[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Report of Lieutenant [John S.] Maury, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Hampton.

C. S. S. Hampton,
James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor of stating that in company with the squadron, by a signal, this vessel got underway and steamed down the river. At 11:30 at Cox’s Wharf we commenced shelling the enemy’s batteries and gunboats at intervals varying from ten minutes to thirty minutes. We fired 11 shell from the forward rifle, 32-pounder, as follows: 2 10-second, 1 15-second, and 8 percussion shell. From the aft 8-inch shell gun we fired 8 shell, as follows: 1 10-second and 7 15-second shell. We continued our fire until 5:30, when we received orders to cease firing and moored into the north bank of the river; got underway at 7:30 and proceeded up the river to our old anchorage. We received no injury to the vessel, nor was there anyone on the vessel hurt.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J[ohn]. S. Maury,
Lieutenant, Commanding.

Flag-Officer J. K. Mitchell.¹

This map shows the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, covered in this report by Lt. John S. Maury.

Source/Notes:

OR XL P1 (Broadfoot Sup.) #3: Report of Colonel John C. Tidball, 4th NYHA, commanding Arty/II/AotP, June 12-July 2, 1864¹

SOPO Editor’s Note: The Broadfoot Supplement to the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies is rare and not sold in single volumes.  As a courtesy to researchers, I’m making available summaries of the reports contained in this set relevant to the Siege of Petersburg.

Summary: This nearly four-page report is an important addition to the Official Records, given it is written by Colonel John C. Tidball, the commander of the Second Corps Artillery Brigade in the Army of the Potomac.  Tidball goes into great detail on the positions of his batteries during the Second Battle of Petersburg, June 15-18, 1864, extends into June 19, 1864, and also gives a report on the loss of McKnight’s cannon at the Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road on June 22, 1864.  Tidball was called away to serve as Commandant of Cadets at West Point on or around July 2, 1864, relinquishing command of the Second Corps Artillery Brigade to Major John G. Hazard.

Source: National Archives, exact location not noted

Available Online?: No.

Source:

Confederate Inspection Report:

Ramseur’s (eventually Pegram’s) Division, Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia¹

August 20, 1864

The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia produced inspection reports at approximately monthly intervals late in the Civil War.  Luckily, many of these reports have been preserved and are available on microfilm from the National Archives and Records Association. I have produced transcriptions of the key information from these reports. See the bottom of this page for freely downloadable transcriptions of most of these reports. This transcription is copyrighted by Brett Schulte and may not be distributed, changed, or reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the transcriber.

M935 Roll #: 10

Image # from Digitized Copy: 0094-0105.jpg

Date of Inspection: August 20, 1864

Commander: Major General Stephen D. Ramseur (Ramseur never commanded at Petersburg. He was wounded October 19, 1864 at Cedar Creek and died the following day.)

Inspection Location: Smithfield in the Shenandoah Valley

Aggregate Present & Absent: 7,383

Aggregate Effective for the Field: [Blank]

Officers and Men Present for Duty (PFD): 2,060

Weapons: [Blank]

Sub-Units:

• Pegram’s Brigade, Brigadier General Jonathan Pegram, 595 officer and men PFD
• Johnston’s Brigade, Brigadier General Robert D. Johnston, 600 officers and men PFD
• Godwin’s (later Lewis’) Brigade, Brigadier General Archibald G. Godwin, 854 officers and men PFD

Downloadable Spreadsheet:

• I did not do a detailed transcription of this report because it was not taken at Petersburg. You can access the images for this report at the Internet Archive. If you are interested in transcribing this inspection report from the original images, please CONTACT US.

Source/Notes:

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Report of Lieutenant [William H.] Wall, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Drewry.

C. S. S. Drewry,
James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

Although the Drewry would eventually be sunk at Trent’s Reach in January 1865, she was fully afloat and dangerous during the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff.

