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ISabH^Jnrr-larPiSr.-K- r-.-T'.: ;-frJ- 7 -^■r/rifr .■^v.a,>-.i-.'Ti,-...- ■ -■£■■--;- A- .-■. .-; .-. :- ,-''7.vk

GENERAL LIBRARY

OF

Umversity of Michigan

Preicntcd by

i5.M^,...I^55^ I

•Vt/

J.3..

1900

W!1LI ■ IIL,i.. .,\

.»

OFFICIAL RECORDS

OF THX

UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES

IN THK

WAR OF THE REBELLION.

PDBUSHKD UNUKK THK DIKKCTION OF

The Hon. WILUAK H. MOODY, Secretary of the Navy,

BY

MR. CHARLES W. STEWART, Sa,pervi\i£i\dtni Library and Navcd War Records.

By aiituoeity of an Act ok Conorkhs ai'pkovei> .Iih.y 31, 1894.

SERIES I— VOLITME 16.

eOTTTH ATLANTIC BI^OCKADING aQTrADRON

From October 1, 18t>4, Tf) Auoitst 8, lH*i5.

GTJJjin BXjOCKA.DIlS'Gi- SQlTAliltOIS' From June 7 to Dbcbmuek 15, 1861.

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1903.

CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES.

Volume 1. Operations of the cruiaers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862,

VOLXJME 2. Operations of the cmiaers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864.

Volume 3.

Operations of the cruisers from April 1, 1864, to December 30, 1885.

Volume 4.

Operations in the Gulf of Mexico from November 15, 1860, to June 7, 1861. Opera- tions on the Atlantic coast from January 1 to May 13, 1861. Operations on the Potomac and Bappahannock rivere from January 5 to December 7, 1861.

Volume 5.

Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from Deceml>er 7, 1861, to July 31, 1865. Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squatlron from April 4 to July 15, 1861.

Volume 6.

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

Volume 7.

Oi>eration8 of the North Atlantic Blockading S(iuadnm from March 8 to September

4, 1862.

Volume 8.

OjH'rations of the North Atlantic Blockading S(inadron from September 5, 1862, to

May 4, 186;^.

Volume 9.

Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading vSquadron from May 5, 1863, to May

5, 1864.

lU

iv contents of preceding volumes.

Volume 10.

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

27, 1804.

Volume 11.

Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 28, 1864, to

February 1, 1865.

Volume 12.

Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from February 2 to August 3, 1865. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1861, to May 13, 1862.

Volume 13.

operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 14, 1862, to April

7, 1863.

Volume 14.

Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 7 to September 30,

1863.

Volume 15.

Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1863, to

September 30, 1864.

VI TABLB OF CONTENTS.

South Atlantic Blockading Squadron — Continued. Pase.

Principal evente — Continued. Union reporta — Continued.

United States flag raised on Fort Sumter, April 14, 1865 314-316

Arrival of President Davis, prisoner at Port Royal, 8. C, May

16,1865 333, KM

Rear- Admiral Dahlgren relieved of command of South A tlantic

Blockading Squadron 343, 347, 348, 374

Diary of Rear-Admirial Dahlgren from October 2, 1864, to June

17, 1865 357-374

Reporta and correspondence relaUng to obstructions and defensea

of Charleeton Harbor 374-429

Detailed report of Rear- Admiral Dahlgren regarding operations

of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron against defeneea

of Charleston, S. C 429-465

Confederate reporta —

Miscellaneous reports and correspondence, October 3, 1864, to

May 1, 1865 455-^516

Reports and correspondence relating to obstnw^tiona and

defenses of Charleston Harbi ir 409-429

Evacuation of Savannah by naval forces 481^83, 487, 492, 502

Journal of Flag-Officer Hunter, C. S. Navy, December i0-25,

1864 485-488

Gulf Blockading Squadron: Principal events — Union reports —

Flag-Ofiicer Mervine assumed command of Gulf Blockading

Squadron, June 7, 1861 530-532

British ship Perthshire seized June 9, 1861 534-540

Blockade of Apalachicola announced 532, 544

Prize vessels recaptured by Confederates, July 2, 1861 566-568

Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate batteries on

Ship Island, July 9, 1861 580-583

Cutting out of a schooner by Federal boats' crews near Pensa-

cola navy yard, August 3, 4, 1861 610-612

Reports of conference regarding defenses of Gulf of Mexico. 618, 651, 680 Flag-Officer Mervine relieved of command of Gulf Blockading

Squadron by Flag-Officer McKean 660. 684-686

Confederate privateer Judah destroyed at Pensacola navy yard

by boat expedition from U. S. S. Colorado, September 14, 1861 . 070-675 Evacuation of Ship Island by Confederate forces, September 17,

1861 677-679

Reconnoi»ance in Mississippi River to the Head of the Parae^,

September 19, 1861 682-684

Occupation of the Head of the Passes, Octoljer 2, 1861 696, 697

C. S. S. Ivy attacked Federal vessels at Head of the I^asses,

October 9, 1861 699,700,724

Federal squadron driven from Head of the Passes by attack of

Confederate vessels, October 12, 1861 * 703-730

Engagement between Confederate steamer Florida and U. S. S.

Massachusetts near Ship Island, October 19, 1861 739-745

Capture of the Confederate privateer Royal Yacht off Galves- ton, November7,8, 1861 755-762

TABLE OF CONTENTS, VIl

Gulf Blockading Squadron — Continued. Ptge.

Principal eventa — Continued. Union reports — Continued.

Joint attack of Federal forces upon Fort McRee, near Penaa-

cola, Fla., November 22, 23, 1861 775-787

Case of the British schooner Tel^^ph, seized near Indian Key,

Florida, November 30, 1861 797-800

Confederate vessels engaged U, S. S. Montgomery off Horn

Island Pass, near Mobile, December 4, 1861 808,809

Confederate vessels exchanged shots with U. S. S. New London

off Miasissippi City, Miss. , December 7, 1861 810-812

Confederate reports —

Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate batteries on

Ship Island, June 9, 1861 581-683

Confederate privateer Judah destroyed at Pensacola navy yard

by boat expedition from U. S. 8. Colorado, September 14, 1861 . 675 Evacuation of Ship Island by Confederate forces, September 17,

1861 679

Federal squadron driven from Head of the Passes by Confeder- ate veseels, October 12, 1861 725-730

Engagement between Confederate steamer Florida and U. S. S.

Massachusetts, near Ship Island, October 19, 1861 744, 745

Capture of the Confederate privateer Royal Yacht off Galveston,

November?, 8, 1861 759-762

Joint attack of Federal forces upon Fort McRee, near Pensa- cola, Fla., November 22, 23, 1861 783-787

Confederate vessels engaged U. S. S. Montgomery off Horn

Island Pass, near Mobile, December 4, 1861 809

Confederate vessels exchanged shots with U. 8. S. New London,

off Miaaissippi City, Miss., December 7, 1861 811, 812

Miscellaneous, reports and corresixindence, May 4 to December

14,1861 820-869

The yacht (iypsy seized by U. S. S. Brooklyn, June 12, 1861 .. 822-826 Commander Hunter, C. S. Navy, assigned to command of works

for defense of the coast of Texaa 835

Log of the C. S. S. Bayou City and journal of Commander

Hunter, C. S. Navy, September 26 to December 14, 1861 859-869

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.

United States Bteamer Philadelphia Frontispiece.

Map of Broad River and tribntariee, South Carolina, showing scene of opera- tions of naval brigade, November and December, 1864 66

United States steamer Harvest Moon 282

United States steamer Bibb 295

Sketches of Ck>nfederate torpedoes and obstructions in Charleston Harbor,

South CaroUna 374, 383, 390-398, 410. 411

Sketch of Confederate torpedo taken from piling in Ogeechee River, Georgia. 395

Confederate Stateb steam torpedo boat David 399

Confederate States ram Columbia, elevations, i)lan, and cross section 400, 401

Skett'h of the Miseissippi River above the Head of the Passes - . . . 636, 637

Sketcli of the ironclad Turtle, probably the Confederate States ram

Manassas 747

RKFATE.

I

Tbo work of preparing for publication the Otliciul liec'ords of the Union and C^onfoderate navies, which was begun July 7. 1884, was orpiniz*»d under the HU])erintendenfy of Profeiwor J, R. Soley, U. S. Xttvy, at tlial time libmrian of tli« Navy Department, afterwards Assistant Set^retary of th<? Navy.

In Aug-ust, 1890, the- work of «)llecting these records and their clas- Kificutii)n was ably continno<l by hin Hucccjwor, Lientenant-Commauder F. M. Witio. r. S. Navy, who. having received orden* tx> sea, was n^lievetl by Lieutenant-Couauander Richard Ru«h, U. 8. Navy, in May, 1893.

The long-delayed publication wft.s Hnally authi)nzed by act of Con- gros** approved July 31, 1^^1^4, and ))cguii by Mr. lluHh. The lirst tive volumes were publii*hvd under his adi»init*inition, and the impor- tant duty of organizing the office for the distribution of these volumes watf ac(X>mi)ll!«hed.

Tu March, 1897, 'Mr. Rush, having been ordered to sea, was succ(*edcd by ProfRHsor Kdwiird K. Ruw.-*on, V. S. Navy, as .Huperint<?ndent. Profe.ssor Raweou was deUiched and ordered to the U, S. Naval Acad- emy September 20, 1902, and was succe*?dod by Mr. Charles W. Stewart.

No change is contemplated at present in the outline of tlie plan of publication as approved \iy the I)e[)urtment. This plan includes i>nly the uso of such material as may be certified to Ik conternpoi-aneous naval I'ecords of the war, which is divided into three series, in the following order of arrangement:

I. The first series embraces the reix»rts,ordei'8, and correspondence, both Union and Oonfcderiitc. relating to all naval oiK*rations on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and inland waters of the United States during the war of the relx'llion, together with the openitious of ves-sels ai'ting singly, cither as cruisers or privateers, in different parts of the world. These reix>rts are accompanied hy occasional maps and diagrams.

In this series the papers are arranged according to squadrons and flotilla.^, chronologically; and. as far a.s possible, the Union reports of BDT events are immediately followed by the Confexleratc reports.

XII PRKFACE.

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

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

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

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

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

5. Correspondence relating to naval prisonei-s.

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

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

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

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

fhes throughout various pHrts of the country, conducted by a

^rial Hj^fnt of the Oopartuiont, have brought to light many dupli-

cstcM of thew [xiiwrs, found anuuig the pi»rs<inul Ulcs of piirticipautis.

f It is hoped that the publication will ronrc the interest of particiimnts

m the events referred to, and lead them to l>ring to the notice of the

IDepnrtujent the when»iibout** of any pap«*rH l>oftrin*; tipoii naval opera- lioHH in tile civil war uf whii-h they may have knowledge. The tifteenth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 15), which has reeentlj' been published hy the Depiirtnient, givea the operation** of the Soutli Atlantic BkK-kading Squadron from October 1, 1868, to Sep-

itoml«;r 30, Ism. The i>rt'HtMil volume (Series I. vol. 18) gives the opcratiou«9 of the South Atlantic IMockading Scjuadron from Octol»er 1, 1864, to Augant S, 1865; and the operationfi of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from June 7 to Detremher 15, 1861. Tlie rep*)rts and corres|>on<hMicp are placed chronologically, with a distinct heiuling for every piiper. In tlie reconl of events in whii^h

I both sideR took pail, the Confederate i*eports (where they could be obt&in(Hl) iumiediatA*ly follow the Tnion rejwrts, while the miscellaoe- ou« Cx>nfedcnite corresptnidence is placed at the end o{ the volume. Reference to the table of contents will show the contoxt of the-se Con- fedenite! papers. It is l>elieved that the chronological arrangomenl of the records, in connection with the full and completo index to each volume, will afford ample mi>an.H of refei-ence to iL« contents without other HulidiviHion or cla.^itication. In rej>ort,s of special or single event"*, in which the j»ij»?rs bear .specific relation to tho.sc events, tbo chi'onologicjil order has been Koinewbat modified, and such documents bave lx»en placed together in the compilation.

Chaklkh W. Stkwart,

Navy Dkpaktmknt,

\yiiHhh*rjUriu IJ. O.J Maij^ J003.

Note. — 'ITie following is an extract from the law governing the dis- tribution of the «et.s <'ompriHing the publii-ation (act of Congress approved July 31, ISiU):

* * * Of said number, six thousand eight hundred and forty copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, two thou- Mind one hundred and twelve ropii'M for the use of the Senate, and one thousantl and forty-eight copies for the use of the Navy Department and for distribution by the Se<-retary of the Navy anion^' othcoi*s of the Nnvy and contributors to tlic work. The quotas herein authorized of lAJd publication for the Senate and lionse of Representatives shall bo

XrV PREFACE.

sent by the Secretary of the Navy to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may he designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Fifty-third Congress, it being the purpose of this dis- tribution herein provided for to place these records in public libraries, and with permanent organizations having libraries, so far as such libraries may exist in the several States and Territories. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-four and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding nineteen of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time, as they are published, until the publication is completed; and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein shall be sold by the Secretary of the Navy for cost of publication, with ten per centum added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of the Navy shall inform the Senators. Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who tnereupon may desig- nate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of the Navy shall inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent.

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

Meaolved hy the Senate and House of Representatwea of the United States of America in Congress assemoled^ That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to send the undis- tributed copies of the OflScial Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and of the Confederate navies, to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated before the meet- ing of the next Congress by the Representatives in the Fifty-fourth Congress of the districts whose Representatives in the Fifty-third Congress failed to designate the distributees of their quota of said Official Records, or any part thereof, as authorized by the act of Con- gress approved July thirty-first, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, and the ]oint resolution approved March second, eighteen hundred and ninety-five, to the extent and in the manner and form provided in said act.

The following is an extract from the act of Congress of May 28, 1896, which increased the edition from 10,0(K) to 11,000 copies:

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

ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS.

SERIES 1.

fL Opeiationa of the OmiserB, 1861-1865. Tnlon rrutoetn.

VTiM India (Flylnc) Sqiudmn. nnrJer Acting R<»rA<linlrftl wniict.'n. 8. N., ISOS-USS.

Wot Indln I Flyint) Squadron, uuder AcUug Rvar-Ailinlral Lunlnur. V. S. N., U6»-1«M. (ViofMU>ra.tt^ 4;rruiM;n mnd {)riv«te«n.

\% Operations in the GtUf of Mexico, Janiian- 1* June 7, 1861.

EiuTcndt!r nf the PrnntniU Natv Yarrl.

tv.«>i>crmll*m ol the Navy In the relief ol Fort IMckenn.

eretione on the Atlantic Coaj^t, January to May 13, 1861. ' 'OooprraUon of the Snvy in tlip atti-mptx to rcllevu Knit Rotnter. AtMlHloDEBetii and (IwimcTlfin nf tin- N(wrfnll! Navy Yard. Homv Sqtiadron, nndvr Plag-OfHcer Pendciyrast, r. S. N.

4. Operatiooa on the Potomac fuiH TUpiAhannork Rivera, 1861-1H65.

Piitrtniar FiatJIU, nniler Coiainandcr Ward. V. S. N., )MI. r<'l>/mac Flolilln, under CapUln Cniven. I^ fi. S., 1«1. f i-otomme Plotfllu, under UttiU'nntu Wvmjiii, V. &. N.. IMl-IMB.

• Flolillu, under Cnmnn-lon- IfurwtMKl. V. ft. N.. IWU-ISOS.

• nodlla. under Comioander rnrker. V. B. K.. IMS-lsaS.

AUantJc Blockading Squadrons, lBftI-1865.

Atlantic BIockadlnjE Sqtiadron, under Plng-OfDcer Strinirham, tj. 8>. N.. Mftf 13 to B«pl. 33, IMl.

Wert India ftjuadnin. under FlaK-onWr ivortfrvnutt. U. fi. N., IHBI.

Nnvol DefenK-Aof Vlrglnlii and North CarolLna, undt<r FlKU-0(ni*er Barron, C: H. K. AtUnOr BlDrkn>1inv: Stinadron. under n«g-0(Bwr Unid-.)ioniii(fli. V. H. S-. 1>M. Koni\ Atlantic UIuck^lnK Miuadrun. under Rear-Adtmral UnM-tHiruajtli. I'. 6. N.. IKl-lML

NsTa) Deicnaea of Vlrplnia nn-l North CnwllnH. nnder ntyr-Offleer Lynch, C. 8. y.

Jamca Kiver Kquadron, under Flu^-t tdW-er Bueluinan, (;. 8. N,

Jaaua River Bqiuidmn. under Flo? OIHtrpr Tatlnall, C. 8. X.

JUDCsRlTcr Flotilla, undfrr^iuinuHlna- Wllkt-K. I'. &. K.. 1862. Korth Atlantic BliM-kadlut; tMiuadron, under Artiuff Itear-Adniini] Lee. l,*. R. N., lAi^lWH.

Jamni Ulv-er Afinadmn. under Flag-Offliem Fnrro't and Mitchell. C. 8. N.

• Navrti relen*-.-! Inland Watt-re of Nnrth Cnr<iUna. uuiU-r ^Vimniunder Ifntuiey. C. «. N.

•Naral Iirfonwa r«pe Foar Klvtr. North flarollna, untU-r Klfi»{-ofllp(»r Lynch. (T. S. N. Sitrib AUiirillr Blockading ftjuuilnm. under Rwir-Adnilml I'iirtir. V. S. >'.. Ift64-1M6.

JaniM River Squadron, under Flafl-omL-er^ Mltubell and M^miucs, (J. S. N.

•KsTal lK>f«n8M Cape Fear River, North Carolina, undt-r Flo^-ofiic'er Pinkney. C. 3. S. KiMlh Allantiu Blm^kading S<iuadn>n. under Arllnt; Rear-Admiml Uadfnrd. I'. S. N., IMAA. Houtb Atlantic HlockadlnfrBquulnm, undi^r Rear-Admiral Du Pi>nt, IT. H. N.. 1W-1M3.

•Naval PefvnH>4 of South Carolina and Gwir^lft. undi-r Flaff-On*u'fr Tattnall, C. 8. N.

*Saval Defenm:!>of rharltt^loii HiiT)K)r,.^(rutli <'nniHii;i,iii)di'r Fhiff-i>tnctTlii;rr8h&m,C.6.N. Botilh Atlantic Bkickadlnjc8<]ua<)ron, under Renr-Admlral Duhl^ren. V. S. N'.. 1M3-18G6.

■Van! OeJenaca of Charleston aartmr. Hoiitli Crtmllua. under Flufc-onUn^ Tucker. C. 8. N.

Xaral OefenaMof Snvannah.tia., under Klatt-t iflieent Hunter and Tattnall, C. 9. N.

*ni« Ooafetletatc material nnder tlila bead t* very hcodI. It Is therefore hoped (hat those wlio have any i.\infedenite naval doenmentH npon the mibjecl will comannlcaie with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy DepartRifnt, WiuLlnxtun. D. C.

N W R— VOL U>-

-II

XT

XVI ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS.

6. Gulf Blockading Squadrons, 1861-1865.

Gulf Blockadinff Squadron, under Flag-Offlcer Merrtne, IT. 8. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, uudur Fla«:-Offlcer McKcan, U. S. N., 1861-1662.

*MiBal8slppt River Defenses), under Flag-Offlcer Hollins, C. S. N. . East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Offlcer McKean, U. 8. N., 1862. Eant Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rcar-Admiral lAidner. V. 8. N., 1882. East Gulf Blockading Sciuadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey. V. 8. N., 1862-1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under CapUin Greene. U. 8. N.. 1861. EB8t Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear- Admiral Stribllng, U. S. N.. 1864-1865. Wcfit Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Oflicer Farragtit, V. 8. N., 1862-1863.

Mortar Flotilla, under Commander Porter, U. 8. N., 1862.

Lower Mlsriasippl River Defenacs, under Commander J. K. Mitchell. C. S. N., 1862.

« Mobile Defences, under Flag-OSlccr Randolph. C. 8. N.

Trans-Mississippi Marine Department, under Major Leon Smith, C. S. A. West Gulf Blockading Squadnm, under Commodore Bell, U. 8. N. (ad interim), 1868. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Farragut, V. 8. X., 1861

* Mobile Defen.<K.-s, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N.

West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer. U. S. S., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher. U. 8. N., 1865.

* Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Ofllcer Farrand, C. S. N.

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

Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Commander Rodgcrs. C. S. N.. 1861. Naval Forces on Western Walers, under Flag-Offlccr Foote. U. S. N., 1861-1862.

'Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-OSlcer Hollins. C. 8. N. Naval Forces on Western Watew, under Flag-Offlcer Davis. V, 8. N.. 1862.

•MlBsLssippl River Defense Fleet, under Captain Montgomery, C. 8. A.

* Mississippi River Defenses, under Communder R, F. Ilnkney. C. 8. N. •Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Lynch. V. S. N.

Mississippi Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Porter. U. S. N., 1862-1S64. Mississippi Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, V. S. N., 1864-1866.

* Naval Defenses of Red River, Louisiana, under Lieutenant J, H. Carter, C. 8. N.

*The Confederate material under this bead is verj- scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documentit upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Nanl War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

D STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, OCTOBER 1, ISSU, TO AUGUST S, 1865.

Name.

Rate.

Tonna^.

Clan.

Crew.

27 68 40 32 42 86 68 46 70 96 40 163 86 19 37 74

GiinR.

Fourth ... Fonrth : . . Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ...

326 800 182 196 220

Bark

2

4

8

do

2

do

2

FourUi ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Third FourUi ... Second . . . Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Third

640

210

630

868

198

1,396

1,0S4

82

160

844

Bark

6

8

7

do

10

do

2

do

11

2

2

do

8

1

2

1

Fourth ...

26 171

8.5 122 19 24 75 125 28 83 22 33 80 50 70 Ji7 73 79 140

yj

Ifi 101 2(1 24 45 25 72 , 88 13

0

Thinl Fourth . . . Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth . . . Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth . . . Third Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth . . . Fourth . . . Fourth ... Third Fourth ...

G50 507 860 128 133 532

do

10

4

10

2

do

2

dore McDoDough

6

do

9

1

160 520 111

do

2

7

do

2

ilth

150

1, 124

192

6

1

4

ale

6

3oO .S56 699 297 963 900

do

Biirk

8

Ulen

9

s

6

9

do

6

tlont

121

022 274

87 222

81 546 713 131

1

>k

7

6

W. Rodgcnt

do

2

3

8

3

3

1

XVIt

XVIII

LIST OF UXITED STATES VESSELS OF WAK.

VSITED STATE.'! fESSELS OF WaM SEMVISO IX THE SOVTH ATLASTIC BLOCKADIHQ

Si***-

H(fafmU/Dic ' ^«ci>art ...

HuiTA Ffjonh.^.

H7'limni§:e* Fooftb ...

Iiij< FwtrUi ...

Jam*-^ Atiger ThJpd*.,

Jame« S. Chamben Fourth.

John XtUtm* Tblffd,.-

John Griffith Ftnirth .

Jon<(iiil Fourth .

JimJatu SeeooxJ .

KingHnbt^r fqunfa .

Labiirnum Fourth *

LarkifMir Fourth .

I>hiKh ^«cvD(l .

Uvhtnlnit

l>j)lona

Mwllfit

Mahanku

Mshopac

Mail

Malvern

Marbl**head

Mar)' Hanford . . .

Memphii)

Midnight

Mlngoe

Mohavrk

Mohican

Mouulnock

Montauk

Nahant

Nantucket

National Guard . Suw Hampuhlre. New Irunntdeti...

NIpHic

Norfolk Packet..

Norwlrh

O.M.K'ttlt

OleanrU-r

Orvetla

OttRH-ll

I'ara

1'hmiuU-

PatajMco

Paul Jiini*»

Pawiirc

Pen-y Prayton...

Perry

PhlWlelphlu....

inrntlat*

I>ut4tinHka ...

Predtim

Kacvr

Fourth .

Tbirt...

Foorlh ^ Third... Fourth .

Fonrtb . Fourth .

Foortfa . Third... Third,,, Fourth . Third.. - Fourth . Third... Third... Third... Third- Third... Fourth , Flfsl.... Firwl.... Fourth , Fotirtli . FftUrth . Fourth . Fourth . F01Jl■t^ . Fourth . Fourth . Third... Third... Third... Btcolid . Fuurlh - Fourth . Fourth . ThIM... Fourth - Fourth . Fwyrth .

Ctafl.

.do.

.do. .do.

SOT

1»

1,151 SMe-wheel stumor . «H Bark

mo ! Ship

Ml itCEM

627 757

971 «»

i.Din

^633

S49 431

171 H? 390

ties

1,280

un

387

1t1S Mortar schooner

SO ScreTsteamer

l,Z» do

450 Bark

180 S^wiuaiiwr

la . .do

M« tiCOCUd StAUUKf

EcAkhios

BentrilHXMr

do...

:^Ide<wbeet steamer .

IroQclid ftcfljoer —

Scboonei,

SidB'Whecrl sreaiaer .

Scfewrt*amcr

do

do..„

Bark

Sldc-wh«J ftttiamer .

ScrewtMUBer

.....do....

Inmcl*d fftcamipr

.... .do

„,..do.„,

.....do

Ship

do..,.

Screw Bteamer

do

ManarachDonpr

Screw jileftmi.T . —

sidiMFheet atea^t-r .

