Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[675] respectively, and most efficiently did they aid in this department. Doctor Bradbury remained at Fort Jackson until its fall, and was paroled. Doctor Foster, at my request, accompanied the wounded soldiers to the city on the Confederate steamer McRae.

Messrs. Fulda, Stickney, and Sergeant Y. R. Poindexter, Fourth Mississippi volunteers, telegraphic operators, rendered the most valuable services in keeping open our communication above and below, under the most dangerous and difficult circumstances. Although we have failed in our mission of keeping the enemy's fleet from passing the forts, and have been subjected to the deep humiliation of surrendering the charge intrusted to our keeping to the enemies of our country, I must nevertheless state, in common justice to myself and those under my command, that to the very best of our ability, with the means at our disposal, our whole duty was performed faithfully, honestly, and fearlessly. If all had to be gone through with again, under similar events and circumstances, I know that we should be forced to the same results and consequences.

Great as the disaster is, it is but the sheer result of that lack of cheerful and hearty co-operation from the defences afloat, which we had every right to expect, and to the criminal negligence of not lighting up the river at night, when the danger was imminent, and the movements of the enemy absolutely known, almost to the hour of the final attack. Except for the cover afforded by the obscurity of the darkness, I shall always remain satisfied that the enemy would never have succeeded in passing Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

I am, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Major: In addition to the foregoing report, I wish to add, that upon the arrival of the paroled enlisted men from Forts Jackson and St. Philip in this city, I endeavored, to the best of my ability, to see that they were properly cared for, until such time as they could be sent out of town. As far as it could be done, they were paid in part for the time due, and arrangements were also made through the City Safety Committee to have them boarded and lodged temporarily, all with the view of preventing them from going over to the enemy through distress and starvation. In this I was very much assisted by Captain M. T. Squires, and First Lieutenant L. B. Taylor, Louisiana regiment of artillery. Notwithstanding that they were thus amply provided for, scores of them have been daily going over to the enemy and enlisting since, until now there are but a very few left from either fort not in the ranks of the enemy. Although I really did think, at the time of the surrender, that some few of the men were loyal, the facts which have since come to light have perfectly satisfied me that nearly every man in both forts was thoroughly implicated and concerned in the revolt on the night of the twenty-seventh of April, with the exception of the company of St. Mary's cannoniers, composed mostly of planters.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Captain: Keep your boats in constant readiness at all times for the enemy's approach. Should he attack, all your fleet must be kept above the raft, and such of your boats as have stern guns should lay in the middle of the stream above the raft, and without the field of our fire, and use these guns against the enemy.

Should any boat of the enemy by any means get above the raft, you must instantly ram it with determination and vigor, at all risks and at every sacrifice. All signal mast-head lights should be kept extinguished at night, or never hoisted. Trusting to your known energy, and to the great expectations anticipated of the river fleet by your friends, I have every confidence that your whole duty will be thoroughly performed.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Captain: Keep one of your boats constantly below, night and day, opposite the wooded point, where you can watch the movements of the enemy. Signal us his approach, and the number of vessels seen coming up, and give me a copy of the signals for our government at the forts.

I wish you to take the entire control of the fire-rafts, and you will be assisted therein by the steamers Star, Algerine, and such other boats as I can procure from the city for the purpose.

Your own knowledge of the river and the currents will enable you to set them adrift at such time as your judgment warrants.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

dear Sir: Yours just receive. The fire-barge was sent down, as I supposed, by your