At the Battle of Cherbourg, 19 June 1864, Seaman Magee aboard the USS Kearsarge spotted the CSS Alabama, commanded by CPT Semmes as it departed the safety of Cherbourg Harbor to do battle in the English Channel. While both sloops-of-war were almost evenly matched in terms of cannon, the USS Kearsarge also had an armored hull, which became a deciding factor in the coming engagement.
Sources used for this episode:
Bradlee, Francis B. C. The Kearsarge-Alabama Battle. The Story as told to the writer by James Magee of Marblehead, Seaman on the Kearsarge. Salem: Essex Institute, 1921. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t2c82qw8g&seq=11&view=1up.
Semmes, Raphael. Memoirs of a Service Afloat, During the War Between the States. Baltimore: Kelly, Piet & Co., 1869. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/34827/pg34827-images.html.
Rush, Richard. Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Washington: Government Printing Press, 1896. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924051350829&view=1up&seq=9.
17 Medals of Honor issued to the crew of the USS Kearsarge. https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/lists/civil-war-uss-kearsarge-recipients.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:22):
Hello everyone.
My name is bill Conklin.
And welcome to first personcivil war podcast.
Which retails the stories of thesoldiers and officers.
On the ground.
And for this episode on thewater, in the battles of the
civil war, in honor of the oneyear anniversary since the
(00:45):
launch of this podcast.
I've decided to mark theoccasion with a special episode.
episode 39 is entitled semenMcGee of the USS Kearsarge face.
Captain Sims and the CSS,Alabama.
At the battle of Cher Berg.
(01:09):
Before his death, seaman JamesMcGee imparted his story of
service on the Kearsarge toFrancis BC Bradley.
And in 1929, he published.
The Kearsarge, Alabama battle.
The story as told to the writerby James McGee of Marblehead
seaman on the Kearsarge.
(01:31):
And in 1869, Rafael Sams wrote.
Memoirs of service, a floatduring the war between the
states.
And both books serve as thesources for this episode.
James McGee was born in newHaven, Connecticut in 1839.
And by 1860 lived in Marblehead,Massachusetts, where he worked
(01:55):
as a Shoemaker.
And had gotten married that sameyear to marry Susan night.
Once the civil war began, hedecided to join the Navy and was
eventually assigned to the USSKearsarge.
Launched in September, 1861 andcommission for service on 28,
January, 1862 at the PortsmouthNaval yard in Maine.
(02:20):
The USS Kearsarge was a sloop ofwar, which relied on sale and
steam power for propulsion.
It had a single gun deck with anarmament of.
Two 11 inch Dahlgren pivot guns.
With a shell weight of 166pounds.
For 32 pounder guns.
(02:41):
When fired in unison, this wasthe Kearsarge is broadside.
And one 30 pounder parrot rifle.
Rather than joining theblockading squadrons further
south, she sailed across theAtlantic ocean to engage
Confederate ships operating inEuropean waters.
Rafael Sam's was born inMaryland in 1809.
(03:04):
And attended the Charlotte hallmilitary academy.
Upon graduation in 1826, heentered the us Navy.
Where he saw service on severalvessels until the Mexican
American war.
Rafael Sam's was given commandof the USS summers and while
pursuing a Mexican vessel offthe coast of Vera Cruz.
(03:25):
The ship got caught in a squalland capsized.
With most of the crew survivingthe ordeal.
As the U S army marched in landRafael, Sam's joined the staff
of general worth and was presentwith the army through the battle
of Chapultepec and theoccupation of Mexico city.
In 1851, he wrote service, afloat and a shore during the
(03:49):
Mexican war.
As the succession crisisunfolded now, commander Raphael
Simms was still in the us Navy.
And in early 1861 was assignedto the lighthouse board in
Washington, DC.
At 4:00 PM on 14 February, hereceived a telegram from Charles
(04:10):
M.
Conrad in Montgomery, Alabama.
Sir on behalf of the committeeof Naval affairs, I beg leave to
request that you will repair tothis place at your earliest
convenience.
He sent a telegram response thatevening.
Dispatch received.
(04:31):
I will be with you immediately.
That night commander Simmsinformed his family of his
decision to leave and theyprepared to depart south.
The next day, he handed a noteto his superior.
Sir.
I've respectfully tender throughyou to the president of the
(04:52):
United States.
This the resignation of thecommission, which I have the
honor to hold as a commander inthe Navy of the United States.
And severing my connection withthe government of the United
States and with the departmentof our, which you preside.
I pray you to accept my thanksfor the kindness, which has
characterized your officialdepartment toward me.
(05:17):
Rafael, Sam's received acommission as a commander in the
Confederate Navy and served inseveral positions, such as the
commander of the CSS Sumter.
By August, 1862, Rafael SEMSreceived a promotion to captain.
And given command of the CSS,Alabama.
And for two years engaged usvessels in the Gulf of Mexico,
(05:41):
the Atlantic Indian and Pacificoceans.
The CSS, Alabama was also asloop of war constructed in
Liverpool, England withConfederate funds.
