Lincoln Sneezed

by Brian Boyington

  The cargo ships that were holding the military supplies tied up to the docks near the forts for the unloading the cargo including the cannons and munitions. The cannons included sixteen 15” Parrot guns which were hoisted eight each onto the top works of both forts. They took the place of the 32 pounders, which were lowered and installed onto the redoubts. The rifled Parrot Guns had a range of more than four miles. When mounted on transverse pivot tracks, the guns had up to an 180-degree field of fire.

  The warships moored at the military Anchorage, except for one which was on a rotating patrol. Admiral Dahlgren met with President Warner, and Ambassador Says. Warner briefed him on the recent campaign and the expansion of the eastern border. Wagner then said: “My primary concern is the lack of modern weapons and ammunition for this expanding army.” Dahlgren smiled and reassured him revealing: “I have brought enough of what you need to supply 50,000 soldiers. Included in the weaponry are twenty batteries of field guns.” Dahlgren saved his biggest surprise for the end. “President Lincoln has provided your army with 5,000 surplus Spencer repeating rifles and more than 10 tons of ammunition.”

  Warner’s eyes lit up with pleasure, and he said: “General Taylor will be greatly pleased by this development. We will look forward to your training our men in the use of these weapons.”

  Two nights later a gala reception was hosted by President and Mrs. Warner. The guest list included Warner’s Council of Ministers and the leading families from the original settlers. Also invited were Dahlgren, his captains, his Marine commanders, General Taylor and his senior officers including Colonel Driver. Taylor introduced Obadiah to the American officers and was full of high praise for his competence and bravery under fire. He also expressed his thanks for President Lincoln’s immigration policy which provided the trained soldiers for the Liberian Army.

  General Taylor made arrangements with the Marine commander for Marine drill sergeants to train designated units of the Liberian Army in the efficient use of the Spencer Rifles. Obadiah’s regiment was one of the units selected.

  Three weeks of intensive training ensued. The Spencer had a seven round tubular spring loaded the magazine in the stock. The magazine gave the rifle an effective rate of fire of 20 shots per minute as compared to 3 shots per minute for muzzle loaded weapons.

  The Spencer Rifles changed military tactics. Soldiers armed with Spencer rifles would not form three ranks for volley fire. Two rows of men were all that was needed. The first rank would fire its seven rounds before falling back to reload. The rapid rate of fire would allow for fewer men at any given point and allow for enfilading fire from the flanks into any attacking soldiers. These tactics also allowed for a mobile reserve, to provide assistance to vulnerable positions.

  One month after Dahlgren’s arrival, the cannons on the forts were installed and tested. The training of the Liberian regiments also was completed. With the primary goals finished, the mission was complete. Dahlgren switched his flag to USS Pawnee and sailed for home accompanied by the USS Powhatan, the transports, and remaining cargo ships, whose civilian captains had negotiated with local merchants to carry trade goods back to the United States. USS Kearsarge and USS Stonewall remained on station. Their orders were to patrol the waters off West Africa, up to the English Channel.

  USS Kearsarge made a courtesy call to London, bringing back Ambassador Adams attaches. Adams sent a carriage for his men and invited Captain Winslow to have supper with him. As Winslow refreshed himself, Adams met with his agents, who appraised him of the results of their mission.

  During supper, Adams quizzed Winslow on the status of Monrovia’s defenses and the overall condition of the Liberian Army. Winslow related his experience watching the Liberian Army practicing with the Spenser repeating rifles. “I watched for several hours as the army tried different battlefield maneuvers. Targets were set up and blasted to pieces by the gunfire. The Liberian Army seems to be very competent and well-led.

  I met with their senior training officer, a Colonel named Obadiah Driver. He is an American emigre, who fought with the 54th Massachusetts. He ended the Civil War as a Sergeant Major. In Liberia, he has led several successful expeditions against native rebels. During one raid, the bandits kidnapped his wife, and two of his children. During the rescue mission, the raiders murdered his wife.

  General Taylor promoted Driver to a company commander during the Sierra Leone incident. He also led the expedition to repel the raiders, which were invading from the east. That expedition resulted in the capture of the British agent and Liberia’s expansion to the east. He is a hard man, and I am very impressed with his competence.”