Sir: In obedience to your orders of this date I have the honor of reporting to you the part borne by this vessel in the shelling of the enemy’s fleet and batteries in and on James River June 21, 1864. I got underway at 11 a. m.; proceeded down the river to obtain the position specified in your special order of yesterday’s date. Dropped into my position astern of Hampton at 12 o’clock. The firing from the battery at Howlett’s about this time commenced. Soon after from the Virginia; she was followed by the Hampton and other vessels of the fleet. Thinking that my gun could be used with effect at a distance of 3,000 yards with a 10-second shell and 10-pound cartridge, I had the gun trained and pointed; the shell exploded beautifully. I kept up the firing until ordered to cease by the flag-officer. The gun on board of the Drewry is a 6.4 Brooke rifle. The character of projectile used was 10-second shell and the charge 10 pounds. The number of shots fired by this vessel was four. The number of shots could easily have been augmented had I seen the effect of my firing. A great portion of the afternoon I spent in towing down the Richmond. The enemy fired occasionally from a boat near Aiken’s, which had our range very well.¹ The enemy seemed inclined not to shell from their land battery, so far as I could ascertain.

I have no casualties, either accidental or by the enemy. The crew behaved very gallantly and with coolness. I am much indebted to Signal Officers Williamson and Burchette for their valuable assistance. The pilot, Acting Master’s Mate Skinner, showed great skill in handling the vessel while in action. I found the engineers, Messrs. Reams and Ahem, worked the engine knowingly and exerted every means in their power to handle the vessel quickly. This vessel was engaged from dark until this morning at 5 o’clock in towing the Richmond to Chaffin’s Bluff.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W[illia]m. H. Wall,
Lieutenant, Commanding Drewry.

Flag-Officer J[onathan]. K. Mitchell, Provisional Navy C. S.,
Commanding James River Squadron.²

This map shows the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, covered in this report by Lieutenant William H. Wall.

Source/Notes:

Sixth New York Cavalry.

[Special Correspondence of the N. Y. Sunday Mercury.]

August 17. [1864]

No Raid—Surprising the Rebs—They Fight and Fall Back—Careless Doctor —A New Movement—The Rebs Flowed out Again—Guerrillas—Escape of Paymaster.

My last letter was dated July 26 [1864], and since that time we have passed through a few rather stormy scenes and tough times even for cavalry lads.  If you recollect, I then stated that we were preparing for a move, and, as we all supposed a raid was the programme, of course; felt in cheerful spirits, and fully ripe for fun or fight; but the Fates and Father Abraham, or General Grant, interposed, and, instead of a raid, we started for the dominions of Ben Butler, huge bonfires lighting us on out path to glory and victory, or defeat and death—high-sounding titles, but meaning very little at times.¹ About midnight [on the evening of July 26-27, 1864] we reached the Appomattox [sic, the James River at Deep Bottom], where a pontoon-bridge was all ready for our crossing—hay and straw laid on the planks to deaden the sound of the horses’ feet, lest the Graybacks might take the alarm and skedaddle before showing fight or giving our “Old War Horse” a chance of winning “that star”²; but it was not to be, for, at daylight [on July 27, 1864], [Union Second Corps commander Winfield Scott] Hancock having marched the brave lads of the Second Corps across in advance of us, succeeded in capturing a battery of twenty pound Parrot-guns, and also drove the enemy some three or four miles toward the (we fondly hope) “doomed city of Richmond”.³

This William Waud sketch captures the moment the four 20 lb. Parrott rifles of the 1st Rockbridge VA Artillery were captured by Union 2nd Corps skirmishers. (Library of Congress)

