World Power Page 8

  On an intercept course, three miles southwest of the harbor, USS Sangamon, and USS Towanda had their 15-inch Dahlgren cannons loaded with explosive shot and were run out. The frigates were instructed to stay back, then engage targets of opportunity. With the distance between USS Sangamon and HMS Achilles closing rapidly, Sangamon’s forward turret fired striking Achilles port side below the fo’cs’le, with one shell exploding on the armor and the other was a near miss. The forward turret rotated away; the rear turret fired with one shell being deflected by the armor with the other exploding, puncturing the armor showering gun crews with splinters and shrapnel.

  HMS Achilles fired a broadside, but the 10-inch side armor and the 15-inch turret armor deflected all the hits. Sangamon fired from the broadside, first with the forward turret then with the rear. The first two shells exploded on the armor and the second two punched through, with the explosions knocking out two 7-inch cannons. The turrets rotated away, reloaded, then Sangamon closed in on HMS Vigilant.

  USS Towanda then closed in on HMS Achilles. The forward turret fired an explosive shot, with the explosions peeling off the armor. The rear turret fired into the same area with both shells punching through and exploding amidships. The force of the explosions devastated the gun deck with splinters and shrapnel killing or wounding 20 of the gun crew including the First Officer. Achilles’ weakened broadside did not affect, with all the hits ricocheting off. Another salvo striking under the quarterdeck blasted through and exploded in front of the Mizzen mast dismounting two more cannons with the explosions venting up through the quarterdeck wounding Captain Vansittart, knocking him to the deck. Observing that HMS Achilles was seriously damaged, the US Navy frigates closed in for the kill. Vansittart, suffering several shrapnel wounds, painfully stood back up. Achilles rocked as the first broadside from a US Navy frigate impacted her wounded hull.

  As USS Sangamon steamed towards HMS Vigilant, which fired its 37-gun broadside as the guns were able to bear. The cannon balls and explosive shot ricocheted off the side and turret armor. USS Sangamon fired from the first turret with the 15-inch explosive shot easily penetrating to the middle of HMS Vigilant’s lower gun deck before exploding. The second turret fired the shells also causing substantial damage to the lower gun deck.

  HMS Vigilant responded with another broadside, which did not affect. Both of USS Sangamon’s turrets reloaded and fired again wrecking the lower gun deck. The combined salvos had killed or wounded over 30 of the gun crew, disabling six of the heavy guns.

  As Sangamon moved on to HMS Euphrates, USS Towanda began the attack run on HMS Vigilant, which responded with ragged cannon fire, which did not affect with the balls and shells ricocheting off.

  USS Towanda fired both turrets in unison and the explosive shells penetrated beyond amidships before exploding. This decimated relief gun crews who were moving from the opposite side to replace the previously killed and wounded. Towanda’s second salvo exploded at the base of Vigilant’s mizzen mast with so much damage that the mast slowly toppled over the port side. That had the effect to turn Vigilant to port.

  Towanda crossed her stern firing the turrets in sequence with raking explosive shot. Four explosions amidships rocked Vigilant, igniting numerous fires, punctured the boiler which moments later also exploded up through the main deck and out her sides. With her back broken and taking on massive amounts of water HMS Vigilant began to sink.

  The Royal Navy frigates HMS Isis, HMS Narcissus and HMS Emerald steamed to assist the damaged HMS Achilles which was under attack by the US Navy frigates USS Suffolk, USS Coos and USS Hampton Bay. The entire battle moved to the southwest providing a magnificent spectacle to viewers along the cliffs near Sambro. USS Towanda cut loose her trailing life boats to aid the Royal Navy sailors, who were rapidly abandoning HMS Vigilant.

  Captain Lawrence observed that USS Sangamon was winning her battle with HMS Euphrates ordered USS Towanda to steam to the southwest to aid the US Navy frigates who were exchanging broadsides with HMS Isis, HMS Achilles, HMS Narcissus and HMS Emerald. The masthead lookout saw ships bearing down on Halifax from the east, southeast.

