Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1894-05-23
THE GALLANT KEARsARGE.
The History Of the Famous Corvette
Wrecked In the Caribbean.
A Conflict that IIns Borne the Name of
the Old Corvette on the Wings of
Everlasting Fame.

Now that the Kearsarge has gone to
pieces on Roncador Reef, more than
half the people of this nation feel a
sensation as of the loss of an old and
dear friend. Nations are sentimen tai
to some degree, and have their pets, as
do individuals. The loss of one of our
expensive new white cruisers would
hardly have been fit so keenly as is
the destruction of the homely old cor
vette, whose chief value consisted of a
certain halo that hung around the
name.
The chief event in the history of the
Kearsarge, says the Blue and Gray, was
her historic duel with the Alabama. off
Cherbourg, France, in 1864. The Kear.
sarge went into commission in January,
1862, and was at once dispatched under
command of Capt. Chas. w. Pickering
on search for the privateer, Sumter.
This vessel was found in the port of
Algeciras, across the bay from Gibral-
tar Capt. Pickering anchored outside
the port and lay in wait for his victim,
but the commander OF the Sumter
wisely remained quietly in the neutral
port. So matters stood until Sept. 80,
1862, when word came that the Ala
bama was cruising off the Azores and
playing havoc with American vessels
Capt. Pickering put off in search of the
Alabama, but when he reached the
Azores the Alabama had sailed for
parts unknown; so he returned to the
Sumter. Not long thereafter the latter
was sold by the Confederate authorities
as she lay in port, 80 the blockade was
raised.
1t was not until nearly two years
later that the Kearsarge again caught
up with Alabama. She was then com,
manded by Capt. John A. Winslow,
and found the Alabama under COM
mand of Capt. Rapheal Semmes, in the
port of Cherbourg, France, where the
privateer had come for the purpose of
reiitting and repairing. Winslow an
chored off Cherbourg early in June,
and awaited the appearance of his ad-
versary. :.
Up to this time the Alabama had
succeeded In avoiding collision with
armed vessels, excepting when she
fought and sank the Hatteras, but she
|-had destroyed merchantmen and mer
chandise worth some $l5,OO0,OOO, and
her name was household word every
where. In point of size and armament
there was little difference between her
and the Kearsarge. The latter was of
1,O31 tons and the Alabama /, $50 tons;
the privateer carried eight guns, while
the corvette had seven; but two of the
latter were of larger calibre than any
on board the Alabama. In point of
speed they were we'll matched, but the
Kearsarge had crew of some 1856 men,
while the Alabama had only 100. 1t
must be remembered, however, that
while the combat occurred in neutral
waters, the surroundings, were all fav-
orable to the Alabama, while Captain
Winslow and his men were not only
cut of from all hope of assistance, but
were in the midst and practically in the
waters of nations whose sympathies
were wholly with his enemy. This deed
of Winslow and his brave American
tars, in point of heroic bravery, ranks
with the best achievements of Perry,
Decatur and John Paul Jones.
On the 14th of June, 1864, Captain
Semmes requested Captain Winslow,
through the American Consul at Cher
bourg, to remain near at hand for a few
days, until he could complete his ar
rangements for coming out and fight.
ing him. This bold defiance required
no reply, for Winslow had already sent
challenge when he dropped anchor
outside the harbor. The next four days
were spent by Capt. Semmes in active
preparation for the conflict, and about
10 o'clock on Sunday morning, June
10, 1854, the Alabama steamed out of
the harbor, attended by the French
war ship Caur0nne, the latter remain
ing with the privateer until she reached
the limits of French waters and entered
the high seas. Att respectful distance
followed the English steam yatch Deer
hound, having on board her owner,
Mr. Lancaster, and some other English
friends of Capt Semmes.
Winslow Immediately put out to sea,
being determined that no question
should arise as to the neutrality of the
fighting place, and probably to draw
his adversary as far as possible from
friendly shores. Reaching a point
about seven miles from shore, the Kear-
sarge came suddenly about, her decks
cleared for action and her guns pivoted
to starboard, and bore down upon the
Alabama. Coming within about mile,
the latter opened fire, which was not
returned by Winslow, who steered his
vessel directly down upon the enemy,
and received three broadsides in silence
and with little If any damage. When
within 1000 yards Winslow opened
his starboard battery and planted a
solid shot in the Alabama's frame.
Then the battle ragged furiously for an
hour. The British gunners on the pri-
vateer served their pieces rapidly. but
with poor judgment and poorer aim;
the sturdy Americans fred with delib.
GRAFTON and deadly precision. The ves-
sells circled round and round each
| other Wiual0w vainlv ottan,pt ~