After crossing [the pontoon bridge over the James River], we made a short halt to feed man and horse, and then proceeded on our way through a dense forest—the Reserve, or Regular Brigade [Res/1/Cav/AotP], being in advance.  Before striking the Newmarket road, they encountered the pickets of the enemy, where considerable skirmishing took place before they fell back. Reaching an open field, the First United States Cavalry charged them in tiptop style, causing them to travel a little faster than was comfortable, considering the heat of the day. By this charge we gained a very desirable position to rest for night, and also be prepared for the morrow.⁴ Early in the morning [of July 28, 1864], Generals Hancock, Sheridan, and Torbert rode around our picket-line to assure themselves that all was right, and appeared to be perfectly well satisfied with the situation, and, I think, did not anticipate an early attack. However, they had hardly reached their respective head-quarters ere the enemy made their appearance in regular line of battle, firing rapidly as they came, and the onslaught being so sudden, our line was obliged to give way, particularly that part of it held by the First New York Dragoons [aka 19th New York Cavalry].  The balance of the Regular Brigade [Res/1st/Cav/AotP] held their ground against heavy odds for over half an hour; but they, too, began to yield slowly, and it seemed to me, at this time, that their horses were in great danger of capture. General Torbe[r]t, seeing a splendid chance for taking the enemy on the flank, ordered our brigade [2/1/Cav/AotP] to take advantage of the opening, and nobly they performed the share of the work allotted to them. The regiments were admirably posted by “Tommy” [Colonel Thomas C. Devin] himself, and done such good execution with both carbine and pistol, that the enemy, in turn, began to fall back, slowly at first, and, finally, as fast as their legs could carry them, the Sixth [New York Cavalry] and Ninth New York [Cavalry] following them so closely that two splendid battle-flags fell into our hands, and over a hundred prisoners. The Sixth and Ninth had the honor of the capture of the flags, though to do the Fourth New York [Cavalry] and Seventeenth Pennsylvania [Cavalry] justice, I have no doubt they would have done the same thing, had circumstances permitted. I believe there was a flag captured by a regiment belonging to the Regular Brigade.⁵. About a dozen of wounded Rebels fell into our hands, and I am sorry to state, that they did not receive that attention from our doctors which they ought to have received. It is customary for our own wounded to be seen to first, but in this case I saw a Reb brought in with his right arm blown off at the shoulder, and two doctors standing within twenty yards of him, and neither of them attempted to do anything for him. The man lay with seven others close to our brigade and division head-quarters, and there is always a doctor at each, who have not so much to do in the dressing-line as regimental doctors, and I think either of them would not be lowering their dignity any by attempting to save a man’s life. Our losses in this affair were slight, though I am sorry to state that the Sixth New York [Cavalry] has lost the services, for a while, of one of its very best officers, in the person of Captain [Philip R.] Wales, of Company F.⁶ Sergeant Foster, of the same Company, was also wounded, but it is to be hoped that both of these brave men will shortly be restored, and that Sergeant [Alonzo] Foster’s services for the past three years will be acknowledged by raising him a step in his profession, since promotion has become the order of the day in the brigade.⁷

Finding the Rebels had left for parts unknown, we thought it best to imitate a good example, and did so likewise [on July 29, 1864], and after recrossing the Appomattox and James Rivers [the James first followed by the Appomattox], marched completely around our position in front of Petersburg, getting there almost in time for the Barnum explosion [aka the July 30, 1864 Battle of the Crater].⁸ We heard a great deal of noise, and saw considerable smoke, also a few niggers⁹ disfigured more than usual, and numbers of poor fellows going to the rear in ambulances, stretchers, etc., the victims of incapacity and mismanagement. More than this, we did not see as no halt was made before reaching the left flank of the Fifth Corps. Here we stopped one night [of July 30, 1864?], and the following day [July 31, 1864?] [?]ted once more for the River James, to embark for Washington, which place we reached (I mean our Company) sound in mind and limb, and without any accident [in early August 1864]. Part of the brigade [2/1/Cav/AotP] was saluted with a few shells coming down the James River [on August 3, 1864?]¹⁰, fortunately injuring nothing but a few old clams of horses of no use to any one but the owners. I am satisfied if Tommy [again, Colonel Devin] had been there with Battery L, that we should have had a game of ball; as he is willing to match his battery against any in the Rebel service, and give heavy odds on the issue.¹¹

[SOPO Editor’s Note: All discussion below this point no longer refers to the Siege of Petersburg, as the Sixth New York Cavalry was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley to fight under Phil Sheridan for the rest of 1864. I will make no further detailed editorial comments on this letter.]

After getting the brigade together at Giesboro’ Point, nearly opposite Alexandria, we started on our journey, passing through Washington early in the evening. Here your correspondent left the brigade, to remain as orderly for one of the staff-officers, for a few days, to recruit his health; but not liking the inactivity of hotel life, he, in company with Col. Nichols, of the Ninth New York [Cavalry], and Capt. Hanly, of the Ninth, a dashing, good-looking son of Erin, and called by some the “O’Malley” of the brigade, and two other officers, started to rejoin the command.