Her armament consisted of 6 30,2 pounder cannon in broadside
and her pivot guns included one,100 pounder Blakely.
(06:04):
And 1 68 pounder cannon.
In June of 1864, the USSKearsarge was in Dover, England.
Under the command of captainJohn Winslow.
And tasked with keeping tabs onthe CSS Rappahannock.
When he received a telegram fromthe us ambassador to France
(06:25):
about the CSS, Alabama.
Yesterday 12th, June.
I received a telegram from Mr.
Dayton, informing me that theAlabama had put into share Berg.
When I immediately left on myway off that port.
After receiving a new try saleand top sale ordered here by
(06:45):
survey.
I shall proceed and expect toreach, share Berg tomorrow
night.
On 14, June semen, McGee, andthe USS Kearsarge attempted to
draw the CSS, Alabama out of theport of shared Berg and into a
fight.
But since France was a neutralcountry, the Alabama was safe in
(07:07):
port and remained in place.
Arriving there.
We ran into the mouth of theHarbor.
Had a good look at ourantagonist and fired a blank
shot out of politeness for SEMSto come out.
But he did not come out thatday.
Here we lay off and on runningoff by day and standing in by
(07:28):
night.
Close enough to see all thatwent in and out of the Harbor.
Just as a note, running offmeant with the visibility of the
day, the Kearsarge laid off thecoast to watch for the Alabama.
And standing in by night meantthat the Kearsarge was close to
the Harbor and always watchingfor their Confederate pho.
(07:52):
As the CSS Alabama pulled intothe port of Cher Berg.
She was in need of repairs.
Her crew had just completed acruise from the Cape of good
hope to France and whileunderway sees the Rockingham and
the tycoon.
Which were union merchantvessels and held their crew on
board.
(08:13):
Though, when a safe Harborcaptain Sims and the CSS,
Alabama had little time forrespite.
On 14, June or three days afterour arrival.
She meaning the USS Kearsarge.
Steamed into the Harbor ofshare.
Berg, sent a boat on shore tocommunicate with the
(08:33):
authorities.
And without anchoring, steamedout again and took her station
off the Breakwater.
We had heard a day or two beforeof the expected arrival of this
ship.
And it was generally understoodamong my crew that I intended to
engage her.
Her appearance, thereforeproduced no little excitement on
(08:55):
board.
He talks about refusing thetransfer of prisoners to the
Kearsarge and continues.
I now address the note to Mr.
Bonfils our agent requesting himto inform captain Winslow
through the U S console.
That if he would wait until Icould receive some call on
board.
I would come out and give himbattle.
(09:19):
From their position off thecoast of France, seaman McGee,
and the crew of the USSKearsarge received the letter.
We had no communication withBerg up to the 16th of June.
Then three men pulled out fromthe shore in a boat.
About six miles to where we lay.
(09:39):
Came alongside and gave a noteto the captain.
And then pulled back into port.
The captain told the boson topipe all hands AFT.
He then produced the note, whichreads thus.
Captain Winslow.
Sir.
I am undergoing a few repairshere, which I hope.
(10:00):
Well, not take longer than theMoro.
Then I will come out and fightyou a fair and square fights.
Most respectfully yours.
Captain RSMs.
Captain SEMS and the CSS Alabamaremained in port for three more
days.
And by the evening of the 18th,he deemed the ship ready for
(10:23):
combat.
The next morning, 19, June,1864.
He ordered the Alabama to departshare Berg port for the English
channel to fight the USSKearsarge.
As the ship cleared the Harborcaptain Sims addressed the crew.
Officer's and seaman of theAlabama.
(10:45):
You have at length, anotheropportunity of meeting the
enemy.
The first that has beenpresented to you since the
Hatteras.
Here.
He means the last engagementwith a union gunboat, which was
January, 1863.
And he continues.
In the meantime, you have beenall over the world.
(11:05):
And it is not too much to saythat you have destroyed and
driven for protection underneutral flags.
One half of the enemy'scommerce, which at the beginning
of the war covered every, see.
He posts about the fame, thegained, especially in Europe and
he continues.
The flag that floats over you isthat of a young Republic who
(11:27):
bids defiance to her enemieswhenever and wherever found.
Show the world, you know how touphold it.
Go to your quarter's.
No, the port of share Berg wasavailable for both the USS
Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama'suse for repairs.
And refitting.
The nation of France was neutralduring the American civil war.
(11:50):
Which meant the ships could onlyfight in the international
waters of the English channel.
Approximately six miles distant.
A fight between these twovessels was expected for days.
And many French locals traveledto the cliffs of Cher Berg to
witness the battle.
Also viewing at a safe distancewas the English yacht deer
(12:11):
hound.
And the French ironcladCoumadin.
Which ensured no violation ofFrench waters during the fights.
As the Alabama cleared the portof share Berg.
The USS Kearsarge sailed furtherout into the English channel.
As our captain wanted to ensurethe observance of the water
boundary.
(12:32):
Once he was satisfied.
