{p.436}

CHAPTER XVI.
OPERATIONS IN WEST FLORIDA, SOUTHERN ALABAMA, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, AND LOUISIANA.
September 1, 1861-May 12, 1862.
(New Orleans)
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REPORTS, ETC.

SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS.

Sept.	2, 1861.–	Destruction of United States dry-dock at Pensacola, Fla.
	14, 1861.–	Descent on Pensacola navy-yard by boats from U. S. squadron.
Oct.	1, 1861.–	The Department of New England constituted, under command of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. A.*
	7, 1861.–	Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg’s command extended over the coast and State of Alabama.
	9, 1861.–	Action on Santa Rosa Island, Fla.
	14,1861.–	The Department of Alabama and West Florida constituted, under command of Major-General Bragg, C. S. Army.
	18, 1861.–	Maj. Gen. Mansfield Lovell, C. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. David E. Twiggs in command of Department No. 1.
Nov.	22-23, 1861.–	Bombardment of the Confederate lines about Pensacola, Fla.
	27,1861.–	The Ship Island Expedition sails from Hampton Roads, Va.
Dec.	3, 1861.–	Ship Island, Miss., occupied by Union forces.
	12,1861.–	The Department of Alabama and West Florida extended to embrace Pascagoula Bay and that portion of Mississippi east of the Pascagoula River.
Jan.	1,1862.–	Bombardment of Forts McRee and Barrancas, Pensacola Harbor.
	20,1862.–	Contest over the British schooner Andracita on the coast of Alabama.
	27,1862.–	Brig. Gen. Jones M. Withers, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Army of Mobile. Brig. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Army of Pensacola.
Feb.	22, 1862.–	Brig. Gen. Lewis G. Arnold, U. S. Army, supersedes Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery, in command of the Department of Florida.
	23,1862.–	The Department of the Gulf constituted, under command of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army. {p.437}
Feb.	28, 1862.–	Brig. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, supersedes Major-General Bragg in command of the Department of Alabama and West Florida.**
March	8, 1862.–	Col. Thomas M. Jones, Twenty-seventh Mississippi Infantry, assigned to command at Pensacola.
	15, 1862.–	The Department of Florida merged into the Department of the South, Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding.
	20, 1862.–	Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the Gulf.
	27-31, 1862.–	Reconnaissance on Santa Rosa Island, Fla.
April	3-4, 1862.–	Expedition from Ship Island to Biloxi and Pass Christian, Miss.
	7, 1862.–	Affair at Saint Andrew’s Bay, Fla.
	18-28, 1862.–	Bombardment and capture of Forts Jackson and Saint Philip, La.
	25, 1862.–	New Orleans, La., captured by the U. S. Navy.
	27, 1862.–	41Fort Quitman, La., abandoned by the Confederate forces. Forts Livingston, Pike, and Wood, La., recaptured by Union forces.
	28, 1862.–	Surrender of Forts Jackson and Saint Philip, La.
	28, 1862.–	Brig. Gen. John H. Forney, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of Alabama and West Florida.
May	1, 1862.–	New Orleans, La., occupied by the Union forces.
	9-12, 1862.–	Evacuation of Pensacola, Fla., by the Confederates, and its occupation by the Union forces.

* This department was created in connection with the organization of the Gulf Expedition and was discontinued February 20, 1862.

** On March 4 Major-General Bragg, at Jackson, Tenn., issued an order resuming command of the Department of Alabama and West Florida, but that order appears to have been inoperative.

SEPTEMBER 14, 1861.– Descent on Navy-Yard at Pensacola, Fla.

REPORTS.

No. 1.–	Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery.
No. 2.–	Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army.

No. 1.

Report of Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, September 14, 1861.

COLONEL: A naval boat expedition, under command of Lieutenant [John H.] Russell, of the flag-ship Colorado, this morning, at 2 o’clock, burned the piratical schooner Judah and spiked the gun of the only battery in the navy-yard. The schooner was armed with five guns, and was lying in the slip in front of the battery, evidently awaiting an opportunity to go to sea. We lost three killed (one of them instantly, by one of our own party), four badly and three or four slightly wounded, among the latter Lieutenants Russell and [F. B.] Blake, [Capt. E. McD.] Reynolds, of the Marines and a midshipman. The whole affair was well conceived, well managed, and entirely successful.

I took it for granted it would cause the opening of the rebel fire on this fort, but until the present time no demonstration has been made.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

{p.438}

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No. 2.

Report of Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS TROOPS OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, Near Pensacola, Fla., September 16, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the Department, that a row-boat, with nine enlisted men of marines, sent on patrol duty on the night of the 8th instant in the harbor, failed to return. The crew has no doubt deserted to the enemy. It was a gross neglect on the part of the officer in charge of this service in not sending an officer in command on such a duty.

On the night of the 13th a boat expedition of three ships’ launches, heavily armed, made an attack on a point at the navy-yard where the boats of our harbor police were moored, and succeeded in setting fire to and destroying a small armed vessel in our service. Our guards were not surprised, but by some strange neglect, which is now under investigation, permitted the success of this daring exploit, led, no doubt, by our deserters. I hope to fix the responsibility and make an example of the guilty parties.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BRAXTON BRAGG, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY, Richmond, Va.

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OCTOBER 9,1861.– Action on Santa Rosa Island, Fla.

REPORTS, ETC.

No. 1.–	Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Department of Florida.
No. 2.–	Maj. Zealous B. Tows; U. S. Corps of Engineers.
No. 3.–	Maj. Lewis G. Arnold, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 4.–	Col. William Wilson, Sixth New York Infantry.
No. 5.–	Capt. John McL. Hildt, Third U. S. Infantry.
No. 6.–	Lieut. Chauncey B. Reese, U. S. Corps of Engineers.
No. 7.–	Capt. James M. Robertson, Second U. S. Artillery.
No. 8.–	Capt. Richard C. Duryea, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 9.–	Lieut. Alexander N. Shipley, Third U. S. Infantry.
No. 10.–	Capt. Loomis L. Langdon, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 11.–	Lieut. Francis W. Seeley, Fourth U. S. Artillery.
No. 12.–	Lieut. Richard H. Jackson, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 13.–	Congratulatory orders from Major-General McClellan, U. S. Army.
No. 14.–	Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding at Pensacola, with congratulatory orders.
No. 15.–	Brig. Gen. Richard H. Anderson, C. S. Army, commanding expedition.

No. 1.

Report of Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Department of Florida.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, October 9, 1861.

COLONEL: The enemy, 1,200 or 1,500 strong, landed on this island this morning, about 3 o’clock, some 3 1/2 or 4 miles from the fort. They {p.439} marched down the island in three columns, and attacked and partially burned the camp of the Sixth New York Volunteers. They were promptly met and driven by the regulars of the fort, and a small number of Zouaves, under Major Arnold, of the First Artillery, to their place of landing, and left the island under a well-directed and deliberate fire of our musketry, within good range, which must have done great execution, their boats being densely crowded. Their departure was hailed with three heavy cheers from our gallant soldiers, which were received with the most solemn silence. We have about a dozen of their dead; some 30 prisoners, including 5 officers. Our loss is, of regulars, 5 killed, about 15 wounded, and 8 missing, including 1 officer, Major Vogdes, who was taken prisoner early in the action; of the volunteers, 7 killed, 8 or 9 wounded, and 10 missing. I will make a detailed report so soon as I can receive those of Major Arnold and the officers engaged.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, October 11, 1861.

COLONEL: I briefly reported to you on the 9th instant that the rebels had landed on this island, partially destroyed the camp of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, and been driven off by our troops. I now report in more detail the events of the attack.

For the better understanding of the several movements it may be well to state that the enemy landed about 4 miles from this fort, (the place may be recognized on the map by three ponds and a mound); that the island there is about three-quarters of a mile wide; that a short distance below it narrows to some 200 hundred yards, then widens again, and at the camp the distance across is about five-eighths of a mile; that a succession of three or four sand ridges run on the seaside parallel to the coast along the island, and low, swampy ground, interspersed with sand hillocks, some bushes, and a few trees, extends along the harbor side, both shores being sandy beach. Wilson’s camp is near the seacoast and a short mile from the fort. The two batteries spoken of in his report, and to which he retreated, Batteries Lincoln and Totten, are, the first on the harbor, and the other on the Gulf side, about 400 yards from Fort Pickens.

About 2 o’clock on the morning of the 9th instant I was awakened by the officer of the day, who reported that a picket driven in had reported the landing of 60 men on the point. Having little confidence in the correctness of this report I directed that no alarm should be made, and shortly after he reported that the alarm was false. About 3.30 o’clock he again reported that volleys of musketry were heard at the camp of the Sixth New York Volunteers. I immediately ordered the roll to be beaten, Major Vogdes to take two companies and proceed to the spot, and Major Arnold to man the guns on the ramparts on that race. About half an hour after this time the firing was heavy and the light of the burning camp seen, and I sent a staff officer to communicate with Major Vogdes, who returned very soon, and said that he had fallen in with a large body of the enemy on the inside shore, and could not find the major. I immediately ordered Major Arnold to proseed {p.440} to support Major Vogdes with two companies, and at the same time sent an order to Colonel Wilson to advance and attack the enemy. I also dispatched a staff officer, on board the steamer McClellan, with orders for him to take position opposite the landing place and open on the enemy; unfortunately at the same time directing him to go to the Potomac, lying near, and ask for some men to assist him in case landing was necessary. Captain Powell directed him to tow his ship to the scene of action, which so delayed him that he did not arrive until after the enemy had vacated. Captain Powell acted from the best motives, and under ordinary circumstances from correct principles, but the result was unfortunate, as the McClellan could have driven the rebel steamer away, and we must have made prisoners of most of the invaders.

At the request of Major Arnold, late in the morning I sent forward a light field gun, which, however, did not reach until the affair was over.

As I propose only briefly to allude to the volunteers, I respectfully refer you to the official report, marked A [No. 4], of the colonel of the regiment. The picket of this regiment and guards sustained its principal if not entire loss, and behaved well. Captain Dobie’s company, on duty with the regulars, did good service, and the captain is spoken of by Major Arnold in terms of high approbation. He had 2 men killed. Captain Bailey’s company was at a battery, and not called out. He was performing his appropriate duty during the fight. Major Vogdes, with Companies A, First Artillery, and E, Third Infantry, proceeded beyond the Spanish fort, about a mile from the fort, when from the obscurity of the night he found himself and command completely intermingled with the enemy. He was immediately recognized and made prisoner, the command devolving on Captain Hildt, of the Third Infantry, who disengaged his command from their perilous position, and opened a heavy fire on the enemy, and finally, with great gallantry, forced them to retreat (he being ably supported by Lieutenant Seeley, my assistant adjutant-general, who volunteered for the occasion), with a loss of 11 killed. Major Arnold at this moment came up and, the enemy retreating, followed on. During this time Major Tower and Lieutenant Jackson, who I had successively sent to push forward the Zouaves, succeeded in getting some collected, and Colonel Wilson also advanced, the enemy precipitately retreating. Major Arnold, with Captain Robertson’s and Lieutenant Shipley’s companies, promptly followed, and attacked as they were embarking, the other companies coming up successively. Captain Robertson opened a heavy fire at short musket range on the crowded masses, and Lieutenant Shipley some fifteen minutes later joined him, and their fire must have been very effective. This was continued as long as they were within range. When they had got beyond it the gallant major ordered them to cease firing and to give them three cheers, to which no response was made. During the time of this occurrence Major Tower came up with two small companies of Zouaves, and subsequently Colonel Wilson with a portion of his regiment. When it is considered that less than 200 regulars, with some 50 volunteers, pursued five times their number 4 miles and expelled them under a heavy fire from the island they had desecrated, it will, I trust, be considered an evidence of their having gallantly performed their duty. The plan of attack of the enemy was judicious, and, if executed with ordinary ability, might have been attended with serious loss; but he failed in all, save the burning one-half of the tents of the Sixth Regiment, which, being covered with brushes, was very combustible, and in rifling the trunks of the officers. He did not reach within 500 yards of either of the batteries the guns of which he was to spike, {p.441} nor within a mile of the fort he was to enter pell mell with the fugitives retreating before his victorious arms. I have now in my possession nine spikes, taken from the bodies of the dead, designed for our guns.