Mortar flchotiner.. &crcw BtCAtti4.'r MorturocbLK-Difr. Inmciod elcata&r

do

Sldc-vrhiucl steamer

Bcrav ateamut

Sloop.,...

Briff

Hld&whecl 0l4^mt:r

do....

Screw *t(5flOH«T

do Mdrtariii'hooner.

Cnw.

Gniii.

160

U

76

4

29

1

»

1

lao

8

fiS

t

118

8

44

S

15

1

1«0

14

«6

6

29

i

26

S

80

t

(•)

S7

7

45

S

145

ft

92

t

(•)

115

IS

81

4

«D

>

100

7

70

7

146

10

65

8

150

10

146

4

1 67

2

; 76

2

1 86

2

' 8S

b

' 125

10

449

90

91

b

40

4

80

6

80

2

S5

2

25

S

90

6

34

S

70

2

72

2

148

•

151

11

(♦)

«7

9

24

1

172

14

77

6

(•)

36

8

•MoEQlla.

LIST OP UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR.

XIX

VyJTED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SESVISO r^' THE SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, OCTOBER 1. 1S6U. TO AUOUSTe, 1585— Continued.

Name.

Rate.

Tonii^e.

Bescne Fourth ...

8t,LouiB Third

Sangamon Third

Santiago de Cuba Second ...

Sarah Bnien Poorth ...

Saratoga Third....

Sea Foam Fourth ..

Seneca Fourth ...

Shenandoah Second ...

Sonoma Third..

Bophroaia Fourth ...

South Carolina Third..

State of GeorfTla Third..

Stettin Fourth ...

Supply Fourth ...

SweetBricr Fourth ...

Swift Fourth

T. A. Ward Fourth ...

Thunder Fourth

Ticonderoga Second...

Tuflcarora Third..

Unadilla Fourth ...

Valparaiso Fourth ...

VanderbUt Flnit...

Wabash Flirt...

Wamgutta Fourth ...

Wando Fourth...

Water Witch Fourth . . .

Wet'ha-wken Third . .

Wildcat Fourth ...

Winona Fourth ...

Wissahlclton | Fourth ...

in

700 »H

1,567 233 882 2$4 507

1,378 955 217

1,165

1,204 600 647 240

Ola

184

1,S3S

997

507

402

8,360

3,274

270

645

378

844

30

607

507

Bcrew steamer

Ship

Ironclad rteamer

Side-wheel steamer .

Mortar schooner

Ship

Brig

Screw steamer

do

SIde-whe«l steamer .

Mortar schooner

Screw steamer

Side-wheel steamer .

Screw steamer

Ship

Screw steamer

Tender

Mortar schooner

Tender ,

Screw steamer

do

do

Ship.

Side-wheel steamer .

Screw steamer.

do. Side-wheel steamer .

do. Ironclad steamer.

Schooner

Screw steamer

....do

Crew.

20

183

85

I4S

36

182

25

84

171

165

32

105

113

72

88

37

(*)

29

{•)

163

172

90

36

209

668

75

86

73

72

52

93

«)

GUUB.

1

18 2

11 8

22 2 4

10 7 4 8 8 6 7 2

18

10

6

17

48 5 8 S 2 1 6 4

•No rolls.

XX

LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAB.

UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAS SERVING IN THE QVLF BLOCKADING SQVADSON, JUNE 7 TO DECEMBER 15, 1S61.

Name.

Brooklyn

Colorado

Cnuader

Dart

De Boto

Feamot

Hatteras

Hontaville

J.C.Kubn

Harion

HasBachuaettn

HlfBlwlppi

Uont^mery

Mount Vernon — National Guard . . .

Mew LoDdon

Niagara

NighUngale

Pampero

Potomac

Powhatan

Preble

ILR.Cuyler

Bacliel Seaman . . .

Rhode Inland

Richmond

Babine

St-Loais

Sam. Houston

San tee

Santiago do Cuba .

South Carolina

Susquehanna

Vinccnucs

Wanderer

Water Witch

Wyandotte ,

Rate.

Tonnage.

Second ...

First

Fourth ... Fourth ... Second ...

Third

Third

Third

Third

Fourth . . .

Third.'.

Second

Third..

Fourth ...

Third..

Fourth

First...

Third..

Second . . .

Second ...

First...

Fourth ...

Third..

Fourth ...

Second

Second

Second

Third..

Fourth

Second . . .

Second . . .

Third..

First...

ThiM..

Fourth

Fourth

Fourth

2,070

8,42fj

M9

M

1,600

1,012

1,100

817

888

G66

1,155

1,002

787

826

1,046

221

4,682

1,066

1,375

1,708

2.415

666

1,200

8031

1,617

1,929

1,726

700

66

1,72G

1,667

1,150

2,460

700

800

378

464

ClasB.

Screw Bteamer

....do

do

Side-wheel steamer .

....do

Ship

Side-wheel steamer .

Screw steamer

Bark

Ship

Screw steamer

Side-wheel steamer .

Screw steamer

do

Ship

Screw steamer

do

Ship

do

...,.do

Side-wheel steamer .

Ship

Screw Bteamer

Schooner

Side-wheel steamer .

Screw steamer

Ship

do

Schooner

Ship

Side-wheel steamer .

Screw steamer

Side-wheel steamer ,

Ship

Schooner ,

Side-wheel steamer , Screw steamer

Crew.

Onus.

269

26

626

46

70

8

(•)

1

ISO

9

66

6

101

6

97

8

70

6

80

U

112

6

229

12

66

&

60

S

SI

4

47

b

3S7

13

61

4

60

S

S31

84

217

16

66

10

134

10

IS

S

116

4

260

16

S75

49

lis

18

16

1

427

60

164

10

115

K

264

16

162

19

26

8

66

8

71

S

•No rolls.

C^LEi^D^R.

1861.

JUNE,

Jtri-T.

AUGUST.

Son. M.

T.

W.

T. ' P. Sat.

Sua.

m.It.

w.

T.

P.

SaL

San.

H,

T.

w.

T,

F.

Sat

1

1

'T

8 9

3 10

4

11

5

12

6 13

1

2 ft

3

10

S . 3

4

5

6| 7

4

5

6

7

9 110

11

12

13il4 1&

14

16 lie

17

18

19

20

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

16 '17

18

10

20; 21 22

21

22123

24

25

36

27

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

23 |24

%h

m

27 2S' 2B

2ft

m

m

:^i

25

Kfl

27

2S

^

30

ai

m

I

"1

BEFTEMBBR,

OCTOBEB,

NOVEMBER.

Sua. U.

T.

W.

T. F.

Sat.

Slid.

M, t

w.

T.

F.

Sftt.

Sdii.

U.

T.

W.

T.

P,

Sac

123

8 f# 10

4 11

5 12

13

71 H

1 ft

3

3

10

4 11

5 12

1

8

9

A

7

3

4

5

fl

7

15 16 1 17

18

1» 20

21 ,

13

14

15

ifl

17

18

19

10

11 a2

13

14

16

1ft

22 23 24

35

26127

2A

20

21

22

23

24

25

2fl

17

18 19

20

21

22

23

2£t 30

27

2S

29

30

31

24

26

26

27

28

29

30

r"

1

1

Bun,

BECKMBER.

M. j T. W,

T,

F.

SftL

1 1 2' 3I 4

6

B

7

8 9,10 111

12 13 1 Hi

15 16 17 18

19

20 1 21

22 23 24 25

26

27 28

29 .30 31

1

""(■'T"'"

i

1864.

OCTOBEH.

XOVEMBEB,

DECEMBER.

SoilI U. ' T.

w.

T.

F-

Sat.

Sun.

H.

T. W.

T,

F.

Sntj Sob,

M.

T. W.

T.

P.

SaL

1

"q

■y

1 8

2

9

3

10

4

11

5

12

[

1 8

2

9

3

10

2

3

4

5

8

7

4

S

6 7

9 10

11 12

13

14

15

13

14

15

16

17 IS

19 ,i 11

12

13,14

15

16

17

16 jl7

18

1«

20

21

23 20

21|22

23

24 26

20

18

19

20 21

22 23

?A

23 24

25

1!6

27

28

29 ,1 27

2S

2y

;iO

2fl

2ft

27|28

29 m

HI

30 31

.,- * ..|i

;

!l

1

XXI

C^X.ENDA.11,

1865,

ja:nttaiiy. j

FEBRFAKT.

>IAHCH.

Siiii.;M.

T. \i

^. T. F.

Sat

Sun.

1

H.

T.

W.

T.

F,

Sat

Sos.

u.

T.

wJt. 'f.

1

SaL

i: 2

e < 9

15 16 22 ' 23 29 30

3

10 1 17 1

24 2 31 .

4 5

1 12 g 19

5 2fi

6

13 20 27

7

U 21

28

1

8 15 22

2\ 3

9I 10

lfi|17

23,2'!

4

11 IS

25

1

8

16

22

29

2' 3

9,10

16,17

23 '24

4 11 18

5i 12 19 26

e

13 20 27

7 14

21

2S

5 12 19

26

13

20

27

7 14

21 28

1

1 [

1

,

! '

APRlli. 1

HAY.

JirNE,

San.

H.

T. V

/. T.

F.

Sat

Suil|u. T.

W.

T. F.

Sat.

Sun.

M.

T. 1 W, T. 1 P.

Sat

1

8

J 1 ■ 9

3 10 17 24 31

4

11

18 25

5 12

m

26

6 IS 20

27 1

1

1

1

2

9

m

23

3D

3

10 17

24

2

9

16

23

50

3

10 17 24

4

11 1 IB L

26 2

5 e

2 13 9 20 6 27

7 14 21 2S

7 14

21

3 15

22 29

9 16 23 30

4 ; 6

11 12

18 jl9 2^ >26

1

61 7

13 14 20;21 27 . 2«

s

15 22 29

JITLY,

;, AUG

TJ8T.

1

Stin,' H.

T, \(

^ T,

F.

u

SaL'Suil.

1

M. ! T. fl

i. T.

F.

SjiL

;

1 '

a ;

15 • 22 1 29

'

1 8

15 1 22 2 ■Jfl H

2 3 9 10 6 17

3 24

rt 31

4 11 18 25

s

12 19 26

2

5

16 23 30

3

10 17 24 31

4

11 1

le 1

26 2

5 6 -J 13 E* 20 S 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20

1^7

7 ' 14, 21 > 2R

,1

1

1 1

1

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

FROM OCTOBER 1, 1864, TO AUGUST 8, 1865.

N W R — VOL 16 1

SOLTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON,

FSOM OCTOBEB 1. 1864, TO ATJOTJST 8. 1865.

jyiMrihution of vemels of the South Atlantlv Blockading Squad/ron^

October i, 186It,

Vetoel.

Station.

Remarks.

HurreH'B Inlet .

Potonuka \ QeorKetown

Do I Cape Romaln t

•ManKham i Biul'ii Bay

Adger Charlefiton ' OutJilde the bar.

Pawnee do

Flambeau do

Pontlac do

MiDKoe ' do

Ntpnc ' do

Acacia do

Wamsulta 1 do

Azalea do

Gcianium ' do

CaT^kil) .

Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do.

-do In.xfdL' the bar.

t^anf^mon | do Do.

Nnntm-kt.'t I do Do.

I.«high ( do Do.

Home ' do Do.

'Adams do Do.

Clover do l>o.

Amantnthii" do Dn,

Dandelion tlo Do.

CataUitt dn Do.

Monlauk do Repairing.

McD<tnoiigh Stono

•^mith do

Stettin I North Edi^to

•IV-rc-y Dntyton do Tender.

•SamtttRrt St. Helena

•Wniinms do .

•Wild Cftt do

•New Hamiwhire | Port Itoyal

("imarron do

Philatlelphia do

ArethuHa do

Chatham do . .

Pettit do

larkspur do

•N. .rfollt I'mkel do

•Brucn rlo

•Honcht/m do

R<iiilh<'an>liii(i Tybee lRl»in<I ,.

Mernphi.H do

•S wi f t do

pM.wttlf I WHS«i\vt>ound

Wlnsahlckon ' do

■Thunder ' do

Flmt I <>Hf>Abaw

CanandiilffUA ' do

tonoma do

Jonquil do

•Pemandina St, Catherine's .

Lodoiia Hapelo

•Allen , Doboy

•Grimih I Altamaha

Tender.

Tender.

Tender.

4 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADBON.

Distribution of ivssel^ nf the South Atlantic Bloctaidiug tSquadrtm, October J, 1864 — Con- tinued.

Vwwel. Stallon.

Remarks.

*BraziHcra St. Simon'K

Sanford St, Andrew's

*I'erry Foniandlna

Ottawa St. John's

Norwich do

Hale do

MoMjulto [Inlet]

Patfliwii I'ort Koyal , Repairing.

Nahmit do , IXt.

Ilnf (Miing do : Do.

Wlnoiin do Do.

♦Racer do Do.

•Para do Do.

♦Hopi' do Do.

8weet Brier do Do.

DnfTodil do Do.

Gladiolus ; do — ( Do.

Camelia do , Do.

Hydrangea do , Do.

LAbnniuDi do Do.

Carnation do Do.

*Ll>rhtninK do Repairing; tender.

Hieorge W. IlodgerR do ' Repairing.

•VdlparaiBo do ! Hoepital uhlp.

♦Ward ' do ' Health ahlp.

Iris ' ' Relieve and c<}mniunlcHle.

HarvcNt Moon ' Special duty.

♦Blunt

Oleander '

Wabaith

Marbleheiid

MohR wlc

Bencc'H \ Do.

Huron ' Do.

Unadllla ' Do.

Chippewa ' Do.

Rettetie ; Do.

New IroiiKidfx Do.

♦Midnight Do.

Paul Jones Do.

MahaKka Do.

♦Supply D«>.

WeeliRwken Sunk or ntranded,

Housatonic Do.

♦Kingfisher Do.

Madgie - Do.

Water Witch Captured.

Columbine Do.

Do. Southern nlatfoiu with storea. North. North for repairs.

Do.

•Sailing vesscN.

rfoHN A. Dahlgren,

Rviir-AthniruJ^ Conahj, S<ntth Ai/anfu' BJiK'Icadmg Sq\t€tdr(m.

The vo8.scls nuirked "tenders" are little craft, manned l>y two or three men, and used to communicate with depot. The P. DrayUm is an exchange.

J. A. D.

Order of Rem'- Aiimlrnl Dahlgren^ U. S. Natty, to ctmivtanding offi<^rs in drill cmwafar (qyerat'tonn an nhore.

Fi^o-Steamee Phii^delphta, Port Royal Jlarhor, S. C, October 1, 1864. By an order of August 8 I dircctt?d the commanders of vessels to select and drill certain portions of their crows for landing.

They will now detail all of such as can properly leave the vessel for a limited period and organize them into sections of 20 men, half

South atlawtto ttixK^KADiNo squadrow.

comiiamcs of 40 men. and oonipiiniofi of K() men. Httwitzor ci-ews detailed and drilled, reiwly for landing.

Those are to l»e commanded hv the officers who have most aptitude

for such duty, and hy pc'tty offieei-s aeting as serpeant;? and coiiJtiiuls.

Thettrms'of all kinds are to l>e carefully looki'd after everyday,

and the hoaU kept in readinesH, so that at the least notice the landing

force may lenve m a time not exceeding? one hour.

John A. Daiiujren, lirtH'-AdmifsU^ Ooindij, South Atltinti*' IlltH'kadhHj Stputdron.

I

Reptyrt iff Lif^ut'-fmtit-i'oiHiuamJfr SctnnuN^ l\ S. Nmry^ t^>mmaudi»g LL S, S, Lfhujlu retfirrdnig addU tonal VLt^ns of t^xitfi'fnn the )nJot hrrnx^ lyf that Vf'.'<iit^t,

U. S. S. Lrhioii, Off Jlorrift Iduiid^ Sotdh i'orttt'tmi^ (htt^trr 1 ^ IStlJ^. Sib: Ah there are no nican» of exit, when neccssaiy to lio so in a hurry, from the pilot hou.Hc of thet*e vpHsclf*, 1 respectfulh* request ponuie>8ion to cut a manhole in the top of this vessel's pilot hou.so.

A hole Itt inches by l*J would he sufficiently laige, 1 should think, and the work could 1h' very readily done hy our own pcopto.

The top of ihe pilot house is t)iicker than any other hurizontal ^wx- fa<'«' (composed entirely of iron) on Uiard: und (»f the two rliance.s, I would prefer that hy shot to that liy drowning, in the event of In-ing sunk liv a torjM'do.

\ am, res|>ei'tfully. your obedient *tcr\'ttnt,

A. A. Skmm>:.s, Li^nttfjutut' t ^ointmtiuhfr.

Roar Admiral .Iuhk A. Dahtxirkx, U. S. Navy.

Cffmrrmndhtg Stmth Atltrntrc Bhtckadlng Stfuudttm,

Ii^p*>rt of Itritr-Admind Jjuhlifrcn, U. S. yary. ijivhuj t'nfonmdtoft regftnUni/ tfm dn\ff '"••'• f hiiHesttm li'if dnnntf Mjtf'uuj tldtH.

>Jo. 4K8.] Ki.au-Steamkk Piiiladeij*bia,

Part Royni Ihrfn^r, S. C, Ovttihtr 2, 186J^

Sir: The Department asks me. " What i.s the jtrreatest possible draft that ean Iw taken over the bar »( Charleston (hiring the spring tides T'

Capbiin Itontelle tells me that he has twice had r.» fi-et, in a period of live months. Once when the Ii»mMid*M cro>»s«'d witli Admiral I>ii I'onl.

The chief pilot say** ^1 f^'cL

The bitter I Ixdicvc to \n\ exaggerated, and the former only tx'curred twiiv.

The average depth at spring tide*; may l>e set down at lii feet, and it is an extmorilinary <'ircumst*i«ce when thiH ik extveded -eei'tainly not lo Ih^ countwl on.

Thr* easterly winds which swell the tides also create a sea on the Uir, and the concurrence! of a spring tide with an easterly wind that leaves a smooth bar is evidently to be ho{>ed for, rather than exi>ected.

G SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

The IrouHkliH drew not fully 16 feet when I crossed in July, 1863, and the chief pilot allowed two or three days of the spring tide to pass before he would venture. I think it was needlessly cautious; still, even with an ordinary swell on a bar in the open sea it is safe to have a foot to spare under the bottom of a vessel, especially if she has a screw.

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

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Adm i roh Com(l<f. S. Athntiv B/<tckading Sg^uadffrn.

Hon. (iiPKON Welles,

Strrt'tttry of thf i^at\t/.

Rep^trt <if Re<jr- Admiral ])a}d<frei\^ U, S. Navy^ regarding ike delivery of confident i<il order for Rear- Admiral I^arrag^ut^ U. S. Naiyy.

No. 4!»SJ.] Flagship Philadelphia,

Port Royal, OeU)her 3, 186^ Sir: The Department's confidential communi'-ation of the 22d* Sep- tember was received by me late on the 28th, and in twenty -four hours afti'rwards the Wahash sailed for Hampton Roads.

The confidential order for Rear-Admiral Farragut will be delivered to him as soon as he reaches this place, and I am awaiting his arrival for that purpose.

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

J. A. Dahloren,

R*^r- Admiral. Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary of the Na'mf.

Order of ike Secretary of the Xavu to Rear- Admiral Dahl^ren^ U, S. Nary, to ira/iMatit chart (firing latest informatitm regarding Confed- erate works and obHtriwtions in Cltarleston Ilarb&r.

Navy Department, Oct(iber 3^ 1864- Sir: The Department desires you to mark on the Coast-Survey chart of Charleston Htirlior all the latest information of the rebel works of all descriptions, including everything relative to obstructions, and transmit it to the Depaituient with any suggestions on the subject that you may deem proper to make. Very respectfully,

Gideon Welles,

Secretafy of the Navy.

Rear-Admii-al John A. Dahlgren,

(h//idg. S. Atlantic Blockading/ Squadron, Port Royal, S. C,

* For corrtMiKJudeuct} of Navy Department with Rear-Adiniral Dahlgren relative to his aiding Uear-Adniirat Farragiit in the j)r(>po8(Ml attack upon defenaen of Wil- mington, N. C, datetl September 9 and 22 and October 17, 1864, see Series I, volume 10, pp. 449. 472, and 569.

SOtTTH ATLANTIC BWVCKADIKO SQl'ADBOJf,

Ordet of fif'm''A<luih^tl DuUffrt-n^ (L X Xavy. to fJeutenaiit-Com- \uXrr *SttVir*//^ /'. S. A'r/ry, rtt)ardhuj ihf ffuuken etdatrufr

ttutni

KLAn-SrEAMER 1 Hn«iDELPniA. Port Rofjal HorlHfr, S. C. Ocfofx-r S. 186^.

8iu: I nni in rooeipt of youi's* of 27tli uUiiiKt, mu\ say in t*«'iilv If voii aif tiiiiiMi^ to raicfp t!io stinkon stfttun*r Stnittti\ mon let GoniTnl Hutch do fso: wc have hiul thi» opportunity for mix monthH, Very rct:ipcctfuUy, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahu'.rkn, Reftr-Admhoi., Com^itj, Smtfh Atlantic Hlorhidiittj S*/tutf/rfm.

Lieut. Coninuknrifr Jamks Stillwkij,,

Coifufy^ U. S, S. OtiaiDa^ Senior Officer in tJm St. Mm\

^r ftf limr'Atlmiritl lMhhjr*'iu f- 'V. i\v/i»y. to Acting }fnMer t'nmhy. I', N. Xtivif^ to aiwumt; c*jmi/nfvft of th^ U. S. S. Ilntt^^st

Flao-Stkamku Phimdelphia,

Port Rirynf Jlorh^r, S', C, Orft>hcc ii. 1864, MR: You are hereby detai'lie*! from the U. 8. 8, dmonim and will, wiUiout delay. a^Mnuuie eouiuiand of the V. S. S. Ilorrest Minm. Very respec-tt'ully, your oI>edient servant,

J. A. Daiiu^.ren, Ri^r-Adinirai^ Ctnndij. Situth Atlantic Blovkffding Sfptadrtnu

Aotiujf Master .loii.v K. C-rosdy, U. S. Nai'v,

U. 4$. *S'. Chiiarrffit.

Report of Actiiuf Volunteer Lieutenant Swann., U. S. Na^^y^ giiyifig infarntation ohtnin*^! frotn deserters.

V. S. 8. POTOMSKA.

Winyah Buy, fhtotur -^ IHG^, Sir: I have the honor to inform yon that I send to Charleston, !iy the LfdmruHut^ Sergeiint James A. Crinuian. Company 1, Scvontn Pynohvlvania Cavalry, and Private Isaai* Ker^tison, First Brij^ide l)and, Seeoua Cavalry Division, Army of I lie Potomae. who effected their e^tape from the enemy. I also st^d 1 1 privates. Company H, German Artillery (rebel), who deserted from Hiitl^'ry White. From them 1 ^in the following information and send von a ehait showing the posi- tiiiiiof the foree>4 around Georg^etowii: Tlie de-sert^Ms reiK)rt j^ri'Ut di.s- •sati^fiulion among the troops, particularly the Germans, who. they say. would dcnert without an exception were thoy not so strictly guarded. I tind the river so strongly pioket^'d I cnn give them very liltlo ii^siytance. At Hatl^ry White there are ten guns; the position and ralil>er are given in chart. In rt»ar of batterv there is a section of artillery consisting of two rifled pJ-jMtunders; t^ie remainder of the vompany« conuuanded by Captjtin GuiUnrd, is at MeClellanville. Two

8 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQDAOBON.

companies of cavalry, commanded by Captains Kirk and Walker, are directly ii* rear of Battery White (see chart). There are but 25 men in Georgetown doing picket duty, and two companies of cavalry on Wac- camaw Neck. There are 400 men encamped 6 miles from tne town — cavalry and infantry. General Ti-apier is in command. One of the Germans (who was in Charleston a short time since) says there are four large quaker guns in battery at Mount Pleasant. A schooner ran out from Georgetown about three weeks since, and the parties are daily expected to return in a steamer and run either into the Santee Kiver or Georgetown. I shall keep a bright lookout for her. Vei'v respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. P. Swank, Aei^. Vol. L/'eut.^ U. S. Nary^ CoimUf. U. S. S, PitUnnftka.

Rear-Admiral John A. Dahixirkn,

V(/mmandiH(j South Atlantic Bl^kadliuj Squadifm.

Repftrt of Acting Mfmtti' Lee^ U. S. Navy^ rrgarding the diacopery of a M(i/)l'e/t Hteainei' neur the wrecka of the Geimflmia and Mary Howc-nt^ off Charletston.

U. S. S. Wamsutta, Off CharU-Htim, OHoher 6, I864. Sir: At daylight this morning, while lying at anchor on my station in y^ fathoms wattM", the inner buoy on llattlesnake Shoiil lx»aring S. i W., distant about half a mile, 1 discovered a sti-ange steamer sunk near the wrecks of the (Jnn'g'unoi and Mary Bowtm. She has two masts, two smokestacks, and side wh<'els.

I immediately went in a bout to examine her, but as she is completely subiuergcd in about 3 fathoms water I could ascerUiin nothing about her except that she is a Clyde-built vessel, of the class of the Jfary Binrri\'<^ and was evidently bound in.

