Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 Excerpt:...up through the fog; supposing it to be the Era No. 5, pushed on; shortly afterwards I saw another pair of chimneys. I at once concluded they must be the gunboat and Era No. 5. An officer from aloft reported three steamers in sight, A number of officers were confident they saw three. From the information received, and the steamer appearing very low in the water in the fog, I was fully convinced she was an ironclad, as were all my officers, I supposed the steamers to be from 2 to 2J miles from us; the captain of the Webb, an old pilot, thought about 1£ miles. It was impossible to tell on account of the fog. One of the vessels fired at us three times. We endeavored to reply, but our friction primers failed. I turned around and made all possible dispatch down the river, fearful that the fog would again rise and that the steamers Louis d'Or and Grand Duke would pass me-and fall into the hands of the enemy, they following me up. I succeeded in turning them and other steamers back. I arrived at Fort Taylor Monday morning, the 18th instant; made a report to General Taylor, and asked him what disposition he wished made of the Webb, stating that I had done all I could under orders from you. I informed him that I should remain at Gordon's Landing, to assist the fort in case of an attack, until I learned his wishes. Immediately on receiving my communication General Taylor sent me orders to assume command of the forces at Fort Taylor, which I did. On his arrival I turned the Webb over to him. Shortly afterwards he relieved me by one of his staff officers, saying he did not feel authorized to detain me any longer than possible. I left as soon as possible for this place. Lieutenant J. H. Morrison rendered me great assistance. His ability and efficiency throughout con...