Our loss is, of regulars, 4 killed, 20 wounded (most very slightly), and 8 missing, among whom is Major Vogdes; of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, 10 killed, 9 wounded, and 16 missing. The enemy lost, as known to us, 14 killed, including 1 captain; 7 wounded including 1 lieutenant (2 since dead), and 5 officers and 22 enlisted men prisoners, and as he was known to have carried off some of his dead and probably most of his wounded, those in our hands being all severely so and unable to be removed, and as the heaviest loss is supposed to have been in the boats at the re-embarkation, it was probably three times as great in killed and wounded as I have named.

I close with the agreeable duty of naming to you the officers engaged who so faithfully performed their duty. I mention Major Vogdes first, who, unfortunately, was taken prisoner before a gun on our part was fired, to say that, as second in command and my executive officer, he has efficiently and industriously performed his duty during the whole time of my command, and his services have been very valuable.

Major Arnold, who succeeded to the command after the capture of his superior, conducted the affair with great gallantry, prudence, and ability. He speaks in the highest terms of Captains Robertson and Hildt and Lieutenants Shipley and Seeley, and indeed of all the others whose names I give: Major Tower and Lieutenant Reese, of the Engineers; Lieutenants Duryea, Langdon, Jackson, and Taylor, U. S. Artillery, and Captain Dobie, of the New York Volunteers; and it gives me great pleasure to append the names of non-commissioned officers and privates named by their company commanders for distinguished good conduct, and to recommend them to the favorable notice of the Government.

The following are the companies of Major Vogdes’ and Arnold’s command who participated in the battle, and (with a very few exceptions of individuals) to whom the greatest praise is due: Company A, First Artillery; H, Second Artillery, and Companies C and E, Third Infantry.

I estimate the force of the enemy at 1,200 or 1,500, having closely observed them through a fine telescope as they retreated. There were two large steamers and a barge of equal size and five or six launches all crowded with troops, and the almost unanimous estimate of the officers engaged is 1,500, from personal observation close by.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

P. S.-I have just seen the Pensacola paper, which gives their loss as follows: Killed, 21; wounded, 38; prisoners, 22, which probably is not one-fourth of the actual loss. General Anderson is severely wounded.

[Inclosure.]

-Table of distances from Fort Pickens to where the rebels landed on the morning of the 9th of October, 1861, to the intermediate points, by actual measurement, made October 23, 1861.-

		Yards.
From	Fort Pickens to Battery Cameron	580
	Battery Lincoln	803
	Spanish Fort	2,612 {p.442}
From	the first place of fighting, where Major Vogdes was captured	3,331
	The first pine trees	4,043
	Long Point Beach	6,101
	Where we first fired on the steamers	6,832
	Where the rebels landed, and where they were attacked by Major Arnold, with Captain Robertson’s and Lieutenant Shipley’s companies or 4 miles 266 yards.	7,306

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, October 12, 1861.

GENERAL: In my official report of the affair of the 9th instant it will be perceived that I briefly notice the New York volunteers. I did so because the regiment did not behave well on the occasion, and because I think that, if properly officered, its conduct would have been different. I desired to spare it the stigma of cowardice, which I should have been compelled to inflict. The material of the rank and file is very good, and in the hands of even respectably intelligent officers might be made efficient; but as a body, and with very few exceptions, the officers are in every respect unfit for officers, and incapable of performing their appropriate duties, and the enlisted men consequently can have but little respect for or confidence in them. If it can legally be done, I would recommend the transfer to other regiments of the few efficient officers, the disbandment of the others, and the transfer of the enlisted men to the regular companies at this post. By so doing the regiment can in one month be made efficient, and I would with confidence lead them into battle, which I should now be very sorry to do.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington City, D. C.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, October 17, 1861.

COLONEL: I had occasion yesterday to send Lieutenant Seeley my assistant adjutant-general, with a flag to the other side. While there he saw a rebel newspaper, containing an article on the action of the 9th instant, in which was this paragraph:

This shows that in estimating in my official report their loss at three times the number left on the island, viz: 1 captain, 13 enlisted men killed, 1 lieutenant, 6 enlisted men wounded, and 5 officers and 22 enlisted men prisoners, I underestimated their actual loss according to their own acknowledgment, and we may safely infer from past experience that only half the truth is here told. Their loss, therefore, is nearly equal to the whole number of troops actually inflicting it, and this without attaining one single object proposed by the expedition, except the partial burning of the camp of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers and the robbing its officers. They did not destroy a single article of quartermaster’s or commissary stores; they did not {p.443} destroy one-half of the tents of the volunteers; they did not spike a single gun, nor do any other injury whatever, except the burning of 30 tents and the capture of some dozen muskets, and of which we have of theirs more than two for one. Our whole casualties are, as stated in my official report, 4 regulars and 9 volunteers killed, 2) regulars and 7 volunteers wounded, and 10 regulars and 11 volunteers missing, and it gives me very great pleasure to state that Surgeon Campbell reports all our wounded as doing well, and he thinks we will not lose a man. Their actual number on the island, by their own acknowledgment, was 1,500 men.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, October 22, 1861.

COLONEL: I desire to correct an omission in my official report. Capt. Henry L. Hoelzle, of the Sixth New York Regiment Volunteers, joined Major Arnold with 10 men of his company and behaved gallantly. Lieut. Moore Hanham, of the same regiment, commanded the picket guard, and behaved with courage and firmness under a heavy fire, in which most of his sentinels were killed or wounded.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

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No. 2.

Report of Maj. Zealous B. Tower, U. S. Corps of Engineers.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 15, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to forward what information I can collect in reference to the forces opposite and their means of attack. The most reliable authority gives General Bragg’s forces on the 11th October as 7,000 men. It is also stated that two regiments some weeks since were ordered North, but that General Bragg had refused to let them go, and had asked for re-enforcements. He has eighteen field pieces, six of which are rifled. A party at that time (October 11) were at Pensacola, who had come over to rifle guns.

Between twenty and thirty 10-inch columbiads have been brought by railroad to Pensacola. The person describing them (while looking at our pieces of the same caliber) said that they were straight at the muzzle and were heavier and shorter behind the trunnions, and that they were made at Richmond. He also informed me that as many as eight 10-inch seacoast mortars had come by railroad to Pensacola.

You will perceive that the armament the enemy received, together with that found at the works, is heavier than ours. I have not heard of other guns, excepting one Dahlgren; but should any heavier guns be cast, the walls of this fort will hardly be able to stand them even at {p.444} 2,300, 2,400, and 2,500 yards. Twenty 10-inch guns of the new pattern, firing at 1 1/2 miles with solid shot, constantly at one part of this old work of very poor masonry, may possibly shake the walls. Our forces are small in number. It is absolutely necessary that naval steamers assist us here, otherwise the island may be seized at any time and the siege commenced. The enemy has large quantities of shells and mortars. Whether it will be his policy to besiege us or to try to crush us with curvated fire, and by heavy guns and rifled cannon to knock down a portion of our work, I cannot foresee. The serious obstacle to such means on his part will be the great expenditure of powder. Navy ships, with their large crews, of course would be a great security and assistance to us. Gunboats are wanted if the position opposite is to be attacked. The late unfortunate affair at the head of the Mississippi Passes will call away the Niagara and leave the Colorado here for the present.

I have given Captain Kurtz a description of the night attack made by the secession forces upon Wilson’s camp on the night of the 8th and 9th October. I have no doubt that the enemy were much disappointed with the results. The Zouaves (excepting the pickets) proved of little account. They are badly commanded. If incorporated with the regulars they might be made effective. Contrary to the reports in the Southern papers, the enemy did not spike one gun or burn a storehouse. They destroyed about three-fourths of the tents of five companies of Zouaves and robbed some of the officers’ trunks. They ought to have been more severely punished for coming with 1,000 men within a mile of our work but in the confusion of a night attack matters do not always get on well.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Z. B. TOWER, Major of Engineers.

Bvt. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer, Washington, D. C.

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No. 3.

Report of Maj. Lewis G. Arnold, First U. S. Artillery.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 10, 1861.

SIR: In accordance with the directions of the colonel commanding, I have the honor to report the operations of the troops under my command which yesterday aided in driving the rebel force of not less than 1,000 men, under command of Brig. Gen. Richard H. Anderson, discomfited and in confusion, from the island of Santa Rosa.

I was ordered by the colonel commanding, at 5 o’clock a.m., October 9 to take command of two companies of regulars, Captain Robertson, Company H, Second Artillery, and Lieutenant Shipley, commanding Company C, Third Infantry, and support Major Vogdes, First Artillery, in command of two companies of regulars; Captain Hildt, Company E, Third Infantry; Lieutenant Taylor and 30 men of Company A, First Artillery, and Captain Dobie, Company G, New York volunteers, who had preceded me along the north beach of the island about an hour, with the purpose of attacking in flank the rebels, who had made an attack on Camp Brown, three-quarters of a mile from the fort. Having formed my command very promptly, owing to the efficiency and zeal of the company commanders, I rapidly marched up the beach {p.445} about 1 1/2 miles, when I reached the scene of a sharp action between Major Vogdes’ command and the rebels, in which 11 of the enemy were killed, and probably many more than that number wounded.