My opinion is that she struck the wreck of the Gftmjiana and put her wheel hard astarboard to dear it, thus bringing her head offshore and sinking so suddenly that she bai"ely had time to take to her boats. She lies about 250 yards from and outride of the wrecks of the Georgi- ana and Mary Bowers.

If divers could get to work on her before she breaks up no doubt but that most of her cargo, if she has any, could be saved. I am, sir, very resiwctfully, your obedient servant,

Chas. W. Lee, Acting MaHii\ Couunanding. Commander T. IL Pattekson,

Commanding Outside Blockade off Oharle-iiton.

Be/Mrft of Onmnandt^' Pattermn^ II. S. Nary^ giving j>of<ftionii of veA- Heh on the mtter Idochtde,

U. S. S. James Adoer, Of Oharlestmi Bar, Octofxtr 7, 186^. Sir: I regret to learn that two steamers escaped the blockade last night, though it was a favorable night for bloc^kade-running purposes.

aOTTTH ATXANTIO BLOOKADDTO SQUADnON. 9

I lliirilc IIh" oiiLviilf blockading ve^eol.s arc now «l«lioni»<l to I In* lx?8t advHntii^\ mid herewith senH you tlir petition of onrh vc.NSfl:

J'lntfiht^iu^ .touth cjf Swasli ('hann**! uhout l^ iniU^M. in liititudt* liti 43' N., loniriUKlf 71* 4V 25" \V.

AzMtUti. hhort fiistunce north of North Chuiinol, in abimt latitiid** S2? 44' 2o" N., liKiKitude Til- 4.s' r»it" \V.

L'thftrnum, 1^ tnili^s or Uvw (lu-cording to the durkncss of tho ni^ht) off Hn'iuh IiiK'l, in altotit Iatitn(le32^ -15' N., IoMj»itiKle 7li 48' 1ft" \V.

Jhff/int\ 1| inilf's or ltw.s (ucconlin^ to tin' ilarkni'SH of (ho ni^hl) t»outheat(t of Brotu'h Inlet, in about ktitude 3i!^ 46' 35" N., lon>ritudt* 7J^ 47' l:i" W.

]\'nm.f'tfM, in ftlH)nt latitude Sa 40' N., lonfritmlo 7i»^' 40^ 10" W.

iVijt^it : Her former t-ruiHing tjnmnd w:i.s from wpst end of Rattle- snake Sboul to the aouthward and wi'.stwani until Iftnunittmir lH)n^S. noariv 1 mile. I^ist night she was anrhonMi in alMiut latitude \\'I 44' 15" S., lonjjilude 71* 40' il>" W. To-nijfht she will move nearer to Itattle.suako Sbiml.

l\tmnen, hinee Hhu baa Ijeen disabled, buc!* romained at anchor neu4' the JfonMitmut'.

MiugfH' keeps tmderway. and has cruised from a little to the north- ward of the ihntHiiiouic to the Fhiin}*eau^^\\A thence skirting' the eihoal to the southward one-half mile and buck.

JauuM ,!////«' kee|)ei undi^rwav. and has emised fnnu the Ifumuifnttie toward the eent^'rof Itattlonnake Shou! ami l«i*k, Urini/irijr the Jftnmo- tttNii' to iK'ar N. K. by N.

I eneUwe a ruujrb ti-aeinjr* s^howinjj the position of vessels. Very re*»pectfuUy. your ol>edient -ervunt.

T. H. I*ATTEH.*«5N.

C*»fMimn4lrr ond Srttt'r/r (fj^vrr <>ff i 'linrl<t<f»fn liar, i'aptiitn.l. K. (ikern.

\ Report of Ciipttuntirt'en^ V. S. Niiry^ lUijaviLuuj mttvt mtniHufl^iH'hatl^ ntNUrrf ttinl t1*4i vtrndttitm of the sunken utrnmtT OfimUmcf,

U. 8. SiAJOp Joux Adams, Of M*'rnH faUituL SottfA du'oihui, fhtohfrS^ hSGJ^.

Sir: t have the honor to inform y<m that on the <!tli insbint I tnms- ferre<l. jitfreeably to your instructions, the rebel |)ari)led prisoners, and delivenrd all Iett4^rs iind packages in my possessitm authuri/ed by \yo\x to Im? delivered to the enemy under a tlaj^- of truce.

Ni>;bt b«»fore last we hiul two alarms of atti'mpt.s to run tlie block- ado. On the tirst tt steamer outward bound was iurn<'d back by the inside bliH-kade, On the se<'ond. from the be.Ht infonnation I have at present obtjiined. a lurije proindlcr ran in ami a side-wheel steamer nTn «>ut. Neither wt-re seen by the out-^ide bloeka<lin^ vessels.

Ijftst night a wignal was made for a steamer rumdnjr r>ut, but 1 think it will pntve to l»e a false alarm, as no guits were Hred.

By an intercepted rebel dispateh we learn that the stiiimer discov- ered Hunk otf I»ng Inland on tne f>th inHtant was named the CrtnHtmice.

10 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

She is completely submerged, preventing the character of her cargo from being ascertained. I enclose herewith Acting Master Lee's report respecting her.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. Geeen, Captain and Senior Ojfficer off Charleston,

Rear-Admiral J. A. Dahlgren,

Cmamandimj South Aifantic Blofhadimj Sfjwidifm.

Letter frmn Rear- Admiral Dahlgren^ U. S. N^ai^y^ to Major- General J^oMter, U. S, Army, regarding lint of itrduanoe stored Uhih^ to the Army.

FlAG-StEAMER Plin^ADELPHIA,

Port Royal flarhor, S. C, Oct^jl^ei- S, 186^ General: I herewith enclose a list of ordnance stores loaned by the navy to the army.

Concerning tlie six 100-pounder Parrott rifles, the Bureau of Ord- nance, under date of August 16, 186i, writes:

The Bureau ia of opinion that it will be better for Major-tieneral Foster to inform the war office of the transfer liaving l>een inaiie, and re<iue8t that diret-tions may be given Mr. Parrott to furnisli the Navy with an equal number of lOO-poundeni.

Be pleased, therefore, to suggej^t tftis uouree of proceeding to Major-Geuerat Fos- ter.

I am. general, very resiJcctfuUy. your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahuiren, R<'<ir- Admiral^ Comdy. South Atlantic Hhnkadia<j Squadron.

Major-(Teneral J. G. Foster,

Comdg. Dept, of the South, Jlradt/uorters, Jfllton Ifetid.

Ordei^ of Captain Green, U. S. Nary, to Cnmmandrr Patterson, U, S, Iswrnj, t<t ascertain the cause of the ineffdency of the outer hhcl'ade.

U. S, Snii' John Adams, Off Mtrrrin Island^ South Carolina^ October 0, 186^. Sir: About half imst 1 o'clock last night one side-wheel steamer suc- ceeded in running in, another made the attempt and was turned back, both in Maffitt's Channel. The latter will probaI)ly try again to-night. No gun was fired or signal made outside of an attempt to violate the blockade.

Please enquire particularly in regard to the position of the vessels stationed off the entrance of Maffitrs Channel and that vicinity, and, if possible, ascertain why vessels rurming in or out are so seldom seen by them.

Very respectfully, etc.,

J. F. Green, Captain and Senior Offctrc *ff Charlettton.

Commander Tiios. H. Patterson,

Comdg. U. S. S. Jam^ Adger, Senior Officer Offshore Blockade,

J-—— — - ■ ..I. ■■ .. . ■ — — ■

* See October 6.

SOITTH ATLANTIC BUlCKADINO SQUA1>R<>N. 11

RejM.irt of Commander Pattmujn,, IT. S, Nary, donyiiuj any Aju/tt/n/^jg i*f ifiefifirru'y tm thr juirt of th*' VvtmeU Ofi the outef ifl*>ckttfii^,

V, 8. S. Jamks Adokk, Of Cfuirh^tim Boi\ (htilvvU, im^.

Sir: All the fommandinfr officers pxpivs>t'(i lhoins(»lvi^f* iis t,'onfi- decit that iiotbinj^i'tmk) bivi- i>!i-^M>d in or out Itifit night without hoiiig (li.sfovcn'd, until I infonui^d thi'iii of thi* fart a.H stated in your letter uf thii^ datv.

'Hie Mlnytui occupiwl ihi* Htaiion sujjj'estcHl by you, lH«twtH!ii the wivt huov of Kiittle.snakc uiid Lon;;^ Islnria.

The WamMnttn wa.s to the oiistward of th»^ wreck, well in toward Loii^ Island, with a picket bout hetween her and tlie. In-aoh.

Lioutenant-Coinuiander Lure informs uif that when the moon went down he moved the }'<oitiiir nearer to the l)eiuh. and never hius l>oen so nejir it as hwt nipht. thoii<fh he has always taken a stution well in. To- night and hereafter he will have a picket boat inshore of him.

Arting Volunteer Lieutenant Cavendy, south of the 8 wash, is etiiuillv eontident that he couhl have discovered anything parsing the

Tlie lAihtirmun and AztUnt occupied tin* siatiun.s a^ re|K»rtod to you, land thn cimimandijig oflicerN stale that thpy had the l>eueb clearly in Ihight all ni^ht.

For mysf'lf I can only state thnt 1 did my hent. eager and anxi*>us, not only a» the eommander of a bloekading vc»«el. hut aw senior olUcer roulsiihs that nothing shotdd eH(a|}e us,

I am Hati.sHed f n»m my experienre on bloekiulinff duly that vessels [c'un not 1h* disruvert'd without good glaftsea: this ship htis two, and one \oi Uip««e i.H in tlie pirket l>oat.

Very rc^jxictfully, your olx^icnt servant,

T. II. Pattkiwon, Chtimutnd^r tn\d Senior Ojfuvr off Chtu'U«t*m liav.

Captain .1. F. (tbeen.

Sf^Htt/r Ojfivci' off fhurJt'Mn}*.

\Jiep*}i'i '*/ lif^tr- Admiral Uahl^rciK U. S. jVai*;/^ annotntfiiKj tJwarriiyal of the (\ .*?. m.'hooHcr ih^t'rtta.

No. 5<nl. I Flaoship Puiladbi.phia.

Sm: I have to announce to the Dcnailment that the I'. S. s<*hooner ffrt\tta. Acting Mu-^tcr William Kales, commanding, has arrived on tliw station and lias been a.st*igne<l duty in tht- .stjimdron as a stt»ro vesmd.

I Irnvi* tlie honor to be. veiy respectfully, your ol>edient servant,

fj. A. Dahuiren, Jit^ir-AthfiintK Cmndtj, Smdh AilmdU- RJoi'hidinff Stjmtih'on.

Hon. Ciil>EON Wellesi.

S*XTtiUxry of t All Xatiy.

12 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING 8QUADB0N.

Order of Rear- Admiral Dohlqren^ U. S. iVWv, to Caj)t€tin Grem^ fl. S. Mtvt/^ Mfjrt'orftfi^ffojf CharhiHton^ enjoining rtgihuee agaiuiit an- attack mi m/mit'^rf* hy hnn'diiuj.

Flag-Steamer Philadelphia,

Port Royal llarh>r, S. ()., Octdher PJ, J864. Sir: 1 desire yoii to put the monitors on their guard a^in8t any attempt t(» jrot hirfje Itodios of rebels on the deck of the onein advam***, at nig] it.

It is runu>rod that a very largo number of boats are building in C'baileston. and tbo dosj)erate <*ondition of the rel>el affairs would justify any risk of life to obtiiin an advantage. It would Ite well if the hawsers on the extreme of the fenders were ext^hanged for a light chain.

Then^ should also lw» boarding nettings on t^ach monitor, and the hatches wt^U watched.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgrek, Rear- Admiral^ (hrndg. South Atlanttr Blockading Sfprndron.

Captain J. F. Gkkkn. U. S. Navy,

Senior O^et'r ojf Charli-Mton.

Li-tter y roiit ihr Secrrtanj of 1]u- JS^artf tntlu- Sfi^rrtary of Stat^, regard- iittj Fri'iivh sah'ffctx dvxiritig to (rare the (hnfedi'rate t^^taf/n.

Navy Dei-artment, Octolfrr J^, J86^ Sir: 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 7th and llth instant, with their respective enclosures from Mr, (icofr(»y, tlio charge d'aifaire,s of Fmnco, relative to the request for }>ei"niissi(>n to send in one or two Frentth vessels of war to Charleston Tor the purpose of receiving such French subjects as may l>e disposed to leave the insurrectionary States.

Some other port would Im? prefera)>le at this time for carrying out the projKjsed arranofoment.

CharU'ston is under constant fire and neutral vessels might bo sub- jected to danger and inconvenience there. We could not well suspend our operations for the purix>s<» of allowing the French men-of-war to enter and French subjects to embark. Mobile is a more desirable port for the ac<'omplishment of the object in view. Very respectfully, etc.,

Gideon Welles,

Se<*rtf<i7y of the Ntivy.

Hon. Wm. II. Seward,

Sft'/'t'tar// of Stahu

Rfjtort (f Rear- Admiral Dahlgr^n^ ('. S. Sitrt/, rrgarding thrrondi-

ti<m if the iiionititrK.

No. 510.] FlaIJ-StEAMER PmLADELPlIIA,

Pmii Royal Harlmr, S. C, OcUHie^^ 12, 186J,. Sir: I transmit for the information of the Department two samples of tul)es taken from the Iwilers of the ]}ffduint. They will best snow

I

I

SOITH ATLANTIC BLOCKAmMO SQUADRUN.

iht* Department the nature of the ditli^-ultv that has nearly diHahlofl cvrry otH* of the monitors. That il ^htmlil not have Im'cm m» Is evident from thi» fiu't of it^ beino- oven'onu'. Imt lo I'lk'H this my own time ■ml pfFMonal attention has been rcouisite. One of the tubes referred Ito ir* dosed entirely by deposit, ana eh^ven .such have oeeurrrd ho far.

Thi' diameter of the otlier tulic, and tliLs repros^entw the Imck tubes of the lM_)ilcrs, haslieen n^dnrrd liy the .^^In to u mean of l).91(i hich, hav- inj? been oriuiniilly 1.75 inehi'-ii, so that the area of the section is alxiut two -tifths ttf what it witH.

The i*»ititj»tf'. ha> just h-ft. havinjj her tu^K?.'? sealed entirely, exuept two or threr hundred in front.

IThi- shot-prodf of i\\o stark hius been removed, haviny^ been liudly ^^1

(iamaijed by a shell frntn the Putap^iy"^ own XV-iiuh ^un in the ^^| engiitfement with th« fort.s. Sept^MuWr S, 18(^1. The Hhcll penetrat^'d 1

one side entirely, and burst with M'vere ctTeet on the oth4r side. ^J

Aii an instanee of the eaparitv' of .shell to j)enetnite heavy thick- ^H

iip«&u^ of iron. T tnirmmit the cAA Mhot-Tir<»of HUioko inno to I'hiladoU ^B

t I

Doafses <»f iron, I transmit the old shot-proof smoke pipe to I'biladeU phta. and would sug-^est that it he sent Ut the ordnance yard. Wa^hinjjr- ton. for the na^al school, or such other disijo.silinn as the Dt^imrtiueDt nuiy ihink mo»t pro{}er.

A new rthotprtM)f wa.s pot in place, and the deck beam, that had wet- tK'd coiisidembly, supported by a heavy iron stanchion. It wiw a lieavy piece of work lor thi.-* small establishment, and iJic cnj/inei'rs ■'(nanby and Vounj;) deserve credit for the execution with such limited liiiymM.

»'rhe jyahani yi'xW have alwut two-thirdM of her tulKis scaled when she leaves. The Jfont^tuk (<piit^ a.s Imd) ha^ }>een on duty but two i>r three weeks since May. She hu« now one boiler cleaned, and is be^inninp on the other.

The Snnijatmm and XatttuekH will follow in turn. The J^Tsxai*' and ^ i'lt/jikif/ are not so liad, having been scaled to some extent. H llie frequent I'hanjjes in the coinnmndcrs and etiyini^ers of the mon- Hitors have, no doubt, contributed largely to this state of thinjics l»v V dividiufi the responsibility, and making it almost imi)ossible to fix it anvwhf're.

I The fonlne-s.s of the bottoms wa.s another evil which iH)nrurred with the diminished steam iH)wcr to reduce the H]>ced, so that some of the monitors bal^»ly moved against the tide. Tliis, loo, is being mastered rapidly by the new arrangements. Tlic corps of divers that I have creiUed makers it certain that a Itottom ean be cleaned in a week, and so I hope that no more will bt^ heard ot" lliis trouble. Tlie party that worked by contract was entirely unal)le to overcome

■ the dithculty by cleaning with sufficient rapidity, and eost $1,600 jjer month; <hiublit)g the force naikcs it )(^,000 jx^r month.

The new corps consists of one acting voluntepr lieutenant and two

I acting mastei-s, all experienced divers, with six men, whose jmy I tixed for the time at i^W) per month, making about $700 per month, or one- fourth the conti-act price. So far as I can now judge, the mea.surc gives every promise of the greatest advantage at low cost. Still 1 do not proptise to make any recommendation for the decision of the I>epiirtmcnl until the wlKtht matt-er hiw been thoroughly t^sstetl by furtb:*r ejcperieuce; it is too importaut to be dealt with hastily.

14 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOOKAWNG 8QUADK0N.

All I can say is that I hope to have the monUora beyond the risk of disability very soon.

1 nave the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahloben, Rmr- Admiral,, Oomdg. South Atlanti<; Blockading Squadron.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary of the Navy.

HejHrrt of Rear- Admiral DaMgren^ JJ. S. Navy, regardmg plan of

torpedo and its trial.

No. 511.] Flagship Phii-adelphia,

Ptn-t Royal. Harbor^ S. C, October 13, lS6i. Sir: 1 iiui able to say that after much personal attention to the sub- ject a plan of torpedo has been arrived at which promises to work well, certainly better than any that 1 have seen. Tne trial was made with a torpedo of 100 pounds, and a huge column of water was thrown up so high that it wet those who were in my barge, as well as the boat that made the discharge.

In order to have some of these fit for use without delay, and not finding suitable material here for a mpid production of a number, I have dispatched an officer to New York for a few days in order to obtain s<mie pai'ts of the more important detail.

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

J. A. Dahloren, Rett r- Admiral,, Ctmid^. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary of the Nary.

Report of Ri-ar- Admiral DahUjr en ^ V. S. Navy, stating ca^ise of d^lay tnfoncarding informaVwn regarding Confederate works atid (Mtruc- tionti in Charleston Ilarhor.

No. 514.] Flagship Philadelphia,

Pcrrt Royal, Ootohtr 13, 186^ Sir: The directions* of the Department in relation to the batteriea, etc. , about Charleston Harbor were duly received, but there has not been time at the departure of this (the first) steamer to prepare fully the information required.

1 hav<i remained here to await the arrival of Rear-Admiral Farragut, so as to deliver to him the confidential conununication of the Department.

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

J. A. Dahlof.en. Hon. Gidp:on Welles,

Secretary of the Nat^y.

*See October 3, 1864, Welles to Itahlgren.

ITLANTIC BLOCKADING 8Qt

15

?rpf7rf ftf* f'njitain Grt-rn^ f', S. ^AVry, srnior tifficer o/ST ('hftrltHtony rcynrfitifttj a (. tJufnitraU torped^i Ifoaf nej^n mvir Fort Mouitrif.

U. S. Sloop John Adams. Off Morris hlanJ, South Cariflina, Octoh^ J3, JS64, Sir: General Ilai'deo conununicatotl by flaiir of truce yestorduy, Ideclininp to iniikf tin* i*xclmn^cs offered by Eusi|^ni Diohiiiiin on the 11th in^tant, and wii^lies hereafter to have exchanges made at Port Koyal FVnv. act-ortlin^' to agreement.

Oil the nijfht of the lUh irmtant a torpedo cmft was seen by our piokpt biHits off SulIivan'H Island, near Fort Ii*?aun'{^rd, and wuh alsi) |stH»n by the lookout at Greg^r. at flayli»i^ht ou the following uiorniDg, Etile&uiiDg up to and around Moultrie Point.

• 11 tt » * » •

Very ro8pe<^tfully, your obedient sen'ant,

J. F. GuEKN,

Captain and Senior (fjfioer off C/tttrirJtfott.

Rear- Admiral .1. A. Daiilorkn,

L'omnuimitng Soufh AtlmUv: Bfo<^kadintj Sfjumiron,

Port Royal Uarfmr. S, C.

^Jicj^ftf of Artiiiff Ma^tf^r GUieMpie., I'. S. ^''/v/. *'fnnfuunding V. S. hark Bra^Uiero^ regarding e,rjiedition up WhiU- Oak Creek and in SatiWi River, G*vmjia, <hU>her 13-16, 180^.

U. S. Bark Brazilieua,

SU Simon's Smnid, Otonna. Ovtuher 20, 1S6J^ Sir: On the night of the 13th instant 1 went in charge of an oxpe- [dttion up the White Oak River [Cre^k], with two l)oata from my vessel and one from the Mary ^^anftrrd. We .siureeded in Neruriiijf oO iii'ttrot's lu^lonj^ing to J. Morrison, a planter. During the time two of my men. in some manner^ became detached from me. I waited, and (*ent two officers to search for them, tus long a« I considered it prudent. H 1 then proceeded with tlie l)oat-s to the Mary Sanford^ which \\\x» Blying at PennimanV Mill-^, .Satilla lliver, and while proceeding up the river the rel>els lir-ed on the steauier, killing Peter Collins, my pilot. On the 15th 1 returned to the Imrk.

On the l"lh F^lward Sheridan, one of the men. roluriied and iTtf^Kirted Charles Thompson, the other man, a prisoner in tlie luvnds of [the Confedenite.s. The cautie of this misfortune originated \n these kwt» men having found mouio liquor. Whtni Thomiwui became intoxi- ^cuted he went Wk to the house after pinmler. Sheridan made the [btJat of his way to the vessel in a canoe he found on the marshes.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, vour obedient sei'vatit,

\V. T. (lILLESriK,

Acting Master, Conwianding. Kear-Admiral .f. A. Dahlgren,

Vommaudinfj St/nt/i Atlavtic B/<K^kadiny St/uudrmi,

16 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Htptrrt of Acting Master lu'tnpton^ (J, S. Nai-u^ci/inrnimdiiKj U. S. S.

Mary Soiif(yrd^ regarding esi-pedUion 171 Satilla Hiver^ Georgia,

Octobvr IS-U, 186j^.

U. 8. S. Mauy Sanfobi), St. Andretr's /Sou/id^ freorgifi^ October 16^ 186^.

Sir: 1 respectfully rc|)oi-t going up the lUg Hatilla Kiver with my <-oniiiiand on tlie evening of the 13th instiint, drove the picket** from renninian's Mills, and anchored for the night at that place to wait for the return of Acting Master Gillespie, commanding the U. S. Ijark Braziliera^ who had gone up the White Oak River [Creek] with two boats and 20 men from his command and 1 boat and 2 officers and 10 men from this vessel, to take the negroes from Captain John Morri- son's plantation that were harvesting corn at that place for the Con- federate soldiers stationed in that neighborhood.

Captain Gillespie returned in safety to this vessel on the morning of the 14th instant, bringing with him all the negroes from the Morrison

{>lantation, forty-seven in number. Having learned that there was a arge quantity of corn and rice stored at the town of Jeffersonton, on the river 12 miles above Penniman's Mills, in transit to Savannah, for the Confederate Government, taking with me Captain Gillespie, his pilot, men, and l>oats, at 2:30 p. ra. got underway and proceeded up the river. While passing Yellow Bluff was hred upon by a company of cavalry that was secreted behind trees and in the grass. They were driven from their hiding place in live minutes with canister and shrap- nel, and as they were not over 200 yards from our guns they must have been punished severely. I regret to state that tlie fourth shot fired at us instantly killed Peter Collins, our pilot, the ball passing through his body near the heart. The killing of Mr. Cbllins is the only casualty that happened during the tire of toe enemy. W^e passed above the bluff about a mile. Having lost our pilot, 1 was obliged to abandon further proceedings and return down the river. While pass- ing Yellow lUutf the enemy did not show themselves. We anchored for the night at the mouth of W'hite Oak Kiver [Creek]. On the morn- ing of the 15th instant we returned down the river, and round to St. Simon's, landed the contrabands at that place, and buried the corpsd of Mr. C'ollins in due form. Mr. Collins was a brave officer, and (Red at his post. His death is very nmch lamented by the officers and crew of the U. S. bark Brazili^ra and this vessel.

My officers, men, and mj'self are all anxious for a pilot, so that wo can raid on these rivers when an opportunity offers. Very resixn-tfuUy. your ol>edient servant,

Z. Kemptoi<, Acting Master, Commanding. Kear-Admiral John A. Daulgrkn,

Ooinmanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadnm.

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

17

I^Uiribution of vessds of the Stmth Atlantic Blockadlmj SquoMiroti^

October 15^ 1S6^.

VesKl.

station.

KemarkK.

■ MiirreirB Inlet .

Pottxiukii Georgetown

Do Cape Homain...

•ManKtuun • BuirK Bay

OanaodaigiuL Charleston

PuntUc do

Mlngoe do

Flambeau do

Acacia do

Wamsutta i do

Aaalea I do

Laburnum do

Patapeco do

Sangamon do

Nantucket do

Lehtffh do

Home I do

• Bntcn I do .

