Extracts from the journal of Lieut J. N. Maffitt,
C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Florida, May- Dec 31, 1862.
Covering Nassau, Bahamas to Cardenas and Havana, Cuba to Mobile, Alabama,
CSA
NASSAU, NEW PROVIDENCE,
May 4, 1862.
At 11 p.m. Mr. Low, provisional master,
C. S. Navy, came to my room in private and informed me that he had come
over in the C. S. gunboat Oreto, and at the same time handed me
a letter from Commander J. D. Bulloch, requesting I would at
once assume command and send Mr. Low back.
The Oreto had been here some weeks, attracting
much observation and comment. She was in the upper anchorage, and
Captain Duguid was her nominal commander. As the Oreto was
in an equivocal position, with no regular Confederate States officer to
look out for her interest, I gave up the Nassau and privately
assumed the entire control.
By the Kate, Cambria and Nassau, I
wrote to the Secretary of the Navy giving full information as to the Oreto
and my position in regard to her, asking for the command and, if detailed,
to be furnished with experienced lieutenants, a paymaster, engineers, an
assistant surgeon, money, etc. The return boat brought me a letter
from the Secretary, in which he informed me that Commander J. H. North
was ordered and would arrive in Nassau by the British steamer Bahama, bringing
guns, etc.; but that my conduct was approved, and if Commander North
did not arrive I then was to consider myself as detailed. Mr. O. Bradford,
provisional master, and Acting Midshipman Sinclair were the officers
sent to me. The former had passed through all gradations of business and
different appointments; never content one week over the other, and with
so little ability of any kind that he may well be termed "Jack of all trades
and good at none." Midshipman Sinclair on his passage saw the ocean
for the first time. The Secretary complacently ordered me to fit out
and cruise, as though I controlled a navy yard, and had engineers, men,
etc., at my command.
Mr. Adams, the American minister in London, had
sent out full information about the Oreto, and that her guns, etc.,
would arrive per steamer Bahama. With all these lights, the presence
of the vessel as an undoubted build for a man-of-war, it was natural to
presume that the American consul would not neglect the interests he represented.
The day after the Bahama arrived, on certain
colonial authority, Captain McKillop, of H. B. M. S. Bull Dog, seized
the Oreto as a lawful prize, based upon the Queen's neutrality proclamation.
The next day she was released by advice of Mr. Anderson, the Queen's attorney.
In the meantime the Bull Dog departed, having been relieved by the
steamer Greyhound, Captain Hickley, who reseized the Oreto,
and in two days relinquished her. On the next day, in consequence of the
representation of one Jones (ex-boatswain of the Oreto) having,
through the instigation and bribery of the American consul, made declaration
that the Oreto was a Confederate gunboat, etc., Captain Hickley
reseized her and put the case in the admiralty court for adjudication.
In the Bahama Lieutenant J. M. Stribling,
late of the Sumter, arrived. He was on his way home to be reunited
with his young and beautiful bride, but on hearing of my situation in regard
to officers he promptly relinquished his orders and volunteered for the
Florida.
About the 20th of July the yellow fever in its worst form commenced operation. The first victim was my young friend, Lieutenant Brown, of the Fourth W. I. Regiment; a high-toned little gentleman as ever lived. As a nurse my services were constantly required at the hotel; the cases were generally fatal.
August 7 [2].--The court room was crowded
at 11:30 a.m. At 12 Judge Lees gave his decision in the Oreto case,
and she was free! On the following day the verdict was recorded, papers
made out for any Confederate port, J. Laurens Read (my stepson), captain!
At 11 a.m. she steamed out of the harbor to outer anchorage, and
at 4 p.m. I went on board with Lieutenant Stribling, Master (Acting
Lieutenant) Bradford, Acting Master Floyd, Midshipman Bryan,
Engineers Spidell, Scott, Quinn, and J. Seely, Acting Marine
Officer Wyman, Acting Paymaster Read, Clerk Vogel,
and a few men.
