Lincoln Sneezed

by Brian Boyington

  The ride to the embassy was slow, as throngs of celebrating citizens clogged the streets. The 100-degree temperatures, plus the wool dress uniform made the ride very uncomfortable. Powell remarked to Says’ aid, “let them celebrate now, the Royal Navy will soon be coming in strength.” Arriving at the embassy, the servants provided iced fruit juice beverage to help Powell cool down. Shortly after that, the butler brought him to the Ambassadors office.

  Ambassador Says was sitting at his desk. Powell approached the front of the desk, stood at attention with the log book tucked securely under his arm. After a few moments Says looked up and said: “What’s this fine mess you have gotten us into?” Powell appearing confused started to speak. Says then smiled and said: “Relax Captain Powell, you are to be congratulated. Take a seat and tell me what happened.” Powell related the sequence of the battle, how he initially attempted to avoid the conflict, but when HMS Hector challenged him, he had to respond.

  Powell then gave the log book to Says, who read it with great interest. When he finished, Says said: “It is good that you recorded the time when HMS Hector first fired on USS Stonewall. That is in keeping with your orders to avoid conflict, if possible.” After a pause, he continued: “Your action in sparing the HMS Hector and HMS Valiant from destruction was a wise decision. When this war is over, it should help with the peace negotiations. Killing in battle cannot be avoided. Sinking a helpless ship poisons the water. Come with me to meet with President Warner.”

  Chapter 10

  Port Roberts – Liberia

  Admiral Symonds paced the quarterdeck of HMS Aurelius watching as one sloop of war and two battleships passed by the forts guarding the entrance. The battleships bombarded the forts until they surrendered Ten troopships followed the warships into Lake Piso. As the last of them sailed into the lake, he ordered the remainder of the fleet to sail south to Monrovia.

  Bomi Liberia

  Commodore Grimes watched from his flagship HMS Hastings as 20 boats full of marines rowed towards shore. The smoke from fires rose throughout the town, which was eerily silent. There were three small fishing boats sunk next to the dismantled docks. The Marines landed unopposed on shore, the town had been abandoned and was burning. General Haskins came ashore and surveyed the situation. Scouts moved ahead and soon reported back the bridge on the south side of town across a small river had been destroyed. Work parties were sent ahead to repair the bridge. Marksmen sniping at the work crews delayed the progress. Soldiers were sent to flush them out but found nothing.

  The offloading of the soldiers and their ordinance took several days longer than anticipated as the piers had to be rebuilt. One by one the transport ships unloaded at the end of the docks, and within one week, the entire force was ashore and moving inland. Just beyond the rebuilt bridge, the dirt road forked. Scouts had reported that both roads were very narrow. With that information, Haskins confirmed his original decision to split his forces to speed up his progress as he was already three days behind schedule.

  Haskins decided to take 4,500 British Regulars and 1,000 native levies with him along the road near the coast. Colonel Stewart with 3,000 regulars and 1,500 native levies would take the interior road. Both would take a supply train sufficient to feed the soldiers for a two-week march. The roads diverged until 10 miles separated them, then converged approaching Amina. Cavalry units moved out ahead of both columns to scout for obstacles and to find any units of the Liberian Army.

  Two days into the march, both columns arrived at destroyed bridges. The water was very muddy and attempts to ford the stream quickly bogged down. The engineers were called to rebuild the bridges. On the second day, the columns were moving again. What the British did not know, was that once past the stream, the land between the roads was an almost impenetrable swamp and would be virtually impossible for the two columns to be able to support each other. Progress made the next 20 miles was very slow. The Liberians had cut down trees blocking the road. More trees had to be cut down to make room for the supply train and cannons to pass.

  Eastern Atlantic 20 northwest of Monrovia

  Admiral Symonds aboard the Aurelius was leading the fleet to Monrovia. The masthead lookout shouted down “Sail-Ho.” A few minutes later the lookout shouted: “Ship is HMS Goliath, signals request an urgent conference.” Symonds said to his 1st Lieutenant “Signal to Goliath … Captain to repair on board.” Two hours later Goliath and Aurelius had shortened sail and were lashed together. Commodore Simmons was brought directly to Symonds cabin.

