C. S. Army,
regarding the forwarding of additional officers and men from the
Department.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 21, 1864.

GENERAL : Since the dispatch to you of my communication of yes-
terday's date in relation to manning Battery Wood, I have received
information from the Navy Department that a number of additional
officers and men have been added to the squadron, which, under my
instructions, will enable me, as soon as they arrive, to take charge of
that battery, and which I hope will be in a few days.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.
General E. E. LEE,

Commanding Army of Northern Virginia, Headquarters.

[Telegram.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

October 21, 1864.

Eeceived your letter of to-day informing me that you are not able to
man Battery Wood.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

791

I shall direct it to be completed and retained, to be turned over to
your detail when it arrives.

E. E. LEE.
Commander MITCHELL,

Commanding, etc.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, regarding a plan of protec-
tion against torpedoes.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 21, 1864.

SIB : There is no doubt that the enemy has prepared and is making
still further preparations to follow our example in the use of torpedoes,
and with his unlimited resources, great ingenuity, and enterprise he
may make the mode of warfare very effective unless corresponding
efforts be made on our part to counteract his plans.

The James Kiver being now accessible to him on the north side below
Chaffin's Bluff, will enable him to place torpedoes in it, at least those
of the self-acting or percussion kind, either drifting or attached to
moorings. To prevent injury from the first I have resorted to seines
stretched across the river, which afford but a very limited security.

I have, however, just adopted for this vessel and propose to do so for
all others in the squadron, especially the ironclads, the following plan,
which, it is hoped, will prove a protection or promise at least some
security against both kinds of percussion torpedoes, viz :

C— D. Outrigger.

E — F. Spar on surface of water.

a. Weights to keep seine and netting perpendicular.

A. piece of timber about 40 feet long, is rigged out over the bow
about 25 feet, an outhaul is run through a block attached to its extreme
end and the standing part made fast to the center of a spar or old
mast 65 feet long, which floats on the water athwartship, and kept in
this position by setting taut the outhaul and by means of guys led in
on deck. To this spar is attached a seine of a depth equal to the ship's
draft, with extra weights to keep it perpendicular, or nearly so, in
strong currents, or when the vessel is underway. This seine, it is
hoped, will prove a protection from the drifting torpedo.

For protection from those attached to moorings a strong open net-
ting, with the meshes very large, so as to admit of the torpedo readily
passing through, is to be attached to the same spar forward of and iu
the same manner as the seine.

The vessel being underway, a torpedo lying in her course will be
caught in the meshes, become entangled and, if it does not at once
explode, may be taken out without any harm resulting from it.

Our steamers, in all suspicious parts of the river, will, in their move-
ments, so moderate their speed as not to endanger the parting of the
torpedo mooring in the event of there being any in the net.

792 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

When in places of security the seine and net may be furled on
the yard and the latter dropped alongside so as to be out of the way.

From the attack of torpedo boats I understand that the ironclads at
Charleston have been prepared with a series of outriggers from the
deck entirely around the ship, the extremes of which are connected by
a chain, to which is, or may be, attached a netting. Although I do not
think this plan entirely secure, yet it promises protection from such
torpedo boats as we have seen prepared in the Confederacy, and must
be a great safeguard against ordinary boat attacks. I respectfully ask
that this plan be adopted for the protection of the ironclads of the
squadron, subject to such modifications as ingenuity or experience may
suggest.

If this request meets with the approval of the Department, I further
ask that immediate measures be adopted for getting the material neces-
sary and commencing the work. Much of the work, particularly the
drilling of holes in the deck for bolts, can be done by the mechanics of
the squadron.

The plans here proposed or referred to are only designed for protec-
tion from the self-acting torpedo. I can conceive of no protection from
those exploded by galvanic batteries except by keeping out of their
way.

I have already made requisitions for timber or logs, to be chained
together and stretched across the river, as affording protection against
surprise and causing a temporary check or delay to any boat torpedo
expeditions. The raft or booms, being movable, can be kept in such
places as may from time to time be desired.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Chief Engineer William-
son, C. S. Navy, regarding the engineers of the C. S. S. Richmond.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 21, 1864.

SIR: The following is an extract from a report made to me by Chief
Engineer H. X. Wright, respecting the engineers of the Richmond, to
which I would ask your particular attention, viz:

In regard to the engineers, I would state that she should have another assistant,
as two of the engineers are sick, one of whom can not walk, and is likely to be laid
up for some time to come. Besides, the engine is a very unhandy, hard-working
one, and the engine room very hot and uncomfortable. I would state that the tem-
perature has been as high as 150° Fahrenheit during last summer, and is considered
to be one of the hottest engine rooms in the Confederacy.

The assistant engineer alluded to has since been taken sick, and Mr.
Bodmau, the engineer in charge, is the only one now on duty, and but
for the Richmond now undergoing repairs, another engineer would have
to be furnished from the squadron, already short.

I beg that you will have, if practicable, three or four assistants
ordered to the squadron, as they are greatly needed.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

Engineer-in-Chief W. P. WILLIAMSON.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 793

Letter from Major- General Whiting, C. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Piiikney,
C. 8. Navy, regarding preparations in view of an expected attack upon
Wilmington, N. C.

