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PREFACE.
The only excuse I offer for publishing this little book of
reminiscences is that a story half told is better than a story not told
at all.
J. M. B.
_73 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., May 8, 1881._
REMINISCENCES
OF
TWO YEARS
IN THE
UNITED STATES NAVY.
By
JOHN M. BATTEN, B.E., M.D.,
_Late Acting Assistant Surgeon United States Navy, Pittsburgh, Pa._
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR.
LANCASTER, PA.
INQUIRER PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO.
1881.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881,
By JOHN M. BATTEN, B.E., M.D.
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D.C.
TO THE
Grand Army of the Republic,
AND TO THE
Soldiers and Sailors
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AS AN OFFERING FOR THE
PRESERVATION OF THE UNION,
AND TO MY MOTHER,
SARAH BATTEN,
THIS LITTLE BOOK OF REMINISCENCES
IS MOST
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Appointment in the United States Navy 9
On the Princeton 10
Choice Prescriptions 10
Acting as Coxswain 11
Detached from the Princeton 12
Adieu to Mother 12
Back of Orders 13
A Night on the United States Steamer Minnesota 14
Visiting Important Places in the Vicinity of Hampton, Va. 15
Dismal Swamp Canal. Reporting Aboard the Valley City 15
Washington, N.C. 16
Sinking United States Steamers Southfield and Bombshell 17
Death of Flusser. Plymouth Re-captured by the Confederates 17
An Attack on Washington, N.C. 17
Down Tar River in a Storm. Evacuation of Washington, N.C. 18
Newbern 19
Cruising 20
July 4, 1864 22
Cruising, and Capturing John Taylor 22
Ordered to the Mouth of Roanoke River 24
Roanoke Island 25
Joining the Fleet 25
Ram Albemarle and Edenton 26
Taking H. T. Wood to U.S. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, Va. 27
Again Through Dismal Swamp Canal. Too Late for the Boat
Fawn. At Norfolk, Va. 28
Arriving Aboard the United States Steamer Valley City, and
description of Dismal Swamp 29
Leaving Newbern 32
Winton 32
Appearance of the Albemarle at the Mouth of Roanoke River 33
Aground in Scuppernong river. A Brush with the Enemy 34
Confederate Account of It 35
What Mr. Milton Webster says of the Brush 36
Up Alligator River 38
Up Frying-pan River 39
Cushing the Brave 40
Meeting Cushing for the First Time 40
His Arriving Aboard the Valley City 41
Blowing up the Ram Albemarle 41
Three Cheers for Cushing 42
Cushing's Official Report 45
New York Herald's Dispatches 49
Mr. Galen H. Osborne's Dispatch 49
Mr. Oscar G. Sawyer's Dispatch 52
The Hero of the Albemarle in Washington, D.C. 62
The Valley City on the Dry Dock for Repairs 63
From Gosport, Va., to Plymouth, N.C. 63
During the Month of November, 1864 63
Ashore for the First Time at Plymouth 64
Ashore at Newbern 64
Cruising 65
Rainbow Bluff. How a Fleet went up the Roanoke and came
down again 65
New York Herald's Dispatch 77
Thanks of the Officers of the Otsego to Captain Wood 86
That Old Family Bible 87
The Valley City and Her Officers 89
Cruising 92
Chincapin Ridge 98
Cruising 100
Farewell to the Officers and Crew of the Valley City 110
Homeward Bound 111
Again through Dismal Swamp Canal 112
At Home 112
Meeting Men of Note 113
Ordered to Cairo, Ill. 116
Don Carlos Hasseltino 118
Honorable Discharge from U.S. Navy 124
TWO YEARS
IN THE
UNITED STATES NAVY.
After having passed an examination before the Medical Board of the
United States Navy, which was in session at the United States Naval
Asylum, Philadelphia, Pa., Dr. James Green, President of the Medical
Board, I received the following appointment:
NAVY DEPARTMENT, 22d March, 1864.
You are hereby appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon in the Navy of
the United States on temporary service.
After having executed the enclosed oath and returned it to the
Department with your letter of acceptance, you will proceed to
Philadelphia without delay, and report to Commodore Stribling for
temporary duty on board the United States steamer Princeton.
Very respectfully,
GIDEON WELLES, _Secretary of the Navy_.
Acting Assistant Surgeon John M. Batten, United States Navy,
Guthrieville, Pa.
After bidding my relatives and friends good-bye, I proceeded to
Philadelphia, Pa., and reported for duty on board the United States
steamer Princeton, which was lying anchored in the Delaware river off
Philadelphia, and which was the same vessel on which Abel Parker
Upshur, Secretary of State under President Tyler, was killed by the
explosion of a monster cannon whilst visiting said vessel, in company
with the President and other members of the Cabinet. The duty aboard
this vessel was of an initiatory character, to prepare officers for
clerical duties peculiar to each of their particular offices. I made
the acquaintance on this vessel of Surgeon James McClelland, who was
the Surgeon of the Princeton. He had entered the United States Navy
when a young man, and had been in the service ever since. He was about
fifty-five years of age. The first morning after sleeping aboard this
vessel, I was awakened by what is always usual aboard a man-of-war, a
large gun fired at sunrise. The concussion and reverberation from the
report of the heavy gun shook the vessel till it creaked, and, in my
half-slumbering condition, I wondered to myself whether it was not a
real battle in which the vessel was engaged; but upon mature reflection
and inquiry, I learned it was only the report of the sunrise gun.