  After sipping his wine, Winslow continued. “I also toured both Forts Monroe and Clay. They are well situated for mutual support and are very formidable. The 15-inch Parrot guns should be able to cause great difficulties to any attacking naval force. There are also 32 pounders mounted on a parapet. There are bomb proof shelters built inside the wall to protect the gunners. These shelters also house two companies of soldiers. There are also field pieces stored inside the bombproofs, which can be raised on lifts to repel ground assaults.

  The President’s plan of relocating former slaves and freemen to Liberia has been very successful. The emigre Freeman, including Colonel Driver, are very resourceful. The former slaves seem dedicated to making a better life for themselves and their families. With our continued support, I think Liberia can be a valuable ally, not just a protectorate.”

  The following morning, Adams cabled Washington and the next day received a diplomatic cable in return. Dispatches were given to Captain Winslow to bring back to Ambassador Says. The Kearsarge sailed the following day for Monrovia.

  Chapter 7

  Freetown, Sierra Leone

  HMS Achilles sailed into Freetown Harbour and signaled for an immediate audience with Governor General Kennedy. As soon as Achilles moored, Vansittart took the waiting carriage to the Governor’s residence. Vansittart reported on his visit to Monrovia. He said: “Governor, the Liberians are improving their fortifications guarding the harbor. They have constructed redoubts surrounding the forts which would present difficulties for a ground assault. I must also report that the largest cannons on the walls are 32 pounders. Those would have only marginal effect on an ironclad, but could be effective against wood warships.” There are also mortars and furnaces to heat shot.

  Kennedy replied: “Is it your estimation that a squadron of ironclads could reduce the forts and breach the ramparts for a ground assault?” Vansittart replied “Our cannons out range a 32 pounder by more than one mile. The fortifications themselves should not be a problem.” Kennedy was pleased. Vansittart then recounted the conversation he had with the Consul and of the agitated appearance of the man. He then provided Kennedy the Consul’s letter.

  Kennedy had been asked by the Foreign Office to devise a plan to destabilize the Liberian borders. He had sent six of his agents, under cover of being missionaries, to inflame the local tribes into becoming Raiders. Only three had returned, now Kennedy knew the fate of the others. After pretending he was studying the letter, Kennedy stared out at the harbor for a few minutes. He then said: “Captain return to your ship and make it ready for departure to London within two days.”

  That same morning a merchant vessel, which had been in Monrovia when Dahlgren’s squadron was there, sailed into Freetown. While in Monrovia negotiating for trade goods, the merchant captain observed the arrival of the new immigrants and the unloading of the cannons at the forts.

  After selling their cargo in Freetown, the merchant seamen gossiped at the local pubs. Soon the news was brought to Kennedy’s attention. To verify the story, Kennedy had the ship’s captain brought to the residence. Not understanding the difference in cannons, the captain offered to draw images of the weapons. He also drew a picture of the American ironclad. Kennedy thanked him for the information and provided a letter of introduction to the local trade guild. To a merchant, that letter was far more valuable than money.


  The following morning, Vansittart was summoned to the Governor’s Residence and presented with the diagrams. Vansittart stated: “The Ironclad is the former French built CSS Stonewall interned in Havana at the end of the American war. The Dons then sold it to the United States. Rumors were she was being refitted, hmm apparently they were true.”

  Kennedy then inquired about her armaments. Vansittart replied: “Originally, her hull had 4” armor plate over oak planking. There is a turret with two cannons rear of amidships and a casement bow chaser. From the diagram, it looks like our cousins have mounted a Parrot gun on top of the casement and potential weapons platform in the cupola on top of the turret. Formidable indeed.” After studying the cannon drawings, Vansittart indicated: “Those Cannons look to be rifled Parrot guns. The United States Navy uses the 15-inch model. He mused for a moment then continued: “Mounted as they are in the upper works of the forts, their effective range would be over 7,000 yards; which exceeds the range on our rifled cannon. Disregard what I said yesterday. Those guns change everything.”

