Report of (Confederate) Major-General Magruder to General S. Cooper in Richmond, Virginia, regarding of the capture of the USS Morning Light. This is in Volume 19 of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion.
Hdqrs. Dist. of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona,
Houston, Tex., January 24, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report that Sabine Pass has been cleared of the enemy, 2 gunboats which I fitted up on the Sabine having captured the enemy's blockading squadron, consisting of a 12-gun ship of war and a schooner man-of-war of 2 guns, commanded by officers of the U. S. Navy. Our boats pursued the enemy 30 miles at sea, during which time a running fight was kept up. Finally getting them under fire of our Enfield rifles, they surrendered and never turned back to the Pass.
This expedition was under command of Major O. M. Watkins of my staff, and was fitting out under my orders, principally by the gallant Leon Smith, now in command of the Harriet Land and the rest of the vessels in Galveston Harbor.
Major Watkins reports that he captured 13 heavy guns, 129 prisoners, and $100,000 worth of stores.
The commander of the Federal squadron reports that the severe naval engagement seen from Galveston Island a few nights ago was between the 290 and the United States war steamer Hatteras, and that the latter sunk. Many fragments of the steamer floated ashore on Galveston Island. Our steamers in the late engagement were commanded by Captains Fowler and Johnson, sea captains of Texas, and manned principally by volunteers from Pyron's regiment of cavalry, Cook's regiment of artillery, and Spaight's battalion of infantry.
I will add that I hope soon to have a squaadron of 4 gunboats on the Rio Grande for further protection. The interior is tranquil.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. Bankhead Magruder,
Major-General Commanding.
General S. Cooper,
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Last updated November 9, 2008
