The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-07-06
I'HENAVAL VICTORY
CAPTAIN wINSLoW'S OFF,
CIAL STATEMENT.
SEMMES CHALLENGES TIL e
"KEARsARcE."
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE GREAT
NAVAL COMBAT.

NAVAL COMBAT.
WASHINGTON, July 6.-The Navy Department
has received the following dispatches
UNITED STATES STEAMER "KRARsARGE," June
l9, 1864, P. M.-Sir IL have the honor to inform
the Department that the day subsequent to the
arrival OF the RedrIarge of this port on the l4th
instant, l received note from Captain Scmmes,
begging that the ReavSGrge would not depart, as
he intended to fight her, and would not delay
her but a day or two
According to this notice, the Alabama LEFT the
port of Cherbourg this morning, at about $50
o'clock.
At 1920 A. NJ. we discovered her steering to-
wards us, and fearing the question ofjurisdiction
might arise, we steamed to sea until distance Of
six or seven miles was obtained from the Cher
bourg breAkwater, when we rounded TO, and
commenced steaming for the alabama.
As we approached, and when within about
1900 yards, she opened fire, we receiving two
or three broadsides before shot was returned.
The action continued, the respective steamers
making a circle around and around at a distance
of about 900 yards from each other.
At the expiration Of an hour the alabama
struck, going down in twenty minutes afterwards,
and carrying many persons with her.
It affords me great qualification to announce to
the Department that every officer and man did
their duty, exhibiting degree of GOODNESS and
fortitude which gave promise at the outset of
certain victory.
l have the honor to be, most respectfully, your
obedent servant,
JOHN A. WINsIOw, Captain.
Hon. GIDEON WELLEs Secretary of the Navy.
UNITED STATES STEAMER "KgARsARdE,"
CHBRBoURG, France, June 20, l864.-Sir IL
inclose herewith the Surgeons report Of the
casualties on board this vessel in the late action
with the Alabama.
Although we received some twenty-five or
thirty Shots twelve or thirteen taking effect In
the hull, by the mercy Of God we have been
spared the loss of any one life; whereas, in the
case Of The A1abGnG, the carnage, learn, was
dreadful.
The ships were about equal in match, the ton
Tie Hisbama carried lOO-pound ride, with
one heavy 6S-pounder, and SIX broadsde 81
Founders.
The Rearsarge carried four broadside 80
Founders, two ll-inch and one 2S-pound rifle,
being four less than the Alabama.
The only shot which fear will give us any
trouble, is a l00.pound rifle, which entered our
stern port and remains at present unexploded.
IL would seem almost inVidiOus to particularize
the conduci of any one man or officer In an affair
in which all have done their duty with tort-
tude and cColness which cannot be too highly
praised but feel it due TO my executive officer
Lieutenant. Commander Thornton, who super
intended the working Of the battery, to par
ticularly mention him for an example of GOODNESS
and encouragement of the men while fighting,
which contributed much towards the success OF
the action. have the honor 10 be very respect
fully your obedient servant,
JOIN A. WHsLow, Captain.
Hon. G. WELLEs, Secretary of Navy.
Surgeon Brown reports John W. Dempsey,
quartermasteT gunner, has his arm amputated,
owing to fracture, and William GOWN and James
Macbeth, ordinary seamen, severely wounded.