Last Updated: 8 August 2014

Reports Describing Capt. Stembel's Performance in Command of Gunboat Lexington

1. A report from Col. Gustav Waagner, Chief of Artillery, to Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding Forces, Southeast Missouri:

Artillery Department

Cairo, Ill., September 8, 1861

Sir: In consequence of your order received yesterday, I started [from Cairo, Illinois] this morning at 5 o'clock on the gunboat Lexington, commanded by Captain Stembel, for a reconnaissance to Columbus [Kentucky]. About 7 o'clock a.m. we passed Islands Nos. 3 and 4, where we discovered the camp fires a few miles above Columbus., on the Kentucky shore, exactly in the center of two natural platform bluffs commanding the river and Belmont. In attempting to pass the foot of Lucas Bend, near Columbus, two batteries opened fire on us, one consisting of three the other of four guns, but, notwithstanding the high elevation given to their pieces, their shot all fell short. We did not answer, as they were out of range and we could not do them any damage, the caliber of the guns being two 24-pounder howitzers and 24 and 32 pounders on barbette carriages. The direction of their guns was good. the powder weak, and the fuses entirely too long. I am quite well satisfied with the reconnaissance, but having some suspicion of gunboats lying in Lucas Bend, I requested Captain Stembel to throw some shell in the bend. This was done, and caused the appearance of two gunboats. One of them followed us. As it was not our intention to to enter into an engagement we retreated and arrived at Cairo this day at 10 o'clock a.m. It is beyond doubt that on the bluffs at Columbus there is a camp of at least 2,000 men, with two batteries of heavy guns, about six pieces in all, and opposite between Belmont and Lucas Bend there are about 1,000 men and some field pieces.

It affords me pleasure to report the cool, calculating, and energetic behavior of Captain Stembel, his officers and men.

Very respectfully,

G. Waagner

Chief of Artillery

Hdqrs. District Southeastern Missouri

Cairo, September 10, 1861.

This morning Colonel Waagner started from Norfolk, with all the force that could be spared from that point, to reconnoiter towards Belmont, supported by the gunboats Conestoga and Lexington. They went as far as Beckwith's farm, about 5 miles below Norfolk. Found no regular force, but had 1 man wounded and lost 1 horse by shots from the pickets of the rebels. The gunboats, however penetrated farther, and found large numbers of cavalry on the missouri shore, and as near as they could ascertain 15 pieces of artillery on wheels and 1 large piece in position. some of the pieces were ascertained to be 24-pounder rifled guns.

The [Confederate] gunboat Yankee could not be induced to come far from a battery on the Kentucky shore. Captain Stembel, however, succeded in bursting a shell in her wheel-house, disabling her so much that she retired, working but one engine.

The batteries on shore were silenced, and the officers commanding gunboats think with considerable loss to the enemy. On two occasions they saw shells explode in the midst of the batteries, after which they could see by the aid of their glasses men being carried to the rear. One man was wounded dangerously by a musket-ball fired from the shore. Further than this no damage was sustainedby either of the boats. The machinery of the Lexington is out of order, and I have permitted her to go to Mound City [near Cairo] for repairs.

All forces show great alacrity in preparing for any movement that looks as if it was to meet the enemy, and if discipline and drill were equal to their zeal, I should feel great confidence even against large odds.

The enemy were seen to cross and recross the river, with what design I am at a loss to tell. My impression is that they want time to prepare for defense of their position or for an advance on one of our positions, likely Paducah. If it were discretionary with me, with a little addition to my present force I would take Columbus. your order will, however, be executed.

U. S. Grant,

Brigadier-General