Chapter VIII: Part I: Fleets (5)

The Louisville, Carondelet, Mound City, and Pittsburg moved down in line ahead and attacked the lower battery, silencing it an hour, and then moved up to the support of other vessels against the upper one. The action continued five hours and a half, and the batteries being silenced the flotilla drew out of action, expecting the army to assault and take possession. This was not done, and the next day the flotilla was ordered to attack again. The batteries were both found deserted and the guns spiked, except three which had been dismounted by the firing. Casualties: Lafayette, 1 wounded; Benton, 7 killed, 12 wounded; Louisville, none; Tuscumbia, 5 killed, 24 wounded; Mound City, none; Carondelet, none; Pittsburg, 6 killed, 12 wounded. The Benton was hit 47 times; 12 shots pierced the ⅝-inch armor, 4 shots pierced the 2½-inch casemate armor, and 1 shot pierced the 1½-inch armor of the pilot-house. Louisville hit 7 times, Tuscumbia 81 times, Pittsburg 35 times.

_Earthworks at Simonoseki, July 11, 16, and 20, 1863, and September 5, 1864._

These attacks were made by vessels of different nationalities on a series of earthworks lining the narrow straits of Simonoseki, Japan. July 11, the Dutch corvette Medusa entered the straits, and being fired at opened fire on the batteries at a distance of 1200 yards. The action continued one hour, when the Medusa drew out without having silenced the batteries. Casualties, 4 killed, 5 wounded.

On the 10th, the United States corvette Wyoming entered the straits, and on being fired at opened a return fire. Passing between two sailing gun-boats on one side and a steam gun-boat on the other at pistol-shot distance, she gave them both broadsides, sinking the sailing vessels and blowing up the boiler of the steamer. Action continued an hour and a half, when the Wyoming drew out without silencing the batteries. Casualties, 4 killed, 7 wounded.

On the 20th, the French frigate Semiramis and corvette Tancrède entered the strait, and on being fired at returned the fire. The first broadside blew one of the earthworks to pieces. In two hours the forts were silenced, and a landing party spiked the guns and blew up the magazine.

On the 5th of September, 1864, an allied squadron of English, French, Dutch, and American vessels, 16 in number, mounting 200 guns, and carrying 3500 men, anchored in the straits and opened fire on the batteries. The batteries were silenced and deserted in about two hours. The next day a force of 2600 men was landed, the guns were spiked and the fortifications were dismantled. Casualties, 12 killed, 60 wounded.

_Earthworks at Kagosima, August 15, 1863._

ENGLISH.
Guns.
Euryalus 35
Pearl 24
Perseus 17
Argus 6
Race-horse 4
Havoc 2
Coquette 2

JAPANESE.
KAGOSIMA DEFENCE.
One fort containing four guns.
One fort containing twenty guns.

The corvettes advanced in line ahead on the four-gun battery, delivering their broadsides as they passed, silencing the fort and leaving it to the care of the gun-boats. Passing on to within 1200 yards of the twenty-gun battery they bombarded it for six hours, having to contend with a typhoon at the same time. During the action the city of Kagosima was accidentally set on fire and nearly half of it was burned. The fort was not silenced at dusk, when the squadron hauled out of action, but the next morning the Japanese came to terms before the attack was renewed.

_Earthworks off Charleston Harbor, July 18 and August 17, 1863._

FEDERAL.

INNER LINE—IRON-CLADS.
Guns.
Montauk 2
New Ironsides 20
Catskill 2
Nantucket 2
Weehawken 2
Patapsco 2

OUTER LINE—WOODEN GUN-BOATS.
Paul Jones 9
Ottawa 5
Seneca 4
Chippewa 6
Wissahicken 4

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Wagner_.—A strong earthwork, containing 10 heavy guns, and supported by three 4-gun water-batteries.

On the 18th of July the iron-clads moved in line, taking up a position abreast the fort and within 1200 yards, the gun-boats firing at long range. At 4 p.m., the tide serving, the iron-clads moved in to 400 yards and completely silenced the fort. Drew out of action at dark, the object of silencing the battery being accomplished. On August 17th the iron-clads moved in abreast the fort to within 450 yards, and silenced the fort in two hours. Drew out of action at noon, the object having been accomplished.

_Earthworks at Fort McAllister, March 3, 1863._

FEDERAL.

MONITORS.
Guns.
Passaic 2
Patapsco 2
Nahant 2

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort McAllister._—A strong earthwork containing seven heavy guns and one 11-inch mortar.

This attack was intended as a test of the strength of monitors to resist a heavy fire. The monitors moved up in line ahead and opened fire, continuing the action for eight hours at a distance of 1200 yards. The forts were not silenced. The Passaic was hit 9 times on the side-armor, no damage; 13 hits on the deck-plating, the deck being crushed through in three places; 5 hits on the turret, no damage; 2 on the pilot-house, no damage; 1 on the roof of the turret, breaking a beam; 4 through smoke-stack—34 hits in all; none killed or wounded.

Patapsco one hit on deck; no injury. Nahant no hits.

_Earthworks at Fort Fisher, December 24 and 25, 1864, and January 13 and 14, 1865._

FEDERAL.

FIRST LINE—IRON-CLADS.
Guns.
New Ironsides 20
Canonicus 2
Monadnock 4
Saugus 2
Mahopac 2

WOODEN GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Nyack 8
Unadilla 6
Huron 4
Pequot 8
Pontoosuc 6
Nereus 2
Kansas 8

SECOND LINE—FRIGATES.
Guns.
Wabash 45
Powhatan 19
Susquehanna 18
Colorado 45
Minnesota 46

CORVETTES.
Guns.
Juniata 11
Shenandoah 10
Brooklyn 26
Ticonderoga 10
Tuscarora 10
Mohican 7
Vanderbilt 15

GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Seneca 4
Pawtuxet 4
Mackinaw 12
Maumee 4
Yantic 5

ADVANCED SQUADRON OF
SECOND LINE—GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Monticello 7
Rhode Island 11
Sassacus 6
Chippewa 6
Osceola 8
Tacony 6
St. Jago de Cuba 10
Fort Jackson 6

RESERVE LINE—GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Aries
Howquah
Wilderness
Cherokee
Vance
Anemone
Moccasin
Eolus
Gettysburg
Keystone State 13
Banshee
Emma
Lilian
Nansemond
Tristram Shandy
Britannia
Bignonia
Governor Buckingham

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Fisher_ and a range of isolated batteries containing 36 guns, about one half being rifles.

