Gustavus V. Fox to Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont, June 3, 1862

Private

Navy Department         

June 3d 1862 

My Dear Flag Officer

I have yours of the 25th May. I noticed in the papers the approach into Sv'n'h. I also notice your remarks about the Harbor of Charleston. It may be impossible, but the crowning act of this war ought to be by the navy. I feel that my duties are two fold; first, to beat our southern friends; second, to beat the Army. We have done it so far and the people acknowledge and give us the credit.

Look at the New Orleans affair. It was like the Port Royal fight, the soldiers looked on and saw their forts knocked over. I know if it be possible, you will go on, and we will send you the “Monitor” and “Galena” and some double end boats to rendezvous at Bulls Bay so soon as we finish here. Goldsborough has had nothing to do except to watch and protect the Army, and consequently has lost in public estimation, therefore I am exceedingly anxious that he shall have the opportunity to take Fort Caswell with ships, which he is confident of doing, when they are at your service. I feel this is due to Goldsborough because Congress has not yet acted on his vote of thanks. Halleck never mentioned gun boats in his dispatches, but Beauregard renders them full justice—so do the people. The army never do us justice, not even when we win it, and I could convince you of this in all your operations if it did not make this letter too long. Farragut is nearly to Memphis and the Mississippi is ours. Mobile will then fall, which finishes the Gulf. Goldsborough will certainly take Caswell which leaves Charleston for the closing act, so far as the navy is concerned. As I know your feelings are the same as my own, I can add nothing, except that the “Monitor” can go all over the harbor and return with impunity. She is absolutely impregnable.

Davis has relieved Foote, and Lardner, McKean. Farragut having gone up the river with his feet and left a very small force off Mobile, where the rebels have quite a naval force, we were forced to send the Susquehanna there under Hitchcock.

I knew you would feel her loss but there was no help for it.

You shall however have the Powhatan or her equal. We have about twenty iron clad vessels under weigh, fit to meet on the ocean that power that has attempted our humiliation. If I can live to help administer the navy against that power, my highest ambition would be gratified. The capture of prizes by your Squadron, leaves little to be desired. The escape from Charleston of the Economist, troubled Mr. Seward a good deal, but the late successes of yourself and McKean are very satisfactory. What you say about Rodgers is true. The Secretary seemed some time since, a little inclined to give the Academy to Foote, but he has not made up his mind yet—besides Foote has nearly killed himself by devotion to his country. I pray you give us Charleston if possible, but in any event, the Dept relies upon your judgment. We should be inclined to skip Fort Caswell if you consider it imperative, for the Fall of Charleston is the fall of Satan's Kingdom.

Very truly Yours &c.

G. V. Fox.

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. 126-8

Gustavus V. Fox to Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont, May 12, 1862

Navy Department 

May 12 1862 

Flag Officer S. F. Dupont
Port Royal.

My Dear Sir:

Now things are breaking up entirely in Virginia we are ready to give you a force for Charleston. I wrote you a note about it some time since. If we give you the Galena and Monitor, don't you think we can go squarely at it by the Channel, so as to make it purely navy? Any other plan we shall play second. Port Royal and New Orleans suit me. Please write early as possible. Davis has commenced well out West. I am glad he has had a chance. 

Govt are to have a weekly list of steamers down the coast for the mails. I have not written you lately, that confounded Merrimac has set like a nightmare upon our Dept. If you can finish Charleston with the Navy, the Country will rejoice above all other victories. 

Everything looks well and goes well. With warm regards to Rodgers, 

Most sincerely yours, 

G. V. Fox. 

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. 119-20

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: January 5, 1863

We learn from Gen. Bragg that the enemy did not retire far on the 2d inst., but remain still in the vicinity of Murfreesborough. He says, however, that our cavalry are still circling the Yankees, taking prisoners and destroying stores. During the day an absurd rumor was invented, to the effect that Bragg had been beaten. We are anxious to learn the precise particulars of the battle. It is to be feared that too many of Bragg's men were ordered to reinforce Pemberton. If that blunder should prove disastrous, the authorities here will have a hornet's nest about their ears. The President arrived yesterday, and his patriotic and cheering speech at Jackson, Miss., appeared in all the papers this morning.

We hear of no fighting at Suffolk. But we have dispatches from North Carolina, stating that a storm assailed the enemy's fleet off Hatteras, sinking the Monitor with all on board, and so crippling the Galena that her guns were thrown overboard! This is good news — if it be confirmed.

