Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant or Flag-Officer Andrew H. Foot, February 7, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,         

Saint Louis, February 7, 1862.

Brigadier-General GRANT or Flag-Officer FOOTE,

Fort Henry :

Push the gunboats up the river to cut the railroad bridges. Troops to sustain the gunboats can follow in transports.

H. W. HALLECK,    

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 591

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Major-General George B. McClellan, February 7, 1862

SAINT LOUIS, February 7, 1862.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN:

Gunboats and cavalry ordered up the Tennessee River to destroy bridges. I think the enemy is collecting forces at Paris to prevent this by threatening our right flank. Paris must be taken. I am throwing in additional forces as rapidly as possible, and want all I can get. Fort Donelson will probably be taken to-morrow. Possibly a dash can be made on Columbus, but I think not. It is very strong. I shall endeavor to cut the railroad at Union City, and if possible occupy New Madrid, so as to cut off supplies by the river; but these movements must depend upon the arrival of troops and the condition of the roads, which are now almost impassable.

H. W. HALLECK,    

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 591-2

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Brigadier-General Don Carlos Buell, February 7, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,         

Saint Louis, February 7, 1862.

Brig. Gen. D.C. BUELL, Louisville, Ky.:

Fort Henry is ours. The enemy is retreating on Paris, pursued by our cavalry. He has been compelled to abandon a part of his artillery. The gunboats will proceed up the river as far as may be safe. It is believed that the enemy is concentrating his forces at Paris, to operate on our flank. It will require every man we can get to hold him in check there, while a column is sent up the Tennessee or Cumberland, or both, to destroy bridges. We are much in want of artillery. Send down as many light batteries as you can spare. General Grant expects to take Fort Donelson (at Dover) to-morrow. If troops are sent up the Cumberland they will be preceded by gunboats.

H. W. HALLECK,    

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 592

General Albert Sidney Johnston to Judah P. Benjamin, February 8, 1862

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, 

Bowling Green, Ky., February 8, 1862.

Hon. J.P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War:

SIR: No reliable particulars of the loss of Fort Henry have yet reached me. This much, however, is known, that nearly all of the force at Fort Henry retreated to Fort Donelson, and it is said that General Tilghman and about 80 officers and men surrendered in the fort.

The capture of that fort by the enemy gives them the control of the navigation of the Tennessee River, and their gunboats are now ascending the river to Florence. Operations against Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland, are about to be commenced, and that work will soon be attacked. The slight resistance at Fort Henry indicates that the best open earthworks are not reliable to meet successfully a vigorous attack of iron-clad gunboats, and, although now supported by a considerable force, I think the gunboat of the enemy will probably take Fort Donelson without the necessity of employing their land force in co-operation, as seems to have been done at Fort Henry.

Our force at Fort Donelson, including the force from Fort Henry and three regiments of General Floyd's command, is about 7,000 men, not well armed or drilled, except Heiman's regiment and the regiments of Floyd's command. General Floyd's command and the force from Hopkinsville is arriving at Clarksville, and can, if necessary, reach Donelson in four hours by steamers which are there.

Should Fort Donelson be taken, it will open the route to the enemy to Nashville, giving them the means of breaking the bridges and destroying the ferry-boats on the river as far as navigable.

The occurrence of the misfortune of losing the fort will cut off the communication of the force here under General Hardee from the south bank of the Cumberland. To avoid the disastrous consequences of such an event I ordered General Hardee yesterday to make, as promptly as it could be done, preparations to fall back to Nashville and cross the river.

The movements of the enemy on my right flank would have made a retrograde in that direction to confront the enemy indispensable in a short time. But the probability of having the ferriage of this army corps across the Cumberland intercepted by the gunboats of the enemy admits of no delay in making the movement.

Generals Beauregard and Hardee are, equally with myself, impressed with the necessity of withdrawing our force from this line at once.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

A. S. JOHNSTON,    

General, C. S. Army.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 863-4

Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune, February 9, 1862

FORT HENRY, Tenn., February 9, 1862

Via. Cairo, the 11th.

A force of the 2nd Illinois cavalry under Major Mudd, made a reconnoissance to-day in the direction of Fort Donelson.  An advance guard of some forty men, encountered a superior number of the rebel cavalry about seven miles on the main road to Dover.  Capt. Brink, ordnance officer, who accompanied the command, with Carson, were in the advance, and discovered the enemy and gave notice to our cavalry who were feeding some distance in the rear.  The rebels advanced on our small force and gave them battle to a cross road.  Some 20 more of our cavalry coming up to the assistance of our struggling little band, the enemy turned and took to flight with a loss of 5 killed and 23 prisoners, among whom was the captain of the rebel band.  Our loss was 1 man wounded and 1 horse killed.

