John Ancrum Winslow

Rear Admiral , U.S.N.

*^I^ve theft Bvoki
for the founding of a. CtfUege. in, this Colony'

'YiSLILIE«¥]MimEIESI']r¥»

^901

REAR ADMIRAL JOHN ANCRUM WINSLOW

THE LIFE OF
JOHN ANCRUM WINSLOW
REAR-ADMIRAL, UNITED STATES NAVY
WHO COMMANDED THE
U.S. STEAMER "KEARSARGE"
IN HER ACTION WITH THE
CONFEDERATE CRUISER "ALABAMA"

BY
JOHN M. ELLICOTT
LIEUT., U. S. NAVY

G. p. PUTNAM'S SONS
NEW YORK AND LONDON
Sbe ftntcl;etl)oci;ec press
1905

Copyright, igoi
BY
JOHN M. ELLICOTT

tTbe Vcnfcfeecbocftec pcess, flew JlJock

PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION.
IN bringing out a second edition of the Life of
John Ancrwm Winslow, the author wishes to
express his appreciation of the popular interest
taken in the biography, and of the very favorable
criticism which it has elicited. The present edition
contains some emendations suggested by reviewers,
for which the author hereby desires to express his
thanks. John M. Ellicott,
Lieut. -Cbmmander, U. S. Navy.
Navy Department,
Washington, D. C. , May i, igoj.

PREFACE.
ADMIRAL WINSLOW was careful, through
out his life, to preserve and copy his ofificial
and public correspondence. His wife and children
were equally painstaking in preserving his papers
and private letters, and in collecting everything
concerning him that appeared in the public prints.
I was requested to undertake his biography about
five years ago, and all the collected material was
unreservedly placed at my disposal. Much of the
labor of chronological assortment had already been
done by Mrs. Winslow and Miss Mary C. Winslow,
the Admiral's wife and surviving daughter. Be
sides this original material, many published works
have been consulted, of which a list is given in this
volume, and I desire to express my thanks to their
authors for much valuable information.
After many interruptions, due to arduous profes
sional duty, I am at last able to give the biography
to the public, hoping that I have made it as inter
esting and instructive to others as the original
material has been to me. John M. Ellicott,
Lieutenant, U. S. Navy.
Naval War Cou,ege,
Newport, R. I., fan. z, igoi.

I. — Antecedents and Childhood
II. — From his Marriage to the Burning of the
Missouri 
III. — The Burning of the Missouri .
IV. — Beginning of the War with Mexico
V. — Blockading Mexican Ports
VI. — Winslow's First Command .
VII. — Executive of the Sara toga
VIII. — Q-^ Ts.s.Y's.iGP.'i-E. St. Lawrence .
IX. — Duty with the Western Flotilla
X. — Return to Duty on the Mississippi
XI. — Detachment from Western Flotilla
XII. — Assignment to Command the Kearsarge
XIII. — Cruising around the Azores
XIV. — Blockading the Florida
XV. — The Queenstown Incident .
XVI. — The Escape of the Georgia and Florida
XVII. — The Blockade of the Rappahannock .
XVIII. — The Alabama at Cherbourg
XIX. — The Destruction of the Alabama
XX. — The Conduct of the Deerhound

6
IS
24
334048 57
69 809097
104 117124
138 153174188
219

viii Contents
CHAPTER PAGK
XXI. — The Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 233
XXII. — The Close of the Cruise .... 250
XXIII. — The Ovation at Home .... 259
XXIV. — Duties as Commodore  264
XXV. — The Last Cruise  270

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Rear-Admiral John Ancrum Winslow. Frontispiece
Map of Theatre of Operations of Mexican War .
Theatre of Operations of Western Flotilla
The Kearsarge of 1864
Kearsarge's Theatre of Operations
C. S. S. Alabama . . . .
Diagram of Kearsarge-Alabama Combat
U. S. S. Kearsarge .....

24 70
98
118 174198
210

WORKS CONSULTED

History of the Mexican War. General C. M. Wilcox.
The Home Squadron in the Mexican War. P. S. P. CONNER.
Service Afloat and Ashore in the Mexican War. RAPHAEL Semmes.
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of tke
Rebellion. U. S. Naval War Records Office.
The Navy in the Civil War ; The Gulf and Inland Waters. Captain
A. T. Mahan, U.S.N.
The Navy in the Civil War ; The Blockade and the Cruisers. jAS. R.
Soley.
History of the Navy during the Rebellion. Charles B. Boynton.
The Confederate States Navy. J. Thos. Scharf.
The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government. Jefferson Davis.
A History of Our Own Times. JuSTiN McCarthy.
France and the Confederate Navy. John Bigelow.
The Secret Service of the Confederate States. James D. Bullock.
Service Afloat, "Sumter" and ' '^ labama. " Raphael Semmes.
Two Years on the "Alabama." ARTHUR SINCLAIR.
An Englishman's 'View of the Battle between the "Alabama'^ and the
"Kearsarge." F. M. Edge.
Life of Admiral Foote. J. M. HoppiN.
Life of Charles Henry Davis. C. H. Davis.
The Neutrality of Great Britain during the American Civil War.
Montague Bernard.
Claims ofthe United States against Great Britain. U. S. Government.
Acte Final de la Conference Internationale de la Paix ; La Haye, iSgg.
The Laws and Usages of War at Sea. Captain C. H. Stockton, U.S.N.
ExpMition du Mexique. G. Niox.

Xll

Works Consulted

The Fall of Maximilian's Empire. Seaton Schroeder.
The Congressional Record, 1864 and 1865,
The Army and Navy fournal, 1862-66.
The Spectator, London.
The Times, London, and other leading American, British, and Frencb
newspapers.
Tke Century Magazine.

THE LIFE OF JOHN ANCRUM WINSLOW

LIFE OF REAR ADMIRAL
JOHN ANCRUM WINSLOW.

CHAPTER L
ANTECEDENTS AND CHILDHOOD.
IT is the privilege of the biographer to unfold to
his readers, page by page, the life of an indi
vidual who has accomplished great deeds in the
world's history, and it is the biographer's duty to
show, as best he can, how heredity, environment,
education and training, as brought to bear upon
the individual by an all-wise Providence, make of
him an instrument for the accomplishment of far-
seen purposes.
Heredity had not a little to do in shaping the
career of John Ancrum Winslow. The Winslows,
coming from Droitwitch, England, arrived in the
Plymouth Colony with the first settlers, and two of
the family became governors of the colony. It
was from John Winslow, a brother of Edward, the
Governor, and Mary Chilton, the first woman to
land from the Mayflower, that the subject of this

2 John Ancrum Winslow.
biography was descended. From Puritan stock
came his inheritance of integrity, perseverance and
fortitude. On his mother's side, Winslow was descended
from Colonel William Rhett, son of Sir Walter
Rhett, a baronet in the time of Charles 1 1. Will
iam Rhett married Sarah, daughter of Thomas
Amy, Esq., of London, one of the lord propri
etors of the Colony of Carolina under the charter
confirmed by King Charles in 1663-65. In 1704,
the French and Spaniards, with a frigate and four
armed sloops, under the command of Le Feboure,
sailed against Charleston from Havana. Rhett
was placed in command of an improvised naval
force, consisting of six small vessels, and given a
commission as vice-admiral. With this force he
defeated the invading expedition — killing, wound
ing and capturing three hundred men. In 1718,
the colony was subjected to depredations by the
Buccaneers under Steed Bonnet, or " Blackbeard."
Two sloops were fitted out by Governor Johnson
and placed under the command of Rhett, who fol
lowed Bonnet into the waters of Cape Fear, and,
after a severe engagement, in which the pirate was
badly wounded, captured him with his vessel and
crew. Rhett was afterwards appointed Governor-
general of the Bahamas, but never accepted the
position. From this hero of Carolina, Winslow in
herited the ambition to become a naval warrior
and the qualities necessary for success in such a
calling. John Winslow, of Plymouth, moved to Boston,

Antecedents and Childhood. 3
and it was there that Edward Winslow, a descen
dant of John and father of the subject of this
biography, was born, in 1788. In 1807, Edward
went to Wilmington, N. C, to establish a com
mercial partnership with another branch of the
family, and, in 1809, he there married Sara E.
Berry, a widow, of Scotch descent, her father being
John Ancrum, chairman of the Committee of
Safety of Wilmington during the Revolutionary
War. At fourteen, she had married a Mr. McAl
lister, who was killed a year later while they were
travelling. By him she had one child, born after
the father's death. At eighteen, she married a Mr.
Berry, and by him had five children. She was
twenty-nine years of age when she married Edward
Winslow, a youth of twenty-one. They had four
children, of whom John Ancrum was the second.
John Ancrum Winslow was born in Wilmington,
N. C, November 19, 1811,^ combining in his in
heritance, as we have seen, the simplicity, perse
verance, integrity and fortitude of the Plymouth
Rock pilgrims with the courage, chivalry and dash
of the gentry of Carolina. Even in his boyhood
we can see the outcropping of first one and then
another of these characteristics. Being the favorite
son, he was allowed very much his own way, and
his inherited maritime tendency led him frequently
to the docks and shipping. Upon one occasion, as
he was standing with his elder brother, Edward,
near a British ship, her sailors pitted the cabin boy
against him, and young John received, without
' He was baptized in the Protestant Episcopal Church.

4 John Ancrum Winslow.
warning, a blow upon his head. He turned and
made such a spirited defence that in a few minutes
the cabin boy was severely whipped. It was such
a plucky fight and such a complete victory that the
British tars, after a rousing cheer, lifted the little
victor upon their shoulders and bore him on board
their ship for congratulation and refreshment. The
incident was a prophetic forerunner of another duel
he was to fight against an adversary equipped and
egged on by British enterprise !
Upon another occasion, when but ten years of age,
he induced his brother Edward to accompany him
upon an impromptu voyage. They cast themselves
adrift in a ship's boat, erected a bush for a sail,
and, favored by the wind and tide, were swept
rapidly to sea. Before anxiety overtook them they
both fell asleep, but were luckily met by an incom
ing ship when many miles from land, and brought
back in safety to their distressed parents.
Being fearless and venturesome, young Winslow
soon learned to use firearms, and was given dogs
and a gun. He loved his dogs devotedly, and
spent many hours of the day roaming with them
through the woods, thus cultivating that love of
nature's beauty which grew so strong within him,
and which draws a man in thought nearer to the
omnipotent Creator.
Edward Winslow, the father, being a Bostonian,
was desirous that his sons should be educated in
the North, so young Edward and John were sent
first to Dorchester and afterward to Dedham,
Massachusetts. At the latter town they were placed

Antecedents and Childhood. 5
under the charge of a Rev. Mr. Sewall, to be pre
pared for college. John was then fourteen years
of age. He proved apt and progressive in his
studies, but, when ready for college, his desire for
a naval career had ripened, and he was aided by his
indulgent parents to enter the profession of his
choice. Through the influence of Daniel Webster,
whose home was upon the Winslow estate at Marsh
field, and who held the family in high esteem, an
appointment as midshipman was obtained for John,
and after a course of study he received his commis
sion February i, 1827, and was attached to the U.
S. S. Falmouth. This ship cruised in the West In
dies for three years, during which young Winslow
was frequently sent in boat expeditions against
pirates, thus treading, at the very outset of his
career, in the footprints of that ancestor from whom
he had inherited the desire which led him into the
naval service.
In 1830, Winslow returned home, but in the next
year he was again ordered to the Falmouth, and
sailed in her to the Pacific around Cape Horn, gain
ing experience in deep-sea cruising early in life.
He remained in that ocean without special incident
until 1833, when he returned home, passed a credit
able examination, and was promoted to Passed Mid
shipman. After a few months at the Boston Navy
Yard, he was ordered to the Brazilian Squadron,
where he served until 1837 on the ships Erie and
Ontario.

CHAPTER XL
FROM HIS MARRIAGE TO THE BURNING OF THE
MISSOURI.
IT was probably during the few months spent in
Boston, in 1833, between his Pacific and first
Brazilian cruise, that love ripened between young
Winslow and his cousin, Catherine Amelia, daugh
ter of Benjamin Winslow of that city. At that
critical time, however, his devotion to the trying
profession of his choice never wavered, for it is re
lated of him that, after bidding his fair cousin good-
by, when departing for his Brazilian cruise, he
threw his cap into the air and shouted back, "I
hope I will live to be an honor to my country ! "
Soon after his return from this cruise they were
married, October 18, 1837, and from that time,
when Winslow was not on duty elsewhere, they
resided in Roxbury, then a suburban village. Al
though intermarriage is a hazardous venture, it
must be conceded, from our study of the ante
cedents of these young people, that their union
could only strengthen the highest and most admir
able traits in human nature, and must have done
much to develop in the youthful oflficer those

Marriage — Burning ofthe Missouri. 7
characteristics which brought him so brilliantly
through the deep trials of his later life.
The companionship of a pure woman is man's
God-given encouragement, and fortunate indeed is
he who is never without it ! Winslow's marriage
at this time was very opportune, for shortly after
ward his mother died, leaving the young wife to
continue alone that subtle influence of woman's
devotion. Seven children were born of this union, five sons
and two daughters. Two sons entered the navy,
one in the line and one as a paymaster. The former,
Herbert Winslow, is now (1901) a commander.
Paymaster William Randolph Winslow died in 1869,
leaving one son, the only grandchild of John An
crum Winslow, who graduated from West Point at
the head of his class in 1889, and is now Captain
Eben Eveleth Winslow, Corps of Engineers, U. S.
Army. Of the seven children. Commander Her
bert Winslow, U. S. N., is now the only survivor.
Two months after marriage, Winslow was ordered
to the general rendezvous at Boston, and afterwards
to the receiving-ship at the Boston Navy Yard.
Two years of home life were thus fortunately per
mitted him to cement domestic bonds. In 1839, he
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and was
then ordered again to Brazilian waters in the U. S.
Schooner Enterprise, February 22, 1840. After a
cruise of less than a year he returned to the United
States on sick leave, and was once more attached
to the receiving-ship at the Boston Navy Yard, thus
ao-ain spending some little time with his wife at

8 John Ancrum Winslow.
home. During this shore duty he aided in extin
guishing a fire on a Cunard steamer in Boston
Harbor, October 27, 1841, displaying such bravery
that he was presented with a sword-knot and a pair
of epaulettes from Her Majesty Queen Victoria.
These were afterward lost in the steam-frigate
Missouri, when she was burned at Gibraltar.
Steam vessels were now being built for the navy,
and one of the earliest, the frigate Missouri, was
equipped at Norfolk, in the spring of 1842, for her
maiden cruise. On the gth of June of that year
Lieutenant Winslow was ordered to the sloop of
war Warren, then at Norfolk, but the Warren
was found to need such extensive repairs that she
was soon afterward put out of commission, and
Winslow was transferred to the Missouri, a prefer
ment indicating that the young lieutenant was gain
ing recognition at the Navy Department as an
excellent officer. The Missouri began her cruise
by visiting many home ports, so that our people
could have a look at her and take pride in their
country's naval development. In August she sailed
for New York, where she received quite an ovation
and spent two weeks. From there she proceeded
to Castine, Belfast, Camden, Thomaston, Wiscasset
and Bath, returning to New York September 14th,
where she remained a month before visiting south
ern ports. On the 14th of October she sailed for
Savannah, Georgia. At Savannah the junketing
cruise was arrested, and a bearer of despatches for
the United States Minister at Mexico was sent to
take passage in the Missouri to Vera Cruz.

Marriage — Burning ofthe Missouri. 9
Until this time Winslow had drifted about the
world in a haphazard sort of way, as a ship might
drift in untroubled seas, but strong currents were
now forming and fierce storms gathering, and we
shall see him drawn into their midst, all uncon
sciously at first, but gradually realizing the perils,
and meeting them with understanding, fortitude
and calm endurance, until he emerges again upon
smooth seas with his name and his deeds recorded
in the pages of history. His letters show from
this time a careful noting of passing events and
much thoughtful reflection upon them, which, to
gether with certain deep convictions, cause him
almost to foresee national crises and to be pre
pared to take his part in them. As far as these
letters will tell the story of his life, I shall permit
them to do so, with no unnecessary comment, be
lieving that " the true life of a man is in his letters."
To understand some allusions in the earlier ones,
it is necessary to fix in our minds the events then
transpiring in our country's history, which at that
time only tossed the young officer about like a
chip in an eddy formed by a strong current.
The little Texan war for independence had cul
minated in the decisive battle of San Jacinto, April
10, 1836, when General Houston captured Presi
dent Santa Anna, and extorted a treaty acknow
ledging the Texan Republic ; but the Mexican
Government had refused to ratify the treaty. Our
Government and many others, however, acknow
ledged Texan independence, and Texas was beg
ging for annexation to the United States. The

IO John Ancrum Winslow.
Democratic party declared itself in favor of annex
ation, but Santa Anna, once more in power in Mex
ico, was organizing a force for reconquest. Besides
this cause of estrangement between the republics,
the United States had claims for damages against
Mexico for depredations upon commerce, which the
latter was compelled to admit but could not be
prevailed upon to pay.
" Oct. 2zd, 1842,
" U. S. S. 'Missouri?
' ' Savannah, Georgia.
". . . We have a party of citizens on board, also a
bearer of despatches from Washington to our Minister in
Mexico ; he left Vera Cruz about six weeks since with de
spatches for our Government. We sail for Vera Cruz this
afternoon. I cannot believe we shall be detained over a
month, and possibly you may not hear from me again before
I reach New York ; the object of the Government is to show
a demonstration of proper force. If Santa Anna, President
of Mexico, does not pay our claims at once, the United States
will blockade the ports of Mexico, and this will prevent his
expedition upon Texas which he is about carrying into effect.
" I have invented a camel-steam tug for taking vessels over
bars, and am getting a model made ; the persons I have
shown it to are struck with its simplicity and practicability. I
cannot see why it should not succeed. I have no doubt the
Russian Government would give me any sum for it. How
ever, I am not over sanguine about it. . . ."
The next letter is a graphic and true portrayal
of Cuban affairs of half a century ago, and contains
a paragraph showing Winslow's deep-rooted an
tagonism to slavery : " Havana, Nov. sd, 1842,
" U. S. S. -Missouri?
"... We have had a large number of Spaniards and
other company on board today. Nothing has tended so much

Marriage — Burning of the Missouri. 1 1
to our importance as a nation as the exhibition of this ship.
The Spaniards here think we are the Great Mogul. . . .
" I dined yesterday with the Governor-General of Cuba,
General Valdes, with a party of officers. He distinguished
himself in the war against Don Carlos, as Commander of the
troops, and was afterwards Minister of War ; he is quite a fine
man, and honored us all by giving us each a splendid cigar
and handing us in person a cup of coffee ; this he did to no
other guests, the servants performing that service for them ;
this act of courtesy was done according to our rank ; we had
twenty-two courses at dinner.
" There is a good deal of Castilian pride on the part of his
suite and they have an intense hatred for the people of Cuba,
ruling them with a rod of iron ; the strictest military disci
pline prevails, — seven thousand troops about the city. In the
Alameda, the drive around the city walls, the people are
obliged to keep in lines on one side, and the horse-guards are
stationed about to compel them to do so ; no person can walk
the streets at night after 1 1 o'clock. I could not help smiling
yesterday at the kind-looking old man, as he asked me to take
wine, from whom all this military discipline emanates.
" There have been several English officers on board today
and they were surprised at the ship.
" The Governor-General of Cuba here represents the King
of Spain, and is a great man.
" I was much struck with the checkered path which life so
frequently reveals, so strikingly manifested in the case of Mr.
Moreland who went home to Boston, having amassed an im
mense fortune after working here for twenty years ; he lost it
all, and was obliged to return here in his old age and go to
work again. It is said he invested it all with a slave dealer ;
if such is the case he deserved to lose it. . . ."
"Vera Cruz, Nov. "jth, 1842,
" U. S. S. 'Missouri?
"... After a long passage (for a steamer) of five
days, we are at length at anchor off Vera Cruz. Our bearer
of despatches left the ship for that city this afternoon prior
to his departure for Mexico.

12 John Ancrum Winslow.
"The sloop-of-war Falmouth lays near us, having like us
brought a bearer of despatches, and will sail in a few days for
Pensacola. " The Captain would have given any of us permission to go
to Mexico, but the expense of travelling deterred all but one
of us from doing so. It was an opportunity I especially re
gretted not being able to avail myself of, as Mexico is the seat
of all the splendor of the New World, rich in the monuments
of past ages, and filled with what may be termed the only
classical lore of America.
" I did not write you that yellow fever was prevalent in
Havana while we were there, as I knew you would be anxious.
All that worried me was the thought of leaving you and our
dear ones to struggle along as you would have to do in case of
my death.
" We are laying at a distance of three miles from the town
and fort ; near us is an island named Sacrificios, filled to me
with associations of my early career in the Navy ; it was one of
the first places I came to after my debut ; it is now much
changed. The harsh-toned convent bell which rested in one
of the niches of the walls is removed. The reefs around the
island are still there, though no doubt increased by the coral
insect, but notwithstanding these changes and the addition
of a cemetery, in which repose the bones of many of the
French who fell in the attack on the Castle, I can still fancy
myself fourteen years back, wading through the water in
search of shells and chasing the iguana over the moulder
ing walls. ..." " Batize Light House,
" Mississippi River,
" U. S. S. 'Missouri?
" Nov. 2jd, 1842.
" . . . We have left Vera Cruz and are now fast ap
proaching the mouth of the Mississippi with another bearer
of despatches on board and the Secretary of Legation bound
to Washington. Our stay at Vera Cruz was but six days. We
have several Texans with us who went in the Santa Fe expedi
tion ; completely broken down in physique and morale, they
are returning home, I hope wiser than they left it. Besides

Marriage — Burning ofthe Missouri. 13
these we have a missionary from the Sandwich Islands accom
panying a Minister Extraordinary to the United States. We
have also $14,000 in specie, for which the Captain receives a
per centage for carrying, and is consequently anxious to go
down to Vera Cruz for a much larger sum.
" The pilot has just come on board, and says it is impossible
to take the ship to New Orleans, so of course we go to Pensa
cola. " Dec. 3d. — Arrived at Pensacola. ..."
"U. S. Steam-Frigate 'Missouri?
Norfolk, Jan. 31st, 1843.
". . . Arrived here Saturday, 29th inst. I have leave
to go to Washington, and start to-morrow with my 'model."
Captain Newton and all that have seen it say it is a great
thing. I may not get a patent, as it may interfere with
others, but I will show it to the Secretary of the Navy and
he must give me credit for ingenuity. ..."
With a desire to show the Missouri in European
waters, she was selected in the summer of 1843 to
convey the Honorable Caleb Cushing, Minister to
China, as far as Alexandria, Egypt.
"U. S. S. 'Missouri?
" Norfolk, Va.,
"Aug. 2d, 1843.
". . . We have orders to steam with all despatch for
Gibraltar, show the ship everywhere, and, after landing Mr.
Cushing at Alexandria, return home. ..."
"U. S. S. 'Missouri?
" Fayal, Azores,
"Aug. i()th, 1843.
"... Yesterday we came in here and found a brig
lying in harbor, bound for Boston in about two weeks. A
brother of Professor Longfellow is here ; he superintends the
education of our Consul's children.
1 Note. — A camel steam-tug for carrying vessels over bars. Winslow
succeeded in procuring a patent for it, but owing to lack of capital it was
never put to practical use.

14 John Ancrum Winslow.
" The island is like one great flower garden, beautifully
cultivated ; never before have I seen such a variety of plants
from every clime. The splendid magnolia and japonica trees
are here as coramon as lilacs with us. . . . "
Twenty years later he was destined again to land
upon these islands, weak and in pain, scarcely re
cuperating from sickness and wounds, oppressed
with the responsibilities of an actor in a dreadful
war, yet indomitably assuming them, although he
might, without discredit, have remained at home
and been nursed into perfect health. Here, among
the flowers which he so glowingly describes, he was
to await through many months of impatience the
coming of the ship whose name was to be forever
linked with his own in undying glory.
The Missouri sailed from Fayal August 21st and
arrived at Gibraltar August 25 th.

CHAPTER III.
THE BURNING OF THE MISSOURI
A LAMENTABLE catastrophe now cut short
the career of America's handsome frigate.
On the evening of August 26th, two men were
lagging a cylinder by the light of a lamp. A third
man entered a storeroom overhead to get a pair of
scales and knocked a wrench down upon a demijohn
of spirits of turpentine, breaking it. The spirits
dropped down upon the cylinder, saturated the lag
ging and caught fire from the lamp. The confla
gration that followed is best told by quoting part of
a description of the event published in a New York
paper by the late Rodman M. Price, ex-Governor of
New Jersey, who was the purser of the ill-fated
ship :
"In the summer of 1843, Captain John Thomas Newton,
commanding the U. S. Steam-frigate Missouri, lying at Nor
folk, Va., was ordered to receive Caleb Cushing on board and
carry him to Alexandria, Egypt, en route to China. Mr. Cush
ing had just been appointed Minister Plenipotentiary and
Envoy Extraordinary to protect our first commercial treaty
with the Celestial Empire, negoeiations having been opened
by Commodore Lawrence Kearney, then commanding the
United States squadron in the China seas.
" The Missouri was a perfect specimen of naval architecture
15

1 6 John Ancrum Winslow.
of 2200 tons, with two inclined engines of 600 horse-power,
with four copper boilers, bark rigged, heavily sparred, was
capable of keeping the seas under canvas alone, steam being
used only as an auxiliary power when needed.
" This magnificent ship, being the first naval armed steam
ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, to be exhibited to the Powers
of Europe, stimulated the pride of the ship's company to the
highest degree. Her officers were distinguished as gallant
gentlemen. No finer crew had ever been mustered on the
deck of a vessel, while her engineers, then new and important
officers to the naval service, were thoroughly skilled in all
their duties.
" With President John Tyler on board, and a distinguished
party of citizens who had come from Washington to say adieu
to Mr. Cushing and pray God speed to his important mission,
our flag at the main, we weighed anchor from Hampton Roads,
parting with the President and his friends at the Capes of the
Chesapeake. No ship's company ever had more delightful
anticipation of a foreign cruise.
" Gibraltar was to have been our first port, but runnmg near
the Azores, or Western Islands, Captain Newton, by general
solicitation, consented to touch at Fayal, where we remained
two days, during which time we were magnificently entertained
by our Consul, Mr. Dabney, and his delightful and gracious
family. " We steamed away from Fayal to Gibraltar, arriving at the
latter place in the early afternoon of a delightful day. Our
coming was as unexpected as the astonishment created by it.
This surprise was not limited to the large English squadron
commanded by Sir George Sartorius (Admiral of the Blue),
but was shared by the Danish squadron lying there, and other
foreign vessels of war and merchantmen. It extended, as well,
to the garrison and people on shore. As the majestic Missouri
steamed up the harbor at a ten-knot speed (their band playing
a national air) through the numerous shipping, hundreds of
glasses were levelled at us ; in coming to anchor every evolu
tion was executed with a precision and in a style only known to
Vankee sailors, and was watched by all with an absorbing inter-

The Burning of the Missouri. 1 7
est ; indeed, no such steamship had before been seen. She
was, in fact, at that time, a veritable steam leviathan. The
size of her hull, the beauty of her outline, her heavy spars,
her speed, and the gracefulness of her appearance on the
water, extorted the admiration and received the praise of
every true sailor. Boats immediately flocked around, and we
were the recipients of a constant ovation of complimentary
visits. Admiral Sartorius himself was the first to call, and he
carefully and minutely inspected the ship and expressed his
gratification and admiration, particularly with our battery.
Our two 240-pound guns challenged astonishment, being the
largest guns then afloat — and ten 68-pounders made our arma
ment very imposing. A stay of several days was contemplated,
for the purpose of taking in coal and supplies.
" On the evening of the second day after our arrival, the
ship was coaling and her engines being overhauled and discon
nected ; the head of a cylinder was being replaced and tamped.
Many of the officers' were on shore. Mr. Cushing, Captain
Newton, and the writer were dining with the American Consul,
Mr. Horatio Sprague, when suddenly from the street was
heard the alarming cry : ' El frigate vapor Americano es del
fuego ! ' (' The American steamer is on fire ! ') It was after
sundown, and the regulations of the garrison prohibited boats
from landing at the usual place. At one point only boats were
permitted to land, known as the water port, where our boat
had been ordered at a later hour. Rushing hastily to the
water wall, we could plainly see our ship. At first sight the
flames appeared as high as her maintop, and seemed to mark
her inevitable doom. We were compelled to run a full half
mile to the water port, following in our course the esplanade
of the water battery, the bastions making an irregular, uneven
surface made for the guns en barbette, causing us to fall, in our
haste, many times. The English officers afforded every facility
by opening the portcullis, letting down ladders, and lighting
up the water port landing. Fortunately, just as we reached
the moat, the Captain's gig came alongside, and we were pulled
ofif in the shortest possible time to the ship, a mile distant.
' Among them Lieutenant Winslow,

1 8 John Ancrum Winslow.
As we approached we could hear the pumps working. The
crew were at quarters, and through the ports the lurid glare of
the fire was reflected from within. Such, however, was the
discipline and order maintained on board, as we came near
the marine sentry in the mizzen chains gave, imperturbably,
the usual challenge : ' Boat ahoy ! ' answered by Captain
Newton, from the fulness of an oppressed heart, and with an
agonizing accent of despair : ' Missouri.'
"In an instant four side boys appeared with lanterns at the
ladder, and we passed on board with all the usual honors, re
ceived by the executive officer as calmly as if the crew had
been at ordinary exercise. So far, everything possible under
the circumstances had been done, but at that moment there
was the most imminent danger of the fire communicating with
the forward magazine. The fire had originated in the engine-
room, down almost to the keelson, and had spread through a
manhole in a watertight bulkhead, into the engin9er's store
room containing stores of the most inflammable character,
such as oils, turpentine, and oakum. The fact that the forward
magazine was in danger was well known to the whole ship's
company, yet every man was doing his duty as coolly as if en
gaged in ' washing down decks.'
" On reaching the ship, Captain Newton took command,
and the dreadful element was fought with desperate determi
nation to save the ship.
" Water tanks, with hose and pumps, were sent off from
shore by order of General Sir Henry Wilson, commanding the
garrison. Admiral Sir Charles Sartorius gallantly came on
board and took position beside Captain Newton. No boats
were allowed to come alongside, being informed of the danger
and warned off.
" When it became doubtful as to saving the ship, an order
was given to send Mr. Cushing and his effects, together with
the ship's papers and treasure, ashore. A battle of more than
three hours' duration had been fought against the fire. Ad
miral Sartorius earnestly and repeatedly entreated Newton to
abandon the ship — he felt it was criminal madness to longer
endanger the lives of the crew. His entreaties were unavail-

The Burning of the Missouri. 19
ing, and he left the doomed ship. Newton, after consultation
with the officers, reluctantly gave the order : ' Every man
save himself ! ' Many of the exhausted men plunged over
board through the gun-ports, and were picked up by the sur
rounding boats, — our own boats were lowered away, and many
let themselves down by the boat falls. After every soul had
left the ship, the gallant Captain stood alone on the wheel-
house, protecting himself from the raging fire, apparently hesi
tating whether to go in-board and perish with the noble ship, or
out-board and be saved. The stentorian voice of Sartorius
could be heard invoking Newton to come away, saying he
with his boat was waiting the honor to receive him. At last,
Newton dropped hand under hand by a single rope over the
ship's side into the arms of his own boat's crew, who had just
returned from carrying Mr. Cushing on shore. By this time,
so much of the ship was in flames as to light up the harbor
and the numerous shipping, and the sombre city, reflecting
back the frowning fortress and the towering Rock of Gibraltar.
The scene was vivid and surpassingly grand. All the vessels
had been moved beyond the line of danger. We had not
reached that line in our boats when one of the quarter-deck
guns went off — a 68-pounder — the cartridge having been
ignited by the intense heat communicated to the gun, the bat
tery having been charged with saluting cartridges. Simulta
neously with the report of the gun, as if giving the signal, the
forward magazine exploded, and the masts went by the board.
The hulk soon settled and speedily sank ; the illumination
went suddenly out, and the waters were hushed in darkness.
" The officers and men, bruised and exhausted, escaped in
their burnt and torn clothing, and were distributed among the
many vessels lying at anchor in the harbor. All were invited
on board the Malabar, a line-of-battle ship bearing the flag of
Admiral Sartorius. Captain Newton and most of the officers
got on shore, and quarters were provided for them by our
Consul. Those who accepted the Admiral's invitation re
ceived warm, cordial hospitality and every kindly attention.
The next morning some of our officers went on shore in the
uniform of the English Navy, one midshipman, in the uniform

20 John Ancrum Winslow,
of the Admiral, causing much merriment as he received and
acknowledged the salute due to his high insignia of rank from
the sentry of the garrison. The friendly aid, and the many
courteous attentions so delicately conferred upon us by the
English authorities will never be forgotten by the recipients.
Had we been their countrymen, they could not have done
more. It was a renewed proof that ' blood is thicker than
water.' " On mustering the crew, it was found that not a single
soul was lost ; and nothing was saved from the ship ex
cept the chronometers and what went in the boat with Mr.
Cushing. . . .
" The American ship Rajah was chartered, provisioned, and
watered, and 350 officers and men were sent on board and
sailed for home after a detention of only forty-eight hours.
The remainder of the crew were assigned to the bark Pons,
which had also been chartered, to remain near the scene of
the wreck to save what property could be secured. Sub
marine divers were employed, who suceeeded in raising the
engines and the valuable copper boilers, which were sent
home, and the wreck was destroyed so as not to endanger
navigation. " After a few days' detention, Mr. Cushing left on one of
the Oriental line of steamships for Alexandria.
" Immediately after the disaster. Captain Newton sent Lieu
tenant yohn A. Winslo-w home via England, with despatches
to the Secretary of the Navy announcing the loss of the Mis
souri and asking instructions from the Government, Captain
Newton deciding to await Lieutenant Winslow's return."
It was an evidence of high esteem upon the part
of his commanding officer that Winslow was se
lected to be sent home with despatches announ
cing this catastrophe. He sailed from Gibraltar
for England in a packet, August 31st, and took a
Cunard steamer from Liverpool for Boston. Ar
riving in that city at night, he went directly to

The Burning of the Missouri. 2 1
his home, and finding the household wrapped in
slumber, began to sing beneath his wife's window :
" Gaily the troubadour touched his guitar
As he was hastening home from the war.
Singing, ' From Palestine hither I come,
Lady-love, lady-love, welcome me home.' "
His young wife, although believing that her hus
band was sailing through the far-off Mediter
ranean, knew that no one else would be singing
that song to her, and rushed to the window ex
claiming in tones of gladness and incredulity :
" Why, John, is that you ?"
"Yes," he replied.
So great was her mingled surprise and anxiety
that she exclaimed :
"What did yoM ever come home for?"
He laughingly answered :
" Come down and let me in and I '11 tell you."
Winslow reported at Washington October 5th
and was ordered to return to Gibraltar with des
patches for Captain Newton. He therefore retraced
his route, via England, Lisbon and Cadiz, and
rejoined his commander at Gibraltar, November
nth.
" Gibraltar, Nov. i8, 1843.
" I arrived here Nov. i6th, found Captain Newton delighted
beyond everything at the result of my visit to Washington. I
found the wreck of the Missouri in the same situation as
when I left for the United States. The Captain, Purser, and
Engineer and some men remaining here and an English diver
with submarine armor employed on the wreck, they had re
covered property to the amount of twenty thousand dollars.

22 John Ancrum Winslow.
and they are continuing to bring up materials, and when the
ship has been well cleared out I think there will be an attempt
to raise her by stopping up all the holes and building her up
again with rough boards and then pumping her out ; if Vhis
does not succeed she will be blown to pieces by the galvanic
process and then parts will be brought up. We have been
trying to contract for this purpose, but no one will come for
ward, were it not for this we could start for home at once."
Resuming Price's narration :
" After Winslow's return, he and I accepted an invitation
from the Marquis of Lorne, the present Duke of Argyle, to
accompany his travelling party to Tangiers, on the opposite
coast of Africa, for wild boar hunting. The party was a
delightful one and the occasion led to many pleasant and
romantic adventures. Several dashing young English ofi&cers
belonging to the garrison and accustomed to riding with the
hounds fox hunting in Spain, near Gibraltar, and some naval
officers from the fleet swelled the list of the' company. The
riding and hunting over the rough country of the coast of
Barbary was of the most wild, reckless, daring character.
Winslow, not so much of a horseman as sailor, anxious to keep
up, only succeeded on the first day's hunt in burying his horse
in a quicksand, from which he and the animal were with
difficulty extricated. It is pleasant to note that Winslow was
saved from an unheroic death to become the distinguished
officer and hero as Captain of the U. S. S. Kearsarge, which
destroyed the celebrated Confederate ship Alabama. . . .
" The Marquis of Lorne, then under his majority, was on an
extended tour of travel, accompanied by a suite of tutors and
instructors equal in number to the average faculty of our
colleges." The yacht returned to Marseilles and the party
proceeded via Paris to England, where Captain
Newton and his officers took a Cunard steamer
for home in January, 1844.

The Burning of the Missouri. 23
After an uninterrupted spring and summer with
his family, young Winslow was summoned to
Washington in the following October as a witness
before the court-martial trying Captain Newton and
other officers for the loss of the Missouri.
"Washington,
" Oct. J ith, '44.
*' . . . Newton delivered his defence yesterday and
the trial of the Chief Engineer commences to-morrow. I
am afraid it will go hard with him — the best men suffer the
most in this world — I think Newton will be honorably
acquitted.' . . .''
• Captain Newton was found guilty of negligence and sentenced to two
years' suspension from duty. After three months, the unexpired portion
was reraitted. The chief engineer was suspended for one year.

CHAPTER IV.
BEGINNING OF THE WAR WITH MEXICO.
DURING the winter and spring of 1845
Winslow was seriously ill at his home with
erysipelas. In April of that year he was ordered
to the Vincennes, but was compelled to inform the
Navy Department of his ill health, and these orders
were revoked. Recovering somewhat during the
summer and autumn, he was ordered to the U. S. S.
Cumberland', in December, 1845, as a watch and
division officer. This ship was fitting out for a
cruise in the Mediterranean, but war-clouds were
gathering thick and fast towards Mexico. Texas
had been annexed to the Ainerican Union in the
preceding January, and the annexation had been
ratified in the Senate the following July. Mexico
had not recognized Texan independence and was
debating upon the annexation as a casus belli. The
commercial indemnity claims were still unpaid ; a
peace-loving president, Herrera, had just been over
thrown by a hot-headed general, Paredes ; and open
rupture with the United States seemed imminent.
So the destination of the Cumberland -wSiS abruptly
changed, and she was assigned to the Gulf Squad-
24

z/a/ /ted St at a s

\ 7vi?e?^ ICO

W& Gen. Taylor-s Invasion f-^. Gen. Scotfs Invasion
THEATRE OF OPERATIONS, MEXICAN WAR

Beginning of the War with Mexico 25
ron to become the flagship of Commodore Connor.
She left Nantasket Roads, February 3, 1846, and
the Commodore hoisted his flag on her after she
reached Vera Cruz, in thebeginning of March. At
that time the two governments were in the last
ditch of diplomatic wrangle, Mexico being ready
to relinquish Texas as far south as the Rio Nueces,
while that State, supported by the United States,
claimed the Rio Grande as the boundary. Our
special commissioner, Mr. John Slidell, accredited
to the government of Herrera with full power to
amicably adjust the difference, had been refused an
audience by Herrera's successor, and General
Zachary Taylor was awaiting instructions at Corpus
Christi, on the Rio Nueces, with 3600 men.
" U. S. S. 'Cumberland?
"Vera Cruz, Mar. 4, 1846.
"... I closed a letter yesterday, written from time to
time during our cruise, giving you an account of my illness,'
during which I have had quarters in the cabin. I am still
quite weak, though convalescing and hope soon to be able to
attend to duty. . . .
" . . . As there is a probability of a rupture with Mexico,
I look forward with the utmost anxiety to some decisive
movement by the Mexicans. Our minister, Slidell, still re
mains at Jalapa, not received by the Government ; we are
quietly waiting orders from Washington as to the steps we
shall take. General Taylor, who has been encamped at
Corpus Christi in Texas for the last year, has been ordered to
march upon the Rio Grande del Norte and one of the
squadron of vessels sailed yesterday to be in waiting for any
despatches. Our minister, Slidell, has notified the Mexican
Government that he must be received or his passports must be
' Erysipelas.

26 John Ancrum Winslow.
sent him. This may bring on a crisis, though I think the
Mexicans are determined to protract as much as possible.
Offensive operations on our part will probably amount to
nothing more than a blockade of the coast. The Commodore
has notified the Department that without a heavy force no
attack on the fort should be made and I do not think he
would attempt it, as the fort is quite heavily manned and
armed now.
" . . . of our position — around us are three or four
American ships, one Spanish, a French, and an English man-
of-war. We are all lying at a small island, three miles
from Vera Cruz, called Sacrificios where the ancient .Mexicans
were in the habit of sacrificing human beings to their gods.
We have no communication with the town, quietly waiting
events. The Commodore (Connor) has come on board and
says in ten days affairs will be settled and we shall know what
the Mexicans intend. . . ."
"U. S. S. 'Cumberland,' " Off Sacrificios, ' ' March g, 184A.
" . . . By newspapers we have seen the passage of
the Oregon question through the House. Our own people
seem mad with their braggart course in this question, while
England, with a power that could crush us, mildly invokes
pacific measures. I think it ungenerous in the United States.
We have an English man-of-war near us, with a fine set of
officers on board, and joking together we have agreed (in case
of war) that whichever is successful should secure for the
other good quarters in prison.
"... We learn that Commodore Perry is coming
out in the Independetue to relieve Commodore Connor.
(Commo. Connor has made us cut our whiskers off)."
"U. S. S. 'Cumberland?
" Vera Cruz, Mar. 17, 1846.
"... It is tedious waiting for the decision of the
Mexicans whether or not to receive our U. S. Minister, Mr.
Slidell. Mexico is in a state of anarchy, rebellion, and insur-

Beginning of the War with Mexico. 27
rection secretly working everywhere. She is at the mercy of
the strongest military leader. The military, all officers and no
soldiers, are plotting for their own aggrandizement. . . .
" Mr. Slidell, U. S. Minister, was rejected by the Mexican
Government, who voted to receive a Commissioner from the
United States to agree upon terms connected with running the
boundary line of Texas, etc. Mr. Polk, in consequence, sends
a minister plenipotentiary and the result is that the Mexicans
can delay a little longer in good faith. . . .
" The island of Sacrificios, where we land, is perhaps four
acres in area, mostly covered by cane-breaks. On one side is
a small graveyard with many head boards of men who have
died of fever, etc., and one or two monuments. One of these
is erected to French officers who fell in the capture of Vera
Cruz. The inscription gives the names and rank, and the
words, " They fell in the performance of their duty." Such
is fame and the world's praise, — but a bubble which too soon
displays its emptiness.
" March 27, 1846. Minister Slidell took his passports and
has written he will come on board." "U. S. S. 'Cumberland?
" Vera Cruz,
' ' March 30, 1846.
" The U. S. S. Mississippi has just come in (four and a half
days from Pensacola). Minister Slidell has just arrived from
Mexico. The Mexicans have refused to receive him while a
squadron is laying here, and the Mississippi takes him back to
the United States. ..."
While Mr. Slidell was still vainly seeking audi
ence with Paredes, General Taylor received orders
from Washington to advance to the Rio Grande
opposite Matamoras, which he promptly did, and
on April 26 a party of his dragoons was ambushed
by the Mexican soldiers, and a number were killed.
When General Taylor's action became known, Mr.

28 John Ancrum Winslow.
Slidell was promptly given his passports, and war
became inevitable. Taylor drew back his depot at
Point Isabel to secure his communications, and
again advanced to the Rio Grande, where, on May
8, he found before him the Mexican General Arista
with a much superior force. Meanwhile the squad
ron off Vera Cruz had been ordered to Taylor's
support,
"U. S. S. 'Cumberland? "Mays, 1846.
" Since my last letter, we have left Sacrificios and are on
our way to the Rio Grande del Norte to co-operate with the
army. We left on the morning of the 4th with five sail of
vessels, two equal to us in force and two smaller. After a day
of agreeable diversion in testing the sailing qualities of the
vessels, we are now in company with only two, the others
having been beaten and lost sight of in the night. . . . "
" U. S. S. 'Cumberland? " May 8, 184b.
" We have arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande and our
anchor is just down, when one of the vessels is ordered off to
New Orleans. . . . You have no doubt heard before this
of the commencement of the War with Mexico ; seventy dra
goons having fallen into an ambush laid by the Mexicans.
Thus the war commences which will be a short one I think,
though the Mexicans have come out very well and have disap-
pointed us in their manner of fighting which is one of strata
gem altogether. Instead of civilized warfare, they lay in wait
and rise up like Indians.
" Today, we think General Taylor is fighting : he will cross
the river upon Matamoras, no doubt. He is an enthusiastic
old man and says he will march upon Mexico. This with
about 3,000 troops against 15,000 is saying much, though no
doubt, if he can get them in a plain, he will do it. We are
about declaring the coast of Mexico in a state of blockade.
The Mexicans have sold their Navy to the English, so we
cannot expect much prize money. . . ."

Beginning of the War with Mexico. 29
" U. S. S. 'Cumberland,'
" Brazos db Santiago,
" May 10, 1846.
" I have but a moment to write you. The day before we
came in, General Taylor marched off from this place to
meet the Mexicans and to carry up to the camp (opposite
to the town of Matamoras) his supply of provisions and arms.
The Mexicans, having knowledge of all his movements and the
cause, threw upwards of 8,000 troops between this place and
the American camp which is twenty-six miles distant. Seven
teen miles from here in an open plain, the Mexicans met our
army with 8,000 men and gave them battle, fighting all day till
the night separated the combatants." '
" U. S. S. 'Cumberland,'
" Brazos de Santiago,
"May i^, 1846.
" We have moved the squadron from the Brazos to the
mouth of the Rio del Norte with the intention of watering.
A few days ago it would have been impossible to have entered
the river ; but the complexion of things has very much altered
since then. The Mexicans are now broken-spirited, suing for
mercy, without money or provisions, and the peasantry almost
in a state of insurrection to the military. The loss to the
Mexicans of two battles " will do more towards settling this
difficulty about territory than all the diplomacy in the world.
" General Taylor is now throwing posts along the river and,
though he says he can take Matamoras at any moment by at
tack, yet he prefers starving it out and saving the life which
otherwise would be lost. This is humane and shows a man of
consideration. He says that the army have acted so gallantly
that he will not expose them unnecessarily. General Taylor
is a man of fine feelings and of great sympathy for distress.
When the Mexican general ° left Point Isabel for New Orleans,
he asked him if he was a married man, when, being answered
in the affirmative, he told him to write any communications
freely and they should be sacred, gave him a letter of credit
' Battle of Palo Alto.
» Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, May 8 and 9. ' Captured.

30 John Ancrum Winslow.
upon his banker, and despatched a steamboat to take him to
the United States.
" I pity these people, they are so deluded. It is impossible
for them to do anything against the United States. Such
numbers have been whipped by so few of our men. In one
action their killed and wounded amounted to 1200 and ours
less than 200. However, this will tend to a more speedy
termination of the war. ..." " U. S. S. ' Cumberland?
" Mouth of River Rio Grande,
" May 21, 1846.
" I closed my last letter very hurriedly on the morning of
the i8th instant, owing to my being on an expedition which
was bound up the Rio Grande. We went up and took the
town of Barita, the port of entry to Matamoras ; and there
being no further use of the squadron' at the Brazos, since the
whole Mexican army have run away and left everything in our
possession, we have commenced our legitimate cruising. I
must tell you that notwithstanding I was in the conjoined
army and navy expedition which took Barita, I never saw a
Mexican soldier, and I doubt if any of the army and navy will
ever see another ; for I expect (though there may be some left
at posts) that, following the example exhibited at Barita, they
will all shake the dirt of the post off their heels in the same
rapid manner on the appearance of any of our men. You will
see by the papers the progress of the war and the certain
omens of peace ; the refusal of General Taylor to cease hos
tilities at the solicitation of General Arista. We left the Rio
Grande on the 21st to rejoin the ship again after our expedi
tion up that river, and are now on our way to Pensacola.
. . . . Many of the inhabitants had left Barita for fear of
the Mexicans dealing harshly with them, on their return, for
encouraging us. Among those that remained was a poor
family, a mother and daughter, both with an equal number of
children. One of our army oificers had taken up his quarters
in their house, and we occasionally received a meal there as in
a tavern. I felt all my sympathies enlisted for them ; the men
of the family had been pressed into the army and might be

Beginning of the War with Mexico. 31
called upon to storm the town and retake it, and possibly their
very guns might be the weapons to slay their own wives and
children. Such is one of the horrors of war, the thought of it
is enough to disgust all good men. I was glad that General
Taylor had no necessity of firing on Matamoras, to take it, for
Heaven knows how much misery and distress it might have
occasioned ; it is cheering to know that our army is so re
stricted by discipline that no violence or insult will be offered
the inhabitants, which I am told is very different from the
course of the Mexican army, who plundered and pillaged
everything. I was glad, too, that Matamoras surrendered so
soon, as it was intended to starve it out. Flour had already
risen to seventy dollars a barrel and, had not the Mexican
troops taken flight, I fear the innocent inhabitants would have
suffered more from famine than from shot or shells.
" May 23. — The war I look upon as ended. The death of
Louis Phillipe will forever put at rest the Oregon question and
Mexico is a bugbear. . . ." " U. S. S. ' Cumberland?
" Pensacola, June 8, 1846.
" . . . The vanity of courage and glory has no charm
for me when I think of the misery and bleeding hearts that
everywhere strew its tracks I wonder how mad men become
to be so tickled with emptiness." " Pensacola, fu?te 10, 1846.
"... The Commodore has been advised of a revolu
tion which is going on in Mexico, and we have been asked not
to commence any operations against Vera Cruz until it is de
cided, we think a show of force before Vera Cruz will no doubt
bring matters to a crisis. Santa Anna will arrive there by-
steamer of the ISth from Havana, when he will take up his
march to put down Paredes.
" This is the cause of our leaving here so suddenly. . . .
I see no fear of any attack on our side, we are not strong
enough by five times our force to attack the Castle, and the
moral effect of defeat would be ruinous to our reputation."

