Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 8.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[116] 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 suggestions 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 twenty-nine places, making an aggregate of some fifty-nine 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 these 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,

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