A letter from Major Boyle, in command at Gordonsville, gives information that the smugglers and extortioners are trading tobacco (contraband) with the enemy at Alexandria. He arrested B. Nussbaum, E. Wheeler, and S. Backrack, and sent them with their wagons and goods to Gen. Winder, Richmond. But instead of being dealt with according to law, he learns that Backrack is back again, and on his way to this city with another wagon load of goods from Yankee-land, and will be here to-day or tomorrow. I sent the letter to the Secretary, and hope it will not be intercepted on its way to him from the front office. The Secretary never sees half the letters addressed him, or knows of one-half the attempts of persons to obtain interviews. The Assistant Secretary's duty is to dispose of the less important communications, but to exhibit his decisions.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 231-2

Diary of Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle: Friday, June 19, 1863

I embarked at 10 A.M. on board a small steamer to visit Drewry's Bluff on the James River, the scene of the repulse of the ironclads Monitor and Galena. The stream exactly opposite Richmond is very shallow and rocky, but it becomes navigable about a mile below the city. Drewry's Bluff is about eight miles distant, and, before reaching it, we had to pass through two bridges — one of boats, and the other a wooden bridge. I was shown over the fortifications by Captain Chatard, Confederate States navy, who was in command during the absence of Captain Lee. A flotilla of Confederate gunboats was lying just above the obstructions, and nearly opposite to the bluff. Amongst them was the Yorktown, alias Patrick Henry, which, under the command of my friend Captain Tucker, figured in the memorable Merrimac attack. There was also an ironclad called the Richmond, and two or three smaller craft. Beyond Drewry's Bluff, on the opposite side of the river, is Chaffin's Bluff, which mounts heavy guns, and forms the extreme right of the Richmond defences on that side of the river.

At the time of the attack by the two Federal ironclads, assisted by several wooden gunboats, there were only three guns mounted on Drewry's Bluff, which is from 80 to 90 feet high. These had been hastily removed from the Yorktown, and dragged up there by Captain Tucker on the previous day. They were either smooth-bore 32-pounders or 8-inch guns, I forget which. During the contest the Monitor, notwithstanding her recent exploits with the Merrimac, kept herself out of much danger, partly concealed behind the bend of the river; but her consort, the ironclad Galena, approached boldly to within 500 yards of the bluff. The wooden gunboats remained a considerable distance down the river. After the fight had lasted about four hours the Galena withdrew much crippled, and has never, I believe, been known to fame since. The result of the contest goes to confirm the opinion expressed to me by General Beauregard — viz., that ironclads cannot resist the plunging fire of forts, even though that latter can only boast of the old smoothbore guns.

A Captain Maury took me on board the Richmond ironclad, in which vessel I saw a 7-inch treble-banded Brook gun, weighing, they told me, 21,000 lb., and capable of standing a charge of 25 lb. of powder. Amongst my fellow-passengers from Richmond I had observed a very Hibernian-looking prisoner in charge of one soldier. Captain Maury informed me that this individual was being taken to Chaffin's Bluff, where he is to be shot at 12 noon to-morrow for desertion.

Major Norris and I bathed in James River at 7 P.M. from a rocky and very pretty island in the centre of the stream.

I spent another very agreeable evening at Mrs S——’s, and met General Randolph, Mr Butler King, and Mr Conrad there; also Colonel Johnston, aide-de-camp to the President, who told me that they had been forced, in order to stop Bumside's executions in Kentucky, to select two Federal captains, and put them under orders for death. General Randolph looks in weak health. He had for some time filled the post of Secretary of War; but it is supposed that he and the President did not quite hit it off together. Mr Conrad as well as Mr King is a member of Congress, and he explained to me that, at the beginning of the war, each State was most desirous of being put (without the slightest necessity) under military law, which they thought was quite the correct remedy for all evil; but so sick did they soon become of this regime that at the last session Congress had refused the President the power of putting any place under military law, which is just as absurd in the other direction.

I hear every one complaining dreadfully of General Johnston's inactivity in Mississippi, and all now despair of saving Vicksburg. They deplore its loss, more on account of the effect its conquest may have in prolonging the war, than for any other reason. No one seems to fear that its possession, together with Port Hudson, will really enable the Yankees to navigate the Mississippi; nor do they fear that the latter will be able to prevent communication with the trans-Mississippi country.

Many of the Richmond papers seem to me scarcely more respectable than the New York ones. Party spirit runs high. Liberty of the press is carried to its fullest extent.

SOURCE: Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle, Three Months in the Southern States: April-June, 1863, p. 221-4

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: May 15, 1862

The enemy's gun-boats, Monitor, Galena, etc. are at Drewry's Bluff, eight miles below the city, shelling our batteries, and our batteries are bravely shelling them. The President rode down to the vicinity this morning, and observed the firing.

The guns are heard distinctly in the city, and yet there is no consternation manifested by the people. If the enemy pass the obstructions, the city will be, it is true, very much at their mercy. They may shell us out of it, and this may occur any hour. South of the city the enemy have no forces, and we can find refuge there. I suppose the government would go to Lynchburg. I shall remain with the army, and see that the tobacco be burnt, at all hazards, according to law. I have seen some of our generals, and am convinced that the Baltimore rabble, and those that direct them, will be suppressed, or exterminated, if they attempt to throw impediments in the way of our soldiers in the work of destroying the tobacco, as enjoined by Congress.