32 John Ancrum Winslow.
" U. S. S. ' Cumberland?
" At ska, June 21, 1846.
" We should have been at Vera Cruz ere this but for the
light winds which prevail at this season of the year, in the
latitude from 29° to 26°, having delayed us. These are called
horse latitudes by sailors, and their origin is singular, many
years ago they were in the habit of taking large numbers of
horses to the West Indies in exchange for products, and the
traders were frequently becalmed two or three weeks, and,
their water being consumed, they were obliged to cut the
horses' throats, hence the name.
" After writing this, during my watch on deck, a man was
lost overboard, in obeying my orders to take in some of the
light sail, it having become squally. Every effort was made to
save him, of which he was unable to avail himself. He was
probably hurt in falling and sunk to rise no more, which filled
me with sorrow from the fact that his life was lost in obeying
my order, and threw a gloom over my feelings. . . ."
" U. S. S. ' Cumberland? ' ' fune 24, 1846.
" Yesterday, we approached Vera Cruz and ere night set in,
the Princeton, which lay off the mouth of the channel, came
running down to us, one of the crew who manned the boat
which came off from her was a brother of the man who was
lost overboard the day previous and whom he had not seen for
ten years. It was a melancholy thing to inform him of his
brother's fate.
" Inside at Sacrificios are several foreign vessels at anchor.
The Raritan is also here. Santa Anna did not arrive on the
steamer but remains at Havana, from what cause I know not,
though he was to lead the revolution against Paredes, and all
the country have declared in his favor.
"... We have news from Mexico that General Taylor
was marching to Monterey with 9,000 men ; no doubt by
this time he has taken it. He writes to the Commodore that
he expects to be at San Luis Potosi by the latter part of July.
Should this be the case it will not be long ere he has made a
conquest of Mexico. He will soon end the war himself. I
have only reports to give you — nothing reliable. . . ."

>¦ - - ¦¦¦

CHAPTER V.
BLOCKADING MEXICAN PORTS.
MEXICO was now without a vestige of a
navy ; had no allies, and no commerce to
be destroyed. General Taylor had advanced into
the interior of the country and his communications
were absolutely assured. Our navy was consid
ered not strong enough to repeat that brilliant ex
ploit of the French, the capture of the castle of San
Juan d'UUoa and the city of Vera Cruz, so nothing
remained but to blockade Mexican ports and cut off
supplies. Soon after this blockade commenced Winslow
was brought into companionship with a new mess
mate on the Cumberland. Lieut. Raphael Semmes
was selected from another vessel by Commodore
Connor to fill a vacancy on his personal staff.
Semmes well describes the depressing occupation
that fell to the fleet :
" During the whole of this period, we were confined to our
ships, and engaged in the most arduous and active cruising.
A rigid blockade was maintained of all the enemy's ports, and
his small merchant marine was entirely swept from the sea.
During the parching heats of summer and the long and
^ 33

34 John Ancrum Winslow
boisterous nights of the winter, our vigilance was expected to
be, and was, unremitting. We frequently lived on the ship's
ration, having no other means of supplying our table, and our
only clean shirts were such as Jack rinsed out for us in a
bucket of salt water, and hung up by a rope-yarn to rough-
dry, in the rigging. We of the flagship lay most of the time at
Anton Lizardo — a harbor formed by several small barren
islands, rising no more than a foot or two above the sea-level,
— which was even more irksome than active service on the
blockade. We looked forth from our ships as from a prison,
upon the glittering specks of sand, glowing like so many fur
naces, beneath a tropical sun, day after day, without other
variation than the occasional arrival of one of the block
ading squadron, to fill up with water and provisions, and de
part again on her cruise. Thither we resorted toward sunset
every evening, when the weather was propitious, to stretch our
cramped limbs, smoke an idle cigar, and talk over the events
of the war ; a war, for the navy, of toils and vigils, without the
prospect of either excitement or glory. The enemy had no
navy, and what little maritime commerce he had once possessed
we had already destroyed. . . . We juniors chafed some
what under the curb which was thus placed on our ambition
of emulating the army in its glorious achievements : but now
that the excitement of war has passed, we cannot but recognize
the wisdom of the course of our superiors. . . . But the
navy, none the less, continued to perform its arduous and thank
less duties. Drenched with rain by day and night, and a part
of the time, on an allowance of moldy and worm-eaten bread,
the officers and seamen of the several blockading ships, never
lost sight (except when occasionally driven off by a norther)
of the enemy's coast. Although Vera Cruz, by reason of the
dangerous ground in its vicinity, is one of the hardest ports in
the world to blockade, especially during the violent gales
of winter, I venture to say that the history of no other block
ade presents so few instances of the successful attempts of
cupidity to evade the vigilance of cruisers. Although Anton
Lizardo, where we lay at anchor in the flagship, was some
twelve miles distant from Vera Cruz, the officer of the morn-

Blockading Mexican Ports 35
ing watch — frequently after a tempestuous night — was sure to
see, by the aid of his spy-glass, at early dawn, the blockading
ship standing in, under easy and majestic sail, for the frowning
old castle of San Juan d'Ulloa." '
Synopsis of letters, July i to 30, 1846 :
" U. S. S. ' Cumberland? " Vera Cruz.
" What I wrote to you about the war with Mexico proves true;
we have little to do but lay here to keep neutral vessels from
entering the port, the war will soon be ended by General Tay
lor. The English are doing everything they can to induce the
Mexicans to make peace. I am quite buoyant since the set
tlement of the Oregon question, which I see by the papers has
been sent to Congress 
" A few days since we captured a small vessel which would
have suited our purpose very well for watering ship, but the
Commodore was so interested in the owner's story he let him
off again. The fellow was so delighted, for we feasted him
well, that he invited us to his place, praising the quality
as well as the quantity of his fruit. The Commodore took
this in earnest, and the day after he got underway in the
steamer Princeton and ran down to this fellow's place about
ten miles from Vera Cruz. Here he seemed to be so well
treated he made a bargain for a full supply of fruit and pro
visions for the squadron, which he announced he would bring
down on the following day to water. Singular to relate,
the next day at daybreak the squadron got underway and
down they came, sending all the boats for water. Nothing
occurred on the first trip, but on the second a couple of
marines were sent to the summit of a hill that overhung the
stream where the boats lay, and they discovered a large force
concealed in ambush waiting until the boats reached a proper
distance to open fire on them, which they did at once, finding
they were discovered, but fortunately too far off to do much
damage ; only one man being wounded. So the jest went
' Service Afloat and Ashore.

36 John Ancrum Winslow
round — ' Fresh provisions for the Commodore ! ' However,
the Princeton was sent in and a few shells soon drove the
squad into their holes for cover, and we got another load
of water in the boats." " U. S. S. 'Cumberland?
" August 4, 1846.
". . . . Yesterday was Sunday, August 3rd, and we
were all busily engaged with our letters by the Princeton, de
vouring the news, when bang ! bang ! from the Castle, and a
despatch came with the news that the Castle had declared for
Santa Anna, so the revolution has taken place and Vera Cruz
numbers herself against Paredes and in favor of Santa Anna.

Winslow had never fully recuperated from his
illness on the trip down to the Gulf, and his weak
ened system quickly imbibed the malarial germs of
the tropics, so that he was soon again ill, this time
with remittent fever. To the doctors it seemed
impossible for him to recover on the scanty nour
ishment of ship's food, but they underestimated
his will power. " U. S. S.' Cumberland?
" August 10, 1846.
" . . . I have just been sent for by the Commodore
(Connor), who wished to send me home or to the hospital at
Pensacola, as the doctors had told him it would be difficult for
me to recover from the effects of my illness in this climate, but
I said no. Then he replied that if I broke down again he
should feel it his duty to do so 
" Since I last wrote we have made an attempt to capture the
town of Alvarado and the Mexican squadron ' lying there,
which resulted in a failure, not that we were, defeated, for we
made no trial, but the attempt was like all our movements,
from the affair of the Brazos, characterized by the greatest
want of judgment and weakness throughout.
' Mosquito vessels.

Blockading Mexican Ports 37
" Nothing was easier than a capture of the whole place, but
after making great preparations we were foolishly frightened
away. All the officers and men in the other ships are indig
nant. I am no fighting man myself, but I never felt more
contempt. It had been determined by the Captains in con
sultation that an attack on the town of Alvarado should be
made, and one of those oificers who had influence was selected
to lead the men from the ship. On the morning of the 8th
we got under way with the whole squadron, two English ships
of war following to see the fight, and down off Alvarado we
went, arriving in the afternoon. We had scarcely taken our
position when about two hundred Mexican troops marched
over a hill and carae down on the beach to dispute our land
ing, when an officer set up a cry in the Commodore's hearing
that there was upwards of a thousand men, and after firing
about a dozen shots at an old dilapidated fort with five guns
in it, we hove up anchor and retreated in the face of the Eng
lishmen. I have indeed felt mortified at the boasting of the
Mexicans, knowing how things have been conducted here, but
the war is fast coming to a close. The revolution which com
menced here has extended through the central provinces.
All the troops have deserted Paredes and a new ministry is
formed which is favorably disposed to peace, and who no
doubt will be glad to receive a minister.
" News has arrived that Monterey is captured by General
Taylor. ..." " U. S. S. 'Cumberland?
"Vera Cruz,
" August ig, 1846.
" . . . Two days after I last wrote you, Santa Anna
arrived in a steamer from Havana. He was in bed suffering
with the joints from which his leg had been amputated. He
was much gratified that permission was given him to pass, and
said his wife was more so. (She looked like a young girl of
fourteen ; he an old man. He married her six months after
the death of his first wife, for whom he put the whole of
Mexico in mourning.) The Government has given orders
for him to pass and received him well. No doubt peace will

38 John Ancrum Winslow.
soon be declared. General Taylor has been ordered not to
advance beyond Monterey."
The inactivity of Commodore Connor, in such
striking contrast to the brilliant achievements of
General Taylor, could not fail to raise an outcry in
the newspapers at home, so that by the middle of
August the Commodore was being violently at
tacked in all the public prints. He could have
done little that would- have affected the war, but
had he undertaken more minor exploits, which
would have permitted officers and men to display
their courage and heroism, he would have saved
the navy and himself from unmerited public abuse
an^ kept the personnel of his squadron in a state
of greater efficiency and contentment. The Navy
Department, better understanding his limitations
than the public, realized that it would be unjust to
relieve him from his command, but felt the neces
sity for doing something to stop the clamor.
"U. S. S. ' Cumberland?
"Vera Cruz, August 23, 1846.
". . . Our Government is no doubt satisfied now that
California is ours and our boundary secured to the Rio Grande,
and desires peace. This has been an unjust war, coveting and
seizing territory which did not belong to us ; . . . to
the honorable lover of his country a source of pain that it
has been achieved at the loss of justice. ..."
" U. S. S. 'Cumberland?
" Vera CrCz, Sept. 20, 1846.
" . . . The man I wrote you about was executed. It
was a severe sentence and not commensurate with the offence,
but example in a disaffected ship, the St. Mary's, was alleged
as a reason. The man was recommended to mercy and no

Blockading Mexican Ports 39
doubt would not have been sentenced to death if it had been
supposed the sentence would have been carried out. His
crime was knocking a lieutenant down on deck. The true
cause of his execution was, in my opinion, that the Commo
dore feared he would be attacked through the papers. The
crew of the ship (the St. Mary's) was in a bad state and had
, written an abusive letter of the officers to the Commodore.
This was the subject of a secret or informal investigation by
him, the mode of which offended the officers so that there
had grown up a mutual ill feeling between them and the Com
modore. Hence the Commodore feared that it would be said
he backed the crew. However, the Commodore would not
extend his time beyond three days. It was an affecting sight,
and I could not help remarking that if all of us were punished
as unmercifully for our deeds we should all be swinging at the
yardarms. I cannot describe to you the poor young fellow's
emotions upon his death scene ; it would only harrow your
feelings. . . .
" The Commodore is more taken up in killing beeves which
have been brought here, catching a pail of water and such
things than injuring the enemy. In fact the midshipmen
relate a good joke on him that he has been elected an honor
ary member of the Peace Society and the members of that
society have in consequence adopted the naval uniform as a
mark of their profession.
" The little steamer from New York has arrived with Com
modore Perry on board, though he is not ordered to the com
mand of the squadron yet. No doubt the Government wish
him to have it, and have taken this mode of hinting to Com
modore Connor that he can be relieved at any moment he
pleases." " (Blockade) Vera Cruz,
" October 8, 1846.
" Today Commodore Perry took command of the steamers
of the squadron. This is the first time I ever sailed in a
squadron with two commodores commanding."

CHAPTER VI.
winslow's first command.
GENERAL SCOTT was now expected soon
to arrive at Vera Cruz for his advance upon
the City of Mexico, and it was desirable that no
stronghold should be left to the enemy along the
seaboard from which he could harass Scott's com
munications. So Perry's advent in the Gulf
Squadron was soon followed by some active opera
tions against the lesser coast towns. In the first
of these we find Winslow — who has claimed in his
letters to be " no fighting man," and in them has
so repeatedly shown his abhorence of the horrors
of war — seeking the enemy with a zeal and fearless
ness almost impossible to control. His part in this
attack upon Tobasco is told by the correspondent
of the New York fournal of Commerce, writing
from Anton Lizardo, Nov. 4, 1846 :
"Anton Lizardo,
" Nov. 4, 1846.
". . . It was arranged that the vessels under Com
modore Perry in person should be got under way and stand
down the coast, as was generally understood, to Tobasco.
. . . The fleet, after knocking about in some heavy
weather on the way to the mouth of the Tobasco River,
40

Winslow's First Command 41
crossed the bar on the evening of the 28th of October. . . .
the force moved up the river on the 29th. . . . Com
modore Perry under a flag of truce sent a deputation to
demand the surrender of the town. A short time was allowed
for their decision and, not being satisfactory, the guns of the
Vixen (now the temporary flagship of Commodore Perry, as
the Mississippi had been left outside the river) opened upon the
town. A detachment of men under different officers and the
marines under Captain Edson were now landed and directed
to hold their position until further orders. . . . Lieutenant
Winslow, occupying the wing of the force up the river, per
ceived a number of Mexicans firing from the roofs of their
houses on Lieutenant Contee, whose prize vessel had drifted
near into the shore, gained permission to. dislodge the Mexi
cans from the roofs of their houses, which was done with a
few men ; and once adrift from the main force Lieutenant
Winslow manifested no disposition to return, but commenced
skirmishing further up the street, with some musketeers who
had opened upon him further in advance, until following up
with his men, who were imbibing all the spirit of their leader
he finally reached one of the corners of a square from which he
had been fired upon over a vacant space as he made his ad
vance. On reaching the entrance to the square, the Mexican
musketeers were seen in numbers to occupy the building on
the opposite diagonal, presenting the appearance of barracks.
Lieutenant Winslow, leaving his men to hold their position,
returned to the main body of the force and begged permission
to cross the plaza and " drive the rascals," as he said, " from
the barracks." But he could get no order. Capt. Edson
could only reply that the force were ordered not to move from
the point where they were until further orders were given.
Lieut. Winslow, disappointed and affirming he could and
would, if permitted, carry the barracks with his handful of
men, returned to his men and continued his firing at the
Mexicans and they at him from the opposite diagonals of the
square. This firing was heard on board the vessels, as if in
the midst of the town, and was continued by Lieut. Winslow
until peremptorily ordered to withdraw to the main body of

42 John Ancrum Winslow.
the force, which was now held at the point of their landing by
the chains of an order they could not disobey ; and when he
had reached the river, the force were already re-embarking
for the ships."
Captain Edson reported the gallant conduct of
Lieutenant Winslow to Commodore Perry, who
publicly complimented the young officer, made es
pecial mention of his bravery in despatches to the
Navy Department and placed him in command of
the Union, a small vessel that had been captured
from the Mexicans. Her name was changed to
the Morris in memory of Lieutenant Charles
Morris, a son of the famous Commodore of 1812,
who died of a wound in the throat received at
Tobasco. Morris and Winslow had occupied ad
joining staterooms the night before the action and
the unfortunate young officer had confided to
Winslow in the early morning that he had dreamed
he was shot in the throat. "Anton Lizardo, Vera Cruz,
' ' November i, 1846.
" I have just returned from an expedition to Tobasco of
which the papers will give you all the information. I have not
time to write you full particulars, but I came up in a beautiful
vessel, the Union, which I was ordered to command, one which
we cut out, and I only arrived in time to get a word to you,
but I wanted to relieve your mind of all fears about me.
" I was the only one on shore fully engaged with the enemy,
but I escaped unhurt. My trust was fully in God's protec
tion. I hope these horrors of war will soon be over and I
can return once more to you and our dear children. In the
New York Herald -yoM will find all the news of the attack on
Tobasco. " Poor Morris has gone to his long home, shot in the throat,

Winslow's First Command 43
he is just dead. He received his wound in a boat going to the
assistance of an officer attacked by a large body of men."
"Vera Cruz,
" November 4, 1846.
" I wrote you I was in the expedition to Tobasco, the only
successful one which the Navy has accomplished. For this
we are indebted to Commodore Perry. One has only to see
the misery which war creates to become sick of its horrors ;
poor, miserable, unoffending persons, marks for shots of an
excited soldiery. To-day we are called upon to bury poor
Morris, I shall be one of his pall-bearers. It was only a few
days since I left him on board the Mississippi and he thought
he was improving, but it was a wonder he lived so long, for
his throat inside was all shot away." " Tampico, Mexico,
"Nov. 21, 1846.
" We are at length in possession of this place and what is
most gratifying, it has been taken without bloodshed. We
came in here on the 14th, the whole mosquito fleet having
been towed up by the small steamers. We expected fully
they would give us a hard battle, but a boat with a flag of
truce with the head man of the town met us, and after some
preliminaries the town surrendered unconditionally. We have
sent up to Matamoras for troops to come down and garrison
it, after which we shall no doubt sail again for Vera Cruz.
Tampico is a place of great importance to us now, as
being necessary to supply the army on its route to Mexico. It
possesses great wealth and more commerce and population
than Vera Cruz. We were very much surprised at its sur
render, but Santa Anna had ordered all the troops up to San
Louis Potosi to oppose the march of General Taylor. The
guns had been carried off or thrown into the river, six thou
sand stand of arms, which we are looking for now. The people
are glad enough at our taking the town and are desirous to
know if we intend holding it after the war. The population
is about the same as Monterey and it might have been equally as
well defended, in which event it would have been impossible

44 John Ancrum Winslow
for us to take it with our small force. Three of their naval
vessels have fallen into our hands which we shall use against
them, besides one or two merchant vessels." " Tampico,
" December 2, 1846.
"We are still here waiting arrivals from the army which
almost daily flock in to garrison this place. The Mexican ves
sel which I command is caulking ; she is one of their navy
vessels and will be ready in about three days. Our army has
invested Tampico, so there will be no farther need of our ser
vices, so we must soon leave for Vera Cruz. The crew of the
Raritan has been transferred to the Cumberland, which is to
sail immediately for Norfolk.
" My constitution is much debilitated by this Tampico
climate with its chills and fevers. The bands are now play
ing on shore the air of ' Blue Eyed Mary,' and the plaza is
filled with Mexicans to see our soldiers drill, glad enough to
see sights so different from the usual horde of Indians."
" Tampico,
" December 8, 1846.
" Still here, more than half of our men ill with intermittent
fever. I have been quite ill with it myself and my head seri
ously affected with inflammation, one of the abscesses in my
ear burst and discharged quite freely last night, which has re
lieved me from intense pain.
"About 1200 of our troops Jiave arrived. Yesterday we
drew off all the marines from the town and, though quite sick,
I took charge of them with all the boats and conveyed them
to the Fleet. When I returned in the afternoon I was so ill I
was obliged to go to bed and to-day have my ears poulticed
again after a night of suffering.
" The mosquitoes prevent sleep, the loss of which causes
fever to strangers. I think no net or covering avails ; the tor
ture from them is inconceivable. In the morning, in addition,
you find the bed strewed with fleas.
" There is very little to interest one in the town or its inhabi
tants. The only thing that can be said in its favor is that it

Winslow's First Command 45
has fine walks and clean streets, and, after our tedious block
ading duty, I enjoyed a good walk on terra firma."
During this period, Winslow's former shipmate
and companion on the Cumberland, Raphael
Semmes, also had an independent command, the
brig Somers. It is a strange coincidence that they
should now both lose their vessels by shipwreck and
be again thrown together on the Raritan, Winslow
sharing his wardrobe and stateroom with Semmes.
" U. S. S. ' Raritan?
" Anton Lizardo Anchorage,
"December ig, 1846.
" I have just arrived from Tampico this evening and write
by a vessel which leaves to-morrow for New Orleans. My
vessel has gone ! On the night of the i6th thrown upon the
reefs in one of those furious northers, from which after hard
work we were relieved by the boats of the fohn Adams.
Scarcely could the boats live in the horrid breakers, but we
got off the boats half filled with water. It was all the Com
modore's fault ¦who sent me to sea without instruments, book, map
or anything in the ¦way of a light and destitute qf every means of
na-vigation. Had not the vessels at anchor changed their
places, my direction would have been right. Had not my
lead line, the only time I wanted it, broken and the lead been
lost, I should have known where we were. After getting on
the reef, we hove off again by anchors, and when we could
have put sail on and gone free, we could not get loose from
the chains which bound us to the anchor. Nothing could be
obtained to unshackle the chain : we tried half an hour with
our large axes in vain. — Prometheus-like, we remained bound
to the reef — until the violent tempest and heavy breakers
came rushing upon us, broke us adrift, threw us upon the
rocks, the sea breaking over us and filling our boats, the men
became clamorous to leave. I told them they might go, I
would not. As a last effort I put sail on to push her forward,
or over the reef, but the violence of the wind immediately

46 John Ancrum Winslow
threw her over, so, finding every effort useless, we left her
and, thank heavens, got clear. . . .
" The Commodore could say nothing, knowing well that it
was shameful in him to send me to sea without the least means
of navigation in a sea so liable to heavy tempests, yet all would
have been well had not the lead line broken and the Adams
having changed her position, being farther in than usual, the
light which she shew became a false guide.
" The Commodore has determined upon giving up all opera
tions here until the spring, the sea being a continuous tempest
has already occasioned so many losses, — so all the small ves
sels and steamers which we have taken along the coast have
been sent to different Mexican ports. . . .
" On board our ship is the Captain of the Somers. He is
one of our lieutenants and was temporarily in command of the
Somers when she was wrecked. Think what an awful experi
ence, a ship struck over in a squall and sinking under you and
you obliged to trust to an oar or something such for life,
however it is a joke now. All the officers and men saved are
here in the ship. Semmes, the Captain that was, I am very in
timate with, so I frequently say, ' Captain Semmes, they are
going to send you out to learn to take care of ships in block
ade,' to which he replies, ' Captain Winslow, they are going to
send you out to learn the bearing of reefs.' "
How remarkable is the paragraph expressing
horror at Semmes's predicament when his ship sank
under him, in the light of the future when its writer
was destined, in another bloody war and with
deadly purpose in the grimmest of naval duels, to
cause his former friend to pass again through that
dreadful experience !
In spite of Winslow's persistent efforts to keep
up, it was evident now, not only to the doctors, but
to his superior officers, that he was unfit for further
duty in the tropics, and he was sent home.

Winslow's First Command 47
"Norfolk, Va.,
" f anuary II, 1847.
" Having been transferred from the Raritan to the Missis
sippi by orders of the Commodore (shortly after my return to
Vera Cruz from Tampico) in the place of Lieutenant Parker I
have arrived here. The Mississippi has been ordered home
for extensive repairs in her machinery and also other altera
tions are contemplated in her internal structure. If we are
detached while this is done, if the war with Mexico is not
ended, I shall probably apply to be re-attached to her as soon
as she is ready to return to the Gulf. I am writing in haste to
mail this as soon as we arrive in Hampton Roads, being now
off Point Comfort. . . ."
Winslow was detached froni iheMississipf>i,]a.n.
15, 1847, and granted three months' leave, after
which he was ordered to the Boston Navy Yard as
Ordnance Officer.

CHAPTER VII.
EXECUTIVE OF THE SARATOGA.
ANTICIPATING a full term of shore duty at
the Boston Navy Yard, Winslow moved his
family into quarters in the yard and settled down to
a well-earned recreation after the illness and hard
ships he had so heroically endured. Nothing more
was done by the Gulf Squadron which could excite
his regret at being compelled to leave it. General
Scott marched to Mexico City, and, in February,
1 848, the treaty of peace was signed.
Scarcely a year had been spent at the Boston
Yard, however, when unexpected orders came as
signing the young officer to the U. S. Sloop of
War Saratoga, as executive.
He joined her at New York, April 8, 1848, be
ing compelled to leave to his wife the task of pack
ing up household goods and moving from the Navy
Yard to their Roxbury home. The Saratoga was
commanded by Commander W. C. Nicholson.
A formidable insurrection had broken out in the
republic of Santo Domingo which placed the lives
of United States citizens in jeopardy, and \h^t Sara
toga was to be sent to the island for their protec-
48

Executive of the Saratoga 49
tion, and thence, when conditions permitted, to
make a cruise of surveillance along the Mexican
coast until the affairs of that country regained a
state of equilibrium.
Winslow was now thirty-seven years of age. He
had reached that period in life when youthful ardor
has worn off and domestic habits are fully formed.
The monotonous peace-routine of naval duty afloat,
when an officer feels that he is, at the sacrifice
of home comfort and happiness, living away his
life to no useful purpose and leaving to a wife far
away the whole care of bringing up his children,
while the latter are wholly forgetting his existence,
and when he realizes that in compensation for
such service he is receiving a bare livelihood that
permits nothing to be laid aside for the family
maintenance in the event of his untimely and not
unlikely death in his dangerous profession, becomes
almost unbearably irksome. Hence we find Wins
low making every effort to leave the service and
engage in another pursuit, and we cannot help
feeling surprised that a man of his indomitable
energy, with a commercially valuable invention for
those days, should fail to succeed. Matter-of-fact
people will be content to attribute it to his total
lack of business training, but to others of deeper
thought who remember his later brilliant achieve
ments, there is seen the guiding hand of Provi
dence restraining him from a path in which he
might have been useful also, and continuing his
preparation until he became a fit instrument for
the deeds that he accomplished. Happily, he was

50 John Ancrum Winslow
able to pass part of this trying period performing
the duties of an executive officer, or second in
command, which are not wholly subordinate.
" New York,
" April IS, 1848.
" I was glad to hear the Captain reading prayers to the crew
at muster. I told him I would cheerfully back him. This
will be a pleasant duty for me, for I daily feel the grow
ing necessity of religious duty. Truly, I feel my position
without it would be intolerable. . . .
" May 20th. Entered the harbor of the port of Aux Cayes,
San Domingo. ... to see our sable republican brethren.
How truly we have exemplified the dominion of Southern in
fluence in our foreign policy with this island. She, entitled to
our best sympathies, as one of the first which followed in our
footsteps, to declare her independence and her free republican
principles that all men were born free and equal ; arid how
was she received by us, not with open arms as we welcomed
other nations which came afterwards, but so exactly in contra
diction to our professions that well may we be a laughing stock
for Europe. Alone of all civilized nations we have refused to
acknowledge her independence. It needs no commentary.
"... We are nearly off the town of Aux Cayes. The
Captain has just given me all his despatches from the State and
Navy Department and asked me to go in and call upon the au
thorities. The state of the country being revolutionary, we
are sent here by the request of the American residents to our
Government. . . .
" Sunday evening. May 21. — After a tedious day of rowing
and sailing (the town is eight miles from our anchorage), I
have just returned to the ship. I have never seen a more
miserable place — all negroes of the most dirty and squalid ap
pearance. This part of the island is in complete revolution,
suppressed for a moment by the President's presence in town.
I made every endeavor to get an interview with him, but did
not succeed. I saw, however, the General of this Department

Executive of the 5(a:nz/(9^« 51
who does not look unlike one of those negro parsons at the
South. I had some conversation with him. Think of my
dining with these strapping sable black darkies ! ... An
hour before I left, I sent word to the President that I had
called to pay my respects and, not being received, I addressed
him a letter expressing our disposition to extend all civilities
in the way of salutes, and if he was disposed to reciprocate, I
should await his answer for an hour, when arrangements would
be made. The hour having passed without any reply, I left
and shall take no further notice of the authorities without ad
vances on their part. So my Sunday has been passed review
ing about 3000 ' nigger ' troops" with cocked hats, long coats,
and no shoes or covering on the rest of their bodies. Miserable
race ! Far below in intellect our Southern negroes. The plan
tation negroes of the South are infinitely better off. The free
government of Hayti is one of the greatest burlesques in the
world. The most abject wretchedness prevails here, filth,
assassinations and murder under the plea of liberty, military
glory the great desideratum. Nothing will make amends for
the want of education ; no matter how great the possessions,
without it a few years will bring poverty and misery upon any
nation." " U. S. S. 'Saratoga? May 23, 1848,
" Off the Island of San Domingo,
" Fort Aux Cayes.
" We received a note from the President, in answer to
mine of yesterday, signifying his pleasure to receive the
Captain and his suite to-day, and intimating his desire for
a salute. . . ." " Harbor of Vera Cruz,
" June 27 , 1848.
" We are lying about three miles from Vera Cruz, with little
or no communication with the town from fear of the fever.
There are about ten thousand troops outside the city who are
waiting for transportation vessels to take them to New Orleans.
They are not permitted to come into the city, on account of
the fever. Before a month expires pretty much all of Mexico
will be given up to the Mexicans, as the troops are leaving for

52 John Ancrum Winslow
home daily. But now comes this Yucatan business, which is
likely to trouble the Navy. It seems Captain Waldron with
two hundred marines is down at Campeachy to overcome the
Indians, who have been endeavoring to obtain their rights in
possession of the country, and in order to obtain this end have
not been very chary of the manner pursued. The outrages of
the Indians have been such that appeal has been made to
Commodore Perry for protection, and though we cannot ap
proach within seven miles of any part of the coast, and the
protection which ships can give must be of a very limited
kind, as the President has stated to Congress, yet we had
orders from the Commodore when he left here to remain on
the coast till the Secretary of the Navy can be heard from
and to go to Laguna (a place in Yucatan near Tobasco) and
remain there until we hear from the Department. . . .
" My opinion is Vera Cruz in a month's time will be wholly
evacuated, so rapid is the embarkation of the army, who are
fully disgusted with the war, which it is gratifying to find is
closed and an end put, not only to the loss of life, but to the
immense concatenation of moral vices which follows in its
train ; truly I have been shocked at the relation of some of
them. It is a true saying that death is the least evil of war."
"At sea, July i, 1848.
" On our way to Laguna. . . . The land along the coast
at the foot of the bay of Mexico, where we are now running,
is of the most mountainous character. On one side are the
high mountains of San Martin lifting their rugged heads far
above the clouds, on the other is the volcano of Tuxla, belch
ing forth its smoke. Notwithstanding, therefore, that the land
presents an outline at once picturesque and romantic, yet all
interest is lost in the ideal of its features, because of the dear-
bought knowledge that sickness and disease are its accompani
ments. A most uncivilized set are its inhabitants. Laguna,
however, is not so free from the ideal, for at a nearer distance
are the mountains of Yucatan, at the foot of which are found
the ruins of the cities so graphically described by Stephens.
. . . Never was there a more pitiful looking set than

Executive of the Saratoga 53
the retiring army : to see them and read the ebulitions of
editors upon the glorious army, is a travesty upon human
nature. . . ." " U. S. S. 'Saratoga?
" Laguna, July 13, 1848.
" Since we have been here, one of the churches was burned,
struck by lightning in a terrific thunder gust. Nothing could
exceed the consternation of the inhabitants, who looked upon
it as a visitation of God for their sins. Near the ruins of the
church is a large building which has been erected by the
Americans for the poor half-breeds, who have fled hither
from the interior for protection — most pitiable objects. The
Americans applied to the priests to open their churches to
give them shelter, which they refused to do, but yesterday
they applied to Captain Bigelow to turn these poor people out
of this building that they might put their mortar and materials
in for rebuilding their church. He flew into a terrible rage
with them, and though not superstitious himself, said he be
lieved God had visited them, for refusing shelter to these poor
wretches, by burning their church. He refused their request
with a terrible reprimand." " Off Campeachy,
" Sept. 5, 1848.
" We yesterday left Laguna on our way to Pensacola, never
I hope again to return to Yucatan, which has now rejoined
herself to Mexico and has incorporated herself as an integral
part of that state, so by treaty we are now forbidden to keep
squadrons upon her coast." " Pensacola, Sept. 16, 1848.
" Our orders received here are to continue sailing round the
coast of Mexico, round Yucatan, etc. ..."
" Vera Cruz, Nov. io, 1848.
" There has just come in an English brig of war from
Jamaica, on board of which is a Lieutenant Hallett who was
on board the Malabar, R. N., when the Missouri was burned
at Gibraltar, and was one of those officers who was despatched

54 John Ancrum Winslow
to assist in extinguishing the flames. He was very glad to see
me and talked over that event with the greatest interest, and
treated me as a dear friend. He has sent me on board a file
' of the Illustrated News, all of recent date, and has made very
kind offers. . . ." " Vera Cruz, Nov. is, 1848.
" Our anchorge is at the island of Sacrificios. . . .
" I was much struck the other day on finding in one of the
huts a tablet of white marble, a memorial of Lieutenant Lowe
of the British Navy, who died on board the Alarm, under
which were two letters addressed to any officers asking their
aid in having it suitably set up over his grave, pointing out its
position. I intend, should the English brig-of-war not return
here, to have it done, as one day we may have to ask similar
favors." " Nov. 24, 1848.
" Our brig with my kind old friend. Lieutenant Hallett,
R. N., on board has gone down the coast on a practice ex
cursion. . . . After writing the above, I went on shore
and took all the men and cleared out the burying-ground,
which was thickly overgrown with cane. With axes, cutlasses
and various other instruments we succeeded in almost clearing
it away from the grave of Lieutenant Lowe of the British
Navy, fulfilling the wishes expressed in the letters which we
found under the tablet. We shall now go to work and build
a mausoleum. . . ."
" I suppose you would like me to tell you something of my
messmates and my life on board. But I must say there is
little heard in a mess which will bear repetition — stale jokes
and conversation which have little charm for me. So you
may think I am not the most popular person in the world —
not that I am ever in dispute — but I don't think my retired
ways and habits of thinking suit the officers, in other words,
I am not ' hail fellow well met.' I am more pleased in dis
covering traits of character in the men, with a view of exert
ing a healthy influence over those who seem capable of being
improved. . . ."

Executive of the Saratoga 55
" Pensacola, Mar. 4, 1841).
" I have written to Foote, hoping, as his complaint is a
lingering one, that my letter may reach him before his death.
. . . I have a high opinion of Foote, I know his charity
and principles — his example has not been without its fruits to
me. . . ."
Captain, afterwards Rear Admiral, Foote, re
covered from his severe illness, and Winslow, as
we shall see, commanded a vessel in his squadron
on the Mississippi River in the early part of our
Civil War. " New Orleans, Mar. 2g, i84g.
" We sail in a day or two for Yucatan and along the coast to
Mexico. Is not this horrible to think of continuing this cruise
we so often have gone over before ? "
" Off Tampico, April 28, i84g.
" . . . I am buoyed up with the hope of our return and
with the prospect that I may stay with you not to be parted
again. I am about sending off all my papers with a model
of my camel steam tug to Washington. . . . It is simply
a vessel which tows ships over bars, however shallow the
water may be, with the same facility as a steamboat ; hence
New Orleans, Mobile, Savannah, Charleston, St. Petersburg,
Russia, and like places can have ships of the largest size
towed up to their wharves with as much ease as the common
tow-boats now take a vessel in deep water. Thus the whole
southern coast, which before was shut up owing to bars, will
be opened, and you may judge how valuable my invention
must be. Mr. Gilbert, the celebrated drydock man, with
whom I feared I might have to contest the patent, and whom
I happened to meet here, said he would do anything in my
favor, and handed me a strong letter saying my machine was
admirably adapted for its purpose ; so I have made some im
provements and am just sending off a miniature model to
Commander Joseph Smith."

56 John Ancrum Winslow
" Vera Cruz, May 31, 1841).
" I only hope that I may succeed in my machine and have
a life with you at home, and that our children may be edu
cated in the knowledge of the true purposes of life."
"June 3, 1849. We are now on our way to Tampico,
having commenced our cruising, which we wiU not finish until
our arrival at Pensacola about the 5th of July, as we shall stop
and communicate with nearly all the ports, which will fully
occupy the intervening time." " Pensacola, July 17, i84g.
"We have orders to proceed to Laguna by way of St.
Thomas and home to Boston ; ordered off in the utmost haste.
I saw Commodore Parker the other day : he spoke of you very
warmly, and the difficulties you had moving from the Navy
Yard. I thanked him for his kindness. Commodore Parker
is very kind and much beloved by the officers in his ship."
" Off Pensacola Navy Yard,
" July 2o, i84jg.
" We are delayed again for several days. I am anxious to
be off and get home once more, though I know not how long
I may be with you. This is the reason I hope so much for a
change of profession from this life at sea of constant privation
and hardships, exposed to all climates and their diseases, with
a small salary which hardly gives one a support."
" Off Pensacola Navy Yard,
" August 6, 184s).
" Yesterday was Sunday, a fine though very hot day, so I
went to Pensacola, eight miles distant, to take the sacrament.
We had a good practical sermon and quite a number of com
municants, Lieutenant Trenchard of this ship and Captain
Randolph of the Albany among them. I think the Navy sub
scriptions principally support the churches here. Our court
martial has lingered so long, we are not going to Laguna."
The Saratoga sailed from Pensacola August 15
and arrived at Newport, R. I., early in September,
where Winslow was soon afterward detached and
went home.

CHAPTER VIIL
ON THE FRIGATE ST. LA WRENCE.
AFTER two years ashore. Lieutenant Winslow
received orders to the Frigate St. Lawrence,
fitting out at the New York Navy Yard for flagship
of the Pacific Station. Leaving the comforts of do
mestic life, with which he was just becoming familiar,
and a young wife soon to become a mother, he em
barked upon a cruise of unusual duration — a criuse
of long, monotonous journeys at sea and only mi
nor incidents throughout. What little of interest he
found he has described in his letters. They take
us into Valparaiso in its wild days of youth, into
San Francisco during the mad search for gold,
and into Hawaii as it emerges from barbarism.
On the nth of December, 1851, \!a.t,St. Lawrence
sailed from New York for her station, intending to
stop at Rio en route.
" Rio Janeiro, Jan. 31, i8S2.
" It is now twelve years since I have been in this port. Its
beautiful bay, encircled with towering mountains which rise in
every picturesque form, has lost none of its grandeur of na
ture. But art has added changes in the activity of increased
commercial life, which gives it an air of more importance.
Rio Janeiro is the great half way house for the many ships
57

58 John Ancrum Winslow
which stop here on their way from Europe and America in
their voyages to the Pacific." "Valparaiso, March i8, 1832.
" After an unusually short passage for a sailing vessel, we
arrived at this place, Valparaiso, the Valley of Paradise, sad
misnomer, which we are to realize in a long detention, from
present prospects. We arrived here March 14th from Rio
Janeiro and found our Commodore (McCauley) in the Raritan
waiting here.
" Valparaiso contains about 40,000 inhabitants and is situ
ated at the base of the Cordilleras chain of mountains. The
character of the country is so ridgy that the shore of the sea
has been stolen to form the only street in the town. This
street winds at the base of bold promontories which hang over
the sea ; the effect of which is so striking with their projecting
peaks and deep ravines between, covered with propped-up
buildings, that the sailors have named the most noted hills the
fore, main and mizzen tops. Aconcagua, 23,000 feet in
height, is the most imposing of the snow-covered mountains
and is called here the Belle of Quilola. The hills, without
verdure, stretch far back, increasing in elevation until the
snow-capped Cordilleras bound the horizon of sight. It is
the first city of importance after rounding the Cape, the great
est commercial emporium on the western coast of South
America. The climate, beautiful as to temperature, produces
fruit and vegetables similar to our own."
" U. S. Frigate ' St. Lawrence?
" Off Valparaiso, " April g, i8S2.
" There are so many English, Americans and Germans in
Valparaiso, differing in this respect from Spanish cities in
general, that officers have the advantage of good society if they
desire it. We have been invited to two or three dinner parties
and several excursions 
"We have several French and English ships of war about
us, with the officers of which we occasionally exchange visits.
" To-day is Good Friday, a great day here among the Roman

On the Frigate St. Lawrence 59
Catholics. The French frigates also have formed their yards
into crosses with Judas Iscariot hanging in effigy from them,
and on shore all the usual pageantry for which the former are
characterized. " I am much surprised at the state of things on this side of
America since I was here last. Then, a year would elapse
without news from the United States. But commerce has in
creased, new resources developed, the Atlantic has grown old
and the Pacific has the energy of youth — San Francisco and
Oregon taking the lead — such is the magic of gold."
" Caldera, " Seaport of Copiapo, Chili,
" May I, i8S2.
" After I wrote you, at Valparaiso, I met Mr. Wheelwright,
brother of Mrs. Codman, of Dorchester. He has been in
South America, off and on, for twenty-five years, and keeps
open house at Valparaiso. The English Admiral and two
Captains, one a nephew of the Duke of Wellington, are here
and live constantly with him. He took quite a fancy to me
and my camel steam tug invention. He is a leading spirit
here, the builder of a railroad from this point to Copiapo, and
also the originator and principal owner of the waterworks
for supplying Valparaiso. He offered me a room at his house
which I never accepted. He gave us permission to pass and
repass freely on the railroad, here to Copiapo, the great silver
mining district of South America, of which we have availed
ourselves. What a country it is, where if they only had fuel,
mountains of copper and silver could be smelted, but it is just
the limit of the great desert of Atacama, like Africa without
its heat, for it is the finest climate in the world, temperature
70° all the year round.
" We have visited many mills for working the ore. But, oh,
the Spaniards, such a set of gamblers ! I went to the works
of a man who had lost in gambling $3,000,000 alone. Think
of that sum ! An Englishman, President of the Railroad, was
almost as bad. The American engineers told me he had bet
before them on the turn of a single card 4000 doubloons, or
$70,000, and lost in one night a large fortune. To-night we

6o John Ancrum Winslow
were invited to go and see them play, but I declined. Such
is the life of the rich men of South America." "Callao, May i8, i8s2,
" After leaving Copiapo, where we received our first letters
from home, since leaving New York, we touched for a day or
two at Arica and the Chincha Islands, off Pisco, the last great
island of guano. I expected to remain at Callao two months
and write you fully, but we have received orders to sail in
thirty hours for the Sandwich Islands, and from thence to San
Francisco after our provisions are consumed." " Honolulu, June 28, i8s2.
" We arrived here after thirty-two days' passage, having run
a greater distance than from here to Boston direct, and equal
to one-fourth the circumference of the world 
" This place evinces more civilization, perhaps, than any of
the islands in the Pacific, being now an American town, though
originally savage like the other islands. It is now governed
by a constitution very liberal in form, with missionaries for
ministers, schools as in Massachusetts, other similar insti
tutions, a large commerce, etc., the whole being the work of
Massachusetts missionaries, one of the most remarkable in
stances of their successful benevolent efforts.
" I have been invited to visit Parliament, now sitting. Yes
terday several officers were received in a most distinguished
manner. The Crown Prince, as Speaker, conducted affairs
very handsomely. What would Captain Cook, the discoverer
of these islands, say now could he rise from the dead and, in
contrast to the hordes of savages he found here, see the people
now who are far in advance of the Spanish of South America."
" San Francisco, Aug. 20, i8s2.
" We are on duty every moment. Our men are infected
with the gold fever to such a degree that we have to keep all
the marine muskets loaded for service, sentries posted every
where, and a brace of pistols for the officer of the deck, conse
quently the Captain is using every effort to get away. Five
of our men have deserted to-day."

On the Frigate St. Lawrence 6i
" Honolulu, Sept. 12, i8S2.
" After a fortnight's passage we have returned here, after
looking for an unknown island which we were ordered to
survey on our route. The state of the crew from the gold
mania was such as compelled our leaving San Francisco, con
sequently we missed the mails from the United States, which
we have since learned arrived the day after our departure.
Those on shore, periodically in receipt of mails, cannot realize
the privation to us.
" Few people know the trials of the Navy Life, this continued
surveillance of the worst set of scoundrels under the sun.
Formerly orders given were promptly obeyed ; now you have
to go after a man and enforce your orders. We have now four
men confined for attempt at murder. Two of them having
quarrelled a few days previous, one held a grudge, watched
his chance when the other was sitting down, approached and
struck him in the head two heavy blows with an axe, strange to
say without killing him. Of course the assailant was arrested.
I could only leave the ship once in San Francisco ; I had
to be constantly on duty." " 'St. Lawrence? Honolulu,
" Nov. 20, 1832.
" I enclose a topographical view with explanation and de
scription of the great volcano in the Island of Hawaii, which
I took the opportunity while at Hilo of visiting. We had
gone down to Hilo to escape the storms of the season, when
we last sailed from this port and had expected to have re
mained there quietly until relieved by the Postsmouth, but
four days ago a schooner came in, despatched to bring us
here again with the news that the American whalers had ar
rived and captured this town, burning several houses. We
sailed immediately, and after arriving here found that it was
nothing more than a riot. An American sailor had been
killed by the poHce, while resisting arrest, which caused the
riot. The harbor is filled with American whalers, and no
doubt 3000 sailors could be mustered from them.
"We have, however, received our orders to Valparaiso.
Our Captain is to relieve Commodore McCauley and to be

62 John Ancrum Winslow
Commodore in his place. The St. Lawrence will thus be the
flagship. Ten thousand miles must we sail before we reach
our destination — Valparaiso."
In February, 1853, while at Valparaiso, Winslow
heard of the death of his youngest child, which he
had never seen — the little boy born shortly after
his departure from New York. " U. S. Frig3.te 'St. Lawrence,'
" Valparaiso, April i, 18S3.
" A few nights since I, in company with two other officers,
was visiting at the house of Mr. Hobson (of the firm of Alsop
& Co.) when several ladies came in. Among them I was in
troduced to a Mrs. Ancrum. Somewhat surprised, I asked her
if her name was Scotch. She said yes, and I replied my name
was also Ancrum and also Scotch. I found that there was a
connection between my mother's family and her husband's.
She told me her husband, who would be in shortly, would be
glad to continue the subject. He came too late for me to
refer to it that evening, but two days after I met Dr. Ancrum
at a dinner party given by the British Admiral, when I learned
that his grandfather and mine were brothers, and that while in
the United States he had endeavored to find out his relations,
but was unsuccessful. He has two uncles in the British Army.
His grandfather and mine were opposed to each other in the
Revolution, which separated them.
" He called afterwards and asked me to dine with him at
6 o'clock Friday. He has charge of the English Hospital
here, and is said to be the first surgeon in South America, a
pupil of Liston. We shall sail next week for the intermediate
ports between here and Callao, possibly down to Panama. We
have received a great deal of attention in the way of invita
tions recently and considerable interchange of civilities especi
ally with English officers."
The St. Lawrence proceeded to Callao and Payta,
thence again to the Sandwich Islands, arriving

On the Frigate St. Lawrence 63
there in the midst of the frightful smallpox epi
demic which so nearly destroyed their population.
She therefore avoided the port of Honolulu and
sought the Lahaina anchorage of Maui, where she
found the Portsmouth in refuge from the infected
ports and badly in need of provisions. Remaining
in that pleasant anchorage a fortnight, she then
sailed for San Francisco, arriving Sept. i, 1853.
There Winslow met several army and navy officers
who had resigned and made fortunes, and there
many of the St. Lawrence s crew resigned, crazed
by the gold fever and the gambling and dissipation
of the place.
When about to sail once more for Valparaiso
a letter was received from the U. S. Minister at
Mexico requesting that the St. Lawrence proceed
to Acapulco to investigate the capture of an Ameri
can vessel. "Acapulco, Mexico,
" Oct. 21, i8s3.
" . . . We came here in the nick of time, for Americans
have been subjected to all sorts of abuses by the government
of Santa Anna, who is seeking another war with the United
States or the elevation of himself to the throve after the man
ner of Louis Napoleon. We have sent orders to the vessels
captured to be ready to go to sea immediately."
The seized vessels were released and conducted
to sea by the St. Lawrence, which then proceeded
to Panama, where orders were received to hasten to
Callao on account of the seizure of an American
vessel while loading guano at the Chincha Islands.
' ' November i8, 18S3.
" Our minister, Mr. Clay, expects instructions by the next

64 John Ancrum Winslow
steamer from Washington. The case is one of great injustice
and abuse, and required a prompt and efficient course. There
being no man-of-war present prevented this, but our arrival
alters the face of things and we shall no doubt obtain a settle
ment by the Peruvian Government paying all demands, in
amount $70,000, for the maltreatment of the Captain and crew
of the vessel. Since our arrival here a revolution has com
menced down at Pisco, seventy miles distant, and it has pro
gressed so far that the Government is placing all their money
in the Peruvian ships of war. I should not be surprised to
hear of the revolutionists marching on Lima."
" U. S. S. ' St. Lawrence?
"Callao, Jan. 12, 18S4.
" The Government party are out with a bulletin to-day that
they have beaten the revolutionists in fight — doubtful.
" There is constant difficulty between our men and the
Peruvians ; continued claims are being made upon them for
insults. The Peruvians dislike us so much. The other day I
was on shore and seeing a crowd running down to the water,
I walked down myself, when, to my surprise, I saw all the dock
loafers (a mixed breed of Indians, Spaniards, and Negroes)
stoning three of our men who were on the wharf. The stones
flew like snow balls and quite as large. I went up to the
Governor, and told him if his police were so defective that
they could not prevent a repetition of this, that we would pre
vent it ourselves. The Commodore took it up. Another case
of a different kind is on trial now. . . .
" Just half a mile from us is a long narrow strip of land
running into the sea ; on the surface remain the cupolas of old
churches. These are the only relics of old Callao, which was
destroyed by an earthquake in 1746.
"Jan. 26, 1854. . . . There does not seem to be much
chance of a speedy settlement of the Chincha difficulties as
the Peruvians prefer negotiating at Washington, and once our
Government takes it in hand it may be like claims in Con
gress, a legacy for our childreri." " Off Callao, Feb. 12, i8s4.
" Mr. Clay (U. S. Minister) has detained us here to await

On the Frigate St Lawrence 65
the arrival of the St. Mary's to relieve us. The revolution
among the Peruvians still lingers. . . . They have the
pest at Callao (a mild kind of yellow fever) in which there is
little fatality. We have had several cases on board. . . .
The St. Mary's arrived this afternoon and we shall sail to
morrow. I am glad of it, we have been here two months and
I am heartily tired of this place." "Valparaiso,
" U. S. S. ' St. Lawrence?
" March i6, i8S4.
" We arrived here after a passage of twenty-two days. It
was very fortunate we got away from Lima when we did, for
the yellow fever has become quite virulent there. Some of our
acquaintances have died of it, amongst others a very fine fellow,
a Lieutenant of the English Navy." "Valparaiso, April i, i8s4.
" We have had around us until a few days past, three frig
ates, one English, one French and one Russian. As we were
intimate with the officers, it was amusing to hear their differ
ent views and feelings with regard to matters now taking place
in Europe : ' the account that war was so imminent that the
English and French ships sailed in order to cut off the mail
and in case of war to pounce upon the Russian. But no
declaration of war came, however ; the Russian,' although await
ing the arrival of his consort, no doubt thought things too
squally and went off to Asiatic Russia.
" I must confess the aspect is alarming in Europe. No
doubt war is in full vigor before this and God alone can fore
see its termination. The character, too, of this war is one
which history records as never ceasing in its injurious results,
a war of religion. A fearful crisis seems to be upon the world.
Look at China, an empire standing 2200 years without change,
now deluged with blood and the revolutionists carrying a cross
upon their banners,' with protestant principles, — what but God's
power could effect this! Our own country is not secure either ;
corruption in morals, in the Government, the people every-
' Culminating in the Crimean War.
' Tai-ping Rebellion under the Christian Chinaman, Hung Seu-tseuen.
5

66 John Ancrum Winslow
where forgetting the great Author of their happiness, forget
ting blessings far greater than those promised the chosen
people of God, everywhere ingratitude is manifest to Him.
In Congress men rise up in hopes of getting the presidency
and renew the negro or slavery war. I know not where the
question will end, but it seems to me one of uncommon mag
nitude. Everything looks gloomy." "CoQUiMBO, April i6, i8s4.
" We are here for the purpose of exercising, preparing for
the inspection which precedes the laying up of vessels after
arrival in the United States. This week being Holy Week
and all business on shore suspended, we have paid respect to
the custom of the country by not firing, but as soon as Mr.
Judas Iscariot is hung, which will be to-morrow, we shall
commence a grand function. . . .
" Our minister at Peru has been directed to demand of the
Peruvian Government full indemnities for the injuries to our
merchants at the Chincha Islands, and, in the event of their
not acquiescing, the squadron is to act." "Callao, May 26, 18S4.
" The Chincha affair is still unsettled : the negotiation is
changed to Washington — with small prospect of termination.
" The other ^ay the combined English and French squad
rons got under way. It was a beautiful sight to see them
forming lines. They were in pursuit of two Russian frigates
which had sailed for Honolulu. We fired salutes in honor of
Her Britannic Majesty on Victoria's birthday. May 25th."
" Callao, June 11, 1834.
"Your letter with accounts of home made me homesick.
It requires great self denial to be away from you all. I
have missed my profession, I am not fit to remain away.
There are many who like this life, but I cannot believe that
anyone who is of a domestic turn of mind can receive pleasure
away from those he loves. . . ."
The St. Lawrence remained at Callao through
the summer of 1854, then went to Valparaiso.