Lieutenant Stribling returned to take
charge of the tender with arms, stores, etc., and ship such as could be
obtained. On the following day the Cuyler (Federal gunboat) came and ran
all round us. The [H. B. M. S.] Petrel, commanded by my friend Watson,
immediately went out and ordered her in the harbor or to go without the
marine limits. That night the Petrel gave me a hawser and we hung
on by it, as we had not men enough to weigh our anchor. At 12 or a little
after dropped quietly down under the shadow of the land until off the west
end of the island, when we steamed to the southward. At 1, fell in with
[the] Prince Albert, schooner, Lieutenant Stribling, and
took her in tow. At 3 p.m. on the following day anchored 1¾ miles
W. S. W. of Green Cay.
Now commenced one of the most physically exhausting
jobs ever undertaken by naval officers. All hands undressed to the
buff, and with the few men we had commenced taking in one 6 and 7¼
inch guns, powder, circles, shell and shot, etc. An August sun in the tropics
is no small matter to work in. On the 15th C. Worrell, wardroom steward,
died and we buried him on Green Cay. Several cases of fever
appear among the crew. At first I thought it but ordinary cases, originating
from hard work and exposure to the sun, but in twenty hours the unpalatable
fact was impressed upon me that yellow fever was added to our annoyances.
Having no physician on board, that duty devolved upon me, and nearly my
whole time, day and night, was devoted to the sick. On the 16th of August
all the armament and stores were on board; took the tender in tow and ran
to Blossom Channel, in which we anchored at sunset.
On the morning of the 17th got underway, hoisted
and cheered the Confederate flag, and christened the Oreto by her
new official cognomen of Florida, parted with the Prince Albert,
and stood to the southward and westward. The yellow fever by this time
had gained complete ascendency and in our absolute helpless condition were
forced to enter a Cuban port. Moreover, we found that neither beds, quoins,
sights or rammers, and sponges had been sent to us.
August 18.--At 11:30 p.m. passed a Federal
cruiser. We were so close to the reef that he did not see us. At 1:20 a.m.
on the 19th August entered the harbor of Cardenas; one fireman on watch
perfectly exhausted and about four men. Anchored in 4 fathoms. At 9
got underway, and stood into the inner harbor; communicated with the authorities,
and represented our helpless condition; received permission, per telegram,
from the governor-general to remain as long as it was necessary.
On the 20th dispatched Lieutenant Stribling
and Mr. Vesterling to Havana to obtain, through agents, more men and
a doctor. The fever had complete possession of the vessel, but as yet
none had proved fatal, for I watched every case with the most particular
care. 'Twas a sorrowful sight to see our quarter deck turned into
a complete hospital. All the men who were able to work we kept fitting
side tackles, breachings, etc.
August 22.--My duties as physician have
prostrated me considerably; do not feel well. At 2 p.m. was taken with
a slight chill, which I fancied originated from getting wet in a thunder
squall. Took a foot bath and felt better for a time. At 4, while giving
medicine to the sick, was seized with a heavy chill, pain in the back and
loins, dimness of vision, and disposition to vomit. The painful conviction
was forced upon me that I was boarded by this horrible tropical epidemic.
I sent for Mr. Floyd and Mr. Wyman, and gave full directions in
regard to the duty of the vessel. Ordered a physician sent for, and the
sick sent to the hospital; then took 40 grains of ----, got into a tub
of warm water mixed with mustard, took several injections, changed underclothes
and sheets, and by this time was in the embrace of a fierce fever. Knowing
that fever always affected my brain, I did all that I thought necessary
with promptness, even directing the medicine and care of the sick for the
night.
From this period until the 29th all was a blank
to me, an epoch of horror and suffering that can not be realized save by
those who have been the recipients of this fell disease. On recovering
my first gleam of sunshine, I found a medical consultation progressing
that was not flattering to my recovery, but Dr. Gilliard, of the Spanish
gunboat Guadalquivir, was somewhat hopeful, and I told him his prognostics
were correct, as I had not time to die. He and Lieutenant
Commanding ----, of the Guadalquivir, were very polite and attentive,
and I hope some day to have it in my power to demonstrate my appreciation
of their courtesy.
The first unpleasant news conveyed to me on becoming
quite sensible was that my dear stepson, Laurens, was seriously in with
fever. Poor boy! he had set up with me and manifested the most tender solicitude
for my recovery. I was distressed that my debilitated condition prevented
personal attention to his case. Dr. Barrett, of Georgia, a warm-hearted
Irishman, volunteered for the vessel, giving up an excellent situation
in the Government hospital in Havana in order to demonstrate his devotion
to the South in this time of need.
August 30.--At 6:30 p.m. poor Laurens
was taken with black vomit; at 7 the noble boy went gently to sleep,
beloved and regretted by all who knew him. This blow came like the raven
wings of late, darkening my very soul and nearly producing a relapse.
Poor Mr. Seeley (John), our third assistant engineer and 3 men, departed
this life about the same hour. Mr. Floyd is down with the
fever; also Midshipman Sinclair. Mr. Wyman is
quite sick with the epidemic, but as he was taken when on shore, Mr. John
Cacho, a native of Port Mahon, kindly took him to his house, where he was
attended with so much care that his case proved quite a mild one.
