North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-09-09
Communications.
U. S. GUNBokT, KENwooD, }
July 30th. 1868. (
DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER :

DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER
Isuppose on
arr somewhat anxious about my long silence,
by this time, but it has been unavoidable
In fact have forgotten the date of my last
letter to you, SO if make some repe.tions
you must excuse me / will try and give
you little account Of what have been do
ing since my last
On the Fourth of July the gunboats about
White river, Ian ded their crews and made
grand raid into the interior. Our Captain
was Commander-i chief, and he selected me
as his aid-de-camp. We captured a large
number of horses, males, cattle, sheep and
niygers, and got back to the boat without
any loss.
On the l1th, we were ordered to V icks-
burg and reached there on The morning of
the 18th, and was Immediately dispatched
up Yazoo river in company with the Gun
boats Baron De kalb and Signal There
was also a large land force under Maj Gen.
Heron. We reached within two miles Of
Yazoo City, (our place of destination, } about
three o'clock on the afternoon of the 18th,
and the gunboats immediately steamed up
to the attack-the Dc Kalb first, the Ken
wood next and the Signal following. The
river is very narrow, and we had to follow
one behind the ether. As the De Kalb turn
ed sharp bend within a mile of the city.
they opened on her with nine heavy guns,
and the ball opened" We steamed close
up under the De Kalb's stern and give them
our 32's right and left, neither boat being
able to use any but her bow guns. We kept
it up for three-quartcrs of an kour, and then
dropped back to wait the cooperation of the
land forces. Neither boat was hit, though
some of their 10 inch shot came unpleasant
ly close. At sundown we were ordered to
advance again, as'there was signs of the enc,
my's eVacuating the place. We steam
ed cautiously ahead, but the batter les
were silent. They had indeed left. With
in half mile of the town the De Kalb sud
denly struck a torpedo, which exploding,
blew her whole bow off. She was instantly
run ashore and heavy lines got out. We
ran up along side and took off her crew and
their luggage, as much as possible, but she
sunk in less than fifteen minutes after she
struck. All Of the crew had not got off
when she sunk, and it was with difficulty
that they were saved. She sunk in very
deep water, leaving nothing but one corner
-fI 4
OF her upper deck visible. Such scene of
confusion you never saw. I worked like !
mailer TO clear our deck, as we did not know |
but what the rebs would pounce onto us the |
next minute. Our deck was literally lamned !
with men, and as we were beating around |
the wreck, picking up what ever showed |
ITSELF torpedo exploded close under our
bow. Such another rush you never saw
Some jumped overheard and swan ashore, !
others threw overheard their trunks and |
bedding, resolved to save what they could |
But fortunately it did US no damage-glanc-
ing OF the bottom harulessly. It wac
long time before the excitement was ouieted
however.
We lay here for three or four days, rails
ing the guns of the De Kalb, Is heavy ones.
1t is beautiful place, with splendid residen
ces, surrounded with large flower gardens
Among the flowers was one particularly
noticed. They called il Grape Myrtle. 1t
grew to be quite large tree AMI was com
pletely covered with small pink flower, and
giving out a delicate perfume that would
pervade the whole garden. How | wished
that [ could have sent one for your garden
dear mother.
The night before we left Yazoo City, |
was imprudcnr enough to go in swimming,
and stay in for an hour. The consequence
has been, that have been sick every since
with chills and fever. But thank heaven, |
am again all right and able to do duty.
After leaving Yazoo City, we ran down to
Vicksburg, and there received orders to go
to DonaldsonViIe, Y miles above New Or
leans We did so, but as | had to lay in
my state room all the time, know but little
about the trip. We are now lying off Por'
Hudson taking in coal. As we carry aeavi-
er guns than any other tin clad, we have to
run about all the time, as we can go alone.
| just this morning received some letter S,
one from Sister, dated May 3lst, and on e
dated July 18th, both together.
MEG.
Mr.. EDITOR I'm your paper of the 2ud