The Lexington had been hard at work at them, and had been hulled fifteen times, with only one man killed. The firing above had ceased, and as the channel was very intricate, I could not send her up to the assistance of the vessels without danger of her getting aground. I knew that they were all above the batteries, and was in hopes that the Hindman had silenced them. Lieutenant Commander Phelps had two vessels in charge, the Juliet and Champion, which he wished to get through safely. He kept them out of range until he could partially repair the Juliet, and then, starting under a heavy fire, he made a push by. Unfortunately the pump-boat was disabled and set fire to, and burnt up. The Hindman had her wheel-ropes cut away, and drifted past, turning round and round, and getting well cut up in going by. The Juliet was cut to pieces in hull and machinery; had fifteen killed and wounded. Four miles below they met the Neosho going up, too late to cover them. Had she arrived in time, she could likely have cleaned out the batteries, at least diverted the fire of them until the passage of the boats. I inclose the report of Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, from the time of his first misfortune until his arrival at this place, where I now am with all the fleet, having lost none of the gunboats, but very much surprised that I have any left, considering all the difficulties encountered. When the rebels had followed our army to the point where they could effect no more, all their attention was turned to the little squadron I had escorting the Eastport. Every man and gun was brought to the river, and we had to contend against such odds that it seemed impossible to escape destruction or very severe handling. No vessels were ever better fought, and none of this class (mere thread-paper vessels) were ever under so hot a fire. In five minutes the Cricket was struck thirty eight times, with solid shot and shell, with a loss of twenty-five killed and wounded-half her crew; the Juliet about the same, with fifteen killed and wounded. The Hindman lost three killed and four or five wounded. I may have lacked judgment in not blowing the Eastport up sooner, when I found that we were a secondary consideration to the army; but as I had staid behind myself to see the last transport through safely, I could not do less with one of my own vessels. squadron have worked with superhuman zeal, and overcome difficulties which seemed insur mountable. The success of the expedition depended entirely on the success of the navy in getting the transports safely to an appointed place-Springfield Landing which would have put us in communication with the army, and then in possession of all their materials of war. This we accomplished; and when the army returned, unexpectedly, we fought our way back again without the loss of any kind, excepting men, inflicting a loss of five hundred men on the enemy, killed their best General, Greene, and a number of his officers. On our way down to Alexandria, obstacles were overcome, enough to appall the stoutest heart. Guns had to be taken out of vessels and then jumped over sand-bars and logs, and the squadron arrived here in time to prevent any attack on our reserve stores. The difficulty about water is a most unusual one, and we must certainly have a rise of the few feet we want before the end of the season. All the rivers are booming at this time, and it should be so here. I am no more responsible for the failure of water here than I would be if the Mississippi went dry at this season-a thing that never happened yet. I came up here with the river on the rise, and water enough for our largest vessels; and even on my way up to Shreveport from Grand Ecore the water rose, while it commenced falling where I left the largest gunboats. Falling or not, I could not go back while in charge of the transports and the material on which an army of thirty thousand men depended. Nothing would justify me in doing so. I have still confidence in a good Providence, which I am sure will not desert us, and confidence that the nation will not permit this fleet to be sacrificed, when it has so well performed its part in what should have been a complete success. In conclusion, I beg leave to mention the brave, cool, and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Commander Phelps worked to get his vessel out of her difficulties, never losing his faith for a single moment; also the handsome manner in which he brought the two fragile gunboats past those heavy batteries, cheating the enemy of the prize they had promised themselves. To Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John Pearce, commanding the Fort Hindman, great praise is due for the efforts he made, night and day, to get the Eastport off, working his officers and men until they could hardly stand. I was unable to keep up communication with the army; as the means of communication were with them, and as they marched along faster than Acting Master George W. Rogers, of the PittsI calculated, (forty miles in one day, when I sup-burgh, deserves great credit for the manner in posed they would only go twenty,) I was more in their rear than I should have been. This arose from my desire to save the Eastport, and hoping that some signal success on the part of the army, (which I felt confident was able to whip all the rebels in that part of the country,) would dispose of the enemy altogether. From the beginning of this expedition up to the present time, the officers and men of the which he worked at the bulkheads of the Eastport, up to his middle in water, for eight days; to him we