Mr. Stribling returned, bringing 8 men
and 4 firemen; his difficulties, in consequence of the neutrality law,
had been very great. The governor-general telegraphed for me to proceed
to Havana, as there were no forts in Cardenas, and a rumor had reached
him of an intent on the part of the Yankees to cut me out. The port was
already completely blockaded in anticipation of my departure.
August 31.--Committed our dead to their mother earth and settled all bills prior to departing for Havana. 'Twas whispered about that we were about leaving, and the American consul dispatched a swift craft to inform the Federal squadron. At 8 p.m. the Spanish mail boat (for Havana) left, and when outside was chased by the Federals, who fired shot and shell at her until she entered the harbor at Matanzas; they mistook her for the Florida; consequently, at 9:30 we sailed and ran the coast along unmolested.
September 1.--At 11:30 a.m. entered the harbor of Havana; a large concourse of people assembled upon the quay, and our entrance was attended to by a large and favoring audience. Shufeldt notified the Yankee fleet of our being in Havana and an assembly took place off the morro. Finding that I could not get a crew, as 'twas the season of sickness, when sailors did not congregate in this port, and that my ordnance was defective in arrangement, etc., to say nothing of the want of officers, I reluctantly came to the conclusion that there was nothing left to me but to force my way into some Confederate port. In fact, my health was so wretched that I could not well attend to duty, and had to be lifted on deck when necessity called me. Captain Smith volunteered to pilot me into Mobile and was assured that but one man-of-war guarded that harbor; so I settled upon Mobile, and at 9 p.m. sailed, avoiding the enemy's fleet by running some distance close in shore. The passage was pleasant, but cases of fever continued assailing the new men, but not with its original severity, or perhaps Dr. Barrett's experience and extreme devotion may have had much to do with its mitigated form.
September 4.--At 3 p.m. made Fort Morgan
and three blockaders off the bar; they at once ran out to receive me. At
4:50 p.m. the cannonading commenced upon our helpless craft, for we could
not return their shots for want of men and proper provision for our guns.
The Oneida, Commander Preble, of 10 guns, made an effort to cut us off,
but I sheered toward him, and feeling he would be run down he backed, giving
me a momentary advantage. As I ranged ahead of him he poured out a
whole broadside, that swept away hammocks and some running rigging. One
gunboat opened on my port bow, the other on our port quarter, and the cannonading
became rapid and precise. Having passed the Oneida, gave a starboard helm
to bring the gunboats in line, and escaped, by this range, the fire of
one of them, for this grouping around me bid fair to send the little Florida
to the bottom.
Hauled down the English flag, and as soon as
the signal halliards could be rerove, ran up the bars and stars.
A shell entered the port quarter but fortunately
neither that or the XI-inch exploded. Several expended Parrott shells
struck the masts and fell on board. Our boats were much injured and all
the standing rigging (except three shrouds) shot away; our hull well peppered.
Finding that we did not distance the Federals rapidly, sent the men aloft
to loose topsail and topgallant sails, and our sailors responded to the
order with alacrity. As soon as they were seen on the yards, all the
gunboats commenced firing 24-pound shrapnel; the standing rigging was shot
away as our men came down front aloft; several were wounded, and the boats,
masts, spurs, and hulls were cut with thousands of the shrapnel. The
sea was smooth, and our helpless condition gave the enemy confidence and
security, which enabled them to coolly use us as a target. The sails availed
us considerably, for a light S. E. wind had sprung up. I sent all below
but the officers and two men at the wheel.
As we approached the bar an XI-inch shell entered
on our port beam, about 9 inches above the water line, passing through
coal bunker, grazing the boiler and entering among the men on the berth
deck; by this shot 4 men were wounded and James Duncan's head taken
off. Duncan was captain of the maintop and one of our best men. At
dusk we were under the guns of Fort Morgan. Soon visited by the officers.
Colonel Powell says the scene was brilliant, and he considers it one
of the most dashing feats of the war. Sharkey, captain forecastle,
and Billups, quartermaster, were at the wheel during the cannonading, and
did well; in truth, everybody acted well their part.
MOBILE, ALABAMA, CSA
We were visited by McBlair of the Morgan
and Huster of the Gaines, their crews cheering as approaching.
Anchored off Melrose. On the 5th I went up to Mobile with McBlair, to recruit.
Buried our dead.
September 6.--The admiral sent a small
steamer down as a hospital vessel.
