History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 12

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054

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"The bearing of the men was all that could be desired; the enthusiasm could scarcely be restrained. 1 During the action they cheered again and again. Their coolness and skill were the most remarkable from the 1

fact that the great majority of them were under fire for the first time. They were strangers to each other and to the officers, and had but a few days' instruction in the management of the great guns. To the skill and example of the officers is this result in no small degree attributable."

Having thus given a full report of the actions on the 8th and 9th. I feel it due to the gallant officers who so nobly sustained the honor of the flag and country on those days to express my appreciation of their conduct.

To that brave and intelligent officer. Lieut. Catesby Jones, the executive and ordnance officer of the "Vir- ginia." I am greatly indebted for the success achieved. His constant attention to his duties in the equipment of the ship : his intelligence in the instruction of ordnance to the crew. as proved by the accuracy and effect of their fire. some of the guns having been personally directed by him : his tact and management in the government of raw recruits; his general knowledge of the executive duties of a man-of-war, together with his high-toned bearing. were all eminently conspicuous, and had their fruits in the admirable efficiency of the "Virginia." If conduct such as his (and I' do not know that I have used adequate language in describing it) entitles an officer to promotion. I see in the case of Lieutenant Jones one in all respects worthy of it. As a flag-officer I am entitled to some one to perform the duties of flag-captain, and I should be proud to have Lieutenant Jones ordered to the "Virginia" as lieutenant-command- ant: if it be not the intention of the Department to bestow upon him a higher rank.

Lieutenant Simms fully sustained his well-earned reputation. He fired the first gun. and when the com- mand devolved upon Lieutenant Jones in consequence of my disability he was ordered to perform the duties of executive officer. Lieutenant Jones has expressed to me his satisfaction in having had the services of so experienced. energetic and zealous an officer.

Lieutenant Davidson fought his guns with great precision. The muzzle of one of them was soon shot away. He continued. however, to fire upon it, though the woodwork around the port became ignited at each discharge. His buoyant and cheerful bearing and voice were contagious and inspiring.

Lieutenant Wood handled his pivot-gun admirably, and the executive officer testifies to his valuable sug- gestions during the action. Hs zeal and industry in drilling the crew contributed materially to our success.

Lieutenant Eggleston served his hot shot and shell with judgment and effect, and his bearing was delib- erate, and exerted a happy influence on his division. Lieutenant Butt fought his gun with activity and during the action was gay and smiling.

The Marine Corps was well represented by Cap- tain Thom, whose tranquil mien gave evidence that the hottest fire was no novelty to him. One of his guns was served effectively and creditably by a detachment of the United Artillery of Norfolk under the command of Captain Kevill. The muzzle of their gun was struck by a shell from the enemy, which broke off a piece of the gun, but they continued to fire it as if it was un- injured.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Midshipmen Foute, Marmaduke. Littlepage, Craig and Long rendered valuable services. Their conduct would have been creditable to older heads, and gave great promise of future usefulness. Midshipman Mar- maduke, though receiving several painful wounds early in the action, manfully fought his gun until the close. He is now at the hospital.

Paymaster Semple volunteered for any service and was assigned to the command of the powder division, an important and complicated duty, which could not have been better performed.

Surgeon Phillips and Assistant Surgeon Garnett were prompt and attentive in the discharge of their duties. Their kind and considerate care of the wounded, and skill and ability displayed in the treat- ment, won for them the esteem and gratitude of all who came under their charge, and justly entitled them to the confidence of the officers and crew.

I beg leave to call the attention of the Department to the case of Dr. Garnett. He stands deservedly high in his profession. is the head of the lists of assistant surgeons, and. there being a vacancy in consequence of the recent death of Surgeon Blacknall, I should be much gratified if Dr. Garnett could be promoted to it.

The engines and machinery, upon which so much depended, performed much better than expected. This is due to the intelligence, experience and coolness of Acting Chief Engineer Ramsey. His efforts were ably seconded by his assistants, Tynan. Campbell. Herring, Jack and White. As Mr. Ramsey is only acting chief engineer. I respectfully recommend his promotion to the rank of chief, and would also ask that Second As- sistant Engineer Campbell may be promoted to the first assistant. he having performed the duties of that grade during the engagement.

