CONFEDERATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR FARRAGUT’S SUCCESS.
I.— BY JAMES GRIMSHAW DUNCAN, SON OF THE COMMANDER OF FORTS JACKSON AND ST. PHILIP.
O N the 22d of April, by order of Major-GeneralLovell, everything afloat, including the tow-boats and the entire control of the fire-barges for-merly under General J. K. Duncan, was turned overto Captain J. K. Mitchell, commanding the Con-federate States naval forces on the lower Missis-sippi River ; and 150 men from both forts weregiven him as gunners and sharp-shooters for theLouisiana .
In an interview with Captain Mitchell on themorning of this date, General Duncan learned thatthe motive power of the Louisiana was not likelyto be completed in time to bring her, as an aggres-sive steamer, into the pending action. As an iron-clad floating battery, mounting sixteen guns of theheaviest caliber, she was then as complete as shewould ever be. Under these circumstances Gen-eral Duncan considered that her best possible posi-tion would be below the raft, close in on the FortSt. Philip shore. This position would give us threedirect and cross fires upon the enemy’s approach,and at the same time insure the Louisiana againsta direct assault. Accordingly, General Duncanurged these views upon Captain Mitchell in the fol-lowing letter:
“It is of vital importance that the present fire of theenemy should he withdrawn from us, which you alonecan do. This can be done in the manner suggested thismorning, under cover of our guns, while your work onthe boat can be carried on in safety and security. Ourposition is a critical one, dependent entirely on the pow-ers of endurance of our caseinates, many of which havebeen completely shattered and are crumbling away byrepeated shocks; and therefore I respectfully but ear-nestly again urge my suggestion of this morning on yournotice. Our magazines are also in danger.”
Captain Mitchell replied:
“ I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yoursof this date, asking me to place the Louisiana in posi-tion below the raft this evening, if possible. This vesselwas hurried away from New Orleans before her steampower and batteries were ready for service, without acrew, and in many other respects very incomplete, andthis condition of things is but partially remedied now.She is not yet prepared to offer battle to the enemy, butshould he attempt to pass the forts, we will do all wccanto prevent it; audit was for this purpose only thatshe was placed in position where necessity might forceher into action, inadequately prepared as she is at thismoment. We have now at work on board about iiftymechanics, as well as her own crew and those from othervessels doing work essential to the preparation of thevessel for battle. Under these circumstances it would,in my estimation, he hazarding too much to place herunder the fire of the enemy. Every effort is being madeto prepare her for the relief of Fort Jackson, the condi-tion of which is fully felt by me; and the very momentI can venture to face our enemy with any reasonablechance of success, be assured, General, I will do it, andtrust that the result will show you that I am now pur-suing the right course.”
On the 23d, Captain Mitchell replied to anotherurgent request from General Duncan :
“ I know the importance to the safety of Forts Jacksonand St. Philip and the city of New Orleans of havingthis vessel in proper condition before seeking an en-counter with the enemy. If he seeks one or attemptsthe passage of the forts before this vessel is ready, Ishall meet him, however unprepared I may he. Wehave an additional force of mechanics from the city this
morning, and I hope that by to-morrow night the motivepower of the Louisiana will be ready, and that in themeantime her battery will be in place and other prep-arations will be completed, so as to enable her to actagainst the enemy. When ready, you will be immediatelyadvised.”
In this refusal Captain Mitchell was supported byCaptains McIntosh, Huger, andWarley. Two othernotes were also addressed him this day, requestingthat fire-barges be sent down and a vigilant outlookkept from all his vessels, and asking his coopera-tion should the enemy attempt to pass during thenight. This was promised, but no success attendedthe attempts at sending down fire-barges, forwhich there was no excuse ; for, although the tugswere not in working order, there were six boats ofthe river fleet available, and fire-barges were plen-tiful. No immediate relief being looked for fromour fleet, the entire command of Fort Jacksonwas turned out to repair damages under a veryheavy fire. The bombardment continued withoutintermission throughout the 23d, but slackenedoff about 12 o’clock m., at which time there wasevery indication of exhaustion on the part of themortar-flotilla. The following letter was sent toCaptain Mitchell by General Duncan:
“I am of tlie opinion that the mortar practice of theenemy against Fort Jackson must he nearly exhausted,and that there is every indication that t-lie enemy, as thenext plan of attack, is about to move up his large vesselsto the point of woods, and open upon us with his broad-sides. One of the large vessels has already been broughtup and placed in position. Should the above prove to bethe case, it is imperatively necessary that the batteriesof the Louisiana should he brought into action at allhazards, as well as those of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.A proper position for the Louisiana would be on theFort St. Philip side, a short distance below the raft andclose to the shore, which will give us three direct andcross fires upon the point of attack.”
To this Captain Mitchell replied as before.Nothing now could be expected of the Louisiana ;the only position which offered every possiblechance of success had been repeatedly refused.Still Captain Mitchell had other duties to perform,and at sundown General Duncan wrote to him :
“ The enemy has just sent up a small boat, and planteda series of white flags on the Fort St. Philip side, com-mencing about 350 yards above the lone tree. It is theprobable position of his ships in the new line of attackwhich, in my opinion, he contemplates for attackingFort Jackson with his large vessels. As you may nothave seen this operation, I furnish you with the informa-tion. Please keep the river well lit up with fire-raftsto-night, as tlie attack may he made at any time.”
The flags referred to were planted under cover ofa perfect hail of shells. At about 9 P. m., Lieu-tenant Shryock, C. S. N., Captain Mitchell’s aide,came ashore to inform General Duncan that theLouisiana would be ready for service by the nextevening (the 24th). General Duncan informedhim “ that time was everything to us, and that to-morrow would in all probability prove too late.”Lieutenant-Colonel Higgins warmly seconded thisopinion, and warned Lieutenant Shryock that thefinal battle was imminent within a few hours. Inregard to lighting the river, Lieutenant Shryock
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