HEADQUARTERS,

Wilmington, N. C., October 21, 1864.

FLAG-OFFICER : I have received the important information from the
Signal Bureau, Richmond, that this place will be attacked between this
and the 25th instant. If this be true, and I have reason to think it is,
no time is to be lost. A large fleet is undoubtedly assembling at
Beaufort. Although the Kips battery is incomplete, we are pressing it
as fast as possible, and as we have already two powerful guns there, it
will be well to prepare the naval garrison at once. I have telegraphed
the Secretary of the Xavy requesting him to order the expedition on
duty for guarding the mouth of the river, at least till they go, if they
go at all. The tide will not suit them before the 28th. It is not likely
that they will be able to go at all then. In the meantime their pre-
sumed cooperation is of very great importance to us.
Very respectfully,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major- General.
Flag-Officer PINKNEY,

Commanding Naval Forces North Carolina, Present.

[Telegram.]

SMI THVILLE, October 22, 1864.
The enemy will attempt to pass the forts at night.

General HEBERT.
Colonel HEDRICK.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the President, dissenting in opin-
ion from the governor of North Carolina regarding the C. S. steamers
Tallahassee and Chickamauga.

EICHMOND, YA., October 22, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to return herewith Governor Vance's letter of
the 14th instant, to which you called my attention. His Excellency
protests and remonstrates against the departure of the steam sloops
Tallahassee and Chickamauga from Wilmington, and hopes that they
may be retained in the Cape Fear to assist in its defense. He does not
say or intimate that they could do any good by remaining in port, but
proceeds to show that they may do a great deal of harm by going to
sea and assailing the enemy. I regret to say that I am constrained to
dissent, as well from his statements as his conclusions. This com-
munication, in language nearly identical, repeats some of the errors
of the statement heretofore presented by General Whiting upon the
same subject. Governor Vance knows that the Tallahassee is not a " pri-
vateer," though she is sometimes styled "privateer" and sometimes
"pirate" by the enemy, as they call our partisan rangers "robbers" and
"assassins," and our people "rebels." It would be an easy task, as
the list of disasters oft' Wilmington is before me, to correct theerrror
as to the number of vessels lost since the cruise of the Tallahassee', but

794 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

it would be as difficult to imagine a satisfactory reason for the as-
sertion that " ten or twelve valuable steamers have already been lost
in consequence of that cruise" as it is to perceive the justice or pro-
priety of the comparison between the relative merits of the service of
this vessel and that of the Advance. It would seem from this compar-
ison that the character of the cruise is as little understood as that of
the vessel. Though the Tallahassee captured thirty-one vessels, her
service is not measured by nor limited to the value of these ships and
cargoes and the number of prisoners; but it must be estimated in con-
nection with other results — the consequent insecurity of the United
States coastwise commerce, the detention and delay of vessels in port,
and the augmentation of the rates of marine insurance, by which mil-
lions were added to the expenses of commerce and navigation, and the
compulsory withdrawal of a portion of the blockading force from Wil-
mington in the pursuit of her. A cruise by the Chickamauganrnl Tal-
lahassee against northern coasts and commerce would at once withdraw
a fleet of fast steamers from the blockading force off Wilmington in
pursuit of them, and this result alone would render such a cruise
expedient.

With great respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.
The PRESIDENT.

[Memorandum.]

Aid-de-camp, please read these letters and prepare an answer to
Governor Vance, stating case, but dealing in terms of cautious reserve.

J. £>.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Parker, C. S.
Navy, commanding school-ship Patrick Henry, regarding men needed to
complete the complements of the ironclads.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 23, 1864.

SIR: Your letter* of yesterday's date has been received. In reply
I would respectfully state that 100 men are required to complete the
complements of the ironclads, 50 men for Battery Wood and about 50
for the gunboats.

I will, as soon as I can, answer your letter more fully.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flay- Officer James River /Squadron.

Lieut. Comdg. WM. H. PARKER, Provisional Kavy C. S.,

Commanding School- Ship Patrick Henry.

Disposition of the vessels of the James River Squadron for the night of

October 23, 1864.

C. S. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, October 23, 1864.

At night the Fredericksburg will drop down to anchorage under the
bluff at Boulware's Lauding and will picket the bank at some point
about 200 yards below, where her seine will be stretched across.

The Hampton and Roanoke will patrol the river between Boulware's
Landing and Bishop's, by keeping underway; the former will leave

* Not found.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 795

Boul ware's Landing at every odd hour for Bishop's and the latter
leave it at every even hour during the night.

A boat from the Virginia will row guard during the night on the
south side, in the shade of the bank of the river, down to the Fredericks-
burg at Boulware's Landing.

The Richmond will send a boat to row guard during the night for one
cable's length below the lowest house at Bishop's, keeping on the south
side, in the shade of the river. An officer of the boat will inform the
commanding officer of Fort Semmes of his orders.

