[1] 37TH Congress, 1st Session, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Ex. Doc. No. 11.
DESTRUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES VESSELS AND
OTHER PROPERTY AT NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.
LETTER
FROM
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
TRANSMITTING,In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of July 16, 1861, the correspondence
relative to the destruction of the United States vessels and other property at the navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia.JULY 23, 1861 —Laid upon the table, and ordered to be printed.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 22, 1861.SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th instant, requesting the Secretary of the Navy to communicate to the House any "information in his possession relative to the destruction of the United States vessels and other property at the navy yard at Norfolk, including copies of orders for the removal of the vessels, and the report of the commandant of the navy yard, and any correspondence relative to the same," and in compliance therewith to transmit the accompanying papers, numbered from 1 to 11, inclusive.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES.Hon. G. A. GROW,
Speaker of the House of Representatives___________
List of papers.
No. 1, April 10, 1861.—Secretary of the Navy to Commodore McCauley, commandant of the Norfolk navy yard.
No. 2, April 12, 1861.—Same to same.
[2] No. 3, April 16, 1861.—Commodore McCauley to the Secretary of the Navy.
No. 4, April 16, 1861.—Secretary of the Navy to Commodore McCauley.
No. 5, April 16, 1861.—Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Pendergrast, commanding home squadron.
No. 6, April 17, 1861.—Secretary of the Navy to Commodore McCauley.
No. 7, April 12, 1861.—Secretary of the Navy to B. F. Isherwood, engineer-in-chief of the navy.
No. 8, April 18, 1861.—Engineer-in-Chief Isherwood to the Secretary of the Navy.
No. 9, April 18, 1861.—Secretary of the Navy to Commodore H. Paulding.
No. 10, April 24, 1861.—Commodore Paulding to the Secretary of the Navy, with enclosures; also, report of Captain Charles Wilkes to Commodore Paulding.
No. 11, April 25, 1861.—Commodore McCauley to the Secretary of the Navy.__________
No. 1.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 10, 1861.
SIR: In view of the peculiar condition of the country and of events that have already transpired, it becomes necessary that great vigilance should be exercised in guarding and protecting the public interests and property committed to your charge. It is, therefore, deemed important that the steamer "Merrimack" should be in condition to proceed to Philadelphia or to any other yard, should it be deemed necessary, or in case of danger from unlawful attempts to take possession of her, that she may be placed beyond their reach.
Indeed, it is desirable that all the shipping and stores should be attended to, and should you think an additional force necessary, or that other precautions are required, you will immediately apprise the department. In the mean time, exercise your own judgment in discharging the responsibility that rests on you.
It is desirable that there should be no steps taken to give needless alarm; but it may be best to order most of the shipping to sea or other stations.
Please keep the department advised of the condition of affairs, and of any cause for apprehension, should any exist.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.Captain C. S. McCAULEY,
Commandant of Nary Yard, Norfolk, Virginia__________
[3] No. 2.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 12, 1861.
SIR: The department desires to have the Merrimack removed from the Norfolk to the Philadelphia navy yard with the utmost despatch. The engineer-in-chief, B. F. Isherwood, has been ordered to report to you for the purpose of expediting the duty, and you will have his suggestions for that end carried promptly into effect.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES,Captain C. S. McCAULEY,
Commandant of Nary Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia__________
No. 3.
COMMANDANT'S OFFICE,
Navy Yard, Gosport, April 16, 1861.SIR: I have the honor to inform the department that the steam frigate "Merrimack" may now be taken and used for temporary service as soon as the necessary equipments can be put on board; all that is required to be done to the hull, for temporary service, will probably be completed by to-morrow evening.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. S. McCAULEY,Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.__________
No. 4.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 16, 1861.