It is due to Captain Hildt, Third Infantry, to state that our troops here engaged were under his directions, as, from the statements of that officer and Lieutenants Seeley and Taylor, the only officers with Major Vogdes, he must have been taken prisoner before the fight commenced. After marching half a mile farther up the beach I discovered a large row-boat, about 1,200 yards off, filled with men, making for the navy-yard. I directed the men to fire at great elevation on this boat, which was well executed, with some effect. Soon after this, whilst advancing rapidly, I discovered, nearly 2 miles away, on a point or neck of land, a very large body of the enemy, which I judged to be ten times my strength. I shortly after left the beach, going behind the sand ridge which skirts it, and deployed my command, for the purpose of concealing its weakness and to attack them in flank and rear. I very soon met Captain Hildt, Third Infantry; Lieutenants Duryea, Langdon, Seeley, and Taylor, of the artillery, who informed me of the capture of Major Vogdes. I ordered Captain Hildt to join me with the remnant of his command, Lieutenant Duryea to act as my staff officer, in which capacity he made a bold reconnaissance, supported only by six men, bringing me the valuable information that the enemy were embarking in two steamboats 4 miles from the fort. I directed Lieutenant Langdon to report to the colonel commanding my relative position with that of the enemy, which he could well and quickly do, being mounted, and from his recent dangerous proximity to the enemy, and to request that a field gun and a supporting force be sent me. I ordered Captain Robertson, Second Artillery, to move with his company along the sand hills skirting the beach, and to attack the enemy if a favorable opportunity should offer, which he did in the most effective manner. I proceeded with the balance of the command, Lieutenant Shipley, with his company (C, Third Infantry), leading off, within supporting distance of Captain Robertson, which portion of the command was unfortunately delayed about fifteen [five] minutes by having to turn a swamp which intervened. Both divisions of the command displayed great zeal and coolness in coming into the action. The fire of the men was deliberate and well delivered into the crowded mass on board the steamboats and flats in tow, which must have punished the enemy severely-particularly the fire delivered by Captain Robertson’s company for fifteen or twenty minutes, at short range, while the flat in tow of one of the steamers was aground. I am indebted to Major Tower, Engineer Corps, for his advice on the field and for ordering up the New York volunteers as a supporting column.

Captain Robertson, Second Artillery Captain Hildt, Third Infantry; Lieutenants Shipley, Third Infantry; Langdon, Seeley, Jackson and Taylor, First Artillery, and Captains Dobie and Hoelzle, Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers who served under my command dining the day, did their duty nobly. My special thanks are due to Capt. J. M. Robertson, Second Artillery, and First Lieut. A. N. Shipley, Third Infantry, the two officers of my original command, for their activity, energy, and coolness displayed and valuable services rendered by them and their commands.

I refer the colonel commanding to the reports of the commanders of companies and parties specially detached for individual instances of good conduct displayed; also a list of officers and enlisted men (regulars) killed, wounded, and missing, which reports, &c., I herewith inclose.

{p.446}

The enemy’s loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners left in our hands (they carried off all those killed on the boats and many of those wounded on the shore), amounts to 1 captain and 15 enlisted men killed, and 1 lieutenant and 5 enlisted men wounded, and 6 commissioned officers and 27 enlisted men prisoners.

Respectfully submitted.

L. G. ARNOLD, Major First Artillery, Commanding.

Lieut. F. W. SEELEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Dept. of Florida.

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FORT PICKENS, FLA., December 24, 1861.

COLONEL: My attention has been called to an error as regards time in my report of the engagement of the troops under my command with the rebels on Santa Rosa Island, October 9, 1861, which error I perceive has been adopted in your published report of the same engagement. It is really not of much moment, but I consider it due to Lieutenant Shipley and his company (C, Third Infantry) and to truth to correct it. Quotation from my report:

Instead of fifteen minutes, it should have been five minutes. Both companies behaved handsomely, firing on the enemy with great effect, and deserve much more credit than has been accorded to them.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. G. ARNOLD, Major, First Artillery.

Col. HARVEY BROWN, Commanding Department of Florida.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, December 25, 1861.

Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General, with a request that my report and that of Major Arnold may be altered so as to conform to the within statement.

I desire also to correct another error. Captain Dobie himself did good service on the night of the 9th October, but his company did nothing worthy of notice.

HARVEY BROWN, Colonel, Commanding.

No. 4.

Report. of Col. William Wilson, Sixth Kew York Infantry.

CAMP BROWN FORT PICKENS, FLA., Sixth Regt. N. Y. S. E., October 11, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 9th instant, at about 3.30 o’clock, the camp was alarmed by rapid discharges and {p.447} volleys of musketry in the direction of the hospital. My command of five companies, numbering 250 men, was turned out, and formed on the drill ground fronting the hospital. Lieutenant Hanham came running in, and informing me that about 2,000 armed men in two columns were marching upon us; that the pickets were all attacked about the same time. I at once sent (no officer being near) an orderly to inform Colonel Brown. The orderly, when returning, was made prisoner. Skirmishers were thrown out in advance and on the left flank. I was on the left flank, preparing to wheel by companies to the left and then deploy, when volleys of musketry were fired into us from the direction of the camp. The two left companies wheeled to the left, deployed, and returned the fire. Immediately the tents were in a blaze, and the enemy could be seen in the center of the camp closed in mass, apparently 400 or 500 men. Other companies were in line on the ridge extending towards the old commissary store. Companies were seen moving across the ridges. My men, on seeing this, broke for the beach. I managed by the assistance of Lieutenants Hanham and Kraell to halt and form about 60 of them behind the first ridge from the drill ground. I then sent for Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton and the remainder of my command. The men returned stating that they could not find him. Stragglers came in, informing me that Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton, Captain Hazeltine, Captains Hoelzle and Henberer, and Lieutenant Silloway, with the rest of the command, had marched towards the batteries. My men on hearing this could not be restrained, and moved towards the beach and then to Battery Totten, where we halted and rested a short time.

Up to this time I was ignorant of the whereabouts of my officers or men or the movements of troops from the fort. Major Tower came up and informed me that several companies of regulars were in pursuit of the enemy, and for me to advance, which I did as rapidly as the tired condition of the men would permit. About half a mile above the hospital I met the remainder of my command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton. At Major Tower’s request I sent forward two companies at double-quick time. I then moved on, endeavoring to overtake the enemy or render what assistance I could. I reached the place where the enemy embarked just as our men were returning. On my returning I deployed two companies across the island as skirmishers to pick up stragglers and the dead and wounded. I have to report the following losses: Killed, 9; wounded, 7; missing, 11.

I would respectfully add that I am pleased with the good-will and promptness of the officers and men in the performance of their duties.

Your obedient servant,

WM. WILSON, Colonel, Commanding Sixth Regiment N. Y. S. Vols.

Col. HARVEY BROWN, Commanding Department of Florida.

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HDQRS. CAMP BROWN, DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, October 14, 1861.

SIR: In accordance with instructions to report the manner of attack and conduct of officers and men in the late attack on the morning of the 9th instant, I respectfully report:

The sentinels of the picket guard were all attacked the same time by {p.448} small bodies of the enemy, supported by three detachments of them, each about 600 strong, approaching upon them from the Gulf beach, center of island, and bay shore. Lieutenant Hanham was officer of the picket guard. He formed his relief in good order and retreated, firing upon the enemy, and rallied upon the battalion then on the parade ground.

Captain Hoelzle was officer of the day. He, on the first alarm, formed the main guard and marched towards the beach, where alarms were being given. He met a large body of the enemy, fired into them, and was fired into in return. Captain Hoelzle was knocked down and walked over. He arose quickly and shot a man who was taking aim at him. He then retreated to the front of the guard-house, and met Captain Hazeltine, who was in command of the skirmishers, then retreating before the enemy.

Captain Duffy, who had command of the skirmishers on the left, was cut off with four men, and had to remain in front of the camp until near daylight.

The sentinels all stood their ground manfully, firing while retreating. Corp. William Parsonage, of Company H (since dead), while supporting a sentinel and fighting manfully, was shot through the body in three places and bayoneted, but killed his opponent. Private P. McGrail, of Company F, posted at the Spanish Fort, was killed at his post after firing three shots at the enemy. Private William Scott, of Company C, on the approach of the enemy from the Gulf beach, waited until they approached to within 10 feet, and deliberately shot Captain Bradford, who was leading them on.

I must thank Lieutenant Hanham, Lieutenant Kraell, and Sergt. Maj. Robert Gill for the valuable assistance they rendered me in keeping my men in order, and for their good behavior while under the fire of the enemy.

Yours, respectfully,

WM. WILSON, Colonel Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers.

Col. HARVEY BROWN, Commanding Department of Florida, Fort Pickens.

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No. 5.

Report of Capt. John McL. Hildt, Third U. S. Infantry.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 10, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of an engagement with the enemy on the morning of the 9th of October:

About 3.30 o’clock a.m., it having become evident from firing from the direction of Camp Brown that the enemy had made an attack on the companies of the Sixth New York Volunteers stationed at that point, Company E, Third Infantry, 62 rank and file, under command of Capt. J. McL. Hildt, Third Infantry, and 31 rank and file of Company A, First Artillery, under command of Second Lieut. F. E. Taylor, First Artillery, the whole commanded by Maj. I. Vogdes, First Artillery, left the fort to render any necessary assistance. The command proceeded through Batteries Cameron and Lincoln, being re-enforced at the latter {p.449} by Company G, Sixth New York Volunteers, Captain Dobie. After proceeding a short distance up the north beach, Captain Dobie was directed to deploy his company as skirmishers on the right flank. The company became separated from the rest of the command, and I saw no more of it. We proceeded along the beach until some distance above Camp Brown. A large force appeared on our right flank and rear. Owing to the darkness it was impossible to tell whether this force was the enemy or New York volunteers. Major Vogdes, who was in front, immediately faced the command to the right and rode towards the right of the line. This was the last I saw of him. A moment afterwards an officer (of the enemy) stepped up to me, stating that our commanding officer was a prisoner, and requesting me to surrender the command. The first firing (two shots) was directed at this officer. I then moved the command to and formed as well as circumstances would permit behind some rising ground about 20 yards in front. First Lieut. F. W. Seeley, Fourth Artillery, who had volunteered and joined the advance guard during the march, here rendered valuable service in forming and encouraging the men.

After some very effective firing from this point it became necessary to move part of the command to the left, to oppose a threatened flank attack. The men became more exposed and the fire of the enemy very severe. Finding ourselves greatly outnumbered, and encumbered by the wounded we fell back diagonally towards the opposite beach and the enemy’s flank, halting behind the numerous sand-hills and delivering our fire. A party of 3 surgeons and guard of 8 men were at this time made prisoners. Several other prisoners had been previously taken. As soon as his front was clear the enemy proceeded along the north beach. His force, as given by the prisoners, was 1,010 men. Our actual force engaged, owing to the flankers being made prisoners previous to the action, did not exceed 80 men. We then proceeded to collect our remaining wounded until the arrival of Major Arnold’s command. The men generally behaved well. Many could be mentioned who were conspicuous. Among them First Sergt. David Grier, Company E, Third Infantry, who, although with the flankers, succeeded in eluding the enemy and joining the command; Corp. Thomas G. Duncan, Privates James Clark James Corcoran, John Moran, Michael Coleman Company E Third Infantry, and Privates James Connelly, Timothy Kelly, and Michael Lavelle Company A First Artillery. I desire to mention particularly Corp. Charles Schafer, Private William Dougherty, Company E, Third Infantry, and Lance Corp. Edward B. Fitzgibbons, Private Franklin Eastman, Company A First Artillery, Lieutenants Seeley and Taylor throughout the affair acted with marked coolness and bravery, and by their exertions and examples contributed largely to the safety of the command.

Our loss was 4 killed, 20 wounded, and 1 officer and 8 men missing. The loss of the enemy, judging from the number of dead left on the ground, was much larger. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing I herewith inclose.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

J. McL. HILDT, Captain, Third Infantry.

Major L. G. ARNOLD, First Artillery.

{p.450}

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No. 6.

