Evening star., 1886-07-03

admiral, separated from his feet exposed to
boat attacks by night, unable to obtain vessels
suitable to the work, and patiently performing
But the work accomplished in weakening the
enemy's position by maintaining the blockade
OF the hed river materially contributed to the
terry OF the river course.
In the execution OF these less heroic duties
the sterling Qualities of Farragut are conspic-
nous. Patience, watchful devotion TO duty, &C
tivlty and Skill were here apparent as in
action, and the services performed by Farra-
deeds
After this continued service OF nineteen
months, Farragut was now permitted to take
where he was received with welcome plaudits
as the hero of New Orleans, the importance OF
| metropolis were quick to see and appreciate. II
was found that his ship had received two hun
DIED and forty shot and shell in her hull:
IN the early part of January, 1854, he was
back In the Gulf, organizing his recuperated
force for the crowning deed of his memorable
career during the war. Mobile, with her noble
pay, protected by strong forts and obstructed
channels, had served too well the purposes OF
the bloekade-runners, and It had long been
fafragut wish TO attack the forts, but it was
OF the first Importance to open the Mississippi.
Besides, supporting land forces were needed,
and ironclads also, which could not be sooner
spared. Farragut had always expressed q dis.
trust OF ironclads. an opinion partly the result
OF education, partly justified by the first crude
attempts at protecting ships, but he saw that
armored ships would fe necessary here to en-
counter the formidable ram Tennessee.
His heart was certainly in his work. Here
TO maneuver in. With the same vigllant care
as at New Orleans he superintendsd the prepa-
his zeal and confidence No doubt of success
seems to have entered his mind although he
prepared for all contingencies but that. The
sssuation, however, might well cause a less con-
ndent commander to hesitate. The narrow
snlp-channeI threaded its way between shoals
and sandy islands close under the walls of
M an 81 in Nxifh IN lin,
range OF the eignty-six heavy guns mounted
tnere and the twenty-nine others the water
battery. Three miles TO the northwest Was
Fort Gaines, mounting thirty guns. The flats and
shoals between these were traversed by lines OF
torpedoes and other obstructions. while an en-
trance 10 the westward was defended by the
four guns OF Fort Powell. Perhaps tue torpe-
does were the most dreaded, and careful obser-
orcs so aVnd tnsm naSis Ssan
Them after these obstacles had been sur
mounted. 1t was small one, but Its
known to be more formidable than any yet en-
countered, and her commander was an old
ana an. experienced veteran-a foenan worthy OF
tarraSuts steel. She was armored with nve.
lnch armor, had u metal Prov and her heavy
rlhe-guns were well mounted in protected bat-
terry. Three wooden gunboats, mounting sew.
enteen guns, supported her. The attacking
neet consisted Ol seven SloOps-Of-War. seven gum
Doats and TOUR monitors. Southeast OF Fort
Morgan were anchored five light steamers to
aId by a hre on the tort, and TO Tue west ward OF
Fort Powell small hotiiia supported the LAND
soon alter Z O'Clock on the morning of the
9th OF August, 1S64, the engagement began.
tne ships approaching the fort IN single coium n
with gunuoat lashed to the port side OF eacu
sioOp, and the four monitors i'll separate colum u
between them and Inc tort. The occurrences of
THIS most stirring and graphic fight have been
50 Wen toIo ana are SO weu known that we need
not nn.er over 1t. AS the gallant Craven, who
urea Tue urst gun, approached the buoy mark
Ing the nne oi torpedoes, the ram Tennessee
approached, awaiting his attack UIsregardiug
the ODstacies, aud eager TO meet the JOe ne
Dashed On to Inc westward OF the warning buoy
Suddenly, without aInomenls warning me
Iecumseh struck one OF the unseen weauous
ana Sank from sight. with most OF her Officers
aho crew. For moment the advancing
column hesItated. The BROOKLYN in au-
vance, was In danger Oi becoming entaneled
among the torpeuues, and her gallant COM
nanoer hesltated, stopping and backing, to ex-
Ilcate his vessel from her perilous position.
The line was thus thrown into temporary CON
l0siOh, the ships iOr u moment Ceased hiring
Wniie tue tort, taking advantage Of this, re.
doubled It's terrible volleys. AS the smoke OF
battle clears away from tue tops and de:ks of
the ships, the central hsore is the heroic Far.
rasut, hlsn up In Inc rigging OF the Hartford,
just astern Oh the BrOOhlyn. One OF Those de-
clslve moments had arrIv ed when it devolyed
upon hlm to wrest victory from apparent de-
leat ana display those great qualities of lead
ersalp which We nave seen he possessed
W1thouta an instant hesitation, as il despisinp
such hidden Ioes, he dasued rignt across the
line O1 torpedOes, followed 10y the Otner ships
ana the VlctOry was won, after a hard hour 4
contest A snort but spirited fight with the
ram ram ended IN driving her under the guns ol
Fort Morgan, and the gunboats made short
WORK OF tue other vessels OF the confederate
heet They were not yet done with the ram,
however. Win Quixotic cnivairy, Buchanan
once more advanced to the attack, after the
neet had anchored IN the bay, galiantly con-
tendinS against tue slOOps and mOultors, until,
ranmeu ny each Ia turn, his oeIectively-p pro.
tected steering-scar injured and himself
wounded, he reluctantly surrendered
The Work OF FarraguL was done. The country
owes deOt Oi gratitude 10 tbs memory which
has only been Partially repaid. Compared with
the favors Iavished upon tue successiul leaders
OF the brother arm vi the service, his reward WAS
measer Indeed. Not that the "ungrateIu. re-
pubic did not SHOW him gratitude in voting
hIm thanks and by making uim the nrsL A le r
lcau admiral, out that III Tue general NEGLECT OF
the navy anu ignorance oil tue Important part
performed by IT III the great struggle IOr the
Union the sovereign people should not nave
seen the value OF his services, the greatness, of
his character, and tn;,t not tIJne VI the praise
that has been lavished on other leaders was
bis.
The heroic greatress, the high professional
Qualities, the decision Oi character, and daring
bravery shown by Farragut in his personal
leadership IN these contests OutShine the uuai-
tiles and deeds oi many u hero ot greater past
renown. 10 thorough mastery OF his profession
ne added restless energy, devotion 10 duty, a
Duoyant, cheerful spirit, personal bravery great
SelI-reliance, AMI Stainless honor. He was
appareueiS di,ualnIul OF obstacles and ever
confident OF success. While he did not TAIL to
see the power and Importance OF the new
weapons, the ram aud the torpedo, he did not
give them a great place IN his calculations.
believing in the power of his heavy suips to
success of the other.
can pay NO greater tribute to his memory
than 10 quote tue words OF our most versatile
poet, the genial Holmes:
II give the name that fits him best
Ay, oetter tuan ms 0wn,-
The sea-king vi the sovereign West
VINO made his inast u turone.'
F. s. BAssErT, Lieutenant U. s. Navy.