First Person Civil War Podcast

Episode 39: Seaman Magee of the USS Kearsarge face Captain Semmes and the CSS Alabama at the Battle of Cherbourg

• William Coghlan

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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.

Hello everyone. My name is bill Conklin. And welcome to first person civil war podcast. Which retails the stories of the soldiers and officers. On the ground. And for this episode on the water, in the battles of the civil war, in honor of the one year anniversary since the launch of this podcast. I've decided to mark the occasion with a special episode. episode 39 is entitled semen McGee of the USS Kearsarge face. Captain Sims and the CSS, Alabama. At the battle of Cher Berg. Before his death, seaman James McGee imparted his story of service on the Kearsarge to Francis BC Bradley. And in 1929, he published. The Kearsarge, Alabama battle. The story as told to the writer by James McGee of Marblehead seaman on the Kearsarge. And in 1869, Rafael Sams wrote. Memoirs of service, a float during the war between the states. And both books serve as the sources for this episode. James McGee was born in new Haven, Connecticut in 1839. And by 1860 lived in Marblehead, Massachusetts, where he worked as a Shoemaker. And had gotten married that same year to marry Susan night. Once the civil war began, he decided to join the Navy and was eventually assigned to the USS Kearsarge. Launched in September, 1861 and commission for service on 28, January, 1862 at the Portsmouth Naval yard in Maine. The USS Kearsarge was a sloop of war, which relied on sale and steam power for propulsion. It had a single gun deck with an armament of. Two 11 inch Dahlgren pivot guns. With a shell weight of 166 pounds. For 32 pounder guns. When fired in unison, this was the Kearsarge is broadside. And one 30 pounder parrot rifle. Rather than joining the blockading squadrons further south, she sailed across the Atlantic ocean to engage Confederate ships operating in European waters. Rafael Sam's was born in Maryland in 1809. And attended the Charlotte hall military academy. Upon graduation in 1826, he entered the us Navy. Where he saw service on several vessels until the Mexican American war. Rafael Sam's was given command of the USS summers and while pursuing a Mexican vessel off the coast of Vera Cruz. The ship got caught in a squall and capsized. With most of the crew surviving the ordeal. As the U S army marched in land Rafael, Sam's joined the staff of general worth and was present with the army through the battle of Chapultepec and the occupation of Mexico city. In 1851, he wrote service, a float and a shore during the Mexican war. As the succession crisis unfolded now, commander Raphael Simms was still in the us Navy. And in early 1861 was assigned to the lighthouse board in Washington, DC. At 4:00 PM on 14 February, he received a telegram from Charles M. Conrad in Montgomery, Alabama. Sir on behalf of the committee of Naval affairs, I beg leave to request that you will repair to this place at your earliest convenience. He sent a telegram response that evening. Dispatch received. I will be with you immediately. That night commander Simms informed his family of his decision to leave and they prepared to depart south. The next day, he handed a note to his superior. Sir. I've respectfully tender through you to the president of the United States. This the resignation of the commission, which I have the honor to hold as a commander in the Navy of the United States. And severing my connection with the government of the United States and with the department of our, which you preside. I pray you to accept my thanks for the kindness, which has characterized your official department toward me. Rafael, Sam's received a commission as a commander in the Confederate Navy and served in several positions, such as the commander of the CSS Sumter. By August, 1862, Rafael SEMS received a promotion to captain. And given command of the CSS, Alabama. And for two years engaged us vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Indian and Pacific oceans. The CSS, Alabama was also a sloop of war constructed in Liverpool, England with Confederate funds. Her armament consisted of 6 30, 2 pounder cannon in broadside and her pivot guns included one, 100 pounder Blakely. And 1 68 pounder cannon. In June of 1864, the USS Kearsarge was in Dover, England. Under the command of captain John Winslow. And tasked with keeping tabs on the CSS Rappahannock. When he received a telegram from the us ambassador to France about the CSS, Alabama. Yesterday 12th, June. I received a telegram from Mr. Dayton, informing me that the Alabama had put into share Berg. When I immediately left on my way off that port. After receiving a new try sale and top sale ordered here by survey. I shall proceed and expect to reach, share Berg tomorrow night. On 14, June semen, McGee, and the USS Kearsarge attempted to draw the CSS, Alabama out of the port of shared Berg