  Kennedy was pensive, then dismissed Vansittart and bade him return the next day. When he did, Kennedy provided him with a valise of dispatches and said: “Make all haste to get these to London and seek an audience with Lord Stanley and personally deliver the dispatches.

  London, July 1867

  Achilles sailed on the ebb tide, making all possible speed to reach London. Eight days later Achilles steamed up the Thames River. Vansittart immediately visited the Admiralty at the Nore Anchorage, requesting an appointment be made with Lord Stanley as he had important dispatches from Freetown.

  He met with Admiral Sir John Pakington’s office where he provided the Admiral a full report. Within two hours, the Admiralty messenger returned and stated: “Lord Stanley is absent the Foreign Office. His secretary reports he is visiting his estate in Windemere; and is not expected to come back for a fortnight.”

  Vansittart stated: “Sir John, Governor Kennedy entrusted me with these dispatches to be delivered personally into Lord Stanley’s hand. With your permission, I request an escort to Lord Stanley’s estate.” Sir John replied: “I am reluctant to impose on his Lordship without his permission. I will send a messenger to Windemere, and if his Lordship is agreeable, you will receive an audience. In the meantime, return to Achilles and see to her provisioning.” Vansittart saluted and departed the Admiralty. Sir John summoned Vansittart to the Admiralty an hour after dawn on the third morning. There a carriage and escort waited, to take him to Windemere.

  Following a 4-hour ride across rutted roads, Vansittart arrived at Lord Stanley’s Estate in Windemere. There he was met on the front porch by the butler who ushered him into the waiting room. While refreshing himself with wine, pastries, and sweetmeats, he heard the baying of the fox hounds and the bugle call. He then heard the shouts of “Tallyho” and knew his wait would be a long one.

  The butler returned and said: “Captain, Lord Stanley will receive you after the hunt. In the meantime, he has instructed me to show you to a room in the guest house. There you can refresh yourself until he summons you.” Vansittart replied: “I appreciate Lord Stanley’s hospitality. Please, my good man, lead on.” Sniffing, the butler led him to a spacious room above the carriage house. There the Butler said: “There is a robe in the wardrobe. The maids will prepare you a bath and clean your uniform. Please leave your clothing, stockings, and shoes on the bench inside the door.” Sniffing again, the butler left.

  Seething at his treatment and dressed in the robe, Vansittart walked out onto the 2nd-floor porch. Edward Vansittart was born July 20, 1818, the third son, in a family of five children. His father was Vice-Admiral Henry Vansittart. Edward entered the Navy as a first-class volunteer, in June 1831 and passed through the course at the Royal Naval College, in Portsmouth. As a midshipman on HMS Jaseur, he served on the east coast of Spain during the Carlist War of 1834-36.

  Having passed his examination, he received a promotion to lieutenant on 16th September 1842. His promotion to Commander came after distinguished service in the Far East and the Mediterranean Fleet. In 1855 as Captain of the sloop of war HMS Bitten he distinguished himself suppressing piracy in the South China Sea. Following his success, he transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet. Vansittart rose rapidly up the Captain’s list and was awarded the command of the Achilles before her commissioning in December 1863.

  He heard the sounds of the maids in his room. After a few minutes, he re-entered the room, noted his uniform removed and the bath filled with hot water. He settled into the tub and luxuriated in hot water, and began to relax as the warmth soothed his temper. After toweling off, he put on the robe and browsed the bookshelf. He picked up an anthology on Shakespeare and settled into a comfortable chair to read. Within two hours there was a knock on the door, and when he opened it, the maid had laid his cleaned and pressed uniform on a high back chair. As he finished dressing, the hunters returned. Shortly after that, the butler returned and informed that Lord Stanley would receive him in the drawing room at 4 for tea. Shortly before 4, the servant returned and escorted him to the meeting.

  As he walked to the main house, Vansittart noticed that his carriage and escort were gone. Puzzled as to how to return to London, he decided to put that aside and focus on the issues at hand. The Butler dropped him off in the drawing room, where servants were preparing tea and laying out an assortment of bread, pastries, and sweetmeats. A servant pulled out a chair, and Vansittart sat down. The servant poured his tea and placed several of the delicacies on his plate. Vansittart sipped the tea and enjoyed the pastries for several minutes waiting for Lord Stanley’s arrival.