The Kearsarge turned about andsemen muggy witnessed the
opening shots from the CSS,Alabama.
When within about a mile fromher, she fired her bowel chaser.
The shot dropped very carelesslyalongside our forward pivot
port.
Within about four feet of ourship side and doing no damage.
(12:56):
The next shot.
She fired, struck us in the portbow and glanced off doing no
harm.
She fired some two or three moreshots, very wildly that when
whistling above our mastheads.
During this time we did not fireone shot.
But when within half a mile, WeHove round and gave her a broad
(13:17):
side.
Here we had it.
Broadside and broadside.
Both ships under a full head ofsteam, the Alabama firing two or
three shots, two hour one.
By this time, captain Samsrecognize the maneuverability of
(13:37):
the Kearsarge and place theAlabama into a turn.
The enemy now pressed his shipunder a full head of steam and
to prevent our passing eachother to speedily.
And to keep our respectivebroadside sparing.
It became necessary to fight ina circle.
The two ships steaming around acommon center and preserving a
(14:01):
distance from each other, uh,from three quarters of a mile.
Seaman McGee does not explicitlystate where he was aboard the
Kearsarge, but by his account ofthe battle, it is likely he was
a part of, one of the broad sidegun crews or of the Dahlgren's.
We engaged her at 700 yards.
(14:23):
And as we fought in a circle, weclosed in to about 500 yards.
And held this position for abouthalf an hour.
Then finding we were getting thebest of the fight.
The captain desiring to bringthe thing to an end closed in to
about 250 yards and discharged afull broad side.
(14:46):
The USS Kearsarge had an armortall and could withstand the
broad sides at such a closerange.
But captain Sims is Alabama hadnone.
Some 10 or 15 minutes after thecommencement of the action are
spanker GAF.
Meaning a sale.
Was shot away.
(15:06):
And our end sin came down by therun.
This was immediately replaced byanother mizzenmast.
Is this changing of the incidenton the CSS, Alabama?
That semen Magee claimstreachery on the part of the
Confederates.
The men seem to be gettingdemoralized.
(15:27):
They ran the white flag up inthe main rigging and the success
flag and the for rigging.
The captain gave the order tocease firing.
And on doing so we found thatthey thought we were off our
guard as they let fly anotherbroad side.
One of the shots went throughour smoke pipe and a 68 pounder
(15:48):
launched in our stern post.
Doing no other damage as it didnot explode.
We then add orders again toengage her.
So we began to decorate heragain with our 11 inch shell.
Captain, Sam's not knowing theeffect of moving the ship.
Sensing noted the increasedintensity of the battle.
(16:11):
The firing now became very hotand the enemy shot and shell
began to tell upon our hall,knocking down, killing and
disabling a number of men at thesame time in different parts of
the ship.
After the lapse of about onehour and 10 minutes.
Our ship was ascertained to bein a sinking condition.
(16:33):
The enemy shell having explodedin our side, in between our
decks opening, large aperturesthrough which the water was
rushing with.
Great rapidity.
By captain Sam's account.
He ordered the CSS Alabama toturn for share Berg.
But soon assess that the shipcould not make the port.
(16:53):
He then ran down the Anson anddispatched a row boat to the
Kearsarge to request assistance.
As the rowboat made for theKearsarge.
He states that the union gunnersdeliberately targeted them.
With no mention of firing on therow boats, captain Winslow's
account roughly matches hisConfederate pho.
(17:14):
Toward the close of the actionbetween the Alabama and this
vessel, all available sale wasmade on the former for the
purpose of again, reaching,share Berg.
When the object was apparent,the Kearsarge was steered across
the bow of the Alabama for araking fire.
But before reaching this point,the Alabama struck meaning her
(17:35):
colors.
Uncertain, whether captain Simswas not using a ruse, the
Kearsarge was stopped.
It was seen shortly afterwardsthat the Alabama was lowering
her boats and an officer camealongside and one of them to say
that they had surrendered andwas fast sinking.
Seaman McGee also witnessed theapproach of the rowboat, but
(17:59):
credits that Confederates asfiring the last shot.
After exchanging two or threebroad sides on the second part
of the fight, we found that theybegan to show us the cold
shoulder by jumping overboard,not caring to communicate with
us any longer.
At the same time, striking herflag and firing her Lee gun as a
(18:21):
surrender.
They lowered a boat and mandatewith three men and pulled toward
our ship.
They fired one more shot, verywildly, which struck our main
top Gallant, mast and checkedthe halyards.
And the flag flew to the breeze.
We did not fire at them afterthey struck their flag.
(18:43):
Captain Winslow ordered the ropeboats from his vessel to assist
the Confederates in the waterand also called upon the deer
hound to do the same.
The vessel from the Royal yachtsquadron in providing assistance
to the sinking, Alabama causedan international incident and
the days following the battle ofCher Berg.
Captain Winslow expressedoutrage of this English vessel
(19:07):
in his report.
These boats were busy andbringing the wounded and others
to the Kearsarge.
