Detailed report of Major Watkins, C. S. Army, commanding on the Sabine River to Captain E. P. Turner, Assistant Adjutant-General, of the capture of the Morning Light by forces under his command (Page 3 of 3). This report is in Volume 19 of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion.
(This report is continued from page 565) This ship proved to be the sloop of war Morning Light, of about 1,000 tons burden, mounting 8 long 32s and 1 rifled butler gun, commanded by Acting Master John Dillingham. The schooner was the Velocity, mounting 2 brass 12-pound howitzers, of the Dahlgren heavy model of 1858, with both boat and land carriages. The sloop of war is ballasted with about 400 tons of pig iron, and had on board a very large supply of the very best ammunition, which is now safe, and a great quantity of other stores. We captured 11 fine guns, about 150 stand of small arms, 109 prisoners, including 29 negroes, without the loss of a single man or material damage to our boats. The enemy lost 1 killed, 2 reported mortally and 7 slightly wounded.
All of my officers and men are entitled to the highest praise. Captains Fowler and Johnson, and the engineers and pilots under their command, deserve great credit for the skillful manner in which they handled their boats under fire. Captains Nolan and O'Bryan fought with intelligence and courage. Captain Keith managed his guns to the best possible advantage. Captain Odlum, chief of the ordinance expedition, discharged his duties to my entire satisfaction, and acted during the fight with great intrepidity. Lieutenant Dowling, acting adjutant, commanded the gun on board this boat, and by his address saved teh ship's magazine from being flooded. Captains Heriot and [Dan] Showalter rendered invaluable assistance in communicating my orders. Acting assistant Surgeon Bailey, aided by Volunteer Surgeons [C. L.] Anderson and [J. G. D.] Murray, were sent by me to the enemy to assist in caring for their wounded. The service owes a debt of gratitude to these officers for their meritorious condcut throughout the expedition. Lieutenant Millett, acting assistant commissary subsistence and acting assistant quartermaster, after discharging the duties of his office with intelligence and integrity, participated actively and gallantly in the fight.
I can not refrain from representing to the major-general commanding the valuable services I have received from Major B. Bloomfield, chief quartermaster, who has supplied me with everything within his control necessary to my success, evincing as great interest in the expedition as if he had commanded in person. I also ask to represent to the commanding general that Captain [William W.] Word, commanding the transport Sunflower, and Captain Pamele, of the Roebuck, have given me the assitance of their respective steamers and are entitled to the thanks of those who rejoice in our victory.
I shall at an early day submit to the major-general commanding an elaborate report of all that has been done by the expedition since the battle, and as soon as the official reports of my officers are received I will bring to his notice the names of others who have distinguished themselves in action.
I have the honor to remain, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Oscar M. Watkins,
Major and assitant Adjutant-General, Comdg. on the Sabine.
Captain E. P. Turner,
Assistant Adjutant-General
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Last updated November 9, 2008
