The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-08-19
From MobiIc.-OGIcini Report OF Admi-
raj Farragut.
FLAG SuIp HARTFORD,


Sr:-I have the honor to report to the
Department that this morning entered Mo.
bile Bay, passing between Forts Morgan and
Gaines, cncountering the rebel ram Tenncs.
sec and gunboats of the enemy, viz, tho Sell
ma, Morgan and Gaines.
The attacking feet was underwcigh by
3.45 A. NJ, in the following order The
BROOKLYN with the Octoroon on her port side,
the Hartford with tho Metacomct, the Rich
mond with the Port Royal, the Lackawana
with the Seminole, the Monongahela with
tho Tecumseh, the 0ssipec with the ltasca,
and the Oneida with tho Galcua. On the
starboard of tho fleet WIS the proper position
of the monitors or iron.clads.
The wind was light from the southwest,
and tho sky was cloudy with very little sun.
Fort Morgan opened upon us at ten minutes
past seven O'Clock, and soon alter this the
action became lively.
As we steamed up tho main ship channel,
there was some difficulty ahead, and tho
Hartford passed on ahead of the Brooklyn.
At 7. 40 the monitor Tecumseh was struck
by a torpedo and sunk, gong down with oil
the officers and crew, with the exception OF
the pilot and eight or ten mon. who were
saved by boat sent from tho Metacomet,
which was alongside me.
The Hartford had passed the forts before
8 o'clock, and finding myself raked by tho
rebel cunboats, I ordered the Metacomet to
cast OF and 20 in pursuit OF them, ono OF
which, the Selma, she succeeded in capturing.
All the vessels had passed the forts by $50,
hut the rebel ram Tennessee was still appar.
emily uninjurcd in our rear. A signal was
mt once made to all tho feet to turn again
and attack tho ram, not only with guns, but
orders TO run her down ut foil speed. The
Monungahela was the first that struck her,
and though sho may have injured her badly,
yot she did not succeed in disabling her.
The Lackawana also struck her, but Intellect
ually. The Gag ship gave her asevere shock
with her bow, and as she passed poured into
hor whole port broadsido OF solid 0.inch
shot and Is pounds oi powder. ut distance
of not more than twelve feet. The iron-clnds
were closing upon her, and the Hartford and
the rest of the fleet were bearing down upon
her. when at 10 A. Nj. she surrendered. Tho
rest of the rebel fleet, viz. tho Morgan and
Gaines, succeeded in getting back under the
protection Of Fort Morgan. This tcrminat-
cd the action of the day.
Admiral Buchanan sent me his sword, be-
ing himself badly wounded with compound
fracture Of the leg, which 1t is supposed will
have to be amputated.
Having had many of my men wounded
and the surgeon OF tho Tennessee being de-
sirous to have Buchanan removed to hospi.
tai, sent flag OF truce to tho command
ing officer Of Fort Morgan. Brig. Gen. Page,
to sec IL he would allow the wounded of the
fleet, rs we'll rs their own, to be taken to
Pensacola. where they would be taken better
care of than hero. | would send out one of
our vessels, provided she would be permitted
to return, bringing back nothing she did not
take out. Gen. Page consented, and the
Metacomct was dispatched.
On tho rebel ram Tennessee wcsc captured
twenty officers and ITO men. On the Selma
were taken ninety officers and men.
Very respectfully.
d. G. FARRAour,
Rear Admiral Commanding.