Whom we were trying to make ascomfortable as possible.
When it was reported to me thatthe deer hound was moving off.
I could not believe that thecommander of that vessel could
be guilty of.
(19:27):
So disgraceful enact as takingour prisoners off.
And therefore took no means toprevent it.
But continued to keep our boatsat work.
Rescuing the men in the water.
Seaman McGee witnessed the deerhound, recovering Confederate
sailors.
And if he and the sailors of theKearsarge had their way.
(19:50):
There would have been yetanother international incident
from the battle of Cher Berg.
Just as the boats left the ship.
The Alabama gave two searchesforward.
And down, she went.
I was in one of the boats thatwent to pick up the prisoners.
As we began to pick them up, weheard them say that they would
(20:11):
rather drown than to be hangedon board of that ship.
Some of the men.
We tried to save with, throw uptheir hands and sink down.
So we were obliged to take theboat hook and reached down three
or four feet.
While we were picking up themen.
The deer hound, one of the Royalyacht squadron.
Steamed in among them and pickedup quite a number.
(20:33):
And among them was captain SEMS.
He then steamed off as fast ashe could.
Taking advantage while a goodpart of our men were off in the
boats.
But if some of the rest of themen on board at the time had
their way.
I think one of those 11 andshells would have stopped his
headway.
And perhaps Morde him alongsidethe Alabama.
(20:57):
So not a direct response tocaptain Winslow.
Captain Sims and his book sites,the sovereignty of neutral
vessels to justify the actionsof the deer hound.
The deer hound.
A neutral vessel was not onlyunder no obligation.
In fact, to deliver up theprisoners.
She had rescued from the water.
(21:19):
But she could not lawfully haveput herself under no obligation.
The prisoners had rights in thepremises, as well as the deer
hound.
The moment they reached the deckof the neutral ship by whatever
means.
They were entitled to theprotection of the neutral flag.
(21:39):
Besides a claim of defectiveammunition having been on board
the Alabama for over two years.
Captain SEMS.
Credit's the armor of theKearsarge as the deciding factor
in the union victory that day.
Not withstanding by enemy.
Went out chivalrous armored toencounter a ship whose wood
(22:00):
insides were entirely withoutprotection.
I shouldn't have beaten him inthe first 30 minutes, the
engagement, but for the defectof Miami nation, which had been
two years on board and becomemuch deteriorated by cruising a
variety of climates.
I had directed my men to firelow.
Telling them, it was better tofire too low than too high.
(22:25):
As the ricochet in the formercase, the water being smooth
would remedy the defect of theirRaim.
Whereas it was of no importanceto cripple the masts and spars
of a steamer.
By captain Winslow's ownaccount, the Kearsarge was
struck 28 times.
But as ship being armored, ofcourse, my shot and shell,
(22:47):
except in so far as fragments ofthe ladder may have damaged his
spars and rigging fellharmlessly into the sea.
Seaman McGee remained aboard theUSS Kearsarge until his
discharge on 30 November, 1864.
When the ship pulled into Bostonfor repairs.
(23:08):
In December of 18 64 17 sailorsreceived the medal of honor for
their actions during the battleof Cher Berg.
To recount each citation wouldtake too long, but they include
men such as.
Quartermaster William Smith gun,captain of the 11 inch pivot
(23:28):
gun.
Seaman James H.
Lee.
Sponger of the number one gun.
And semen, Joachim PS.
Loader of the number two gun.
After the war seaman muggyremained in Massachusetts and
attended annual meetings of theKearsarge veterans held around
(23:51):
19 June.
That marked the anniversary ofthe battle.
Before his death, he impartedhis experiences of the battle of
Cher Berg to Francis BC Bradley.
Who in 1921 published.
The Kearsarge, Alabama battle.
The story as told to the writerby James McGee of Marblehead
(24:12):
seaman on the Kearsarge.
By 1865, Rafael Sims rose to therank of rear Admiral and
commanded several vessels alongthe James river in Virginia.
As the Confederate Capitol fell,he ordered his men to burn the
ships and boarded a train toNorth Carolina.
Where his men joined generalJohnston's army.
(24:34):
And surrendered shortlythereafter.
Following the war Raphael, Sam'saccepted a teaching position at
the Louisiana state seminary.
And in 1869, he published.
Memoirs of a service afloatduring the war between the
states.
Thank you for listening to the39th episode, which marks one
(24:56):
year since I started thepodcast.
I hope everyone had a MerryChristmas and a happy new year.
I am so excited to start anotheryear of first person, civil war
podcast.
A keen listener will havenoticed that there is now an
episode for almost every state.
By December, 2025.
(25:16):
I hope to have an episode fromall states, not yet featured on
the podcast.
If you know of a soldier orofficer story that I've not yet
featured, please let me knowthrough the contact page on the
website.
I have other plans in mind forthis year, but as they come to
fruition, I will certainly leteveryone know.
(25:37):
The link to seaman McGee's andcaptain SEMS books are now
available on the podcastwebsite.
First person, civil war,podcast.com.