Gen. Grant and staff to-day, also made a reconnoissance to within 4 miles of Fort Donelson, and a complete knowledge of the roads was obtained.

The Reconnoitering transport steamer H. H. Brown, in charge of Capt. Logan, aid to Gen. Grant, with Col. Riggins and Col. A. H. Markland, the military Mail Agent accompanying the army, made another trip to-day to the railroad bridge across the river at Danville, where a large quantity of army stores, wagons, hides and numerous other articles of value were obtained.

From All appearances in every direction from the Fort, the rebel retreat assumed a complete panic and stampede.  At Danville the quarters of the troops gave evidence that they fled while in the act of preparing either dinner or supper.  The cooking utensils contained the allowance of their morsel.  Beds and cabin furniture were strewn about in reckless confusion, and terror and dismay seem to have filled the breast of the occupants.

An unfinished letter from a soldier to his sister, was found, dated the 6th, (the day of the battle) which stated that the 7th regiment left there the night previous for the fort leaving every room for the conclusion that actual force at this place on the day of the capture of this Fort was not less than 12,000.

Col. Markland, by order of Gen. Grant, took possession of eleven bags of mail matter at Danville and closed the office yesterday.

Gen. Grant and staff visited Danville and took possession of a large amount of property of the same character as that taken to-day, besides the ferry steamer J. M. Martin, which was brought down to this point.

The bridge is a magnificent structure of about 1200 feet in length, besides about 400 feet of trestle work.  The piers of the spans, some nine in number, are built of granite, and in the strongest manner.  The trestle work has been partly destroyed to its being used by rebels.

Reinforcements are arriving very rapidly.  The 14th Iowa, the 13th Missouri, a battalion of Birge’s sharpshooters, the 43rd and 17th Illinois regiments, all arrived during last night and to-day.

The gunboats which went up the river after the capture of the fort have not yet been heard from.

SOURCE: “Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune,” Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday, February 12, 1862

Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant to Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, February 15, 1862

CAMP NEAR FORT DONELSON, February 15, 1862.

ANDREW H. FOOTE.

Commanding Officer Gunboat Flotilla :

If all the gunboats that can will immediately make their appearance to the enemy it may secure us a victory. Otherwise all may be defeated. A terrible conflict ensued in my absence, which has demoralized a portion of my command, and I think the enemy is much more so. If the gunboats do not show themselves, it will reassure the enemy and still further demoralize our troops. I must order a charge to save appearances. I do not expect the gunboats to go into action, but to make appearance and throw a few shells at long range.

U.S. GRANT,            

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 618

Brigadier-General George W. Cullum to Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant, February 12, 1862

CAIRO, ILL., February 12, 1862.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT:

Like yourself, I am most too busy to write a word. I am now sending everything up the Cumberland by General Halleck's direction. Flag-Officer Foote left at 9 last night with three armored gunboats, and must now be on the way to Fort Donelson, which, with their aid, I hope to hear you have taken in a few days, and the backbone of secession broken. I am sending re-enforcements up very fast. Let me know your wants. I will write Lieutenant-Colonel McPherson in a short time.

G. W. CULLUM.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 608

Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier-General George W. Cullum, February 15, 1862

Head Quarters, Army in the Field

Camp Near Fort Donelson, Feb.y 15th 1862

GEN. G. W. CULLUM

CHIIEF OF STAFF, DEPT. OF THE MO.

CAIRO ILL.

GEN.

I hope you will direct Capt. Turnley to forward the transportation belonging to the troops here as rapidly as possible.  It is now almost impossible to get supplies from the landing to where our troops are.

We will soon want ammunition for our 10 & 20 pound Parrot guns; already require it for the 24 pound howitzers. and

I have directed my ordnance officer to keep a constant watch upon the supply of ammunition and take steps in time to avoid a deficiency.

Appearances now indicate that we will have a protracted siege here.  The ground is very broken and the fallen timber extending far out from the breast works I fear the result of attempting to carry the place by storm and with raw troops.  I feel great confidance however of ultimately reducing the place.  As yet I have had no batteries thrown up hoping with the aid of the Gunboats to obviate the necessity.  The present high water has prevented my extending the right to the river.  Col. Webster is now making a reconnoissance with the view of sending a force above the town of Dover to occupy the river bank.

Please inform Gen. Halleck the substance of this.

Respectfully

your obt. svt.