*Adamii

Clover

Dandelion

Geranium

GladioluB

Catalpa

3f ontauk

McDonouKh

*»nlth

Stettlu

• Percy Drayton

*Saratnffa

♦WllllHUU

•Wildcat

♦New UamMblm

Phlladflphia

Pettll

Larkspur

Arethusa

<'hathain

•Hoiiphton ' do

•OrxetUi dn

CAmatioii d<i

fi.-nith CHrriliiia | TylHf Islainl

M«nii>his dn

*!?i*ift ' do

Pafwair I \Vb.ss»w Si>iitni ..

\VL>«nhi<'k<)ii tin

•ThiindiT I do

FIhk 1 (Hsutuiw

WJiHiiia ' di)

Jonquil dn

• Ftrnandina St.CutlKTiiip's...

Lodoim SuiH-lo

• Allt-ri hc>lM»y

•flrillitli Altaiiiiiha

• Bm/.ilit'ra Si, Simon's

Saiifiinl St. Aiiilri'W's

• I'firy L tVriiniidiiiti

Ottawa St. Johii'.s

NnrHich dn

Hale do

MoHijiiitn lliilfl]

(.Rtj*kill , I'nrl Knytil

NMhiiiit ' dn

Paiviiff I dn

Dfii riiiiur I dn

Sijwir I ilo

Snnnma I dn

do

do

do

do

....do

do

do

f^tono

do

North Edlsto . do

SI. Helena

do

do

Port Royiil ... .do

(lutfidu the b»r.

Do.

l)u.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do. IiiKidc the iMir.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do. Inside the )>ar: rcpalriuK-

Tuiidtr. Tender.

.do. .do. .do. .do.

T.iidiT. ■['ender.

•Rarpr dn .

• I'»ra iln .

Pw,H-t Brit-r dn .

liRlffKlil dn .

Amaranthiix dn .

Camvlia i dn .

nydranftea \ dn .

• LiRhtninK ' dn .

•Georpp. W. RodRtTH I dn .

•Want dn.

Cimarron I dn .

KrimiriiiK,

hn.

Ilo.

Dn.

Dn.

Dn.

Dn.

IK..

Dn.

Dn.

Dn,

Dn.

Do. KciiairiiiK; tuiuivr. HupHiriiiK'-

Do. Disabled.

• Sailing vesselH.

N W R — VOL 16-

18 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Distribution of ve«iebi of the tSoiUh Atlantic Blockadiwj Squadron (Moiter IS, 1864—

Continued.

VesBCl. Station. ( Ri-markn.

Adger Purt Koyal Coaling.

• VaJpanilHo ,.\ do J Iloepital uhlp.

•Noriolk I^Hi-kui i do , Health ohip.

Irin I I Relieve and (.■ommuniaitc.

Harvest Moon i ^ Special duty.

•Hope I , l>o.

Oleander ' Southern Ptations with storea

Wabash i North.

Marblehead ' North for repain;.

Mohawk i 1 I>o.

Seneca i Do.

Huron i Do,

Unadilla ' Do.

Chippewa I Do.

Rescue , Do.

New Imnflidcf) Do,

•HidniKht Do,

I^ul JoncH Do.

Mahaska Do.

* Supply Do.

Weeha'vken Sunk or Btraiidud.

Housatonk- Do.

•Kinrfshor Do.

Hadgle Do.

Water Witch Captured.

Columbine , \ Do.

•.Sailing vefsuls,

John A. Dahlgren, Rear-Admiral^ Comd<j. South Atlantic Blockading Sqiutaron.

Li'tfer from tht- Sfcrctari^ of the Nary tt> c<nniinindirri( of Mtptadrons re{/ardin(/ the proposed rmportatio}} of foveUjnerH for th<' Confederate Anny.

Navy Department, Octohcr 17^ 1S6J^. Sir: It is reported that an agrcemont has been eifected between the rebel Government and some Europejin power (Poland, it is intimated), by which 8(»,000 soldiers from abroad are to be added to the rebel Army, and that the rebel (iovernment are makinpr arrangements for having built in England some fifty swift steamers, similar to the Cohnel Lainh^ for the purpose of running these soldiers through the blockade.

The Department places little confidence in rumors regarding a scheme so impracticable in almost ever\' feature, and should such be contemplated, we will, without doubt, hear something reliable of it hereafter. In the meantime, however, I communicate the report to you for vour information.

Very respectfully, etc.,

(tIdeon Weij.es.

Secretary tfth'. Navy, Rear-Admiral Jno. A. Daiilgren,

Conxdy. Smith Atlantic Blldy. Squadron^ Port Royah S. (\ Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter,

Conidy. North Atlantic Blhig. Sqwtdnm,, llantpton Roadts, Rear-Admiral D. (t. Farraout,

Comdg. ^e^t Gvlf Squad rtm^ Mohile Bay. Acting Rear- Admiral C. K. Stribling,

&mdg. East Gvlf Blkdg. Squadron^ Key Went,

I

SOrTH ATLAimO BLOOKADITIG SQUADRON.

Ord^^itfthc Sacretiiry of th<i Naay to Rfar-Admirnl PcfrttT^ V. .S'. Naey, nyafdirt^ the U. S. S, Ctnnhrldgt.'.

Na>'t Depart>ient» (htfifwf IS. iS6.^, Sir: OfdiT the U. S. S. Camftridf/t* to pi-oceed off Charleston and rt»pfirt in Ki>Hr-A(linirHl Diihlgnni for duty iti the South Atlantic BlotTk:iding Sqimdmn.

Very respectfully, etc.,

(fiDEON Welles.

StxrtUary oftfie Na»y.

RtMir-Adminil D. 1). Poktkk,

Comd*j. X'trtfi Athniic Btkdg. Squadron, IJavrpt^m Romh,

Onh-r tf Reur- Admiral Dahlgren^ U. S. AWy, to AvtlmjMmt^r Ci^mhu, U. 'N. Xotn/y to proceed to Saiyannah River ntid adjacent sonndajar the collection oj sailA/rs" votw.

Fi«\0-StKAMXR PniUVDELI'IlU.

Port R'xjal IIarhir,\ Ovti^mr lU^ i86^.

Sir: You will proceed with the U. S. S. Jltinv^t Moon under your eonimaiid to Savanimh River, Wa*<saw, Ossahaw, Sapelo, atid Dol>oy, aud (.■onimunieate with the vei*sclH there, in order to collect the *• Miilors' votes'" already distributed fur that puriwf^e. A number of ballots will be g-iveii you, in order to enable th»5 men to vote.

The eonmiandens of vessels will jfive you every facility, iindernlorsi! on vour order the time of your arrival and departure at each station. No detention must occur, as the time U .short. It \ir (Supposed you , accomi>lif*h this purpow* in two duyw or three at the furthest, but fier if po.s.siblp.

Ver}' respectfully, your obedient aervant,

J. A. Dahloken, Rf^ir-Admrntl, Cfmidg. SfnUh Atlantic BifHlfuUmj Sijmtdrfm.

Acting Mawter J. K. CEOSBr,

tjumdfj. r. S. S. flarvenf MfHw^ PitH Royal IfarfM/r.

DtftaiM report of Re/tr- Admiral Dahlgreii^ U. S. Namy. ofloie^t infor- matioti I'eifardiruf the Confederute irrorA'tt and nhi<fnwt.umi< in. (*harli-n- t<m llarh.tr.

No. saiK] Flag -Steamer Philadelphia,

Port Rotjal Jhirlmr. S. C, fh't<Jur UK iSd^.

Sib: Conformably to the wishes *►{ the Department. 1 tmnsmit here- with a Coa.st-Sun'ey planf of Cliiirlest.<in llaibor, upon wliirli are marked positions of the several rebel batteries, .so far as 1 am informed.

Th4;re in no unuertaintv as to their positions, except those <»f two or three small works that lie uear the shore on the left hand (going up), beyond Fort Johnson.

*The t* S. S. Ointifridgr A\^ n«it leave the Xorfolk navy yard until Februarys, 18<*6. She arrived otf Charleston. 9. C, February 12, I8«5. t For map of approached to Charleston »ot> Series I. volume H.

20 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADmO BQUADBOX.

The}' aro not ween from any of our vessels, and there are no means, therefore, of verifyinjr the ditfercnt reports, but they are placed with as much correctness as the information admits pf. All the batteries noted by yellow labels arc <lerivod from the examination of deserters and refugees, and coiiK-ide with those marked on a chart for me in December, 1803, by Major Abert, chief engineer of tliis department, except the battcrv at Haddrcirs I'oint and the battery at Chisolm^s Mills, on the Ashley River, and that at the foot of Calhoun street, on the Cooj>cr River. I have omitted the Imttery on that part alxive James [Island] Creek, as I never heanl of it, and have placed that at Wappoo farther Imck. Major Abert has a Iwttery at a wharf next above White Point, which is probably intended for the English gun.

The armament of the different works is variously reported as to caliber and even number, but not bej'ond what may be re-asonably ex|>ected from uneducated observers not too much interested at the time in what is before their eyes. Taken together, they fix the num- l>er and kind of guns quite as well as soldiers or sailors usually do, and furnish a fair n^presontation of the forc« to lie encountered.

The following may be accepted as my own impressions from the l>est accounts of the defenses of the barlwr, forming one well connected whole, but divisible into three groups, each consisting of a principal work and its accessories: the outer batteries, the middle batteries, and those of the city.

The. milcr ilrfennex.

The west jwrtion of Sullivan's island looks direct!}* upon the main channel as it Iwnds uj) from the roads (where our ii'onclads anchor) and pisses into the lower harlx)r. This is strongly fortiiied and its heavy batteries occupy the whole ground.

First, at the extreme inner end of the island, is Battery Bee, which mt)unts seven cannon, all he4ivy. One is said to be an Xl-inch and the others columbiads (of course Vlll-inch or X-inch guns).

Fort Moultrie is placed at the angle of the island, where it juts out farthest into the channel, and has a free sweep of the water in almost any direction that is accessible to large vessels. It is said to mount eighteen cannon, rifled and smoothbore. What is their exact caliber I am not informed. I have been under their fire several times and know them to be very heavy.

The distance between Battery Bee and Fort Moultrie is from 600 to 700 yards, and they are connected by a continuous parapet, behind which are l»atteries at two points. The first of these is just outside of Fort Moultrie and has three mortars.

Farther on, toward Battery Bee, is a batteiy, which some deserters say is called Battery Marion, the caliber of which I have not heard from good authority.

Next to Fort Moultrie, eastwardly, is a battery said to Iks called RutUxlj^e. It has four guns, two Vlll-inch columbiads and one X-inch columbiad, and also one X-inch columbiad said to be rifled and throw- ing a shot of 3t>0 pounds.

Fort Beauregard, abovit 1,500 yards east of Fort Moultrie; one face extend** across tlie island and looks along it to the eastward, as if to defend it from any attack in that direction. There is only a 34-pounder on this front, and that near the rear beiw^h. There is a i^ront seaward, whei'c are mounted seven cannon, calibers heavy, but only a 7-inch rifle and an Vlll-inch howitzer that arc remembered.

ROITTH ATLANTir BT^OCKABTNO RQHADRON.

91

I

I

I

There aro no )>nttcrieH in tho roarof the site of the Moultrie House, utthe .sjMice lietwcen the Moultrie Housiennd Fort Moultrie is chiefly wcupiecl by liattery Kutledfre, which has live heavy guiiH. One is a lO-iticb rillo (.-thot sjiid to weijfh HiH) ixninds), and another is an \TII- ineh rotuwliind. The other ones iire not known. A platform is said to he in con 8t ruction for the 7(Hi-Tx»under now in the city.

B^'tween lijiitery Rutledjjfi^ aiia Fort Beaurp^fard are two or three sii't;*' nnins, iiiid there is a battery of two mortars between Fort Moul- trie and Batt4'rv Kutledj^.

The works hova Fort IVmurejrard to the east end of Sullivan-s Ishind 1 do not consider as haviiif^ huv iiunortant I)earinj; on the aiiproa^'hes to tli*' harbor by the iiniin Shin ('hannel, but ihey control the ebannel leading alonjr Sullivairs Island and nrevent our boats and light Kt«aiiiers from efFectintf a jw^rfect blockaae there, and also pre- vent our landing on the east end of the island and engineering the rebels out of their works on the western end.

Battery Marshall, which is located at the easterly extreme of Sul- ]ivan*s Island, defends it on three sides from light -[draft] vessels whi4h atone can approach it. It has ten guns; two arc \ III inch cotuinl)iu<ls, two are rifled 3'i-|Kiunders, and the remainder are of small «ilil>er» but are sutHcient to keep boat** and light vessels from appr<»aching seaward or by Breach Inlet, or the interior channels.

lietween Battery MarsHall and Fort Btviuregard, at regular inter- vals of (ltM» or 7(X) yanls, arc four small batteriet*, each mounting two 32-pounders, smoothbore.

The works which may he considered as immediate auxiliaries of tboKi^ on Sullivan's Island in defending the main channel are- First. A Imtt^^ry on Mount Pleasant which has two 10-inch guns. These would entilade vessels in front of and attacking Battery Bee.

Second. The ruins of Fort Sumter, which, if the concurrent testi- mony of rive or six intelligent deserters nui ho relicil on, has three or four heavy cannon on the channel front in the embrasures of the lower casornates nearest the angle. On the 21st July (Jencml Foster and myself made as good an exauainatiou as was possible at a distance of l.oiH) yards from the deck of a monitor; two open eni!u*asure^ weif visible on the lower tier near the noi-th an^Ie. but no cHnnou. If they were mounted, they must have l>een run m. The work Iulh generally had a garrison of 250 men. By means of nmskctry and field guns they could keep t!»> monitois* decks <'lear as they passed^ or prevent the men from making any effort to clear away light obstruc- tions which might otherwise foul the propellers, and they would alsn make it difficult to navigate the channel by keeping the leadsmen and pilots as well as the oiHcers engaged in maneuvering the monitors.

Fort John.son and it«i contiguous Imttcries constitute the

yiddU ffroup uf (Ufenmv tmrki.

Fort Johnson i.s represented b.y deserters to consist of two Itatter- ies, Tynes and Holsten IHarleston], each mounting four cannon. The former has two X-inch colunil>iads and two ritten. one H-inch and the other lO-in<'h. Battery Holston |Hiirloston| has three X-inch colum- biads and a 7 or 8 inch rifle.

On the right of Fort Johnson runs out toward Morris Island a long, narrow spit of sand, on which arc throe small works, known as liattory

I

22 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADlNO SQUADRON.

Simking. The. arumment of theHO hiis I>eeu variously stated. 1 ha\ it aa four mortars, one 7-inch ntlc, and two 32-{)oun(lorH, with a 7 or inch riH<t in a .snmtl ndjacont work.

One tlioiisand vards to the rear of Fort .lolin»on is Battery Ch«vi_^ Itit force I do not know. J presume it lookwriffht and leftof tVrtJobn-

8on and also upon it. Hitnerto it lui.s Wvix used to ilank imr hatterieii ,

on Morris Inland. ^H

In front of Fort Johnson, distant about l,7iX) yards, and on th^H other side of the rhaiinel. is Fort Hipley, a small work on the shoal with two lieavy guuM. oolnniljiad».

Alon^ the .sliore to the lelit of Forl.Fohnson, and before reaohinjj tl city, are eortaiuly two works.

The first is Battery VV ampler, with two X-inch columhiads. Tl , next 13 Battery Glover, witli om* rifle and two srnuothlmres. Tht exaet locution of Batteries Wanipler and (ilover is derived entirelj' from repoi'ts of deserters. They can not Ik; seen from any of ounH positions on the water. ^^M

There is also said t*) be a third Imtterv further on. but this side of the city, the a<*eounts of which are so imlelinit^^ that 1 can do no more than state its prolwible lowility. ^H

The eitv batteries constitute the remaining defenses of the place. ^H

The principal work Is Battery Ramsay, at White Foint, the extreai^^B angle of the city, where the two rivers {Cooper and Ashh'v) unite. ^™

All accounts of refugees and deserters concur that the annanient of this work is considerable, but they differ as to the numlter and cuUIht of the ^uns, as follows, which will also exemplify the variety of state- ments math' in respect to other batteries:

loal

rh^

V. S. (ftin.

1 X Inch.

1 Tite.

8 VUI-lnch cnlutubliuU.

1 XI-lnf<h.

1 X-lQRb.

1 Vtninfh.

S X-inch rolunilifjulN.

1 »-inch rifle.

1 XMnch.

1 s-laeh rifle.

•I X-lncJi colamblaftH.

1 Xlinch.

i coliunbUdB.

2 X-lQcti columbtadH.

In the main, these accounts agree as well a-s can be expected from Kuch .sources, and with sufficient ac<'uracy for all practical purjioses.

One of the Kngli.sh 7W-pounders was phiced here, but gave way under a few discharges* an(i was disintjunteil.

On the left of the White Point battery, about 1,(HX) yards up the Cooper River, at Frazier'n Wharf, foot of Cuiuberland street, n* the other Tou-pounder (13^-inch rifle).

At the wharf of Ijaurens street is a battery which, uccoixling to one person, has one X-inch columbiad, and according to another, has four guns.

At the wharf of Calhoun street is a buttery which, ac<'ording to one person, ha.s one X-iiuh <ijluiubiad. and according to another, some rifled 3*2-i)oundei-8.

In the northerly extreme of the city, looking upon Cooper River, but not iiumediately upon it, is anotlier Iwltery, generally spoken of by deserters as the Half Moon Iwittery. It is said to mount two columhiads.

On the Ashley River, first above W'hite l*oint. is a battery at Chisolm's A.ills, foot of Tradd street. It is spoken of as Battery Waring, and

SOTTTH ATLAWTTC HLOCKAUmo HQPAnKOX,

I

ha8 two columbiafU, hoth of X-ineh. or one of Vlll-inoh and otip. of X-iiich.

Farther up, ivbere the bridjjo crosses the river, ahove the Snviinnuh RaUroad, are said t4» be batteries; one in the cit}', coniinaiidin^ the bridpe, and another on the oppf>sit<5 side of iho river, at .the railroad terminus.

The third work ia placed at Wappoo Creek. The information in regurrl t<» these tfin*e batteries is very seanly and general.

Castle I'iiu'knt'V is iti more ininiediate connection with th*^ works on thi» CVwiper sidr of the river. It was oritrinully very weak, but it in said to he niueh improved. Its urniament is said to L>e one X-ineh, one IXineh, and one 4^-pounder. hut this and its state of defense is imperfeetly known.

A work has been elected on the northerly i>ide of the harbor, at HaddrelPs Point. 2,-li>it yards northeast of ('ustle Pin«kuey. This is well seen from our positions, witli its sinfjle oim, which is said to l>e H riHed 32-pounder.

In the fore^ointc I have placed before the De|>artment the informa- tion u|H>n whu'h I shoidd act in attacking the city or barboi% so far as tJii» Itatteries are concerned.

Irojiriud*.

The rel>el ironelads nuist be ronsidered as movable batteries, and as such necessarily couHtitute a part of the defenses of Chark'stoii and it*} hnrlior.

The choice of positions lies, of t-ourse, with the enemy, and no antici- pation iiin \h? forineti of the exiK't p4)sition where they may i'hoose to aso them. There are tliree ai-tually in c-unm)issioii: the ChUvm^ Pahiiftfo Staft\ ami ChifrUntou, all of thr sjime model, iti which they resemble. Ihe Mcn'lmtU'l\ AUnutit, and Tenutmyo', Tlio accounts of thoH4^ who have served in tht»m generally concur in essiMitiul pointft.

The i'fun'i<isf^fu is the f«'st, and is sai<l to be about the size of the Athjnfa. She is similarly plated, and can go 0 or T knots. She has six guns, two 8-inch ritiea and four rifled i2tKJunders, with a crew of 1 41 1 men.

The Cinetrra is sundlcr; goes -i knots with u clean Iwttom, and luis fonr gims, onr Sinch rirto forwai-d and one aft, with a IX-inch Dahl- givn on each side, and a crew of (JO men.

The Pnliiutto Sfati' is somewhat better tlian the Vhloftn in .size and sp«te<l. with the same style of !>attery.

There is a fourth ironclad, called the AshU'tj^ or Ctthimhra, and said to Itc a (innr vessel than the Chnrh'afon^ pre|)aring for .service, and nearly rcjidy.

Titrptdft hontn.

The rclwls are said to liavo a number of these in Charleston, and the possible use of them sbouhi not pass unconsidered itt the confusion of It genemi attack.

Of/fitrndiou*.

In this sort of defense I would include alt kinds of lx)oms, nettings, rafts, etc.

The information which has been obtained in regard to them is more uncertain, b(^cjiu.so they can lie made and placed po as to avoid the eonmion eye, and all knowledge of them which is valuable is limited to u few personal.

24 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOOKABING SQUADBOK.

Tho only obstructions which were ever plainly in view were the piles extending in a row across the middle gfround oppot^ite Fort John- son. The buo3^8 of tho subiiiorp'd rope netting, between Forts Sumter and Moultrie, were also distinctly visible for some time after the ciipture of Morris Island, and on the day that 1 first entered with the ironclads a small vessel was seen busily occupied between the fortti, no doubt in phicinjj these obstructions.

Our scout boats gi-adually removed the buoys and the nettings, but it is reported that some obstructions have ajjfain been extended from Fort Sumter partially across the channel.

The heavy lx)om of niilroad iron that cxisUid in the harbor was never well understood until the winter freshets washed away parts of it, and they iloated down the channel among the veasels, where they were towed or drifted ashore on Morris Island.

1 never had an adet^uate idea of their chanieter until I saw these frajijments, nor do I believe anyone else had, excepting those who were innnediately concerned in their construction and use.

They consisted of bars of i*ailroad iron connected at the ends by massive links. Each bar was al>out 21 feet long, and was cased nearly its whole leni'th in 8 or 10 large logs, s<iuared and well bound together by iron banas. If T remcnJier rightly, as many as thirty of these bars went ashore on Morris Island, and I was present when a number of them were dmwn up on the beach, still linked together. Tho whole formed a barrier nearly submerged, perfectly articulated by means of the links, and not only difticiilt to overcome, but dangerous U> strike at full speed.

I knew generally that there w^ore obstructions in the channel lK\vond those of rope, near Sumter, but I never could obtain the least particu- lar which would give an idea of what these Imrriers really were in their construction, nor where they were placed, and I have never seen anyone from tho relxd side who knew as much of them a.*» we saw after tlu'y Avero washed away, nor have I seen an3'' person to this day who knew where those obstructions had been placed.

Of tlu' construction of the toriM'does employed by the rebels we are well informed, liut where they nave been plac<»d, orai*e now placed, no one could ever give any information, except a squad of men who fled to our picket monitors one night last February.

They hacf belonged to the six'trial de[)artment who are charged with this >)usiness, and bad assisted in placing the toqwdoes in the harlwr and laying down the wires for the galvanic l>attery in one fort or another, but it was night when the work was done, and they could foini no pi-ecise idea of the spot where tho torpedoes were laid, and they ditfered so nuicli among themselves in this resi>ect that no useful fa<*ts could be ol>tjiined from their testimony.

'i'liey were only certnin that steam boilers contiiining l,tKX) and ^,000 pounds of powder were sunk in ditferent places and the wires taken asliore. an<l that all kinds of torpedoes were changed frequently on account of deterioration l)v dampness.

Besides tiM'se htMivy torpedoes, which are exploded by galvanic wires, there are s»nalh'r magazines made of barrels, with a fuze at the u])per bilge, and conical shells atta4'hed to tlie arms of a floating cross and to franu's tilted upward on one end from the ]>ottom and placed t) or U) feet l>clow thc^ surface, exploding when struck b}' a neavy object, such as a vessel.

I think the Department will be satisHed uiM>n a view of the locality

I

I

anous (irfen-st's ]u>4t onmnornt Charleston harbor is inado, it tshouM hv iimtK- in full forci\

To piwis the firi' of Sullivan's Island at 1.0'M> yards U oul}' the pro- liiiiinnr>': the real Imttlc is to Wg-in aftrr this has iM^ni donL\ and it ts almo!*t Indispf-nsahlo that thp result should bo so favonibh* us to alU)\v thi' Ih'ct lo roumin in the harltor, otherwise no ponimnent nvsult would lw> aehieved. and the v«\ssels must oner more run the >(aiitlet of lire from Sullivan's Island, this time less ahlo to l>ear it and return it than hefnre.

To enter, tht-refore, should mean to l>c entirely suceessful so far its repirdw the inner hatterie-'*. For whieh reason i would sujfgrc.st that Uie attaek Ik* made in full foree.

lAst year the IVpartnient bad Initl^i ironclads available or expected to l)e. Now it has 11 uf one turret and 4 <»f two turrets, Ix'sides the JnmJtiti^^ li'avinp" the Iican^ik'f„ ihifmtl<uja„ and Ail'iufn to keep the James- -bay 4*i guns in all.

In <n'<ler that an attaek .should l>e produrtive of the utnios-tudvanta^'*', it should be made simultanrously by land and sea. The ironclads ciui not spjire a man t<» se<*un' any advantaj^e they may jniin by their lire.

C'onsiderihjj the very redueed nuinlx^r of the reliel troops and the strength of tlic works, together with the need we have of all our force rlsewbere, I was under the inipi-e.ssion that 10,<KX» men (veter- ans) might suffice; but an officer of our Anny, just escaped from Charleston, thinks Ifj.mK) troops would fw needed, and as he 1ms liud nn opportunity of tniversinpf the eit}' and its vicinity in relnd uniform. his opinion is more reliable.

