Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-07-14
The Great Naval Battle.

The Navy Department has received
the following official report from Capt.
Winslow, of the kearsage:
U. S. STEAMER KsARsAGE> Cherboury,
France. June 10. 1864. Sir; have
the honor to inform the department that
the day subsequent to the arrival of the
Kearsage off this port, on the 18th inst,
| received note from Capt. Scmmes.
begging that the .Kearsagc would not
depart, as he intended to fight her. aud
would not delay her but day or two.
According to this notice, the Alabama
left the port of Chcrbourg this morning
at about $50 O'clock. At 1920 \. VI.
we discovered her, steering toward us.
Fearing thequestion Of jurisdiction might
arise, we steamed to sea until 4 distance
of six or seven miles was attained from
the Cherbourg brcakwater, when We
rounded to and commenced stcaning for
the Alabama, As We. approached her
within about 200 yards she opened fire
we receiving two or three broadsi'les be-
fore a shot was returned. The action
continued, the respective steamers max
ing Il circle round and round, Mt a dis
lance of about nine hundred yards from
each other.
At the expiration of an hour the .Alaba-
ma struck, going down in about twenty
minutes afterwards, and carrying many
persons with her.
1t affords mo great satisfaction. to an
nounce to the Department that every Off
Ger and man did their duty, exhibiting a
degree of GOODNESS and fortitudc which
gave promise at the outset of certain VIC
tory.
/ have the honor to be, most respect
fully your obedient servant,
j. A. WINsLow, Captain.
Z. S. S. KEARsAoE. Cherbomy, Froact,
June 30, 18G4.-Sir: l enclose here
with the Surgeons report of the casual
ties on board this vessel in the late ac.
ton with the Alabama
Although we received some % or so
shots, IL or 13 taking effect in the hull
by the mercy of God we have been spared
the loss of life, whereas in the case of the
Alabama the carnage learn, was dread
full.
The ships were nbout equal in match,
the tonnage being the same. The Ala.
bama carrying one hundred pound rife
with one heavy 6S-poundcr and six
broadside 32-pounders, and the Kearsage
carrying four broats side 32-pounders, two
11-inch aud one 2S-poundcr rife, one
gun less than the Alabama.
The only shot which fear will give
us any trouble is one hundred pound rifle
which entered our stern post and remains
at present uncxploded.
1t would seem almost invidous to par
ticularizc the conduct of any one man or
officer in which all had done their duty
with fortitude aud GOODNESS which can
not be too highly praised ; but feel it
due to my executive officer. Lieutenant
Commander Thornton. who superintcn.
ded the working of the battery, to par
mention him for an example Of
GOODNESS and encouragement of the men
while fighting, which contributed much
toward the success Of the action.
Very respectfully. your obedient :erv',
J. A. VISION, Captain.
Hon. Gideon Wells, Sec'y Of the lazy.
U. S. S KEARsAGE, Cherbourg Franco.
June 10, 1864. Sir Il report the fol-
lowing casualties from the engagement
this morning with the Alabama: John
W. Dempsey, quarter gunner. compound
fracture of the right arm-arm amputated:
VIM Gown, ordinary seaman. compound
ivctare of the left thigh and leg-scri-
,usly wounded : James Macbeth, crdina-
y seaman, compound fracture of left leg
seriously wounded. .
Very respectfully, your obedicnt scrv't !
j. w. BaowNE, Surgeon.