On the Frigate St Lawrence 67
" Valparaiso, Feb. 7, iSss-
" To our great surprise, February 2d the Independence hove
in sight. Great was our rejoicing. It was impossible to keep
the men quiet, so great was the excitement after such long de
lay. We have now transferred the squadron. We sail to-mor
row which will be a day of cheering to us all. I cannot write
much but you can appreciate my feelings after this long
absence to which I have been compelled to submit."
" Off Cape Henry Light House,
" April 18, i8ss.
" After a passage of just seventy days, we have arrived and
have a pilot on board. I shall despatch these few lines at
once. " A few days must elapse before money can arrive, the men
be paid off and other usual matters for placing a ship out
of commission. Then you may look for me at home. . . ."
The whole of this long, tedious cruise, from
December, 185 1, to April, 1855, rendered naval life
excessively distasteful to Winslow. Looking for
ward to his return home, he wrote :
" No life for hardship and toil, requiring a greater exercise
of Christian virtue, exists than that of a sailor. Aside from the
exposure to weather of every rigor, it is one in which you are
cut off from friends and home, and no man who has not expe
rienced the harassing effects of what is called discipline can
for a moment conceive of its wearisome influence."
He was detached from the St. Lawrence at Nor
folk, Va., April 21, 1855, and granted three months'
leave, but on the 2d of May was placed in charge
of the Recruiting Rendezvous, Boston. On the
14th of the following September he was commis
sioned a Commander. For five years he remained
ashore in the city of his adoption, enjoying the
quiet happiness of domestic life, yet feeling, with

68 John Ancrum Winslow
every other thoughtful man of his time, an ever in
creasing anxiety over the gathering clouds of civil
war. On the 20th of December, i860, he was ap
pointed Inspector of the 2d Light House District,
with his headquarters in Boston.

CHAPTER IX.
DUTY WITH THE WESTERN FLOTILLA.
WHEN the Government at Washington had
fully realized the scope of the Southern
Rebellion, the strategic importance of controlling
the waters of the Mississippi became evident.
Passing through the midst of the States in re
bellion, with tributary waters reaching into them
on either side, the system formed, in those days
of imperfect communications, the chief means
of intercourse between the western and eastern
portions of the rebellious territory. Furthermore,
so long as the river was held by the Confederates,
the loyal States lying upon it and its tributaries
farther north were in a state of commercial block
ade. Operations to open and control the river
were therefore begun both from the Gulf of Mex
ico and from the rivers north of the Confederacy.
For the latter operations, river gunboats of special
design had to be built and equipped in cities safely
located on tributary waters in loyal territory, and
assembled at some good strategic base near the
enemy's frontier. Going northward from the Con
federate line, it is seen that St. Louis on the
69

70 John Ancrum Winslow
Mississippi and Cincinnati on the Ohio are the first
cities with adequate resources. Returning then
toward the enemy's frontier, looking for a strategic
situation for a base of operations, the eye is almost
immediately struck with the position of Cairo.
Here the loyal State of Illinois projects down like
a wedge between the doubtful border States of
Kentucky and Missouri, and at the point of the
wedge stands Cairo, its flanks protected by the
two rivers of supply, the Ohio and Mississippi,
which join in front of it.
In May, 1861, the nucleus of the Western Flo
tilla was formed by the purchase of three river
steamers at Cincinnati by Commander John
Rodgers, and their conversion into gunboats. The
flotilla was to be commanded by him and manned
by the navy, but was to be under the control of the
General commanding the Department, who was at
that time Major-General Fremont. In August a
contract was made with Mr. James B. Eads of St.
Louis to build seven gunboats and deliver them at
Cairo in October. Two other purchased vessels,
the Benton and Essex, were added to the flotilla,
and the construction of still more was begun.
At the beginning of September, Commander
Rodgers was relieved by Captain A. H. Foote, and
the latter iramediately applied for Commander
Winslow as his chief assistant in fitting out and or
ganizing the flotilla. The latter had applied for
duty afloat soon after the outbreak of the Rebellion,
so, on September 10, 1861, he received orders to
report to Captain Foote at St. Louis for special duty.

Slue ^Zoi/al States
7?e3 - Sicdes in TieheZIion
Yrhxls.=??Douli}ia States

THEATRE OF OPERATIONS OF WESTERN FLOTILLA

Duty with the Western Flotilla. 71
" Buffalo, Sept. is, 1861,
' ' Sunday afternoon.
I left home almost unmanned. The thoughts of what
might take place, the troublous times, ... the large
family dependent on me alone, was enough to take the man
hood out of anyone of feeling. However, the feeling is
soothed now to some extent ; God never intends wholly to
overwhelm one in the severe chastenings necessary for our
subjection and I am thankful that He has raised me from the
depression and given me hope that in the end I shall have
peace." " St. Louis, Sept. 22, 1861.
"All the Commanders have formed a military mess on board
a large Mississippi steamboat with splendid accommodations.
She has been hired for a receiving vessel.
" We are sent here to man the Flotilla for the Mississippi.
Seven gunboats are building which are to be cased with iron
of 2^ inches thickness. I send herewith an account from the
newspapers of the experiments tried to ascertain whether they
would resist shot ; the experiments were satisfactory, proving
balls had no effect on them.
" I see no chance of their being ready before the first week
in November. The gunboats carry each fifteen guns, nine
inch, and rifle guns twenty-four pounders. The wheel of the
steamboat is in the centre of the vessel, protected from shot
by the inclined sides which extend all around."

"St. Louis, Sept. 2g, 1861.
" Foote has gone to Cairo to see about affairs there. He is
under Fremont and receives orders from him. Fremont has
gone up the river to try and whip Price out of Lexington. He
has taken a sufficient number of men to do it effectually, but I
do not know how it will turn out, for it almost seems as if
the other party were having everything their own way.
" Foote is very much engaged, . . . everything is at
sixes and sevens and nothing is prepared, and all our wants
and materials are to be supplied from the East."

72 John Ancrum Winslow.
" St. Louis, Oct. 3, 1861.
" Since I last wrote you several changes have been made,
and there is no knowing what a day may bring forth. Stead
man has been relieved and ordered back again to New York
to command the Bienville. Hazard has been ordered to Cin
cinnati to recruit men for the expedition and I have received
orders to proceed to Cairo, hire a steamboat and take all the
stores on board for the expedition, principally ordnance.
There is no knowing how long Fremont will be in the North
and when the expedition will get off." " St. Louis, Oct. 8, 1861.
" Foote is down at Cairo — went yesterday. Porter has gone
down in a steamer which looks like a tortoise. He will be
pitching-in the first opportunity he gets. I see great reports
in your Boston papers of the war here. We hear nothing of
it. In fact, it seems to me a sort of guerilla warfare, of the
secessionists marching upon some weak place, and then aban
doning it again." " Cincinnati, Oct. 14, 1861.
" I received to-day a message from the Commanding Gen
eral of this division that he wanted to see me. The General
is Mitchell, the great astronomer, a very pleasant man and I
told him I would rather he would talk of the stars than the
war. He wanted my opinion in writing of the advantages of
gunboats on the Ohio.
" I would not be so anxious. You may depend upon it
there is no danger or anything like the appearance of it when
viewed in prospective. Hope on and trust in God."
' ' Cincinnati, Oct. 16, 1861.
" I wrote a strong letter for General Mitchell, as he desired,
for which he thanked me very much and said he would urge
upon the Government their adoption and should like my
superintendence of them if he could get it from the War De
partment. I do not believe they will succeed in getting the
gunboats, as too much money has been spent already."
Winslow now spent ten days in Cleveland re
cruiting men for the flotilla. His wife was with

Duty with the Western Flotilla. 73
him while there. It was a pleasant break in the
fever of war work. He then returned to St.
Louis.
" St. Louis, Oct. 27, 1861.
" I went down the day after you left me to see the gunboats,
which are in the form 1 sent you a sketch of. We were or
dered here in such haste by request of General Fremont. Our
business is to go down the river and open it free of batteries.
An army of sixty thousand men will go with us. I suppose
Jthey take the shore line, when, any attacks are made.
" General Fremont has gone North with the army to try to
recover lost ground which Price is in possession of at Lexing
ton. Foote has just come up from Cairo where he went to
see about some gunboats they have there. Rodgers went up
to-day in a gunboat, for the purpose of assisting Fremont in
his expedition up the river.
" Our gunboats are heavy, some fifteen or sixteen guns, 8
inch, and 9 inch, and 42 pound rifle guns, but it is doubtful
whether we can get down the river, on account of the draft of
water, without first taking out the guns."
When the gunboats were finished, Winslow, by
Captain Foote's orders, gave the little flotilla a
trial trip in squadron, which proved highly satis
factory. The flotilla was then temporarily divided
for convenience, and Winslow took the first section
to the base at Cairo where he placed them under
General Grant's care and returned to St. Louis for
the remainder. With this second section was the
Benton, a much larger and stronger vessel than the
others, having been originally constructed to re
move snags from the rivers, but she was weak in
motive power. Because of her heavier battery and
protection she had been selected for the flagship.

74 John Ancrum Winslow.
In conducting the several sections Winslow took
personal command of the Benton and was accom
panied by Mr. Eads, the builder of the gunboats.
The Benton grounded, as had been feared, on a
trip down, and Winslow received a severe and in
capacitating wound in the left arm by the parting
of a cable used in getting her off. Mr. Eads's ac
count of the accident, published in the Century
Magazine, January, 1885, is as follows :
"... I was requested by Admiral Foote, as a special
favor to him, to accompany the Benton, the eighth one of the
fleet, in her passage down to Cairo. It was in December, and
the water was falling rapidly 
" The wish of Admiral Foote to have me see this boat safely
to Cairo was prompted by his knowledge that I had experi
ence in the management of steamboats upon the river, and his
fear that she would be detained by grounding. Ice had just
begun to float in the Mississippi when the Benton put out from
my shipyard at Carondelet for the south. Some thirty or
forty miles below St. Louis she grounded. . . . An anchor
was put out for the purpose of hauling her off. My advice
was not asked with reference to this first proceeding, and
although I had been requested by Admiral Foote to accom
pany the vessel, he had not instructed the captain, so far as I
knew, to be guided by my advice in case of difficulty. After
they had been working all night to get the boat afloat, she was
harder on than ever ; moreover, the water had fallen about
six inches. I then volunteered the opinion to Capt. Winslow
that if he would run hawsers ashore in a certain direction,
directly opposite to that in which he had been trying to move
the boat, she could be got off. He replied, very promptly :
' Mr. Eads, if you will undertake to get her off, I shall be very
willing to place the entire crew under your direction.' I at
once accepted the offer, and Lieutenant Bishop was called up
and instructed to obey my directions. Several very large
hawsers had been put on board of the boat for the fleet at

Duty with the Western Flotilla. 75
Cairo. One of the largest was got out and secured to a large
tree on the shore, and as heavy a strain was put upon it as the
cable would be likely to bear. As the water was still falling,
I ordered out a second one, and a third, and a fourth, until
five or six eleven-inch hawsers were heavily strained in the
effort to drag the broad-bottomed vessel off the bar. There
were three steam capstans on the bow of the vessel, and these
were used in tightening the strain by luffs upon the hawsers.
One of the hawsers was led through a snatch-block fastened
by a large chain to a ringbolt in the side of the vessel. I was
on the upper deck of the vessel near Captain Winslow when
the chain which held this block broke. It was made of iron
one and one-eighth inches in diameter, and the link separated
into three pieces. The largest, being one-half of the link, was
found on the shore at a distance of at least five hundred feet.
Half of the remainder struck the iron plating on the bow of
the boat, making an indentation half the thickness of one's
finger in depth. The third piece struck Captain Winslow on
the fleshy part of the arm, cutting through his coat and the
muscles of his arm. The wound was a very painful one, but
he bore it as might be expected. The iron had probably cut
an inch and a half into the arm below the elbow. In the
course of the day the Benton was floated and proceeded on
her voyage down the river without further delay. ..."
This occurred on Sunday, December Sth, and
five days later the Benton reached Cairo, when her
wounded commander was taken in charge by his
son. Paymaster William Randolph Winslow, who
thus informed his mother : " Cairo, December 13, 1861.
" Dear Mother :
" Father arrived here to-day in the Benton about one p.m.
He came over to the Emerald this afternoon. He received a
very severe wound in his left arm just below the elbow, from
the parting of a chain while aground in the Benton last Sun
day. One of the pieces of a link of the broken chain flew

76 John Ancrum Winslow.
with such force as to go right through his arm, tearing out
all the muscle ; the doctor put the muscle back and sewed up
the wound though it was very jagged. ..."
In pencil, on the back of his son's letter. Captain
Winslow writes as follows :
"You see by this that not my right but my left arm is
injured, a- severe wound. I hope to be confined but a short
time. The bolt cut my arm diagonally. I made no com
plaint, but when I was caught and several hands pressed the
arteries, I told them to stop and let go, as I wanted to ascer
tain if the bone was broken. Loss of blood created great
faintness. My services at present will be a sad loss to Foote,
It was a great mercy that the bolt did not strike me on the
body, as it would have made an end of me. Good bye. God
bless you all, is the prayer of your affectionate husband.
Love to the children."
His son writes again on December 15, 1861 :
" Father has suffered a great deal of pain yesterday and
to-day. The doctor poultices his arm every two hours and I
do everything I can for him, but he is very badly hurt.
Father will not be able to do duty for some time. If he had
not been wounded he would have had command of the St.
Louis. Moving him from the Benton was very bad for him.
Everybody is devoted and they all do all they can for him.
He sends love and says his recovery will be very tedious.

As soon as he was able to travel, Winslow was
ordered home to recuperate, and as soon as he had
sufficiently recovered his strength he applied for
orders, and on May 3, 1862, was ordered back to
the Mississippi Flotilla. As he was now to become
actively engaged in Mississippi River operations,

Duty with the Western Flotilla. "]•]
we must go back and briefly bring them up to
date. The Confederate reply to the preparations at
Cairo was to cross into Kentucky and fortify the
river bluffs at Columbus and Hickman. Bluffs
suitable for land defences along the Mississippi
were few and far apart, and the Confederates had
promptly fortified all within their territory soon
after war broke out. General Grant then occupied
Paducah and Smithland, in Kentucky on the Ohio,
to secure his river communications. Nothing
further occurred in 1861 except an expedition down
the river to Belmont, opposite Columbus. This
General Grant had undertaken to prevent the Con
federates from cutting off a force sent on recon
naissance into Missouri, and also to serve as a little
practice in combined operations, and to season his
troops under fire while waiting for the completion
of the flotilla building at St. Louis.
By occupying Paducah and Smithland, where the
Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers emptied into the
Ohio, General Grant had sufficiently secured his
rear so long as he remained quiescent at the Cairo
base, for he could readily reinforce them if they
were attacked ; but the Confederates held two strong
positions farther up these rivers at Forts Henry
and Donelson. When preparations for aggressive
operations down the Mississippi were nearing com
pletion, it became apparent to General Grant and
Captain Foote that if they took Forts Henry and
Donelson, and if then Grant's army advanced along
the Tennessee River parallel to the Mississippi

78 John Ancrum Winslow.
while Foote went down the latter, the Confederate
positions along the east bank, being encompassed
front and rear, would be evacuated or surrendered.
Accordingly, a combined expedition started for Fort
Henry in the beginning of February, 1862, Flag
Officer Foote proceeding up the Tennessee with
four of his gunboats. The troops were delayed,
and on the 6th the gunboats engaged and took the
fort. The railroad bridge also was destroyed, and
the river raided to the headwaters of navigation
and cleared of all Confederate material. Fort
Donelson was then invested, and it surrendered to
General Grant on the i6th. Columbus, on the
Mississippi, with its communications by rail now
severed, and being out of touch with a supporting
force, was evacuated, together with Hickman, in the
beginning of March, the Confederates dropping
down the river to Island No. 10. Operations against
this position continued until the 7th of April, Gen
eral Pope conducting the land work from the Mis
souri side of the river, while General Grant was
working his way south along the line of the Ten
nessee. On that date the island fell, and the river
was clear as far as Fort Pillow, while on the same
date General Grant defeated the Confederates on
the Tennessee at Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh), due
east of Memphis. The armies from Island No. 10
and Pittsburg Landing had been united near the
latter place under General Halleck, and Foote's
flotilla had taken a position before Fort Pillow, when
Winslow rejoined on the loth of May. On the
previous day, Flag Officer Foote had temporarily

Duty with the Western Flotilla. 79
turned over the command to Captain Charles H.
Davis and gone North to recuperate from wounds
received at Donelson, but from which he never
sufficiently recovered to resume his command.
At the other end of the river Farragut had passed
the forts below New Orleans, and was off that
city.

CHAPTER X.
RETURN TO DUTY ON THE MISSISSIPPL
WINSLOW arrived at Fort Pillow in time to
be aneye-witness of the attack on the flo
tilla by Confederate rams. From all accounts, this
took place on the loth of May, so the following
letter describing it must have been misdated :
"Off Fort Pillow,
" Saturday, May g, 1862.
" I reached here at early daylight this morning, and was
waiting for a boat to go to the Flag Ship, when some six or
seven of the enemy's boats rounded the Point and went after
the gunboat, which was guarding the mortar boat in advance ;
then commenced an action in which only about three boats
participated in close action. I do not know why it was, but
the other boats did not follow. I was making every effort to
get on board the Flag Ship, going down to her in a skiff, when
the enemy retreated, no doubt disabled. I thought the busi
ness was just commencing when it ceased. They balled and
they battered, and the Cincinnati was run on shore, filled with
water ; and the Mound City is not much better off. I think it
was an expiring effort of the enemy, for they would not wait
for all the fleet to get into action before they were off. Except
at the mortar boat, which they first attacked, they fired noth
ing but musketry. I saw Foote last night half way to Cairo ;
he is suffering. Poor Stembel ' was totally uncovered, fool-
' Stembel commanded the Cincinnati. She was sent to Cairo for repairs.
80

Return to Duty on the Mississippi. 8i
ishly so, when he was hit by a sharpshooter in the same way
that Charles Morris was at Tobasco. Stembel was a noble
man, and his poor wife was in such fine spirits about him, just
going to her home in Cincinnati when I left Cairo.
" I do not know, at present, what boat I may command, they
are in such a turmoil. I will write you more soon. One of
the enemy's vessels blew up and struck her flag — drifting
down, and the others were disabled, as reports received say,
and sunk below, before reaching Fort Pillow. There must
have been great loss of life." " St. Louis, Saturday, May 17, 1862.
" I was despatched up here for Rams, expecting to find them
nearly ready, but they are just commencing to be built, so you
may see the chances I have of getting away. Since I cannot
hurry them, I must take things as easy as I can."
"St. Louis, June 4, 1862.
" I have just received a letter from Davis offering me com
mand of the Cincinnati, which I have accepted, and therefore I
expect to be in Cairo and in the Cincinnati this time next week.
The enemy still hold the Mississippi, but I cannot think it will
be long before they are compelled to give up all their positions
and the river be opened.
" The prospect of passing the summer on the river is immi
nent, consequently the hot season is before us. I am glad of
the change of duty, for St. Louis does not present those ad
vantages for me as a shore station which the East would and I
like the activity of the regular service when I am away from
home. I do not want shore duty except with my family.
" The presentation of a flag to one of the Rams came off
yesterday. A very handsome speech by Mr. Leighton of
Cambridge was made in presenting it. He is Provost Marshal
and was deputed by the ladies who made the flag."
On the 30th of May the Union armies, having
advanced west from Pittsburg Landing, compelled
the Confederate army to evacuate Corinth, thus

82 John Ancrum Winslow.
severing the eastern communications with Memphis
and Fort Pillow. The latter was therefore evacu
ated on the 4th of June. On the 5th the flotilla
moved down within two miles of Memphis. A
battle was fought and won next day against the
Confederate River Defence Fleet, and Memphis
surrendered.
" Memphis, June 14, 1862.
" I am now in command of the Cincinnati at this place, which
is about as large as Cleveland ; it looks desolated — like Sun
day, no shops open and everything wears a blue look. I pre
sume the shop-keepers are afraid it may again fall into secession
hands. It is astonishing what the reign of terror has been,
which, even now, retains such power that the people are afraid
to expose themselves freely.
" We shall not move from here until a sufficient army is left
to hold the place against attack, although expeditions may be
made. One left to-day for the White River. I sent for Ran
dolph yesterday who came on board looking well and finely,
is happy in his present position. The Cincinnati is not very
well repaired from the ramming she had, and, in consequence,
the magazine leaks and the powder has been taken out. The
weather is warm but I manage well enough. I sleep out of
my room with a mattress on four chairs, close up to a 32 pound
gun. Davis seems a good friend to me but he is not the friend
Foote is. Foote at the last account was not so well, but he
wants to return here.
" A division of Halleck's troops came in yesterday and will
hold the town, but I doubt if we move for some time yet."
" Memphis, June 17, 1862.
" Long before this reaches you I shall be off up the White
River and hope to be back again. You will have seen the
telegram of the capture of a place on the White River by the
Fleet, supported by a division of the Army. Singular, the ac
cident occurred, which I attempted and used all exertions to
obviate by protecting the boilers from shot. A shot went

Return to Duty on the Mississippi. 83
through Kilty's vessel, the Mound City, blew up the boilers,
killing and scalding horribly more men than a fight of a week's
duration would have done. When I was wounded in the
Benton, I was using all attempts to prevent this evil. I am
now going to put the bulkheads up before I leave in the
Ci'ncinnati. " I am ordered to command the expedition. We shall have
the Pittsburg, the St. Louis, the Conestoga and two or three
other boats. Our object is to try and communicate with Gen
eral Curtis who commands the Army in Arkansas, and open a
means to supply him with provisions, but the prospect is bad,
as from what I learn the river has fallen, so there is not suffi
cient water to get up at present.
" I have just been on board of the Hospital Boat, such a
sight I never witnessed. Poor Kilty, the (ex-) Commander of
the expedition, is doing well though badly scalded. I do not
know how many are killed and wounded. My little friend
Brown [son of Rev. Dr. Brown of Cincinnati] whose position
I obtained for him, is dead, and his brother, who was to have
been R's clerk, is saved and went up this afternoon with the
remains. As I was passing through the Hospital Boat, every
one was cursing the Rebel Colonel, who, they said, had or
dered the men to be shot as they were swimming to shore, and
he ought to be hung for it.
" I was anxious to see the Colonel who was wounded and
lying in a cot. I was directed to it. I saw a remarkably
handsome man, with a fine head. I thought I recognized his
countenance as I passed by. On my return he called, ' Cap
tain Winslow.' I was astonished and asked, ' Who are you ? '
' Mr. Fry,' he replied, ' an old ship mate of yours.' He was a
midshipman in the Missouri with me. He said that reports
had got about that he had ordered the fire on the men swim
ming, — it was not so. I knew him too well to believe that such
an order could emanate from him, and I fully believed him, for
he was a nice fellow. He said that God had visited the sins of
the people upon them, and that he was heartily tired of the war.
I told him he would be sent to Fort Warren, and he replied he
had sailed from thereabouts. It seems, he commanded the port.

84 John Ancrum Winslow.
having sunk his gunboat and taken the guns on a bluff to de
fend the river. Singular, he commanded the Ivy which Frank
chased in the Water Witch. He said Frank's shell were
splashing all about him. He gave a most ridiculous account
of the Vincennes and the other vessels at Hollins' fight ' ; said
he never laughed so much in his life. He would not fire on
the Vincennes, but was in hopes of popping the Richmond. He
said that Hollins went down as a spree, more as a joke at the
time, and afterwards would not continue the fight, but laid up
along the bank of the river, while it went on, and afterwards
wrote the most bombastic, foolish letter to the Confederate
Government in which he praised himself and nobody else.
" I asked him about the river we are going up : he said he
was sorry it was nothing but jungle, and I must keep close or
the guerillas would shoot me, and he would not have me hurt
for anything. I think if any guerillas are about, the last place
they will be found will be in reach of our grape and canister.
He said I could not go up at any time beyond Augusta, his
vessel was ashore there a month ago, and the river had fallen
so since we could not even reach there now. But it makes no
difference we must try and do the best we can. I do not want
you to feel anxious. I wish I had time to write you more fully
but it is night, and I am preparing, giving various orders, etc.
Poor Kilty said to me, ' You have had your turn, now ours has
come.' Randolph no doubt writes you from Fort Pillow."
Colonel Fry subsequently commanded the unfor
tunate filibustering steamer Virginius, which was
captured by the Spaniards and taken to Santiago
de Cuba in 1874, where he and most of his crew
were executed. "Off the Mouth of the White River,
" Mississippi, June 23, 1862.
" I have just come down the White River with the expedi
tion. The depth of water was not sufficient for us, and the river
' Oct. 13, 1861, when Captain Hollins stampeded the Federal fleet at the
Head of the Passes by a night attack, but failed to follow up his advantage.

Return to Duty on the Mississippi. 85
is falling fast so that we could not have got down had we re
mained longer. On the 22d instant we were attacked by
guerillas just after I had read prayers on Sunday, and I was
going on shore when they had the opportunity of firing at us
— we lost two, killed.
" I took two gunboats the following day and three companies
of soldiers and went round to Indian Bay in hopes of captur
ing some of them. We took three prisoners and while I was
absent, they again attacked the boats that we left, without do
ing any damage. I have just ordered two iron clad boats up
to Memphis with despatches and I expect to go up soon my
self but I must remain with the Lexington to protect the sol
diers who are in transports and awaiting a large expedition to
go up to succor General Curtis in Arkansas, the river being
too low for our gunboats to go up."
On the 1 7th of June, Flag Officer Foote had been
relieved from command of the Western Flotilla at
his own request on account of his illness, and on
the 22d, Captain Davis was appointed Flag Officer.
On the 2gth, the latter, with a division of his com
mand, went down the river, and joined Farragut
above Vicksburg on July ist, leaving Winslow in
command of the division at Memphis. The river
was now clear of all floating opposition except the
ram Arkansas, which was destroyed a month later,
but Vicksburg still held out for more than a year.
" U. S. Gunboat 'St. Louis?
" Memphis, July 21, 1862.
" General Sherman who is in command has seized all the
freighting boats (which have just brought our mails) filled
them with troops and sent them down the river. I suppose
these are eventually to operate against Vicksburg. I am
afraid some of our mail boats have been stopped. A masked
battery was sprung on the last one which came up and she was

86 John Ancrum Winslow.
considerably damaged by shots, though no person was injured
We have every day extravagant reports got up by the Secesh,
but now that most of them have been put out of the city or
ordered to take the oath, an end will be put to this business.
" I am without news from the lower fleet since I wrote you
but I expect everything is tranquil as it is here. I think that
McLellan's repulse has put a damper on movements all round,
and there is an indisposition to undertake further operations
until the hot season is over. The oificers are all sick at Cairo
— this river uses every one up. I do not see any end to the
war. If the President does not emancipate the slaves and use
energetic measures of confiscation, we might as well make
peace at once for our armies support instead of harass the
South." " U. S. Gunboat 'St. Louis?
" Memphis, July 22, 1862.
" I am sick with intermittent fever . . . They have
been very much chagrined in the Fleet by the Ram Arkansas
passing the whole of them without destruction. There was a
great loss of life on our side, more than in all the fighting passing
and repassing Vicksburg. General Sherman is in command
here. I have not seen him yet. I think a movement will
soon be made by the army down the Mississippi and Vicksburg
will no doubt fall ; but the war seems as far as ever from
ending. " The heat is so intense here it is impossible to go on shore.
We have a great deal of sickness in the Fleet, but nothing
kills as the fire does, our firemen cannot stand it. Randolph
is well, his position is a good one at Fort Pillow."
" Memphis, Aug.s, 1862.
" You will have heard of the abandoning Vicksburg and
the Fleet coming to Helena which is some ninety miles below
Memphis and is the headquarters of General Curtis' army.
Davis passed here last night in company with General Curtis.
The boat came alongside at 2 o'clock a.m. when I was aroused,
but Davis was asleep and I did not see him. I do not know
what he is going to Cairo for. I learn Curtis is on his way to
Washington. I do not think any operations will be made

Return to Duty on the Mississippi. 87
against Vicksburg until the weather is cooler and reinforce
ments of the troops are made from the 300,000 new levies
asked for by the President. The Rebels are very active about
here, endeavoring to cross the Mississippi with ammunition
and stores for the Arkansas friends. I have sent down the
Mound City to cut them off some fifty miles from here. It is
a great misfortune that our people could not have seized upon
Vicksburg at first, when few guns were mounted. There
would have been less loss of life, but there is no army to
operate and hence its abandonment. They are now em
boldened and making great efforts to stop up the river at
various points. We are now some two miles from Memphis
doing the work of enclosing our boilers, so when we get in a
fight we shall not be blown up.
" The luck which hung to Foote in all his operations seems
to be deserting us now. Foote was never known to be un
successful. God in His mercy seems to have given him
success through life. .
" I meet with the Generals of the army here frequently
when on shore, my duty from position requiring frequent ap
plications for support in their movements, and telegrams are
received of the operations of the Enemy. This and other
duties keep my mind and hands full.
" I send you a slip of the latest news of Randolph from the
newspaper : " ' Guerillas at Fort Pillow.
" ' Great excitement was caused yesterday among the citizens
at Fort Pillow. News reached the U. S. Gunboat Cairo, now
lying off the fort, that a party of guerillas were in force at
Brownsville about forty miles back of the fort, destroying and
burning all cotton in that vicinity. They captured several
Union men and committed other depredations and were on
their way to Fort Pillow. Captain Bryant dispatched Second
Master James Moore, accompanied by Paymaster Winslow,
with forty men to meet them, but fortunately for them they
left at the shortest possible notice. Mr. Moore returned early
in the morning after six hours' hot pursuit.' "

88 John Ancrum Winslow.
" Memphis, Aug. g, 1862.
" I send herewith a copy of my appointment as Captain.'
" The Rebels are about us everywhere in guerilla bands, but
I do not apprehend any attack on the city. I captured day
before yesterday a boat containing many new swords and three
or four hundred caps, tassels, etc., all from Memphis. The
capture led to the arrest of certain parties engaged here.
The proof was positive and the gang have been incarcerated.
The truth is, everybody with few exceptions sympathizes with
the Rebels, and suppilies are drawn from the North, which im
mediately go South. Davis and Curtis are still at Cairo tele
graphing with Washington.
" I am not in good health ; I have an affection of the ear,
swollen inside and discharging. It first attacked me at the
capture of Tampico and has frequently troubled me since.
The number of diseases this river brings on is legion. Good
bye, God bless and preserve you all in the times which are
coming on this country. All looks dark as if God's visitation
is upon us." " Memphis, Sept. 4, 1862.
" I was never more shocked than, in taking up a paper last
night, to see the death of Frank Winslow " announced. Poor
fellow, so anxious as he ever was about his family, to die so
shortly after leaving them all. I thought if there was one
place of more safety than another, it was the station to which
he was ordered. His country has lost a brave officer and his
friends a Christian gentleman.
" Davis got down in the Eastport a day or two since, after
having been several times on shore and conveying some 4000
prisoners down to Vicksburg.
" I see the news — it is very rebellious. Until the slaves are
manumitted we shall do nothing, then we shall go onward to
fight God's battles and relieve thousands of His praying
Christians. " Young Tom Selfridge has just come out here. He is
' Appointed Captain, July 16,1862.
' Commander Francis Winslow, a cousin.

Return to Duty on the Mississippi. 89
ordered to command the Cairo, Randolph's ship, which is
ordered to leave Fort Pillow and drop down to join the Fleet
at Helena. We have daily reports that the Rebels are going
to attack this place, but General Sherman says he can whip
them all without assistance." " Memphis, September ip, 1862.
" Yesterday I was all day through the army lines examining
everything worth seeing, with a Captain of the Russian Navy
whom I met in the Pacific, in command of a Frigate. He was
very grateful for attentions. He has been sent out byhis Govern
ment to examine particularly iron-clad vessels, with the inten
tion of obtaining all information respecting them before their
introduction in the Russian Navy. He goes to Helena to
examine the Rams, etc." " Memphis, September 2g, 1862.
" Our gunboat is now named the Baron de Kalb ; having one
St. Louis^ in the East they do not want another in the West.
I have been long enough in the West and I do not care to re
main here under the changes made."
^ A sailing frigate, afterwards at Cadiz when Winslow commanded the
Kearsarge.

CHAPTER XL
DETACHMENT FROM WESTERN FLOTILLA.
WE have already seen that Winslow was
originally assigned to the Western Flo
tilla at the request of Captain Foote. His return
to that duty after recovering from his wound was
due again to his cordial relations with that officer,
as may be seen in the following letter :
" Sir : " Roxbury, April lo, 1862.
" The capture of the enemy's floating battery, with one or
two gunboats, in the Mississippi, has no doubt left an open
ing, without interference with the command of other officers.
I respectfully request orders to report myself to Commodore
Foote, for any duty he may assign me.
" I would beg leave to state, that on my detachment from
the Western Flotilla, that Commodore Foote was pleased to
express his sincere regrets that my injury was such as to re
quire it ; as on no officer had he depended so much for
assistance, from ability and judgment.
" Having sufficiently recovered from my injury, I would be
pleased to receive orders to this duty, or any other (in accord
ance with my previous application), which the Department
may assign me to.
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"Jno. A. Winslow, Commander.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington." 90

Detachment from Western Flotilla. 91
His relations with Davis were less personal but
officially cordial, and he remained content with his
assignment as long as that oflficer commanded the
flotilla, although his promotion to Captain towards
the close of the period gave him rank out of pro
portion to his command. About the ist of October,
however, it became known that Davis was to be
relieved from command of the flotilla and David
D. Porter was to be advanced and assigned to it as
flag officer. Porter was junior to Winslow, so that
it became the latter's right and duty to request
a new assignment commensurate with his rank.
Another incident occurred at this time which
seemed to make him dissatisfied and not a little
disgusted with his command. It is fully set forth
in the following letter, which seems, too, to have
closed it.
" Gunboat 'Baron de Kalb?
" Memphis, October 4, 1862.
" My dear Sir :
" I am in receipt under your frank, of a communication,
addressed by a writer in this vessel, to the editor of the Balti
more American. The endeavor of the author seems to be to
show that the late paymaster and myself were not faithful to
our trusts. Had the author taken the same pains to show that
I was nearly an abolitionist and a person who believed that
Wendell Phillips was fifty years in advance of the age, he had
come nearer the truth. The two allegations mentioned are,
first, that on learning the news of Pope's being driven back to
Arlington Heights, I had said ' I was glad of it, I wish they
would bag old Abe ' ; this is true, so far as I recollect, but
the eaves-dropping hearer is silent as to the context which
followed, which was this, 'for until something is done to
arouse the Government we shall have no fixed policy.'
Secondly, that I had treated a rebel officer in transit for

92 John Ancrum Winslow.
exchange courteously, and before his departure had shown him
all the weak points of the vessel. The first part of this is also
true ; but the author was no doubt ignorant that the officer
was a prisoner who had been captured al Donelson, and had
fought the boat, and was acquainted from inspection of all her
weak points before, and it was to remove his impressions of
her weakness, that he was asked if he would like to look at
her. The officer had learned that the Mound City had been
blown up by plunging shot, and his inspection taught him that
this vessel was proof against a similar catastrophe.
" By way of episode, I will state that on the completion of
these boats, my attention was directed to remedying some of
their many defects, in the most practicable manner, but my
absence at home from a hurt received, prevented the con
summation of this object. I had however before leaving,
informed poor Kilty of the manner I had intended to protect
the boilers, begging him to adopt the same method. His reply
was, he would gladly adopt it, but it could not be done ; he was
wrong, and from the blowing up of the Mound City, has to
mourn this day his error. On my joining the Cincinnati I im
mediately set to work to carry out my views, and the boilers
were fully protected before her departure for the White River,
to which point I had orders for the command. The Caron
delet next followed, and her escape from being blown up by
the Arkansas is alone owing to this protection. Subsequently
the remainder of these boats adopted the same mode. Hav
ing been ordered to the command of the Memphis, etc., just
before the advent of the Arkansas, time was afforded, and this
boat was more effectually protected than any of the others,
and the rebel officer was permitted to examine her.
" As regards the views of the author on the loyalty of the
late paymaster, he is equally at fault here. The paymaster
was formerly a correspondent of Chicago Tribune. He was a
black republican, who could suit their tastes at that period ;
and at present his coat has received a deeper dye.
" My would-be loyalist has no doubt learned ere this, that
one in power can be kind and considerate to the erring, and
yet be true and unshaken in principle, or he has not availed

Detachment from Western Flotilla. 93
himself of those teachings, which I have so earnestly en
deavored to inculcate upon the crew.
" One remark I will add, that when I was a boy, I learned
an exposition by Horace of such discoveries, which is this,
'Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus,' which Jack
would translate : ' The fellow has fallen upon a mare's nest.'
" With apologies for this unusual epistle for me, I remain,
" Very truly yours &c.,
" J. A. Winslow.
" Hon. Gustavus V. Fox,
" Assistant Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington." Endorsement.
" C. C. Fulton,
" With compliments of G. V. Fox,
" Mr. Fulton will recollect the sailor's letter he sent me. "F."
The following correspondence then ensued with
the Navy Department : " Gunboat ' Baron de Kalb?
Memphis, Oct. lo, 1862.
" Sir :
" The Department prior to ordering me to Western Flotilla
was pleased to forward for my consideration a letter of Rear
Admiral Foote.
" The conditions under which I accepted having been ma
terially modified in the recent change of the Commander of
the' Flotilla fleet, I would respectfully request that the De
partment would assign me to other duty.
" Very respectfully, " Your obedient serv't,
" J. A. Winslow, Captain.
" The Hon'l
" Gideon Welles,
" Secy of Navy, Washtn., D. C."

94 John Ancrum Winslow.
Endorsement.
" The application contained in this letter, which, if unquali
fied, would be regarded as an act of insubordination, is for
warded with the following remark :
" The language of Captain Winslow implies that there is a
special understanding with the Department : otherwise, I
should recommend that the request be not complied with.
" C. H. Davis,
" Actg. Rear Admiral.^
" Comdg. Miss. Squadron."
" Navy Department, " Oct. 22, 1862. '
" Capt. Jno. a. Winslow, U. S. Navy,
" Cairo, Ills.
" Sir :
" Your letter of the loth instant in which you state that ' the
conditions under which I accepted having been materially
modified in the recent change of the Commander of the
Flotilla Fleet, I would respectfully request that the Depart
ment would assign me to other duty ' has been received.
"You are hereby detached from the Mississippi Squadron
and placed on Furlough. " I am respectfully,
" Gideon Welles."
" Cairo, III., Nov. i, 1862.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the
Department's letter placing me on furlough.
" It would appear that the Department seems to think that
I have in some way reflected on them for placing a Junior
Officer in command of the Flotilla. Of this the Department
may feel assured, that I never questioned their judgment in
the selection they have made : the law is full and ample, and
the Department was the proper judge of who should be ap
pointed, and I may say I do not know a better officer than
Admiral Porter. But I beg leave to state that my relations

Detachment from Western Flotilla. 95
with Admiral Foote were of th.at character, on private grounds,
that it was a pleasure to be with him, and I accepted his offer,
made through the Department, when I knew I was only to
command a gunboat of 340 tons. The appointment of Ad
miral Davis, or Porter, I conceive, under the circumstances,
warranted me in asking for a better command, and I should
have done so under the former, except for the charge of fickle
ness. " I enclose a letter addressed to me by the officers of the
Baron de Kalb, which as a testimonial to my character, I re
spectfully submit. My duty is to inform the Department that
my residence is in Roxbury, Mass.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servt.,
" J. A. Winslow, Capt.
" The Hon. G. Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington." " U. S. Gunboat ' Baron de Kalb?
" Mississippi River, Oct. 31, 1862.
" Sir : — It having come to our knowledge that you are de
tached from this vessel, and are soon to leave us for your
home, we desire that you bear with you this testimonial of all
the officers with whom you have been associated on board this
boat. " We feel indeed that no greater calamity could have be
fallen us than to part with you at this time. Your unexampled
deportment, your kind and forbearing nature, in connection
with your many Christian virtues, has so completely attached
us to you, that we feel with deep regret the loss we are about
to sustain ; and our earnest wish is that you may soon again be
back with us.
" In the meantime, while you are far away from us, we would
have you bear in mind, in your leisure moments, that far out
in the South West is a band of patriots, grouped together on
board. this boat, in social conversation, which will be often
turned to wishing and praying for your health and happiness.

96 John Ancrum Winslow.
" Receive now our farewell, with the hope that our country
could appreciate your worth as we know it.
"Yours, sincerely and truthfully,
" (Signed) " R. G. Baldwin, Pilot.
" Wm. C. Underwood, Pilot.
" John Wise, Asst. Surgeon.
" Alex. Frazier, jrd Master.
" John N. Johnston, First Lieut.
" Wm. Carswell, Chief Engineer.
" Thomas Ackerman, ist Asst. Engineer,
"B.Smith, " " "
"W. WiLCOXEN, " " "
" Charles Kendrick, 2d Master.
" R. C. Madill, 4.th Master.
" William A. Mann, A. A. Paymaster.
" To Capt. John A. Winslow,
" U. S. Gunboat 'Baron de Kalb? "
" Navy Department,
" Washington, Novembers, 1862.
" Captain John A. Winslow, U. S. Navy,
" Roxbury, Mass.
" Sir :
"Your letter of the ist instant, explanatory of your previous
one requesting to be detached from the Mississippi Squadron
has been received and which is satisfactory to the Depart
ment. " You are hereby relieved from Furlough and you will regard
yourself as waiting orders. " I am respectfully,
"Gideon Welles."

CHAPTER xn.
ASSIGNMENT TO COMMAND THE KEARSARGE.
CAPTAIN WINSLOW reached home so satu
rated with malaria from the river swamps
and weakened by overwork, and so much disturbed
in mind and spirit by the method of his detachment,
that he quickly succumbed to illness. A painful
disease in his right eye, from which he finally lost
its sight, now began to develop, while the sudden
change of climate brought on neuralgia. He was
confined to his bed when orders came, just a month
after his arrival home, to take passage in the U. S.
S. Vanderbilt, from New York for Fayal, to com
mand the Kearsarge. His physician told him that
he was unfit to travel and urged him to apply to be
relieved of the orders, but he would not hear of it.
On Sunday night, December 7th, he took train for
New York, accompanied by his son, and at once
sought his berth. It had snowed throughout the
previous day and the high wind that followed had
caused deep and dangerous drifts along the road.
Two engines forced the train through until about
four miles from Springfield, when they jumped the
tracks, dragging the baggage, mail and express
97

98 John Ancrum Winslow.
cars with them. Captain Winslow was so ill that
he did not leave his berth, but was content with
his son's investigation of the accident.
The U. S. S. Kearsarge was then on her first
cruise. She was a bark-rigged steam sloop of war of
1030 tons displacement, and had been launched at
Portsmouth, N. H., on the 5th of October, 186 1.
On the 24th of January, 1862, she was put in com
mission at the Portsmouth Navy Yard by Captain
Charles W. Pickering, who was ordered to com
mand her. Captain Pickering's first orders were to
join the Gulf Squadron, but they were almost im
mediately modified, and he was directed to proceed
with the utmost despatch to Cadiz, Spain, in search,
of the Confederate cruiser Sumter, commanded by
Captain Raphael Semmes. On the 5th of Febru
ary the Kearsarge passed out of Portsmouth har
bor, cheered and saluted from the forts at the
entrance, and a month later she arrived at Gibral
tar, where she found the Sumter blockaded by the
U. S. S. Tuscarora. The surveillance of the
Sumter continued through the spring and sum
mer, when it was learned that she was to be aban
doned as a Confederate cruiser, and orders were sent
to Captain Pickering to proceed to his original des
tination in the Gulf of Mexico. These orders were
quickly countermanded, however, for the Navy
Department, having learned of the commissioning
of the Confederate Cruiser Alabama and her first
depredations in the Azores, sent the Kearsarge to
search their neighborhood. She cruised about
these islands during October until it became evi-

Assignment to Command Kearsarge. 99
dent that the Alabama had sought other fields ;
then she returned to Gibraltar, and went from there
to Cadiz, about the end of the year, for necessary
repairs. Through a dilatoriness on the part of
Spanish dockyard employees, which seemed almost
intentional, she was delayed there nearly four
months, although Captain Pickering, who had
learned that his relief was awaiting him in Fayal,
did everything in his power to hasten the work.
These months of waiting, while probably a benefit
to Winslow's general health, were endured by him
with much impatience. "Astor House, New York,
" Tues. Night, Dec. g, 1862.
" We sail to-morrow at 9 o'clock in the U. S. S. Vanderbilt.
I have been busy making arrangements and am as ready as the
short time will allow. The severe strain on my eye in going
about so much hag not iraproved it any, though I do not think
it worse, and as soon as I get quiet on board ship, I have no
doubt I shall mend rapidly. ... we shall cruise slowly,
looking about for the Alabama on our way out."
" Fayal, Western Islands,
"Dec. 24, 1862.
" After a pleasant passage of fourteen days, uninterrupted
by encounters with the Alabama, we have dropped anchor in
this port, and I have again met that courteous old gentleman,
Mr. Dabney. I am sorry to say my eye continues to trouble
me with much pain, especially at night, and my cold hangs on,
with the lungs inflamed, which keeps me under the weather.
It will take a month at least before I regain my usual health.
" We learn the Kearsarge, which we expected to find here,
is in dry-dock at Cadiz repairing her screw. I know nothing
of the future movements of this vessel or my own, which are
dependent on our news from England.
" Our passage out (in the U. S. S. Vanderbilt') was zigzag,

loo John Ancrum Winslow.
under a low head of steam, hoping to hear of or fall in with
the Alabama." " Fayal, Dec. 30, 1862.
" The Barque Azor belonging to Mr. Dabney has just ar
rived — twelve days from Boston — bringing papers up to the
17th. I see Burnside has crossed the Rappahannock, been
defeated and again recrossed. — Sad news ! also thatthe Ala
bama has turned up off Martinique, where she has been burn
ing and laying waste shipping. The Vanderbilt will sail
immediately for Martinique. We ' remain here awaiting the
arrival of the Kearsarge.
" I learn to-day that the Alabama has got out again, and is
pursuing her roving mission of destruction.
" By a steamer, bound to Cadiz from Havana, which has
just come in, I have written Pickering that despatches are here
awaiting him to give up his ship. I am in hopes my eye will
grow better under the genial influence of this delightful cli
mate. The inflammation in it was so serious that time must
elapse before its complete restoration. I am therefore thank
ful for the rest on shore." " Fayal, Jan. 11, 1863.
" On the Sth inst., the Onward, one of our cruisers, which
sailed from Boston on the 6th of November in pursuit of the
Alabama, arrived from Madeira. She has been despatched to
England by Captain Craven of the Tuscarora for information
connected with sailing of vessels and supplies for the Alabama.
Had I any definite information that the Kearsarge would be
detained in Cadiz, I would proceed there with the other two
officers in the Onward. But as I am daily expecting her here,
since I have written Capt. Pickering, I think my best course
is to remain here, lest we might cross each other's tracks. I
am exceedingly weary and lonely and feel like one expatri
ated, ,away from home and all I hold dear. My eye is not so
well and I have taken cold again. To-day I returned the
Governor's call, the principal subject of conversation — the
never ending war."
' Lieutenant-Commander Thornton accompanied Captain Winslow as
his executive ofiicer.

