A few obvious typographicalerrors have been corrected, and they are indicated witha mouse-hoverand are listed at theend of this book.
SAN FRANCISCO:
HENRY PAYOT & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1868.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by
EDWARD BOSQUI & CO.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, forthe District of California.
EDWARD BOSQUI & CO., PRINTERS.
517 Clay Street, San Francisco.
The Author is induced to publish this narrative of the Kearsarge andAlabama, from the want that exists of a popular, detailed, and yetconcise account of the engagement between the two vessels.
On Sunday, June 12th, 1864, the U. S. Steamer Kearsarge was lying atanchor in the Scheldt, off Flushing, Holland. Suddenly appeared thecornet at the fore—an unexpected signal, that compelled absent officersand men to repair on board. Steam was raised, and immediately after adeparture made, when all hands being called, the nature of theprecipitate movement became apparent. Captain Winslow, in a briefaddress, announced the welcome intelligence of the reception of atelegram from his Excellency, Mr. Dayton, Minister Resident at Paris, tothe effect that the notorious Alabama had arrived the day previous atCherbourg, France; hence, the urgency of departure, the probability ofan encounter, and the confident expectation of her destruction orcapture. The crew responded by cheers.
The succeeding day witnessed the arrival of the Kearsarge at Dover,England, for dispatches, and the day after (Tuesday) her appearance offCherbourg Breakwater. At anchor in the harbor was seen the celebratedAlabama—a beautiful specimen of naval architecture, eliciting encomiumsfor evident neatness, good order, and a well-disciplined crew,indicative of efficiency in any duty required. The surgeon of theKearsarge proceeded on shore and obtained pratique for boats. Owing tothe enforcement of the neutral twenty-four hour regulation, to anchor,became inexpedient; the result was the establishment of a vigilantwatch, alternately, at each of the harbor entrances, which continued tothe moment of the engagement.
On Wednesday, Captain Winslow paid an official visit to the Admiralcommanding the Maritime District and the U. S. Commercial Agent,bringing on his return the unanticipated news that Captain Semmesdeclared his intention to fight. At first, the assertion was hardlycredited, the policy of the Alabama being regarded as in opposition to aconflict, but even the doubters were speedily half convinced when the[5]character of the so-called challenge was disclosed, viz.:
"To A. Bonfils, Esq.,
"Sir: I hear that you were informed by the U. S. Consul, that theKearsarge was to come to this por