We passed over most of the scene of Early’s and Breckinridge’s last raids, and were perfectly astonished at the fine and promising appearance of things in general in this part of the country, and at every house we stopped at an excellent meal was forthcoming; and in several instances a little of something strong to nourish the inner man. At one of these houses we were obliged to leave Captain Hanley, on account of his horse giving out; though the regret of the party, I am sure, was lessened when they considered the charming company they left him to while away the dull hours. We reached Harper’s Ferry on the 10th of this month [August 10, 1864], and the same day rejoined the command just in time for a “right smart” little fight, near a place called Newtown. The Rebels were strongly posted behind stone walls, having two small pieces of artillery planted to command the road.  The Fourth New York [Cavalry] had been skirmishing with them for over two hours before the arrival of the balance of the brigade. About 10 o’clock, the “old War Horse”, accompanied by General Merrit, arrived at the scene of action, and immediately the Seventeenth Pennsylvania [Cavalry] was dismounted to fight on foot, the Sixth New York [Cavalry] remaining mounted to be prepared to charge—the Ninth New York on the flank. Captain Wright had the posting of the skirmish-line, and placed the men to as good advantage as the nature of the ground would admit. A division staff-officer, at this stage of the proceedings, informed the Colonel that a mounted regiment migh[t], with ease charge the position, and the Colonel relying on this statement, ordered forward the Sixth New York [Cavalry]. The men advanced in columns of fours, and under fire formed squadron as well and correctly as I have ever seen them do, but when the charge was sounded, lo and behold a stone wall and high fence stood in front of them to bar their further progress. By Captain Harmann’s orders they immediately broke by fours, turned a short distance to the right, dismounted, and taking possession of a stone fence, annoyed the enemy considerably. But this state of things would not do, as Tommy wanted the enemy’s position, and nothing short of it. So, Captain Wright was ordered to have the skirmish-line advanced, and charge them, Tommy himself coming up with the battery. The men advanced in good style, not one that I could see loitering behind. I could not do justice to all in this letter, so I will mention no names, but will say that officers and men seemed to vie with each other in bravery, and seemed perfectly regardless of danger. After gaining the enemy’s position they opened on us with their two pieces of artillery, causing some of the lads to jump around rather lively.  The Colonel, with Lieutenant Heaton, planted a section of our battery [Battery B & L, 2nd US Artillery] to reply, and afterward ordered up the other section under Lieutenant McIntyre, and the way they pitched into the Rebs was a caution, silencing their guns in about ten minutes. I was quite close to the battery, though in a place of comparative safety, and noticed particularly the bravery and coolness of Sergeant Jones and Toole, and, in fact, all the boys of the battery. The shell flew fast and thick around them, covering the boys of one piece all over with dust, but nary a man flinched or took one step to the rear.

This battery is a consolidation of L and B of the Second United States [Artillery], and has been commanded for a long time by Lieutenant [Edward] Heaton, one of the coolest men I ever seen in action. Now it is commanded by Lieutenant Pierce, an officer of nearly seventeen years experience in the Regular Army, and it is to be hoped he will prove as good a man as Heaton. Since I commenced to write this letter, there has been a considerable change in the division. Sheridan commands the Department, Torbert the Cavalry Corps, and Merritt the Division now consisting of four brigades. I have not had a chance to send a letter off for the last four or five days, as the valley is full of guerrillas. Since writing the above, I learn that our train was captured, and burned by Moseby [sic, Mosby], while we were after them. Our Paymaster and his money was with the train, but fortunately for us escaped.

FIRE ZOUAVE¹²

Editor’s Note: This letter to the Sunday Mercury appears here due to Bill Styple’s fantastic book Writing and Fighting the Civil War, which is where I first learned about these amazing soldier letters.  You can purchase a copy of Writing and Fighting the Civil War at Belle Grove Publishing.

If you are interested in helping us transcribe newspaper articles like the one above, please CONTACT US.

Article Image

Source/Notes:

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Report of Commander [Thomas R.] Rootes, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Fredericksburg.

Ironclad Fredericksburg,
James River Squadron, June 22, 1864.

The CSS Fredericksburg fired from three of her guns during the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, from near the upper Howlett House.

Sir: On the 21st, at 11 a m., got underway, in company with the squadron, and stood down the river. At 12:30 came to a short distance below Howlett’s upper house, with the port anchor, in 5 fathoms water, head downstream, kedge astern; line to the shore from the starboard quarter; swung ship as required. At 1:03 p. m. the battery at Howlett’s lower house having commenced firing on the enemy’s squadron at anchor in Trent’s Reach, opened the battery from the starboard side of this ship, one 7-inch rifle, one 6.4 rifle, and one X-inch smoothbore. Sent one of the signal men on the shore at Howlett’s to see and inform me how the shot struck; also Acting Master Minor and Midshipman Goode were sent on the same duty. Sent Midshipman Goode to lower Howlett’s to see and inform me how our shot and those of the other vessels of the squadron struck. He informed me that a greater number fell short. During the evening I fired from the two rifle guns.