On Facebook, Instagram, X, andLinkedIn.
This week, you will findpictures of semen Magee in 1907.
And Admiral Raphael SEMS in1865.
(26:01):
Lincoln the show notes for acomplete list of the medal of
honor, winners of the USSKearsarge.
In two weeks time.
Private Martin, a Haynes ofcompany.
I second New Hampshire.
Provides next episodes, firstperson account.
At the battle.
(26:22):
Of cold Harbor.
My name is bill Conklin.
And thank you for listening tofirst person civil war podcast.
Hello everyone.
My name is bill Conklin.
And welcome to first personcivil war podcast.
Which retails the stories of thesoldiers and officers.
On the ground.
And for this episode on thewater, in the battles of the
civil war, in honor of the oneyear anniversary since the
(00:45):
launch of this podcast.
I've decided to mark theoccasion with a special episode.
episode 39 is entitled semenMcGee of the USS Kearsarge face.
Captain Sims and the CSS,Alabama.
At the battle of Cher Berg.
(01:09):
Before his death, seaman JamesMcGee imparted his story of
service on the Kearsarge toFrancis BC Bradley.
And in 1929, he published.
The Kearsarge, Alabama battle.
The story as told to the writerby James McGee of Marblehead
seaman on the Kearsarge.
(01:31):
And in 1869, Rafael Sams wrote.
Memoirs of service, a floatduring the war between the
states.
And both books serve as thesources for this episode.
James McGee was born in newHaven, Connecticut in 1839.
And by 1860 lived in Marblehead,Massachusetts, where he worked
(01:55):
as a Shoemaker.
And had gotten married that sameyear to marry Susan night.
Once the civil war began, hedecided to join the Navy and was
eventually assigned to the USSKearsarge.
Launched in September, 1861 andcommission for service on 28,
January, 1862 at the PortsmouthNaval yard in Maine.
(02:20):
The USS Kearsarge was a sloop ofwar, which relied on sale and
steam power for propulsion.
It had a single gun deck with anarmament of.
Two 11 inch Dahlgren pivot guns.
With a shell weight of 166pounds.
For 32 pounder guns.
(02:41):
When fired in unison, this wasthe Kearsarge is broadside.
And one 30 pounder parrot rifle.
Rather than joining theblockading squadrons further
south, she sailed across theAtlantic ocean to engage
Confederate ships operating inEuropean waters.
Rafael Sam's was born inMaryland in 1809.
(03:04):
And attended the Charlotte hallmilitary academy.
Upon graduation in 1826, heentered the us Navy.
Where he saw service on severalvessels until the Mexican
American war.
Rafael Sam's was given commandof the USS summers and while
pursuing a Mexican vessel offthe coast of Vera Cruz.
(03:25):
The ship got caught in a squalland capsized.
With most of the crew survivingthe ordeal.
As the U S army marched in landRafael, Sam's joined the staff
of general worth and was presentwith the army through the battle
of Chapultepec and theoccupation of Mexico city.
In 1851, he wrote service, afloat and a shore during the
(03:49):
Mexican war.
As the succession crisisunfolded now, commander Raphael
Simms was still in the us Navy.
And in early 1861 was assignedto the lighthouse board in
Washington, DC.
At 4:00 PM on 14 February, hereceived a telegram from Charles
(04:10):
M.
Conrad in Montgomery, Alabama.
Sir on behalf of the committeeof Naval affairs, I beg leave to
request that you will repair tothis place at your earliest
convenience.
He sent a telegram response thatevening.
Dispatch received.
(04:31):
I will be with you immediately.
That night commander Simmsinformed his family of his
decision to leave and theyprepared to depart south.
The next day, he handed a noteto his superior.
Sir.
I've respectfully tender throughyou to the president of the
(04:52):
United States.
This the resignation of thecommission, which I have the
honor to hold as a commander inthe Navy of the United States.
And severing my connection withthe government of the United
States and with the departmentof our, which you preside.
I pray you to accept my thanksfor the kindness, which has
characterized your officialdepartment toward me.
(05:17):
Rafael, Sam's received acommission as a commander in the
Confederate Navy and served inseveral positions, such as the
commander of the CSS Sumter.
By August, 1862, Rafael SEMSreceived a promotion to captain.
And given command of the CSS,Alabama.
And for two years engaged usvessels in the Gulf of Mexico,
(05:41):
the Atlantic Indian and Pacificoceans.
The CSS, Alabama was also asloop of war constructed in
Liverpool, England withConfederate funds.
Her armament consisted of 6 30,2 pounder cannon in broadside
and her pivot guns included one,100 pounder Blakely.
(06:04):
And 1 68 pounder cannon.
In June of 1864, the USSKearsarge was in Dover, England.
Under the command of captainJohn Winslow.
And tasked with keeping tabs onthe CSS Rappahannock.
When he received a telegram fromthe us ambassador to France
(06:25):
about the CSS, Alabama.
Yesterday 12th, June.
I received a telegram from Mr.
