Battle of Fort De Russy
Union Naval Official Records
Union Naval Official Records for Fort De Russy
Cooperation of gunboats, under Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, U. S. Navy,
with Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, in the Red River campaign,(*)
March 12 to May 22, 1864.
Letter from Major-General McPherson, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding time of proposed movement against Alexandria.
HEADQUARTERS, 17TH ARMY CORPS,
Vicksburg, Miss., March 10, 1864.
DEAR SIR: Though not fully acquainted with the views and understanding had between Generals Banks and Sherman in relation to the expedition up Red River, I am aware that it was considered of the utmost importance that the cooperating force from here with the gunboats should be in the vicinity of Alexandria by the 17th instant.
I make this statement, as I am informed that a dispatch from General Sherman to you was lost in the Conestoga.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. McPHERSON,
Major-General.
Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
stating the cause of delay in movement upon Alexandria.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, March 10, 1864.
ADMIRAL: The column for operations against Alexandria has been formed at Franklin. La., and it was my intention to march from that place so as to reach Alexandria on the 17th instant, but a violent rainstorm, which commenced night before last on Berwick Bay and here yesterday, has placed the roads in such condition as to make a march impracticable for at least four days.
Should the storm not recommence, I shall probably march on Monday or Tuesday next, and shall expect to strike the Red River below Alexandria within seven days thereafter.
Very respectfully, I am, admiral, your obedient servant,
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Order of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, to commanding officers
of gunboats regarding the movement up the river.
U. S. S. BENTON, March 13, 1864.
The boats will move to-morrow morning at daylight in the following order: Pittsburg, Chillicothe, Louisville, Benton, Carondelet, Mound City.
They will keep about 300 yards apart. As the Pittsburg is faster than some of the vessels, she will at times slow down to allow the others to keep in position.
J. A. GREER,
Lieutenant-Commander, Senior Officer Present.
COMMANDING OFFICERS OF GUNBOATS PRESENT.
P. S.--Show no lights to-night, beat no drums, and as long as I am senior officer present do not strike the bell.
Have the sentinels frequently visited during the night to see they are on the alert.
J. A. G.
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Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy,
to remove obstructions and proceed to Fort De Russy.
U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON,
Flagship Black Hawk, Red River, March 12, 1864.
SIR: You will proceed at once up the Red River with the vessels I will detail to follow you, and commence removing the obstructions in the river, while in the meantime I will take a tour into the Atchafalaya and land the troops at Simmesport for the purpose of reconnoitering, etc. If you remove the obstructions, move up within a short distance of Fort De Russy, but make no attack until I get up with the main force; though, if there is any force at De Russy, you can amuse them by feints until the army gets into their rear. Take every precaution against torpedoes and protect your men against sharpshooters.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Lieutenant-Commander S. L. PHELPS,
Commanding Eastport.
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Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding combined movement up the river and
capture of Fort De Russy by forces under Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, March 14, 1864.
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,
Fort De Russy, Red River, March 15, 1864.
SIR: I had the honor to report to you that I was about to ascend Red River with a fleet of gunboats in company with a portion of General Sherman's command or that of General Banks, whichever concluded to go.
On the 7th of March I had assembled at the mouth of Red River a large fleet of ironclads composed of the following vessels: Essex, Commander Robert Townsend; Benton, Lieutenant-Commander James A. Greer; Lafayette, Lieutenant-Commander J.P. Foster; Choctaw, Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Ramsay; Chillicothe, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. P. Couthouy; Ozark, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George W. Brown; Louisville, Lieutenant-Commander E. K. Owen; Carondelet, Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Mitchell; Eastport, Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps; Pittsburg, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. R. Hoel; Mound City, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. R. Langthorne; Osage, Lieutenant-Commander T. O. Selfridge; Neosho, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Howard; Ouachita, Lieutenant-Commander Byron Wilson; Fort Hindman, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John Pearce. And the lighter boats: Lexington, Lieutenant George M. Bache; Cricket, Acting Master H. H. Gorringe; Gazelle, Acting Master Charles Thatcher; Black Hawk, Lieutenant-Commander K. R. Breese.
I received communications from General Banks informing me that he would be in Alexandria on the 17th March, and I made my dispositions to meet him there.
On the 11th instant part of General Sherman's command, 10,000 men, under the command of Brigadier-General A. J. Smith, joined me in transports at the mouth of Red River, and next morning early the gunboats started up the river, followed by the transports. There was just sufficient water to allow the larger boats to pass. By previous arrangement Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, in the Eastport, was ordered to push on up with his vessel and those that could keep with him, and clear away the heavy obstructions the rebels had placed in the river, and to amuse the fort until the army could land at Simmesport and get into the rear of the enemy's works, which could be done by making a march of 30 miles.