In niakin^r these >U]Lrt;estion8, I am entirely at a loss to shape them by tiie views which the r)e]mrtment um\ have formed mi the sid>jeet, tint 1 think the 1)ei>artment will tind thiit ibey will stand the tent of thr event.

In eontlusion, the Department may be assured that \vhen it shall <leoidi' on the attack, it will be my earnest desire to leave nrt efTitrt untried to realize its nlmo.'^t wishes and niv own.

I have the honor to be, very resp4'cttully, your obedient w»rvant,

J. A. Daiii^okkn, JittaT-A*hnlral, (htitdg. Stmth Athintic HltH-ktulhuj St^Hmhim.

Hon, (tidkon Wellkh,

Sfffr/tirt/ itf ih*' i^nvy.

\ Ot'ffer *»/ Rear-Admiral I}aldgren^ U. S. Navu^ iv Acting ICnst'/pi J)7*y*w, [u S* J^uvy^ to {iMthmt* c&tnmand of U, S, S. Oitat/Mt.

Fi^O-StKAMER PlIlLAOKLPIIlA,

Ihrt Hot/al ilarW, S. ('., (Ktohrr '^i^, l>iOJ!,. , Siu: Vou are hereby detttched from the IT. S. S. IhifftidU mid will pnx'eed by the tirst convoyanec to the aneborajfe ott C^iarleston, and on your arrival you will report to the senior oilieer |)resent for I'om- ^tnurid of the L'. S. S. CaUitjHt, relieving^ Actinj^ Ensign lulgi-en. Verj' resi>eetfully, your obedient servant,

.1. A. Daui.oukn, Rmrr-Adwiraly Cmtuhj, StnUh Athtntic Bh^'kaduuf S,juadf''m,

Acting Knsign A. K. Noyks, IT. 8. Navy,

LI .S. S. DhP^IU, Port Roijni Ihrhnr^ S, (\

26 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Ordei* <yf Rear- Admiral Dahlgr en ^ U, S. Navy, to Commander Thomp- son^ tl. S. Navy, to proceed to duty as senior offi^^er in Stono Inlet,

Flag-Steameb Philadelphia, Pm-t Rtyyal IlarUr, S, C, October 21, 186^ Sib: You will proceed by the first conve^'anee to Stono Inlet, and on your arrival . assume command as senior officer at that place, relieving Lieutenant-Commander J. C. Chaplin, commanding IT. S. S. CoynmoSvre McDvnough, to which vessel you will l>c temporarily attached.

It will be important to keep a watchful eye on any movements or preparation that the rebels may make, so that if at any time a move is contemplated in that direction the best information may l>e obtainable. This will only be perfectly done when not known to the rebels. Let the boats scout at night, and let scouts be landed occasionally on John's Island and pass up above Grimball's house, along the wood above it, where a good view is had of Battery Pringle.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahloren, RenV' Admiral ^ Ctrmdff. So^uth Atlantic Bhnhadintf Stjuudrfnt.

Commander Egbert Thompson, V. S. Navv,

(L S. Ship "Netr Ilampshiri'.

Order of Captain Green, U. S^Navy^to Lletiti'nani-Commafiuier Luce, U. S. Navy^ commanding U. S. S. Pontlac, to j>c'rfifrm duty as con- voy to army transport carry iy^^ prisoners of war.

U. S. Sloop John Adams, Off Morris Island, S. C, October '^^ ISG^, Sir: You will be pleased to convoy an army transport, with prisoners of war on board, from this anchorage to Fort Pulaski, and from thence proceed to Port Royal and report to Rcar-Admiral Dahlgren, or in the event of his absence to the senior officer present, for repaii-s. Very respectfully, j'our obedient servant,

J. F. Green, Captain and Senior Officer off Charleston,

Lieutenant-Commander S. B. Luce,

Commanding U. S. S. Pontlac^ off' Charleston, S. C,

Letter from Rear- Admiral Lahlgren, U. S. Nanj^ to collector of cus- toms, Ililt&n Head, S. C. , regarding the exchange of the prize schocmer Julia for the eloop Jerry Angel.

Fi^g-Steamkr Philadelphia, P<rrt Royal Harhor, S. C, Oetoher^l, 186^. Sir: The schooner JuUa was rigged and fitted up by the U. S. gun- boat /*flw/t^<»ie8 last year, having been one of the numerous small prizes captured in this squadron (date unknown). She has been in the pos- session of the United States naval forces for over a year, having l>ecn used as a dispatch boat between different stations.

SOUTH ATLAIfTIC BLOCKADING 8QUADK0N.

27

On the 23d September, 1864, she was exchanged for the sloop e/m-y Angel at North Edisto, of which John Newman was owner, because the latter was better suited for the particular service of dispatch. Ver)' respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blochidhuj St/imdrmi.

T. C. Severance, Esq.,

CMector^ etc.^ Custom- JTinutt^^ HUUm Head,

I}'n*tr'thut'nin of veftneh of the South Atlantic Blochadi/ng Sfjuadrtm,

October m, 1804,

Vessel.

Station.

Kemarks.

Murrell's Inlet .

Potomska ' Georgetown

Do rape Romain...

*MuiRham Bull's Bay

Adger Chnrlwton

Watnsuita do

Sonoma do ,

Flambeau , do

Mingoe do

Labumnm do

Afacia I do

Azalea ! do

[^tapsco do

Sangamon do

Nantucket do

CatKkill do

Home do ,

•Bnien do

•Adams... do

Clover do

I>and('lion do

Geranium _ i do

GlaiUolus I (If I

.do

.rlo

.do.

Catalpa AmaranthuH Hydrangea .

Mimtauk

McDonoiigh Siono

•Smith do

Stettin Norlli E'listo...

*Penry Dray ion do

• Paratopa St. H*4eiiii

•Wildcat do

•N\-w Hamp^hin^ -. Port Koynl

Pliitfidc'lpliiu do

Pettit do

Arelhu.>« do

rjiniation do

* Hoiiif htun - I do

•Orvittti j do

youth CaroliUH Tyhee IbIhihI ...

ML-inphi:* ' do

•."^wifl do

•Wililams , do

Pa.'S'aic - WftSPaw Hound .

Wisfuihickon ' do

" Thunder do

Flag 0«.«»l>nw

Winnna do

Jonquil _ do

•Fenuindir.a St. Catherine's .

Ixwlona Siipelo

•Allen Dobov

Outside the t>ar. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do.

rxi. Inside the bar. Do. Do.

BS:

Do. Do.

Do. Dn. IM. Do.

Dn.

1)0.

Do.

do , RcpairiiiK.

•Griffith Altamaha ..

•Brazilk-ra St. tiSimon's .

-■'anford

•Perr\-

Ottawa

-Vorwich

Hale

St. Andrew's

Fernandina

St. John'.^

do

do

Mowjuito [Inlel) ..

•Sailing vessels.

Tend IT. Tender.

Ti'iider.

Tender.

28

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADBON.

Distr'ihiiiifm of irtmeh of the SotUh Atlantic Blockeulmg Squadron, Ortober **, 1S64~

Ck)ntinue<l.

Vttw*!.

Station.

Remarks.

Port Roynl

Repairing. Do.

Lehigh

do

Do.

do

Do.

do

Do.

do

Do.

do

Do.

» J'ara

do

Do.

do

Do.

Uaflwl i I

do

Do.

do

Do.

do

Do.

do

Do.

do

do

Kupairlng.

Do.

do

* W« nl

do

Do.

do

Dimbled.

do

Hospital ship. Health ship.

do

Irlf.

Special duty. Do.

• Blunt

• Hope

Do.

North.

North for repaint.

Do.

Do.

Do.

rniuliUii

r>o.

Do.

• M idiiifcli 1

Do.

I>i>.

,.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Di>.

Do.

M HrtKli!

Ho.

Water Witch

Do.

*Sai]ing vctwelH.

John A. Dahl<}rkn, /if'H/'-A<i/umt7, Omidfj. Smith Atlanfic Bhtckadlng Sqiutdium.

licport of Ri'tir-Adnitral DuMgim^ IL S, JVnvy, ackno}ol edging the dirlayrd nn'tml of thf DejMirtment^fi confidential dispatch.

Flagship Philadelphu,

Piyrt Royal Ilm-hor, OcU^ht S2, 186J^.

Sir: I hiivo to inform the Department that only last evening I received the confidential dispatch dated the Uth September. It is marked on the envelope, via Benmida^ and mailed Key West, October s. As the Bermuda was off Charleston on the 14th September with a di-aft of men, I presume the document went with her by mistake to Key West.

However, I only received it last night, and it is said to have come by the revenue cutter Tiitga., which left New York on the 15th October and arrived yesterday.

The Department may be assured that nothing transpires from me of the intended movement, as no one but myself has seen the docu- ments of the Department and the replies arc written by myself.

SOUTH ATLANl'IC BLOCKADIHO SQUADRON. 2^)

R*ar-Ailniinil Karnijjul Ims not nrrivrtl hero yot, and t4>avoRl doky iu meeting iinu I iviiiuin ut thU ]>luco,

I httvc the honor to Ik;, very rcKiMH't fully,

J. A. DAMUiUKN,

Jii^r-Aflfnifi/, O'ffiidij. Sout/t Atlantic lUockfulitti^ tSqumhtm. Hon. (f. Wku.kh,

Orficr of Bf^r- Admiral Dcthhrrvn^ U. S. Xant/^ t*i Ltenittnant- Ctrni- manner Sto/uf,. fJ, S. Xari/^ cum/titfnt/t'iuj if, S* S, VimortVJi^ to atsuatc CQmviand of the SatHinnah hhn'K'adi:.

FlAU-StEAMKH riULADELPIlIA,

Port Umjiil ]tnrh>r. S. ('., CMtf^M-ri*-*, JSa4..

8ik: You will proorod as soon lus (lie w(*athor iwrniitw, with tlie Otrntirnm under your comniantl, to Savannah Kivcr and take charj^c of the h1oc-ku<lf at timt place.

You will ohtain fnwji the .senior officer proHont all the inforniation that will Ixt useful in csirrviii}^ on thit< duty and in kitrptntr a vigilant eye on the uiovoraents of tfie oncm^' and the (•i>ndition of hi.< defenses. S**nd soout-s to tho front to uKsi-rvi' the ^tatt* of the hhiiu*. Y'ou will forward to uie all des*^rtersand information without delay. Verj' respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Daiilukkn, Rftir- Admiral, Cwndtj. South Atlanti4: Blockadintj Sfpuidron.

Ijii^utenunt-t'oMiniander E. K. 8Tf»NK.

t'omtnandin'j C. JS, S. Vifnarron, Port Rotjal^ *'?. C

CJ^uint/ OJnAur*) *ff thti British Hietinnfr H*fra^ off J^ort Jfouttric. Oclo-

B«port of Kaar-Adniral Dfthlgren. U. B. V^tj. tranimittiiig additionftl Information.

No. .150.) Fla«-Steamkr IIarvkst M(K)n.

(imrh'Kfon /^/>nd*i, Ntfrrmht^r .'7, JSfi^, Sir: I enclose for your infonnution a reptirt in ri'gard to the dosti*in*- tion of ft Brili.sh Idoikade runner, .said to hv tJie Flt^ro^ on the nin^lit of the -jad, marking: !i pas.s)i^eat>eonlidcntial, whieh it is important 5:h*>uld

■ not Ik; known to the rebels. Sinre that, another vessel attempting to como out was driven l>ack liy the inside IdiK-kade.

I do not recognize in tho consular dispatches any account of thti above vessel.

thuve the honor to fn-, very resixsctf uHy, your obedient stirvant, * J. A. Pahujrkn, •ar-Adihirof, Vomdff. Hi/uth Athntlc Blockadifti/ Hf/uadron, JiDEON WkLLES,

30 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADIKG 8QUADBON.

Beport of Captain Oreen, 17. B. HaTy, unior officer off Charleston.

U. S. Ship John Adam8, Off Morris Island^ South Carolina^ Oct(ker 31, 186^,

Sir: 1 have respectfully to report that the blockade runner which was run aground off Moultrie on the night of the 22d instant by the picket launches was the Flm'a^ with an assorted car^o, which was ino«tly lost, according to an intercepted rebel telegraphic dis*patch.*

The proceedings or the outside blockade to intercept her are stated in the accompan3nng reports of Commander Patterson and command- ing officers of vessels wno saw her on her i>assage in.

The Mingoe, the fleetest vessel on the blockade, failed to fire a gun or to slip her cable to go in pursuit of her.

The inside picket launches discovered her in good season and opened fire on, and causing her to run aground on the southern bank of Maffit's Channel; up to this time everything was well done b\' the inside blockade.

lumiediately after she grounded, Acting Master Ricker proceeded to the ]*atapi<('o and infonned Lieutenant-Commander Madigan, com- manding the advance picket monitor, of the fact of the steamer being aground. She remained aground until daylight unmolested, when the advanced monitors opened fire upon her and were soon after followed by the batteries on Morris Island.

I endeavored to have her set on fire, but failed to accomplish it, owing chiefly to the shallow and rough water on the bar where she was grounded. I also directed that an attempt should be made to capture a rebel boat which, 1 learned from an intercepted rebel dis- patch forwarded to me bv Brigadier-General Scanunon, intended visiting the wreck on th(> night of the 25th instant. This project also failed.

From the best information I can obtain, I am of the opinion that Mr. Gilford did his whole duty in a highly creditable manner, and that if he had had the cooperation of five or six men like himself more would probably have been accomplished.

1 would not reconnnend any further investigation of the proceedings of the inside I)lockade, as this was the first experience of the parties in an afl"air of this kind, and I have no doubt they will do better on the recurrence of a similar opportunity.

I also enclose herewith reportsf from Lieutenant- Commanders Mad- igan and Barrett. Ijieutenant-Commander Lewis omitted, previous to his departuie from this anchorage, to forwaixl to me his report agreeably to niy directions, and I would suggest that he may be directed to forward it to you.

Very respectfully, your obedient ser\'ant,

J. F. Green, Captain and Senior Officer off Charletttfm.

Kear-Admiral J. A. Dahl*;ken,

(hmuiandhuj South Atlantic lilockadlnij Sqwtdnm.

*It is very inipurtaiit that the rebels should not [know] that we intertrept their tel^ranit^. — J. A. IJ.

t Not found.

ATLAMTIO BLOC'fcADLNG SQCADBON. 31

«port of Comtn&Dder Cret^faU)!!. U.-S. Navy, oommaQdinf^ U. B. fi. HiDgo«>

U, S. S. MlN(iOK,

off Charlf9i4m, S, C, fM^^h,:r ^4, JSt^l

-2d,

L'lork,

the iiorth-

imov

about lake Shoal, a gun wa« tired \>y tho Wmuitiitfa at a blofkatif. niiiiior. She pju^sed \w no (juirkly inshore that Iwfore I i-ould slip or ^I't 1113* broadside to l»ear she wjuj out of sight. ThU iM'ing the iirst Ijlockador Wf had si'tni at iii^ht, it created rorifuMon, whiih uolayed the promptness which would have otherwise rtTrrtuallv sti)j)jfrd her. The olficMT then in charge of the deek wns Atiinj,' Jla*ter rulhnan, liad only reported the day picvious for duty, uiid >vHs itiexperieneed in rej^ard to the details i>f urdcrs regardiui^^ blot-krde runners.

\ ery rc*pcctfully, your obedient servant^

J. Blakelet Crkiohton,

Couufuindcr. C-onimunder T. H. pATTKit«)N,

Senliir <{^<:<rr Offxhn-c ISfmk^di;,

Baport of Commander Fattenon, U. 8. Havy, lanior officer off Charleitos Bar.

U. S. S. James AixiERf f)ff Chnrh-^futt B<tr, Ocfi^t il','!, /.V6'4.

Sik: In reply to your ('onimiinieation nf the ^4rth instant, a1>out *.) p. ni. of the 2iJd instjuit the WftiHuutfa di«coverc<i u bloekado ninner jfoinjr inward. Slie immediately slipped, (ired at her. and made the signal iiidieatin^r a vcsst-l jj:()inir*)ntwiird, whiih, thoujrii very tsoon recti- tied by hrrpieket bunt, en.^ntw some confusion and luu-tntainty as to the course of the stranger. After tirin^f our broadside at tho blockade ninnrr shi* wii.s nut si*en ayuin I)y tlie M'tn/tftftn, Itoin;( obscured by ihe Mnoki' from the jifiins <tf the latter until >*he had ruti out of sight.

The V/'/it/itt'. the next ves.sel to the westward, saw but did not lire nt ihr stranjje f>t4*auier. and Commander Creighton savs in his report. '' She parsed in s<i tpiickly iti>shore that before I tx>ul(l slip or get ray brottdsidt* t4i bnir shi' was nut of sight.'*

The Lithiinn/H4^ lyii'K '" -^ fathoms to the westward of the Mingoe^ and heading at the time N. W.. discovered right ah(Mui the spray from the naddtcN of a steatuer, without being able to distinguish tho vessel: Hn*(l her port bow gun at, and then lost sight of ln'r, slipix'd. :<tooa inshore, and after standing in a short distance inought the strange steamer out from imder the land and saw her for a moment bearing W. S. \V.

The (f'tj'tiufniii^ to till' st>uthward and westward ol" the Lithurnum. seeing the sigmil made by the ir«///ww//^/ and hearing (he_gtins, weighed her anchor, ^^tood inshore, and immediately after the Laburnum tired discovered the blockade runner on her port bow; tireU two shots at, and then lost sight of hrr.

The Sntiotuii^ with every pre|>aration made, was at anchor to the tfouthward an»l westward of Breach Iidet. with a picket boat inside of her. neither of which saw anything of the bloi-kaae ruuuer.

The Anu-iii slipped and stood inshore, but failed to discover uay- thuig, and fired several shots at random.

32 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOGKADHrO SQUABBOIT.

The yizaha^ the most western vessel, when the proper signal was miide indicating a vessel **going inward," slipped, and after standing in a short distence discovered what appear^ to be the spray from the paddles of a steamer and opened nre, but did not chase, as the object fired at was too far past her to cut her off.

Al)out 10: 30 p. ni. signal was made by the Wamsutfa's picket boat, vessel ** jjoing outward,' but it was a false alarm, she having mistaken the (rtranhirn^ which was underway in the vicinity, for a vessel run- ning the blockade.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. H. Patterson, Coiuutamli'i' and Senior Ojfi^ei' Pi'csent off Cftarlestofi Bar,

Captain .1. F. (irekn,

Scniai' Officer off Ckarle»ton.

Beport of Lieutenant-Colonel Amei, U. B. Army, Third Bhode Island Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Department of the South.

Office Cihef of Artillery, Department of the South,

MmTf'ft hhiytd. South (Utrollnu^ (hither £4-^ 186^.

Sir: 1 have the honor to I'oport that at tbiylight on October 23 a largr side-wheel iron steamer, with two smokestacks, was discovered ashore opposite Battery Rutledge, Sullivan's Island, she having run on a shoal at that point during the night. This vessel was painted lead color, was very long, and appoarcfT to be of light draft. She is probably of about 700 tons l>uracn. The first shot tired at her was from the picket monitor; Fort Putnam opened at the same time with two ;3(i-pounder I'arrotts, striking her on the quarter at the second shot. This was tlie tirst shot that struck the blockade runner from either army or navy. Hattory ChatHeld opened with a 300-pounder Parrott; tlie third shell from this gun passed through the starboard wheelhouse into the vessel and expK)ded, tearing the wheel and wheelhouse all away and breaking up a large portion of her works amidships. Fort Strong opened with three 100-pounders, striking her many times in the hull and on her decks. The navy also kept up a fire upon the vessel from two monitors, doing the steamer much damage.

The name of this vessel was tne Flora; she was, no doubt, running into Charleston at the time of getting aground. Slie now lies a com- plete wreck. This vessel was disUint from Fort Putnam 2,700 j'ards, from Battery ChatHeld 2,600 yards, and from Fort Strong 3,500 yards.

The following amount of ammunition was exi>en(led in destroying that steamer: Port Putnam, 80-pounder shell, 3H; 24-pounder snell, 22. Batterv Chatfield, 3(X) poundershell, 7. Fort Stiong, liM>-pounder shell, 77. 'fotal, 144. Ninety -eight of these shell struck the vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Wm. Ames, Lifuf4iiaiit-(\>hnui Third Rhode InUmd Artillmj^

(■hf if of Artillery^ Department ofth^i South.

Lieutenant Thomas J. Kobinson,

Acting Amistant Adjutant -General.

BOTTTH ATLAKTIC BLt>CKADnrG SQUADRON.

^rfuyrt (ff Rmr-AdmirttJ DahUjrrn^ f. S. yurij. rajardhuj Uu lumi- lA^tion of Confedftuite torpatio bfMif at Savanna/i and th^ furward- iwj ofth*' same to Mobde,

No. 533.] FiAG-StEAMKK PlIILADKLPniA,

I'ifi't Royid JInrhur. S. C Octnhtw 2^, /A'6'4. 8i«: Deserters recently arrived from Savarumh i-cport that a t^^rpeilo Kiat ba.s just l>eon linished at that plurr and iininediat4*Iy sent to Mobile b_v ruilmad, which it may be well to know there.

AIw) that the Union pri:ionei's have been removed \H mile« from Savannah.

I havf the honor to be, very respectfully, yourobediont servant,

J. A. Daulgren, liear-Aiimirai^ Comdy. South Atf-antw Bluckadin^ St/uadrt/n.

Hon. (iiiiKON Wkij-ks,

Secretary ttffhc Navy.

Order itf t\ipt4tln (rreen, U. S. yatyy^ to ritmmnnduifj officers of morU- tur9 regording nitjfU giynalu yurninh^Hi to the army.

U. 8. Sloop John Ai>am8,

Off .)forriM htand^ South Corolim, Oct^J^r 37, JS6I^. The cHtabliKhed night signals for v'ranis in sight and near" and "liloi'kade runners goin^^ out'' have been furnished to the army, which, in the evi*nt of cither J>eing neen at night, will I)e signalized fitrtn (.'umming's Point to the advance niunitors.

The commanding otficer of wich monitor will take a copy of this order.

J. F. (fnEEN, Oaptnin and Senun' Ojict-r off ChaHmton.

CoaruANDiNi; OFKirEfts of Monitohs.

i

I

Order of lirar- Admiiid Daldgrt^t^ U. S. Ntivy^ to Captatn Green^ U, S. yhr^f to furnish li^t qfiVMiin'/j* t/taf have jniMied or att^'mpt^d to ptitis the Uockade ginct' AufjtttMt 7, JS6^^

JbYAG-SXEAMER PnilxADELPUlA,

Port Royal Jinrhnr. Octfjber 27, 186J^, Src: 1 send you the Iris; tin* S>r.i*-f Bri.-r will follow by sunset There \» information of a gunlnwit in the Pedee iiearlv readv tti come down to (ic<irgctown with at least two heavy guns. Warn tne Flam- beau not to be surprised.

I shall send up there the Canandaiijua or Pawft^- as soon as either 18 ready, which may not )k: before Sundav next.

Please to send me a list of all vessels that have passed the blot'kade or have been prevented from doing so by Iwing driven back or run oehore sin<'e August 1 lust.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

.J, A. DAnrxiBBN. litttr- Admiral, (*oind*j. S*Htth Affantic Iit4tvka<liny Stpuidwm.

Cnptain .Ioheph F. Green,

Str/iior Offrt'r Presfnt off Charlc^t^m.

N W R— VOL 16 3

34

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING 8QUADK0N.

RtjMtri Iff Vomvmnder Cretj/hiftn^ U. S, Naoy^ contmandinff V. S. S. Jain^oe^ Tegardlng edntaltie^ to th/it Hfmfl durintf a ffah.

U, 8. S. MiNiMJK,

Off CharhMon. S. C, Ovt^J/t-r ^S, 1S6^.

Sik: Ijiist night, at 9:30, whili* iit my station to the northward of

Rnttlosnnko Shoal, in H fathoms of water, with 11 stormy wind from the southwiii'd and westward, with a hoiu'v ^i-a i)rpakin|; when* I h»id, rindinjf th*' sliip drifting. I liove up my anchor to shift my borth in deeper water. Whik* eattinjj tbe atiehor. a sea wivshed overboard the captuin of tlie fonM!a.stle. I stopped. and while lowerinif a hoat. struck heavily on the t>ottom. 1 .suceeedcd in getting oif and rescuing the man. hut on the lx>at's return to the vessel she capsized and was lost, hill the rrt'w and all were gttt on Ixiard. Not knowing what damajr'' I init^'hl have siisljiiiied. and [realizing] that my anchors were tiK* light for tfie gale then blowing. I concluded to keep umlerway. and tx^ward morning found my tiller was broken otT from the rudder, to which it is joined l>y iron bands en.st to the rudder. I succeeded in steering her with tile iron tiller o\\ the sjHir deck, but that Imike. I have another. but with the iron tiller she steers so wildly that I do not think it safe, and, like the others, it may l)r(>ak at any moment. The engineer reptu'ts al>o that the working of the ship last night strained the expan- sion jt)int, scalding one of the men, and by Ihi^ working of the hun"i- cane cleck broke the whistle pipe. The wnole fmnie of the engine is loose. A further report from the engineer will be sent as soon as it cau be made out.

