The Story of the Kearsarge and Alabama   By: A. K. Browne

A few obvious typographical errors have been corrected, and they are listed at the end of this book.

THE STORY

OF THE

KEARSARGE

AND

ALABAMA.

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, for the District of California.

EDWARD BOSQUI & CO., PRINTERS. 517 Clay Street, San Francisco.

The Author is induced to publish this narrative of the Kearsarge and Alabama, from the want that exists of a popular, detailed, and yet concise account of the engagement between the two vessels.

THE STORY.

On Sunday, June 12th, 1864, the U. S. Steamer Kearsarge was lying at anchor in the Scheldt, off Flushing, Holland. Suddenly appeared the cornet at the fore an unexpected signal, that compelled absent officers and men to repair on board. Steam was raised, and immediately after a departure made, when all hands being called, the nature of the precipitate movement became apparent. Captain Winslow, in a brief address, announced the welcome intelligence of the reception of a telegram from his Excellency, Mr. Dayton, Minister Resident at Paris, to the effect that the notorious Alabama had arrived the day previous at Cherbourg, France; hence, the urgency of departure, the probability of an encounter, and the confident expectation of her destruction or capture. 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 off Cherbourg Breakwater. At anchor in the harbor was seen the celebrated Alabama a beautiful specimen of naval architecture, eliciting encomiums for evident neatness, good order, and a well disciplined crew, indicative of efficiency in any duty required. The surgeon of the Kearsarge proceeded on shore and obtained pratique for boats. Owing to the enforcement of the neutral twenty four hour regulation, to anchor, became inexpedient; the result was the establishment of a vigilant watch, alternately, at each of the harbor entrances, which continued to the moment of the engagement.

On Wednesday, Captain Winslow paid an official visit to the Admiral commanding the Maritime District and the U. S. Commercial Agent, bringing on his return the unanticipated news that Captain Semmes declared his intention to fight. At first, the assertion was hardly credited, the policy of the Alabama being regarded as in opposition to a conflict, but even the doubters were speedily half convinced when the character of the so called challenge was disclosed, viz.:

"C. S. S. ALABAMA, Cherbourg, June 14th, 1864.

"TO A. BONFILS, Esq., "Cherbourg

" Sir : I hear that you were informed by the U. S. Consul, that the Kearsarge was to come to this port solely for the prisoners landed by me, and that she was to depart in twenty four hours. I desire you to say to the U. S. Consul that my intention is to fight the Kearsarge, as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to morrow evening, or after the morrow morning at farthest. I beg she will not depart before I am ready to go out.

"I have the honor to be

"Very respectfully, "Your obedient servant, "R. SEMMES, "Captain."