Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-07-09
suNDAY........J July 9, 1899
nArrLE OLE pnEwRY,s BLUFF.

The death of Major A. II. Drewry, OF
westoycr. quite naturally recalls the bat
lie OF Drewrys Bluff and his glorious
part therein.
Upon the evacuation Of Norfolk and
Yorktown by the Confederates and the de-
struction of the Virginia OlerrimaJ by
her own men, Joe Johnston's army re-
treated up the Peninsula, and Huger's
towards Petersburg. while the Confede-
rate feet sailed up James river.
1t occurred 20 the Secretary Of the Navy
at Washington that by making a sudden
rush Of gunboats upon Richmond the
city might be taken unprepared and she'll
ed into a surrender. Accordingly, fleet
of gunboats was hurried up the river
1t consisted of the Galena, Monitor, Arts
took Naugatuck, and Port Royal. They
arrived before Drewry's Bluff OH May Is.
1852, and were there checked IN their
course and compelled 70 turn back to
City Point.
Drewrys Bluff is a bold projection Of
the shore-llne I'm Chesterfield county,
eight miles below Richmond. There the
James river is narrow and deep. From
that point a long stretch Of water is IN
clear view. AS a defensive position its
value Is obvious. 1t IS believed that there
was fort there. or thereabout during
the Revolutionary war and that it was
called Fort Daring. Hence for a long
time our Yankee friends were accus-
toned to speak of the engagement Of
May 18th asthe battle of Fort OAR
ling" The place was also referred to
sometimes as Wards Bluff.
We have always heard that Major
prewry was instrumental i'm causing the
Confederate authorities TO select the Bluff
,.s the place at which 10 make a stand
against the enemy's gunboats. We think
that honor is fairly due him. At any
rate, our little feet Of wooden vessels
was assembled there upon retiring from
Hampton Roads, and one OF the largest
Uhe Jamestown was sunk across the
channel Canal boats filed with stone
were likewise used for the purpose of
obstructing the river. Some chains and
piles were also used.
The Patrick Henry. carrying five or six
guns, was anchored in a good position
near the Bluff. On the Bluff itself form
liable earthworks had been erected to
command the river, and others were
hastily thrown up. In addition TO 1.-THE
guns that were there under charge of
Captain Drewry, Che splendid pieces taken
from the jamestown and a battery from
and Patrick Henry were put ashore
ana were served by seamen, including
members Of the Virginia's crew Gene
RAJ Malone had been ordered TO the
Bluff but had not arrived there when the
engagement began; bat we believe some
companies Of heavy artillerymen Of his
command had reached there. On both
sides Of the river Confederate sharp
shooters were posted and did good work.
AT the time Of the approach OF the Fed
eral fleet. Commander Ebenezer Farrand,
Confederate States navy. was IN COM
mand Of al the forces at the Blum. Cap
tain 5. S. Lee Confederate States navy,
the father Of Fitz Lee, haG that very day
arrived 20 relieve Farrand; but with true
ohivalry and courtesy, finding the battle
on he delayed presenting his orders, and
oheerfuly gave Farrand his help. In
the resolutions passed by the Confederate
Congress. on September l6, 1862, we find
IL returning thanks to Commander T..
Farrand and Captain A. Drewry." and
their officers and men. "for their gallan-
ny. courage. and endurance in that pro-
tracted tight" In his official report,
Commander Farrand says Captain
Drewry ana his company fought their
guns with great effect"
The engagement lasted two and a half
hours owing to the aarrowness Of the
stream and the necessity Of eleyating
their guns so as 10 make their shots reach
the Blum. the attacking vessels had 20
be strung out in single file for most OF
the TIME The Galena was at the head
OF the column, and bore the brunt OF the
battle. The Monitor once got i line with
the Galena. but finding Il impossible 10
elevate her guns sufficiently TO get the
range. she soon fell back The Galena
fought al about 900 yards distance. and
was struck no less than forty-three times.
Her worst injury was the result 81 an
eieht-inch shot sent through her bow by
one OF the guns Of the Patrick Renry.
Ihis shot. fired at u A. ~. wrought
havoc In the vessel, and very soon there.
after the foe, retired, Some Of the other