channels. Pieces of the head-board were driven through the fire-room ventilators. Lieutenant Prentiss and two men were wounded by this shot. In the rigging fore-peak halliards, end of main stay and port ridge rope shot away. I also report the following expenditure of am munition: REPORT OF COMMANDER WM. E. LE ROY. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that in passing the forts, and in the attack upon the iron-clad Tennessee, this ship was struck four times in the hull and several times in the rigging, fortunately without disabling the ship. Our stem is somewhat injured by running against Seventeen shells, one hundred and fifty pound- the Tennessee. Our casualties I am pleased to er rifle; six solid shot, one hundred and fifty report as small. When about running down the pounder rifle; eight solid shot, eleven-inch; seven Tennessee, she displayed a white flag, but not shrapnel, eleven-inch; twenty-five shells, eleven-in time to prevent my colliding with her; havinch; four canister, eleven-inch; seven grape, ing been so disabled by the fire of the fleet eleven-inch; forty-seven shells, thirty-two-pound- and unable longer to continue the contest, and er; three solid shot, thirty-two-pounder; forty- I was fortunate in receiving her surrender from seven shells, twelve-pounder rifle howitzer; one Commander Johnston, her Commander Adhundred and seventy percussion-primers; twenty-miral Buchanan being wounded a prize to the three cartridges, one hundred and fifty pounder fleet under your command. rifle, sixteen pounds; eight cartridges, eleven- I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient inch, twenty pounds; forty-three cartridges, eleven-inch, fifteen pounds; fifty cartridges, thirty-two-pounder, nine pounds; forty-seven cartridges, twelve-pounder rifle howitzer; four shells, twenty-four-pounder howitzer. The slide of starboard twenty-four pounder howitzer was found to be rotten, and after the first few rounds, was rendered totally unfit for With this exception, the battery is in as good condition for service as before the action. Very respectfully, etc., use. O. A. BATCHELLER, Commander J. H. STRONG, Commanding Monongahela. U. S. S. MONONGAHELA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR: I have to report that during the engagement with the enemy to-day, we received no damage in the Engineer's Department, with the exception of a shot through fireroom ventilator, and one through the smoke-pipe. At the time we ran into the rebel iron-clad Tennessee, the engines were making sixty-two revolutions per minute, with thirty pounds steam and throttle-valve wide open. The engines worked well, and every engineer, Commander J. H. STRONG, U. S. S. MONONGAHELA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 10, 1864. SIR: The following persons, wounded in the action of the fifth instant, were sent to the Naval Hospital at Pensacola. Lieutenant R. Prentiss, both legs, left one amputated. Michael Smith, boy, scalp. Wm. Feeney, private marine, contusions. DAVID KINDLEBERGER, Commander JAMES A. STRONG, Commanding U. S. S. Monongahela. servant. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. S. OSSIPEE, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of damages received by this vessel in the late engagement with Fort Morgan and the rebel ram Tennessee. Part of fore-foot gone, occasioned by collision with the Tennessee. One shot, a hundred and thirty pounder, passed through forward starboard section port and ship's side, destroying a knee in the boatswain's room, also carrying away the bulkheads of same and issuing room. Another shot passed through ship's side and starboard forward coal-bunker. One shot passed through the chain-armor, first forward of starboard gangway at water's edge, through ship's side and starboard coal-bunker, landing in port coal-bunker, passing within three inches of the steam-pipe. Also a shot-hole through ship's side and water-ways, under the starboard main channels; the shot carried away one chain-plate, and badly splintered the water-ways. The shot that passed through chain-armor and coal-bunker is a ten-inch columbiad. U. S. S. OSSIPEE, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. U. S. STEAMER SEMINOLE, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inclose the accom- SIR: I have to report that, in passing the fort panying reports of injuries sustained by this yesterday, we met with no casualties in killed or ship in the engagement of yesterday, as also of wounded. One shot from the water-battery cut the amount of ammunition expended. In addi-one strand of our mainstay, which is the only intion to my report of yesterday, I would state all jury done to the ship or rigging. Respectfully under my command showed such zeal and ener- your obedient servant, gy that it would be invidious to select any one as more deserving than another. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. E. LE ROY, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commander. EDWARD DONALDSON, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding W. G. B. Squadron, U. S. Flag-Ship Hartford, U. S. STEAMER SEMINOLE, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. To EDWARD DONALDSON, Commanding W. G. B. Squadron, Mobile Bay, Ala. REPORT OF COMMANDER T. H. STEVENS. U. S. MONITOR WINNEBAGO, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1964. Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, Commanding W. G. B. Squadron: Shells, five sec., thirty; ten sec., six; fifteen SIR: I have the honor to report that, according sec., two; twenty sec., seven; percussion, thirty- to instructions, this vessel yesterday, at half-past two. Solid shots, eleven-inch, four; one-hundred-five A.M. got under way from her anchorage pounder, two; thirty-two-pounder, six; hollow near Sand Island, and proceeded up the bay for shots, thirty-pounder, four. Powder, number the purpose of attacking the enemy. seven cannon, three hundred and sixty-five pounds; ordinary powder, three hundred and fifty-four pounds. Very respectfully, JOHN Q. ADAMS, Commander WM. E. LE ROY, Commanding. Gunner. REPORT OF COMMANDER E. DONALDSON, U. S. STEAMER SEMINOLE, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 7, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order for passing the forts on the fifth instant, at half-past five A.M., we went alongside, and made fast on the port side of the Lackawanna, and took our designated station in the line, and am happy to say we had no casualties on board. The hull of the ship was not struck at all. One strand of the port mainstay was cut by a fragment of a shell. At fifteen minutes past eight A.M. we cast off from the Lackawanna, and at fifteen minutes past eight A.M. came to anchor. At half-past nine A.M., seeing the rebel ram Tennessee approaching us, we slipped to avoid her, and at fifteen minutes past ten A.M. returned to our anchorage, after having delivered two broadsides at her, at a distance of about one thousand yards. I am happy to say that all the officers and crew behaved with the utmost coolness. Respectfully, etc., EDWARD DONALDSON, At seven took station between Fort Morgan and the wooden vessels of the fleet in line of battle. Acting Ensign John B. Zellick, Quartermaster At half-past eight passed Fort Morgan, and steamed slowly up the bay. At ten minutes past nine the after-turret broke down. At fifteen minutes past nine received order from flag-ship to attack the rebel ram Tennessee, which surrendered at forty-five minutes past nine. Anchored with the fleet at forty-five minutes past ten in the lower fleet anchorage of Mobile Bay. condition of the turrets, and the gunner's acInclosed please receive engineer's report of count of ammunition expended. The Winnebago was struck nineteen times, three of the shot having penetrated the deck near the after-turret. I have to report no casualties. The officers and men conducted themselves well; and to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. T. Shankland, First Assistant-Engineer John Purdy, who volunteered for this vessel, and the pilot, William H. Wroten, I am indebted for valuable assistance. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servT. H. STEVENS, ant, Commander. One of the fifteen-inch carriages is temporarily Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. IRON-CLAD MANHATTAN, MOBILE BAY, ALA., August 8, 1564. U. S. S. WINNEBAGO, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR: Of the six fifteen-inch projectiles fired SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the from this vessel at the rebel iron-clad Tennessee, following is a correct list of ordnance stores ex- I claim four as having struck, doing most of the pended whilst engaging the rebel batteries and real injuries that she has sustained, namely: Heet: Fifty-two eleven-inch charges, fifteen First, one shot on port beam, going entirely pounds each; two eleven-inch charges, twenty-through the armor, and crushing the wood backfive pounds each; six eleven-inch shell, five ing, making a hole completely through the vesseconds each; twelve eleven-inch shell, ten sel; second, one shot near the first, but higher seconds each; fourteen eleven-inch shrapnel, five up and farther forward, making a deep indentaseconds each; six stands of grape; two stands of tion, and then glancing over the ship; third, a canister; fourteen eleven-inch solid shot, or shell striking her stern port shutter, disabling it, dinary steel; two eleven-inch solid shot, ordinary so that the gun could not be used; fourth, a shot striking her stern, ripping up the deck plating, carrying away her steering gear, and then striking her armor at the angle of the port quarter, crushing it and starting the wood backing through to the inside. steel. I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, ROBERT SHERMAN, To Com. THOMAS STEVENS, U. S. Navy, REPORT OF COMMANDER J. W. A. NICHOLSON. U. S. S. MANHATTAN, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this ship in the action of the fifth instant with Fort Morgan and the rebel iron-clad Tennessee. At five minutes past seven A.M. I opened on the Fort, but owing to the dense smoke from the guns our firing was necessarily very slow. I am, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. W. A. NICHOLSON, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. N. U. S. IRON-CLAD MANHATTAN, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the expenditures of ammunition in action of to-day with the rebel Fort Morgan and the rebel iron-clad Tennessee: Four fifteen-inch shell; at-three fuzes-three and a half, seven, and ten sec. Three fifteen-inch solid shot; four fifteen-inch cored shot; four fifteen-inch charges, thirty-five pounds; four fifteen-inch charges, fifty pounds; three fifteen-inch charges, sixty pounds. Respectfully your obedient servant, After passing Fort Morgan, I devoted my tention entirely to the rebel iron-clad, firing my guns slowly and with great precision. At forty-five minutes past nine I obtained a raking position under his stern, and fired a solid shot, which