[233] starboard battery, and afterwards her port battery; she continued the engagement with the muzzles of her guns under water, and one part of her deck covered with dead and wounded. When found in a sinking state, the Alabama ceased fighting and lowered her boats, in which the dead and wounded were placed. Shortly afterward the Alabama sank, the officers and crew jumping into the sea, when the Kearsarge's boats came up to assist in saving the crew. The officer in command of the boats inquired for Semmes, and was told that he was drowned, whereas he had already been picked up by the yacht Deerhound and stowed away, the yacht having then steamed off with all speed, expecting the Kearsarge would attempt to capture those on board. Before the Alabama left Cherbourg to engage the Kearsarge, Captain Semmes sent on shore an iron chest containing specie, sixty chronometers, and other valuables. The engagement is described by the owner of the yacht Deerhound as a most brilliant affair, the fighting being severe and at short distance. The Alabama's guns were served rapidly but doing less execution. The Kearsarge, however, is said to have sustained much damage, her sides being torn open, showing the chain-plating. The officers of the Alabama estimate their loss in killed and wounded at from thirty to forty men. Captain Semmes is very unwell, from being in the water a considerable time, and in consequence of the wound in his hand. Captain Semmes visited several shops in Southampton this morning to procure a personal outfit. Another account from Southampton says the Kearsarge had a chain-cable triced along her sides to break the force of the Alabama's shot. The Alabama was almost one thousand yards from the Kearsarge when she fired the first shot at half-past 10; being the fastest ship, she was able to steam round her antagonist in continually narrowing circles, but when within five hundred yards of the Kearsarge the rudder and screw of the Alabama were shot away and she was rendered helpless. Her colors were shot away.
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[233] starboard battery, and afterwards her port battery; she continued the engagement with the muzzles of her guns under water, and one part of her deck covered with dead and wounded. When found in a sinking state, the Alabama ceased fighting and lowered her boats, in which the dead and wounded were placed. Shortly afterward the Alabama sank, the officers and crew jumping into the sea, when the Kearsarge's boats came up to assist in saving the crew. The officer in command of the boats inquired for Semmes, and was told that he was drowned, whereas he had already been picked up by the yacht Deerhound and stowed away, the yacht having then steamed off with all speed, expecting the Kearsarge would attempt to capture those on board. Before the Alabama left Cherbourg to engage the Kearsarge, Captain Semmes sent on shore an iron chest containing specie, sixty chronometers, and other valuables. The engagement is described by the owner of the yacht Deerhound as a most brilliant affair, the fighting being severe and at short distance. The Alabama's guns were served rapidly but doing less execution. The Kearsarge, however, is said to have sustained much damage, her sides being torn open, showing the chain-plating. The officers of the Alabama estimate their loss in killed and wounded at from thirty to forty men. Captain Semmes is very unwell, from being in the water a considerable time, and in consequence of the wound in his hand. Captain Semmes visited several shops in Southampton this morning to procure a personal outfit. Another account from Southampton says the Kearsarge had a chain-cable triced along her sides to break the force of the Alabama's shot. The Alabama was almost one thousand yards from the Kearsarge when she fired the first shot at half-past 10; being the fastest ship, she was able to steam round her antagonist in continually narrowing circles, but when within five hundred yards of the Kearsarge the rudder and screw of the Alabama were shot away and she was rendered helpless. Her colors were shot away.
Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1866.
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