The forward officers-Boatswain Hasker. Gunner Oliver and Carpenter Lindsay-discharged well all the tuties required of them. The boatswain had charge of a gun and fought it well. The gunner was inde- fatigable in his efforts. His experience and exertions as a gunner have contributed very materially to the efficiency of the battery. Acting Master Parrish was assisted in piloting the ship by Pilots Wright, Will- iams. Clarke and Cunningham. They were necessarily much exposed.

It is now due that I should mention my personal staff. To that gallant young officer, Flag-Lieutenant Minor, I am much indebted for his promptness in the execution of signals; for renewing the flag-staffs when shot away. being thereby greatly exposed: for his watchfulness in keeping the Confederate flag up: his alacrity in conveying my orders to the different divis- ions: and for his general cool and gallant hearing. My aid. Acting Midshipman Roots, of the Navy: Lieu- tenant Forrest. of the Army, who served as a volunteer aid. and my clerk. Arthur Sinclair, Jr .. are entitled to my thanks for the activity with which my orders were conveyed to the different parts of the ship. During the hottest of the fight they were always at their posts giving evidence of their coolness.

Having referred to the good conduct of the offi- cers in the flag-ship immediately under my notice.

I come now to a no less pleasing task when I attempt to mark my approbation of the bearing of those serv- ing in the other vessels of the squadron.

Commander John R. Tucker, of the "Patrick Henry," Lieutenant-Commanding J. N. Barney, of the "Jamestown," and W. A. Webb, of the "Teaser." deserve great praise for their gallant conduct through- out the engagement. Their judgment in selecting their positions for attacking the enemy was good: their con- stant fire was destructive, and contributed much to the success of the day. The general order under which the squadron went into action required that, in the absence of a signal, each commanding officer was to exercise his own judgment and discretion in doing all the damage he could to the enemy, and to sink be- fore surrendering. From the bearing of those officers on the 8th I am fully satisfied that that order would have been fully carried out. Commander Tucker speaks highly of all under him, and desires particularly to notice that Lieut .- Col. Callender St. George Noland. commanding the post at Mulberry Island, on hearing of the deficienev. in the complement of the "Patrick Henry," promptly offered the services of 10 of his men as volunteers for the occasion, one of whom, George E. Webb, of the Greenville Guard. Commander Tucker regrets to say, was killed. Lieutenant-Commanding Barney reports that every officer and man on board of the ship performed his whole duty, evincing a courage and fearlessness worthy of the cause for which we are fighting.

Lieutenant-Commanding Webb specially notices the coolness displayed by Acting Master Face and Third Assistant Engineer Quinn when facing the heavy fire of artillery and musketry from the shore whilst the "Teaser" was standing in to cover the boat in which. as previously stated. Lieutenant Minor had gone to burn the "Congress." Several of his men were badly wounded.

The "Raleigh" early in the action had her gun carriage disabled, which compelled her to withdraw. As soon as he had repaired damages as well as he could, Lieutenant-Commanding Alexander resumed his posi- tion in the line. He sustained himself gallantly during the remainder of the day, and speaks highly of all un- der his command. That evening he was ordered to Norfolk for repairs.

The "Beaufort." Lieutenant-Commanding Parker, was in close contact with the enemy frequently during the day and all on board behaved gallantly. Lieuten- ant-Commanding Parker expresses his warmest thanks to his officers and men for their coolness. Acting Mid- shipman Foreman, who accompanied him as volunteer aid. Midshipmen Mallory and Newton. Captain's Clerk Bain and Mr. Gray, pilot, are all specially mentioned by him.

On the 21st instant I forwarded to the Depart- ment correct lists of the casualties on board all the vessels of the squadron on the 8th: none, it appears, occurred on the oth.

While in the act of closing this report 1 received the communication of the Department, dated 22nd in- «tant, relieving me temporarily of the command of the

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

squadron for the naval defense of the James River. I feel honored in being relieved by the gallant Flag- Officer Tatnall.

I much regret that I am not now in a condition to resume my command, but trust that I shall soon be re- stored to health, when I shall be ready for any duty that may be assigned me.

Very respectfully, FRANKLIN BUCHANAN, Flag-Officer.

HON. S. R. MALLORY.

Secretary of the Navy.

