Posted inMaritime & Naval History US Civil War

October 19, 1861 – Bold Exploit on the Lower Potomac

Burning a Confederate Schooner in Quantico Creek, by a Detachment of the Potomac Flotilla under Lieutenant Harrell.

Washington, Oct. 12.—The Navy Department this morning received the following despatch:

United States Steamer Union,
Off Aquia Creek, Oct. 11. ’61.

Sir —l have the honor to submit the following report for your information:

Being informed of a large schooner lying in Quanitico or Dumfries’ Creek—knowing also, that a large number of troops were collected at that point, with the view of crossing the Potomac river, as was reported to me, I conceived it to be my duty to destroy the schooner. With this object in view, I took two launches and my boat and pulled in for the vessel at hall past 2 o’clock this morning.

Posted inUS Civil War

October 18, 1861 – Our Army Correspondence

Camp McClellan
Davenport, Oct. 11, 1861

DEAR JOURNAL: –Here we are at last, the members of Capt. Ben. Beach’s company, snugly ensconced in comfortable quarters at Camp McClellan. We are not disappointed as to the position of our camp; its location is beautiful and healthful, but at present thoroughly “muddled” from recent rains, which causes us some inconvenience in “navigatin ;” however. I think one or two days of this beautiful sunshine will dry things up.—

We arrived at Davenport at 7 o’clock Thursday evening, where our friend and fellow soldier, Capt. Charles E. Compton, was waiting to receive us but owing to the inclemency of the weather, we were directed to the Railroad depot, which was furnished us for temporary quarters: While supper was being prepared for us at the Le Claire House, we amused ourselves in sundry ways, singing and dancing being the chief amusement. At the hour of 9, the company was formed and marched down town, where we engaged in supplying the wants of the inner man. Supper over, songs were sung by the “Sardine Club,” the performance closing with Charles Fowler’s inimitable woman’s rights speech, which was loudly applauded by the curious spectators.