Captain John Clitz of the USS Osceola was a busy man on June 21, 1864, tasked with securing large caliber ammunition for the monitors fighting near Howlett’s Bluff. (MOLLUS)
[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]
Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Barnes, U. S. Navy, to Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy.
Flagship Malvern,
James River, June 21, 1864.
Sir: We are having smart work here and desire that the Rose, which carries this, may be filled up to her capacity for carrying with XV-inch and 150-pounder ammunition and dispatched with all speed on her return.
I have already sent the Hydrangea on the same errand. Let the proportion be one third of 150-pounder to the XV-inch.
The ironclads (rebel) are shelling us from the bend and the batteries from Howlett’s are doing their best. No casualties that I know of as yet.
Yours, respectfully and truly,
Jno [Jonathan]. S. Barnes,
Fleet Captain.
Commander J[ohn]. M. B. Clitz,
Commanding Osceola, City Point.1
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