REBELLION RECORD, 1864. our consul at London that the Florida was in the Channel, on the French coast, and at the same time information came that the Yeddo was out, and the Rappahannock was expected to follow; and, in addition to this, that the St. Louis had sailed for Madeira. in his power to have gone on board the Deer- be made of the damages sustained. On our ar hound, and gained his liberty in the dishonor-rival at Cherbourg, I received information from able manner which others had taken; and again, in his repudiation of the means pursued by those who obtained their liberty in this way, and his deportment while a prisoner having been of the same honorable standard, at the instance of Mr. Adams, Minister of the United States at the Court of St. James, I have paroled the said Wilson, and, feeling a full confidence and trust in his word and honor, I recommend that all privileges that can be given a prisoner of war should be extended to him, believing fully he will never violate any obligation which he pledges himself to fulfil. JOHN A. WINSLOW, Captain. taken at the time of the action with the Alabama, MY DEAR SIR: Mr. Wilson, one of the persons and now a prisoner on parole in your ship, has called to see me, to ask a word from me to you in favor of giving him his liberty on parole. pendently for the last nine months, and I was The Kearsage had been acting alone and indenot aware that any of our cruisers had been ordered in the Channel. It became, therefore, in my mind, of the utmost importance, that the Kearsarge should at once be put in a state to meet these vessels and protect our commerce. This could not be done with prisoners on board, equalling the half of our crew, and the room ocrequired a quarter-watch as guards, and the ship cupied by the wounded taken to the exclusion of would have been wholly ineffective as a man of To have kept them would have war to meet this emergency which threatened. our own men. I decline to assume any authority with you in American vessel in port by which any arrangeUnder these circumstances, and without an regard to the disposition you think proper to make of your prisoners. At the same time, I ment could be made for trans-shipping the prihave reason to suppose that this young gentle-soners outside, I felt it my duty to parole them. man has acted honorably in this business, by recognizing his obligations, and therefore I should regret that he should experience no more liberal treatment in return, than one who disregarded them would deserve. Under the circumstances, if in your judgment this case, for any reason of the health of the person, or any other good cause, is one in which you can make an exception, having a reliance on the honor of the individual that he will take no improper advantage of it, I will very cheerfully concur in your opinion, and approve your act. I am, very truly, yours, C. F. ADAMS. EXPLANATORY REPORT OF CAPTAIN WINSLOW. SIR: The latter part of the despatch of the de- I beg the department will consider the circumstances in which this vessel was placed at the termination of the action with the Alabama. The berth-deck, contracted as it is, with insufficient storage for our own men, was covered with bedding of the wounded, the quarter-deck was similarly crowded, and the forward part of the ship, on the spar-deck, was filled with prisoners under guard. The ship was damaged both in rigging and hull. A shot had entered the stern-post, raising the transom-frame, and binding the rudder so hard as to require four men at the helm. therefore important that an examination should It was A report appeared in the papers that the prisoners were paroled contrary to Mr. Dayton's tion was had with Mr. Dayton on the subject of the officers, and after these the men were paroled. instructions. This is erroneous. Communicaobedient servant, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your JOHN A. WINSLOW, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. CAPTAIN WINSLOW'S DETAILED REPORT. Captain. UNITED STATES STEAMER KEARSARGE, ENGLISH CHANNEL, July 30, 1864. SIR: In obedience to instructions of the department, I have the honor to make the following supplementary report of the action between the Kearsarge and Alabama: day being fine, with a hazy atmosphere, wind On the morning of the nineteenth ultimo, the moderate from the westward, with little sea, the position of the Kearsarge at ten o'clock was near eastward of Cherbourg, and distant about three the buoy which marks the line of shoals to the miles from the eastern entrance, which bore to the southward and westward. At twenty mincoming out of the western entrance, accompanied utes after ten o'clock, the Alabama was descried by the Couronne, (iron-clad.) I had, in an interview with the Admiral at Cherbourg, assured him that, in the event of an action occurring with the Alabama, the position of the ships should be vanced about the line of jurisdiction. Accordso far off shore that no questions could be adingly, to perfect this object, and with the double that, if disabled, she could not return, I directed purpose of drawing the Alabama so far off shore the ship's head seaward, and cleared for action, with the battery pivoted to starboard. Having shore, the head of the Kearsarge was turned short attained a point about seven miles from the around, and the ship steered directly for the Ala-again opened on us with the two guns on the bama, my purpose being to run her down, or, if port side. This drew our fire again, and the circumstances did not warrant it, to close in with Kearsarge