THE CAPTURE OF MEMPHIS: A Terrific Gunboat and Ram Fight Before the City; OUR FORCES IN QUIET POSSESSION (6/9/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 6/9/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Sunday, June 8.

Advises have been received from Commodore DAVIS at Memphis, announcing a battle between his fleet, aided by Col. ELLET'S ram flotilla, and the rebel fleet of eight gunboats and rams.

The engagement commenced at 5:30 on the morning of the 6th inst., and ended at 7, in a running fight, the end of which was the capture or sinking of seven of the rebel fleet. One escaped by superior speed. Col. ELLET is seriously but not dangerously wounded. He is highly complimented for his gallantry and skill.

Memphis surrendered immediately after the engagement, and was placed under military authority.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF CAPT. DAVIS

WASHINGTON, Sunday, June 8.

SIR: I arrived here last evening at 9 o' clock, accompanied by the mortar fleet under Capt. MAYANDER, the ordnance steamers, storeships, c., and anchored a mile and a half above the city.

The following dispatch has been received at the Navy Department:

UNITED STATES STEAMER BENTON, OFF MEMPHIS, June 6, 1862.

To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy:

This morning I discovered the rebel fleet, which had been reinforced, and now consisted of eight rams and gunboats, lying at the levee.

The engagement, which commenced at 5:30 A.M., and ended at 7, terminated in a running fight.

I was ably supported by the ram fleet, under command of Col. ELLET, who was conspicuous for his gallantry, and is seriously hurt, but not dangerously wounded.

The result of the action was the capture or destruction of seven of the vessels of the rebel fleet, as follows:

The General Beauregard, blown up and burned.

The General Sterling Price, one wheel carried away.

The Jeff. Thompson set on fire by a shell, and burned, and magazine blown up.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4069489/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Capture of Memphis: A Terrific Gunboat and Ram Fight Before the City – 2-3
From the Shenandoah Valley: The Pursuit of Jackson by Gen. Fremont – 3
From Gen. M’Clellan’s Army: Occasional Artillery Skirmishing Yesterday – 3-4
News from Washington: The Finances of the Government – 4
Editorial: Affairs Before Richmond – Delay of the Movement of the Army – 4-5
Editorial: The Surrender of Memphis – 5

[niteowl77]

Chester Hearn’s book “Ellet’s Brigade: The Strangest Outfit of All” is the only modern book relating to the Ellet family and one of the USA’s most obscure - and maligned - military units. My history-teaching father had never heard of the Ram Fleet or Mississippi (River) Marine Brigade until I brought it to his attention.

[nathanbedford]

They found that Jackson had retreated through their three days ago. His army had been reduced to 5000 men, the remainder having scattered through the mountains to save themselves.

So Jackson's army has melted into the mountains to save themselves. We shall see.