Dayton, informing me that theAlabama had put into share Berg.
When I immediately left on myway off that port.
After receiving a new try saleand top sale ordered here by
(06:45):
survey.
I shall proceed and expect toreach, share Berg tomorrow
night.
On 14, June semen, McGee, andthe USS Kearsarge attempted to
draw the CSS, Alabama out of theport of shared Berg and into a
fight.
But since France was a neutralcountry, the Alabama was safe in
(07:07):
port and remained in place.
Arriving there.
We ran into the mouth of theHarbor.
Had a good look at ourantagonist and fired a blank
shot out of politeness for SEMSto come out.
But he did not come out thatday.
Here we lay off and on runningoff by day and standing in by
(07:28):
night.
Close enough to see all thatwent in and out of the Harbor.
Just as a note, running offmeant with the visibility of the
day, the Kearsarge laid off thecoast to watch for the Alabama.
And standing in by night meantthat the Kearsarge was close to
the Harbor and always watchingfor their Confederate pho.
(07:52):
As the CSS Alabama pulled intothe port of Cher Berg.
She was in need of repairs.
Her crew had just completed acruise from the Cape of good
hope to France and whileunderway sees the Rockingham and
the tycoon.
Which were union merchantvessels and held their crew on
board.
(08:13):
Though, when a safe Harborcaptain Sims and the CSS,
Alabama had little time forrespite.
On 14, June or three days afterour arrival.
She meaning the USS Kearsarge.
Steamed into the Harbor ofshare.
Berg, sent a boat on shore tocommunicate with the
(08:33):
authorities.
And without anchoring, steamedout again and took her station
off the Breakwater.
We had heard a day or two beforeof the expected arrival of this
ship.
And it was generally understoodamong my crew that I intended to
engage her.
Her appearance, thereforeproduced no little excitement on
(08:55):
board.
He talks about refusing thetransfer of prisoners to the
Kearsarge and continues.
I now address the note to Mr.
Bonfils our agent requesting himto inform captain Winslow
through the U S console.
That if he would wait until Icould receive some call on
board.
I would come out and give himbattle.
(09:19):
From their position off thecoast of France, seaman McGee,
and the crew of the USSKearsarge received the letter.
We had no communication withBerg up to the 16th of June.
Then three men pulled out fromthe shore in a boat.
About six miles to where we lay.
(09:39):
Came alongside and gave a noteto the captain.
And then pulled back into port.
The captain told the boson topipe all hands AFT.
He then produced the note, whichreads thus.
Captain Winslow.
Sir.
I am undergoing a few repairshere, which I hope.
(10:00):
Well, not take longer than theMoro.
Then I will come out and fightyou a fair and square fights.
Most respectfully yours.
Captain RSMs.
Captain SEMS and the CSS Alabamaremained in port for three more
days.
And by the evening of the 18th,he deemed the ship ready for
(10:23):
combat.
The next morning, 19, June,1864.
He ordered the Alabama to departshare Berg port for the English
channel to fight the USSKearsarge.
As the ship cleared the Harborcaptain Sims addressed the crew.
Officer's and seaman of theAlabama.
(10:45):
You have at length, anotheropportunity of meeting the
enemy.
The first that has beenpresented to you since the
Hatteras.
Here.
He means the last engagementwith a union gunboat, which was
January, 1863.
And he continues.
In the meantime, you have beenall over the world.
(11:05):
And it is not too much to saythat you have destroyed and
driven for protection underneutral flags.
One half of the enemy'scommerce, which at the beginning
of the war covered every, see.
He posts about the fame, thegained, especially in Europe and
he continues.
The flag that floats over you isthat of a young Republic who
(11:27):
bids defiance to her enemieswhenever and wherever found.
Show the world, you know how touphold it.
Go to your quarter's.
No, the port of share Berg wasavailable for both the USS
Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama'suse for repairs.
And refitting.
The nation of France was neutralduring the American civil war.
(11:50):
Which meant the ships could onlyfight in the international
waters of the English channel.
Approximately six miles distant.
A fight between these twovessels was expected for days.
And many French locals traveledto the cliffs of Cher Berg to
witness the battle.
Also viewing at a safe distancewas the English yacht deer
(12:11):
hound.
And the French ironcladCoumadin.
Which ensured no violation ofFrench waters during the fights.
As the Alabama cleared the portof share Berg.
The USS Kearsarge sailed furtherout into the English channel.
As our captain wanted to ensurethe observance of the water
boundary.
(12:32):
Once he was satisfied.
The Kearsarge turned about andsemen muggy witnessed the
opening shots from the CSS,Alabama.
When within about a mile fromher, she fired her bowel chaser.
The shot dropped very carelesslyalongside our forward pivot
port.
Within about four feet of ourship side and doing no damage.
(12:56):
The next shot.
She fired, struck us in the portbow and glanced off doing no
harm.
She fired some two or three moreshots, very wildly that when
whistling above our mastheads.
During this time we did not fireone shot.
But when within half a mile, WeHove round and gave her a broad
(13:17):
side.