Our marksmen will keep up an incessant fire into the port-holes of the gun-boats; and if it be at all practicable, we will board them. So hope is by no means extinct. But it is apprehended, if the enemy get within shelling distance of the city, there will be an attack along our lines by McClellan. We must beat him there, as we could never save our guns, stores, etc. retreating across the river. And we will beat him, for we have 80,000 men, and more are coming.

Joyful tidings! the gun-boats have been repulsed! A heavy shot from one of our batteries ranged through the Galena from stem to stern, making frightful slaughter, and disabling the ship; and the whole fleet turned about and steamed down the river! We have not lost a dozen men. We breathe freely; and the government will lose no time in completing the obstructions and strengthening the batteries.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 125

Particulars of the Fight at Fort Darling

NEW YORK, May 20.

The following was written on board the Galena, yesterday morning.  We ran up to Watches Bluff where we found the river full of sunken steamers.  The Jamestown, Yorktown, and a number of others.  The bank was lined with rifle pits, and on top of the bluff the rebels had a very heavy battery, mounting ten guns, some of them ten inch, and three or four very heavy rifles.  We ran within half a mile of the batteries, anchored and swung broadside to them.  They opened fire, the first shot striking our port bow, and going through the armor.  About five minutes after, we got another shot very near where the first one struck.  As it came through, it killed one man instantly, and wounded four more.  We fought them four hours, until we got out of ammunition, when we had to retire.  We got 28 shots in our side, and 17 on the deck.

We had 12 men killed, 2 dangerously wounded, who have since died, and 15 slightly wounded.  We made a gallant fight, but had we taken the battery we could not have held it, and the obstructions in the river prevented our going up any higher. – One thing we have demonstrated: the Galena cannot stand heavy shot at short range.  He fired 238 rounds, all that we had.  Had we had plenty of shells, we could have silenced the rebels in two hours.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 2

Major General George B. McClellan to Abraham Lincoln, April 20, 1862

Private

 Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac

Camp Winfield Scott, April 20 1862

His Excellency The  President

My dear Sir

I enclose herewith a copy of the first reliable map we have prepared of this vicinity – it will give you a good general idea of positions. In a day or two we will have one on a larger scale which will be more satisfactory to you.

I will soon send you one of the immediate front of Yorktown on which I will mark the batteries now being constructed & send such information as will enable you to put down the new works as they progress.

We are now actually at work, & nearly through, with 6 batteries for guns, have commenced a series for 10 13" mortars, & commence tomorrow morning another gun battery. As soon as these are armed we will open the first parallel & other batteries for 8" & 10" mortars & more heavy guns. Everything is going on admirably & we shall soon open with a terrific fire. I hope to hear hourly of the arrival of Franklin's Division, & shall lose no time in placing him in position. I hope the Galena will be here to assist us very soon. Gnl Robt Lee is in command in our front – Johnston is under him! I learn that there has been quite a struggle on the subject between Davis and his Congress, Davis insisting upon Johnston. I prefer Lee to Johnston – the former is too cautious and weak under given responsibility – personally brave and energetic to a fault, he yet is wanting in moral firmness when pressed by heavy responsibility & is likely to be timid & irresolute in action.

The difficulties of our position are undeniable, that is the enemy is in a very strong position – but I never expected to get to Richmond without a hard fought battle, & am just as willing to fight it here as elsewhere – I am confident of success, not only of success but of brilliant success. I think that a defeat here substantially breaks up the rebel cause.

They are making great efforts – enforcing the conscription with the utmost vigor, & now have their regiments full – whether the infusion of raw & perhaps unwilling men will benefit them remains to be seen – I doubt whether it is a disadvantage to us.

I am, sir, most respectfully

and sincerely your friend

Geo B McClellan

SOURCE: The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress

From Washington

WASHINGTON, May 19.

No official dispatch has been received from Com. Goldsboro about the expedition up James River.  It comprised the steam frigate Susquehanna, three gunboats and tug Wave.  The latter mounting one gun.  They found the first rebel battery at Dog’s Point deserted.  The rebel flag was flying over the battery at Hardy’s Point, 15 miles above Newport News, but on landing was found deserted.  Also all the rebel batteries between there and Jamestown, with guns mostly dismounted.  Near Jamestown they met a squadron under Commander Rogers, which had previously gone up the river, and learned from them particulars of the fight at Fort Darling, and the disaster to the Naugatuck.

Goldsboro’s expedition was last heard from Friday, and was still going up river, securing most of the ordnance left by the rebels.

