Showing posts with label Josiah Tatnall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josiah Tatnall. Show all posts

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, May 30, 1865

[W]e proceeded up the Savannah River, and, on reaching the city, were provided with carriages to examine it and the environs. Savannah has suffered less from war than Charleston, and, though stricken, has the appearance of vitality if not of vigor.

We drove out to Bonaventura, the former possession of Tatnall, which has been converted into a cemetery. The place has an indescribable beauty, I may say grandeur, impressing me beyond any rural place I have visited. Long rows of venerable live oaks, the splendid and valuable tree of the South, festooned with moss, opened up beautiful vistas and drives. The place I can never forget.

I called on General Grover, in company with Admiral Dahlgren, and had half an hour's interesting conversation on the condition of affairs in Georgia and the South generally. General Birge of Connecticut called on us at the boat, where we also met Samuel Cooley of Hartford, an old and familiar acquaintance.

Mrs. Jefferson Davis was at the Pulaski House. She had accompanied her husband to Fortress Monroe, and been ordered South when he was committed to the Fortress. The vessel in which she came had been in sight of ours a considerable portion of the day before we reached Charleston, and was in that harbor when we arrived there, but left and arrived here before us.

We took our departure on the afternoon of Tuesday and passed down Thunderbolt Inlet to Wassaw Sound, going over the ground where the Weehawken captured the Atlanta. This Southern coast is a singular network of interior navigable waters interlacing each other, of which we knew very little before this Civil War. The naval men seemed to be better informed as regards the coast of Europe than their own country.

The sun had set when we reached Savannah River, and it was dark when we left. Most of the company were importunate to visit Havana, but I thought it not best, and the steamer therefore turned homeward.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 313-4

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont to Gustavus V. Fox, February 28, 1862

Confidential
Wabash Outside
Port Royal Bar
28 Feby. 62
My Dear Sir

My ammunition arrived just on time as I was detained by bad weather. Our operations of the last month have caused the enemy to concentrate everything round Savannah, and according to two deserters he has abandoned Brunswick! and withdrawn the guns from the forts at St. Simons. All this I will see to—but my object in writing is to say that all approaches on Savannah will have to be probably by Ossabaw Sound and that the Ericsson would be of immense service in knocking over the fort on Greene island. She could then proceed on to the Gulf. This fort is so situated as to make it very formidable on low marshy ground. I think the soldiers will want it taken.

Our feints here have been most successful—but there is seen for some reason a determination to defend Savannah—the river is obstructed, torpedoes and infernal machines in great numbers and masked batteries above Jackson. According to deserters they have sixty thousand men in and outside—this seems absurd, but not more absurd than the last report there are 70,000 in and round Charleston.

The Fingal is purchased and Tattnall fitting her for his flagship, with 9 guns.

In haste Yrs
Most truly
S. F. DUPONT
G. V. Fox
Ass. Sec Navy.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 108-9

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Commandant Samuel F. DuPont to Gustavus V. Fox, December 6, 1861

Confidential.
‘Wabash’ Dec. 6, 61.
Port Royal, SC
My Dear Sir

Raymond Rodgers returned this morning from a splendid reconnaissance of the Wassaw Inlet strangely overlooked heretofore by the Coast Survey. He had Stevens, Ammen and Bankhead's vessels, found 21 f. on the bar, went up ten miles from it and saw the steeples of Savannah.

Boldly advancing on the fort, to his astonishment he found it abandoned like those in St. Helena Sound. Eight heavy guns had been removed — the magazine blown up, the beds and circles broken. The Fort now building is on Wilmington Creek near a Coast Survey triangulation station and ten miles from Savannah.

Now my Dear friend I want to make a point as the Japanese express it. We are you will see going more and more into the flanks of the rebels, driving them from these coast defences and keeping up our prestige I think, — but alas my vessels are so spread and absorbed, that we have to come out of these places again. Drayton is holding all the St. Helena waters and the Dale is to be the depot ship — at Otter island and keeping up this demonstration off Savannah by the ships in Tybee roads is right also, — and now comes Wassaw, and I believe (I don't know) that Ossabaw and the rest of the Coast of Georgia will be ready to fall into our hands. This you will remember was the regular plan of the Department, but I never thought I could carry it out so fast — then again we were to begin at the lower end and work up, but having made this great breach in the centre, by the occupation of Port Royal, we are working towards both ends at the same time.