  Torn between the need to assist his fellow captains and his duty to maintain the blockade, Captain Lawrence signaled USS Sangamon to finish off HMS Euphrates, then follow USS Towanda as she steamed to intercept the approaching ships. His frigate captains would have to fight their battle.

  USS Sangamon was close to forcing the heavily damaged HMS Euphrates to surrender. Instead, she loaded her turrets with explosive shot and aimed for HMS Euphrates waterline. The four shells exploded blasting holes in the hull of HMS Euphrates at or below the waterline. With her lower decks flooding, HMS Euphrates began to settle into the water. USS Sangamon then steamed after USS Towanda.

  Fifteen Royal Navy Troopships were approaching Halifax. They appreciated that the major naval battle was to the southwest approaches. That battle drew off the blockaders, leaving an opening for them to enter from the northeast. The Royal Navy sloops of war were screening south of the column of troop ships.

  Suddenly, signals from the warships indicated the troop ships to make all haste to Halifax. Then the Royal Navy warships turned west to meet the approaching US Navy ironclads. The Royal Navy sloop of war commanders understood they were facing impossible odds; however, their duty was to provide the troop ships with the opportunity to reinforce Halifax. Onward, into the maw of destruction they sailed.

  USS Towanda altered her course to the northeast to intercept the Royal Navy column. Captain Lawrence realized he could not intercept them all, conceding that the first three troop ships were out of his reach. He determined that the others would be his prey. USS Sangamon was 15 minutes steaming time behind and could intercept the troop ships as they broke column and tried to reach Halifax on their own. His first order of business was to dispose of the escort.

  The four Royal Navy warships approached in a diamond formation. Captain Lawrence ordered full speed ahead. He instructed both turrets to target the lead ship, as he steered a course to split the left side of the diamond. The re-loaded turrets would target the sloop of war on the left. Once reloaded, the turrets would take on the trailing warship, with the reloading turrets firing at whatever target was opportune. USS Towanda would not stop and would steam directly at the troop ships. USS Sangamon would follow the path of destruction firing on any of the Royal Navy surviving warships.

  The lead Royal Navy sloop fired an ineffectual broadside as USS Towanda she steamed past. USS Towanda’s four 15-inch Dahlgren's fired in unison, devastating the sloop. Towanda’s guns reloaded and had the same effect on the second Royal Navy Sloop. As USS Towanda was devastating the third Royal Navy sloop, USS Sangamon approached the first. Within a one-half hour, the four sloops were devastated wrecks. In that time-frame, the first three troop ships were able to enter Halifax Harbor. The other twelve troop ships scattered, hoping to evade capture individually.

  USS Towanda fired a shot across the bow of two troop ships, a clear warning that they were to stop all evasive maneuvers. The Royal Navy captains shortened sail and surrendered.

  A third troop ship tried to evade with the soldiers firing their weapons at the turrets. With hundreds of bullets fired, several found their mark, killing two and wounding four of the gun crew. The turret top Gatling guns opened up with a destructive fire. At the same time, both of the turrets fired the 15-inch Dahlgrens at close range. The troop ship incurred devastating damage, with more than 100 soldiers killed in action. The ship’s Captain regained control from the soldiers and quickly surrendered.

  USS Sangamon also captured two troopships, before afternoon fog obscured vision and shrouded the coastline. The fog bank allowed the other seven troop ships to escape into Halifax. The five captured troop ships were shepherded offshore to avoid the fog. There they were met by Admiral Porter’s fleet. Admiral Porter signaled the captains of USS Towanda and USS Sangamon to attend him on USS Agamenticus. After learning of the frigate battle off Sambro Head, Admiral
Porter signaled USS Stonewall and USS Puritan to render needed aid to the three US Navy frigates.

  The Battle between the frigates had resolved itself into individual duels between six vessels. The severely damaged HMS Achilles had lost its fore and mizzen masts. The crew had cut away the damaged spars and rigging, but her list was increasing as she attempted to make her way back to Halifax.

  HMS Achilles’ consorts and the US Navy frigates were fighting circular engagements, each trying to gain an advantage. All the ships captains were focused on their individual battles and paid scant heed to the battles around them. That changed when the Marines on the fighting tops on the USS Suffolk sighted USS Stonewall and USS Puritan approaching from the northeast.