SIR: The events which have transpired since my confidential communication to you of the 10th instant impose additional vigilance and care in protecting the public property under your charge, and placing the vessels and stores, if necessary, beyond jeopardy. Referring to my letter of the 10th, you will continue to carry out the instructions therein contained. The engineer-in-chief, B. F. Isherwood, who was despatched to Norfolk to aid in putting the Merrimack in condition to be moved, reports that she will be able to take her departure on Thursday. It may not be necessary, however, that she should leave at that time, unless there is immediate danger pending. But no time should be lost in getting her armament on board; and you will also place the more valuable public property, ordnance, stores, &c, on [4] shipboard, so that they can at any moment he moved beyond the reach of seizure. With diligence on your part, it is not anticipated that any sudden demonstration can be made which will endanger either the vessels or stores. The Plymouth and Dolphin should, however, be placed beyond danger of immediate assault at once, if possible. The Germantown can receive on board stores and ordnance from the yard, and be towed out by the Merrimack if an assault is threatened. Men have been ordered from New York to man and assist in moving the vessels; but recent demands have left an insufficient number to meet the requisition. Under these circumstances, should it become necessary, Com. Pendergrast will assist you with men from the Cumberland. You will please to submit this letter, and my confidential communication of the 10th, to Com. Pendergrast, who will assist and co-operate with you in carrying the views of the department into effect. As it is difficult at this distance to give instructions in detail, the department has thought proper to despatch Com. Paulding to Norfolk, who will be the bearer of this communication, and explain to yourself and Com. Pendergrast the views and purposes of the department. You will be pleased to advise with him freely and fully as to your duties and the interests of the government in the present threatening emergency. The vessels and stores under your charge you will defend at any hazard, repelling by force, if necessary, any and all attempts to seize them, whether by mob violence, organized effort, or any assumed authority.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, &c,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.Com. C. S. McCAULEY,
Norfolk, Virginia,__________
No. 5.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 16, 1861.
SIR: A state of things has arisen which renders the immediate departure of the Cumberland, as originally intended, inexpedient. Events of recent occurrence, and the threatening attitude of affairs in some parts of our country, call for the exercise of great vigilance and energy at Norfolk. Confidential communications have been heretofore made to Commodore McCauley on these subjects, which he will submit to you, and Commodore Paulding, who brings this letter to you, will verbally and more in detail explain the views of the department. Please to advise freely and fully with both these gentlemen, and cooperate with them in defending the vessels and public property at the navy yard. As there is an insufficiency of men in the service at that station for moving the vessels, it may become necessary to render assistance from the force under your command.
Until further orders the departure of the Cumberland to Vera Cruz will be deferred. In the meantime you will lend your assistance, and that of your command, towards putting the vessels now in the yard in condition to be moved, placing the ordnance and ordnance stores on [5] board for moving, and, in case of invasion, insurrection, or violence of any bind, to suppress it, repelling assault by force, if necessary. The Cumberland can render effective service, and it is deemed fortunate that the government is enabled to avail itself of your service, and that of your command, at this juncture, at Norfolk.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.Com. G. J. PENDERGRAST,
Commanding U. S. Sloop Cumberland, Norfolk, Virginia.__________
No. 6.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 17; 1861.
SIR: Should it be deemed advisable, it will be well to send the Plymouth to Annapolis at the earliest practicable period. Captain Blake thinks it proper to have her there for defence. Her complement consists of about one hundred and thirty officers and men. Can that number be spared at this time? Please use your discretion in the matter, and confer with Commodore Paulding on the subject.
I am, sir, respectfully, &c,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
Commodore C. S. McCAULEY,
Norfolk, Va.__________
No. 7.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 12, 1861.
SIR: Proceed to Norfolk, Va., and report to Commodore McCauley for such duty as he may direct. Upon its completion you will return to Washington and resume your duties.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES.Engineer-in-Chief B. T. ISHERWOOD,
Washington, D. C.__________
No. 8.
OFFICE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF, U. S. N.,
April 18, 1861.SIR: In obedience to your order of April 12, I proceeded to Portsmouth, Va., arriving on the Sunday morning following. I immediately sought the chief engineer of the navy yard, Mr. Robert Danby, and with him called on Commodore McCauley, to whom I presented [6] my orders and the letter of introduction to him from the department, in relation to preparing the steam frigate "Merrimack" at once for sea and despatching her to the Philadelphia navy yard. He directed
me to take whatever measures I deemed proper for expediting the work. On leaving him I went on board the "Merrimack" and made a careful examination of the machinery. The engines were in a wretched state, all the braces were out of the boilers, having been removed with a view to the substitution of other and larger ones, and the entire machinery was in a disabled condition.After the survey was completed, and the amount of work ascertained that was required to be done (which was considerable) to put the machinery in a state to steam to Philadelphia, the foremen of the boiler makers and of the machinists were directed to employ, in the course of the day, as many men as could work upon it, and to commence on Monday morning, which was done, and the work continued to be steadily urged, day and night, without an hours' intermission, until Wednesday afternoon, when everything was ready. The coal and engineer stores had been taken on board during this time, and fourty-four firemen and coal heavers engaged for the trip.
