When we had arrived abreast of the Fort, by a rapid and timely fire of grape, their several batteries were almost entirely silenced. Twenty twenty-pound charges of powder, our carrying, as directed, low steam, and the very twelve sixteen-pound charges of powder, twenty- deliberate movements of our iron-clads which oceight fifteen-pound charges of powder, three cupied the channel close ahead of us. thirteen-pound charges of powder, twenty-nine ten pound charges of powder, thirteen fourpound charges of powder, eight boarding pikes, four cutlass scabbards, three battle-axe scabbards, two division boxes, six waist-belts, four Enfield rifle bayonets, six Enfield rifles, two navy revolvers, four percussion primer boxes, (tin,) three battle-axes, four brass padlocks, three percussion-cap boxes, (tin,) two pistol frogs, forty musket-ball cartridges, eleven eleven-inch solid shot, one hundred and twenty percussion primers, nine nine-inch solid shot, thirty Enfield rifle-ball cartridges, five one hundred and fifty pounder Parrott's solid shot, (long,) seventy revolver percussion-caps, thirty-seven eleven-inch shell, filled and fuzed five seconds; twenty friction primers, twenty-three nine-inch shell, filled and fuzed five seconds; sixty pistol-ball cartridges, seven one hundred and fifty pounder Parrott shell, filled and fuzed, five seconds; thirteen fiftypounder Hotchkiss shell, filled and fuzed, five seconds; two cutlasses, (Ames,) two hundred musket percussion-caps, three cutlass scabbards, seven Parrott rings, for time fuzes; seven metal time fuzes, five seconds; six eleven-inch selvagee wads, eight nine-inch selvagee wads, two nineinch passing-boxes. Very respectfully, your obedient servants. S. A. MCCARTY, Ensign. JOHN G. FOSTER, Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. S. BROOKLYN, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part that this ship took in the action of yesterday, with Fort Morgan and the rebel ram and gunboats. In accordance with your instructions and by signal, at fifteen minutes past five we got under way with the Octorara lashed on our port side, and proceeded toward the bar of Mobile entrance. After some little delay in waiting for the ships to form into line, and for the ironclads to precede us, we steamed ahead and passed up the channel toward Fort Morgan, being the leading ship, closely followed by the Admiral and the rest of the fleet in line of battle. At fifteen minutes past six, when about one and a half miles from the Fort, the enemy opened fire upon us, which was immediately returned with bow-chasers, (our two one hundred-pound Parrotts.) The action then commenced, the fire of the enemy being almost entirely directed at the wooden vessels; their ram Tennessee and gunboats soon joining in the fight. The starboard battery was opened on the Fort, as soon as the guns could be brought to bear. Our progress up the channel was slow, owing to At this juncture I observed the ill-fated Tecumseh, which was then about three hundred yards ahead of us, and on our starboard bow, careen violently over, and sink almost instantaneously. Sunk by a torpedo! Assassination in its worst form! A glorious though terrible end for our noble friends, the intrepid pioneers of that deathstrewed path! Immortal fame is theirs! Peace to their manes! We were now somewhat inside of the Fort, when shoal-water was reported, and at the same time, as the smoke cleared up a little, a row of suspicious-looking buoys was discovered directly under our bows. While we were in the act of backing to clear them, our gallant Admiral passed us and took the lead. Getting headway again as soon as possible, we pushed up the channel at full speed in his wake, when the rebel ram was discovered making for the flag-ship, and at the same time throwing shot and shell at us, which inflicted considerable damage at and above the water-line forward. The rebel gunboats having now taken shelter in shoal-water, I cast off the Octorara from alongside, and directed her to close in and assist the other gunboats in their attack upon them. The Hartford having steamed past the ram with her broadside playing vigorously upon him, continuing our course at full speed and exchanging broadsides as we could bring our guns to bear, she missed us, and just passed clear of our stern only a few yards distant; we then gave her some parting blows with our sixty-pounder Parrott from the poop. At fifty minutes past eight anchored near the flag-ship, about five miles above the Fort, the rebel gunboats firing a few shots at us at longrange as we passed up. At about nine A.M., the Tennessee was discovered standing for the fleet, and we, in company with the flag-ship and several other vessels, made toward him, firing solid shot from our bow-chasers. When within a short distance the Chickasaw crossed bows and prevented our ramming him. As soon as the ram was clear of the last-named vessel, he made directly at us; put our helm a-port and made at him with full speed, but seeing our torpedocatcher hanging under the bows, and thinking it was a real torpedo (as an officer belonging to her has since told me) he put his helm hard up and avoided us, giving us some heavy shots in passing. Our shot-solid nine-inch, with thirteen pounds of powder-struck