The general evacuation below Fort Darling doubtless gives Goldsboro a chance to bring up mortar boats, &c., to act effectively against the fort.  James River and banks are now clear of rebel soldiers.  The Monitor and Galena were the only vessels run by Dog’s Point and Hardy’s bluff batteries.  The remainder of the fleet stopped below.  Of twenty-eight shells which struck the Galena eighteen penetrated.  None did the Monitor any damage, all glancing off.  Both returned down river Friday last.  The Galena is not materially injured.  They doubtless followed Goldsboro, Saturday up the river.

The universal topic is of course the President’s proclamation, denouncing and repudiating the conduct of Maj. Gen. Hunter.  It was understood yesterday that the President would await advice of the authenticity of the alleged proceeding of Hunter, but to-day it was too obvious that the mischief would be irreparable, if immediate action was not taken.  The effect in Washington has been most happy and reassuring.  The grand patriarchal spirit manifested, yearning for the good of the whole nation more than ever, exalts the President in the confidence and love of the people, and increases the sway he has over al extremes of political parties here represented.

The circuit court to-day appointed three commissioners for adjudication of cases arising under the fugitive slave law.  Seven arrests only were made to-day.  There seems to be concurrent jurisdiction claimed by the military authorities, regarding the fugitives under their protection, therefore it cannot be said the law has full course.

This morning about 50 of the citizens of the adjoining counties of Maryland, proceeded to the White House, accompanied by Messrs. Crissfield, Calvert, Webster, and Leary, representatives in Congress from that state, who had a conversation with the President regarding the interest of their constituents, as involved in the fugitive law.  They say the President promised a response on some other occasion.

The U. S. military telegraph has an office open and working, in a saw mill, at the 14th mile post from Richmond.  The lines to the various camps and stations between headquarters and Fort Monroe are in good condition and working admirably, under the personal superintendence of F. F. Rekert.

WASHINGTON, May 20.

Hon. Edward Stanley is on the eve of departure for North Carolina.  He to-day received his commission as Military Governor of that State.  He is invested with the powers and duties of that station, including the power to establish all necessary offices and tribunals, and suspend the writ of Habeas corpus, during the pleasure of the President, or until the loyal inhabitants shall organize a State government in accordance with the Constitution of the United States.  His powers are exactly similar to those with which Gov. Johnson, of Tennessee, is invested.

An army officer, just arrived here, from Port Royal, denies the published statement that at the last accounts our pickets were within four miles of Savannah.

A private letter from an officer of the flotilla, speaking of the recent engagement, says: The iron-clad Galena was maneuvered so beautifully and saucily that she passed five or six times as close as she could get, and silenced one of the batteries; she then passed and repassed the second battery six times, but finding they were using so much ammunition, for which we expect to have better use further up, Rogers, the commander, ordered the wooden vessels to run up, whilst he in the galena lay just off the battery, and disconcerted the rebel gunners.  The Galena then followed, but the buoys have been displaced so that the pilots lost their bearing, and run the galena ashore, and she is still aground.  None of our vessels are seriously injured.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

The James River Fight

PHILADELPHIA, May 19.

The Bulletin contains the following additional from Fortress Monroe:

The repulse of the gunboats is generally regarded as a very serious affair.  On the Naugatuck seventeen are reported killed by the explosion of the gun.  The boat made a useless fight and was withdrawn.  The Galena was riddled with shots, and the loss is supposed to be heavy.  The Monitor was struck repeatedly, but is said to be uninjured.

Affairs are quiet at Norfolk.  There have been several attempts lately to assassinate Union soldiers.  Yesterday an affair occurred causing some uneasiness.  Colonel Brown, of the 20th Indiana, stationed at Portsmouth, went out of town to take a ride; soon afterwards his horse came into town, wounded and without a rider.  It is feared the Colonel is killed or captured.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

A Federal Repulse On The James River

The Gunboats Beaten off at Fort Darling.

WASHINGTON, May 17.

The following has been received at the War Department:

WASHINGTON, May 17.

The gunboats Galena, Monitor, Arostook, Naugatuck and Port Royal were repulsed from Fort Darling 7 miles below Richmond, yesterday.

A Portion of them have returned to Jamestown Island, near this place in James River.

Seventeen of our dead have already been buried, and there are numbers wounded aboard the vessels, including Lieut. Morris.

The 100-pound gun on the Naugatuck exploded the first fire.

(Signed)

DAVID CAMPBELL,

By authority of

GEN. McCLELLAN.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 2

Washington, May 19 [1862].

It is unofficially stated that Com. Goldsborough has taken possession of the batteries on James river, two of which were silenced by the Galena while on her way to Richmond.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

Southern News

NEW YORK, May 13.

The advance of the iron-clad gunboat Galena, up the James river, created the utmost consternation in Petersburg.  The fact that she had silenced the rebel batteries at Dog’s Point, and was approaching Petersburg, caused a complete panic there.

The Petersburg Express, of the 9th, says there is a rumor that the Yankees were landing forces at Burwell’s Bay, or Smithfield, and their intention will be doubtless to march across the country, a distance of some 18 or 20 miles, and take possession of Suffolk.  This rumor lacks confirmation.

