The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-07-11

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can, in a space of three-quarters of mile wide
by about one mile long, the discharge of 20 10
inch mortars, the firing from the guns OF y
vessels, while the euemy's forts, batteries and
fiotilla were also firing missiles of all kinds and
sizes.
~ tell you The air was nigh solid with the howl
ing irons flight
And twas such n storm fell DER us where the
Brooklyn went that night"
The strong current of the Mississippi Inn
neded our progress somewhat. and il was about
3 a. m. when Farraguts division. led by Capt
Bailey on the gunboat Cayuga, reached posi-
tion between the two forts. All the vessels
were firing at will. using canister, shell and
solid shot. As the gunboats and sloops of-war
came mp within close range Of the forts our
terrific broadsides told severely on the enemy,
who fought throughout the engagement
WITH REMARKABLE BRAVERY AND COURAGE
While the Hartford was engaged Mt close
quarters with Fort st. Philip, largo fire-raft
set her on FIRE and her destruction seemed immi-
nent; but, thanks to the excellent discipline
of her crew, the flames were soon extinguishcd,
and the Hartford pushed on to victory, the
vessel having been struck 52 times. Several
were killed and largo number wounded.
While our broadsides swept the rebel ramparts,
the mortars seemed to redouhle their former
efforts, and the burning fuse Of their shells as
they swept through the air enabled us TO watch
their fight on their errands of destruction.
The steamers Of Porter's division engaged the
enemy at close quarters until Farragufs divis
ion had passed the forts when they dropped
down the stream ont Of range.
Passing beyond the forts we encountered the
rebel h0tilla, and then occurred scene notlikely
TO be ever forgotten by those who witnessed it
bnt the action was short, sharp and decisive,
resulting in the destruction OF about dozen
rebel vessels aud the capture Of the balance.
One of our gunboats. the Yaruna, engaged two
rebel steamers the Governor Moore and Gen.
Breckenridge, and so desperate was the en-
counter that all three went down together.
This was the only vessel we lost in the pas sage
of the forts. Her crew was taken off by
boats from the IToquois and Oneida which
fortunately came 10 her rescue in time TO help
sink her antagonists. The Gov. Moore was
commanded by Beverly kennon, and lost 81
killed aud IL wounded. The Naruna WIS COM
manded by Capt. Charles s. Boggs His loss was
trihing-fOur killed and nine wounded His
crew was distributed among the vessels of
the squadron.
The ironclad ram Manassas selected the
Brooklyn for her victim. aud bore down upon
us with astonishing rapidity. A shot from her
forward piyot-gun took the head completely of
one of our crew who was standing near tho
writer. The ram struck the Brooklyn a pow
erfnl blow on the starboard side amidships,
crushing in several planks. We gave her n
broadsde of solid shot, and she then drifted by
Us a helpless, useless wreck. She then Gu
countered the sloop-of-war Mississippi, which
was closely following Us.
HAVING EFFEcTUALLY DISPOSED OF THE
REBEL FLoTILLA,
signal was made to cease firing, and we an
choTed about Eve miles above the forts. One
vessel, the Yarnna. had been sunk; three gun
boats. the ltasca, kcnnebec and Nnona, were
disabled, aud failed 10 pass tho sloop-of war
Portsmouth. being sailing vessel, did not at
tempt to pass, and, consequently, was still be.
low the forts. All the vessels that did pass
were considerably damaged and temporary re-.
pairs were necessary. The wounded were be-
ing cared for rs far as our resources would per-
init. aud all tho dead were taken ashore aud
buried each one wrapped in piece of canvas
hasty breakfast. consisting OF hardiack and
coffee, was distributed among those Of Us who
were able 10 partake of such luxuries. after
which we got under way again aud started up
the river. For miles on both sides Of the river
the houses were decorated with white flags,
aud as we proceeded the negroes OF the planta-
ions left their labors aud goeked TO the levee
in apparent ecstacies OF joy at our approach,
bowing aud tossing their hats aud caps high in
the air.
The prceaution had been taken OF cutting
the telegraph wires, but the people Of New Or
leans had bcon already informed Of the fall Of
the works. aud made preparation 70 give Us a
Characteristic reception at the city. During
the morning and afternoon dense columns Of
smoke were visible in the direction of New Or
leans. indicating that something was on FIRE.
The danes and smoke continued visible until
about o clock p. ta., when we anchored 20 miles
below the city aud remained all night.
At s. IA. pext morning the flagship made
signals 10 get under way, aud we proceeded
slowly up the river. During the afternoon
several large vessels. enyeloped IN flames. came
drifting down from the city. at which point
they had been accidentally = set on fire and cut
loose from the wharfs Some were loaded
with cotton, and others were apparently empty.
At II a. m. we sighted the Chalmette batteries.
located on both sides Of the river The guns
were manned and awaiting our approach within
range. II they werc spelling for a fight, aud
anxious 20 distinguish themselves, We did not
keep them long ia suspense; in fact, we hasten.
cd towards them as rapidly as steam could take
rs. Their shot fell around us quite lively foI
awhile. The leading gnnboats dropped few
shells among them as a solemn warning oi
what Was 70 follow when the larger vessel,
came up.
As soon ~ the sloops Of. war got within range
Of the batteries nc gave them broadside O.
shot and she'll
WHICH Produced SUCH A MAGIC EFFECT
that It's repetition was entirely unnecessary
In fact, 50 hssty was their fight, thev did mo-
even say good-by or raise a white Gag I'm toket
Of surrender. Without any further trouble ",
passed on mp 10 the city, aud arrived there
about ] o'clock IN the afternoon Of April p
/ 1862. The view from our decks was such a,
will probably never be witnessed again. A
| large city lay at the mercy Of our feet ths
legee was crowded by an excited mob th,
smoke from the ruins Of millions Of dollars
worth Of cotton and shipping at times concealed
/ the people; the river was filed with ships on
/ FIRE. and along the legee were burning vessels
cotton-warehouscs and lnmber-yards Othei
! property was destroyed as fast as the torcl
/ could be applied, while men were Tushinl
along the jesee firing ships and river craft o
/ all kinds, and others were rushing 90 aud fro
crazed with excitement, cheering for Jen Day
and Beanregard and using the most insolen
aud defiant language towards the old Gag.
About hour after our arrival Capt. Theo
dOrus Bailey was sent on shore 10 demand ,
1 surrender Of the city. He was accompaui ie.
| by Lieut.. Geo. ii. Perkins. These officers cal
laBtly faced the bowling mob and proceeded
! directly 20 the City Hail. where they met th
Mayor Of the city, John II. Monroe He In
formed the officers that the city being ia pos
session Of the military authorities, he was IN
able 10 comply with the demand for surrender
Gen. Mansfield Lowell was then sent for an,
the demand repeated 10 him. lie also declined
but stated that having evacuated the city will
his troops and being about 10 leave be woult
restore the city to the custody Of the civil au
thorities. The naval officers then ordered tin
Mayor 10 remove the State flag from the roo
OF the City Hall: 10 permit no Confedcrat
flag to fy in the presence of our vessels. ani