him repeatedly, but without any material effect, except one, which, as it is believed, carried away his smokestack. We then turned to try it again, but the iron-clads had fairly engaged her, and shortly afterward she surrendered. our The fleet here came to near the former anchorage. The surgeon's list of killed and wounded, together with the forward officers' report of injuries done to the ship by the enemy's shot, and the number of projectiles expended, etc., are herewith inclosed. Lieutenant Commander Lull, the executive officer, has, at my request, made a statement of some very interesting incidents, giving a list of men who most distinguished themselves during the action, which I take great pleasure in forwarding, with a hearty approval of it, and the sugges tions it contains. It will be seen that we have fifty-four casualties on board; eleven killed, and forty-three wounded; many of the latter, I am happy to say, are slight. The list will not appear large when it is considered that we were nearly two hours under fire. Among the others, we have to regret the loss of an officer, Acting Master's Mate William H. Cook, who was killed while bravely doing his duty, having already been wounded. By the Carpenter's report, it will be seen that the hull has received extensive and serious injuries, having been struck twenty-three times. Our mainmast is ruined, having been shot through and through the centre, three times between the cathar-pins and the deck, the shotholes being about equidistant from each other. Shot struck the other spars seven times, injuring some badly. The boatswain's report shows the rigging to have been struck and cut in twentynine places, making an aggregate of some nine hits in the hull, rigging, and spars. afforded me great assistance, being always prompt and active in his duties. To our pilot, Mr. Christopher Lawrence, great credit is due for the handsome manner he piloted the ship. I ought to mention before closing this report, that I was particularly pleased with the cheerful bearing and aid afforded me by Captain E. A. Denicke, of the Army Signal Corps, in watching and pointing out the effect of our shot in the batteries, and upon the rebel ram and gunboats. In accordance with your directions, I also send a separate report in regard to those men who were most conspicuous for good conduct and gallantry in the action. It is taken mostly from the report of Lieutenant Commander Lull, the executive officer. Congratulating you upon the handsome result of the day, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN, Captain. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. S. BROOKLYN, MOBILE BAY, August 6, 1864. SIR: In accordance with your instructions, I herewith append a list of the crew who most distinguished themselves for gallantry and good conduct during the action with Fort Morgan and the rebel ram and gunboats. Feeling satisfied fifty-that they have earned that justly prized distinction, the "medal of honor," I trust the Department will confer it upon them. The number of projectiles expended is one hundred and eighty-three. In conclusion, I must beg leave to state that as far as I can learn, every one did his duty nobly and well, and while the officers generally would seem to deserve some especial mention, I must, from the nature of circumstances, confine my notice to those on whom devolved the more important duty of controlling and fighting the ship. To my executive officer, Lieutenant Commander E. P. Lull, my thanks are especially due, not only for his cool, steady bearing in the fight, but also for the efficient training of the crew, which have been together now less than three months, but displayed in the action the steadiness of veterans, fighting their guns almost as coolly as if they were at an ordinary exercise. Lieutenant Thomas L. Swann, the ordnance officer, had every thing ready, and the working of his department was admirable; he was principally occupied during the action with the bow-chasers. The other division officers-Captain Houston, of the marines, Lieutenant Charles F. Blake, Ensigns Cassel and Sigsbee, with their assistants, Master's Mates Duncan and Stevens-fought their guns nobly and well. The powder division, under Acting Ensign Utter, could not have been conducted better. Chief-Engineer Kellogg's department worked beautifully. Doctor Maulsby was fully prepared for the wounded, and extended to those unfortunates all the solicitude and care that a generous nature could dictate. Ensign Pendleton, my aid and signal officer, J. Henry Dennig, (Sergeant of Marines,) Michael Hudson, (Sergeant of Marines,) and William M. Smith, Miles M. Oriatt, (Corporals of Marines,) for their conspicuous good conduct at their guns. Barnett Kenna, (Quartermaster,) and William Halsted, (Coxswain,) coolness, bravery, and skill in the working of their guns. Their conduct was particularly meritorious. Joseph Brown (Quartermaster) and Joseph Irlane, (seaman,) stationed at the wheel, behaved with great coolness and bravery, sending the other two men who were stationed with them, to replace men disabled at the guns. Edward Price, (Captain,) great coolness and bravery under fire; his gun became disabled by the sponge's breaking, leaving the head in the gun; he proceeded to