[144]
The deck being full of steam and smoke, and indications of the ship being on fire, and two of my men being wounded and one scalded, and almost every shell, either direct or ricochet, striking the steamer, and the boilers being disabled, and my men, several of them being almost paralyzed with fear; also, the sight of the rebel steamer coming out, and the utter impossibility to save the steamer or resist the enemy, I judged it best to abandon her.
I pulled alongside the Cowslip and Buckthorn, the two vessels being close to each other, and put the wounded on board; both vessels then stood toward the Genesee.
I went on board, and reported to Captain Grafton; was ordered to put the wounded on board the Tennessee and report to Captain Grafton again, but as the Genesee steamed toward Pelican Channel, I was forced to remain on the Tennessee.
The Quartermaster, William H. French, who was wounded in the stomach, died at twenty minutes past seven.
List of Casualties — Frank Wilson, landsman, killed; William H. French, Quartermaster, mortally wounded; John Collins, coal-heaver, scalded; and Joseph Boyd, slightly wounded.
The officers were perfectly cool throughout the time while under fire, and in leaving the ship.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1862.
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