Reminiscences of Two Years in the United States Navy

by John M. Batten

LIVING ON THE ENEMY.

The fleet anchored off several of the plantations along the river, and the men were allowed to regale themselves with fresh provisions and other luxurious articles that were contraband of war. All articles of military value were taken or destroyed, and a quantity of cotton pressed into the service as bulwarks against the sharpshooters who lined the banks of the stream. Mr. Speller, a rich planter, owning a place called Speller's Landing, was arrested and sent to Plymouth. He had accepted a nomination to a seat in the rebel Legislature, had three sons in the rebel army, and was himself a bitter reviler and opponent of the government. Other prominent rebels were also seized and sent to Plymouth. One of them offered Commander Macomb and Lieutenant Commander English a large amount of gold, which he had on his person, to release him; but like Paulding and Van Wert of old, the patriotism of the sailor chiefs revolted at the attempt to bribe them, and an order to place the rebel in closer confinement was the only result of the proposition. Corruption has been little known in this war among our naval officers; and though many of them are far from wealthy, their honor and good name are more precious in their eyes than millions of dishonorable wealth.

THE OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY.

It was part of the programme that Colonel Frankle should communicate with the fleet at Jamesville; but without waiting for the arrival of the vessels, he pushed on his men to Foster's Mills, where a skirmish ensued with the enemy, who were repulsed. The mills were burned, and Colonel Clark was left to hold the place, while the main body proceeded onward, the rebels retreating on Rainbow Banks, a very strong and commanding position on the river, twenty miles above Williamston. The fleet learned the news by one of Colonel Clark's scouts, and the next day one of our picket boats, which had been sent back to Jamesville, returned to the fleet, bringing additional intelligence that the army, getting out of provisions, had fallen back to Jamesville. Commander Macomb sent a dispatch to Colonel Frankle commanding, stating that time was precious; that the fleet would proceed at all hazards, and would turn back for nothing until it reached the bluff; and urging that the troops should go forward at once. A promise was returned that the troops would again move forward in a short time.

THE FLEET APPROACHES POPLAR POINT.

The fleet kept on its way for several days more, dragging the river at every step, exploding torpedoes, fighting sharpshooters, and pressing forward toward Rainbow Bluff; until, on the evening of the 20th, we turned a bend in the stream exposing to view Poplar Point, a high bluff thoroughly commanding the river.

THE MARINES ON SHORE DUTY.

On our left, after doubling the bend, was a large marshy plain protected by a dyke, behind which sharpshooters were thought to be lurking. Commander Macomb ordered the marines of the squadron to land, and under command of Acting Ensign Fesset, of the Wyalusing, to move along the bank, behind the levee, and look out for the enemy. They soon found the rebel pickets and skirmished with them, the rebels being driven back towards the point. Soon a large body of rebels was found, and a brisk little action took place. A prisoner being captured by Sergeant Kane, of the Shamrock, belonging to Whitford's rebel regiment, reported that his regiment was in the swamp, as the advance of the rebels, whose entire strength was some six thousand men. The marines continued the skirmishing until nightfall, when they were recalled, having throughout the day behaved admirably, retaining the good reputation which that branch of the service has always held.

THE VALLEY CITY ENCOUNTERS A BATTERY.

No sooner had the Valley City, which continued to be the leading vessel, shown her head around the point, than she was saluted by a battery which the rebels had placed there so skillfully as to give them accurate and deadly aim. She replied with great effect, and silenced the battery; but night fell, and the firing ceased. During the night all the vessels were annoyed by the rebels, who would sneak up under cover of the trees, fire a volley upon our decks, and skedaddle, their retreat being often accelerated by a wholesome dose of grape. During the day the Valley City had suffered badly from the rebel battery. Pilot John A. Lewis was shot through the head with a Minie ball and instantly killed. He was buried on the bank of the river—the rebels, with their accustomed barbarity, firing on the burying party.