CAPTAIN RAPHAEL SEMMES.
During the whole of the war, England had allowed the Confederates to fit out armed cruisers in her harbors, and to send them out to prey upon the United States commerce. The most famous of these cruisers was the Alabama, commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes. For two years this vessel had roamed the sea, burning and destroying nearly forty United States merchantmen, but always eluding the war vessels.
At last, in June, 1864, the United States war vessel Kearsarge discovered this enemy in the harbor of Cherbourg, France. As it would have been against the laws of nations to fight a battle in the harbor, the Kearsarge remained outside to prevent the Alabama from getting away.
Finally on Sunday, June 19th, the Alabama suddenly put to sea and attacked the Kearsarge. The vessels were evenly matched.
The battle following was terrific. But the crew of the Kearsarge proved to be the better marksmen, and after an hour's furious fighting the Alabama suddenly gave a great lurch and plunged to the bottom of the ocean: The crew were picked up by the Kearsarge and some English vessels which happened to be near.
X.—Well-earned Laurels.
After the surrender of the forts, Farragut remained in Mobile Bay until the following November. His health was suffering from his labors and the effects of the southern climate.
At this time, the Navy Department requested him to take command of an expedition against Fort Fisher. This greatly disturbed him, and he wrote to the Secretary of the Navy that his strength was exhausted.
"I am willing," he said, "to do the bidding of the government as long as I am able. I fear, however, that my health is giving way. I have now been down to the Gulf five years out of six, and I want rest if it is to be had."