On Wednesday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, I called, in company with Chief Engineer Danby, on Commodore McCauley, reported the machinery ready for steam, informed him that forty-four firemen and coal-heavers had been engaged and were ready to go on board, and asked him it I should fire up at once. He replied, not that afternoon, adding that if I had steam on the next morning it would be time enough.
Accordingly, a regular engine-room watch was kept during the night and the fires were started at daybreak.
About 9 a. m. I called on the commodore and reported the engineer department ready for leaving; that the chief engineer, Danby, the assistant engineers, the firemen, and the coal heavers, were all on board, with steam up and the engines working at the wharf. The only thing wanting was his order to cast loose and go. He then, to my great surprise and dissatisfaction, informed me that he had not yet decided to send the vessel, but would let me know further in the course of a few hours. I called his attention to the fact that the instructions of the department were peremptory to send her, and expressed the opinion she would pass any obstructions the enemy could have placed in the channel without feeling them, adding that if he delayed a few hours the vessel would have to remain another day, and that during the night the obstructions would doubtless be increased. To this he replied as before, that he would determine in the course of the day.
On leaving him, I requested Commander Alden to go on board with me, and pointing out to him the engineers, firemen, and coal heavers assembled in the engine-room, steam being up and the engines working at the wharf, I told him that so far as the engineer department was concerned, the vessel was ready to go, and that my part was done.
About 2 p. m. I again called on the commodore, when he informed me that he had decided to retain the vessel, and directed me to draw the fires. I once more asked his attention to the peremptory nature of the orders of the department, and expressed my conviction, that [7] the vessel could then be taken out with perfect safety, volunteering earnestly my advice that the attempt should be immediately made, and with the sloop-of-war "Germantown" in tow. He replied by reiterating his previous declaration, that he should retain the vessel.
Nothing then remained for me to do but to request him to put his indorsement on my orders, which he did, and to return to Washington and report the facts.
With the highest respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
B. F. ISHERWOOD,
Engineer-in-Chief.Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.__________
No. 9.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 18, 1861.SIR: You are directed to proceed forthwith to Norfolk and take command of all the naval forces there afloat.
With the means placed at your command, you will do all your power to protect and place beyond danger the vessels and property belonging to the United States. On no account should the arms and munitions be permitted to fall into the hands of insurrectionists, or those who would wrest them from the custody of the government; and should it finally become necessary, you will, in order to prevent that result, destroy the property.
In carrying into effect these orders, you are invested with full power to command the services of the entire naval force, and you will, if necessary, repel force by force in carrying out these instructions. It is understood that the War Department will detail Colonel Richard Delafield, or some other competent officer, with a command, to aid and assist in protecting and guarding the yard and property at Gosport and vicinity, and you will co-operate with that officer-in this object.
I am, sir, respectfully, &c,
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.Com. HIRAM PAULDING,
Washington, D. C.__________
No. 10.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 24, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the accompanying report and copies of orders issued by me during my absence under your order of April 19.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING, CaptainHon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.[8] WASHINGTON, D. C, April 23, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to your order of the 19th inst., I embarked in the steamer Pawnee, and with one hundred marines, sent on board from headquarters, arrived on the afternoon of the following day at Fortress Monroe.Captain Wright, of the engineer corps, sent under orders from General Scott, waited upon Colonel Dimmick, and obtained the services of Colonel Wardruth's regiment of Massachusetts volunteers, and at 8 p. m. we were at the Gosport navy yard.
As soon as I communicated with Flag-Officer McCauley, I ascertained that all the officers in public employment here, being southern men, had tendered their resignations and abandoned their duty. The workmen, on the preceding day, had absented themselves from the usual muster, and such people as came into the yard clandestinely possessed themselves of the arms belonging to the government.
An angry feeling towards the government was known to exist amongst the people of Portsmouth and Norfolk. Many were enrolled in military companies, and a force of some two or three thousand men were said to be assembled for the purpose of taking the navy yard, when their preparations were completed.
