The National tribune., 1886-10-28
ON B GUNBOAT,
The General Thomas Running the
Batteries at Decatur, Ala.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: On picking
up an old NATIONAL TRIBUSEa day or two ago,
one Of the first articles that attracted my atten-
ton was one on the gunboat General Thomas.
For a long time / have been waiting 10 see some
article written on the naval service, and least
expected 10 see one from the pen of my old
commander, Gilbert Morton, whom / supposed
had long ago passed away 20 the Grand Encamp-
ment above, where SO many thousands have al
ready gone. The reading Of his letter brought
up many recOllectiOns of incidents that tran
spired during the short time that ii was my
pleasure to serve under him.
At the time Gen. Hood appeared before De-
catur, Ala, with his forces, to make a crossing
at that point on his march to capture Mas
vile, the gunboat General Thomas was patrol
ling the river between Guntersville and Decatur.
At point about l. or II miles above Deca-
tur Capt Morton was pacing the hurricane
deck forward Of the pilothouse smoking his
meerschaum pipe, when he stopped rather sud-
denly, and seemed to be In deep meditation.
Turning around he asked the Pilot If he heard
anything that sounded like
THE FIRING OF ARTILLERY.
The Pilot replied that he did not. The Cap
tain resumed his walk to and fro, when after q
lapse of half minute he was seen to again
stop and listen. Turning again to the Pilot,
he said:
There, did you hear that2"
Mr.. johnson, the Pilot. replied that he be-
lievcd he did hear something that sounded like
artillery.
Thought So" replied the Captain. Round
TO and steam down the riyerl"
The shrill whistle of the Boatswains Mate
was heard piping down all hammocks which
were placed around the boilers, and every
preparation was made for action. In due time
we reached a point five miles above Decatur
where a small creek emptied into the Tennes-
see. The boat was made fast to the shore
and all hands were piped TO wood up" In
an hour after we had landed every available
space was filled with rails cut ready for the
furnace. Some were piled around the boilers
TO protect them against the shots of the enemy.
When we landed to rail up" there was an
army gunbOat manned by an Indiana battery
under command of Capt. NaylOr. The latter
had left the boat in charge of his First Lieu
tenant, he having gone 10 Decatur to report TO
Gen. Granger. When everything was in readi-
ness, orders were given TO back out and beat to
quarters. A cloud of dust was seen in the dis
lance, and presently a squad of cavalry dashed
down TO the waters edge. This proved to be
Capt. Naylor returning with an escort of cav
airy. A boat was seen TO push of from the side
OF his gunboat and at the same time Capt. Nor
ton, of the General Thomas, ordered his gig to
be lowered. 1t brought Capt. Naylor aboard.
He was met at the gangway by Capt Morton.
As he met the latter he said;
well, Capt Morton, we have got some hot
work before us. Things are getting pretty
warm down at Decatur"
lie followed Morton to the Captains cabin,
aud after about five minutes they returned.
Before getting into his cutter Capt Naylor re-
marked:
Captain, are you going DOWN. The rebels
have 20 pieces of artillery stationed along the
banks to prevent US from going to assist Gen.
Granger"
Capt. Morton replied:
"Well, am going TO run the batteries aud
60 TO the assistance of Gen. Granger, if they
have
A HUNDRED PIECES OF ARTILLERY"
"Tm afraid they'll blow us out of water"
said Naylor.
1--WE might as well bo blown out right here
as anywhere else" replied Morton, land you
can follow me or stay where you arel"
well, Captain, if you 20 will follow you,
If 1t is to H." was MAYORS reply.
"All right; get up steam and follow mel"
Turning to the Lieutenant that had come in
charge of the cutters crew, Capt. Morton said
allow many pounds Of steam have yOu?"
Thirty pounds" replied the Lieutenant.
"Well, you're d-d nice set OF officers
| lying here within range of the enemy's guns
with only 80 pounds Of steam! Captain, you
go aboard and get up steam, and signal me
| Nuen you hio tSaug
Capt. Naylor gave the command to shove off
and it was but few moments after he reached
his own vessel when he signaled that he wa:
ready. Immediately the orders were given tC
round TO and steam down the river. Soon
| everything was in readiness apd every one
eager for the fray. The bow guns, 30-pound
PARROTS, were in command of Mr.. Gulick, the
broadside guns under Mr.. TrulsOn, the after
guns undOr my charge, and the powder division
under Mr.. A. G. circuit.
We had proceeded but short distance, per
haps 200 yards, when the first intimation W.
had Of the near presence of the enemy was
shot from a rebel sharpshooter, the ball strik
ing about two feet above my head, the heaC
being stuck out of portfolio to aid me in tax
ing a general survey of the situation. needed
no second invitation to take my head in, bu
retreated at once to safer quarters, and gavj
the order 10 close the PORTFOLIOS.
That shot was undoubtedly intended as
signal, for almost Immediately the fun com
menced. The banks of the river seemed al
most alive with the rebel sharpshooters. tn,
noise Of the bullets striking against the case
mating sounded like heavy
| u A