I am, sir. very i*espet:tfully, your obedient servant.

.1. Blakeley Cueiguton.

Corntnander, Commander T. H. Patterson,

Senior (ificer Onimd^ Bhu^kad*'.

Reptfrt of Rivtr-Admlnd DaJdifrfm, f\ S, Nifrvt/, riff/arddnff fftmeral maftfrs jh^rfaijiint/ to hh vojntuand.

No. 543J Fuaci-Steamer Fiiiladelphia,

J*ort Roijal ffarhor. S. T.. (h-tt^^r ?^f), imJf.

Sik: I l>eg leave to acknowledge liuving received thn Uepartment's <oitunxiniention of the 0th instant, enclosing copv of a dispitch* ti> the State Department, dated the :i4th ultimtt. relative t<» the arrival and deixuture of blockade runners at and from the blockaded ports, in which I oliserve that Charleston is included.

I regret to say that this represents about the best that can be done with toe present fi»rce. when taken in connection with the blockade runners that ha\e Iwcn driven l»ack or destroyed. The Priucr Albert^ Mitry Jitnr,rft. and the ('it/utimKr have been stranded and sunk, as well as a tine large steamer which was driven ashore on the shoal side of the chaimel opi>osite Sullivan's Inland on the 2*2d instant. The latter was principally effeile<I by the picket boats.

I have I>een compelled fur the want of something better to orgsmize two divisions of Inesc, and thev, with the lugs, run dose in by the batteries at night, at the risk o{ being pelted witii grape.

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING 8QUADR0W.

I I

The tuj;^ AutnranffniM ha,*; junt been sent (l<>wn for rejMurs. an fS or H» inch shot having- (Missed through her, and not far from her boilers.

In thi» connection I hnve aUo to acknowledge the rweipt of the ooni- niunicatioD in regard to a design for passinK m troops to reinforce the relieU.

I bejf leave to say that the bloeknde of some of the ports south of Oijiiabaw is very weak, such as St. Catherine'ei, Dohoy, Altaniaha, and 8t. SirnonV, where the niiiiti ehannelf* are each held by a siiijfie sailing ves!*el. as the Department will see by the seminictnthty returns, while on each side in a wide soopc of water, acoessiWe to light-draft steaniern, such as run into Charleston. AtSipeioand St. Andrew's are steamers.

The blockade at Charleston uionopollzeti all the best vessels, and the continued service there keeps niajiy of them untU'r repair.

At this time, when most needed, four of the tincst steamers arc here in the band>i of the mechanicH: The Vanan<ini<(iut^ Pttu^twe^ Ponfitw^ and y^ipsfC,' also the Dal Chlruj and three large tugs, AnmntnthvM^ Stpt^rf Brt*'/\ and Caiiwiht. The L(ih\trmnn has broken n fan of her pnjpeller; and* when these return, others demand attention.

'file Cimamm is doinvf duty with one boiler, and when the J«im<'^ Aiifjer goes I lose the best seagoing ste^imer, licarly a« fa-^t as the Ptmttav and }f ingot., but ctipable of keeping the sen in any weather^ and ain cany at leaflt thirty days* coal.

Georgetown will also re({uire more force, as I have information that a gunboat is building in the Pedee, and may l>e expect4>d down before long, raid to carry eight guns, two of them heavy; so the Paumet^ or Canon d'l it; i/ti must go there to blockade her.

1 had contemplated a move on the (ieorgetown batteries, and had [lined the locality with a view thereto, but (Vtmmander CV»lvoro- . whom I had designed to bear a chief part, and had made the preliminary examination, l>eing withdrawn, and then the Wahun/i with ter large crew. I found it beyond my meant*.

I have the honor to bi*, very respectfully. y<tur <»bcdient servant,

J. A. n.AHIXSKEN,

Rt^tr- AdmiTai ^Cmndg, Smitk Atlantic Bl^>ck<tding S'/uadrfm.

Hon. GiPEOjj Wellrs,

Seeretarij of the Ntl^yy.

Order of Ri'tir-Adminil Dohl</ren^ U. S. Novy^to CmnvHVtider Patter- son^ JJ. S. A'aey, commitnding 17. S. S. JamfH Adger.. to proceed to dtUy at Wilmington^ ^. i\

Flagship Philadelphia. Port Royid I!ovlm\ Ovi^^hyr ^5, ISGk^ Sir: The Navy Department informs luc that the Qtmhridtjt^ has heen onlered here for duty.

When relieved by that vessel, you will, by order of the Navy Department, proceed without delay to the coast off Wilmington, N. C, ana rejKirt to the senior otHcer ])rej<ent for duty in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Ri'spectfuUy, your obedient sei'vant,

.1. A. DAinxiREN, Rtar-Admirtih Vtrmdij. i^mth AtUmtii' Bt<x'kad4,ng tS^uodnm.

Commander T. H. pATTKutiON,

Sfniw O fiver Prfneitt off Vharl-fMim Bar, fhtttr Blochtd,-.

36 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOOKADOrG 8QUADB0N.

Order ofRear-Adiniral DaM^-en^ U. S. ^atry^ to Cominand^r Harri- son^ if. S. Navy^ enjommg vigilance against the escape of Confeder- ate gunhoatfrom the Pedee Mvoer.

Flag-Steameb Philadblphia, Port Royal Harbor, S. C\, October S9, 186^, Sir: You will proceed with the Canandaimia under your command to the entrance of Winyah Bay and relieve the Pavmee, handing Com- mander Balch the enclosed order.

I have been informed that the rebels have built a gunboat on the Pedee, which may be expected to come down as soon as the river is high enough. She is said to be of light draft and to carry eight guns, of which two are X-inch. The accounts muy be exaggerated^ but it is well to be prepared. You will take position in the channel and prevent the vessel from getting out to sea.

I wish you to send a boat occasionallv to scout the shore to the Santee, and observe if any attempt is made to fortify North Island or South Island and inform me thereof by the first opportunity.

You will direct the Flanibean to return to Charleston and report for duty there, first receiving her pilot.

There is a fisherman on Nortn Island who has given useful informa- tion, and may continue to do so; give him a ration if he is serviceable in this way.

You may rate the pilot, Prince Coit, at ^0 per month. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Admiral^ Coindg. South Atlantw Bh)ckadmg Squ^bd/ron^

Commander N. B. Harrison, U. S. Navy,

Commanding U. S. S. Canandaigua.

[Enclosure.]

Flag-Steamer Philadelphia, Port Royal. Harbor, October 29, 186J^. Sir: On the reporting of Commander Harrison, commanding the Canandaigua, you will transfer your pilot to that vessel and proceed to Charleston and report to the senior oflBcer present for blocKade duty there.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlqren, Rear- Admiral, Coindg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Conmiander G. B. Balch,

Coviniandtng (J. S. S. Pavynee.

Detailed report of Captain Green, TJ. S. Navy., senior officer of Charleston, regarding vessels that have pajfsed or utt^nnpted to pass th^' blockade suive Augmt^ 186^..

U. S. Sixx)!' John Adams, Ojf MtrrriM lsla?id. South Carolina, Octolni' 31, 1864-, Sir: In compliance with your order of the 27th instant, I respect- fully submit the following statement of vessels that are known to nave

aorTH ATIAHTIO BlOCKADrKft SQPADRON.

37

61)

I

Lsod the hlockad*^ of (hin port or have boon i)revent*«(i from doing-

.sini-e the Ut of Aufriisi hust:

Aueui^t 1». At dii3'li^ht a i>ioi«'lIei* hUianifir wax diHcovoit'd it^roiuul off \u)ultrit'. .Shf was svi on fire and dej<troyed I>v sholb from the OfUl-iU uud batteries on Morriit Island. She proved lo be the I*)'inei' AfhfTt, t>ound in.

Aujfust 31. The side-wheel steamer Mary RmPtrn^ ninnitijj in, Mtrurk the wrtHjk of thr (itorijituui off Ijong T.stand and sank. She waw dis- covered hv the oiitfciide fleet at daylijjht.

S*»pt<»nil»er H. A lar^je side-wlu'el steamer run nut through Malhll's Channel. She was tired uiKia hy tin' picki't iKiutw with musketry, mid sig^nal made insitU^ " Blockade mnnor going out," but she was notseen by the outiiide vessels.

September 5. Steamer, outward bound. hp!aded off and obliged to put battk.

Septembers. Deserters from CharleJ^ton report blockade runnel's Zhnuil^ S(/ren^ Fot^ and Slatf inside.

SepteuiWr Jt. Steamer ran out. She wa** fired upon repeatedly by the Amaranthuit inside and by the Azalea outwidf and escaped.

(k'tolwr 5. A side-%vheel nteamer attempted to run out and was turned book by the picket launch.

(X'tol)er fi. At daylieht a large side-wheel steamer was distiovered .sunk ne^r the wreck of the Geitrgianu off Ivong Island. She proved to be the ConMarn^ey and was bound in.

October t>. A side-wheel steamer attempted to run out and was driven Iwrk by the picket Iwints. A large screw sti'amer run in and afterwards a .side-wheel yteanier ran out; neither were seen by the outnide bltx^kade.

Octol)er s. A side-wheel .steamer nin in and another wa.s driven

by the picket launches; neither were seen outside, ^^tol>er ]l*. A bimrkade runner nmde her appearance near Sumter, evidently with the intention of running out. and went up the harbor just before the m<Hm ro-se.

Oc'tober 2*i. A large side-wheel steamer, running in, was driven Bgronnd off Moultrie by the picket launches and the next day destroyed by shells from the monitors aud the batteries on Morris Island, ^he proved to be the Fhtnt. A steamer also attempted to nm out, but turned back.

Octolier 24. A steamer attempted to nin out, but turned hack. Very respectfully, your oljcdient servant,

J. F. (tREEX, Captain <ind Senior Offcer off C/utrlenf^yn.

Kear- Admiral J. A. Dahlgrex,

OomvMnding South Atl-antic Bi<fe/rading S^uadnni.

aiier ^ outsi ■ Oc ■tack

\

Orr/^r of Rear- Admirai' DahJfjn^i^ U, S. Navy^ to Acting Volunt/ier Lieuieiuint Stcoiin^ U, S. Navy, to astfum*- command vf the U, S. S. l^idimAs at SapeliK

Flag-Steamer i*nn*ADELPHiA. Pin-t Royid ITarlnn; S. C, Oetoht' SL 1S6^. Sik: You are hereby assigned to the comuiand of the l^pdwui^ now at Sapelo, and will repair thither by the tirst convenient ()pportunity.

38

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOOKADINO SQUADBON.

You will expedite as much as possible the work of cleaning her >)Ottom, now being performed by the divers.

He vigilant in observing the rebel movements in the vicinity, and any attempt on the Lodona by torpedoes.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Admiral^ Gmady. South At1>antic BlorJcading Sq^iadron-.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant R. P. Swann,

Commanding U. S, S. Potonittka^ Pt>rt Rftyal Ilarfnf^r^ S. C

lyistrihut-fmi of VesseJ^ of tJie South Atlantic Bl'Ockadi/fig Sqiiadron^

N<mend>€T 7, 186^

Venel.

Cunandaigtia

Do

• Maugham

Pawnee

Adger

DafCblng

Pontlac

WaroHUtta

Sonoma

Flambeau

Mlngoe

Laburnum

Acacia

Axalea

Patapaco

Sangamon

Catakill

Nabant

Home

• Bnien

'Adams

Clover

Danclellon

Geranium

Glaflfolus

Ctttalpa

Amarantbuti

Hydrnngea

Bwect BrltT

Iris:

Montauk

McDonough

•Smith

Stetlln

• Percy Drayton .

• Saratoga

• Wildcat

New Harapehlre .

Philadelphia

Pettlt

Arolhusa

Carnation

•Houghton

•Or%-etta

•Sea Foam

Cimarron

Memphis

Swift

*:\VllIlam8

l^ssalc

WiMablckon

• Thunder

Flag

Winona

Jonquil

• Fernandlna — Lodona

• AHen

•Griffith

•BimilUen

Station.

Murrell'a Inlet .

Georgetown

CapeRomaln...

Bull's Bay

Charleston

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

Stono

do

North Edisto..

do

St. Helena

do

Port Royal

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

Tyboc Island . .

do

do

do

Wasaaw Sound

do I

do ' Tender.

Omabaw

do

do

St. Cathertnt

Sapelo

DoDoy

Altamaba . . St. Simon's..

Remarks.

Outidde the bar.

Do.

Do.

Do.

iHi.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do. Inside the bar.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do. Repairing.

Tender. Tender.

Tender.

•Sailing vemi'i.

,l0HX A. Dahuirkn, Rear- Admiral, Viftndg. South Atlantic Blm'kadlmj Sipnuhtm.

k/rl of Hear-Admiraf D(ihl<tren^U. S. Na/vy^ mtgge»ting mm*etnentti tht^ ocntpaihm of the territory het^peen the Pedrf and Santetf rn^rn tut ft Invte.fifr fvrtfwr <iptfr<itUMttt.

CoitH<icntial. I U. S. Flaoshii* Hauvkht Moon,

f 'hiirfeMftru RtMuh^ Xor<fnJftfr'^y I8G4-

Sir: This will Im' hdiulpd to the Do|mrtim*nt hv Mr. Ward, who has very n'contly lli'd fmni his bcinip in South CHnilitni. Hf ivprcsputsto me that he lived at Kitif^striM' (W'illimiishurj^ County), on the North- eastfTit KnilnmH. Ii'udiit|r lUH-tti from (!hurloston, and has tonsidomhic pniperty there in land ami otherwise; slale.sthat he hasnlwavs Ujen a Union nuin and has now ahandoned home and property rather than Mervo in the relwl Anny, whieh was about to he forced on him hy con- He h)W taken the oath of aUetrinnee, and his acciuaintunee

.

cnpti

40 80UTH ATLANTIC BlOCKADING SQUADEON.

with the country where he resided may l>e turned to eood account if the Government is disposed to the undertaking. Mr. Ward states that the rebel armies derive larj^e supplies from his neighborhood in cattle and other food. It is notorious that Georgetown is a principal rice district, and the crop is yet on the ground. Quite i-ecently the boats of the Pototiiska destroyed a large quantity in the stack on the Santee.

By pa.ssing up the Santee the [Northeastern] Railroad, which crosses it, can be severed, for which boats will be chiefly used in connection with a sniiilJ party of cavalry ascending the Pedee and its banks with a mixed force. The [Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta] Railroad, leading to Wilmington, is to be cut at Mai-s Bluff, [S. 0.].

These movement, executed rapidly, will prevent all aid from Charles- ton or Wilmington and permit the occupation of the territory between the two rivers, which may serve as a base for further operations. The Santee is open. To enter the Pedee, Georgetown will be first occupied, which can certainly be done without incurring much detention, its channel being defended by a battery of ten guns, two of which are X-inch.

This I can venture an opinion upon, having already given it much attention and had a reconnoissance made with the view chiefly to destroy the gunboat said to be building up the Pedee, as well as to ascertain how Florence could be reached in case the Government had any idea of making an attempt to release the Union soldiers held there as prisoners.

Mr. W^ard's familiarity with the country and its roads offers an unexpected facility which might be turned to good account at this season, and, if successful, might develop even better results than those which appear at first sight.

One tning 1 would urge earnestly — that entire secrecy be observed. It may be set down as equal to half the force necessary otherwise. I believe all the information that regards roads is in possession of Mr. Ward, and I have what is required to enter the Santee and George- town.

The season is propitious if the action is prompt. I give Mr. Ward a few lines of introtluction merely, and have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Admiral^ Commanding.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretai'y of the Na/mf.

R^ort of Rear -Admiral Dahlgren^ U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival at Port Royal, S. CV, of the U. S. Ship St. Lmm.

No. 547.] Flag-Steamer Harvest Moon,

Ckarlestim Rmda^ S. <?., Nfycemher S^ I864. Sir: I have to inform the Department that the U. S. ship St, Louis arrived at Port Royal on the 2d instant for duty in this squadron, and I enclose reports showing the condition of the ship.

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

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading SqvAid/nm.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary of the Navy.

41

of R*vir'AiIfnirtii fhihl/jntu (\ S. Nmn^^ to Lieutenant' Com - i/tOfUUT <%n4'tuy /'. A'. Snrtj^ itnuttuindlmj v. S. S. Dai Vhijttj^ U> prttcvy/ to *Sf, Afidrt'if'/t t<mmd.

Flag-Steamer Jf arveht Moox, rhorU'ston RtHnh\ S. C, N/^retfih^'f 4, 1S64.

Siu: You will prot-eotl with the Dai (.'hhitf to St. Andi*ewV, [{la.), ln<l ivliovo the I'. S. S. Mary Stinford^ n-ri'ivinj? ht'i* pilot. If she hiw [one. and niiy informutiun that ho iimy have to eoinmiiiiicate.

] wish that artinty lOrtv l>o encoumjfcfl anions the officers nnd crew [by jutiiiious i'Xpeditions into the inlund waters thiit hit contiguous, i

Very rpspectfiilly, yotir obedient wprvant,

J. A. DAnLGREN, Rt¥ir-Adimroi, Comthj. Smith AtUintu\ Blitekliuj isqiuulrtm.

Lieutenant-ConimuTider J, C. Chaplin, U. S. Navy,

Coiamandlng U. S. S, Dai Ching,

\jit'^frt o/ RfMir- Admiral Dtthlgrmt^ U, S. Nat*y^ triin»mitiitnj report of Amtijituut J'di/iHtMt-er Tultl4S^ U* S. JVtM*i/^ regarding tA^ttf^ntrtifdojut tn CfutrUttott Ihirhfr.

io. 548.] Flag-Steamer Harvest Moon,

Ckarltifttan Rmd><. S. (\, Nor^rnhf-r 4^ 1.%%.

Sir: Since transmiUinjr lo the Dpimrtim-nt a reply in rey:ard to the >b&lnictions in the hurl>or of Charleston, I have received the enclosed >ru Assistant PuvnuusliT Tuttle.

This ^ntleman hti8 lonj; been onjjaj<cd in the uatroDomical depaiir

^lent of Canibridij;r and is a prartict'd observer. With niy permission

i»e went to New i ork to i>rooure a very powerful instrument, at his

fown cost, and with which ne observes the rcl>el positions whenever the

aimosj>bere permits.

There havi' Iwen rumors that oljslruetions were in progress near Fort ^Sumter, but (hey wore so indefinite as to require conHrmation.

1 have the honor to be, very reapeetf ally, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahloren. RearAdtmrttf^ <\ymdg. South Athmtic Blockudiny Sgiuidroil,

Hon. Gii>Eo.\ Weklkh,

Secretary of the iV7/.»y.

[Envlnmin*.]

U. S. Ironclad Catskill,

CharlesU^n Rmtds, S. C, Ntn^mh^ 2^ IS64. Sir: In ob<'dienre to your order I have the honor to submit the fol- lowing brief report of the obstructions in Charleston harbor, seen by me on Sunday afternoon last.

Tlie obstructions extended from the walls of Sumter to within a short -distance of Battcrv liec. and for the first *2()0 3-ardM from Sumt^'r eon- luiHted simply f>f l»))jrs, which have l>een frequently observed by me uring the |>a«t summer. Commencing near the extremity of the log:^ * u succession of rafts and finoys about 4 rods anart and extending Ito Batt4»ry liee. These rafts and buo3'.s were attacned lo obstructions

42

SOUTH ATLANTIC HLOCKADINO SQirADRON.

below the water and Ix^tween theiu, u.-* could Ik? pluinly seen from Ibe rimjU' on tho surfiurr of th*' whUt.

bonic 4(H) yards sonwaid of Imoy No. 3 I observed an obji'rt rew^ni- blinjf the liend of u Uuw barrid and havinjj a roniral objoot alfixed to its center. Some of the officers on this vessel arc of opinion that it ia u buoy placed there by the L*hiijh in 1.S63.

Two objects seen by me on the I8th of August last were not vi>;ihle on Sundaiy. These were icporti'd to you by i'aptilin Harrison, and onP ('onsi.stcd of the whecIhou>c of u steamer, and the other, ap|)ureiitly. of a steal n boiler in a vertical jMJsition.

Veiy respectfully, your oljodient servant,

HoHACE P. Ttrm^E,

Rear- Admiral .1, A. DAin^jRKN.

i'tnunmndhuj i^auth Atlantic IihH*hulin<j Squadrott.

Rcwtrt of JJeutenant'Cmnvrand'cr Madlffnn^U. S, Nat*y^ commanding 11, S. S. Pat^ipacOy regardimj 1h< denh-uetioi^ of n Iteaclutd ttlmiji ttj" Fm't Mituitfi*'.

U. S. luoNCLAD Stkamkk Patapsco,

off Fort Waynfr. Charhnt'tn IloThoi\ S. (\, Swcmhcr 5^ IHG^, Sir: In obedience to your aiifnal at IJ a. ui. of this day. J opened fire upon the small sloop that was on the beach in front of Fort \l(mltrie. As 1 was at anchor at the time, ami lying stern toward the sloop. 1 coQinienced iirin^^ with the Hf-juniiiider Dahlgivn howitzer, hittinj; twice in thirteen shots. We were then abont*J,7ltO yards disLint from tlie slooj). I eonchided the 150-pounder rille would make shorter work of the destruction in view, on account of the size of its projectile, so I got underway and steamed around U\ brintr the 150 -poimder riHe into play and eonuuenced Hring with it at the sUxjp. 1 was now fired up*)n tiy Fort Moultrie, the enemy usiny shells and shot which would I'or- tHJnly have hit this vessel had she not l>een continually chanj^'ing her position by steaminj.^ and drifting?; tnie shell hurst neiu-ly ovi-r us and two pieces struck the vessel, doiny no dainayc bcvond slavin'.'" the ^ig slijrhtly and brnisin«,''one of the t^>rpedo spars. iMndin*.' us so hard to hit.the enemy ceased after tiriuif a few snots. \\*heii 1 had tired tea shots with the iriO-poumler ritb* I anchored at my stati«*n. in obedience to signal, havintf struck the .stoop once and set her on lire. All our shots wei-e yood line shiits, but beinij in a strong tideway it was diffi- cult U) keep the vessel steady so as to pre.serve our aim.

The destrmtion of the shajp by burning will Ih- jierfect. She senmi to have had a cargo of cotton and ttirpentine. ^^H 1 urn, respectfully, your obedient servant,

^^P John Madigak,

^^^ Li^'titftjiajit-Coouutmd^r, Conifiiandinff IJ. S. S. Pttfojutco.

I Rear-Admirai .Ioiin A. Dahloukn,

■ OammandtTit; South Atlnntiv Bl^H'lrndimj Stjuadrtm*

L

■

I

tRiidoRiemHiit.]

Tn eommunii^ating the above I beg leave to «iy to the Depaitment that the work was s<t well done that the <onHagnitiiui made ii consid- erable appearance at night. The batteries from Gregg had been tiring

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADINa SQUAltRON",

withunt <'tfoft, when I Kijrnaled to the Pata^mv^* U> open fire, which M WHfS iii.iw HA alH)Ve relatfHt. H Very n'sfiwctfuily.

H J. A. Uaioxjrex,

Word.

■ Uh

W Si

\ Ordvr of Rhit' Admiral DaU<fTefi^ U. S\ Natfy^ to ComtMtmUr T/iomp- I *»H, /'. jV. Al/*'?/, Ht^iiun' o^rt-r iu fhf S'fono Rivt-i\ vr^onftntf proper lfMttti*ru ttfhuoijH hi rieir irf vhanfffs hi the rhoniwL

Flao-Steamek Harvest Moon, Charleston Rixtdj*^ A\ 6'., Nofcmitfr o^ }f<6^. Sir: I sent the cliit'f pilitt to eximiine the channel at Stoiio, and he rept>rtM t<> me that it luischanj^ed ontii-ely hi direction and bus iufreased in de[>th.

I wiitb you to send a competent otlioer to look into thin and to the proper htration of the huoyy.

'Ine jjilot stationed tJiere se<?inH to have overlooked tlie ohan^ entirely, which, by the way, at North Edisto, has just *»ost the Gov- ernment SSO.iMXt iu the loss of a coal vessel.

Yi)u will perceive that my General Order No. 75 requires attention to such unitters.

Very respectfully, y*»ur obedient sen'ant.

,1. A. Dahixjren. Riwr-Admirfrly Corndg. South AtUtntiA* IHof^hidfrnj Sifuadrtm.

Commander Ecibert Thompson, U. S. Navy,

Senim' Offi^^er in ih^ Sltmo.

\ihdfr ftf Riar-Admirai Dahl^rryi^ (I. S. J^avi/, ifo Lieut^nijit- Oom- mander Sfii/in//^ IT, S, Nai'y^ rftjarding cfmtinved coftperutif/n -with the army in St. Juhnn River.

FlAG-I^JtEAMER PFirLADELnilA,

IWt Rffyal Ilarhm'^ S. C. ymv>rnh^r7^ ISdlf. Sir: I have received yours of (lie 3(1. stating^ that (leneral Foater hud given ordei*s for the evacuation of Majjuolia, [Fla].

I nave no comnuiuicatiou from fieneral Foster un tlie subject. I The opt'ration in the St. John's was purely niilitary, and had no naval object beyond assisting the troops.

