[Published in the New York Herald of January 9, 1865.]NEWBERN.ADDITIONAL DETAILS OF THE EXPEDITIONUP ROANOKE RIVER.THE FLEET REACHES POPLAR POINT.FROM OUR NEWBERN (N.C.) CORRESPONDENT.Newbern, N.C. December 27, 1864.The expedition that left Plymouth, N.C., on the 9th instant, has returned and anchored off Jamesville, Roanoke river, having by arduous labor accomplished results that reflect great credit upon the commanding officer and his subordinates.ORGANIZATION OF THE EXPEDITION.The naval portion of this expedition sailed from Plymouth on the evening of the 9th instant, in the following order: Wyalusing, Lieutenant Commander Earl English, bearing the broad pennant of Commander W. H. Macomb, commanding the fourth division of the North Atlantic squadron; Valley City, Acting Master J. A. J. Brooks; Otsego, Commander Arnold; Chicopee, Commander Hannell; Bazeley, Acting Ensign Aimes; tug Belle, Acting Master Green; and the picket launch No. 5, Acting Ensign Chapman. The Shamrock was to follow.A land force commanded by Colonel Frankle had started from Plymouth at daylight the same morning, to co-operate with the fleet.THE OTSEGO DESTROYED BY A TORPEDO.Without interruption, the squadron at 9 o'clock the same night arrived at Jamesville, a small town above Plymouth some twelve miles, when the signal to anchor was made from the flag-ship. The night being dark, and the river flowing rapidly in its narrow and tortuous channel, it was thought best to proceed no further until daylight. The Wyalusing had just let go her anchor a few yards above the town, when two loud reports were heard astern, and dense volumes of smoke and steam were seen to envelop the Otsego. That fine vessel had struck two torpedoes, one under the port coal-bunker, the other beneath the keelson, driving a large hole through her bottom, and throwing one of her hundred-pounder rifled Parrotts into the air. She sank in fifteen minutes in three fathoms of water, being a complete wreck. Her officers and men lost all their clothing, except what they had on at the moment of the explosion, but were cared for by their comrades of the other vessels, who hurried to their rescue, and periled their own lives in saving their shipwrecked fellow-sailors. Commander Arnold behaved with great coolness, and his self-possession soon restored order and discipline on board the sunken ship, or rather on her hurricane deck, which alone remained out of water.DESTRUCTION OF THE BAZELEY.In the morning orders were given to drag for torpedoes, when it was found that the Otsego had struck upon a perfect nest of them. The boats which had been passing and repassing to and from her during the night, had rowed over numbers of them, happily without touching them. Several were picked up alongside the Otsego, and two were hanging to the torpedo-fender rigged at her bow. The steamer Bazeley during the morning was ordered to run down to Plymouth, to convey orders and dispatches, taking on board for that purpose Paymaster Louis Sands, of the Shamrock, who had been detailed as one of Commander Macomb's aids in this expedition. On her way down, being directed to communicate with the Otsego, Captain Aimes ran towards the sunken vessel, when a torpedo struck the Bazeley under the pilot house, blowing a hole clear through her, killing Wm. C. Rossell, a lad, and John Gerrard, first-class boy, and sinking the ship instantly. The officers and remainder of the crew escaped by swimming, and were picked up by boats. Captain Aimes, upon returning to the flagship, thus laconically reported his loss to Commander Macomb: "Sir, the Bazeley has gone up."The destruction of two of our vessels so quickly made things look blue, but the grit and metal that headed the expedition were sufficient to overcome such disasters.A FRESH START.Preparations were now fully carried out to drag the river by boats for the torpedoes, which were constantly found in the richest and choicest clusters, in some places eight or nine being placed across the river in a line, and having susceptibilities of the most sensitive nature, going off on the slightest provocation. Communication with Plymouth having been obtained, the signal was made to advance, the Valley City taking the lead.Mr. Chamberlain, a civilian, had volunteered to go with the expedition with a calcium light, which proved to be of great advantage to the fleet in the intense darkness of the nights. The light was placed on the leading vessel, and made our pathway as clear as broad daylight. The fleet proceeded slowly, having six boats constantly employed in dragging and picking up torpedoes, which continued to be found in great profusion. Large numbers were found at Shad Island Bend and other points, and many exploded in the attempt made to get them on shore. Eighty were taken up in a distance of thirty miles.LIVING ON THE ENEMY.The fleet anchored off several of the plantations along the river, and the men were allowed to regale themselves with fresh provisions and other luxurious articles that were contraband of war. All articles of military value were taken or destroyed, and a quantity of cotton pressed into the service as bulwarks against the sharpshooters who lined the banks of the stream. Mr. Speller, a rich planter, owning a place called Speller's Landing, was arrested and sent to Plymouth. He had accepted a nomination to a seat in the rebel Legislature, had three sons in the rebel army, and was himself a bitter reviler and opponent of the government. Other prominent rebels were also seized and sent to Plymouth. One of them offered Commander Macomb and Lieutenant Commander English a large amount of gold, which he had on his person, to release him; but like Paulding and Van Wert of old, the patriotism of the sailor chiefs revolted at the attempt to bribe them, and an order to place the rebel in closer confinement was the only result of the proposition. Corruption has been little known in this war among our naval officers; and though many of them are far from wealthy, their honor and good name are more precious in their eyes than millions of dishonorable wealth.THE OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY.It was part of the programme that Colonel Frankle should communicate with the fleet at Jamesville; but without waiting for the arrival of the vessels, he pushed on his men to Foster's Mills, where a skirmish ensued with the enemy, who were repulsed. The mills were burned, and Colonel Clark was left to hold the place, while the main body proceeded onward, the rebels retreating on Rainbow Banks, a very strong and commanding position on the river, twenty miles above Williamston. The fleet learned the news by one of Colonel Clark's scouts, and the next day one of our picket boats, which had been sent back to Jamesville, returned to the fleet, bringing additional intelligence that the army, getting out of provisions, had fallen back to Jamesville. Commander Macomb sent a dispatch to Colonel Frankle commanding, stating that time was precious; that the fleet would proceed at all hazards, and would turn back for nothing until it reached the bluff; and urging that the troops should go forward at once. A promise was returned that the troops would again move forward in a short time.THE FLEET APPROACHES POPLAR POINT.The fleet kept on its way for several days more, dragging the river at every step, exploding torpedoes, fighting sharpshooters, and pressing forward toward Rainbow Bluff; until, on the evening of the 20th, we turned a bend in the stream exposing to view Poplar Point, a high bluff thoroughly commanding the river.THE MARINES ON SHORE DUTY.On our left, after doubling the bend, was a large marshy plain protected by a dyke, behind which sharpshooters were thought to be lurking. Commander Macomb ordered the marines of the squadron to land, and under command of Acting Ensign Fesset, of the Wyalusing, to move along the bank, behind the levee, and look out for the enemy. They soon found the rebel pickets and skirmished with them, the rebels being driven back towards the point. Soon a large body of rebels was found, and