Earthworks at Simonoseki,
July 11, 16, and 20, 1863,
and September 5, 1864.
These attacks were made by vessels of different nationalities on a series of earthworks lining the narrow straits of Simonoseki, Japan. July 11, the Dutch corvette Medusa entered the straits, and being fired at opened fire on the batteries at a distance of 1200 yards. The action continued one hour, when the Medusa drew out without having silenced the batteries. Casualties, 4 killed, 5 wounded.
On the 10th, the United States corvette Wyoming entered the straits, and on being fired at opened a return fire. Passing between two sailing gun-boats on one side and a steam gun-boat on the other at pistol-shot distance, she gave them both broadsides, sinking the sailing vessels and blowing up the boiler of the steamer. Action continued an hour and a half, when the Wyoming drew out without silencing the batteries. Casualties, 4 killed, 7 wounded.
On the 20th, the French frigate Semiramis and corvette Tancrède entered the strait, and on being fired at returned the fire. The first broadside blew one of the earthworks to pieces. In two hours the forts were silenced, and a landing party spiked the guns and blew up the magazine.
On the 5th of September, 1864, an allied squadron of English, French, Dutch, and American vessels, 16 in number, mounting 200 guns, and carrying 3500 men, anchored in the straits and opened fire on the batteries. The batteries were silenced and deserted in about two hours. The next day a force of 2600 men was landed, the guns were spiked and the fortifications were dismantled. Casualties, 12 killed, 60 wounded.
Earthworks at Kagosima,
August 15, 1863.
ENGLISH.
| Guns. | |
| Euryalus | 35 |
| Pearl | 24 |
| Perseus | 17 |
| Argus | 6 |
| Race-horse | 4 |
| Havoc | 2 |
| Coquette | 2 |
JAPANESE.
KAGOSIMA DEFENCE.
One fort containing four guns.
One fort containing twenty guns.