One day, whilst on board the Princeton, a blank book in which were
copied a number of choice prescriptions used by many of the old
celebrated physicians of Philadelphia, fell into my hands. The book
belonged to Surgeon James McClelland. I thought, as I had nothing else
special to do, I would occupy the time in re-copying these
prescriptions into a blank book of my own; and just as I was re-copying
the last prescription, Dr. James McClelland came aboard. He noticed me
engaged in writing, and came into the state-room where I was, and
observed his book. He immediately asked me where I had got the book. I
told him where I had got it.
"Why," said he, "I would not take any money for a copy of those
prescriptions. I consider them very valuable, and would not for any
consideration let my best friend have a copy of them."
I told him that I believed it to be very wrong not to let prescriptions
which have been found valuable in disease, be known. After reprimanding
me for re-copying the prescriptions, he cooled down, and became very
affable. I, however, got a copy of the prescriptions.
Another day, in rowing aboard the Princeton from the United States Navy
Yard at Philadelphia, Pa., I acted as coxswain, and came very near
capsizing the boat in the Delaware river. The river was very rough, and
I got the boat in what the sailors call the "trough of the sea." I,
however, arrived on board the Princeton safely, after running the boat
"bows on" against the steamer. The officer of the deck said:
"Sir, why don't you bring that boat alongside in a sailor-like manner?"
"Why," I said, "I am glad to get aboard in any manner, even though
there were a hole stove in the side of the Princeton by my boat;
besides, sir, I know nothing about bringing a boat alongside in a
sailor-like manner." I soon, however, learned to manage a small boat in
water very well.
On receiving the following order:
NAVY DEPARTMENT, 5th April, 1864.
SIR: You are hereby detached from the Princeton, and you will
proceed to Hampton Roads, Va., without delay, and report to Acting
Rear Admiral Lee for duty on board the United States steamer Valley
City.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
GIDEON WELLES, _Secretary of the Navy_.
Acting Assistant Surgeon John M. Batten, U.S. Navy, Philadelphia.
I left the Princeton, and after bidding my mother farewell, who was
stopping with my sister, who resided in Philadelphia--this was a hard
task, and it affected us both greatly; but separate we did, and whether
we should ever meet again in this world was a question which time alone
would determine--on turning a corner I looked back, and saw my mother
standing on the steps of the doorway, weeping. It was to me an
affecting separation. I journeyed to the Philadelphia and Baltimore
railroad depot, located in the southern part of Philadelphia, Pa., and
at 8 o'clock a.m. of a beautiful day I took the train for Baltimore,
Md., arriving in that city at about noon of the same day. Having some
time to view the city, I took advantage of the opportunity, and
promenaded the principal thoroughfares. At 5 o'clock p.m., I took the
steamer Louisiana for Fortress Monroe, and arrived there the next
morning, and as soon thereafter as possible reported to Admiral Lee. On
the back of my order I find:
Delivered April 6, 1864, C. K. Stribling, Commander.
Delivered April 6, 1864, John Calhoun, Commandant.
Flagship Minnesota, off Newport News, Va.
Reported April 8, 1864.--Apply to Col. Biggs, Army Quartermaster at
Fortress Monroe, for transportation to Newbern, and then report to
Captain Davenport in the sounds of North Carolina.
S. P. LEE, Acting Rear Admiral,
Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Transportation will be given by first steamer bound for North
Carolina.
HERMAN BIGGS.
April 9, 1864.
Reported April 14, 1864.
Report to Acting Master J. A. J. Brooks, Commanding U.S. steamer
Valley City.
H. K. DAVENPORT, Commander U.S.N.,
Senior Naval Officer, Sounds of N.C.
Reported April 15, 1864.
JOHN A. J. BROOKS, Acting Master,
Commanding U.S. steamer Valley City.
It being late in the evening of April 8, 1864, when I reported on board
the United States steamer Minnesota, and there being no opportunity to
return ashore, I was compelled to remain aboard the Minnesota till the
following morning, April 9, 1864. Being very much fatigued, I retired
early, and soon fell soundly asleep. About 1 a.m., I was aroused from
my slumbers by a noise; I could not for the life of me tell from whence
it came or whither it had gone; but it was sufficient to arouse and
bewilder me, for it made the vessel tremble. I soon arose from my
sleeping couch, put on my clothes, and made my way, in the darkness,
through the ward-room to the forward hatchway, and to the gun deck.
There I found Admiral Lee, with his officers and men, on deck in their
night clothes. I soon learned what was the cause of the excitement. It
was an explosion of a hundred-pound torpedo under the bottom of the
Minnesota, which had been borne thither by a torpedo-boat manned by
Confederates from somewhere up the James river. The officers and men on
deck, in the gloom of the night, were discussing in a subdued but
excited tone the possibility of capturing the torpedo-boat; but, owing
to the fires in the picket-boats to the Minnesota being out, nothing
could be done till the steam in them was raised; and in the meantime
the torpedo-boat was allowed to return up the James river. The damage
to the Minnesota was considerable, though no hole was made in her hull.
Her guns were dismounted, her partitions were broken down, her doors
were jambed, her chairs and tables were upset, and crockery-ware
broken. After the excitement of the occasion was over, I returned to my
berth, and slept soundly till morning.
After a few days spent in visiting the important places in the vicinity
of Hampton, one of which was Fortress Monroe, I took passage on a boat
through the Dismal Swamp Canal to Albemarle Sound, and from thence
through the sounds of North Carolina to the Neuse river, up which we
steamed to Newbern, where I reported to Commander H. K. Davenport, on
board the United States steamer Hetzel, who ordered me to report for
duty to Acting Master J. A. J. Brooks, aboard the United States Steamer
Valley City, which was lying off Hill's Point, near Washington, N.C.,
on the Tar river. Dr. F. E. Martindale, Surgeon aboard the Valley City,
the gentleman whom I was to relieve, met me at Newbern, N.C., and
accompanied me to that vessel.