Assignment to Command Kearsarge. loi
" Fayal, Azores, Feb. i, 1863.
" I am still without any news of the Kearsarge, and am un
able to say when we shall be released as prisoners from these
Islands. It seems strange that the Department did not know
more about the Kearsarge before we were ordered here. How
ever, we have only to have patience, of which I am certain it
requires no small amount. What I miss more than anything
is a Protestant Church, but I have regularly held service for
the family of the Hotel, none of the boarders but myself being
present. Our news from the United States is up to the 20th
of December, giving us details of the battle of Fredericksburg,
which occurred six days after we left. "
" Fayal, Azores, March 14, 1863.
" What do you think of our remaining here all winter ? The
Kearsarge has been in dock, repairing at Cadiz, long enough
to have built a vessel in the United States, and I am not
aware that she has yet got out.
" We hear the Tuscarora has gone to Cadiz to repair boilers.
It is singular that neither of these vessels has been about these
Islands. For the last fortnight, several suspicious steamers
have been cruising about them, from which no information
can be gained. You may judge our state of feeling, shut out
from the world in this small Island, with only occasional news
from some transient vessel passing. It needs all one's phil
osophy to bear patiently this exile. Again I am in need of an
oculist for my eye, which has not improved at all since I left
home, and although the sight, which was but a haze for the
last year or two, has now departed, still the eye remains in
flamed and pains me more or less constantly, and I therefore
need the advice of a skilful oculist which is not to be had here.
The Department no doubt have felt their error in ordering us
here, which Pickering writes me must have been caused by
their not receiving his letters, as he has informed them of
the state of the Kearsarge. My chiefest sorrow is that the
lost time could not have been spent at home, which Mr. Dab
ney says was necessary for my health.
" It is true, when I arrived here I was a mere shadow, for
the disease which seized hold of my eye on the Mississippi

I02 John Ancrum Winslow.
River only developed itself afterwards and affected my whole
system. The cold which I took before I left home settled in
my lungs, and hung on for six weeks after I arrived here, and
I cannot foresee how long it will be before the inflammation
leaves my eye.
"Our accounts from the United States brought up to the
attack on the blockading squadron off Charleston and Galves
ton with poor William Renshaw's death and Mayhew Wain
wright's, also the sinking of the Hatteras by the Alabama.
The news from Vicksburg, etc.
" The Alabama endeavored to capture the Azor, remained
waiting for her for some time, because her owner Mr. Dabney
woiild not supply the Alabama with coal, consequently she will
have no mercy shown her by any of the Confederate cruisers."
" Fayal, Aprils, 1863.
" Again I am compelled to write without informing you of
the news of the Kearsarge. Some strange fatality attends that
vessel, dozens of vessels have been repaired since we have been
here, yet the Kearsarge occupies full time to repair them all.
You can form little idea how dreadfully tired we are; and how
slowly the time passes. It is literally an exile — nothing to do
and nothing to relieve the ennui. I am utterly dispirited. A
Portugese man-of-war has just arrived herewith the news that
the Alabama was at Flores, the most western of the islands, a
fortnight ago. Thornton supposes the Kearsarge may have
learnt of it and gone in pursuit, but I hardly expect this. At
length the signal is up for a steamer, and at last the Kearsarge
has come in, eleven days from Cadiz." " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
"Fayal, April 6, 1863.
" I am now in my cabin all alone on board the Kearsarge.
Pickering was relieved to-day and went on shore. I have
orders to keep on the European Coast, touching at Madeira
and the Azores, and for the next two months I shall be be
tween the two last. I have been so sick for a day or two (the
very time work commences) that I don't know when I have
suffered more pain ; yesterday I had pain in all my bones, and
the neuralgia in my eye and face was excruciating.

Assignment to Command Kearsarge. 103
" As the Alabama was reported to be off the Western Islands
I go at once in pursuit of her.
" Sick again to-day, regular Mississippi chills on me — have
just taken quinine."
The theatre of operations upon which Winslow
now entered was a vast and perplexing one, but
within it his judgment was supreme ; in fact he
scarcely got a single communication from the Navy
Department until his long struggle was crowned
with success. His cruising ground was thirteen
hundred miles long. It was bounded on the east
by the coasts of Europe and Africa and on the
west by his discretion. He was to blockade, cap
ture or destroy vessels fitted out as Confederate
cruisers. Of these he knew two, the Florida and
the Alabama, to be on the high seas when he took
command of the Kearsarge, and that a third, the
Sumter, had been laid up at Gibraltar. Others
were being fitted out in British and French ports,
but of these he knew little as yet ; in fact one, the
Georgia, was commissioned off Ushant at the very
time he was assuming his command.
Three Confederate cruisers, then, were in com
mission. Of these the Florida and Alabama had
been designed as warships, the latter especially to
be as nearly self-sustaining on the high seas as it
was possible to make her, while the Georgia was a
converted merchant steamer, formerly the Japan.
All had batteries throwing a broadside of about
250 lbs.

CHAPTER XIII.
CRUISING AROUND THE AZORES.
A STU DENT of the movements of the Kear
sarge after Winslow assumed command soon
discovers two distinct periods : one of search and
one of blockade. The former lasted six months,
during which the operations were confined to the
southern half of the theatre assigned, cruising
about the Azores and Madeira, with Cadiz and
Gibraltar as bases of repair and supply. It was
hopeless phantom-chasing, almost certain to be
barren of results. The second period was longer,
and the scene was shifted to the northern half of
the theatre, with always a concrete object in view,
— sometimes too many of them, — until a climax of
success was reached. From beginning to end it
was a gradual self-education to Winslow in an un
usual problem of warfare. It was quite natural
that his three-months' sojourn in Fayal, hearing
incessant rumors of suspicious-looking steamers
hovering around the islands and of munitions and
stores landed, should have magnified the import
ance of that corner of his field. Could he have
studied his theatre of operations at some place
104

Cruising around the Azores. 105
removed from the influence of any portion of it, he
would probably sooner have discovered that the
Azores as a cruising ground had two serious draw
backs : their position was not central and they had
no regular or quick means of communication with
other points. Coming upon the scene as he did,
however, we are quite prepared to see his plan of
campaign outlined, as in the following letter :
" U. S. steamer 'Kearsarge?
"Fayal, Aprils, 1863.
" Pr. Hortense to Boston.
" Sir, " I have the honor to report that after a detention at this
place of three months and a half, I have this day in obedience
to the order of the Department reheved Capt. Pickering in
command of this vessel.
" During my continuance at this place, and particularly
within the last month, I have noted the appearance of several
suspicious steamers, which without affording any information
of their character have cruised from Island to Island, evi
dently in search of consorts. The last of these steamers, a
new vessel under English colors and deeply laden, ran close
into this harbor, dipping her flag three times ; and then stood
off to the South'd & East'd.
" More recently information has been received that a steamer
answering in every particular to the description of the Ala
bama was seen off Flores on the 2 2d ult. This steamer when
last seen after pursuing and speaking a barque supposed to be
English stood to the Eastward.
" From these circumstances together with the establish
ment of late of coal depots at Terceira and St. Michael's by
Southern sympathizers it may be inferred that the enemy
and his abettors will seek these points for supplies during the
summer months. I shall therefore, should causes of more
importance not arise to justify a modification, cruise about

io6 John Ancrum Winslow.
these Islands and Madeira, touching occasionally at Gibraltar
and Cadiz. "I have the honor to be
" Your very Obedient Servant,
" John A. Winslow, Captain.
"Tothe " Hon. Gideon Welles,
"Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington, D. C."
As a matter of fact, the Alabama was burning
vessels on the equator near the coast of Brazil, and
the Florida was in the neighborhood of Barba
does. Eventually, however, Winslow was cruising
right athwart the path of the newly commissioned
Georgia, bound for the same general locality. She
passed through the Azores, undetected, about the
middle of April.
" U. S. S.' Kearsarge?
" Terceira, Azores,
" April 2S, 1863.
"Some fifteen days have elapsed since we first left Fayal,
and I have been cruising about these Islands, stopping at one
and the other. Some four days since we went into Fayal
without anchoring, and after practising shooting our batteries,
etc., went to sea again. I found the./S^. Louis at Fayal com
manded by Commander Marin.' I have called on the civil
Governor of this Island, a viscount, a young man of twenty-
three ; and the military Governor, a man of seventy-five, a
Baron and Marechal of the Empire, covered with orders ; from
both I received the greatest courtesies. The people are re
markably hospitable, they gave us a ball, at which I hardly
expected to be present, for about half past one in the after
noon a steamer hove in sight, off the Island, answering in ap
pearance to the Alabama. She was hull down and sailing and
steaming fast. In seventeen minutes our boats were all in,
' Commander George Henry Preble subsequently relieved Marin.

Cruising around the Azores. 107
anchor up, and we were after her, the heights covered with
people to see our movements, we chased her nearly seven
hours at the rate of twelve knots and over. At dark we were
within three miles of her, having gained upon her about eight
knots, but night coming on we lost her. It was not the Ala
bama or Ovieto? She showed English colors, and I think she
was a West India mail steamer."
The ship chased may have been the Georgia.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Fayal, April 27, 1863.
" From the English Mail Steamer at Terceira, I got some
English illustrated newspapers, and saw accounts of the con
fiscation of two more Alabamas, built for the Confederates by
the English Government. I was glad to see some steps taken,
however late itwas. I see that Farragut's fleet has joined the
Mississippi Flotilla, and that the Mississippi Steamer, Capt.
Melancthon Smith, had been sunk by the batteries — but the
details of news are very meagre. Charleston had not been at
tacked, and Banks was in the rear of Port Hudson.
"I have been cruising round these Islands for a fortnight,
so after coaling I shall leave for Madeira, and thence to Gib
raltar and Cadiz.
" Mr. Dabney handed me a letter from the Consul at Liver
pool, just received by the English steamer, with accounts that
several vessels are fitting out, supposed to be privateers, among
them the Sumter.
" When I left here I had a regular attack of intermittent fe
ver, which was nothing more than the malaria of the Missis
sippi still remaining in my system. My eye does not improve,
although I have been under treatment for it from several doc
tors — and though I have been at times so reduced from the
action of medicine and abstinence, yet the inflammation does
not seem to decrease, and I look now like some old, blind
horse — a deep red and purple color around the iris — and the
suffering intense. ... I shall go to Cadiz (for provisions)
via Gibraltar, and after stopping at Madeira, etc., probably
' Florida.

io8 John Ancrum Winslow.
return here. But should I receive any information of the Con
federate cruisers, after I get to Cadiz, I shall follow them
either in the Mediterranean or along the European Coast, but
I shall keep clear of English ports, as (by the orders of the
Ministry) we cannot remain in any one of them longer than
twenty-four hours. On entering an English port, we are im
mediately waited on by the Naval Officer with the proclama
tion of the Queen, warning us to quit after twenty-four hours,
unless repairs are required, when orders are given to hasten
them, and to be off as soon as completed. This is English
neutrality for belligerents. The Confederates manage to remain
as long as they choose.
" Our countrymen are in total ignorance of the treatment
American men-of-war meet with in English ports, and Presi
dent Lincoln should forbid our ports to English vessels of war,
except under the same conditions. John Quincy Adams
would have acted at once with a proclamation meeting the
case. " On entering the Bay of Gibraltar, I shall proceed over to
the Spanish side, lying at Algeciras.
" I continue my old practice of reading prayers to the crew
on Sundays ; and addressing them afterwards in explanation.
They seem always to look forward to Sundays with interest,
assembling themselves without being ordered. They have
never heard prayers on the Kearsarge before. I have ex
tended to them all privileges, shown them an activity and
given them a confidence in my movements and character,
which they know will be exhibited in the hour of requisition.
There is a minstrel party on board and I believe they are to
have an entertainment on shore. An application was made to
me to that effect, and I consented that the trial might be
made — a repetition of which would depend on their conduct.
" The St. Louis, Commander Marin, sailed yesterday, I told
him to go off Terceira and St. Michael's."
" Rebeira, Quante Islands,
"St. Michael's, May 14, 1863.
" We remained ten days, after the regular mail steamer left
(a fortnight ago), at Fayal, where we were employed putting

Cruising around the Azores. 109
on a cuirass, or rather plating our vessel for some thirty feet
each side, to protect our machinery. This plating consists of
our heavy chains, suspended close together, which are hung to
the sides of the vessel, and makes a complete armor for pro
tection against shot, etc. As soon as this was completed, we
sailed, cruising to the northward, and going into Terceira, I
learned that the very day after we had left that island two
blockade runners, the Sirius and Orion, side-wheel steamers
had come in, coaled and sailed for Nassau. It was a disap
pointment to know we had been cruising about, stopped into
Terceira three times before and the rogues had come in just
after our departure. However, we had no time to consider,
and after twelve hours delay we left for Point Delgada, the
city of the St. Michael's Island. Early the next morning, I
was aroused by the report that a steamer was in sight, I gave
orders to get underway, and shortly after, an English man-of-
war steamer came in. I thought I would speak him, but the
fellow was so uncivil about our movements, I concluded not
to do so or pay him any compliment, so, after wasting some
five hours, I resolved not to come to anchor again, but came
down to this place." " Delgada, May isth.
" Just arrived here, and news comes that steamers are off
Terceira ; I knew they were the Kearsarge and a Belgian
steamer, which the people magnify into Confederates, but I
must be off, lest my hypothesis be untrue, and consequently
I have no time to write a longer letter. English news comes
to us that the Alabama was to the South, March 25th, burning
vessels, and also that the Virginia (another Alabama) was out.
The news too of the failure of the ironclads at Charleston has
reached us ; — the news altogether unsatisfactory — so that the
war must be prolonged. I shall now sail for Terceira and
Fayal, and if the reports prove untrue, which I almost know
them to be, I shall leave immediately for Madeira, and from
there, after a day or two, if nothing occurs to prevent, sail for
Gibraltar and Cadiz for provisions ; we have now only fifteen
days' supply on board."

IIO John Ancrum Winslow.
" On MY WAY TO Gibraltar,
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge', " May 26, 1863.
" After closing out my last letter we went back to Terceira,
examined all the harbors to the north, and found the report
of the Alabama burning vessels, etc., ' a cock and bull story,'
and that we were ' sold '; so bore up for Fayal for coal, and off
again for Madeira, where we arrived four days after — found no
Alabama, no blockade runner had been in for five weeks, and
after four days we left again on our present road to Cadiz, via
Gibraltar, to get something to eat, for we provision there.
" Nothing can be more beautiful than cruising in these lati
tudes during these present months. The stormy winter has
passed away, and whenever you approach land, a beautiful
country opens to view with fine picturesque and mountainous
scenery." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge',
" Algeciras (opposite Gibraltar),
"May 27, 1863.
" We l^ave just entered the Straits of Gibraltar, after steam
ing most of the day, twelve knots, we passed a French iron
clad frigate under steam, as if she had been at anchor.
" I have just got the news of the defeat of Hooker, and the
terrible battle ; — it has cast a sombre hue over everyone.
What is to be the result ? The English are in ecstasies.
I see by the papers that the Alabama and Florida have made
a junction, and are burning vessels off Pemambuco. To
morrow we leave for Cadiz, for provisions and a few repairs,
which a steamer is always wanting, when I shall again leave
for the Islands. I can , hear nothing of the Virginia, which
got out of England some six weeks since. The English papers
mention Captain Bullock, as having gone to the Clyde to take
command of another Alabama, superior to the old one."
"Cadiz, June 6, 1863.
" We arrived here about six days ago, — came here for pro
visions — but as they put something on the bottom of the
vessel which acts like manure on land, a fungus of seaweed
has grown to such an extent as to impede her sailing. I am

Cruising around the Azores. 1 1 1
therefore going to take the Kearsarge in dock for a day to
scrape her, which will keep us here longer than I hoped. I
have no orders from the Department. I got some letters from
our consul at Liverpool, about vessels said to be privateers, but
nothing that determined me to change the cruising ground
from Madeira and Azores, etc."
On the I Sth of June, at Cadiz, Winslow learned
from English papers that the Georgia had been
spoken near the equator a few weeks before.
" Gibraltar, June ig, 1863.
" I left Cadiz yesterday, arrived here this morning — by
order of the English Minister I cannot stay here more than
twenty-four hours, and I dont want to, but I must have money
and small stores. I sail to-night for Madeira."
" Town, Santa Cruz,
" Teneriffe, July i, 1863.
" After leaving Gibraltar we arrived at Madeira in three
days passage ; I found there a small English steamer, which I
judged might be a blockade runner ; she got underway four
hours after our arrival, and after she had got off the coast
some four miles we got underway, stood after, overtook, and
searched her ; but there was nothing in her to condemn her,
so we left her ; and stood to the northward and eastward,
where for a week I continued cruising and exercising the
men, near a small island. We then again ran down for
Madeira. The Consul came on board with a letter from our
Consul at Teneriffe, Mr. Dabney, brother of the Fayal Dab
ney. He informed me that a privateer was down at Teneriffe,
a sidewheel steamer, so although it was not in my cruising
ground, I determined to run down at once, and left after three
hours detention. In neither of the stops I made at Madeira
did I have time to go on shore : I was not there longer than
four hours either time. I left Madeira yesterday at two
o'clock for Teneriffe — 260 miles — and the land is in sight.
I have had another attack of chills and fever, but am better,
and my eye which was very much inflamed, looks better than
it has done yet — but I have to take an immense quantity of

112 John Ancruin Winslow.
quinine, the only thing which my system improves under, and
the eye grows better. The Doctor said at first, the disease of
yours is malaria, and time and quinine are the only remedies.
The vision of my right eye is gone.
" The Captain of an English frigate who took lunch with
me yesterday on board, told me his friend Grattan was Con
sul at Teneriffe, begged me to call upon him for his sake, I
promised I would, since he said he was the Boston Grattan,
formerly consul there, so, I shall, to please one fine English
man — I must do the English Officers the credit to say they
are all liberal, and wish we would catch all the blockade
runners. " 2 o'clock p.m. We have just arrived and find a privateer
here. Astern of us is the English mail steamer, ready to
start, by which I hope to send this letter. After remaining
here a day or two, I leave for Madeira and the Azores, and in
twelve days hope to be in Fayal, but there are a great many
places to go first." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Terceira, July 30, 1863.
" An American schooner has just arrived, bringing news of
the defeat of Lee's army, and the capture of Vicksburg.
These accounts are cheering and I am glad to find some little
hope beaming at last. On the 17th inst., a blockade runner,
the Juno, came into Fayal for coal, but as she could get none
sailed suddenly, and we followed her at once ; but our anchor
getting under us, and the journals getting hot, we could not
catch her. She went into Angra ahead of us.
" Four days afterwards — after coaling, she again went to
sea and we after her — this time we were all right ; the Kear
sarge going thirteen knots, she tried all she could to dodge us,
going around the island and keeping close to land, knowing
we could not fire at her, as she was in neutral waters. When
she got to the northward of the island, she steamed off the
land, and I then took possession of her and stood back
towards Fayal, overhauling her cargo. After a day's examina
tion, found nothing that I could condemn her for, and let her go.
" I learned afterwards they burned all their letters. The

Cruising around the Azores. 113
English consuls are making a great fuss, but I dont care a
penny. I have reported all the circumstances to the Secretary
of the Navy.
" The Juno being a fourteen knot steamer, I was afraid she
would escape and I slipt my chain here, to pursue her quickly.
On our return, I find that they have cut our buoy-rope and
we are detained dragging for the anchor.
" The Portugese here say that the English Consul is at the
bottom of this ; angry for our catching the Juno. When we
left here, in pursuit of her, the hills were covered with people.
" The Juno brought late papers from England, and I saw
that Foote was dead, and Dahlgren appointed in Du Font's
place. " July 31st. We succeeded in getting our anchor and are
now at Fayal. An English war steamer is here for coal,
bound to England, and I shall send this letter by her."
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Angra, Terceira, "Aug. 6, 1863.
" Since I wrote you, four days since, we have been lying at
Fayal overhauling things. I informed you of our chase and
capture of the J^uno and the disfavor we have grown into by
the act. At Fayal an order was issued that no signals for
vessels should be made, while we laid in port. We are going
down to Terceira to put despatches on board the American
vessel, which gave us the news of the fall of Vicksburg, etc. —
she goes to Sidney, Nova Scotia.
" After this I am going to cruise among the islands. . . .
"Yesterday we got news from the United States to the T4th
with accounts of the New York riot and dates to that time of
Army movements. We are now under sail, going down to
Terceira, no steam, it is blowing a gale. I was on a cruise,
but I think I shall go in and lay at Angra until the wind sub
sides ; only there are no harbors around these islands, and
you have to- get under the lee, if the wind chops round it
brings in a terrible sea, and ships lay with several anchors
ahead. I judge from appearances that the South are nearly
exhausted, and the war cannot last much longer. I see they

1 14 John Ancrum Winslow.
were about attacking Charleston again. I hope they may
succeed." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Fayal, Aug 11, 1863.
" I went down to Terceira, last week on a cruise, and placed
letters for you and the Department on board a schooner,
bound to Sidney, Nova Scotia. On my return to the west
ward it was blowing a gale, to avoid which we came into
Fayal and found the Hortense just arrived with news of the
capture of Port Hudson, the attack on Morris Island and
other news which, in spite of mobs, is very favorable. I am
only in hopes that the end of the war is approaching more
rapidly than things warranted two months ago.
" We are going to sea to-night, cruise around the Islands ;
stop at St. Michael's, return here about the 29th, sail for
Madeira and Cadiz, to arrive there about the 20th of Sep
tember. "The Portugese about these Islands, influenced by the
English, are making a great ado about neutrality, because they
find I will overtake and examine English steamers.
" We have the reputation here and at Madeira of being very
fast and steamers arriving in any of the ports make every
despatch to sail before we hear of them. Our ship continues
a very happy one and I am satisfied that all on board will
endorse the letter which was sent to me by the officers of the
Baron de Kalb.
" My course on Sunday is always to read the service and
address the attendants. This, with tact in ruling and making
everyone comfortable, is imparting implicit confidence in me,
in both officers and crew, of the pleasantest character (in the
belief that I will do what can be done, as far as courage and
ability are concerned)."
By this time Winslow was beginning to realize
that, for his purposes, his cruising ground was ill
chosen, and news of the appearance of the Florida
in the Irish Channel quickened his determination
to change it.

Cruising around the Azores. 115
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Fayal, Aug. 27, 1863.
" By H. B. M., Gunboat ' Wrangle'
to Eng.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to inform the Department that since
the arrival of the Kearsarge on the loth ult. I have con
tinued active cruising about these Islands, without meeting
any of the rebel privateers.
" The nearest approach of any of them, we have news of,
being the Florida, which vessel, on the 15th July, was seven
hundred miles South West of Fayal.
" I learn however that the privateers were well acquainted
with our cruising grounds, and, it may be owing to this cir
cumstance, that the Islands have not been revisited by them.
" Our provisions having been nearly consumed, I shall pro
ceed in a few days (after the arrival of the Mail Steamer) to
Cadiz, by way of Madeira, to replenish them.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" To the
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Na-vy,
"Washington, D. C."
" Per mail this day. " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Ferrol, Sept. IS, 1863.
"Sir:" I have the honor to report that on the arrival of the
Kearsarge at Madeira, from the Western Islands, the 7th inst.,
information having been received of the appearance of the
Florida in the Irish Channel, I immediately left for that des
tination. I regret however to inform the Department that a
continual heavy wind from the north and eastward has re
tarded our passage, and compelled me to put into this port
for coals.
" Our detention here will not be over twenty-four hours.

ii6

John Ancrum Winslow.

when I shall proceed with all despatch in hopes of falling in
with the Florida, before advices of our movements have been
received. " Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" To the
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C."

CHAPTER XIV.
BLOCKADING THE FLORIDA.
IHAVE said that Winslow's choice of the Azores
as his cruising ground was a strategic error.
The Confederate cruisers were fitted out by agents
in British and French ports. When they left these
ports they were lost upon the trackless ocean, and
finding them upon it could be only the rarest good
luck. Since, however, they could not enter their
country's ports, they were almost certain, in the
long run, through some extreme need, to return to
the agents who had despatched them. Only on
that contingency could there be based any well-
founded chance to intercept them. Moreover, any
provision for meeting them in that way was equally
good for intercepting others newly fitted out, while
the locality watched would be in touch with the
news channels of the world. It is true that more
than one of the Confederate cruisers had visited
the Azores in search of United States whalers, but
self-preservation kept them continually seeking
new fields, and they seldom revisited old ones.
It might be argued, on the other hand, that
Winslow lost nothing by his stay among the
117

ii8 John Ancrum Winslow.
islands, and that he ran some chance of catching
the Georgia as she passed them, but had he sailed
at once for the English Channel after taking com
mand, he would have stood just as good a chance
of meeting her as she ran down, and he would have
been on the scene when the Florida made her
appearance. Let us look now at a map of Western Europe,
and study the problem that presented itself to
Winslow when he arrived from the Azores. The
conditions, all of which he soon learned from United
States consuls and agents, were as follows :
Two rams and two corvettes were building at
.Bordeaux. Two corvettes were building at Nantes.
Two rams were building at Liverpool.
The cruiser Rappahannock was fitting out in the
Thames. The Florida was repairing at Brest.
The Alabama and Georgia were at large, and
must ultimately seek British or French ports, com
ing up, most likely, from the southwestward.
The Kearsarge must take some central position
from which she can make the straightest and short
est possible dash at any one of her adversaries, and
at the same time be near a coal pile and a repair
base. Coal she could get from Cardiff by shipment
in colliers, but Southern partisanship made it im
possible for her to get adequate repairs in England
or France, so a dock-yard, when needed, must be
sought in Spain.
With these conditions, and the map before us, it

Queen.

f Confederate veasels buildirt^
or fittirtg ou?t,
ii /^ ears arse's sttztiort fos*
nb^er Vext ion and htocha.d8

Rea.rsa,rg€*s sou.rce9 of supxity
are irt blu^.

KEARSARQE'S THEATRE OF OPERATIONS

Blockading the Florida. 119
does not take long to find the key to the solution
of the problem, — Brest. Winslow himself writes
to Minister Dayton six weeks later : " You will
perceive from (its) position, that Brest is the best
point for intercepting Confederate vessels in the
Channel ; but it is necessary that I should be im
mediately informed of their departure, by Consular
Agents." He had studied his problem, and had
found the strategic key to its solution, but he still
had before him many months of disheartening trials
and bitter disappointments before he attained a de
cisive result.
Per mail frotn this place " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
the igth day of Sept. " Brest, France,
" Sept. 18, 1863.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to report the arrival of the Kearsarge at
this port, after a passage of forty hours from Ferrol, Spain.
" Subsequent to my despatch from Ferrol to the Department,
I received information that the Florida had put into Brest.
" This information determined my movements, and on reach
ing this port I found the Florida in dock undergoing repairs.
" The customary civilities having been extended, I waited
upon the Admiral in command, with a view of ascertaining the
state of feeling existing, as also the character in which the
Florida was held.
" My reception was cordial, and the Admiral remarked that
whatever his personal feelings were they could not be con
sidered, that instructions had been given to accord to the
Florida the rights of a belligerent, and as such the repairs ne
cessary to equip her for sea service had been directed, but that
no furniture of armament or munitions of war would be permit
ted. I was further notified that the established rule which must
not be violated, was that no two vessels of belligerent parties
could leave the port together, that one must precede the other
twenty-four hours in advance before she could be followed.

X20 John Ancrum Winslow.
" I enclose one or two slips cut from the Nord paper, pub
lished in Paris on the 15th inst. The Department will see
a reference to claims made on the Florida, for forcibly putting
prisoners of war on board two French merchant vessels, and
the possible seizure of this vessel.
" Reference is also made to seventy-;five men who left the
Florida, for Cardiff, as also the possible appearance of the
Alabama at Cherbourg.
" The report that the men left the Florida for some other
vessel receives some strength from the fact that Captain
Maffitt has been relieved in command, and has left Brest.
The name of the new Commander I have not as yet learned.
" I would beg leave to call the attention of the Department
to this port, which has evidently been selected by Captain
Maffitt, from the difficulty of blockade. The entrance to the
port is lined on either side with reefs of rocks which on the
southern side extend fifteen miles seaward, and on the northern
side a farther distance. On either side both north and south
a channel runs close along the land ; these with the main en
trance making three passages of egress, all of which should be
blockaded. " From the information that has reached me, I judge that
two weeks will elapse before the Florida can leave dock.
" I shall provision, and before she is ready to leave, take my
station outside to intercept her. I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" To the
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge,'
" Off Brest, France,
" Oct. 6, 1863.
" Today we have news of the check of Rosecrans, which I
was so sorry to learn ; and the Confederate officers, we meet on
shore, though there is no communication between us, appear

Blockading the Florida. 121
jubilant. We have to take all the care in the world to prevent
our men and the Florida's meeting ; one or two scuffles have
taken place and stabbing followed. The Florida's men live
on shore, and therefore seize the chance when a few of our
men are about, to pounce upon them. I have communicated
with the Government officials, and am convinced that the Ad
miral is trying to do what is best to procure neutrality. The
Florida is alongside the quay near the basin now, but she may
come out in a few days, and if her men do not respect neu
trality, I will board her and burn her in port. If they can't
-vkeep their robbers in order, or the French Government do not,
why the blame must be on their shoulders."
The following letter, pretty broadly hinting at
the possible turn of events, probably gave a quietus
to the misconduct of the Florida's crew :
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Brest, France,
" Sept. 27, 1863.
" Monsieur Le Comte :
" My duty involves upon me necessity of instituting a com
plaint against the crew of the Florida: This vessel, lying im
mediately near the landing, has been manned with a reckless
set of men, whose sole object in joining her has been priva
teering and piracy, and such is the want of discipline that the
crew either are permitted, or without permission, go on shore
nightly and pursue their carousals.
" Last night a body of these men made an attack upon a
small boat's crew belonging to the Kearsarge, when the crew
of the Kearsarge boat, obeying the orders which had been
strictly given, in no manner to offer, but to avoid all offenses,
shoved their boat off from the landing and laid upon their oars.
" I was a witness myself, before knowing of any difficulty ex
isting, of large stones thrown at the boat.
" This conduct by want of government of the Florida's men,
you must know. Monsieur Le Comte, will lead to serious con
sequences, in which the neutrality may be violated, if steps are
not taken by the authorities of the port to arrest proceedings

122 John Ancrum Winslow.
and place the crew of the Florida under such restrictions
as will prevent a renewal of these offenses.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" To Monsieur Le Comte
de Gueydon,
" Vis Admiral Prefet Maritime
de r Arrondissement." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Brest, France,
" Oct. 2S, 1863.
" The Florida will be repairing a month or more. I have no
information from the Department. Many questions were
raised upon points in the Juno's capture. The Department
will not answer one, but goes on the rule — give no orders, take
no responsibility. If the Commander of a vessel succeeds, all
is well ; if not, make him responsible. In fact, with the excep
tion of a letter detaching Dr. R. today, I have not received a
letter from the Navy Department since I joined the ship. I
wrote earnestly to the Department for ships to blockade the
three channels into Brest. Department wont reply. Our
minister from Paris writes me that Mr. Seward informs him,
the decision in the cabinet is ' No ships "will be sent? Good bye
Florida ! They won't risk making the French Emperor angry.
" I had a letter from Monsieur Le Dru d'Huys, French min
ister of Foreign affairs, informing me ' the Kearsarge keeps
steam on at all times for immediate pursuit of the Florida.
It will not be permitted by France. Men from England will
be allowed to join the Florida' But / say, men ¦wont if I get
wind of their coming across. Somebody's to decide, and /
am that somebody.
" In my opinion, only the French Emperor is opposed to us,
but he is France.
" The Admiral in command is always very glad to see me,
and as far as he is concerned is on our side, but he is cautious
and does not commit himself.

Blockading the Florida. 123
" I would have gone to Paris to consult an oculist had it
not been for the peculiar position I am placed in with the
Florida." On the 29th of October, Winslow received the
following telegram : " Lisbon, 2gth Oct., 1863.
" To Captain Winslow,
"C/: S. S. 'Kearsarge; Brest :
" Cruiser Georgia has been continuing outrages near Tene
riffe. Was seen by and boarded on Sunday last Liverpool
steamer Crarauga, one hundred and fifty miles from here,
steering northward and eastward in direction of British
Channel. "James E. Harvey, U. S. Minister."
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Queenstown, Ireland,
" Nov.s, 1863.
" You will be surprised to learn of our arrival here, but I
got a telegram from the Minister at Lisbon, informing me that
the Georgia (pirate) was on her way up the British Channel,
when I immediately left in pursuit of her, but have heard
nothing of her.
" In fact, we came out in a gale of wind, and have had noth
ing but a terrific one ever since we left. I shall leave again,
day after tomorrow, for Brest, without I learn something defi
nite about the Georgia. I have just returned from Cork. The
people are almost all secesh there. You don't know how the
English officers are at me to get out of this poi;t. The Queen's
proclamation allows us only twenty-four hours, except for
stress of weather, and it has been blowing a gale of tremen
dous violence for a week. The Prince Consort (Iron Clad)
almost went down.
" Tomorrow I shall go to sea and return to Brest, although
the Georgia has gone into Cherbourg."

CHAPTER XV.
THE QUEENSTOWN INCIDENT.
THE Kearsarge had now been six weeks at
Brest. Agents and partisans of the Con
federacy, on both sides of the Channel, found her
a rankling thorn in their sides, and they were
ready to resort to almost any strategem that would
force her, even for a short time, to quit the neighbor
hood. This could not be done so long as she could
coal, repair, and provision, even within the limita
tions of the proclamations of neutrality, in British
or French ports. She was, therefore, closely watched
for violations of neutrality and repeatedly charged
with them. An incident that occurred during
this visit to Queenstown was quickly seized
upon by her enemies, and its misrepresentation
strongly affected the treatment she afterward re
ceived in British ports. The whole correspon
dence is here given, for it tells the story without
need of comment. "Foreign Office,
„c " Nov. 30, 1863.
biR :
" I have the honor to call your attention to the following
statement which has come to the knowledge of Her Majesty's
124

The Queenstown Incident. 125
Government, respecting the shipment of British subjects on
board the United States Ship of War Kearsarge when in the
port of Queenstown for service in the Navy of the United
States. " It is reported that when the Kearsarge was at Queens
town early in this month, one of her officers, named James
Haley, who had been a resident of Ringaskiddy about twenty
years ago, and who, after serving on board Her Majesty's
ship Shamrock, had entered into the service of the United
States, went ashore for the purpose of visiting his sister at that
place, and when there persuaded five persons, named John
Sullivan, Edward Rylurne, Thomas Murphy, George Patter-
"son, and Denis Leary to go to sea in the Kearsarge. These
men are said to have been taken on board that vessel by one
J. Dunn, a boatman of Ringaskiddy. Another person of
the name of Michael Ahem, lately in the employment of
Messrs. Scott of Queenstown, is also reported to have gone
on board at the same time. None of these persons seem to
have come on shore again, and they therefore must have
sailed in the Kearsarge and have taken service in her as sea
men. " Her Majesty's Government have also been furnished with
copies of affidavits made by Patrick Kennedy and Edward
Lynch, both natives of Queenstown, who declare that they
proceeded on board the Kearsarge to enter as seamen, but did
not sail in her. Patrick Kennedy deposes that he underwent
an inspection of the ship's doctor and that his name was
registered, that he saw seven or eight other men from Ringas
kiddy come on board, all Irishmen ; one of them named
Murphy ; the names of the others he states himself not to
know. He states that he was informed the pay would be
twelve dollars a month. Kennedy, however, left the ship with
the pilot, and returned to land. Kennedy also deposes that he
saw on board the Kearsarge, Mr. Eastman, the American Con
sul at Queenstown, in conversation with one of the officers,
and that Mr. Dawson, the agent of the Consul, was also on
board. " Edward Lynch's affidavit corroborates the assertions made

126 John Ancrum Winslow.
by Kennedy. He says that he went on board with two other
Irishmen, Daniel O'Connell of Whitepoint, and John Con
nelly of Bishop's street, Queenstown ; and that O'Connell
and Connelly, having been passed by the doctor, were en
gaged as seamen together with three other men, all British
subjects, whose names he did not know, he himself being re
jected on account of his height. He declares that all those
whom he saw thus engaged sailed in the vessel when she left
Queenstown. " I need not point out to you the importance of these state
ments, as proving a deliberate violation of the laws of this
Country within one of its harbors by commissioned officers of
the Navy of the United States.
" Before I say more, I wait to learn what you can allege in
extenuation of such culpable conduct on the part of the
United States Officers of the Navy and the United States
Consul at Queenstown.
" I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration,
"Sir, " Your most obedient humble servant,
" Russell."
" 50 Jermyne Street, London,
"Dec. 3, 1863.
"Commander J. A. Winslow,
" U. S. Steam Sloop, 'Kearsarge?
" Sir :
" Enclosed please find an extract from the Times of this
morning alleging the shipment of two British subjects on
board the Kearsarge at Queenstown on or about the zd ultimo.
This act, I have to inform you confidentially, has been made
the ground of complaint on the part of the British Govern
ment. In the temporary absence of Mr. Adams from the
City and to save time, I beg to ask you to let Mr. Adams or
myself know as soon as possible what are the precise facts in
the case. Let your statement be based upon the enclosed
extracts, if you please, and without reference to any action of
the British Government of which you have no official infor
mation.

The Queenstown Incident. 127
" In anticipation of an early reply — for the emergency can
not be met too soon — " I have the honor to be
"Sir, " Yours very respectfully,
" John Bigelow,
" U. S. Consul at Paris."
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Brest, France,
"Dec. II, 1863.
" Sir :
"Your letter with enclosed memorandum is at hand. I
have just returned from a cruise of reconnaissance up the.
Channel, and while off Cork, landed sixteen men who had
secreted themselves on board the Kearsarge some time prior
to her departure from Queenstown on the 5th ult.
" I learnt from the Consul at Queenstown of the seizure of
this act by secession agents to make capital of, and left with
him originals of the enclosed letters, which will afford you all
information in the premises.
" I would beg leave to say that so far as my action is con
cerned in this case, I was so particular as even to send ashore
an American seaman — Boston born — lest it might be said that
I had not dealt faithfully.
" I should be pleased to receive your views on consideration
of this subject, with any information relating. It is to be re
gretted that the daily papers could not publish the facts and
disclose the plot of secession agents to prejudice the public
mind. " I have the honor to be,
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. A. Winslow,
" Captain.
" Hon. Chas. Francis Adams,
Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. of the U. S.,
"London.
"or John Bigelow, Esq.,
" U. S. Consul, Paris."

128 John Ancrum Winslow.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge,'
" Sir : " At Sea, Dee. 7, i86j.
" A party of men either by connivance of the crew or other
wise were concealed on board this vessel on the night of her
departure from Queenstown, the 5th ult. These men I learn
were in expectation of being enlisted in the service of the
United States after the Kearsarge had proceeded to sea, but
found their mistake.
" To have turned them ashore at Brest would have opened
to them the temptation to enlist on board the Florida. I
therefore determined to leave them at Queenstown as soon as
it was practicable.
" You will please notify Admiral Jones that I informed him
that no enlistmeilt would be made at Queenstown.
" I have therefore sent on shore this party, that no charges
of subterfuge may be alleged in the premises.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" E. G. Eastman, Esq., " Jno. A. Winslow, Captain.
"U. S. Consul." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge,'
" Off Queenstown,
" Sir : " Dec 7, 1863.
" I have the honor to inform you that I came to off Queens
town for the purpose of landing sixteen refugees who had con
cealed themselves on board this ship prior to her departure
from Queenstown on the 5th of November. I learn here that
an attempt has been made to magnify this circumstance for
purposes unfriendly to the United States.
" I have therefore given to the American Consul my certifi
cate with a representation of the circumstances by the Execu
tive officer of this ship, and I have directed the Consul to
hand you a copy of the same.
" Very respectfully, " Your obedient servant,
" Rear Admiral " Jno. A. Winslow, Captain.
" Sir Lewis T. Jones,
" Comdg. Her Majesty's Naval Forces,
" Coast of Ireland."

The Queenstown Incident. 129
" I certify that the U. S. Steam Sloop Kearsarge arrived in
Queenstown on the night of the 2nd of November, 1863, and
that on the day following, I left the ship for Cork.
" On my return to Queenstown, accompanied by the Ameri
can Consul, I called upon the Admiral in command, and in'
course of conversation reference was made to a paragraph in
the papers, that the Kearsarge had come in for the purpose of
enlisting men ; when I informed the Admiral that I had re
ceived notice from the Executive officer of the Kearsarge that
many persons had applied to be shipped, and in response, I
had directed him to notify all persons that no enlistments
would be made, and instructions were given in accordance.
" On the night of the 5th November while blowing heavy
and thick weather we went to sea. On the following day, re
port was made to me, that several men had been discovered on
board ; investigation shew that they had concealed themselves
in the ship during the thick and rainy weather of the day and
night previous, and disguised in this way had come out in the
ship in hopes of enlistment in the service of the United States,
after the ship got to sea.
" The Kearsarge was on important duty watching the Florida
at Brest, and it was therefore impracticable to return the men
to Queenstown immediately.
" I directed the men to be -held at Brest, in apprehension if
they now turned ashore, they would join the Florida, resolving
as soon as the Kearsarge left Brest again to put them ashore
at Cork.
" The Kearsarge left Brest again on the sth of December,
and in accordance with my resolution, I have this day the 7th
of December sent sixteen men ashore in the Pilot boat. Petrel,
with a list of their names as given to the American Consul.
"John A. Winslow, Captain."
" U, S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Off Queenstown,
" Dec. 7, 1863.
" Sir :
" I beg leave to state in accordance with your request, that
on or about the 3rd of November, 1863, several men from

I30 John Ancrum Winslow.
Queenstown came on board of this ship as applicants for en
listment in the Naval service. In the absence of yourself and
of any definite instructions in regard to such applications, I
told the men that if they were physically qualified for enlist
ment, they might remain on board until your return, when you
would decide. Upon your return, your instructions were not
to enlist them. These men were accordingly sent out of the
ship. " Many applications of a similar nature were made, but
their enlistment was in every case refused in accordance with
your instructions.
" During the time we were at anchor, the ship was sur
rounded by boats filled with men desiring to enlist. Orders
were given and executed not to allow them alongside. On
the day of the 5th this was the case until after dark, and until
the ship was underweigh.
" The ship went to sea on the evening of the 5th Novr. It
was stormy and blowing hard.
" In accordance with the usual custom of the ship and with
the necessities of the case (as I thought) before tripping the
anchor all strangers were ordered out of the ship. The Mas
ter-at-arms, with the ship's corporal and others of the police
force, executed the order, finding men stowed away in the
hold, in the Carpenter's locker and elsewhere. These men
were put out of the ship, in some cases by force. As soon as
the ship was reported cleared, the anchor was tripped and the
ship went to sea.
" On the next day several men were discovered who were
strangers in the ship. These men, probably with the conni
vance of some of the crew, had been so securely concealed as
to elude the vigilance of the police force. Upon receiving
this information, you decided to land these men at Brest,
whither you were bound.
" These men were sent out of the ship at Brest in accordance
with this determination, but pleading destitution were returned
and were permitted to remain on board until this morning,
when they were returned to Queenstown by the Pilot hoa.tPetrel
"I would add that the names of these men, upon their

The Queenstown Incident. 131
return to the ship while at Brest harbor, were placed upon the
ship's books for the purpose of their support and comfort,
they being otherwise entirely destitute.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" James S. Thornton,
" Lieut. Comdr. and Executive Officer.
" Captain " Jno. a. Winslow,
" Commanding."
Extract from a letter from the United States
Minister to England, December 16, 1863 :
"I write merely to express my satisfaction on learning that
you have promptly disavowed all intention of violating the
neutrality of this kingdom. I had already taken measures to
lay a copy of your note to Mr. Eastman of the 7th instant, be
fore the British Government. This is all the notice that seems
proper to be taken in Great Britain of the complaint. It is
not expedient to have any recourse to the newspapers. Copies
of all the papers have been transmitted for the consideration
of the Government at home.
" I have the honor to be, Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" Charles Francis Adams.
" Comdr. J. A. Winslow,
"Brest."
The first part of this letter, which is lost, must
have contained the remark that brought forth the
two following replies from Winslow :
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Brest, France,
"Dec. ig, 1863.
" Sir :
" Your letter of the 3rd inst. was answered with full com
mentaries on the subject, as requested by you, addressed to
Mr. Adams.

132 John Ancrum Winslow.
" In reply Mr. Adams says he was not aware of having writ
ten me, as the ship I was in, being stationed in France, he
could scarcely do so except through Mr. Dayton. I have
written to disabuse his mind of the impression of our station,
which extends all over the coast of Europe.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" John Bigelow, Esq.,
" W. S. Consul, Paris.
" (Forwarded to London.)" " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Brest, France,
"Dec. ig. 1863.
"Sir: " I have the honor to inform you that my letter of the
nth inst. was in response to a letter from Mr. Bigelow at
London, in which he remarked that in the absence of Mr.
Adams he had written to me ; and requesting that my answer
might be addressed to you or himself at London. I inferred
therefore that the duties of the Legation had been committed
to him until your return.
" I would beg leave to state that this ship is not stationed
at any one point, the orders for her cruising embracing the
whole coast of Europe, and any information you may deem of
importance to the mercantile interest, and which comes within
the duties of a cruiser of the United States to watch over, I
I shall be extremely obliged to you if you will advise me of.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
"Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Chas. F. Adams,
"Env. Ext. and Min. Plen.
of the United States."
In due course of circumlocution, the following
comes from the Navy Department :

The Queenstown Incident. 133
" Navy Department,
"Washington, Dec. 2g, 1863.
" SiR :
" The alleged violation of the Foreign Enlistment Act
of Great Britain by the Kearsarge, by shipping British sub
jects at Queenstown for service in the U. S. Navy, has
been made the subject of complaint by the Government of
Great Britain. I transmit herewith a copy of a note addressed
to Mr. Adams, on the 30th ult. by Earl Russell giving the
statements that have come to the knowledge of Her Majesty's
Government, respecting the matter. Your especial attention
is invited to the note, and the Department directs that you
will report to it without delay all the circumstances connected
with the matter in question, with such explanations as the
case may require. " Very respectfully, etc.,
" Gideon Welles,
" Sec'y of Navy.
" Capt. J. A. Winslow,
" Comdg. U. S. S. ''Kearsarge;
" Brest."
One would naturally suppose the incident now
closed, but on the 6th of April, 1864, in the House
of Lords, the Earl of Donoughmore referred to
the case of the men who had been received into
the United States ship of war, the Kearsarge, at
Cork, and urged that the statement of the Captain,
that he did not know of their being in the vessel,
was contrary to the depositions of the men them
selves. Earl Russell said that he had called the atten
tion of the American minister to this case, who
informed him that instructions had been issued by
the Government of the United States to the effect
that any officer in its service who infringed the

134 John Ancrum Winslow.
Foreign Enlistment Act should be dismissed. Mr.
Adams had also offered to refer the case of the
Kearsarge to the executive at Washington, but he
(Earl Russell) was not of opinion that either the
American Consul or the Captain of the Kearsarge
was culpable in this matter.
The Marquis of Clanricarde objected to allowing
the Kearsarge to be repaired in one of Her
Majesty's dockyards under the circumstances.
This debate drew from Winslow the following
letter, which was published in British newspapers :
"THE REPORTED FEDERAL ENLISTMENTS
AT QUEENSTOWN.
" We are requested to publish the following letter :
" To the Marquis of Clanricarde :
" My Lord, —
" My attention has in several instances been directed to
the debates in Parliament, in which the United States sloop
Kearsarge has been the subject matter. The remarks
which your lordship is reported to have made in the debate
of the 5th instant have led me to suppose that you were
desirous of the truth.
" Now, there can be nothing easier than its attainment.
There are on board the Kearsarge some one hundred and
eighty persons — enough, one would suppose, to testify before
a judicial court of the proceedings at Queenstown.
" Again, there is a log-book which records every occurrence
of the day, all of which are open to examination.
" Now, my lord, if these means are used for revealing facts,
you will find that the Kearsarge does not want men, that she
has more than her complement, and that the frequent applica
tions of the Consuls of the United States to send American
seamen to her have all been met by a refusal. You will find"

The Queenstown Incident. 135
also that these men (almost in rags) who secreted themselves
at Queenstown, were far from being such as would be ac
cepted for a man-of-war. Again, you will find that they were
entered upon the books of the Kearsarge at Brest, for the pur
pose of rationing and clothing them until they could be re
turned to Cork, for without the adoption of this course, the
whole of the expenses would have been charged to the Cap
tain. Again you will find that the crew of the Kearsarge sub
scribed a large sum rather than the clothes should be taken
from them. And further, that many of the Royal Marines at
Deal, and sailors at every port touched at in the United King
dom have offered themselves in numbers, and all have been
refused enlistment. All these facts are open to proof if it
becomes necessary to show it. It is true, sir, that the execu
tive had orders, before the captain left the ship at Queens
town, that four or five men could be taken, if any American
seamen were found on the Consul's charge, and from this
report the ship was besieged by hundreds of men for enlist
ment. But on arrival of the captain, orders were issued that
no enlistments would be made, and the ship was cleared of
strangers, and the reasons given for not taking any consular
men were, that the captain had informed the English admiral
that, in order that no ground of complaint could be made,
even American seamen would not be enlisted.
" It is therefore, my lord, absurd to think that we were in want
of the miserable trash that were secreted in the dark and
stormy night we went to sea.
" In commenting upon this case I may be permitted to re
mark that the principle, so long established by Englishmen,
that fair play should be given, seems lost sight of, and foul
play substituted. I hope your lordship is not one who, how
ever opposed to the Government, will lose sight of this great
principle, which has been so redeeming a trait in the character
of Englishmen.
" In adopting the unusual course of addressing this letter to
you, which has been elicited by the remark published as hav
ing been made by you, ' Why should not the officers at once
come to London and make such a statement of the real facts

136 John Ancrum Winslow.
as the American Minister would be prepared to vouch for ? *
I have thought it not inappropriate to publish the letter.
" I have, etc.,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" United States Sloop ' Kearsarge ;
" April 6, 1864."
The irregularity of this communication was ad
mitted, but that Winslow felt driven to it and that
it was well timed seems to be indicated by the fol
lowing extracts from his private letters :
" April 26, 1864.
" I have had a sharp correspondence with Mr. Adams, our
Minister. He has sided with the English in everything. . . .
The Americans are all mad with him." " May IS, 1864.
" One of your letters, forwarded here, contains a notice of
Kearsarge debate in Parliament, and I suppose ere this you
have seen more about it. My letter to Earl Clanricarde placed
matters in the right light and threw the tables on our side, for
everyone was ashamed to make other attacks on us. I re
ceived from everyone the most unbounded civility — particu
larly from officers of the English Army and Navy." " June 13, 1864.
" G  wrote me about my letter to Clanricarde, but he, or
anyone away from here, is not aware of the immense influence,
which has been brought to bear to bring on war with the
United States and England. The Tories have moved every
thing to effect it, with the hope of dividing the country and
breaking down democracy."
The Clanricarde letter at once excited the ire of
Minister Adams, who addressed Winslow on the
subject as follows :
" My attention has been called to a publication in the Daily
News of yesterday, of a paper purporting to be a letter

The Queenstown Incident. 137
addressed by you to the Marquis of Clanricarde. A proceeding
of this kind is wholly irregular, and, in my opinion, if prac
tised, calculated to endanger the friendly relations between
the United States and foreign nations. I am sorry to say that
I feel it my duty to make a report of the subject to the Gov
ernment. " I have the honor to be, Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" Charles Francis Adams.
" Capt. J. A. Winslow,
"Comdg. U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? "
To this Winslow replied, April loth :
" . . . I regret to learn your views upon a letter pub
lished in the ' News ' to the Marquis of Clanricarde. That
gentleman propounded a question to the officers of this ship
and the reply is hardly one that could give offence. On the
contrary, I learn from English officers that the answer was one
which was gratifying, as elucidating the case and highly com
plimentary to the English character on other points.
" It has not been my custom to reply to any observation
made in the public prints on this ship, much less any refer
ence made in Parliament, but the question so fairly submitted
by Marquis Clanricarde for information from the officers of
this ship, it would hardly be conceived exceptional to answer,
though it was irregular. " I have the honor to be
" Most respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Charles Francis Adams,
" Env. Ext. and Min. Plen.
ofthe United States."