U. S. GRANT

Brig. Gen.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon & William M. Ferraro, Editors, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 4: January 8-March 31, 1862, p. 212-3

Laura M. Towne: Sunday, June 13, 1862

St. Helena Island, June 13,1862.

You do not know how comfortable and even elegant our apartments are, now that we have all the furniture the cotton agent had in his half of the house. There are no other such accommodations in this region, and we shall be foolish to go away for anything but health. If there should be any likelihood of sickness, we can remove easily to the watering-place of the islands, St. Helenaville, about six miles from here, and then we can ride over twice a week or so to see our people. But I do not see why this place cannot be a good enough location to stay in all summer. As for the late alarm about "Secesh" coming, everybody is ashamed of it, and all try to prove that they were not frightened at such an unlikelihood. It is an impossibility now, as gunboats are stationed on all sides. I am so glad we did not run. It was a great shame we had all the bother of packing our trunks and unpacking them again. . . .

You may imagine that I was not well pleased to see my entire letter printed. That last — “but I must get a little sleep” — seems so boasting, and in other places I would have modified it. But I do not care much. If my present leisure continues, I shall perhaps write for the Tribune an occasional letter; but Mr. McKim is taking notes, and will tell everything, I fancy. Lucy is a very nice girl and she is busy collecting facts, etc. Mr. French, too, is writing a book, and so there will be an overstock of information, I think. . . .

Dr. Hering's looking-glasses have come, but not his violins, and the candy and sugar are enjoyed hugely. . . .

I wish you were as free from every fret as I am, and as happy. I never was so entirely so as now, and no wonder. We found the people here naked, and beginning to loathe their everlasting hominy, — afraid and discontented about being made to work as slaves, and without assurance of freedom or pay, of clothes or food, — and now they are jolly and happy and decently fed and dressed, and so full of affection and gratitude to the people who are relieving them that it is rather too flattering to be enjoyed. It will not last, I dare say, but it is genuine now and they are working like Trojans. They keep up the tasks of those who have gone to the forts and do not complain of any amount of little extra jobs. It is such a satisfaction to an abolitionist to see that they are proving conclusively that they can and will and even like to work enough at least to support themselves and give something extra to Government.

All my affairs go swimmingly (I have the Boston clothing too now, only there is none to sell), so do not think of me as being a martyr of any kind.

SOURCE: Rupert Sargent Holland, Editor, Letters and Diary of Laura M. Towne: Written from the Sea Islands of South Carolina 1862-1864, p. 67-8

Diary of Laura M. Towne: Saturday, June 7, 1862

An exciting day. This morning Mr. Eustis came over and told Mr. Hooper that we ought to be ready to go at a moment's notice. For two weeks we have been quite unprotected, and last night an attempt was made to pass the pickets at Port Royal Ferry. A flat was seen coming. Our pickets challenged it, and the negroes exclaimed, “Don't shoot, massa!” Then fifty men rose up in the boat and fired into the guard, killing four of them. The others fled to Port Royal, I believe, carrying dismay, and this morning all the ladies, cotton agents, and civilians, except our men, embarked on the Ottawa and went down to Hilton Head, Miss Walker among them. Our men, of the Commission, have been bold enough. Little Taylor has shouldered his gun and he this morning went to within four miles of the enemies’ lines. Ashly acted as guide to the scouts and others have gone readily to the aid of the soldiery. Yet Mr. Pierce says the soldiers are swearing at the “nigger lovers,” who have all gone — run away at the first danger. Not a man has gone — not one.

There is quite a panic in Beaufort and several gunboats have gone up to it, apparently to take away the commissary stores. It will then be evacuated, and what will become of the poor negroes if the masters return! It seems to me that this is a causeless panic.

We packed our trunks to-day according to Mr. Hooper's orders, and we can run at any time, but leaving much behind us. I cannot bear the thought of going while these poor people must stay — Aunt Bess, whose leg is so bad; and some of the babies are ill now — they will suffer so in the woods and marshes if they have to fly. While we were packing this morning, Susannah, then Rina, came and asked anxiously about our going. I told them all we knew — that we might have to go off, but would not if we could help it; that our soldiers had all gone off to take Charleston and that Secesh might come down to attack us, and then the gentlemen would insist upon our going. Mr. Pierce came home about eleven, and he thinks we may remain. So we have composed ourselves as best we can. The gentlemen are going to patrol to-night, but I am more afraid of the exposure than of Secesh for them, and us too.