Report of Lieut. Chauncey B. Reese, U. S. Corps of Engineers.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 11, 1861.

SIR: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to transmit the following as connected with the operations against the enemy on the morning of the 9th instant:

At a little before daybreak I was directed by the colonel commanding to instruct Major Vogdes to pursue the enemy with his command, keeping his left flank upon the north beach. The colonel at the same time stated that Major Vogdes had gone up the north beach via Battery Lincoln. I started on horseback, and when about half a mile beyond Battery Lincoln came upon a body of troops about 75 strong, which I at first took for Major Vogdes’ command, but which proved to be the enemy, who fired one shot at me as I turned to retreat. While returning I met Lieutenant Duryea at Battery Lincoln in search of Major Vogdes’ command. I intrusted the message to Lieutenant Duryea, and returned to report the position of the enemy. About fifteen minutes after my return I was directed by the commanding officer to proceed to “the Potomac, and ask Captain Powell to place a detachment on board the McClellan and direct Captain Gray to proceed along the island in order to shell the enemy.” The commanding officer also directed me to go with Captain Gray. These instructions were afterwards modified so as “to request of Captain Powell as large a force as he could spare, with a view to landing it, if necessary.” After being delayed something like half an hour in getting a boat, I went to the Potomac and delivered the substance of the message to Captain Powell, who stated that he would have Captain Gray take him in tow while the men were getting ready. (I will here state that four or five shots had been fired from Battery Lincoln, and Captain Powell asked me what I thought it was. I replied that it must be from our batteries upon the boats of the enemy retreating.)

I then went on board the McClellan. Captain Gray took the Potomac in tow, but had hardly started when the hawser parted. We had seen a steamer approach the north beach of the island. Upon going near the Potomac, preparatory to getting another hawser, Captain Gray asked Captain Powell if he did not think the steamer was trying to take the enemy off. I heard no reply. The Potomac was then towed in about 2 miles towards the hospital. Forty-four marines, including one officer, were put on board the McClellan, and Captain Powell asked if more were needed. It was thought best not to wait for more to be put on board, but Captain Powell said he would have enough ready to make 100, if we should want them.

I had noticed several parties of from 5 to 20 soldiers, whom I thought to be of Colonel Wilson’s regiment, going along the beach towards the fort, and it was thought advisable to go ashore for information. I went ashore, and learned that the enemy had left the island and that the troops from the fort had returned. I stated this to Captain Gray, and it was agreed to go along the island some 15 miles to discover if any rebels had been cut off and retreated up the island. This was done, and no signs of the enemy were seen. The McClellan then returned, arriving at her anchorage at about 2 p.m.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. B. REESE, First Lieutenant of Engineers.

Col. HARVEY BROWN, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Department of Florida.

{p.451}

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No. 7.

Reports of Capt. James M. Robertson, Second U. S. Artillery.

BATTERY LINCOLN, Santa Rosa Island, Fla., October 10, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that about 3.30 o’clock a.m. yesterday I was awakened by the report of musketry on the island. I at once ran out and joined my company, which was just forming in rear of their bomb-proof. Almost immediately after I was joined by Company G, Sixth Regiment New York Volunteer Militia, under command of Capt. J. E. Dobie, assisted by Lieutenant Black. When the companies were properly formed I moved forward, with the exception of the detachments for the 12-pounder howitzers and rifled 42-pounder, to the cover of a sand hill near my camp, and ordered the men to lie down, at the same time sending out 5 men with a non-commissioned officer, with orders to take positions on the best grounds for observing the approach of an enemy from 100 to 300 yards in advance. After making these dispositions I waited for orders. About 4.30 a.m. Major Vogdes, First Artillery, passed with a detachment of regular troops from Fort Pickens and took with him Captain Dobie and his company. Soon after this I received orders from Colonel Brown to be ready and fire on any boat which should leave this island for the opposite shore. When you arrived at daybreak under your orders I left the first sergeant of my company (H, Second Artillery, to which I am assigned for temporary duty), and joined your column with the remainder-48 men.

From this time till I was detached from your column with my company you are aware of what transpired. After leaving you I threw forward a portion of my company as skirmishers and advanced up the island about 1 mile, diminishing and extending my front according to the nature of the ground, when I discovered three steamers, each having in tow a large scow or flat-boat densely packed with armed men. I at once put my company into a double-quick, advanced about half a mile in that manner, and took shelter behind a ridge of sand from 200 to 250 yards from the largest steamer (Time) and the flat she had in tow, and which at that time was aground, and remained so for full fifteen minutes. I at once opened fire, cautioning the men to take cool and deliberate aim. Never was an order better obeyed. The men delivered their fire, lay down and loaded, then rose, took aim, and fired with as much coolness as on an ordinary drill of the company. For the fifteen minutes that the flat was aground, and nearly up to the time that you arrived with the remainder of your column, the enemy returned our fire very briskly, but owing to the almost perfect cover behind which my men were placed I have no casualties to report. During the whole fire my attention was particularly attracted to one man, Private Michael M. O’Doud, of Company H. First placing himself behind a small pine tree, turning his side to load, he would then step out, rest his piece against the side of the tree, take deliberate aim, and fire, almost every time remarking that “There goes another of them down.” While loading he would frequently remark “Well, my tree saved me that time.” He afterwards informed me that he fired sixteen rounds. After the action was over I examined the tree behind which O’Doud stood, and found seven musket-balls buried in it in front of where his body was. When all the men behaved as well as the men of Company H. did the whole time while under fire, it is hard to particularize. I cannot, however, pass this occasion to give special thanks to Sergt. Charles Wendall, and {p.452} John Keegan, for the efficient manner in which they assisted me during the whole morning by their cool and steady bearing and prompt action.

I cannot close this communication without paying a well-deserved compliment to Capt. J. H. Dobie, Sixth Regiment of Volunteers, and tendering him my most sincere thanks for his most able assistance. Captain Dobie, having been separated from his company before daylight, joined me as a volunteer, and was with me until after the close of the action, and was of the greatest assistance in restraining the men while on the march and encouraging them by his cool manner and voice while under fire. From my observation, the cool manner of my men, the Length of time and distance of fire, the loss of the enemy must have been very considerable both on the steamer and flat-boat.

Respectfully submitted.

J. M. ROBERTSON, Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Company B.

Maj. LEWIS G. ARNOLD, Commanding Column on morning October 9, 1861.

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BATTERY LINCOLN, SANTA ROSA ISLAND, October 26, 1861.

SIR: I have to request that in my report of the affairs of the morning of the 9th instant the name of Private Michael M. O’Doud of Company H, Second Artillery, be erased, and that of Private John Gannon (same company) inserted in its place. At the time of the affair spoken of I had been but a few days (since the 1st instant) with the company, and knew none of the men. When writing my report I directed the first sergeant to bring me the name of the man referred to, which he did as O’Doud, and I have supposed him to be the man till yesterday, when Gannon informed me of my error, and I at once recognized him as the man I had noticed. Since then I have made further inquiries, and find from the statements of my non-commissioned officers and others that O’Doud was behind another tree and did good service. Should a copy of my report have been forwarded to Headquarters of the Army before the receipt of this, I respectfully request that a copy of this note may also be forwarded, to be placed on file with it.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. ROBERTSON, Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Company H.

Lieut. F. W. SEELEY, Adjutant, Fort Pickens, Fla.

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No. 8.

Report of Capt. Richard C. Duryea, First U. S. Artillery.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 10, 1861.

SIR: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to make the following report of the attack and repulse of the rebel troops yesterday morning:

A detachment of Company A, First Artillery, consisting of 30 men and 1 corporal, under Lieutenant Taylor, formed on the parade ground. {p.453} The main part of my company being at the guns on the ran arts, was ordered by Major Vogdes, without my being informed of the fact, to join Company E, Third Infantry, and proceed to the assistance of Colonel Wilson. As soon as I was informed of the detachment leaving I immediately left the fort and proceeded to join it. On my way meeting Lieutenant Reese, who had been sent with orders from Colonel Brown to the major, I received his orders and pushed on to communicate them. I arrived at the scene of action when the firing first commenced, and found the enemy drawn up between our command and myself and the fort. Making a short detour, I again came upon the enemy. The action had been sharp and of short duration, and at this time the enemy were retiring up the beach. I was then joined by Lieutenant Langdon, and picking up 8 or 10 men who had been cut off from the command, we followed the enemy to the first boat, the men firing upon them while embarking; it is of course impossible to say with what effect. Your column soon after coming up, I joined it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DURYEA, First Lieutenant, First Artillery.

Maj. LEWIS G. ARNOLD, First Regiment Artillery.

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No. 9.

Report of Lieut. Alexander K. Shipley, Third U. S. Infantry.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 10, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to state that in obedience to orders, I left this fort at daybreak on the morning of the 9th instant with Company C, Third Infantry, consisting of 3 sergeants, 3 corporals, and 51 privates. Attached to my company were 4 privates of Company A, First Infantry, also 3 unassigned recruits, making a total of 64 enlisted men. We proceeded up the island by way of Batteries Cameron and Lincoln. At the latter battery I was joined by Captain Robertson, with a portion of his company (H, Second Artillery), from which point we marched as rapidly as possible to near a place known as the Four Mile Point, where we were halted, and ordered to open fire upon a small barge which had left our shore and distant probably 1,200 yards. My company fired two volleys at the barge. Many of the shots must have taken effect. I saw the ricocheting of many of the balls on the water in front and close to the barge.

From this place I was ordered up the beach at a double-quick after a large body of rebels seen at a distance of at least 1 mile. On arriving near the place where they were seen I deployed my company, as directed, and moved rapidly up the island to a point opposite where the rebels had embarked. On seeing them I immediately ordered my company at double-quick in the direction of the steamers and scows. The latter were being towed by a large steamer and distant from the beach about 500 yards. I formed my men under shelter of the sand hills immediately on the beach and opened fire upon the rebels. An incessant fire was kept up for some twenty minutes, when the vessels got out of range of my guns and the firing ceased for a few minutes, when a small boat was seen off to our right and distant some 1,200 yards. I ordered my company to fire upon it. They fired two well-directed volleys. The firing {p.454} upon the rebels on leaving our shore was very effective, throwing them, in their crowded state, into great confusion. I was then ordered to proceed with my company to the fort, deploying them so as to scout the island from the south beach to near its center. On my way down I found 2 dead bodies and 1 wounded man, all rebels. The dead bodies I had carried to the south beach (the dead were to be collected on that beach). The wounded man-Private Furguson, Seventh Alabama Regiment-was sent in a cart to the upper hospital. I also captured Lieutenant Farley, of the Florida volunteers, and 2 privates-viz, Moore, Seventh Alabama Regiment, and Goodley, of the Seventh Florida Regiment Volunteers-whom I brought into this fort and turned over to the guard.

It is perhaps unnecessary for me to testify to the good conduct and coolness of the non-commissioned officers and privates of my company, as well as those attached, as from the time of leaving the fort to the time the firing ceased they were under your personal observation.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. N. SHIPLEY, First Lieutenant, Third Infantry, Commanding Company C.

Maj. LEWIS G. ARNOLD, First U. S. Artillery, Commanding Column.

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No. 10.

