4, Report of Fleet Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, transmitting information regarding attack by gunboats in cooperation with the Army for the relief of Fort Donelson (Dover), Tenn., February 3, 1863.
U. S. GUNBOAT FAIRPLAY, Off Dover, Tenn., February 4, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 3d instant I left Smith-land, Ky., with a fleet of transports and the gunboats Lexington. Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, Robb, and Silver Lake, as convoy up the Cumberland River. When about 24 miles below Dover I met the steamer Wild Cat with a message from Colonel Harding, commandant of the post at Dover, informing me that his pickets had been driven in and that he was attacked in force. I immediately left the transports and made signal to the gunboats to follow on up as fast as possible. A short distance below the town I met another steamer, bringing the intelligence that the place was entirely surrounded.
Pushing on up with all possible speed, I arrived here about 8 p.m. and found Colonel Harding's force out of ammunition and entirely surrounded by the rebels in overwhelming numbers, but still holding them in check.
The enemy, not expecting gunboats, had unwisely posted the main body of his army in line of battle in the graveyard at the west end of the town, with his left wing resting in a ravine that led down to the river, giving us a chance to throw a raking fire along his lines.
Simultaneously the gunboats opened fire up this ravine into the graveyard and over into the valley beyond, where the enemy had horses hitched and most probably kept his reserve.
The rebels were so much taken by surprise that they did not even fire a shot, but immediately commenced retreating. So well directed was our fire on them that they could not even carry off a caisson that they had captured from our forces, but were compelled to abandon it, after two fruitless attempts to destroy it by fire.
After having, dispersed the main body of the enemy, I stationed the Robb andSilver Lake below the town to throw shell up the ravine and prevent the rebels from returning to carry off the wounded, while the Lexington, Fairplay, St. Clair, and Brilliant went above and shelled the roads leading out to the eastward.
Supposing the retreating forces would follow the river for a short distance, I sent the Lexington and St. Clair on up to shell the woods, harass and annoy them as much as possible, while this boat and the Brilliant lay opposite the upper ravine and threw shells up the roads.
About 10 p.m. we ceased firing, with the exception of now and then a random shell up the roads.
At 11 p.m., learning from Colonel Harding that the enemy had entirely disappeared, we ceased firing and took position to guard the roads approaching the town.
Although much of our firing was at random, we have the gratification of knowing that scarcely a projectile went amiss, and that out of the 140 buried to-day the gunboats can claim their share.
Even when the Lexington and St. Clair went above, many of their shells fell right in the midst of the retreating rebels, killing and wounding many.
It is reported that the attacking force numbered some 4,500, with eight pieces of artillery, under command of Major-General Wheeler, Brigadier-Generals Forrest and Wharton.
It is certainly very gratifying to us to know that this entire force was cut up, routed, and despoiled of its prey by the timely arrival of the gunboats, and that Colonel Harding and his gallant little band were spared to wear the honors they had so fairly won.
At first I regretted that I was not here with the gunboats sooner, but, upon reflection, I do not think I could better have arranged the time had it been in my power. Had we been here before Wheeler, he would not have made the attack, but most probably would have marched on Fort Henry. Had we arrived during the day, he would have seen our strength and would have retreated with but little loss. Arriving, as we did, after dark, and when he least expected us, and was so sanguine of success, we caught his forces arranged in the most favorable position to receive a raking fire from our guns.
The officers and men were very glad to have a shot at these river infesters, and only regret that they did not remain within reach of our guns a little longer. As it is, they claim the honor of dispersing them and saving Fort Donelson.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LEROY FITCH. Lieutenant-Commander.
Fleet Captain A.M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Commandant of Naval Station, Cairo, Ill.
NOR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pp. 25-27.
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-532-1550 x115
(615)-532-1549 FAX
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-532-1550 x115
(615)-532-1549 FAX
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