The Fredericksburg, the Hampton, the Roanoke, and the boats will all
return to their present anchorage or vessels by daylight to-morrow
morning.

The Virginia and Richmond will each send an officer and five men on
board of the Roanoke for the night, to work her gun.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Report of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, transmitting copy of letter
sent to General Lee. C. S. Army, regarding danger apprehended from
torpedoes.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 23, 1864.

SIR : I have the honor to submit, herewith annexed, for your consid-
eration and for such action as you may deem proper, a copy of a com-
munication addressed by me to-day to General R. E. Lee in relation to
the danger apprehended from torpedoes being placed in the James
River by the enemy in front of his new earthworks below Chaffin's
Bluff.

Any reply that may be received from General Lee will be promptly
communicated to the Department for its information.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag-Officer.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.

[Enclosure.]

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 23, 1864.

GENERAL : Further reflection since my conversation with you last
evening on the exposure of our squadron to destruction from the tor-
pedoes of the enemy satisfies me that it demands the most serious con-
sideration, if, as I presume is the case, the naval forces on the James
River are held to be important to the ulterior as well as the present
protection of Richmond.

With the aid of five wooden gunboats, the ironclads have hitherto
managed, but imperfectly, to picket the river, so as to make it some-
what hazardous to the enemy to attempt the placing of torpedoes; yet
I always felt assured that he had opportunities, and would avail him-
self of them for that purpose when ready, especially with the informa-
tion he derived from our deserters, if not from his own observations, of
our means and the disposition of our pickets, etc., showing the numerous
points that were unguarded in an extent of more than 2 miles.

The enemy's batteries which opened yesterday and caused the retire-
ment of our gunboats will hereafter materially lessen their usefulness
for the particular picket service or prevent its being effective. Besides,

796 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

at this time there is but oue efficient gunboat available, two being
absent for repairs to their gun carriages and two insufficiently manned
to work their guns, one of which is occasionally required for detached
mail and passage service for the accommodation of army and navy.

I went down last night to Bishop's Bluff with the ironclads Virginia
and Richmond, and my conviction has become thoroughly fixed that
now, more than ever, the enemy may any night or foggy day, by means
of boats transported overland, place torpedoes in any part of the river
in front of his earthworks, except at the points actually occupied by
our vessels, even if the southern bank were picketed, for we claim to
have the ability, and are prepared or preparing to place torpedoes in
the face of the enemy's pickets on the river.

The attempts hitherto made to place them in the rear of the enemy
below Dutch Gap have failed, no doubt from the want of adequate pro-
tection from land forces, a protection which the onemy can now readily
give to his own torpedo parties anywhere below Chaffin's Bluff, and the
temptation to him must be very great to intercept by these means the
return of our ironclads to their anchorage near Chaffin's after having
performed a tour of night guard at Bishop's Bluff.

If, then, the danger to the ironclads themselves be conceded, the
question arises, if they are held to be important to the immediate
defense of Richmond, now and prospectively, does the service they do
and may render by moving down the river and remaining in the vicinity
of Bishop's at night justify the hazard they thus incur of destruction
from torpedoes ?

Your views and wishes, general, on this subject I should be glad to
have, in order that I may communicate them to the Navy Department
with my own. The security of Richmond is of such great moment that
I deem it my duty to refer everything involving it, either for counsel or
consideration, to those upon whom the weighty responsibility chiefly
rests.

The personal danger to those on board of an ironclad that might be
sunk by a torpedo is regarded as slight, for the vessel in such a narrow
channel would have way enough to reach a shoal or one of the river
banks, and thus give the crew time to escape to the shore. The hazard,
therefore, to life is deemed trifling comnared with the loss of the vessel
itself.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

General E. E. LEE,

Comdg. Army of Northern Va., Hdqrs. near Chaffin's Farm.

Letter from General Lee, C. 8. Army, to Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy,
making a statement of the important service to be rendered by the Navy
in the James River.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

October 24, 1864.

CAPTAIN : Your letter of the 23d instant is received, and in compli-
ance with your request I will give you my views as to the service I
deem important to be rendered by the navy in the present posture of
affairs.
In my opinion the enemy is already as near Richmond as he can be

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 797

allowed to coine with safety^ and it is certain that the defense of the
city would be easier did our lines extend lower down the river, and
becomes more difficult the further we are compelled to retire.

If the enemy succeeds in throwing a force to the south bank in rear
of General Pickett's lines, it will necessitate not only the withdrawal
of General P.'s forces, but also the abandonment of Petersburg and its
railroad connections, throwing the whole army back to the defenses of
Richmond.

I should regard this as a great disaster and as seriously endanger-
ing the safety of the city. We should not only lose a large section of
country from which our position around Petersburg enables us to draw
supplies, but the enemy would be brought nearer to the only remain-
ing line of railway -communication between Eichmond and the South,
upon which the whole army as well as the population of the city would
have to depend mainly for support. It would make the tenure of the
city depend upon our ability to hold this long line of communication
against the largely superior forces of the enemy, and I think would
greatly diminish our prospects of successful defense.