At daylight the fleet steamed in in lines ahead, the first line anchoring abreast the sea-face of the fort within 1300 yards, the second line abreast the salient of the works at 1700 yards, the advanced second line abreast the land-face attacking the outworks; the reserve, out of fire, outside of the second line. The fort was completely silenced in an hour and a quarter. Fire was kept up all day, and 3000 troops were disembarked, but returned without attempting an assault. The enemy’s fire was silenced so quickly that not a person was injured in the fleet. Six 100-pdr. rifles exploded in the fleet, killing 16 and wounding 23. Three gun-boats were partially disabled by the fire from the fort, but went into action next day. On the 25th the same positions were taken by the lines and the fort was silenced in one hour. On January 13th the same positions were taken and the fort was silenced in three hours. Fire was kept up all day, and 8000 troops were landed in three hours. January 15th the same positions were taken, and the fort was silenced in one hour. (For remainder of action of 15th, see _Assaults_.) During these bombardments, every gun on the sea-face (19) was dismounted or disabled.

_Earthworks on the Danube, May 6, 1877._

The Turkish double-turreted monitor Luft-i-Dyelil attacked a water-battery on the Danube at a distance of 1800 yards. The Russians replied with rifled field artillery. After an action of one hour the monitor received a shot through her boiler, which blew up and sank the ship. All but one man lost.

_Earthworks at Callao, May 2, 1866._

SPANISH.

ONE IRON-CLAD FRIGATE,
FIVE WOODEN FRIGATES,
ONE WOODEN GUN-BOAT.
Guns.
Numancia 33
Blanca 25
Resolucion 25
Berenguela 16
Villa de Madrid 52
Almansa 38
Vencedora 3

PERUVIAN.

_Defences of Callao._—Range of earthworks containing XV 32-pdrs., VI 60-pdrs., IV 9-inch rifles, II iron revolving turrets, IV 9-inch, II light-draft monitors, II 6-inch rifles.

The fleet divided into three divisions for the attack of different parts of the line of fortifications, and went into action in line ahead at noon, taking positions at about 1600 yards’ distance and maintaining an action of four hours, when the squadron drew out of action, not having silenced the forts. One battery only silenced through the bursting of a gun. Casualties in the fleet, 38 killed, 150 wounded. The. Villa de Madrid was disabled early in the action by a shot through her boiler. The Resolucion was disabled by a shot through the water-line. Admiral Nuñez wounded.

RÉSUMÉ.

Total number of earthwork attacks noted, 21.

COMPLETE SUCCESS—8. Hatteras Inlet, Hilton Head, Fort Henry, Roanoke Island, Fort Hindman, Grand Gulf, French at Simonoseki, Allies at Simonoseki.

PARTIAL SUCCESS—6. Kagosima, Fort Wagner, three attacks on Fort Fisher, second attack on Fort Wagner.

FAILURES—7. Fort Donelson, Fort Darling, Dutch at Simonoseki, Americans at Simonoseki, Fort McAllister, Danube forts, Callao.

Of the partial successes, all six accomplished the objects of the bombardment. In that of Kagosima the Japanese were brought to terms, and the other five had for their object to silence the forts, which they accomplished.

Of the failures, the two attacks on Simonoseki were retaliatory measures, and would probably have succeeded had they been kept up longer. Fort Darling and Fort McAllister were experimental tests, although there are no grounds to believe that the forts would have been silenced had the action been kept up longer. At Fort Donelson, the Danube forts, and Callao the ships were beaten.

BOMBARDMENTS OF MASONRY FORTS.

_Attack on Fort Sumter, April 7, 1863._

FEDERAL.

IRON-CLAD SQUADRON.
Guns.
Weehawken 2
Passaic 2
Montauk 2
Patapsco 2
New Ironsides 16
Catskill 2
Nantucket 2
Nahant 2
Keokuk 2

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Sumter_, 10 guns, supported by _Fort Moultrie_, 16 guns, and earthworks adjacent mounting 43 guns.

The squadron went into action at 2 p.m. in line ahead, approaching Fort Sumter as close as the obstructions would permit (from 500 to 1000 yards), and opened fire. The action lasted two hours, when the fleet withdrew, not having silenced the fort. The Weehawken was hit 53 times, the side-armor being completely shattered in places, the deck broken through once, 36 turret-bolts broken, and at one time the turret was jammed. The Passaic was hit 35 times; her turret was disabled for a time, and one turret-gun was completely disabled; the pilot-house was knocked almost over. Montauk hit 14 times; no injury. Patapsco hit 47 times; gun disabled. New Ironsides hit _about_ 50 times; one port-shutter knocked off, otherwise uninjured. Catskill hit 20 times; deck broken through. Nantucket hit 51 times; port-stopper jammed, disabling one gun. Nahant hit 36 times; turret jammed, side-armor badly shattered. Keokuk (casemated gun-boat) _pierced_ at and below the water-line 19 times; turrets pierced and port-shutters knocked away; vessel sank the next day. Casualties: Keokuk, 16 wounded; Nahant, 1 killed, 6 wounded; all by broken bolts flying in the turret or pilot-house.

_Attack on Fort Sumter, August 22 and September 1, 1863._

FEDERAL.

IRON-CLAD SQUADRON.
Guns.
Weehawken 2
Montauk 2
Nahant 2
Passaic 2
Patapsco 2

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Sumter_, supported by _Fort Moultrie_.

Squadron went into action at 3 a.m. within 800 yards of Sumter, keeping up a steady fire for three hours. Only six shots fired from Sumter in return, but a heavy fire kept up from Moultrie. Fleet drew out, not having drawn the fire of Sumter. On the night of September 1st the squadron moved in again and bombarded Sumter for five hours. The fort was almost dismantled, but still kept its garrison. Fort Moultrie responded to the fire. The fleet withdrew, not having driven the garrison from the fort.

