Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-07-22

rled by the taunts OF our SIDE, by the
pats on the back of his friends and sym.
pathizers, and the restrictions Of the
French authorities, that less brave man
than he would have beea driven by des-
peraton to fight; and Capt. Winslow,
who properly estimated all these circum-
stances felt perfectly sure that Semmes
was going to fight. Semmes left all his
valuables in the hands of the Brazilian
Consular agent on shore, and after invt-
ing his friends to come out and see the
fight, went to sea. ."-Boston Adrertiser.
~ Secretary Welles has sent to Capt.
Winslow of the kcarsage, the following
recognition Of his services in the destruct
ion Of the pirate Alabama:
Navy Department, July 6.
Sir-Your very brief dispatch of the
10Th and 2Oth ult, informing the Depart
ment that the piratical craft Alabama, or
600" had been sunk on the 10th OF June
near Meridian, by the kearsagc, under
your command Were this day received.
congratulate you on Your good fortune
in meeting this vessel. which has so long
avoided the fastest ships and some of the
most yigilant and intelligent officers of the
service; an for the ability displayed in
the combat you have the thanks Of the te-
partmeht.
You will please express to the officers
and crew OF the kearsage the satisfaction
of the Government at the victory over a
vessel superior in tonnage. III number OF
guns, ana in the number OF the crew.
The note was so brief, the victory so de-
cisve, and the comparative results so
striking, that the country.Will be reminded
of the brilliant actions of our infant navy,
which have been repeated and iliu tyatt III
this engagement.
The Aiabana represented the best mari
time effort of the most skilled English
workshop; the battery was comprised OF
we'll tried b. Founders, of the famous 65-
pounder of the British navy, and of the
only successful riHed 100 pounder vet pro-
duced in England the crew were gener-
ally recruited in Great Britain, aud many
of them had received superior training on
board Her Majesty's gunnery ship The
Excellent The kcarsngc was one OF
the first ginboats built at our navy yards
at the commencement of the rebellion.and
hcks the improvements Of the vessels now
under construction.
The principal guns comprising the bat
terry had never been tried in an exclusive
ly naval engagement, yet in an hour you
succeeded in sinking Your antagonist, thus
iitly ending her predatory career and kill
ing of her crew without injury to the
Kearsage or the loss of :. single lie on
your vessel.
Our countrymen have reason to be salts
fed that i'll this, as in every naval action
of this unhappy war, neither our ships
runs nor crews have been deteriorated, but
that they maintain the ability and continue
The renoWn which has ever adorned our
naval annals.
The President has signiied his intention
to recommend that you receive vote o.
hanks, in order that You may be admitted
% the grade of Commodore.
1t. Com. james S. Thornton, Executive
Officer Of the kcarsage, will be recon-
mcnded to the Senate for advancement ten
nunl5ers in his grade, and you will report
to the department the names of any others
OF the officers or crew whose good conduct
on the occasion entities them to especial
mention. Very respectfully,
(oigned) GIDEON WELLEs,
Sec'y of Navy.
Capt. John A Winslow, L, S. Navy, Com
manding l. S, Steamer kearsage, Cher
bourg, France.