No. 13. Shell passed over between fore and mainmast, struck inner hammock-rail on port side, cut through netting and outer hammockrail, breaking a hole in third cutter. an engagement with the enemy in Mobile Bay, August fifth, 1864, namely: After-shroud of fore-rigging shot away, and one collar of the fore-stay shot away; also the No. 14. Shell-one hundred and fifty pound- lower boom topping-lift and fall and port foreer-fired from the ram Tennessee while along-brace; also port and starboard jib-sheets; also side, the muzzles of her guns touching our port side; the shell struck the outer planking on the port side, pierced through the timbers and ceiling inside, exploded on the berth-deck, fragments of the shell going through the streaks of plank on the spar-deck, through the launch, first and second cutters; portions of the shell also went through the deck-plank and hatches on the berthdeck and dropped into the hold, scarring spardeck beams and deck-frame below fore and mainhatches from port side to starboard. No. 15. Shell struck grub-beam on forecastle, crushed the upper edge and glanced overboard. No. 16. Conical shot, or shell, struck the band on starboard side of mainmast, eighteen feet from the partners, pierced through the mast-band and buried its length in the mast. No. 17. Shot struck the forward starboardquarter of the mainmast, sixteen feet above the partners, scoring one and a half inches. No. 18. Shell struck collar of fore-stay, shattered trussle-trees, forward lower cross-tree, heel of fore-topmast, and lodged in forward nut of trussle-trees. port and starboard fore-topsail braces; main top- Boatswain U. S. N. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 8, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders, I respectfully report the damage sustained in the Gunner's department of this ship, and the amount of ammunition expended in the action on the fifth of August with the rebel forts and fleet, to be as follows, namely: The port one-hundred pounder rifle gun-carriage struck twice and completely shattered; No. 19 gun-carriage, starboard side, struck by shell, splintering right bracket, breaking bracket-bolt and knocking rear dumb-truck out of place; No. 29 gun-carriage, starboard side, scarred by shell bursting and having port-truck broken to pieces; No. 10 nine-inch gun-carriage, injured by being upset when in collision with Lackawanna; three over-roller hand-spikes broken and four ordinary handspikes broken, three nine-inch gun-tackles carried away, one one-hundred pounder rifle sidetackle-block shattered, one one-hundred pounder breeching and one nine-inch breeching cut with shot, one nine-inch bristle-sponge shot away, two rammers, nine-inch, broken. No. 19. Shell struck port side of main-top, crushed a hole in deck of top, and glanced board. No. 20. Shot through smoke-pipe. In the collision with the rebel ram the porthead pump was crushed in, two feet below the water-line. The copper on the stem and portbow was peeled off by the iron plating of the ram. The ship received considerable damage by being run into by the Lackawanna. She crushed in the after-part of the main-channel, broke two of the main-chains and spar-crane, with the spars that were stowed, namely, spare-main and mizzen top-gallant and mizzen royal-yards, the main-rail, hammock-rails, netting, bulwarks, top-timbers, outer planking; timbers and ceiling, from gunwale down to two feet of the water-line, were crushed in and broken on the starboard side abaft the main rigging, from the after-side of No. 10 gun-port to the forward side of No. 11 gunport. The deck-knees, diagonal and hanging, are broken, the iron diagonal braces are badly bent in-board, the spar-deck beams and deckplank moved to starboard; abreast of the fracture, the water-way is cut in two. It will be necessary to caulk a large portion of the quarter-deck. The gig-davits were broken, also her keel and planking. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. GEORGE E. BURCHAM, Number of rounds expended in action: POWDER. Ninety-five charges thirteen pounds nine-inch, or one thousand two hundred and thirty-five pounds of powder. Ninety-two charges ten pounds nine-inch, or nine hundred and twenty pounds of powder. Twenty-seven charges ten pounds one-hundred pounder rifle, or two hundred and seventy pounds of powder. SHELL. Seventy-seven shell, five second, nine-inch. Three shell one-hundred pounder rifle Parrott, percussion. Seven shell twelve-pounder heavy howitzer. SHRAPNEL. REPORT OF CAPTAIN T. A. JENKINS. U. S. STEAMSHIP RICHMOND, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR It is my agreeable duty to report that the officers and crew of this ship have, without exception, shown an unsurpassed zeal in preparing this ship for battle, and a coolness and courage in conflict with the enemy, that has won my admiration and thanks. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. STEAMER RICHMOND, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor and very great pleasure to report that in the action this forenoon with the batteries at Fort Morgan, and the rebel ram Tennessee, this ship has received no serious damage, and there were no persons killed. Two men were wounded, but not seriously, and the ship struck a number of times in the hull and rigging. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. STEAMSHIP RICHMOND, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor respectfully to submit the following report of the ammunition expended in the attack on the morning of the fifteenth instant, upon Fort Morgan and its water-batteries, and subsequently upon rebel iron-clad casemated steamer Tennessee, namely: In approaching toward and steaming from Fort Morgan and teries (40) Forty ten-second fuze, nine-inch shell. (30) Thirty fifteen-second 66 ABREAST OF THE FORT AND BATTERIES. (60) Nine-inch shell with five-second fuzes. (5) Twelve-pounder howitzer (heavy) shell from The exact number of rifled musket-shots fired into the Tennessee's ports is not known. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commander-in-Chief W. G. Squadron. REPORT OF CAPTAIN J. B. MARCHAND. SIR: I have the honor to report that about sunrise to-day this ship was gotten under way, and the Seminole lashed on the port side. Our position being in the centre of the line of battle, we crossed the bar, and following close on the leading vessels, stood up the channel, and as soon as our guns could be brought to bear, a fire was opened on Fort Morgan with shells, and continued until passing it, when the Seminole was cast off. Soon after the fleet had passed the middle ground, the rebel iron-clad Tennessee commenced approaching, with the design of attacking our vessels, and in obedience to your signal, I started under the heaviest headway to run her down, and succeeded in striking her at right angles at the after-end of the casemate. The concussion was great, but the effect on her was only a heavy list, whilst our stern was cut and crushed to the plank ends for a distance of three feet above the water-edge to five feet below, and causing a considerable leak in forward store-room and peak. Fortunately our yards and top-masts were down, otherwise they, in all probat-bability, would have been carried away by the concussion, which caused the ship to rebound, and the stern of the Tennessee to recede. Some panic must have existed on board the enemy, as they fired but two guns through our bows. After striking, the two swung head and stern been pivoted for the opposite side, we succeeded alongside of each other, and as our guns have in discharging but one nine-inch shell, that struck one of the enemy's port shutters, which was distant about twelve feet, destroying it, and driving some of the fragments into her casemate. A few of the enemy were seen through their ports, who were using most opprobrious language. Our maspittoon and a holy-stone were thrown at them rines opened upon them with muskets; even a from our deck, which drove them away. Upon separating from the Tennessee, our helm was put hard over to make another attempt at running the enemy down, but our great length, and the shallowness of the water, caused us to turn so slowly, that we had not gotten round until again amongst our fleet, and, unfortunately, we collided with the flag-ship, which was running toward the Tennessee, although every exertion was used to prevent it by backing. By this accident two of the quarter-deck ports of the Hartford were knocked into one, without this ship sustaining any injury. After the collision with the flagship, I again started to run down the Tennessee, but whilst still at a distance she surrendered to our fleet. (10) Twelve-pounder howitzer (light) shell from IRON-CLAD TENNESSEE. (1) One nine-inch solid shot with thirteen-pound charge, fired at the rebel iron-clad Tennessee, at the distance of about four hundred yards. (32) Solid shot, with thirteen-pound charge, fired at the rebel iron-clad Tennessee, at distances varying from fifty to two hundred yards, and embracing a period of about twenty minutes' time. (155) Ten-pound charges, expended for nine inch and one-hundred pounder rifle-guns. (30) Three and a quarter pound charges for thirty-pounder rifle. (33) Thirteen-pound charges. VOL. VIII.-Doc. 8 Our loss throughout the day was four killed and thirty-five wounded. Herewith I send the reports of the Surgeon, Engineer, and Board of Officers, on the injuries and expenditures. Under no circumstances could more coolness and bravery have been shown by the crew. I cannot express my deep feeling for the undaunted courage and the aid given me by all the officers. Second Lieutenant Hyram Adams, of the Army Signal Corps, with two assistants, were on board, and great credit is due them for their promptness in transmitting signals. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. MARCHAND, Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding W. G. B. Squadron. Captain. ments of shell; dispensary very much shattered; berth-deck ladder and two awning stanchions (the latter being placed below for security) broken in two; berth-deck planking, directly for ward of galley and under platform, also much injured with fragments of shell. The damages sustained by running down the rebel iron-clad ram Tennessee, as follows: The head and cutwater badly injured; the stem, for distance of eighteen feet, and up to wood ends, completely gone; that portion of it comprised between the water-line and draft-mark eight, forced in, causing the planking for distance of several feet to be wrenched from fastening, the ends of which, exposed considerably, and leaving that portion of the bow in a much exposed condition. Not having the means for examining be low the draft-mark eight, we are therefore unable to arrive at the extent of injury received below that mark. shroud carried away; main-stay, after shroud of port fore rigging and screw, boat davit and spanker boom topping lifts, and two nine-inch double blocks shot away. U. S. S. S. LACKAWANNA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 7, 1864. SIR: In the report made of the part taken by We also find the rigging damaged to the folthe Lackawanna in passing the forts, and enter-lowing extent: bobstays and port bowsprit ing Mobile Bay, on the fifth instant, I inadvertently omitted to state that Commander Edward Donaldson, commanding the Seminole, which was lashed alongside of this ship, rendered most efficient service by his coolness and judgment in piloting both vessels until passing Fort Morgan, the regular pilot being sick. My additional thanks are due him and all his officers and men for volunteering to aid in manning the guns of the Lackawanna, and the continuous fire which they kept up whilst their guns could bear upon the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding W. G. B. Squadron. Captain. U. S. S.S. LACKAWANNA, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of the fifth instant, we, the undersigned, have held a strict and careful survey on this ship, and find the damages herewith stated to have resulted from the action of the fifth instant. That there are five shot-holes through hull of ship, two of which are eighteen inches above water-line, and damages resulting therefrom are as follows: timber, planking, and ceiling badly cut up; spirketing in wake of fore-rigging, and on each of ship, shot away; port forward hammock netting-rail shot away, and panel-work much injured; port sheet cable-bitt splintered the entire length, and iron casing completely shattered; two stanchions of fore fife-rail entirely shot away, also a quarter of fore-mast and after-part, and eighteen inches above deck; water-closets and bulkheads broken down; several hatch gratings much injured, and port swinging boom broken in Very respectfully, your obedient servants, Acting Master. JOHN H. ALLEN, Acting Master. THOMAS KELLY, Acting Boatswain. FRANCIS A. STANLEY, Acting Carpenter's Mate. Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. S. LACKAWANNA, IN MOBILE BAY, Aug. 5, 1864. SIR I have the honor to report that the engines, boilers, and appurtenances thereto of this ship are apparently in good working order, though derangements may subsequently become visible, of which we have now no knowledge. The severe concussion, consequent upon the heavy blow dealt the rebel ram Tennessee, by this vessel, under full headway, may have thrown the engines out of line, or strained the boilers and braces. Our bunkers being full of coal, we cannot or course speak decidedly with reference to the staying of the boilers. Very respectfully, JAMES W. WHITTAKER, When we had arrived abreast of the Fort, by a rapid and timely fire of grape, their several batteries were almost entirely silenced. Twenty twenty-pound charges of powder, our carrying, as directed, low steam, and the very twelve sixteen-pound charges of powder, twenty- deliberate movements of our iron-clads which oc eight fifteen-pound charges of powder, three cupied the channel close ahead of us. thirteen-pound charges of powder, twenty-nine ten pound charges of powder, thirteen fourpound charges of powder, eight boarding pikes, four cutlass scabbards, three battle-axe scabbards, two division boxes, six waist-belts, four Enfield rifle bayonets, six Enfield rifles, two navy revolvers, four percussion primer boxes, (tin,) three battle-axes, four brass padlocks, three percussion cap boxes, (tin,) two pistol frogs, forty musket-ball cartridges, eleven eleven-inch solid shot, one hundred and twenty percussion primers, nine nine-inch solid shot, thirty Enfield rifle-ball cartridges, five one hundred and fifty pounder Parrott's solid shot, (long,) seventy revolver percussion-caps, thirty-seven eleven-inch shell, filled and fuzed five seconds; twenty friction primers, twenty-three nine-inch shell, filled and fuzed five seconds; sixty pistol-ball cartridges, seven one hundred and fifty pounder Parrott shell, filled and fuzed, five seconds; thirteen fiftypounder Hotchkiss shell, filled and fuzed, five seconds; two cutlasses, (Ames,) two hundred musket percussion-caps, three cutlass scabbards, seven Parrott rings, for time fuzes; seven metal time fuzes, five seconds; six eleven-inch selvagee wads, eight nine-inch selvagee wads, two nineinch passing-boxes. Very respectfully, your obedient servants. S. A. MCCARTY, Ensign. JOHN G. FOSTER, Captain J. B. MARCHAND, U. S. S. BROOKLYN, MOBILE BAY, Aug. 