Monday morning, September 8.--At 1 p.m. arrived
in the Morgan; the admiral went on board the steamer and made a
few complimentary remarks to the crew and then left. On going on board
the Florida I was distressed to find poor Stribling down
with a serious attack of fever; had him conveyed to the steamer Areal
that Dr. Barrett could attend him night and day. His mind wandered, and
there seemed no elasticity in his constitution; I think his chances very
doubtful.
[September] 9.--Stribling very ill; will
not permit anyone to administer his medicine but me, and I am hardly able
to stand. Midshipman Sinclair rather worse; case assuming a doubtful phase.
[September] 10.--Am quite exhausted
with my efforts to aid poor Stribling; he calls for me all the time. Young
Sinclair has a favorable turn. Nothing but sickness. We are quarantined
by the authorities and very properly.
[September] 11.--The same; I now have
no hope of poor S.
[September] 12.--As I feared, Stribling
breathed his last at 6:30 p.m., having never rallied once during his
illness. He was a good Christian and excellent officer. Peace be to his
soul.
September 13.--Paid the last honors to
our highly esteemed friend and shipmate, Lieutenant Stribling. He is buried
at Melrose, near Mr. Stone's country seat.
[September] 20.--Passed Assistant Surgeon
F. Garretson, C. S. Navy, reported for duty (his original name was
Van Biber). The doctor is from Virginia, and enjoys a high reputation,
not only in but out of his profession. Cleansed our holds and fumigated
the vessel daily.
[September] 26.--Midshipman Sinclair
has been under my especial care in the cabin and has benefited so much
that he was enabled to proceed to Richmond on leave.
[September] 29.--Lieutenant Comstock
reported for duty, a young officer of exceeding delicacy of constitution;
in fact, unfit for the performance of the requirements of this vessel.
* * * Hauled down the quarantine flag and steamed over abreast of Dog River
bar. Received a very complimentary communication from the Navy Department,
but no hint of promotion.
On the 9th Lieutenant D. A. Forrest
reported as executive.
October 12.--At last, after great exertion,
I have some mechanics at work. They all dread the vessel, and desired to
await a fever-killing frost ere coming on board. Slow, slow, slow. This
fitting out in an open bay, where so much is to be done, is bad business.
[October] 13.--Lieutenant Hoole,
of Alabama, a young gentleman who was badly wounded in the head at Roanoke
Island, reported. Dr. Barrett returned from leave, and concluded to remain
with his family; good old man.
[October] 18.--Second Assistant Engineer
Jackson reported, and a more unfortunate appointment could not have
been made. Third Assistant Engineer Brown reported.
[October] 20.--Lieutenant Forrest
received his detachment. [October] 25.--Lieutenant C. C. Simms reported
and a most excellent officer he is. The equipments and repairs now commenced
with system and regularity.
[October] 30.--Lieutenant S. W. Averett,
an officer of high standing for his period of service, reported; his
frank, manly manner pleases me much. Crew coming on board in driblets;
many rated as seamen who in the old service would merely pass as very ordinary
seamen.
November 1.--Passed Midshipman Walker
detached to make room for Midshipman Dyke, of Florida.
November 4.--Lieutenant C. W. Read,
the last lieutenant I personally applied for, joined; this officer acquired
reputation for gunnery, coolness, and determination at the battle of New
Orleans. When his commander, T. B. Huger, was fatally wounded he
continued to gallantly fight the McRea until she was riddled and
unfit for service. * * * Passed Assistant Surgeon Grafton reported;
he is a pleasant gentleman, and enjoys the reputation of being an excellent
surgeon.
November 15.--Lieutenant Simms
was-telegraphed by the Department that in consequence of the alarming illness
of his wife he was at liberty to leave. He referred to the admiral, who
at once decided that he must return home, and much to his and my own regret
I lost the service of this experienced and excellent officer. I can not
have more changes, so will ask for Lieutenant Stone and try how
Mr. Averett will get along as executive. Want of experience. Mr.
Stone has joined. He is intelligent and will make an admirable officer.
December 1.--Received the admiral,
General Slaughter, Lieutenant Rainey, Captain McBlair, T. T. Hunter, Colonel
Forsyth, Mrs. Le Vert and daughter, Mrs. Hopkins, Gracie Scott, Mrs. Forsyth.
Mrs. Lieutenant Graves, Virginia Hallett, Mrs. Jno. W. Murrell. Entertained
them several hours; exercised at target, and at 3:40 they returned
in the Crescent steamer. Fitting out slowly; our wants can not be
promptly supplied; the ordnance department is as yet in embryo, and Lieutenant
Eggleston has much difficulty in fitting us out, even indifferently. Our
tarry has far exceeded my expectations, and all hands are very restive.