The Lynchburg Virginian, May 8th, says Jackson was still at Staunton at last accounts.  A report was brought here by an officer of the 18th Miss. Regiment that a detachment constituting the advance corps of Buell’s army at Swift Run Gap had been driven in by the enemy, and that a battle was impending.  We received intelligence yesterday to the effect that our troops were falling back from Greenbrier to Bonsack’s Depot, in Roanoke Co.

The Allentown Confederacy, May 4th, says:  The indications point strongly to a battle coming off at Corinth at an early day, which for magnitude, will eclipse any that has transpired in America.  Our judgment is, that the Yankees have nearly 150,000 men.  Beauregard is well nigh flanked, on all sides.  He has an immense army, but not so large as the enemy’s.  It were idle to conceal the fact that we have some fears for the result.  There is such a thing as being utterly overwhelmed by numbers, against which we can provide no remedy.

CINCINNATI, May 13.

The Commercial has the following Southern news:

The Memphis Avalanche of the 6th says, “Telegraphic news from Richmond is painfully significant.  McClellan seems to have been preparing the same fate for Richmond that Butler and Porter got up for New Orleans.”  The Avalanche of same date says, of affairs in New Orleans, “Mayor Monroe and all the alderman have been arrested and on refusing to take the oath were sent to prison.

“Great distress prevails in the city.  Food of all kinds is extremely scarce; flour not to be had at any price.  There is more of the federal force yet to be landed and the river is full of federal gunboats, mortars and transports.”

“The Congressional stampede from Richmond had a very depressing effect, and it is believed it foreshadowed the early evacuation of Virginia.

“The Policy of evacuating is nearly played out.  We have but precious little more territory that we can spare.”

The Memphis Argus says the confederate loss at Shiloh, was seven thousand killed and wounded.

The same paper in an article on gunboats says: “Thus far it must be confessed our attempts with gunboats on the river have been a disgusting fizzle.  People know it! so does the government.”

The correspondent of the Memphis Avalanche says, thirty-three per cent of Bishop Polk’s army was killed and wounded at the Battle of Shiloh.

The same paper of the 7th, says: “We have advices from New Orleans up to Saturday, at 11 A. M.”

Gen. Butler has taken the St. Charles hotel for his headquarters.

The Evans House on Poydras street has been converted into a hospital.

The Jackson railroad depot was taken possession of on Saturday morning.

Federal pickets have been extended out as far as the crossing of the Jefferson and Jackson railroads.

Four gunboats and one transport started for Baton Rouge Saturday morning.

Seven federal regiments had been landed at New Orleans.

All the newspapers in New Orleans are still published there, though a federal censor is placed over every office to examine all matter and exclude whatever may prove inimical to the federal cause.

The proclamation of General Butler was handed in at all the offices and refused. – When the guard came to the True Delta office and were refuse, they took possession and sent for northern printers, who set it up and worked it off in the edition.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1

The War News

Sewall’s Point Evacuated.

A NAVAL FIGHT ANTICIPATED.

Active Movements in the Mountain Department.

Tremendous Destruction of Property along the Mississippi.

The Galena gone Up the James River.

The Victory at New Orleans.

THE CITY AND ALL THE FORTS TAKEN.

Continued Reports of the Evacuation of Corinth.

A Fleet Starts towards Norfolk.

ANOTHER BATTLE ON THE PENINSULA.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

Shelling of Sewall’s Point

BALTIMORE, May 9.

The special correspondent of the American sends the following relative to affairs in Hampton Roads and the Peninsula:

FORT MONROE, May 8.

This has been a most stirring and exciting day at Old Point, and all are anticipating the early fall of Norfolk.  At 11 o’clock the steamer Naugatuck was observed raising steam, and about 12 o’clock she moved out by the side of the Monitor, which vessel also cleared her decks for action, taking down her awning, and stood forth in full fighting trim.

11:30. – The gunboat Dacotah has just moved up on line of battle, together with the sloops of war Seminole and San Jacinto.  The flag ship Minnesota was also under steam.

12 o’clock. – The Naugatuck has moved up towards Elizabeth river, followed by the Monitor and Dacotah in line of battle.  The San Jacinto follows slowly.

Heavy firing can still be heard in the direction of James river, where, you have already been informed by telegraph, the Galena and other boats of gone.  The Susquehanna has just gone up in the meantime, the Dacotah, Monitor and Naugatuck have reached the channel and taken a position near Sewall’s Point.  The Dacotah fired a shot towards Craney Island.  A second shot from the Dacotah struck the beach at Sewall’s Point.

12:30 – The Susquehanna moves up and takes the lead of the San Jacinto and Seminole – no answer from either.  The Dacotah and Seminole are steaming up Elizabeth river.  The Naugatuck is lying off towards the mouth of the James River.

