February 26, 1863, The New York Herald
The United States transport Star of the South arrived at this port yesterday morning, bringing as passengers the surviving officers and crew of the gunboat Hatteras, which was sunk off Galveston on the 11th of January last by the rebel privateer Alabama. From them we glean an interesting narrative of the destruction of their vessel as well as full particulars of their eleven days stay on board of the Alabama, and their experience while at Port Royal and Kingston, Jamaica, previous to their arrival at Key West.
The following are the names of the officers and crew of the Hatteras: –
Lieutenant Commanding – H. C. Blake.
Acting Master and Executive Officer – H. O. Porter.
Assistant Surgeon – E. S. Matthews.
Assistant Paymaster – F. A. Conkling.
Engineers – J. C. Covert, J. Colp, B. C. Bourne, J. H. Butman.
Master’s Mates – F. J. McGrath, J. W. Haslitt, A. H. Berry, D. Harvey, J. P. Harnot, J. G. Crocker.
Captain’s Clerk – T. W. Weisenthal.
There were also one hundred and two seamen, composing the crew of the Hatteras, on board.
The main particulars of this contest have already been published; but, in justice to the gallantry of those who were in charge of the Hatteras, it will not be here out of place to again advert to them, as there are many incidents connected therewith which have not yet been made public.
It was on Sunday, January 11, that this encounter with this now famous rebel vessel took place. On the afternoon of that day, about half-past three o’clock, a signal was made from the flagship Brooklyn, then lying off Galveston, to the steamer Hatteras to sail to the northward and eastward. After sailing about an hour and a half the lookout signalized a steamer bearing to the southward. The Hatteras at once put her best legs on and gave chase to the strange craft until darkness began to steal over the water. At seven o’clock the Hatteras came within one hundred yards of the stranger, when the former sang out, “What steamer is that?” The response immediately came. “Her Britannic Majesty’s ship Vixen. What are you?” “The United States steamer Hatteras.”
Captain BLAKE – I will send a boat aboard of you.
A boat was then piped away, and about being lowered, when the words came from the rebel deck – “We are the Confederate steamer Alabama.” Accompanying this unexpected announcement came a tremendous broadside from the rebel craft, which, however, passed harmlessly over the Hatteras. The fire was returned with some slight effect, when the action became quite hot and mutual. Firing was rapidly kept up. At length a large shell entered amidships and set fire to the hold of the Hatteras. Another shell struck forward, and also set fire to that part of the vessel, shells also struck the sides, above the water line, and, instead of perforating, tore off like parchment the strong iron plating. The cylinder was now struck, filling the place with steam, rendering the engines wholly useless, and leaving those on board without the power of extinguishing the fire or manoeuvering the vessel. The fire-bell was run, when the Alabama ceased for a moment discharging her deadly missiles.
At one time previous to this an attempt was made to board the Alabama, the Hatteras being within twenty-five yards of her, and she approached nearer for the purpose. The Alabama, in order to frustrate this intention, sheered off. Musket and pistol shots were freely exchanged from both vessels at this time.
With fire in the hold and forward, with her engines useless, sixteen shots passing through her, one through the sternpost, and the vessel in a sinking condition, there was now no course left for Captain Blake but to surrender. Accordingly the lee gun – the signal of surrender – was fired, which was followed by great cheering on the part of the rebels. The Alabama came alongside, when Semmes inquired, “Do you want any assistance?” An affirmative answer followed. A short time elapsed before assistance came, during which the utmost anxiety and excitement prevailed on board of the Hatteras, which vessel was fast sinking in the sea. This pause resulted, it was afterwards ascertained, not through any inhumanity of the rebels; but, the lookout of the Alabama having reported a light bearing down upon them, it was supposed that one of the Union vessels was coming to their assistance. This report, however, having proven unfounded, the Alabama lowered her small boats and proceeded to take the officers and crew of the Hatteras on her own decks in order to save them from a watery grave. The wounded, of whom there were several, were all safely got on board, together with every soul on board of the Hatteras, which in a few minutes after went to the bottom, with the national colors fluttering from her masthead. The following are the names of the killed and wounded in the action – […..]