It was 5 a.m. of April 15, 1864, when I reported to Captain J. A. J.
Brooks for duty. I was ushered into the ward-room of the Valley City
and introduced to the officers, some of whom were not up. James M.
Battin, the engineer, one of the officers who had not yet arisen, on
hearing my name mentioned, thought that letters directed to him were
being called, and he sprang suddenly out of his berth; but it was only
to be introduced to a person of the same name, yet an entire stranger.
Dr. Martindale had been expecting his relief for some weeks; being
anxious to return home to his family, he left for Newbern in the same
boat (the Trumpeter) which brought us hither from that place.
Washington is a small town, situated on the left bank of the Tar river,
thirty miles from its mouth. It was occupied by about fifteen hundred
Federal troops. The United States steamer Louisiana, the vessel on
which the powder was afterwards exploded off Fort Fisher, was lying
immediately off the town. Below Washington, N.C., on either side of
the river, there was timber. On the right bank, just below the town,
was Rodman's Point; three miles farther down the river, on the same
side, was Hill's Point, and still farther down on the same side was
Maule's Point--places which the Confederates had fortified previous to
their falling into the hands of the Federals.
Newbern on the Neuse river, Washington on the Tar river, and Plymouth
on the Roanoke river, lie in a circle which might be described from a
point somewhere in Pamlico Sound--the former and latter towns being
each about thirty miles from Washington, the latter town being in the
middle; so that the report of heavy artillery could be heard at
Washington from either of the other two places.
Saturday, April 16, 1864, my diary states that Plymouth was attacked by
the Confederates. Firing continued every day till Tuesday, April 19,
1864, when the place fell into the hands of the Confederates.
Lieutenant-Commander Charles W. Flusser made a remark early in the
morning of April 19, 1864, that he would either sink the rebel ram
Albemarle before night, or he would be in ----. Captain Flusser
commanded the United States steamer Miami, and Captain French the
ill-fated Southfield. These two vessels had been lashed together at
their sterns early in the morning, for the purpose of inducing the
Albemarle to come between the vessels, and in this manner, if possible,
sink her. The rebel ram, early in the morning of April 19, came
floating down the Roanoke river with the current, past the batteries on
the right bank of the river above Plymouth, and bore down upon the
United States steamers Southfield and Bombshell, and sunk them. It is
supposed that Captain Flusser, in the excitement of the moment, exposed
himself unnecessarily, and was shot by a sharp-shooter from the
Albemarle. When it was noised among the Federal army and naval forces
at Plymouth that Flusser was killed, the Federal forces became more or
less demoralized, and the place fell into the hands of the
Confederates. Captain Flusser was a brave and daring officer. He was
interred in the cemetery at Newbern, and on a board that marked his
resting place, in the fall of 1864, was inscribed his name, and below
it, "Peace to his ashes."
On Wednesday, April 27, 1864, an attack was made by the Confederates on
Washington, N.C. There is great excitement among the residents of the
place, so that some of them are leaving by every possible route. We
hear the firing quite plain off Hill's Point. At 12 m. all is quiet.
Preparation is being made to evacuate Washington, N.C. The day is
beautiful. The ammunition of the army at this point has been put aboard
the Valley City for the purpose of conveying it to Newbern. The
thermometer stands 85 deg.. The Federal large guns on the forts outside of
Washington are being fired all day. The Valley City got under weigh,
proceeded down the river, and shelled the woods below Washington. There
were twenty-three shells from the 32-pounder guns fired, which burst
among the tree-tops.
Thursday, April 28, 1864.--This morning there were a few shots fired
from heavy guns by the Federal troops, but they soon ceased. The
evacuation is going on quietly. The place has a deserted and gloomy
appearance.
Friday, April 29.--The place is quiet. Transport boats are steaming to
Newbern, laden with the Federal troops and provisions of the place. Two
gunboats, the United States steamers Commodore Barney and Commodore
Hull, steamed up the river to assist in the evacuation. At 3-1/2
o'clock p.m. the Valley City, with thirty-one barrels of powder aboard,
and a large number of shells, weighed anchor and steamed for Newbern.
In going down the Tar river, one of those violent thunder-storms
peculiar to that climate came up. It was not considered a very safe
place to be aboard the Valley City with all this powder during a
thunder-storm. I was glad when the storm was over. We got aground for
one hour in Pamlico Sound, but arrived safely at Newbern at 9 o'clock
a.m., Saturday, April 30th, 1864. Washington, N.C., is evacuated.
Sunday, May 1, 1864.--The Valley City took in coal and then proceeded
toward Washington, N.C. At 8 p.m. she anchored off Brant Island
light-house. May 2d, Monday. We got under weigh at 5 a.m., and
proceeded toward Washington.--At 4 o'clock p.m. we anchored off
Rodman's Point, and fired a shell into Washington at a number of
Confederates. We then got under weigh, and proceeded down below Maule's
Point, and anchored.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 3d and 4th, nothing of note transpired
but taking refugees aboard. On Thursday, May 5th, the Valley City
shelled Hill's Point, then she got under weigh, and proceeded up Pungo
river, and anchored for the night. On Saturday, May 7, 1864, the Valley
City got under weigh, and proceeded to Newbern, where she arrived at 9
a.m. of the 8th. James W. Sands, John Maddock and myself, attended
church.
Newbern is a beautiful town on the right bank of the Neuse river. Just
below Newbern the Neuse river receives the Trent river as a tributary.