Report of Capt. Loomis L. Langdon, First U. S. Artillery.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 10, 1861.

SIR: Pursuant to instructions, I have the honor to report my action in the engagement yesterday morning between the Federal troops and the rebels near the camp of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers.

About an hour before daybreak I was ordered by Colonel Brown to go up the island, find Colonel Wilson, and give him the order to follow the rebels then believed to be retreating, and attack, and, if compelled to himself fall back, to do so slowly and in good order. After passing through a number of volunteers gathered at the fork of the two tramways about musket-shot from the fort (and whom I now understand to have been Wilson’s command that I was searching for), I arrived at the commissary store, which was burning. The camp was in flames and the tents of four companies almost consumed. Two or three corpses lay in the camp, but the place was utterly deserted. I then hastened on to the hospital, where I found and got 8 of them from Dr. Sutherland to put out the fire in the commissary store-shed. Returning, I passed through the camp, and found about 6 volunteers with muskets, apparently guarding 2 officers’ tents. I added them to my 8, and put them to work extinguishing the fire and saving the stores, which was soon done. I then crossed the island, still searching for Colonel Wilson, whom, it seems, I had passed before. I had a mounted man out also looking for him.

On arriving on the north side of the island I met Lieutenant Duryea of the First Regiment Artillery, who was carrying orders from Colonel Brown to Major Vogdes. We heard a smart firing about 200 yards up the beach, and supposing that the major and Captain Hildt were there engaged we hurried up, but soon finding a soldier who, when questioned, answered “Second Alabama,” and ascertaining that the men in front {p.456} and very near us were enemies, we came back a little and made a detour to reach our friends, who had the enemy between them and the fort. Proceeding slowly, we saw the rebels slowly retreating from the sand hills and up the beach. We here gathered about 8 stragglers from the regulars, who were in advance, and with them we pushed on, and, deploying the men, soon found ourselves before the enemy in force. They fired on us and commenced shoving off a small boat. We returned the fire on the boat, but, a large force preparing to cut us off, we came back slowly for about half a mile, where we met Major Arnold’s command. Informing him of the position of the enemy and asking for orders I was sent to the fort to report and bring up a field piece.

Returning to the field, I overtook a battalion of volunteers acting as a reserve, but at too great a distance to be of any service. I advised the officer in command to get closer to the advance, which he was subsequently doing when there was no occasion for his services, Lieutenant Jackson having brought him the order to move on, which was obeyed. Then I joined Lieutenant Jackson, who had gathered about 80 volunteers from Colonel Wilson’s camp and including 2 or 3 regulars, the latter being taken from the guard. I assisted Lieutenant Jackson in deploying his men. Here we got ahead of the reserve and were going on, when we met Major Arnold returning, the enemy’s steamboats having taken the boats in tow, and, after suffering a fire from Captain Robertson’s immediate command, retreated to the other side. The command was then rested and ordered into the fort.

Lieutenant Duryea and myself took prisoner a wounded marine officer and had him conveyed to the hospital. I sent 2 wounded rebels also to the hospital, and spent the rest of the forenoon collecting the dead and wounded and conveying them to the hospital and fort. It may be well to mention that so much time was lost in fitting harness to the mules for the field piece, that by the time it arrived within 2 miles of the place of embarkation the enemy were gone, the horses for the gun being in use for the officers.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LOOMIS L. LANGDON, First Lieutenant, Fifth Artillery, A. A. Q. M.

Maj. LEWIS G. ARNOLD, First Artillery, U. S. Army.

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No. 11.

Report of Lieut. Francis W. Seeley, Fourth U. S. Artillery.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 11, 1861.

MAJOR: In obedience to your directions, I have the honor to report that about 3.30 o’clock on the morning of the 9th of October, soon after the firing was heard at Camp Brown, I was sent by the colonel commanding to give some orders to Captain Robertson, commanding Batteries Lincoln and Cameron. On my return I met Major Vogdes and his command. The major requested me to take command of his advance guard, consisting of about 20 men, and to keep along the north beach about 15 rods in advance of the main body. With this request I complied, and marched quietly along the beach, keeping a sharp lookout in advance and on my right flank. After advancing about 1 1/2 miles from the fort I saw a squad of men in front of my party. I immediately {p.456} pushed my guard forward at double-quick, and succeeded in capturing 2 of them. They proved to be a party of stragglers from the main body of the enemy. No sooner were my prisoners secured than I heard sharp firing in rear, showing that our command was engaged with the enemy. I immediately fell back with my party and joined our main body, which I found under command of Captain Hildt, Third Infantry, Major Vogdes having been taken prisoner by the enemy, whose whole force was posted about 25 or 30 yards in front of our command. By direction of Captain Hildt I then took command of our right, and, ably assisted by Lieutenant Taylor, First Artillery, posted our men as advantageously as the ground would permit. The enemy then opened a pretty sharp fire on us, which our men returned with spirit.

Our force actually engaged at this time was about 75 or 80 men, while that of the enemy was about 1000, as we have since ascertained. Notwithstanding this disparity of numbers, our men, under the able command of Captain Hildt, bravely held their ground until the enemy made a movement evidently with the intention of attacking our left flank, when Captain Hildt gave orders to fall back gradually towards the south beach, which our men executed in good style, carrying off our wounded, facing about occasionally and delivering their fire. Soon after we took 3 army surgeons and 8 enlisted men belonging to the enemy prisoners, and Captain Hildt sent them under proper guard to the fort. As soon as the enemy found his front clear he continued his retreat up the island. We remained, collecting and caring for our wounded, until your command came up. We had 4 men killed, 20 wounded, and 1 officer (Major Vogdes) and 8 men missing. During the whole action our men behaved admirably, loading and firing with perfect coolness. Of those who were particularly distinguished for their coolness and bravery mention has I believe, been made by Captain Hildt in his official report of the affair.

I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEELEY, First Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery.

Maj. LEWIS G. ARNOLD First Artillery, U. S. Army.

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No. 12.

Report of Lieutenant Richard H. Jackson, First U. S. Artillery.

FORT PICKENS, FLA., October 10, 1861.

SIR: In accordance with your directions I have the honor to report that a little after daybreak yesterday morning I was ordered by Colonel Brown to follow your command and take any men that I could find who in the darkness of the night might have become separated from Major Vogdes’ command, as well as any of Colonel Wilson’s men who could be picked up, and with them proceed to join your command, and to give instructions to the officers commanding detachments who might be in your rear to follow promptly to your support. I proceeded at once to Colonel Wilson’s encampment and collected about 80 men of his regiment and 3 officers. I immediately formed them and proceeded at their head to join you. After marching at double-quick for about a mile, I heard heavy firing on the beach, and seeing a swamp in front of me, I galloped ahead of my detachment in order to select the shortest route {p.457} to the scene of action. About 300 yards in front of my command I fell in with and captured two of the rebels, who were guarding 3 men of Colonel Wilson’s regiment, who had been made prisoners a short time before. I disarmed them, and sent them under guard to the fort. After proceeding a short distance I came up with about 150 men of the New York regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton. They were halted. I ordered him to advance at once to your support. He accordingly did so. I went in advance of him at the double-quick and soon came on the beach. I then saw that the rebels had taken to their boats. I heard heavy firing from our troops in advance of me on the beach, and saw a great many of the enemy fall on one of their large flat-boats. They, however, succeeded in getting off before I could get close enough to fire on them. I in a few minutes afterwards joined your command.

I am sorry to have to state that on my arrival at Colonel Wilson’s camp I was greatly surprised to see so many men wandering around some of them without arms (although there were plenty to be had), and to find in camp with them 3 or 4 officers, who did not even attempt to organize the men or move forward with them. A great many of the men said that they would have been glad to have gone forward before my arrival if they had had any person to organize and lead them.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. JACKSON, First Lieutenant, First Artillery.

Maj. LEWIS G. ARNOLD, Major, First Artillery, U. S. Army.

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No. 18.

Congratulatory orders from Major-General McClellan, U. S. Army.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 109.}

HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, A. G. O., Washington, December 21, 1861.

The Commanding General has the satisfaction of announcing to the Army another instance of skill and good conduct on the part of the beleaguered garrison of Fort Pickens, harbor of Pensacola, under the command of Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth Regiment U. S. Artillery.

On the night of October 9 an attempt was made by a large body of rebels to burn the camp of Wilson’s Zouaves, spike the guns of the outer batteries, and take Fort Pickens by assault. The enemy were signally repulsed from Santa Rosa Island, with heavy loss on their side, after firing a few of our tents.

A subsequent attempt to make a lodgment on the island was defeated by well-delivered fire from one of our ships of war.

To put a stop to such aggressions a combined fire was opened upon the enemy’s batteries from Fort Pickens and the ships of our squadron in Pensacola Harbor, which was kept up throughout the 22d and 23d of November. On the first day Fort McRee and several guns in the other hostile batteries were silenced; and this was followed by the destruction, under our heavy cannonade, of nearly two-thirds of the towns of Warrington and Woolsey, adjoining the navy-yard, and by very serious damage to the navy-yard and its buildings. Fortunately but little loss was sustained by us in men or in the condition of our works.

It is with pride and gratification that the Commanding General finds {p.458} in the official reports the most honorable mention of each and every officer, as well as of the enlisted men, engaged on these occasions.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

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-No. 14.-

Reports of Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding at Pensacola, with congratulatory orders.

BARRANCAS, October 9, 1861.

We chastised the enemy on Santa Rosa last night for his annoyances; drove him from his camps, burned his tents and many stores, spiked some of his guns, and retired in good order. Our loss was 30 or 40 killed and wounded. The enemy’s supposed to be larger, as he was completely surprised. General Anderson commanded and was disabled. Can I retain General Ruggles a few days? It may be very important. Major Vogdes is our prisoner, with several others. Am I authorized to exchange?

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General.

General S. COOPER.

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HDQRS. TROOPS OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, Near Pensacola, Fla., October 10, 1861.

SIR: Satisfied from information received that the enemy contemplated opening fire upon us very soon, and desirous of avenging the annoyances he had recently caused my command, an expedition was projected against his outposts on Santa Rosa Island. It was executed on Tuesday night, by 1,000 men, under Brig. Gen. R. H. Anderson in a very handsome manner. We attacked and drove in his pickets and outposts, routed a regiment of New York volunteers, Col. Billy Wilson; burned the camp and stores in the vicinity including a large quantity of stores and provisions; inflicted loss of about 50 killed, including a number of officers, from the best information we can get; wounded a number unknown; made some 20 prisoners, Major I. Vogdes, First Artillery, with them, and retired within our lines.

Our loss is more severe than at first reported. The men became much exhausted from the long and fatiguing march through the deep sand of the island, and no doubt a considerable portion of the loss was from this cause. We might have easily defended ourselves against the troops on the island, but it was necessary to leave before the enemy’s shipping should open and destroy our transportation, and our means would not enable us to keep them off. Thus far I hear of about 20 killed on our side including 3 officers. Many of them have undoubtedly been massacred after being captured, from the appearance of their bodies which were delivered to us. The enemy also have about 40 of our party prisoners, several of them wounded.

