Commandant Samuel F. DuPont to Gustavus V. Fox, November 9, 1861

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

Commandant Samuel F. Dupont to Gustavus V. Fox, Thursday, October 24, 1861 — 2 p.m.

Confidential

Wabash. 2 P.M. Thursday

24. Oct. H. Roads.     

My Dear Sir—

A long & earnest conference last night with the Genls (4) was followed by another this morning on the practicability of the¹ big place. The necessity of occupying those points as stated in our memoirs on it & the extreme doubt I am sorry to say, on a closer look of getting this ship over the bar gave gravity not to say anxiety to the council — but I am happy to say that they all came in & we are about decided Sherman & I, to try, & he orders his great condenser to Hilton head with other matters — But I tell you it is a much greater job than you & I contemplated — the landing of the troops & reserves to be brought by the enemy from Savannah & Charleston may be great embarrassments — I wish you could have been with us.

Their last ship is in from Annapolis — they are about ready, we equally so — but they want Boutelle as much as we, for his topographical knowledge. We lose no time, for he is our eyes — the bar is ten miles off & that is the nearest we can approach, going in without his direction can of course be done, but it will require more time & be longer in sight of the enemy, and give him time to concentrate — so all agreed to wait until tomorrow's steamer — I will then leave on steamer wh’ch will about overtake us by following us on Sunday or Monday — though we may or may not sail tomorrow— certainly, Boutelle or not, Saturday morg. Twenty nine transports, twenty six vessels of mine, 55 in all!!

My mind tells me now it will be Saturday Morg — I have no superstition about Friday, never had & never respected it but many have—

Putting these Marines on board the Emma has added to our work, we are still busy on the small vessels

With best regards to Mr. Welles

Yrs most faithfully

S. F. Dupont

Hon G. V. Fox

     Ass. Secty.

_______________

¹ Port Royal that I insisted upon.

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. 58-9

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: September 29, 1864

Yes, I am better, but poor and weak. Feeling hungry more now, and can take nourishment quite often. Mike Hoare calls to see me. He is thinking of escape. Should think a person might escape from here when able. I shall get well now. Sweet potatoes for sale. Like to see such things, but cannot eat them. Rebel officer put his hand on my head a few minutes ago and said something; don't know what. It is said the Yankees can throw shell into Savannah from their gunboats down the river. Sergeant Winn comes to see me and cheers me up. Winn is a sutler as well as nurse, that is, he buys eatables from the guards and other rebels, and sells to our men. Number of marines and sailors in the building adjoining our hospital; also some Yankee officers sick. Winn makes quite a little money. They have soap here to wash with. The encouraging talk of ending the war soon helps me to get well.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 98

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: September 30, 1864

Am decidedly better and getting quite an appetite but can get nothing but broth, gruel, &c. Mouth very bad. Two or three teeth have come out, and can't eat any hard food any way. They give me quinine, at least I think it is quinine. Good many visitors come here to see the sick, and they look like union people. Savannah is a fine place from all accounts of it, Mike is getting entirely over his troubles and talks continually of getting away, there are a great many Irish about here, and they are principally union men. Mike wishes I was able to go with him. Nurses are mostly marines who have been sick and are convalescent. As a class they are good fellows, but some are rough ones. Are very profane. The cords in my legs loosening up a little. Whiskey and water given me to-day, also weakened vinegar and salt. Am all the time getting better. Later — My faithful friend came to see me to-day. Was awful glad to see him. He is well. A guard came with him. Battese is quite a curiosity among the Savannah rebels Is a very large, broad shouldered Indian, rather ignorant, but full of common sense and very kind hearted. Is allowed many favors.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 98-9