OfficialRecords

Note: Period usage dictates that the place of writing appear in the upper right of the letter, the sender's name immediately following the end of the letter (to the lower right)--and the addressee's name following that and placed to the lower left.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, regarding the submarine propeller

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 19, 1862.

SIR: The submarine propeller under contract with Mr. Martin Thomas will leave Philadelphia at 11 o'clock a.m. this day for Hampton Roads, via the [Chesapeake and Delaware] Canal. The boat is under charge of Mr. Samuel Eakin. Mr. Thomas goes to Fortress Monroe with the boat, which is, or should be, manned with twenty men, including the master, who receive $40 per month each, including subsistence. The master receives at the rate of $1,500 per annum whilst employed.

If the crew is not full, you can supply deficiencies. She is, or should be, prepared for operation with two torpedoes and all apparatus for submarine work. You will employ her for clearing obstructions in James River, or any other submarine work you may think proper, and supply the powder on Government account. A tug has been hired to tow her to Fortress Monroe, which you can discharge and use one you have already in use, or retain her with the propeller, as you shall judge best. Please report when the propeller arrives, and also when and where she shall operate.

The obstructions in Elizabeth River, and also the Merrimack and other sunken wrecks, may perhaps be looked at.

I am, respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES.

Flag-Officer L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Commanding, etc., Norfolk , Va.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough , U.S. Navy, regarding the use of the submarine propeller for the destruction of the Petersburg Bridge

Confidential

NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 21, 1862.

SIR: As far as is practicable, you will keep secret the movements of the submarine propeller recently from Philadelphia, and take into consideration the propriety of her being used on the Appomattox River to operate against the Petersburg Bridge.

Very respectfully, etc.,

GIDEON WELLES.

Flag. Officer L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Norfolk , Va.

Report of Commander Rodgers, U.S. Navy, giving reason why railroad bridge at Petersburg, Va., can not be destroyed

U.S.S. GALENA,
Off City Point, June 22, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant in regard to burning the railroad bridge at Petersburg, Va.

The subject had already engaged my attention, and I met the following difficulties:

The gunboats can not send a boat on shore without danger of an ambush. Every movement is carefully watched by armed men. We are not able to communicate with the inhabitants except with danger to them and to us.

I have concluded that in Norfolk or at Fortress Monroe, where free intercourse can be had with Union men, citizens of Virginia, must be sought the agents for this work. The Appomattox , scarcely wider than a canal, has its channel obstructed by vessels and lighters sunk in the bottom of the river. It runs through banks which absolutely command any rowboats upon its waters. We can not approach by steamers, and rowboats would be destroyed.

When I last heard from Petersburg , about a month ago, by two deserters, there were some 6,000 or 7,000 troops there under General Huger. If I see any opportunity of carrying out the subject of your letter, I shall zealously do so.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN RODGERS,
Commander.

Flag-Officer LOUIS GOLDSBOROUGH,
Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Order from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, to Commander Poor, U.S. Navy, regarding powder for the submarine propeller

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 23, 1862.

SIR: Deliver to Mr. Samuel Eakin, in charge of the submarine propeller employed by the Navy Department, 20 barrels of powder. It is to be put on board the U. S. S. Satellite for safe-keeping, and used from her as may be required.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer.

Commander CHAS. H. POOR, U.S. Navy,
Naval Ordnance Officer, Fort Monroe

Order of Flag-Officer Goldsborough , U.S. Navy, to Acting Master Foster, U.S. Navy, to proceed to duty in James River, transporting powder, officers, and crew for the submarine propeller

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 23, 1862.

SIR: You will proceed to Hampton Roads and there take on board 20 barrels of powder, with which you will be supplied by Commander Poor, naval ordnance officer, and you will also receive on board the officers and crew of the submarine propeller; you will ration this crew while it remains with you. You will then proceed up James River, in company with the submarine propeller towed by a tug, and report to Commander John Rodgers, senior naval officer there, for such duty as he may assign you.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag. Officer.

Acting Master AMOS P. FOSTER,
Commanding U.S.S. Satellite, Norfolk , Va.

Order of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, to Mr. Eakin, in charge of the submarine propeller, to proceed to James River and report to Commander Rodgers, U.S. Navy

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 23, 1862.