It is, therefore, in my judgment, a matter of the first moment to pre-
vent such a movement on the part of the enemy, and I do not know
what emergency can arise in the future defense of the city which will
more require all the efforts of the army and navy than that which now
exists.

I fully appreciate the importance of preserving our fleet, and depre-
cate any unnecessary exposure of it. But you will perceive the magni-
tude of the service which it is thought you can render, and determine
whether it is sufficient to justify the risk.

It is true that the enemy might place torpedoes in your rear while
the vessels are on guard down the river at night, but if you retire, it
is much easier for him to place them in the river below you, so as to
prevent your going down altogether, no matter how great the necessity
for your presence below might become. It is therefore very desirable
to guard the river as effectually as we can, and I think it can be done
so as greatly to diminish the chance of the enemy laying torpedoes, if
our ironclads can go down as far as Bishop's every night and picket
in their rear with small boats and some of the light gunboats. Our
pickets on the north bank extend about half a mile below the lowest
battery and will be able to afford some assistance, as will also those on
the south bank. A system of signals should be agreed upon between
them and the fleet, to give timely notice of any attempt of the enemy
to approach the river or launch boats.

We have not sufficient force to picket the banks more effectually.
Our batteries on the south side would also tend to deter the enemy
from making the attempt you apprehend, and could afford assistance
to the fleet.

You, of course, can best judge of your ability to render the service
desired. I can only express my views of its importance, and I trust
that if the Department can increase your force of men, or in any other
way contribute to render you able to perform this important duty, it
will be done. As I said before, I can foresee no state of circumstances
in which the fleet can render more important aid in the defense of
Eichmond at present than by guarding the river below Chaffin's Bluff.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

E. E. LEE,

General.

Captain J. K. MITCHELL,

Flag-Officer James River Squadron.

798 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to Commander Rootes, C. &

Navy, to proceed to the navy yard at Rocketts for alterations to the

C. 8. 8. Fredericksburg.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 24, 1864.

SIR: Proceed to the shears near the navy yard, at Rocketts, and
report to the commandant of the yard that the Fredericksburg, under
your command, has been sent up to exchange her burst X-inch gun for
a new one.

You will also wait on the Secretary of the Navy and solicit from him
an order to have the shield deck of the Fredericksburg protected by a
covering of iron plating and iron bars or gratings substituted for those
of wood now in place, for which I understand the iron is now at the
yard already drilled for fastening and that the work of putting it on
will not require over forty-eight hours. Should it require more time,
endeavor to get the materials and mechanics on board and come down
to Chaffin's Bluff, where the work can be carried on and the Fredericks-
burg at the same time be in position to meet any call for service.

Endeavor to avail yourself of your visit to the navy yard to have
your outrigger and yard fitted for the torpedo trap.

In your interview with the Secretary of the Navy ascertain if any
decision has been arrived at as to what protection, if any, can be
adopted for the ironclads from an attack of torpedo boats, and whether
it be practicable to admit of the adoption for them of the plan adopted
for those at Charleston.

You will please omit no efforts to return to the squadron as soon as
practicable, and avoid by all means, if possible, a longer absence than
forty-eight hours, as at any moment the services of the Fredericksburt/
may be important in our operations on the river. You will furnish
the Navy Department and the Office of Ordnance and Hydrography
each with a copy of these instructions.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Commander THOS. R. ROOTES, Provisional Navy, C. S.,

Commanding Ironclad Fredericksburg.

Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy,
regarding means available for picket service.

CONFEDEEATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Navy Department, Richmond, October 24, 1864.

SIR: Your report* of the affair between the enemy's batteries and
your vessels on the 22d instant was duly received, and I regret to learn
that some of your men were wounded.

Your report does not refer to your shore batteries.

In your letter to General Lee of the 23d instant, a copy of which has
been received, you say that you have but one efficient gunboat available
for picket service, "two being absent for repairs to their gun carriages,
and two insufficiently manned to work their guns, one of which is
occasionally required for detached mail and passage service for the
accommodation of army and navy." I suggest it for your cousidera-

* See p. 586.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 799

tion whether the two vessels should be absent for repairs to gun
carriages. The vessels can, and it would seem ought to be employed
on picket duty while these carriages are being repaired, and a field
guu and carriage or another small gun might be used in the meantime.

Can not the mail and passenger service for which the third vessel is
employed be dispensed with or performed otherwise1?

The extent of river over which your picket service is to be performed
is so limited that I believed you would find no difficulty with the means
At your command in having this duty thoroughly and efficiently done.
That the Department may be advised of the wants of your squadron in
this respect and be able to assist you the more readily, you will please
order every commanding officer coming here for repairs to his vessel,
and who is to be detained beyond twenty-four hours, to report on his
arrival to the Chief of Orders and Detail the object of his presence.

If it is absolutely necessary that these vessels should both be here,
would it not be well to employ their crews on picket service in boats?

In reference to your suggestions as to the means to be employed to
guard against floating torpedoes, I can only say that you will of course
adopt the best means at your command. Our mechanics are all in the
field. The best means would seem to be an active picket service.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Flag-Officer J. K. MITCHELL, Provisional .Navy C. S.,

Commanding Naval Forces, James River.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to commanding officers, making
assignments for picket duty for the night of October 24, 1864.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, Monday, October 24, 1864.

