The Narrative of a Blockade-Runner | Page 6

the old,
and all of the modern arms that had been made since the adoption of
the new models."
When in August, 1861, it was in contemplation to send the Army of
Northern Virginia into Maryland, want of ammunition, according to the
distinguished authority just quoted, was one of the chief obstacles to
the project.
[2] The allusion is made to Genl. Mears, who commanded at Acquia
Creek and to the Baltimore "Tigers", at the time commanded by
Captain Thomas.
CHAPTER II.
Ordered to New Orleans.--The Naval Fleet there.--The "River Defence"
Squadron.--The iron clad "Louisiana."--Difficulty in managing the
Fleet.--Going down the River.--Want of concert.--Admiral
Farragut.--Our crew.
I was ordered to report to Commodore Whittle, commanding the naval
station at New Orleans, for duty afloat. A powerful fleet of ships of war

and bomb vessels, under the command of Commodore (afterwards
Admiral) Farragut, was then assembling at the mouth of the Mississippi,
for an attack upon New Orleans, in which a large land force under Gen.
Butler (afterwards called the Beast) was to coöperate. The citizens were
under the impression that the place was impregnable. Gen. Duncan,
commanding Forts Jackson and St. Philip, below the city, was
considered one of the best artillerists in the service; and the land
defence was intrusted to Gen. Lovell, with a well appointed force under
his command. The people of that gay city were occupied as usual in
business and pleasure, and continued unconscious of their peril up to
the very time when the Federal fleet passed the forts. But the condition
of affairs, so far as naval defence was concerned, was lamentable. The
regular C. S. naval fleet consisted of the Louisiana (Captain McIntosh)
and carrying the flag of Commodore Mitchell; the steamer McRae
(Captain Huger), carrying six light 32-pounders and nine-inch pivot
gun; the steamer Jackson (Captain Renshaw), with two pivoted smooth
bore 32-pounders; the small ironplated "Ram" Manassas (Captain
Warley), carrying one 32-pounder carronade in the bow; and two
launches, each carrying a howitzer and a crew of twenty men. There
were also present, at the time the passage was forced by the U. S. fleet,
two Louisiana State gunboats, viz., the "Governor Moore," Captain
Kennon, carrying two 32-pounder rifled guns, and the "General
Quitman," with a similar battery. These were converted sea steamers,
with pine and cotton barricades to protect the more vulnerable part of
their machinery. All of the above vessels, with the exception of the
Louisiana and Manassas, were too slightly built for war purposes. The
unarmed steamboats, "Mozier," placed under Commodore Mitchell's
command. In addition to the above force, there were six steamers
carrying from one to two guns each, constituting what was called the
"River Defence Squadron," under the command of Captain Stevenson.
These vessels' boilers and machinery were protected by heavy timber
barricades, filled in with compressed cotton; and they were prepared
with bar-iron casing around their bows to act as "Rams."
The Louisiana was pierced for twelve guns rifled six-inch; and
eight-inch shell guns, three in the bow, three in each broadside, and
three in the stern. Her armor consisted of railroad-iron bars securely

bolted upon the sides and ends of the long covered box built upon her
nearly submerged hull. These sides and ends sloped at an angle of
about forty-five degrees; around the upper deck was a stout bulwark
about five feet high, and iron plated inside, to resist grape shot, and
afford a protection to the sharp-shooters stationed there in action.
The propelling power consisted of huge wheels, boxed up in the centre
of the vessel; and a propeller on each quarter. A more powerful and
efficient iron-clad called the Mississippi had just been launched from
the stocks, but the passage of the forts was effected before her battery
could be put on board.
After a few days' service on board the Jackson, I was ordered on board
the Louisiana (as executive officer) then lying alongside the "levee" at
New Orleans. Her battery was not mounted; and the mechanics were at
work upon her unfinished armor and machinery. Much was to be done,
and with the most limited facilities; but many obstacles had been
surmounted and affairs were progressing favorably, when we received
orders from Commodore Whittle to proceed down the river as far as the
forts. Our wheels were in working order; but a great deal was to be
done to the propellers, and the crew were still engaged in mounting the
guns. But Commodore Whittle, though cognizant of our condition, was
compelled against his judgment, to yield to the urgent telegrams of
General Duncan to send the Louisiana down the river. We had been
unable to man the ship with sailors; for although many of this class
belonged to the various volunteer companies around New Orleans, their
commanding officers were not disposed