Mr. Pierce has gone to Beaufort again. Several gentlemen were here to-day, Mr. Horton among them, who wanted to know if we were “going to trust the Lord and keep our powder dry.” I want to have Mr. Pierce secure half a dozen guns for each plantation, and then if Secesh come, call upon the negroes to help us and stay. I am sure we shall be safe. I am entirely opposed to our flying. If Mr. Pierce were not going North, this would be the case, I am pretty sure, but he is determined to have us safe while he is gone. We have a boat in readiness to set out by water, and the horses are kept fresh to take us by land. One of them died to-day of poison plants, or colic, — one of the handsome bays.

I have been in other excitement lately and feel almost ill from it. But first about the alarm at Beaufort. It was so great that the arsenal was open, and anybody wishing it could go in and get a gun. It appears that the Pennsylvania regiment, or a guard of fifty, were stationed at Port Royal Ferry, and on this alarm they ran, after firing, and burned the bridge between themselves and the enemy. Their panic alarmed Beaufort. The ladies fled to the gunboats and to Hilton Head. They will return to-morrow probably. All Beaufort was in confusion. To-night all is safety and quiet there. We have had quite a cosy evening here — Mr. Pierce, Mr. Hooper, Miss Winsor, and I.

SOURCE: Rupert Sargent Holland, Editor, Letters and Diary of Laura M. Towne: Written from the Sea Islands of South Carolina 1862-1864, p. 63-5

Diary of Gideon Welles: Thursday, April 28, 1864

Admiral Lee sends me a confidential dispatch and also a communication to him from General Butler. On the latter Fox has made a proper indorsement. On the 26th inst. General_B. calls on the Admiral for naval cooperation. Wants ironclads and gunboats to proceed to Richmond; is going to move on the 30th inst.; the expedition or movement is to be secret; they are to pass above City Point, etc., etc. Only four days to improvise a navy, and they are to proceed up a river whose channel is not buoyed out. The scheme is not practical, yet it has the sanction of General Grant. It must, however, be a blind, intended to deceive the enemy, and to do this effectually he must first deceive our own people. A somewhat formidable force has been gathered in General Butler’s department, and there is no doubt but that General B. himself fully believes he is to make a demonstration up James River. It may be that this is General Grant’s intention also, but if it is, I shall be likely to have my faith in him impaired. Certainly there have been no suflicient preparations for such a demonstration and the call upon the Navy is unreasonable.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 19

George S. Denison to Salmon P. Chase, January 15, 1863

(Private)

New Orleans, January 16th, 1863.

Dear Sir: I have just been informed by Gen. Banks that the expedition to the Teche under Weitzel, was completely successful and accomplished all he intended. The rebels had in the Bayou a large and powerful gunboat called the “Cotton,” which boat got aground below their fortifications. This boat we destroyed. They have no other boats in any of the bayous below Red River.

Gen. Banks can now take the Teche country whenever he pleases. Weitzel's force has returned, but, I judge, Gen. Banks intends occupying the country by flank movement according to suggestions made by me at first.

I hear much complaint of Gen. Banks that he has not accomplished, or prepared to accomplish, anything — that his time is occupied in listening to complaints of secessionists — that four weeks of fine weather have been lost without military operations — that no step has been taken to open the river — and other similar complaints.

Gen. Banks told me this morning, he cannot yet undertake the opening of the river, because he has no cavalry — no transportation — no medicines, &c. He says everything has been done that ought to have been — and that he shall operate up the River at the earliest day possible. I will say one thing strongly in his favor — that he conceals his plans (whatever they may be) perfectly — and I hardly think even the members of his staff know his intentions.

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 350

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, April 16, 1864

Had a long telegram at midnight from Cairo, respecting Rebel movements in western Kentucky, — at Paducah, Columbus, Fort Pillow, etc. Strange that an army of 6000 Rebels should be moving unmolested within our lines. But for the gunboats, they would repossess themselves of the defenses, yet General Halleck wants the magnanimity and justice to acknowledge or even mention the service.

There is still much excitement and uneasy feeling on the gold and currency question. Not a day but that I am spoken to on the subject. It is unpleasant, because my views are wholly dissimilar from the policy of the Treasury Department, and Chase is sensitive and tender — touchy, I may say — if others do not agree with him and adopt his expedients. Mr. Chase is now in New York. He has directed the payment of the May interest, anticipating that throwing out so much gold will affect the market favorably. It will be likely to have that effect for a few days but is no cure for the evil. The volume of irredeemable paper must be reduced before there can be permanent relief. He attributes to speculators the rise in gold! As well charge the manufacturers with affecting the depth of water in the rivers, because they erect dams across the tributaries! Yet one cannot reason with our great financier on the subject. He will consider it a reflection on himself personally and claims he cannot get along successfully if opposed.

