The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-23


Unadilla, four guns, Commander Napoleon
Collins: Ottawa. four guns, Commander T.
H. Stevens; Pauline, four guns, Commander
J. II. BankLead; Seneca, four guns, COM
smander Daniel Ammen; Isaac Smith, SIX
guns. Commander F. S. Conover.
For the proper maintenance and more
strict enforcement of the blockade it was
deemed essentially requisite to secure, if
possible, q harbor on the Atlantic coast as a
coaling, supp and repair station. For this
purpose the suitability of several places was
considered. Part Royal, however, in the
opinion of the Navy Department, presented
advantages not possessed by any ether
locality, on account of its magnificent har-
Dor. where vessels would not be exposed to
the storms incidental to the coast. IL was
also desirable to again plant the Union eelols
on the soil of rebeiIious Soath Carolina, and
establish base of supplies for further ag-
rressive movements by our land forces
against the enemy. That Port Royal was
suitable and appropriate place for the re-
ouired purpose, will be admitted by all who
are familiar witIt the locality.
THE EXPEDITION SAILS.
The expedition which sailed from Hamp-
ton Roads Oc'. 90, encountered a storm
of remarkable severity eff Cape Ha:teras,
and the transport steamers carrying troops
under Gen. Sherman suffered considerably.
Onevessel, named the Governor, was lost. This
vessel had on board "a battalion of Marines
from the Marine Barracks at Washington,
cDmman led by Maj. Reynolds, some of whom
we're lost liz ;fe wreck The expedition
finally reached its destination Nov. g. and
made preparations for action.
Port Royal is situated on the coast of
South Carolina, about midway between
Charleston and Savannah. Its detenses con-
sisted of two weil-constructed forts. COM
nnanding the entrance 10 the harbor, about
three miles apart. Fort Walker was simated
on Hilton Head aud mounted 3 guns. Fort
Beaureeard WAS situated on Bay Point, and
mounted IS guns. TIE garrison consisted
of about 5000 men, commanded By Gen.
Thomas T. Drayton.
In addition to this force Commodore
JOSH. TatnalI, of the rebel navy. was ordered
from S tvannah TO assist Gen. Drayton. His
force consisted of four armed steamers,
named and oaieered as follows: Lady Davis.
Capt. J. Ruiiedge; Sampson, Capt j. Ken
nard; Resolu;e, Capt. j. 2. Jones; Savannah,
Capt. ]. " MefIit.
This flotiila in the early part of the en-
Eagement took quite prominent part but
when the resnls became apparent, inglori-
pusly retrsa ed, going up Skull Creek,
small streaia in the rear OF Hilton Head
THE importance Of holding Port Royal was
fully realized 10y the Confederate auihori-
hes, and ample preparations were made to
resist the contemplated attack. The plan of
action having ben arranged by Flag Officer
Du Pont, the engagement commenced about
8. M. Noy. :, 1861, all the vessels being
under way ard speed reduced sufficient to
maintain Tie line of battle as previously
agreed upon b. Du Pont
On nearing ihe iorts, and at distance of
about 500 yard, cur shells burst with great
regularity inside the works. The enemy
fer a time G,ed quite briskly, but as we
moved in closer they evidently became dis
couraged ana iSeir fire sisckened. As TIE
engagement progressed and orr fire, which
was delivered wllh remarkable precision,
increased, i became evident that every gun
in the forts would be dismountsd, ard every
man killed " 10 remained at his post. About
noon firing ircia he enemy entirely ceased,
and soon ;.ae-ward they were noticed in
full retreat irgm our bursting shells, and
they all seemed 10 have some very important
appointment ia some safer locality. We
were then distant about 600 yards, and
ceased firing.
RAISING THE STARS AND STRIPES.
Comman ier Rodgers was sent On shore at
Fort Walker, where he raised the Union
flag, and the same interesting ceremony
Ess performed at Fort Beauregard. Eight
Men were kiied and % wounded on board
of the vessels. The loss of the enemy could
not be definitely learned, but some of their
dead were left il Fort Walker. The escape
Of the garrison was an unfortunate event,
but there was no means TO prevent it at the
time. Gen. Sherman's troops were landed
as soon as possible and occupied the works
The sUcce-s lul capture OF Port Royal was
an event Of uiGsu uai importance at that time.
1t was ably lanned and skiilfully executed,
and it was exclusively naval victory from
ite inception anti It's final csnsummation. 1t
was ray OF Sunshine bursting through the
dark clouds that enyeloped the Union hori-
zon- 1t planted cGce more the starry banner
on the soil OF South Carolina; il increased
the value OF our securities, stimulated enlist
nenis, and Is notice 10 domestic traitors
and foreign allies that the United States
Navy had lost none of its former prestige.
BY an act OF Congress approved July 16,
1862, the grade Of Rear-Admiral was estab-
lished, and the rank was Immediately con-
ferred by the President On Flag Officer Du
Pont. The other officers honored at the
time were 4. IL. Foote and ID. g. Farragnt.
In grateful iecegnition Of Du Points valuable
services C0ugross, on the recommendation of
the President. passed the following resolu-
iion Of thaik ks:
BE IL rcsolred That the thanks OF Congress be and
Gre hereby trn'fNFed To Capt. Samuel +. Du Pont,
and through ia tic officers. petty olIircrs sea-
men, REd marines attached 10 tie squadron under
bis command, Ir Use decisive aud splendid vic ogy
achieved at l''rt Royal on the 7th day Of Sovem-
Der Inst.
Approved Feb. q. 1852.
The u. S. steamers pawnee, Capt Drayton
Unadilla, Cant. Collins; Pembina, Capt Bank
head and klxsn, Capt. Boutelie, constituted
River Nov. -. Ic6i. and valuable service was