Here we had it.
Broadside and broadside.
Both ships under a full head ofsteam, the Alabama firing two or
three shots, two hour one.
By this time, captain Samsrecognize the maneuverability of
(13:37):
the Kearsarge and place theAlabama into a turn.
The enemy now pressed his shipunder a full head of steam and
to prevent our passing eachother to speedily.
And to keep our respectivebroadside sparing.
It became necessary to fight ina circle.
The two ships steaming around acommon center and preserving a
(14:01):
distance from each other, uh,from three quarters of a mile.
Seaman McGee does not explicitlystate where he was aboard the
Kearsarge, but by his account ofthe battle, it is likely he was
a part of, one of the broad sidegun crews or of the Dahlgren's.
We engaged her at 700 yards.
(14:23):
And as we fought in a circle, weclosed in to about 500 yards.
And held this position for abouthalf an hour.
Then finding we were getting thebest of the fight.
The captain desiring to bringthe thing to an end closed in to
about 250 yards and discharged afull broad side.
(14:46):
The USS Kearsarge had an armortall and could withstand the
broad sides at such a closerange.
But captain Sims is Alabama hadnone.
Some 10 or 15 minutes after thecommencement of the action are
spanker GAF.
Meaning a sale.
Was shot away.
(15:06):
And our end sin came down by therun.
This was immediately replaced byanother mizzenmast.
Is this changing of the incidenton the CSS, Alabama?
That semen Magee claimstreachery on the part of the
Confederates.
The men seem to be gettingdemoralized.
(15:27):
They ran the white flag up inthe main rigging and the success
flag and the for rigging.
The captain gave the order tocease firing.
And on doing so we found thatthey thought we were off our
guard as they let fly anotherbroad side.
One of the shots went throughour smoke pipe and a 68 pounder
(15:48):
launched in our stern post.
Doing no other damage as it didnot explode.
We then add orders again toengage her.
So we began to decorate heragain with our 11 inch shell.
Captain, Sam's not knowing theeffect of moving the ship.
Sensing noted the increasedintensity of the battle.
(16:11):
The firing now became very hotand the enemy shot and shell
began to tell upon our hall,knocking down, killing and
disabling a number of men at thesame time in different parts of
the ship.
After the lapse of about onehour and 10 minutes.
Our ship was ascertained to bein a sinking condition.
(16:33):
The enemy shell having explodedin our side, in between our
decks opening, large aperturesthrough which the water was
rushing with.
Great rapidity.
By captain Sam's account.
He ordered the CSS Alabama toturn for share Berg.
But soon assess that the shipcould not make the port.
(16:53):
He then ran down the Anson anddispatched a row boat to the
Kearsarge to request assistance.
As the rowboat made for theKearsarge.
He states that the union gunnersdeliberately targeted them.
With no mention of firing on therow boats, captain Winslow's
account roughly matches hisConfederate pho.
(17:14):
Toward the close of the actionbetween the Alabama and this
vessel, all available sale wasmade on the former for the
purpose of again, reaching,share Berg.
When the object was apparent,the Kearsarge was steered across
the bow of the Alabama for araking fire.
But before reaching this point,the Alabama struck meaning her
(17:35):
colors.
Uncertain, whether captain Simswas not using a ruse, the
Kearsarge was stopped.
It was seen shortly afterwardsthat the Alabama was lowering
her boats and an officer camealongside and one of them to say
that they had surrendered andwas fast sinking.
Seaman McGee also witnessed theapproach of the rowboat, but
(17:59):
credits that Confederates asfiring the last shot.
After exchanging two or threebroad sides on the second part
of the fight, we found that theybegan to show us the cold
shoulder by jumping overboard,not caring to communicate with
us any longer.
At the same time, striking herflag and firing her Lee gun as a
(18:21):
surrender.
They lowered a boat and mandatewith three men and pulled toward
our ship.
They fired one more shot, verywildly, which struck our main
top Gallant, mast and checkedthe halyards.
And the flag flew to the breeze.
We did not fire at them afterthey struck their flag.
(18:43):
Captain Winslow ordered the ropeboats from his vessel to assist
the Confederates in the waterand also called upon the deer
hound to do the same.
The vessel from the Royal yachtsquadron in providing assistance
to the sinking, Alabama causedan international incident and
the days following the battle ofCher Berg.
Captain Winslow expressedoutrage of this English vessel
(19:07):
in his report.
These boats were busy andbringing the wounded and others
to the Kearsarge.
Whom we were trying to make ascomfortable as possible.
When it was reported to me thatthe deer hound was moving off.
I could not believe that thecommander of that vessel could
be guilty of.
(19:27):
So disgraceful enact as takingour prisoners off.
And therefore took no means toprevent it.
But continued to keep our boatsat work.
Rescuing the men in the water.
Seaman McGee witnessed the deerhound, recovering Confederate
sailors.
And if he and the sailors of theKearsarge had their way.
(19:50):
There would have been yetanother international incident
from the battle of Cher Berg.