At 1 a. m., the 22d, got underway from Howlett’s upper quarter, a short distance below the house, and stood up the river. At 1:30 a. m. came to a short distance below the graveyard in 4 fathoms of water. Steamers Nansemond and Roanoke came up and took their stations.

The following ammunition was expended:

X-inch gun:

15-pound charges……………………………………………….4

20-pound charges……………………………………………..14

……………………………………………………………………………………— 18

10-second shell…………………………………………………..8

5-second shell…………………………………………………….1

15-second shell ………………………………………………….2

Shot……………………………………………………………………7

……………………………………………………………………………………— 18

7-inch rifle:

12-pound charges……………………………………………..17

11-pound charges……………………………………………….3

10-pound charges……………………………………………….6

6.4 12-pound charges………………………………………….8

……………………………………………………………………………………— 34

Cast-iron bolts…………………………………………………..16

Percussion shell…………………………………………………14

Shrapnel………………………………………………………………4

……………………………………………………………………………………— 34

6.4-inch rifle:

12-pound charges (used for 7-inch rifle).…………….8

10-pound charges……………………………………………….8

8-pound charges……………………………………………….21

……………………………………………………………………………………— 37

12-pound charges (used for 7-inch gun)……………..8

……………………………………………………………………………………— 29

Percussion shell…………………………………………………12

Cast-iron bolts…………………………………………………..17

……………………………………………………………………………………— 29

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Tho[ma]s. E. Rootes.

Flag-Officer Jno. [Jonathan] K. Mitchell, Provisional Navy C. S.,
Commanding James River Squadron.¹

This map shows the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, covered in this report by Commander Thomas R. Rootes.

Source/Notes:

OR XL P1 (Broadfoot Sup.) #2: Report of Surg. Roger W. Pease, Cav/AotP, June 19-26, 1864¹

SOPO Editor’s Note: The Broadfoot Supplement to the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies is rare and not sold in single volumes.  As a courtesy to researchers, I’m making available summaries of the reports contained in this set relevant to the Siege of Petersburg.

Summary: This approximately page long extract from a report of Surgeon Roger W. Pease covers the latter stages of the Union Cavalry Corps’ retreat from the Battle of Trevilian Station, including the quick paced march to White House Landing on June 20-21, the further movement to Samaria Church, the engagement there on June 24, 1864, and the retreat to Charles City Court-House. Pease was ordered to Washington, D. C. on June 26, 1864, which closes the report.

Source: The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, 1990 Broadfoot edition—Volume II (original edition—Appendix to Part I), page 180

Available Online?: Yes! Extract from a Report on the Operations of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, from June 6 to July 1, 1864 by Surgeon R. W. Pease, U. S. Volunteers

Note: Interestingly, the next report on the same page of The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, that of Captain W. F. Drum, Chief Ambulance Officer of the Fifth Corps, giving an account of its operations during the Battle of Globe Tavern, August 18-21, 1864, successfully made it into the original Official Records.

Source:

Confederate Inspection Report:

Rodes’ (eventually Grimes’) Division, Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia¹

August 20, 1864

The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia produced inspection reports at approximately monthly intervals late in the Civil War.  Luckily, many of these reports have been preserved and are available on microfilm from the National Archives and Records Association. I have produced transcriptions of the key information from these reports. See the bottom of this page for freely downloadable transcriptions of most of these reports. This transcription is copyrighted by Brett Schulte and may not be distributed, changed, or reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the transcriber.

M935 Roll #: 10

Image # from Digitized Copy: 0069-0093.jpg

Date of Inspection: August 20, 1864

Commander: Major General Robert E. Rodes (Rodes never commanded at Petersburg. He was killed September 19, 1864 at Third Winchester.)