The houses of the place were brick and also frame. They stood back from
the street, with yards in front of them, in which choice flowers grew
and bloomed. The streets are at right angles. In the cemetery, in the
western part of the town, are interred many of the early settlers of
the place. The cemetery is very old, and the tombstones, many of them,
present an ancient appearance. On the 9th I was ashore--on the 10th we
left Newbern. The 11th we arrived off Maule's Point, and took on as a
refugee Mrs. Forbes. The 12th raining, the Valley City took aboard some
more refugees. On the 13th, 14th and 15th, nothing of note took place.
The 16th we destroyed the guns at Hill's Point. The 17th, at 2:45 p.m.,
we proceeded to Newbern, where we arrived at 8:30 a.m. of the 18th.
The Valley City remained off Newbern till June 4th, when we left at 1
p.m., and arrived off Hill's Point at 9-1/4 a. m, of the 5th. The 6th
we went ashore at Maule's Point, and got a mess of strawberries. The
7th we landed at Bath. The 8th two boats' crews were sent to Maule's
Point to watch the Confederates, a squad of whom had assembled there.
Two shots were fired from the Valley City, one to the right and the
other to the left of the house on the point. The family living in the
house was very much frightened, but nobody was hurt. On the 9th and
10th, nothing of note occurred. The 11th cloudy, the Thomas Collyer, a
mail-boat from Newbern, came up with a "flag of truce," and went to
Washington.
On the 12th and 13th there was nothing of note took place. On the 14th
we went ashore at Bath, and called on Mr. Windley's family. The 15th,
we went ashore at Maule's Point, and called on Mrs. Orrell's family.
Mrs. Forbes made me a present of a Confederate flag. In the evening, we
steamed down to the mouth of Pungo river, and anchored for the night.
Thursday, June 16.--There was an armed party sent ashore, for the
purpose of foraging. After they had returned we proceeded up Pungo
river to Leechville, a small place at the head-waters of that river.
The occupation of its inhabitants was cutting down timber and making
shingles. There was an armed party sent ashore, who captured and
brought aboard a quantity of corn. We then left with a scow in tow, and
proceeded down the river and anchored off Wright's Creek. The 17th, the
United States steamer Ceres arrived from Newbern. An armed party was
sent ashore for the purpose of foraging. On the 18th, in company with
the United States steamer Ceres, the Valley City steamed through
Pamlico Sound. The Ella May soon hove in sight, with two schooners she
had captured in tow. On the 19th the Valley City, Ceres, and Ella May,
with the schooners in tow, steamed up the Pungo river, and anchored off
Sandy Point. At about 10 p.m. we proceeded farther up the river, and
landed an armed party of men for the purpose of capturing some
Confederates at Leechville. On the 20th we proceeded up the river to
Leechville to join the party, which had already arrived there. Three
schooners were loaded with shingles. On the 21st, the United States
steamers Valley City, Ceres, and Ella May, proceeded down Pungo river
with the three schooners laden with shingles in tow. On the 22d, we
anchored in Pamlico Sound. At 8 a.m. we proceeded towards Newbern,
where we arrived with the schooners in tow at 8 p.m.
On July 4th, the Valley City, in commemoration of the anniversary of
the Declaration of Independence, fired twenty-one guns, and a copy of
the Declaration of Independence was read to the officers and crew of
the Valley City by Captain J. A. J. Brooks. On the 5th, the Valley City
got under weigh, and proceeded towards Tar river, and on the 6th
arrived and anchored off Maule's Point. On the 10th, the Valley City
got under weigh and proceeded to Bath, where an armed force was landed,
and captured John Taylor, Company G, 62d Georgia cavalry. In trying to
make his escape, he jumped from a buggy which was drawn by a horse in
rapid flight, and in doing so injured his knee, so that he was unable
to walk for five weeks. On the fly-leaf of a Bible which I loaned him
to read in his leisure hours, he wrote:
"May peace and happiness attend thee, and Heaven's richest
blessings crown thee ever more. When this you see, remember me.
"Your most obedient servant,
"JOHN TAYLOR.
"_Houstin City, Ga., July, 1864._"
At about 10 p.m. of the same day, July 10, another armed party of men
was landed with the intention of capturing some Confederate pickets,
but did not succeed. Bath, N. C, is a very small place on the left bank
of the Tar river, at the junction of Bath creek, about ten miles below
Washington. The place was built of frame principally. The people of the
place were rather intelligent.
July 13.--The Valley City got under weigh, and proceeded down Tar river
to Durham's creek, and sent a party out to fish; afterwards she steamed
down the river, and anchored off North creek, and there brought a boat
to, which had permission from the Federal Government to trade with the
loyal people of Beaufort county, N.C. On the 14th, got under weigh and
steamed over to South creek; from thence down to the mouth of Tar
river, and anchored. On the 15th, the Valley City proceeded to off
Maule's Point and anchored. Mrs. Daniels and her two children, with her
sister-in-law, came aboard. On the 19th, the U.S. steamer Louisiana
hove in sight. The Valley City proceeded to the mouth of the Tar river
with her, where we anchored.
After taking abroad our refugees, the Louisiana proceeded to Newbern.
On the 21st, at 7 o'clock a.m., the Valley City steamed for Newbern,
where she arrived at 4 p.m. On the evening of July 31, the Valley City
was ordered to proceed up the Trent river to guard that river in case
of an expected attack. August 4th, the Valley City was ordered down to
her old anchorage off Newbern. On the 5th, at 8 a.m., we weighed anchor
and proceeded down the Neuse river, through Pamlico Sound, and up the
Tar river, and at 6 p.m. relieved the U.S. steamer Louisiana. At 7
p.m., the Valley City anchored near the mouth of Bath creek. Mrs. Quin
and Mrs. Harris were brought with us from Newbern, and landed near Bath
creek.
