The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1862-05-14
Report of Commodore Colds
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UNITED STATES FLAG SHIP MINNEsorA,)
Hampton Roads, May s..
To HIs EaceHency President of the o. S.
STR:-Agreeably to a communica ion Just
received from the Hon. e. NJ Stanton.
have the honor to report the instruc tions [
gave yesterday to the officers commanding
the several vessels detailed to open fire u
pom SewclPs Point, were that the object Of
the move, was to ascertain the probability Of
landing body OF troops thereabouts, and to
reduce the works, il it could be done; that
the wooden vessels should attack the princi.
pie works in entilade, and that the Monitor,
to be accompanied by the Stevens, should 90
up as far as the works, and there operate in
front. . .. -.. ..,.
On the appearance Of the Merlimac out
side OF the works, the Monitor had orders to
all back into fair channel way and only to
engage her seriously in such position
That ship, together with the merchant vess.
els intended for the purpose, could run her
down if an opportunity presented ITSELF The
other vessels were not to hesitate to run her
down, and the Baltimore an unarmed steam.
er, OF light drausht, high speed and with
curved bow, was kept in the direction of the
Monitor, expressly to throw herself across
the Merrimac, either fore or aft her plated
house, but the Merrimac did not engage the
Monitor nor did she place herself where she
could have been assaied by our ram vessels
to any advantage, or where there was any
prospect whatever Of getting at her:
My instructions were necessarily verbal,
and in giving them, supposed was carry
ing out your wishes in substance, il not to
the letter. The demonstration resulted in
establishing the fact that number OF guns
at the principal works On Sewalls Point have
been essentially reduced; 1t is not greater now
than about H. and that the number of men
now stationed there is comparatively quite
limited. The quarters connected with the
works were set on fire by our shells, and no
doubd seriously injured. ~
am very respectfully, 5ss as.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) S. M. GOLOSBORO,
Flag Officer Commanded Naval Blockad-
ing Squadron. 81 eTee 4
WASHINGTON, May 1.-THE following
dispatch has been received by the Navy De-
partment:
FLAG SHIP BENTON, above Fort Pillow, Mis-
sissippi River, May 10, via Cairo, May IL.
~ I|e lIOt. u9teoh w etteS, lOecFet0Fy 0f U1o
Navy; The naval engagement for which the,
rebels hive been preparing, took place this
morning The rebel. feet, consisting Of eight
iron-clad gunboats, lour Of which were fitted
up with rams, came up handsomely. The
acton lasted one hour, Two CT the rebel
gunboats were blown up and one sunk, when
the enemy retired precipitately under the
guns of the fort. Only six vessels Of my
squadron were engaged. The Cincinnati
sustained some injury from the rams. but
will be in fighting condition to morrow;
Capt. Stembe distinguished himself. He is
seriously wounded. The Benton is uninjur-
ed. Mortor boat No. 16. in charge Of Sec
ood Master Gregory behaved with great
spirit. The rebel squadron is. supposed to
be commanded by Commodore Hollins.
4# G. II. DAVIS,
Captain Commanding the Western Flotilla