was immediately steamed ahead and her. Hardly had the Kearsarge come round, before the Alabama sheered, presented her starboard battery, and showed her engines. On approaching her at long-range of about a mile, she opened her full broadside, the shot cutting some of our rigging, and going over and alongside of us. Immediately I ordered more speed, but in two minutes the Alabama had loaded and again fired another broadside, and following it with a third, without damaging us, except in rigging. We had now arrived within about nine hundred yards of her, and I was apprehensive that another broadside (nearly raking as it was) would prove disastrous. Accordingly, I ordered the Kearsarge sheered, and opened on the Alabama. | The position of the vessels was now broadside and broadside; but it was soon apparent that Captain Semmes did not seek close action. I became then fearful lest, after some fighting, that he would again make for the shore. To defeat this, I determined to keep full speed on, and with a port-helm to run under the stern of the Alabama and rake her, if he did not prevent it by sheering and keeping his broadside to us. He adopted this mode as a preventive, and, as a consequence, the Alabama was forced, with a full head of steam, into a circular track during the engagement. The effect of this manoeuvre was such that, at the last of the action, when the Alabama would have made off, she was near five miles from the shore; and had the action continued from the first in parallel lines, with her head in shore, the line of jurisdiction would no doubt have been reached. The firing of the Alabama from the first was rapid and wild; toward the close of the action her firing became better. Our men, who had been cautioned against rapid firing without direct aim, were much more deliberate; and the instructions given to point the heavy guns below rather than above the water-line, and clear the deck with the lighter ones, was fully observed. laid across her bows for raking. The white flag was still flying, and our fire was again reserved. Shortly after this, her boats were seen to be lowering, and an officer in one of them came alongside, and informed us the ship had surrendered and was fast sinking. In twenty minutes from this time the Alabama went down, her mainmast, which had been shot, breaking near the head as she sunk, and her bow rising high out of the water as her stern rapidly settled. The fire of the Alabama, although it is stated she discharged three hundred and seventy or more shell and shot, was not of serious damage to the Kearsarge. Some thirteen or fourteen of these had taken effect in and about the hull, and sixteen or seventeen about the masts and rigging. The casualties were small, only three persons having been wounded; yet it is a matter of surprise that so few were injured, considering the number of projectiles that came aboard. Two shot passed through the ports in which the thirtytwos were placed, with men thickly stationed around them, one taking effect in the hammock netting and the other going through the port on the opposite side, yet no one was hit, the captain of one of the guns being only knocked down by the wind of the shot, as supposed. The fire of the Kearsarge, although only one hundred and seventy-three projectiles had been discharged, according to the prisoners' accounts, was terrific. One shot alone had killed and wounded eighteen men, and disabled a gun. Another had entered the coal-bunkers, exploding, and completely blocking up the engineroom; and Captain Semmes states that shot and shell had taken effect in the sides of his vessel, tearing large holes by explosion, and his men were everywhere knocked down. Of the casualties in the Alabama no correct account can be given. One hundred and fifteen persons reached the shore, either in England or France, after the action. It is known that the Alabama carried a crew, officers and men, of about one hundred and fifty into Cherbourg, and that while in the Southern ocean her com but desertions had reduced this complement. The prisoners state that a number of men came on board at Cherbourg, and the night before the action boats were going to and fro, and in the morning strange men were seen, who were stationed as captains of the guns. Among these there was one lieutenant, (Sinclair,) who joined her in Cherbourg. I had endeavored with a port helm, to close in with the Alabama; but it was not until just before the close of the action that we were in position to use grape. This was avoided, how-plement was about one hundred and seventy, ever, by her surrender. The effect of the training of our men was evident; nearly every shot from our guns was telling fearfully on the Alabama, and on the seventh rotation on the circular track she winded, setting foretrysail and two jibs, with head in-shore. Her speed was now retarded, and by winding her port broadside was presented to us, with only two guns bearing, not having been able, as I learned afterward, to shift over but one. I saw now that she was at our mercy, and a few more guns well directed brought down her flag. I was unable to ascertain whether it had been hauled down or shot away; but a white flag having been displayed over the stern, our fire was reserved. Two minutes had not more than elapsed before she VOL. IX.