SIR: Proceed up James River , with the submarine propeller and the tug which towed her from Philadelphia under your charge, and report yourself to Commander John Rodgers, commanding the U.S.S. Galena, and senior naval officer there, who will inform you what services are to be performed by that propeller.

The U.S.S. Satellite will accompany you, and her commander will afford you and your men every accommodation in his power. He will also furnish your men with a ration, each, per day, the same to be deducted from the wages allowed them by the Government.

Commander Poor, naval ordnance officer at Fortress Monroe, will furnish you with 20 barrels of powder, which is to be taken on board the Satellite and kept there for your use as you may require it. The Satellite is to remain in company with the submarine propeller as long as may be necessary.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer.

Mr. SAMUEL EAKIN,
In charge submarine propeller, employed by the
Navy Department, off Fortress Monroe , Va.

Instructions from Flag-Officer Goldsborough , U.S. Navy, to Commander Rodgers. U.S. Navy, regarding the submarine propeller

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 23, 1862.

SIR: I send to you the submarine propeller, in charge of Mr. Samuel Eakin. She will be towed up by tug which brought her from Philadelphia , and which tug you will keep with her until further orders. I also send the U.S. S. Satellite to accompany her, accommodate officers and crew, and render any other service that she can. Let a ration be issued to each one of the crew of the submarine propeller and a strict account kept of the number of rations that may be so issued. The Satellite has 20 barrels of powder on board for the use of the submarine propeller. This contrivance, as I have already intimated to you, should be employed at once up the Appomattox, if it can be of any service whatever there in destroying the railroad bridge at Petersburg, or removing obstructions in our way.

It afterwards may be employed to remove the obstructions abreast of Fort Darling (Drewry's Bluff).

Make it as useful in every way as you can.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer.

Commander JOHN RODGERS, U.S. Navy,

Comdg. U.S.S. Galena and Senior Naval Officer in James River .

[Endorsement.]

JUNE 24, 1862 .

I beg to forward this copy of a communication just received from Commander Rodgers. I appreciate the difficulties of which he speaks. It is a very delicate matter to broach the subject in view to anyone in Norfolk or at Old Point. Still, I shall use every prudent exertion in the matter and be diligent about it. A mere naval force I am, and have been for some time, satisfied can avail but little, if, indeed, anything, really substantive in the affair. Dollars alone, in my judgment, can do the work. The submarine propeller, when just awash, draws 6 feet water, and in order to get the men out of her bottom it ought to go no nearer the ground than 18 inches or 2 feet. Hence, operating even in as much as 8 feet water, her upper surface will be in sight and exposed. Night work would obviate this exposure to at least a partial degree, it is true, if during darkness light enough will be afforded. The Appomattox , after ascending it some 5 miles, becomes very narrow and shoal, and the tide is frequently rapid. We will do our best. This is all I can at present promise.

Most respectfully,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Flag-Officer.

Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, of the arrival of the submarine propeller at Hampton Roads

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 24, 1862.

SIR: A submarine propeller in tow of a tug arrived at Hampton Roads yesterday. She is not prepared for operation with any torpedoes. She required a lot of whisky barrels, twenty barrels of powder, and a steamer to accompany her and the little tug, in order to accommodate powder, men, etc., all of which were promptly furnished. No arrangement had been made to provision her men; I therefore, at the request of the parties, agreed to let each one have a ration per day, the value of which to be deducted from the monthly pay allowed.

Today she leaves for James River , accompanied by the tug that brought her from Philadelphia and by the Satellite. Owing to the very light draft of the tug, and for other reasons, it is well to retain her services for the present, and I have given orders accordingly.

I have directed Commander Rodgers to use her first in the Appomattox, if she can possibly be applied there to any advantage whatever in the destruction of the bridge at Petersburg, and next in removing the obstructions at Fort Darling.

I saw this contrivance yesterday. I hope it may be of service to the Government, but my impression is that it is next to a very useless concern. Thus far no experiments have been made with it of any consequence. Some men went down in it and remained under water three-quarters of an hour, but this they could have easily done in an ordinary diving bell. Beyond this no other experiment has been attempted, as I am informed by Mr. Eakins.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington , D.C.

Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, of movements of vessels at Norfolk, Va.

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 24, 1862.

SIR: The Wachusett arrived here yesterday morning from the James River . I have ordered the Seminole to New York. She will leave to-day, and Commander Smith has orders to report to the Department by letter on his arrival.