  Suddenly, the double doors leading to the room were thrown open. Lord Stanley had arrived accompanied by Earl Derby, Sir John, and Benjamin Disraeli. Vansittart stood up quickly. Sir John said: “Captain, at ease this is not a formal meeting. Let us all enjoy our tea.” For the next 20 minutes, the talk was about the hunt, the voyage from Freetown and the performance of the Achilles, which was the first frigate of her class. Vansittart’s prior resentment disappeared, as he felt his opinions were well received.

  At a signal from Lord Stanley, the servants cleared the table, left a fresh pot of tea and left. The purpose of the meeting was about to begin. Vansittart gave Lord Stanley the valise of dispatches. Disraeli questioned him carefully about fortifications in Monrovia. Sir John who had previously heard the report listened for any inconsistencies. Finding none, they then asked his opinions about the USS Stonewall. Vansittart replied: “Our American cousins have done a thorough job of refitting her. The casement needed thorough reinforcement to mount the Parrot Guns. I suspect the Armstrong guns were removed and replaced with American ordnance. The turret probably has two 15-inch Dahlgrens, with a third 15 inch Dahlgren in the forward casement. There are three gun ports in the casement which will allow the Dahlgren to be a bow chaser, or to support a broadside port or starboard. With I suspect at least 5-inch iron plate, the iron ram and a speed of 11 knots she would be a formidable challenge.”

  Earl Derby questioned Vansittart: “How is it that you were able to read the dispatches from the Consul in Monrovia.” Vansittart replied: “He appeared to be very distraught following his summons from President Warner and showed me the letter the President required him to deliver to Lord Stanley.” Derby replied: “Gods abound, was he in his cups?” Vansittart hesitated, but he knew he had to answer this direct question. “My lord, he was drinking a bit of wine.” Earl Derby smiled and said: “Thank you for your honesty. A very circumspect answer.” Then chuckling he said: “We may make a politician out of you yet.”

  Lord Stanley finished with the dispatches, then stood up and rang a bell for the servants to return to serve tea and refreshments. After the servants had left Lord Stanley said: “Captain I sent your carriage and escorts back to London. We will all be leaving tomorrow on my barge. You can join us later for dinner in the main hall at seven sharp.” Vansittart shook hands with Disraeli, saluted Sir John
, nodded his head to Earl Derby and Lord Stanley and said: “Thank you, my Lords, I will be there seven sharp.”

  After Vansittart had left, Earl Derby asked Sir John if he knew the timetable for the assembly of the regiments. Sir John replied: “General Peel informed me yesterday that the six Irish regiments have mustered in Dublin and are in barracks. The English regiments have been alerted and can ride the rails to Scarpa Flow to board transports.

  One of the Bermuda regiments was reassigned to Halifax and should arrive there within a week. The Indian regiments are en route to Freetown but will need a month or two in the passage. Once arrived, it will be two weeks before they recover from the sea voyage and are ready to fight.” Anticipating the next question he stated: “The fleet is assembling and re-provisioning in Gibraltar. It should be available to sail in a fortnight.”

  Early Derby then turned to Disraeli and said: “You must address Parliament and impress upon them the importance that we resolve this issue quickly. With a punishing raid on Liberia and forcing her back to the original borders, English honor will serve. We need to address this affair before our American cousins become involved.” Disraeli smiled and said: “I have the letter from Governor Kennedy, which I can elaborate in a special way. That should get us the desired result.”

  Sir John opined: “My Lord, what if the Americans use this as an excuse to attack Canada. With the addition of the Bermuda Regiment, there will only be three regular army regiments plus 50,000 militia. Hardly enough to stand up to Grants army.” After a moment Earl Derby replied: “Send a ship to meet with the convoy from India and re-route them to Halifax. Once there they can re-provision and sail down the St Lawrence River to reinforce Montreal and Quebec.” Sir John replied: “The Achilles will carry the dispatches to the India Convoy. That will also send seven of the Ships of the Line plus escorts to Halifax, which should deter our cousins.”