and into a fight. But since France was a neutral country, the Alabama was safe in port and remained in place. Arriving there. We ran into the mouth of the Harbor. Had a good look at our antagonist and fired a blank shot out of politeness for SEMS to come out. But he did not come out that day. Here we lay off and on running off by day and standing in by night. Close enough to see all that went in and out of the Harbor. Just as a note, running off meant with the visibility of the day, the Kearsarge laid off the coast to watch for the Alabama. And standing in by night meant that the Kearsarge was close to the Harbor and always watching for their Confederate pho. As the CSS Alabama pulled into the port of Cher Berg. She was in need of repairs. Her crew had just completed a cruise from the Cape of good hope to France and while underway sees the Rockingham and the tycoon. Which were union merchant vessels and held their crew on board. Though, when a safe Harbor captain Sims and the CSS, Alabama had little time for respite. On 14, June or three days after our arrival. She meaning the USS Kearsarge. Steamed into the Harbor of share. Berg, sent a boat on shore to communicate with the authorities. And without anchoring, steamed out again and took her station off the Breakwater. We had heard a day or two before of the expected arrival of this ship. And it was generally understood among my crew that I intended to engage her. Her appearance, therefore produced no little excitement on board. He talks about refusing the transfer of prisoners to the Kearsarge and continues. I now address the note to Mr. Bonfils our agent requesting him to inform captain Winslow through the U S console. That if he would wait until I could receive some call on board. I would come out and give him battle. From their position off the coast of France, seaman McGee, and the crew of the USS Kearsarge received the letter. We had no communication with Berg up to the 16th of June. Then three men pulled out from the shore in a boat. About six miles to where we lay. Came alongside and gave a note to the captain. And then pulled back into port. The captain told the boson to pipe all hands AFT. He then produced the note, which reads thus. Captain Winslow. Sir. I am undergoing a few repairs here, which I hope. Well, not take longer than the Moro. Then I will come out and fight you a fair and square fights. Most respectfully yours. Captain RSMs. Captain SEMS and the CSS Alabama remained in port for three more days. And by the evening of the 18th, he deemed the ship ready for combat. The next morning, 19, June, 1864. He ordered the Alabama to depart share Berg port for the English channel to fight the USS Kearsarge. As the ship cleared the Harbor captain Sims addressed the crew. Officer's and seaman of the Alabama. You have at length, another opportunity of meeting the enemy. The first that has been presented to you since the Hatteras. Here. He means the last engagement with a union gunboat, which was January, 1863. And he continues. In the meantime, you have been all over the world. And it is not too much to say that you have destroyed and driven for protection under neutral flags. One half of the enemy's commerce, which at the beginning of the war covered every, see. He posts about the fame, the gained, especially in Europe and he continues. The flag that floats over you is that of a young Republic who bids defiance to her enemies whenever and wherever found. Show the world, you know how to uphold it. Go to your quarter's. No, the port of share Berg was available for both the USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama's use for repairs. And refitting. The nation of France was neutral during the American civil war. Which meant the ships could only fight in the international waters of the English channel. Approximately six miles distant. A fight between these two vessels was expected for days. And many French locals traveled to the cliffs of Cher Berg to witness the battle. Also viewing at a safe distance was the English yacht deer hound. And the French ironclad Coumadin. Which ensured no violation of French waters during the fights. As the Alabama cleared the port of share Berg. The USS Kearsarge sailed further out into the English channel. As our captain wanted to ensure the observance of the water boundary. Once he was satisfied. The Kearsarge turned about and semen muggy witnessed the opening shots from the CSS, Alabama. When within about a mile from her, she fired her bowel chaser. The shot dropped very carelessly alongside our forward pivot port. Within about four feet of our ship side and doing no damage. The next shot. She fired, struck us in the port bow and glanced off doing no harm. She fired some two or three more shots, very wildly that when whistling above our mastheads. During this time we did not fire one shot. But when within half a mile, We Hove round and gave her a broad side. Here we had it. Broadside and broadside. Both ships under a full head of steam, the Alabama firing two or three shots, two hour one. By this time, captain Sams recognize the maneuverability of the Kearsarge and place the Alabama into a turn. The enemy now pressed his ship under a full head of steam and to prevent our passing each other to speedily. And to keep our respective broadside sparing. It became necessary to fight in a circle. The two ships steaming around a common center and preserving a distance from each other, uh, from three quarters of a mile. Seaman McGee does not explicitly state where he was aboard the Kearsarge, but by his account of the battle, it is likely he was a part of, one of the broad side gun crews or of the Dahlgren's. We engaged her at 700 yards. And as we fought in a circle, we closed in to about 500 yards. And held this position for about half an hour. Then finding we were getting the best of the fight. The captain desiring to bring the thing to an end closed in to about 250 yards and discharged a full broad side. The USS Kearsarge had an armor tall and could withstand the broad sides at such a close range. But captain Sims is Alabama had none. Some 10 or 15 minutes after the commencement of the action are spanker GAF. Meaning a sale. Was shot away. And our end sin came down by the run. This was immediately replaced by another mizzenmast. Is this changing of the incident on the CSS, Alabama? That semen Magee claims treachery on the part of the Confederates. The men seem to be getting demoralized. They ran the white flag up in the main rigging and the success flag and the for rigging. The captain gave the order to cease firing. And on doing so we found that they thought we were off our guard as they let fly another broad side. One of the shots went through our smoke pipe and a 68 pounder launched in our stern post. Doing no other damage as it did not explode. We then add orders again to engage her. So we began to decorate her again with our 11 inch shell. Captain, Sam's not knowing the effect of moving the ship. Sensing noted the increased intensity of the battle. The firing now became very hot and the enemy shot and shell began to tell upon our hall, knocking down, killing and disabling a number of men at the same time in different parts of the ship. After the lapse of about one hour and 10 minutes. Our ship was ascertained to be in a sinking condition. The enemy shell having exploded in our side, in between our decks opening, large apertures through which the water was rushing with. Great rapidity. By captain Sam's account. He ordered the CSS Alabama to turn for share Berg. But soon assess that the ship could not make the port. He then ran down the Anson and dispatched a row boat to the Kearsarge to request assistance. As the rowboat made for the Kearsarge. He states that the union gunners deliberately targeted them. With no mention of firing on the row boats, captain Winslow's account roughly matches his Confederate pho. Toward the close of the action between the Alabama and this vessel, all available sale was made 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 a raking fire. But before reaching this point, the Alabama struck meaning her colors. Uncertain, whether captain Sims was not using a ruse, the Kearsarge was stopped. It was seen shortly afterwards that the Alabama was lowering her boats and an officer came alongside and one of them to say that they had surrendered and was fast sinking. Seaman McGee also witnessed the approach of the rowboat, but credits that Confederates as firing the last shot. After exchanging two or three broad sides on the second part of the fight, we found that they began to show us the cold shoulder by jumping overboard, not caring to communicate with us any longer. At the same time, striking her flag and firing her Lee gun as a surrender. They lowered a boat and mandate with three men and pulled toward our ship. They fired one more shot, very wildly, which struck our main top Gallant, mast and checked the halyards. And the flag flew to the breeze. We did not fire at them after they struck their flag. Captain Winslow ordered the rope boats from his vessel to assist the Confederates in the water and also called upon the deer hound to do the same. The vessel from the Royal yacht squadron in providing assistance to the sinking, Alabama caused an international incident and the days following the battle of Cher Berg. Captain Winslow expressed outrage of this English vessel in his report. These boats were busy and bringing the wounded and others to the Kearsarge. Whom we were trying to make as comfortable as possible. When it was reported to me that the deer hound was moving off. I could not believe that the commander of that vessel could be guilty of. So disgraceful enact as taking our prisoners off. And therefore took no means to prevent it. But continued to keep our boats at work. Rescuing the men in the water. Seaman McGee witnessed the deer hound, recovering Confederate sailors. And if he and the sailors of the Kearsarge had their way. There would