Presently, the Dacotah and Monitor approached Craney Island and Sewall’s Point.  The Dacotah fires every few minutes alternately at Sewall’s Point and Craney Island, the enemy making no reply, although the balls reached their intended destination. – The Monitor is taking the lead.  Meantime the Seminole and Susquehanna open upon Sewall’s point, and two shots are fired from the Point, the latter falling short of the Monitor, which is now a mile above the other vessels.

12:40. – The rebels are firing rapidly from Sewall’s Point, principally on the Monitor, while a succession of shells are being poured on the enemy from the Susquehanna, Dacotah, Seminole and San Jacinto, broadside after broadside.  The Rip Raps also threw occasional shells at Sewall’s Point.

12:50. – The Susquehanna, Dacotah, San Jacinto and Seminole are pouring shells and the Monitor threw her first two shells full a mile and a half from the Point.

FORT MONROE, May 8.

Shortly before noon to-day the Monitor, Naugatuck, Seminole, Susquehanna, Dacotah and San Jacinto, in the order in which they are named, steamed up toward Sewall’s Point – Capt. Lardner, of the Susquehanna, in command of the expedition.

As soon as within range, fire was opened with a shot and shell against Sewall’s Point.  Most of the shots were good ones.  It was nearly half an hour before a reply was made from the Point.

The Rip Raps next opened fire, and then the Naugatuck for the first time.  Several shots were fired from the single gun on the extremity of the Point, when one from the Monitor struck in the vicinity, doubtless disabling the gun, as it has not been fired since.  The position of the Monitor was far in advance of the rest of the fleet, and she continued in motion until within a mile or two of the Point where considerable execution must have been done by here accurate firing.

The Naugatuck kept in the back ground, the range of her Parrot gun enabling her to do so.  Sewall Point battery replied briskly.  The Rip Raps fired occasionally.  A continual fire was kept up from the gunboats.  On account of the distance, no details can be given.  Nothing occurred till two o’clock, when the firing was very feeble from the Point.  The Monitor about this time returned from her advanced position and joined the fleet.

At 2:15 a very dense smoke arose rapidly from the Point, caused probably by the burning of the rebel barracks and other buildings.  At about half past two o’clock, the Merrimac made her appearance, when the fleet returned with the exception of the Monitor.  The Merrimac is still (5 o’clock) off the Point.  The Monitor is ready to attack her.

1 P. M. – The Monitor is now within a mile of Sewall’s Point, moving slowly forward and firing.  The enemy are also firing briskly from Sewall’s Point at the Monitor and shells are falling thickly around her.  Craney Island is also joining in the fight, and has thrown shells at the Monitor, one of which exploded directly over her.  The Monitor moved steadily forward, and occasionally firing, and receiving shells and shot from the rebel battery with perfect indifference.

2 P. M. – The monitor has fallen back, and lays alongside of the Susquehanna, probably for the purpose of communicating with her.  The Naugatuck in the meantime has been throwing shells into Pig’s Point, and the fleet has also thrown a number of shells in the same direction.

2:15 P. M. – The Monitor and Dacotah are moving along again slowly up the mouth of the Elizabeth river, and dense black smoke has commenced to arise from Sewall’s Point, indicating that our incendiary shells thrown there have fired the barracks.  The Dacotah continues to throw her shells directly into the point.  The vessels by constantly changing position destroy the range of the rebel gunners, but they are, however, making quite a determined fight, their works giving us almost shell for shell, shot for shot.  The Monitor has laid out of action for nearly an hour, and is probably cooling her guns.  The Rip Raps battery has the range of Sewall’s Point perfectly.

2:45 P. M. – The Merrimac now makes her appearance on the scene.  She has just passed from behind Sewall’s Point, and is slowly running down toward the Federal fleet.  Simultaneously with the appearance of the Merrimac the Monitor started from behind the wooden vessels and moved up to meet the enemy.  The larger vessels have drawn aside and left.  The Monitor and Naugatuck are now in the approaching path of the Merrimac.  The vessels of the fleet had been lying quietly at anchor for the last half hour, when the signal from the flag ship ordered them all to return.  The Susquehanna leads the way, followed by the San Jacinto, Seminole, Dacotah and Monitor, being all apparently using the greatest speed towards the fort.  To the spectator, this seemed rather mortifying, but as they moved down in line the Monitor was seen to halt, and the San Jacinto and Dacotah also followed her example, leaving the Susquehanna and Seminole moving ahead.  The four steamers and the Monitor having taken their position the Merrimac also halted, and the vessels stood there not more than a mile and a half apart – the Merrimac apparently unwilling to come further down and the Monitor unwilling to go further up.  The Minnesota also steamed up in front of the fortress wharf, followed slowly by the Vanderbilt, when both stopped.  After laying in this position the Minnesota turned round and steamed back, and the Vanderbilt turning slowly backed water down the river.  Whilst this maneuvering was going on firing had entirely ceased from all points.