All those receiving wounds have, however, since recovered.
The fire poured into the Hatteras by the Alabama throughout the action, which lasted about seventeen minutes, is described as terrific. It was not until all hopes of saving the vessel were at an end that Captain Blake, with tears in his eyes, gave the command for the firing of the lee gun. There were stout hearts and vigorous arms on board; but the heavy guns of the enemy tolled the death knell of the staunch little craft.
What vessel could resist the three hundred and twenty-four pound broadside hurled at her? The Alabama, however, was struck seven times between wind and water, and above her water line thirteen times. The relative strength of both these vessels in regard to their batteries was as follows: –
HATTERAS. – Four short thirty-two guns, 2,700 pounds: two thirty-pounder rifle guns; one twenty-pounder rifle gun; one twelve-pound howitzer. Total – 8.
ALABAMA. – Six long thirty-twos; one 105 pounder rifle, on a pivot; one sixty-eight double fortified pivot, one twenty-four pounder rifle. Total – 9.
The work of transfer from one vessel to the other having been speedily and quietly accomplished, things were now to be set to rights on board of the Alabama. Semmes minutely superintended everything in connection with the movements of the prisoners himself, and our gallant officers and soldiers found themselves, for the first time in their lives, treading the decks of a real pirate ship as prisoners, and that ship manned by their own countrymen in arms against the flag which had proudly waved from mastheads in every part of the civilized globe. They looked aloft and saw the rebel emblem flying, when the sailor’s heart, which is always open to the tenderest emotions of patriotic ardor, beat high with indignation at the thought that he was compelled to live, for the time being, under the bastard rag of a bastard confederacy. But, although somewhat aged, but nevertheless a true saying, […..] alter cases,” and so it was with the defenders of the Hatteras. On going aboard, the seamen were placed in irons, and the officers given quarters according to their rank, Captain Blake partaking of the hospitality of Semmes’ cabin. Next day, after signing a parole, they were allowed the liberty of the vessel, and it was requested that no officer should have intercourse in any way with the men. With regard to the treatment which they received during their entire stay on board the Alabama, the officers and men of the Hatteras, without an exception, speak in terms of eulogy. Every comfort was provided for them, and the strictest attention paid to their every little want. Cots were erected on the spar deck for the wounded, in order to give them fresh air, and the surgeons of the Alabama extended every facility in their power, furnishing all kinds of medical stores for the use of the wounded. At the suggestion of Dr. Matthews, of the Hatteras, and all on board prohibited from making noise, lest they should cause any unnecessary pain or disturbance. Some of the rebel officers even gave up their sleeping accommodations for the benefit of the Union officers, and, in manner and conversation, treated them with the utmost courtesy and consideration. Discipline on board of the Alabama is much attended to, and the condition and working of the vessel is described as being most perfect. Her sailing qualities are also particularly landed, and it is asserted that she will outsail any vessel we have now afloat.
Nothing occurred of especial interest during the trip to displace the usual monotony of life at sea. A number of vessels were passed and hailed; but all proved to be foreigners. Semmes was continually attending to the motions of his vessel. The men of his ship fear him and respect him as their commander. Everything on board in regard to the working of the vessel goes on like clockwork. The rebel officers, in conversing on the war, are strong in their opinion that it will end in favor of the South. First Lieutenant Kell is described as a perfect fanatic on the subject of Southern independence, and so greatly agitated does he become in arguing the point that fears are entertained for his life and health. Lieutenant Howell, of the marines, who is a brother-in-law of Jeff. Davis, in speaking of the probability of capture, says that they expected to be hung up in Broadway and spit upon by the passing multitude should such ever occur. They assert that the Alabama can never be taken. The Vanderbilt, if met, they also assert, would succumb to them, as they should approach her under false colors, and when close by would pour such a broadside into her as should at once consign that noble vessel to Davy Jones’ locker.