struck him on the port quarter, carrying away his steering gear. At fifty-seven minutes past nine, when on the point of firing from the same position, he hauled down his colors and surrendered. I fired at the Tennessee six times, namely, one shell, two solid, and three cored shot. I am satisfied that most, if not all, the serious damage she has sustained was caused by the fifteen-inch shot from this vessel. This ship was struck by the enemy's shot nine times, causing no material damage; but of this I will make a separate report. No person was injured on board. Officers and men all did their duty; but I especially recommend Acting Ensign John B. Trott, who was stationed at the wheel steering the ship himself, for the admirable manner in which he performed his duty. Also Acting Master Robert B. Ely, for the manner in which he worked his guns. Both of these gentlemen, I think, are worthy of being advanced a grade in the service. C. M. SCHOONMAKER, Com. J. W. A. NICHOLSON, U. S. N., U. S. IRON-CLAD MANHATTAN, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following damages sustained by this ship in action of today with the rebel Fort Morgan and the rebel iron-clad Tennessee: TURRET. One two and a quarter-inch indentation from conical steel-pointed shot, four feet from deck. One seven-eighth inch indentation from glancing shot, two feet from deck. One seven-eighth inch indentation just above base ring; outside, three rivet-heads knocked off and seven started. Base ring separated slightly. PILOT HOUSE. One one and a quarter-inch indentation from conical shot, four feet three inches from base. Very respectfully your obedient servant, REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER C. H. WELLS. U. S. STEAMER GALENA, MOBILE BAY, ALA., Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I herewith report to you the part which this steamer took in passing Forts Morgan and Gaines yesterday. Before leaving the anchorage off Mobile Bar, the Galena was lashed to the port side of the Oneida, according to your diagram of line of battle furnished, and occupied the rear of the line. Fort Morgan began firing at five minutes past seven A.M., when the Oneida replied and was followed by this vessel at twenty-five minutes past seven with the one-hundred pounder rifle on the forecastle, which took effect in the Fort. When abreast and within four hundred yards of it, Captain Mullany of the Oneida was wounded badly in the arm and leg, and the steering apparatus of his vessel was shot away, which was shortly afterward followed by the explosion of one of her boilers, caused by a heavy shot striking it; and this rendered it necessary for the Galena to tow the Oneida by Forts Morgan and Gaines under a severe raking fire from the former, which was accomplished by fifteen minutes past nine. Both vessels were repeatedly struck, but the Oneida, from having been on the starboard side of this steamer, suffered severely, losing a number of men killed, and having a number wounded. Her Captain, J. R. M. Mullany, under the most trying circumstances, displayed the utmost courage and gallantry whilst passing through a terrific fire, and only left the deck when he had been severely wounded. His executive officer, Lieutenant Huntington, cheerfully carried out my orders after the disability of Captain Mullany, and distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery. I take pleasure in bringing to your notice the Executive Officer of this vessel, A. V. Lieutenant C. W. Wilson, who faithfully carried out my orders in passing Fort Morgan, as well as in the exhibition of coolness and bravery. Acting Master D. C. Kells, Acting Ensigns Pease and Miner, and Acting Master's Mates Tuttle and Delano, I would also recommend to your favorable notice for their good conduct under the fire of the enemy. Mr. Buehler, First Assistant Engineer and Acting Chief, managed the Engineer's department in a highly creditable manner, in which he was sustained by the Assistant-Engineers Greenleaf, Scot, Burns, and Weecker. Acting Assistant-Paymaster Kitchen and Lesley G. Morrow, Captain's Clerk, remained on deck during the action, and contributed their parts to my entire satisfaction. Acting Assistant-Surgeon George P. Wright not only attended to our three professional services to the Oneida, to several of cases of wounded, (one mortally,) but gave his their wounded who came on board of this steamer. The crew manifested the utmost courage throughout the affair, which will always reflect creditably upon you and the Navy of the United States. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. STEAMER GALENA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I herewith inclose the following list of damages this steamer sustained in passing Forts Morgan and Gaines, between the hours of seven and ten on the morning of the fifth. One ten inch shot in starboard bow. One ten-inch shot in starboard waist abaft plank sheer. One ten-inch shot through smoke-stack above bridge. One shot through gig. One shot cutting away boat-davit. One shot striking one-hundred pounder rifle. Two stands grape cut away. Port boarding nettings cut by raking fire, cut up rails of topgallant forecastle, cutting rammers and spongers of bow-pivot; mizzen rigging cut away by a stand of grape; chain and running rigging badly cut up Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER J. E. JOUETT. U. S. S. METACOMET, BAY OF MOBILE, Aug. S, 1864. SIR: Agreeably to your order of the seventh instant, I have the honor to make the following report of