The Benton, Pittsburg, Chillicothe, Louisville, Mound City, Caron-delet, Ouachita, Lexington, and Gazelle turned off to the left into the Atchafalaya, followed, by the troops, while the others went on up the river. The gunboats arrived at Simmesport about 12 o'clock and found the enemy posted in force about 3 miles back. The Benton landed her crew and drove in the pickets. The army came along in about half an hour more and landed the next morning, taking possession of the enemy's camping ground, the latter retreating toward Fort De Russy. That night General Smith concluded to follow them by land, while I proceeded up Red River with all the gunboats and transports. In the meantime the Eastport had reached the obstructions and, with the vessels that kept pace with her, had commenced the work of demolition on the formidable barricade, on which the rebels had been employed five months. They supposed it impassable, but our energetic sailors with hard work opened a passage in a few hours. The obstructions consisted of heavy piles driven into the mud and braced in every direction; they were also clamped together with heavy iron plates and chains.
The Eastport and Neosho got through about 4 o'clock in the afternoon and proceeded up to the fort, which at that moment was being surrounded by the troops under General Smith, who had marched from Simmesport since daylight. A brisk musketry fire was going on between the rebels and our troops, and they were so close together it was difficult to distinguish the combatants.
The Eastport opened her batteries, but fearing to injure our own men ceased firing, when our troops proceeded to the assault and carried the place. In a few moments, and with small loss, 250 prisoners, 8 heavy guns, and 2 fieldpieces fell into our hands, and all the munitions of war.
The main body of the enemy, 5,000 strong, under the rebel, General Walker, made their escape. They left the fort, it was said, to give battle to our troops and left a garrison of 300 men to defend it. Our army came in by a different road from what they expected and made short work of them.
Among the guns captured was one of the Indianola's IX-inch and one belonging to the Harriet Lane; the rest of the guns were 24 and 32 pounders, and one 160-pounder rifle.
As soon as the fort was in possession of the troops I sent off up the river the fleetest gunboats I had to cut the enemy off, if possible, or harass them until our troops could be placed on the transports. By sunset the transports will be in Alexandria and ahead of the rebels, and I hope the latter will be cut off.
These works have been made much more formidable than they were last year, and the loss of guns must be severely felt by the rebels, as they have only 15 more heavy ones in this section of the country.
The whole affair has been well managed, the troops made a splendid march and attack, and the officers in command of the gunboats and transports have shown great zeal and industry in getting up the river and through the obstructions which the rebels deemed impassable.
I forgot to mention in my last report that in the recent attack on Trinity by the gunboats a number of negroes were recaptured who were captured by the enemy in a recent attack upon Goodrich's Landing.
I enclose herewith a list of the guns captured at Fort De Russy, with their numbers. As some of them appear to be Navy guns, the Ordnance Bureau may be able to account for them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
[bitmap]
[Enclosure.]
List of guns captured at Fort De Russy water battery.
1. One 32-pounder, 83-cwt. F. P. F. No. 227, Navy; in barbette. J. S. C. Proved 1847.
2. One 32-pounder, 33-cwt. F. P. F. No. 226, Navy; in barbette. J. S. C. Proved 1847.
4. Two 9-inch Dahlgren guns.
No marks could be discovered on these guns, but they bore all the evidences of having been in service in the Navy, the remains of gun blacking being on them. Both lugs were cut for locks with the usual composition piece fitting into spare lug.
5. One 32-pounder, 60-cwt., 1827, Navy gun.
6. One 32-pounder U. S. rifled, marked W. J. W. No. 289. This gun is an old Army 32-pounder, rifled, with band shrunk on the breech.
8. Two 24-pounder siege guns in Hill Battery.
10. Two 6-pounder iron fieldpieces in Hill Battery.
Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, transmitting descriptive list of guns and inventory
of ordnance stores captured at Fort De Russy, March 14.
U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX,
Off Fort De Russy, Red River, April 7, 1864.
ADMIRAL: I have the honor to enclose herewith a descriptive list of the guns captured at Fort De Russy; also an inventory of the ordnance stores taken on the same occasion.
In obedience to your order, I sent the two IX-inch guns, one Mar-silly carriage, IX-inch, without gear, and two IX-inch elevating screws, and one IX-inch breech sight to Cairo by the New National. I also sent about 2,900 pounds of powder to ordnance vessel and have the remainder, 2,000 pounds, on board the Essex.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT TOWNSEND,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
[Enclosure.]
Descriptive list of guns captured at Fort De Russy, La., March 14, 1864.
U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX,
Off Fort De Russy, Red River, March 19, 1864.
Class of gun. Register No. Weight. Foundry. Year. Prover.
IX-inch Dahlgren 841
IX-inch Dahlgren 843
32-pounder 226 33-2-18 F. P. F. 1847 J. S. C.
32-pounder 227 33-2-21 F. P. F. G. F. -IM 1847 J. S. C.
32-pounder 598 60-1-12 G.-I. 1827
Old 32-pounder, rifled 289 7,340 lbs. U. S., on reinforce W. J. W.