intrusted the duty of stopping the leak, which he fairly accomplished under the most trying circumstances. Acting Master J. S. Watson defended his vessel in the most gallant manner, and never was a vessel more cut up. Where all do their duty it is hard to discri minate; but when the record of this expedition is overhauled, the names of Commander R. Townsend, commanding Essex; Lieutenant Commander S. L. Phelps, Eastport; Lieutenant Commander Watson Smith, Chillicothe, (temporari-nel, and it seems impossible to move her ahead. ly;) Lieutenant Commander K. R. Breese, Black Hawk; Lieutenant Commander J. P. Foster, La Fayette; Lieutenant Commander J. A. Greer, Benton; Lieutenant Commander E. K. Owen, Louisville; Lieutenant Commander J. G. Mitchell, Carondelet; Lieutenant Commander F. M. Ramsay, Choctaw; Lieutenant Commander T. O. Selfridge, Osage; Lieutenant Commander Byron Wilson, Ouachita; Lieutenant Commander Geo. M. Bache, Lexington; Lieutenant Commander S. W. Terry, Benefit, (naval transport;) Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. R. Hoel, Pittsburgh; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Howard, Neosho; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George W. Browne, Ozark; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. R. Langthorne, Mound City; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John Pearce, Fort Hindman; Acting Master H. H. Gorringe, Cricket; Acting Master J. S. Watson, Juliet; Acting Master Charles Thatcher, Gazelle-should stand prominent, having zealously performed every thing required of them, with an ability deserving of the highest praise. I deem it necessary to send to you a bearer of despatches, who will explain to you fully the condition of the fleet. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv- Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. PERILOUS SITUATION OF THE FLEET. FLAG-SHIP CRICKET, MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, BELOW GRAND ECORE, LA., April 23, 1864. SIR: In my last communication I informed you of the sinking of the Eastport by a torpedo about eight miles below Grand Ecore. The moment I heard of it, I went down to Alexandria, and sent a despatch-vessel for our two steam pump-boats; one was coming over the falls as I passed down, and the other fortunately came in sight an hour afterward. They were both sent up and set to work to raise the sunken vessel. She was so much shattered in the bottom that I almost despaired of effecting any thing. The same day that the boats arrived up, General Banks gave orders for the army to prepare to move on to Alexandria, and as Grand Ecore was only four miles from us by land, the chances were that the rebels would mount numerous artillery on the bluff close at hand, and prevent our working. Nevertheless we went to work, and proceeded until the vessel was raised, the pumps working all the time, and we unable to get at the leak. Lieutenant Commander Phelps worked with great perseverance, coolness, and patience under these unpleasant circumstances. The same day the army moved, we moved down with the Eastport with her own steam, and one steam-pump alongside of her, barely keeping her free, and the leak not discovered. We started very fair, and made in a few hours twenty miles down river, having sent convoy to bring down the transports, which were taken safely to Alexandria. But the Eastport got out of the chanEvery thing that man can do, has been done, and I shall persevere until attacked here, or until the falling water endangers the other vessels. There will be but one course for me to pursue, that is, to perform the painful duty of destroying the Eastport, to prevent her falling into the enemy's hands. I have no certainty of getting her down as far as Alexandria; the water has fallen too much to leave her here, with our army retreating to Alexandria, and with twenty-five thousand rebels (if victorious) assailing us at every point. We can fight them to the last. At this time, the rebels are following our army, and the artillery and musketry can be heard quite distinctly. We do not know the result. Had the army held Grand Ecore a fortnight, we would with certainty have saved the vessel, and will do so now, if we can find water to get her down. She has a great deal of water in her, which increases her draught and makes her very heavy; her pumps cannot get it all out, nor can we find the place where she is injured. The unfortunate issue of this expedition has thrown the gunboats into a bad predicament. When I came up here, the water was rising, and all our vessels navigated the river to Grand Ecore with ease, and with some of them I reached Springfield Landing, the place designated by General Banks for the gunboats to meet the army. My part was successfully accomplished; the failure of the army to proceed, and the retreat back to Grand Ecore, left me almost at the mercy of the enemy. Fortunately we got through without any accident or serious disaster from the enemy's fire. I soon saw that the army would go to Alexandria again, and we would be left above the bar in a helpless condition. I went to work immediately to get the heavy boats below, which I succeeded in doing by great exertions on the part of the commanders. I kept the lighter-draught vessels to cover the army if they should need it, and to take the transports down safely; all of which was done. The vessels are mostly at Alexandria, above the falls, excepting this one and two others I kept to protect the Eastport. When the rebels heard we had arrived at Grand Ecore, they commenced turning the source of water supply off into the