have been yet another international incident from the battle of Cher Berg. Just as the boats left the ship. The Alabama gave two searches forward. And down, she went. I was in one of the boats that went to pick up the prisoners. As we began to pick them up, we heard them say that they would rather drown than to be hanged on board of that ship. Some of the men. We tried to save with, throw up their hands and sink down. So we were obliged to take the boat hook and reached down three or four feet. While we were picking up the men. The deer hound, one of the Royal yacht squadron. Steamed in among them and picked up quite a number. And among them was captain SEMS. He then steamed off as fast as he could. Taking advantage while a good part of our men were off in the boats. But if some of the rest of the men on board at the time had their way. I think one of those 11 and shells would have stopped his headway. And perhaps Morde him alongside the Alabama. So not a direct response to captain Winslow. Captain Sims and his book sites, the sovereignty of neutral vessels to justify the actions of the deer hound. The deer hound. A neutral vessel was not only under no obligation. In fact, to deliver up the prisoners. She had rescued from the water. But she could not lawfully have put herself under no obligation. The prisoners had rights in the premises, as well as the deer hound. The moment they reached the deck of the neutral ship by whatever means. They were entitled to the protection of the neutral flag. Besides a claim of defective ammunition having been on board the Alabama for over two years. Captain SEMS. Credit's the armor of the Kearsarge as the deciding factor in the union victory that day. Not withstanding by enemy. Went out chivalrous armored to encounter a ship whose wood insides were entirely without protection. I shouldn't have beaten him in the first 30 minutes, the engagement, but for the defect of Miami nation, which had been two years on board and become much deteriorated by cruising a variety of climates. I had directed my men to fire low. Telling them, it was better to fire too low than too high. As the ricochet in the former case, the water being smooth would remedy the defect of their Raim. Whereas it was of no importance to cripple the masts and spars of a steamer. By captain Winslow's own account, the Kearsarge was struck 28 times. But as ship being armored, of course, my shot and shell, except in so far as fragments of the ladder may have damaged his spars and rigging fell harmlessly into the sea. Seaman McGee remained aboard the USS Kearsarge until his discharge on 30 November, 1864. When the ship pulled into Boston for repairs. In December of 18 64 17 sailors received the medal of honor for their actions during the battle of Cher Berg. To recount each citation would take too long, but they include men such as. Quartermaster William Smith gun, captain of the 11 inch pivot 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 muggy remained in Massachusetts and attended annual meetings of the Kearsarge veterans held around 19 June. That marked the anniversary of the battle. Before his death, he imparted his 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 writer by James McGee of Marblehead seaman on the Kearsarge. By 1865, Rafael Sims rose to the rank of rear Admiral and commanded several vessels along the James river in Virginia. As the Confederate Capitol fell, he ordered his men to burn the ships and boarded a train to North Carolina. Where his men joined general Johnston's army. And surrendered shortly thereafter. Following the war Raphael, Sam's accepted a teaching position at the Louisiana state seminary. And in 1869, he published. Memoirs of a service afloat during the war between the states. Thank you for listening to the 39th episode, which marks one year since I started the podcast. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I am so excited to start another year of first person, civil war podcast. A keen listener will have noticed that there is now an episode for almost every state. By December, 2025. I hope to have an episode from all states, not yet featured on the podcast. If you know of a soldier or officer story that I've not yet featured, please let me know through the contact page on the website. I have other plans in mind for this year, but as they come to fruition, I will certainly let everyone know. The link to seaman McGee's and captain SEMS books are now available on the podcast website. First person, civil war, podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. This week, you will find pictures of semen Magee in 1907. And Admiral Raphael SEMS in 1865. Lincoln the show notes for a complete list of the medal of honor, winners of the USS Kearsarge. In two weeks time. Private Martin, a Haynes of company. I second New Hampshire. Provides next episodes, first person account. At the battle. Of cold Harbor. My name is bill Conklin. And thank you for listening to first person civil war podcast.