_Bombardment of Mississippi Forts, April 18 to April 28, 1862._

FEDERAL.

Twenty mortar-schooners, each armed with a single mortar. For about one hour and a half the forts were under the fire of Admiral Farragut’s fleet of 17 vessels, mounting 188 guns.

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Jackson._—A masonry fort on the right bank of the Mississippi, mounting 75 guns. _Fort St. Philip._—A masonry fort on the left bank of the river, nearly opposite Fort Jackson, mounting 30 guns.

On the morning of April 18th the mortar-schooners were towed into position in three divisions. The first and third (14 vessels) were moored near the right bank of the river at a bend below Fort Jackson, within 2800 yards of it, and protected by a thick wood, the mast-heads of the schooners being trimmed with branches to conceal their exact position. The second division was moored near the left bank of the river, more exposed and 3700 yards from Fort Jackson. About 1 p.m. fire was opened from all the mortars on Fort Jackson, and continued without interruption until sunset. One mortar only was directed against Fort St. Philip. At the end of the first day’s bombardment two guns had been dismounted and a third heavy rifle broken in two in Fort St. Philip. The citadel of Fort Jackson was set on fire. On the evening of the 18th the second division was transferred to the right bank, the left one being too much exposed. On the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22d, and 23d the bombardment was continued each day, one mortar-vessel being sunk by a rifled shot from Fort Jackson on the 19th. On the night of the 23d and early morning of the 24th an incessant fire was kept up whilst Admiral Farragut’s fleet was passing the forts. On the 25th, 26th, and part of the 27th the bombardment continued, and on the 28th both forts capitulated. Fort Jackson was reduced almost to a ruin, over 800 bombs having fallen in it. Several guns were dismounted and the casemates were cracked through in all directions. Fort St. Philip was not much injured, its fall being a necessary consequence of that of Fort Jackson.

RÉSUMÉ.

Total number of masonry attacks noted, 4. Successful, 1. Failures, 3.

Fort Sumter was, by repeated bombardments for two years, reduced nearly to a total ruin, but was not abandoned until Charleston was captured by General Sherman. Fort Moultrie never was silenced until it was abandoned. Fort Jackson refused to surrender after six days’ constant bombardment by a mortar fleet and an hour’s bombardment from a passing fleet at from 60 to 300 yards, only capitulating at a second summons, when the capture of New Orleans destroyed the last chance of relief.

PASSAGES OF FORTS.

_Passage of Fortifications below New Orleans, April 24, 1862._

FEDERAL.

WOODEN FLEETS.—FIRST DIVISION.
Guns.
Hartford 28
Brooklyn 26
Richmond 25
Sciota 3
Iroquois 7
Kennebec 4
Pinola 4
Itasca 4
Winona 4

SECOND DIVISION.
Pensacola 26
Mississippi 19
Cayuga 6
Oneida 10
Varuna 6
Katahdin 6
Kineo 6
Wissahickon 4

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Jackson_, 75 guns. _Fort St. Philip_, 30 guns. Above the forts, two iron-clad rams and eighteen gun-boats. Below the forts, a heavy boom of logs and chain across the river. The river current to be stemmed runs at a speed of about six to seven knots.

On the night of the 22d, two gun-boats were sent up to break the obstructions. The end of the chain was reached and successfully cut under a heavy fire, making an opening wide enough to allow vessels to pass. At 2 a.m. of the 24th the fleet got under way, forming two lines, the first division to take Fort Jackson, and the second Fort St. Philip. The chains were stopped up and down the sides in wake of the boilers; decks were whitewashed and boarding-nettings triced up. Coming under the fire of the forts, the fines were broken owing to the strength of the current and the necessity for feeling the way up in the channel, there being no pilots. The Hartford grounded abreast Fort St. Philip, and whilst in this position a fire-raft was pushed against her, setting her on fire aft. The raft was pushed clear, fire extinguished, and the ship was worked off the shoal. She was hit 32 times; 3 killed, 10 wounded. The Brooklyn fouled the obstructions, and was held for a short time under the fire of Fort St. Philip. Clearing these, she was rammed by the ram Manassas, but the blow was a glancing one. Immediately afterward a gun-boat was seen coming at her full speed. The Brooklyn gave her the port broadside, and disabled her: killed, 9; wounded, 26. Richmond, killed, 2; wounded, 4. Sciota, wounded, 2. Iroquois, killed, 8; wounded, 24. Kennebec fouled the obstructions, and did not get clear until the fleet had passed up; returned to the lower anchorage. Pinola, killed, 3; wounded, 8. Itasca received a shot through her boiler abreast the forts, and drifted down helpless out of action; wounded, 3. The Winona was fouled by the Itasca in getting under way, and did not make the attempt until the fleet had passed, when she was obliged to turn back: killed, 6; wounded, 4. Pensacola, killed, 4; wounded, 33. Mississippi, just after passing the forts, was rammed on the quarter by the Manassas, injured, but not cut through: killed, 2; wounded, 6. Cayuga—the leading vessel in the fight—after passing the forts was attacked by three gun-boats at once: one on the starboard beam she disabled by a broadside; one on the port-bow was driven off by the bow-pivot; one on the port-quarter was taken in hand by the Varuna before she could do harm: wounded, 6. Oneida, just after passing the forts, discovered a gun-boat trying to cross her bow; ran her down and sank her at once: wounded, 3. Varuna, after passing the forts, disabled two gun-boats; was then rammed twice by one gun-boat, and once by another; finding her sinking, her commander ran her ashore, disabling completely both the gun-boats that had rammed him: killed, 3; wounded, 9. Katahdin, uninjured. Kineo, wounded, 8. Wissahickon, uninjured. Total: killed, 37; wounded, 147. The Mississippi, after clearing the fight, was ordered to ram the Manassas, which was seen coming up the river. Running down towards her, the Manassas sheered broad off and ran ashore, receiving two broadsides, which disabled her and set her on fire. She drifted down the river and blew up. Fourteen vessels out of seventeen passed the forts. Of those failing to pass, one was disabled. Of those that passed, one was sunk. Of the Confederate flotilla eleven were captured, and eight—including the ram Manassas—were destroyed. The second ram (Louisiana) did not engage for some reason. Two days afterward, while the flag of truce was flying at the capitulation of the forts, she was set on fire and turned adrift to explode amongst the mortar squadron. She blew up before reaching it.

