Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-11-20

patches, is the son OF former mayor o
Charleston.
FLAG SHIP WABASH, \
off Hilton Head, Port Royal,
November 9Th.
SIR:-0n Tuesday, Oct 29th, the feet
under my command left Hampton Reads
and with the army transports, numbering
fifty vessels. On the day previous had
dispatched the coal vessels, twenty-five in
number, under convoy of the Vandalia. to
rendezvous off Savannah, not wishing TO
give the true point of the feet The
weather had been unsettled in Hampton
Roads, though it promised well when we
sailed, but off Hatteras it blew hard
Some ships got on to the breakers, and two
struck, but without injury.
On Friday, Nov. lst, the rough wealth
er increased into a gale, and we had to en-
counter one of great violence. The feet
was utterly dispersed, and on Saturday
morning one sail only was in sight from
the deck of the Wabash On the follow
ing day the weather moderated, and the
steamers and ships began to re-appear.
No orders were opened except those in
case Of separation. These last were fur
nished to all of the men-of war by myself,
and to the transports by Brig Gen. Sher-
man. As the vessels rejoined reports came
in of disasters. In reference to the men-
ofwar, the Isaac Smith, most efficient
and well armed vessel for the class, pur
chased, but not intended to encounter such
sea and wind, had to throw her formidable
battery overheard to keep from founiering,
but thus relieved she was enabled to 90 to
the assistance of the steamer Governor,
then in very dangerous condition, and
on board of which was our fine battalion |
Of marines under Major Rryuvlyi1. They !
were finally rescued by Capt Ringgold in |
the Sabine, under difficult circumstances.
after which the Governor went down. 1
believe that seven of the marines were
drowned by their own imprudence.
Lieut. Commanding Nichelson's conduct
in the Isaac Smith has met my warm COM
mendation.
The Peerless transport, in sinking con-
dition, was met by the Mohican, Comman-
der Gordon, and all the people on board, |
20 In number, we're saved under very pc
culiar circumstances, in which service
Lieut. H. W. Miller was very favorably
noticed by his commander.
On passing Charleston I sent the Sene-
ca, Lieut. Commanding Ammen, to direct
Capt. L.ardncr to join me with the steam
er Susquehanna IF Port Royal without de-
lay.
On Monday. at s o'clock in the morn
ing. l anchored off the bar with some %
7essels in company, with many mere heav-
ng in sight
The Department is aware that all the
lids to navigation had been removed, and
he bar lies ten miles to seaward, and no
eatures on the shore line of sufficient pro-
ninence to make any bearings reliable, but
o the skill of Commander Dove, the feet
]aptain, and Mr.. BOulette, the able assist
mt Of the Coast Survey, in charge of the
teamer Vixen, channel vas immediate
J found. BY three o'clock l received as l
urances from Capt. Dove that could send
onward the lighter transports, those under !
ighteen fest, and all the gunboats, which ]
Tas Immediately done, and before dark
hey were securely anchored in the road !
tead Of Port Royal, S C.
The gunboats almost Immediately open
d their batteries upon two or three rebel
teamers under Com Tatnrll, instantly
hasing him under the shelter of their bat
cries
On the morning of Tuesday the Va
ash crossed the bar, followed closely by :
he frigate Susquehanna. The Atlantic, :
'anderbilt, and other transports of deep
raft, running through to that portion of
be feet already il. The safe passage Of
his great ship over the bar was hailed with !:
ratilying cheers from the crowded vessels. !
We anchored and Immediately commenced :,
repairing the ship for action In our anx-
,ty to get the outline of the forts before =
ark, we stood in too near these shoals,
nd the snip grounded. BY the time she :
ot off it was too late. in my judgment, to
roeced, and l made signals for the squad 7 :
N to anchor out Of gun shot Of the enc :
y. :
l have the honor to be, sir, !,
Respectfully, your Ob'd't sery't, I
S.F. DUPONT, !
lag Officer Commanding South Atlantic a
Blockading Squadron.
Commodore Dupont's official despatch
Secretary Wclles contains a short mar h
ton of events. Accompanying the des- S
ltches were several trophies, captured a
Igs and two brass cannon, lately belong 81
Q to the State of South Carolina. \ Fl
It of casualties is also received; total Il
He'd, s; wounded severely, 6; slightly d
)unded, Ia; total killed and wounded, =
A letter to Secretary Welles from Com.
upont says since writing his official des-
tches he had sent gunboats to Beaufort n n
take possession of the town and protect Y
c inhabitants, but found the place aban- 6
ned to the negroes, who arc reported IN y y
lawless condition. u