CHAPTER XVI.
THE ESCAPE OF THE GEORGIA AND FLORIDA.
" Wretched, wretched English Channel/ I pity the poor mari
ner who frequents you in winter time, with awful gales and long,
long nights." — Raphael Semmes.
TH E Kearsarge was back in the harbor of Brest
on the 8th of November. She now had an
other Confederate cruiser to watch, at Cherbourg,
but the Florida was nearly ready for sea, while the
Georgia would probably remain in port some time.
There was thus some chance of engaging them seri
atim, and Winslow stood on the alert to precede his
first adversary to sea, keeping fully informed as to
every detail of her preparations and those of the
Georgia\\\ron^ Minister Dayton, the United States
consuls, and a number of spies in Brest and Cher
bourg. The Florida was handicapped by lack of
men, and Winslow very vigorously, and with some
success, combatted efforts to recruit them in France.
Realizing the extent of the repairs that had been
permitted on the Florida, noting that the Georgia
had sought a neighboring French port, and having
heard that the Alabama was expected to do the
same, Winslow determined to make a strong effort
138

Escape ofthe Georgia and Florida. 139
to prevent such partisan liberality toward these
last, and addressed the following letter to Minister
Dayton :
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge,'
" Brest, France,
"Novr. 24th, 1863.
"Sir: " The duty of watching the Florida here is irksome in char
acter, and one that from personal reasons I could have wished
had been unprotracted, but the cause of delay involves a
question which to my my mind, affects so seriously the neutral
ity principle, that I have deemed it my duty to submit it for
your consideration. The question to which I refer is — To
what extent repairs can be made on a vessel of war in the
ports of a nation at peace with both belligerents. By the
English Queen's proclamation. United States and Confeder
ate vessels of war will be prohibited from taking anything but
provisions for subsistence of the crew, coals sufficient to carry
them ' to the nearest port of their country, or to some nearer
destination,' in case of stress of weather, necessary repairs ;
and vessels are required to sail in twenty-four hours after
arrival, except when repairs are made, which shall be com
pleted as soon as possible and the vessel ordered to depart.
" Now in the case of the Florida it cannot be argued that
she entered the port of Brest to make the necessary repairs,
caused from the violence of the sea. She steamed well when
she was in the Channel, and had experienced no gale of wind.
Since she has been at Brest, she has almost been converted
into a new and changed vessel. Her machinery has been
modified, heavy parts for this modification cast in Paris ; in
stead of repairs of sails, a new and entire suit has been made
for her ; her battery also has been transformed, roomy large
ports cut in the bow, and the guns fitted to work in them.
Fighting bolts put in fore and aft where breechings were
seized, and various other alterations.
" Now it appears to me if such modifications are valid and
can be effected under the plea that repairs have been made,
caused by stress of weather and the violence of the sea, there

I40 John Ancrum Winslow.
can be no difference of admitting the Confederate sailing
vessel Tuscaloosa into a port of France, building around her
new sides and transforming her into a steamer.
" I have the honor to be. Sir,
" Most respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
"Wm. L. Dayton," etc.
Meantime the Florida was ready, and the gov
ernment that had so liberally repaired her was
called upon to prescribe rules by which she might
elude her ever-vigilant adversary. Winslow was
notified that if he preceded the Florida to sea he
must remain outside the headlands of Ushant and
the reefs to the southward, and that a French
steamer, the Ville de Lyon, would accompany him
to see the prescribed rules complied with. Thus,
two channels were opened, to the south or to the
north behind Ushant, for the Florida to slip through.
At this critical stage another Confederate cruiser
appeared on the scene at Calais.
" Legation of the United States,
" Paris,
"30th November, 1863.
" Capt. Winslow,
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Sir :
" I am directed by the Minister to send you the following
copy of a letter just received from Mr. Bigelow, U. S. Consul
at Paris, who is now in London. " ' London, Nov. 28th, 1863.
" ' My dear Sir:

U i I

' The Rappahannock was formerly the Victor of the R. N.
She escaped from Sheerness on the night of 24th about i

Escape of the Georgia and Florida. 141
o'clock, without a clearance, her owners having discovered
that her destination had leaked out and that she was likely to
be seized the next day or at least complained of. I learn
from Mr. Vendroux by last evening's mail that the Imperial
Government has directed the authorities at Calais to let the
ship sail when she pleases. Mr. Morse has evidence of all the
circumstances connected with her fitting-out and escape
which he is reducing to an affidavit to be made the basis of
a representation to the British Government.
" ' It is intended by the Confederates to arm and equip the
Rappahannock at sea. Two vessels belonging to the Confed
erates, the Aggripina and the Harriet Pinkney, are to take out
her equipment and to make the transfer at the Azores islands
between the islands St. Michels and Formigas.
The Aggripina left London last Saturday and the H. P. on
the 16th. Both are now at Plymouth.'
" The above information' of the place of rendezvous is given
to you in strict confidence.
" The following description may assist you in making out
the Rappahannock ; ' Boat hanging by davits on starboard —
none on larboard — painted black with a small yellow streak.'
" I am. Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" Wm. L. Dayton, Jr.,
"Assist. Sec. of Leg."
We have now run a little ahead of private corre
spondence.
' ' Kearsarge, Brest,
" Nov. 14, 1863.
" . . . I wrote you from Cork, I had a hard time
there battling with the English Admiral, He is a ' Sir ' and
his wife a 'my Lady'; he invited me to dinner, but I could
not go. It is singular, but in Brest, there is not that private
house I have been in, no one has said 'Bean Soup' to me.
Florida still here, — I don't know when she is going out,
and if the Georgia remains at Cherbourg as long, I think we
shall pass the winter here."

142 John Ancrum Winslow.
" Kear.sarge, Brest,
"Nov. 21, 1863.
"... I am still watching the Florida, and some of
the Georgia's officers are here now. I shall sail as soon as I
hear of her going out.
" Mr. Dayton writes from Paris — ' The Department wont
send any more vessels out, though I myself have urged it upon
the Secretary of the Navy.' — ' The Department is satisfied with
your zeal, and have confidence in your judgment ; where it is
best to cruise or what you are to do, be your own judge.' But
I know this, if there is an error or complaint, then T am sure to
get it?' " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge;
" Brest, France,
" November 28, 1863.
"... I see by the ' Advertiser,' you sent me, affairs look
brighter. I am tired to death waiting here for the Florida —
she wont sail, nor do I see any prospect of her doing so. I
have been in constant communication with our Ministers
abroad, and I have written them, that it is best for Mr. Seward
to put a minister now in the ships of war, for the many ques
tions which are to be debated.
" I have today a letter from Dudley, and one from London
about more privateers. But if the war is more successful (for
the North) it will end the play of the Rebel Sympathizers.
" Mr. Minister, from Lisbon wrote me my ' celerity and zeal
called forth his thanks, and he had written to Mr. Seward to
ask him to so inform the Secretary of the Navy.' "
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" Brest,
' ' December i6th, 1863.
" . . . When I went to land in Cork, some fifteen men
secreted themselves in this vessel, in the tremendous weather
we had. The English all hate this ship, and took hold of this
act to try and make something out of it.
" Lord John Russell sent the most foolish philippics, going
off half cocked, and I suppose he now finds he was made a
dupe of. This thing has cost me more writing than would fill
a quire of paper.

Escape of the Georgia and Florida. 143
" No person can form an idea, without having been in Eng
land, of the terrible strength of secession feeling. There is
hardly a paper that will publish, accounts of our victories,
and one would suppose that the North is always whipped.
For instance, the ' Times ' says ' Bragg fell back, it is true,
owing to difficulties, he lost sixteen guns ' (not sixty, as our
papers say). I went off Plymouth, but told them I would not
go in, or they would manufacture some other sensational news
about the Kearsarge. The Georgia and Florida, I believe, are
now getting ready for a start. I expect momentarily a tele
gram about the Georgia's departure ; I shall try to head her
off, as she comes down the Channel. Report says she intends
to join the Florida. If I get news of her early departure, I
shall interfere with that movement. I am heartily tired of be
ing here so long, never go out of port without its blowing
terrifically. " The Frenchmen have become more polite and attentive
since I was here before, owing to General Grant's victories. I
do hope there is now some prospect of the end.
" I think the Kearsarge will go home about May. She has
a name here for expedition and strength, and withal, does
credit to the country, keeping the rebels in port."
Meanwhile the Florida lingered at Brest, and on
the first of December it was reported that the
Georgia was ready for sea. Captain Winslow was
repeatedly told by apprehensive sympathizers that
the two cruisers probably contemplated a junction
to engage the Kearsarge, but he would have wel
comed this as great good luck. Then it began to
be rumored that the Rappahannock was about to
join forces with the other two for his annihilation,
but he expressed himself as eager to accept even
these odds in order to bring his adversaries to
battle. As a matter of fact, the Rappahannock
was without an armament, and the real purpose of

144 John Ancrum Winslow.
the Confederate agents was to effect a meeting be
tween the Georgia and Rappahannock, in order to
transfer the battery of the former to the latter ; the
Georgia having proved a failure on account of her
small sail power and very limited coal endurance.
The Florida was probably detained at Brest to en
gage the attention of the Kearsarge until the other
two cruisers could effect this transfer. The Rappa
hannock, however, was badly tied up by diplomatic
protest and correspondence. She was one of sev
eral British despatch-boats which had been sold
at Sheerness. While she was fitting out there, it
was irrefutably demonstrated to the British author-
ties that she was a Confederate cruiser. She there
fore fled without clearance from Sheerness to avoid
seizure, was commissioned by Confederate officers
in the English Channel, and taken into Calais as a
Confederate man-of-war in need of repairs. Al
though accorded hospitality, she was practically
under detention while her legal status was being
debated. The inadequacy of a single ship to cope with the
situation was now tryingly apparent. The U. S. S.
¦5V. Louis, a sailer, lying at Cadiz, was the only
other Federal vessel in neighboring waters. Her
cruising ground, carefully defined by the Navy De
partment, was from the Cape Verdes to Lisbon,
and not a word in the instructions to her com
mander suggested co-operation with the Kearsarge.
Winslow had learned, by carefully studying the
problem in the light of experience, that the only
sound plan for capturing or suppressing the Con-

Escape of the Georgia and Florida. 145
federate cruisers was by concentration in the local
ity from which they issued, and to which, by force
of circumstances, they would eventually return.
This he tried repeatedly to impress upon the Navy
Department, but with little success. Many cruisers
were sent chasing hither and thither over the high
seas after Confederate vessels, with only fortuitous
chances of meeting them, and not a capture was
made. If any two of them had been with the
Kearsarge, the Georgia and Florida might have
been captured.
So long as but one vessel was assigned to the
locality, it was absolutely essential to any success
that she should be kept coaled and victualled on
her station. Instead of this, storeships were
sent to Cadiz. Winslow solved the coal question
more that once by coaling in open roadsteads in
the vicinity of his blockade, from vessels sent from
Cardiff, but it was exceedingly difficult either to
husband or replenish his sea stores. He should
have adopted a similar method of solving this
diflficulty, and this, too, he was destined to learn by
experience. " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? " Brest, France,
" Dec. 20 th, 1863.
" Sir :
" It is necessary to provision this ship, and supplies of
beef, pork and tobacco cannot be obtained in Brest. 1 am
therefore compelled to proceed to our depot at Cadiz, for this
object. We could remain here for two or three weeks longer,
but the expenditure of provisions would prevent our sailing
for the Azores in case of need.
" As I learn that it is not probable that the Georgia will sail

146 John Ancrum Winslow.
from Cherbourg for two weeks, and the Rappahannock and
Florida will be detained for a longer period, I judge this to
be the most favorable time to leave.
" All information that will reach the rebels of our move
ments will be that we have left for a Channel cruise. I ex
pect to be back in ten or twelve days, and if anything of
importance transpires in the interim, I will be pleased to
receive telegraphic information.
" I have the honor to be
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Wm. L. Dayton,
" Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. of the U. S.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? " Brest, France,
"Deer. 20th, 1863.
" Sir :
"Information received at the moment of leaving has led
me to change my intention, and I shall wait for further de
velopments. Mr. Kinos informs me that the Florida has
shipped a number of men and is on point of immediate
departure. It was supposed that her machinery would re
quire another examination, but I learn Comdr. Barney has
determined to sail without further delay. As he has just re
turned from Paris, I am led to believe that an arrangement
has been made by him and the Commanders of the other
rebel vessels for a concert of movement.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Wm. L. Dayton,
" Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. of the U. S.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? ' ' Brest, France,
" Jan. i6th, 1864.
"Sir: " I have the honor to inform the Department that the
Florida came out into the roads on the 26th ult., making

Escape of the Georgia and Florida. 147
every preparation for an early departure, as it was reported.
In accordance with my advice to the Department to sail in
advance of her, I left three days afterwards, and have con
tinued until to-day, cruising about the mouth of the different
entrances to this port, or seeking shelter in the bays of the
Island of Oussaint.
"Yesterday by message sent to the American Consular
Agent, I learnt that the trial trip of the Florida on the 8th
inst. had been very unsatisfactory, and as a consequence,
various modifications had been directed which would occupy
a still longer period before she can be ready for service. I
learnt also, that most of the officers had again been changed.
Commander Barney had been relieved by Commander Morris.
" On receiving this information I determined to enter port,
take a supply of water, as our condensers were a little out of
order, and proceed immediately to Cadiz for provisions. I
would state to the Department that neither beef, pork,
tobacco, or some other articles of the rations can be procured
here, and it is only by a frugal management that our supplies
have lasted. The blockade has, however, exhausted all but
twelve days' provision.
" I shall leave to-morrow for Cadiz, and return as soon as
practicable. " I have reason to think that the rebel cruisers will view our
departure as again returning to blockade, or to reconnoitre in
the Channel. " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington, D. C.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? " Cadiz, Spain,
" February 4th, 1864.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of copy of your
letter to Mr. Dayton, affording information of the supposed

148 John Ancrum Winslow.
design of the Confederate cruisers, with other contents.
Although preparation is essential, I am however, not disposed
to endorse all the papers may say of what is to be done by
rebel cruisers. First I know nothing of a challenge, and inas
much as we had been for some time blockading Brest and our
business is to intercept the Florida and other rebel cruisers, I
can't see the necessity of printed bombast, when, at any
moment they desire, a meeting with this ship can be had.
Again in response to a communication of Consul Putnam in
which he informed me of having seen a letter from a Lieuten
ant of the Georgia expressing the intention of rebels to com
bine for the capture of the Kearsarge, I stated to him that no
obstacle would be thrown in the way of the Georgia's and
Florida's junction if such intention was honest.
" Some repairs to the machinery of this vessel will detain us
here longer than I anticipated and I cannot expect to arrive
in Brest before the i8th inst.
" With raany thanks to you for your information,
" I am, very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" F. H. Morse, Esq.,
" U. S. Consul,
" London."
" P. S. Should we find on our return to Brest that the
Florida's armament and crew have been increased, it would
be no longer prudent to permit her to join the Georgia."
Returning now to private letters :
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" Brest, France,
"Dec. 20th, 1863.
" . . . I am just on the point of sailing for Cadiz to get
provisions, as we are out, and can get no Salt Beef, Pork, or
Tobacco in France. I regret to go, lest the Georgia should
come out, but I have left word we are on a cruise, and they
will think we are again up the Channel. But we want sails,
our old ones are worn out, and I wrote home in June for a new

Escape of the Georgia and Florida. 149
set which were left in Portsmouth, and I am in hopes the
Storeship at Cadiz has brought them. It is the best time for
us to go, as from all I can learn none of the Confederate vessels
will be out for a fortnight, and I hope to be back then.
" I suppose you will see in the papers a great row about the
Kearsarge shipping men at Cork for which the Secesh in Eng
land have opened upon us — but they were hiders in the hold
&c — and we took them back. It was astonishing, the ship was
literally crowded up with men, requesting shipment, and so
many of them stowed themselves away in the heavy gale at
night, and went to sea with us. I see only a telegram in
French papers that Longstreet has been repulsed by Burnside
— and Lee has fallen back.
" I am plagued to death about the correspondence in which
the Cork men have involved me.
" I hear Lord Russell has issued a proclamation, closing
English ports to American and Confederate men-of-war. It
will work badly for the " Confeds " — we don't want to use
them. Today is Sunday, and I have had service as usual.
They say the Florida is to be pulled to pieces again — I don't
think she will go out of this Port before Spring — Barney is in
Paris, and the officers don't seem to like again going out. I
should think the ' Confeds ' must be sick and tired of the war,
and would see its hopelessness  "
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge, Jan. ist? 1864,
" Off Brest — at night.
"... I wrote you about ten days ago as we were sail
ing for Cadiz — but as we were about leaving I learned the
Florida would certainly come out in a few days, and go to sea
immediately, so I was compelled to change our destination
and wait. The Florida at last did come out in the roads, and
from fear that she would get to sea before me, and we could
not follow her for twenty- four hours, I sailed on the 21st uito.,
and am hovering about the reefs, and small islets that form the
mouth of the bays of Brest. The weather is tempestuous,
and the sea tremendous. The North-West winds which blow
over the Atlantic strike this point of Europe, which juts out
and divides the wind, one part blowing in the Bay of Biscay,

ISO John Ancrum Winslow.
and the other up the Channel, and bringing over the whole
sweep of the sea — as I am now writing. I have taken a refuge
(a poor one it is) behind the Island of Ushant — but the sea
heaves round tremendously.
" There is a poor chance for us to catch the Florida — The
current runs through the reefs at six miles an hour— and there
are two channels inside of us, nearly twenty miles apart, either
of which the Florida can take — They have been cunning
enough to fill up with coke, which shows no smoke, and there
fore at night they may come out easily and elude us. I am
heartily tired, first at the almost impossibility of capturing her,
and next at the tremendous hard service in the blockade. I
have now a lookout on the Island of Ushant to inform me of
events — while I was in Brest I would get telegrams from Cher
bourg or Calais if the Rappahannock or Georgia sailed, and
then sail myself to head them off coming down the Channel,
now everything is changed, and they may get off without my
knowledge — but one ship can't look out for three vessels, in
different places — although Mr. Welles tells the merchants
otherwise. I expect to go into Brest again, should I learn the
Florida has got out, coal, to Cadiz for provisions and then
return to this port or not, as circumstances warrant."
" Jan. 2d. — Last night we were at anchor under the Island
of Ushant, and at twelve o'clock were driven off by a blow and
high seas, and today we were in chase of two French Steamers,
which turned out a useless job for us. I was going back to
our old place near Ushant this morning, after an Englishman
informed me the Florida was still in Brest, but hailing me
again, he informed me that the Federal Steamer was in there
also, she must have passed us in the blow — but I don't know
if he were lying or not, however I will run in close to night
and endeavor to ascertain or communicate with her. You
must not expect any regularity in my letters, as it is all chance
my having an opportunity to send them. I think of sending
this in to-night, in hopes of getting letters and news, which I
would like to inform you of, should they effect my move
ments — I am anxious to know what we are to do by the order
of the Secretary of the Navy. . . ."

Escape of the Georgia and Florida. 151
After the Kearsarge sailed for Cadiz, the French
Government issued mandatory instructions to its
port officials to compel Federal and Confederate
vessels to leave port within twenty-four hours of
the completion of necessary repairs. The addi
tional repairs on the Floridas machinery were
completed on the 9th of February. Her com
mander was peremptorily ordered by the Admiral
of the Port of Brest to leave within twenty-four
hours. There is nothing in the official correspond
ence between Lieutenant-Commander Morris and
the Confederate agents, or in the log of the Florida
at this time, to indicate that the absence of the Kear
sarge from the blockade was known. On the con
trary, Lieutenant-Commander Morris writes to Flag
Officer Barron : " Under the circumstances it is of
the greatest importance that I should leave before
daylight." The Florida sailed from Brest at 2
A.M., February loth, under cover not only of dark
ness but of thick, stormy weather. The Georgia,
subjected to the same governmental pressure, left
Cherbourg on the i6th.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Cadiz, Feb. 6, 1864.
"... We have already completed all our little repairs
(steam-engines are always out of order), and shall return to
Brest about the nth inst. I have had several letters from our
Consuls and Ministers about the preparations made by the
Rebels for the Capture of the Kearsarge, but I think we can
manage our own business. The ' London Times ' comes out with
a challenge for us, the first intimation I had, after getting to
Cadiz. But I had written Mr. Putnam to announce that I
would permit a juncture of the Florida and Georgia, if they
would pledge themselves that they were honest. I have now

152 John Ancrum Winslow.
letters that show the rebels are offering large rewards ($150
apiece) for men to volunteer to attack the Kearsarge.
" Mr. Morse writes they have 150 more men in the Florida,
and two new Steel Blakely guns, &c. Mr. Dayton says " be on
your guard." I wrote back fudge ! I believe however they are
doing all they can, but I think we can look out for ourselves.
" I hear, at last Mr. Welles is going to send some vessels out
here, it is about time. We have kept the rebels from burning
vessels in the British Channel — but if they come out, and
destroy property, Mr. Welles may have a hornet about his ears
in the merchants. Singular that the whole Confederate Navy
are to remain on the European Coast, without vessels to look
after them. I see you have been having very cold weather at
home ; it must be trying for the Army. The appearance of
things at home does not look promising. . . ."
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Cadiz, Feb. 12, 1864.
" . . . Boston papers, received to-day, mention the sail
ing of the Sacramento on the 22ult, although she is coming
here, she is not our relief. I am in hopes we shall get the
Florida or something before our return home. . . ."
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Brest, Feb'y ig, 1864.
" . . . We arrived here yesterday four days from Cadiz
— found the Florida gone — she went to sea at night, escaping
by the Southern passage, supposing that we were blockading
the main entrance. She left in consequence of the order,
issued by the French Government, similar to the proclamation
of the Queen of England, forbidding Northern and Southern
vessels to remain in port after 24 hours — it was served on us
today, and we go to sea tomorrow. I received a telegram
today, that the Georgia sailed two days ago from Brest [Cher
bourg], and the Rappahannock is soon to follow ; I shall go up
the channel as far as Calais, and after hovering about to catch
either of them should they remain, proceed as information
may direct. It is very cold and our men suffer very much so
far north. You have no idea what a flurry my numerous and
constant correspondence keeps me in and I have so much to
attend to besides."

8

^^^

  .. J

CHAPTER xvn.
THE BLOCKADE OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK
AS the vessels building for the Confederacy at
Bordeaux, Nantes and Liverpool were all
several months from completion, the Kearsarge
could now devote her whole attention for a time to
the Rappahannock. Accordingly, she took her
station in the Channel off Calais, using Boulogne
or Dover as harbors of refuge when necessary on
account of weather.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Boulogne-sur-Mer, " March 4, 1864.
"... I had just written "My dear Sir" instead of
... so much is my mind occupied, with so many and
various calls to attend to— to give you an idea, I was dining
with an American gentleman, who has a chateau here, Mr. Jas.
Brown, and while at table I was three times called out, twice
by telegrams and once by a gentleman in person. We have
numerous spies and the Confederates use the same means also
for information. Morse, our consul in London, has a legion
in his employ. The Florida is somewhere north or hiding in
the channel. The Rappahannock is about coming out and I am
using all exertions to discover the time,— and the whereabouts
of the Florida— 'Cne: Georgia is also somewhere in the vicinity.
But all my endeavors have come to nothing as yet.
" We have had a perfect ovation at this place. It is the
153

154 John Ancrum Winslow.
great watering place of France and where Napoleon assembled
his great army to invade England. A column commemorates
the event. A fine town filled with English secessionists ; but
our ship is crowded, and so polite are we, that every day we
see in London and Boulogne papers complimentary articles
about the ship and officers. Yesterday an English boat with
company, including seven ladies, came : we were coaling,
decks covered with coal — told them so. They would not take
no for an answer and aboard they came. We treated them so
well, they all cheered us, and our crew returned it.
" The Admiral is a bitter secessionist, so Mr. Brown informed
me. Today it rains, or we were to have had more admirals,
more colonels and majors with their wives and daughters, than
we had room for. Frenchmen also by the dozens.
" When I was at Dover it was bad weather, no sooner was
the anchor dropped than off came me lords so and so sending
their cards and all went away pleased, begging me to call at
their residences.
" English ladies also, who rowed their boats right out in the
channel, coming aboard and making the best of the worst
weather. We have taken in coal and by the 24 hour order,
I must go to sea tonight.
" I shall be off Calais tomorrow, under Danish colors and
communicate with a spy on shore. Then to Hastings or
Dover. " I had no time to go on shore when at Dover last, the sea
was rough and I was waiting telegrams. . . . Strange the
Government will not send ships here.
" The Alabama is coming here, Semmes is in Paris, a gentle
man saw him there last week. If we had had more ships here,
we certainly could have got the Georgia or Florida. "
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
"Off Dover,
" Mar. i8th, 1864.
"... You can have no idea what a season we have had
in the channel since November ; it has been the severest for
blows and cold ever known here, and in consequence of the
twenty-four hour law, we are forced to keep running about for

The Blockade ofthe Rappahannock. 155
shelter from the storms, by getting under a lee. When it
blows from the French side, we have to go over there, and
when it blows from the English side, back we go for the same
reason. This is the first moderate day I have seen for two
weeks. "A week ago, I left the Downs, which is inside of the
Goodwin sands, for Dover, it being necessary to leave the
Downs from the wind shifting; a few hours, wind again
shifted and blowing away, we had to go back again, passing
the Downs, we entered the mouth of the Thames and anchored
off Margate ; — blowing a gale all day. Next day back again
to Dover, wind hove to again, heavy sea coming in twelve
hours afterwards, away we went back to the Downs and last
night again returned to Dover.
" An English Lieutenant, from the Admiral at Sheerness,
ordering us not to take in coals, etc., but once in three months,
within three miles of the coast, chased us to Margate, then to
Dover, and got aboard of us at Deal. All this time I have to
keep up constant communication with spies, to learn the least
movement of the Rappahannock. There is nothing but rain
and fog here, and the Rappahannock may come out any time,
and we can't see her a length ahead of us. I have sent up to
London to charter a small steamer, which will act as a spy on
her movements, for our telegraph and letter communication
are all known to them.
" You know Dover is a great place for fortifications, etc.,
and the whole of this coast seems covered with old castles.
The English officers have been on board and invited us every
where. Today I have begged to be excused, but I have let
the other officers go on shore to dine at j4 past seven o'clock
and afterwards to an evening concert given by the English
officers. . . .
" Mr. Adams has sent me word that the Niagara and Van
derbilt are coming to relieve us. Now ' the horse is out, the
stable is locked ! ' We should have got the Georgia had we
had another steamer.
" People, inexperienced, have little idea what it is to block
ade such a place as Brest. And here in the channel the

156 John Ancrum Winslow.
current is running 2^ miles an hour, a reef of rock right in the
center, of several miles extent, nothing but thick foggy
weather, etc. . . . constantly wanting coal, to obtain
which we are obliged to order some vessel to meet us in mid-
channel, or at some point on the coast of France, and perhaps
find the storms have prevented her from reaching it, or else
the sea too rough for her to come near us. Last time ' the
good God,' as the French pilot says, ' favored us,' and the sea
was smooth enough for us to coal three miles off Boulogne,
but owing to the rain and fog, our coal was so wet, that all
yesterday and today spontaneous combustion is going on in
our bunkers and we may be burned up, or have to throw the
coal overboard, after all the hard work we had to get it. I
am very economical, but we must work engines in the channel.
" Reports from the United States are unfavorable, appear
ances unpromising. . . . When I left Brest rumors were
prevalent that the Georgia and Florida were at Cherbourg.
American vessels afraid to go out. I went from place to
place, where the Georgia was reported to be, and not finding
her, ordered the vessels to go out. The reports had been
spread falsely by spies. ..."
This persistent blockade was greatly disconcert
ing the Confederate agents. The Georgia was
hovering about awaiting a chance to meet the
Rappahannock at some appointed rendezvous and
make a general transfer, but the commander of the
latter expressed himself as having scarcely one
chance in ten of making a successful sortie from
Calais. The annoyance caused by the Kearsarge
to Confederate agents was soon reflected by their
partisans in the British Parliament and reacted
upon her in the official treatment received in
British ports.

The Blockade ofthe Rappahannock. 157
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Off Dover, England,
" March 2 ist, 1864.
" Sir :
"I have the honor to inform the Department, that after
leaving Brest we continued for some days to cruise from
point to point in hopes of falling in with the Georgia or
Florida. Reports everywhere reached us that these vessels
still remained in the Channel. On our arrival at Cherbourg,
we found several American vessels had sought safety in the
harbor to escape the Georgia, which cruiser was said to be
lying under Cape Barfleur. I immediately proceeded to that
point, proved the falsity of the report, and returned to Cher
bourg to give the information.
" Leaving Cherbourg for Dover, reports were again brought
to us that the Florida was off the coast of France, and on our
arrival in the roads off Boulogne in search of her, a person
calling himself an agent of our Consul at London, affirmed
positively that in two or three days he would give us informa
tion of her position. The man knew too much, and although
a telegram was received from London that he was true, I soon
satisfied them that he was a rebel spy, and the various reports
had been circulated to draw us off from watching the Rappa
hannock. The appearance of the Florida at Madeira has set
at rest all these reports, and we are left at liberty to direct our
whole attention to the Rappahannock.
" I have to inform the Department, that the season has
been of unusual severity, and we have been driven from point
to point from England to France to take shelter under any
headland that afforded us a lee.
" The mode adopted to intercept has been at such times at
night when the tide served (as she can only come out of the
inner harbor of Calais near high water) is to lie off the port
with our lights out waiting her departure. Such, however, is
the thick and foggy weather of the Channel, that there is
every reason to apprehend that the Rappahannock, pursuing
the same plan as we adopt, would escape us. I have thought
it best, therefore, and at the instance of Mr. Adams and

158 John Ancrum Winslow.
Morse, have hired a small steamer at ten (10) pounds per day,
which vessel secretly will keep watch upon her, follow and
signalize her departure to us. This plan, should we be able
to keep the Kearsarge supplied with coal, which the twenty-
four hour law denies to us in port, will no doubt eventuate in
her capture. ^
" I have the honor to be,
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.

" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Washington, D. C."

"U.S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Dover Roads, Eng.,
" March 23d, 1864.

" Sir :
" You will please inform the Masters of American vessels
in your port, that there is not the slightest danger to fear from
the Rappahannock. This vessel cannot come out of Calais,
without the chances are such as almost to insure her capture.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
Jno. a. Winslow.
" To U. S. Consuls at
" Bremen, Ger., Ostend and Antwerp, Belg."
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? " April 6th, 1864.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to inform you, that owing to the con
tinuous length of time which it has been necessary to keep the
Kearsarge ready with steam, in cruising in the Channel, that
her boilers were in that state which required that the fires
should be hauled, and certain repairs made.
" A letter was addressed to you that an application in ac
cordance with Her Majesty's Neutrality proclamation might
be made to the Government to authorize this work.
" I have received no response to this application, but the
repairs being such as the crew of this vessel could make, and

The Blockade ofthe Rappahannock. 159
the principal object being to obtain a sheltered harbor, the
work has been completed and I shall proceed immediately to
sea. The only article obtained has been a spar with such
small requirements supplied as is always incidental to a steam
vessel. " I have the honor to be,
" Very respectfully &c
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Chas. Francis Adams,
" Env. Ext. and Min. Plen."
" Legation of the United States,
" London, 6 April, 1864.
" Sir :
" I regret to be compelled to inform you that Her Majesty's
Government in reply to my application for permission to the
Kearsarge to remain here for the completion of some repairs,
has taken exception to this sudden manner in which the vessel
has been brought here and put into dock, before notice given
or any discretion exercised about allowing time for an answer.
I am obliged to admit that there has been an omission of
courtesy in this respect which is embarassing. There has also
been some disposition to object to your use of the harbors on
this side as a base of hostilities, which I desire to mention for
the sake of putting you on your guard against giving causes of
offense. As I do not understand his Lordship as giving the
permission asked for, I regret to be constrained to request
you to proceed to sea without delay, whether the repairs be
completed or not. " I have the honor to be,
" Sir, " Your obedient servant,
" Charles Francis Adams.
" Capt. J. A. Winslow, U. S. N.,
" Comdg. U. S. S. Kearsarge." "U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? "April 6th, 1864.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of
this day date.
" I would beg leave to reply, that in my view, I find no

i6o John Ancrum Winslow.
cause for which Her Majesty's Government could justly insti
tute a complaint against this ship for entering the Victoria
Docks. " An application was forwarded from Dover roads, stating
the necessity and requesting permission for repairs. This was
done as a matter of etiquette and respect to the government
of Her Majesty ; but the right was clearly granted by Her Ma
jesty's proclamation of February ist, 1862, which is as follows :
" ' If any ship-of-war or privateer of either belligerent shall,
after the time when this order shall be first notified and put in
force in the United Kingdom and in the Channel islands, and
in the several colonies, and foreign possessions and depend
encies of her Majesty respectively, enter any port, roadstead,
or waters belonging toher Majesty, either in the United King
dom or in the Channel islands, or in any of her Majesty's
colonies, or foreign possessions, or dependencies, such vessel
shall be required to depart and to put to sea within twentyfour
hours after her entrance into such port, roadstead, or waters, ex
cept in case of stress of weather, or of her requiring provisions
or things necessary for the subsistence of her crew, or repairs.'
" This acknowledges and endorses the right of a ship-of-war
belonging to the United States to enter any port in England
for the purpose of repair, and if I am wrong in the construc
tion of language, in which the sense is so apparent, it would
seem no more than right to ask from her Majesty's govern
ment an explanatory construction.
" I have the honor to be,
" Most respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Chas. Francis Adams,
"Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. ofthe U. S."
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
Victoria (London) Docks,
" Apail7th, 1864.
"Sir: " I have the honor to inform the Department, that it became
necessary from the state of machinery and foulness of the bot-

The Blockade of the Rappahannock. i6i
torn of this vessel, to make a sheltered harbor for examination.
I accordingly left Dover roads for the nearest port, and en
tered the Victoria docks in the Thames the 31st March. The
bottom having been examined and cleaned, and the necessary
repairs made, I shall sail again this day to take up my station
in the Channel.
" I enclose copy of the report of the Chief Engineer of this
vessel of repairs completed. " I have the honor to be,
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" To the " Jno. A. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon AVelles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington, D. C." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Victoria (London) Docks,
" April yth, 1864.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to enclose copy of correspondence with
Mr. Adams, U. S. Minister at London.
" The Department will see, that this ship is forbidden to lay
at the roadsteads of the Downs and Dover ; and the deter
mination of the English government to shut her off from
running under the headlands, which has afforded the only
partial lee, for escape from the blows in the Channel.
" I have already been informed by the French authorities,
that I could not lay outside of any ports of France, for a
longer period than twenty-four hours, and this coast does not
afford that shelter which the headlands of England offer.
" Under these circumstances, as the shoals in the Channel,
with the strong current and fogs, render it dangerous to keep
between them, I shall be compelled to make Ostend as the
nearest port or some other, and use such efforts at the time as
will afford the most reasonable prospect of intercepting the
Rappahannock. "I have 'been satisfied, that with the aid of the Annette
(the small chartered steamer), we should have been able to

1 62 John Ancrum Winslow.
overhaul this vessel shortly after her departure ; but the re
quest of Mr. Adams, on the complaint of Earl Russel, not to
make Dover roads a basis of operations, will compel us to use
other means for this object.
" The chartered steamer Annette has been of great service,
and from secret information received, she proceeded to Dun
kirk and Ostend ; relieved some thirteen American ships,
which were shut up from fear of the Rappahannock ; discov
ered at last that the French luggers Jerome and Imperial with
ammunition, and some guns, was no myth, but under assumed
names were lying at Ostend ; and has obtained other valuable
information. " The French government having ordered the seizure of the
Rappahannock, I deemed it expedient to inform Mr. Morse,
that I should not continue the charter ; but his opinion, based
on information from secret agents, that the Rappahannock
would shortly be released, may modify this determination. In
the meantime he has assumed the charter for the interest of
the State Department.
" Mr. Morse informs me that the Georgia's arrival at Bor
deaux was not in consequence of repairs required, but that
she had two guns, with other material for the Rappahannock j
her object was communication : and he has secret information
that she will return in the Channel to some appointed rendez
vous for meeting the Rappahannock.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant
" To the " Jno. A. Winslow Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C." *
" Legation of the United States,
"London, 8 April, 1864.
"Sir: " I have received your letter of the 6th instant, and noted
its contents.
" It must be obvious to you that the Queen's Proclamation

The Blockade of the Rappahannock. 163
draws a clear distinction between the entry of a belligerent
vessel, into port for twenty-four hours, which is a right con
ceded, and the permission to remain longer on assigning a spe
cific reason among those enumerated. Unless such reason be
presented, the British Government could have no means of
carrying into effect its restriction upon the stay of any vessel
just so long as the Commander might please to keep her. On
the other hand, if it be bound to require the departure of
every such vessel in twenty-four hours, unless there be reason
to the contrary, it follows of course that the party requiring
an extension of time must give reasons for wishing it. The
Government must necessarily have the right of judging of the
goodness of those reasons, or the restriction will be of no avail.
" In all cases of this kind it is important to keep an eye on
the hearing of an argument, in the event of a future reversal
of the position of the respective parties in action. I am very
clear that the Government of the United States would never
permit any officer of a foreign nation to judge for himself
whether or not he has a right to neglect the conditions they
may-be pleased to make as to his entry into their ports.
" Hereafter should you find it necessary to visit any port in
this kingdom for any purpose requiring a longer stay than
twenty-four hours, I must ask it of you that you give me full
notice of your arrival, in season to make application for per
mission, and that you do not avail yourself of any privilege
secured by the Proclamation unless it be in cases of extreme
necessity, until you shall receive notice from me that such
permission has been obtained. . . . "
From Minister Adams ; signature sheet missing.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Off Ambleteuse, France,
' ' April loth, 1864.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of
the Sth inst.
" In response I would beg leave to say, that your request
shall be fully complied with, though I feel it my duty to state,
that I have only made use of the headlands on the English

164 John Ancrum Winslow.
coast for a lee, and the exclusion to this ship of this shelter,
must necessarily act materially against the chances of her in
tercepting the Rappahannock.
" I have the honor to be, most respectfully,
" Your obedient servant
"Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Charles Francis Adams,
"Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. ofthe U. S. "
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Off Ambleteuse, France,
" April 1 2th, 1864.
" Sir :
" Certain parts of your letter to me of the Sth inst. are rather
of obscure significance, which I will be obliged to you for ex
planation. You say, ' Hereafter, should you find it necessary
to visit any port in this Kingdom, requiring a longer stay than
twenty-four hours, I must ask it of you, that you give me full
notice of your arrival, in season to make application for per
mission ; and that you do not avail yourself of any privilege
secured by the Proclamation, unless it be in cases of extreme
necessity, until you shall receive notice from me that such
permission has been obtained.'
" By the construction put upon the Proclamation as ex
pressed in your letter in the antecedent, your intention may
be to signify your conviction, that this ship has no right to en
ter a port in the English dominions, without permission.
" To my mind it comes under a privilege secured by the
Proclamation, and to comply with it would be to shut off the
coast of England from shelter to us ; for it is obvious to you
that we cannot give to you previous notice. I would there
fore beg leave to ask whether I am right in the construction.
" A letter addressed to Dover, care Consular Agent, will
reach me. " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant
"Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Charles Francis Adams,
"Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. ofthe U. S. "

The Blockade of the Rappahannock. 165
' ' Legation of the United States,
" London, is April, 1864.
oiR :
" I have received your letter of the 1 2th instant asking me
for an explanation of a passage in my letter of the Sth which
seems to you difficult to understand.
" I am very happy to furnish any elucidation of it in my
power. " I am not aware of having given any cause for the inference
which you draw from my language, that ' your ship has no right
to enter a port in the English dominons without permission.'
" The right of entrance and stay in a British Port is no
where disputed. But so long as the parties to this war are
recognized as belligerents, the British Government has by pro
clamation restricted this right to a period of twenty-four
hours. After that time has elapsed permission to remain
longer may be obtained for causes assigned. These causes
are specified in the Proclamation.
" My intention in writing as I did to you was to say that
whenever it was in your power to give notice of your desire to
avail yourself of the privileges granted for any of those causes,
you should do so in good season for me to make application
in your behalf. The exception which I made of extreme ne
cessity referred to the possibility of your being driven in by
stress of weather or other imminent danger to the safety of
your vessel, which might render previous notice impossible.
Even in these cases, however, it may be well for you to give
me the earliest notice possible after your arrival.
" I have the honor to be. Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" Capt. " Charles Francis Adams.
" J. A. Winslow,
" Comdg. U. S. S. ' Kearsarge? "
" Navy Department, "Washington, "April 23rd, 1864.
" Sir :
"Your despatch of the 7th instant enclosing the corre
spondence between yourself and Mr. Adams, has been received

1 66 John Ancrum Winslow.
at this Department. I have also received from the Secretary
of State copies of the correspondence transmitted to the Gov
ernment by our Minister at London, who also forwards a
newspaper slip containing what purports to be a letter ad
dressed by yourself to the Marquis of Clanricarde under date
of April 6th. Mr. Adams feels that he is embarrassed in his
official relations by the irregular communication referred to,
and by your course in overstaying the permitted time without
leave properly obtained.
" The papers have been submitted to the President who, ap
preciating your zeal in the service, is nevertheless convinced
that your proceedings tend to embarrass our Minister in the
conduct of his difficult and responsible position. I am there
fore directed to communicate to you these views of the Presi
dent and to enjoin upon you to refrain from a renewal or
recurrence of the proceedings.
" The distinctions made by Mr. Adams in his correspond
ence with you are worthy of consideration, and it is always
desirable that on foreign and difficult duty, such as is en
trusted to you, and when the relations of the Government are
involved, you should, in questions like those presented on the
occasion of detaining the Kearsage, observe the usual courtesies,
and make your application through the representative of the
Government for such privileges as you may desire.
" Very respectfully,
" Gideon Welles,
" Sec'y of Navy.
" Capt. J. A. Winslow,
" Comdg. U. S. S. 'Kearsarge.' "
"I/. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Dover Roads,
"April 8th, 1864.
" . . . I have just reached here in the Kearsarge from
London, where it was necessary to go for repairs, but they
have abused us and chased us up so that we got an order to
leave with or without repairs. There has been hardly a day
that they have not opened their battery upon me, in Parlia-

The Blockade of the Rappahannock. 167
ment ; I have got so used to abuse, that I pay no attention to
it now. " My time has been occupied with repairs and the multi
plicity of correspondence. ... I have written the Secre
tary of the Navy that I am forbidden the roadstead in the
Channel, and that I shall be compelled to make Ostend or some
other point a base for operations.''
The use of Ostend came near being disastrous.

" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Ostend, Belgium,
" April igth, 1864.
" Sir :
" I have the honor to inform the Department of an accident
which came near being of serious consequence to this ship.
" On entering the channel between the piers which leads to
the harbor in this port, the pilot gave the ship too much sheer
and fouled a smack, carrying away her topmast, with other
slight damage. Immediately he ordered the helm hard over,
keeping it there too long. His object was not seen until it was
too late to prevent the accident, and the ship ran high up,
carrying away the pedestrian bridge on the eastern side of the
canal. " The water receded and left her forefoot out of "water, but
I directed guys to be got out from the mastheads stayed by
pennant tackles, which kept her on an even keel.
" On the return of high water, having previously got our
purchases ready, we hove her off. Not the slightest strain
was observed, and no damage done except a perceptible move
ment of the shoe plates on the forefoot, and some copper
chafed off.
" The accident was so egregious a blunder, as led the officers
to say the pilot was bribed ; for no person of the meanest ca
pacity could not have prevented it.
" The damage to the pier bridge, which is estimated at two
hundred (200) pounds, the consul thinks the government will
assume. This accords with decision in such cases where

1 68 John Ancrum Winslow.
damage has followed from merchant vessels coming in contact.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully your obedient servant
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of Navy,
"Washington, D. C." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Ostend, Belgium,
" April i8th, 1864.
"Sir: " A report may reach you that the Kearsarge was on shore.
A pilot at Ostend ran her on a pier, carrying it away. But
the ship received no damage, and is ready for active service.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Wm. L. Dayton,
" Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. of the U. S."
Having now but the one vessel to watch, and
that one in a harbor easily blockaded, Winslow was
most anxious that nothing should be placed in the
way of her departure.
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Ostend, Belgium,
" April 2oth, 1864.
"Sir: " I duly received yours, and Mr. Crawford's notes, convey
ing information of the enlistment of twenty-five (25) seamen
for the Rappahannock.
" It is found expedient to let matters take their course, as
the only curative course is capture.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
"Aaron Goodrich, Esq.,
" Secretary of Legation.
" Belgium."

The Blockade of the Rappahannock. 169
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? "Off Calais,
" 1 6th April, I64.
" . . . You have no idea how I have been bothered
in one way and another. I have had a sharp correspondence
with Mr. Adams, our Minister. He has sided with the English
in everything. He ordered me from the English coast, and
now I have no place but the English Channel. The Americans
are all mad with him. He wrote me he had reported me to
the Government. Mr. Dayton is just the opposite.
" I arranged secret information to be sent to Ostend, where
circumstances forced me to go, and going into Ostend the
rascally pilot ran the ship nearly high and dry, right through
the pier bridge, carrying everything away, but the ship sus
tained no damage. We had hard work for Sunday ; but I
adopted such measures that at night we got her off. So I
commenced fitting up and painting and took the opportunity
to run up to Brussels, hoping to go in the next day to Ant
werp ; but there was no place for me. Messengers with tele
grams from the American Minister and different consuls,
pursued me everywhere with numerous absurd reports. Among
others, that Mason and Slidell had arranged some plan to
catch the Kearsarge. Three hundred boarders were to come
off, somewhere and somehow, board and take the Kearsarge.
To which I exclaimed : ' Nonsense, Gentlemen ; I have had
enough of this.' The poor Kearsarge has been chasing up
the pirates everywhere, trying every way to get at them.
Papers have been full of challenges, etc. My experience
teaches me, it is the business of the vessels to keep clear of us
and that they have most effectually done.
" Though I knew the report that the Rappahannock was
about sailing was false, I telegraphed : ' Take the Kearsarge
out of the port and wait next train for me at Ostend.' At
nine o'clock the next morning I was on board, amidst paint,
bustle and everything. (Leaving several officers and men on
shore, who rejoined me at Calais.) On my way down, got re
turn telegram from Mr. Dayton : ' Rappahannock was not re
leased,' which on arrival at Calais I found true. I am now
in the Channel, where the agents, who lie so to show their

I70 John Ancrum Winslow.
vigilance, cannot get at ine. I have been very anxious about
this vessel and have adopted the best means for her capture.
" The English papers say that now that the Kearsarge has
been run ashore and disabled is the time for the Rappahannock
to go out. But the Kearsarge, although carrying everything
in the way of piers away, shew not a strain herself ; and they
are slightly mistaken. . . ." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
"Qy's Calais, France,
"April 26,164.
"Sir: " I have the honor to inform the Department that from in
formation received that the Rappahannock was about sailing,
the Kearsarge left Ostend suddenly on the 21st inst., and ar
rived off Calais some six hours afterwards. The Rappahannock
was still in port, and although every preparation had been
made for sailing, I learnt that she had not been released.
" Mr. Dayton informs me that no final action on her case
will be taken by the French Government until after the con
ference of the lawyers appointed by the Government shall
have given their opinion.
" The Department will see that the papers announce the
Florida being again at Madeira, and the arrival of the Ala
bama at Cape Town.
" Secret agents for a month or more have asservated that
the Alabama had orders and would return to the British
Channel or some other place of rendezvous for her consorts,
.and it was contemplated to make an attack upon some of the
eastern towns. I gave rio credit to these statements, but the
arrival of the Alabama at Cape Town and the continuance of
the Florida and Georgia on the coast of Europe, may, in
opinion of the Department, afford somfe foundation for these
reports. " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant
" Hon. Gideon Welles, " Jno. A. Winslow, Captain.
' ' Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington, D. C."

The Blockade ofthe Rappahannock. 171
" Legation des Etats Unis,
" Paris, \,-e.3oth April, 1864.
" Captain Winslow
U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Sir :
" In an interview with Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, French Min
ister of Foreign Affairs, from which I have just returned, he
informed me that the persons who have been engaged in ap
plying to the French Government to get out the Rappahannock
have now informed him that all further attempts for that pur
pose have been abandoned and that the vessel will be left to
rot where she is. I have no fear, therefore, of the early dis
charge of this vessel.
" The four clipper ships which are being constructed by
Mr. Annan at Bordeaux and Nantes for the Confederates are
in the course of rapid completion, particularly the Yeddo and
Osaco, which lie at Bordeaux. The Yeddo is advertised to sail
for China on the 30th May and the Osaco on the 30th June
under pretense that they are for the French China line. They
are both Confederate vessels and should be captured if possible.
" The Georgia, I am informed, has sailed for Antwerp.
" I am Sir
" Your obedient servant
" Wm. L. Dayton."
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Dover Roads, Eng.,
"May i6th, 1864.
"Sir: " I have the honor to report, that from information received
from Mr. Dayton, that the rebels had rejected the conditions
which the French government had attached to the release of
the Rappahannock, and further that the Georgia had been
diverted from proceeding to Antwerp, her intended destina
tion, from apprehension of meeting the Kearsarge, and had
gone into Liverpool. I resolved to take advantage of this op-,
portunity, and accordingly left for Flushing, for examination
as to any injuries which the bottom of this vessel might have
received at Ostend.