One IX-inch Marsilly carriage; two IX-inch elevating screws; one IX-inch breech sight.
NOTE.--No other marks than the register numbers can be found on the IX-inch guns. These numbers that, for want of a better designation, I call register numbers, have probably some significance at the foundry where the guns were cast. The numbers, in figures one-fourth inch tall, have been stamped on the face of the muzzle and on the rear of the pommelion of each IX-inch gun. The 32-pounders of 33-cwt. and the old double fortified 32-pounder are Navy guns. The rifled 32-pounder is banded at the breech like a Parrot rifle. It is an old garrison or seacoast gun, proved as far back as when General W. J. Worth was an officer of ordnance.
Respectfully submitted.
ROBERT TOWNSEND,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, regarding request of
Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, for the movement of transports in order
to intercept Major-General Walker, C. S. Army.
U. S. GUNBOAT EASTPORT,
Fort De Russey, March 14, 1864.
SIR: Since your tug was here, General [A. J.] Smith has been on board. By his request I send to you to ask, if possible, the transports may be sent up so that he can get off in the morning, in which event he thinks he can head off General Walker, who has taken the Alexandria road with 5,000 men. It will be well for the transports to pass the obstructions by daylight, but there is nothing in the way to that point.
We were engaged in pulling out obstructions all day.
I have sent the Fort Hindman and Cricket up to Scraggy Point to-night. The march to Alexandria is 35 miles, and Walker has several miles the start of our steamers; but if our people can get on board transports by 10 a.m. they can get above Walker by night.
The guns here are all intact.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. L. PHELPS,
Lieutenant-Commander.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
P. S.--General Smith suggests that if you would send word back by the tug whether the transports would come, and at what time, it would enable him to determine what to do.
S L PHELPS.
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Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy,
to assist in the destruction of Port De Russy.
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,
Off Fort De Russy, March 15, 1864.
SIR: Until further orders you will remain here and protect this point. You will also assist in demolishing the works and saving the IX-inch and such other guns as it may be desirable to save.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER,
Commanding Benton.
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General order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, giving precautions against collisions.
GENERAL ORDER
No. 179.
U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON,
Flagship Black Hawk, March 15, 1864.
It is the rule in Red River for every vessel to blow a long whistle 600 yards before she arrives at any point. Vessels going down must slow down and not pass the point until the vessel coming up the bend is out of all danger of being run into.
Gunboats belonging to this squadron will carefully observe this order; also all transports.
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps,
U. S. Navy, regarding removal of obstructions and capture of Fort De Russy.
No. 78]
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,
Off Alexandria, La., March 16, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived at this place this afternoon. As soon as the forts were surrendered, I pushed on the fastest vessels--Ouachita and Lexington--followed by the Eastport to Alexandria. The Ouachita arrived here as the last of a fleet of transports passed over the falls.
The rebels set fire to a large ferryboat, and one of the boats grounding on the falls, was also burned to prevent her falling into our bands. As no reliable pilot could be procured to take our boats across the falls, the transports will have to escape for the present, but are sure to be captured or destroyed before the month is over. The surrender of the forts at Point De Russy is of much more importance than I at first supposed. The rebels had depended on that point to stop any advance of army or navy into this part of rebeldom. Large quantities of ammunition, best engineers, and best troops were sent there, and in two or three months more it would have been a most formidable place. As it was, it was not complete (though the guns were in position) and would have stood a very poor chance if attacked in force. The works have been laid out by a Colonel De Russy, and are of the most extensive and formidable kind.
Colonel De Russy, from appearances, is a most excellent engineer to build forts, but does not seem to know what to do with them after they are constructed. The same remark may apply to his obstructions, which look well on paper but don't stop our advance. The efforts of these people to keep up this war remind one very much of the antics of Chinamen, who build canvas forts, paint hideous dragons on their shields, turn somersets, and yell in the faces of their enemies to frighten them, and then run away at the first sign of an engagement.
It puts the sailors and soldiers out of all patience with them after the trouble they have had in getting here. Now and then the army have a little brush with their pickets, but that does not often happen.
It is not the intention of these rebels to fight; the men are tired of the war, and many of their officers are anxious to go into cotton speculations. A large trade has been carried on between this and New Orleans, the rebels receiving supplies for their cotton. There is a surprising abundance of every kind of food in this country, and no suffering among the people except for luxuries; it would be folly to suppose they could all be starved out. The only way is to take possession of this rich region, hold it with a strong military and naval force, and enforce the laws.
There are some good Union men here who have suffered much. I hope the day of their delivery has come.
General Smith has left a good force at the forts (and I left the Benton and Essex) to destroy them effectually, which will be some labor. We have seven or eight thousand troops in this city, and are expecting to hear soon of General Banks' arrival. He has been delayed by storms, which have made the roads heavy.
