USS Kearsarge - NEW

Item NMC-12057

Description

United states Navy
USS Kearsarge
Charles H. Danforth
Acting Ensign
Backmark: France



From:  https://civilwarhome.com/kearsargeors.html
 
USS KEARSARGE
Port of Cherbourg, June 21, 1864
 
JOHN A. WINSLOW
Captain, Commanding USS Kearsarge
 
Sir:
 
I'd be honored to forward to you the reports of the damage sustained in the different departments of this vessel during the recent action with the Alabama. 
 
In connection with this engagement, I take great pleasure in informing you officially that the conduct of both men and officers equaled in every respect my most sanguine expectations. In the gun divisions, the utmost coolness prevailed throughout the action. The details of the manual of exercise being as carefully attended to as if an ordinary exercise, and to this cause may be attributed the excellent condition of the guns and gear after a rapid firing of an hour's duration. The power division received my particular attention, and its important service was promptly and thoroughly rendered.
 
The circumstances under which the battle was fought afforded no opportunity of displaying special acts of individual heroism, but while every man and boy in the ship displayed the utmost coolness, zeal, and courage, there were some who, by their position and peculiar duties, attracted special attention and deserved special mention.
 
The Marines fought the rifle gun upon the top gallant forecastle under the charge of Acting Master's Mate Charles H. Danforth. The action on our part was commenced by this gun, and its fire was rapid and effective throughout.  The high reputation of their service was nobly sustained by the Marine guard of the ship. The boatswain, James C. Walton, was observantly active and efficient.  Gunner F.A. Graham's duties were all performed efficiently and merit commendation. The carpenter's mate, Mark G. Ham, is well known to you, sir, as a faithful and competent man. His conduct in the battle was distinguished by the cool and intelligent performance of his duties.  It is unnecessary for me to call your attention to the officers commanding the gun or master's division, as their duty was performed under your own eye. I am happy to commend Acting Master's Mate Ezra Bartlett, in charge of the shell supply, for his coolness and efficiency.
 
The surgeon's department, every arrangement that experience or humanity could suggest was made for the comfort of the wounded. Fortunately, we had but three of our own crew in that condition, but as the action, the wounded of the enemy, numbering 15 persons, were consigned to the care of Surgeon J. M. Browne, who was entirely without professional assistance. The duties of his department were thereby rendered extremely arduous, but were coolly and successfully performed.
 
William Gowin, ordinary seaman was severely wounded by the explosion of a shell, he dragged himself to the forward hatch, refusing to allow the men to leave his gun for the purpose of assisting him. His cheerful willingness to sacrifice his life for victory's sake was expressed in terms that animated and encouraged others. John W. Dempsey, quarter gunner, wounded at the same time, losing an arm, displayed similar heroism. James Macbeth, ordinary seaman, another of the wounded men, displayed both courage and patience.
 
All the men on the sick list voluntarily went to their quarters and rendered such service as they were able to perform. The Engineer’s Division was admirably and efficiently conducted under the command of Chief Engineer W. H. Cushman. Sidney L. Smith and Henry McConnell, third assistant engineers, were stationed on deck, and their conduct came immediately under my observation. It was distinguished by coolness and vigilance.  The other assistants, Mr. W. H. Badlam and Mr. F.L. Miller, were on duty in the engine and fire rooms, and judging from the prompt manner in which the orders from the deck were executed, I know that their duties were credibly performed.  The ship is indebted to Paymaster J. A. Smith for efficient service during the action. His clerk, Mr. D. B. Sergeant, performed his duty on deck in the third division.
 
The orderly sergeant, C. T. Young, and the master of arms, Jason R. Watrous, also deserve special mention for admirable performance of their duty.
 
I will hand to you the names of those men specially mentioned by divisional officers as soon as I receive them.
 
In conclusion, sir, let me congratulate [you] on the success of your plan of battle and compliment you on the skill and judgment displayed in its execution. 
 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
JAS S. THORNTON
Lieutenant Commander and Executive Officer
 
Muster roll of officers and crew of USS Kearsarge, June 19, 1864, in engagement with Alabama.
 
OFFICERS
 
John A. Winslow, Captain
James S. Thornton, Lieutenant Commander
James R. Wheeler, acting master
Eben M. Stoddard, acting master
David H. Sumner, acting master
Charles H. Danforth, acting master's mate
Ezra Bartlett, acting master's mate
William H. Yeaton, acting master's mate


Note: Group Image of officers aboard the USS. Kearsarge - Danforth is the 4th officer from the right (Image is not included).