Acting Master Newell Graham filed this report of his ship’s action against Confederate land batteries near White House Landing, Va. on June 20, 1864. (MOLLUS MA Images)
[Report of Acting Master N. Graham, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cactus, of cooperative engagements in Pamunkey River, June 20, 1864]
[Subenclosure A.]
U. S. S. Cactus,
White House, June 20, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report that at 9 o’clock, by your order, I commenced firing my rifled 30-pounder upon the rebel batteries that were attacking our land forces at this place. I expended 28 30-pounder shell with 15-second fuzes, and 3 12-pound percussion shell, at an elevation of 10 degrees. At 11 o’clock I proceeded down the [Pamunkey| River to Cumberland Heights, as directed, to give notice to the U. S. S. Shokokon. At 12:30 o’clock started for White House again. On my way up I expended 3 30-pounder shell, 5, 10, and 15 second fuzes, upon a body of cavalry. At 3 o’clock came to anchor at White House.
Amount of ammunition expended: 31 30-pounder shell, 3 12-pounder percussion shell, 29 15-second, 1 10-second, 1 5-second fuzes, 31 3 ¼ -pound cartridges, 3 1-pound cartridges.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N[ewell]. Graham,
Acting Master, Commanding Cactus.
Lieutenant-Commander C[harles]. A. Babcock,
Commanding U. S. S. Morse, Senior Officer Present.1
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