The force that left the forts with a party under General Polignac from Harrisonburg has gone out to meet General Banks, who will soon dispose of them, and the chances are that when all our cavalry (now approaching with General Banks) get after them, the rebels will be captured or scattered, not to unite again for some time.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
P. S.--I beg leave to mention as a proof of the rapidity with which this portion of General Sherman's command, under Brigadier-General A. J. Smith, did their work, they marched 28 miles, starting at daylight, built a bridge, which cost them over two hours' hard work, had sharp skirmishing, and artillery, attack of two hours, and had possession of the forts (all intact) before sunset.
It is one of the best military moves made this war.
I beg leave to inclose copy of Lieutenant-Commander S. L. Phelps' report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. POSTER,
Rear-Admiral.
[Enclosure.]
U. S. IRONCLAD RAM EASTPORT,
Alexandria, La., March 16, 1864.
SIR: In obedience to your order of the 12th instant, I proceeded up Red River, the Lafayette, Choctaw, Osage, Neosho, Ozark, Fort Hindman, and Cricket in company, meeting with no obstacle till we reached the obstructions 8 miles below Fort De Russy on the 14th instant. The great length and draft of the Lafayette and Choctaw rendered it difficult for them to navigate this narrow and crooked river, and our progress was slow. Near the head of the rapids were works for light artillery, commanding a difficult turn in the river, which had been recently abandoned.
The obstructions consisted of piles, driven across the river, supported by a second tier of shorter ones, on which rested braces and ties from the upper ones. Immediately below these is a raft of timber well secured across the river and made of logs, which do not float. Finally a forest of trees had been cut and floated down upon the piles from above. The river had broken through these obstructions and had partially undermined the rifle-pits on the right bank. The Fort Hindman removed a portion of the raft, when I ran this vessel up, and both by pulling and ramming broke out the piles and framework still obstructing the passage of vessels. This work consumed nearly the entire day.
The Osage, Fort Hindman, and Cricket followed me through, and we hastened up to the fort. For a short time there had been rapid artillery firing, which ceased as we came in sight of the works, then about sunset, except three shots fired by the rebels from a gun in an angle of the water battery.
We could see the enemy using musketry from the parapets of the rear works, but could see nothing of the attacking force. An officer from General Smith had reached the vessel, notifying me of the approach of his force, but with no advice as to time or plan of attack.
The line of fire of the gunboats would have passed directly to the rear of the works, injuring our own people more than the enemy in his works. I fired a short-fuzed shell at an elevation as a signal gun, and then ventured one 100-pounder rifle shell at the water battery, which shell burst over it, and the enemy ran from it. A few moments after this a white flag was displayed from the rear works, some 600 yards from the water battery, and which alone had been attacked.
The guns and works were captured uninjured and 185 prisoners fell into General Smith's hands, those of the enemy occupying the water battery making good their escape.
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General Walker, the rebel commander, had marched out with 5,000 men, ostensibly to attack our approaching land force, leaving a garrison of but 300 men to defend works incomplete and of considerable extent and which, if complete, had been of great strength.
Your order of the 14th instant was delayed some five hours beyond the time necessary in reaching me and in consequence I did not reach this place till the evening of the 15th, a short time after the lighter vessels pushed on ahead, and which had arrived one-half hour too late to capture six steamers which had succeeded in getting over the falls and escaping with one exception, the steamer Countess, burned by the enemy after grounding on the falls. Had your order duly reached me, we no doubt would have captured the steamers. By morning nine gunboats had arrived and I landed a force of 180 men to occupy the town and to seize rebel property. This force, under Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, was in occupation of the place when you arrived. Seven prisoners of war were captured by the pickets.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. L. PHELPS,
Lieutenant-Commander.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, regarding a test of the strength of Fort De Russy,
considered by the Confederates as invulnerable.
U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX,
Off Fort De Russy, Red River, March 17, 1864.
ADMIRAL: You know the apparently formidable character of the iron-plated, casemated battery constructed by the rebels here at the head of the bend. Some of the rebel officers, prisoners, had boasted of its invulnerability. Consulting with General A. J. Smith, commanding, we concluded to test, last evening, the powers of endurance of this paragon of rebel defensive works. The fear of injuring our own people engaged in demolishing the other works somewhat limited my choice of position, but I was able to select one, nearly in front, distant about 550 yards from the battery. As it was nice work, I directed Acting Master Parker, my executive officer, to sight the gun. Although the glare of the setting sun was not favorable to accuracy of aim, the shots were good ones. One of the Parrott 100-pounder rifles was used, one percussion shell and four solid shot being fired. Even the shell broke and shattered the railroad iron, whilst the solid shot crashed through, making holes from 18 to 30 inches long by 8 to 11 inches wide, burying themselves to the depth of 1½ to 2 feet in the solid oak backing, and badly starting the timbers on the inside. One shot struck the crest of the work, tearing off four or five of the bars of railroad iron, 6 and 8 feet long, and hurling them 20 to 30 yards beyond. A shorter piece, flying into the air at an angle of 45°, was thrown over a couple of hundred yards back into the woods. All of the shots could be covered by a circle 10 feet in diameter. Generals A. J. Smith and Kilby Smith came to the conclusion that 50 similar shots would use up this seemingly invulnerable work. I enclose a rough sketch that will give you some idea of the effect of the firing.