172 John Ancrum Winslow.
" On docking her she was found to have sustained no injury,
except copper torn from her keel, and on parts of her bilges
ruffed up. The renewal of this took fifty-one sheets of copper
at a cost for docking, labor, etc., of three hundred and sixty-
one dollars and sixty-two cents ($361.62). The ship's bottom
is now in a fine state.
" I beg to inform the Department that I received from the
officials at Flushing every facility for the work, by the offer
of materials and mechanics without limit, and it is but justice
to say, that a ready disposition and kindness was in all
instances manifested to assist us.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
"Your obedient servant
" Jno. a. Winslow,
" Captain.
" To the
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C."
"Flushing, Holland,
" 'Kearsarge? May iSth, 1864.
"... One of your letters forwarded here, contains
a notice of Kearsarge debate in Parliament, and I suppose
ere this you have seen more about it. My letter to Earl
Clanricarde placed matters in the right light, and threw the
tables on our side, for everyone was ashamed to make other
attacks on us. I received from everyone the most unbounded
civility — particularly from officers of the English Army and
Navy. I came here to go into dock, to put the copper on,
which was knocked off at Ostend, and the ignorant pilot came
near doing us more damage than we received there, for he
ran us against the wharves and piles. I never knew one more
ignorant ; however, I am now out, all repairs completed and
shall sail again for Dover to-day. I cannot say where I shall
next go, but I suppose it will depend upon the Rappahannock,
though we have kept her in, she has prevented us going after
others.

The Blockade of the Rappahannock. 1 73
" Off Dover, i6th May, U. S. S. 'Kearsarge? The Rappa
hannock is stopped by the French Government, but should the
rebels be successful, we shall have more privateers from
France or England than we know what to do with."
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Folkstone Harbor,
" May 30, 1864.
". . . I sent an officer up to Paris, who has just re
turned and brings word from Mr. Dayton that ' the Rappa
hannock case is not decided yet, although from the activity,
and the number of men on board, I took it for granted she
would soon be released.' As there is nothing therefore to keep
me in the Channel, and I can't go into either English or
French ports for over twenty-four hours, I am going up to
Flushing again, to remain until I hear something more decided
about the Rappahannock. I did not care much about seeing
 , I saw at once he was on the Southern side — the
truth is all England is on that side except Lancashire, York
shire, and the Liberals. A gentleman who was one of them
told me a revolution would be created there if the Tories went
to war with the United States, but notwithstanding the Tories
are doing everything to force it on-^I believe they would
cheer in Parliament if they heard of a decided Southern
victory, so strong is the feeling to divide the United States.
. . . I don't know how the war is going, but the news
came so good of Grant's victories — followed by contradiction
— that one is in doubt what to believe.
" I sail tonight for Flushing. . . ."

CHAPTER XVIIL
THE ALABAMA AT CHERBOURG.
MEANWHILE, the most formidable of all
the Confederate cruisers, after a career of
commerce destruction that may remain unparalleled
in the annals of history, was nearing the scene of
Winslow's operations, forced thither by the in
evitable consequences of her employment. The
Alabama had cruised at will for two years, and
captured sixty-eight United States merchant ves
sels, valued, by her appraisement, at $5,500,000.
She had practically driven American commerce from
the high seas. Only twice had she encountered Fed
eral men-of-war : one, the San Jacinto, she had
eluded at Martinique ; and the other, the Hatteras,
she had lured to sea from the Galveston blockade
and sunk in a night engagement. Subsequently
she was barely missed by the Vanderbilt at Cape
Town and by the Wyoming in the East Indies.
Haphazard search for her had proved absolutely
fruitless, but all things come to him who waits,
provided he waits in the right place, and this
Winslow had done.
Captain Semmes writes of the Alabama when at
Singapore in December, 1863 :
174

C.S.S.ALABAMA.

The Alabama at Cherbourg. 175
" My ship was getting very much out of repair. The hard
usage to which she had been subjected since she had been
commissioned had very much irapaired her strength, and so
constantly had she been under way, that the attrition of the
water had worn the copper on her bottom so thin that it was
daily loosening and dropping off in sheets. Her speed had, in
consequence, been much diminished. The fire in her fur
naces . . . had never been permitted to go out, except
for a few hours at rare intervals, to enable the engineer
to clink her bars and remove the incrustations of salt from the
bottoms of his boilers. This constant action of fire and salt
had nearly destroyed them." '
He writes again of his return to Cape Town in
March, 1 864 :
" My intention now was to make the best of my way to Eng
land or France, for the purpose of docking and thoroughly
overhauling and repairing my ship, in accordance with my
previously expressed design." '
United States newspapers received at this time
made Semmes gravely apprehensive for the outcome
of the conflict at home ; and the reflections of this,
the greatest of commerce destroyers, upon the re
sults of his labors are deeply significant and worthy
of careful study by those who still advocate that
method of warfare :
" From the whole review of the situation [he says] I was
very apprehensive that the cruises of the Alabama were draw
ing to a close. As for ourselves, we were doing the best we
could, with our limited means, to harass and cripple the
enemy's commerce, that important sinew of war ; but the
enemy seemed resolved to let his commerce go, rather than
forego his purpose of subjugating us." '
' Seririce Afloat.

176 John Ancrum Winslow.
Being shrewd enough to realize that the Confed
eracy had nearly run its course, it seems probable
that a feeling of desperation was coming over this
heretofore sanguine man, creating a desire to close
his career afloat by a brilliant action, whether prof
itable to his country or not. It is significant that,
on April 23d, having captured the American ship
Rockingham on his way to Europe, he resorted to
the very unusual expedient of using her for target
practice. Of this, he himself, writes :
"... the weather being fine, we made a target of the
prize, firing some shot and shell into her with good effect." '
Lieut. Arthur Sinclair, in his Two Years on the
'Alabama; writes of this :
" . . . we made a target of the prize. The breeze was
light and sea smooth, and at point blank and elevated range
the gun divisions amused themselves blithely. Considerable
damage was done the target in the hull, the cabin particularly
being torn up and knocked into splinters. . . . It is curi
ous to compare the fine execution in this target practice and
the woful failure in the Kearsarge engagement which closely
followed it."
The captain of the Rockingham afterward made
affidavit before the United States Consular Agrent
at Cherbourg that twenty-four shots were fired at
five hundred yards and over, and that four hits
were made in the Rockingham's hull and three in
the spars and rigging. This exceeds threefold the
ordinary percentage of hits in battle.
It is certainly a rare advantage for a warship to
have target practice at sea at a real vessel within
' Seriiice AJloat.

The Alabama at Cherbourg. 177
two months of battle. The Kearsarge s last target
practice prior to the battle was eight days earlier,
off Boulogne. An improvised target was used and
thirty-five shots fired.
The Alabama made The Lizard on the loth
of June. It is probable that Captain Semmes did
not choose his port until he had learned all possible
news from his Channel pilot. France was naturally
preferred to England, because of a more uncon
cealed leaning toward the Confederate cause ; and
a government dockyard was desirable, because the
Emperor's ready sympathy almost guaranteed the
use of it. At Brest, the Alabama was likely to
get " the cold shoulder," because of the Floridas
long and much protested sojourn. Cherbourg
came next, and in that port Captain Semmes
brought his ship to anchor on the nth of June.
Information of his arrival was telegraphed to Wins
low at Flushing, by Minister Dayton, on the 12th.
The opportunity had come and the man was
ready. Experience had taught all its lessons.
There was to be no running short of provisions ;
no relaxing the grip this time through unforseen
contingencies.
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Dover Roads, Eng.,
" June 13, 1864.
"Sir: " Having been informed by Mr. Dayton that, notwithstand
ing the preparations made for immediate departure of the
Rappahannock, some time would elapse before a final decision
in her case would be made by the French government, I sailed
in the Kearsarge on the 30th ult. for the Scheldt River to await
events, which would determine my future movements.

178 John Ancrum Winslow.
" Yesterday I received a telegram from Mr. Dayton inform
ing me that the Alabama had put into Cherbourg, when I im
mediately left on my way for that port. After receiving a new
trysail and topsail, ordered here by survey, I shall proceed
and expect to reach Cherbourg tomorrow night.
" I have deemed it expedient, as there are two passages at
Cherbourg, eastern and western, and we shall be wanting pro
vision, to telegraph Commander Preble to take in stores in the
St. Louis and proceed to make a junction with this vessel at
that place.
" The season of the year is such that the St. Louis can very
well operate off Cherbourg, and although she would be of very
little use for chasing, yet by keeping a good lookout on one of
the entrances and signalising she may be of great service.
" Hoping my course will meet with the approbation of the
Department, " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
" Hon. " John A. Winslow,
" Gideon Welles, " Captain.
" Secretary of the Navy,
" Washington, D. C."
Telegram to Commander Preble, June 12th, re
ceived at Tangier, June i6th :
" Take on board immediately provisions and proceed with
all possible haste in the St. Louis to Cherbourg, for the purpose
of joining the Kearsarge, and at the same time order Mr.
Yeaton to take passage in the St. Louis.
" Winslow."
Information of th& Alabama's appearance reached
the Kearsarge as she lay at anchor in the river
Scheldt, off Flushing, on Sunday afternoon, June
1 2th. The cornet was immediately hoisted and a
gun fired, recalling everybody to the ship. Fires

The Alabama at Cherbourg. 179
were quickly lighted, and before dark the good ship
was in the English Channel hastening toward her
adversary. Captain Winslow then called all hands
to muster, and informed the crew that the Alabama
was at Cherbourg and that he was going to make
every effort to fight her. Rousing cheers greeted
the announcement, and all "Jacky's" minutiae of
preparation for battle were indulged in on the way
down.
"U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Off Dover, June 13, 1864.
" . . . I have just arrived here on my way to Cherbourg
to blockade the Alabama., which has just put in there. I got
a telegram from our minister at Paris, informing me of this
yesterday, and sailed immediately from Flushing, and have
stopped here for some things ordered before. I wrote Mr.
Welles the Alabama would be up here, in time to have had a
dozen steamers sent here — but hang me if I can understand
the movements at Washington. However, I want to catch
Semmes. . .
" They are getting out some Confederate steamers from
Bordeaux, under the Dutch flag, but I have informed Mr.
Dayton and Pike of the modus operandi.
" It is singular, of the many laws passed by the Navy in the
two past years, we never have received one, and are all in the
dark. " I find I have not the health that I had, and that ' Mis
sissippi fever' has done its work, with my old blind eye,
and a constitution which is extremely susceptible to cold,
which always increases the inflammation in eye and ears, I am
fast running down hill.
" G  wrote me about my letter to Clanricarde — but he,
or anyone away from here, is not aware of the immense in
fluence which had been brought to bear to bring on war with
the United States and England. The Tories have moved
everything to effect it, with the hope of dividing the country

i8o John Ancrum Winslow.
and breaking down democracy. Our time will come to teach
a lesson, but we must abide it ; fortunately, the rams are
bought and the serious question over, but I have been pru
dent in this affair, and everywhere gained eclat."
On the 14th of June, during a dull gray after
noon, the Kearsarge steamed in behind the Cher
bourg breakwater by the eastern entrance and
stopped in the harbor near the Alabama without
anchoring, while a boat was sent ashore to com
municate. Meanwhile, the crews of the two vessels
crowded curiously and mutely to the rail to scruti
nize their prospective adversaries.
What were the feelings of the two commanders,
Semmes and Winslow ? — shipmates, messmates, and
roommates in a previous war, in which each had won
commendation for brave deeds. In that war they
had fought side by side with all the ardor of youth ;
now, in the maturity of years and experience, they
had come together again, grim if not bitter oppo
nents in a far more stupendous conflict, duellists as
equally equipped as such can ever be in naval war
fare. Each was familiar with the other's character
istics. Semmes knew that he would be blockaded
with ceaseless vigilance ; Winslow felt sure that his
opponent would ultimately fight his way out rather
than be smothered in a hole.
The Kearsarge' s boat was at first not even allowed
to communicate with the shore ; later, however, an
officer was permitted to visit the United States
Consular Agent and the Port Admiral. Captain
Winslow asked permission to take on board the
marines from the Alabama's prizes, whom Semmes

The Alabama at Cherbourg. i8i
had set on shore, but this was refused. However,
a good deal of information about the Alabama was
obtained from them, and, in retaliation, a protest
was made against any increment to the Alabama! s
crew, which prevented her from getting several
officers and men who had once formed a part of
her complement.
The Kearsarge steamed out through the channel
opposite the one by which she had entered, and
took up her station on blockade. The Captain of
the Alabama then wrote the following letters :
" C. S. S. 'Alabama?
" Cherbourg, June 14, 1864.
"Sir: " I hear that you were informed by the U. S. consul that the
Kearsarge was to come to this port solely for the prisoners
landed by me, and that he was to depart in twenty-four hours.
I desire to say to the U. S. consul that my intention is to fight
the Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrange
ments. I hope these will not detain me more than until to
morrow evening, or after the morrow morning at furthest. I
beg she will not depart before I am ready to go out.
" I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
"R. Semmes,
" Captain.
"Ad. Bonfils, Esq.,
" Cherbourg." "C. S. S. 'Alabama;
" Cherbourg, June 14, 1864.
"Dear Barron:
"The Kearsarge is off the port, which I understand, of
course, as a challenge. As we are about equally matched, I
shall go out to engage her as soon as I can make the necessary
preparations, which will probably be to-morrow. As the issue

1 82 John Ancrum Winslow.
of combats is always uncertain, I have deposited 4 1/2 sacks
of sovereigns, containing about 4,700, and the paymaster's last
pay roll with Mr. Ad. Bonfils, of Cherbourg, a gentleman
known to Mr. Slidell.
" I have also deposited a package of ransom bonds (sealed),
all of which please bear in mind in case of accident.
" Yours, truly, etc.,
" R. Semmes.
" Flag-Officer S. Barron."
The reasons which induced Semmes to seek a
fight so promptly are nowhere directly stated, not
even in his own loquacious narrative. Neverthe
less, he says many things that indicate the trend of
his reasoning in the matter.
" Many changes had taken place . . . among my crew
. . . but still a large proportion of my old men had
come back with us. These were faithful andr true, and took
more than ordinary interest in their ship and their flag. There
was harmony and mutual confidence between officers and
men. . . .
" Cherbourg being exclusively a naval station, the docks
all belonged to the Government . . . and the matter
[of docking] was laid over until the emperor could be com
municated with. The Emperor was then at Biarritz . . .
and would not be back in Paris for several days. It was my
intention, if I had been admitted promptly into dock, to give
my crew a leave of absence for a couple of months. They
would have been discharged and dispersed in the first twenty-
four hours after my arrival, but for the temporary absence of
the Emperor. The combat, therefore, which ensued, may be
said to be due to the Emperor's accidental absence from
Paris. "... the enemy's steamer Kearsarge was lying at
Flushing. . . . three days after our arrival she steamed
into the harbor . . . and, without anchoring, steamed out
again, and took her station off the breakwater. We had heard

The Alabama at Cherbourg. 183
a day or two before of the expected arrival of this ship, and it
was generally understood among my crew that I intended to
engage her. ... I now addressed a note to Bonfils, our
agent, requesting him to inform Captain Winslow, through the
United States Consul, that if he would wait until I could re
ceive some coal on board ... I would come out and
give him battle. The message was duly conveyed, and the
defiance was understood to have beeh accepted.
" I had communicated my intention to fight this battle to
Flag Officer Barron, my senior officer in Paris, a few days be
fore, and that officer had generously left the matter to my own
discretion. " My crew seemed not only willing, but anxious for the com
bat, and I had every confidence in their steadiness and drill.
" As for the two ships . . . they were of force so
nearly equal, that I cannot be charged with rashness in having
offered battle." '
The preceding remarks read like a cloak to his
real reason, yet they give it in part. Captain
Semmes had, beyond doubt, learned enough at
Cherbourg to convince him that the Confederacy
was on its last legs ; that the French Emperor was
experiencing a change of heart ; that the Alabama
would probably never be permitted all the repairs
she needed ; that his crew, once discharged, could
never be reshipped, and, if not discharged, would
rapidly desert. He probably remembered the Rock
ingham target practice and felt, as he writes, that
his officers and men would never be and had
never been in such good trim for fighting as they
were right then. Chances seemed at the moment
about equal ; delay meant inevitable deterioration
for him, and probably an increase of force for the
' Serince Afloat.

1 84 John Ancrum Winslow.
enemy. Should he permit the Alabama to be " bot
tled up " and abandoned in port, or should he
submit her fate to the chances of a battle with an
equal ? There could be but one decision.
Semmes, when rescued, told Mr. Lancaster he
fought the Kearsarge because the Alabama was
then so watched everywhere that she could not es
cape. She was quite out of repair ; could not prop
erly steam, as she needed new tubes to her boilers,
so, having consulted with the representatives of the
Confederate States at Paris, he put in for some re
pairs at Cherbourg, and, finding he could go no
where, decided that the only chance left was to
fight, and perhaps win.
His so-called challenge was received on board the
Kearsarge during the afternoon of June 15th. No
reply was made ; none was necessary. The only
acknowledgement to be found is in the Kearsarge' s
log for that date :
"At 6:30 P.M. beat to quarters. Loaded the battery and
cleared ship for action."
The log of the Kearsarge records no further
preparation for battle beyond the regular routine
of drill, except one special drill at repelling boarders,
which is significant when we read in Semmes'
memoirs of his intention, if possible, to board. The
Kearsarge had, in fact, been ready for battle for
more than a year — since the 14th of May, 1863,
when the sheet chains were ranged along her hull
in wake of the boilers, to protect them whenever
the ship was light through consumption of fuel.

The Alabama at Cherbourg, 185
Semmes declared immediately after the battle, and
subsequently in his memoirs, that he knew nothing
of this protection. There was no reason why he
should, except that it had been quite a customary
expedient of Federal vessels for nearly two years,
yet Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair, in his Two Years
on the 'Alabama; writes :
" I have often been asked why Semmes should decide to
fight. . . . with the full knowledge . . . that the
midship section of the Kearsarge was protected by bights of
chain cables hung over her sides.
" The port admiral [of Cherbourg] manifested a fellow
feeling and interest ... by informing Semmes, a day or
two before the fight, that an officer detailed to visit the Kear
sarge in the offing had reported the fact of the chain armor
arranged on the ship. . . . Winslow, for protecting his
ship with chain armor, should, in the humble judgment of the
writer ... be accounted as simply using proper pru
dence in the direct line of duty. . . . Semmes knew all
about it, and could have adopted the same scheme. It was
not his election to do so."
As a matter of fact, Semmes was protecting his
ship in a manner that he probably thought equally
good. The Alabama reached Cherbourg with
plenty of coal in her bunkers to fight a battle ; it
was estimated by a Confederate authority at 200
tons. Nevertheless, Semmes' greatest effort in
preparation for combat was to fill his ship with coal.
This protected nearly the same vital area on her as
the chain cables did on the Kearsarge.
The week of preparation in the harbor of
Cherbourg was a very busy one for all hands on
the Alabama. Semmes called in consultation

1 86 John Ancrum Winslow.
Commander George T. Sinclair, an ordnance ex
pert of the old navy, then a Confederate agent
in Europe, and discussed with him the plan of
action and the merits of shot and shell in particular
contingencies. Light spars were sent down, top hamper was un-
rove and standing rigging stoppered. The battery
was thoroughly overhauled; the magazines and shell
rooms broken out and specially restowed for rapid
handling of ammunition. Special attention was
given to perfecting the crew in boarding. The
drill of general quarters was held twice during the
week. All captured chronometers, and the pay
master's safe, in which the officers had been admon
ished to put their valuables, were sent on shore.
Semmes' journal records preparations as follows :
" Hearing that the enemy's steamer Kearsarge would arrive
here in a day or two, I am still keeping the crew on board,
and this afternoon we had a general exercise at quarters.
. Great excitement on board, the Kearsarge having
made her appearance off the eastern entrance of the break
water at about ri a. m. Sent an order on shore immediately
for coal (loo tons) and sent down the yards on the mizzen-
mast and the topgallant yards, and otherwise preparing the
ship for action.
" Wednesday, June 15. — The^ admiral sent off his aide-de
camp to say to me that he considered my application for re
pairs withdrawn upon my making application for coal, to
which I assented. We commenced coaling this afternoon.
The Kearsarge is still in the offing. She has not been permit
ted to receive on board the prisoners landed by me, to which
I had objected in a letter to the admiral. Mailed a note yes
terday afternoon to Flag-Officer Barron, informing him of my
intention to go out to engage the enemy as soon as I could

The Alabama at Cherbourg. 187
make my preparations, and sent a written notice to the U. S.
consul, through Mr. Bonfils, to the same effect. My crew
seem to be in the right spirit, a quiet spirit of determination
pervading both officers and men. The combat will no doubt
be contested and obstinate, but the two ships are so equally
matched that I do not feel at liberty to decline it. God de
fend the right, and have mercy upon the souls of those who
fall, as many of us must."
It- became quite generally understood in Cher
bourg that Semmes intended to fight on Sunday,
the 19th of June. Hundreds, if not thousands, of
¦ people gathered in the city from distant points,
completely filling the hotels. Winslow, however,
not having communicated with the shore since re
ceiving Semmes' " challenge," knew nothing of the
time proposed, and waited impatiently from day to
day with fading hope.
KeU, the Alabama's executive, reported every
preparation completed on Saturday evening.
Semmes then notified the Port Admiral officially
that he would go out in the morning. All hands
were piped down early on the Confederate cruiser
for a good night's rest.

CHAPTER XIX.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ALABAMA.
ON the 17th of June, the British steam-yacht
Deerhound arrived at Cherbourg and an
chored near the Alabama. A few days before, she
had landed her owner, Mr. John Lancaster, with
his family, at St. Malo. On the i8th, they arrived
in Cherbourg by rail and rejoined the yacht. After
a family consultation that evening, it was decided,
if the Alabama should fight the Kearsarge, they
would go out to witness the combat.
Sunday, the 19th of June, dawned bright and
clear at Cherbourg, with a gentle breeze from the
westward and a smooth sea. Quite early in the
morning, before Semmes was up, an officer from
the Port Admiral visited the Alabama, to inform
her captain that the French ironclad Couronne
would accompany him one league off shore, to see
that no conflict took place within neutral limits.
There was the usual exodus of small sailing craft
from the harbor after daylight, among them being
two pilot-boats which later appeared on the scene
of battle. There was no other evidence of activity
in the early morning hours, except the raising of
steam on the Alabama, Couronne and Deerhound.
188

The Destruction ofthe Alabama. 189
As the breakfast hour passed, however, people be
gan to assemble on the walls of the fortifications,
on the shores and mole and on the heights over
looking the sea. At nine the Deerhound steamed
slowly out, passing close to the Alabama, everybody
on deck intently watching her, but without demon
stration. Outside, the yacht stopped and waited.
A little later, the Couronne weighed and steamed
outside the mole.^ About two leagues to seaward
the Kearsarge lay, as she had for the past six days,
waiting. On the Alabama, every preparation having been
completed the evening before, especial effort was
made to avoid hurry and excitement in the morn
ing. The crew was allowed more than the usual
time for their breakfast and smoke, not being
turned-to until nine o'clock.
Captain Semmes came up from his breakfast a
little later than was his custom, and remarked
pleasantly to the officer of the deck upon the good
omen of a bright day, the neat appearance of the
deck and the cheerful spirit of the crew. Finally
he surprised that officer by asking him what he
thought would be the outcome of the fight. Re
ceiving a vague though loyal answer, he fell to
pacing the quarterdeck while preparations were
made for getting under way.
Between 9:30 and 10:00 o'clock the Alabama
left her moorings, steamed out by the western en
trance of the crowded harbor and stood toward her
distant adversary, passing close to the waiting
' Some writers state that she left the harbor with the Alabama.

igo John Ancrum Winslow.
Deerhound. " General quarters " was sounded and
the battery was pivoted to starboard and loaded,
one 32-pounder being shifted from the port battery
to a vacant port on the starboard quarterdeck. All
this gave the ship quite a list to starboard. The
men were then allowed to rest and smoke at their
guns. Officers had been admonished to dress fully
in the uniforms of their rank, and the crew was in
uniform as for a Sunday inspection.
The Couronne accompanied the Alabama to a
point three miles from shore and remained there
throughout the action. The Deerhound, however,
followed the Confederate cruiser, though not
closely, to the scene of battle.
While approaching the Kearsarge, Semmes had
his crew mustered aft, and from a gun-carriage
delivered the following address : ^
" Officers and seamen of the Alabama : You have at length
another opportunity of meeting the enemy — the first that has
been presented to you since you sank the Hatteras. In the
meantime you have been all over the world, and it is not too
much to say that you have destroyed and driven for protection
under neutral flags one-half of the enemy's commerce, which,
at the beginning of the war, covered every sea. This is an
achievement of which you may well be proud, and a grateful
country will not be unmindful of it. The name of your ship
has become a household word wherever civilization extends.
Shall that name be tarnished by defeat ? " (Cries of " Never !
never ! ") " The thing is impossible ! Remember that you
are in the English Channel, the theatre of so much of the
naval glory of our race, and that the eyes of all Europe are at
this moment upon you. The flag that floats over you is that
' Stated by some to have been read by the paymaster, or by the captain's
clerk.

The Destruction of the Alabama. 191

of a young Republic, who bids defiance to her enemies, when
ever and wherever found. Show the world that you know
how to uphold it ! Go to your quarters ! "
It is convenient to pause here and contrast the
characteristics and fighting condition of the two
vessels. KEARSARGE. ALABAMA.
Displacement  1031 tons.. 1016 tons.-
Guns  Seven. Eight.
Guns fought  Five. Six.
Broadside  366 lbs. 296 lbs.
Rapidity of fire  Deliberate. Rapid.
Speed with clean bottom. Ten knots. Twelve knots.
Condition of bottom .... Clean. Foul.
Complement  163 officers and 149 officers and
men. men.
Protection  Sheet chains Newly-filled bunk-
ranged ers abreast boil-
abreast ers.
boilers.
Age of ship  2 yrs., 6 mos. 2 years.
Duty since commission . . Cruising and Continual cruising.
blockade.
Previous actions  None. One.
Result of actions  Complete victory.
Last target practice  April rs. April 23.
Target  Improvised. A ship at sea.
Ammunition used  35 rounds. 24 rounds.
Previous war experience
of commanders  Mexican War. Mexican War.
Preparedness for battle. . Complete. Complete.
It seems scarcely probable that two ships
more equally matched will ever fight in single
combat.

192

John Ancrum Winslow.

The officers of the Kearsarge were :
Commander, John A. Winslow, Roxbury, Mass.
Lieutenant-Commander, James S. Thornton.

Acting Master,

James R. Wheeler.

Acting Master,

E. M. Stoddard.

Acting Master,

David H. Sumner.

Midshipman,

E. F. Preble.

Chief Engineer,
William H. Cushman.
2d Assistant Engineer,
W. H. Badlam.
3d Assistant Engineer,
F. L. Miller.
3d Assistant Engineer,
S. L. Smith.
3d Assistant Engineer,
Henry McConnell.
Surgeon,
John M. Browne.
Paymaster,
J. A. Smith.
Those of the Alabama were :
Commander,
Raphael Semmes,
Maryland.
Lieutenant-Commander,
, J. M. Kell,
Georgia.
Lieutenant,
R. F. Armstrong,
Georgia.
Lieutenant,
Jos. D. (M.?) Wilson,
Florida.
Lieutenant,
Arthur Sinclair,
Virginia.
Master,
I. S. Bullock,
Georgia.
Midshipman,
E. M. Anderson,
Georgia.
Midshipman,
E. A. Maffitt,
Georgia.
Chief Engineer,
M. J. Freeman,
Louisiana.
ist Assistant Engineer,
W. P. Brooks,
So. Carolina.
2d Assistant Engineer,
Matthew O'Brien,
Alabama.
3d Assistant Engineer,
John Pundt,
So. Carolina.
4th Assistant Engineer,
William Robertson,
England.
Lieutenant of Marines,
B. K. Howell,
Louisiana.
Surgeon and Acting
Paymaster,
F. L. Galt,
Virginia.
Assistant Surgeon,
D. H. Llewelln,
England.
During the early morning of June 19, 1864, the
Kearsarge was lying to, under half-steam, about three
miles N.N.E. of Cherbourg breakwater. Toward ten
The Destruction of the Alabama. 193
o'clock, as the morning haze dissipated, she steamed
slowly seaward till about five or six miles off. From
this position the breakwater could be plainly seen,
but the haze still enshrouded the harbor and the
shipping inside. That balmy Sunday seemed to
promise nothing new for the waiting vessel. Cap
tain Semmes, in his " challenge," had stated that he
would delay only " a day or two " to make repairs
rendered necessary by his long cruise. Five days
had elapsed, however, without his moving, and it
had begun to look like the same old tactics of the
Florida at Brest. The eager waiters were losing
hope, and the keen edge of anticipation had worn
dull. At 10 A.M., Captain Winslow made the reg
ulation Sunday inspection of ship and crew, and
the only business of the day appeared to be the
scrutiny of clean suits, bright decks, and neat lock
ers. Beneath this tranquil surface of peace routine,
there was, however, an unseen readiness for battle.
Below the holystoned decks every furnace was
alive and every boiler ready to give steam to the
engines. High above the heads of the mustering
gun-crews were special lookouts intently watching,
and behind the long ranks of Sunday-togged sailors
every gun was loaded. The tranquillity was that
of readiness — of complete preparation.
Inspection over, the quarterdeck was equipped
for church, and services began, conducted by the
captain. Presently the chief quartermaster on the bridge
began to examine intently with his long glass some
thing toward Cherbourg. The alert executive

194 John Ancrum Winslow.
officer quietly left his place in the congregation
and joined in the scrutiny.
The haze in the harbor was clearing, and a steam-
yacht flying the white British ensign had come out
and was standing to the northward. It was but an
any-day maritime incident. The executive returned
to his seat, and the momentary expectation subsided.
But the quartermaster continued to gaze, and
soon came briskly down the port gangway till close
behind those assembled for worship, and again lev
elled his glass over the rail toward Cherbourg.
Almost immediately, he cried out :
" She 's coming ! "
Winslow closed his service without ceremony,
went quietly to the rail and took the glass. There
indeed, was the Alabama, steaming rapidly toward
him, accompanied by a French ironclad.
After more than a year of tempestuous cruising
and blockade, of superirritating diplomatic wrangle,
of physical wear and tear, and of bitter disappoint
ment, a reward for his indomitable perseverance
was at last in sight, greater than he had ever antici
pated. The greatest of Confederate commerce de
stroyers had been brought to bay, and forced to an
open fight. She had captured sixty-eight vessels
under the Stars and Stripes, and had sunk one man-
of-war. She had been sought in vain by twenty-
five United States warships, and her pursuit had
cost over seven millions of dollars. Besides this,
there was a personality in the coming encounter :
her captain had been Winslow's shipmate, mess
mate and roommate during a previous war, and his

CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER "ALABAMA"

The Destruction of the Alabama. 195
daring, skill and bravery then had well-nigh made
him a hero in the eyes of the more modest man.
Can it be doubted that, when Winslow focused his
glass upon the oncoming Alabama, he realized that
the supreme moment of his life was at hand ? Re
turning the glass to the quartermaster, he quietly
directed his executive to beat to quarters.
For five days he had given most deliberative
thought to this encounter ; no contingency seems
to have been overlooked. First, it was desirable
to select a position, not merely outside neutral
waters, but well outside, as had been suggested by
the following letter :
" Paris, June i6, 1864.
" Sir :
" This will be delivered to you by my son and assistant
secretary of legation. I have had a conversation this after
noon with Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, minister of foreign affairs.
He says they have given the Alabama notice that she must
leave Cherbourg, but in the meantime you have come in and
are watching the Alabama, and that this vessel is anxious to
meet you, and he supposes you will attack her as soon as she
gets three miles off the coast ; that this will produce a fight
which will be at best a fight in waters which may or may not
be French waters, as accident may determine ; that this would
be offensive to the dignity of France to have a fight under
such circumstances, and France will not permit it ; that the
Alabama shall not attack you, nor you her, within the 3 miles,
nor on or about that distance off.
" Under such circumstances I do not suppose that they
would have, on principles of international law, the. least right
to interfere with you if 3 miles off the coast, but if you lose
nothing by fighting 6 or 7 miles off the coast instead of 3 you
had best do so. You know better than I (who have little or
no knowledge of the relative strength of the two vessels)

196 John Ancrum Winslow.
whether the pretense of the Alabama of a readiness to meet
you is more than a pretense, and I do not wish you to sacrifice
any advantage if you have it. I suggest only that you avoid
all unnecessary trouble with France, you know what the
Government would expect of you. You will of course yield
no real advantage to which you are entitled, while you are
careful to so act as to make uselessly no unnecessary compli
cations with this Government. I ought to add that Mr.
Seward's dispatch, dated 20th May, 1864, was in the following
words :
" ' The Niagara will proceed with as much dispatch as
possible to cruise in European waters, and the Dictator, as
soon as she shall be ready for sea (which is expected to be
quite soon), will follow her, unless in the meantime advices
from yourself and Mr. Adams shall be deemed to furnish
reasons for a change of purpose in that respect.'
" That you may understand exactly the condition of things
here in regard to the Alabama, I send you herewith a copy of
a communication from the minister of marine to the naval
prefect at Cherbourg, furnished me by the minister of foreign
affairs. " Respectfully, your obedient servant,
" W. L. Dayton.
" Captain Winslow,
"U.S. S. 'Kearsarge?"
Accordingly, when it was certain that the
Alabama was seeking an encounter, the Kearsarge
was headed seaward. In moving a few miles in
that direction, Winslow was also insuring time for
full steam to form in all the boilers. At the
same time, by the captain's order, a national flag^
was run up to the main truck " in stops," to be un
furled in case the one at the peak was shot away.
It was the only additional preparation necessary.
' This flag was unfurled on the new battleship Kearsarge when she was
launched.

The Destruction of the Alabama. 197
Then, for a few minutes, Captain Winslow re
tired to his cabin. No Christian man who has
ever been in battle can doubt how those few
minutes were spent. When he reappeared, it was
noted that he had exchanged a new cap for an old
one, only worn in bad weather. The exchange was
probably an instinctive act, showing the mind pre
pared to battle with shot and shell, even as it had
been so often in the past to battle with wind and
waves. At 10:50, upon being assured that he was about
seven miles from land, Winslow ordered the Kear
sarge headed directly for the Alabama. With
glasses in hand, he got upon an arm-chest on the
quarterdeck, well aft and close to the starboard bul
warks, where he remained throughout the action.
This could not have been an accidental selection,
for those familiar with the Kearsarge as she then
was, — with a flush deck aft, — will readily see that
the position was an ideal one for the commanding
officer. With half his body above the rail, he had
a perfect view of his adversary, and was himself in
plain view of the helmsmen and the men at the
battery. Within easy range of his voice were the
quartermaster at the wheel, the officer at the engine
hatch bell, and the officers directing the fire of the
guns. The two ships, at full speed, rapidly neared each
other. At 10:57, when they were about a mile
apart, the Alabama seemed to slow down, then
sheered to port and fired her starboard broadside.
The shell hurtled high above the Kearsarge, and

198 John Ancrum Winslow.
a foretopmast backstay parted like a snapped bow
string. No reply was made, not even a change of
course, for here again forethought had entered in.
The Alabama! s guns had the greater range, those
of the Kearsarge the heavier calibre. If a range
could be chosen where the latter would be effective,
the advantage for the former would disappear.
Moreover, Winslow had been much impressed
with the structural strength of the Kearsarge
for ramming purposes when the pilot at Ostend
had run her, bows-on, into the pier, so he even
contemplated, should opportunity warrant it, run
ning his adversary down, having, as we have seen,
carefully drilled his men to repel boarders in such
a contingency. Again the Alabama yawed, and a second broad
side was delivered. This unexpected rapidity of
fire made it dangerous for the Kearsarge to con
tinue her end-on approach, for any chance hit was
liable to rake her decks ; so, with all available guns
pointed to starboard, she sheered to port and drew
off on the Alabama's bow, receiving, as she did so,
part of a third broadside. At eleven o'clock the
Kearsarge's forecastle gun was fired to get the
range, and the action became general as the ships
drew abreast, the fire of the Kearsarge almost im
mediately taking effect, while that of the Alabama
continued rapid and wild.
Conning his ship calmly by motion of hand.
Captain Winslow ported the helm to run under the
Alabama's stern. It was his purpose now to rake
his adversary, then range up on her port side and

Scale /oooylls ~ J im,,

DIAGRAM OF KEARSARQE-ALABAMA COMBAT

The Destruction ofthe Alabama. 199
engage in a running fight to seaward, forcing the
Alabama continually off shore until the best ship
won ; but his alert opponent, to avoid being raked,
also put his helm hard aport. Thus the two ships
fell to steaming around in a circle on opposite
headings, broadside to broadside, and at full speed,
both drifting westward with a three-knot current,
while gradually shortening the range from 900 to
500 yards.
It soon became apparent to Winslow that al
though his manceuvre had resulted differently from
what he expected, it had forced upon his adversary
a course of action from which he could not diverge
without the risk qf his ship being raked, and which
therefore kept him from drawing toward the neutral
waters which might give her shelter if crippled.
The fire of the Kearsarge's guns was controlled
by a most admirable discipline. Ranges were care
fully estimated, the sighting was deliberate, and
the passing of smoke was awaited with patience.
The characteristics of the man who commanded her
seemed to have imbued the whole ship's company.
Before going into the details of this memorable
sea fight, it will be instructive to note the distri
bution of the personnel on the two ships.
The fighting force of the Kearsarge was divided
into three gun divisions, a powder division, and a
master's division. The First Division, commanded
by Acting Master James R. Wheeler, included the
forward i i-inch pivot-gun, and the 28-pound rifle
on the topgallant forecastle. The latter, which
fired the first shot from the Federal vessel, and was

200 John Ancrum Winslow.
used as a range finder, was manned by the marines
under the immediate charge of Acting Master's
Mate Charles H. Danforth. The Second Division
was stationed at the after i i-inch pivot, commanded
by Acting Master E. M. Stoddard. The Third
Division included the four 32-pounders in the waist
of the ship, commanded by Acting Master D. H.
Sumner. The Master's Division, engaged in the
navigating duties of the ship, and in noting, re
porting, and repairing damages, was in charge of
Midshipman E. F. Preble. Men from this division
were also detailed for the 12-pounder howitzer
under the forecastle, but, although frequently fired,
this gun was never really in action.
Chief Engineer Cushman had general charge of
his department. Assistant Engineer Badlam was
in charge of the engines and Assistant Engineer
Miller in charge of the boilers, while Assistant En
gineer McConnell was stationed on deck at the
engine bells. An excellent and important feature
was that of specially detailing an engineer officer,
Mr. Smith, to take charge of the fire hose during
the action. The shell supply was conducted by
Acting Master's Mate Ezra Bartlett, and the pow
der supply by Gunner F. A. Graham, but Lieuten
ant Commander Thornton, the executive officer,
states in his official report : " The powder division
received my particular attention, and its important
service was promptly and thoroughly rendered."
Further extracts from Mr. Thornton's very com
plete battle report to the captain give some idea
of Winslow's thorough control of the various fight-

The Destruction of the Alabama. 201
ing elements. Thornton says : " It is unnecessary
for me to call your attention to the officers com
manding the gun or master's divisions, as their
duty was performed under your own eye. . . .
" In conclusion, sir, let me congratulate you on the
success of your plan of battle, and compliment you
on the skill and judgment displayed in its execution."
Of the disposition of the personnel on the Ala
bama, there is not much official detail ; the general
disposition of forces must have been almost iden
tical with that on the Kearsarge, for the deck
plans of the two ships differed in no essential par
ticular. There were raised " horse blocks " well aft
on the Alaba^ma's quarterdeck, and the one on the
starboard side was occupied by Captain Semmes,
glasses in hand, during the greater part of the ac
tion, although in the early part he is described as
being just forward of the starboard fore-rigging.
First Lieutenant Kell is mentioned as moving from
point to point, giving a good deal of individual ad
monition and advice, watching closely the injuries
to his ship, and sometimes the movements of the
Kearsarge. Nevertheless, the gun pointers seem
to have been left very much to themselves, and a
general lack of control of fire evidently prevailed.
No attempt or preparation appears to have been
made to stop the shot-holes at the waterline, and
these became the mortal wounds of the ship. The
natural fortitude of the crew, with a very few ex
ceptions, was remarkably good, and, in several in
stances, an admirable resourcefulness in emergency'
was shown by men and officers.

202 John Ancrum Winslow.
Almost the first gun from the Kearsarge pro
duced casualty. The shell entered near the forward
pivot port, crushing the leg of a tackleman, struck
the slide rack of the gun and glanced off, killing a
man at another gun. Quite an interval then elapsed
without injury on either side. At about 11:15, the
Alabamas spanker gaff swung downward with a
crash, and hung in a tangle of gear, trailing the flag
beside the mast about twenty feet above her deck.
This grim battle-omen received a cheer from the
Kearsarge, but a new ensign was quickly broken at
the Alabamas mizzenmasthead. Then, for a few
minutes, the Alabama got the range, and seemed to
have the best of the fight. A i co-pound shell
crashed into the Kearsarge amidships. The Con
federates thought it had penetrated her boilers, and
cheered wildly, but it was a little wide of the mark,
and passed quite harmlessly through the engine-
room skylight. The next too-pounder, striking
under the Kearsarge' s counter, glanced and lodged
in her sternpost, but did not explode. Almost im
mediately afterward — about eighteen minutes after
eleven — a 68-pounder Blakely shell passed through
the Kearsarge' s starboard bulwarks, below the main
rigging, ^"d exploded on the quarterdeck, wounding
three of the after pivot-gun's crew. Wm. Gowin,
ordinary seaman, had his right leg crushed, and
afterward died from the wound in Cherbourg Hos
pital. J. W. Dempsey, quarter gunner, had his
right arm so badly mangled that it was amputated
immediately after the action. J. Macbeth had his
left thigh broken. Although a scream of agony

The Destruction of the Alabama. 203
followed the explosion of the shell, all the men re
fused assistance from their companions, and walked
or dragged themselves to the fore hatch, where they
were assisted to the operating table. The conduct
of Gowin, during his trying ordeal, gives the key
note to the spirit animating the Kearsarge' s crew.
Surgeon Browne, in his report, says : " Gowin was
brought with a smile upon his face, although suf
fering acutely from his injury. He said, ' It is all
right, and I am satisfied, for we are whipping the
Alabama,' adding, ' I willingly will lose my leg or
life, if it is necessary.' During the progress of the
action he comforted his suffering comrades by assur
ing them that ' Victory is ours ! ' Whenever the
guns' crews cheered at the successful effect of their
shot, Gowin would wave his hand over his head
and join in the shout."
Meanwhile, another 100-pound shell exploded in
the Kearsarge' s smokestack, tearing an enormous
rent. Then two shot entered the 32-pounder
ports, but, strangely, missed the gun's crew. One
of them, however, exploded in the opposite ham
mock netting and set fire to it, but with the ad
mirable preparation for this emergency, it was
child's play to extinguish the flames.
During these few critical minutes, the thorough
discipline, drill and esprit on board the Kearsarge
was her chief safeguard, for, at a time when the
gunners might have been expected to get demoral
ized, their gun-pointing steadily improved. Here
tofore it had been a little high ; the injuries to the
Alabama, barring one man killed and two wounded.

204 John Ancrum Winslow.
were a mainmast pierced and a gaff shot away.
Now, shells commenced to tear through her bul
warks, wounding many with splinters. Then the
after pivot-gun, which was doing such accurate work
against the Federal vessel, was struck by a shell, and
the eighteen men in the gun's crew, excepting the
compresserman, were all killed or wounded. The
after 32-pounder was then secured, and its crew
transferred to the pivot-gun, but the demoralization
was complete, and that gun did no further damage.
About the same time, the forward pivot crew re
ceived a shell in its midst, and a man was killed
and several wounded. Midshipman Anderson was
literally blown to pieces, only a leg being left
on board.
It must have been at this time that, as Wins
low states, the marksmen of the Kearsarge were
cautioned to aim alittle below the Alabamas water-
line rather than above it ; for she was soon repeat
edly hulled, the shells exploding between decks and
ripping holes in the spar deck above. One shell
damaged the rudder, and relieving tackles had to be
used for steering.
The second half of the action was now well ad
vanced. Shell after shell from the 11 -inch pivots
was crashing into the Alabama, while her shot
were flying wild and high. No ship could stand
such punishment long. Semmes was getting des
perate. He is said to have offered a large reward
to the man who would silence the Kearsarge' s after
pivot. Suddenly the Stars and Stripes unfurled at the

The Destruction of the Alabama. 205
Kearsarge' s main truck ; a chance shot from the
Alabama had cut the stops, and this second battle-
omen was greeted with cheers from the winning
crew. The two ships were now making their
seventh circle, and were scarcely five hundred
yards apart. The Kearsarge had gradually gained
on her adversary, and was drawing toward the same
quadrant of the circle ; tending to make her move
ment one of pursuit. Winslow — resolute, tena
cious and patient — believed, as he afterward
stated in a letter, that "the time for close action
was about to begin," and ordered grape provided
at the guns. But the Alabama was already mor
tally wounded ; two i i-inch shells had pierced her
at the waterline, tearing completely through the
bunkers, and letting water into the very heart of
the ship. Kell, after an inspection, reported her
sinking. Semmes shifted his helm to turn toward the
shore. Winslow righted his, passing under the
Alabamas stern and ranging up on her port side.
The Alabama! s head sails were set to pay her off
on a new tack, as she was settling and sluggish ;
the remnant of her decimated crew was disheart
ened and exhausted ; the pivot-guns could not be
shifted, and only two 32's now bore on her adver
sary, which was still mercilessly hulling her. Cap
tain Semmes now hauled down his colors, and the
Kearsarge was stopped, and ceased firing. Almost
immediately, however, by some chance never ex-
pained, the Alabama's port guns were again fired,
whereupon Winslow opened on her again and

2o6 John Ancrum Winslow.
steamed into a raking position across her bows.
Then a white flag was held up over the Confed
erate vessel's stern, and, at 12:02, she was seen to
be getting out her boats.
Eight minutes later a boat arrived alongside the
Kearsarge with a Confederate officer and twenty
wounded men. The officer stated that the Ala-
Aama had surrendered and was sinking, and that
Captain Semmes asked for assistance. Winslow at
once commenced to get out his boats, when it was
found that only two, and those the least accessible,
— the sailing launch and second cutter — were un
injured. The Confederate officer was therefore
paroled as soon as the wounded were taken on
board, and he and his boat sent to rescue his ship
mates. He subsequently went to the Deerhound
and never returned to custody.
Throughout the action, the Couronne had re
mained on guard at the three-mile limit, and the
Deerhound had kept about a mile to windward of
the combatants. The latter was now steamed un
der the Kearsarge's stern, whereupon Captain
Winslow hailed her and asked her to rescue the
drowning, for the Alabama was already wallowing
with her quarterdeck awash. The Deerhound
steamed at once toward the sinking vessel, got out
boats, and commenced picking up men from the
water. At 12:24 the Alabama's stern went under. Her
bow rose high in the air, and her riddled mainmast
broke and fell over her side ; then she slid quickly
down beneath the waves.

The Destruction of the Alabama. 207
Three of the Alabama's boats, two boats from the
Kearsarge, and two from the Deerhound were now
engaged in picking up the hundred and odd men
struggling in the water. Two French pilot-boats
also arrived on the scene and participated. One
of these delivered the rescued on board of the Kear
sarge, but the other took three ofllicers and six men
to Cherbourg.
While a great number were still struggling in the
water, the Deerhound was observed to have recalled
her boats and edged far to leeward. Two or three
times suspicious subordinates warned Winslow that
she seemed to be making off, but he refused to be
lieve it until she was seen to be actually steaming
toward Southampton at full speed. It was after
ward learned that she carried Captain Semmes,
Lieutenant Kell and eleven other officers, and
twenty-nine of the Alabamas crew.
Fifty prisoners, including six officers, in addition
to the wounded, were placed on board the Kear
sarge by the boats engaged in rescue. Of that
buoyant and confident crew which had gone from
Cherbourg with such dclat in the morning the grim
record stood as follows :
26 killed and drowned.
3 dying from wounds on the Kearsarge.
17 wounded and prisoners on the Kearsarge.
50 additional prisoners on the Kearsarge.
42 escaped to Southampton on the Deerhound.
9 escaped to Cherbourg on a French pilot-boat.
Total, 147
At about one o'clock the Kearsarge hoisted in

2o8 John Ancrum Winslow.
her boats, with the three belonging to the Alabama,
and steamed toward Cherbourg. All hands were
then called to muster, and the service interrupted
in the morning was concluded by an offer of thanks
giving to God for thevictory. At three o'clock the
waiting throng that had watched the Alabama de
part in the forenoon gazed with awe upon the
Kearsarge as she entered the harbor flying from
every masthead the flags of victory.
The story of the fight, officially told, is as follows:
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Cherbourg, France, Jane ig, 1864 — Afternoon.
" Sir: " I have the honor to inform the Department that the day
subsequent to the arrival of the Kearsarge off this port, on
the 14th instant, I received a note from Captain Semmes, beg
ging that the Kearsarge would not depart, as he intended to
fight her and would not delay her but a day or two.
" According to this notice, the Alabama left the port of Cher
bourg this morning at about 9:30 o'clock.
" At 10 20 a m. we discovered her steaming toward us. Fear
ing the question of jurisdiction might arise, we steamed to sea
until a distance of 6 or 7 miles was attained from the Cher
bourg breakwater, when we rounded to and commenced
steaming for the Alabama. As we approached her within
about 1,200 yards she opened fire, we receiving two or three
broadsides before a shot was returned The action continued,
the respective steamers making a circle round and round at a
distance of about 900 yards from each other. At the expira
tion of an hour the Alabama struck, going down in about
twenty minutes afterwards, and carrying many persons with her.
" It affords me great gratification to announce to the De
partment that every officer and man did his duty, exhibiting a
degree of coolness and fortitude which gave promise at the
outset of certain victory.

The Destruction of the Alabama. 209
" I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient
servant, " Jno. A. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C."
" U. S. S.' Kearsarge;
"Cherbourg, France, June 20, 1864.
"Sir: " I enclose herewith the surgeon's report of the casualties on
board this vessel in the late action with the Alabama. Al
though we received some twenty-five or thirty shots, twelve or
thirteen taking effect in the hull, by the mercy of God we have
been spared the loss of any one life, whereas in the case of
the Alabama the carnage, I learn, was dreadful.
" The ships were about equal in match, the tonnage being
the same ; ihe Alabama carrying one 100-pound rifle, with one
heavy 68-pounder and six broadside 32-pounders ; the Kear
sarge carrying four broadside 32-pounders and two ii-inch
and one 28-pound rifle, one gun less than the Alabama.
" The only shot which I fear will give us any trouble is one
loo-pound rifle, which entered our sternpost and remains at
present unexploded.
" It would seem almost invidious to particularise the con.-
duct of any one man or officer in which all had done their
duty with a fortitude and coolness which cannot be too highly
praised, but I feel it due to my executive officer, Lieutenant-
Commander Thornton, who superintended the working of the
battery, to particularly mention him for an example of cool
ness and encouragement of the men while fighting, which con
tributed much toward the success of the action.
" I have the honor be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, " Jno. A. Winslow, " Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C."
The Kearsarge was hit fourteen times in the hull,
and as many more in the rigging, as shown by the
following report :

2IO

John Ancrum Winslow.

" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
(( o . " Cherbourg, June 20, 1864.
"I respectfully submit to you a statement of injuries sus
tained by the U. S. S. Kearsarge in her hull, sails, rigging,
etc., during our late engagement with the rebel steamer Ala
bama, on the 19th instant, off this port :
IN HULL.
I shot in starboard gangway, i loo-pounder rifle shell
cut chain and bruised lodged in sternpost.
plank. I shell through top of engine

shell under waist gun, cut
chain and exploded, cut
ting outside planking.
shell under starboard main
channel, cut off chain
plate, going through and
exploding.
32-pounder solid shot en
tered forward of forward
pivot port ; shot lodged
inside, crushing waterways.

house.
I shell through port netting
abreast main rigging.
I shot and 2 shells through
port netting forward of
mizzen rigging.
I shell through smokestack,
exploding inside stack.
2 shots through taffrail.
I shot through netting forward
of mizzen rigging on star
board inside.

IN SAILS.
Spanker, badly torn by shell. IN RIGGING.

Fore-topmast backstay cut
away.
I shroud in main rigging cut
away.
I screw in port main rigging.
Starboard maintopmast back
stay cut away.
After shroud, starboard side

of the maintopmast rig
ging-
Starboard swifter of mizzen
rigging.
I screw in port main rigging.
I plate in starboard main
channels.

BOATS.
Third cutter, i shot through Gig, badly shattered.
bottom, starboard gunwale
shot away.
" The spars all in good order.
" Respectfully, " J. C. Walton, Boatswain.
"J. S. Thornton,
" Lieutenant- Commander and Executive 0?fficer.

The Destruction of the Alabama. 2 1 1
' Number of shot and shell struck the ship in various places,
28." The gunner's report of ammunition expended is
also interesting : "U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Cherbourg, June 20, 1864.
" Sir :
" I respectfully submit the following report of the expendi
ture of ordnance stores on board this ship during the engage
ment with the rebel steamer Alabama on the 19th instant:
SS is-pound service charges. 48 rifle percussion shell.
SS 1 I-inch s-second shell. 100 frictibn primers.
60 6-pound service charges. 240 percussion primers.
18 32-pound 5-second shell. Fixed ammunition for boat
42 32-pound solid shot. howitzer :
48 2^-pound service charges, 9 shrapnel, Bormann fused ;
rifle. I canister.
recapitulation.
Duration of action  65 minutes.
Number of Rounds :
ii-inch  S5
32-pounder  60
32-pounder rifle  48
12-pound howitzer  10
Total rounds  173
" Very respectfully,
" Franklin A. Graham,
" Gunner, U. S. S. ' Kearsarge.
"Jas. S. Thornton,
"Lieutenant-Commander and Executive Officer?'
Estimates by those in charge of the Alabama's
ammunition place her expenditures at 3 70 shot and
shell. " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" English Channel,
<¦ gjj^. " July 30th, 1864.
" The despatch of the Department of the Sth inst., calling
for information of the Alabama's armament and complement
of officers and men, and also of the proceedings of the Deer-
hound has been received.

212 John Ancrum Winslow.
" I have the honor to inform the Department that accord
ing to a memorandum handed to me by American captains
who were prisoners in the Alabama, that she carried into
Cherbourg a crew, officers and men, of either 147 or 149; but
what number joined her there, I have no means of ascertain
ing. Several persons were prevented by the police at Cher
bourg from going on board, but it appears that Mr. Sinclair
(Lieutenant) was one of those who succeeded in joining her.
" The rebel officers state their crew, officers and men, to
have been about 150, I have no means of either falsifying or
verifying these statements, but the American captains who were
prisoners respond that 13 men had been left at one port and 4
at another before the arrival of the vessel at Cherbourg and
her complement therefore when filled was about 170 all told.
" The statement of some of the prisoners is that a number
of men came on board at Cherbourg, and the night before the
action, that boats were going to and fro from the Alabama to
the Deerhound and in the morning they saw strange men who
were made captains of guns, who were supposed to be Naval
reserve men, brought in the Deerhound.
" In my despatch of the r9th ult. I informed the Depart
ment that the battery of Alabama consisted of one one hundred
pounder rifled pivot, one heavy sixty-eight pounder (9000 lbs.),
and six thirty-two pounder guns.
"I am Sir
" Very respectfully
' ' Your obedient servant
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles
' ' Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" English Channel,
" July 30th, 1864.
"In obedience to instructions of the Department, I have
the honor to make the following supplementary report of the

The Destruction ofthe Alabama. 213
action between the Kearsarge and Alabama. On the morning
of the 19th ult., the day being fine, with a hazy atmosphere,
wind moderate from the westward, at lo o'clock, was near the
buoy, which marks the line of shoals to the eastward of Cher
bourg; and distant about three miles from the eastern entrance
which bore to the southward and westward. At twenty
minutes after lo o'clock, the Alabama was descried coming
out of the western entrance; accompanied by the Couronne
(Iron Clad). I had in an interview with the Admiral at Cher
bourg, assured him that in the event of an action occurring
with the Alabama, that the position of the ships should be so
far off shore, that no questions could be advanced about the
line of jurisdiction. Accordingly, to perfect this object, and
with the double purpose of drawing the Alabama so far off
shore that, if disabled she could not return, I directed the
ship's head seaward and cleared for action with the battery
pivoted to starboard. Having attained a point about seven
miles from the shore, the head of the Kearsarge was turned
short round, and the ship steered directly for the Alabama.
My purpose being to run her down, or if circumstnces did not
warrant it, to close in with her. Hardly had the Kearsarge
come round before the Alabama sheered, presented her star
board battery, and slowed her engines. On approaching her
at long range of about a mile she opened her full broadsides,
the shot cutting some of our rigging, and going over and
alongside of us.
" Immediately I ordered more speed, but in two minutes
the Alabama had loaded and again fired another broadside,
and following it with a third, without damaging us except in
rigging. We had now arrived within about nine hundred
yards of her, and I was apprehensive that another broadside,
nearly raking as it was, would prove disastrous. Accordingly,
I ordered the Kearsarge sheered, and opened on the Alabama.
The position of the vessels was now broadside and broadside,
but it was soon apparent that Captain Semmes did not seek
close action. I became then fearful lest after some fighting,
that he would again make for the shore. To defeat this, I
determined to keep full speed on, and with a port helm to run

214 John Ancrum Winslow.
under the stern of the Alabama and rake, if he did not prevent
it by sheering and keeping his broadside to us. He adopted
this mode as a preventative, and as a consequence, the
Alabama was forced, with a full head of steam, into a circular
track during the engagement.
" The effect of this manoeuvre was such, that at the last of
the action, when the Alabama would have made off, she was
near five miles from the shore, and had the action continued
from the first, in parallel lines, with her head in shore, the line
of jurisdiction would no doubt have been reached.
' ' The firing of the Alabama from the first was rapid and wild,
towards the close of the action, her firing became better. Our
men, who had been cautioned against rapid firing without
direct aim, were much more deliberate, and the instructions
given to point the heavy guns below, rather than above the
water line, and clear the deck with the lighter ones, was fully
observed. " I had endeavored with a port helm to close in with the
Alabama, but it was not until just before the close of the
action that we were in position to use grape, this was avoided,
however, by her surrender. The effect of the training of our
men was evident, nearly every shot from our guns was telling
fearfully on the Alabama, and on the seventh rotation on the
circular track, she winded, setting fore trysail and two jibs,
with head in shore.
" Her speed was now retarded, and by winding, her port
broadside was presented to us, with only two guns bearing;
not having been able, as I learned afterwards, to shift over
but one. I saw now that she was at our mercy, and a few
more guns, well directed, brought down her flag. I was
unable to ascertain whether they had been hauled down or
shot away, but a white flag having been displayed over the
stern, followed by two guns fired to leeward, our fire was re
served; two minutes had not more than elapsed before she
again opened on us with the two guns on the port side. This
drew our fire again and the Kearsarge was immediately
steamed ahead and laid across her bows for raking. The
white flag was still flying and our fire was again reserved.

The Destruction ofthe Alabama. 215
Shortly after this, her boats were seen to be lowering, and an
officer in one of them came alongside and informed us the
ship had surrendered and was fast sinking. In twenty
minutes from this time, the Alabama went down, her mainmast,
which had received a shot, breaking near the head, as she
sunk; and her bow rising high out of the water, as her stern
rapidly settled. The fire of the Alabama, though it is stated
that she discharged 370 or more shell and shot, was not of
serious damage to the Kearsarge. Some thirteen or fourteen
of these had taken effect in and about the hull, and sixteen or
seventeen about the mast and rigging. The casualties were
small, only three persons having been wounded, yet it is a
matter of surprise that so few were injured, considering the
number of projectiles that came aboard. Two shot passed
through the port in which the thirty-twos were placed, with
men thickly stationed around them, one taking effect in the
hammock netting, and the other going through the port on
the opposite side; yet no one was hit, the captain of one of
the guns being only knocked down, by the wind of the shot,
as was supposed. The fire of the Kearsarge, although only
(173) one hundred and seventy-three projectiles had been dis
charged, according to the prisoner's accounts, was terrific.
One shot alone had killed and wounded eighteen men and
disabled the gun; another had entered the coal bunkers, ex
ploding, and completely blocked up the engine-room; and
Captain Semmes states, shot and shell had taken effect in the
sides of his vessel, tearing large holes by explosion, and his
men were everywhere knocked down.
" Of the casualties on the Alabama, no correct account can
be given. One hundred and fifteen persons reached the
shore, either in England or France, after the action. It is
known that the Alabama carried a crew, officers and men, of
about (iSo) one hundred and fifty into Cherbourg, and that
while in the Southern Ocean, that her complement was about
one hundred and seventy, but desertions had reduced this
complement. " The prisoners state that a number of men came on board
at Cherbourg; and the night before the action, boats were

2x6 John Ancrum Winslow.
going to and fro; and in the morning strange men were seen,
who were stationed as captains of the guns. Among these
there was one Lieutenant (Sinclair) who joined her at Cher
bourg. ' ' The Alabama had been five days in preparation ; she had
taken in 3S0 tons of coal, which brought her down into the
water. The Kearsarge had only 120 tons in; but, as an
offset to this, her sheet chains were stowed outside, stopped
up and down, as an additional preventive and protection to
her more empty bunkers. The number of the crew of the
Kearsarge, including officers and sick men, was one hundred
and sixty-three, and her battery numbered seven guns, two
eleven inch, one thirty pounder rifle, and four light thirty-two
pounder guns.
" The battery of the Alabama numbered eight guns; one
heavy sixty-eight of 9000 lbs., one, one hundred and ten
pounder rifle, and six heavy thirty-two pounder guns.
" In the engagement the Alabama fought seven guns and
the Kearsarge five, both exercising the starboard battery,
until the Alabama winded, using her port battery, with one
gun, and another, shifted over.
" The collateral events connected with this action have
already been laid before the Department.
" I enclose a diagram showing the track, which was de
scribed during the engagement, by the rotary course of the
vessels. " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
' ' Your obedient servant
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy
"Washington, D. C." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Cherbourg, France,
" June 2Sth, 1864.
"Sir: ' ' I have the honor to enclose herewith a list of the names
of the men who during the engagement of the Alabama and

The Destruction of the Alabama. 2 1 7
Kearsarge exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and
for such have been recommended by the divisional command
ers as deserving special reference to.
" It affords me pleasure to report that William Smith,
Q.M., was captain of the ii-inch gun which according to the
rebel accounts, did such execution that a reward was offered
by Captain Semmes to silence his gun.
" Smith is well worthy both from education and otherwise
to the appointment of a Master's Mate.
" Jno. F. Bickford, who during the engagement and from
long exampled good conduct and also education is entitled to
this reward. Both of these men are so highly spoken of by
the officers that it is but their due that my report should refer
in a special manner to them.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant
' ' Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
' ' Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C."
" P. S. — I omitted to state that the Carpenter's Mate of
this vessel, Mark G. Ham, of Portsmouth, is most particularly
recommended for promotion by the Executive officer. He is
in my opinion fully entitled to it, from his conduct in the
action, but not more than from his faithful and ever willing
performance of duty during the cruise."
" Ene. No. 18. "James Haley, CF.
" Jno. B. Bickford, Cox.
" Chas. A. Read, Cox.
" Edward Wilt.
" Wm. Smith, Q.M.
' "Wm. Bond, B.M.
" Charles Moore, Sea.
" Geo. Harrison, Sea.
" Thos. Perry, B.M.

2i8 John Ancrum Winslow.
" John Hayes, Cox.
" Geo. E. Read, Sea.
" Robert Strahan, CT.
" James H. Lee, Sea.
" Joachim Pease, Sea., Colored.
" Wm. B. Poole, Q.M.
" Michael Ahearn, Paymaster's Stewd.
" Mark G. Ham, Carpenter's Mate."
The unfurling of the flag at the Kearsarge' s
mainmasthead is described by Winslow in a private
letter :
" As soon as the Alabama was discovered coming out of the
harbor of Cherbourg, and I became satisfied that the chal
lenge of Semmes was no idle boast, I gave the order to Lieut. -
Commander Thornton to clear ship for action, set the colors
at the gaff, and round up ensigns to the mast-heads, without
breaking stops. The object I explained to him, was in the
event of the Alabama's shooting away one or two of the flags
we would have others to set immediately.
" The action commenced and continued, until the last gun
of the Alabama was fired, and but one flag (which was at the
gaff) flying on board the ^earsarge. The last gun fired by
the Alabama broke the stop of the flag at the mainmast head
of the Kearsarge and unfurled the flag to the breeze.
"The missive sped announcing the Alabama coMo^exeA,
and setting the flag of victory on board the Kearsarge. ' '

CHAPTER XX.
THE CONDUCT OF THE DEERHOUND.
THE escape of Semmes and others in the
Deerhound was, for the moment, a source of
great mortification to Winslow. Southern sym
pathizers gloated over it as marring the Kear
sarge s victory, and the Federals magnified this by
a good deal of thoughtless wailing. The action of
the owner of the yacht laid him open so strongly
to suspicion as an accomplice by prearrangement
that his memory is not yet wholly free from it. As a
matter of fact, borne out by subsequent events, the
fate of Semmes was a cipher in the result, and his
ignominious escape after hauling down his flag and
surrendering his vessel was discreditable only to
himself. It is the writer's belief that the following
letters tell the whole story concerning the partici
pation of the Deerhound in the closing scenes of
the battle :
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Cherbourg, June 20, 1864.
" . . . I have no time to write except to say that I
wrote you from Dover we were after the Alabama. Semmes
sent me a challenge immediately on my arrival, and so the
Alabama's fate has been sealed. God be thanked that all is
219

220 John Ancrum Winslow.
well, and to him be all the praise and glory. You will
doubtless see by the letters published how the action went.
Our boats were nearly all shot away, and I hailed an English
yacht to go down and help save the drowning. The officer
who came to surrender was taken off with Semmes and other
officers to England. The yacht is named the Deerhound. I
shall publish him as disgracing his flag. Had I deemed him
mean enough to have done it, I would have opened my guns
upon him. The French pilots took up some of the men and
carried them to Cherbourg. . . . "
Mr. Lancaster to Earl Russell, July i6, 1864:
" At half past 12 o'clock we observed the Alabama to be
disabled and in a sinking state ; and as I saw that no boats
were being lowered from the Kearsarge to save the crew of the
sinking ship, it occurred to me that the Kearsarge also must
be disabled, and that her crew must be unable to help the
people of the Alabama. Under this impression I felt it my
duty to make towards the Kearsarge in order to offer assist
ance; and, when within hail of that vessel, I called out and
asked whether I could afford them any help, and the answer
was, ' No, but for God's sake do what you can to save them! '
We immediately pushed towards the Alabama, and when
within a distance of 200 yards she sank. This occurred at
12.50. We then lowered our two boats, and with the assist
ance of the Alabama's whaleboat and dingy, succeeded in
saving about forty men, including Captain Semmes and thir
teen officers. At i p.m. we steered for Southampton.
" I acknowledge, my Lord, that in leaving the scene of
action so quickly I was animated with a wish to save from
captivity Captain Semmes and the others whom we had
rescued from drowning; but I should have done the same for
the people of the Kearsarge if they had been placed in similar
jeopardy. I am charged with having aided in the escape of
men who ' had surrendered themselves prisoners of war, ' but
I did not know at the time that they had so surrendered.
Whether, under the circumstances, they could be justly con
sidered ' prisoners of war, ' is a question which I will not pre-

The Conduct of the Deerhound. 221
sume now to discuss, inasmuch as it is not necessary for my
justification. At the time when I rescued Captain Semmes
and others from the water I had the warrant for so doing in
the request from the Captain of the Kearsarge that I would
render them assistance. That request was not accompanied
with any condition or stipulation; and therefore, having got
as many of the drowning men on board as I could reach, I
was not conscious of being under any obligation to consult
the Captain of the Kearsarge as to their disposal, and I took
them as soon as possible to Southampton in compliance with
their own earnest entreaties." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Cherbourg, France, June 21, 1864.
"Sir: " I have the honor to report that toward the close of the
action between the Alabama and this vessel all available sail
was made on the former for the purpose of again reaching
Cherbourg. When the object was apparent the Kearsarge was
steered across the bow of the Alabama for a raking fire, but
before reaching this point the Alabama struck. Uncertain
whether Captain Semmes was not using some ruse, the Kear
sarge was stopped. It was seen shortly afterwards that the
Alabama was lowering her boats, and an officer came along
side in one of them to say that they had surrendered and were
fast sinking, and begging that boats would be dispatched im
mediately for saving of life. The two boats not disabled were
at once lowered, and it was apparent that the Alabama was
settling. This officer was permitted to leave in his boat to
afford assistance. An English yacht, the Deerhound, had
approached near the Kearsarge at this time, when I hailed
and begged the commander to run down to the Alabama, as
she was fast sinking, and we had but two boats, and assist in
picking up the men. He answered affirmatively and steamed
toward the Alabama, but the latter sank almost immediately.
The Deerhound, however, sent her boats and was actively en
gaged, aided by several others which had come from shore.
These boats were busy in bringing the wounded and others to
the Kearsarge, whom we were trying to make as comfortable

222 John Ancrum Winslow.
as possible, when it was reported to me that the Deerhound
was moving off. I could not believe that the commander of
that vessel could be guilty of so disgraceful an act as taking
our prisoners off, and therefore took no means to prevent it,
but continued to keep our boats at work rescuing the men in
the water. I am sorry to say that I was mistaken; the Deer-
hound made off with Captain Semmes and others, and also the
very officer who had come on board to surrender.
" I learned subsequently that the Deerhound was a con
sort of the Alabama, and that she received on board all the
valuable personal effects of Captain Semmes the night before
the engagement.
" I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, " Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C "

" My despatch of the 21st uito. informed the Department
of the proceedings of the Deerhound yacht, her gradual edging
to leeward, leading us to suppose she was seeking men who
were drifting in the current, and then taking advantage of the
hazy weather to make off, while our boats were out busy in
rescuing the larger part of the prisoners who were struggling
in the water.
' ' It was m.y mistake at the moment, that I could not recog
nize an enemy, who, under the guise of a friend was affording
assistance." Captain Semmes to Flag Officer Samuel Barron,
June 21, 1864 :
" , . Some twenty minutes after my furnace fires had
been extinguished, and the ship being on the point of settling,
every man, in obedience to a previous order which had been
given to the crew, jumped overboard and endeavored to save
himself. There was no appearance of any boat coming to me
from the enemy until after the ship went down. Fortunately,

The Conduct of the Deerhound. 223
however, the steam yacht Deerhound, owned by a gentleman
of Lancashire, England (Mr. John Lancaster), who was him
self on board, steamed up in the midst of my drowning men
and rescued a number of both officers and men from the
water. I was fortunate enough myself thus to escape to the
shelter of the neutral flag, together with about forty others,
all told. About this time the Kearsarge sent one and then
tardily, another boat. . . ."
Confederate Commissioner Mason to Mr. Lan
caster : " 24 Upper Seymour Street, Portman Square,
"London, June 21, 1864.
' ' Dear Sir : I received from Captain Semmes at Southamp
ton, where I had the pleasure to see you yesterday, a full
report of the efficient service rendered under your orders by
the officers and crew of your yacht, the Deerhound, in rescuing
him, with thirteen of his officers and twenty-seven of his crew,
from their impending fate after the loss ol his ship.
" Captain Semmes reports that, finding the Alabama actually
sinking, he had barely time to dispatch his wounded in his
own boats to the enemy's ship, when the Alabama went down;
that nothing was left to those who remained on board but to
throw themselves into the sea; their own boats absent, there
seemed no prospect of relief when your yacht arrived in their
midst and your boats were launched; and he impressively told
me that to this timely and generous succor he, with most of his
officers and a portion of his crew, were indebted for their
safety. He further told me that on their arrival on board the
yacht every care and kindness were extended to them which
their exhausted condition required, even to supplying all with
dry clothing.
" I am fully aware of the noble and disinterested spirit
which prompted you to go to the rescue of the gallant crew
of the Alabama, and that I can add nothing to the recom
pense already received by you and those acting under you in
the consciousness of having ' done as you would be done
by' ; yet you will permit me to thank you, and through you

224 John Ancrum Winslow.
the captain, officers, and crew of the Deerhound, for this
signal service, and to say that in doing so I but anticipate the
grateful sentiment of my country and of the Government of
the Confederate States.
" I have the honor to be, dear sir, most respectfully and
truly, your obedient servant, << t_ y. Mason.
" John Lancaster, Esq.,
" Hindley Hall, Wig3.n (England)." " Hindley Hall,
" Near Wigan (England), June, 24, 1864.
" Dear Sir:
" I am in due receipt of your esteemed favor of the 21st
instant, and am gratified to find that the timely aid we ren
dered with the yacht Deerhound to the gallant captain and
officers and crew of the Alabama has met with your approval.
I shall always look back to that event with satisfaction, how
ever much we may regret the result which necessitated inter
ference. << Yours, very respectfully,
" John Lancaster.
"Hon. J. Y. Mason."
Letter from Mr. Lancaster to the London Daily
News :
" Hindley Hall,
"Wigan, June 2'/, 1864.
" Sir: " As two correspondents of your journal, in giving their ver
sions of the fight between the Alabama and the Kearsarge, have
designated my share in the escape of Captain Semmes and a
portion of the crew of the sunken ship as ' dishonorable, ' and
have, moreover, affirmed that my yacht, the Deerhound, was
in the harbor of Cherbourg before the engagement, and pro
ceeded thence on the morning of the engagement in order to
assist the Alabama, I presume I may trespass upon your kind
ness so far as to ask for an opportunity to repudiate the
imputation and deny the assertion. They admit that when
the Alabama went down the yacht, being near the Kearsarge,
was hailed by Captain Winslow and requested to aid in picking

The Conduct of the Deerhound. 225
up the men who were in the water; but they intimate that my
services were expected to be merely ministerial, or, in other
words, that I was to put myself under the command of Captain
Winslow, and place my yacht at his disposal for the capture
of the poor fellows who were struggling in the water for their
lives. The fact is, that when we passed the Kearsarge, the
captain cried out, ' For God's sake do what you can to save
them, ' and that was my warrant for interfering in any way for
the aid and succor of his enemies. It may be a question with
some whether, without that warrant, I should have been justi
fied in endeavoring to rescue any of the crew of the Alabama,
but my own opinion is that a man drowning in the open sea
cannot be regarded as an enemy at the time to anybody, and
is therefore entitled to the assistance of any passer-by. Be
this as it may, I had the earnest request of Captain Winslow
to rescue as many of the men who were in the water as I could
lay hold of, but that request was not coupled with any stipu
lation to the effect that I should deliver up the rescued men
to him as his prisoners. If it had been, I should have declined
the task, because I should have deemed it dishonorable — that
is, inconsistent with my notions of honor — to lend my yacht
and crew for the purpose of rescuing those brave men from
drowning only to hand them over to their enemies for im
prisonment, ill-treatment, and perhaps execution. One of
your correspondents opens a letter by expressing a desire to
bring to the notice of the yacht clubs of England the conduct
of the commander of the Deerhound which followed the en
gagement of the Alabama and Kearsarge. Now that my con
duct has been impugned I am equally wishful that it should
come under the notice of the yacht clubs of England, and I
am quite willing to leave the point of ' honor ' to be decided
by my brother yachtsmen, and, indeed, by any tribunal of
gentlemen. As to my legal right to take away Captain Semmes
and his friends, I have been educated in the belief that an
English ship is English territory, and am therefore unable even
now to discover why I was more bound to surrender the
people of the Alabama whom I had on board my yacht than
the owner of a garden on the south coast of England would

226 John Ancrum Winslow.
have been if they had swum to such a place and landed there,
or than the mayor of Southampton was when they were lodging
in that city, or than the British Government is now that it is
known that they are somewhere in England.
" Your other correspondent says that Captain Winslow de
clares that ' the reason he did not pursue the Deerhound or
fire into her was that he could not believe at the time that
anyone carrying the flag of the Royal Yacht Squadron could
act so dishonorable a part as to carry off the prisoners whom
he had requested him to save from feelings of humanity. ' I
was not aware then, and I am not aware now, that the men
whom I saved were or ever had been his prisoners. Whether
any of the circumstances which had preceded the sinking of
the Alabama constituted them prisoners was a question that
never came under my consideration;, and one which I am not
disposed to discuss even now. I can only say that it is a new
doctrine to me that when one ship sinks another in warfare
the crew of the sunken ship are debarred from swimming for
their lives and seeking refuge wherever they can find it, and
it is a doctrine which I shall not accept unless backed by
better authority than that of the master of the Kearsarge.
What Captain Winslow's notion of humanity may be is a
point beyond my knowledge, but I have good reason for be
lieving that not many members of the Royal Yacht Squadron
would, from motives of humanity, have taken Captain Semmes
from the water in order to give him up to the tender mercies
of Captain Winslow and his compatriots. Another reason for
that hero's forbearance may be imagined in the reflection that
such a performance as that of Captain Wilkes, who dragged
two ' enemies ' or * rebels ' from an English ship, would not
bear repetition. Your anonymous correspondent further says
that ' Captain Winslow would now have all the officers and
men of the Alabama as prisoners had he. not placed too much
confidence in the honor of an Englishman who carried the
flag of the Royal Yacht Squadron.' This is a very question
able assertion, for why did Captain Winslow confide in that
Englishman ? Why did he implore his interference, calling
out, ' For God's sake do what you can to save them ? ' I

The Conduct of the Deerhound. 227
presume it was because he could not or would not save them
himself. The fact is that if the captain and crew of the Ala
bama had depended for safety altogether upon Captain Wins.
low, not one-half of them would have been saved. He got
quite as many of them as he could lay hold of time enough to
deliver them from drowning.
" I come now to the more definite charges advanced by
your correspondents, and these I will soon dispose of.
" They maintain that my yacht was in the harbor of Cher
bourg for the purpose of assisting the Alabama, and that her
movements before the action prove that she attended her for
the same object. My impression was that that yacht was in
Cherbourg to suit my convenience and pleasure, and I am
quite sure that when there I neither did nor intended to do
anything to serve the Alabama. We steamed out on Sunday
morning to see the engagement, and the resolution to do so
was the result of a family council whereat the question ' to
go out ' or ' not to go out ' was duly discussed, and the deci
sion in the affirmative was carried by the juveniles rather
against the wish of both myself and my wife. Had I contem
plated taking any part in the movements of the Alabama, I do
not think I should have been accompanied with my wife and
several young children.
" One of your correspondents, however, says that he knows
that the Deerhound did assist the Alabama, and if he does know
this he knows more than I do. As to the movements of the
Deerhound before the action, all the movements with which I
was acquainted were for the objects of enjoying the summer
morning and getting a good and safe place from which to
watch the engagement.
" Another of your correspondents declares that since the
affair it has been discovered that the Deerhound was a consort
of the Alabama, and on the night before had received many
valuable articles for safe-keeping from that vessel. This is
simply untrue. Before the engagement neither I nor any of
my family had any knowledge of or communication with either
Captain Semmes, any of his officers, or any of his crew. Since
the fight I have enquired from my captain whether he or any

228 John Ancrum Winslow.
of my crew had had any communication with the captain or
crew of the Alabama prior to meeting them on the Deerhound
after the engagement, and his answer, given in the most em
phatic manner, has been ' None whatever. '
"As to the deposit of chronometers and other valuable
articles, the whole story is a myth. Nothing was brought
from the Alabama to the Deerhound, and I never heard of the
tale until I saw it in an extract from your own columns.
After the fight was over, the drowning men picked up, and the
Deerfwund steaming away to Southampton, some of the officers
who had been saved began to express their acknowledgments
for my services, and my reply to them, which was addressed
to all who stood around, was, ' Gentlemen, you have no need
to give me any special thanks; I should have done exactly the
same for the other people if they had needed it.' This speech
would have been a needless and, indeed, an absurd piece of
hypocrisy if there had been any league or alliance between the
Alabama and the Deerhound.
" Both your correspondents agree in maintaining that
Captain Semmes and such of his crew as were taken away by
the Deerhound are hound in honor to consider themselves still
as prisoners, and to render themselves to their lawful captors
as soon as practicable.
" This is a point which I have nothing to do with, and
therefore I shall not discuss it.
" My object in this letter is merely to vindicate my conduct
from misrepresentation, and I trust that in aiming at this I
have not transgressed any of your rules of correspondence,
and shall therefore be entitled to a place in your columns.
" I am, etc.,
" John Lancaster.
" The Editor of the Daily Ne-ws."
Statement of the Captain of the Deerhound
(from Two Years on the Alabama, by Lieut.
Arthur Sinclair, C. S. N.) :
" On June 9, 1864, we were lying at St. Malo, where we
landed Mr. Lancaster and family, after a cruise among the

The Conduct of the Deerhound. 229
Channel Islands. On their leaving, we immediately set sail
for Cherbourg, calling on our way to Jersey for letters. We
arrived at Cherbourg, and came to anchor close to the Ala
bama, and to an English sailing-yacht, the Hornet. We had
no communication with the Alabama during our stay in the
harbor, except to send alongside, asking permission to visit,
which they refused, saying that they were too busy. We could
see from our vessel that they were practising boarding-drill,
and surmised that they had it in view to board the Kearsarge
in the engagement which rumor in Cherbourg had it was to
take place on the following Sunday.
' ' On the day previous to the fight I met Mr. Lancaster and
family at the station (as was my custom), and informed him
that the Alabama was lying in the harbor. I reminded him
that she was built at Messrs. Lairds' yard, at Birkenhead,
during the time that the Deerhound was there being lengthened.
I also told him that the Kearsarge had steamed in at the east
end of the harbor and out at the west, evidently taking a sur
vey of the enemy. No doubt this was a great advantage to
Capt. Winslow, who also got at the same time a full report of
the Alabama's condition from the American consul of the port
— especially as to the condition of her boilers, which I believe
were in a very bad state.
" After the Alabama went down, we steamed round the star
board quarter of the Kearsarge, and Capt. Winslow asked us
to render all assistance possible to the drowning crew. We
picked up forty-two, including Captain Semmes, who had a
life-belt on when rescued. William Roberts, our chief steward,
recognized Semmes in the water from having seen him pre
viously on the Confederate steamship Sumter, at Gibraltar,
where the Deerhound happened to be at the same time. Mr.
Kell, the first officer of the Alabama, was rescued with
Semmes; and Semmes probably owed his life to him, ashe
unquestionably did his liberty. It was Kell who suggested
that Semmes should lie flat in the bottom of the boat to pre
vent his recognition by the party in the Kearsarge's launch,
which was close by us, and who donned himself one of our
crew's hats, withthe word " deerhound " on it, and took an

230 John Ancrum Winslow.
oar, so as to pass for one of our men. The question was
asked from the launch whether Semmes had been saved or
not. Kell promptly replied, ' He is drowned ; ' and the
assurance was accepted, thus securing Semmes's escape. We
were sorry we did not succeed in saving Mr. Llewellyn, the
surgeon. Our boat was but a few yards off, and pulling
toward him, when he went down.
" On our way to Southampton we passed the sailing-yacht
Hornet, Hewitt, master; and one of the saved men remarked
that they had all their treasure, including about sixty chro
nometers, on board her. The same evening we arrived off
Cowes, where Mr. Lancaster went on shore and reported
himself at Cowes Castle as a member of the Royal Yacht
squadron. We landed all the saved men at Southampton.
The next day Mr. Lancaster gave the Times correspondent all
the details. Afterward Mr. Mason (of the Mason and Slidell
episode) came on board, and thanked Mr. Lancaster and
family for their kindness and humanity.
" When Semmes came on board he was wounded and ex
hausted, and a most miserable object to look at. But after a
little nursing he came on deck as bright as a dandy-cock.
Semmes seemed to be greatly reverenced by his crew, but I
think Kell had their deepest regard. According to their idea,
Kell was Semmes's mainstay and chief counsellor, and the
commander owed much of his success and reputation to his
first officer's sagacity and promptness of resource.
" Evan P. Jones, Captain,
" Yacht 'Deerhound.'"
The action of the Deerhound was the subject
of persistent diplomatic discussion between the
United States and British governments for nearly
six months, and searching inquiry was made by
United States officials in England and France to
learn how far the yacht had been an accomplice of

The Conduct o{ tht Deerhound. 231
the Confederate cruiser, but no positive evidence
was ever found. The correspondence finally ceased
with no official concession on either side. Never
theless, opinion seems now to be crystallizing.
The International Peace Conference at The Hague,
1899, in formulating a convention for adapting the
principles of the Geneva Convention of 1864 to
maritime warfare, introduced the following :
" Article 6. Les bitiments de commerce, yachts ou em
barcations neutres, portant ou recueillant des blesses, des
malades ou des naufragds des belligerants, ne peuvent etre
captures pour le fait de ce transport, mais iis restent exposes
h. la capture pour les violations de neutrality qu'ils pourraient
avoir commissis."
"Article g. Sont prisonniers de guerre les naufragus,
blesses ou malades, d'un belligerant qui tombent au pouvoir
de I'autre. . . ."
This convention was signed by the representa
tives of France, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Nor
way, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, Greece,
Mexico, Persia, Siam, Bulgaria, Romania and Mon
tenegro. It was not signed by the representatives
of the United States, but in the United States
Naval War Code prepared under the direction of
the Secretary of the Navy, approved by the Presi
dent of the United States, and issued for the navy,
June 27, 1900, is found :
" Article 2^. Merchant vessels, yachts, or neutral vessels
that happen to be in the vicinity of active maritime hostilities,
may gather up the wounded, sick, or shipwrecked of the
belligerents. Such vessels, after this service has been per
formed, shall report to the belligerent commander controlling

232

John Ancrum Winslow.

the waters thereabouts, for future directions, and while ac
companying a belligerent will be, in all cases, under his orders ;
and if a neutral, be designated by the national flag of that
belligerent carried at the foremasthead, with the red cross
flag flying immediately under it.
" These, vessels are subject to capture for any violation of
neutrality that they may commit. Any attempt to carry off
such wounded, sick, and shipwrecked, without permission, is
a violation of neutrality. . . ."

CHAPTER XXI
THE SOJOURN OF THE VICTOR AT CHERBOURG.
IT was now necessary to repair the damages of
battle, to place the wounded in hospitals,
and to dispose of the prisoners who encumbered
the Kearsarge' s decks and for whom she had no
berthing space. With characteristic promptness
Captain Winslow decided to release his prisoners
on parole the afternoon of the day of battle. This
action was strongly disapproved by the Navy De
partment. It was, however, perfectly legitimate,
and the following correspondence demonstrates its
expediency :
"U. S. S.' Kearsarge?
"Cherbourg, France,
" "^une 21 st, 1864.
" Sir: ' ' I have the honor to report that the number of prisoners
brought on board the Kearsarge, belonging to the Alabama,
was seventy, six officers and sixty-four men. One officer —
Carpenter — and two men dying and seventeen wounded are
included in this number.
" As we have very contracted accommodations for our own
crew, without increase, it became indispensable to send these
prisoners on shore, and their parole was taken. With excep
tion of the Doctor, — non-combatant, — who was put on parole
that he might attend to his wounded, the officers were held as
prisoners of war. 233

234 John Ancrum Winslow.
" I learn that three officers with six men were carried on
shore at Cherbourg by pilot boats, but of the number who
reached England in the Deerhound, I have no reliable accounts.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
' ' Secretary of the Na-vy,
" Washington, D. C" " U. S. S. • Kearsarge;
" Sir: " I have the honor to enclose herewith the original written
parole subscribed by the prisoners of the Alabama.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C"
" Enclosures. " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" Port of Cherbourg, France,
' ' June ig, 1864.
" We, the seamen and others lately belonging to the steamer
Alabama, and captured in the action between that vessel and
the U. S. S. Kearsarge off this port on the 19th day of June,
1864, now prisoners of war, do hereby solemnly pledge our
sacred word of honor not to engage in arms against or other
wise employ ourselves against the interest of the Government
of the United States of America until we shall be regularly
exchanged." " U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Port of Cherbourg, France,
" June ig, 1864.
" We, the wounded prisoners of war, late seamen and others
on board the Alabama, captured in the action off Cherbourg

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 235
by the U. S. S. Kearsarge on the 19th of June, r864, do
solemnly affirm upon our sacred word of honor that we will
not bear arms against or otherwise operate against the interest
of the Government of the United States in any manner what
soever until we shall have been regularly exchanged."
The officers of the Alabama, as stated by Wins
low, remained prisoners of war. One of these,
however, was subsequently paroled under the fol
lowing circumstances :
" My dear Sir: " ^°"''°''' >^^ '^' '^^*-
" Mr. Wilson, one of the persons taken at the time of the
action with the Alabama, and now a prisoner on parole in your
ship, has called to see me to ask a word from me to you in
favor of giving him his liberty on parole.
" I decline to assume any authority with you in regard to
the disposition you think proper to make of your prisoners.
At the same time, I have reasons to suppose that this young
gentleman has acted honorably in this business by recognizing
his obligations, and therefore I should regret that he should
experience no more liberal treatment in return than one who
disregarded them would deserve.
" Under these circumstances, if in your judgment this case,
for any reason of the health of the person or any other good
cause, is one in which you can make an exception, having a
reliance on the honor of the individual, that he will take no
improper advantage of it, I will very cheerfully concur in your
opinion and approve of your act.
' ' I am, very truly, yours,
"C F. Adams.
' ' Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.
" Captain Jno. A. Winslow,
" Commanding U. S. S. ' Kearsarge,'
" Cherbourg, France." Endorsement.
" Notify General Butler of this. "Welles."

236 John Ancrum Winslow.
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge;
"Off Dover, July 14, 1864.
" The conduct of Joseph D. Wilson, late lieutenant on
board the Alabama, has been so honorable, first, in presenting
himself on board the Kearsarge and surrendering himself when
it was in his power to have gone on board the Deerhound and
gained his liberty in the dishonorable manner which others
had taken, and again, in his repudiation of the means pursued
by those who obtained their liberty in this way, and his de
portment while a prisoner having been of the same honorable
standard, at the instance of Mr. Adams, minister of the United
States at the court of St. James, I have paroled the said Wil
son; and feeling a full confidence and trust in his word and
honor, I recommend that all privileges which can be given a
prisoner of war should be extended to him, believing fully he
will never violate any obligation which he pledges himself to
fulfil. " Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Lieutenant J. D. Wilson, C S. Navy."
The Navy Department expressed its disapproba
tion of the parole of prisoners as soon as it learned
of such action : " Navy Department,
" July 12, 1864.
" Sir: " Your dispatch of the 21st ultimo is received, stating your
efforts to save the lives of the survivors of the Alabama after
the battle of the 19th of June, and after the formal surrender
and destruction of that vessel. Your efforts in the cause of
humanity in striving to rescue these men, most of them aliens,
who have, under their ignoble leader, himself a deserter from
our service and a traitor to our flag, been for nearly two years
making piratical war on unarmed merchantmen, are rightly
appreciated. It is to be regretted that the confidence and
generous sympathy which you exercised, and which would
actuate all honorable minds under similar circumstances,
should have been so requited and abused by the persons on

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 237
board the Deerhound, an English vessel of the Royal Yacht
Squadron. That the wretched commander of the sunken
corsair should have resorted to any dishonorable means to
escape after his surrender ; that he should have thrown over
board the sword that was no longer his ; that before en
countering an armed antagonist the mercenary rover should
have removed the chronometers and other plunder stolen from
peaceful commerce, are not matters of surprise, for each act
has been characteristic of one who has been false to his
country and flag, You could not have expected, however,
that gentlemen, or those claiming to be gentlemen, would on
such an occasion act in bad faith, and that having been called
upon or permitted to assist in rescuing persons or property
which had been surrendered to you, would run away with
either. It is now evident that your confidence in the Deer-
hound and the persons connected with her was misplaced.
The Department commends your efforts to save the lives of
drowning men, although they had been engaged in robbing
and destroying the property of those who had never injured
them. " In paroling the prisoners, however, you committed a
grave error. The Alabama was an English-built vessel, armed
and manned by Englishmen; has never visited any port of
North America, and her career of devastation since she went
forth from England is one that does not entitle those of her
crew who were captured to be paroled. This Department
expressly disavows that act. Extreme caution must be exer
cised that we in no way change the character of this English-
built and English-manned, if not English-owned, vessel, or
relieve those who may be implicated in sending forth this rob
ber upon the seas from any responsibility to which they may
be liable for the outrages she has committed.
" Very respectfully, etc.,
" Gideon Welles,
"Secretary of the Navy.
" Captain Jno. A. Winslow, U. S. Navy,
" Commanding U. S. S. 'Kearsarge,'
" Cherbourg, France."

238 John Ancrum Winslow.
Winslow's explanation seems to have closed the
subject :
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" English Channel,
" July 30th, 1864.
"Sir: " The latter part of the despatch of the Department of the
Sth inst. refers to the parole of the prisoners in these words:
' It is reported you have paroled the foreign pirates captured
on board the Alabama. I trust you have not committed this
error of judgment. They should be held at every sacrifice
and either sent home in the St. Louis or brought here by
yourself. '
" I beg the Department will consider the circumstances in
which this vessel was placed at the termination of the action
with the Alabama. The berth deck, contracted as it is, with
insufficient stowage for our own men, was covered with bed
ding of the wounded, the quarter deck was similarly crowded,
and the forward part of the ship on the spar deck was filled
with prisoners under guard. The ship was damaged both in
rigging and hull. A shot had entered the stern post raising
the transom frame, and binding the rudder so hard as to
require four men at the helm. It was, therefore, important
that an examination should be made of the damages sustained.
On our arrival at Cherbourg I received information from our
Consul at London that the Florida was in the Channel on the
French coast, and at the same time information came that the
Yeddo was out and the Rappahannock was expected to follow,
and in addition to this that the St. Louis had sailed for
Madeira. " The Kearshrge had been acting alone and independently
for the last nine months, and I was not aware that any of our
cruisers had been ordered in the Channel.
" It became therefore in my mind of the utmost importance
that the Kearsarge should at once be put in a state to meet
these vessels and protect our commerce. This could not be
done with prisoners on board equalling the half of our crew,
and the room occupied by the wounded taken to the exclu-

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 239
sion of our own men ; to have kept them would have required
a quarter watch as guards and the ship would have been
wholly ineffective as a man-of-war to meet the emergency
which threatened. Under these circumstances, and without
an American vessel in port by which any arrangement could
be made for transshipping the prisoners outside, I felt it my
duty to parole them.
" A report appears in the papers that the prisoners were
paroled contrary to Mr. Dayton's instructions. This is
erroneous. Communication was had with Mr. Dayton on the
subject of the officers and after these men were paroled.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
' ' Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C"
Of the three Confederate officers remaining in
Winslow's custody, one, 3d Assistant Engineer J.
W. Pundt, was permitted to go on shore at Dover
for the benefit of his health, under a pledge to re
turn, which he failed to do, and the others. Chief
Engineer M. J. Freeman and Boatswain B. P.
Mecaskey, were brought to the United States in
the Kearsarge and turned over to the United States
Marshal as prisoners of war.
One of the French pilot-boats engaged in rescue
landed those recovered at Cherbourg. Lieutenant
Armstrong, C.S.N., thus describes the incident :
Cherbourg, June 21, 1864.
" Sir: " I have the honor to report for your information the cir
cumstances attending my rescue from drowning by a French

240 John Ancrum Winslow.
pilot boat after the Alabama went down. I was wounded in
the side by a part of a shell early in the action, and suffered
so much pain in the water that had it not been for the exer
tions of the Alabama's crew I would certainly have gone down.
One of the Kearsarge' s boats was very near me, but laid on its
oars and made no exertion whatever that I could see to save
me, the officer apparently looking for some particular person.
I made great exertions to reach the French boat, and was
finally pulled into her so benumbed by cold and suffering so
much from my bruised side that I could not stand, and for two
hours was as helpless as a child. I had on, while near the
Kearsarge' s boat, my uniform cap, which the Federal officer
could certainly have seen.
" The officers who were saved with me were Second Assist
ant Engineer William P. Brooks and Acting Sailmaker Henry
Alcott. What time they got on board of the boat I cannot
say. I found when my faculties returned the following men
on board with me:
" Charles Godwin, captain afterguard; James Welsh,
captain top; George Edgerton, ordinary seaman; Thomas
Murphy, fireman; William Robinson, seaman, and Morris
Britt, boy.
" As I got on board of the pilot boat I saw Michael Mars
(seaman) plunge from the Kearsarge's boat and swim to the
boat which I was in. The Federal officer said nothing, at
tempted nothing, appearing perfectly stupefied by the bold
action of this brave man.
" I am, sir,
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" R. F. Armstrong,
" Second Lieutenant, C. S. Navy.
" Flag-Officer Saml. Barron, C. S. Navy,
" Paris."
Winslow did not overlook these refugees, and ad
dressed Confederate Agent Bonfils, of Cherbourg,
on the subject as follows :

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 241
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
"Cherbourg, France,
' ' June 22nd, 1864.
" To Mr. Bonfils,
" Sir: " Certain pilot boats, which I permitted for the sake of
humanity, rescued several prisoners after the Alabama was
sunk and have brought them to Cherbourg. These officers
and men are not relieved from obligation which the law of war
imposes. They are my prisoners and I demand that they
repair on board the Kearsarge and give themselves up.
" Should they seek exemption from this obligation by the
means employed, hereafter, in similar cases they will be en
titled to no clemency.
" I therefore request you will make known to such, the
demand that I make. " Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain."
The emergency that warranted him in diverting
the St. Louis from her station having passed, Wins
low telegraphed Commander Preble immediately
after the battle, annulling the previous telegram, so
she did not join the Kearsarge.
The wounded of the two vessels were transferred
to the Naval Hospital at Cherbourg. A pen pic
ture of them is given by Mr. F. M. Edge, an Eng
lishman who visited the hospital :
" . . . I paid a visit to that establishment on the Sun
day following the engagement, and found the sufferers lying
in comfortable beds alongside each other in a long and admir
ably ventilated ward on the first floor. Poor Gowen, who
died the following Tuesday, was in great pain, and already
had the seal of death upon his face. James McBeath, a
young fellow of apparently twenty years, with a compound
fracture of the leg, chatted with much animation; while
16

242 John Ancrum Winslow.
Dempsey, the stump of his right arm laid on the pillow, was
comfortably smoking a cigar, and laughing and talking with
one of the Alabama crew, in the bed alongside him. The
wounded men of the sunken privateer were unmistakably
English in physiognomy, and I failed to discover any who
were not countrymen of ours. I conversed with all of them,
stating at the outset that I was an Englishman like themselves,
and the information seemed to open their hearts to me. They
represented themselves as very comfortable at the hospital, that
everything they asked for was given to them, and that they
were surprised at the kindness of the Kearsarge men who came
to visit the establishment, when they were assured by their
own officers before the action that foul treatment would only
be shown them in the event of their capture. Condoling with
one poor fellow who had his leg carried away by a shell, he
remarked to me, ' Ah, it serves me right. They won't catch
me fighting again without knowing what I 'm fighting for.'
' That 's me too,' said another poor Englishman alongside of
him. " The paroled prisoners (four officers) on shore at Cher
bourg, evinced no hostility whatever to their captors, but were
always on the friendliest of terms with them. All alike fre
quented the same hotel in the town (curiously enough — ' The
Eagle,') played billiards at the same caf^, and bought their
pipes, cigars, and tobacco from the same pretty little brunette
on the Quai du Port. . . . "
The most graphic description of these days spent
in Cherbourg is given in a letter from Lieutenant-
Commander Thornton to a friend :
'¦' 'Kearsarge?
" Cherbourg, June 23, 1864.
"... Now that I have restored the noble old Kear
sarge to her former beauty and efficiency, and answered my
numerous congratulatory letters {short anszvers, you may de
pend upon it), and am quietly seated in my room, I can
escape disturbance and have a pleasant chat with you.
" We have had a great victory, and the whole of Europe is

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 243
ringing with it. Congratulatory letters are pouring in upon
us from all quarters, and bouquets of flowers, with offers of
boxes at the opera, and thousands of attentions besides. In
the midst of it all I have been incessantly, and even furiously,
occupied in getting the ship fully re-established in its former
good order and condition. . .
" You will learn all about the fight and the destruction of
the Alabama in the papers. I believe I am awarded all the
credit I could wish for the part I bore in the battle; but
military pride and promotion have ceased in a great measure
to be a motive with me. / have endeavored to do my duty to the
country and the service, both in battle and in the long, laborious
and careful preparation for it. I have succeeded, and I am
satisfied. I felt no excitement in the fight, but I watched its
progress with professional interest, and I felt perfectly satis
fied with the result. That is all.
" Very different were my feelings in former battles on the
Mississippi and the Gulf. Then I felt all the excitement and
all the enthusiasm of the scene, the desire to do and dare, in
contempt of danger and death. Perhaps if we had been obliged
to ' board ' the Alabama the rush of conflict would have re
vived the old feelings, but I doubt it. However, I must not
mourn if I have been enabled to do my duty creditably. My
old and honored commander. Admiral Rowan, will be pleased,
and that is one gratification to me, and perhaps many another
friend will be also.
" By the by, we have news that the Alabama, (my head is so
full of that nasty ship) rather the Niagara, departed for
these waters on the 2d of this month, and we are expecting
her daily. Now that the Alabama has been destroyed, the
Georgia run into port and sold, the Rappahannock permanently
seized by the French Government, and only the Florida left
of all the rebel navy, perhaps the Kearsarge may be relieved
by the Niagara and be allowed to return home. I can really
see no further necessity for her presence in the Channel now,
although the ' secesh ' avow, with many strange oaths, that
they will fit out another Alabama in six weeks and sink the
Kearsarge. But I rather think they have got enough for the

244 John Ancrum Winslow.
present. I long to see the old Niagara stick her long nose
toward the ' breakwater ' ; but I suppose we must wear out
many a weary cruise before she really does come. But I do
not think we shall see any more fighting, unless we can pick
up the Florida. I have a sort of grudge against my old foe,
but am willing that she should be taken by any other fortunate
ship. " None of my messmates had ever been in action before.
Judging from the papers, there is tremendous excitement both
in England and France. The shipping in Liverpool and
Havre is decorated, extra papers are issued, crowds collect at
the corners of the streets, and the Kearsarge and Alabama are
in every mouth. Our ship is full of excited and gaping
strangers, and altogether there is such noise and confusion
that I have despaired of keeping the ship quiet. If they
would only make one day of it, I could stand it very well,
but days have elapsed and the crowd is greater than ever.
' There never was such a ship as the Kearsarge, and there
never was such an action before. ' Such is the common talk,
and I am sick and tired of it.
" The shores of the old Channel have rung with the sound
of naval artillery for centuries; and yet an hour's sharp fight
ing sets the French to jabbering, and John Bull to using worse
language. The Alabama happened to have a battery of Eng
lish manufacture, while our own was purely American. In
calibre and mathematical force they were about equals, but
the disproportion of effect was wonderful. The English will
not ascribe it to superior training and discipline on our side,
which is the true cause, but persist in trying to find fault witti
the fairness of the battle, when nothing could be fairer. The
two ships were alike in size, the Alabama mounting one gun
in the broadside more than the Kearsarge, while the Kearsarge
had two ii-inch pivot guns, when the Alabama had one 8-inch
and one 120-pounder Blakely rifled gun. There was a differ
ence of only 60 pounds in the weight of iron thrown at a single
broadside. They were as nearly equal as ever two ships were.
Profiting by former experience, we had ' ' bighted ' ' our sheet
cables over the side for the better protection of our boilers.

