Naval History and Heritage Command

SIR:
The following is a detailed report of the capture of the rebel steamer Florida in the Bay of San Salvador, Brazil, by the officers and crew of this vessel, without loss of life:

At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 7th day of October instant we slipped our cable and steered for the Florida, about five-eighths of a mile distant. An unforseen circumstance prevented us from striking her as intended. We, however, struck her on the starboard quarter, cutting down her bulwarks and carrying away her mizzenmast and main yard. This ship was not injured.

Immediately upon striking we backed off, believing she would sink from the effects of the blow.
In backing clear we received a few pistol shots from the Florida, which were returned with a volley, and, contrary to my orders, two of my broadside guns were fired, when she surrendered.

In the absence of Captain Morris, who was on shore, Lieutenant Thomas K. Porter, formerly of the U.S. Navy, came on board and surrendered the Florida with fifty-eight men and twelve officers, making at the same time an oral protest against the capture.

Five of the Florida's officers, including her commander and the remainder of her crew, were on shore.
We took a hawser to the Florida and towed her to sea.

In contemplating the attack on the Florida in the bay I thought it probable the Brazilian authorities would forbear to interfere, as they had done at Fernando de Noronha when the rebel steamer Alabama was permitted to take into the anchorage three American ships, and to take coal from the Cora [Louisa] Hatch within musket shot of the fort, and afterwards, within easy range of their guns, to set on fire those unarmed vessels.

I regret, however, to state that they fired three shotted guns at us while we were towing the Florida out.

Fortunately, we received no damage. After daylight a Brazilian sloop of war, in tow of a paddle gunboat, was discovered following us. With the aid of sail on both vessels we gradually increased our distance from them.
We had three men slightly wounded; one only of the three is now on the sick report.

I enclose the list of the prisoners. Those who have a star opposite their names were formerly in the U.S. Navy.
This vessel is ready for service. The Florida will require repairs of machinery, a new mizzenmast, etc.
The officers and crew manifested the best spirit. They have my thanks for their hearty cooperation, in which I beg to include Thomas F. Wilson, esq., U.S. consul at Bahia, who volunteered for any duty.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.

[END]