The exact state of affairs will be communicated more in detail as soon as the reports of subordinates are received, when I will take occasion to do full justice to individuals for special acts of gallantry. Each State and corps represented in the army participated in the affair, and the gallantry and good conduct of the troops were conspicuous. Brig. Gen. {p.459} R. H. Anderson conducted the expedition with a zeal and gallantry worthy of high commendation. At the close he received a painful wound in the left elbow, temporarily disabling him; but it is trusted we shall not long be deprived of his valuable services.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY, Richmond, Va.

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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PENSACOLA, Near Pensacola, Fla., October 29, 1861.

SIR: Owing to the disability of Brigadier-General Anderson from his wound I have been unable to procure earlier a detailed report of the affair with the enemy on Santa Rosa Island on the night of the 8th and 9th instant, with a tabular statement of killed, wounded, and prisoners. It is herewith inclosed. [No. 15.] The circumstances attending this little expedition rendered it a most daring and successful feat of arms. Landing from steamers and flats on the enemy’s shore within sight of his fleet, marching some 3 or 4 miles in the darkness of night over an unknown and almost impassable ground under his guns, killing his pickets, storming his intrenched camp of 600 or 700 men, driving the enemy off in utter confusion and dismay, and burning every vestige of clothing, equipage and provisions, leaving them individually in a state of destitution and this under the close range of the guns of his stronghold, Fort Pickens, without his discovering our object or firing a gun, is an achievement worthy of the gallant men who executed it. Our loss was almost entirely the result of exhaustion from the fatigue of the march and from the over-zeal of the hospital guard left to protect the enemy’s sick when they were captured.

From the nature of the service and the necessity of rapidly retiring with our small force before the enemy could rally from his surprise some of our wounded were left on the field, and, I regret to say, indications show they were brutally murdered by the enemy. Of 13 dead bodies recovered 11 were shot through the head having at the same time disabling wounds in the body. This fact admits of but one inference.

Brigadier-General Anderson commends in very just terms the gallantry of his little band, who have fully justified the high estimate I had formed of this excellent little army. They have shown it is only necessary to order and they will promptly execute, however desperate the undertaking. The general modestly omits to mention that at the close of the affair he received a painful wound in the left arm from a musket-ball, which will disable him for several weeks.

In commending the troops generally for their good conduct I cannot omit to mention the separate commanders of the three small columns-Col. J. Patton Anderson, First Florida Volunteers; Col. J. K. Jackson, Fifth Georgia Volunteers, and Col. J. R. Chalmers, Ninth Mississippi Volunteers. The darkness and nature of the service rendered it necessary for each one to act an independent part. They proved themselves not only gallant leaders, but competent commanders.

To Capt. W. R. Boggs, engineer, C. S. Army, and First Lieut. J. E. Slaughter, C. S. Artillery, acting inspector-general, I am indebted for the perfect knowledge of the enemy’s pickets and positions, obtained by {p.460} close reconnaissances, on which the expedition was based, and for the secret and complete organization which insured its success.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY, Richmond, Va.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 108.}

HEADQUARTERS TROOPS C. S., Near Pensacola, Fla., October 10, 1861.

I. Brig. Gen. R. H. Anderson and the officers and men of his command will accept the thanks of the major-general commanding for their gallant expedition of Tuesday night. The object was attained, and the enemy taught a severe lesson for his marauding parties, winch have recently annoyed us. The sacrifice which must be made in such exploits was not unexpected, and we can only mourn the loss of our gallant comrades, whilst we prepare to meet their fate and deserve their honors.

II. The circumstances attending this affair should teach us the necessity of vigilance, our success being greatly aided by the want of it on the part of the enemy, and especially as an attempt at retaliation may be expected.

By command of Major-General Bragg:

GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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No. 15.

Report of Brig. Gen. Richard H. Anderson, C. S. Army, commanding expedition.

PENSACOLA, FLA., October 23, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affair on Santa Rosa Island on the night of the 8th and morning of the 9th of October:

The detachments which had been ordered to assemble at the navy-yard arrived at the hour appointed, and were embarked in good order on the steamer Time. Whilst proceeding from the navy-yard to Pensacola the troops were divided into battalions, as follows:

The First Battalion, 350 strong, to the command of which Col. James B. Chalmers, Ninth Mississippi Regiment, was assigned, was composed of detachments from the Ninth and Tenth Mississippi and First Alabama Regiments. Three companies of the Seventh Regiment Alabama Volunteers, two companies of Louisiana infantry, and two companies of the First Regiment of Florida Volunteers, composed the Second Battalion, 400 strong, to the command of which Col. J. Patton Anderson, First Regiment Florida Volunteers was assigned. The Third Battalion, 260 strong, under command of Col. John K. Jackson, Fifth Regiment Georgia Volunteers, was composed of detachments from the Fifth Georgia Regiment and the Georgia Battalion. An independent company of 53 men, selected from the Fifth Georgia Regiment, and Captain Homer’s company of artillery, lightly armed with pistols and knives, carrying materials for spiking cannon, burning and destroying {p.461} buildings, gun-carriages, &c., were placed under command of Lieutenant Hallonquist, acting ordnance officer. Lieutenant Nelms, adjutant Fifth Georgia Regiment, was attached to this command.

The medical officers who accompanied the expedition were: Dr. Micks of the Louisiana infantry; Dr. Tompkins, of the Fifth Georgia Regiment; Dr. Gholson, of the Ninth Mississippi Regiment; Dr. Lipscomb, of the Tenth Mississippi Regiment, and Dr. Gamble, of the First Florida Regiment, and a detail of 20 men was made to attend on and assist them.

Arriving at Pensacola at about 10 o’clock p.m., the transfer of the troops to the steamer Ewing and the barges and flats which had been provided was pushed on as rapidly as possible, but not without some unavoidable delay. It was found absolutely necessary to employ the Neaffie to assist in towing, and at length, all preparations having been completed, the boats departed from Pensacola at a little after 12 o’clock, crossed the bay, and effected a landing at the point which had been indicated by instructions. Disembarkation was rapidly executed in good order and silence, and the battalions were formed upon the beach at a little after 2 o’clock a.m.

To effectually accomplish the object of the expedition Colonel Chalmers was directed to advance rapidly along the north beach, Colonel Anderson along the south beach, and Colonel Jackson, following a few hundred yards in rear of Colonel Chalmers, was to push his command to the middle of the island, and deploy it as soon as he should hear firing from either of the other battalions or should perceive from any other indications that the enemy’s camp was approached or assailed by the other columns. Colonels Chalmers and Anderson had been further directed to endeavor to restrain their men from firing, to capture guards and sentinels, and to place their commands, if possible, between Fort Pickens and the camp of the enemy. Lieutenant Hallonquist followed in rear of Colonel Jackson’s battalion, with orders to do whatever damage he could to the batteries, buildings, and camps from which the enemy might be driven.

After a march of 3 or 4 miles, rendered toilsome and fatiguing by the nature of the ground, the head of Colonel Chalmers’ column came suddenly upon a sentinel, who fired ineffectually at our troops, and was himself instantly shot down. The alarm having been thus given, and it becoming impossible to conceal our further advance from the enemy, I ordered Colonel Jackson to push his way through the thickets to the middle of the island, and advance as rapidly as possible. The guards and outposts of the Zouaves were now rapidly driven in or shot down, and the progress of a few hundred yards, quickly accomplished by Colonel Jackson, brought him upon the camp of the enemy in advance of either of the other battalions. Without a moment’s delay he charged it with the bayonet, but met with no resistance. The camp was almost entirely deserted and our troops speedily applied the torch to the tents, store-houses, and sheds of Wilson’s Zouaves.

In the mean time Colonels Chalmers and Anderson, advancing along the shores of the island, encountered pickets and outposts with which they had some sharp skirmishing, but quickly beat them off, and joined in the work of destroying the camp. This having been most thoroughly executed, the troops were reassembled, with a view to proceeding against and destroying the batteries which lay between the camp and Fort Pickens; but daylight appearing, and there being no longer a possibility of a surprise of the batteries, I directed the signal for retiring to be sounded and the troops to be put in march for the boats

{p.462}

At about half way between the Zouave camp and the point of disembarkation of our troops we encountered two companies of United States regulars, which had passed us under cover of the darkness, and posted themselves behind a dense thicket to intercept our retiring column, and a very sharp but short skirmish ensued. The enemy was speedily driven off, and our troops resumed their march. The re-embarkation was successfully accomplished, and the order given to the steamers to steer for Pensacola, when it was discovered that a hawser had become entangled in the propeller of the Neaffie, and that she could not move.

After some delay, from ineffectual attempts to extricate the propeller, she and the large flat which she had in tow were made fast to the Ewing. It was soon found, however, that with this incumbrance the Ewing would not obey her helm, and that a change in the manner of towing the Neaffie was necessary. While attempting to make this change the flats and barges which the Ewing had in tow became detached from her, and still further delay was occasioned in recovering them. By the time this had been done the hawser was cut away from the propeller, and the Neaffie proceeded on her way. The enemy, taking advantage of these circumstances, appeared among the sand hills near the beach, and opened a fire upon the masses of our troops densely crowded upon our transports, but without doing much execution, and we were soon out of range of their rifles. The necessity of using the Neaffie as a tug and the accident which for some time disabled her prevented her guns from being brought into play, otherwise she might have rendered effectual service in driving back the enemy who harassed us from the beach.

Our loss in this affair was as follows: Killed, 2 commissioned officers, 4 non-commissioned officers, 11 privates, and 1 citizen volunteer; wounded, 2 commissioned officers, 5 non-commissioned officers, and 32 privates; taken prisoners, 5 commissioned officers, 2 non-commissioned officers, and 23 privates. The larger portion of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates captured by the enemy were the guard left for the protection of their hospital and sick and the medical officers who had remained in the building to attend to such of our wounded as might be carried there. Notwithstanding that I caused the signal for retiring to be repeatedly sounded during the return of the troops it was not heard at the hospital, and the guard and medical officers were cut off and taken prisoners.

The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded has not been precisely ascertained, but is certainly known to have much exceeded our own. From such imperfect observation as I made in passing over parts of the ground I will estimate his loss at 50, or 60 killed and 100 wounded. Twenty prisoners were taken, among them Maj. Israel Vogdes, of the United States artillery.

The destruction of property in the conflagration was very great. Large stores of provisions, supplies of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, arms, and ammunition were entirely consumed. Some arms were brought away by our men, and in a few instances money and clothing; as will be seen by the report of Colonel Jackson, and I would respectfully recommend that the captors be permitted to retain whatever private property they have taken.

It is with pride and pleasure that I bear testimony to and call to the notice of the general commanding the admirable conduct of the troops throughout the expedition and conflict. The alacrity, courage and discipline exhibited by them merit the highest commendation, and give assurance of success in any future encounters which they may have with the enemies of our country.

{p.463}

I beg leave to refer you to the accompanying reports of commanders of battalions and of Lieutenant Hallonquist for particulars concerning casualties, incidents, and individual instances of meritorious conduct. I inclose the report of Captain Brent, C. S. Navy, who was charged with the entire arrangements for the transportation of my command, under whose direction this important matter was very successfully managed.