Your answer to my 296 has been received, concerning the honorable discharges; also those of the 21st instant, requiring secrecy about the movements of the submarine propeller and relative to the sending of the Seminole to New York.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of Navy.

Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, of the departure for the James River of the submarine propeller

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 25, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to send you herewith a copy of a communication (+) received last night from Commander Rodgers. With the aid of General Viele, I have procured the services of six individuals at Norfolk , all willing to do anything required of them, and several of them well acquainted with localities. They are all, in General Viele's opinion, to be trusted. About this he entertains no doubt whatever. I have sent the whole party up the James River to Commander Rodgers by the Delaware.

The submarine propeller went up the James River yesterday.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington , D.C.

Report of Commander Rodgers, U.S. Navy, of the sending the submarine propeller back to Fortress Monroe for further orders.

U.S.S. GALENA,
Off City Point, June 29, 1862 .

SIR: I send back to Fortress Monroe for further orders the machine for blowing up obstructions in James River.

Pickets observe every movement. Her presence here is doubtless known. If she were to blow up the stones filling the lighters sunk in James River, they would sink again. While the lighters remain whole, there is a bare chance of moving them bodily with tugs to one side of the channel, and by all means I would recommend this before the craft containing these stones are broken to pieces.

In going up the Appomattox to Petersburg the machine will show above water, since on the bars there is not depth to submerge her. Regiments and field artillery will fire at her. Should she escape these, as the rebels are badly off for food, and fish with nets very diligently, which nets extend entirely across the drain called a channel, some poor negro fisherman will drag her to shore. She is, in the present posture of our affairs here, and from physical causes, utterly powerless to help our cause, but in the hands of our enemies, destruction to us. She might be used to blow up the Monitor, Galena, Minnesota, or whatever vessel should be advanced either in position or importance.

This machine is so terrible an engine, if employed against us, that if I retain her I must keep a strong force to guard her. It is simpler to send her back for further orders. I have no use for her.

We are within rifle shot of the shore, and horse artillery can give us annoyance or even damage and retreat before any reply can be made. We are already more crowded in the narrow channel than quite comports with free movement. Some position for army transports would suit them better than this, if chosen lower down the river, and where their decks would be free from hostile shots. When any point above shall be designated, then some two or three hours' steaming will cover the difference. The west or right bank of James River is entirely in the hands of the rebels. Nearly the whole power of the Southern Confederacy is within a few miles of us. The stream is very narrow. This is no place for unarmed vessels, except their presence be necessary and their use immediate. If the army transports should come, however, I shall, of course, do what I can to defend them. A force, which I have since heard consisted of 3,000 men, suddenly and unexpectedly discharged two volleys of musketry at the Galena, which happened to be the nearest vessel, and opened fire with fieldpieces. We can not prevent these sudden attacks upon ourselves, and as little prevent them upon others. We, however, call defend ourselves. Vessels which can not do so had better not be sent here.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

JOHN RODGERS,
Commander, U.S. Navy.

[Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH,
Hampton Roads.]

Instructions from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, to Commander Rodgers, U.S. Navy, regarding army transports and the submarine propeller.

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 29, 1862.

SIR: The army transports up the James River are to be anchored where and protected as you may direct. They are entirely subject to your orders in these matters. Use, therefore, your own sound discretion in the premises.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer.

Commander JOHN RODGERS, U.S. Navy,

Comdg. Galena and Senior Officer in James River, Virginia.

P. S.--You did right in returning the submarine propeller to Hampton Roads. I never thought that it could be of the slightest service to you, and so, in effect, informed the Department.

I always thought, indeed, that it would prove, as it has done, only a source of expense and embarrassment. But where are the two principal persons. Messrs. Eakin and Thomas?* Under no circumstances should they have been allowed to separate themselves from it. Do, I beg of you, avoid such troubles hereafter. These are not times to permit people to indulge idle curiosity to the prejudice of the public interests. I want those men here at this moment, nor can I dispose of the machine as I desire in consequence of their absence.

L. M. G.
JUNE 30, 1862.

_____

*For the whereabouts of Samuel Eakins during the period 23 June-7July, see separate page.

Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S.N., to the Secretary of the Navy, regarding proposed destruction of railroad bridge at Petersburg, Va., and the return of the submarine propeller

Confidential.

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,
Norfolk, Va., June 29, 1862.