HISTORY

of the

WORLD FAMOUS BATTLE SHIP

MERRIMAC-VIRGINIA.

1855 to 1862.

A PERSONAL REMINISCENCE.

The U. S. Str. "Merrimac" was a steam frigate. Her hull was built at Boston, Massa- chusetts. her engines at Cold Springs, New York, and she was placed in commission in 1855. Early in 1856 she was officered and manned-with a crew of 650 specially se- lected men and an armament of 50 guns. She was estimated to represent the best type of war ship then known, and was sent to Euro- pean waters as a specimen of the finest naval architecture then afloat, and from reports of her royal entertainment abroad she unques- tionably proved to be all the United States government had claimed for her. Returning after a four years' successful cruise she was put out of commission at the Portsmouth, Vir- ginia, Navy Yard, and upon the evacuation of Norfolk and Portsmouth, April 19, 1861, this ship. with others, was dismantled and burned to the water-line. After mature considera- tion the Confederate authorities determined to raise the 'Merrimac' and upon her hull to construct a powerful battery for the protection

of Norfolk Harbor and the mouth of the James River. Upon plans supplied by a Vir- ginian the work of construction proceeded un- til its completion.

The "Virginia," as she was afterward named, was covered amidships with a roof 170 feet long, built at an angle of 45 degrees, constructed of 20-inch heart pine and cov- ered with 4-inch oak. Upon this wood back- ing there were two iron plates two inches thick and eight inches wide, one laid horizon- tally and the other vertically, bolted through the wood and clinched on the inside. Her bow was armed below water with a cast iron prow about 6 feet long, to be used as a ram. Her weakest element was her motive power, her old engines and boilers, which had already been condemned. Her ordnance consisted of Io guns ; two 7-inch steel-banded Brooke rifles mounted as pivot-guns at the bow and stern; two 6-inch rifles of the same pattern, and six 9-inch Dahlgren smooth-bore broadside guns. Her commander was Commodore Franklin Buchanan, one of the bravest and ablest offi- cers of the old service. Her second in com- mand was Lieut. Catesby Ap. R. Jones, dis- tinguished both by ability and great gallantry. Her crew numbered 350, most of whom had volunteered from the army for the occasion, and the emergencies of the service allowed no time for either testing her engines or drilling her crew.

About 12 o'clock M., March 8, 1862, the "Virginia" cast loose from the wharf at the Navy Yard and steamed slowly to the work of the day-passing down the Elizabeth River cheered by our batteries, also by the soldiers and citizens who lined every available point on both sides of the river to witness the un- tried engagement of this new idea war-ship- the result of which was eagerly awaited by the whole world, for never had there been a bolder attack than was about to be made that day.

Passing through the obstructions at Cra- ney Island she headed directly for Newport News, where the U. S. ships "Cumberland" and "Congress" lay riding at anchor, blockad-

15"

I " Merrimac " destroyed at the burning of the Norfolk Navy Yard, April 19th, 1861.

2 " Merrimac " in dry dock, being converted into the iron battery " Virginia."

3 " Virginia " passing Fort Norfolk, March 8th, 1862.

+ ** Virginia" sinking the "Cumberland." March 8th, 1862.

5 " Virginia " engaged in battle with the " Monitor," in Hampton Roads, March 9th, 1862.

6 Destruction of the " Virginia, " May 11th, 1862.

7 E. V. White, of Engineer Corps, in Confederate Naval uniform, taken Feb. 25th, 1862.

The above views (Nos. 1-6) are taken from original oil paintings by Mr. B. A. Richardson, of Norfolk, Va.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

ing the James River. It was calm and clear -a beautiful day-nothing in the scene gave indication of the . bloody and mortal conflict Son to occur. Ere she reached these ships several large men-of-war started from Old Point to the help of their sister sitips: among them the "Minnesota," which grounded near Newport News point. The "Cumberland" was the first to open fire. and from these shots the first fatality aboard our vessel occurred- two wounded and one killed-by shot strik- ing the hog chain and driving the same back into the ship. This opening fire was followed immediately by the "Congress" and every other available Federal gun that could be brought to bear on the "Virginia." Reserv- ing her fire until within easy range the "Vir- ginia's" bow-rifle was fired with terrible et- fect : and, as has elsewhere been stated, opened a hole in the "Cumberland" large enough for a horse and cart to drive through. We made directly for the "Cumberland." When at probably 50 yards distance, with slackened speed but with determined purpose we moved on toward the gallant ship and struck her the deadly blow, but with little jar to the "Vir- ginia," backing our engines until we had cleared the disabled vessel. A shot from the "Congress" struck the muzzle of one of our broadside 9-inch Dahlgren guns, breaking off about two feet of it, killing one man and wounding a few others. Reversing our en- gines we passed the "Cumberland" which. though now sinking, was bravely fighting her guns and exhibiting a heroism worthy of all praise, and which entitled her to the renown that has since that day been attached to her name.