Just as the boats left the ship.
The Alabama gave two searchesforward.
And down, she went.
I was in one of the boats thatwent to pick up the prisoners.
As we began to pick them up, weheard them say that they would
(20:11):
rather drown than to be hangedon board of that ship.
Some of the men.
We tried to save with, throw uptheir hands and sink down.
So we were obliged to take theboat hook and reached down three
or four feet.
While we were picking up themen.
The deer hound, one of the Royalyacht squadron.
Steamed in among them and pickedup quite a number.
(20:33):
And among them was captain SEMS.
He then steamed off as fast ashe could.
Taking advantage while a goodpart of our men were off in the
boats.
But if some of the rest of themen on board at the time had
their way.
I think one of those 11 andshells would have stopped his
headway.
And perhaps Morde him alongsidethe Alabama.
(20:57):
So not a direct response tocaptain Winslow.
Captain Sims and his book sites,the sovereignty of neutral
vessels to justify the actionsof the deer hound.
The deer hound.
A neutral vessel was not onlyunder no obligation.
In fact, to deliver up theprisoners.
She had rescued from the water.
(21:19):
But she could not lawfully haveput herself under no obligation.
The prisoners had rights in thepremises, as well as the deer
hound.
The moment they reached the deckof the neutral ship by whatever
means.
They were entitled to theprotection of the neutral flag.
(21:39):
Besides a claim of defectiveammunition having been on board
the Alabama for over two years.
Captain SEMS.
Credit's the armor of theKearsarge as the deciding factor
in the union victory that day.
Not withstanding by enemy.
Went out chivalrous armored toencounter a ship whose wood
(22:00):
insides were entirely withoutprotection.
I shouldn't have beaten him inthe first 30 minutes, the
engagement, but for the defectof Miami nation, which had been
two years on board and becomemuch deteriorated by cruising a
variety of climates.
I had directed my men to firelow.
Telling them, it was better tofire too low than too high.
(22:25):
As the ricochet in the formercase, the water being smooth
would remedy the defect of theirRaim.
Whereas it was of no importanceto cripple the masts and spars
of a steamer.
By captain Winslow's ownaccount, the Kearsarge was
struck 28 times.
But as ship being armored, ofcourse, my shot and shell,
(22:47):
except in so far as fragments ofthe ladder may have damaged his
spars and rigging fellharmlessly into the sea.
Seaman McGee remained aboard theUSS Kearsarge until his
discharge on 30 November, 1864.
When the ship pulled into Bostonfor repairs.
(23:08):
In December of 18 64 17 sailorsreceived the medal of honor for
their actions during the battleof Cher Berg.
To recount each citation wouldtake too long, but they include
men such as.
Quartermaster William Smith gun,captain of the 11 inch pivot
(23:28):
gun.
Seaman James H.
Lee.
Sponger of the number one gun.
And semen, Joachim PS.
Loader of the number two gun.
After the war seaman muggyremained in Massachusetts and
attended annual meetings of theKearsarge veterans held around
(23:51):
19 June.
That marked the anniversary ofthe battle.
Before his death, he impartedhis experiences of the battle of
Cher Berg to Francis BC Bradley.
Who in 1921 published.
The Kearsarge, Alabama battle.
The story as told to the writerby James McGee of Marblehead
(24:12):
seaman on the Kearsarge.
By 1865, Rafael Sims rose to therank of rear Admiral and
commanded several vessels alongthe James river in Virginia.
As the Confederate Capitol fell,he ordered his men to burn the
ships and boarded a train toNorth Carolina.
Where his men joined generalJohnston's army.
(24:34):
And surrendered shortlythereafter.
Following the war Raphael, Sam'saccepted a teaching position at
the Louisiana state seminary.
And in 1869, he published.
Memoirs of a service afloatduring the war between the
states.
Thank you for listening to the39th episode, which marks one
(24:56):
year since I started thepodcast.
I hope everyone had a MerryChristmas and a happy new year.
I am so excited to start anotheryear of first person, civil war
podcast.
A keen listener will havenoticed that there is now an
episode for almost every state.
By December, 2025.
(25:16):
I hope to have an episode fromall states, not yet featured on
the podcast.
If you know of a soldier orofficer story that I've not yet
featured, please let me knowthrough the contact page on the
website.
I have other plans in mind forthis year, but as they come to
fruition, I will certainly leteveryone know.
(25:37):
The link to seaman McGee's andcaptain SEMS books are now
available on the podcastwebsite.
First person, civil war,podcast.com.
On Facebook, Instagram, X, andLinkedIn.
This week, you will findpictures of semen Magee in 1907.
And Admiral Raphael SEMS in1865.
(26:01):
Lincoln the show notes for acomplete list of the medal of
honor, winners of the USSKearsarge.
In two weeks time.
Private Martin, a Haynes ofcompany.
I second New Hampshire.
Provides next episodes, firstperson account.
At the battle.
(26:22):
Of cold Harbor.
My name is bill Conklin.
And thank you for listening tofirst person civil war podcast.
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