SIR: As the expedition up the Appomattox has not resulted favorably to the object it had in view, I have this day engaged two reliable persons, whose names I will give you hereafter, to proceed from this to the proper place and do the work. The men, I have every assurance, are entirely and thoroughly reliable. In the event of complete success each is to receive $25,000, and in case one of them should be taken and put to death for the destruction committed his brother in California is to receive $12,500, his sister in Richmond $6,250, and his stepsister, also in Richmond, $6,250. I have made confidential notes of the names, etc., of the parties, all of which will be duly forwarded when necessary.

Commander Rodgers, as you will perceive by copies of communications from him which I forward by the mail of to-day, has, on finding the submarine propeller of no use to him, and for other reasons, sent it to Fort Monroe. Had I not better send it to Washington for safe keeping? At best it can only operate successfully in clear and tolerably deep water.

All the experiments required by the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks can be much better conducted at Washington than here, particularly at this very critical conjuncture of our affairs hereabouts.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Flag-Officer.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington City.

Deck Log entry of the supply ship USS Brandywine

29^th June 1862

From 12 to 4 p.m. Light winds from the South East and pleasant. At 1 p.m. working party [of] six contrabands went ashore and returned at 2 p.m. Same time Sub Marine Battery came along side in tow of a tug. Secured the Battery on the starboard side with chains, put a sentry to guard it. Army tug came along side with stores.

Order from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U.S. Navy, to Commander Rodgers, U.S. Navy, regarding cooperation with the army.

U.S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA,

Norfolk, Va., July 1, 1862.

SIR: Before receiving your letter of yesterday I had ordered the Dacotah and Wachusett to go up to Hardy's [Harden's] Bluff and destroy the guns there effectually, and also to do the same thing at Day's Point. From what I gather, there are no guns at Fort Powhatan , and, indeed, it is even doubtful whether any were ever placed there, judging from the fact that when the fort was examined a few weeks since by our gunboats it was found to be overgrown with grass.

You need entertain no apprehension about the submarine propeller. I have it thoroughly well secured and guarded alongside the Brandywine, and have asked permission to send it to Washington.

Do not send any gunboat down to Hampton Roads, or away from service in the James River, unless absolutely necessary. I am being urged to keep as many gunboats as possible up there.

Do your very best to aid and assist the army. It is, I fear, in a critical position. Let the transports be as thoroughly protected as possible, and, of all things, keep them in a safe way.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Flag-Officer.

Commander JOHN RODGERS,

Senior Naval Officer in James River, Comdg. U.S.S. Galena.

Deck Log entry of the supply ship USS Brandywine

1^st July 1862

From 4 to 8 a.m. Moderate breezes from the North’d and Eastward and pleasant. At 7 a.m, working party of contrabands went on shore. At 4.30 a.m. found the after chain mooring of the Battery parted—repaired it.

Letter from Commander Totten, USN, to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, USN, regarding disposition of the submarine vessel.

U.S. STORESHIP BRANDYWINE , July 2, 1862.

SIR: I do not think that this submarine vessel is safe alongside of this vessel. In rough weather, as to-day, she labors and pitches terribly. The only place to secure her by, a shackle forward, is not trustworthy.

If she breaks adrift, which I look for in a heavy sea, we have no means of saving her.

If she could be taken into smooth water in the cove she would be safe.

I am, respectfully,

B.J. TOTTEN.

Flag-Officer L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

[PS]

The bearer, who is the chief one here belonging to her, thinks as I do about her.

Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough regarding the submarine vessel.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 3, 1862.

SIR: Send the submarine boat to the Washington navy yard.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES.

Flag-Officer L.M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding, etc., Norfolk , Va.

Deck Log entry of the supply ship USS Brandywine

5^th July 1862

From 12 to 4 p.m. Light breeze from the North’d and East and pleasant. At 1.15 p.m. Tug Boat Fred Kopp came along side for the Sub-Marine Propeller. Left the ship with the propeller in tow at 2.30 p.m.

Del[ivere]d [to] US St[eame]r “Fred Kopp”

1 Bbl Bread [Note: "bbl" = "barrel"]

½ Bbl Beef

48 Bbl Pres[erved?] meats

11 Bbl Flour

6 Bbl Rice

3 Bbl Pickles

5 Bbl Tea

10 Bbl Sugar

3 Bbl Butter

2 Gals Beans

1 Gal Vinegar

3 Gals Whiskey