The powder of the government had been taken from the magazine near Norfolk, and reports were circulated of batteries being established along the shore approaches to the navy yard. At two different points, where the main channel is narrow, at Craney Island, and Sewell's Point, numerous hulks and other obstructions were sunk, three of the light-boats having been used for that purpose, and the work was still going on, each day rendering the difficulty of the passage greater; the object being to prevent the men-of-war at the navy yard from leaving the port.
The "Merrimack" steamer, of fifty guns, had been fully repaired, and with the exception of her battery and storage of her hold, was ready to put to sea. When orders were given a few days previous to take her under the shears to put her guns on board, the order was countermanded, upon the representation of certain parties that such a proceeding would certainly bring on a collision with the people outside of the yard, and nothing further was done.
The sloop-of-war "Germantown" was alongside of the yard, completely equipped for sea, requiring nothing more than a crew.
The "Plymouth" sloop, also of twenty guns, was in a similar state of preparation, and a few hours would have placed the "Dolphin" in a condition to have gone to sea.
The guns in the yard and at St. Helena, with the exception of about 200, had been spiked, as well as all on board the ships, except five heavy guns on aside on board the "Pennsylvania." The shells of these were drawn after my arrival, and they were also spiked.
The estimated number of ordnance of all calibres at this place is about three thousand, and of these some three hundred are the latest patterns of Dahlgren guns, some of large calibre. They could not be removed, and there was no effectual means of rendering the Dahlgren guns wholly unserviceable. One hundred men worked for [9] an hour with sledge hammers, and such was the tenacity of the iron that they did not succeed in breaking a single trunnion.
In carrying out the orders of the department, it was my intention to have placed the vessels named in the channel to protect it from further obstruction, and at my convenience take them under the guns of Fortress Monroe, or send them to sea, as might be most expedient.
Greatly to my regret, however, I found that these vessels had all been scuttled about two or three hours before my arrival, and were sinking so fast that they could not be saved.
In view of this condition of things, there was but two alternatives presented to my mind. The first, to leave the navy yard and ships in the hands of people hostile to the government, for it was apparent that the yard could not be held by our available means of defence, or, using the power with which I was invested, destroy the public property of every description. I was not long in adopting the latter expedient, and when all the arrangements were made and the tide served to remove the frigate "Cumberland," I took her in tow, and when she was out of danger from the fire, gave the concerted signal, and in a few minutes afterwards the ships and buildings in the yard were in flames. Lieutenant Henry A. Wise was charged with burning the ships, and no officer could have performed the duty more efficiently.
The dry dock was mined, and this duty was assigned to Captain Wright, of the engineers, and Commander Rodgers, of the navy. It is a source of deep regret to me that neither of these gentlemen reached the boat with which Captain Wilkes was charged to bring off the parties who were operating in the yard. Of this service Captain Wilkes had the superintendence. I trust that these gentlemen may have made their way into the country, and will thus escape. Both are men of distinguished merit, and it is much to be regretted that the government should be deprived of their services even for a brief period. Having anchored the "Cumberland" above the barrier at Sewell's Point, the "Pawnee" proceeded to Fortress Monroe, where she landed Colonel Wardruth and his regiment. To him and his men my thanks are due for their manly and military bearing under circumstances of great discomfort, and doubt not that a just reliance may be placed upon their gallantry and patriotism. At Fortress Monroe I found the steamer "Keystone State," of Philadelphia, in command of Lieutenant Maxwell Woodhull, who in less than forty-eight hours from the date of his orders had chartered, manned, and armed his vessel and arrived at the point of his destination.
Without the aid of these powerful steamers we should have been greatly embarrassed, and the Cumberland placed in immediate peril.
Soon after my arrival at the navy yard a flag of truce came from General Taliaferro, commanding the military forces of Virginia. The purport of his message was, "that, to save the effusion of blood, the general would permit the Cumberland to leave the port unmolested, if the destruction of the public property should be discontinued." To this I responded that any act of violence on their part would devolve upon them the consequences.
In coming out with the Cumberland she brought-up in crossing the wrecks off Sewall's Point, and hung for some hours, and was finally [10] dragged off by the chartered tugs "Yankee" and "Keystone State." I have instructed Flag-Officer Pendergrast to anchor in mid channel off Fortress Monroe until the pleasure of the department shall be made known to him, believing it important to have a watch kept upon certain armed steamers said to have made their appearance in that vicinity. The "Pawnee" and "Keystone State" left Fortress Monroe at 7-1/2 a. m. on the 22d, and arrived at the Washington navy yard at about 2 p. m. this day.
