Daniel Ammen, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 7.2, The Atlantic Coast
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[132] into action. The vessel withdrew temporarily, the bodies were transferred to a tug, and the Catskill resumed her position at 11 A. M. In relation to the death of his chiefof-staff the admiral in his official report says: ‘It is but natural that I should feel deeply the loss thus sustained, for the close and confidential relation which the duties of the fleet-captain necessarily occasion, impressed me deeply with the loss of Captain Rodgers. Brave, intelligent, and highly capable, devoted to his duty and to the flag under which he passed his life, the country cannot afford to lose such men. Of a kind and generous nature, he was prompt to give relief when he could.’

The writer cannot refrain from adding that from the time of separation on leaving the Naval School, he never met his classmate Rodgers without an increased appreciation of his great professional aptitude. He possessed, in a marked degree, all of the high qualities assigned him by the admiral. Eminently useful in all the subordinate grades, had he lived, he would have become a distinguished officer of the highest rank.

After this day's bombardment, by land batteries and vessels, General Ripley, in command of Confederate defences, reports, ‘Sumter in ruins and all guns on northwest face disabled, besides seven other guns.’

On the night of the 21st a ‘steam torpedo boat’ came out of Charleston, and struck the Ironsides. A direct collision was not effected and the electric current failed also. The boat, however, effected her retreat under a heavy fire from the Ironsides and other vessels.

On the 23d of August, before daylight, five monitors were brought within about 800 yards of Sumter and opened fire. Considerable damage was done to the southeast and northeast faces. The fort replied with only six shots, but Moultrie,