-Doc. 15 The Alabama had been five days in preparation. She had taken in three hundred and fifty tons of coal, which brought her down in the water. The Kearsarge had only one hundred and twenty tons in; but as an offset to this, her sheet chains were stowed outside, stopped up and down, as an additional preventive and protection to her more empty bunkers. guns. The number of the crew of the Kearsarge, in- thousand pounds,) and six thirty-two pounder cluding officers and sick men, was one hundred and sixty-three; and her battery numbered seven guns-two eleven-inch, one thirty-pounder rifle, and four light thirty-two pounder guns. The battery of the Alabama numbered eight guns-one heavy sixty-eight, of nine thousand pounds; one one hundred and ten pounder rifle; and six heavy thirty-two pounder guns. In the engagement the Alabama fought seven guns and the Kearsarge five, both exercising the starboard battery, until the Alabama winded, using then her port side with one gun, and another shifted over. The collateral events connected with this action have already been laid before the department. I inclose a diagram showing the track which was described during the engagement by the rotary course of the vessels. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. WINSLOW, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Captain. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. ARMAMENT AND COMPLEMENT OF THE ALABAMA. UNITED STATES STEAMER KEARSARGE, ENGLISH CHANNEL, July 30, 1864. SIR: The despatch of the department of the eighth instant, calling for information of the Alabama's armament, and complement of officers and men, and also of the proceedings of the Deerhound, has been received. My despatch of the twenty-first ultimo informed the department of the proceedings of the Deerhound yacht, her gradual edging to the leeward, leading us to suppose she was seeking men who were drifting in the current, and then taking advantage of the hazy weather to make off, while our boats were out busy in rescuing the larger part of the prisoners who were struggling in the water. It was my mistake at the moment that I could not recognize an enemy who, under the garb of a friend, was affording assistance. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, The gun's crews were instructed in the application of tourniquets made for the occasion, and an ample supply furnished each division. Cots for the transportation of the wounded were in convenient positions, yet neither were brought into use. This has explanation from the fact I have the honor to inform the department that the wounded refused assistance from their that, according to a memorandum handed to me comrades, concealing the severity of injury, and by American captains who were prisoners in the one (Gowin, ordinary seaman) dragged himself Alabama, that she carried into Cherbourg a crew, from the after pivot-gun to the fore-hatch, unwillofficers and men, of either one hundred and forty-ing to take any one from his station. While I seven or one hundred and forty-nine; but what number joined her there I have no means or ascertaining. Several persons were prevented by the police at Cherbourg from going on board; but it appears that Mr. Sinclair (lieutenant) was one of those who succeeded in joining her. should ever make similar preparations on the eve of contest, the example of the one in question would teach me that, under the excitement of battle, little reliance could be placed upon the fulfilment of my instructions. This vessel is exceedingly deficient in provision of conveniences for wounded men; there is no appropriate place for the performance of operations. The rebel officers state their crew (officers and men) to have been about one hundred and fifty. Acting upon my recommendation, Lieutenant I have no means of either falsifying or verifying Commander Thornton, Executive Officer, caused these statements; but the American captains the fore-hold to be arranged for the accommodawho were prisoners report that thirteen mention of six wounded, after the application of temhad been left at one port, and four at another,porary dressings, that they might have immunity before the arrival of the vessel at Cherbourg, from the exposure subjected to while upon the and her complement, therefore, when filled, was berth-deck. about one hundred and seventy all told. The statement of some of the prisoners is, that a number of men came on board at Cherbourg, and the night before the action, that boats were going to and fro from the Alabama to the Deerhound, and in the morning of the action they saw strange men who were made captains of guns, who were supposed to be naval reserve men brought in the Deerhound. In my despatch of the nineteenth ultimo I informed the department that the battery of the Alabama consisted of one one hundred pounder rifled pivot, one heavy sixty-eight pounder, (nine Afterward found to be one hundred and ten pounder. The action continued for eighteen minutes without casualties. Then a sixty-eight pound Blakeley shell passed through the starboard bulwarks below main rigging, exploded upon the quarter-deck, and wounded three of the crew of the pivot gun. One, William Gowin, ordinary seaman, received a compound fracture of left femur at lower and middle third and tibia, and fibula upper third, complicating the kneejoint. No fragments of shell were found in the wounds. The hemorrhage was profuse, chiefly venous. Suitable dressings and stimulants were employed. Dayton has made a proper representation of the valuable services rendered by these gentlemen to the minister of the marine at Paris, and to the Department of State at Washington. I have previously reported the death of the brave Gowin. Hopes were reasonably entertained that his re Another, John W. Dempsey, quarter-gunner, had