clear it by pouring down powder into the vent and blowing the spongehead out. Alexander Mack, (Captain of ) activity, zeal, and skill displayed in handling his gun, as well as great courage; he was also severely wounded. William Nichols, (Quartermaster,) perfect coolness and dexterity in handling his gun; always sure of his aim before he would consent to fire. Nicholas Irwin, (seaman,) John Cooper, (Coxswain,) John Brown, (Forecastle Captain,) and John Irwin, (carpenter,) very conspicuous for bravery, skill, coolness, and activity at their guns. William Blagden, (ship's cook,) William Madden, (coal-heaver,) James Machon, (boy,) William H. Brown, (landsman,) James Mifflin, (engineer's cook,) conspicuous for bravery, performing their duty in the powder division, at a point where the ship was riddled very much, and in the immediate vicinity of the shell-whips, which were twice cleared of men by bursting shells. Brown was also wounded. being short of officers. Our chain-cable, ranged up and down the starboard side, saved our boilers from one shot, and the sand-bags upon the berthdeck saved them from one if not two more. The ship's company behaved remarkably well, James E. Sterling, (coal-heaver,) bravery in so much so as to make it difficult to specify even remaining at his post when wounded, and pass-conspicuous conduct without making a rather ing shell until struck down a second time and large list; but I beg to call your especial attention to the following cases mentioned by the dicompletely disabled. vision officers, many of which also fell under my own observation, and to request that you will recommend them for the "medal of honor: " Richard Dennis (Boatswain's Mate,) and Samuel H. Davis displayed much courage, bravery, and coolness, the first in operating the torpedocatcher, and assisting in working the bowchaser, and the latter in acting as a lookout for torpedoes and other obstructions. Samuel Todd, (quartermaster,) conspicuous coolness at the commencement. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, MOBILE BAY, August 6, 1864. SIR: The accompanying reports of the boatswain, gunner, and carpenter, of the damages sustained by this ship, and of the ammunition expended during our action of yesterday with the rebel forts and gunboats, and with the ram Tennessee, are respectfully forwarded: The sailmaker being one of the wounded, is not able to make a report, but the damages in his department are a number of cloths cut in the port head of the fore-topsail, and considerable injury to the hammock cloths fore and aft. J. Henry Dennig, (Sergeant of Marines,) Michael Hudson, (Sergeant of Marines,) and William M. Smith and Miles M. Oriatt, (Corporals of Marines,) for conspicuous good conduct at their guns. Barnett Kenna, (Quartermaster,) and William Halsted, (Coxswain,) coolness, bravery, and skill in working their guns. Their conduct was particularly meritorious. Joseph Brown, (Quartermaster,) and Joseph Irlane, (seaman,) stationed at the wheel, behaved with great coolness and bravery, sending the other two men who were stationed with them to replace men disabled at the guns. Edward Price, (Coxswain,) great coolness and bravery under fire; his gun became disabled by the sponge breaking, leaving the head in the gun; he proceeded to clear it by pouring down powder into the vent and blowing the sponge-head out. Alexander Mack, (Captain of Top,) remarkable coolness and courage, was wounded and sent below, but immediately returned and took charge of his gun; remained until he was again wounded twice and entirely disabled. William Robinson, (Captain of Top,) activity, zeal, and skill displayed in handling his gun, as well as great courage. One of the shots mentioned by the carpenter as wounding the rail of the top-gallant forecastle, struck directly under the breast of the bow, and had its force not been nearly spent, as is William Nichols, (Quartermaster,) perfect coolsupposed, by its having previously passed through some of the wood-work of the iron-clad Chick-ness and dexterity in handling his gun; always asaw, it must inevitably have disabled the gun. sure of his aim before he would consent to fire. In the vicinity of number four port on the starboard side, in the space of about eight feet square, five shot or shells passed through the side, and one shell struck the sheet-anchor which was stowed above this port, breaking the shank. The lower fluke is also broken off. The gun was entirely disabled. Acting Master's Mate Cook and three men were killed, and Lieutenant Blake and six men wounded. A shell which exploded on the berthdeck forward killed or wounded every man at the two shell-whips, and those who were passing shell between them, also carrying away one whip. Acting Ensign Utter, and his assistant, sailmaker Brayton, rigged another whip and stationed new men to man it, and just as they were recommencing work, a second shell exploded again, clearing away every man, this time including Mr. Brayton among the wounded, and depriving us of the services of an active and very efficient officer. Mr. Baker, the Paymaster's Clerk, performed very good service in the powder division, taking voluntary charge of the after-shell whip, at which no officer was stationed, owing to our Nicholas Irwin, (seaman,) John