The fleet that passed the forts went into action on the next day (25th), silenced a line of earthworks, and passing up to New Orleans received its surrender.

_Passage of Forts, Mississippi River, June 28, 1862._

FEDERAL.
Guns.
Richmond 25
Hartford 28
Brooklyn 26
Iroquois 7
Oneida 10
Wissahickon 4
Sciota 3
Winona 4
Pinola 4
Katahdin 6
Kennebec 4

CONFEDERATE.

Triple line of earthworks at Vicksburg, mounting about 30 guns.

At 4 a.m. the squadron, steaming up the river in double line ahead (large ships inside with the smaller ones abreast the intervals), came under the fire of the enemy at a distance of 600 yards. The rate of steaming was about three miles per hour. Three ships (Brooklyn, Kennebec, and Katahdin) failed to pass. The Brooklyn, getting fouled with the mortar flotilla, was detained, and under a misapprehension of orders stopped to silence the battery, and dropped down after daylight. The Kennebec held her position astern of the Brooklyn. The Katahdin, having no orders at all, followed the motions of the Brooklyn. Casualties in the part of the squadron which passed: killed, 15; wounded, 30. Duration, two hours; distance gone while under fire, three miles.

_Passage of Forts, Mississippi River, March 14, 1863._

FEDERAL.

WOODEN SQUADRON.
Guns.
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Monongahela 14
Mississippi 19
Albatross 7
Genesee 8
Kineo 6

CONFEDERATE.

_Earthworks at Port Hudson._—A line of earthworks extending at intervals a distance of about three miles, and mounting 70 guns, most all of heavy calibre.

At 9 p.m. of the 24th, signal was made to weigh anchor and pass the forts up-stream. The vessels except the Mississippi were lashed in pairs (Hartford and Albatross, Richmond and Genesee, Monongahela and Kineo). The mortar fleet below the forts opened a heavy fire on the works, and two light gun-boats took up an enfilading position and shelled the water-batteries. The Hartford passed up without trouble. The Richmond (slowest vessel in the squadron) reached a bend of the river where she was directly within the cross-fire of the batteries, but could not stem the current even with the help of her tow, so she was obliged to turn and go back. The Monongahela reached the bend and the current forced her ashore for about half an hour; getting off finally she started ahead, but was obliged to stop her engine on account of the heating of the journals; drifted down again out of range. The Mississippi ran aground at the bend, but could not be gotten off. After working for half an hour, her guns were spiked, the ship was fired and deserted, and she blew up. Casualties: killed, 12; wounded, 35; missing, 63. One steam frigate lost.

_Passage of Fort Morgan, August 5, 1864._

FEDERAL.

MONITORS.
Guns.
Tecumseh 2
Manhattan 2
Winnebago 4
Chickasaw 4

CORVETTES.
Brooklyn 26
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Lackawanna 14
Monongahela 14
Ossipee 12
Oneida 10

GUN-BOATS.
Octarora 10
Metacomet 10
Port Royal 6
Seminole 6
Kennebec 4
Itasca 4
Galena 6

CONFEDERATE.

_Fort Morgan._—A masonry fort containing 30 guns. Iron-clad ram Tennessee (six 7-inch rifles). Gun-boats Selma, Morgan, and Gaines. A line of torpedoes and pile obstructions across the channel.

CONFEDERATE RAM TENNESSEE.]

At 5.30 a.m. the fleet got under way and steamed in in two lines ahead, the four monitors in the starboard line slightly leading and nearest the fort. The port line of wooden ships showed the corvettes towards the fort, with each one having a gun-boat lasted along the port side. The fort opened fire at 7.30, the leading ship (Tecumseh) being within 1400 yards. Just abreast the fort the Tecumseh fouled a torpedo and was sunk. The Brooklyn (leading the second line) stopped her engines and threw the line into disorder, but the Hartford pushing on ahead restored the line and led the way in, all the ships passing the fort. On clearing the narrow channel, the gun-boats were cast off and gave chase to the Confederate gun-boats, the Metacomet capturing the Selma, the other two vessels escaping under the fort. At 8.45 the fleet was all in the bay beyond the fort. The Tennessee then made a rush at the Hartford, and Admiral Farragut made the signal to attack with guns and rams. The Monongahela struck the ram first, a square blow, making no impression, but breaking off its own ram. The Lackawanna then struck a fair blow with no impression, but staving its own bow. The Hartford then rammed, striking a glancing blow and swinging alongside, giving a full broadside without effect. The Lackawanna and Hartford then bore down together but collided, the Hartford’s side being cut down almost to the water’s edge by the Lackawanna. The Lackawanna, Monongahela, and Ossipee then bore down at full speed, but sheered off at seeing a white flag hoisted. During the ramming, the monitors got under the stern of the ram and bombarded her casemate with effect. Casualties: killed, 52; wounded, 170. Monitor Tecumseh sunk with all hands except 11. Corvette Oneida disabled abreast the fort by a shot through the boiler, but dragged through the action by her consort. The injuries to the bows of the ramming ships and to the Hartford’s side were not so severe as to at all disable them. Captured, armored ram Tennessee, wooden gun-boat Selma, 280 prisoners. The steering-gear and smoke-stack of the ram were shot away, the port-shutters were jammed so as to disable the guns, and the ship’s frame was racked so as to make her leak, but not badly. The ramming vessels left no marks.

_Passage of the Vicksburg Batteries, April 16, 1863._

FEDERAL.

IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Benton 16
Lafayette 6
Louisville 13
Mound City 13
Pittsburg 13
Carondelet 13
Tuscumbia 5
General Price 2
Three army transports.

CONFEDERATE.

_Vicksburg Batteries_.—47 heavy guns.