  Symonds questioned: “Why are you not on station.” Simmons replied: “I thought it was important that I make my report to you in person.” He then related the battle between USS Stonewall and HMS Hector and HMS Valiant.

  When Simmons finished, Symonds questioned: “Are you sure that Jacobson fired first.” Simmons replied: “Yes Sir, he did; a shot across USS Stonewall’s bow after she ignored signals from HNS Hector to stop. Stonewall then fired a warning shot across Hector’s bow. With that affront, Jacobson turned to engage and Stonewall altered course to meet her.”

  Symonds then asked: “Why was Valiant so late to the battle.” Simmons rejoined: “Originally I only dispatched Jacobson to investigate. After all, HMS Hector was almost twice as large, and also outgunned USS Stonewall 32 to 4. When the Americans ignored Jacobson’s signals and responded to his shot across their bow with affront, I dispatched Valiant to assist. If Valiant had not arrived when she did, Hector likely was lost with all hands.”

  Symonds shook his head in disbelief. “Two 32 gun broadside ironclads beaten into submission by one ship half their size … incredible.” Then seemingly as afterthought Symonds asked: “What were the casualties and are Jacobson and Simms alive?”

  Simmons answered: “Hector sustained 34 killed in action and 60 wounded. The doctor says several of the wounded may not survive. Valiant sustained 15 killed in action and 25 injured, many of those while fighting the fires. Jacobson suffers from splinter wounds in the left arm and shoulder. The doctor thinks he will be able to keep it if the arm does not fester. Simms sustained some minor burns in the fire.”

  Symonds then said: “Is it your recommendation that Valiant tow Hector back to Freetown for repairs.” Simmons said: “Yes Sir, Hector has lost the mizzen mast and her boiler is damaged. Valiant will also need significant repairs. After bolting a new stack on top of the boiler, the engineer recommends no more than 1/2 power until a shipyard can do the repairs properly.” Symonds nodded his head is assent: “That is probably for the best. After all, they are no use to me now.”

  Symonds then changed tack and said: “Do you think the USS Stonewall will assist with the defense of Monrovia?” Simmons replied: “They are already in for a pence, why not for a pound. That captain of their ironclad might well want to test his mettle against a battleship. The arrogance of the man, why after forcing the surrender of Valiant, he sailed down on Hector before providing her with a salute.”

  Symonds was looking puzzled replied: “A salute”? Simmons replied: “Yes Sir. Jacobson seeing the American bearing down had resigned himself and crew to die for Queen and Country. He was about to strike his colors when that infernal turret turned away, and the gun crew of deck mounted Parrot gun stood by the bulwark at attention. Even the captain came out of his pilot house to give a mocking salute. Jacobson being the proper Royal Navy officer returned the salute.”

  Symonds thought for a moment then said: “So this American officer could have destroyed both Valiant and Hector but chose not. He even saluted his defeated adversaries, as he departed, extraordinary.” Symonds dismissed Simmons with the comment: “Given the circumstances, you did well to bring this news yourself. It will speak well for you at the Admiralty hearing when this is over.”

  Symonds then signaled to the Sloop of War Ajax Captain Repair on Board. Without divulging any information, he sent orders to Commodore Grimes to dispatch two of his battleships to Monrovia at all possible speed and to provide a progress report of the operations
in Bomi. Ajax was to return to the Monrovia Theater directly.

  Bomi Theatre

  Ten days into the journey to Amina, General Haskins heard gunfire ahead. The cavalry captain sent a report. He indicated the road twisted twice down a hill to a river, with a destroyed bridge. Additionally, a redoubt manned by Liberian soldiers is situated on top of the facing hill and has a clear field of fire. Liberian skirmishers were on the other side of the river and fired at his men. Seeing the size of the cavalry force, the skirmishers had retreated. The monsoon season had not yet started, the river was only three feet deep and not a significant obstacle.

  Haskins rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the impending battle, glad to be meeting the enemy. He ordered that the regiments form up and the cannons brought forward. One by one the cannons were wheeled down the hill and set up in batteries near the river bank. The Liberian cannons fired ranging shots to harass the British artillery and maintained an intermittent barrage.