We then moved up the James River to a place of easy turning for our ship and started back, being joined in the meantime by the James River fleet, consisting of several steamers. Then, with probably one hundred guns firing upon us from various points, we came within 200 yards of the now grounded "Congress," upon which we opened fire. Af- ter we had delivered several well-directed

shots that sent destruction to that ship and many souls to their eternal home. she heiste.1 the white flag and all firing ceased. Arrange- ments were then commenced for receiving the surrender and removing the (lead and wounded from both the enemy's ships and our own. While our officers were aboard the "Congress" and many on the upper deck of the "Virginia," exposed because of the Federal's white flag, which was a signal for help. be- ing displayed, the enemy opened fire from the shore battery upon us, wounding many, amongst them Commodore Buchanan, shot through the thigh, and Lieutenant Minor, shot through the side. Our boats were ordered to clear the "Congress" and Commodore Bu- chanan turned the command of our ship over to Lient. Catesby Jones and instructed him to set fire to the "Congress." I received orders for three hot shots and soon that vessel was in flames. The "Cumberland" the while had gone down beneath the waters of the James. taking with her in that awful plunge many who had gallantly remained at their posts of duty.

It being now nearly dark and the work of transferring the dead and wounded to be con- veyed to the naval hospital being completed, we steamed over to the buoy at Sewell's Point and came to anchor for the night. As one of the unfortunate ones at being on first watch. with so little rest. I was only compensated for the performance of this arduous duty by witnessing the grand and impressive sight of the explosion of the "Congress" later in the night-a scene too solemnly beautiful to at- tempt to describe.

Some idea may be gained from Northern writers of the consternation and excitement created at the North by this great naval en- gagement, from some of whom I quote, as follows :

"The swift work done by the "Merrimac' on this occasion spread consternation through- out the Northern States. The blockade of the Atlantic Coast maintained at that time could not long last before this mighty and in-

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

vulnerable engine of destruction. New York, by Ap. R. Jones, than whom none de- Boston and Washington would soon be threat- ened. The most alarming crisis of the Civil War was at hand. As the sun went down that night over Hampton Roads every Union heart in the fleet and in the fortress throbbed with despair. There was no gleam of hope. The 'Merrimac' was impervious to balls and could go where she pleased. In the morning it would be easy work for her to destroy our whole fleet. She could then shell Newport News and Fortress Monroe at her leisure, set- ting everything combustible in flames and driving every man from the guns. As the news of the terrible disaster was flashed over the country by the telegraph wires all faces wore an expression of consternation. The writer was in Washington at the time. Congress was in session. The panic cannot be described. There was absolutely nothing to prevent the 'Merrimac' from, ascending the Potomac and laying the Capitol in ashes, pro- viding there was sufficient depth of water to float the steamer and no one knew whether there was this depth or not, for no one knew the draught of the 'Merrimac.' Baltimore. Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Portland were in a state of terror. 'The 'Merrimac' could laugh at forts,' says Abbott in his his- tory.

"The experiment of an hour had wrought an entire change in the naval architecture and in defensive fortifications throughout the world. Wooden frigates had almost ceased to be of any value. The blow which sunk the 'Cumberland' demolished also the fleets of England and France. All navies went down with that frigate into the abyss together. It is not too much to say that such a night of anxiety. of terror, of bewilderment, as fol- lowed the triumphant return of the 'Merrimac' to her anchorage behind Craney Island, this world has seldom witnessed before."