a brisk little action took place. A prisoner being captured by Sergeant Kane, of the Shamrock, belonging to Whitford's rebel regiment, reported that his regiment was in the swamp, as the advance of the rebels, whose entire strength was some six thousand men. The marines continued the skirmishing until nightfall, when they were recalled, having throughout the day behaved admirably, retaining the good reputation which that branch of the service has always held.THE VALLEY CITY ENCOUNTERS A BATTERY.No sooner had the Valley City, which continued to be the leading vessel, shown her head around the point, than she was saluted by a battery which the rebels had placed there so skillfully as to give them accurate and deadly aim. She replied with great effect, and silenced the battery; but night fell, and the firing ceased. During the night all the vessels were annoyed by the rebels, who would sneak up under cover of the trees, fire a volley upon our decks, and skedaddle, their retreat being often accelerated by a wholesome dose of grape. During the day the Valley City had suffered badly from the rebel battery. Pilot John A. Lewis was shot through the head with a Minie ball and instantly killed. He was buried on the bank of the river—the rebels, with their accustomed barbarity, firing on the burying party.A shell exploded in the pilot-house of the Valley City, badly wounding her other pilot. A number of her men were also badly hurt.THE FLEET IN A TIGHT PLACE.The 21st and 22d were passed in shelling the batteries on Poplar Point, and endeavoring to drag the river for torpedoes, that were now thicker than ever. As fast as our boats would leave the ships to commence dragging, the rebels would open on them, wounding and killing the men. A new battery opened on the Valley City, inflicting serious damage on her. The other ships, with their hundred-pounder rifles, drove the rebels off repeatedly, but only to return whenever our fire slackened. It was plain that we could no longer do without a land force to drive the fellows off and clear the way for our dragging boats. Every moment the rebels thickened in the woods; the trees and bushes were alive with sharpshooters; batteries were discovered in process of erection in our rear; and in a word, the position of the squadron was critical.THE FLEET WITHDRAWS TO JAMESVILLE.Commander Macomb again sent a despatch to the colonel commanding the land forces, begging him to press forward without delay. The reply was that the army would advance when transportation permitted. The position of the fleet was untenable for twenty-four hours more; to have remained would have insured the loss of another vessel; to advance was impossible without army co-operation: so, very reluctantly, Commander Macomb gave the order to fall back to Jamesville, there to await the action of the army. The fleet fought its way back for seven or eight miles, and the rest of the way was passed in quiet.The Otsego had not yet been put out of commission—Commander Arnold and a portion of her crew remaining on her hurricane-deck, and livingal fresco. Her heavy battery had been removed to the Shamrock and Wyalusing, but her brass howitzer still remained on her hurricane-deck to defend her crew. A survey was now held upon her, and it was decided that it was impossible to raise either her or the Bazeley. Everything that could be removed was taken away, and two torpedoes were placed in her hull and exploded, thus finishing the work of the rebels. Her remains were then set on fire, and she was burned to the water's edge.The entire fleet, with the exception of the Chicopee and Mattabessett, are now at Jamesville; and the United States steamer Lockwood, to which Captain Aimes was ordered after the loss of the Bazeley, joined it last night, having sailed from Newbern to do so.COMMANDER MACOMB.The indomitable perseverance of Commander Macomb and his captains, in pushing on through a river filled with torpedoes and lined with sharpshooters for fifty miles, dragging almost every foot of the way, and driving the enemy before them, is unsurpassed even in the brilliant naval history of this war. Many commanders would have faltered after losing two of their vessels; but there was no faltering in Macomb. It was not until all hope of land co-operation was exhausted, and until it was demonstrated that without a land support he could go no further, that he consented to retire. Throughout the whole expedition, he asked his men to encounter no danger that he did not himself share. His exposure of himself to death was constant and unflinching; his coolness and self-possession never left him; and in him his officers and men beheld an example worthy of their emulation.Thanks of the officers of the Otsego, to Captain Wood and officers of the transport, General Berry:"Wreck of United States Steamer Otsego,"Roanoke River, N.C., December, 15, 1864."The officers of this vessel desire to express their thanks to Captain Wood and other officers of the army transport, General Berry, for the politeness and kind consideration they received on board that boat, after their own vessel was blown up by torpedoes, on the night of December 9, and the polite manner in which they furnished both officers and men with every facility for obtaining the comforts they so much needed."H. N. T. Arnold,Lieutenant Commander."Henry D. Foster,Ensign and Executive Officer."J. P. Gallagher,Ensign."Wm. H. McLean,Ensign."George C. Reynolds,Assistant Surgeon."Samuel C. Midlam,Acting First Ass't Engineer."R. A. Rolfe,Captain's Clerk."Robert S. Houston,Paymaster's Clerk."Franlin Stedman,Acting Master's Mate."
[Published in the New York Herald of January 9, 1865.]
NEWBERN.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS OF THE EXPEDITIONUP ROANOKE RIVER.THE FLEET REACHES POPLAR POINT.FROM OUR NEWBERN (N.C.) CORRESPONDENT.
Newbern, N.C. December 27, 1864.
The expedition that left Plymouth, N.C., on the 9th instant, has returned and anchored off Jamesville, Roanoke river, having by arduous labor accomplished results that reflect great credit upon the commanding officer and his subordinates.
ORGANIZATION OF THE EXPEDITION.
The naval portion of this expedition sailed from Plymouth on the evening of the 9th instant, in the following order: Wyalusing, Lieutenant Commander Earl English, bearing the broad pennant of Commander W. H. Macomb, commanding the fourth division of the North Atlantic squadron; Valley City, Acting Master J. A. J. Brooks; Otsego, Commander Arnold; Chicopee, Commander Hannell; Bazeley, Acting Ensign Aimes; tug Belle, Acting Master Green; and the picket launch No. 5, Acting Ensign Chapman. The Shamrock was to follow.
A land force commanded by Colonel Frankle had started from Plymouth at daylight the same morning, to co-operate with the fleet.
THE OTSEGO DESTROYED BY A TORPEDO.
Without interruption, the squadron at 9 o'clock the same night arrived at Jamesville, a small town above Plymouth some twelve miles, when the signal to anchor was made from the flag-ship. The night being dark, and the river flowing rapidly in its narrow and tortuous channel, it was thought best to proceed no further until daylight. The Wyalusing had just let go her anchor a few yards above the town, when two loud reports were heard astern, and dense volumes of smoke and steam were seen to envelop the Otsego. That fine vessel had struck two torpedoes, one under the port coal-bunker, the other beneath the keelson, driving a large hole through her bottom, and throwing one of her hundred-pounder rifled Parrotts into the air. She sank in fifteen minutes in three fathoms of water, being a complete wreck. Her officers and men lost all their clothing, except what they had on at the moment of the explosion, but were cared for by their comrades of the other vessels, who hurried to their rescue, and periled their own lives in saving their shipwrecked fellow-sailors. Commander Arnold behaved with great coolness, and his self-possession soon restored order and discipline on board the sunken ship, or rather on her hurricane deck, which alone remained out of water.