  A troop of cavalry brought an urgent message to General Driver in Amina. He had set up his ambushes two miles from his headquarters. He sent reinforcements to the redoubts on both roads, as the other British column was due to arrive soon. He kept 10,000 soldiers in Amina, ready to support either or both of the redoubts.

  Unknown to the British Obadiah had placed a battalion of light infantry soldiers behind both columns. Their mission was to follow at a distance along back trails and once the columns were fully involved in attacking the redoubts to attack the supply trains.

  British Fleet 10 miles from Monrovia.

  Admiral Symonds set in motion the attack on Monrovia. He ordered five his battleships to move into position off Fort Monroe. Leading the line was the two deck 80 gun steam battleship HMS Goliath. Her armament included thirty-four 68lb smooth bore cannons, with an effective range of 2 miles. There were twenty 7” Armstrong rifled guns with an effective range of 2.5 miles and twenty-six 32lb cannons with an effective range of 900 meters. Following in line were six other battleships of 80 guns each.

  Fort Monroe’s parapet had eight, 15-inch rifled Parrot guns with a maximum range of five miles at an elevation of 15 degrees. The guns, on transverse carriages providing them with an 180 degree of fire. When Goliath was five miles away, the defenders fired a ranging shot. The shell fell 300 yards short. After reloading the gun fired again, this time it was 100 yards long. Two other guns began firing. The shells bracketed Goliath which tacked to port to close the range. The three Parrot guns fired again, this time with the explosive shot. One shell hit Goliath on the fore bulwark showering splinters which caused several casualties. The 2nd shot missed, and the 3rd exploded above the mainmast decimating the Marines stationed at the fighting tops.

  Now that the Liberian gunners had the range all eight of the Parrot guns fired almost simultaneously. Three shells hit Goliath, one taking down the fore topmast with one striking the bulwark and the other exploded as it struck the main deck forward of the funnel. Goliath staggered under the impact and fell out of line. The other battleships altered course again to close the range.

  The Liberian gunners switched targets aiming at the 2nd and 3rd ships in the line scoring several hits. The battleships, now within two miles started to return fire. Shells began to hit the masonry walls and landed on the redoubts. The Parrot guns fired again and two shells, struck the Glorious amidships damaging the boiler. Steam vented scalding the engineering crew. More hits occurred and losing steam power the battleship turned away.

  More British guns came into range, and shells began to land on top of the parapet. One shell exploded above one of the Parrot guns, killing the gunners. A second landed behind one of the guns then exploded. With two guns out of action, the fire from Fort Monroe began to slacken. Replacement crews came up to man the guns, but it was several minutes before they were back in action. The battleships came closer and were now less than 1 mile distant. The gun crews for the forts 32lb guns emerged from the bombproofs loaded those guns and fired. The mortars also began firing heated and explosive shot. The Parrot guns from Fort Clay also entered the engagement. With such close range, the battleships were bracketed with splashes, then hits. Goliath and Glorious returned to the battle along with the Aurelius and the sail only battleship the 100-gun HMS Queen, armed with 68lb and 32lb cannons. The battle was now fully engaged.

  Chapter 11

  Amina, Liberia

  Colonel Stewart’s column approached the same river as General Haskins, but 4 miles upstream. The destroyed the bridge, and the land dropped away on either side into an impassable swamp. On the other side, the land sloped up steeply with an imposing redoubt on top. Stewart, like Haskins, brought his cannons to the river bank to reduce the fortress.

  The Liberian cannons, like those facing Haskins, fired harassing shots. The reinforcements had arrived comprising of two regiments and like the original regiment of defenders of the redoubts were armed with Spenser repeating rifles. The reinforcements hunkered down in previously dug trenches 200 yards behind the redoubt on higher ground but hidden from view by the height of the redoubt.

  General Haskins ordered his batteries to commence fire. Within an hour, Colonel Stewart gave the same order. The battle began. As the cannons were elevated to fire up the hill, many of the shots were high and landed behind the redoubts but before the trenches. Others slammed into the log bastions but as they were two layers thick with dirt filled in between the bastions absorbed most of the impacts.