lakes, which would have been remedied, had the army succeeded in getting to Shreveport. I cannot blame myself for coming up at the only season when the water rises. All the rivers are full and rising, but the Red River is falling at the rate of two inches a day-a most unusual occurrence-this river always being full until the middle of June. Whether we will yet have a rise, it would be impossible for any one to foresee. It seems like an impossibility that we could be caught in such a predicament in the time of rising water, but such may be the case. If General Banks should determine to evacuate this country, the gunboats will be cut off from all communication with the Mississippi. It cannot be possible that the country would be willing to have eight iron-clads, three or four other gunboats, and many transports sacrificed without an effort to save them. It would be the worst thing that has happened this war. I beg leave, most respectfully, to call your earnest attention to this matter. I shall remonstrate with all the energy I am capable of against being left here and having to destroy my vessels, and I hope, sir, that you will see, in the position wherein I am placed, strong reasons for holding this country, and reenforcing the army with troops, to do it with a certainty. Two months are left yet in which to expect a rise; but many say it will not come; the wish, perhaps, being father to the thought. It would be hard, indeed, after coöperating with the army, and the navy performing successfully all that was required of it, to be left in a position where we would have to surrender or blow up. I will promise you the latter. I have no hope of getting the Eastport down, though the commander is still very sanguine. If we could get her within forty miles of Alexandria, we could save her; or if it rises there will be no trouble at all. If the enemy bring on their heavy artillery, the people on the steam-pumps will not be able to work at all. With the gunboats alone and untrammelled, I should not be afraid of any force the rebels could bring to bear upon us, being confident that we could beat them off, if they came in strong force. Whatever may happen, I shall hope for the best, but consider it my duty to anticipate events, and run no risk of losing this squadron. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. CAPTURE OF THE STEAMERS COVINGTON AND SIGNAL. REPORT OF ACTING VOLUNTEER LIEUT. G. P. LORD. UNITED STATES STEAMER CHILLICOTHE, ABOVE ALEXANDRIA FALLS, May 8, 1864. SIR: It is with feelings of regret that I report the loss of the United States steamer Covington, and most respectfully submit the following report: I left Alexandria, convoying the steamer Warner, at eight o'clock on the morning of May fourth, 1864. While passing Wilson's plantation, the Warner was fired into by about one hundred infantry, losing one man. I fired my stern guns at them for some time, and passed on. After proceeding about one mile and a half further, Mr. McClossy, a pilot belonging to the General Price, struck the stern of the vessel against a bar, thereby breaking the port-rudder badly and shivering the tiller. I told him hereafter, Mr. Emerson, my other pilot, would manage her. tied up all night about a mile from the Red House, and commenced repairing my rudder and tiller. At about five o'clock I was joined by the United States steamer Signal. Both of us kept up through the night an irregular fire on the I right-hand shore going down, as they had fired upon us with infantry while we were repairing. At half-past four o'clock in the morning we all got under way; the Warner in the lead, Covington next, and the Signal last. At Dunn's Bayou (on the right going down) we were fired upon by two pieces of artillery and infantry. The Covington was hit by this battery only three times, and the Warner's rudders were disabled; but she still continued down-stream until she came to a short point in the river, when she went into the bank. She had no sooner struck the bank, when a rebel battery (on the right-hand shore going down) and from four thousand to five thousand infantry opened on her and my vessel. The Covington and Signal immediately commenced firing. Almost every shot either struck the boilers, steam-pipe, or machinery of the Warner, as she was only about one hundred yards from the battery. After we had engaged the battery about three hours, the Warner hoisted a white flag. We still kept up our fire, and I sent a party from my vessel under a severe fire to burn her, but the colonel in charge sent me word that there were nearly one hundred and twenty-five killed and wounded, and requested that I would not burn her, which was granted. A short time after this, I was informed that the Signal was disabled. I immediately rounded to, and went alongside of her, took her in tow and started upstream, but my rudders became disabled and the Signal got adrift. (It was impossible to pass the Warner, so Mr. Emerson, my pilot, informed me.) Knowing that the Signal would drift down on the Warner, and the rebels could immediately board her, I ordered the commanding officer to anchor her, which was done. Finding it impossible to handle my vessel, and fearing I should get on the side where artillery and infantry were, I went over on the other bank and made fast, head up-stream. I used my stern guns on the lower battery and my broadside on the infantry abreast of us, and my bow guns on a battery that was ahead of us, which had been brought down from Dunn's Bayou. My escapepipe was cut while alongside of the Signal, causing a great deal of steam to escape, and making the impression that the