the successful passage of the forts and the capture or dispersion of the rebel fleet inside the bay. At half-past four A.M. of the fifth, I ran alongside of the Hartford and lashed on her port side. At fifty minutes after six the Tecumseh hoisted her colors and fired a gun. Fort Morgan replied. In a short time the action became general between the Fort, iron-clads, Brooklyn, Hartford, and Richmond. At this time the rebel fleet took their stations across the channel, delivering a raking fire upon our line. Thirty-five minutes past seven, amidst the hottest of the fire, the Tecumseh was blown up. I immediately sent a boat to her assistance in charge of Acting Ensign H. C. Nields, who pulled to the spot when she sank, and succeeded in saving one acting ensign, eight men, and a pilot. It is unnecessary for me to comment upon what he did; you know the situation under which he gallantly performed this duty; he delivered the men to the Winnebago, and then joined the Oneida, and asked for some duty. When the Oneida anchored he rejoined me up the bay. At forty minutes past seven the Brooklyn backed down the line, when the Hartford shot ahead, leading the fleet in past the forts. At this time a shell from the rebel gunboat Selma passed through this vessel into the forward | store-room, killing one man and wounding another, and setting the ship on fire. By prompt action on the part of Acting Ensign G. E. Wing, in charge of powder division, we succeeded in extinguishing it. At five minutes past eight cast off from the Hartford and steamed for the three rebel gunboats, who were annoying the fleet by a raking fire. They steamed up the bay, engaging us with their stern guns, of which they had three each. At half-past eight the Gaines retreated under cover of the fort in a crippled condition. At nine the Morgan hauled off to starboard, and at ten minutes past nine the Selma struck her flag to this ship. I immediately despatched a boat, in charge of Acting Master N. M. Dyre, to take charge of the prize, and to send her Captain and First Lieutenant on board. He hoisted the cool, prompt, and officer-like conduct; he is a valuable officer. For the efficient handling of the vessel, I am much indebted to Acting Master N. M. Dyre, who had permission to go North on leave, but volunteered to remain to assist in the attack upon the forts. Acting Ensign John White was cool and deliberate, working his rifle-gun with good effect. Acting Master's Mates Goodwin and Miller performed their duties with promptness and zeal, making good shots with their nine-inch guns. Acting Third Assistant-Engineer King, who was much exposed at the engine-bell, never failed to pull the proper bell; and to the efficient arrangement of the Engineer department and the prompt answer to the bells, I am indebted to The gunner, First Assistant-Engineer Atkin. Mr. Lamen, attended in both shell-rooms and magazines, forward and aft, and kept the guns more than supplied. I cannot close this long report without calling your attention to Assistant-Surgeon Payne of this vessel. By his report we had one killed and two wounded. That evening there were placed on board this vessel some sixty badly wounded officers and men, to be conveyed to Pensacola. He was untiring in his attention, watching and tending them at all times. He deserves especial mention for his great and successful exertions. This ship was struck eleven times, doing but little damage, shots mostly above the hull. I herewith submit the reports of the Executive I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding W. G. B. Squadron. Ammunition consumed on board the U. S. S. Metacomet, August fifth, 1864: Twenty-five charges powder, (ten pounds,) onehundred pounder; fifteen shell, percussion, onehundred pounder; ten shell, long five-second, onehundred pounder; twenty charges powder, (ten pounds,) nine-inch gun; five shell, five-second nine-inch gun; ten shell, ten-second, nine-inch gun; five shot, grape, nine-inch gun; two shot, solid, nine-inch gun; six shot, solid, (thirty-two pounds;) one hundred primers, cannon; five charges powder, (one pound,) howitzer; five shell, American flag, and reported Captain Murphy percussion, howitzer; five fixed ammunition, howwounded and First Lieutenant killed. He trans-itzer; four shrapnel, howitzer; two shell, fixed ferred fifty of her crew to this vessel, and at fifty ammunition, howitzer. minutes past nine Captain P. N. Murphy came I do certify that the above is a correct stateon board and surrendered his sword and vessel. ment of the ammunition consumed on the fifth She had five killed and ten wounded, including day of August, 1864. Very respectfully, the Captain, two of which have since died. The JAMES LAMEN. dead and wounded were attended to. Acting Gunner. mainder of her crew and officers were sent to the Port Poyal. Put engineers and firemen on board and steamed to the fleet, reporting the capture of the confederate steamer Selma, which vessel mounted two nine-inch Dahlgren smooth bore, one six and a half inch rifle, and one eight and a half inch smooth bore, all on pivot, with a crew all told of ninety-four men. I am much indebted to the executive officer, H. T. Sleeper, for his The re Report of damages sustained by the U. S. S. Metacomet during the engagement of the fifth instant. One shell through starboard-bow, exploding in the store-room; one shell on port bow; one shot through foremast, cutting two forward shrouds, port side; one cutting off heads of fire-room ventilators; one through smoke-stack; one through es |