Lieutenant Read suffers particularly in this and has become somewhat
bilious; every passing squall is to him a fine night for going out, even
though it be of fifty minutes duration only.
The gentlemen knew nothing of my orders, nor
that having formed plans on consultation with Admiral B., who controls
me, I shall abide by them, notwithstanding all their presumed superior
judgment.
In the winter season N. E. gales, as a rule,
are prevalent. They last several days with a misty sky, and heavy sea upon
the bar, both favorable to the Florida's safe exit, and 'tis
to the interest of the Confederacy that we get out intact, as my orders
are to assail their commerce only, that the mercantile part of the Northern
community, who so earnestly sustain the war by liberal contributions, may
not fatten on its progress, but feel all its misfortunes.
As the Alabama and Florida
are the only two cruisers we have just now, it would be a perfect absurdity
to tilt against their more than three hundred, for the Federals would gladly
sacrifice fifty armed ships to extinguish the two Confederates.
When a man-of, war is sacrificed 'tis a national
calamity, not individually felt, but when merchant ships are destroyed
on the high seas individuality suffers, and the shoe then pinches in the
right direction. All the merchants of New
York and Boston who have by their splendid traders become princes in wealth
and puffy with patriotic zeal for the subjugation of the South, will soon
cry with a loud voice, peace, peace; we are becoming ruined and the country
damned!
I doubt not but that there will be
much criticism and condemnation among the restless spirits of the service,
who are always finding fault, yet most faulty themselves. 'Tis a curse
in military as well as naval life that gossiping is carried to such
reprehensible extremes, and as general rule it belongs to weak-minded,
shallow-pated persons, living in glass houses, but always throwing stones.
I am impatient for that N. E. gale. Singular,
this winter has been almost entirely exempt from bad weather, and my tarry
has not been a matter of satisfaction. Everybody but the admiral is impatient;
he seems to fancy the retention of the Florida, considering her
not badly employed in keeping a large fleet to watch her.
December 30.--I have been summarily detached
and Lieutenant Barney ordered to relieve me in command. The Department
expresses astonishment at the delay of the Florida, but fails to
address the admiral on the subject or seek any explanation. My services
(unrequited as they have been) surely entitle me to a slight consideration
and call for information. The commanding officer was indirectly hit over
my shoulder.
Fortunately, the President was in Mobile,
and Admiral Buchanan went to him and represented the gross
injustice done me; that the Secretary had failed to consult with
him, the commanding and responsible officer, which he should have done,
as by so doing he would not have committed so grave an error or gross an
act of injustice. The President telegraphed, and the action of
the Department was annulled. My command was fully endorsed by Mr. Davis.
End of Journal
Editor: Here is a copy of that order from Pres.
Davis:
MOBILE, ALA., December 31, 1862.
Please suspend order in relation to Captain Maffitt.
Admiral Buchanan will write to you fully.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
To: Hon. S. R. MALLORY,
Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract from log of C. S. gunboat Florida,
August 17, 1862, to January 15, 1863.
List of officers.--J. N. Maffitt,
commanding; J. M. Stribling, lieutenant; O. Bradford, acting
lieutenant; R. S. Floyd, acting master; J. Spidell, acting
first assistant engineer; J. L. Read, acting assistant paymaster;
C. W. Quinn, acting second assistant engineer; Dr. Barrett,
acting assistant surgeon; G. D. Bryan, midshipman; G. T Sinclair,
midshipman; L. Vogel, captain's clerk; A. Vesterling, paymaster's
clerk.
August 17, 1862.--Blossom Channel, Bahama
Bank. Parted this morning from the schooner Prince Albert at 8 a.m.
and hoisted the Confederate flag. Latitude, 22° 48' N. From meridian
to 4 p.m. running along the banks on a due west course.
August 19.--At 1:35 a.m. came to anchor,
Cay Piedras light bearing N. W. by W. At 9:25 steamed up Cardenas Channel.
At 1 p.m. dispatched the cutter to town with Acting Lieutenant Bradford
in it for official calls upon the authorities. Lieutenant Stribling
and Mr. Vesterling went to Havana on duty.
September 1.--Arrived at 12 m. in Havana
and left at 7:30 for Mobile, where we arrived after having successfully
run the gauntlet of three of the enemy's vessels in broad daylight at 5
p.m. on the evening of the 4th.
September 4, 1862, to January 15, 1863.--Remained
in Mobile Bay fitting ship.
END