The gunboats Hampton and Roanoke will patrol the river from Kings-
land .Reach to Bishop's, keeping underway from dusk until it is actually
daylight, when they will resume their present position. They will so
arrange for their movements that they will leave Bishop's at alternate
hours.

They will, on first going down and last coming up, have out a grapnel
to drag for torpedoes, taking the utmost care to guard against fouling
the propellers, and moving as slowly as practicable, so as not to
endanger parting their lines by bringing up too severely in the event of
hanging anything.

They will be prepared all the time to fire grape or canister upon the
enemy, should he open upon them from the river bank with fieldpieces
or musketry, and to resist boarding or other attacking parties with
small arms, pikes, and grenades; they will also be always prepared to
pass signals and move to the protection of any vessel that may be
attacked.

Any ironclad that may be attacked and deck carried by boarding will
throw a rocket out of a port, which will be a signal for our vessels to open
upon her and drive the enemy off with grape or canister.

The Virginia and Richmond will each send an officer and five men to
the Roanoke to man her guu and assist in working the vessel.

The Virginia will send a boat to row guard one cable's length below
Bishop's lowest buildings, and will inform the officer of the army there
on picket service of his orders.

800 NORTH -ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The Richmond will send a boat to row guard from her down to a point
opposite the Graveyard, keeping in the shade of the southern bank of
the river.

JNO. K. MITCHELL,

Flag- Officer.

Midshipman Wilson will see that the above order is communicated to
the commanding officers of all vessels concerned.

J. K. M. .

[ Endorsemen t. ]

The above orders have been shown to the commanding officers of the
vessels mentioned.

WM. FRANCIS WILSON,
Midshipman and Aid to Flag- Officer.

[Telegram.]

RICHMOND, VA., October 24, 1864.

The naval vessels in the harbor could avail nothing against a laud
attack and very little against an attack by vessels of war. Their
presence in the harbor no doubt increases the rigors of the blockade,
and their departure for operations at sea would probably withdraw
the most effective vessels of the blockading fleet for pursuit of the
cruisers. If this view of the subject be correct, it would seem that their
use would be greater as cruisers than otherwise. The Secretary of the
Navy will communicate with you more fully.

JEFF'N DAVIS.
General B. BRAGG,

Wilmington, N. C.

Extract from the official diary of Colonel William Lamb, commanding the
defenses of Confederate (Federal) Point, ivith headquarters Fort Fisher,

N. C.

October 24, 1864. — Information received which leads to the belief that
Wilmington is to be attacked by the enemy ; Rear-Admiral Porter to
command the fleet, which is said to include the armored ships Ironsides
and Dictator. General Braxtou Bragg has assumed command of the
defenses of Wilmington and its approaches. Major-General Whiting
will be second in command. Only five blockaders off here during the
day. Received one X-inch gun carriage and ammunition from town.

October 25. — Five blockaders off at sunrise. Important secret infor-
mation received. "Our ineu expected to spike guns, cut telegraph
wires, and pilot enemy to city.?' Do not believe it. Not more than five
blockaders off during the day. Sent goods from Night Hawk to town by
Petteicay.

October 26. — Six blockaders off. Commenced to put up palisading in
front of land face. Sold a bill of £330 on Nassau for $36,060.50. Had
meeting of commissioned officers to-night.

October 27. — Four blockaders off. Battery commanding the rip is to
be commanded by a navy officer with a naval garrison, and is to be
called Battery Buchanan. Mounted an unbanded 3li pounder to day
and an Ylll-iuch columbiad, both on sea face. Enemy were practicing
to-day.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 801

Report of Flag-Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy, suggesting means of improving

the night picket service.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 25, 1864.

SIR: I would respectfully suggest that if a boat howitzer were
mounted on each or some of the steam torpedo boats recently con-
structed in Eichmond and assigned to duty in the squadron, they would
contribute materially to the efficiency of the night picket service, com-
bining as they do superior advantages to gun and rowboats, beiug much
faster, working better, and making little or no noise.

Two such boats at this time would prove, I think, an important
acquisition to my command.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.
Hon. S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Letter from Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. S. Navy, to the Chief of the Office of
Ordnance and Hydrography, advising the use of subterra torpedoes for
the protection of the obstructions.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 25, 1864.

SIR : The ends of some of our booms or rafts may have to be secured
at points on the north shore, easily accessible to the enemy at night,
and it has occurred to me that for their protection the subterra torpe-
does, or grenades, prepared by General Eains, might be made available,
and, by placing them at several points, the enemy would have to exer-
cise the utmost caution in all his approaches to the river bank.

If you think favorably of the means suggested, I would be glad to be
furnished immediately with a supply and the services of someone who
has been well instructed in their management, and beg that you will
adopt such measures as to you may seem proper to second my wishes
on the subject.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Commander JNO. M. BROOKE, C. S. Navy,

Office of Ordnance and Hydrograghy, Navy Department.