The officers who served under my command in the performance of the duty devolved upon me have a claim upon the respectful consideration of the government for the intelligence, energy, and patriotism with which they gave me their support and assistance.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,Com'g U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia, pro tem.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.__________
UNITED STATES STEAMER KEYSTONE STATE,
Hampton Roads, April 22, 1861.SIR: I have to request that you will transfer to the "Pawnee," Commander S. C. Rowan, from the crew of the receiving ship "Pennsylvania," now on board the "Cumberland," six seamen and six ordinary seamen, fill up deficiency in your own crew, and send the residue on board the steam-tug "Yankee" to the United States Steamer "North Carolina," at New York, provided the master will undertake to deliver them on his arrival alongside of that vessel.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of VirginiaFlag-Officer G. J. PENDERGRAST,
Commanding Home Squadron.__________
UNITED STATES STEAMER KEYSTONE STATE,
Hampton Roads, April 22, 1861.SIR: You will transfer to this vessel for passage to Washington city the marines, with their arms, ammunition, &c, received on board the "Pawnee," from the receiving ship "Pennsylvania," at Norfolk, Virginia.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.Commander STEPHEN C. ROWAN,
Commanding United States Steamer Pawnee.__________
[11] UNITED STATES STEAMER "KEYSTONE STATE,"
April 22, 1861.SIR: You will transfer to this vessel Major Edelin and his command of marines for passage to Washington city.
I am, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.Flag-Officer G. J. PENDERGRAST,
Commanding Home Squadron.__________
UNITED STATES STEAMER "KEYSIONE STATE,"
April 22, 1861.SIR: You will report yourself to Commander Rowan, on board the United States steamer "Pawnee" for a passage to Washington city.
On your arrival you will report yourself to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.
Lieut. E. G. PARROTT, U. S. N.,
United States Steamer "Cumberland."__________
UNITED STATES STEAMER "KEYSTONE STATE,''
April 22, 1861.SIR: On your arrival in the "Pawnee" at Washington city, you will report yourself, with your command, to Colonel Harris, at head- quarters.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.
Lieutenant A. S. NICHOLSON,
United States Marine Corps, United States Steamer Pawnee.__________
UNIIED STATES STEAMER "KEYSTONE STATE,"
April 22, 1861.SIR: You will take passage in the steamer Yankee for New York, and proceed thence to Philadelphia.
On your arrival you will report yourself, by letter, to the honorable Secretary of the Navy.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.
Commander JAMES ALDEN, U. S. N.,
United States Steamer Cumberland__________
[12] UNITED STATES STEAMER " KEYSTONE STATE,"
Washington City, April 23, 1861.SIR: You will proceed to New York and report yourself, by letter, to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.Com. J. W. LIVINGSTON,
United States Navy__________
STEAM TUG "KEYSTONE STATE,"
Off Sail's Point, Va., April 22, 1861.SIR: I send a pilot to the Cumberland, and you will, when the tide serves, get under way and anchor in mid-channel off Fortress Monroe until the further pleasure of the department is known. I am informed that one or more armed vessels have been seen in this vicinity coming from James river, and would suggest to you the importance of vigilance in the detention of all such vessels. Be pleased to send on board this steamer the arms and ammunition sent on board the Cumberland from the navy yard at Gosport, Virginia, for safe-keeping.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. PAULDING,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the waters of Virginia.Flag-Officer G. J. PENDERGRAST,
Commanding Home Squadron.NOTE.—Vessels of all descriptions carrying arms or armed men not belonging to the government of the United States.
__________
List of officers attached to and found on duty at the navy yard, Norfolk, Virginia, and on board the receiving ship "Pennsylvania," on the night of the 20th April, 1861,
Flag-Officer Charles S. McCauley, commandant of the station.
Commander John W. Livingston, commander in the yard, recently reported for duty.
Lieutenant Colonel James Edelin, United States marine corps, commander marine guard of yard.
Lieutenant T. B. Edelin, United States army.
Lieutenant E. Donaldson, United States navy, senior officer remaining on board the "Pennsylvania."
Lieutenant John Irwin, United States navy, receiving ship "Pennsylvania," just arrived.
Lieutenant W. N. Allen, United States navy, volunteer on board the "Pennsylvania."
[13] Surgeon J. Rudenstein, of the "Pennsylvania."