DESTRUCTION OF THE BAZELEY.
In the morning orders were given to drag for torpedoes, when it was found that the Otsego had struck upon a perfect nest of them. The boats which had been passing and repassing to and from her during the night, had rowed over numbers of them, happily without touching them. Several were picked up alongside the Otsego, and two were hanging to the torpedo-fender rigged at her bow. The steamer Bazeley during the morning was ordered to run down to Plymouth, to convey orders and dispatches, taking on board for that purpose Paymaster Louis Sands, of the Shamrock, who had been detailed as one of Commander Macomb's aids in this expedition. On her way down, being directed to communicate with the Otsego, Captain Aimes ran towards the sunken vessel, when a torpedo struck the Bazeley under the pilot house, blowing a hole clear through her, killing Wm. C. Rossell, a lad, and John Gerrard, first-class boy, and sinking the ship instantly. The officers and remainder of the crew escaped by swimming, and were picked up by boats. Captain Aimes, upon returning to the flagship, thus laconically reported his loss to Commander Macomb: "Sir, the Bazeley has gone up."
The destruction of two of our vessels so quickly made things look blue, but the grit and metal that headed the expedition were sufficient to overcome such disasters.
A FRESH START.
Preparations were now fully carried out to drag the river by boats for the torpedoes, which were constantly found in the richest and choicest clusters, in some places eight or nine being placed across the river in a line, and having susceptibilities of the most sensitive nature, going off on the slightest provocation. Communication with Plymouth having been obtained, the signal was made to advance, the Valley City taking the lead.
Mr. Chamberlain, a civilian, had volunteered to go with the expedition with a calcium light, which proved to be of great advantage to the fleet in the intense darkness of the nights. The light was placed on the leading vessel, and made our pathway as clear as broad daylight. The fleet proceeded slowly, having six boats constantly employed in dragging and picking up torpedoes, which continued to be found in great profusion. Large numbers were found at Shad Island Bend and other points, and many exploded in the attempt made to get them on shore. Eighty were taken up in a distance of thirty miles.
LIVING ON THE ENEMY.
The fleet anchored off several of the plantations along the river, and the men were allowed to regale themselves with fresh provisions and other luxurious articles that were contraband of war. All articles of military value were taken or destroyed, and a quantity of cotton pressed into the service as bulwarks against the sharpshooters who lined the banks of the stream. Mr. Speller, a rich planter, owning a place called Speller's Landing, was arrested and sent to Plymouth. He had accepted a nomination to a seat in the rebel Legislature, had three sons in the rebel army, and was himself a bitter reviler and opponent of the government. Other prominent rebels were also seized and sent to Plymouth. One of them offered Commander Macomb and Lieutenant Commander English a large amount of gold, which he had on his person, to release him; but like Paulding and Van Wert of old, the patriotism of the sailor chiefs revolted at the attempt to bribe them, and an order to place the rebel in closer confinement was the only result of the proposition. Corruption has been little known in this war among our naval officers; and though many of them are far from wealthy, their honor and good name are more precious in their eyes than millions of dishonorable wealth.
THE OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY.
It was part of the programme that Colonel Frankle should communicate with the fleet at Jamesville; but without waiting for the arrival of the vessels, he pushed on his men to Foster's Mills, where a skirmish ensued with the enemy, who were repulsed. The mills were burned, and Colonel Clark was left to hold the place, while the main body proceeded onward, the rebels retreating on Rainbow Banks, a very strong and commanding position on the river, twenty miles above Williamston. The fleet learned the news by one of Colonel Clark's scouts, and the next day one of our picket boats, which had been sent back to Jamesville, returned to the fleet, bringing additional intelligence that the army, getting out of provisions, had fallen back to Jamesville. Commander Macomb sent a dispatch to Colonel Frankle commanding, stating that time was precious; that the fleet would proceed at all hazards, and would turn back for nothing until it reached the bluff; and urging that the troops should go forward at once. A promise was returned that the troops would again move forward in a short time.
THE FLEET APPROACHES POPLAR POINT.
The fleet kept on its way for several days more, dragging the river at every step, exploding torpedoes, fighting sharpshooters, and pressing forward toward Rainbow Bluff; until, on the evening of the 20th, we turned a bend in the stream exposing to view Poplar Point, a high bluff thoroughly commanding the river.
THE MARINES ON SHORE DUTY.
On our left, after doubling the bend, was a large marshy plain protected by a dyke, behind which sharpshooters were thought to be lurking. Commander Macomb ordered the marines of the squadron to land, and under command of Acting Ensign Fesset, of the Wyalusing, to move along the bank, behind the levee, and look out for the enemy. They soon found the rebel pickets and skirmished with them, the rebels being driven back towards the point. Soon a large body of rebels was found, and a brisk little action took place. A prisoner being captured by Sergeant Kane, of the Shamrock, belonging to Whitford's rebel regiment, reported that his regiment was in the swamp, as the advance of the rebels, whose entire strength was some six thousand men. The marines continued the skirmishing until nightfall, when they were recalled, having throughout the day behaved admirably, retaining the good reputation which that branch of the service has always held.
THE VALLEY CITY ENCOUNTERS A BATTERY.
No sooner had the Valley City, which continued to be the leading vessel, shown her head around the point, than she was saluted by a battery which the rebels had placed there so skillfully as to give them accurate and deadly aim. She replied with great effect, and silenced the battery; but night fell, and the firing ceased. During the night all the vessels were annoyed by the rebels, who would sneak up under cover of the trees, fire a volley upon our decks, and skedaddle, their retreat being often accelerated by a wholesome dose of grape. During the day the Valley City had suffered badly from the rebel battery. Pilot John A. Lewis was shot through the head with a Minie ball and instantly killed. He was buried on the bank of the river—the rebels, with their accustomed barbarity, firing on the burying party.
A shell exploded in the pilot-house of the Valley City, badly wounding her other pilot. A number of her men were also badly hurt.
THE FLEET IN A TIGHT PLACE.
The 21st and 22d were passed in shelling the batteries on Poplar Point, and endeavoring to drag the river for torpedoes, that were now thicker than ever. As fast as our boats would leave the ships to commence dragging, the rebels would open on them, wounding and killing the men. A new battery opened on the Valley City, inflicting serious damage on her. The other ships, with their hundred-pounder rifles, drove the rebels off repeatedly, but only to return whenever our fire slackened. It was plain that we could no longer do without a land force to drive the fellows off and clear the way for our dragging boats. Every moment the rebels thickened in the woods; the trees and bushes were alive with sharpshooters; batteries were discovered in process of erection in our rear; and in a word, the position of the squadron was critical.
