|
Navy O.R.-- Series I--Volume 25 [S# 25] pg 499-500 Naval Forces On Western Waters. From May 18, 1863, To February 29, 1864. |
| Report of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, regarding
expedition into the Yazoo River to inspect the condition of the U. S. S.
Cairo, October 13, 1863. U. S. S. PETREL, Off Goodrich's Landing, October 19, 1863. SIR: In obedience to yours of the 29th ultimo, to take a light-draft and go up the Yazoo as far as I could and discover the Cairo and her condition, I have to report, I took the Petrel, Acting Master Sinclair, and entered the mouth of Old River the morning of the 13th at 8.45, and after three hours of hard steaming, I got as high up as where the mortars were stretched across the river. The Petrel draws 39 inches and there was but 30 to 48 inches in the river. Her bottom was being dragged through the mud all the time and the pilot, Acting Ensign Starr, who ran on the Yazoo River for five years, told me we would have about 8 miles of just such bottom, and as the river was falling rapidly, and coal was being consumed to a greater amount than we could spare, I concluded you did not desire that I should run the risk of grounding beyond assistance, but would wish I should wait to inform you of the present stage of water, and wait your further orders. With I foot or 18 inches more water, I think I can get into the Yazoo, where I am told there is plenty of water. In endeavoring to force her over the bar, I had all the steam the engineers thought safe (140 pounds). I had made but about 800 yards in two hours. I had a boat sent far up the river but no better water could be found. I discovered the tug and also the 32-pounder, but no brass piece. The 32-pounder is impaired by a shot in the muzzle. The tug lies in 18 feet of water, with the starboard afterpart of the pilot house out of water about 15 inches. The mud, as found by a pole 24 feet long, was 3 feet deep. A much-rusted Enfield rifle was gotten out of the pilot house. The tug lies quartering across the river with her head up and toward the left-hand bank going up. I took the 32-pounder on board. I then went to Vicksburg and sent Mr. Starr overland to Haynes' Bluff. He succeeded in finding the Cairo in about 20 feet of water. No part of her is out of water. There is about 3 feet of water on her wheelhouse. According to Mr. Snyder and Mr. Roach, who live at Haynes' Bluff, the Cairo has been in sight but once since she was sunk in December, and only her pilot house showing. The chains that were hung over the bows were taken off by the rebels and used in mooring the raft; nothing else has been taken from her. She lies near the right-hand bank going up the river, and about 1¼ miles from Blake's lower plantation. I found in Vicksburg the following guns: Seven 8-inch guns, 3 9-inch Dahlgren, 4 32-pounders 42 cwt. I could get a receipt for only the 7 8-inch guns. There were 14 gun carriages, rammers, sponges, sights, etc., mostly lost. All the guns are being sent to St. Louis. I enclose a copy of a request from General McArthur. I have sent for the steamer Louisville, taking her away from Lake Providence. General Hawkins, commanding at this place, also desires a heavy vessel here, as some 3,000 rebels are not far from here with four pieces of artillery (Parrott). In obedience to your order of October 2, I have ordered Mr. Starr to the Great Western and Mr. Gibson back to the Louisville. Acting Master's Mate Smith is attached to the Petrel, as she has but one watch officer, a master's mate, besides himself. J. H. Chassing, agent of R. J. Tunstall, owner of the steamer Diana, wishes to pay for the repairs done on that vessel at Skipwith's Landing. I referred him to you. In case it becomes absolutely necessary to repair a transport, must the expense be collected of the boat, or the agent pay to those you may designate? The Army does not pay' any repairs, but those done to vessels owned altogether by the Government. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, E. K. OWEN, Lieutenant-Commander, Comdg. 5th Dist., Miss. Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. |