General Smith, with his troops, leaves here this morning. Under your orders, I will remain with the Essex and Benton. We have got down to the bank the following guns: Two IX-inch; 1 rifled 32-pounder banded; one 32-pounder of 61 hundredweight; and two 32-pounders of 33 hundredweight. Also one IX-inch Marsilly carriage, and all the shot and shell. The powder has been and will be used in destroying the works. But General Smith will give you the particulars. I will mention, only, as the result of our experience, that a gun weighing over 9,000 pounds can be slung (dragging) to the axles of an army wagon and drawn by 18 mules.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, etc.,
ROBERT TOWNSEND,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral DAVID. PORTER, U. S. Navy,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton,
regarding expedition in search of cotton, and leaky condition of that vessel
U. S. S. BENTON,
Off Fort De Russy, March 18, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that yesterday I got underway with this vessel and ran up a few miles and back, to look for some cotton. I was obliged to change the position of the vessel to be clear of the effects of the blowing up of a magazine. In our little trip the vessel did not at any time strike the bank with any force. She grazed it a few times, but that did not jar her. After making fast, she commenced leaking more freely than ever; we, however, kept it under, and, by shifting weight from the starboard quarter, we have the leak under control.
I am fully convinced in my own mind that the oakum has, to a certain extent, been jarred out of the seams on the starboard side, and possibly on the bottom. When we remain quiet, the leak subsides, but working the engine causes her to open again.
I am sorry to have to make so bad a report of our condition. I have not been able to withdraw my letter of the 15th instant, reporting that we were all right again.
I have removed a good deal of weight from the vicinity of the leaks, and think that, with careful handling, we can get along very well.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. GREER,
Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Benton.
Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, forwarding sketch showing effect
of rifle shot on Fort De Russy.
No. 86.]
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON,
Off Alexandria, La., March 20, 1864.
SIR: I enclose a sketch(*) of an iron casemated battery showing the effects of four rifle shot from the guns of the Essex--the experiment having been tried to test the work. The distance fired from was 550 yards.
This is one of the strongest works ever built of earth and iron, and was supposed capable of effectually resisting our ironclads.
Ten 100-pounder rifles, ten XI-inch guns, twenty IX-inch, six 30-pounder rifles, and eight VIII-inch guns would have been brought to bear on this work at one time, to say nothing of 50 guns firing shrapnel--the result can be easily imagined.
I send the sketch for the information of the Bureau of Ordnance.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C.
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Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Bragg,
regarding the loan of howitzer to transport Black Hawk, carrying Major-General Banks, U. S. Army.
U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG,
Mouth of Red River, March 23, 1864.
SIR: Major-General Banks arrived here this evening on the transport Black Hawk, bound up Red River. He desired a convoy, which, being unable to give him, I, at his request, loaned him my 12-pound howitzer, he promising to return it by first opportunity.
The Brown arrived this evening with three barges of coal, and she starts up in the morning with one barge for Alexandria. As the B. has no Red River pilot aboard of her, I send a man who has been loaned to me by the Black Hawk, and have requested him to report to you on his arrival.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. DOMINY,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Letter from Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding fuel.
HEADQUARTERS RED RIVER EXPEDITION,
Steamer Clara Bell, March 24, 1864.
Many of my boats are quite out of wood. I am informed it can be procured about twenty miles below on the river bank. Will I have time to run a portion of the boats down to wood up? What little coal we have I want to save.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. J. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
Admiral D. D. PORTER.
[bitmap]
Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, stating the amount of cotton captured in Red River.
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,
Off Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that we have captured 2,021 bales of rebel cotton since we came into this river, all of which has been sent to Cairo, together with 28 barrels of molasses. I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
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Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Judge of the district court of Illinois,
naming vessels entitled to share in prize cotton, etc.
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,
Off Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report for adjudication and condemnation 2,129 bales of cotton, 28 barrels molasses, and 18 bales of wool, captured from the rebels and belonging to Confederate Government. This cotton, wool, and molasses were captured in presence of the following vessels, which are all entitled to share in the prize. I would respectfully request that the cotton may be sold as soon as possible, as it is badly baled, and it may be accidentally burned and lost to the Navy.
I also request that previous to being sold it may be advertised in the Cairo papers.
Vessels entitled to share: Black Hawk, Eastport, Lafayette, Neosho, Ozark, Choctaw, Osage, Chillicothe, Louisville, Carondelet, Benton, Pittsburg, Mound City, Essex, Lexington, Ouachita, Fort Hind-man, Cricket, Gazelle, General Price.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Hon. S. H. TREAT,
U. S. District Judge, Springfield, Ill.
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Report of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, regarding outrages committed by
negroes and referring to another test of batteries at Fort De Russy.