Letter from the President to the Governor of North Carolina, advising the
departure from Wilmington of the C. S. steamers Tallahassee and
Chickamauga.

EIOHMOND, VA., October 25, 1864.

SIR: Your letter of the 14th instant, entering your "most respectful
and earnest remonstrance against the sailing of the two privateers from
the port of Wilmington," has been received. The two vessels referred
to are the steam sloops Tallahassee and Chickamauga, regularly com-
missioned and officered vessels of the Provisional Navy of the Con-
federate States, and not privateers. From the official list before me I
find but four instead of "ten or twelve" disasters off the port of Wil-
mington from the sailing of the Tallahassee to the date of your letter,
N w R — VOL 10 51

802 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

and the cause of the loss of some of them is known to be independent
of the cruise of this ship. Our cruisers, though few in number, have
almost swept the enemy's foreign commerce from the sea. Though the
Tallahassee captured 31 vessels, her service is not measured by, nor
limited to, the value of these ships and cargoes and the number of her
prisoners, but it must be estimated in connection with other results; the
consequent insecurity of the United States coastwise commerce, the
detention and delay of vessels in port, and the augmentation of the rate
of marine insurance, by which millions were added to the expense of
commerce and navigation, and the compulsory withdrawal of a portion
of the blockading force from Wilmington in pursuit of her. A cruise by
the Chickamauga and Tallahassee against Northern coasts and commerce
would at once withdraw a fleet of fast steamers from the blockading
force oif Wilmington in pursuit of them, and this result alone would
render such cruise expedient. It is the presence of these vessels in
port which increases the rigor of the blockade. In case of an attack
upon Wilmington they could avail nothing against the land attack and
very little against the attack by vessels of war. Before sailing, how-
ever, General Bragg has been directed to confer fully with the naval
commander upon this subject, and they, no doubt, will use their dis-
cretion as may best subserve the public interest.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JEFF?N DAVIS.
Governor Z. B. VANCE,

Raleigh, N. C.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. £ Navy, to Lieutenant Hays, C. S. Navy,
to assume command of the 0. S. S. Nansemond.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 26, 1864.

SIR: Lieutenant C. W. Eead has been ordered to the command of
Battery Bishop's [Seinmes] ; when relieved by him you will proceed to
Eichmond and relieve Lieutenant Thomas L. Skinner in the command
of the gunboat Nansemond.

1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding CHAS. W. HAYS, Provisional Navy C. S.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Skinner, C. 8.
Navy, to proceed to duty on the C. 8. 8. Fredericksburg.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 26, 1864.

SIR: Lieutenant Commanding Hays has been ordered to the com-
mand of the gunboat Nansemond. On being relieved by him, you will
report to Commander Thomas E. Eootes for duty on board of the iron-
clad Fredericlcsburg.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieut. Comdg. THOS. L. SKINNER, Provisional Navy C. S.,

C. S. Gunboat Nansemond.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 803

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Maury, C. S.
Navy, to assume command of the C. S. S. Hampton.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 26, 1864.

SIR : Commander Webb has been assigned to the command of the
ironclad Richmond. On being relieved by him you will relieve Lieu-
tenant Murdaugh in the command of the gunboat Hampton.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding J. S. MAURY,

C. S. S. Richmond.

Order of Flag -Officer Mitchell,. C. 8. Navy, to Lieutenant Murdaugh, C. S.
Navy, to proceed to duty on board the C. 8. 8. Richmond.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 26, 186+ .

SIR: Lieutenant Commanding J. S. Maury has been ordered to the
command of the gunboat Hampton. When relieved by him you will
report to Commander William A. Webb for duty on board of the
Richmond.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant Commanding J. W. MURDAUGH,

C. 8. 8. Hampton.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Navy,
enjoining vigilance in cooperating with the Army, to prevent the cross-
ing of the river by the enemy.

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,

Richmond, October 26, 1864.

SIR: The copy of General Lee's letter of the 24th instant, transmit-
ted by you, has just been received.

The general clearly and forcibly states the danger to be apprehended
should the enemy cross a force to the south side of the river, and has
with equal clearness stated what he expects from the Navy to prevent
this movement. I am quite sure that you are fully impressed with the
importance of the views presented and that you will prevent the enemy
Irorn crossing the river. Ceaseless vigilance is essential.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. E. MALLORY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Flag-Officer JOHN K. MITCHELL, Provisional Navy C. S.,

Commanding Naval Forces James River.

804 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Flag-Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, regarding transfer of men to
Batteries Wood and Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 27, 1864.

SIB : You will be pleased to transfer from the Virginia to Battery
Wood the 14 men now on board, recently received from Savannah,
brought by Master's Mate Freeman; and to Battery Brooke the 7 con-
scripts now on board, received from Baleigh, N. C.
You will please transfer the above-mentioned men this afternoon.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.
Lieutenant F. E. SHEPPEBD,

Lieutenant, Comdg. G. S. 8. Virginia, James River Squadron.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. 8. Navy, regarding transfer of men to
Batteries Wood and Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 27, 1864.