Mr. Welles and Yrself have been so kind that I dislike to be troubling you for more vessels — but besides the above disposition of them, the constant and necessary repairs to every steam vessel are more frequent and consume more time than you have any idea of. I don't want to say anything of a most remarkable ignorance which seems to prevail among some of my fine fellows here in handling vessels in a tide way, so that our collisions are more frequent than they should be, hence more tinkering.

Your stone fleet has arrived, and so far as Savannah is concerned anticipated — besides Tattnall is doing the work for us and I sent to Missroon to get him word if he could, that we would supply him with a half dozen vessels to help his obstructions off Pulaski. I have written to Lardner about the Charleston bar and have ordered the fleet in here in the meantime. They doubt less caused an awful fright in Savannah yesterday and certainly captured Wassaw. It is wonderful how safely they came. One encountered a water spout, which took his sails out of him. One or two got into Tybee just in time to go down. One in a sinking condition was towed to the beach for a breakwater and wharf.

I thought the inside of the Light House had been burnt, by an incendiary, but it was more likely the result of spontaneous combustion. The new frame barracks most comfortable structures were spared. These barracks seem to be holding out imploring looks, to be occupied by our troops! What I write is about our business, but I yearn to see Savannah and Charleston taken — then the neck of the foul thing will be broken.

Davis and Rodgers send their warm regards to you. We are all three excessively busy but very happy.

Yours most truly
S. F. DuPONT
G. V. Fox Esq.
Washington

P.S.

Could you not take a holiday and run down and see us here? You always bring us good luck.

S. F. DP.

I have been told a brigade goes to Beaufort! Glad to hear of any movement, but Beaufort is not Savannah, nor the way to get to it.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 76-8

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Commandant Samuel F. DuPont to Gustavus V. Fox, November 9, 1861

Wabash, 9th Nov.
Port Royal, S.C.
My Dear Mr. Fox—

During the disheartening events of our passage, my faith never gave way, but at some moments it seemed appalling. On the other hand I permit no elation at our success. Yet I cannot refrain telling you that it has been more complete and more brilliant than I ever could have believed.

I have been too fatigued to send a detailed official account of the battle. My report is full up to the eve of it, and I think will interest you, but I had to content myself with a succinct account which I think will be liked as well as a more detailed narrative. This I will however forward in time for the Secretary's report.

I kept under way, made three turns though I passed five times between the Forts. I had a flanking division of five ships, to watch Old Tattnall who had eight small and swift steamers ready to pounce upon any of ours should they be disabled.

I could get none of my big frigates up. I thought the Sabine would have gotten down. To the St. Lawrence I sent no word and the Savannah was blown off. I do not regret it now except on their account. I believe my plan was clever. I stood against the tide and had the management the better in consequence.

Their confidence was extreme that they could drive us away. They fought bravely and the rifle guns never missed. An 80 pr rifle went through our main mast in the very centre, an awful hole. They aimed at our Bridge where they knew they would make a hole if lucky. A shot on the counter let water onto the after magazine, but I saved perhaps a hundred lives by keeping underway and being in so close. We found their sights graduated at 600 yds. When they once broke, the stampede was intense and not a gun was spiked. In truth I never conceived of such a fire as that of this ship on her second turn, and I am told its effect upon the spectators outside of her was intense. I learn when they saw the flag flying on shore, the troops were powerless to cheer, but wept. Gl. Sherman was deeply affected, and the soldiers for once are loud and unstinting in their expressions of admiration and gratitude.

The works are most scientifically constructed and there is nothing like “Walker” on the Potomac.

I did not allow the victory to check our ardor, but dispatched some vessels under Gillis over the other side. To day I have an expedition to Beaufort, to save the light vessels, but Ammen tells me who went up, they were fired instantly after the surrender. Bankhead is up there aground tonight, but Curlew is watching her. Beaufort is deserted. The negroes are wild with joy and revenge, robbing Beaufort. On the other hand they have been shot down they say like dogs because they would not go off with their masters.

I have a boat already at Scull Creek and the communication between Savannah and Charleston cut off. The Sabine has brought the Marines. They have been nothing but trouble to me. The Monticello has not reappeared and some think she went down in the gale.

I am hurrying up for Fernandina and for everywhere, for the terrors will now be complete and some people here tell us that they are obstructing Charleston Bar even.

I have written to L. H. B. for all aids to navigation. Please send me a complete Pilot book and another — try if possible. The Forbes is invaluable. Florida Goldsboro still missing. After Fernandina we will be ready for Savannah Bar. The Susquehanna filled us with admiration. She stuck to us like wax and was our main support, as I told Lardner, he was always precisely where I wanted him to be, and doing precisely what I wanted him to do. We want some ship carpenters.