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part that this ship took in the action of yesterday, with Fort Morgan and the rebel ram and gunboats. In accordance with your instructions and by signal, at fifteen minutes past five we got under way with the Octorara lashed on our port side, and proceeded toward the bar of Mobile entrance. After some little delay in waiting for the ships to form into line, and for the ironclads to precede us, we steamed ahead and passed up the channel toward Fort Morgan, being the leading ship, closely followed by the Admiral and the rest of the fleet in line of battle. At fifteen minutes past six, when about one and a half miles from the Fort, the enemy opened fire upon us, which was immediately returned with bow-chasers, (our two one hundred-pound Parrotts.) The action then commenced, the fire of the enemy being almost entirely directed at the wooden vessels; their ram Tennessee and gunboats soon joining in the fight. The starboard battery was opened on the Fort, as soon as the guns could be brought to bear. Our progress up the channel was slow, owing to At this juncture I observed the ill-fated Tecumseh, which was then about three hundred yards ahead of us, and on our starboard bow, careen violently over, and sink almost instantaneously. Sunk by a torpedo! Assassination in its worst form! A glorious though terrible end for our noble friends, the intrepid pioneers of that deathstrewed path! Immortal fame is theirs! Peace to their manes! We were now somewhat inside of the Fort, when shoal-water was reported, and at the same time, as the smoke cleared up a little, a row of suspicious-looking buoys was discovered directly under our bows. While we were in the act of backing to clear them, our gallant Admiral passed us and took the lead. Getting headway again as soon as possible, we pushed up the channel at full speed in his wake, when the rebel ram was discovered making for the flag-ship, and at the same time throwing shot and shell at us, which inflicted considerable damage at and above the water-line forward. The rebel gunboats having now taken shelter in shoal-water, I cast off the Octorara from alongside, and directed her to close in and assist the other gunboats in their attack upon them. The Hartford having steamed past the ram with her broadside playing vigorously upon him, continuing our course at full speed and exchanging broadsides as we could bring our guns to bear, she missed us, and just passed clear of our stern only a few yards distant; we then gave her some parting blows with our sixty-pounder Parrott from the poop. At fifty minutes past eight anchored near the flag-ship, about five miles above the Fort, the rebel gunboats firing a few shots at us at longrange as we passed up. At about nine A.M., the Tennessee was discovered standing for the flcet, and we, in company with the flag-ship and several other vessels, made toward him, firing solid shot from our bow-chasers. When within a short distance the Chickasaw crossed our bows and prevented our ramming him. as the ram was clear of the last-named vessel, he made directly at us; put our helm a-port and made at him with full speed, but seeing our torpedocatcher hanging under the bows, and thinking it was a real torpedo (as an officer belonging to her has since told me) he put his helm hard up and avoided us, giving us some heavy shots in passing. Our shot-solid nine-inch, with thirteen pounds of powder-struck him repeatedly, but without any material effect, except one, which, as it is believed, carried away his smokestack. We then turned to try it again, but the iron-clads had fairly engaged her, and shortly afterward she surrendered. As soon done to the ship by the enemy's shot, and the number of projectiles expended, etc., are herewith inclosed. Lieutenant Commander Lull, the executive officer, has, at my request, made a statement of some very interesting incidents, giving a list of men who most distinguished themselves during the action, which I take great pleasure in forwarding, with a hearty approval of it, and the sugges tions it contains. It will be seen that we have fifty-four casualties on board; eleven killed, and forty-three wounded; many of the latter, I am happy to say, are slight. The list will not appear large when it is considered that we were nearly two hours under fire. Among the others, we have to regret the loss of an officer, Acting Master's Mate William H. Cook, who