THE FLEET WITHDRAWS TO JAMESVILLE.
Commander Macomb again sent a despatch to the colonel commanding the land forces, begging him to press forward without delay. The reply was that the army would advance when transportation permitted. The position of the fleet was untenable for twenty-four hours more; to have remained would have insured the loss of another vessel; to advance was impossible without army co-operation: so, very reluctantly, Commander Macomb gave the order to fall back to Jamesville, there to await the action of the army. The fleet fought its way back for seven or eight miles, and the rest of the way was passed in quiet.
The Otsego had not yet been put out of commission—Commander Arnold and a portion of her crew remaining on her hurricane-deck, and livingal fresco. Her heavy battery had been removed to the Shamrock and Wyalusing, but her brass howitzer still remained on her hurricane-deck to defend her crew. A survey was now held upon her, and it was decided that it was impossible to raise either her or the Bazeley. Everything that could be removed was taken away, and two torpedoes were placed in her hull and exploded, thus finishing the work of the rebels. Her remains were then set on fire, and she was burned to the water's edge.
The entire fleet, with the exception of the Chicopee and Mattabessett, are now at Jamesville; and the United States steamer Lockwood, to which Captain Aimes was ordered after the loss of the Bazeley, joined it last night, having sailed from Newbern to do so.
COMMANDER MACOMB.
The indomitable perseverance of Commander Macomb and his captains, in pushing on through a river filled with torpedoes and lined with sharpshooters for fifty miles, dragging almost every foot of the way, and driving the enemy before them, is unsurpassed even in the brilliant naval history of this war. Many commanders would have faltered after losing two of their vessels; but there was no faltering in Macomb. It was not until all hope of land co-operation was exhausted, and until it was demonstrated that without a land support he could go no further, that he consented to retire. Throughout the whole expedition, he asked his men to encounter no danger that he did not himself share. His exposure of himself to death was constant and unflinching; his coolness and self-possession never left him; and in him his officers and men beheld an example worthy of their emulation.
Thanks of the officers of the Otsego, to Captain Wood and officers of the transport, General Berry:
"Wreck of United States Steamer Otsego,"Roanoke River, N.C., December, 15, 1864.
"The officers of this vessel desire to express their thanks to Captain Wood and other officers of the army transport, General Berry, for the politeness and kind consideration they received on board that boat, after their own vessel was blown up by torpedoes, on the night of December 9, and the polite manner in which they furnished both officers and men with every facility for obtaining the comforts they so much needed.
THAT OLD FAMILY BIBLE.
A Bible captured near Windsor, North Carolina, during the expedition up Roanoke river, on the night of December 16th, 1864, by Ensign Milton Webster, on a marauding expedition, is over a hundred years old, as is shown by its title-page: "Edinburgh: Printed by Alexander Kincaid, his Majesty's Printer, MDCCLXIX." The book originally belonged to W. A. Turner, of Windsor, North Carolina, as that name appears in gilt upon one of the corners of the Bible; and on a page in the book appears the following record:
"David Turner and Elizabeth Armistead were married Tuesday, August 16, 1785."David Turner born September 2d, 1738; Elizabeth Armistead born December 29th, 1759."Thomas Turner born July 18th, 1786, 4:30 afternoon; William Armistead Turner born December 13th, 1787, nine o'clock a.m. They were both baptized Sunday, August 2d, 1789, by the Rev. McDowell."George Turner born November 24th, about 5 o'clock in the morning, 1789, and baptized Sunday, twenty-first of February following, by the Rev. W. Blount."Sarah Turner born April 28th, fifty minutes after nine in the morning, 1791, and baptized November 27th, same year, by Rev. W. Wilson."Mary Turner born November 8th, at eight o'clock in the morning, 1793, and baptized June 4th following, by Rev. Mr. Petigro, and died August 8th, 1794, some time between three and four o'clock, which was before day."Hannah Turner born October 17th, about eleven o'clock in the morning, 1796, and was baptized second Sunday in July following, by the Rev. W. Joseph Gurley."George Turner departed this life August, 1801."David Turner was born September 2, 1738, and died May 17th, 1802, in the 64th year of his age."My dear little Sarah and Hannah Turner both departed this life March 15th, 1805."Elizabeth Turner departed this life May 17, 1822, aged 62 years, 4 months and 18 days."Thomas Turner died on the 6th day of January, 1847."All the forenamed persons, with the exception of the writer hereof, are buried in the graveyard at the plantation whereon the father, David Turner, and family lived, two and one-half miles west of the town of Windsor."
"David Turner and Elizabeth Armistead were married Tuesday, August 16, 1785.
"David Turner born September 2d, 1738; Elizabeth Armistead born December 29th, 1759.
"Thomas Turner born July 18th, 1786, 4:30 afternoon; William Armistead Turner born December 13th, 1787, nine o'clock a.m. They were both baptized Sunday, August 2d, 1789, by the Rev. McDowell.
"George Turner born November 24th, about 5 o'clock in the morning, 1789, and baptized Sunday, twenty-first of February following, by the Rev. W. Blount.
"Sarah Turner born April 28th, fifty minutes after nine in the morning, 1791, and baptized November 27th, same year, by Rev. W. Wilson.
"Mary Turner born November 8th, at eight o'clock in the morning, 1793, and baptized June 4th following, by Rev. Mr. Petigro, and died August 8th, 1794, some time between three and four o'clock, which was before day.
"Hannah Turner born October 17th, about eleven o'clock in the morning, 1796, and was baptized second Sunday in July following, by the Rev. W. Joseph Gurley.
"George Turner departed this life August, 1801.
"David Turner was born September 2, 1738, and died May 17th, 1802, in the 64th year of his age.
"My dear little Sarah and Hannah Turner both departed this life March 15th, 1805.
"Elizabeth Turner departed this life May 17, 1822, aged 62 years, 4 months and 18 days.
"Thomas Turner died on the 6th day of January, 1847.
"All the forenamed persons, with the exception of the writer hereof, are buried in the graveyard at the plantation whereon the father, David Turner, and family lived, two and one-half miles west of the town of Windsor."
No doubt the writer of the above is also dead, and time and the chances of war may have scattered any remaining members of the family.
THE VALLEY CITY AND HER OFFICERS.
The officers of the U.S. Steamer Valley City were as follows: Acting Master Commanding, John A. J. Brooks; Acting Ensign and Executive Officer, Milton Webster; Acting Master's Mates, Charles F. O'Neill and John Maddock; Acting Assistant Paymaster, J. Woodville Sands; Acting Assistant Surgeon, John M. Batten; Engineers—Second Assistant in charge, James M. Battin; Acting Third Assistant, John Minton; Acting Master and Pilot, John A. Wilson.