On the 10th we weighed anchor and proceeded down the Tar river. At the
mouth of Bath creek, two shells were fired from the howitzers, at a
house where there were a number of Confederates. At 2 o'clock p.m. we
anchored in South creek. On the 11th, at 12 m., we weighed anchor and
proceeded to Pamlico light-house and anchored. On the 13th, at 4
o'clock a.m. we weighed anchor and proceeded to Brant Island
light-house in order to get the mail from the U.S. steamer Massasoit
that we expected to meet steaming near this point. At 1 o'clock p.m. we
weighed anchor and proceeded to above Maule's point, where we anchored
at 6 o'clock p.m. On the 18th, at 7 o'clock a.m., we weighed anchor and
proceeded down Tar river past Maule's Point, down by the mouth of Bath
creek, and down by South creek, where we anchored at 3 o'clock p.m.
During this cruise there have been eight refugees taken aboard. On the
19th, we weighed anchor, and proceeded to Maule's Point. On our way we
stopped at the mouth of Durham's creek. Captain J. A. J. Brooks and I
went ashore. At 6 p.m. we anchored at the mouth of Bath creek. In the
evening there was a heavy thunder-storm, accompanied with rain.
On the 20th, at 9-1/2 o'clock a.m., we were relieved by the United
States steamer Louisiana, and the Valley City was ordered to the
neighborhood of the mouth of Roanoke river, in Albemarle Sound, to join
the fleet composed of United States steamers Shamrock, Sassacus, Ceres,
Tacony, Chicopee, Mattabessett, and Wyalusing, to assist in watching
the Confederate ram Albemarle, which was stationed at Plymouth, which
is situated on the right bank of the Roanoke river, eight miles from
its mouth. We arrived at Roanoke Island at 12 m., and coaled. A portion
of Roanoke Island is a barren, sandy place, separating the Atlantic
Ocean from Pamlico Sound.
On Roanoke Island, in 1585, the first attempt to found an English
colony in America was made. Though abandoned the following year, it was
in advance of any similar effort. After the war commenced, the place
was held by the Confederates till the year 1862, when the Federal
forces under General Burnside captured the place. On the 21st the
Valley City left Roanoke Island at 12 m., and joined the fleet, and
anchored for the night.
On Monday, August 22d, 1864, at 9 o'clock, a.m., the Valley City was
ordered to the mouth of Roanoke river, where the United States steamers
Ceres and Sassacus were anchored. We were to take a very dangerous and
responsible position, immediately at the mouth of the Roanoke river.
During the long dark nights the Valley City did not anchor, for it was
rumored that the Confederate ram Albemarle might come down any night,
and especially a very dark night under the cover of the darkness, so
that the Valley City must be constantly on the alert. If the Albemarle
did make her appearance at the mouth of the Roanoke river, the Valley
City was to fire one gun as a signal to the fleet, which was anchored
six miles farther down the Albemarle Sound, and then steam towards the
fleet.
This Confederate ram was a formidable adversary on water. She had a
sharp arrow-like ram extending twenty feet under water in front of her
bow. She was plated with iron, which completely protected her inmates
from solid shot; she had two two-hundred-pounder Brooke's rifled guns
on the inside of this iron encasement, and one port-hole to each of her
four sides. She was very unwieldy, but in a body of water like the
Albemarle or Pamlico Sound no wooden vessel could cope with her.
Friday, August 25.--I visited Edenton to-day for the first time. It is
situated pleasantly on the bank of Edenton Bay, as it is called, but
really Albemarle Sound. The people are kind, courteous, educated, and
hospitable. There were magnificent residences in the place, each of
which was surrounded by a large yard with shade trees, having that
comfortable, spacious, home-like appearance, which so many of the
buildings in Southern cities present. When the officers of the Valley
City first visited Edenton, they were treated very coolly by the
people; but gradually they became quite sociable, and we were invited
to visit many of the families of the place--in fact, one of our
officers afterwards married an Edenton lady. Edenton was a sort of
neutral ground, at which the Federal officers and Confederate officers
often met. On August 31, the day was clear and cool. Nothing took place
of any note except a false alarm that the ram was coming down the
river, causing some excitement aboard the Valley City.
Thursday, September 1, 1864, the double-ender Shamrock came up from the
fleet. Last night some army gunboats took an armed body of men up the
Chowan river, to be landed and marched across to Plymouth for the
purpose of destroying the Albemarle. The project was not successful.
The day is cool and hazy. The double-ender Wyalusing came up from the
fleet during the night. The Albemarle ram is expected out to-night.
2d.--The ram did not make her appearance. The double-enders all went to
Edenton. The weather is pleasant.
On the 4th I went to Edenton and spent the afternoon at Mr. B.'s, and
made the acquaintance of his daughters. On the 6th, H. T. Wood,
paymaster's clerk, and myself, went aboard a tug, and were conveyed to
the United States steamer Shamrock, from whence we boarded the
Trumpeter, where Dr. P. H. Barton and myself held a medical survey upon
H. T. Wood, and sent him to the United States Naval Hospital at
Norfolk, Va. I accompanied him. We left the Shamrock at 7 o'clock p.m.,
in the Trumpeter, and anchored at 1 a.m., September 7th, and at 6
o'clock a.m. weighed anchor, and arrived at Roanoke Island at 8 a.m. We
left Roanoke Island at 1 p.m., and at 8 p.m. we changed to the Fawn,
and after steaming two hours anchored for the night. On the 8th we
weighed anchor at 5 a.m., and changed boats to the Undine at 11 a.m.,
and arrived at Norfolk at 1 p.m., when I immediately took H. T. Wood to
the hospital. I stopped at the National Hotel.