Cooper, (Coxswain,) John Brown, (Captain of Forecastle,) and John Irwin, (Coxswain,) very conspicuous for bravery, skill, coolness, and activity at their guns. William Blagden, (ship's cook,) William Madden, (coal-heaver,) James Machon, (boy,) William H. Brown, (landsman,) and James Mifflin, (engineer's cook,) conspicuous for bravery, performing their duty in the powder division, at a point where the ship was riddled very much, and in the immediate vicinity of the shell-whips, which were twice cleared of men by bursting shells. James E. Sterling, (coal-heaver,) bravery in remaining at his post when wounded, and passing shell until struck down a second time and completely disabled. Richard Dennis (Boatwain's Mate,) and Samuel H. Davis displayed much courage and coolness, the first in operating the torpedo-catcher, and assisting in working of the bow-chaser, and the latter in acting as a lookout for torpedoes and other obstructions. Samuel Todd, (Quartermaster,) conspicuous coolness at the commencement. We have found upon our decks and extracted from the wood-work over eleven hundred pounds Captain JAMES ALDEN, U. S. S. BROOKLYN, MOBILE BAY, August 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the damages inflicted upon this ship during our engagement of to-day, with the rebel Fort Morgan, and the rebel gunboats. 1. Shot carried away a portion of the rail on top-gallant forecastle directly under the breast of bow gun. 2. Shot passed directly through the stem about one foot from water's edge. 3. Passed through the side, just under the bridle-port, struck the deck above upon the opposite side, and shows in the water-way above. 4. Passed through the side just at the copper's edge, or little abaft the bridle-port. Entered the store-room, destroying a hanging knee, and wounding a beam, did much damage to fixtures of storeroom; struck the opposite side, but did not pene trate. 5. Passed through side just forward of and under number two port, and struck the galley. 6. Passed through side on berth-deck, abreast of galley, destroying hanging knee. 7. Passed through the side diagonally about two feet above berth-deck, passed out through opposite side. 8. Through side abreast fore-hatch, destroying an air-port and a berth-deck, hanging knee. Entered fireman's wash-room, arrested by sand-bags. 9. Under after-ports of fore-channels, through side destroying a berth-deck, hanging knee, and a force-pump, wounded berth-deck, cut starboard chain. 10. Four feet abaft number nine, passed through side, destroying an air-port, and two berth-deck hanging knees. 11. Passed through the side, and exploded in the dispensary, doing considerable damage. 12. Passed through side, through deck in Second Assistant Engineer's room, and into main hold, doing much damage. 13. Through side, cutting main rail, just abaft number two port. 14. On the same level, through side about four feet abaft number thirteen. 15. Struck and broke starboard sheet anchorbeak. Cut main rail just over number four port, passed through bottom of the launch, and destroyed forward shore of launch. 16. Through side just under number fifteen, cutting through spar deck water-way, and carrying away the starboard truck of gun number three. 17. Carried away flue of sheet-anchor. Cut through main rail, destroyed after-shore of launch, and struck the breech of number five gun, port. 18. Passed through hammock netting starboard side, just abaft number eight port, and passed out through opposite side. 19. Plunging shot passed through port hammock netting just forward of break of poop. 20. Wounded top of hammock-rail on starboard side between numbers eight and nine ports, passed out through hammock netting on port side. 21. Followed same course of twenty a few feet farther aft. 22. A ricochet shot struck poop-deck, crushed it down together with beam underneath, and ricocheted overboard. This shot killed two marines, carrying one overboard with it. 23, 24, 25. Three shots passed through the mainmast, ruining the mast; number twenty-five also cut the brass band on starboard quarter of main-yard, wounding the yard. 26. Apparently a fragment of shell entered the mainmast. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, INSIDE MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I respectfully beg to report the damages sustained in the Ordnance Department of this ship during the engagement of the fifth inst., as follows, namely: One nine-inch gun-carriage entirely destroyed; one one-hundred pounder elevating screw destroyed; one one-hundred pounder lock destroyed; one sixty-pounder lock destroyed; one nine-inch breech sight-brass damaged; one nineinch breech sight-brass destroyed; one nineinch gun-carriage slightly damaged; six nineinch side-tackles destroyed; two nine-inch rammers destroyed; two nine-inch sponges destroyed; one nine-inch rolling hand-spike destroyed; one nine-inch ladle; one one-hundred pounder ladle. I am, sir, most respectfully, Your obedient servant, JOHN QUEREDO. Acting Gunner. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, MOBILE BAY, August 5, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order, I respectfully submit the following report of damages done to rigging during the action of the fifth instant, with Fort Morgan, rebel ram Tennessee, and gunboats Selma, Morgan, and Gaines, having made a careful examination of the same. Jib and flying jib, martingale-stays, and backstays shot away Port cat-block shot away, also three deck-stop- I struck her fair, and swinging round poured pers. Fore-rigging, two shrouds starboard, and in a broadside of solid eleven-inch shot, which one port shot away; one shroud shot away in two apparently had but little if any effect upon places; two dead eyes starboard, fore-rigging shot her. Soon after, signal was made to my ship away; starboard fore-topsail halliards shot away; to again run into her. I did so, and was about port fore-brace shot away; port fore-topsail brace to try it the third time, when she surrendered and block shot away; starboard sheet-anchor to the fleet. shank broke, and flue shot off; port main-stay shot away; main rigging six shrouds shot away, four starboard and two port; one dead eye port main rigging shot away. Main lift and brace shot away. Main topsail clewlines and buntlines shot away. One shroud, mizzen-rigging shot away. One laniard port mizzen-rigging shot away. Starboard cross-tack, and mizzen topsail-brace shot away. A shot passed through the top-gallant and royal rigging barricaded in the sick bay, and lodged in the port water-ways. Starboard sheet-chain shot away. No doubt a great deal of the gear is cut, but CHARLES A. BRAYDON, Lieut. Com. EDWARD O. LULL, Executive Officer U. S. S. Brooklyn. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, INSIDE MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I respectfully report the expenditure of ordnance stores in this ship during the engagement of the fifth instant, as follows, namely: During the action my officers and men, without exception, behaved in the most gallant manner. It would be impossible to make any distinction where all did every thing that could have been desired. I would here mention that a volunteer crew from the U. S. S. Kennebec, in charge of Acting Ensign Ellis, came on board and manned one of my thirty-two pounder broadside guns during the engagement with Fort Morgan. Their conduct during the action was gallant, and met with my entire approbation. I regret to say that my First Lieutenant, Mr. Prentiss, lost a leg in the action, and that fears are entertained for his life. Inclosed I send you the Executive Officer's report of the expenditure of ammunition, and the damages sustained, also the Surgeon's and Engineer's reports. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, U. S. S. MONONGAHELA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the follow One hundred ten-pound charges, (nine-inch;)ing injuries sustained by this vessel during the thirty-two thirteen-pound charges, (nine-inch;) action of to-day with Fort Morgan and the rebel fleet inside. thirty-seven ten-pound charges, (one-hundred pounder;) fourteen six-pound charges, (sixty-iron-clad ram Tennessee, our iron prow was enIn twice attempting to run down the rebel pounder;) fifty five-second shell, (nine-inch ;) twenty-five ten-second shell, (nine-inch;) twentirely carried away, together with the cut-water. ty stands of grape, (nine-inch;) thirty seven sol- The butt ends of the planking on both bows are id shot, (nine-inch;) twenty-five solid shot, (one-started from the stem and badly shattered, the hundred pounder;) twelve shell Tico's concusport ones considerably sprung off. sion, (one-hundred pounder;) twelve solid shot, (sixty-pounder;) two shell, Tico's concussion, (sixty-pounder.) I am, sir, most respectfully, Your obedient servant, Acting Gunner. REPORT OF COMMANDER J. H. STRONG. Two six-inch rifle-shell from the ram entered our starboard bow; one between the planking and cutwater, grazing the perpendicular, striking the under side of the breast-hook, ricocheting, passing through the boatswain's store-room, and striking the berth-deck, where it lodged without exploding. The other entered about twelve feet further aft, and exploded on the berth-deck, slightly wounding three men, breaking an eleveninch scraper and an eleven-inch worm, and bending a stanchion near the galley. A six-inch rifleshell exploded underneath the No. 1 pivot port, raking up the side in ten or fifteen places, many of the pieces remaining in the side. One sixAt half-past five A.M. got under way in obe-inch solid shot entered abreast No. 2 pivot port, dience to signal, took my station in the line, and prepared for action. U. S. S. MONONGAHELA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by this ship under my command in the action of yesterday, in passing the Mobile Forts, etc. At ten minutes past seven the action was commenced by the first guns being fired from the Fort. After passing the forts I saw the rebel ram Tennessee head in for the line. I then sheered out of the line to run into her, at the same time ordering full speed as fast as possible. passing through the boatswain's room, starboard side, berth-deck, paymaster's issuing room, port side, and lodging in the outer planking, springing off one butt about eight inches. One ten-inch shot or shell came in our starboard gangway, carrying away head-board of starboard quarterdeck hammock netting, grazing top-rail and mainmast, and passing through port side under main |