Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-01-05

hazardous 70 leave the turret. In fsct several
mt n were opposed to have been wsshed over
board at this time.
While waiting for the boats 10 return, the en-
eine<r reported that The engine had ceased.
Shortly after, all the pumps ceased; the water
putting out the fires and leaving no pressure OF
steam. A bailing party had been previously
organized. not 20 much with any hope OF d.
ninishins the water, but more an occupation
10 the men. The engines being stopped, and no
longer able to keep the vessel head TO sea-she
having fallen OF into the trough, and rolling 50
heavily as 10 render il impossible for the boats
10 approach us-I ordered the anchor TO be let
90, and all the chain given her, in hopes that It
might bring her up. Fortunately 1t did 40, and
she once more W ung round head 70 wind. BY
This time finding tho vessel filling rapidly, the
deck on a level with The water, i ordered all
the men left on board TO leave the turret and
endesvor to get into the two bosIs, which were
then approaching. I think At that time there
were about IS or 80 men on board.
The boats approached very cautiously. as the
sea was breaking upon her pow-submerged
deck with great violence, washing several men
overboard-one Of whom was afterwards
picked up by tho boats.
i secured the painter OF one Of tho boats,
(which by the OF lie oars was prevented
from striking the side,l and made as many get
into her AZ she could safely hold, in the heavy
sea that was running. There We're several
men sill left upon and in the turrct, who,
either supplied by fear, or fearful OF being
washed overheard In the attempt 10 reach the
boats, would nc! come down, and ar sup
posed to have gone down IN the veesel.
Feeling that 1 had done everything in my
power TO save the vessel and crew, jumped
into the already heavily laden beat, and Ieft
the Monitor, whose heavy sluggish motion
gave evidence that she could float but a short
time longer, and shortly after We reached the
Rhode Island she disappeared.
/ must testify TO the untiring efforts dis
played by Capt. TreEchard and his officers in
their attempts TO reecuc the crew of the Mon
itor II was an extremely hazardous under
taking. rendered particularly 20 by the heavy
sea- and the difficulty in approaching the Mon
itor
While re2retIng those that were Loaf, II i. stiIl
matter IF consra u,atiop that 50 many wcr;
saved under the circumstances There is some
reason la hope that 4 boat, which is still miss
ing, may have succ-c;lrd in saving those LETT On
board, or have reached Lhr vicinity OF the YES
sci in time 10 have picked UP some Of them after
the went down.
Upon mastering The crew and officers on
board The L. l. four officers and twelve men
Were found 10 be missing, list of whom
herewith enclose, as well As the report OF ID
Assistant Engineer Walers. Acting Chief En-
eineer. L am firmly Of the opinion that the
Monitor must have sprung a lesls sorne,Fher.
il. tie forward part Of her, whert the hull ioiu,
Oh to the arr.oT, and that IL was caused nv ,ha
heavy shocka received "a she came down upon
ti.e sea. Tie blise PUMPS alone up 10 N. an
had easily kept her free, and when we fonno
that all hsr.pUmps short time after. with 8
minimum capacity Of s,0t1 gallons per min ute
failed 70 diminish the water, but en- the CON
trsry made no perceptible change in IL. gradual
increase, We must cOt.e - the concIu.,on tia,
there are At least good grounds for nv opipion
Before closing my report 1 must testify IN
tbs coo:nrss, prompt obrGienca, and abseute a.
any approach 20 psnic Gil The part OF the officer.
and with tut t.r exceptions on ,hs, NJ a.
crew, many Of whom usrc n sea for ina ss-st
time, and, s. IL must ne admitted under 60
cumstances th at were we'll caieuI aisa .u .,,,,
the bold 81 heart.
would beg leave 10 call tfie attaplio, q, -.
Admiral. ssd OF the Department parIcul,rlv
10 The good conduct OF Lieut. Green and So.
Stn,lder, who remained with me until IN. I,s,
snd by their example and bearing did nucb
towards inspiring confidence and ot.dianc. -.
the part Of others. must also mention fn.,r-
ably Petr W lIianis, Masters Maze. And Rons--
Angler, Quartermaster, who both -hovsd an
that occasion the highr,t qualities of man Ant
sesrnen. The latter remained AZ his posi- a:
tie wheel when the vessel was sinking ana
when told by nae TO get into the boats -rnliao
NO, sir: not until you go.''
The officers And crew have lost sverv.hi,s
but the clothes they wore >: the time they vere
rescued. There were no serious iniuri.s rr-
ceiyed, with the exception Of Assistant Sur ,aou
-, who Jsmmed ms hand so badly as %
require partial s1,2utsti or several 0: n.
fingers.
Every attention and kindness las been sho I'm
TO by Captain Trrnchard and his o!tcers II
whom We all feel deeply grateful.
Respectfully your obedient servant.
J.P. BASKHsAp, Commando
Hon. HIrsos "EiLEs, Secretary OF the Navy