Captain J. A. J. Brooks was a North Carolinian by birth, and was acquainted with the waters and people of North Carolina. He was a full-sized man of fine figure, 35 years of age, brown piercing eyes, light hair, and in general appearance a fine-looking officer. He was brave, and ever on the alert. Many nights whilst the Valley City was laying at the mouth of Roanoke river watching for the rebel ram Albemarle, I found Captain Brooks at all hours on deck—I often wondered when he slept. In battle he was cool and brave. Under his command the Valley City was considered, by the Confederates in that vicinity, a terror to the waters of North Carolina.
It was on the Valley City, whilst in a fight at Elizabeth, N.C., a man sat over the opened end of a barrel of powder to prevent it from being ignited, after an enemy's shell had entered and exploded in the powder magazine, and thus saved the vessel. The man was immediately promoted to a gunner.
At many places to which the Valley City steamed, Captain Brooks would be anxious to ascertain how many Confederates there were in the locality. Upon asking some colored people, who were always assembled to greet us, how many rebels there were at a certain locality, they would make the following reply: "I don't know, sah; but dar is a right smaht number dar." Upon pressing them for a more definite answer they would repeat, "I don't know, massa; but dar is a right smaht number dar."
The Valley City, and I believe all naval vessels, were directed to go ahead, fast, slow, or stop, or back fast or slow, by a bell hung in the engine room connected with the pilot-house by a wire which was pulled by the pilot. One bell was to start; two bells, go ahead slow; four bells, go ahead fast; and one bell to stop (that is when the vessel was in motion); three bells back; two bells, back slow; and four bells, back fast.
The time of day was noted by means of a bell, as follows: One bell, 12½ o'clock, p.m.; two bells, 1 o'clock, p.m.; three bells, 1½ o'clock, p.m.; four bells, 2 o'clock, p.m.; five bells, 2½ o'clock, p.m.; six bells, 3 o'clock, p.m.; seven bells, 3½ o'clock, p.m.; and eight bells, 4 o'clock, p, m.; then, one bell, 4½ o'clock, p.m., and so on till 8 o'clock, p.m.; then, one bell, 8½ o'clock, p.m., and so on till 12 o'clock, p.m.; thus the time during the first twelve hours of the following day was noted, and in the same way any succeeding twelve hours.
Each watch remained on duty four hours, say from 12 o'clock m. until 4 o'clock p.m., when it was relieved by another watch, which would remain on duty until 8 o'clock p.m., when this watch was again relieved by another watch, which would remain on duty four hours, or until 12 o'clock p.m.
It would be an officer's duty on arriving aboard his own or another vessel, to salute the quarter-deck by taking off his hat, even if there were nobody on the deck. All who were on the deck would return the salute also, by taking their hats off. An officer arriving on board his own vessel would always report to the captain of the vessel, as follows: "Captain, I report myself aboard, sir." The captain would reply: "Aye, aye, sir."
Some very dark nights the Captain, in order to time the crew and officers of the Valley City in getting to their quarters, would spring the rattle for general quarters; and such a time there would be in getting out of our berths, and going to general quarters! The whole affair would be very amusing, and sometimes ridiculous.
The small boats attached to a man-of-war are the Captain's gig, dingy, cutters and launches. The man who guides or commands one of these small boats is known as the coxswain. A small boat is manned by seven to fifteen men, according to the size of the boat. The coxswain's command, if he wants to turn sharp to the left or port, is "Hold water port, give way strong starboard." If he wishes to turn sharp to the right or starboard, his command would be, "Hold water starboard, give way strong port." In rowing alongside of a vessel, when the boat had sufficient headway to carry it alongside, the coxswain commands the men to drop their oars. There are many other commands given by the coxswain, but it is unnecessary to name them in this place.
It is a very beautiful sight to see a boat rowed by fourteen trained men, all dressed similarly.
Saturday, December 31, at 2 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded up the Chowan river. We arrived in sight of Winton, when the Valley City returned down the river and anchored for the night. Sunday, January 1, 1865, at 4 o'clock p.m., we steamed down the river, and at 5½ o'clock p.m. we anchored off Edenton and went ashore. The weather is cold and windy.
Tuesday, January 3d, 1865, the Valley City, at 10½ o'clock a.m., weighed anchor and proceeded to Plymouth, where she arrived at 1 p.m. At 8 p.m., left Plymouth and proceeded to off Edenton, where we arrived at 10 p.m.
Wednesday, January 4th, 1865, we left Edenton at 7 a.m., and arrived at Plymouth at 9½ a.m. Mr. Stevens is aboard. The weather is cold.
Saturday, January 7.—During the week the Valley City has been cruising up Chowan river, Simon's Creek, and around Edenton Bay, watching for the Philadelphia, a blockade runner. Captain Brooks, Paymaster Sands and I, frequently went ashore at Edenton. The weather during the week has been mild, moist and rainy.
Sunday, January 8, at 5 a.m., we proceeded from Chowan River to Edenton Bay, where we arrived at 7 a.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master James G. Green, Paymaster Sands and I, went ashore and took dinner with Mr. Samuel B. At 6 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of Chowan River. The weather is cold.
Monday, January 9.—The weather is delightful. We lay during the day at the mouth of Chowan River. Tuesday, January 10th, at 5 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded up to Poole's Landing, on the Chowan River. At 11:45 a.m., we discovered the Philadelphia. We immediately steamed toward her, and at 12:15 p.m., Mr. Milton Webster, executive officer, took a launch with a crew of men and boarded the Philadelphia, which was laying near Colerain, with a cargo of 257 bales of cotton, and tobacco. At 1 p.m. we got under weigh, with the Philadelphia in tow, and proceeded to Plymouth. At 5 p.m., we anchored at the mouth of Roanoke River. The weather is raining and blustering, accompanied with thunder and lightning.
Wednesday, January 11th, at 8 a.m., we weighed anchor and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 9½ a.m. At 1½ p.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 3:25 p.m. Captain Brooks, J. W. Sands and I, went ashore, and called on Mr. Samuel B. At 5:30 p.m. we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 8 p.m. The weather is cold but pleasant. At 9 p.m., we left Plymouth and proceeded up Chowan River.
Thursday, January 12.—The Valley City came to anchor at 1 a.m., at Holly's Island. At 6 a.m. we got under weigh and proceeded up Chowan river. At 7:30 a.m. we came to anchor off "Camp Winfield." Mr. Milton Webster went ashore, and in company with Mr. Winslow, they traveled seven miles into the country, and returned safely at 1 p.m., with Mr. Winslow and his brother. In the meantime, Captain Brooks, Paymaster Sands and crew went ashore, and captured several bales of cotton. We arrived at Edenton at 7 p.m. Captain Brooks, Paymaster J. W. Sands, Mr. Cannon, and Messrs. Winslows, went ashore. The weather is delightful.
