Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster, U. S. Navy, regarding a cooperative attack upon Fort Clifton, Virginia, June 9, 1864.
U. S. S. Commodore Perry, June 10, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with a request from Major-General Butler, I cooperated with the land forces on the morning of the 9th instant.
At 8:30 a. m. I opened on Fort Clifton, [Virginia], and at 11: 15 a. m. had dismounted one of the enemy’s guns and had struck another, scattering the pieces over the fort.
At 2 p. m. the enemy had left the fort.
The shots they fired at me all fell short, I having dropped down the river [Appomattox] out of range early in the morning.
Enclosed you will please find a list of ammunition expended.
The enemy have been hard at work repairing the fort.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Amos P. Foster,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Acting Rear Admiral S. P. Lee,
Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River.
Abstract log of the U. S. S. Commodore Perry, June 9-10, 1864.
June 9.—At 9 a. m. opened fire on Fort Clifton; dropped down the river 200 yards and continued firing with 100 pounder Parrott; the enemy replied with their batteries. From 12 to 4 p. m. engaged in bombarding Fort Clifton; at 6 p. m. ceased firing. Expended 22 rounds IX inch shell, 144 rounds 100-pounder Parrott shell.
June 10.—At 2 p. m. dropped down the stream a short distance, so as to bring our guns to bear upon the enemy, and opened fire. Expended 3 100-pounder rifle shell, 11 rounds of IX-inch shell.
June 11.—Fired a IX-inch gun at rebel battery; no reply.1
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