Abstract log of the U. S. S. Eutaw, Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Blake, U. S. Navy.1
January 21, 1865. — At anchor in James River. At 6:30 p. m. the Don passed up the river.
January 23. — Navy firing heard in the direction of Dutch Gap.
January 24. — Navy firing heard throughout the day in the direction of Dutch Gap.
January 25. — At 3 a.m. heavy guns heard from our own and the rebel batteries. At 3:30 got underway and proceeded up the river. Came to anchor at the pontoon bridge. The tug Epsilon came alongside with Captain Parker; left at 6:25. Got underway and steamed up the river. Ran a line to the tug Alpha and she started ahead of us. At 6:50 let go line and anchored near Aiken’s Landing. The tug Alpha came alongside and Captain Blake left the ship to take temporary command of the Onondaga and this division, leaving Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Simmons in command of this ship.
January 26. — Commences clear and cold. Boats on picket. One boat sent up river in charge of Acting Ensign Morgan to lay torpedoes. At 3 a.m. Mr. Morgan returned, having accomplished successfully the laying of three torpedoes.
Source:
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Volume XI, pages 651-652 ↩