The vessels started from up the river in line ahead, with the transports in rear, the Tuscumbia acting as rear-guard to prevent the transports turning back when once under fire. Leaving the anchorage at 10.30 p.m., they steamed slowly down until coming within sight of the batteries, when they stopped their engines and drifted. The leading vessel was discovered abreast the first battery and fire was opened. The fleet then started ahead fast returning the fire. Two transports turned and started back, but were driven down again by the Tuscumbia, the three vessels suffering severely in the manœuvring, but passing down successfully. Casualties, 12 wounded. Each gun-boat carried a barge-loaded with coal, on the off side. Two barges were sunk, the remainder were carried through safely. One of the transports was disabled, but was taken in tow under fire and brought safely through. Time under fire, one hour.

RÉSUMÉ.

Total number of battles passing fortifications, 5. Successful, 3. Partially successful, 2. Of the latter, one failed on account of a misunderstanding of orders, and one on account of the strength of current rendering the ships unmanageable. In all cases the ships passed the main line of fortifications at a distance of less than 600 yards, and all were subjected to a severe well-aimed fire.

ASSAULTS.

_Assault on Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863._

At 10 p.m., September 8th, a landing party of 300 sailors and 100 marines was put in boats, taken in tow by a tug-boat, and towed to within 1000 yards of the breach at Fort Sumter. One division of 20 men was sent to the north-east face to make a feint, while the main body landed at the breach. Through a general misunderstanding the boats went in irregularly, but a few boats’ crews landed, and, no support being given, they were captured. The expedition was a total failure, no assault being made. Casualties: 3 killed, 27 wounded, 130 prisoners, 11 missing.

_Assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865._

The assaulting column, composed of 1600 sailors and 400 marines, formed about a mile from the face of the fort (the fire of the fort being kept under by a heavy bombardment from the fleet) in four lines. The, marines forming the first line, were deployed as skirmishers, and advanced along the beach to a line of rifle-pits and occupied them within 600 yards of the sea-face of the fort. The other three lines advanced by the left flank (parallel to each other) along the beach, reaching the marines, and the column lay down while the fleet shelled the works, the marine line coming abreast the second line of sailors. At the word “Charge,” the column rose and charged by the flank to the stockade, extending from the salient of the fort to the water’s edge. Instead of keeping on past the stockade and then charging by the right flank up to the ditch, which would have brought the lines in proper position, the heads of the column turned up at the stockade and became mixed together. The charge was continued to the parapet, but the confusion of the wrong movement caused a break, ending in a panic, and the whole column retreated under a heavy fire from the fort, leaving about 60 men under the protection of the head of the stockade, who entrenched themselves there and stayed until the fort was taken by the troops entering at the other end of the fort. The assault was a failure in everything except as far as deceiving the besieged, who mistook it for the main assault, and thus permitted the 8000 troops at another point to gain a foothold. Casualties: killed, 80; wounded, 228; missing, 22.

_Assault on the Corean Forts, June 11, 1871._

The Monocacy (10 guns) and Palos (4 guns) steamed up the Salée River and disembarked a landing party of 546 sailors and 105 marines, taking with them a battery of seven boat-guns. Five forts were to be captured, situated at distances of from half a mile to three miles. The Monocacy, taking position abreast the first fort, shelled it vigorously, protecting the landing party and driving the Coreans from the earthworks and stone fort in about one hour. The landing party entered without resistance, capturing and destroying two 32-pdrs., six 18-pdrs., and twenty smaller pieces, 2 and 4 pdrs. The advance stopped for the night, the landing party going into camp outside of the fort. At daylight of the 11th the advance recommenced, the Monocacy keeping abreast and shelling the Coreans out of the second fort, which was occupied and dismantled. The citadel about three miles farther up the river was the next point to be captured, and had to be taken by assault. Marching to the crest of a hill within 150 yards of the citadel, the storming party were ordered to lie down for a rest, the skirmishing line of marines keeping up a fire on the parapet. A detachment of men and guns was sent to occupy a commanding position and hold a large body of Coreans in check that was forming in rear, while another detachment was sent to cut off the retreat from the citadel. A deep ravine lay between the storming line and the fort, and the walls of the citadel were twelve feet high, the only entrance being through a small breach made by the fire of the Monocacy. The citadel was stormed, and a foothold gained without a halt, and after a hard hand-to-hand fight, was captured. With the fall of the citadel the other forts were abandoned, whilst the detachment commanding the road of retreat of the Coreans put them under a severe fire. The assault was a complete success. Loss of the Coreans: killed, 243; wounded, unknown; prisoners, 22; five stone forts and 481 pieces of ordnance, comprising eleven 32-pdrs., fourteen 24-pdrs., two 20-pdrs., and the remainder 2 and 4 pdrs.; fifty flags, including the standard of the Generalissimo. Loss of United States: killed, 3; wounded, 10.

RÉSUMÉ.

Number of assaults noted, 3. Failures, 2. Success, 1. Of the failures, the first was too hastily planned to even make a commencement. Everything was confusion from the time that the boats were cast off from their tows. The second was primarily due to confusion of the assaulting columns at the most critical moment, followed by a panic.

DELIBERATE GENERAL ACTIONS.

_Gun-boat Flotillas in the Mississippi, June 5, 1862._

FEDERAL.

IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Benton 13
Louisville 13
Carondelet 13
Cairo 13
St. Louis 13

RAMS.
Queen of the West 2
Monarch 2

CONFEDERATE.

IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
Guns.
Lovell
Beauregard
Price
Thompson
Little Rebel
Sumter
Bragg
Van Dorn

On the morning of June 5th, the Federal flotilla descending the river discovered the Confederate flotilla moored at the city of Memphis. The latter formed in double line abreast below the city, and received the attack. The Queen of the West, dashing from the Federal line, rammed the Lovell and sank her at once. In getting clear she was rammed by the Beauregard and seriously injured, though not disabled. The Beauregard was rammed by the Monarch, and at the same time received a shot through her boilers which disabled her; she drifted near the bank of the river and sank. The Price was accidentally rammed and sunk by one of her own flotilla. The Little Rebel was disabled by shot, run ashore and abandoned. The Thompson was set on fire by shells and blown up. The Sumter was captured. The Bragg was rammed and sunk. The Van Dorn escaped down the river. Result: one Federal ram partially disabled; no killed, no wounded. Four Confederate gun-boats sunk, one captured, one blown up, one deserted, and one escaped. Killed and wounded unknown, but many lost by drowning and scalding. Duration of action, twenty minutes.