SIR : You- will be pleased to transfer from the Richmond to Battery
Wood the 15 men now on board, recently received from Savannah,
brought by Master's Mate Freeman, and to Battery Brooke the 3 con-
scripts from North Carolina.

You will please transfer the above-mentioned men this afternoon.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Commander W. A. WEBB, Provisional Navy C. S.,

C. S. Ironclad Richmond.

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, G. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Read, G. 8.
Navy, to relieve Lieutenant Ingraham, C. S. Navy, in command of
Battery Wood.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 27, 1864.

SIR: You will relieve Lieutenant Ingraham, C. S. Navy, in the com-
mand of Battery Wood and will take with you Master's Mates John E.
[James W. ?] Billups and J. W. Matherson, and the 8 men ordered by
the officer of orders and detail to report with you.

You will see that your battery is without loss of time fully equipped
for service, and adopt measures for the proper protection, health, and
comfort of your command, and inform me of the number of men neces-
sary to render the battery efficient in all respects.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant C. W. BEAD, Provisional Navy C. S.

NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 805

Order of Flag- Officer Mitchell, C. 8. Nary, to Lieutenant Ingraham, C. 8.

Nary, transferring him from the command of Battery Wood to Battery

Brooke.

FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA,
James River Squadron, October 27, 1864.

SIR : You are hereby detached from the command of Battery Wood,
which you will transfer to Lieutenant C. W. Read, and on being
relieved at Battery Wood you will report to Lieutenant Commanding
C. W. Hays, to relieve him in the command of Battery Brooke.

You will take with you to Battery Brooke Lieutenant Borum,
Master's Mates Fitzgerald and Eobertson, and the 33 men you brought
with you from Charleston.

You will, as soon as practicable, inform me of the number of addi-
tional men required to man your battery efficiently.

You will retain at Battery Brooke the following men, viz:

From the Virginia. — W. Hill, G. S. Kirkineyer, seamen; William
Medlen, W. Adams, G. Maynard, landsmen.

From Raleigh, N. C.— H. Wiudens, J. Alderman, H. Alderman, T.
Newkirk, 1). Monroe, J. F. Bloom, landsmen.

You will send to Battery Wood those men belonging to the Freder-
icksburg and Richmond and will return to the Nansemond, Roanoke, and
Virginia all other men belonging to those vessels, respectively.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. K. MITCHELL,
Flag- Officer James River Squadron.

Lieutenant J. H. INGRAHAM,

Commanding Battery Wood.

INDEX.

A. D. Vance.* Steamer. Page.

Capture of, September 10, 1864 453-456,503

Mentioned ." 427,477,504,783,794

Abbot, Henry L.

Correspondence with H. H. Pierce 584

Mentioned 585

Abercrombie, John J.
Correspondence with

Babcock, C.A 167

Oley,H. H 120

Mentioned 165,166

Adams, George W. Recommended for promotion for gallant conduct 15

Adams, Henry A.

Correspondence with

Davenport. H. K 77

Upshnr, J.H 241

Mentioned 67,213

Adams, Henry A., jr.

Correspondence with S. P. Lee 250

Mentioned 249,274,275

Adams, Norton K. Mentioned 765

Adams, W. Mentioned 805

Addison, W. J. Mentioned 632,643,672

Adger, James. See James Adger, U. S. S.
Adkins, Isaac L. See Isaac L. Adkins. Schooner.
Agawam, U. S. S.
Engagements at

Deep Bottom, James River, July 1, 1864 225

Four Mile Creek, James River, July 28, 1864 319

Four Mile Creek, James River, August 13, 1864 348-351

Hewlett's, James River, June 21, 1864 177, 183, 184

Mentioned 56, 58,

62-68, 71, 72-76, 78-81, 84, 87, 96, 98, 99, 105, 106, 108, 111, 113, 116-118, 123,
129-133, 135, 136, 139, 144-149, 151, 157, 159, 178, 209, 216, 217, 228, 229, 233,
235, 255, 266, 277, 279, 283, 290, 304, 305, 316, 325, 326, 370, 411, 462, 514, 558

Operations in James River 83, 101

Orders for movements 231,263,278,282,291

Agnes C. Fry.t Steamer. Mentioned 477, 601

Agnes Louisa,} Steamer. Mentioned 477

Ahern, Holmes. Mentioned 766

Ahern, William. Mentioned 190,633

Aiken, Mr. Mentioned 227,229,242,262

Alabama, C.S. S. Mentioned 307,316,549

* Formerly Lord Clyde ; afterwards U. S. S. Advance, t Formerly Fox. { Formerly Grape Shot.

(807)

808 INDEX.

Alabama, U. S. S. Page.

Chase of blockade runners 314,379,437,486

Mentioned 155,156,

198, 199, 225, 287, 324, 362, 370, 375, 380, 383, 411, 435, 462, 484, 485, 514, 558
Albemarle, C. S. ram.

