Despatch 337 (1864)

No. 337
Flag Ship Hartford
Mobile Bay
August 8, 1864

Sir: I regret to inform the Department that after I had passed the forts some time, I saw a steamer on fire inside the bay. I soon perceived that it was the Philippi and I could not imagine how she came to be set on fire.

I have since received the report of her commanding officer Acting Master J.T. Seaver, which is herewith enclosed:

The facts appear to be that Acting Master Seaver, on the evening before the action, asked Fleet Captain Drayton if he should not follow the squadron into the bay. Captain Drayton told him that that would be a folly and ordered him to go and deliver the ammunition he had brought from Pensacola, on board the Tennessee, and then report to Lieutenant Commander Grafton, senior officer for duty outside. Instead of doing this he followed the fleet in and was struck with a shot from the Fort, when he put his helm a-port and ran her on the bank. After having had two men killed and two wounded he deserted the vessel, leaving his signal book (boat code) on the quarter deck where it was found by the enemy, who subsequently boarded the vessel.

I shall bring him to a court-martial the moment I have time, although I do not think he deserves so much consideration.

The rebels set the vessel on fire and we have thus lost one of the most efficient vessels in the squadron for all kinds of express duty and we are sadly in want of just such vessels.

Very respectfully,
your obedient servant
D. G. Farragut
Rear Admiral
Commanding W.G.B. Squadron

Hon Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Navy
Washington

U.S.S. Cowslip
August 6, 1864

Sir: I beg leave to make the following report to you in regard to the loss of the U.S. steamer Philippi.

At daylight, hove up anchor and steamed alongside the Tennessee, and discharged all the ordnance stores and provisions belonging to other vessels; not having orders to report to any one and the verbal order I received being to discharge the stores into the Tennessee as quickly as possible, I did so. Wishing to be of assistance to the fleet in case any vessels were disabled and knowing the power of my steamer immediately after the freight was out, I dropped off from the Tennessee, got hawsers, lines, etc all ready to be of assistance in towing any disabled vessel which would need my services. At forty five minutes past seven stood up the channel for the fleet keeping as far out of range of the Fort as I could judge was necessary to clear the shoal, the Quartermaster at the lead from the time of making the bar. At about fifteen minutes past nine while going ahead slow the Quartermaster gave the cast, a quarter less three, and the steamer immediately struck. I rang three bells and tried to back her off but she did not stir. I kept backing for ten minutes; had about thirty five pounds of steam on. The Fort then opened fire on us, and getting our range every other shell did execution - the second shell or shot (as it did not explode I could not tell which) struck the rail about the starboard bow port and immediately killed Frank Wilson, landsman. One shot passed through the boiler, entirely disabling us, and another burst in the engine room. At this time Fort Morgan kept up a constant fire at us, every shell doing more or less execution. The men, while I was forward, many of them rushed aft and commenced cutting the boats' falls. Hearing this, I came aft and ordered them to stop which they did and the boats were lowered with safety, but the men crowded in and two of the boats were immediately filled. I put the wounded in one of the boats and sent the dying in charge of Acting Ensign L.R. Vance to the Cowslip, for assistance.

The deck being full of steam and smoke, and indications of the ship being on fire, and two of my men being wounded and one scalded, and almost every shell either direct or ricochet, striking the steamer, and the boilers being disabled and my men several of them being almost paralyzed with fear, also the sight of the rebel steamer coming out and the utter impossibility to save the steamer or resist the enemy I judged it best to abandon her. I pulled alongside the Cowslip and Buckthorn, the two vessels being close to each other, and put the wounded on board both vessels then stood toward the Genesee. I went on board and reported to Captain Grafton; was ordered to put the wounded on board the Tennessee and report to Captain Grafton again, but as the Genesee steamed toward Pelican Channel, I was forced to remain on the Tennessee. The Quartermaster William H French, who was wounded in the stomach, died at twenty minutes past seven.

List of Casualties - Frank Wilson, landsman, killed; William H French, Quartermaster, mortally wounded; John Collins, coal heaver, scalded; and Joseph Boyd slightly wounded

The officers were perfectly cool throughout the time while under fire, and in leaving the ship.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
James T. Seaver
Acting Master

Admiral D.G. Farragut
Commanding West Gulf BLockading Squadron

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