Sailmaker Thomas, of the "Pennsylvania."
Lieutenant A. A. Semmes, United States navy, temporarily in command of the brig "Dolphin."__________
List of officers attached to the Norfolk naval station who resigned.
Commanders.—R. G. Robb, J. R. Tucker, Thomas R. Porter, and Arthur Sinclair.
Lieutenants.—C. B. Poindexter, G. T. Sinclair, C. F. M. Spottswood, and William Sharp.
Surgeons.—____ Sinclair and R. F. Mason.
First Lieutenant A. N. Baker, United States marine corps.__________
List of persons who deserted.Captain J. C. Rich, United States marine corps, of the "Pennsylvania."
Carpenter, Rustic.
Master-at-arms, Enoch Cherry.
Ship's corporal, Wade.__________
List of persons who refused to defend the United States ship "Pennsylvania," and who were sent ashore by Lieutenant Commanding Donaldson.
William Ballantine, ordinary seaman.
William McLean, ordinary seaman.
____ Heileman, private marine.
____ Livingston, hospital steward.__________
UNITED STATES STEAMER "PAWNEE,"
April 22, 1861.SIR: Agreeably to your orders, I submit the following report of the circumstances and events which have taken place under your orders of the 20th for the relief of the frigate Cumberland and the vessels of the navy at the Gosport navy yard.
In the first place, I must state that the instructions given by you relative to the destruction of private property, or anything that in any way could be construed as an aggression on individuals or their property, was fully impressed on your whole command; and it affords me great pleasure to state that all acted up both to the spirit and literal construction of these orders; and it was expressly understood that in no event were hostile measures to be resorted to unless initiated by the authorities and people.
On the information possessed of the actual situation of the vessels [14] and force at the Gosport navy yard the following detail of officers for the duties was made. The vessels known to be under repair and serviceable were the following, with the officers who were to be attached to them, and whose duty it was to prepare them for immediate departure, viz:
Steam frigate Merrimack, Captain Wilkes, Commander Sands, Lieutenants Wise and Johnson, and Engineer-in-Chief King.
Sloop-of-war Germantown—Commander Walker, Lieuts. Phelps and Morris.
Plymouth—Commander Rogers, Lieutenants Gibson and McGary.
Brig Dolphin—Commander Alden, Lieutenant J. H. Russell.
The men were apportioned to these vessels as follows, viz:
Merrimack, 50; Germantown, 40; Plymouth, 30; Dolphin, 20; besides the marines to be detailed.
At 6.45 p. m. we left Fortress Monroe, having taken on board the Massachusetts regiment, Colonel Wardruf, 360 strong, who had previously arrived, and stood up for Norfolk. Off Sewell's Point we easily passed the obstruction which had been sunk to prevent the exit of our war vessels. If we had adopted the same means (which it was abundantly in our power to have done by sinking in the channel the large vessels in ordinary) we could have annihilated the harbor of Norfolk for fifty years.The Pawnee reached the navy yard wharf without any opposition or disturbance whatever. The crews of the Pennsylvania and Cumberland received us with many hearty cheers, which were patriotically returned from those on board the Pawnee.
