The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-06-11
Who Saved the ELLA Morse.
70 Tnx EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

u,
In lo,.sr from New Orleans, published In the HssD
OF May 70, headed Sour Naval Correspondence" the
credit Of saving tho s.eamug Ella More from capture by
the rebels ascrbed TO the gaantsy Of officer In the
United States Navy.
Feeling interested In this steamer, and knowing tho
facts or tho case, beg gsave make the following
statement that tho meru brave action may attach 70
whom properly bclsngs In this instance the credit
undoubtedly due - the master Of the tug, Captain Simeon
Pepper, Of Brooklyn, N. "
The Ella Worse was engaged FOR tho government IN tow
ing bares loaded with cattle from Caicasisn 70 Bashear
City, She was guarded BY tho gunbosts Wave ana
Granite CITY, which were both taken By the rebels one
evening while the tug was below. On her return the
following day the gunboats still lying 10 the Same
and ono suspected that they mac hs
came out - usual to see them pass, ana Al Vas
apparently as peaceful and secure . On the previous
yards OF the gunboas the quick eye OF the masser 90
hing unusual and hc refused 70 60 further
had agreed although urged 10 do BY al Tho officers and
gentlemen on board.
No sooner was the ssnal given than !. was answered
quickly possible and heading her down stream Captain
Pepper directed the engineer TO put all steam and
TOOK his station with tho pilot at the wheel For several
minutes tho boat steamed through perfect storm Of shot
and shell, which bursting and all sides OF her
OF soldiers appeared the banks OF the river having
sprung from the tall grass IN which they had hitherto
been concealed As tho tug neared them keeping in ihe
channel which flowed within twenty-five yards Of the
shore they poured her FUN voey and ioowed bsr
down tho river loading and rng as they ran The bljo
wounded IN the 6Taasi and arm at the nrs; Gro ana
forced TO go below. CAPTAIN ropuer No. - :
manning man on ascx. himself scos the wheel Calling
the mate be directed him 10 lie ra upon his face beside
him. ready to take the in case be himself should
ran Then getting upon his Ens tnst ne msn. ne par
uaiiy projected, and raising himsen loT snu .ncn 70
wA.cn hc course OF the boat he steereu sI 2o"a INC
s.esm WINE the balls dew thick around him
Inc danger seemed nearly over when upon the ,npo
sIe oank company o. cavalry were seen hasenin, %
poot below near which The vefsel pass. Having
reached THIS point they waded irso The stream ana ~
tnc vessel came NJ fred at Der full cbsree. The
captain bravely determined not o. surrender and kcen
ng the vessel on her course seccd her triun
through this last add greatest danger.
seems almost miracle -A
The stars and stripes Tying during The vvhos Ar
we AMIR The beat bears the marks in every nart
Oh the terrible IRE through which she passed
one Dali passed through the hat and another through the
coat Of The mister. Doasese the robes thought them
selves sure OK their prize, they would have pleuted
ore or Two small guns 81 the ON, referred to- in which
event her capture would have boon certain
The officers and & ntemcu board during the adveu.
lure; on Their return 70 New Orleans presented TO the
master au elegant gold hcaded cane, Inscribed ITO Can
tam Pepper, for his gaiap,fy at Cacascn Piss Nv
DIS bravery ne saved from cnptars many men aud saved
" the United rt8es Treasury what would other se
been caii1 upon II for til full value Of the boaL
MAKE Tits simple statement thai honor NAV be pad
70 ShoiA honor Is due. ONE or TEE OWNERS
Ct steamer Ella Movrn