3:30. – The Merrimac now turns round and steams back toward Norfolk with her rebel flag flying.  The Dacotah again proceeds up towards the Merrimac and the Monitor starts toward the mouth of the Elizabeth river.  The Dacotah is now within easy range of Sewall’s Point, but the batteries there do not open on the shore.  The Monitor has stopped and the Merrimac is lying stationary about a mile from the Craney Island Battery.  Here commenced an important movement, which cannot be made public just yet.  The Vanderbilt and Arago have now steamed in front of the wharf.  The Merrimac has run back under the guns of Craney Island, and the Monitor is steaming off towards here at full speed.  The Minnesota is also coming up again at full speed, the effort being to draw the rebels again.  For the past two hours the fleet has been moving back and forwards, but the Merrimac still lies under the guns of Craney Island.  The Minnesota, Arago and Vanderbilt have gone back to their anchorage, and there is no prospect of a fight to-night.  The troops are going on board the transports, and the war vessels, including the Monitor, have all returned to their anchorage.

The President viewed the action from a tug-boat lying about a mile in rear of the fleet.  He has just returned, and as he passed up the wharf was vociferously cheered by the troops.

Our fleet have retired.  The Merrimac is again steaming up.  An officer of the Seminole states that the rebel staff on the Point was twice shot away during the bombardment.  The first time it fell, it was picked up and a rebel in a red shirt jumped on the ramparts with a stump of the staff and flag, and waved it, when a shell struck him killing him and it is supposed others near him.

Of the many shots fired at the fleet by the rebels, not one struck our vessels. – Some went over their masts, but most fell short.  The rebels could be distinctly seen from the vessels carrying all of their wounded and dead.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, May 8, A. M.

The iron-clad ship-of-war Galena, and gunboats Arostook and Port Royal started up the James River this morning.  They have passed Dog’s Point battery, and heavy firing has been heard up the river since their departure.  They will cut off the river communication with the rebels south of the Chickamacomico.  Instantly after the gunboats started the rebel tug J. B. White came out in front of Newport News, having left Norfolk this morning with a crew and two citizens on board, on a mission to Tannery Point.  By previous consent, they ran over to Newport News and surrendered to Gen. Mansfield.

Sewall’s Point is being evacuated.  The Monitor, Naugatuck and several gunboats have just left for Sewall’s Point.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

The Gunboat Galena on James River --- She Silences Two Forts

GUNBOAT GALENA, Sunday, May 11.

DEAR BROTHER – I suppose by this time you have heard of the Galena leaving Hampton Roads.  I was glad of it, for such a fine ship as this ought not to be kept idle in such times as these, and the boys were all anxious for a fight.  We got under way and left the Roads fifteen minutes past seven o’clock on the morning of the 8th, and it was not long till we passed Sewall’s Point, without one shot being fired at us.  As we passed Newport News we were hailed by loud and long cheers from the men of the fort, who were glad to see us make a move to help their brother soldiers.  But we had only passed them about twenty five minutes, when, to our great joy, a battery hove in sight.  It was first seen by the well experienced eye of our gallant Captain.  He gave orders to Lieutenant Newman to call all hands to quarters, which he did in his usual cool way, for he is always cool and brave.  This order was promptly obeyed by the crew, who thought every minute an hour to try their skill on the rebels.  They soon had a chance, for at fifteen minutes to ten o’clock the ball was opened by our pivot gun forward.  The shot fell short.  The second and third were fired, but there was no reply.  We ran in under their gun range, and then they opened on us from six or eight guns, but all of the shot fell harmless against our iron sides.  I hardly think they knew what was coming at them.  We let fly from our whole battery, and made it pretty warm for them.  We sailed back and forward by the fort three or four times, and soon leveled their flag and made it drag in the dust.  After an action of forty minutes they ran like “red sharks,” as they always do from the well directed fire of our brave sailors.  Not one shot struck us up to the end of the engagement.

Fort No. 2 – The action commenced about one o’clock, three quarters of an hour after we had silenced the first battery.  In this fort we found a more formidable opponent than the first.  It mounted twelve guns and after an hour and fifteen minutes’ bombardment, eleven of them were silenced.  The remaining one fought us for an hour afterward, making this bombardment of two hours and fifteen minutes duration.  The gunboats Aristook [sic] and Port Royal were with us, but did not take an active part in the engagement, though they did some execution with their long guns.

The rebel gunboats Jamestown and Patrick Henry were lying under the guns of the second fort, but instead of assisting its defence, they got up steam and ran away with all speed toward Richmond.  Our damage in the engagement was small.  One shot struck the Aristook and went through her bulwarks under the hammock nettings.  No one was injured.  One or two shots struck us, but they only left their mark on our iron mail and glided off.