I remarked to Senator Trumbull, whom I met when taking my evening walk last Thursday, and was inquired of, that I could hardly answer or discuss his inquiry in regard to the gold excitement, because in a conversation which we had a year or two since, when one of the bills was pending, —  the first, I believe, — I had said to him I was a hard-money man and could indorse no standards but gold and silver as the measure of value and regretted and distrusted the scheme of legal paper tenders. Chase heard of that conversation and claims I was embarrassing the Treasury.

This sensitiveness indicates what I fear and have said, viz. Chase has no system on which he relies, but is seeking expedients which tumble down more rapidly than he can construct them. He cannot stop what he and others call “the rise of gold,” but which is really the depreciation of paper, by the contrivances he is throwing out. The gold dollar, the customs certificates, the interest-bearing Treasury notes, etc., etc., are all failures and harmful and will prove so. The Secretary of the Treasury found a great and rich country filled with enthusiasm in a noble cause and full of wealth, with which they responded to his call, but their recourses and sacrifices were no evidence of financial talent on the part of the Secretary who used them. The Secretary is not always bold, and has not enforced taxation; he is not wise beyond others, and has not maintained the true measure of value; he resorts to expedients instead of abiding by fixed principles. By multiplying irredeemable paper and general inflation, his “ten forty” five-per-cents may be taken, but at what cost to the country! He is in New York and may negotiate a loan; but if he does, it will be with the banks and, I presume, at six per cent. If so, the banks will not be able to help the speculators, and they, being cramped, will suffer, and perhaps fail. The fancy stocks will be likely to fall under this operation, and the surplus money may seek government securities, but under the inflation how expensive to the country!

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 12-4

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: March 18, 1865

Reveille at 4. Out at 6. Arrived at White House at 11 A. M. Unsaddled and camped. Transports and gunboats. Forage and rations. Beautiful day. Took a bath. Saw a paper of the 16th. Pleased me much. Wrote home. Slaves gathered together.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 148

George S. Denison to Salmon P. Chase, November 28, 1862

(Private)

New Orleans, November 28th, 1862.

Dear Sir: I have frequently conversed with Gen'l. Butler about an expedition to Texas, and since it was known here that Gen. Banks was to command the expedition, I have had two or three conversations with him. The General evidently expected that this expedition would be under his command, and now thinks that Gen. Banks should report to him and act under his orders — for the following reasons.

1st. Because Ship Island is an inconvenient and, for shipping, a dangerous rendezvous. Most of the Steam vessels from New York would be unable to enter the Texas harbors. Gen. Butler would put the troops on board his own light draught steamers, and wait just in the mouth of the river until fair weather permitted him to run to Galveston in 48 hours. The troops from the sailing vessels could be landed here and the vessels return home, thus saving expense, while a few trips of the General's steamers would convey all the troops to the Texas coast.

2nd. Gen. Butler's troops are acclimated — well disciplined — have all been under fire, and the weak and sickly have all been weeded out. Gen. Banks troops will be new and undisciplined, etc. Gen. Butler would retain the new troops here and send to Texas an equal number of his veterans, who would form a far more effective force than new troops and not liable to be weakened by sickness.

3rd. A large army could be accommodated in the City with greater ease and comfort than upon Ship Island.

4th. This point is the most convenient depot for supplying Quartermaster and Commissary's stores to Gen. Banks in Texas, and beef and other supplies to be obtained in Texas are most needed here.

5th. When the rebel army retreats from Vicksburg and Port Hudson, they may go west to Texas and crush Gen. Banks' force. This can be prevented by cooperating from this point and cutting them off by taking Shreveport (on Red River)—and this co operation can be efficient only by unity of counsel and command.

6th. The General has prepared four or five iron-clad gunboats, — the only strong boats on the Gulf coast, capable of operating advantageously in the shallow bays and bayous of Texas.

Such are the reasons I have collected why Gen. Butler should have command, or rather, why Gen. Banks should report to him. These reasons come from Gen. Butler himself. Perhaps others could be given, and perhaps these already stated are not weighty. I thought it proper, at any rate, to state them to you. Gen. Butler says the above plan would advance the expedition thirty days. Of course, I am ignorant of Gen. Banks' plan of operations. Intelligent Texans now here, think the capture of the town of Houston should be the first object. This is the center of railroads and (they say) the controlling position (in military sense) of the state. The slave population is large in that part of the state, and if properly employed, would prove a source of great weakness to the Rebels.

P. S. I do not know whether Gen. Butler or Gen. Banks is the ranking officer. I have written this letter only that you might be informed of Gen. Butler's opinions. He will soon send troops to Galveston.

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 332-3

Commandant Samuel F. DuPont to Gustavus V. Fox, November 11, 1861

Private

Wabash Monday

11 Nov. 61, Port Royal

My Dear Sir—

The Coatzacoalcos goes in the morning — there is nothing very special to add to my letter of yesterday. I send certain letters to explain our operations about Beaufort. I did not have the flag raised in Beaufort, because it may not answer the Genls purpose to hold it — though it was well to show up the Gun-boats for moral effect. I was to have gone up with Sherman today but a fog prevented.

We are all tinkering; the heavy gale caused a good deal of injury in various ways to the smaller vessels.

Our own big job is the Main Mast, it is weakened one third — we are plugging up the holes and the Carpenter thinks he can fix it so as to make it stand in a gale of wind, though it will be a clumsy piece of work. When the ship goes north in the Spring if you will have a new one made she can take it in. We lost main topsail yard, spanker boom, lower boom, topmast &c. Those rifle 80 prs have the wickedest whistle I ever heard, how we all escaped on that Bridge I cannot conceive.

I concluded to send Vandalia North to fulfil my promise to the crew, & we have helped ourselves out of her — her two 8 in guns I have given to the Isaac Smith, & provisions & ammunition also have been taken from her. I am painfully impressed with the worthlessness of Sailing vessels since I have got to work out here — See the reports of the Sabine sent by this mail!! he has been a month in the Station. The Dale came in the day before our action & I packed her off to pick up coal Ships & go back to her Station. The Q^rMaster has given me some 80 000 gals of water & I am sending the Steamer which has it in out to Georgetown — Sending Alabama in the meantime to Georgetown — but I hear the Flag is off with Rodgers, Lardner having sent her to repair, the bottom of the boiler having come out.

I am exceedingly anxious to get away to Fernandina, for I see the old Story coming on me, viz the soldiers will absorb the fleet if I do not look out—if I can get through that and some other points perhaps St. Helena, I can come back here & make a station of it.

Will you please hurry back Steadman & not let him wait for all the ammunition asked for if it be not ready?

I do not intend to send vessels North if I can help it — I can make out here for water, but there are so many repairs required to ship, boats, & Engines, that if you could send down a certain number of ship Carpenters and Mechanics in iron, I think it would be economical I am sure, of course I mean shipped men—

Please let us have Pilot boats too, Davis says the G. W. Blunt. We should make the Pilot by the general rules I suppose. A Tug also if you please. The Mercury has paid for herself already — the Forbes is invaluable.

If you will give me Tuscarora & two new Gunboats, you may have Sabine, St. Lawrence, & Vandalia, 130 guns for twenty.

The magnitude of our operation is growing upon me & the blow is ringing all over the Southern country — the Planters talk of burning their cotton — and as this is the only sinew of war with them, the sooner they go at it the better.

I am at work at my detailed report of the action, with correct drawings of the order of battle &c which may some day go to the Naval School. The sketch I sent you is not critically, but generally correct. I will send my report by Atlantic in two or three days, in full time for Secretary's report or to go with the Documents.

When you can find leisure to give me a private note do so. You can take the credit of this business to any extent yr visit to New York put me upon it. It turns out Bulls bay is very defensible & not much after you take it. I think poor old Tattnall & Co must feel mean. Please make my regards to Mr Montgr Blair & to Mr Blair Senior, the latter so correctly looked forward for some naval results to help on the war on our side, that I hope he will be gratified but we must not stop here. I think the capture of the Forts was clever, but I think also the getting on the Wabash was cleverer.

Confidential.

I have one misgiving — our army here are depredators & freebooters — they are robbing as at Hampton in all directions, & robbing the poor negroes too, for all sheep, poultry, sweet potatoe patches &c belonging to them, & they are our friends, they will soon be disgusted & become our enemies — Sherman is a soldier every inch of him, whether he can be a commander in chief remains to be seen he is as much disgusted at what I mentioned as I am. They have not commenced an intrenchment! & to us people look like a mere rabble— they have commenced a wharf at my request for they are very kind to me & I think all the generals would do any thing in the world to oblige me.

I saw Sherman yesterday & hurried him up about Fernandina and I earnestly begged him to put a stop to the plundering — & shoot if necessary.

Davis & Rodgers send their regards, they are great helps to me and Preston an extraordinary young man— Raymond Rodgers is even above his reputation.