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 245
This had been done a year and a half before the action.
Semmes was aware of this, but underrated its importance, and
neglected to provide his ship with a similar defense. The
chain was struck twice by the heaviest projectiles, and un
questionably saved us from damage. But the Alabama' s men
fired hurriedly, and almost always above our ship, while our
men, trained to coolness and deliberation, fired slowly and into
the Alabama.
" Friday Evening. All day long we have been receiving
and discharging French officers, from the Admirals down to
the lowest ' sub.' It is tiresome work, and I had rather fight
twenty Alabamas.
" Saturday Morning. Our repairs are nearly completed,
and we shall leave here early next week for England. The
Niagara has just gone into Antwerp, as we are informed by
telegraph." Temporary repairs on the Kearsarge were com
pleted by July 5th, and Winslow was notified to
leave port within twenty-four hours :
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" Cherbourg, France,
" fuly sth, 1864.
•' Sir: " I have the honor to report that, the temporary repairs of
this ship have been completed, by knotting the main and
reeving new running rigging, and patching over the shot
holes in the bulwarks and sides, and repairing the old sails.
" I would beg leave to state that, owing to there being but
one suit of sails furnished this vessel, so much of them as
remain are in a very poor state.
" Of the main rigging that which is left unknotted, the core
only remained unaffected by injury from smoke from the fur
naces. It is therefore necessary to support the masts by
pennant tackles in rough weather.
" I have already informed the Department that we received
a bad shot in our stern post from one hundred pound rifle.

246 John Ancrum Winslow.
This has cut away more than half the wood, and by its action
of wedging has made the rudder more difficult to turn. On
examination it was found that if the shot was cut out, so little
of the wood would remain that the slightest sea would, no
doubt, carry away rudder and stern post, it was therefore
advisable to let it rest for the present during summer months.
" Under these circumstances I feel it my duty to state that
it would be hazardous to continue the cruise of this ship in
anything like the heavy weather we experienced during the
last winter. The ship can be repaired in Flushing or some
other port in Europe, but the repairs must be extensive. I
also feel it my duty to state that, if the Department have in
view ordering this ship to the United States the order should
be issued in time for us to cross the Atlantic before the
equinox sets in, for should it be delayed after this I hold the
necessity, imperative that we should enter dock and repair our
stern post. " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
' ' Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy." " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
"Cherbourg, France,
Sir: " I have the honor to inform the Department that the re
ports that the Florida is lurking somewhere on the coast of
France have decided me to return up the Channel. I shall
proceed today towards Dover and touch off some of the in
termediate places for communication with our Consuls and
verification of the reports.
" The Yeddo which sailed from Bordeaux is reported to
have passed into the Prussian hands, and has entered the
' Weser.' " I have received notice from Lisbon that the Sacramento
will sail for Cherbourg.

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 247
'- The twenty-four hour law prevents my remaining to com
municate with her.
" I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. A. Winslow, Captain.
^' Hon. Gideon Welles,
' ' Secretary of the Navy. ' '
Having destroyed the greatest of Confederate
cruisers, Winslow was concentrating his attention
upon the next in importance, the Florida, and
planning for the co-operation of other vessels,
which had been tardily sent out by the United
States Government :
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
"Cherbourg, France,
" July sth, 1864.
¦" Sir: " I will be obliged to you to communicate with me as to
your movements. I am now going up the Channel and our
depot for letters is Dover. I will endeavor to obtain from
Craven some information as to his movements also, in the
Niagara. A cooperation may be necessary, should the re
ports of the Florida being in the Channel be verified.
" Hoping to see you before long
" I remain, very respectfully
" Your obedient servant,
' ' Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
*' Captain Henrv Walke,
" Comdg. U. S. S. 'Sacramento? "
The Sacramento arrived in Cherbourg the next
day, a few hours before the Kearsarge sailed.
The relief and joy of all loyal Americans on the
Continent and in England, upon learning of the

248 John Ancrum Winslow
destruction of the Alabama, was beyond description.
Letters and telegrams of congratulation and un
bounded praise showered upon Winslow from offi
cials and civilians alike. Quotations from them
here would only be tedious. Minister Adams was
prompt to acknowledge the brilliance of the victory.
The official news of the action reached Washing
ton on the 6th of July and the congratulations of
the United States Government were immediately
despatched : " Navy Department,
" July 6, 1864.
"Sir: " Your very brief dispatches of the 19th and 20th ultimo,
informing the Department that the piratical craft Alabama, or
2go, had been sunk on the 19th June, near meridian, by the
Kearsarge, under your command, were this day received. I
congratulate you on your good fortune in meeting the Ala
bama, which has so long avoided the fastest ships and some of
the most vigilant and intelligent officers of the service, and for
the ability displayed in the contest you have the thanks of the
Department. " You will please express to the officers and crew of the
Kearsarge the satisfaction of the Government at this victory
over a vessel superior in tonnage, superior in number of guns,
and superior in the number of her crew. The battle was so
brief, the victory so decisive, and the comparative results so
striking that the country will be reminded of the brilliant
actions of our infant Navy, which have been repeated and
illustrated in this engagement.
' ' The Alabama represented the best maritime effort of the
most skilled English workshops. Her battery was composed
of the well-tried 32-pounders of 57 hundredweight, of the 68-
pounder of the British navy, and of the only successful^ifled
loo-pounder yet produced in England. The crew were gen
erally recruited in Great Britain, and many of them received

Sojourn of the Victor at Cherbourg 249
superior training on board her Majesty's gunnery ship the
Excellent. ' ' The Kearsarge is one of the first gunboats built at our
navy yards at the commencement of the rebellion, and lacks
the improvements of vessels now under construction. The
principal guns composing her battery had never been pre
viously tried in an exclusively naval engagement, yet in one
hour you succeeded in sinking your antagonist, thus fitly
ending her predatory career, and killed many of her crew,
without injury to the Kearsarge or the loss of a single life on
your vessel.
' ' Our countrymen have reason to be satisfied that in this,
as in every naval action of this unhappy war, neither the
ships, the guns, nor the crews have deteriorated, but that they
maintain the ability and continue the renown which have ever
adorned our naval annals.
" The President has signified his intention to recommend
that you receive a vote of thanks, in order that you may be ad
vanced to the grade of commodore. Lieutenant-Commander
James S. Thornton, the executive officer of the Kearsarge,
will be recommended to the Senate for advancement ten num
bers in his grade, and you will report to the Department the
names of any others of the officers or crew whose good con
duct on the occasion entitles them to especial mention.
" Very respectfully, etc.,
" Gideon Welles,
' 'Secretary of the Navy.
" Captain John A. Winslow,
' ' Commanding U. S. S. ' Kearsarge, '
" Cherbourg, France."

cc<n(^5gJ^Hgf^^>e>M

CHAPTER XXIL
THE CLOSE OF THE CRUISE.
WHEN he got to sea, Winslow found a
breathing space in which to write home
at some length. " Off Hastings,
" Julyyth, 1864.
"... I have written a letter to the Department,
which must carry the Kearsarge home, for we have such shot
in our stern post and otherwise, as will make it dangerous to
keep at sea in gales of wind. Well, I suppose you have read
enough about our fight, what a terrible sensation it had made
in Europe, and as for poor me, I have been inundated with
letters, etc. I took the only opportunity I had, and went to
Paris to see about my eye. There I became a lion — dinners,
speeches, writing, painting, permission to dedicate to me —
Had to have a reception from ir a.m. to 3 p.m. one day,
general handshaking, etc. ; parties and nonsense afterwg,rds.
I wished I was in the Kearsarge, where I got as soon as I
could, I can't write a word, but someone gets hold of it,
garbles and publishes it.
"Well, of my eye.— Oculist says ' Irrevocably gone!— might
have saved it had I had an operation performed when first at
tacked — must be careful of the other. '
" Everyone very kind to me in Paris. Strange things have
come to pass — I am, they say, a hero. It would have been
gratifying to me when I was young; but now my hope is peace
and rest. God grant it may arrive at an early day!
250

The Close ofthe Cruise. 251
" You can form no idea of the immense correspondence
that fight has involved me in. Everybody wants replies, and
I am the sufferer.
" But the prospect is, we are coming home. The Sacra
mento arrived a few hotirs before we left Cherbourg — so I
was detained till 12 last night, seeing Walke and arranging a
co-operation. " I told him to come up to Dover, which he will do as soon
as possible.
" The Niagara is at Flushing, I am now approaching the
English coast, and expect to be bored by people, people who
are never satisfied and who think I have nothing to do but to
listen to them. If the Ticonderoga is our relief she ought to
be here ; I have the Boston Advertiser announcing her sailing
the i8th ult. ..."
The Georgia was known to have been sold, and
rumors of the presence of the Florida on the coast
of Europe proved to be groundless, but a letter
from the U. S. Consul at London indicated that
the Confederates were concentrating their efforts
upon getting the Rappahannock to sea.
" U. S. Consulate,
' ' London, June 27, 1864.
" Capt. J. A. Winslow,
" Dear Sir,
" Although you may be apprised of all that I am about
to write I think it my duty to inform you that the destruction
of the Alabama has caused great mortification and chagrin
among all rebels and their sympathizers in Europe and they
are talking of nothing but revenge, etc. and say they will soon
be ready to attack you. I don't much regard their boasting
but think they are, from all that has come to my knowledge,
making preparations to attack you. I saw a letter to-day
written by a rebel to a rebel, saying the Rappahannock would
be out by the 2nd of July — that she would cany two 200-
pounder rifles and eight 64. I suppose as many guns — that

252 John Ancrum Winslow.
she would be protected in the hull by wire rope, etc., and that
she has now 135 men besides officers and that they were de
termined to attack your ship. I know the writer meant what
he said. I hope they will give you a meeting. I have no fear
of the result.
" I do not wish it to get out that I am seeing such letters,
for it would deprive us of information. They are shipping
large numbers of men for some purpose. One hundred go to
Glasgow on Wednesday. One of the Bordeaux steamers left
on Saturday with 65 men on board and is in some Channel
port but as yet not known to me.
" The Florida arrived in the Channel on Saturday without
coal and is supplying herself somewhere: one report is that
she is in a small French port.
" The Niagara is in the Channel, Perhaps you have com
municated with her before this time.
" Your ship is faster than any they have and your gunnery
much superior, and I hope they will give your noble command
another opportunity for a meeting. " Very truly yours,
" T. H. Morse."
The blockade of the Rappahannock was there
fore resumed.
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
"Dover, July 28th, 1864.
"... I am watching the Rappahannock and waiting
answer to my letter to the Department. Expect orders home,
or I shall go in dock to repair extensively. I never have any
peace now, so many thousand people in the ship daily, and I
have so many invitations no quiet is given me. Tell  to
keep cool. It is hot weather in Boston now — am sorry he was
not in the Kearsarge to hang all the prisoners, but it can't be
helped now.
' ' The Kearsarge is now as popular on the English coast, as
she would be at home. You need heed no reports about any
farther attacks on her. As for the rebels, I think they would
be unwilling to take any unfair advantage ot us; they are

The Close of the Cruise. 253
going to fight us when they can, my opinion is they will let us
alone, and keep as far off as they can get. . . ."
On the nth of August, Winslow received the
following confidential order :
" (Confidential.) " Navy Department.
" Washington, July 23, 1864.
" Sir: " The Florida has committed some depredations on our
coast and departed probably for Martinique, whence she will
no doubt cruise to the southward and eastward in the track
of our homeward-bound vessels via the Cape of Good Hope,
as has been the case heretofore. On the receipt of this order
you will fill up with coal, and, keeping your departure a secret
from every person, you will proceed with all practicable dis
patch to the ground indicated above, touching only for coal
on the way. If nothing is heard of the Florida in cruising to
the southward and westward, go to Fernando de Noronha, the
Rocas, Martinique, and St. Thomas, thence home.
" If you meet with a sailing vessel suspected of being a
tender to these pirates, hoist Marryat's signal No. 5 at the
fore. If replied to by the same signal, search the vessel for
extra crew and for any other objects that will authorize a
seizure. " I trust you may close your cruise by the same exhibition
of skill which has already been so creditable to you.
" Very respectfully, etc.,
" Gideon Welles,
"Secretary of the Navy.
" Captain John A. Winslow,
" Commanding U. S. S. 'Kearsarge;
" Cherbourg, France."
The Kearsarge was relieved that day by the
Iroquois, Commander C. R. P. Rodgers, and sailed
at once for Fayal, touching at Cherbourg, en route.

254 John Ancrum Winslow.
for the wounded who had been left there in the
hospital.
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" Dover, Aug. nth, 1864.
" . . . I have my orders now from Washington and I
leave to-day on my way home, not to arrive for a month or
more. I am charged confidentially with duty which will carry
me a long distance before we can point our head for home.
" The Iroquois has come to Dover and hereafter will follow
my round. Raymond Rodgers commands her, and I am glad
for the credit of the Navy that so gentlemanly an officer is
appointed to this duty. . ~. ." " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
"Horta Bay, Fayal,
" Ot J, . " ,^ ugust 23rd, 1864.
" In obedience to instructions of the Department of the 27th
ult. I have the honor to report that the Kearsarge left Dover
roads on the nth inst., and the following day touched off
Cherbourg, to receive the wounded men left in the hospital at
that port. On our arrival at Cherbourg a report was current
that the Florida, in company with the Electric Spark, had
been seen off the Banks of Newfoundland. For verification
of the report, after leaving Cherbourg I cruized to the north
ward to intercept the steamers from America, but missing
them, kept away and arrived at this port on the 22nd inst.
" The papers from the United States up to the 6th inst. and
the local news about these islands, afford no light upon the
movements of the Florida. I shall therefore as soon as our
stock of coal is renewed, proceed in obedience to the instruc
tions of the Department, as indicated by the despatch of the
23rd ult. " I have the honor to be
" Very respectfully
' ' Your obedient servant
' ' John A. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
' ' Secretary of the Na^vy,
"Washington, D. C"

The Close of the Cruise. 255
At Fayal, Winslow was able to send letters
home.
" U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
" Fayal, Aug. 23d, 1864.
"... You see we have arrived here, and found all
our friends in a high state of excitement about the Alabama,
etc. "We have to go through the same scenes as elsewhere, but
I must soon be off on my course. When I wrote you at
Dover I supposed we might get home by the last of Septem
ber, but I find it now impossible to carry out the Secretary's
orders in that time and we have a long cruise before us first,
so I may not reach home before the first of November or
thereabouts. " The orders received are secret. As we were coming in
port yesterday, a vessel was sailing for Boston, which will re
port us. The St. Louis is here, with Preble commanding, —
they cheered the Kearsarge as she came in. I was sorry to
see that Grant was not doing well at Petersburg. It certainly
is slow work.
" I have had so much writing to do, it is wearing me out,
besides straining my eye. My clerk has been sick pretty much
the whole cruise, and I have no one to supply his place, or I
could dictate. We have nothing but the stormiest weather,
and the heat is intolerable, after coming from the Channel,
where I had a fire every morning.
" How I long to get somewhere, where I shall have no
writing, no correspondence, no people. It is all work and
no play and I am fast becoming a dull fellow. . . . "
" U. S. S. 'Kearsarge?
" Fayal, Aug. 2gth, 1864.
" ... I wrote you, via Lisbon, a few days since. A
vessel having come in, bound to Boston, I again wrote. We
have nearly completed our supplies, and shall proceed in a
few days on our cruise. I do not expect to reach home till
early in November. I fear very much the cold weather, as
my eye is so sensitive and I have suffered so much from

256 John Ancrum Winslow.
change of climate after leaving the Mississippi. I do not like
the news from the United States, it looks as if the war might
last during my natural life, and I am a peace man."

The remainder of the cruise is told by Captain
Winslow in his official report to the Secretary of
the Navy, upon his arrival at Boston, November 7,
1864: " U. S. S. ' Kearsarge?
"Charlestown (Boston) Navy Yard,
" November 7, 1864.
" Sir: ' ' I have the honor to report the arrival of the Kearsarge at
this place.
" The Kearsarge left Fayal on the ist of September and
proceeded to the southward and westward, preparatory to
working up to the equator in the track of vessels bound to the
United States.
" On the 15th of September, having attained this track in
latitude 18° N., we came round and commenced our arduous
task of working up. against the trade winds.
" Owing to necessity, our consumption of coal during the
days we were compelled to steam was reduced to the smallest
limit, and our progress was accordingly slow.
" On the 4th of October we reached the island of St. Paul,
where we brought up during the day taking fish, and three
days afterwards came to anchor at Fernando de Noronha.
' ' Although it appears from subsequent information that the
Florida had been three weeks before cruising about St. Paul,
where she remained for three weeks or more, yet no informa
tion of her could be obtained at Fernando de Noronha or
from any of the vessels spoken, and the mail steamers in
formed us she had not been seen on the coast. We learned
from after-examination that she kept to windward of Fernando
de Noronha, only once sighting the peak for verification of
longitude before proceeding to Bahia, where she arrived the
day before we reached St. Paul.

The Close of the Cruise. 257
" Having heard from the French mail steamer from Per-
nambuco and Bahia that the Wachusett and Ticonderoga were
on the coast, the former of which, the governor of Fernando
de Noronha informed us, had been cruising about the island,
we left Fernando de Noronha and made the Rocas the next
day. We found no vessels or inhabitants at these shoals.
" Having attained the point marked out by the instructions
of the Department, and the information received being that
the Wachusett and Ticonderoga were watching this part of the
seas, we left the Rocas and arrived at Barbados on the 23d
ultimo, which port we put into with our coal all consumed.
Having obtained a supply, we left Barbados for Martinique,
and touched at the ports of St. Pierre and Fort Royal, and
proceeded on to St. Thomas, where we arrived on the 29th
ultimo. " The following day the Wachusett arrived from Bahia,
with the Florida in company, the latter having been left
outside. " I have the honor to inform the Department that the ship
James Cheston, of Baltimore, 133 days from Rangoon, in dis
tress, with scurvy, came into St. Thomas while we were there.
Having in the Kearsarge nineteen men received from the U.
S. Consul at Fayal (distressed American seamen), we were
enabled to assist her by putting them on board of her. By
the transfer of these men, room having been made, I readily
assented to the request of Captain Collins, who complained
of embarrassment from having too many prisoners in the
Florida, to take them in the Kearsarge. We accordingly re
ceived on board one of the doctors of the Florida, with sixteen
of her men. We also received the paymaster of the Wachusett
as bearer of despatches.
" I have the honor to inform the Department that the
Kearsarge was in a poor state for the cruise she has just com
pleted. All her sails are but miserable rags, and the rigging
little better. Her stern frame is badly shattered, and before
we reached the line the whole transom worked two or more
inches from the sternpost and side timbers, leaving the rudder-
post without any support except the deadwood below. We

258

John Ancrum Winslow.

were only enabled to stay the working by raising the deck
abaft and temporarily wedging under the carlines.
" I have the honor to be,
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" Jno. a. Winslow, Captain.
" Hon. Gideon Welles,
" Secretary of the Navy,
"Washington, D. C."

CHAPTER XXIIL

THE OVATION AT HOME.

THE Kearsarge arrived in Boston Harbor
after nightfall on the 7th of November, and
Winslow reached his family quietly soon after
midnight. The ship's arrival was on the eve of
two interesting events — the Presidential election
and a Sailor's National Fair in Boston, for the
benefit of distressed American sailors and mar
ines. So great was the excitement and enthusiasm
over the advent of the destroyer of the Ala
bama that interest in the national election flagged
and the crowds at the polls melted away to re
assemble at the water-front and gaze in awe and
exultation upon the battle-scared victor from across
the sea.
The Sailors' Fair afforded a most auspicious op
portunity for presenting the heroes of Cherbourg
to their lauding countrymen. Winslow and many
of his officers and men attended it and held an
enormous impromptu handshaking.
A reception followed the next day at Winslow's
home town of Roxbury, where he was presented
259

26o John Ancrum Winslow.
with a magnificent silver service by the citizens of
that place.
On the ICth, a grand public reception to the
Captain, officers, and crew of the Kearsarge was
held in Faneuil Hall. It was preceded by a parade
escorting the honored guests from the ship to the
hall, and closed with a collation, at which there were
toasting, speechmaking, and vociferous acclama
tions of welcome. Mrs. Winslow appeared in the
gallery during the collation and was enthusiastically
cheered. On the 15th, a banquet was given to Winslow
and his officers by the Boston Board of Trade at
the Revere House, which was especially elaborate ;
Gilmore's full band furnished music, and covers
were laid for three hundred guests. On this and
all other occasions of its kind. Captain Winslow
was called upon to speak, which, although naturally
distasteful to him, he did with what grace he could.
A reporter on one of these occasions thus describes
him :
" Modest, unassuming, divested of all the insignia to desig
nate his naval rank. Captain Winslow could have been selected
by no stranger present as the fortunate antagonist of the villain
Semmes. More like a divine than that of a fighting man is
the tout ensemble of the gallant sailor. He is of medium
stature, with full dark beard and hair, but with a bald circle
upon the top, like the tonsure of the priesthood. Gentleness
and affability gleam in every lineament of his countenance,
yet we can discern, upon a closer scrutiny, that the iron will
and the defiant courage that marked the man when he ordered
the decks of the Kearsarge cleared for action are inherent
qualities of his nature, bom with him."

The Ovation at Home. 261
On the 28th of November, the Kearsarge was
put out of commission. Being thus released from
official duties, Winslow was obliged to spend the
month of December visiting cities that would not
be denied the privilege of doing him honor. On
the ICth, he attended a reception under the aus
pices of the Port Society of New York, at the
Academy of Music in that city. On the 13th, the
Merchants' Exchange in Philadelphia gave him
a grand ovation, followed by a banquet at the
Continental Hotel. On the 15th, he was back
in New York to attend a large dinner given him
by the Union League Club. On the 2 2d, he was
the guest of honor at the annual meeting and
banquet of the New England Society in Bos
ton. Later, he was entertained with public honor
in Washington.
The testimonials at this time were not alone of
such an unsubstantial nature as receptions and
banquets. Twenty-one thousand dollars was sub
scribed by Boston merchants and divided among
the Kearsarge's crew. The New York Chamber
of Commerce presented Winslow with twenty-five
thousand dollars as a testimonial of his services to
the merchants of that city alone. The Government
had advanced him to the grade of Commodore,
his commission dating from the day of battle.
This, however, was a promotion of only eighteen
numbers. On the 5th of December the President sent the
following communication to Congress :

262 John Ancrum Winslow.
28th Congress, Ex. Doc.
2d Session. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. No. 6.
CAPTAIN JOHN A. WINSLOW.

MESSAGE
from the
president of the united STATES.
Recommending
A vote of thanks to Captain Winslow for skill and gallantry in
the destruction of the pirate craft Alabama.

December 8, 1864. — Referred to the Committee on Naval
Affairs and ordered to be printed.

' ' To the Senate and House of Representatives :
" In conformity to the law of July 16, 1862, 1 most cordially
recommend that Captain John A. Winslow, United States
navy, receive a vote of thanks from Congress for the skill and
gallantry exhibited by him in the brilliant action whilst in
command of the United States steamer Kearsarge, which led
to the total destruction of the piratical craft Alabama, on the
19th of June, 1864, a vessel superior in tonnage, superior in
number of guns, and superior in number of crew.
" This recommendation is specially made, in order to
comply with the requirement of the 9th section of the afore.
said act, which is in the following words, viz. :
" ' That any line officer of the navy or marine corps may
be advanced one grade, if, upon recommendation of the
President by name, he receives the thanks of Congress for
highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, or
for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession.'
" Abraham Lincoln.
"Washington City, Decembers, 1864."
On the 14th and 15th a resolution passed the
Senate and House, respectively, without debate.

The Ovation at Home. 263
tendering the thanks of Congress to Captain
Winslow. ^
' ' Resolved by ihe Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled. That the thanks
of congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to Captain John
A. Winslow, of the United States navy, and to the officers,
petty officers, seamen, and marines of the United States
steamer Kearsarge, for the skill and gallantry exhibited by
him and the officers and men under his command, in the
brilliant action on the nineteenth of June, eighteen hundred
and sixty-four, between that ship and the piratical craft
Alabama — a vessel superior to his own in tonnage, in guns,
and in the number of her crew.
" Approved, December 20, 1864."

CHAPTER XXIV.
DUTIES AS COMMODORE.
AFTER three months' rest, if the almost in
cessant ovations of that period can be called
rest for one of Winslow's disposition, he was made
president of a board to supervise the building of
ironclads and other vessels at Boston. As it was
evident that there could be little more for the navy
to accomplish afloat, this duty was quite acceptable
to him, being near his home and of a nature for
which he was well fitted by his experience on the
Mississippi under Flag Officer Foote.
The war ended at Appomattox in April, 1865,
and in October Winslow was ordered as a member
of a general court-martial, of which Admiral Far
ragut was president, convened at Washington,
November ist, for the trial of various officers,
among them being Commodore T. T. Craven of
the Niagara, one of the vessels which had suc
ceeded the Kearsarge in the English channel.
Craven's offence was his failure to pursue and fight
the Confederate steamer Stonewall, one of the rams
which Winslow had had under surveillance at Bor
deaux during his operations on the coast of France.
264

Duties as Commodore. 265
The watchfulness of the Kearsarge and the pres
sure brought to bear upon the French Government
forced the Confederate agents to relinquish these
vessels. The Stonewall, as she was subsequently
named, was sold by her builders to Denmark and
delivered at Copenhagen, but was afterwards pur
chased by the Confederates. At Ferrol she was
watched by the Niagara and Sacramento, and
sought an engagement with them, but they avoided
it. The notoriously inconsistent sentence of the
court in Craven's case called forth the comment of
Secretary Welles, in his review of the proceedings,
that " The incongruous whole has the aspect of an
unsuccessful attempt at compromise between those
members of the court who believed the accused
guilty and those who believed him not guilty," but
nothing can be found in Winslow's correspondence
indicating his individual views upon the subject.
During the autumn of 1865, diplomatic relations
between the United States and France were be
coming more and more strained over the occupation
of Mexico by French troops and the imposition of
the Archduke Maximilian of Austria upon the
Mexican people as their Emperor. When the
Southern rebellion collapsed. Napoleon realized
that he would have to withdraw his troops from
Mexico or prepare for war with the United States.
Very adroitly, he proposed to Mr. Seward that the
French troops would be promptly withdrawn if the
United States would recognize and protect Maxi
milian as Emperor. Mr. Seward's reply, although
clothed diplomatically, was a point-blank refusal of

266 John Ancrum Winslow.
the proposition. It was prepared for transmittal
on the 5th of December. Realizing that it produced
a crisis in the situation and might make war with
France inevitable, our Government made disposi
tions accordingly. Troops were already mobilized
on the Mexican frontier. The U. S. Gulf Squadron
was divided, and a Western Gulf Squadron formed
to observe the Mexican coast. A commander was
needed for this, who, besides being a fighter, would
be familiar with the wiles of European diplomacy,
and Seward himself selected Winslow. On De
cember 5 th, the latter was ordered to proceed by
steamer from New York to New Orleans, to as
sume his new command. On the following day
Seward's despatch, refusing to entertain the French
proposal, was started on its momentous errand.
While Winslow was journeying from New York to
New Orleans by steamer, a contingency arose which
demanded his presence in Washington. Certain in
fluences upon the Government brought about the
arrest of Raphael Semmes and his imprisonment at
the Capital, to stand trial for violation of the rules
of war in failing to give himself up after surrender
ing the Alabama. Commodore Winslow was, of
course, needed as a witness for the prosecution ; so,
upon reporting to Acting Rear Admiral Thatcher,
at New Orleans, January 2, 1866, he found tele
graphic orders awaiting him directing an immediate
return North.
Semmes, however, was not brought to trial, the
attorney-general deciding that he came under the
exemption terms guaranteed by Grant to Lee when

Duties as Commodore. 267
the latter surrendered. The case was abandoned
in March and Semmes was released. Without
having seen his former adversary, Winslow was
again ordered to command the Gulf Squadron, as
suming command May 4th at Pensacola.
Napoleon was already arranging for the with
drawal of his army from Mexico. Maximilian,
after vain appeals and protests, elected to remain.
As soon as the French grip relaxed, the Mexican
republicans commenced to win victories. The em
barkation of the whole French military and civil
establishment was completed at Vera Cruz on the
5th of February, 1867, and the French fleet sailed
for France on the 13th of March. Maximilian,
with his meagre band of adherents, was quickly be
sieged by Juarez's forces in Queretaro, and taken
prisoner on the 15th of May.
The need for a separate United States Gulf
Squadron thus ceased to exist. Winslow was
directed to haul down his flag on the 21st of May,
and turn over his squadron to Rear-Admiral James
S. Palmer, commanding the naval forces on the
North Atlantic. Nothing had occurred demanding
an exhibition of the qualities for which the victor
of Cherbourg had been selected. The chief inci
dent within the limits of his command had not
occurred on the Mexican coast, but in New Or
leans, and was an outcome of the throes of recon
struction. A convention of unionists, known as the Con
vention of 1864, met in New Orleans, July 30,
1866, at the call of the Governor of Louisiana, to

268 John Ancrum Winslow.
propose and formulate some changes in state gov
ernment. The place of meeting was assailed by a
mob of irreconcilables, including the city police,
about forty of those in the hall being killed and
nearly one hundred and fifty wounded before the
arrival of troops restored order. The action of
both Sheridan and Winslow in the emergency was
most efficacously drastic, but it did not meet with
approval in Washington, and both officers were
reprimanded.
" Pensacola, Sept. i6th, j866.
"... From what is in the wind at Washington, I
shall not be surprised if I am relieved from this station.
I have fallen into disfavor, for during the riot in New Orleans
I directed the ironclads to be got ready for immediate service.
I wrote orders to the commander of one of our vessels there.
My deep regret is he did not land with every man under his
command and put an end to the massacre.
" In my letter to the Department I characterized the mob
as one of the most criiel, cowardly, and dastardly that ever
disgraced our flag, and got up for the suppression of free
speech. Welles wrote me long and severe letters disapproving
my course, and so matters stand. . . ."
" Pensacola, Oct. tsth, i&A.
" My former good relations with Welles are restored. . . . "
In November, 1866, Commodore Winslow was
joined on the station by his wife, and she remained
with him until he was relieved from command in
the following May, and returned with him to
Boston. On the 5th of the following July, Commodore
Winslow obtained leave of absence for four months
to take his family to Europe. The trip was to

Duties as Commodore.

269

have been taken chiefly to benefit the health of his
daughter Fanny, but she was too ill to endure it,
and soon afterward died ; so it was abandoned. On
January 31, 1868, he was appointed chairman of a
board to appraise the ironclads with which he had
been so frequently associated, and many of which
were, by Act of Congress, to be sold. With the
board, he visited Washington, New Orleans, Cairo,
Mound City, and League Island. He was as
signed no further public duty until June 2, 1869,
when he was ordered to command the Portsmouth
Navy Yard, where he remained until promoted.

CHAPTER XXV.
THE LAST CRUISE.
ON the second of March, 1870, Commodore
Winslow was promoted to the rank of Rear-
Admiral, and on the first of the following July he
was assigned to command the Pacific Station.
Starting for San Francisco in August, he hoisted
his flag on the U. S. S. Saranac and found himself
once more amid the scenes of his long cruise in the
St. Lawrence. By permission from the Navy De
partment, he was later joined on board by his wife
and daughter, and they accompanied him almost
continuously during the cruise. In May, 1871, a
trip was made to Puget Sound and thence to
Alaska through the inside passages, returning the
same way and stopping at Sitka, Victoria, and
Portland, Oregon. San Francisco was reached
again August 17th. There they found the U. S.
S. California, which had been sent out to be flag
ship. Admiral Winslow therefore transferred his
flag to her, and in November, 1871, sailed for the
Sandwich Islands. An unusually severe storm was
encountered, which blew the ship many miles out
of her course, but she arrived safely at Honolulu
270

The Last Cruise. 271
on the 2 2d of December. The Admiral and his
officers and family were received with much pomp,
ceremony, and adulation, beginning with a recep
tion at the palace, which is thus described in the
Hawaiian Gazette of January 3, 1872 :
" audience at iolani palace.

" The Minister and Admiral, accompanied by Mrs. Wins
low and daughter, arrived at the Palace, in His Majesty's
carriage, at precisely 12 o'clock, the band playing Hail
Columbia as they passed the Guard.
" The Admiral was also accompanied by Captain J. M. B.
Clitz, commanding the U. S. Ship California; Commander
R. W. Meade, commanding U. S. Ship Narragansett; Fleet
Surgeon, John M. Browne; Captain P. C. Pope, U. S. M. ;
Fleet Engineer, Montgomery Fletcher; Fleet Paymaster,
Casper Schenck; Lieutenant Commander Henry Glass.
" Her Majesty Queen Emma assisted at the audience, and
was accompanied by Mrs. Elisha H. Allen, Mrs. J. Mott
Smith, Mrs. Governor Dominis, Mrs. C. R. Bishop, Mrs.
William F. Allen, and Miss Nannie Harris.
" His Majesty was attended by the Chancellor of the King
dom, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Finance,
Judges Hartwell and Widemann, the Governor of Oahu, Hon.
C. R. Bishop, Colonels Allen and Pratt, Majors Hoffmann,
Harris and Kahanu, and His Majesty's Chamberlain, who re
ceived the visitors at the door as they arrived.
" Admiral Winslow, on being presented, addressed His
Majesty as follows:
" ' May it please Your Majesty:
" ' After an interval of over eighteen years, I again have
the pleasure of visiting the beautiful islands which comprise
Your Majesty's Kingdom.
" ' I am gratified to find presented on every hand evidences
of their progress, prosperity, and happiness.

272 John Ancrum Winslow.
" ' The Government and people of the United States feel a
lively interest in the welfare of the Hawaiian Islands, not
only from the commercial value and the reciprocal advantages
which commerce opens to both countries, but as these islands
have been the field of labor of American missionaries from
an early date, which has so signally illustrated the power and
value of Christian influence in elevating a new people.
" ' May the cordial relations that have hitherto existed be
tween our respective countries be permanent.
" ' I desire to take advantage of this occasion to express
my thanks for the timely and efficient aid rendered by Your
Majesty's Government to the crew of the United States
Steamer Saginaw, one of the vessels which were under my
command in the Pacific.
" ' May Your Majesty enjoy a long and prosperous reign.*
" To which His Majesty was pleased to reply:
" ' Admiral:
" ' Eighteen years is a long period, and brings changes to
all: it has brought to you fame and the highest honors of your
profession. I am glad if it appears to you to have brought
some prosperity and happiness to My people.
" ' With regard to the Saginait), her Captain took occasion
upon his arrival here to return his thanks for the assistance
rendered, and since then your Minister Resident has trans
mitted to me the thanks of your Government. But I take this
occasion to repeat what I have said before, that in giving
assistance to shipwrecked seamen in this ocean, we can at best
only follow at respectful distance the alacrity and devotion of
the service of which you are so distinguished a member. I
am well aware of the good feeling of the Government and
people of the United States towards this country — a feeling
which I fully reciprocate, and I have no doubt that your stay
here will afford the opportunity to My people to give further
evidence of the cordiality with which those in the service of
your country are always welcome here. In the meantime, I
am very glad to see you. Admiral, your wife and daughter,
and the officers who accompany you.'

The Last Cruise. 273
" After some time spent in social conversation and inspec
tion of the feather cloaks, which of course were a matter of
great curiosity to the strangers, His Majesty invited his guests
to sit down to a collation in the dining-room, where all
enjoyed themselves exceedingly.
"The visitors took their departure at 3 o'clock; His
Majesty having accepted the Admiral's invitation to visit him
on board the Flag Ship to-day at 11 o'clock."
Feeling unfit, both in health and inclination, to
endure the ordeal of entertainment that threatened
him, Winslow sailed for South America on the 4th
of January, 1872. Shortly afterward, while off the
island of Rimitara, one of the Austral group, he was
one day stricken slightly with paralysis just after
his bath. From this attack, however, he gradually
rallied. The ship continued her cruise, touching
at Juan Fernandez, Valparaiso, and other South
American points, until Panama was reached, where
she was detained by orders from the Department.
The seeds of illness sown in a similar climate dur
ing exposure in the Mexican War, were here en
couraged to full fruition, and the Admiral grew
rapidly worse. Incessant and excruciating pain
developed in his diseased eye, with constant
neuralgia in the right side of the face and partial
paralysis throughout the right side of his body.
He was finally induced to submit himself to a med
ical survey, and, upon the recommendation of the
board, he resigned his command and proceeded,
with his family, to San Francisco by mail steamer.
Orders reached him there in August expressing
the Department's deep regret at his illness, and,

2 74 John Ancrum Winslow.
agreeably to his request, detaching him from the
command of the Pacific Station.
Admiral Winslow then spent nearly a year in
California, and its recuperative climate seemed
greatly to improve his health. In April, 1873, he
journeyed East and stopped in Washington to re
port at the Navy Department. On May 9th, he
purchased tickets for New York, and, with his
wife and daughter, was in the reception-room of
the Ebbitt House despatching his baggage when
he was stricken with what appeared to be apoplexy,
remaining unconscious until late in the evening.
As soon as he was able to travel, he was taken to
his home in Boston, where, after patiently enduring
several months of great suffering, he died, Septem
ber 29, 1873, within a few days of completing his
sixty-second year.
Mrs. Winslow, as he had wished, declined the
tender of a military funeral. A simple service was
held at St. James's Episcopal Church, in the pres
ence of the family and a number of friends and
comrades in arms, and the remains, covered by the
battle-flag of the Kearsarge, were then taken to
their last resting-place in Forest Hill Cemetery.
There a granite boulder from Kearsarge Moun
tain, appropriately inscribed, now marks the grave.
Thus closed the earthly career of the man who
fought and won the most memorable naval duel
yet chronicled in the world's history. I cannot
better close this record of his life than by quoting
the words of his most illustrious contemporary,
Admiral Farragut :

The Last Cruise.

275

" I had sooner have fought that fight than any ever fought
upon the ocean ! ' '
and those of his great antagonist, Raphael Semmes :
"He was the Christian gentleman."

INDEX.

Adams, Charles Francis, 125, 131,
132, 136, 137
Adams, Charles Francis, corre
spondence with Winslow
concerning entry of Kear
sarge into British ports,
162-165, 169
Alabama, C. S. S., 98-100, 118, 170
action with Hatteras, 102, 174
" " Kearsarge, i<fi,2r?i
ammunition expended, 211
at Cherbourg, 174-187
burning vessels on the equator,
106
captures Rockingham and uses
her as a target, 176
casualties in action with Kear
sarge, 207
comparison with Kearsarge, igi
condition of, toward end of
cruise, 175
destruction of, 188-218
distribution of fighting force in
action, 201
meets Florida off Pemambuco,
no
officers of, 192
preparations for battle, 185-187
vessels captured by, 174

Amy, Thomas, 2
Ancrum, Dr. and Mrs., of Valpa.
raiso, 62
Ancrum, John, 2
Annette, chartered tender to Kear
sarge, 158, 161
Arkansas, ram, 86
Armstrong, Lieut., C. S. N., de
scribes rescue of self and
others by French pilot-boat,
239, 240
Azores, 14, 99-116 B
Benton, U. S. S., 70, 73, 74
Berry, Sarah E., 3
Bullock, Captain, C. S. N., no

Camel steam-tug, invention of Wins
low's, 3, 55, 59
Chilton, Mary, i
Chincha Islands difficulties, 63, 64,
66
Clanricarde letter, the, 134-136, 172
" Marquis of, 134-137
Connor, Commodore, U. S. N., 25,
26, 33, 35-39
Couronne, French ironclad, 188-190

277

278

Index

Craven, Commodore T. T., U. S.
N., court-martial of, 264,
265
Cumberland, U. S. S., 24-38
Cunard steamer, Winslow fights fire
on, 8
Cushing, Hon. Caleb, 13-19
D
Davis, Charles H., 79, Sr, 85, 88,
91. 94, 95
Dayton, U. S. Minister, 119, 138,
139
Deerhound, British Yacht :
arrival at Cherbourg, 188
conduct of, 219-230
rescues Alabama's crew, 206,
207
Donelson, Fort, capture of, 78
Donoughmore, Earl of, 133

Eads, James B., 70
" " " describes ground
ing of the Benton and
wounding of Winslow, 74,
75
Edge, Mr. F. M., describes visit to
Alabama's wounded in hos
pital, 241, 242
Edson, Captain, 41, 42
Enterprise, U. S. Schooner, 7

Farragut, Admiral, 79, 85, 275
Florida, C. S. S., 103-106, no,
114-123, 138-152, 157, 170
Foote, Rear Admiral, 55, 70, 71,
78, 82, 85, 87, go, 95
Fort Donelson, capture of, 78
" Henry, " " 78
" Pillow, 78, 80, 82
Fremont, Major-General, 70-73
Fry, Colonel, 83, 84

G
Georgia, C. S. S., 103-107, rn, 118,
123, 138, 143-152, r55-
157, 162, 170, 171
Gold fever in California, 61, 63
Gowin, William, heroic conduct
when wounded on Kear
sarge, 202, 203
Grant, General, 73, 77, 78
H
Halleck, General, 78
Henry, Fort, capture of, 78
Hollins' fight, 84
Honolulu, described by Winslow,
60, 61
Horse latitudes, 32 I
Lroquois, U. S. S., relieves Kear
sarge, 253
Island No. 10, capture of, 78
J
Jones, Evan P., Captain of Deer-
hound, describes her move
ments, 229, 230
June, blockade runner, capture of,
112, 113, 122
K
Kearsarge, U. S. S., action with
Alabama, 196-218
ammunition expended, 211
arrival in Boston, 259
blockades Alabama, 181-188
blockades Rappahannock, 153-
173
captures Juno, 112, 113
collision with pierhead at Os
tend, 167-169, 172
compared with Alabama, 191
description of, 98
distribution of fighting force in
action, igg, 200

Index

279

Kearsarge — ((?ontinueJ)
early cruising, g8, gg
injuries in action, 210
officers of, 192
relieved by Iroquois, 253
repairing at Cadiz, loi, 102
sojoui-n at Queenstown, 125-
137
target practice, 177
Winslow ordered to command,
97
Kell, Lt.-Com'd'r J. M., C. S. N.,
187 L
Lancaster, John, owner of the
Deerhound :
letter to Earl Russell, 220, 221
letter to London Daily Neias,
224-228
thanked by Confederate Com
missioner Mason, 223, 224
Le Feboure, expedition of, against
Charleston, 2
M
Macbeth, J. , wounded in action, 202
Malabar, IL. M. S., receives refu
gees from Missouri, ig
Marin, Commander, U. S. N., 106,
108
Matamoras, action at, 27
Mayfloiver, the, I
Memphis, surrender of, 82
Mexico, war with, 22-47
Missouri, U. S. S., 8-14
" " burning of, 15
Morris, Lieut. Charles, killing of,
42, 43
Morris, Lt.-Com'd'r, C. S. N.,
151 N
New Orieans, Riot of 1866, 268
Newton, Capt. John Thomas, 15-
23

Officers of the Alabama, ig2
" " Kearsarge, ig2
Orion, blockade runner, log
P
Palo Alto, battle of, 2g
Paredes, President of Mexico, 24,
27
Perry, Commodore, 26, 39, 52
Pickering, Capt. C. W., U. S. N.,
98, gg, 102, 105
Pillow, Fort, 78, 80, 82
Pittsburg Landing, battle of, 78
Pope, General, 78
Porter, David D., 91, 94, gs
Preble, Com'd'r G. H., 106
Price, Hon. Rodman M., describes
cruise and burning of the
Missouri, 15-20

Queenstown incident, the, 124-137
R
Rajah, American ship, takes refugees
from the Missouri, 20
Rappahannock, C. S. 5'., 118, 140,
141, 143, 144. 146. 150.
152-172, 252
Resaca de la Palma, battle of, 2g
Rhett, Col. Wiiliam, 2
" Lieut. Walter, 2
Rio de Janeiro, described by Wins
low, 57
Rockingham, captured by A labama
and used as a target, 176
Rodgers, Com'd'r John, 70, 73
Russell, Earl, 133, 134, 142

Sacrificios Island, 12, 27, 54
San Jacinto, battle of, g
Santa Anna, g, 10, 31, 32, 36, 37.
39

28o

Index

Saratoga, U. S. S., 48-56
Sartorius, Admiral Sir George, 16-
19
Scott, General, 40, 48
Semmes, Raphael :
address to crew before battle,
igo, igi
commanding Sumter, 98
commands brig Somers and is
shipwrecked, 45
describes blockade of Mexican
ports, 34, 35
imprisoned at Washington,
266
reasons for fighting Kearsarge,
181-185
remarks on condition of Ala
bama toward end of her
cruise, 175
room-mate of Winslow on Rari
tan, 45, 46
shipmate of Winslow on Cum
berland, 33
Shiloh, battle of, 78
Sinclair, Com'd'r Geo. T., 186
Sirius, blockade runner, lOg
Slidell, Hon. John, 25, 27
Steed Bonnet, or "Blackbeard,"
buccaneer, depredations in
Carolina in 1718, 2
St. La-wrence, U. S. S., 57-67
St. Louis, U. S. S., g8, 106, 108,
ig8
Sumter, C. S. S., g8, 103

Tampico, taking of, 43
Taylor, Gen. Zachary, 25, 27, 32,
33, 37, 43
Texan War, g
Thornton, Lt.-Com'd'r, TOO
letter describing Kearsarge at
Cherbourg after battle, 242,
245

Tobasco, taking of, 40-43
Tuscarora, U. S. S.,g8, 101
U
Unfurling of flag at Kearsarge's
masthead by shot in battle,
204, 205, 2X8

Valparaiso described by Winslow,
58
Vanderbilt, U. S. S., g7, gg, 100
Virginius, filibustering vessel, 84
W
War with Mexico, 24-47
Webster, Daniel, 5
Western Flotilla, 6g-g6
Wheelwright, sg
Wilson, Lt. Jos. D., U. S. N., pa
roled because of honorable
conduct, 236
Winslow, Benjamin, 6
Catherine Amelia, 6
Com'd'r Francis, U. S. N., 88
Eben Eveleth, 7
Edward, 1-3
Herbert, 7
John, 1-3
John Ancrum :
appointed midshipman, 5
assignment to Kearsage, g7-io3
baptism, 3
bears despatches announcing
huxrAn^ai Missouri, 20, 21
birth, 3
castaway at sea, 4
commands captured brig Union,
42
commands Pacific Station, 270,
271
commands Western Gulf Squad
ron, 266-268
commissioned Captain, 88

Index

281

"Winslo-w^Continued) commissioned Commander, 67
commissioned Lieutenant, 7
confidential orders to seek
Florida, 203
correspondence with Minister
Adams, 162-166, i6g
describes action at Fort Pillow,
80, 81
describes affairs at Santo Do
mingo in 1848, 50, 51
describes attack on Alvarado,
37
describes capture of Juno, 112,
113
describes Cuban affairs in 1842,
n
describes Memphis after its sur
render, 82
describes taking of Barita, 30,
31
describes taking of Tampico,
43, 44
describes unfurling of flag at
Kearsage's masthead in
battle, 2i8
describes White River Expedi
tion, S2-85
detachment from Western Flo
tilla, 93, g6
disease in right eye, g7, 100,
107
duty on St. Laivrence, S'],ii']
" with Westem Flotilla, 6g-
g6
early cruises, 5
" education, 4, 5
executive of Saratoga, 48-56
fight with British cabin boy,
3, 4
first report of action with Ala
bama, 208, 2og
gallant conduct at Tobasco, 41,
42

illness from malaria, 36
last illness and death, 274, 275
letter to Marquis of Clanri
carde, 134-136
marriage, 6
member of Craven court-mar
tial, 264, 265
orders St. Louis to join Kear
sage off Cherbourg, 178
paroles ^/a^a»za prisoners, 233-
238
patents camel steam-tug, 13
presented with epaulettes from
Queen Victoria, 8
receives thanks of Congress,
261
receptions at home, 25g, 363
reception at Honolulu, 271-273
relations with Porter, gi
report of search for Florida
256, 258
report on men for conspicuous
conduct in battle, 217, 218
room-mate of Semmes on Ra
ritan, 45, 46
service on the Missouri, 8-21
shipwrecked and loses Union,
45
supplementary report on action
with Alabama, 212-216
takes command of Kearsarge,
I02
testimonials from officers of
Baron de Kalb, g5, g6
wild-boar hunt in Morocco
with Marquis of Lorne, 22
wounded on Benton, 74, 75
Winslow, Miss Mary C, iii
" Paymaster Wm. Ran
dolph, 7, 75, 76, 87

Yucatan insurrection, 32