Repeatedly during the cruise the vessel was cleared for action, and one night the lookout, in a stentorian voice, announced a light ahead, bearing rapidly down upon the Alabama. It was midnight, and immediately all hands were ordered on deck. The hearts of the Union captives beat high in hopes that it was some Union cruiser, which might succeed in avenging the destruction of the fated Hatteras. The first lieutenant gave the command to clear the decks for action. The men were at their guns in an instant. The assembled crowd on deck breathlessly gazed on the supposed approaching light, when Semmes came on deck, and, standing on the quarter deck, coolly placed his glass in position, and declared the light to be nothing more than a star, which remark afterwards proved true, and so ended the startling rumor that the elements above were about to advocate the cause of the Union in sending one of their luminaries to down upon a rebel privateer.
In the Yucatan channel in Alabama ran up to a strange vessel, upon which they ascertained that she was English. The Confederate flag was then hoisted, when the English vessel dipped her colors three times in token of respect.
The Alabama reached Port Royal, in the West Indies, on the 20th of January, and ran into the harbor under French colors. As soon as the anchor was put down, the officer of the guardship came on board in full uniform, and was received by the first lieutenant of the Alabama, who informed him of the name and calling of the vessel on whose deck he stood. The officer drew himself up to his full height, looked angry and smiling at the same moment, and then ejaculated, in language which at the time was presumed to be gruff – “I thought you were French.”
“We sail under many flags,” responded the lieutenant.
This officer was then invited down to the cabin, and returned in about ten minutes, leaving the ship, and again returning to her in ten minutes more. A number of other British residents also came on board, and addressed the officers of the Alabama with the remark – “We are very much pleased to see you – our whole hearts are with you.” Hand shaking and congratulations were exchanged all around, and the Southern confederacy and its representatives were exalted to the skies.
Her Britannic Majesty’s steamer Greyhound was in port, and, as it was ascertained on board of this vessel that the Alabama was there, the band struck up “Dixie Land,” and the strains came floating over the water, saluting the ears of the rebels with musical acclaim. On hearing this tune played on board of a British war vessel, the rebel officers remarked to the Unionists, “Did you hear the salute to the lone wanderer of the sea? That is what we receive everywhere.” Next morning the rebel colors were hoisted upon the Alabama, and the ship was besieged every day with visitors of all classes. British army and navy officers came on board in full uniform, and the officers of the Hatteras were compelled to go on deck in order that these visitors should be entertained. At those social gatherings the most insulting language was used in speaking of the federal government by those British officers. An English colonel there remarked, “When the Yankees hear of this they will show you no mercy. They never have shown you any mercy. I will drink success to the Alabama.” The latter toast was most frequently drunk on board by the visitors. No courtesy whatever was shown to the officers of the Hatteras. They were insulted in many instances by these people, and instead of sympathy (for they had lost everything when the Hatteras went down) they received but the taunts of those persons. “Despicable Yankees” was the title used in speaking of them. And this is the way our brave officers of the navy are treated by these representatives of British flunkeyism. They should recollect that the feelings of a nation touched in so tender a point as an attack on the defenders of her flag upon the ocean must ultimately rise up in their majesty and avenge the cowardice which meanly offers insult to those whom honorable [….]
The officers and crew of the Hatteras were then landed at Port Royal, where they were obliged to accept, to a certain extent, the bounty of those people. Thence they were taken in small boats to Kingston. While there a number of the crew of the Alabama deserted; among the rest Assistant Paymaster Younge, who was recaptured and brought on board again, when he twice attempted to commit suicide. Capt. Semmes finally gave him his discharge, when he went on shore and married a colored woman of ill repute. So much for the character of the officers of the Alabama.
The officers and crew of the Hatteras were then sent to Key West, from which place they arrived at this port yesterday.
The following were the principal officers of the Alabama: –
Captain – Raphael Semmes.
First Lieutenant and Executive Officer – J. M. Kell.
Second Lieutenant – R. T. Armstrong.
Third Lieutenant – J. D. Wilson.
Fourth Lieutenant – J. Low.
Sailing Master – Arthur St. Clair
Surgeon – F. M. Galt.
Assistant Surgeon – B. H. Lewellen.
Lieutenant of Marines – B. K. Howell.
Engineer – Michael Freeman.
Paymaster – C. T Younge (since discharged).
Midshipmen – Maffit (son of Capt. Maffit, of the Oreto), St. Clair, Bullock and Anderson.