U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX,
Off Fort De Russy, March 25, 1864.
ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date by the hands of Mr. Voorhees. My action in regard to the outrages committed by negroes had anticipated your instructions, and I have not received any complaints since Sunday last. The army established here a recruiting station for colored troops, with contraband camp attached, under charge of a Captain Lee. He had enlisted some 257 soldiers, and some 700 or 800 other negroes have come into the camp. The latter are mostly women and children. As soon as I learned of the perpetration of outrages--there have been very few altogether--I sent for Captain Lee, and assumed the authority of giving to him such orders as would prevent their recurrence, and some real grievances I caused to be redressed. I did not pretend to any direct control over those belonging to the Army; but I assured Captain Lee that in the interests of humanity I would take means to prevent outrages and severely punish offenders. I found him disposed to do all in his power to preserve good order, and for several days past I have heard no complaints, save of insolence or threats on the part of the negroes. I confined one contraband twenty-four hours in double irons for making threats to burn a small lot of cotton. He was terribly frightened, and the effect was good.
Before burning the railroad-iron casemated battery, I gave its powers of endurance another trial, this time with IX-inch solid shot, at about 300 yards. The guns had the best of it, the shot cutting out and rending the iron (4 inches thick) and burying themselves in the wood. None passed through, though splinters of oak were torn off on the inside; one splinter was 7 feet long, a foot wide, and half a foot thick, or deep. Iron bars were sent spinning high in air and fell, with a boomerang-like eccentricity and rush, in rear of the work. As the Missouri is similarly protected, these experiments assure us of the success that must attend our attack, should she wait to receive it. As soon as a diagram of the casemate is completed I will send you a regular report.
Trusting, admiral, that you will bear in mind your promise to send for us when there is water enough, I have the honor to remain,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT TOWNSEND,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy.,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Letter from Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Navy,
urging the restriction of boats and individuals from passing into Red River.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, March 23, 1864.
CAPTAIN: Orders have been given at New Orleans to pass no boat for the Red River except in the employment of the Government. No citizen or person not connected with the Army should be allowed to go up the river except upon a pass approved by myself or Brigadier-General James Bowen, provost-marshal of the department. No recruiting officer or other person not in the service of the Government should be allowed to go up without such a pass. The public service requires that this regulation should be strictly enforced. All boats in the service of the Government are chartered by the quartermaster, Colonel S. B. Holabird, and no person, except he be in his service, will be passed upon these boats.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Captain C. DOMINY,
Commanding Fleet at the Mouth of Red River.
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Order for officers in charge of patrol.
U. S. S. BENTON, March 25, 1864.
Destroy everything in the shape of a boat or scow, no matter to whom it may belong. Disarm any negroes found committing outrages. Take no one on board the tug other than prisoners. If you find anyone carrying letters, take him prisoner.
If you see anyone with, or attempting to use offensively, torpedoes, shoot him on the spot.
Keep the men under control and allow no straying from the river bank.
Allow no pillaging. The officer in charge will do all the business.
JAMES A. GREER,
Lieutenant-Commander.
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Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dominy, U. S. Army, regarding restriction
of boats and individuals passing into Red River.
U. S. S. GENERAL BRAGG,
Mouth Red River, March 26, 1864.
SIR: As Major-General Banks passed up by here he left me a copy of an order issued in New Orleans, and requested me to bring all boats bound up Red River alongside, and to see that no citizens were allowed to go up that river without the proper passes, and since I received his request I have done so.
I inclose a copy of the order.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. DOMINY,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding the seizure of cotton.
U. S. S. BENTON,
Off Fort De Russy, March 28, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that a party from this vessel seized, yesterday, 13 bales of cotton on the abandoned plantation of a noted rebel named Bondurant. To-day our men got 18 bales from the same place, which they baled themselves, using up an old awning for the purpose.
I have now on hand 62 bales, and have to request that we may be relieved of it, as it is difficult to keep it dry during the rains.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. GREER.
Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Benton.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the slow progress
up the river of the vessels of his command.
No. 97.]
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK,
Alexandria, La., Mound City, March 29, 1864.
SIR: Being about to leave for Shreveport, or as high up the river as I can get, I have the honor to report progress.