Yrs truly
S. F. D. P.

Please remember me to Mr. Welles. I thought of him and you about the first thing after I fired those fellows.

I let Wynn go home. I had not time for a survey, don't let him humbug you any more. I have ordered Drayton to Pocahontas — no one to Cotton yet — she is a great vessel and came near being lost.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 65-7

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Diary of William Howard Russell: May 1, 1861

May Day, — Not unworthy of the best effort of English fine weather before the change in the calendar robbed the poets of twelve days, but still a little warm for choice. The young American artist Moses, who was to have called our party to meet the officers who were going to Fort Pulaski, for some reason known to himself remained on board the Camilla, and when at last we got down to the river side I found Commodore Tatnall and Brigadier Lawton in full uniform waiting for me.

The river is about the width of the Thames below Gravesend, very muddy, with a strong current, and rather fetid. That effect might have been produced from the rice-swamps at the other side of it, where the land is quite low, and stretches away as far as the sea in one level green, smooth as a billiard-cloth. The bank at the city side is higher, so that the houses stand on a little eminence over the stream, affording convenient wharfage and slips for merchant vessels.

Of these there were few indeed visible—nearly all had cleared out for fear of the blockade; some coasting vessels were lying idle at the quay side, and in the middle of the stream near a floating dock the Camilla was moored, with her club ensign flying. These are the times for bold ventures, and if Uncle Sam is not very quick with his blockades, there will be plenty of privateers and the like under C. S. A. colors, looking out for his fat merchantmen all over the world.

I have been trying to persuade my friends here they will find very few Englishmen willing to take letters of marque and reprisal.

The steamer which was waiting to receive us had the Confederate flag flying, and Commodore Tatnall, pointing to a young officer in a naval uniform, told me he had just “come over from the other side,” and that he had pressed hard to be allowed to hoist a Commodore or flag-officer's ensign in honor of the visit and of the occasion. I was much interested in the fine white-headed, blue-eyed, ruddy-cheeked old man — who suddenly found himself blown into the air by a great political explosion, and in doubt and wonderment was floating to shore, under a strange flag in unknown waters. He was full of anecdote too, as to strange flags in distant waters and well-known names. The gentry of Savannah had a sort of Celtic feeling towards him in regard of his old name, and seemed determined to support him.

He has served the Stars and Stripes for three fourths of a long life — his friends are in the North, his wife's kindred are there, and so are all his best associations — but his State has gone out. How could he fight against the country that gave yhim birth! The United States is no country, in the sense we understand the words. It is a corporation or a body corporate for certain purposes, and a man might as well call himself a native of the common council of the city of London, or a native of the Swiss Diet, in the estimation of our Americans, as say he is a citizen of the United States; though it answers very well to say so when he is abroad, or for purposes of a legal character.

Of Fort Pulaski itself I wrote on my return a long account to the “Times.”

When I was venturing to point out to General Lawton the weakness of Fort Pulaski, placed as it is in low land, accessible to boats, and quite open enough for approaches from the city side, he said, “Oh, that is true enough. All our seacoast works are liable to that remark, but the Commodore will take care of the Yankees at sea, and we shall manage them on land.” These people all make a mistake in referring to the events of the old war. “We beat off the British fleet at Charleston by the militia — ergo, we'll sink the Yankees now.” They do not understand the nature of the new shell and heavy vertical fire, or the effect of projectiles from great distances falling into works. The Commodore afterwards, smiling, remarked, “I have no fleet. Long before the Southern Confederacy has a fleet that can cope with the Stars and Stripes, my bones will be white in the grave.”

We got back by eight o'clock, P. M., after a pleasant day. What I saw did not satisfy me that Pulaski was strong, or Savannah very safe. At Bonaventure, yesterday, I saw a poor fort, called “Thunderbolt,” on an inlet from which the city was quite accessible. It could be easily menaced from that point, while attempts at landing were made elsewhere, as soon as Pulaski is reduced. At dinner met a very strong and very well-informed Southerner — there are some who are neither — or either — whose name was spelled Gourdin, and pronounced Go-dine — just as Huger is called Hugee—and Tagliaferro, Telfer, in these parts.

SOURCE: William Howard Russell, My Diary North and South, p. 155-7

Friday, May 16, 2014

Robert E. Lee to Josiah Tatnall, September 7, 1865

NEAR CARTERSVILLE, VIRGINIA, 7th September, 1865.

CAPT. JOSIAH TATNALL, Savannah, Ga.

