Admiral David D. Porter, The Naval History of the Civil War.

[584]

I regret to say that my first-lieutenant, Mr. Prentiss, lost a leg in the action, and that fears are entertained for his life. * * *

Reports of Commander William E. LeRoy, commanding U. S. S. Ossipee:

Admiral — I have the honor to report, that in passing the forts, and in the attack upon the ironclad Tennessee, this ship was struck four times in the hull and several times in the rigging, fortunately without disabling the ship. Our stem is somewhat injured by running against the Tennessee. Our casualties I am pleased to report as small. When about running down the Tennessee, she displayed a white flag, but not in time to prevent my colliding with her, having been so disabled by the fire of the fleet and unable longer to continue the contest, and I was fortunate in receiving her surrender from Commander Johnston, her commander--Admiral Buchanan being wounded — a prize to the fleet under your command.

Commander (now Rear-Admiral) J. W. A Nicholson.

Admiral — In my report of the part this ship took in the passage of Fort Morgan yesterday, I neglected to allude to the efficient manner in which Lieutenant-Commander Geo. Brown, with the Itasca lashed alongside of me, performed his duty of piloting both vessels, etc.

From report of Commander T. H. Stevens, commanding U. S. Monitor Winnebago:

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At half-past 8 passed Fort Morgan and steamed slowly up the bay. At 10 minutes past 9 the after-turret broke down. At 15 minutes past 9, received order from flag-ship to attack the rebel ram Tennessee, which surrendered at 45 minutes past 9. Anchored with the fleet at 45 minutes past 10 in the lower fleet anchorage of Mobile Bay.

Enclosed please receive engineer's report of the condition of the turrets, and the gunner's account of ammunition expended.

The Winnebago was struck 19 times, three of the shot having penetrated the deck near the after-turret.

I have to report no casualties. The officers and men conducted themselves well; and to Acting-Volunteer-Lieutenant W. T. Shankland, First-Assistant-Engineer John Purdy, who volunteered for this vessel, and the pilot, Wm. H. Wroten, I am indebted for valuable assistance.

Reports of Commander J. W. A. Nicholson, commanding U. S. S. Manhattan:

Sir — I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this ship in the action of the 5th instant with Fort Morgan and the rebel iron-clad Tennessee:

At 5 minutes past 7 A. M. I opened on the fort, but, owing to the dense smoke from the guns, our firing was necessarily very slow.

After passing Fort Morgan, I devoted my attention entirely to the rebel iron-clad, firing my guns slowly and with great precision.

At 45 minutes past 9 I obtained a raking position under his stern, and fired a solid shot, which struck him on the port-quarter, carrying away his steering gear.

At 57 minutes past 9, when on the point of firing from the same position, he hauled down his colors and surrendered.

I fired at the Tennessee six times, namely, one shell, two solid and three cored shot. I am satisfied that most, if not all, the serious damage she has sustained was caused by the 15-inch shot of this vessel.

This ship was struck by the enemy's shot nine times, causing no material damage; but of this I will make a separate report.

No person was injured on board. Officers and men all did their duty; but I especially recommend Acting-Ensign John B. Trott, who was stationed at the wheel steering the ship himself, for the admirable manner in which he performed his duty. Also Acting-Master Robert B. Ely, for the manner in which he worked his guns. Both of these gentlemen, I think, are worthy of being advanced a grade in the service.

One of the 15-inch carriages is temporarily disabled by the breaking of some bolts.

Sir — Of the six 15-inch projectiles fired from this vessel at the rebel iron-clad Tennessee, I claim four as having struck, doing most of the real injuries that she has sustained, namely, first, one shot on port-beam, going entirely through the armor and crushing the wood backing, making a hole completely through the vessel; second, one shot near the first, but higher up, and further forward, making a deep indentation, and then glancing over the ship; third, a shell striking her stern port-shutter, disabling it, so that the gun could not be used; fourth, a shot striking her stern, ripping up the deck-plating, carrying away her steering gear, and then striking her armor at the angle of the port quarter, crushing it, and starting the wood backing through to the inside.

From report of Lieutenant-Commander C. H. Wells, commanding U. S. S. Galena:

Sir — I herewith report to you the part which this steamer took in passing Forts Morgan and Gaines yesterday:

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I take pleasure in bringing to your notice the executive officer of this vessel, Acting-Volunteer-Lieutenant C. W. Wilson, who faithfully carried out my orders in passing Fort Morgan, as well as in the exhibition of coolness and bravery.

Acting-Master D. C. Kells, Acting-Ensigns Pease and Miner, and Acting-Master's Mates Tuttle and Delano, I would also recommend to your favorable notice for their good conduct under the fire of the enemy.