Boat expedition from U. S. S. Wyalusing against, May 25, 1864 95, 128

Construction of, answer of Navy Department, U. S., to resolution of Thirty-
eighth Congress, concerning 37

Destruction of, October 27, 1864.
Abstract logs of

Shamrock, U.S.8 620-622

Valley City, U. S. S 622

Casualties 617,623

Description of torpedo adapted to picket boats, etc 623

General orders of David D. Porter 618

Letter from Navy Department, U. S., to New York Chamber of Com-
merce 620

Letter from President, U. S., to Congress, recommending vote of thanks 619

Letter found in post-office at Wilmington, N. C 615

Letter of commendation from Navy Department, U. S .-, 619

List of officers and men taking part i n destruction of ram 623

Order of Commander Macomb for examination of the ram 616

Reports of

Board of engineers of the condition of 616

Gushing, William B 611

Gay, Thomas S 613

Macomb, W. H 611,615,617

Porter, David D 610, 614

Warley, A.F 624

Resolution of thanks of U. S. Congress 620

Expedition from, for capture of U. S. mail boat. See Fawn, U. S. mail boat.

Expedition in the Roanoke River to gain information concerning 210

Information from escaped prisoner concerning 440

List of officers of 718

Maffitt, John N.

Ordered to relieve James W. Cooke of command of 687,704

Relieved of command of 739

Mentioned 32, 49

57, 73, 96, 142, 213, 239, 240, 264, 306, 342, 386, 405, 428, 457, 458, 557, 571, 738

Movements of 86,339,341,385

Preparations for attacking.
Orders and instructions.

Lee, S.P 220,345

Navy Department, U. S 340

Porter, David D 569,594

Smith, Melancton 55,135,141

Proposition of W. B. Cushing 248

Reports of

Foster, H. H 303

Lee, S.P 63,144,247

Porter, David D 569

Smith, Melancton 145

Proposed attack upon Federal vessels in Albemarle Sound, by. Communica-
tions from

Baker, L. S 718,719

Navy Department, C. S 720,728

INDEX. 809

Albemarle, C. S. ram — Continued. Page.

Withdrawal of, from Plymouth, N. C., in case of attack by enemy 631

Work upon.

Communications from Navy Department, C. S 659

Report of J. W. Cooke 627,640

Albemarle, U. S. Schooner. Mentioned 122, 158, 213, 239, 294, 325, 412, 439

Albemarle Sound, North Carolina.

Appearance of C. S. ram Albemarle in. Report of Melancton Smith 86

Operations in.

Communications from

Baker, L. S 718,719

Navy Department, C. S 720,728

Report of W. T. Traxtnn 341

Raising of articles from wrecks in.

Orders and instructions, Navy Department, U. S 25

Report of Melancton Smith 72

Albertson, A. E.

Appointed to command C. S. S. Roanoke 728

Mentioned 632,766

Report of officers of C. S. S. Beaufort 726

Alderman, H. Mentioned 805

Alderman, J. Mentioned 805

Alert, U. S. S. Mentioned 157, 235, 316, 325, 326, 371, 411, 463, 515

Alexander, Edward P. Mentioned 763, 767

Alexandra, * Steamer. Mentioned 468, 601

Alfred, Brig. Mentioned 118,121

Alice, Steamer. Mentioned 94

Allen, Major. Mentioned 13,241,263

Allen, James. Mentioned 548

Allen & Taylor. Mentioned 710

Alligator River, North Carolina. Expedition to, May 12, 1864. Report of

H.H.Foster 57

Allison, Confederate steamer. Orders for movements 630

Almy, John J. Reports of.

Blockade runners. Escape of 256, 280

Greyhound, British steamer. Capture of, May 10, 1864 42

Minnie, Blockade runner. Capture of, May 9, 1864 40

Althea, U. S. S.

Mentioned 157,197,208

Movements of 315

Orders for movements 305

America, Steamer. Mentioned 249-251

Ames, Adelbert. Mentioned 102

Anderson, George T. Correspondence with J. K. Mitchell 758

Anderson, Richard.

Mentioned 28

Report of capture and destruction of U. S. S. Shawsheen, May 7, 1864 27

Anderson, Richard H. Mentioned 749

Andrew, John A. Mentioned 431,525

Anemone, U. S. S.

Mentioned 478,491,492,515,552,553

Orders for movements 472

Ann S. Davenport, Schooner.

Mentioned 115,122,142,161,213,239,439

Seizure of, May 12, 1864 58

* Afterwards Mary.

810 INDEX.

Annapolis, Md. Measures for protection. Reports of Page.

Braine,D.L 269,270

Osborn, F. G 270

Annie, Steamer.

Driving ashore of, October 8, 1864 541-546,552

Mentioned 468,781,782

Antonica, Steamer. Mentioned 504

Aphrodite, TJ. S. chartered steamer.

Grounding of, October 3, 1864 523,524

Mentioned 531

Appomattox River, Virginia. Operations in.
Orders and instructions.

Clitz,J.M.B 70

Lee, S.P 33

Reports of

Savage, H. H 45-47,94

Sheldon, W.B 33

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Full text of "Official records of the Union and Confederate navies in the war of the rebellion : ser. I, v. 1-27, ser. II, v. 1-3"

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