ORN Series 1, Vol. X: Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Samuel P. Lee, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, June 21, 1864

[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]

Report of Acting Rear-Admiral [Samuel P.] Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of engagement.

Flagship North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
James River, Virginia, June 24, 1864.

This map covers the June 21, 1864 Action at Howlett’s Bluff, in which four Union monitors engaged the brand new Howlett House Battery.

Sir: I enclose reports of our engagement on the 21st instant with the battery which the enemy that day mounted at Howlett’s. Their ironclads and gunboats, lying concealed in the reaches above the bar, participated in the action.

The firing from the monitors was good. One of the enemy’s guns was dismounted. We met with no casualties.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S[amuel]. P. Lee,
Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

1. Report of Commander [Tunis A. M.] Craven, Tecumseh, June 23.
2. Report of Commander [Edmund R.] Colhoun, enclosing Chief Engineer Peake’s report and sketches, showing injury to vessel (Saugus), date, June 23.
3. Report of Lieutenant-Commander [Charles H.] Cushman, Onondaga.
4. Report of Commander [Enoch G.] Parrott, Canonicus, June 23, enclosing Chief Engineer Macomb’s report.
5. Report of Commander [Alexander C.] Rhind, Agawam.

[Endorsement.]

Craven’s and Parrott’s reports sent June 20; Captain Errick’s to be returned.

Fox.¹

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