The next morning Sunday ( March 9th) , after an early breakfast, a consultation was held, the command having devolved on the gallant. able and courageous Cates-

served more honor for bravery and cool dar- ing, under whose supervision, as executive officer, it may here be stated, the construction of the armament of the ship had been com- i pleted. It was decided to finish the destruction of the now almost abandoned "Minnesota," even while our ship was taking water freely at the opening in her bow, caused from the loss of the cast iron prow, left in the "Cumberland" when we ran into her. Our pumps had been kept busy during the night relieving the ship of water. However, we got under way, mak- ing for the "Minnesota," when suddenly we grounded on what is known as the "Middle Ground of Hampton Roads," and there we stuck for two or three hours. But before we had grounded the "Monitor" was discovered coming out from where the "Minnesota" lay aground. We opened fire upon her with our bow-rifle, but with no effect. Straight on she came toward us and when in a good posi- tion she let loose her heavy guns, giving us a good shaking up. Thus she continued circling around us, and every now and then throwing the heavy missiles against our sides. We, in response, as she passed around, brought every gun aboard our ship to bear upon her. It was now Greek against Greek: iron against iron ! In the desperation of the fight the ships closed -actually touching sides-hurling hundred- pound shot which rattled against the mailed and impenetrable sides of the combatants in this tremendous duel and glanced off like hai! ! The contest was for the time so hot that the muzzles of the hostile guns almost touched each other, and both ship were enveloped in a cloud of smoke which no eye couki penetrate ! Flash and thunder-roar burst forth incessantly from the tumultuous maelstrom of darkness ! Such bolts were never hurled from the fabled hands of Jupiter Olympus! Never before had ships met carrying such heavy guns. From both vessels the firing was executed with great rapidity and with equal skill, but with little effect on either vessel. Thus the duel raged with uninterrupted fury for four long

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

hours. However, our weak points seemed to be known by the commander of the "Monitor," and so well did he attack these that soon 0:1 the starboard midship over the outboard deliv- ery, he so bent in our plating that the massive oak timbers were cracked, and from this and the continued ricochet shots of the "Minne- sota" considerable concern was beginning to be felt by our commander and all on board. Soon we were relieved by the moving of our ship from the position which, for such trying minutes, we had occupied. Then, with a set- tled determination on the part of our comman- der to run the "Monitor" down as a last re- sort, seeing that our shots were ineffective, I was directed to convey to the engine room orders for every man to be at his post. We caught and did run into the "Monitor" and came near running her under the water; not that we struck her exactly at right angles, but with our starboard bow we drove against her with a determination of sending her to the bottom, and so near did we come to accom- plishing our object that from the ramming and shot of our rifle-gun that blinded her com- mander, she withdrew to shoal water near the "Minnesota," whence we could not follow -- never again to offer or accept battle with the "Virginia." After waiting on the ground of our victory without any signs of her return. for possibly an hour or more. we steamed up to the Navy Yard, receiving the shouts and huz- zas of the thousands of our people who had witnessed the fight.

I wish to emphasize the facts just related of the collision with the "Monitor." and our desire to repeat it, and of her withdrawal from the field, as well as her refusal then or there- after to engage in battle with the "Virginia." notwithstanding that this statement is in posi- tive contradiction to the theory accepted in some parts of the North and published in the school histories of to-day.

By 4:00 o'clock we were in the dry-dock at the Navy Yard. The grand old ship was a picture to behold. You could hardly put your hand on a spot on the sides or smokestack

that had not been battered by the shots of our enemy.

Large improvements to the "Virginia" were made under the supervision of Commo- divre Tatnall, of Georgia, who had assumed command owing to the disability of Commo- dore Buchanan. These improvements con- sisted of a new wrought iron prow, port cov- ers, etc. When complete she went down to Old Point and offered battle to the "Monitor" and all of the great wooden warships of the U. S. Navy, including the "Vanderbilt," which ship had been specially brought forward to accomplish our destruction. We manned care- fully four small steamers fully equipped to capture the "Monitor" if she came within reach, and while one or more of these boats might have been destroyed if either had reached her, so well was our late antagonist's build then understood, she wouki, in my de- liberate judgment, have been captured. Neither the "Monitor" nor any of the large ships the United States government had ordered there would come out from under the guns of Fort- ress Monroe, while one of our steamers, the "Jamestown," was sent in near Hampton and captured three schooners loaded with hay and grain, and carried them safely to Norfolk.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 12

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1054

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054