compound comminuted fracture of right arm, lower third and elbow, the fore-arm being completely lacerated-a shapeless mass. Arrangements were made for amputation before the close of the action, but its unexpected cessation caused the performance immediately after. Chlo-covery would occur; but, anæmic from hemorroform was administered with happy results. The arm was amputated at the middle third, upper border. The third, James McBeath, ordinary seaman, received a compound fracture of left tibia, upper third. No pieces of shell were found in the wound. The above comprises the total casualties. It is certainly surprising that the percentage should have been so small, considering the exposure and number of shot received. Probably no future similar combat will occasion like results. Shell were bursting over this vessel from the commencement to the termination of the fight, and a few of the ship's company were knocked down by the concussion derived from a passing projectile. rhage and debilitated by previous attacks of malarial fevers, little vital power remained; phlebitis supervened, soon succeeded by death. Gowin was brought with a smile upon his face, although suffering acutely from his injury. He said, "It is all right, and I am satisfied; for we are whipping the Alabama; " adding, "I willingly will lose my leg or life, if it is necessary.' During the progress of the action he comforted his suffering comrades by assuring them that "Victory is ours!" Whenever the guns' crews cheered at the successful effect of their shot, Gowin waved his hand over his head and joined in the shout. In the hospital he was calmly resigned to his fate, repeating again and again his willingness to Owing to the system of unshipping bulwarks die, since his ship had won a glorious victory. at pivot guns, a considerable space is thereby ex- His patience and cheerfulness during intense empt from the danger arising from splinters. suffering, and his happy resignation, attracted The Kearsarge fired one hundred and seventy-general notice, enlisted sympathies for his rethree shot; the Alabama, about twice that num-covery, and occasioned sincere regrets for his deber, her firing being rapid and nearly incessant cease. To record the gallant conduct of this up to the period of the striking of colors. The noble sailor is to me a gratification, and my carnage on board the latter is reported terrific; apology for mentioning these minor incidents. many of her crew were literally torn in pieces His shipmates will erect a proper monument to by an eleven-inch shell; others were much muti- his memory at Cherbourg. lated by splinters. By a merciful Providence, our ship's company were spared such appalling accidents. I have in my possession a sum of money given by the resident Americans in Paris for a like memorial in his native town in Michigan. The wounded of the Alabama were brought on The coolness and fortitude displayed by our board for treatment. Those whose names and crew and the precision of the firing were remarknature of injury were noted, are borne upon a able. One was almost compelled to regard their list appended to the quarterly report. Others, conduct as that witnessed at the ordinary target with injuries less severe, were treated, and sub-practice. In the hour of victory they were genersequently went on shore with the uninjured paroled crew. Assistant-Surgeon Doctor A. Llewellyn was drowned. The Surgeon, F. L. Galt, (acting paymaster,) introduced himself while I was engaged in the amputation and proffered his assistance. I requested he would assist in attending to the wounded of his vessel; but as he was prostrated by excitement and fatigue, and had received certain contusions, he was inadequate for the duty. I sent him to my room, and, without other professional aid, attended to all the injured. Surgeon Galt was paroled the same evening. ous, refraining from exultation in the presence of the captives, and bestowing upon them every attention necessary for their comfort. I send by mail a pamphlet descriptive of the engagement, written by Mr. Edge, an Englishman. It is the best account yet published, being composed from data furnished by the officers of the Kearsarge, although a few inaccuracies exist. Captain Winslow desires me to present his regards. I remain, dear sir, very truly yours, JOHN M. BROWNE. Surgeon W. WHELAN, Chief of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D. O. LETTER FROM SECRETARY OF STATE, TRANSMITTING COPY OF DESPATCH NO. 302 OF THE UNITED STATES } Upon the arrival of the Kearsarge at Cherbourg, owing to the number of wounded and the want of proper accommodation on board, all were transferred to the Hospital de la Marine, by permission of the admiral commanding the deDEPARTMENT OF STATE, partment. It is extremely fortunate that such WASHINGTON, July 6, 1864. facilities were afforded to the injured; every care SIR: I have the honor to transmit, herewith, and attention were bestowed upon the unfortun-a despatch, No. 302, of the United States Consul ates. The skill and benevolence displayed by Monsieur Dufam, surgeon-in-chief, and Monsieur Aubin, surgeon of second class, and provost of the hospital, claim especial commendation. I am pleased to report that his excellency Mr. at Liverpool, announcing the destruction of the pirate Alabama by the United States steamship Kearsage, off Cherbourg, and inclosing several accounts of the action clipped from British journals. The department joins in the Consul's congratulations at an event which at once illustrates the gallantry and efficiency of the navy, and fitly closes the predatory career of its antagonist. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. DESPATCH OF U. S. CONSUL AT LIVERPOOL. No. 302.] of the Deerhound,) and with some of the Alabama's officers, and from information gleaned in other quarters, I am enabled to furnish you with some interesting particulars connected with the fight between the Alabama and the Kearsarge. The Deerhound is a yacht of one hundred and ninety tons and seventy-horse power, and her owner is a member of the Royal Yacht squadron, at Cowes, and of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club. By UNITED STATES CONSULATE, LIVERPOOL, July 21, 1864. a somewhat singular coïncidence, she was built SIR: The pirate Alabama has at last met the by Messrs. Laird & Son, of Birkenhead, and proof fate she deserves. She was sunk by the United of her fleetness is furnished by the fact that she States steamer Kearsarge, commanded by Captain steamed home from the scene of action yesterday Winslow, off Cherbourg, on Sunday morning last, at the rate of thirteen knots an hour. On arrivafter a fight of one hour. We only have, here at ing at Cherbourg, at ten o'clock on Saturday Liverpool, the confederate account of the action. night, by railway from Caen, Mr. Lancaster was I send you slips cut from the London Times, Liv-informed by the captain of his yacht, which was erpool Courier, Daily Post, and Mercury of today, giving all that is known about it. I am, sir, your obedient servant, THOMAS H. DUDLEY. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, LONDON "TIMES" ACCOUNTS. SOUTHAMPTON, Monday morning. Captain Semmes, fourteen officers, and twenty-seven officers and men, belonging to the late confederate steamer Alabama, have landed from the privateer steamer Deerhound, which witnessed the action between the Alabama and the Kearsarge. The Alabama left Cherbourg harbor at nine o'clock yesterday morning, and found the Kearsarge under steam outside. The former steamed up to her and opened fire at about a mile and a half distance. The fire became general from both ships when about a mile off. The action took place about nine miles from Cherbourg, commencing at ten minutes past eleven and ending at twenty minutes to one. During the fight the vessels made seven complete circles. The Alabama's rudder became displaced, and she made sail, and the guns were kept ported till the muzzles were completely under water. The vessel's stern was actually under water when Captain Semmes gave orders for every man to save himself; they jumped overboard and swam to the boats, saving themselves as best they could. The Alabama's crew numbered in all one hundred and fifty when they left Cherbourg; ten or twelve were killed in the action, and a number are known to be drowned. The ship's chronometers, specie, and all the bills of ransomed vessels were saved. SOUTHAMPTON, Monday. The English steam-yacht Deerhound, belonging to Mr. John Lancaster, of Hindley Hall, Wigan, Lancashire, arrived here last night, and landed Captain Semmes, (commander of the late confederate steamer Alabama,) thirteen officers, and twenty-six men, whom she rescued from drowning after the action off Cherbourg yesterday, which resulted in the destruction of the world-renowned Alabama. From interviews held this morning with Mr. Lancaster, with Captain Jones, (master lying in harbor awaiting his arrival, that it was reported that the Alabama and the Kearsarge were going out to fight each other in the morning. Mr. Lancaster, whose wife, niece, and family were also on board his yacht, at once determined to go out in the morning and see the combat. The Alabama left Cherbourg harbor about ten o'clock on Sunday morning, and the Kearsarge was then several miles out to seaward, with her steam up ready for action. The French plated ship-of-war Couronne followed the Alabama out of harbor, and stopped when the vessels were a league off the coast, her object being to see that there was no violation of the law of nations by from land. The combat took place about nine any fight taking place within the legal distance miles from Cherbourg, and as there are some slight differences (as might naturally be expected under the circumstances) in relation to the period over which it lasted, and other matters, it may be well here to reproduce from Mr. Lancaster's letter in the Times of this morning the subjoined extract from the log kept on board the Deerhound: "Sunday, June nineteenth, nine A.M.-Got up steam and proceeded out of Cherbourg harbor. Half-past ten, observed the Alabama steaming out of the harbor toward the Federal steamer Kearsarge. Ten minutes past eleven, the Alabama commenced firing with her starboard battery, the distance between the contending vessels being about one mile. The Kearsarge immediately replied with her starboard guns. A very sharp, Spirited firing was then kept up, shot sometimes being varied by shells. In manoeuvring, both vessels made seven complete circles, at a distance of from a quarter to half a mile. At twelve, a slight intermission was observed in the Alabama's firing, the Alabama making head sail, and shaping her course for the land, distant about nine miles. At half-past twelve, observed the Alabama to be disabled, and in a sinking state. We immediately made toward her, and on passing the Kearsarge, were requested to assist in saving the Alabama's crew. At fifty minutes past twelve, when within a distance of two hundred yards, the Alabama sunk. We then lowered our two boats, and, with the assistance of the Alaba |