Friday, January 13.—At 6:20 a.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 8:20 a.m. The weather is beautiful. I spent nearly all day ashore. At 7 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded toward Roanoke Island. Saturday, January 14, at 2 a.m., we anchored in Albemarle Sound, and at 8 a.m. we arrived at Roanoke Island. The weather is windy. Sunday, January 15, the Valley City got under weigh at 4 o'clock p.m., and proceeded toward Plymouth. Mr. O'Neill, acting master's mate, was very severely injured by a hawser to which the schooner was fastened in tow, slipping on a kevel. The weather is windy, and the Sounds are rough. Monday, January 16, we arrived at Plymouth at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, January 17.—We got under weigh at 11 a.m., and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 12:30 p.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master James G. Green, J. W. Sands and I went ashore and took tea at Mr. Samuel B——'s. We spent a very pleasant time. Mr. Skinner, D.D., was present. At 8 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded to Chowan river, and came to anchor at 9:25 p.m. for the night. The weather is delightful. Wednesday, January 18, at 5 a.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded to Holly's Landing, where we anchored at 7 a.m.
Thursday, January 19, at 9 a.m., we got under weigh, and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 12 m. In the afternoon I attended the marriage of Acting Master James G. Green and Miss Cornelia B——, which took place at Mr. Samuel B——'s, the father of the bride. There were quite a number of the fleet's officers present. At 8 p.m., the Valley City proceeded towards Roanoke Island, with the bride and groom and the bride's two sisters and cousin aboard.
Friday, January 20, at 1:30 a.m., we came to anchor, and at 8:30 a.m. we got under weigh, and arrived at Roanoke Island at 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, January 21st, 1865, I went ashore at Roanoke Island. The weather is rainy, foggy, and windy. Monday, January 23, at 2 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived in the evening. The night is dark and foggy. Tuesday, January 24, the Valley City arrived at Edenton, and landed the sisters and cousin of the bride, Acting Master James G. Green and his wife having proceeded from Roanoke Island north, on a short tour.
Saturday, January 28, 1865.—At 6 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to Colerain, where we arrived at 10 a.m. The weather has been extraordinarily cold the last three days.
Wednesday, February 1.—The weather has moderated and is pleasant. The Valley City is laying here for the purpose of protecting the troops ashore, commanded by Colonel Frankle, and for that purpose we shell the woods occasionally. The boat Alison ran against a snag here and was sunk, and is now being raised.
Saturday, February 4.—At 5½ p.m., we got under weigh with boat Alison in tow, which had been previously raised so as to be buoyed up by two schooners, and arrived at Edenton Sunday, February 5, at 2 a.m., where we anchored the Alison, and at 11 a.m. we proceeded to Plymouth; but at the mouth of Middle river we were met by the tug Belle, from which we received orders to return to Edenton, to tow the Alison to Plymouth. We arrived at Edenton at 3 p.m., and at 7 p.m. the officers and two boats' crews went ashore. At 9 p.m. we took the Alison in tow, and arrived at the mouth of Roanoke river, where we anchored at 2 a.m., Monday, February 6. There is a rise in the Roanoke river, and its current is very swift, so that the Valley City could make but little headway up the river.
Thursday, February 9, at 9¼ a.m., proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 9¾ a.m. Tuesday, February 21, at 12 m., we weighed anchor and proceeded to Salmon's creek, where we arrived at 2:10 p.m. Here there were a number of contrabands and their effects taken on board. One of the contrabands stated she was 112 years of age, and had seen Washington in her early life; she is apparently very old. At 10 p.m., a boat, with a rebel soldier and two old men, with bacon, beef and fowls, were hailed, and the men and their effects were brought on board the Valley City.
Wednesday, February 22d, at 6 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded toward Plymouth. At 7 a.m., we came to an anchor off Walnut Point, and took on board more contrabands, and at 10 a.m. we proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 11:20 a.m. At 3 p.m. we got under weigh, and arrived at Edenton at 5 p.m. I went ashore with Captain J. A. J. Brooks, and called on Mr. Samuel B——. The fleet at Plymouth fired a salute in commemoration of the birth of Washington.
Thursday, February 23d, at 3 a.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of Chowan river, and returned to Edenton, where we arrived at 8 a.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks and I went ashore, and called on Messrs. Samuel B——, Henry B——, and Mr. M——. In the afternoon, we interred Matthew Sheridan, landsman, who had died of typhus fever. At 5 p.m. we returned to ship and got under weigh and proceeded down the Albemarle Sound to Laurel Point, where we arrived at 9 p.m., and anchored. The weather is pleasant.
Saturday, February 25, at 5½ a.m., got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of Little Alligator river, where we arrived and anchored at 9¼ a.m.
Sunday, February 26, at 1½ p.m., the Valley City got under weigh and steamed toward Roanoke Island, in pursuit of a schooner which was supposed to be running the blockade; but upon boarding her, it was found she had permission to trade with the inhabitants in that vicinity. At 6 p.m., we came to an anchor at the mouth of Alligator river.
Monday, February 27, at 6 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh and steamed up the Alligator river to Chincapin Ridge, where Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Acting Master's Mate O'Neill, and myself, with two crews of men, fourteen in number, went ashore and marched three miles into the country, through pines and cypresses. Along the road we put up a mark on a tree and fired at it; and although I was not an expert marksman, I put a ball nearest the mark. We finally came to a house occupied by a man and his wife and their children, who were very poor. The house was illy furnished, and had only one apartment. The appearance of it, inside or outside, was not very inviting. Captain J. A. J. Brooks asked the man whether he could provide dinner for the party. He demurred at first, but finally agreed to provide such a dinner as the viands in the house would permit of. All the party were very hungry, and were glad to have the opportunity of sitting down to any sort of a dinner. The woman went to work to cook a dinner. In the meantime, the officers, men, and host, employed themselves in shooting at a mark. During this time the host told us the war had been a benefit to him, in so far as it had made a temperance man of him. Before the war, he said, he had been an immoderate drinker of intoxicating liquors, but now he was temperate from necessity, as he could get nothing stronger than water to drink. Dinner was soon announced. It was set on a table about two feet square, without a tablecloth. Our dinner consisted of bacon, corn bread, and coffee made from corn. Only four could be seated at the same time around the table, consequently there were five successive tables served, occupying altogether about two hours in eating. We all enjoyed the dinner, as we were very hungry from traveling through the pines. After remunerating our host in a substantial way and thanking him for his hospitality, we returned to the vessel.
Tuesday, February 28.—The Valley City got under weigh at 9 a.m., and arrived at Roanoke Island at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., we weighed anchor and proceeded to Plymouth. At 10 p.m., we got aground near Croatan Sound. Thursday, March 2, at 5½ o'clock a.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 2 p.m. We brought with us as passengers Messrs. Douglass and Winslow, from Roanoke Island.
Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m., we proceeded to the mouth of Roanoke river, for the purpose of towing a coal schooner to Plymouth. We arrived at Plymouth at 3½ p.m. The weather has been very warm.
Wednesday, March 8, at 8 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Roanoke Island, where we arrived the following day at 6½ a.m. Mr. Harris, Second Assistant Engineer, and I, went ashore.
Friday, March 10, at 9½ a.m., we got under weigh, and at 1 p.m. anchored in Albemarle Sound. As the Valley City was steaming toward Plymouth, suddenly and unexpectedly a heavy squall came up, and tossed the Valley City about so much that we were fearful she might be capsized. The guns were not made fast at the time. The officers had just sat down to dinner as the Valley City commenced rolling and pitching tremendously. First we endeavored to save the contents of the dinner table; finally this effort was abandoned in order to save ourselves. We were tossed about the ward-room in an uncomfortable manner. The contents of the dinner table went to the floor and were lost, and to mend matters the Valley City got into the "trough of the sea." The howitzers and ammunition above our heads on the poop deck, were being tossed from side to side, and so were also the large guns on the gun deck. The line officers and crew were soon engaged in getting the Valley City out of the "trough of the sea," and securing her guns by making them fast. The gale continued about a half hour, after which the Valley City steamed quietly to Plymouth. On Saturday, March 11, at 11:20 a.m., we anchored off Edenton, and at 4:35 p.m., proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to the blockade above Plymouth. Monday, March 20, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to the mouth of the Cashie river, where we arrived at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 3½ p.m. At 4½ p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Edenton, where we arrived at 6½ p.m. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Paymaster J. W. Sands, Major Willis, Mr. Tiffing and myself, went ashore. Friday, March 24, at 5 p.m., we got under weigh and proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 7 p.m. The weather is beautiful. Saturday, March 25, at 1½ p.m., Commander Macomb came aboard, and the Valley City proceeded toward Newbern. At 8½ p.m., we anchored in Croatan Sound. Sunday, March 26, at 5½ a.m., we got under weigh, and at 7½ a.m. we came to anchor. At 10¼ a.m. we got under weigh and proceeded to Newbern, where we arrived the following day at 1 a.m.
Friday, March 31, at 3 o'clock, a.m., we left Newbern, with Commander Macomb still aboard, and arrived at Roanoke Island at 5¾ p.m. At 7 p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded as far as Croatan Sound, where we got aground, and stuck fast till the following day, when at 12½ a.m. we got afloat, and anchored till 5 a.m., when we proceeded to Plymouth, where we arrived at 2 p.m. Commander Macomb went on board his own ship, the Shamrock. At 4½ p.m. we got under weigh, and proceeded by way of Albemarle Sound and Chowan river to Winton, and then up Meherrin river to Murfreesborough, N.C., in company with the U.S. Steamers Shamrock, Wyalusing, and Hunchback. We dragged the Meherrin river for torpedoes from Winton to Murfreesborough, but found none, arriving at Murfreesborough on Monday, April 3, at 6:35 p.m.
Murfreesborough is a small, beautifully-located town, on a high plateau of ground on the right bank of the Meherrin river, surrounded by woods. There were two female seminaries in the place, one a Baptist, the other a Methodist. The people were intelligent, but very much interested in the success of the Confederacy. This place was opened up by the fleet for the purpose of being a depot of supply for Sherman's army, and was intended to be the next point of landing after Sherman left Raleigh. In Murfreesborough there were about one thousand rebels, who gave us great annoyance till they were finally captured by the 3d New York cavalry.
On the following Tuesday, April 4, Acting Ensign Milton Webster and myself went ashore for the purpose of ascertaining the whereabouts of Paymaster J. W. Sands, who had previously gone ashore. At a point midway between the cliff of the river and the town, we met a colored man who told us we had better be careful, as there were rebel cavalry in the town. We then went away from the town in a line parallel with the river, across a ravine which was at right angles with the river. Just as we had crossed the ravine, we saw the rebel cavalry coming down on the opposite side. We took to our heels and ran under fire till we got to the woods, and thence to the fleet. When we arrived aboard the Valley City, we found that Paymaster Sands had returned on board, and had taken about the same route ashore as we had.
On Wednesday, April 5, the marines were put in line and marched into the town under cover of the fleet; but as they marched in the rebels marched out. Acting Ensign J. B. Fairchilds was very seriously wounded by an accidental discharge of his own pistol before starting.
On Thursday, April 6, several officers and men of the fleet were ashore, but did not go into the town. In the afternoon many of our men approached near the city, where the rebel cavalry could be seen plainly. Paymaster J. W. Sands and I had walked about one-half the distance from the river towards the town, when we saw the rebel cavalry. We then returned nearer the river, to a cabin in which two very old colored people lived, in the rear of a large log on which Captain J. A. J. Brooks was standing, we both went into the cabin. After a few minutes' stay there in conversation with the colored people, I happened to look out of the window and saw the officers and men of the fleet running. I immediately said to Paymaster Sands, "The rebels are coming!" Then we ran out of the cabin under fire down toward the fleet. The bullets fell all around me as I was running, and just as I came to a path which led down the cliff, on which a lot of scrub oak was growing, the fleet opened fire, and the branches of the trees over my head were cut by the flying shells. I immediately fell out of rangeof the shells, and took an unfrequented path which led to the mouth of the ravine. I soon arrived at the mouth of the ravine, near by the river. Meantime the fleet was keeping up a rapid fire. The remainder of the officers and men came down, but soon learned our supposed enemy was the 3d New York cavalry, who also thought we were Confederates. This cavalry force had made a raid from Weldon, and had approached the town from the opposite side from where the fleet was laying, and in so doing captured the rebel cavalry in the town of Murfreesborough. There was fortunately nobody injured. The horses of the cavalry were covered with foam and very much heated—so much so that the saddles were taken from their backs, and they were led around for an hour before they cooled off.
The same afternoon, after the third New York cavalry had arrived, many of the officers of the fleet, feeling they might visit the town with impunity, did so. Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Lieutenant Joseph P. Fyffe of the Hunchback, James M. Battin, chief engineer of the Valley City, Paymaster J. W. Sands and myself, by invitation, took tea with a Mr. C—— of the place.
The next morning, Thursday, April 6, the third New York cavalry marched through the main street and left the town. All the windows of the houses on the main street were closed, and none of their occupants were to be seen. This was done in contempt for the Federal troops. After our cavalry had departed, the officers and the marines returned to the fleet, and at 4:15 p.m. got under weigh, and arrived off Winton at 10 p.m., where the fleet remained for some time.
