It was at this time that Captain Drayton, of the Hartford, seeing Farragut clinging to the shrouds just under the maintop, sent a sailor up to make fast a slender rope from one shroud to another in such a way that the admiral could not fall in case he was struck. It is so far literally true that Farragut was “lashed to the mast.”

Battle of Mobile Bay.

Front a painting by Admiral Walke.

And then came the Richmond with her consort to narrowly escape a collision with the Brooklyn, but as she turned away, her broadside was brought to bear fairly on the fort, and she opened such a rapid fire that she was wholly hid from view. Admiral Buchanan, who had watched her with more than ordinary interest because of a personal friendship for Captain Jenkins, was led to say:

“What became of Jenkins? I saw his vessel go handsomely into action, and then lost sight of her entirely.”

Nevertheless, Jenkins was there, and in a most active condition of health. With the other larger ships, she helped to silence the forts so far that the last ships of the line passed in with but slight damage.

But once inside the line of torpedoes—torpedoes that had failed because made of tin that rusted away or because of other defects in make—the Union squadron had to face the Confederate ships. The Confederate gunboats had seemed of no moment at first, but as the Hartford advanced they retreated slowly, keeping within about 700 yards, and delivering an effective fire. Farragut sent the Metacomet after them, and she disabled the Gaines, drove another flying back to the fort, while the third, the Selma, kept on, with Jouett eager in the chase. The two were soon in shoal water, and the man at the lead on the Metacomet called out a foot less water than she drew. It was reported instantly to Jouett.

“Call the man in,” said Jouett. “He is only intimidating me with his soundings.”