had fallen in battle on the deck of his gun-boat. I would wish them to see that what the hero of Fort Henry and the Mississippi accomplished was no accident of fortune, but was prepared for in the earlier stages of a life devoted to the highest aims. His example, as well as his reputation, belong especially to the Navy. He was a genuine American sailor; and we can not do thorough justice to him unless we view him in this light. His qualities of mind and temperament have the smack of the salt sea-the free play and rough force of old ocean. He was a true child of the sea-of a fluent spirit, moved by powerful impulses, loving honor, bold and affectionate. Yet he was more than this. To the simple sailor-spirit of indomitable loyalty to duty was added a religious enthusiasm that fitted him to contend with foes more formidable than winds or waves. Here lay the real strength of his character. I acknowledge with gratitude the good offices of the Hon. Gideon Welles, for valuable letters placed at my disposal; and also the kindness of the venerable Rear-Admiral Joseph Smith, in the aid rendered by him in obtaining for me access. to the files and records of the Navy Department at Washington. The spirited sketches of actions on the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi rivers, from which the engravings in this work were made, were drawn expressly for the book by the gallant Rear-Admiral H. Walke, and lend the authority of an eye-witness and of a principal actor in those scenes to the excellent drawings themselves. To other members of the Navy, and to the Hon. John A. Foote and George A. Jarvis, Esq., who have given me their kind counsel and assistance, I would also return thanks. NEW HAVEN, July, 1874. J. M. H. Capture of Clarksville. — Foote's Proclamation. —Not per- mitted to take Nashville.-Armed Reconnoissance down The Mississippi as the Scene of Operations.-General Pope's |