Wednesday, April 10, at 12 m., the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded by way of Edenton to Plymouth, where we arrived at 2:15 a.m. the following day. At 3:05 a.m. we got under weigh and returned to Winton, where we arrived at 12 m. At this point and time we first heard, through the New YorkHerald, that the Confederate troops under General Lee had been driven from Petersburg by the Federal troops under General U.S. Grant. There was great rejoicing aboard the fleet. The U.S. steamers Shamrock, Wyalusing and Hunchback, fired a salute in celebration of that event. At 3½ p.m. the U.S. steamers Valley City and Whitehead proceeded to Murfreesborough, where we arrived at 6½ p.m.
Friday, April 14, at 7:50 a.m., the Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh, and proceeded down to Winton, where we met the Wilderness, with Commander Wm. H. Macomb and Lieutenant Commander Earl English aboard, when we received the news that the Confederate forces under General Lee had surrendered to General Grant.
The U.S. steamers Valley City and Whitehead were ordered to proceed to Murfreesborough and deliver the news to the citizens at that place; and now, after having read a copy of the New YorkHerald, they were thoroughly convinced that the war was over. Saturday, April 15, at 11:45 a.m., the U.S. steamers Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh and proceeded to Winton, where we arrived at 7:55 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18, we first received news of President Lincoln's assassination, which event cast a gloom over the entire nation. At 12:45 p.m., the U.S. steamers Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh and proceeded up the Chowan river to Blackwater river, up which we steamed to Franklin, Virginia, where we arrived at 8 a.m. the following day. We visited the people ashore at different times during our stay at that place. Thursday, April 20, at 8½ a.m., the Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh, and proceeded down the Blackwater river to Chowan river, down which we steamed to its mouth, where we anchored.
There are a great many fish in the Chowan river, and the Valley City has often caught shad and herring by the barrel, in a large seine which the inhabitants of that vicinity use for the purpose.
Saturday, April 22, at 4:25 a.m., the U.S. steamers Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh, and at 8:30 a.m. arrived at Plymouth, where we anchored. At 3:20 p.m., the Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh, and arrived at Edenton at 5:30 p.m., and at 11 p.m. the Valley City and Whitehead got under weigh and steamed toward Hertford, N.C., where we arrived on Sunday, April 23, at 7½ a.m. At 10 a.m. the officers of the two vessels in full uniform went to an Episcopal service held in a church in Hertford. The members of the congregation were sparsely scattered on seats throughout the church. Upon the officers entering and occupying two pews on the left hand side of the church, that portion of the congregation occupying the same range of seats as ourselves very abruptly and hurriedly sought seats on the other side. After listening to a sermon which was nervously delivered, we quietly and orderly returned aboard our respective vessels.
Hertford is a small town on a body of water extending from Albemarle Sound, called Perquimans. The people were usually kind and courteous, after they discovered that our disposition was to be friendly toward them. There were people living there who were in sympathy with the Federal government, and to whose hospitality we were kindly invited and welcomed. One day during our stay at Hertford, Paymaster J. W. Sands and myself procured a buggy and horse, and drove to Edenton, a distance of twenty miles, and returned to Hertford in the evening. The trip was not considered a very safe one, on account of the number of bushwhackers there had been in that vicinity.
Monday, May 1, at 8½ a.m., the Valley City got under weigh, and arrived at Edenton at 2:10 p.m.; and at 5 p.m. left Edenton and arrived at Plymouth at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, the Valley City got under weigh for the purpose of clearing the Roanoke river of torpedoes. The U.S. steamer Iosco, commanded by Lieutenant Commander James S. Thornton, accompanied us.
Saturday, May 13, the Valley City and Iosco arrived at Hamilton, N.C. Captain Thornton, Third Assistant Engineer Amos Harris, Ensign Hull, and myself went ashore and spent the afternoon. In the morning before arriving at Hamilton, Lieutenant-Commander James S. Thornton of the Iosco went ashore, and visited Rainbow Bluff. Captain Thornton made the remark that the place would have been very difficult to capture with any naval force, so strongly was it fortified.
Lieutenant-Commander James S. Thornton was executive officer aboard the U.S. steamer Kearsarge at the time this vessel sunk the rebel blockade runner Alabama, in which the transaction was so quick and complete. Captain Thornton stated that at 11 o'clock a.m., of a Sunday, when he received the report of there being a ship in sight, he was seated in a chair, with his feet resting on the wardroom table, reading the Bible. The rattle for general quarters was rung, and the Kearsarge got under weigh, and proceeded toward the Alabama, sunk her, and by 2 o'clock of the same afternoon the Kearsarge arrived at Cherbourg, France. Comments by the citizens of that place were made on the cleanliness of the Kearsarge after sinking so formidable a vessel as the Alabama.
Monday, May 15, at 1 p.m., the Valley City arrived at Palmyra, N.C. I visited the town. It is a place of about a half-a-dozen houses, about a mile from the right bank of the Roanoke river. At this place Captain J. A. J. Brooks joined the Valley City with the Cotton Plant and Fisher, two steamers which the Confederates had captured from the Federals at Plymouth at the time the Southfield was sunk by the rebel ram Albemarle. There were aboard these boats fifty bales of cotton. In the evening, pilot John A. Wilson ran the Valley City hard and fast aground, so that it took the greater part of the night to get her afloat.
Thursday, May 16, the Valley City steamed up to Ergot's Landing, and took aboard thirty-nine bales of cotton. Thursday, May 18, the Valley City got under weigh and proceeded down the Roanoke river and came to anchor five miles above Hamilton.
Saturday, May 20, at 9 a.m., the Valley City got under weigh, and proceeded to Hamilton, where we came to an anchor. On Tuesday, May 23, in the morning Captain J. A. J. Brooks, Paymaster J. W. Sands and myself went hunting for squirrels. Paymaster Sands separated from us early in the morning. The Captain and I soon came to a mulberry tree, on which he shot a squirrel which was after mulberries; another came and was shot, and before night we shot a dozen. In the evening, upon returning to the vessel, we met Paymaster Sands, who was also returning to the vessel. He had been traveling all day in the woods, but did not shoot a squirrel. We all proceeded to the Valley City, and had the squirrels cooked for supper, of which we ate heartily, for we were very hungry. This was the last supper I ate aboard the Valley City.
The following morning, Wednesday, May 24, at 5:30 o'clock, I was relieved by Acting Assistant Surgeon L. W. Loring, and ordered North on a two months leave of absence; and now I am to say farewell to the officers and crew of the Valley City, with whom I have shared their dangers, their sorrows and their joys, and the old ship I am also to leave, which has buoyed us so safely over the short and rugged waves of the waters of North Carolina, amidst the torpedoes, the sharpshooters, and the artillery of the enemy. This is certainly an occasion of joy, yet mingled with sadness. "Farewell is a word that has been, a word that must be, a sound which makes us linger—yet we must say, farewell."