In this fight the Federal fleet had the advantage of fighting down stream, being the ones to make the onset, and having the heavier vessels and batteries. The Confederates took no advantage of the weak steaming powers of the Federal gun-boats. Had they passed up stream, re-formed, and forced the Federals to act on the defensive and fight up stream, the result might have been different. Decisive action.

_Battle of Helgoland, May 9, 1864._

DANISH SQUADRON.
Guns.
Niels Juel 42
Jylland 44
Heimdal 16

AUSTRIAN SQUADRON.
Guns.
Schwartzenburg 48
Radetzky 31
Three Prussian gun-boats.

The two squadrons advanced in line ahead, the Danes coming up on the beam of the Austrians. The Niels Juel joined action with the Schwartzenburg, and the Jylland with the Radetzky, the Heimdal attempting to reach the gun-boats, which steamed up on the unengaged side of the frigates, causing the latter to steam in a circle. The action was fought in this manner, steaming in a circle of which the gun-boats were the centre and the Danes 600 yards outside the Austrians, the Heimdal joining in the attack on the Radetzky. After three hours, the Schwartzenburg was set on fire and the Austrians ran for Helgoland, the Danes hauling off at the neutral-ground limit. Indecisive action.

_Battle of Lissa, July 20, 1866._

AUSTRIAN FLEET.

IRON-CLAD FRIGATES.
Ferdinand Max.
Hapsburg.
Don Juan d’Austria.
Kaiser Max.
Prinz Eugen.
Salamander.
Drache.

WOODEN SQUADRON.
Five frigates.
One corvette.
Fourteen gun-boats.

ITALIAN IRON-CLAD FLEET.
Re d’Italia.
Re di Portugalo.
Principe di Carignano.
Ancona.
Castelfidardo.
Maria Pia.
San Martino.
Affondatore.
Palestro.

Varese, Terribile, and Formidabile not in action.

Wooden fleet did not come up.

The Austrians advanced in three echelonned lines ahead, the Ferdinand Max (flag-ship) leading the right and advanced iron-clad line. The wooden frigates formed the centre line, and the gun-boats the left and rear. All in close order. The Italians on sighting the Austrian fleet formed in single line ahead, open order, covering a distance of over five miles. The head of the Italian line opened fire on coming within gunshot. The Austrians, turning together eight points to port, sent a broadside into the head of the Italian line and, resuming the former course, immediately pierced the Italian line astern of the third ship (between the Ancona and the Re d’Italia), half of his iron-clads passing through this interval and the other half between the Re d’Italia and the Palestro. The leading Italian division turned to starboard to attack the Austrian wooden fleet, and Tegethoff to foil this manœuvre turned and passed back through the same intervals. The rest of the Italian fleet closing up on the broken Austrian line, and the smoke concealing signals, the action became a mêlée. The Ferdinand Max made two attempts to ram two different vessels, both being avoided by the helm. A third attempt on the Re d’Italia was successful, striking her under the counter and sinking her. At the time, the Re was engaged with three Austrians on his bow and beam. The Italians state that his steering-gear was shot away; the Austrians, that he was backing.

Three Austrians (two iron-clads and one wooden frigate) concentrated on the Palestro and set her on fire; she drew out of action and blew up in about an hour. The San Martino, fighting in company with the Re d’Italia, hauled out of action when the latter was sunk. The Affondatore (flag-ship) made two ineffectual attempts to ram, but her clumsy steering-gear and slow speed made the attempts abortive. The Re di Portugalo made a fine attempt to ram the Kaiser Max, which the latter avoided by turning _towards_ the Portugalo and going full speed, the ships rubbing sides, bringing down the Kaiser’s fore-mast, which fell on the smoke-stack and caught fire but was extinguished. The Portugalo then ran the gauntlet of the two iron-clad divisions, reaching her own line, and the Italian fleet hauled out of action, the Austrians not chasing. The Italian loss was two iron-clads; killed, 650; wounded, 40. Austrians, 136 killed and wounded, of whom three quarters belonged to the Kaiser Max. Partial success.

DASHES.

_Passes of the Mississippi, October 12, 1861._

At 4 a.m. the Confederate ram Manassas steamed suddenly into the Federal squadron at anchor in the Passes below New Orleans—

Guns.
Richmond 25
Water Witch 3
Union 4

SAILING CORVETTES.
Vincennes 10
Preble 11

striking the Richmond a glancing blow. Chains were slipped at once, and the Richmond avoided a second blow by sheering. The ram passed back up the river. On the Confederate side the dash was a failure. On the Federal side the Vincennes was run ashore, deserted, and accident only saved the vessel, a train having been laid to her magazine and fired by Commander Handy. The train is said to have been put out by one of the crew before leaving, and the ship was hauled off after daylight.

_Mississippi River, above Vicksburg, July 15, 1862._

At about 7 a.m. the Confederate ram Arkansas made a dash down the river through the Federal squadron lying at anchor.

Guns.
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Oneida 10
Iroquois 7
Wissahickon 4
Winona 4
Sciota 4

As she passed through without attempting to ram, broadsides were exchanged. The Arkansas was disabled, but not caught. Federal loss: killed, 5; wounded, 16.

_Charleston Blockading Fleet, February 2, 1863._

At about 4 a.m. a Confederate iron-clad ram made a dash from the harbor into the blockading squadron.

Guns.
Keystone State 13
Housatonic 13
Quaker City 9
Augusta 10
Mercedita 9
Memphis 7

Running at the Mercedita, she rammed her on the starboard beam, and at the same time put a shot through her boiler, completely disabling her. The ram then passed under her stern, demanded and received her surrender, but did not take possession, the crew being paroled. The Keystone State was then attacked, but avoided being rammed, although she received a shot through her boilers, completely disabling her. The ram then retired. Attack successful. Federal loss: killed, 24; wounded, 23; one crew paroled, two vessels disabled. Duration of attack, one hour.