SIR: I have received your letter of the 23d ult., and in reply will state the course I have pursued under circumstances similar to your own, and will leave you to judge of its propriety. Like yourself I have since the cessation of hostilities advised all with whom I have conversed on the subject who come within the terms of the President's proclamation to take the oath of allegiance and accept in good faith the amnesty offered. But I have gone farther and have recommended to those who were excluded from their benefits to make application under the proviso of the proclamation of the 29th of May to be embraced in its provisions. Both classes in order to be restored to their former rights and privileges were required to perform a certain act, and I do not see that an acknowledgment of fault is expressed in one more than the other. The war being at an end, the Southern States having laid down their arms and the questions at issue between them and the Northern States having been decided, I believe it to be the duty of every one to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony. These considerations governed me in the counsels I gave to others and induced me on the 13th of June to make application to be included in the terms of the amnesty proclamation. I have not received an answer and cannot inform you what has been the decision of the President. But whatever that may be, I do not see how the course I have recommended and practiced can prove detrimental to the former President of the Confederate States. It appears to me that the allayment of passion, the dissipation of prejudice, and the restoration of reason will alone enable the people of the country to acquire a true knowledge and form a correct judgment of the events of the past four years. It will I think be admitted that Mr. Davis has done nothing more than all citizens of the Southern States, and should not be held accountable for acts performed by them in the exercise of what had been considered by them an unquestionable right. I have too exalted an opinion of the American people to believe that they will consent to injustice; and it is only necessary in my opinion that truth should be known for the rights of every one to be secured. I know of no surer way of eliciting the truth than by burying contention with the war. I enclose a copy of my letter to President Johnson and feel assured that however imperfectly I may have given you my views on the subject of your letter your own high sense of honor and right will lead you to a satisfactory conclusion as to the proper course to be pursued in your own case. With great respect and esteem,

I am, your most obedient servant,
R. E. LEE

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 387-8

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, May 2.

A refugee from Norfolk left last night in a row boat, and arrived here this A. M.

Com. Tatnall received sealed orders on Monday, and sailed, but opening them in Elizabeth river, he found he was ordered to run the blockade and proceed to York River.  He therefore returned to Norfolk and immediately resigned his commission together with his chief officers.

There was a general expectation in Norfolk that the Merrimac would come out at once.

There are 6,000 or 7,000 rebel troops under Hugher [sic], between Pig Point and Norfolk.  Three companies in Portsmouth rebelled a few days since.  It is also reported that part of Gen. Magruder’s forces had mutinied at Williamsburg.

A torpedo has been constructed at Norfolk, calculated to be managed under water by one man, and be propelled by him under the vessel to be destroyed.  It is said to be five or six feet long.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 1

Monday, June 10, 2013

The Merrimac

The rebels seem now to be turning their wrath upon Commodore Tatnall for destroying the Merrimac.  The pilots, to whose deception he charged the necessity of destroying the ship, ask for a suspension of public opinion – and apparently with success.  And in the meantime the different rebel papers put in a proper light the consequences of the act of destruction.  One of them, the Petersburg Express asks, - “What hope can a people have when such an engine of warfare is wantonly destroyed?”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

Sunday, December 9, 2012

From Port Royal

A letter to the Baltimore American, dated at Port Royal on the 15th instant, says:

“A large quantity of heavy siege guns and mortars and shells and ammunition have been shipped from Hilton Head to Tybee Island within the past few days.  We may expect warm work in a short time.  On Thursday, March 13th, Commodore Tatnall attempted to pass the batteries on Bird’s Island and Jones’ Island with a large fleet containing supplies of wood and water for Fort Pulaski, but he was driven back.  It is only a question of time as to the surrender of Fort Pulaski.  It cannot hold out much longer.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 1

Monday, June 27, 2011

Southern News

FORT MONROE, March 4.

A flag of truce was sent over to Craney Island to-day, but no passengers returned.


ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 28.

The Confederacy this morning states that Gen. Bushrod Johnson escaped from Fort Donelson, and reached Murfreesboro last Sunday.  Heavy rains have recently fallen, and the roads from Nashville are greatly damaged.

The Richmond Dispatch says Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox, and other prisoners, to the number of 100, arrived here on Friday from Columbia, S. C., and are waiting transshipment to Newport News.  They however, may not start for several weeks, as the arrangements for sending them away have not been completed.  Col. Wilcox is the officer who acted as military governor of Alexandria when it was first occupied by the Federals.

It is reported from Richmond that John Minor Botts has been arrested and thrown into prison, for manifesting Union proclivities.