On the 9th I went to Quartermaster's office at Norfolk to procure
transportation to Roanoke Island, but I was a half hour too late, the
boat Undine having left at 8 o'clock a.m. At 5 p.m. I heard that the
Fawn, which had made connection with the Undine in the Dismal Swamp
Canal, and the boat I would have been aboard had I not been too late
for the Undine, was captured and burned by the Confederates. In the
evening I went to the theatre. I passed the time pleasantly at Norfolk
in viewing whatever there was of beauty and interest in the place. On
Sunday morning I attended service at the Episcopal church, and also in
the evening, in company with Mr. Y., of Bellefonte, Center county, Pa.
On Monday the 12th, and Tuesday 13th, Mr. Y. and I promenaded the
principal streets and visited places of interest.
At 6 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, I left Norfolk in the C. W. Thomas,
which steamed to Fortress Monroe, where she arrived at 7-1/2 p.m., when
I got aboard the John Farran, and steamed by the way of the Atlantic
Ocean to Cape Hatteras, through the Swash, and through Pamlico sound to
Neuse river, and thence up to Newbern, where we arrived at 7 p.m. of
the 15th. Having expended all the money that I took with me but a few
cents, I felt perplexed as to how I should reach the Valley City, which
I supposed was at the mouth of the Roanoke river, where I had left her;
but on going ashore at Newbern, I soon learned that she was anchored
off that place, having steamed there during my absence. I quickly
arrived aboard her, feeling delighted that I was once more among my old
naval companions. The next thing of interest I learned was, that
Newbern was being visited by an endemic of yellow fever.
Having already passed twice through the Dismal Swamp Canal, and would
have steamed through it the third time had I not been too late for the
boat that was destroyed, but I was destined to pass through it still
again on my passage home. Lossing, in his history of the American
Revolution, in volume I, page 311, gives a very complete description of
the Dismal Swamp, through which this canal passes. He says:
"Schemes for internal improvements, for facilitating the
development of the resources of the country, often occupied
Washington's most serious attention. At the time we are
considering, he was engaged, with some other enterprising
gentlemen, in a project to drain the Dismal Swamp, an immense
morass lying partly in Virginia and partly in North Carolina, and
extending thirty miles from north to south, and ten miles from east
to west. Within its dark bosom, and nowhere appearing above its
surface, are the sources of five navigable rivers and several
creeks; and in its centre is a body of water known as Drummond's
lake, so named from its alleged discoverer. A great portion of the
morass is covered with tall cypresses, cedars, hemlocks, and
junipers, draped with long mosses, and covered with creeping vines.
In many places it is made impassable by fallen trees, thick brakes,
and a dense growth of shrubbery. Thomas Moore, who visited it in
1804, has well indicated its character in the following stanzas of
his legendary poem, called 'The Lake of the Dismal Swamp:'
"'Away to the Dismal Swamp he speeds--
His path was rugged and sore;
Through tangled juniper, beds of reeds,
Through many a fen where the serpent feeds,
And man never trod before!
"'And when on earth he sank to sleep,
If slumber his eyelids knew,
He lay where the deadly vine doth weep
In venomous tears, and nightly steep
The flesh with blistering dew!'
"'They tell of a young man,' says Moore, in his introduction to his
poem, 'who lost his mind upon the death of a girl he loved, and
who, suddenly disappearing from his friends, was never afterwards
heard of. As he frequently said, in his ravings, that the girl was
not dead, but gone to the Dismal Swamp, it was supposed that he had
wandered into that dreary wilderness, and had died of hunger, or
had been lost in some of the dreadful morasses.' The poet makes him
say:
"'They made her grave too cold and damp,
For a soul so warm and true,
And she has gone to the lake of the Dismal Swamp,
Where all night long by her fire-fly lamp,
She paddles her white canoe.
"'And her fire-fly lamp I soon shall see,
And her paddles I soon shall hear;
Long and loving our life shall be,
And I'll hide the maid in a cypress-tree,
When the footsteps of Death are near.'
"Towards the southern portion of the swamp there is a tract covered
with reeds, without any trees. These are continually green, and, as
they wave in the wind, have the appearance of water. On that
account it is called 'The Green Sea.' The eastern borders of the
swamp are covered with tall reeds, closely interlaced with thorny
bamboo-briers, and present almost an impassable barrier even to the
wild beasts that prowl there. Into this dismal region Washington
penetrated, on foot and on horseback, until he reached the lake in
its centre. He circumtraversed this lake, in a journey of almost
twenty miles, sometimes over a quaking bog, and at others in mud
and water; and just at sunset he reached the solid earth on the
margin of the swamp, where he passed the night. The next day he
completed his explorations, and having observed the soil, its
productions, the lake and its altitude, he returned home, convinced
that the immense morass might be easily drained, for it lay
considerably higher than the surrounding country. Through his
influence the Virginia Legislature gave a charter to an association
of gentlemen who constituted the 'Dismal Swamp Company.' Some, less
sanguine of success than Washington, withheld their co-operation,
and the project was abandoned for the time.
"It was reserved for the enterprise of a later day to open the
Dismal Swamp to the hand of industry. A canal now passes through it
from north to south, upon the bosom of which immense quantities of
shingles and lumber are floated to accessible deposits. By that
canal the swamp might be easily drained, and converted into fine
tillable land. To every visitor there, the wisdom and forecast of
Washington, in suggesting such improvement a hundred years ago, is
most remarkably manifest."