  The Royal Marines on HMS Isis also saw the approaching ironclads and shouted their warnings to Captain Benbow. Realizing the threat, the captain tried to break off and escape into the late day fog.

  USS Suffolk, seeing an opportunity cut across the stern of HMS Isis and delivered a raking broadside which smashed through with explosive shot devastating Isis, killing or wounding dozens of the crew. HMS Isis’ mizzen mast slowly toppled over, and sailors frantically tried to cut away the wreckage. USS Suffolk delivered another broadside into the wreckage with the explosive shot cutting down dozens more crew and starting numerous fires. Captain Benbow realizing continued fighting would destroy his ship struck his flag.

  HMS Emerald and HMS Narcissus also tried to break off the engagement but were prevented from gaining the fog bank by USS Coos and USS Hampton Bay. USS Stonewall and USS Puritan, setting course directly towards Halifax, intercepted HMS Emerald, and HMS Narcissus. The shot from 20-inch cannons devastated the much lighter frigates before their guns were in range, and swiftly concluded the engagements. After sustaining three salvos, both HMS Emerald and HMS Narcissus struck their flags.

  USS Hampton Bay sailed down on HMS Achilles. Captain Naismith, observed through his binoculars that the main deck was empty of the gun crew. There were carpenters trying to jury rig sails. The smoke stack, riddled with holes, caused sparks to fall to the deck. Seamen extinguished the fires with buckets of water. The Quarterdeck had an officer, the helmsman, and two Marines.

  Not wanting to murder Achilles surviving crew, Naismith ordered a single shot over her bow. The wounded Captain Vansittart struck his flag. Captain Naismith accompanied the prize crew and a detachment of US Marines when they boarded HMS Achilles.

  Captain Vansittart handed Naismith his sword and said: “Thank you for not firing on us. Most of my surviving crew are manning the pumps or patching holes. My concern is we are losing that battle. I also have more wounded crew than the physician and his staff can handle.”

  Captain Naismith replied: “I will send my surgeon and his mates over, and will also have pumps brought over to assist your crew. We will escort you into Sambro Harbor where we will quarter you, your officers and crew. I will also have my surgeon attend to your wounds.”

  Naismith then introduced Lieutenant Sampson as the Prize Officer who would command Achilles. Captain Vansittart saluted and offered his parole. Captain Naismith returned the salute, then returned to USS Suffolk. Lieutenant Sampson went below to survey the damage. What he found was discouraging as the pumps were losing the battle.

  Chester, Nova Scotia:

  General Chamberlin hosted Admirals Dahlgren, Porter and General Sherman at his headquarters. General Sherman had arrived the previous day and established siege lines north and east of the city. Halifax was now surrounded, with a US Navy blockade putting a cork in the bottle. Commodore Treats flotilla was in total command of the Bay of Fundy, while General Ames troops were subjugating New Brunswick. Admiral Lee had landed 3,000 of Sherman’s troops to capture Prince Edward Island. Dahlgren had sent a flotilla with an ironclad and a regiment of soldiers to capture St John’s Newfoundland. Observing the size of the attacking force, the British garrison of 100 men surrendered and gave their parole.

  As the Theater Commander, General Chamberlain spoke first: “Gentlemen, this is a historic day. We are in total control of Lower Canada. I propose to end the struggle as bloodlessly as possible. By now the British Army commanders know that we invested Halifax. I propose we let them stew in the pot for a while, then send them a surrender proposal utilizing the fleet. This proposal should also include an element of intimidation. I suggest sending USS Quinsigamond, and USS Passaconamy under the “Black Flag” of Parley into Halifax.

  While we deliver them surrender terms, we also provide them a good look at our long naval guns. We could also repatriate their Admiral Peale as an expression of goodwill. Wounded as he is, he will be able to give them a first-hand account of his defeat at sea and let them digest his information. That will let them imagine the consequences of refusal.”