IRON-CLADS AGAINST WOODEN VESSELS.

_Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862._

On the morning of March 8th the Confederate ram Merrimac entered Hampton Roads, where were lying at anchor the

STEAM FRIGATES.
Guns.
Minnesota 50
Roanoke 50

SAILING FRIGATES.
Congress 50
Cumberland 24
St. Lawrence 12

Running directly at the Cumberland, the ram struck her under the counter, sinking her in fifteen minutes. Turning to the Congress, which had slipped her cable and run ashore, the ram took a position under her stern at 50 yards distance, and forced her to surrender after a fight of an hour. Possession was not taken of her, and the ship was fired and deserted, blowing up in a few hours. The Minnesota having grounded where the Merrimac could not get at her, these two engaged at long range, the Roanoke and St. Lawrence taking part for about four hours, when the Merrimac drew out of action leaking badly from the effects of ramming the Cumberland. Federal loss: 2 sailing frigates; killed, 247; wounded, 90.

_Roanoke River, April 18, 1864._

At 11 p.m. of the 18th the Confederate ram Albemarle was discovered coming down the Roanoke River. In obedience to previous instructions from the Admiral, the two gun-boats present (Miami, 12 guns, and Southfield, 4 guns) were lashed alongside each other to receive the attack, the intention being to put the ram between the two vessels, and while held by lashings fight her at point-blank on both sides. After lashing, the gun-boats were headed for the Albemarle, going full speed. The arrangement was perfect for a _test_ of the plan. The ram scraping the port side of the Miami with her prow, struck the starboard bow of the Southfield, staving her in forward; the forward lashings were broken, and the gun-boats swung out of the angle of fire after giving but one broadside. The ram backed clear to get room for a blow at the Miami, but the latter, having swung head down stream, escaped. The Southfield sank in about fifteen minutes. Federal loss: killed, 1; wounded, 11; missing, 67; 1 gun-boat sunk.

_Albemarle Sound, May 5, 1864._

The squadron blockading Albemarle Sound had received orders that in case the ram Albemarle appeared, the vessels were to form in double line ahead.

Guns.
Miami 12
Ceres 4
Commodore Hull 6
Seymour 4
Mattabesset 6
Sassacus 6
Wyalusing 4
Whitehead 4

At 4.45 p.m. the Albemarle was sighted coming into the sound accompanied by two small gun-boats. The squadron formed and steamed to meet her, the Mattabesset and Sassacus delivering a broadside in passing at 100 yards. The ram attempted to run the Sassacus down, but the latter avoided her, being thrown out of the line in the manœuvre. Being in the vicinity of one of the Confederate gun-boats, the Sassacus gave her a broadside, received her surrender, and sent her out of action to an anchorage. Turning to resume her place in line, the Sassacus found herself in position to ram the Albemarle, and went at her full speed, striking her fairly amidships, and heeling her over considerably. The two vessels were in close contact for about ten minutes, when the Sassacus swung alongside and received a shot through her boilers, partially disabling her. The ram getting clear drew out of action and steamed up the river, chased for some distance by the squadron. Casualties on the Federal side: killed, 4; wounded, 25; 1 gun-boat disabled. Confederates: 1 gun-boat captured; 1 gun on the ram disabled. The bow of the Sassacus was somewhat broken and twisted, but not sufficient to leak.

_Black Sea, July 23, 1877._

On the morning of the 23d the Russian gun-boat Vesta (6 guns), cruising in the sea, made out black smoke on the horizon at early daylight, and steamed towards it. When within less than two miles she discovered it to be the Turkish iron-clad frigate Assav-i-Tefvik (14 guns), and turned to escape; a running fight ensued, lasting for two hours, the Turk slowly overhauling the Vesta. When within about half a mile, a shell from the Vesta exploded in the barbette turret of the Turk, disabling its gun, killing and wounding most of the crew. The latter then hauled on and the Vesta escaped. Action indecisive. Killed and wounded about equal on both sides.

_Off Ylo, Peru, May 29, 1877._

The Peruvian iron-clad Huascar, having been taken possession of by a party of insurgents, and having committed depredations against British commercial vessels, was attacked off Iquique by the British frigate Shah and the corvette Amethyst. The Huascar running into shoal water prevented the close approach of the enemy, and the action was continued for about three hours, during which time neither of the British vessels was struck and no notable damage had been done to the Huascar. Just before dark the Huascar cleared the shoals and ran down the coast followed by the British until dark. One Whitehead torpedo was sent at her, but ineffectually.

After dark a launch was sent into the bay of Ylo with Whitehead torpedoes for the purpose of sinking the vessel, but she had escaped. Action indecisive. Casualties: Peruvian, killed, 1; wounded, 1. British, none. Neither vessel injured sufficiently to affect her fighting power. The Huascar was manned by a raw crew, causing her fire to be entirely ineffective.

_Iquique Harbor, May 21, 1879._

The Peruvian iron-clads Independencia and Huascar appeared off Iquique Harbor on the morning of May 21st, finding there the Chilian gun-boats Esmeralda and Covadonga. The latter on discovering the enemy ran into shoal water, the iron-clads taking a position about 2000 yards away. After a short action, the Covadonga (apparently with the intention of dividing the fire and possibly escaping) attempted to run down the coast, the Independencia giving chase. The Huascar continued to engage the Esmeralda, and notwithstanding the short range, failed to hit her. At length a shore battery drove the Esmeralda into deep water, and before she could commence to manœuvre a shot from the Huascar disabled her engines. The Huascar then rammed her three times, the first two blows being total failures on account of stopping the ship too quick. The third was a success, sinking the Esmeralda with her colors flying. The Covadonga, keeping in shoal water as much as possible, ran for two hours, the Independencia making three attempts to ram her and failing. At the fourth attempt the ship was missed, and the Independencia struck a rock and hung fast. The Covadonga at once turned, and taking a position under the Peruvian’s stern, opened fire on him and forced him to surrender. The Huascar appearing at this time, possession could not be taken, and the Covadonga escaped. Attempts to haul the Peruvian off the rocks proving unavailing, she was fired and burned. In this action the Chilians lost the greatest number of men owing to the sinking of the Esmeralda, but the loss of the Independencia more than counterbalanced it.