In obedience to your order, I waited upon Commodore McCauley, with Captain Wright, of the engineer corps of the army; reported your arrival with assistance, and introduced Captain Wright as the officer charged with the defence of the yard. Commodore McCauley informed me that he had been deserted by all his officers, including an officer of marines, and that the yard was without defence; that he had no one to rely upon, and desired me to report that he had scuttled all the ships about four o'clock p. m., and had destroyed a large amount of property, to prevent them from falling into the hands of the disaffected, led on by the same officers who had left him. This caused an immediate change in your orders to me, and an endeavor to stop the sinking of the vessels, and their further destruction. Com. Walker, with other officers, was directed to make the examination, with the aid of the carpenter of the Cumberland, report their condition, and if their sinking could be prevented, but in all except the Dolphin it was found to be impossible; the leak in the latter was arrested, when your orders followed to prepare for the destruction of the property. Officers were detailed immediately to carry it into effect. One hundred men were sent by Commander Pendergrast from the Cumberland to assist, divided into several gangs, to render the new guns unserviceable; but, after some time spent therein, it was found that the metal of the guns was so superior as to resist all and the most powerful efforts to break off the trunnions, they spiked and rendered, as far as the time would permit, unserviceable. Com. Rodgers and Captain Wright, of the engineer corps, volunteered for the destruction of the dry dock and the powder, and necessary tools were transported by a detachment [15] of forty men of the Massachusetts troop, detailed by Colonel Wardruf for the purpose. Lieutenant Russell was sent, under orders of Com. Rogers, to act as his aid, by which communication could be kept open. Mr. King, engineer-in-chief, also volunteered for this service. Com. Alden was directed to prepare for the destruction of the storehouse, shops, buildings, &c, around the yard, including the barracks. Com. Sands to prepare for the destruction of the ship-houses and their contents, and when ready to report. Lieutenants Wise, Phelps, Gibson, McGary, and Morris to prepare the several vessels of the navy for destruction, and to distribute the material provided for that purpose on board the several vessels designated by you; and trains were laid on the Plymouth, Merrimack, Germantown; Raritan, Columbia, brig Dolphin, and Pennsylvania, in the order in which they lay moored; the ship Delaware was left out in consequence of the distance she lay off, and the frigate United States was in so decayed a condition that it was deemed unnecessary to waste the material of turpentine upon her. At 1.45 a. m. it was reported to me by Commanders Rogers, Alden, and Sands that all was ready, and directions were given that all the men that could be spared should be sent on board immediately, retaining only those necessary to ignite the material, and the signal would be a rocket from the Pawnee, to be ordered by yourself. The troops and marines were rapidly embarked, when it was reported to you by the youngest son of Com. McCauley, tears streaming down his cheeks, that his father refused to vacate his post, and declined all inducement to do so. Com. Alden was selected by you to make the endeavor to induce him to yield, and to state that it was your intention speedily to fire the buildings, and his life must be lost; this last effort succeeded, and he was induced, with great reluctance, to remove to the Cumberland.All the shore parties having been withdrawn, two boats belonging to the Cumberland were alongside; one was put under the direction of Lieutenant Wise, with Lieutenant Phelps, to fire the trains on the appointed signal being given; the other I embarked in with Lieutenant Russell, to await the signal and bring off those who were left, viz: Com. Rodgers and Captain Wright of the engineer corps, and John Reynolds, O. S., Com. Alden and Samuel Williams, Com. Sands, Samuel Watson, and John Noble, in all eight persons. The rendezvous was carefully pointed out and made known to all of them. The Pawnee left the wharf at 2.25 a. m., winded, and hawsers were passed from the Cumberland for the purpose of towing her out. At 4 o'clock, after a detention of nearly four hours, the Cumberland slipped her moorings and both vessels stood out and down the harbor. At 4.20 the signal was made and the torch applied, and in a few minutes the whole area of the yard was one sheet of flame, the two ship-houses and the whole line of stores as well as the Merrimack. The marine barracks had by some accident caught fire at an early hour, but we purposely avoided any attempt to extinguish the flames, fearful lest the fire might communicate with the ship-houses, and thus involve both the Cumberland and Pawnee in destruction. The station I had chosen for the boat was just ahead of the Germantown and at the end of the eastern ship-house; the Merrimack lay [16] close astern of the Germantown, and the fire soon reached her rigging and spars.
In a few minutes Com. Alden and his man, and Com. Sands and his two men joined me, the flames were making rapid progress, and all attention was turned towards the direction from whence Com. Rodgers and Captain Wright were to come. The conflagration was rapid in vast sheets of flame, and the dense smoke which enveloped us from the Merrimack soon made it evident that it would he impossible for any one to pass through it, yet they might have made the attempt to reach us. It was a painful anxiety to see every moment the chances of their escape diminishing; our own safety was not thought of until all hope or chance of their joining us was at an end. Then, and with great reluctance, I gave the order to shove off. As we emerged from the smoke we caught sight of Lieutenant Wise's boat, which appeared as if passing through the flames; at this time the masts and spars of the Germantown were on fire, and portions of her hull enveloped in the flames from the Merrimack. I directed the boats to pull out, and was followed by Lieutenant Wise, the large
flakes of fire falling around; we had scarcely got beyond the ship Pennsylvania, which was the lowest vessel, when the flames from the lower ship-house, under which we had been lying, reached her sides, and shortly after she was enveloped in flames.The boats followed the vessels, and did not reach them until off Craney island, when I reported to you the service performed and the absence of Com. Rodgers and Captain Wright and the man Reynolds, and, with this exception, the return of the whole party without accident or injury. In the performance of this duty it affords me the highest gratification to bear witness to the zeal, coolness, and energy with which the officers placed under my orders have behaved, and the devotion exhibited to the country and Union.
