[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]
[Enclosure 5.]
U. S. S. AGAWAM,
James River, June 23, 1864.
The Agawam, pictured here, fired her forward guns at the new Confederate Battery above Howlett’s House, and her aft guns at the Confederate fleet near Cox’s Landing in the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff.
Sir: I respectfully present the following report of the participation by this vessel in the firing on the 21st instant with the rebel battery at Howlett’s Bluff and vessels stationed, as near as we could judge, in the reach at Cox’s place.
At 11: 50 a. m. the enemy opened fire from Howlett’s and about the same time from their vessels. Signal being made from the flag vessel to prepare for action, we went to quarters at 12:30 and commenced firing deliberately, using the forward guns on the battery at Howlett’s, and the after toward the enemy’s vessels. As the firing had to be directed from aloft, the objects aimed at not being in sight from the deck, we discontinued it at 2:30 p. m. The fire of the enemy was kept up till near sunset. This vessel was not hit. I enclose a report of the ammunition expended.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
A[lexander]. C. Rhind,
Commander.
Acting Rear Admiral S[amuel]. P. Lee,
Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
[Subenclosure.]
U. S. S. Agawam,
James River, June 23, 1864.
Report of expenditures and firing on board of the U. S. S. Agawam, James River, June 21, 1864.
100-pounder short percussion shell……………………………….11
100 pounder 15-second shrapnel…………………………………….1
100-pounder 10-second shrapnel…………………………………….1
IX-inch 5-second shell………………………………………………………1
IX-inch 10-second shell…………………………………………………….2
IX-inch 15-second shell…………………………………………………….2
18 10-pound charges of powder = 180 pounds.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Henry F. Dunnels,
Acting Gunner, U. S. Navy.
Commander A[lexander]. C. Rhind, U. S. Navy,
Commanding U. S. S. Agawam, James River, Virginia.1
This map shows the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, covered in this report.
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