Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-10-24
DEBATE RAN ARKANSAS


Nicksburg. Few thought, though, that she
would attempt IL In the presence OF both fleets,
besides two gunboats were blockadingc the Ia
zoo 10 prevent her escape. Both of these boats
fought her when she made her appearance, but
did little damage. The gunboat Tyler fought
her side by side until the feet was reached,
when she hauled off crippled. with more than
half her crew killed or wounded. The fleet
then received the RAM as with flying coIors she
passed down the narrow passage. Each ship
poured a broadside into her as she came within
range. Unfortunately, every shot that missed
the opposite side, blowing up some, sinking
others, and causing heavy loss of life. The IA m
reached vicksburg in safety. The old admiral
On deck in his night-gown and cap,
and stood on the poop deck IN
this costume during the ,n rams pa;sage Before
action. He seemed greatly aggravated that the
ram should reach Vicksburg. 1t was decided
five o'clock the fleet got under way and moved
down. Admiral LAWS accompanied US TO the
first batteries, which he engaged while we
II was evident that the batteries had been con-
sidefably strengthened Several OF the ships
eese waieh was Sept oP her as we enc passea a1
She was supposed TO be lying near the center OF
the town, along the bank; but, although we
we could not discover her The sole object OF
this engagement was to discover and destroy
the ram, and having failed 10 that the feet
1t was now the beginning of the unhealthy
season. Half the officers and men were already
sick from many forms of malaria. Gen. VIII
lams' men ashore seemed to suffer more than
the men oa the vessels. We were heartily sick
of the river, and IL was said that Farragut him
self was opposed to river lighting, and preferred
attacking Mobile or some other defences on the
coast.
That same night all hands were called TO
muster on the quarter deck. Capt wainwright
soon made his appearance and, with the admi-
raj standing by him, spoke feelingly OF the
and said that had the ram been destroyed it
was the intention to leave the river immedi-
ately. but il was not safe TO leave such q power
full enemy behind. He considered IL q most
batteries to attempt her capture, and had de-
cided to consult with the ships cpnpany
whether we should attempt il or remain in the
quickly answered with, Eve viii follow YOU
anywhere" and continued cheering followed
1t was in some way decided not TO return TO
Vicksburg. The feet with Gen. Williams army
continued down the river and at Baton Rouge,
Gen. Williams landed with his troops, and the
Essex and some OF the smaller gun boats re-
manned there. The Hartford continued down
to New Orleans.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN wAINwRIGHT.
Shortly after our arrival Capt Wainwright
died-the greatest misfortune that could have
happened US. He was succeeded by Capt.
Palmer, whose harsh and unfeeline treatment
of the men resulted I'm dissatisfaction and nu-
merous assertions. We soon heard Of the de-
struction of the ram Arkansas Her engines
broke down and she YVES run ashore and nred.
The Hartford sailed soon AMER for Pensacola,
where she remained nearly three months and
the enemy who had fortiasd Fort Hudson and
had obtained control Of the Minsissippi from the
Red.nver 20 vioksSuE1.