After a great deal of labor and two and a half days' hard work, we succeeded in getting the Eastport over the rocks on the falls, hauling her over by main force. Now and then a rise of an inch or so of water would help her along, and she finally was enabled to pass the advance of the army encamped on the bank of the river 25 miles above Alexandria. Other vessels got through, and a few more remain to be got over, when we will push on to the end. It is very slow work getting over these rocks, but as yet we have met with no accidents. One hospital ship [Woodford], belonging to the Marine Brigade, sunk on the falls by striking on the rocks, but all the rest of the transports went over safely. I shall only be able to take up a part of the force I brought with me, and leave the river guarded all the way through. The rebels are retreating before the army, and, as usual, are destroying everything that can fall into our hands, treating public and private property alike. This is the last hold they will have in this country, and they seem determined to wreak their vengeance on the unoffending inhabitants who have some little cotton to dispose of. Their destructiveness has been a death blow to the rebellion in this State, and General Dick Taylor has left a name behind him to be execrated when the rebellion is long past. Confederate money is worth here one quarter of a cent on the dollar, or the most I have heard offered is 3 cents. The currency of a country is the best proof of its prosperity. The health of the squadron, I am happy to say, continues good.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
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Order of Commander Townsend, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. S. Benton, to proceed above Alexandria.
U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER ESSEX,
Off Fort De Russy, March 30, 1864.
CAPTAIN: The admiral gives me the following instructions in regard to the Benton:
Direct Captain Greer to proceed up river, if his leak will permit, as far as the high bluff 8 miles below Alexandria, [La.], or where they commenced a fort last year. I want him to lie where he will command the position with his guns, and at the same time leave the channel clear.
No other orders are necessary. Your own excellent judgment will guide you in any such exigencies as may chance to arise.
In parting from you after our genial and very pleasant companionship, both official and personal, I can not but express the sincere regret I feel in bidding you goodbye.
Trusting that the intercourse that has proved so agreeable may often again be renewed,
I remain, very respectfully and truly, yours,
ROBERT TOWNSEND,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander JAMES A. GREER, U. S. Navy,
Commanding U. S. Ironclad Benton.
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Letter from Brigadier-General Stone, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
regarding the obstruction of the river by the enemy.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, La., March 30, 1864--11:15 a.m.
ADMIRAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have been informed that the enemy are trying to obstruct the river at Loggy Bayou.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. P. STONE,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, giving list of captured cotton
collected at Fort De Russy.
U. S. S. BENTON,
Off Fort De Russy, March 30, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following list of cotton now at this point:
Seven bales seized on the Atchafalaya on March 13, 1864, from a rebel, name unknown.
Twenty-four bales seized on Red River, March 16, 1864, at Mr. Brochard's. Loyalty doubtful; married six months ago widow of a man who died or was killed in C. S. Army. This woman, it is said, owned the property.
Eight bales, March 29, 1864, same.
Eighteen bales, March 27, 1864, Red River, Johnson's place. He is a bitter rebel, gone to Texas. This cotton is said to be owned by a Mr. Voinché (of very doubtful loyalty and reputation); claims to be a foreigner, it is said.
Thirteen bales, March 28, same as above.
Nine bales. March 29, same as above.
Forty-six bales, March 30; seized at Mr. Guillebert's, near Marksville. A bitter rebel.
Ten bales, March 30; seized at Mr. Gangrous' place. Said to be loyal.
Three bales, March 30; seized at Mr. Garrett's. Said to be loyal.
Twenty bales, March 30; seized at Justin Janeau's, Red River. Doubtful
Ten bales, March 30; seized at G. W. Snoddy's, Red River. Said to be loyal.
One bale (damaged), March 30; seized at J. Norman's, Red River.
Said to be loyal.
Total. 169.
Mr. Voinché, mentioned above, is said to be a bad man; has helped the Confederates very much. A man living near, or at Marksville, named Antoine Maras, can testify against him. I have not had time to obtain his affidavit. Mr. Voinché is said to have a good deal of cotton in Marksville.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES A. GREER,
Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Benton.
Commander R. TOWNSEND,
Commanding U. S. S. Essex.
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Report of Lieutenant-Commander Greer, U. S. Navy, regarding captured cotton.
U. S. S. BENTON,
Off Bluffs, below Alexandria, April 1, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place. On the two days previous to my departure from Fort De Russy I seized 107 bales of cotton, which makes a total of 169 that I have taken. I left it with Captain Townsend, to be sent up on first naval transport.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES A. GREER,
Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Benton.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Letter from Major-General Sherman, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
making general reference to operations.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Nashville, April 3, 1864.
DEAR ADMIRAL: I received yours from Fort De Russy, and was much gratified that you were so well pleased with General A. J. Smith and the troops I sent with you up Red River. In organizing that command I had in view that end, as also a fighting column equal to anything. I could not control General Banks' movements, but he certainly assured me he was all ready and would beat my troops to Alexandria. He had for preparation all the time I was gone to Meridian, and I only had from the 3d of March to the 10th to put my troops on board at Vicksburg and join you at the mouth of Red River. But I can't be responsible for General Banks and leave him to play his own game of war. I clearly foresaw the course of events and stipulated that my quota of 10,000 would be wanted out of Red River by the 10th of April. I must have them and leave General Steele to continue to cooperate with General Banks.