After passing the second fort we started up the river, but the buoys have been removed and there we stuck hard and fast, waiting for high tide.  The batteries silenced were called the Upper and Lower Shoal batteries.  Great praise is given to Captain Rodgers, First Lieutenant Newman and Engineer in Chief Thompson.

LATER – We are just getting off shore, and a boat has come on board from Gen. McClellan, by which I send this.  We will be off for City Point in the morning. – {Cor. Baltimore American

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

The Fleet in James River

WASHINGTON, May 19. – No official dispatch has been received from Com. Goldsboro about the expedition up James River, comprised of the steam frigate Susquehanna, three gun-boats and the tug Servitor, the latter mounting one gun.  They found the first rebel battery at Dolf’s Point deserted.  The rebel flag was flying over the battery at Parly’s Point, 15 miles above Newport News, but on landing was found deserted, also the rebel batteries between there and Jamestown, with their guns mostly dismounted.  Near Jamestown they met the squadron under Commander Rogers, which had previously gone up the river and learned from them particulars of the fight at Fort Darling and the disaster to the Naugatuck.

Goldsboro’s expedition was last heard from on Friday and were still going up the river securing most of the ordnance left by the rebels.

The general evacuation below Ft. Darling has doubtless given Goldsboro a chance to bring up mortar boats, &c., to act effectively against the Fort.

James River and the banks are now clear of rebel soldiers.

The Monitor and Galena were the only vessels that run by Day’s Point and Hardy’s Bluff Batteries.  The remainder of the fleet stopped below.

Of 28 shots which struck the Galena, 18 penetrated.  None did the Monitor any damage, all glancing off.  Both returned down the river on Friday last.  The Galena is not materially injured.  They doubtless followed Goldsboro on Saturday up the river.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

The Gunboat Engagement

NEW YORK, May 20. – The following was written on board the Galena:

Yesterday morning we were up to Watch’s Bluff, where we found the river full of sunken steamers, the Jamestown and Yorktown and a number of others.  The bank was lined with rifle pits and on the top of the bluffs the rebels had a very heavy battery mounting ten guns – some of them ten inches and three or four very heavy rifled guns.  We ran within half a mile of the battery, anchored broadside to them. – They opened fire, the first shot striking our port bows and going through the armor five minutes after we got another shot very near where the first one struck as it came through it killed one man and wounded four more.  We fought them four hours, until we got out of ammunition when we had to retire.  We got twenty eight shots in our side  and seventeen on deck.  We had 12 men killed, 2 dangerously wounded who have since died, and 15 slightly wounded.  We made a gallant fight, but had we taken the battery we could not have held it, and the obstructions in the river prevented our going up any higher. – We think we have demonstrated that the Galena cannot stand heavy shot at short range.  We fired 238 rounds, all that we had had we had plenty of shells we could have silence the rebels in two hours.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

Another Account of the Gun Boat Engagement

WASHINGTON, May 20. – A private letter from an officer of one of the flotilla speaking of the recent engagement says the Galena, iron clad, was admirably maneuvered – so beautifully and safely that she passed five or six times as close as she could get, and silenced one of the batteries.  She then passed and re-passed the second battery six times but finding they were using so much ammunition, for which they expected to have better use further up, Commander Rogers ordered the wooden vessels to run up, whilst he in the Galena, lay abreast off the battery and disconcert the rebel gunners.  The Galena then followed but the buoys had been displaced and misplaced so that the pilots, last evening, run the Galena ashore, and she is still aground.  None of our vessels are seriously injured.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

A Federal Repulse on the James River

The Gunboats Beaten off at Fort Darling – Seventeen killed on board the Flotilla – the Naugatuck’s 100 pounder Burst.

WASHINGTON, May 17.

The Gunboats, Galena, Monitor, Aroostook, Naugatuck and Port Royal were repulsed from Fort Darling seven miles below Richmond yesterday.

A portion of them have returned to Jamestown Island near this place, in James River.

Seventeen of our dead have already been buried and there are numbers of wounded aboard the vessels including Lieut. Morris.

The 100 pound gun on the Naugatuck exploded on the first fire.

(Signed.)

DAVID CAMPBELL,

By authority of GEN. McCLELLAN

Later.

WASHINGTON, May 18. – No official report of the gunboat affair on James River has been received.  Messages received indicate an opportunity to do better in future.  The river is now clear of obstructions to within eight miles of Richmond.  At that point there is a heavy battery on a high bluff.  The river is temporarily closed to navigation by sunken vessels among which are reported the Yorktown and Jamestown, piles chains &c.  The Monitor could not elevate her guns to reach the bluff, which rendered her useless.  The banks of the river are filled with rifle pits from which an incessant fire was poured on our fleet, a part of which were engaged within six hundred to a thousand yards of the main battery.  After an action of four hours the fleet finding it impracticable to silence the battery on the bluff withdrew.

Our loss is 13 killed and 11 wounded.  Full particulars expected to-morrow.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4