was killed while bravely doing his duty, having already been wounded. By the Carpenter's report, it will be seen that the hull has received extensive and serious injuries, having been struck twenty-three times. Our mainmast is ruined, having been shot through and through the centre, three times between the cathar-pins and the deck, the shotholes being about equidistant from each other. Shot struck the other spars seven times, injuring some badly. The boatswain's report shows the rigging to have been struck and cut in twentynine places, making an aggregate of some fiftynine hits in the hull, rigging, and spars. The number of projectiles expended is one hundred and eighty-three. In conclusion, I must beg leave to state that as far as I can learn, every one did his duty nobly and well, and while the officers generally would seem to deserve some especial mention, I must, from the nature of circumstances, confine my notice to those on whom devolved the more important duty of controlling and fighting the ship. To my executive officer, Lieutenant Commander E. P. Lull, my thanks are especially due, not only for his cool, steady bearing in the fight, but also for the efficient training of the crew, which have been together now less than three months, but displayed in the action the steadiness of veterans, fighting their guns almost as coolly as if they were at an ordinary exercise. Lieutenant Thomas L. Swann, the ordnance officer, had every thing ready, and the working of his department was admirable; he was principally occupied during the action with the bow-chasers. The other division officers-Captain Houston, of the marines, Lieutenant Charles F. Blake, Ensigns Cassel and Sigsbee, with their assistants, Master's Mates Duncan and Stevens-fought their guns nobly and well. The powder division, under Acting Ensign Utter, could not have been conducted better. Chief-Engineer Kellogg's department worked beautifully. Doctor Maulsby was fully prepared for the wounded, and extended to those unfortunates all the solicitude and care that a generous nature could dictate. Ensign Pendleton, my aid and signal officer, afforded me great assistance, being always prompt and active in his duties. To our pilot, Mr. Christopher Lawrence, great credit is due for the handsome manner he piloted the ship. I ought to mention before closing this report, that I was particularly pleased with the cheerful bearing and aid afforded me by Captain E. A. Denicke, of the Army Signal Corps, in watching and pointing out the effect of our shot in the batteries, and upon the rebel ram and gunboats. In accordance with your directions, I also send a separate report in regard to those men who were most conspicuous for good conduct and gallantry in the action. It is taken mostly from the report of Lieutenant Commander Lull, the executive officer. Congratulating you upon the handsome result of the day, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN, Captain. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding U. S. W. G. B. Fleet, U. S. Flag-Ship Hartford. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Mobile Bay, August 6, 1864. SIR: In accordance with your instructions, I herewith append a list of the crew who most distinguished themselves for gallantry and good conduct during the action with Fort Morgan and the rebel ram and gunboats. Feeling satisfied that they have earned that justly prized distinction, the "medal of honor," I trust the Department will confer it upon them. J. Henry Dennig, (Sergeant of Marines,) Michael Hudson, (Sergeant of Marines,) and William M. Smith, Miles M. Oriatt, (Corporals of Marines,) for their conspicuous good conduct at their guns. Barnett Kenna, (Quartermaster,) and William Halsted, (Coxswain,) coolness, bravery, and skill in the working of their guns. Their conduct was particularly meritorious. Joseph Brown (Quartermaster) and Joseph Irlane, (seaman,) stationed at the wheel, behaved with great coolness and bravery, sending the other two men who were stationed with them, to replace men disabled at the guns. Edward Price, (Captain,) great coolness and bravery under fire; his gun became disabled by the sponge's breaking, leaving the head in the gun; he proceeded to clear it by pouring down powder into the vent and blowing the spongehead out. Alexander Mack, (Captain of -,) activity, zeal, and skill displayed in handling his gun, as well as great courage; he was also severely wounded. William Nichols, (Quartermaster,) perfect coolness and dexterity in handling his gun; always sure of his aim before he would consent to fire. Nicholas Irwin, (seaman,) John Cooper, (Coxswain,) John Brown, (Forecastle Captain,) and John Irwin, (carpenter,) very conspicuous for bravery, skill, coolness, and activity at their guns. William Blagden, (ship's cook,) William Madden, (coal-heaver,) James Machon, (boy,) William H. Brown, (landsman,) James Mifflin, (engineer's cook,) conspicuous for bravery, performing their |