Newbern weekly progress., 1862-08-30
Commodore FarrRgHt's Official Report of
the Destruction ef the Arknnsas.

WAsHINTuN, August 49, 1862.
The Navy Department is in receipt of volu
Innous dispatches from Admiral Farragut
and among them is the foil ,wing:
FLAGSHIP HARTFORD,
BATON RoUeE, August Z, 1852.
SIR-It Is one of the happiest moments OF
my life that l am enabled to inform the depart
ment of the destruction of the ram Arkansas,
not because | held this iron clad vessel in such
terror bat because the community did.
On the 4th instant sent the Tennessee up
to Baton Rouge, with provisions for Command
er Porter and the gunboats stationed at that
place.
On the night of the 5th she returned, with
Information that the enemy had made COM
bined attack upon Batan Rogue by the ram
and the two gunboats Webb and Music, and
calling for assistance.
At daylight the hartford was under way
for this place, with orders for the other vessels
to follow me fast as ready.
arrived here to day at twelve o'clock NJ,
in company with the Brooklyn, Westfeld,
Clinton, Jackson and Sciota.
| sent the Cayuga up before, agreeable 10 a
request of Gen. Butler, in consequence of the
gucrllas firing into some of his transports.
On my arrival was informed by Commander
". d. Porter that yesterday morning at two
o'clock the enemy's forces, under General
Breckenridge, attacked General Williams and
drove in his pickets, &c. General Williams
having had ample warning, all was prepared
for him.
The fight was continued with great enr5y on
both side unil two M by which time the en-
emy had been driven back two three miles,
but unfortunately the gallant Gt neral Williams
while cheering on his men, received Mimic ball
through the heart.
General Williams had informed Lieutenant
Commanding Ransom the evening before of his
,,,,! h.,
notified him and when he did so gunboats,
the kinco and Catahdin, opened with effect,
throwing their shells directly in the midst of the
enemy. producing great Gismay and confusion
among them
Lieut. Ransom had an officer on the State
House, which overlooked the adj &C mt country,
and could direct the fire of every shell.
As soon the enemy were repulsed Com
mander Porter with the gunboats, went up the
stream after the ram Arkansas, which was lying
about five miles above, apparently afraid TO take
her share in the cofiict
According TO the prcconcerted plan, as he
came within gunshot he opened on her and
probably disabled some of her machinery
or steering apparatus. for she became unman-
ageabe, continuing, hewever to fire her guns
at the Essex.
Com medore Porter says he took advantage of
her presenting weak point towards him and
loaded with incendiary shells. After his first
discharge of this projectile gush of hre came
out of her sides, and from that moment it was
discovered that she on fire, which he contin
ued his exerions to prevent being extiHgulshed
They backed her ashore and made line fast,
which soon burnt, and she swung off into the
river. where she continued to burn until she
blew up with tremendous explosion. thus end
ing the career of the last iron clad ram of the
Mississippi
There were many persons on the banks of the
river witnessing the fight, in which they antici-
pat ID a triumph for ''Secession;' = but on ths re-
turn of the Essex not sorll was to be seen.
will leave q sufficient force of gunboats here
to support the army, and will return to morrow
to New Orleans, and depart Immediately for
Ship Island with light heart. leavi' g no bug
bear to torment the communities OF the Missis
sppi in my absence.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D G. FARRAGUT..Flag Officer
Com'dg Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.
To Hon Gideon Welles, Sect'y of Navy. Wash
ington.
Commander w. D. Porter's despatch to Ad-
miral Farras ut Is thus given;-
sir-rhis morning at eight, steamed up the
river, and at ten A. NJ. attacked the rebel ram
Arkansas, and blew her up. There is not frag
ment of her left.