Their conjoint forces are fully adequate to the remaining part of the programme. I understand from unofficial sources that General Smith, in cooperation with your fleet, has already captured the fort, De Russy, Alexandria, and also Natchitoches, including, I suppose, the fortified point, Grand Ecore. This leaves General Banks nothing but Shreveport, and it may be, if Red River is up, that before this reaches you Shreveport will be also in our possession. Forrest has availed himself of our absence to come up as far as Paducah. He attempted to capture the fort, but was whipped off badly. He can not make a lodgment on the river anywhere, and the longer he stays up in that pocket the better chance we have of bagging or breaking up his force. I want Smith's command to move with great rapidity up the Yazoo as far as Greenwood, disembark, and occupy Grenada, then to act according to circumstances, and strike across to join on my forces here at Decatur, Ala. I wish you would let him have a few tin-clads up the Yazoo to cover the disembarkation and to escort back to the Mississippi his boats.
We are getting ready for big licks, and if it should so result that we can whip Lee and Joe Johnston fairly and squarely it would seem that a result is approaching. But I do not wish to indulge in dreams, but to use rapidly and boldly all the forces at my disposal. I write by this opportunity to Generals Steele, Banks, and A. J. Smith, all to the same effect. Socially, I regret that our operations are carrying us farther and farther apart, but in the end I hope we will meet again in a glorious peace, if possible.
Your friend,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Fleet.
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Report of Lieutenant Bache, U. S. Navy, announcing the death of
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Chillicothe.
U. S. S. LEXINGTON,
25 miles above Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864.
SIR: It becomes my sad duty to report to you the loss of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding Jos. P. Couthouy, of the Chillicothe. When about 5 miles above Grand Ecore on the evening of the 3d instant we discovered a couple of rebels lurking about some burning cotton and immediately gave them two howitzer shells, when they disappeared. Captain Couthouy being in the sternmost vessel, came on deck to see what the firing was about, and in the act of stepping from the ladder to the turret, was shot through the body. The ball passed through the starboard chimney before hitting him and was fired from the direction of the starboard quarter. The cowardly scamp got off, as I did not learn of the fact till after we came to, about 1 o'clock. Captain Couthouy desired me to tell you not to suppose that he exposed himself recklessly; that he went on the turret from a sense of duty. He died yesterday morning about 9 o'clock, and, I believe, not in much pain. I have had an air-tight coffin made, in which we hope to preserve his body till it reaches his family. Captain Couthouy, as you well know, sir, was recognized as one of our most valuable volunteer officers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. M. BACHE,
Lieutenant, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Richardson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Price, for convoy duty.
U. S. S. BLACK HAWK,
Alexandria, La., April 5, 1864.
SIR: You will, with your vessel, be ready to leave to-morrow morning at half-past 6, and as soon as the army transport James Battle is ready, will convoy her to the mouth of Red River. On your arrival take in what coal you require with all dispatch, and unless you should meet with coal coming up the river, take a barge in tow and return to this place.
Say to Captain Dominy that he must expedite the Champion, Benefit, and other boats ordered up here, all that lies in his power.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. R. BREESE,
Lieutenant-Commander.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. F. RICHARDSON,
Commanding General Price.
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Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. A. Navy, announcing the death of
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Chillicothe.
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP CRICKET,
Off Grand Ecore, La., April 7, 1864.
SIR: I regret very much to inform you of the death of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Jos. P. Couthouy, commanding U. S. S. Chillicothe. This estimable officer was picked off by a guerilla while on the deck of his vessel, directing his guns on a large body of cavalry that were engaged at the time with our cavalry; the former were compelled to retreat by the fire of the gunboats. The death of Captain Couthouy is much regretted by officers and men, and by no one more than myself, as he was a zealous and patriotic officer.
He was shot on the 3d instant and died on the 4th. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID D. PORTER,
Rear-Admiral.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
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Order of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, to Ensign Terry, U. S. Navy,
to report to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
delivering stores to naval vessels on the way.
U. S. S. BLACK HAWK,
Alexandria, La., April 8, 1864.
SIR: You will take charge of the Benefit and proceed to join Admiral Porter up the river. Deliver the stores you have for the vessels as you go along with all dispatch.
Keep a bright look for the enemy along the banks. Never tie to the bank, but anchor in mid-stream, and always have an officer on deck and one watch of men armed. Post sentinels and observe the usual practice of the river and this squadron.
Respectfully, etc.,
K. R. BREESE,
Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding.
Ensign S. W. TERRY, U. S. Navy,
In charge Steamer Benefit.
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Letter from Brigadier-General Smith, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy,
regarding the grounding of steamer Iberville.
HEADQUARTERS DIVISION 17TH ARMY CORPS,
Steamer Hastings, April 8, 1864.
ADMIRAL: I have got the Iberville off, but she is very heavily laden with ordnance, drawing now 6½ feet. Her pilot reports that she must be lightened before he can work further. I have ordered relief for her.
With highest respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
THOS. KILBY SMITH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral PORTER,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
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