Much of the successful accomplishment of the duties are due to the assistance and arrangement of Com. Rowan and his officers, to whom I feel also personally greatly indebted for his hospitality and attentions.
I must not omit to bring to your notice the alacrity with which the detachment from Colonel Wardruf's regiment performed the duty for which they volunteered.
I enclose you the names of the three men whose conduct has been reported to me by their officers as deserving notice for their conduct under the exciting duty they had to perform.
Believing that I have given you a full detail of all the circumstances which passed under my notice, and the performance of the duties with which you intrusted me,
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES WILKES,
Captain United States Navy.Flag-Officer HIRAM PAULDING,
United States Navy—Present.Respectfully submitted to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy.
H. PAULDING.__________
[17] No. 11.
WASHINGTON, D. C. April 25, 1861.
SIR: I beg leave to detail to the department the events which preceded the evacuation and destruction of the government property at the Gosport navy yard on the night of Saturday, the 26th of April. On Thursday night Flag-Officer Pendergrast learned that obstructions had been sent down to be placed in the river; he promptly had two boats manned and armed to prevent it, but owing to the thickness of the weather his intentions were foiled. On Friday, the 19th instant, I understood that Virginia State troops were arriving at Portsmouth and Norfolk in numbers from Richmond, Petersburg, and the neighborhood, and not having the means at my disposal to get the "Merrimack," "Germantown," and "Plymouth" to a place of safety, I determined on destroying them, being satisfied that with the small force under my command the yard was no longer tenable. I did not, however, carry this act into execution until the next day, before which I discovered that the insurgents were throwing up batteries immediately in front of the yard, when I sent Lieutenant Selfridge, of the "Cumberland," to General Talliaferro, commanding Virginia troops, with a message that if they continued to menace me by placing batteries opposite the yard I should consider it an act of war, and fire upon them. Colonel Heath, the aide-de-camp of the general, returned with Lieutenant Selfridge, and assured me that the general disclaimed all knowledge of such batteries. I then commenced scuttling the "Germantown," "Plymouth,"
"Dolphin," and "Merimack," destroying engine and machinery of the latter, cutting away the large shears, spiking all the guns in the yard and on board the ship in ordinary, including the Pennsylvania, and destroying such arms of the old and obsolete pattern as could not be placed on board the Cumberland, and throwing them over-board, making the destruction of other things, with the exception of the public buildings, as complete as possible. By this time it was quite dark; my officers, with few exceptions, had all deserted me; even the watchmen had thrown off their allegiance and had taken part with the secessionists, so I determined on retiring to the Cumberland, and in the morning act as circumstances might require.With the Cumberland I could have destroyed Norfolk and Portsmouth, and had batteries opened upon the ship these cities would have been at my mercy. Before I had carried out my intentions, embarking aboard the Cumberland, Flag-officer Paulding arrived in the Pawnee. As he had special instructions from the department, which he substantially communicated to me, and to which I gave entire assent, I took no further active part in the matter, and embarked on board the Cumberland; but I can bear testimony to the gallant manner in which Flag-officer Paulding and his brave associates executed his orders. Towards morning Flag-Officer Paulding embarked with his force, and the Cumberland and Pawnee, the former assisted by the steamer Yankee from New York, stood down the river unmolested.
[18] The Cumberland was detained some hours by the obstructions placed in the narrows near Sewell's Point, but finally overcame them, and anchored in Hampton Roads by 8 o'clock p. m. Sunday.
In making this my report to the department, it gives me great pleasure to report the gallant and meritorious conduct of those officers true to their allegiance. I cannot speak in sufficiently high terms of Flag-Officer Pendergrast for the many valuable suggestions I received from him. To Captain Marston and officers of the Cumberland I feel very much indebted.
Lieutenant Selfridge bore a message to the commanding general under great personal risk. I have to thank Commander Livingstone, Lieutenants Semmes, Donaldson, and Irwin, for gallant and efficient services, and to Lieut. Colonel Edelin, of the marines, my thanks are particularly due.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
C. S. McCAULEY,
Late Commandant of Navy Yard at Gosport.HON. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.H. Ex. Doc. 11—2