You will therefore continue to render the general such aid as you run in maintuiuintr his jxisttions and his communioitions. which. 1 pre- sume, will not nhice the vcsst^ls in advance of militury jK>.sitiou; but if the ijuestion arises, refer to mc.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlurbn. Rt^i^AdtfiirttJ, Offjndg, South Atlantic Rlockadiny Squadron.

hieutcnant-Commander James Stillweix,

OoMdy. V. S. S. Ottawa f Senior Officer Preseniin the St.John''a.

K^J

44 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Order of Rmr-Admiral DaM^fren^ U. S. Navy^ to Captain Oreen,

U. S. Nmyy^ urging readiv^sa for rejyeilmg attack upon picket hoaU

by Confederate Iwmcheit.

Flao-Steameb Philadelphia, Port Royal Harbor^ November 7, 186^.

Sir: Yours of the 31at was received. I notice the statements of deserters that the rebels are fitting or have fitted *'four launches for the purpose of capturing our picket Ijoats.''

Please to niake this known to the officers and men of our boats, and say to them that I shall be grievously disappointed if this design is not made to recoil on the rebels.

We have four launches and five other boats. Let care be taken to have them well manned and officered; have the howitzers loaded with ^rape and the muskets with buckshot. Keep the four launches well in support of each other, and the lighter boats so placed as to prevent any surprise, not to bear the brunt of the shock, but when the boats are engaged to close and use their buckshot with effect.

The tugs should have 24-pounder howitzers for the occasion, loaded with canister, and endeavor also to run over the rebel boats. Rifle guns are of no use in such a m^l^e.

If the attack is made, and our men win, I should value it above all things.

With the canister and buckshot should go the bowie knife; rifles, shells, and swords are less useful for such an occasion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Oahloben, Rear- Admiral^ Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron-.

Captain Joseph F. Green,

Senior Officer Preaent off Charleston.

Report of Rear- Admiral Da hlgren^ U. S. Navy^ transmitting sainple of rope cut from a buoy taken up in Port Royal Harbor.

No. 556.] Flag-Steamer Philadelphia,

Port Royal. Harbor, S. C, , November 5, 1864^.

Sir: 1 transmit a sample of rope cut from a buoy iost taken up.

1 had gone out of the roads to examine more closely the locality and track whereby the blockade runners pass and was near to one of the wrecks, close into Long Island, when a floating object was perceived which looked like a torpedo. It was picked up, and on examination found to l>e precisely similar to the floating torpedoes, but had neither fuze nor powder, which puzzled mo a^* to its purpose.

On cutting the rope attached to it there was found a wire rope within, from which was taken the inclosed sample; it is evidently intended to convey a galvanic current and was floated by buoys.

It must have required a great force to part this rope, and was probably done by some steamer passing out of the usual course.

Under the circumstances it is to be presumed that the communica- tion was with some one of the fixed torpedoes, and if so, most probably with one that is said to have been lately put down near Sumter.

SOCTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

45

The telegraphic wire.s aiv uU Hunkon on the lM>ttom. as reported by erters who have had to do with them,

T have the honor to 1k^, very res|)eetfiilly, your obedieut servant,

J." A. Dahi.4;ukn, Jiiiar- Admiral^ Comdg, .S(/wM Atlantic Blfjckadin<j Sf/uadnfn.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary of the Nitwy,

'ie^ort of Rear-Adrniral Diihlgren, U, S. Nary^ regardm*j a system of escape fi^r Union prisanfn't.

[No. 567 — Confidential.]

Flao-Steameb Philadelphia,

I

Sik: Three of our officers and ont' noni-oiDinisAioned officer have yxA rejw'hed this s<iiiadron from Charleston. Ten refugees f4tme with them.

It appears that a regular system t)f escaping is orgjmized for thtwo who can |»y. Several i>ei-Mons are ooncerned who pnn^un! papers of various kinds and clothes, which not only get the favored parties* from among the prisoners at some convenient opportunity, hut even protect them against couseription, and finally they arts brought iiwuy in Ijoat'^. I have ricen the jja|>ers and it is evident tfiat they are excellfiit forger- ies, or else some officials are concerned. Sentinels ou picket muat connive too.

The sum i>aid by each tvb* $250.

At this time there are some forty more on hand to come, and all are out of prison. These just escaped agree that if they got off safely four shells should be fired int<> the town in rapid succession to-night between 8 and l^ o'clock, which will be done.

It is all important to those who are to escape that this should be strictly secret, and I have therefore marked this coufidential.

T enclose a paper of the 4th instant.

1 hare the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgren, Re*trAdwtra!„ Cttmdy. Smtth Atlantic Blockading Sqnadnm.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

SeiTfitary of thu ydt*y.

Ordrr ff litvir- Admiral DafdqrefU U. S. Navy, to Conivuii}d<'r Prthlfi, U, S. Aflf'y, com/nandiuff tl. S. Ship St. ioniy, to proceed to duty *n North SduU).

I^Yao-Stkamer Philadelphia, Port Royid JItirfHn\ S. C, Novemljer 8, 186 4. Sne; Your orders of the 3d in.stant to i^roceed to Doboy and relieve the Kthitu A/lfin avG hereby revoked, aad you will procc^ed to North Edisto with the <S7. L'^ifis under your command and relieve the IJ. 8. *S. tSftttin^ receiving from Lioutenunt Van Alstiue anv information I which may l>e useful to vou in doing blockade duty at that place.

Ou your arrival off tlie tmr at North Kdisto, you will receive on board F'leet Pilot HatTards. who will pilot your vessel inside. If he is

1

46 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING 8*iUADK<>N.

not tl»«re. anchor iind wait for liiiii, or k*^ep underway', an your judg- ment niiiy boist direct.

Very rpspcctfully. yuur olK-dient .servant,

J. A. OAHunucK, Hfttr-Adiftirtr/, (-omd^j. South Athintlc Biovkadlntj S<pMdrvfu

Commander (jeoroe Henry Treble. U. S. Navy,

Cwmnnjidimj (J. *9. StU2> St. Luuw.

I

rt iff Captain Greeny U. S. Navy, reffarfUntj thetucape ofahUtck-

ode rttnner intt> CfuxrUsU/n^ Ntfi^efuWr 7, /<%'4* " _^

U, 8. Sloop John Adaha, ^^

Sir: 1 have rospt'otfuUy to inform you tbiit u lar^t^dide-whcol stoanier ran into the port of Charleston on the 7ti» in^stant at a^wut 1 o'clock a. 111. She wn.s seen and fired upon by several of the out**ide blork- ading vessels, anil also liy ibe huinche.H inside. The hitter tired fortv- onc .shot at her, many of them iit a distance n(tt exceeding 100 yards, and were heard to strike her.

The picket monitors and tugs, so far as J have learned, did not tire a gun.

The re}X)rts of coTumandtng officers in relation to their proceedings on the occasion will be forwarded to yon jis soon as tboy are received.

I enclose herewith Lieutenant-Commander Luce's report * of a •^heil tired from Battery Murshall vestei'day morning, which struck and exploded on board of the Prntfinc, killing and wounding several of his crew, and slightly damaging the vessel,

AI.Nt) Carpeut4'r Thomas's reix>rt f of the thimagci* sustained by the T\mtf'm\

I do not think the injury as serious as Caq>enter Thomas represents, but it will l>e necessar\ for the PnnttaeXjo go to PortKoyal as early as convenient to have her deck und hawse hole repaired, and to have a guard put on the cutwater in lieu of the displaced casting, and in the meanwhile a new<'asting should Iw ordered trom the North. There is a .spare hawse hole in good condition on the same side as the one that is injured.

A torpedo craft was seen from Cumming's Point this forenoon, moving about in the vicinity of C'astle Pinekney.

The brigrA W. Spencet\ of and from Philadelphia, with -495 tons of coal for the navy, arrived off the bar yesterdav. Her rudder is daumged, ami I >hall have her brought inside for discharge when the bar will admit of it.

The rudderhead of the GlndUffutt i.s split, and I shall be obliged to send her to Poit Uoyal to have it repaired, although her service*; here are verv much needed.

Very respectfully, your obedient Hen-ant.

J. K. Green, Captain and Senim' Ojffcff off C/t<tr/^t^w.

r-Admind J. A. Dahi^.rkn, Comdy, Souf/i Atftintir iiiorkiKUn^ Squudi'Wi^ Purt Royol^ S, C,

♦Seep. Bl. t See p. 62.

S<_>UTH ATLANTIC BLUC'KADING SyUADHOU.

47

fOrd<^r t/jt' the Sccrfturt^ i>f tht? Na^yy to tfu) twntiutnf/arti of the noi>y I yard^ Ntfic YorA', re/jardlnfj thf f, S. hark tHejnHhol'.

Navy nKi'ARTMKNT. ytnuinher 9^ 1%%, Sib: Dii'ect the U. S. bark Ot^ffitM- to proceed U> Port Koyal, S. C, and roport to K»^ir- Admiral Diihljj-ren for duty, taking auy stores that Mhe can carry for that sciuiulritn. Very respeotfuily, etc.,

Ctidfx)n Welle-s

Secretary of ike N(tf&y. Ucar-Adniiral Hiham Paui-dino,

VoHtmundunt Naey Yard-^ New York,

I

J^ttirr frtfin Rf^tr- Admiral /M/d*jr*:n^ (\ iS. Xamf. to Major- General Ftmt^rr^ l\ S. Army, rttjardinf} th^ rtcmontl of fih«tructimi in Savan- nah River, t<» ftwdi(at€ the trftnnfer ofnirl- mid trottnded .yo/diers Jh'tu thf JVorth.

FLAO-STBL^JfER PlIlLADELIMlIA,

Port Royu/ Ildrfntr^ S. C, A'ot'emhfr 9^ /6'6'4.

(rKNEkAi.: 1 huw HTvivt'd yours of the 7tli instant, nnnn'stiiij; that Captain Ston** 1k^ instructed tn rcuiovf the chain vixh]v. that is now a*-ros»* the Savannah Uiver. in ordtM* to avrnd thr time and trouhlw of trausferrinjf thr* j*irk and wounded AohlierH. whoaro expeeted from the North, etc.

1 shall send an order to Captain Stone U} that eiTeet; at the same time I wish U* draw your attention U* thr advisal>h'.nesH of doing noth- ing that, by inference or otherwise, can enlighten the rebels as to the nature of the obstructions that remain there, or the facility with which they may br pvised; iH'muse it is with dithcult}' thai I am able to MtH-kade the different entrance?* along the coast, and the force at Savan- nah Kiver would be tjuile insuflicient without the oKstnictions, which may be much less real than supposed.

I should have if^commended the use of the Wilmington Kiver and St. Augustine Creek for the purpose of exchange, which ai'e uuite as eonvenu^nt for access by wat4'r to Savannah. There the bhK'kade is made strong by an ironclad, and will bear any notice which the rebels might have an MpjK>rtunity of l>estowing.

The steamers could meet at Wilmington Island. Very re*n>ectfully, your oljedient servant,

J. A. Daiiujren, Rrttr- Admiral J Cbindtj, South Aflanfic Btockadimj Stjuadrrm,

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

Conudy. Dept. of th^ SmUK Headtpiartera^ UilUm Hettd,

1

t Order of Rear- Admiral Dnhlyren^ U. S. iVrtvy, io Lieutenami-Cmn- manaer Sfmu-^ U. S, Navy^tH}mmandi-mj U, S. S. Citnarrofi^ for' the remmsil if chain tHihU in tha Surminoh River.

Ki^C-StEAMEH PHn^ADELI'IUA,

Port Roytil lhn'}mi\ S. {'.. Xot:trmhcr9, ISO'.'f. Sir: (feuei*al Foster wishes to have the chain cable renioveil which lis now Across the Savannah River above Fort Pulaj^ki^ in order

48 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

that the "steamer daily expected from the North, with sick and wounded soldiers for exchange^ may pass up that river, thus saving the time and trouble of transferring the soldiers to light-draft steamers.^ You will therefore proceed, with such means as you have from the Cimarron^ Memphis, and Williams^ to remove the chain referred to by General Foster, and cause the channel to be buoyed through the obstructions.

I desire to have no more done than is absolutely indispensable to the passage of our steamers, as I consider the obstructions useful to our- selves, particularly as the force which I can spare for the Savannah Kiver is not strong, and the rebels have an ironclad above. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahloben, Hear- Aditiiral^ Comdy, South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Lieutenant-Commander E. E. Stone,

Comd^, U. S. S. Chnarron, Seniar Officer Present^ Tybee.

Order of Rear- Admiral Dahl^jren, U. S. 2^avy^ to Lieutenant Mahan^ U. S. No'iyy^ to a«»ume temporary cmnmand of the U. S. S. Potmnska andpi'oceed off Charleston.

Flag-Steamer Philadelphia,

Port Royal Harhor, S. C, Norenxher 10, J86^ Sir: You will, without delay, assume temporary command of the U. S. S. Potomjfka and proceed immediately to the anchorage off Charleston and, on your arrival, reiwrt to the senior officer present for duty.

On being relieved of the command of the Potomska by Acting Master Montell,you will consult with Lieutenant-Commander Matthews, com- manding the naval battery, relative to the supplies necessary, and furnish such as can he procured at Charleston, after which you will return to this anchomge and report your arrival to me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. Dahlgren, Rear-Admh'al, Comdy. South Athmtic Blochading Squadron. Lieutenant A. T. Mahan, U. S. Navy,

Plag-Steamer Phil-adelphia.

Ordf^r of Renr-Admiral Dahlgren^ U. S. Navy, to Captain Grtien^ U. S, Navy^ regarding the examination and ai^positUm of wrecks of hltjckade runners off' Long Island.

Flagship,

Pm-t Royal, S. C, XovenJ^-r 10, I864.

Sir: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Churchill will report to you in order to examine the wrecks of the blockade runners on Long Island.

If it is iK>ssible to raise or bring awaj' any one of tlics(^ let it be done; if not, let such of their contents be secured as may Ik* worth it.

Please to give the diving vessels a tow when asked for and such aid

SOITTH ATLANTIC BUMIKADING SQUADRON.

49

H3 IUU3' l>e nocdod. I Khotild winh tbo divers to report their ])rojrrcs8 ^ftt the eHrti(>st date.

H Very respeotfully, your ohcdient 8crviint,

H .1. A. Dahloren',

^P Rrar-A*lmrr<tK (Jomihj, Smith Atlantic BhH'l'adintf Stptadnm.

B C^ptttin Joseph F. (Jrkkn, ^^ Srnt/ff ^(ffitcf off' Charl^Um.

■ 3

■add Vfitrc

etterfrom Secretary of the JVavy in Tit ar^ Admiral F}ahl<iren^ iZS, Navy^ tratittmitti/n^ mfortnation regtttdhig Fort JfcAl^tater.

Navy Department, Xoivmfffr 10^ 186^. Sir: I enclose herewith a eopy of ii letter,* dated the 2iUh instjint, [addressed to the Depurtmcnt Iiy V. W. Tliompson, es(i., ,V2 South stre<^t. New Vorlc, givinji^ the reports of two nienibers of his family.

I

who have recently arrived from (reorgia, regarding,' the military forces at certain points near Savannah. Mr. Thompson is unknown to me. A few months sim:f^ he announced that he himself had esraped from (leorffia and communicated to the Department information as to matters fal^mt Savannah.

Very respectfully, etc.,

Gideon Wei.lks,

SecreUity oft/u- Na^y. Rcar-Admiral »Ino. A. Daiiuiren.

IC^nm<indi7i(f South Atl-anti^ Biockfidhtg SquadnM*.

[H^port of Rettr-Admirai DtihUir^-n^ ('. S* Xtrvt/, regardiiuj pU jtdnt oj}fr<ilumM tujain^t tfu- dufeuSeH of Chorlet<t<m,

hiiJt frrr

io. 55H.J

FlaO-StEAMER PHn^DKI.PHlA,

Ptrri Royal Uarh^^ S. C, Mrt^ember 10, J864. Sir: In tmn'imitting the plan and Hescriptinn of the defenses of (_'hurIe-ston the departure of thf^ mail did not allow of further remark.s at the time: otherwise 1 should have referred to u previous aajftjeslion conti-niplatinj; another form uf atUnk.

The city of Charleston Is I'nlircly under the control of .Tann\>J Island, which is not only fortified hy water toward the harhor, but in all other din-ction-^ is also stronf,'ly entrenched and ^'urrisonecl.

For thi.s reason it was under considemtion at one tinu* by (ienenil

(fillmon^ and myself to opcrat** there, he movinj; from Morris Island

^apiinstthe nearest corner of the island, where Is Kort Johnson, and

B the vessels cooi>eratingr on the same point. The possession of the works

must have led to a p;i"arliml advanci- alonj: the island.

But attiick is also ft'n>il)lf on the opposite side of ilie harbor. The ^L ooeupntion of Mount IMeasantby otir f{»rees would eouipol thoabandon- H nient of Sullivan's Island by mere blockade, and would also eomniiuid H the site of the city more promptly than by an advance on dames Islrind, H because there are ito works there exi*ept one toward Sullivan's Island

* Letter tftate^ that Fart McAllifftiT it* withimt a gttrnwxi nii'l .Nii^geHLs itj« nipture.

N w K vo^ 16 +

50 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING 8QUADB0N.

and another at Haddrell's Point, both near the water and looking only that way, without any l)earing inland at all.

With a moderate land force only this last would be most advlHable. Part of the troops could be landed at Bull's Bay, whence there is a good road for some 15 miles; part would enter the inlet seaward of Sullivan^s Island, seize Long Island, and, with the aid of the navy, land in the rear of Sullivan's Island, join the force coming from BulFs Bay, and occupy Mount Pleasant.

This would cut off Sullivan's Island by land. The irom^lads would do the same bv water, while the principal part of the land and naval force would advance towaH the city, keeping them on that side of the harbor.

A few days must lead to the possession of the city, and then James Island being accessible at its narrowest part, by the Wappoo, both from the Ashley and Stono rivers, must sooner or later compel the retirement of the rebels from James Island, or else risk the loss of their troops, as well a.s of the island.

This operation would require 30,000 to 50,000 good men, Ix'cause it is reasonable to admit that the present small force of the rebels would receive large ailditions.

Still, we nave the unquestioned advantage of being able to bring here additional forces more promptly in the present position of the main armies. Hood nmst pass around Sherman in order to give any aid, and (icneral Grant equally ob.s' ructs the road from Richmond.

The present time is in every way favorable; and if the winter is to keep the men in the lines to the northwanl, it appears to me that no more judicious or effective campaign could be devised than might be carried on here, for its success would enter a wedge between the two extremes of what is left of the rebellion and develop possibilities that might be improved by General Sherman into a great advantage.

Limiting the view* to Charleston, 1 feel confident that the result would be satisfactory, and would therefore advise the operation. What action might afterwards be most advisable would appear subse- quently.

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

J. A. Dahlgren, Rear- Admiral, Cow dij> South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretanj of the JVavt/.

RejH^H of Bear- Admiral Dahlaren^ U. S. N(wy^ tranmnttim repttrts reffarding camtaltiin on the U. S. S. Pontia^frfmit^jylosionofsliell fired from Battery MarxlmU^ Sullivan'^ Jnhwd.

No. 500.] Fla{;-Steamkk Phit^uelpiiia,

JWt Royal llarlmr. S. 6'., JVovfmhi'r 10, 186^. ^ Sir: I have to infoi-m the Department that the day after I left Charleston for this phice the Pontiac received a shcir forward, the explosion of which killed 5 men and wounded 7 others slightly, one of whom has .since died, i enclc-io the reports of Ijicutenant-(3oinmander Luce and Acting A.ssistant Surgeon J. W. Sherfy, which state the details at length.

SOUTH ATT.AWnc BLOCKADIWG SQITADBOW.

I ix\ryo endow? tho report of Carpi?ntov Thomas, showing tho extent of dumaj^ea. which 1 urn informed are probably not so great as repre- fcentiMl; still, it will he neeessary for the Ptmliar to come to Port lioynl to repair, whieh jjive^ me some eoncern at tliis time, ils there are now ht^re f nir of the best blo<rka4iers for tlie same i)nrpose, and at Icttrit one uioi'e that needs re[>air.

The DejMirtment will iH'reeive b^' the above that the atti^mpts to

■ effect the close bloekade nereunavoulahly oxi>os<* our vessels to oitsiml- tie» from the enemy's shot, strikin|( in shoal water, and even fouling proficllei-s, but that the ves.sels that go in to violate the blockade wiU

tnot siiccffd without great risk. On the same night that the Pontiuc was struck, ii large sivle-wheel steamer ran the blockade atxmt 10 o'clock, tjiking advantage of the oKsc-urity caused by the weather. H She was fired upon bv seveiul of tho outride blorkading vessels, and B&lso by the launches inside. The latter are rcport<?d to have tired forty- one stiol at her. many of them at a distance not exceeding 150 yard», and were heard to strike her.

I am glad to say that this boat organi/jition is rendering giKxl H*'r\'- ice. They arc pushed up well in ad\anee and are supported by tugs,

■ whirh, in this instance, however, failed to tire a gun, I have had some <litKculty in (r<)llecling the number of luigi' lH>afa which are assigned to this duty. Iiecause steamers are not generally

■ provided with the largest ela.ss t)f launches. The two which were last sent me by the Bureau are highly spoken of as most excellent l>oat-*. but four others which were required Inive not reached me yet. I wish very much that I had a dozen such, with men sufficient to man them.

If 1 had a thousantl well-disciplined marines I would oc<^ui>y Long Island, which is next to Sullivan's Island, and thereby reduce the chances of blockade runnei-s getting in to a very low figure.

It is rt?iH»rted lo mt' that a torpedo craft was se^'U from CummingV ^Point this morning, moving in the vicinity of Castle Pinckney. H 1 have the honor to be* very resp<H:tfully, your obedient servant,

H J. A. Dahuikkn,

^K R^r-Admirai^ (hvuhj. Sotith AtUiiUlc Rlockad'mg SqimdiHiu.

H Hon. Gn>EON Wklle-h,

^B Secretary of tfw Xavy.

^^^^^ [Encltimrui.]

^^K U. S. 8. PONTIAC,

^^^ Of Charlestmu S, C, ^\w€mher 7, ISfU.

H Admibal: It is with painful regret that I find myself obliged to inform you that, while engaged this morning in picking uji our anchor. slipped to go in pursuit of a l)lockade runner, Mtittery Marshall o]H'ned fire on us, and a shell from a rifled gun exploding on the forecastle, killed 4 of the crew and wounded 7 others, besides 1 officer slightly.

Obsening the first few shells to explode fur short, I took no fur- ther notice of the l»att<»rVi but contiiuied my etforts to ^et the end of our chain. We got hold of the buoy rope, when suddenly a shell from the Imtterv struck the bow just over the port hawse pipe. It penetrated the Fiulwarks, struck the ff>recastli' deck, and exploded, scattering dcstnjction on everv side. Fi*agments of the iron hawse pijie and two hand grenades (t^e latter exploded by the concussion)

52 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADBON.

lent their aid to increase the sad mortality. These grenades had been placed in a rack on the forecastle bulwarks for the convenient use of the forward lookouts. Striking the deck, the shell knocked a hole through into the yeoman's storeroom, throwing fragments of the plank and shell below, but causing no material damage. Our buoy rope was cutaway, and with it the end of the chain lost. Not deeming it prudent to remain longer exposed to the fire of the battery, I stcttmra down for the outside squadron and anchored.

Just al>out the time wc were struck a rain squall passed over, which shut out the land from view, so 1 am in hopes the enemy did not see anything of the etfects of his shot.

On examming the "bows to ascertain the amount of damage, the metal casting which forms the gripe of the stem and acts as a guard to the forward^ rudder was discovered to be broken; how or in what manner it became so, I have not yet been able to determine.

Mr. Thomas has made an examination of the injuries, and will, I presume, report through Captain Green.

1 enclose herewith the surgeon's report of casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. B. Luce, Lieutenant- Commander.

Admiral John A. Dahix3Ren,

Gmrnnandin^ South Atlantic Blockading Sqti^idron,

U. S. S. PONTIAO,

Off CharlesUm, November 8^ 186^.

Sir: The following is the list of killed and wounded resulting from the fire of Battery Marshall, on Sullivan's Island, upon this vessel at 7 o'clock a. m. yesterdaj-:

luUed. — James McLaughlin, boatswain's mate, and his body lost overboard; Matthew J. Summers, first-class boy; L. F. Brown, John McDaniel, Kdward Lynch, landsmen. Total, 5.

Wounded. — Charles Nelson, captain of forecastle, very severely, died this morning; Thomas Connor, seaman, contusion over the right scapula, with fracture thereof, and lung implicated, severe; John McUonough, landsman, seriously in the right leg, compound fracture; Richard Ervingham, ordinary senman, not severe, contusion inside the right thigh; Tlioo. fE.] I^awton, ensign, contusions on the right leg, not severe; William Andrews, ordinary seaman, contusion left hand and loft side, not severe; P. G. Johnson, landsman, contusion right shoulder, not severe. Total, 7. Whole number 13, injured and killed.

I have the honor to bo, verj' respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. Sherft, Aetinfj Atmiftfant Surgeon, U. S. Navy.

Lieutenant-C/ommander S. B. Luce,

Cmmnanding U. S. S. Pfm.tiu<%

Morris Islanp, South Carolina, A^ovemher 6 [/], 186J^ In compliance with vour order, 1 have examined the damage done to the gunboat Pontiac by a shell from Fort Marshall, S. C, and find

BOTiTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADHfO BQUADROW.