The report of Major Lovell, C. S. Army, chief of harbor police, and in command of the steamer Neaffie, is also submitted.* The members of my staff, Capt. T. S. Mills, assistant adjutant-general, and Capt. Hugh M. King, Fifth Regiment Georgia Volunteers; Lieuts. Calvin L. Sayre and Wilber Johnson, C. S. Marines, who volunteered their services and acted as my aides, rendered me active and efficient assistance throughout the whole of the operations. Captain Mills, who was with Colonel Anderson’s battalion in its first encounter with the enemy, received a severe contusion in the chest from a partially-spent ball, but nevertheless continued energetically to perform his duties, and Lieutenant Sayre, while fearlessly using his revolver with effect, had his thigh bone shattered just above the right knee by a musket-ball, and, being left upon the ground, fell into the hands of the enemy. Capt. Hugh M. King, in conveying orders and superintending the destruction of the camp, displayed commendable zeal and activity, and the ardor and intrepidity of Lieutenant Johnson, while deserving especial notice, give promise of this young officer’s future success and distinction.

The officers of the medical staff rendered to the wounded every service which under the circumstances was possible.

Colonels Anderson and Jackson pay graceful tribute to the memory of Captain Bradford and Lieutenant Nelms, of their regiments, to which I desire to add my respectful admiration for them and for every brave patriot who fell with them in defense of their country’s liberties.

I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

R. H. ANDERSON, Brigadier-General, Provisional Army.

Maj. G. G. GARNER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., C. A., Hdqrs. Army of Pensacola.

* None of these subordinate reports have been found.

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DECEMBER 3, 1861.–Occupation of Ship Island, Miss.

REPORTS.

No. 1.–	Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, of the departure of the expedition.
No. 2.–	Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, of the arrival of the expedition at Ship Island.
No. 3.–	Brig. Gen. J. W. Phelps, commanding.

No. 1.

Reports of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler of the departure of the expedition.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW ENGLAND, Boston, December 2, 1861.

GENERAL: I beg leave to report that the steamship Constitution sailed from Boston to Portland, in the State of Maine, upon Thursday, the 21st ultimo, with two regiments of infantry-the Ninth Connecticut and the {p.464} Twenty sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers-together with the Fifth Massachusetts Light Battery, in all numbering about 1,900 men. One company of the Ninth Connecticut was allowed to remain at Camp Chase, in Lowell, to recruit for the regiment, where it is now stationed. Subsistence stores for thirty days for 300 men were taken on board at Boston. It was my intention to have placed on board this ship at Portland the Twelfth Maine Regiment, this coming within the chartered capacity of the vessel, but upon arriving at that place the captain became uneasy and doubtful of the capacity of the ship, entered a written protest against taking it on board, and upon the 23d ultimo sailed from that port with the freight taken at Boston. I have since had the Twelfth Maine Regiment brought to this State and encamped at Camp Chase, where it now remains, waiting the remainder of vessels to carry it on, and undergoing instruction.

By the action of the captain of the Constitution he made forfeit his charter-party and leaves the claim of the owners to be adjusted upon the principles of equity.

On the 26th ultimo I forwarded the bark Kingfisher, of Boston, for the same destination from Boston, with extra clothing for three regiments and other quartermaster’s stores, including parts of a floating bridge half a mile long, lumber, &c., for building wharf, &c., carriages for field battery, subsistence and sutler stores, and 130 horses and forage, details of which bill of lading are in Schedule A.

I have the George Green, Idaho, and Black Prince now loading, all from 1,000 to 1,400 tons register, all sailing vessels. The George Green is loading with lumber, subsistence stores, and horses and will be ready to sail about the 10th instant. The Idaho and Black Prince will take on board the Twelfth Maine Regiment with subsistence stores, lumber, horses, and forage. They will be ready’ to sail about the 10th instant. I am loading the bark with lumber, cement, horses and forage, and surfboats. It will be ready to sail about the 10th instant. I have chartered the steam-tug Saxon, to take out a company of artillery, with their guns and subsistence stores, and intend that it shall sail as convoy and tug to the above vessels.

The Constitution touched at Fortress Monroe, and on the 27th ultimo, having taken on board Brigadier-General Phelps, sailed for Ship Island, where it becomes due upon the 3d instant. If it succeeds in unloading to leave there on the 7th, it will be due here, in ordinary course, upon the 15th instant, ready for further service.

I have been obliged to use sailing ships for transporting the men because of the impossibility of getting steamers, being informed by those in whose judgment confidence may be placed that they are equally safe.

I have in process of recruitment-more of which will be ready by the time of the return of the Constitution than can be taken on board of her-two regiments in Massachusetts, one regiment in Vermont, and one regiment in Connecticut, a squadron of mounted men, and three batteries, of full complement. I have secured and in process of being ready arms, ammunition, uniforms, and equipments for all of these. I have in my report of the 2d instant given a complete list of ordnance and ordnance stores which can be obtained for the objects of the expedition. I do not send herewith lists of commissary stores purchased, but these may be stated generally to be sufficient for 5,000 men for three months, besides the fresh provisions for the voyage. I have also such stores and provision of materials as may be necessary to a post fortified on Ship Island in a reasonable state of defense.

{p.466}

Schedule B contains the list of quartermaster’s stores snipped on board the Constitution.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding.

To the ADJUTANT GENERAL U. S. ARMY.

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No. 2.

Report of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler of the arrival of the expedition at Ship Island.

WASHINGTON, December 19, 1861.

I have the honor to forward to the Commanding General a copy of the report of Brigadier-General Phelps of the landing of a portion of my division upon Ship Island, together with details of the state of the island and its needs for a defensive position.

I have not received from General Phelps any official copy of the proclamation to which he refers, but from other sources have such information as renders it certain that the printed copies are substantially correct. I need hardly say that the issuing of any proclamation upon such occasion was neither suggested nor authorized by me, and most certainly not such a one. With that important exception I commend the report, and ask attention to its clear and business-like statements.

I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,

BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding.

To the ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY.

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No. 3.

Report of Brig. Gen. J. W. Phelps, commanding.

SHIP ISLAND, MISSISSIPPI SOUND, December 5, 1861.

SIR: A part of the Middlesex brigade, consisting of the Massachusetts Twenty-sixth and Connecticut Ninth Infantry Volunteers, with Captain Manning’s battery of artillery (volunteers), numbering in all (servants included) 1,908, arrived off Fort Monroe, Va., on board steam-transport Constitution, on the 26th November. In compliance with previous orders and instructions I relieved Colonel Jones, of the Massachusetts Twenty-sixth, in command, and we stood out to sea on the afternoon of the 27th. After a pleasant passage we reached Ship Island Harbor, Mississippi Sound, on the evening of the 3d December. Dispatches for Flag-Officer McKean, with which I was intrusted were sent by Lieutenant Winslow, of the R. R. Cuyler, the same evening, to Pensacola Station, where the flag-officer then was, and to whom I made known my arrival.

Captain Smith, of the Massachusetts, offered us all the means within his power to facilitate our landing-an operation which we have not yet completed, and which we should have found very difficult, if not impossible, were it not for the zealous assistance rendered by Lieutenant Buchanan {p.466} and other officers of his command, aided by two high-pressure steamers which the Navy had recently captured. We found in the harbor on our arrival the United States war vessel Massachusetts and the R. R. Cuyler, besides several prizes; and not long afterwards the steam gunboat New London and an armed schooner, a part of the Gulf Blockading Squadron, came in.

Some six or more steam gunboats, if not drawing more than 6 or 7 feet, could be well employed here in stopping a considerable trade and in otherwise annoying the enemy. Without them the enemy’s light-draught beats can pass in view between New Orleans and Mobile with impunity. On no part of our coast could gunboats be better at this time employed. Upon the west end of the island a partially-finished fort is occupied by about 170 sailors and marines, commanded by Lieutenant Buchanan, of the Navy, who has several Dahlgren large-caliber guns in position on navy carriages. The rebels, by whom the island was held several months, abandoned it in September last, and destroyed nearly everything which they could not carry off. The fort and lighthouse with keeper’s lodgings, remain, the former unfinished and the latter injured to some extent by fire. The walls of the fort have been carried up to a sufficient height by the rebels to form nearly a tier of casemates, and partly covered over with some considerable mason work; and with material now on the ground, except lime, it might receive some twenty guns on casemate carriages. I would recommend that number, one-half or part Sawyer’s 24-pounder rifles, the other half 8 or 10 inch columbiads. Traverse circles, traverse blocks of stone or wood, and iron pintles to hold the tongue of the chassis, would be necessary. A magazine would have to be constructed, for which more brick would be needed. For immediate use a large number of sand bags might not be out of place. For the purpose of landing guns, coal for the Navy, and other heavy materials, a large convenient wharf will be necessary, with some quarter or a half mile of railway, the iron for which, and perhaps the lumber, would have to be brought from the North, together with a pile-driver and other tools for construction; though perhaps timber partly enough might be found here.

The island is a long, narrow strip of land running north of east. Some 6 or 7 miles towards the west end, where the harbor lies, and where we are encamped, it consists of sand hummocks of pure white sand, interspersed with sedgy spots of water. It bears evidence of having been overflowed in some extraordinary storms, large trunks of trees having drifted on some of its higher hummocks. The east end widens out in a triangular shape, embracing about 1 square mile, and is covered with pine trees. I made an unsuccessful effort to have it examined on the day of our arrival, and regret having been too, much occupied since to repeat it. From appearances, it would be well to have the camp there, with a wharf, and a small steamer to ply between the two points. For the present, and to expedite the return of the Constitution, I concluded to land here, where I can place, though indifferently well, one or two more regiments. The land is in no respects suitable for a camp, especially in view of such instructions as one of the regiments present particularly needs. Should the stay here be of long continuance, huts with floors will be necessary.

While writing this report I learn, much to my regret, that in transferring the baggage from the Constitution to the lighter one of Captain Manning’s 6-pounder rifled guns has been lost overboard in 4 fathoms of water. How such an unpleasant accident could have happened I have not yet been informed.

{p.467}

Deeming it proper to make known to the people of this region the remoter objects of this expedition, I have prepared a proclamation, which I shall endeavor to have disseminated as early and widely as possible, consistent with the more pressing demands of the service.*

December 6.-The work upon the fort would require the superintendence of a military engineer. For present purposes the walls now standing, though built of brick, may answer, but for future use a granite work of solid foundation and three tiers of guns might be necessary. It might be well for the present to have three Sawyer’s mounted outside the work, on entire traverse circles, to be covered by sand bags. For this purpose suitable platforms will be needed. I have to-day, in accordance with my instructions, held an interview with Captain Smith, of the Massachusetts, Flag-Officer McKean not having yet arrived. Captain Smith thinks that there is water enough on the island and in the vicinity to supply gunboats and other vessels of the station, although procuring it will be slow and difficult. He says that the flag-officer has ordered more guns for the fort, and that they are daily expected. He suggests that there should be a coal depot established here on the island, and that a regular steam packet should ply between the island and Fort Monroe, Va., or some other Northern port. He also proposes the occupation of other points upon the islands along the sound, with a view to the more complete cutting off of communication between New Orleans and Mobile, which has been to a great extent unimpeded from the want of proper gunboats and sufficient force. He, moreover, suggests a plan of driving piles across several of the months of the Mississippi, leaving but one open.