  The defending cannons fired counter-battery fire. The infantry crouched in shelters under the parapet and waited out the bombardment. As the shelling began to slack, the defender’s guns opened an intense fire at the infantry as they began to move forward. Shells exploded among the massed British and native soldiers. With a bugle call, the assault began.

  The British cannons fired over the heads of the attacking formations. Counter-battery fire from the redoubts continued. The defending infantry emerged from their shelters and fired into the attackers who surged up the hill. One-half of the defending cannons switched to canister cutting swaths into the attackers, while the others maintained counter battery fire. The bullets from the repeating rifles also took their toll. Still, the attackers surged forward.

  The British cannons were now firing directly into the redoubt, and the walls began to crumble. The attackers surged through the breaches and confronted by one regiment of the reinforcements which counter-attacked with a bayonet charge. The fighting was fierce and hand to hand. Slowly the reinforcements drove the attackers out.

  Haskins and Stewart committed their reserves which surged up the hill. The second Liberian reserve regiment moved forward with fixed bayonets, meeting them at the breach. The cannons on both sides continued to fire. The rapid rate of fire of the Spenser repeating rifles began to slow the British attack.

  Monrovia:

  The battle has been in progress for two hours. The British fleet was pounding both forts which were firing back. One-half of the battleships have suffered significant, damage but they pressed on. Then out of the smoke, a new combatant entered the battle. USS Stonewall steamed past the forts heading for the closest battleship which is the HMS Queen, which fired a broadside at USS Stonewall.

  In the heat of battle, the tired and nearly exhausted gun crews miss with half the shots and those which land bounce off the armor plate. The deck Parrot gun and the casement Dahlgren fire at close range, tearing holes in the wood hull near the waterline. The turret then fired with the 20-inch Dahlgrens. The Gatling guns are firing through the rents in HMS Queen’s hull and open gun ports. The effect is devastating. Several cannons are dismounted with splinters and bullets killing or wounding dozens of the gun crews. Taking on water, HMS Queen fires another ineffective broadside. Stonewall fired its four cannons in succession creating more damage and fires are beginning to burn everywhere. The floundering Queen now targeted by Fort Clay was methodically pounded to pieces.

  With the Queen out of the action, USS Stonewall moves on to the next sh
ip of the line which is HMS Glorious. The 15 inch Dahlgren, mounted on a transverse carriage is now firing out of the bow gun port. The Parrot Gun is also shooting from the front. Both shots tear into the into the lower gun deck exploding from the short fuses. Metal and wood splinters decimate the gun crews. Moments later, the two turret guns fire simultaneously. The force of the impact and explosions cause extensive damage. Glorious fires her broadside, scoring numerous hits, but all the shots bounce off the sloped metal armor.

  The next battleship in line was the HMS Goliath, which tacked to starboard to angle the guns down. Captain Powell took a page out Admiral Nelson’s book and cut the line behind Glorious, then turned hard to port. The Parrot gun fired into Glorious’ stern with a raking shot as they passed and the gun quickly pivoted along the transverse track to port. HMS Goliath, which had heeled to port had left its starboard waterline exposed. All four of Stonewall’s guns fired into the hull at or below the waterline opening it up to the sea which poured in. Goliath, taking on tons of water listed hard to starboard.

  Admiral Symonds observed the fate of the lead battleships in disbelief with three battleships defeated by one ship? Then he realized it was the turrets. They were impervious to shot and shell. Armed with heavy cannons, they were capable of destroying any vessel in the Royal Navy. With the battle lost, Symonds broke off the attack and steamed away. Shelling from the forts focused on HMS Queen, HMS Glorious, and HMS Goliath. Seeing that further action was useless, they all struck their flags. Queen was settling into the sea by the bow and Goliath had a fatal list to starboard.

  Boats were launched from shore to rescue survivors; as the former enemies were at the mercy of the sea. Few of the sailors could swim, the best they could do was hold onto floating debris or climb into the ship’s boats which were towed behind during the battle. The Glorious’ captain ran her aground to save the ship and crew.