DUELS.

_Monitor and Merrimac, March 9, 1862._

On the morning of the 9th the Merrimac steamed into Hampton Roads to finish the destruction of the wooden squadron which she had attacked the day previous (see page 166). The Monitor having arrived during the night steamed out to meet her after she had approached within gunshot of the Minnesota. After a short engagement at a distance of 200 yards, the Merrimac attempted to ram or force a surrender of the Minnesota, in doing which she ran ashore, and was for a short time exposed to the full broadside fire of the frigate. Getting clear, she again turned to the Monitor, and attempted to ram her, striking a slight ineffectual blow. The Merrimac kept on down the channel, the Monitor chasing for some distance, but hauling out of action when she found her speed and artillery power not sufficient to bring the Merrimac to terms. Casualties on the Monitor, 1 wounded, 2 temporarily disabled by the shock of the projectiles striking the turret against which they happened to be leaning. Action indecisive.

_Alabama and Hatteras, January 11, 1863._

The Hatteras (6 guns) proceeding to blockade duty off Galveston went in chase of a sail on the morning of the 11th, and running close to her, stopped and hailed. The answer returned was “Her Majesty’s Steamer Vixen.” The Hatteras then lowered a boat and sent it alongside. Before the boat was fairly started the hail came, “We are the Confederate steamer Alabama,” accompanied by a broadside. The fire was returned at once, and the Hatteras attempted to close and board, but could not. In about five minutes she had been set on fire by one shell and her boiler was pierced by another. The Alabama then took a position under her stern, and in a few minutes forced her to surrender, the crew being transferred to the Alabama, and the Hatteras left to burn and blow up. Casualties: on the Hatteras, killed, 2; wounded, 5. Action decisive. (For fighting power of ships, see page 172.)

_Weehawken and Atlanta, June 17, 1863._

At early daylight the Confederate ram Atlanta was seen coming down the Wilmington River, and the Federal monitors Weehawken and Nahant steamed in to meet her. The Atlanta opened fire at 1500 yards, and a few moments afterwards grounded. The Weehawken approaching within 300 yards opened fire, and forced the surrender of the ram in fifteen minutes. Five shots were fired by the Weehawken, all striking and three penetrating the ram, killing and wounding many people at the guns. The ram was taken possession of and sent in as a prize. Action decisive.

_Kearsarge and Alabama, June 19, 1864._

The Alabama steamed out of Cherbourg Harbor on the morning of the 19th to meet the Kearsarge in accordance with a challenge sent out two days before. The Kearsarge, steaming out clear of neutral water, turned when at a good distance and headed for the Alabama. The action commenced at 1200 yards, the Alabama sending the first broadside, which was immediately returned by the Kearsarge. The action continued for 65 minutes at a distance of 900 yards, the two ships steaming in a circle. At the end of this time the Alabama surrendered, and in about twenty minutes after sunk. Action decisive.

_Fighting Powers of the Hatteras, Alabama, and Kearsarge._

-----------------+------------------------+-------------------------
HATTERAS. | ALABAMA | KEARSARGE.
-----------------+------------------------+-------------------------
Battery. | Battery. | Battery.
I 20-pdr. rifle.| I 100-pdr. rifle. | I 30-pdr. rifle.
I 30-pdr. ” | I 68-pdr. ” | II 11-inch smooth-bores.
IV 32-pdr. | IV 32-pdr. | IV 32-pdr. ”
smooth-bores. | smooth-bores. |
| |
Battery Fought. | Battery Fought. | Battery Fought.
II rifles, | II rifles, | I rifle, II 11-inch,
II 32-pdrs. | III smooth-bores. | II 32-pdrs.
| |
Crew, 125 men. | Crew, about 170 men. | Crew, 163 men.
-----------------+------------------------+-------------------------

_Meteor and Bouvet, November 9, 1870._

On the morning of November 8th the French gun-boat Bouvet (5 guns) steamed out of Havana and beyond the neutral limit to wait for the Prussian gun-boat Meteor (3 guns) to come out in answer to a challenge. The Meteor, after waiting in port twenty-four hours as prescribed by law for the sailing of belligerent vessels, steamed out, and the action commenced about two miles outside of the neutral limit, the Bouvet firing the first gun. After a few manœuvres the Bouvet closed with the intention of ramming, and was partially avoided, striking a glancing blow abeam and slipping along, carrying away the Prussian’s main and mizzen masts, the rigging fouling the Meteor’s screw. In return, the Meteor put a shot through the Bouvet’s steam-chest, partially disabling her. The latter made sail at once and escaped into neutral water, the Meteor keeping up a fire but unable for a time to chase owing to the fouled screw. Action indecisive on account of the proximity of neutral water. Casualties: Bouvet, 3 wounded. Meteor, 3 killed; 1 wounded. Duration of action, less than one hour.

RÉSUMÉ.

Number of duels noted, 5. Decisive, 3. Indecisive, 2. Of the indecisive fights, one was due to lack of speed for overhauling the opponent and continuing the action; the other to the temporary disability of fouling the screw and the proximity of neutral water. In the decisive actions, two were decided by sinking, although in both cases the ship surrendered first.

_Action off Point Tetas, October 8, 1879._

At daylight on the 8th the Chilian iron-clad corvette Blanco Encalada sighted the Peruvian iron-clad turret-ship Huascar, and gave chase. The Huascar, running to the northward, and slowly distancing the Blanco, was headed by the Chilian iron-clad corvette Almirante Cochrane. These two ships then engaged, and in about half an hour the Blanco closed and opened on the Huascar, placing her between two fires. After an action of one hour and a half the Huascar surrendered, having been much cut up, and having lost her three senior officers. Casualties: Blanco Encalada, none. Almirante Cochrane, 2 killed, 10 wounded.

NOTE.—After careful research it has been found that in every case cited in which boilers were penetrated by projectiles, the part of the boiler hit was _above the water-line_.