The discharging of the cargo of the Constitution is still going on by means of the two steamers before mentioned and a temporary wharf. The wind since our arrival has prevailed from north of east, and the water last night rose to such a height that a considerable portion of the island between the fort and light-house was overflowed, leaving a thin sheet of water there; an event which I am informed is not unfrequent. The narrow strip of sand, about a quarter or third of a mile in width, which forms the western extremity of the island, is but ill-suited for a camp, either regulars or volunteers.

The Connecticut regiment (the Ninth) has never yet received its arms, nor is it supplied with a proper allowance of tents. It is new, and requires a great deal of instruction. Of quartermaster’s stores, such as spades, shovels, axes, camp hatchets, carpenters’ and masons’ tools, a large supply, I understand from Captain Butler, has been ordered, and they will probably be needed.

This afternoon a dispatch from Flag-Officer McKean has arrived by the De Soto, by which I learn that he will soon be here, and make this point his headquarters.

On board the New London, Captain Reed, I have visited the eastern extremity of the island; the part that lies beyond the lagoon. There is space sufficient there for 5,000 men, but the land is so interspersed with marshes that I consider a camp there for that number to be out of the question. The water along the northern shore for some distance is so shallow that our row-boats dragged bottom. The beach is lined by a ridge of sand hummocks some 10 feet in height, but beyond these the land is generally low, and covered with pines, scrub oak, scrub palmetto, and marsh grass in patches. Mosquitoes would be troublesome there at all seasons, and in rainy weather much of the ground would be under {p.468} water. The process of reclamation seems still to be going on with an activity as if it had but just begun, though the island is probably as old as the main-land. The animals seen are snakes, toads, birds, raccoons, pigs, and, it is said, alligators.

The New London, with four long 32s and one rifle, appears to be, under her present commander, a very effective, well managed craft. Since her arrival here, some fifteen days ago, she has captured over five prizes and given the enemy great annoyance. The enemy’s gunboats are of light draught, and are armed with rifles, and it is folly in us to allow them such an unnecessary advantage. With such an advantage on our side we could make ourselves felt in this quarter in a way calculated to produce an effect.

December 7.-The land on this side of the lagoon has been examined by several persons, and it represented as better fitted for a camp than the part beyond the lagoon, being higher and drier, but the water is so shallow that a long wharf would have to be built, and even then the space would hardly be suitable for a camp of 5,000 men. Nor are the islands in the neighborhood apparently much better. I shall endeavor to make the most of our position for the public service.

2 o’clock p.m.-The Constitution has been completely discharged, and will sail before dark. While reperusing this report, the De Soto and New London have been engaging the enemy’s boats in the direction of New Orleans.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. PHELPS, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Commanding Department New England, Boston, Mass.

* Proclamation not found.

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NOVEMBER 22-23, 1861.– Bombardment of the Confederate lines about Pensacola, Fla.

REPORTS, ETC.

No. 1.–	Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Department of Florida.
No. 2.–	Maj. Lewis G. Arnold, First U. S. Artillery, commanding batteries.
No. 3.–	Capt. Richard C. Duryea, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 4.–	Lieut. Richard H. Jackson, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 5.–	Capt. James M. Robertson, Second U. S. Artillery.
No. 6.–	Capt. Harvey A. Allen, Second U. S. Artillery.
No. 7.–	Lieut. A. C. M. Pennington, Second U. S. Artillery.
No. 8.–	Lieut. Francis W. Seeley, Fourth U. S. Artillery.
No. 9.–	Capt. Samuel F. Chalfin, Fifth U. S. Artillery.
No. 10.–	Capt. Loomis L. Langdon, First U. S. Artillery.
No. 11.–	Capt. John McL. Hildt, Third U. S. Infantry.
No. 12.–	Lieut. Alexander N. Shipley, Third U. S. Infantry.
No. 13.–	Capt. Matthew M. Blunt, Twelfth U. S. Infantry.
No. 14.–	Lieut. Walter McFarland, U. S. Corps of Engineers.
No. 15.–	Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Pensacola, with congratulatory orders.
No. 16.–	Brig. Gen. Richard H. Anderson, C. S. Army.

{p.469}

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No. 1.

Reports of Col. Harvey Brown, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Commanding Department of Florida.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Pickens, November 25, 1861.

GENERAL: That Fort Pickens has been beleaguered by the rebels for the last nine months, and that it was daily threatened by the boasting rebels with the fate of Sumter, is a fact notorious to the whole world. Since its occupancy by Lieutenant Slemmer the rebels have been surrounding it with batteries and daily arming them with the heaviest and most efficient guns known to our service-guns stolen from us-until they considered this fort as virtually their own, its occupancy being only a question of time. I have been in command since the 16th of April, and during the whole of that time their force has averaged so far as I can learn, from eight to ten times the number of mine. The position in which I have thus been placed has been sufficiently trying, and I have at three separate times intended to free myself from it by opening my batteries on them; but imperious circumstances, over which I had no control, have unexpectedly in each instance prevented.

Affairs were in this state on the morning of the 9th of October, when the enemy, 1,500 strong, attacked by surprise a portion of my command on an intensely dark night. They were defeated and driven from the island with great loss by less than 200 regulars and 50 volunteers, all the efficient force I had disposable for the purpose. An insult so gross to the flag of my country could not by me be passed unnoticed, and I designed immediately to take appropriate notice of it, but, as I said before, circumstances over which I had no control prevented. I make these prefatory remarks to explain why I have now opened my batteries on the enemy, when from the smallness of my forces-about one-sixth of his, 1,300 to 8,000-I have not the means of producing any decisive results, and as evidence of my having accomplished what I designed-the punishing the perpetrators of an insult on my country’s flag.

Having invited Flag-Officer McKean to co-operate with me in attacking the rebels, and to which he gave a ready and cordial assent, I on the morning of the 22d opened my batteries on the enemy, to which in the course of half an hour he responded from his numerous forts and batteries, extending from the navy-yard to Fort McRee a distance of about 4 miles, the whole nearly equidistant from this fort, and on which line he has two forts, McRee and Barrancas, and fourteen separate batteries, containing from one to four guns, many of them being 10-inch columbiads and some 12 and 13 inch seacoast mortars, the distance varying from 2,100 to 2,900 yards from this fort. At the same time of my opening Flag-Officer McKean, in the Niagara, and Captain Ellison, in the Richmond, took position as near to Fort McRee as the depth of water would permit, but which, unfortunately, was not sufficiently deep to give full effect to their powerful batteries. They, however, kept up a spirited fire on the fort and adjacent batteries during the whole day. My fire was incessant from the time of opening until it was too dark to see, at the rate of a shot for each gun every fifteen or twenty minutes, the fire of the enemy being somewhat slower. By noon the guns of Fort McRee were all silenced but one, and three hours before sunset this fort and the adjoining battery ceased to fire. I directed the guns of Batteries Lincoln, Cameron, and Totten principally {p.470} on the batteries adjacent to the navy-yard, those of Battery Scott to Fort McRee and the light-house batteries, and those of the fort to all. We reduced very perceptibly the fire of Barrancas, entirely silenced that in the navy-yard and in one or two of the other batteries, the efficiency of our fire at the close of the day not being the least impaired.

The next morning I again opened about the same hour, the Navy, unfortunately (owing to a reduction in the depth of water, caused by a change of wind), not being able to get so near as yesterday, consequently the distance was too great to be effectual. My fire this day was less rapid and, I think, more efficient than that of yesterday. Fort McRee, so effectually silenced yesterday, did not fire again to-day. We silenced entirely one or two guns, and had one of ours disabled by a shot coming through the embrasure. About 3 o’clock fire was communicated to one of the houses in Warrington, and shortly after to the church steeple. The church and the whole village being immediately in rear of some of the rebel batteries (they apparently having placed them purposely directly in front of the largest and most valuable buildings), the fire rapidly communicated to other buildings along the street, until probably two-thirds of’ it was consumed, and about the same time fire was discovered issuing from the back part of the navy-yard, probably in Woolsey, a village to the north and immediately adjoining the yard, as Warrington does on the west. Finally it penetrated to the yard, and, as it continued to burn brightly all night, I concluded that either in it or in Woolsey many buildings were destroyed. Very heavy damage was also done to the buildings of the yard by the avalanche of shot, shell, and splinters showered unceasingly on them for two days, and as they were nearly fire-proof (being built of brick and covered with slate), I could not succeed in firing them, neither my hot shot nor shells having any power of igniting them. The steamer Time, which was at the wharf at the time, was abandoned on the first day and exposed to our fire, which probably entirely disabled her.

The fire was again continued until dark, a with mortars occasionally, until 2 o’clock the next morning, when the combat ceased. This fort at its conclusion, though it has received a great many shot and shell, is in every respect, save the disabling of one gun-carriage and the loss of service of 6 men, as efficient as it was at the commencement of the combat, but the ends I proposed in commencing having been attained except one, which I find to be impracticable with my present means, I do not deem it advisable further to continue it, unless the enemy thinks proper to do so, when I shall meet him with alacrity. The attack on “Billy Wilson’s” camp, the attempted attack on my batteries, and the insult to our glorious flag have been fully and fearfully avenged. I have no means of knowing the loss of the enemy, and have no disposition to guess at it. The firing on his batteries was very heavy, well-directed, and continuous for two days, and could hardly fail of having had important results. Our losses would have been heavy but for the foresight which, with great labor, caused us to erect elaborate means of protection, and which saved many lives. I lost 1 private killed, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, and 4 privates wounded, only 1 severely. My officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates were everything I could desire. They one and all performed their duty with the greatest cheerfulness and in the most able and efficient manner.

I am much indebted to Major Arnold,my executive officer for his valuable assistance. His whole conduct was admirable, and Captains Allen, Chalfin, Blunt, Robertson, Hildt, and Duryea, and Lieutenants {p.471} McFarland, Langdon, Closson, Shipley, Jackson, Pennington, Seeley, and Taylor, merit my warmest encomiums for the coolness and deliberation with which they performed, without one exception, their duty under a heavy and continuous shower of shot, shells, and splinters for two successive days. Lieutenant Todd, ordnance officer, had full supplies of all required articles which were on hand at the post, and his department was conducted with system and efficiency. Major Tower, Surgeon Campbell, and Assistant Surgeon Sutherland, in their respective duties, sustained their high reputations. Captains Robertson, Duryea, and Blunt, and Lieutenants Pennington and Seeley, respectively, commanded Batteries Lincoln, Scott, Totten, and Cameron, and a small battery at Spanish Fort, and the other officers batteries in the fort, with distinguished ability. Captains Dobie’s and Bailey’s companies were with the batteries at Lincoln and Cameron, and did their duties faithfully and efficiently. The companies of Captains Henberer and Duffy, of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, were successively on duty at the fort, and rendered cheerfully important assistance to me. The regular companies engaged at the batteries, all of whom performed their duty so efficiently as to preclude my making a distinction, are Companies A, F and L, First Artillery; C, H, and K, Second Artillery; C and E, Third Infantry, and Companies G and I, Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers.

In closing, I tender to Flag-Officer McKean and Captain E