Richmond papers publish general order No. 9, dated Adjutant and inspector General’s office, Richmond, March 1, wherein Jeff. Davis proclaims martial law over Richmond and adjoining country for ten miles.

All distillation of spirituous liquors and their sail is forbidden, on account of the demoralization of the army and the prevalent disorder.

All persons having arms of any description are requested to deliver the same to the ordnance department on or before the 6th of March, otherwise they will be seized.

The Richmond Dispatch says this measure will be hailed with satisfaction by all classes.


AUGUSTA, March 2.

A gentleman just reached here says on Saturday morning Com. Tatnall’s fleet engaged one of the Federal batteries near Savannah, and had one man killed.  The fleet then returned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

Saturday, August 21, 2010

From Port Royal

New York, Feb. 13.

The Baltic arrived brings 700 bales of cotton and crews of the stone fleet. – Eight rebel prisoners were also brought and placed in Ft. Lafayette, who were taken in a boat.

The weather was getting disagreeably warm and heavy rains falling. Contrabands were still picking cotton, and their number fast increasing. Gen. Sherman has succeeded in excluding all reporters from his lines.

Several regiments have been removed from Hilton Head to the fort on Daufuskie Island, the nearest point to Fort Pulaski that can be occupied except Tybee. Several gun boats, a schooner and a number of flats with Parrott guns, howitzers and mortars, accompanied the expedition. Tatnall’s gun boats soon after made their appearance, and three ran the gauntlet to Ft. Pulaski. Stevens’ brigade was prevented from forming a junction on account of obstructions in the river.

Fort Pulaski is said to be in as bad a fix as Sumter was.

Our engineers are driving piles to a marshy island, for a road and a foundation for batteries. This island lies between the Union forces and Fort Jackson.

Our forces make advances every day. Our gun boats had shelled out a post on Pine Island, and made an advance toward Bluffton, where is a large force. Fort Jackson is to be taken, and Savannah will soon be captured.

Another account says, the expedition left Monday, including all the gun boats and transports sufficient for the shipment of 12,000 troops which will go through Calabogue sound into Savannah river, without coming within range of Fort Pulaski’s guns.

The rebels have withdrawn a large number of troops form Charleston and Port Royal to Savannah. 12,000 troops were to leave soon to take the railroad, and thence to Charleston. Three regiments of cavalry join them; also several artillery regiments. Weather healthful – troops enthusiastic.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 1

Saturday, August 14, 2010

It is reported that the Merrimac . . .

. . . has been furnished with grapnels, with which to grapple the Monitor and wedges to stop the turret from revolving and even chloroform to stifle the crew. Tatnall has been ousted from the command because of his refusal to attack some days since or, as others say, because of drunkenness, and is succeeded by Arthur Sinclair, formerly a commander in the national navy. The plan is, after sinking the Monitor, and paying a visit to Yorktown, to go to Washington and to New York.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Merrimac to Come Out Soon – Further from New Orleans

FT. MONROE, April 27 – A boat containing 4 black men and 1 white man arrived here this morning from Portsmouth. They report the Merrimac will come out soon.

A dispatch in yesterday’s Richmond papers received by flag of truce dated Mobile, Friday, says the Union gunboats passed Forts Jackson and St. Phillips at 4 o’clock Thursday morning and at 1 o’clock p.m. the same day were before New Orleans.

A rumor was current in Norfolk last night that New Orleans had surrendered.

Very few troops were at Norfolk or in the vicinity of it.

It was rumored that Com. Tatnal had been removed from command of the Merrimac.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Friday, March 26, 2010

From Fortress Monroe – Southern News

FORT MONROE, April 27.

A boat containing four black men and one white man arrived here this morning from Portsmouth. They report that the Merrimack will come out soon.

A dispatch in yesterday’s Richmond papers received by the flag of truce, dated Mobile, Friday, says that the Union gunboats passed Forts Jackson and St. Philip at 4 o’clock Thursday morning, and at 1 p.m. the same day were before New Orleans. A rumor was current in Norfolk last night, that New Orleans has surrendered.

But few troops were at Norfolk or in the vicinity. It was rumored that Com. Tatnall had been removed from command of the Merrimac.

It is stated by contrabands that the most intense excitement exists around Norfolk, and they have great fear of an attack by Burnside. Nearly all the troops have gone to South Mills to repel any advance he might make.

Contrabands state that the new prow on the Merrimac is 12 feet long, of wrought iron and steel pointed.

Many citizens of Norfolk are leaving the city.

The fall of New Orleans is conceded by everyone.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1862, p. 1