  Admiral Dahlgren and Admiral Porter concurred with this discussion. They indicated that a show of naval strength would be intimidating. General Sherman agreed with the plan and offered to extend the siege trenches closer to the Citadel’s fortifications. The plan would demonstrate to the defenders that there was no escape. The revised plan was accepted.

  The severely damaged captured Royal Navy battleships and frigates were under tow into Sambro and Chester harbors. These ships anchored in groups one mile from shore. The plan was considered the best method to prevent sabotage. The captured HMS Achilles had to be grounded on a sand bar off Chester to prevent her from sinking. Admiral Peale and Captain Vansittart entered hospitals for treatment. Other captured officers extended their parole, and Chamberlain provided accommodations at local inns. Chamberlain assured the innkeepers that the United States would pay all expenses.

  The sailors and marines stayed under guard aboard two of the derelict battleships. Each day many were brought ashore to construct an internment camp, while ship carpenters were tasked to repair the damaged vessels. Once completed, the internment camp housed all crew member except for the carpenters.

  CHAPTER 11

  June 1, 1868 - Washington DC

  The telegraph lines were busy. Commodore Treat sent a courier ship to Searsport to announce the victories in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, and Windsor, Nova Scotia. The daily newspapers were full of stories of the victories including General Sherman’s advances throughout Nova Scotia and Admiral Lee’s capture of Prince Edward Island.

  The Boston press hounded Commodore Treat’s family in Chelsea, Massachusetts for biographical information about the hometown hero. Society pages speculated as to why such an eligible bachelor was still unmarried. His mother and grandmother replied that they had plans for high society parties when Robert returned home from the war. Boston society was abuzz with speculation about eligible society daughters.

  Two days later a courier ship arrived in Boston with messages from Admirals Porter and Dahlgren. Those messages reported the destruction of the Royal Navy fleet and the capture of five transport ships. The telegraph messages also reported that General Chamberlain’s army had landed, invested Halifax, and a siege had begun. The news spread quickly with banner headlines celebrating the victories. Spontaneous parades took place in most cities, and a feeling of patriotism spread throughout the country.

  A jubilant President Lincoln convened a meeting of his cabinet. He began: “Halifax is ours for the taking. The question is do we take it by force, or give the siege a chance to end this phase of the conflict without needless bloodshed. Time is on our side. General Chamberlain advises that we squeeze the siege tight. Halifax will quickly run through the new supplies from Great Britain; and will not receive food and supplies from Nova Scotia itself. Whatever supplies they had stockpiled to get through the winter will soon be gone. So my friends, what are your ideas on this issue?”

  Secretary of State Seward raised his hand and was recognized. He stood and related: “Earlier today I had a meeting with the Ambassador of the North German Confederation. He has offered the services of his government to settle the Canadian issue. He is acting under instructions from Crown Prince Frederick wh
o has a wide portfolio in foreign relations. He recognizes our rights of conquest. However, the Crown Prince is eager for a peaceful solution. Apparently, Frederick, who currently resides in his wife’s castle in Great Britain, is also in contact with the British Foreign Office. The Prince has offered his services to mediate in any negotiations personally. His efforts may dovetail nicely with what you just spoke. With the Crown Prince personally involved, the negotiations have a high chance of success.”

  President Lincoln, thoughtfully stroking his beard said: “Pursue this avenue of negotiations. An assault on Halifax will be very costly; not only to us but also the citizenry of Halifax. When we govern, it will be better if we can peacefully transition into power.”

  At that moment, Grant’s Chief of Staff entered, and handed him a message. Secretary Grant read the message, handed it to Secretary Farragut, and then raised his hand to be recognized. Lincoln acknowledged. Grant walked over to the map and began: “The reports from Generals Chamberlain and Sherman are encouraging. It appears that the most severe resistance came from the United Empire Loyalists, who are descendants of Loyalist colonists during the Revolutionary War. General Sherman gives Commodore Treat the credit for breaking their resistance at Winslow. The Loyalists had dug well-prepared defenses, which would have bloodied Sherman’s assault. Treat sailed his ironclads into the harbor, and bombarded the Loyalists into submission. We could have problems with the Loyalists after the surrender of Halifax. It might be to our advantage to have them emigrated to England or Ireland.”