Friday, September 16, 1864.--The Valley City left Newbern at 4 o'clock
p.m., with Paymaster Louis Sands of the United States steamer Shamrock
aboard, and arrived at Roanoke Island on the 17th, at 11 a.m., and at
2-1/2 p.m. left Roanoke Island. At 9 p.m. arrived at the fleet, and put
stores, which the Valley City had conveyed from Newbern, aboard the
Shamrock. On the 18th, at 6-1/2 p.m., left the mouth of Roanoke Island
to go on an expedition up the Chowan river, and arrived at Winton, on
the right bank of the river, at the junction of Meherrin river, at 8
o'clock a.m. of the 19th. Winton was entirely destroyed in the early
part of the war, leaving nothing but here and there a wall, a chimney,
or foundation wall standing. An armed party went ashore and captured
some cotton, and came in contact with some Confederate pickets, with
whom they had a little skirmish, or exchange of shots. We left Winton
at 4 o'clock p.m., and arrived off Edenton at 9 o'clock p.m., where we
anchored for the night. At 7 o'clock a.m. of the 20th we got under
weigh, and proceeded to the fleet, where we arrived at 9 o'clock a.m.
At 1 p.m. we steamed to the mouth of Roanoke river, where we anchored.
On the 22d we got under weigh, and at 1:35 p.m. arrived at Edenton.
Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Assistant Paymaster J. W. Sands and
myself went ashore, and called on Mr. Samuel B.'s family, and spent a
very pleasant time. At 3:40 p.m. we returned aboard, and proceeded to
our old anchorage at the mouth of Roanoke river. The weather was cloudy
and hazy. On Friday 23d, at 12-1/2 p.m., the ram Albemarle made her
appearance at the mouth of Roanoke river. We immediately fired our
signal gun, and got under weigh, and steamed towards the United States
steamer Otsego, commanded by Captain Arnold, which was anchored further
down the Albemarle Sound. As we passed the Otsego, Captain Arnold
ordered the Valley City to steam as rapidly as possible towards the
fleet, and the Otsego would follow after. We soon met the fleet
steaming towards the mouth of Roanoke river. The Valley City and Otsego
soon fell into line, and arrived at the mouth of Roanoke river. By this
time the ram had returned up the river. The fleet remained
reconnoitering at the mouth of the river till 6 p.m., when it returned
to its old anchorage. The appearance of the ram at the mouth of Roanoke
river caused some excitement aboard the fleet, for we were anxious to
have the ram come out into Albemarle Sound, so as to have a chance, if
possible, to sink her. On the 27th, at 11-1/2 a.m., the Valley City
steamed down to Edenton, and remained there two hours, and came back to
our old anchorage.
On the 29th, at 3-1/2 o'clock a.m., the Valley City weighed anchor, and
proceeded to and up Scuppernong river. At 11-1/2 o'clock a.m. we got
aground in a position transversely across the river, with the stern of
the vessel towards the left bank. About seven hundred yards distant on
the left bank of the river, in the bushes and wood, a concealed
Confederate battery was situated. In making an effort to get afloat,
the guns of the Valley City were run out of position, the decks were
crowded with hawsers and ropes, and the propeller had a hawser tangled
in it; so that the steamer was in a very helpless and dangerous
position. We were not aware that this battery was situated in the place
named till at 3-1/2 p.m. they opened fire on the Valley City, and
continued firing till half past 5 o'clock p.m. It was some time before
the Valley City could clear her decks and get into position to bring
the guns to bear on the enemy. In the meantime Commodore W. H. Macomb
sent orders to Captain J. A. J. Brooks to blow the Valley City up and
leave her as best we could; but when the Valley City got her guns to
bear on the enemy's battery, they were silenced at 5-1/2 p.m. The
shells and bullets from the Confederate batteries ashore fell around us
fast and thick, but fortunately nobody aboard was seriously injured,
notwithstanding the vessel was struck several times by shell, and also
by a number of bullets. At 9:20 o'clock p.m., after throwing coal
overboard, emptying the boiler, and with the assistance of the tug
Belle, which came up, we got afloat, and were towed by the tug Belle
down into Albemarle Sound, along side of the Otsego. On the 30th the
hawser was taken out of the propeller. At 1:15 p.m. the Valley City got
under weigh, and steamed alongside of the Tacony for coal.
I append an extract from the _North Carolina Confederate_, published at
Raleigh, N.C., bearing on the brush up the Scuppernong river:
"BRUSH WITH THE YANKEE GUNBOATS.
"The Goldsborough _State Journal_ gives an account of quite a
spirited little brush between a small detachment of our troops and
some of the Yankee gunboats, which attempted to go up the
Scuppernong river, in which the Yankees came out second best.
"On attempting to ascend the river, two boats were attacked and
forced back by Lieutenant Sharp, commanding Captain Pitt's company
of cavalry, assisted by two pieces of artillery under Lieutenant
Williams of Lee's light battery, and Lieutenant McWaston of the
50th North Carolina regiment, with thirty infantry.
"One of the boats got aground at the mouth of the river, about
seven hundred yards from the shore, where she was well peppered for
some time by both our artillery and sharpshooters, one shot
striking her near the water-line.
"So hot was the fire upon this craft that the Yankees were all
driven from their guns.
"Three more gunboats at length came up to their relief, and opened
fiercely on our little party, who courageously held their ground
and fought them, till the approach of night and scarcity of
ammunition admonished us to retire beyond the range of the enemy's
guns.
"We had three men slightly wounded, and one howitzer was somewhat
damaged by a shell.
