U. S. S. Monticello,
Off the Rappahannock River, June 24, 1861.
Sir: Agreeably to your order of yesterday I left the Roads, and after organizing a launch’s crew and exercising them at the gun, I anchored in Lynn Haven Bay.
Early this morning I started for Smith’s Island, at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay, supposing that to be the island referred to in your instructions. Upon a conversation with the pilot, I determined that the island you alluded to was Smith’s Island, near Tangier Island.
Accordingly I steered up the Chesapeake Bay, speaking many vessels which had not been boarded. I stopped to endorse their papers, in the usual manner.
Receiving information from the pilot of a nature that led me to believe I might capture the steamer Virginia at a short distance from the mouth of the Rappahannock River, and it being about 3 p.m. and not being able to reach Pocomoke Sound before night, I ran a short distance up the river, and turning, on the way down not seeing any sign of a steamer, the pilot assured me of the strong Union sentiments of a gentleman named William Gersen [Gresham], residing on the bank. By this statement, and hoping to get some information, I sent the launch ashore, fully armed and equipped, under charge of Master’s Mate Lewis A. Brown and Assistant Surgeon Heber Smith, and pilot, Mr. Phillips.
They landed, with gig, from the launch, and were cordially received (as I could plainly see the master of the house shake hands with them, and the same thing was repeated to me on their return). Hardly had this occurred when they were fired upon by a body of about eighty men. They returned the fire, and retreated to the boat and shoved off. Turning the bow of the launch toward the shore, they served their gun effectually. I opened the ship’s battery on the rebels with grape and shell at 600 yards, and succeeded in demolishing the house and killing and wounding many, completely silencing their fire.
The men on board this ship, short-handed as we were, served their guns with great courage and promptness, and much credit is due to the officers and men for the brave manner in which they did their duty.
It is with much regret that I have to announce that our assistant surgeon, Heber Smith, was severely wounded in the mouth, as also in the hand, and I request that he may be removed where he can obtain the best medical attendance. August Peterson, quartermaster, was shot in the stomach, and I fear he can not live.
I am ready, sir, to proceed immediately, in accordance with your instructions, if you can spare me a gentleman to act as surgeon. I forward herewith the report of Acting Master’s Mate L. A. Brown, who was in command of the expedition.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. L. Braine,
Lieutenant, in Charge U. S. S. Monticello.
Flag-Officer G. J. Pendergrast,
Commanding West India Squadron.
Sources
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series I, Vol. 5. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1897.
Spirit of '61 