Inspection Location: Bunker Hill in the Shenandoah Valley

Aggregate Present & Absent: 13,120

Aggregate Effective for the Field: 3,332

Officers and Men Present for Duty (PFD): 3,386

Weapons: .58 caliber rifles (probably some combination of Springfield and Enfield Rifled Muskets)

Sub-Units:

• Battle’s Brigade, Brigadier General Cullen A. Battle, 966 officers and men PFD
• Grimes’ Brigade, Brigadier General Bryan Grimes, 918 officers and men PFD
• Cook’s Brigade, Brigadier General Philip Cook, 699 officers and men PFD
• Ramseur’s (Cox’s) Brigade, Brigadier General William R. Cox, 803 officers and men PFD

Downloadable Spreadsheet:

• I did not do a detailed transcription of this report because it was not taken at Petersburg. You can access the images for this report at the Internet Archive. If you are interested in transcribing this inspection report from the original images, please CONTACT US.

Source/Notes:

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Memorandum of movements of the C. S. S. Virginia.

Tuesday, June 21, 1864,—

The CSS Virginia II, not to be confused with the famous Virginia aka Merrimack, fired 26 shots at the Union navy on June 21, 1864 from 12:30 to 6:11 pm.

Arrived abreast of Signal Tower at 12:15;

first gun, No. 3, fired at 12:30;

second gun, No. 1, fired at 12:33;

third gun, No. 1, fired at 1:30;

fourth gun, No. 1, fired at 1:40;

fifth gun, No. 1, fired at 1:45;

sixth gun, No. 3, fired at 1:50;

first shot from the enemy at 1:52;

seventh gun, No. 1, fired at 1:50;

eighth gun, No. 3, fired at 2;

second shot from the enemy at 2;

third shot from the enemy at 2:05;

fourth shot from the enemy at 2:09;

fifth shot from the enemy at 2:10;

sixth shot from the enemy at 2:12;

seventh shot from the enemy at 2:14;

anchored with kedge below Cox’s Mill at 2:20;

weighed kedge at 2:30;

firing heard on shore, supposed to be between the marine guard, under Lieutenant Gwynn, and the enemy’s sharpshooters, and small-arms men sent ashore under Lieutenant Hall, at 2:40;

discovered piston rod to be out of order at 3;

dropped kedge and ran a line ashore below Cox’s Mill at 3;

ninth gun, No. 2, fired at 3:22;

eighth shot from the enemy at 3:20;

ninth shot from the enemy at 3:28;

tenth shot from the enemy at 3:29;

a few musket shots on shore at 3:30;

eleventh shot from the enemy at 3:30;

tenth gun, No. 2, fired at 3:34;

twelfth shot from the enemy at 3:45;

eleventh gun, No. 2, fired at 3:55;

twelfth gun, No. 2, fired at 4:05;

thirteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 4:13;

fourteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 4:25;

fifteenth gun, No. 2, tired at 4:34;

sixteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 4:45;

seventeenth gun, No. 2, fired at 5;

eighteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 5:10;

thirteenth shot from the enemy at 5:14;

nineteenth gun, No. 2, fired at 5:18;

fourteenth shot from the enemy at 5:25;

twentieth gun, No. 2, fired at 5:38;

fifteenth shot from the enemy at 5:41;

sixteenth shot from the enemy at 5:42;

seventeenth shot from the enemy at 5:44;

twenty-first gun, No. 2, fired at 5:45;

eighteenth shot from the enemy at 5:48;

nineteenth shot from the enemy at 5:52;

twentieth shot from the enemy at 5:54;

twenty second gun, No. 2, fired at 5:55;

twenty-first shot from the enemy at 5:57;

twenty-second shot from the enemy at 6;

twenty-third gun, No. 2, fired at 6:01;

twenty-third shot from the enemy at 6:02;

twenty-fourth shot from the enemy at 6:05;

twenty-fifth shot from the enemy at 6:08;

twenty-fourth gun, No. 2, fired at 6:10;

twenty sixth shot from the enemy at 6:11;

made signal to the squadron to cease firing at 6:22.

At 6:30 received a message from Major [Francis W.] Smith, commanding Battery Dantzler, stating that the enemy’s monitors have dismounted and burst the bands of a 7-inch rifle gun, and that there are five monitors lying in Trent’s Reach, three of them 2,100 yards from Howlett’s, and two 400 yards lower down, just in the bend¹, and that our shots fell short.²

This map shows the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, covered in this itinerary of the movements of CSS Virginia.

Source/Notes: