Wabash, 9th Nov.
Port Royal, S.C.
My Dear Mr. Fox—
During the disheartening events of our passage, my faith
never gave way, but at some moments it seemed appalling. On the other hand I
permit no elation at our success. Yet I cannot refrain telling you that
it has been more complete and more brilliant than I ever could have believed.
I have been too fatigued to send a detailed official account
of the battle. My report is full up to the eve of it, and I think will interest
you, but I had to content myself with a succinct account which I think will be
liked as well as a more detailed narrative. This I will however forward in time
for the Secretary's report.
I kept under way, made three turns though I passed five
times between the Forts. I had a flanking division of five ships, to watch Old
Tattnall who had eight small and swift steamers ready to pounce upon any of
ours should they be disabled.
I could get none of my big frigates up. I thought the Sabine
would have gotten down. To the St. Lawrence I sent no word and the Savannah was
blown off. I do not regret it now except on their account. I believe my plan
was clever. I stood against the tide and had the management the better in
consequence.
Their confidence was extreme that they could drive us away.
They fought bravely and the rifle guns never missed. An 80 pr rifle went
through our main mast in the very centre, an awful hole. They aimed at our
Bridge where they knew they would make a hole if lucky. A shot on the counter
let water onto the after magazine, but I saved perhaps a hundred lives by
keeping underway and being in so close. We found their sights graduated at 600
yds. When they once broke, the stampede was intense and not a gun was spiked.
In truth I never conceived of such a fire as that of this ship on her second
turn, and I am told its effect upon the spectators outside of her was intense.
I learn when they saw the flag flying on shore, the troops were powerless to
cheer, but wept. Gl. Sherman was deeply affected, and the soldiers for once are
loud and unstinting in their expressions of admiration and gratitude.
The works are most scientifically constructed and there is
nothing like “Walker” on the Potomac.
I did not allow the victory to check our ardor, but
dispatched some vessels under Gillis over the other side. To day I have an
expedition to Beaufort, to save the light vessels, but Ammen tells me who went
up, they were fired instantly after the surrender. Bankhead is up there aground
tonight, but Curlew is watching her. Beaufort is deserted. The negroes are wild
with joy and revenge, robbing Beaufort. On the other hand they have been shot
down they say like dogs because they would not go off with their masters.
I have a boat already at Scull Creek and the communication
between Savannah and Charleston cut off. The Sabine has brought the Marines.
They have been nothing but trouble to me. The Monticello has not reappeared and
some think she went down in the gale.
I am hurrying up for Fernandina and for everywhere, for
the terrors will now be complete and some people here tell us that they are
obstructing Charleston Bar even.
I have written to L. H. B. for all aids to navigation.
Please send me a complete Pilot book and another — try if possible. The Forbes
is invaluable. Florida Goldsboro still missing. After Fernandina we will be
ready for Savannah Bar. The Susquehanna filled us with admiration. She stuck to
us like wax and was our main support, as I told Lardner, he was always precisely
where I wanted him to be, and doing precisely what I wanted him to do. We want
some ship carpenters.
Yrs truly
S. F. D. P.
Please remember me to Mr. Welles. I thought of him and you
about the first thing after I fired those fellows.
I let Wynn go home. I had not time for a survey, don't let
him humbug you any more. I have ordered Drayton to Pocahontas — no one to
Cotton yet — she is a great vessel and came near being lost.
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. 65-7