boilers had been struck. The men, however, soon rallied, and kept up a brisk fire on the enemy. Most of the soldiers and officers, among whom were Colonel Sharp, of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth New-York volunteers, Colonel Rainor, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois, (wounded in both legs,) Lieutenant Simpson, Aid-de-Camp to General Banks, and Acting Assistant-Paymaster Chester, went over on the Signal. The Signal getting adrift from us, they were not able to return to my vessel. After I had been tied to the bank an hour or so, my steam-drum was cut, and a shell struck under the boilers, letting out all the water. My ammunition gave out; my howitzers were disabled by the bracket-bolts drawing out, and every shot coming through us, with one officer and a good many of men already killed, I determined to burn my vessel. I spiked the ton and transport Warner. Starting again at daylight, we had proceeded but a short distaace, when the enemy opened on us with a battery of two guns, and from several others as we passed on. Their fire was promptly returned, and continued until nine o'clock, when it ceased for a few minutes, and the opportunity was seized for distributing bread, as breakfast has not been served. The firing soon commenced again, and continued until near noon, when the order was passed for all hands to prepare to abandon and burn the ship, having been totally disabled for more than an hour, the Warner flying a white flag, and the Covington nearly consumed, exploding her magazine soon after. Preparations were made and a part of the men had safely passed up the bank, when the order was countermanded; it being deemed a useless waste of life for more to attempt it, and wholly impossible to remove the wounded, under the fire of the batteries and several hundred sharp-shooters, and the white flag was raised. guns, had coals of fire strewn on the decks, and Leaving Alexandria on the fourth of May, she myself and executive officer set fire to the cot-proceeded down the river, and anchored at night ton which was on the guard alongside of the en-in company with United States steamer Covinggines. I saw it burning finely before I left, and feel sure she was destroyed. While leaving the vessel to get up on the bank, a terrible fire of infantry was opened on us, and some were killed in going up. I collected my officers and men all together, and found I had with me nine officers and twenty-three men, (my crew was composed of fourteen officers and and sixty-two men,) and started through the woods for Alexandria, at twenty minutes of eleven o'clock. When within ten miles of Alexandria, we were fired upon by rebel cavalry, thereby scattering us. I am glad to say that they have nearly all arrived here safe, with the exception of Acting Third Assistant Engineer Syms, who was wounded in the head while fighting a few guerrillas who had fired into a party of my men, while close to Alexandria. He has since arrived safe. The whole action lasted about five hours, and the Covington was badly riddled from stem to stern, there being no less than five shots in her hull, and some forty or fifty in her upper works. The officers and men behaved with great gallantry, and with the exception of a few this was their first action. Acting Master's Mate C. W. Gross was killed by a shot that came through the shellThe officers and men lost all of their personal effects; the only things that were saved being the signal-book and the despatches intrust-E. Morgan, commanding, appeared to be coolly ed to my care, which were returned to you. The arms that were brought with us, I turned over to Acting Master H. Gorringe, of the Cricket, taking a receipt for the same. room. In conclusion, I most respectfully beg that a court of inquiry may be called to determine whether the honor of our flag suffered in my hands. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE P. LORD, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, United States Navy. REPORT OF REAR-ADMIRAL D. D. PORTER. My station was unfavorable for observation, and my professional duties occupied considerable of my time; but I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the good conduct of those stationed near me, and with whom I came in contact during the action. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant attending to his duties. Acting Ensign C. P. Bragg, Executive Officer, Ensign W. F. Loan, and Acting Master's Mate R. P. Croft, had charge of the divisions, and, cheering the men by voice and example, held them to their stations, despite the withering fire of the enemy's sharpshooters through the open ports, and were ably seconded by the captains of the guns. To the coolness of the engineers in shutting off the steam and emptying the boilers, when the steampipe was cut, the safety of many is owing. The pilot, Perry Wilkes, left his wheel only when he was disabled in his hand by a bursting shell. I would make special mention of Acting Ensigns SIR: I inclose a report of the Surgeon of the Bragg and Loan, who went out in full view of Signal, who was released unconditionally by the several hundred sharp-shooters and let go the rebels. It only corroborates all the reports I anchor; and again to ship the cable, this time have received of the gallant defence of this ves-assisted by John Fighland, (seaman,) who was sel, which, I am told, was a most perfect wreck, when she fell into the hands of the enemy, who were much chagrined that so frail a vessel had contended so long against seven guns placed in position to get a cross-fire on her. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. FLAG-SHIP BLACK HAWK, MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. SIR: Agreeably to your request, I have the honor of submitting the following report of the loss of the United States steamer Signal: here disabled by his second wound. Michael Mc- I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. UNITED STATES STEAMER NEW NATIONAL, SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the condition of the sick and wounded captured by the enemy on the fifth of May, and left in my care in the confederate States hospital at Cheneyville, Louisiana: Chas. Allen, secondclass fireman, Signal, sick; Michael Lyons, coalheaver, Signal, wounded; A. J. Shiver, seaman, Signal, wounded; John Highland, seaman, Signal, wounded; Gabriel Frear, landsman, Signal, wounded; Isaac Highland, seaman, Covington, wounded; Lewis Jones, quartermaster, Signal, wounded. They were paroled on the sixteenth of June, and delivered to Colonel Dwight, United States army, on the seventeenth, who transferred them to the United States steamer General Bragg. I reported on board the United States steamer Choctaw on the eighteenth, and received orders to remove the wounded to Hospital Pinkney and report to you for duty. In obedience I took passage on the New National, and took to the hospital all except Lewis Jones, quartermaster of the Signal, whose time has expired, and Isaac Highland, ordinary seaman, Covington, entirely recovered. They are on board that vessel now awaiting orders. I have submitted, through the fleet surgeon, a detailed report of the casualties on board the Signal. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. BREWSTER, Acting Assistant-Surgeon U. S. Steamer Signal. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. ENGAGEMENT AT GAINES'S LANDING. port side, just above the deck, without doing two or three small balls penetrating the cabin. material injury. Shrapnel flew thick around, any One of their guns evidently was of large calibre, as several shots went far over and beyond the vessel. No one on board was injured, although several of the crew had narrow escapes. Notwithstanding the crew was just turning out of their hammocks, and having been but little accustomed to such attacks, they acted with coolness and promptness during the engagement, which lasted about twenty minutes, working the guns with alacrity-firing twenty-eight rounds with a good degree of precision. Some of the shots from our gun were seen to strike in their midst. The United States steamer Tyler being about two miles in advance of us, I blew the whistle to notify her that I was engaging a battery. Before she arrived they left the ground. After consultation with the commander of the left, to proceed on our way. Tyler, it was deemed best, the battery having Some distance above we met the transport steamer Nicholas Longworth, when we were ordered by Lieutenant Commander James M. Prichett, of the Tyler, in company with the United States steamer Romeo, to return and convoy her below where the battery was, which we did, without meeting any further difficulty. This caused a delay in our arrival at Cairo of at least twelve hours. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. PASSAGE OF THE FALLS BY THE FLEET.. REPORT OF REAR-ADMIRAL D. D. PORTER. FLAG-SHIP BLACK HAWK, MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a reMOUTH OF RED RIVER, May 16, 1864. port of Acting Ensign H. B. O'Neill, commanding SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the United States steamer Curlew, giving an account vessels lately caught by low water above the of an attack made upon that vessel, on the morn-falls at Alexandria have been released from their ing of May twenty-fifth, by a rebel battery of ten or twelve guns, opposite Gaines's Landing. It appears that, although taken somewhat by surprise, all were quickly at their stations, and behaved well during the engagement, which lasted about twenty minutes. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLS, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Rear-Admiral. REPORT OF ACTING ENSIGN H. B. O'NEILL UNITED STATES STEAMER CURLEW, May 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that at five o'clock this morning, when opposite Gaines's Landing, Arkansas, we were fired into from a battery on shore, consisting of ten, if not of twelve, guns. At least six full volleys were fired at us. One twelve-pound shell struck the casemate of this vessel, lodging upon the ground without exploding. Two six-pound solid shot went through the casemates about midships on VOL. VIII.-Doc. 34 unpleasant position. The water had fallen so low that I had no hope or expectation of getting the vessels out this season, and as the army had made arrangements to evacuate the country, I saw nothing before me but the destruction of the best part of the Mississippi squadron. There seems to have been an especial providence looking out for us in providing a man Lieutenant-Colonel equal to the emergency. Bailey, Acting Engineer of the Nineteenth army corps, proposed a plan of building a series of dams across the rocks at the falls, and raising the water high enough to let the vessels pass over. This proposition looked like madness, and the best engineers ridiculed it; but Colonel Bailey was so sanguine of success that I requested General Banks to have it done, and he entered heartily into the work. Provisions were short and forage was almost out, and the dam was promised to be finished in ten days, or the army would have to leave us. I was doubtful about the time, but had no doubt about the ultimate |