Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-14
TIE NAVAL ENGAGEMENT OFF CHARLESTON
OFFICIAL REPORT
Charleston, FebruAry 2, is6s.

NuAtierNout EcotuaEJ x Aeuo. J
SIR Il have the honor to inform YOU that upon the
night Of the 3Oth ultimo left the wharf this place
in company with the steam-ram ChicOra Commander
John r. Tucker, quarter past N o'clock aud steam
ed slowly down 10 the bar from draft, could
cross until high water. Al half past We crossed
the bar Wah about foot and half spare and SOou
after made steamer at anchOr-sOOd directly for her,
aud directed Lieut. Commanding Rutedge to strike her
with our prov. When quite near we were hailed
"What steamer i thatdrOp your anchor you will be
into Us" He informed that Il the Confederate
steamer palmetto State" At this moment struck
here and fred the seveninch gun into hsr he gave
an order to fire. then snqpred if he surrendered,
and answered in the Affirmative. | then directed,
him 70 send a boat on board, which done. After
some delay Lieutenant Commanding Abbott came on
board aud Informed me that the vessel The U. 5.
steamer Mercediut Commander SteNager aud that she
was in a sinking condition, aud had cres Oi one hun
bred and fyeight all told and wished to be relieved
that all his boats were lowered without the plugs
being in and we're full of water. AT this time the
Chcora engaged with the enemy and the alarm
given. knew only opportunity to take the
unawares, the moment he under way, from
his superior speed could not close with him then d.
rected Lieutenant COmm udug Rutledge require from
Lieutenant Commanding Abbott his word Of honor for
his commander officers and that they would not
against the Confederate States until regularly
changed when he directed 10 return with his boat
TO bis vessel render what assistance he could then
GOOD 10 the northward and eastward aud soon after
made another steamer getting under way. We stood
for her and fred several shots at her but had TO
fight the vessel in circle to bring the different guns to
bear, she out Of range In this way en-
gagged several vessels, they keeping long range and
steering TO the SOuthward just the ddy broke We
made large steamer Supposed 10 be the "PO~hatan)
on starboard bow, with another steamer in company
which had Just got under way They stood to the south
ward under full steam sd opened their batteries upon
the ChicOra, HhO was some distance astern OF "a.
then turned and stood 10 the southwark support the
ChcOn necessary, but the enemy kept on his course
70 the southwark. then made signal to Commander
Tucker TO come toSn anchor and led the ~ay to the
entrance OF the Reach channel where ancROred at
s45 a. m and had 10 remain seven hours for the tide,
the vessels cannot cross the bar excepting at high
water
The sea was perfectly smooth, as much in the
harbOr; everything most favorable for US, and
gave Us DO opportunity 10 test the sea qualities OF the
boats. The engines worked well, aud We obtained a
greater speed than they had ever before attained
/ cannot speak in too high terms Of the conduct Of
Commander Tucker aud Lieutenant Commanding Rut-
ledge; tae former handled his vessel in beautiful
manner and did the enemy much damage. 1 refer you
TO his official report
Lieutenant Commanding Rulledge also fought the
palmetto State" in manner highly gratifying
Every officer and man did his duty nOby and deserve
well Of their country.
We had but little opportunity of trying our vessels,
the enemy did not close and not single shot struck
either vessel.
! am highly indebted TO Commander Harsiine who
CALAMITY volunteered take charge OF three Steamers
with fifty soldiers board, who accompanied Us in
We should need their services but they could get
the bar but joined after daylight at the north
channel, and rendered their assistance ia getting
through the channel which Is very narrow.
Of the conduct OF Mr. Gladden. the pilot of the
palmetto State" cannot speak in too high terms; he
perfectly cool under the great responsibility he had
IN taking the vessel oyer at night with great draft
and during the action rendered great assistance in
pointing out the vessels approached them Ia the
uncertain light
/ send the reports Of Commander Tucker and Lieut.,
Commanding Rutledge.
4 an, az, very respectfully, your Ohedent servant,
D. L. lSGRAHAN,
Flag Officer Commanding.
Hon. s + AaLLORY, Secretary of the Navy, Richmond.