Ever yrs faithfully

S. F. Dupont.

G. V. Fox Esq.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 67-70

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: December 15, 1864

Jocko's hut was not across the river as I supposed and wrote yesterday, but on the same side we were on. At about ten o'clock last night we went to his abiding place as directed and knocked. After a long time an old black head was stuck out of the window with a nightcap on. The owner of the head didn't know Jocko or anything about him; was short and crusty; said: “Go way from Dar” Kept talking to him and he scolding at being disturbed. Said he had rheumatics and couldn't get out to let us in. After a long time opened the door and we set down on the door step. Told him we were yankees and wanted help. Was the funniest darky we have met yet. Would give something for his picture as he was framed in his window in the moonlight talking to us, with the picturesque surroundings, and us yankees trying to win him over to aid us. Finally owned up that he was Jocko, but said he couldn't row us across the river. He was lame and could not walk, had no boat, and if he had the river was so swift he couldn't get us across, and if it wasn't swift, the rebels would catch him at it and hang him. Talked a long time and with much teasing. By degrees his scruples gave way, one at a time. Didn't know but he might row us across if he only had a boat, and finally didn't know but he could find a boat To get thus far into his good graces took at least three hours. Went looking around and found an old scow, fixed up some old cars, and we got in; before doing so however, he had warmed up enough to give us some boiled sweet potatoes and cold baked fish. Rowed us way down the river and landed us on the noted Miller plantation and a mile in rear of the negro houses. Jocko, after we forced our acquaintance on him with all kind of argument, proved to be a smart able bodied old negro, but awful afraid of being caught helping runaways. Would give something for his picture as he appeared to us looking out of his cabin window. Just an old fashioned, genuine negro, and so black that charcoal would make a white mark on him. Took us probably three miles from his hut, two miles of water and one of land, and then started back home after shaking us a dozen times by the hand, and “God blessing us.” Said “Ole Massa Miller's niggers all Union niggers,” and to go up to the huts in broad day light and they would help us. No whites at home on the plantation. We arrived where Jocko left us an hour or so before daylight, and lay down to sleep until light. I woke up after a while feeling wet, and found the tide had risen and we were surrounded with water; woke up the boys and scrambled out of that in a hurry, going through two feet of water in some places. The spot where we had laid down was a higher piece of ground than that adjoining. Got on to dry land and proceeded to get dry. At about ten o'clock Dave went up to the negro huts and made himself known, which was hard work. The negroes are all afraid that we are rebels and trying to get them into a scrape, but after we once get them thoroughly satisfied that we are genuine Yanks they are all right, and will do anything for us. The negroes have shown us the big house, there being no whites around, they having left to escape the coming Yankee army. We went up into the cupola and looked way off on the ocean, and saw our own noble gunboats. What would we give to be aboard of them? Their close proximity makes us discuss the feasibility of going down the river and out to them, but the negroes say there are chain boats across the river farther down, and picketed. Still it makes us anxious, our being so near, and we have decided to go down the river to night in a boat and see if we can't reach them It is now the middle of the afternoon and we lay off from the huts eighty rods, and the negroes are about to bring us some dinner. During the night we traveled over oyster beds by the acre, artificial ones, and they cut our feet. Negroes say there are two other runaways hid a mile off and they are going to bring them to our abiding place. Later, — Negroes have just fed us with corn bread and a kind of fish about the size of sardines, boiled by the kettle full, and they are nice. Fully as good as sardines. Think I know now where nearly all the imported sardines come from. Negroes catch them by the thousand, in nets, put them in kettles, and cook them a few minutes, when they are ready to eat. Scoop them out of the creeks The two other runaways are here with us. They are out of the 3d Ohio Cavalry. Have been out in the woods for two weeks. Escaped from Blackshear and traveled this far. I used to know one of them in Savannah. We do not take to them at all, as they are not of our kind. Shall separate to night, they going their way and we going ours. Have secured a dug-out boat to go down the Ogechee River with to-night. The negroes tell us of a Mr. Kimball, a white man, living up the country fifteen miles, who is a Union man and helps runaways, or any one of Union proclivities. He lays up the river, and our gunboats lay down the river. Both have wonderful charms for us, and shall decide before night which route to take. Are on rice plantation, and a valuable one. Before the “wall” there were over fifteen hundred negroes on this place. Cotton is also part of the production. Have decided to go down the river and try to reach our gunboats It's two very hazardous undertaking, and I have my doubts as to its successful termination.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 141-3

George S. Denison to Salmon P. Chase, September 30, 1862

(Private.)

New Orleans, Sept. 30th, 1862.

