The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-09-03

From One OF Admiral Browns Crew
Twenty-Seven Years Ago.

From One OF Admiral Browns Crew
Twenty-seven Years Ago.
SEATTLE, Wash. Sept 2, 1890.
TO THE EDITOR: fought under six different
commanders during the late rebellion, and
kear-Admfral George Brown was one Of the
bravest and coolest commanders that ever step
ped on the deck of q man-of- war. During the
last rebellion was one Of the sixteen that was
picked from Admiral Porfer's feet to run the
blockade et Vicksburg on the Indianola, Cap
tain George Brown commander, and while rum
ming by fifteen miles of heavy cannonading
from the enemys batteries. which Comprised
the water defenses OF vicksburg, Miss, we had
great fear Of our pilot, for he insisted on lying
down on the hurricane deck. exposed to the
enemy's nre until all danger was past and the
Indianola in perfect safety, when, with three
hearty cheers. congratulating ourselves on our
success. Captain Brown steamed down the
Mississippi TO the mouth Of Red river,
across Elliott who nad just lost
his vessel. the ram Queen of the West.
but was successful in capturing q small stern
wheel boat, and after Commander George Brown
had given him clothes and provisions sent him
up the river with orders, we leisurely following
him; and about twenty-five miles below Vicks-
burg we were attacked by six rebel vessels, the
ram Queen OF the West. the Webb and four
cotton-clad steamboats,. with about 500 men on
board OF them, who were acting Is sharp
shooters. Their Intentions were to BOARD us and
capture us that way, but Captain Brown fooled
them. They came alongside, but did not at
tempt to board us. We were ready for them
WIN our boarding pixies, and after some very
lively work for one hour and q half, being
rammed seven or eight times, the word
was passed to Captain Brown that
the magazine was fast filling mp
with water, aud in q little while the vessel sank
During ali this time Captain Brown was on the
hurricane deck, giving orders through the top
OF the turret, exposed TO the fire of the sharp
shooters. He was struck with q minnie ball on
the end of the nose, and was also wounded in
his right knee, bat still remained on the hurri-
cane deck to the last A singular coincidence
plantation. After we were captured and taken
to Vicksburg. Captain George Brown was in
formed that they were going to take him and
his crew to Libby prison, Richmond. Va. and
they wanted 10 parole Us. Captain Brown
wanted TO know how they were going to send
us to Richmond, Va, sfor IL you send US under
guard we will not be paroled, for we fought our
way in and Will fight our way out. If we get
tue chance to escape we certainly shall do So"
Nor did Captain Brown get paroled ali the time
we were in Dixie. In Richmond he had a
chance TO be exchanged. but wouli not be ex-
changed on account OF leaving his crew, and
after being three months and one day in Dixie
as prisoners, he aud his crew were exchanged
at City Point, Va A Drawer commander don't
know, nor have read of, and / don't think
there was one in the Iudianola's crew bat fairly
worshipped Captain Brown. Yours respect
fully, JOSEPH r. MALAN.