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of a break in a vital part of her machinery, to avoid capture she was destroyed by fire.
Captain Brown was made a commodore, and Stevens, the executive officer, Reed, Gift, Wharton and Scales won great distinction.
The battle of Mobile Bay was fought August 5, 1864.
The enemy's fleet, under Admiral Farragut, consisted of 14 steamers and 4 monitors, carrying 199 guns and 2,700 men. The Confederate naval commander, Admiral Franklin Buchanan, had the wooden gunboats Morgan and Gaines, each carrying 6 guns, the Selma of 4 guns, and the ram Tennessee of 6 guns, in all 22 guns and 470 men. In this unequal contest, there could be no question as to the result.
The engagement lasted an hour, and serious injury was inflicted on many vessels of the Federal fleet.
Frequently during the contest the Tennessee was surrounded by the enemy, and all her guns were in action at the same moment.
The noble Confederate admiral was wounded and carried below, and soon the Tennessee was surrendered.
The other ships were well fought, and surrendered after they were disabled and overpowered.
The Gaines, in a sinking condition, was run on shore near Fort Morgan.
The gallant Lieut. A. D. Wharton, of Tennessee, was with Admiral Buchanan on the ram Tennessee, and rendered valuable and conspicuous service.
When Fort Pillow was evacuated by the Confederate forces, the gunboat Pontchartrain, commanded by Lieut. John W. Dunnington, which constituted a part of the fleet commanded by Capt. Geo. N. Hollins, provided for the defense of the Mississippi river, was run up White river.
At an earlier date, Lieutenant Dunnington had participated in the operations against Pope's army at Point Pleasant, Mo., and was active in resisting the crossing of the river.
At the surrender of the Confederate forces near Tiptonville, the Ponchartrain was ordered to Fort Pillow.
On the 16th of June, 1862, Lieutenant Dunnington arrived at St. Charles on White river, with
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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