"The enemy's loss has not been ascertained, but it must have been
considerable, as their _wooden_ gunboat was aground and under the
fire of our artillery for some three hours, and it was well
ascertained that every man had to seek shelter below from the
deadly aim of our sharpshooters.
"Hit him again, Colonel W."
Mr. Milton Webster, Executive Officer of the Valley City, says of this
"brush" with the Confederates:
"It is a pity about that '_deadly aim_,' for we did not have a man
injured, and one of the men and myself were over the stern exposed
to their guns, and though their shot fell all around us, we were
not struck. A pretty correct account of the time of the action and
position of the Valley City is given, but there was not a man left
his station during the action, although their sharpshooters fired
at and left marks of their bullets all round our port-holes, and
the gangway to which we afterwards shifted a gun to bear on them.
"The three other boats did not even get within range of the enemy,
on account of drawing too much water. They, however, fired one shot
at long range, after the enemy had retired, and this shot was made
merely to get the range of the enemy in case another attack should
be made on the Valley City before she got afloat. One of the two
boats they speak of was a tug-boat that went with the Valley City
up the river to assist her to get afloat in case she got aground,
and was manned by two officers--one an ensign, the other an
engineer--and five men. The tug-boat was not armed.
"It is very singular that they, in their account of the brush,
should italicize the word _wooden_, as much as to say we had an
iron-clad.
"I saved one of their shells that lit on the deck of the Valley
City, which fortunately did not explode. If the Valley City had
been afloat, she would have silenced their batteries sooner."
On Saturday, October 1, at 4 o'clock a.m., the Valley City got under
weigh, and steamed to Edenton. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master
James G. Green, J. W. Sands and myself went ashore, and visited Mr.
Samuel B.'s, and spent the time very pleasantly. At 4 o'clock p.m. we
returned to the Valley City, and got under weigh, and proceeded to our
old station at the mouth of the Roanoke river. On the 3d, the U.S.
steamers Commodore Hull and Tacony and the tug Belle came up and
anchored near us. On the 6th, I was ordered aboard the Otsego, to hold
a medical survey on one of the officers of that vessel, for the purpose
of sending him to the U.S. Naval Hospital at Norfolk. When I returned
aboard the Valley City, I found a refugee aboard, suffering from yellow
fever. She was taken to Edenton aboard the Valley City, where she died
of the disease. We called on Mr. Samuel B.'s family. At 5-1/2 o'clock
p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded towards Roanoke Island. At 12
p.m. we anchored. Early in the morning of the 7th, we steamed to off
Roanoke Island, where we arrived at 8 o'clock a.m. On the 8th there was
a breeze from the northwest, and the day was clear and beautiful. At 2
o'clock p.m., Paymaster J. W. Sands, Acting Master's mate John Maddock,
and myself, with six men, sailed in a small boat to Roanoke Island.
There was a heavy sea, and the wind was blowing quite a gale. We landed
at Roanoke Island, but did not remain long ashore before we took the
boat for the purpose of sailing back to the Valley City. We did not
succeed. We then took the sails down, and the men rowed us to the
vessel.
On the 9th, at 6 o'clock a.m., we got under weigh, and steamed up to
the mouth of the Alligator river, where we arrived at 9 o'clock a.m.
The Shamrock was lying close by. The weather was cold. At 1:30 o'clock
p.m., the Valley City proceeded up the Alligator river. At 7 p.m. we
anchored off Newport News. On the 10th, at 4 a.m., two armed boats'
crews were sent ashore on a reconnoitering expedition, but returned at
1 p.m. without accomplishing anything. At 2 p.m. the Valley City got
under weigh, and proceeded down Alligator river, and anchored at 3 p.m.
The weather is cool, and there was frost last night.
Thursday, October 11th, at 5 a.m., the launches were ordered up
Frying-pan river. At 10 a.m. I went with Captain J. A. J. Brooks in
pursuit of the launches, and after rowing about six miles we came in
sight of them. At 2-1/2 p.m. we returned with the launches. At 4 p.m.
the Valley City weighed anchor, and at 8 p.m. anchored in Albemarle
Sound. On the 12th, at 6 a.m., we got under weigh, and arrived at the
fleet at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m. we got under weigh, and at 10 a.m. arrived at
the mouth of Roanoke river. The ram was expected to come out to-day. On
the 15th, at 11-1/2 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh, and arrived
off Edenton at 11-1/2 o'clock p.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Paymaster
J. W. Sands, and Acting Master James G. Green, went ashore. At 5 p.m.
they returned, and the Valley City got under weigh, and proceeded to
the mouth of Roanoke river. The weather is cool and beautiful. At 10
a.m. of the 20th, I went aboard the Commodore Hull. At 12 m., returned
aboard the Valley City. At 9-1/2 p.m., the Valley City steamed to off
Edenton, to protect the tug Belle, which had got hard and fast aground
during the day. On the 21st I went ashore at Edenton, and spent a
pleasant time. I returned to the Valley City, when she proceeded to off
Roanoke Island, where we arrived on the 22d at 8 o'clock a.m. At 9
o'clock a.m., Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Assistant Paymaster J. W.
Sands and I went ashore, and made the acquaintance of Dr. Walton, of
the 103d Pennsylvania regiment, and Colonel Wardrobe, Commandant of
Roanoke Island. I spent a very pleasant time in company with these
gentlemen. In the evening I became acquainted with Lieutenant Wm. B.
Cushing, U.S. Navy. I will quote a war reminiscence which was
published in the Philadelphia _Weekly Times_ of June 7, 1879:
"CUSHING, THE BRAVE.
"_Reminiscence of His Heroic Adventure in Albemarle Sound:
By J. M. Batten, M.D., late U.S.N._