58

that the t^\w\\ entered tho jwrt hawse hole and exploded nt the instant it did so, therehv df.strovirig the hawse pipe and t<'arin^ up tfie thick work i>f the deck amidships, and injurinij the huhvarkn and main iiiil on the 8tavlM>ttrd bow. I also tind tlie ea-stitig that eonneets the stem in the k*'el brokeu and the lower part gone. The dainafje is aerious, I and, in my o])inion. the ve^Hel will have to \h^ docked in order to prop- [j»il_v reoair it.

\>n' resjK»<'tfiiUy

J. G. Thomas,

Captuin .1. F. Green.

>Sefiuff ((jffct^r off' CharU'stoH^ S. C.

Ord^ of Rear- Admiral I)ahlgr*m^ U, 5, Nofvy^ to Luntierujni- Cm/i- fnaniftT Jjt^wis^ U, S. -iVajf'y, to astnime rattwiattf/ of naral foj'ct'n in Tybt*- R^Hidii. , Flag-Steamer Philadelphia.

Port Royni ITarhiv, S, t\, Nm'f^nJn^r 13, JS6i. Sib: You will proceed tt> Tvlw^e Roads in theU. S, S. HarrrKt MfMut and R-sfiimie the eominand of the naval forces .stntioned there, earryin)jf out any unexeeuted orders which may have been traiiMmitted to Cap- ti»iu Stone and receivinj; from him such information b8 may be use- ful while doin^ duty there.

On the arrival of Lieutenant-Commander A. W. .Tohn.-son you will give him all the necesyary information and transfer the command to him. After which you will return in the Jlnrvesf Afoo/t to this L anchorage and resume your dutie:5 on the yaniurket. \Q.ry respectfully, your obedient servant,

,1. A. Daiilgrek, Bear-Admiral^ Comdg. Sfmth Atlantic Blmhtdimj Sqimdron.

Lieutenant-Commander R. F. R. Lewis, U. S. Navy,

Vominandimj U. S. Ironciad Nantttck^,

RefHtrt of Rear- Admiral DaldgreTt^ U, S. NatTy^ in Hie matter of the removal (ftjw chain acrfM/t f)u! fsawmnah Rifver for the paesoffe of Confsd-e-ratt: jtrUtmers for euvlutn<fe.

[No. 567,] Flao-Steamkr Philadelphia,

Port Royal Harbor, S. C, JVimfrnlter 13, 1864- Sir: A numljer of larfje steamerH arrived here on the 11th instant, ► conveying ttick and wounded rcl>eLi to exchange at Savannah for our own .-wjldiers who were prisoners.

A few davrt previously General Foster informed me that an exchange was a>H)ut to take place in Savannah River and anked lue to give orders for the removal of the chain that connects the ol>structions. I did so. htit aj)pii>e<l him that it would have been advisable to exchange in Wa>i«iw, by way of Wibuin^tun River and St. Aujjustino Creek, [Gji.j, as the relwLs would li*urn from the pa-ssa^'e of the obstruftions that they were not now a very etfective barrier, and give troul>lc* as I could not keep a strong force there and they had an ironclad above.

54

SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

Our force now there is the Clitiarrmx^ with a disabled boiler; the MemphU, with a poor battery, and a moilar schooner.

I would recommend that the navy be consulted on such occasious as that mentioned above. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. Dahlgben, Rear- Admiral, Cmadg, South Atlantic BlockadinKf Sqtuxdnni.

Hon. GiDKON Welles,

Secretary of tlw. j^ai>y.

I^iMrthuthm ttf vennd^ of tlie Smith Atlanti-c Rlockading Sqtiadron,

November 15, 186J^.

Vessel.

SUtlon.

MurreU'fl Inlet .

Canaiidalgua , Georgetown

Do ' CaiMJ Rumain . . .

'Manfrtiam Bull's Bay

Pawnee \ Charleston

Adger do

Wnmsulta do

Pomiau do

Sonoma do

Flambeau do

Potoniska do

Sanlord do

Ijabumum do

Azalea do

Pataufco do

CatHkill I do

Montauk do

N&hant | do

Hume I do

•Bruen I do

• Adams I do

•Orvetta do

Geranium ' do

Ainaranthus ' do

Catalpa ' do

Hydrangea ' do

DalTodll do

iria do

Clover ' do

Sanxamon ' do

McDouough I Stnno

♦Smith I do

Sweet Brier do

•WllliBms do

St. Louis 1 North Edtsio...

Percy Drayton do

•Saratoga J St. Helena

Stettin , do

•Wild Cat do

•New Hamiwhire I Eprt Royal

Philadelphia do

Pet tit I do

ArethuHa j do

Carnation Port Royal

Houghton I do

(Jimarron I Tybec Island ...

• Racer | do

•Swift I do

PaMKHf (■ i WanBaw Sound .

WlHuahirkon do

• LlRhtii lUK [ do

FIhk I Omabaw

Winniiu t do

Jonqin 1 [ do .

• Fernandiua .

Lodona

•Allen

•Gnfflth

• Bnulllera ... DnlCfatiig

RexQ&rlu.

Outside the Bar.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do. Iniiide the bar.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

l>o.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do. Inside the bar, repairing.

Tender.

Ordered to relieve Allen.

St. Catherine's .

Sapclo

Doboy

Altamaha

SI. Slmon'it

St. Andrew's ..,

'Perry i Femandlna .

Tender,

Tender.

Tender.

•Sailing vettHclH.

SOUTH ATLAWTIO BLOCKADING S^I'ADKON.

55

tion of (Ynw/d of the Smith Atlanttr ilhtr.ht»i'»\ij Stfiuntrvn, Sum»hcr to, tifV4 — Conliiniwl.

tfutloii

Otteva ,— 81. JnhB'« ,

Xonrtcb *.,.... do

\Ba}t _ - ' <Jo

' Xmoalio I Inlet] ,

Lehish FortBoy*!

K&ntueket ,...,do ,

SodiIiQuoHda , ' Aa ...

Xineoe An ,

Nlfwe — do ,

AcBrla.........i... ....... ......... €lo............

•Par* I do

rholham - - I da

(ilibdloltu ! do

tarkopar.

CamelU

•W«M

I tU-«nder.. ...........

DADdelloii

•Thunder ,.

• V«lMmi>i» ,.

•Ni.rtolt I'ackrt..... Memphis

Banmtmoon .

•Blunt

"Hope

•S»^Pn»iii

W»lMUlh

Murtik-hcad

Muliuuk

twnvim

Ifanin

CnailHU

rh)[tp«w«

Rt-wuv

NVw rninMde*.

r*.«ul Jtities.....

MaliukK

•«!nj>pl>-

H04tH»t/>IltC .... •mnellsiiier.,.. MMdl^1•^

W«vcr Witoli... Coluoiblnc

.do. .do. ..do. ..do. .do. .do. -do. ,.do.

RemorlM.

RefMlrlug. iKt,

no

Df^

no.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Dow

Do.

Do.

Do.

Da

Do.

Do. Repairing: Iriider. HoaiiitttI xhlp. Ho«Uh ■h(n.

LtMrllnit with fftorcn fnrKititli. KcHcvc iiit>l oomtminto«U-. H|KM-Ialduly.

Do Hpeclal Hoty. diver*. 8«)Utht!ni sbttluUH, Willi alum. Nonh. Nurth for rcpaln.

Do.

Do.

DDL

DO. Do. Da Da

Da Da Da

Do. Sunk or ftUauded.

Du.

Do

Da Capnrnd.

Da

■SftlHoff veavls.

John A. Daiiiajrkn, Sear-Admiral^ Chnult/. South Ailnntic Blockadimj Srjwttlfou,

Orti^r *{f tfie i^turt-iunj uf the ^^avy in R^ir-Admu'nl [hihUjint, f\ S- iVrtry, rtyardhig t/u- U. *S'. ship ^St. Louin.

Navt Drpart.mrnt, Nfmemhf^r ^L ISGIf. Sir: Your No. 547, enclosing repoi-t of survey o» tht^ sloop of war St, iMuin^ wn.-* r«H'pivrti,

Th(» St. LtfuiH U II very old vessel and not worth repairing ftt much cost. Let her bt; piitchefl up as well ii.s pos.-ilile and perform .service in thi' South Atlaiitie Blorkadin^ iSquadron. Very re.MpeetfuUy, etc

Gideon Welles,

SecreUiry of thv X^tri/. K«*ar--\dmirul Jno. A. Dahlijren,

Comdtj. Stuith AiUnifir HliM^kodtmj Sqttadrtm ojf ( futHexttnt.

66 SOUTH ATLANTIC BtOCKADING SQUADlfcON.

Report of Bear- Admiral Dahlgren^ U. S. Ndvy^ regard'mg proposed attack upon the defenses of Sa/vmmahj Ga.

No. 578.] Flag-Steamer Philadelphia,

Port Royal Harbor^ November 21^ 186J^

Sir: The Department's communication enclosing another from Mr. C. W. Thompson, of No. 82 South street, New York, has been received.

I lost no time in communicating with General Foster on the subject, with a view to his opinion, and cooperation if he deemed it advisable to act.

Fleet Captain Bradford had a personal interview with General Foster, and reports as follows:

In obedience to your verbal order, I have had an interview with the general caoi- manding reganiing the movement referred to within.

The general did not favor the movement at present, because the information is not reliable. The general does not believe the eurprise and capture of Fort McAUieter possible with the availalile fowe here or in the l)epartnient.

He estimates the number of troops defending Savannah and its approachee at 4,000,ahttle over one-third of which are regular troops; 5,000 defend Charleaton, etc.

Three rivers unite and form Ossabaw Sound — the Big O^eechee, the Little Ogeechee, and the Vernon. The channel of each is barred by forts and batteries, McAllister, Rosedew, and Beaulieu, respectively; the position, construction, and force of each have been given at various times by persons directly from them.

Fort McAllister is the work which was attacked in January, 1863, by Captain Wordon with the M( mtuuTc {momior)^ Seneca^ Wittsahickon^ Vawn^ and a mortar schooner, resumed a few days afterwards by the same vessels, and early in March by Captain Drayton with the moni- tor Pamaicy Patapaaty and Nnhant^ gunboats Seneca^ MlMahichm. and Dawn^ and three mortar schooners, all of which is fully reported in the report of the Department, Deceniljcr, 1863, and Department's report on armored vessels.

The Department will perceive from the reports of the different offi- cers that there is reason to believe from their results that the work is not reducible by any naval force which can approach it, and must be assailed simultaneously by a land force.

Beaulieu is more heavily armed than McAllister, and would proba- bly require the aid of a land force for its reduction.

Rosedew is inferior to either, but is reported less accessible to ves- sels of any draft.

These works are chiefly of importance because they guard the approach from the south to Savannah; the roads leading from these turn all the heavy works that defend the city from the direction of Wassaw and Savannah rivers, and the Department will readily con- ceive the improbability of this being neglected, as stated, by an enemy so vigilant and so much interested in the positions occupied.

The ^yater \\"itch now lies above Beaulieu, just as the Na^htnU-e lay above McAllister, with the difference that she is entirely beyond the reach of our guns.

South of these outworks to the defense of Savannah there is no force of any consequence; the boats of the squadron have entered the water courses in that quarter and fired upon a few companies, which they disj>ei'sed or captured.

There is a great variety of reports arriving constantly, and it is only

BLOCKADING 8QDADR0N.

57

I I

parison witli each nthi^r iind what we know thai the prolmhle slrtU' tif tbin^is nin bo iimvcd tit.

Mv own wiouts huvo Itfcri in full view of Huiiuliou, and do.sorters i'oniiii^ in regularly from it, MtAUlsler. and Untiedrw Imvr stated their armHtiicMit and condition at the tinier thev left.

Aeting Master Dunind wa^s eaptui-ed in a seout, intended to examine the rear apprott<?hef» Ut Hcuulieii.

My w-outs have also Immmi re|>cAtedly on tho north end of Elba Island. in view of the relicU, hut unsiisperlrd. and <|uirtly Hurvi*yed ihr city and the fort-y near it.

The true attaek is ujK>n Savannah or Charleston, in foree. while a colunin severs the eommuninitioii eoiinecting them by jiassinj:: np anv of till". streanLs which run up from the Men and interM'cts the niilroiui.

If General Sherman eome.s from inland and follows this plan he will eertainly take l)oth eities with little effort, and a force from the sea- board eould do this for him im he approaches.

I Irnve the honor to be, very rcsjx^ctf ully, your obedient f*ervant,

J. A. I>AIU.ORKN,

Jieor-Atfmiraf. i'nmdij. South Atlnntit' liloekadtnij ^juttdrt/n.

Hon. Gideon \Velle«,

Swretnrt/ oft/tff Natfy,

\Order of the S^crtttinj of th* StUHi to lit nr- Ad mind Dnhhjnm^ U. S,

Ga.

niKni'H uppruach tn ^mHnttak^

Naty Department, yoi:ertrhtT 21^, 186^. Sir: Major-General Shennau, with about 50,0(X> men, lef( Atlantu, G«u, on the Itith instant, with the intention of reaching the Atlantic oouMt iin>mewhere in the vicinity of Savannah. He may be cxprcU^d about the middle of Decend»er, and the Department directs that you will l>e prepared to give him any needed cooperution that may be in [your power.

It is desira))le to crbtnin information reapectintf the nature of the weather in (reorffia hiawecn this and Ihc probable time of (ienenil Sherman'H arrival on the coaj*t, so that some idea may be formed of nbstncles that lie may (Mi<:uunt<?r in tht* wav of rain and swollen stnmms. If in any way you can kw;p yourself advised on thi.s point and inform the Deinirtment. please do so.

V'^ery respectfully, etc.. Gti>EON Welles,

Setfehinj of thf Navy. Kear-Admiml Jno. A. Dahixjrex,

Cinndg, Soitf/t Atlatitir Bhuhiding &juadirfm*off ChaH^km,

Ord<t of Rmr- Admiral Dahl^ren^ U. S. JVurt/^t^ O^mmavd^' I^ebl€, U. S. Niivy^ refjnrdittij projMiittHf ojttrttthmn.

Fla«-Stkameh Philadklimiu,

Poff Roijid fTiti^^oi; S. ('., ym'^mhf^r'22, J8€4. Sir: Yours of the 21j5t instant lia.s been reeeivcd by the Hydrm\<jea,, and in reply to your (piery, when any of our oUicei-n and men escape

60 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADBOK.

Ripoi-x of limr-Admli'td DaM^rm^ U. S. I^avy, regarding T\xe<l (tttatk upon the difemeit of Satvama/t, O'a, ' u l«tji"-

No. 578. J Flag-Steamku Philai>' ufferinj?"

Port Boyal Harbor, Nover a ho havp

Sir: Tho nei)iirtmont\s conmmnication enclosing ' .ostgfate-

C. W. Thoinjwoii, of No. ii'2 South Mtreet, New York

J lost no tunc in conimunii'iitiag with General F ed in rebel-

witli a view to hi.s opinion, and cooperation if b '■ not from

to act.

Fleet ('aptain Bnidfoitl hud a personal interv' them a ration,

ami reports as folIow^: iii \>e done.

In ol>edieniv to your verbal oider, I have had an '* *^*^"* '^"* ^*'* '* ^ luamlinjf regarding the movement referred to with'

Tile jft*iieral di(i not favor the inoveinent at piw alM>vo voii; thiMinuv leliable. Tiiegfneral does not believe theaarj-

IKifsilile with the available fonre here or in the ;r «.i ■ i ■* * -i i

He ostinmtes the numb..r of troops drf^/ '"* ^vou think it feai>il)lt,

4,000,ahttle over one-third of whichareregr "• which is about a.s mudi

Three river*, unite and form Oasa' .'^^ ''*^^V^ ^?, *"^''-| P'l^ *^"^'>'; Little Ofreeohee, and the Vernon. f>'' ^■''''*-^ ! ^IV ^'^^'f% Uiui^mA

fort, and batteries, McAllister. F .^i'^^ >'*''' *"'" ^""^ **'^'**' '**^*"^*^ *****'" the position, constniction, and ic .1 ,

times bv persons dii-ectly froiP , y/promisetl some place.

Fort:]VIcAnisteris th'ewor' .<;,wdi<^"^ ■"''^■''"V*\ ,-» bv Captain Wordon with the /./' „, ,- /,> -V)^"''""''^^

same vessels, and early in (i^ ^reblh, V. S. Navy,

tors Puamic, Patapsco^' -^fMfhntif*^ Sotinr Ofhu-r Xo/ih Kdhtn.

and Damn^ and three m '^^f^lf^'

in the report of tlie P /f,^^ --—

report on armored ve /f'^ ,^ , ,. / /> ,. /- c*

The Department t /- .< 3?i'.V- f'^ \ onanand.,' /^dtrrsOH. i. A

cers that t^re is rr - /^'^y^ ^'f " '^''"'^"^^'' '•'''""'• throwjh S.ra^h not reducible by • .,-^J^^ »- ^ ^ r

assailed simultar j^-f'y , , ^ •,^;.^"!^' i'*"^' A^^^V^/^'

Beauheuisn^ ^' ^][arm i'^^""/^- '^' ^- ^V>/v /„/..,■?;.', 7*6^.

bly require th' iK igt*"*^^" ™" '" "^ '^ o'ldock hist nijrht tliroufjh

Rosedewis J*"'^

seis of any d' iJ^ lagtationed 111 the vicinity of Swash C^hannel,

These wc Jfi^'^^'^fShiP "^^ *'^'' '"""• approaeh f j^^'^WR vour o'>e<l'^

turn aU t} 'Kit*'^^^^' • -»• l'- <^«*:»-'N-.

Wassaw f ^^^ftf^^ (fijtjdahi and >iriilin' Ojjirrr of i %n'liH

^■'•'' ■ _

rflftltl.

ceive tbf so vigih

The above i-each . So' ijMiirol Du^tiGrtfi^ ('. S. .Xirrt/, nyordhiif u fhoitnujh

W(8p jjt ^r^ «-)| ^ '^

tie- ^1*^ JSff^^ FLAfi-STKAMKK PHII-AI>KL1'MIA,

Unci**'* '^''^ ^ <*ai*ef\il to siout thorou<,dily the rivers pd S|«they 11U13' *>e< ""•! ^^^ ''*^»' 11=^ '* '^ iM>ssil)le to do so;

SOrtH ATLANTIC nLOCKADTNO SQUADIW^N. 59

k(M»p iidvispd of thn rolx*! |HtsitioiiH unci forcoj*, also • iiLtion from dtMiuti^rs and n-fuj^ri-s of niove- ' of our own fortro.s or tlio rebels.

to tint iiiovomtMiLs of the I'liion forcoa

"nilly iniportjiiit, will Ik* iniiiH'diatfly

Uflieulty in iloinjr .so nt Tvhi^e. or

'*vays be sent for tin- purpose to

'uniaitioii will be traiwmilted

^ itoVal by tug.

• M is frerpient Iw^tween Kdinto. . uri itoyal by temler is easy from

tnviiriiibly after dnrk, andoffieerr? and t-uting hy land or water.

JoitM A. Dahlgken. Smith Athintic JihKkadhig Sf/futdrrm.

I

under P<nttrT8f>n, TJ, S, Nfvvy^ traix^mUt'mg report of uifj nffieiT of the U. S. S. Pttfonmko^ reyar<Hit^ theeitcape dt ruit/ivr,

V. 8. S. Jakbs Adger, Ojf Oharlrntou Hhp, i\in^€ml}er ^3, IS64. n: Acting M:ister Montell i*eport.s havinji^ discovered la.st evening, oplw(»eti the hours of 7 and 8, a steamer coming fioiii toward Maffitrs C'tuLnni'l. with trails set and square-rigged forward; made the uHual .-ignal iiiid fired tliive times. Hie Az^iT'tt roming up under the pi»rt U)w of the /*ftt"mnl'ti,iiiid not answeruig her challenge, 'caused much confu>i<»n by di*nwing our attention away from the stninge steamer." The .signal was repeated by this vessel, at that time near the floimitottic. The I\tUtmHka occupied a station al>out \\ miles N.W. \ N. of the lluiu^dinui:.

The strange steamer was not seen by any other vessel of the outer bliM'kade, imd wlien hust seen by the Pototunhi was sU'ering N. b}* W. I herewith forward a copy of Acting Master Montcll s report, a copy of which I have also sent to Acting Master Strong, with direc- tions t4> make an explanation, etc.

tVery respectfully, your obedient servant, T. H. Patterson, Commander and Senufr Ojficer ]*re^ent off VhirleMton Bar. ptian J. F. Gbken, Srnior O fiver off C/wrf&tlmi, S. C, [KDclamrc.] U. S. S. Potomska, BhH'kadhuj off Chorh^Um, Ntrvt^oh-r '3:i , 18Sj^ Sm: I beg respectfully to inform you that t>etween the hours of 7 and 8, on the evening of the :iid, saw a stt*amer i-oming from toward Matlitt's Channel, with sail 8et and souare-rig forward: burned a Cos- ton signal and sent up rocket and tired No. 1 gun at the vessel, fol- lowing with No. 2 ana pivot.

The r. S. S. Azalffi coming up under our port bow at the time, and Dot antiwering our challeuges, aiused nmch confusion by dmwing our

60 SOUTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.

attention away from stranp^e st^amor, who, when last seen, was steer- ing N. by W., and out of reach of our guns. I feel confident that the vessel must have re,turned, as, during the night the guns' crews were kept to quarters and a most vigilant lookout was kept between the shore and oui'selves. The Azalea failed to answer our challenges, which were made frequently during the night.

1 am, ver^' respectfully, your ol)edient servant,

F. M. MONTELL,

ActitKj MaMfff\ Commanding. Comnmnder Thos. H. Patterson,

Senixn' Officer Outmde Blockade.

Extract fi'mn report of Ca/ptain Gi^een, U. S. Navy^ senior officer off ChartestoTi., regarding* general affairs.

U. S. S1..00P John Adams, Off Morris M^ind, South Carolina, Nm^ember^S. 186J^.

Sir: * * ** A large side-wheel steamer, with two masts and two smoke pipes, ran in night l>efore last at about 8 o'clock through the Swash Channel. She was seen and tired upon by two of the picket launches, one of whicli, lying in 9 feet of water, was obliged to cut her cable to avoid being run down by the steamer. She was not seen by the outside blockade.

The night was very dark and boisterous. I enclose herewith Lieu- tentant-Commander iStone's and Acting Master Kicker's reports of the circumstances, and also Acting Ensign Seaman's respecting the station occupied by him on the occasion.

The schooner Altheti arrived here with provisions day before yester- day (the aist instant), and I dispatched her yesterday to Port Royal. « » » * * * «■

A large launch, coppered, with oars, rowlocks, and rudder, com-

§lete, was picked up this morning at about 4 o'clock off Drunken Dick hoal by one of the picket tugs. She had in her several 30-pound shot and a coffin containing the corpse of a colored man.

* * * * * « «

Two United States officers who escaped from Charleston and reached Morris Island a day or two since state that the rumor prevails in Charleston and vicinity that Sherman is marching in this direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. Geeen, Captain and Senior Officer off Charleston. Kear- Admiral J. A. Dahlgrkn,

Commanding South Atla?itic Blockading Sqnadroii.

Reixfrt of Rear- Admiral Dahlgren^ V* S. Navy^ regarding the arri^val of refugees and mcaptd Union jprison^rs.

No. 582.J Flao-Steaheb Philadelthia,

P&rt Royal Harbor, November ^^, imi^. Sir: Refugees continue to come out in various numl>ers to our ves- sels; just now as many as thirty or forty have arrived from Edisto, a

SOUTH ATLAl»nC BLOCKADINO 9(JTJA0ROrr.

few from Goorgotown. (S. C], amonp thoni soim* t'ninii oflirern and soMicrs, just escaped. Ki^ht I'nion utKcerfl winie in a few duy.s iiffo, and subsequently two more. The atfency is chiefly that of thi^ nt^rson before mentioned, in whirl) others iijipear lo I»k L'oncerne<i. How he i-an carry on his buniness without detection is n*»t eitsy t<) midei-wtaiid. Hit* fee is !^2ao in rebel currency.

I enclose a list of the last ari'Ivuls.

I have the honor to l>e, very respectfully, your ol>e<licnt seryant.

d. A. iJAIIUmEN^

Rear-AdmimL C<fm4lg, Smtt/t Atl4intw Blovkadhuj Stpiadron, Hon, GiUKX)N AVellks,

Secrttary iifthe ^uiy^ Wan/tin/fttm. D. C,

Letttrr fmm Rt^r^ Admiral iMldtjren^ U. S. Nmyy^ to MajoV'Genenxl Foat^r^ U. .y. -'Ir/nw, tniitHtaUting t^jttrnct of repofrt from senior naval ofivei' in Stf/no Itityer regardt7ig the work of the en^my in that m^jinity.

Flag-Steamer Pkiladelphla, Port Royid f[.ti^o\ A'or^'nd,^r 2.U ^''^^f Oeneral: The following is extratt^'d from a contmunioition by the senior nayal oflieer at Stono:

I have viifiited the wator line in our front aiid liud the enciny are activi.'. They vltc repairing; Itii* hn<lKe It5WlinK on JohnV Inland, iind uppear tt> Im.* nt work bfu-k in the woods on the inliind.

Thpjr pickets