Dear Sir: I am informed that six gunboats left this vicinity four days ago, to attack Galveston. I do not know how many troops were on board, but not a large number. It is the intention to destroy the bridge connecting the island with the mainland, and capture the Texas force which occupies Galveston.¹

Five regiments of infantry (with proper proportion of Cavalry and Artillery) will start in about a week, on an expedition into the enemy's country. Gen. Weitzel will have command. I am not positively certain, but think, that their destination is North Eastern Texas, which they will easily reach by ascending Red River.

The Schooner "Elma" was seized by me, her owner refusing to give up her Confederate papers, or to take out U. S. papers. Vessel and cargo were worth less than $3,000. I sent her to N. Y. in charge of one Valleau, who was highly recommended by military officers and others.

I am informed that this vessel was run ashore on Dauphine Island off Mobile, and destroyed. She was small and old. Either she run ashore in a storm, or what is more probable, Valleau tried to run the Blockade into Mobile, and was so hard pressed by a Gunboat that he run the vessel ashore so as to prevent capture. This is the first accident which has occurred, but luckily neither vessel nor cargo was valuable. She had on board 40 bars iron for plating Gunboats, put in as ballast.

You expected the Navy to assist me. They have never given me the least help, and I am obliged to take the whole responsibility of forwarding vessels to New York.

The Light at South Pass will be relighted to-morrow night for the first time. I go down to the mouth of the River today to attend to it.

_______________

¹ A successful attack was made on Galveston on October 6. The boats began to arrive off Galveston on October 3. Cf. Rebellion Records Series I, Vol. XV, passim.

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 317-8

Commandant Samuel F. Dupont to Gustavus V. Fox, probably after August 9, 1861

Near Wilmington, Del.

[No date]

My Dear Sir,

On Wednesday I went down to Sandy Hook on the Ottawa Gun Boat — her performance was entirely satisfactory. Com. Gregory and Comstock were on board —but her Captn was not.

The former has shown great zeal about these Gun Boats, and has added much to their efficiency and towards their completion by his rigid supervision — further, he has behaved like a man about the action of the Dept in reference to flag officers. He is about to ask you a favor, which I hope you may grant — viz. to order his son Hugh M. Gregory acting Master on board the Supply to report to me in New York for duty in South At. Squadron.

Mr. Kimball has found competent Engineers he tells me for the steamers approaching to being ready. I could not see while there, that Davis could be of any service in New York, until the ships you intend for the expedition are handed over to me. The sooner you can do this the better, as I explained in my letter from New York.

One reason for desiring Davis to go back to Washington is, that we have one paper unfinished, which to us as individuals, and to the Dept for convenience, it is most desirable to finish. It is the recapitulation or summary of our whole work, to furnish the basis of instructions to the different Squadrons, while it will be the most attractive to the general reader. The large memoirs will attest our research, the summary will show the results — and complete the archives of the Dept on a subject, which will do honor to it hereafter.

Have you any information that the orders were sent to the Wabash? I shall leave here on Monday and be in New York Tuesday. The Astor House my headquarters, where there is a telegraph.

I am so anxious and earnest to be at work that you must excuse my stating how I am situated until you put me on a proper footing. With Mr. Morgan and Mr. Pook and Bell, we are on the best of terms and are pushing on with them very well, but when the vessels are once at the Navy Yard, until it is understood they are to be part of my command we are paralysed, while really very little seems doing by any one yet. Drayton however has been on board of all and will be of great service, for such is the ignorance of the new cannon and arms, that he is cordially welcomed, instead of being looked upon with jealous suspicion.

I enclose you a letter from a friend of mine the King of the Boston Bar, which I thought would please you.

Faithfully Yrs

S F D P

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 51-2

Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, March 8, 1864

Received a telegram from Admiral Lee this P.M., confirming a rumor that was whispered yesterday of the death of young Dahlgren. He was surrounded, it seems, by superior forces near King and Queen Court-House, and fell attempting to cut his way through. Most of his command was captured. A few escaped and got on board of the gunboat which had been sent for their relief.

A more gallant and brave-hearted fellow was not to be found in the service. His death will be a terrible blow to his father, who doted upon him and not without reason. I apprehend this raid was not a wise and well-planned scheme. Tested by results, it was not. Whether the War Department advised it I do not know. I heard it spoken of indefinitely and vaguely, but with no certainty till the expedition had started.

Fox is full of zeal to get hold of the fraudulent contractors and all that belongs to them, and the whole subject is committed to him. I exceedingly dislike these irregular proceedings. There should be proper law officers to whom these matters should be committed, and not impose them upon the heads of Departments. I must try to have Congress take the matter in hand, and pass the necessary laws, or devise some proper action. I do not like matters as they now are.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 537-8