John P. Cook to Ulysses S. Grant, December 1, 1861

At 3.15. p. m. Lieutenant Mathie, commanding Company F, Sereni Illinois, otio of the day, reported to these headquarters the approach of three rebel gunboats (names unknown), which were allowed to reach a distance of 4j miles from Fort Holt, when, deeming it imprudent to allow them to progress farther, the batteries were ordered to open upon them, the first shot being fired from Fort Holt, on the extreme right of the fortifications, for the purpose of drawing à fire from the enemy, in order to test the power of his artillery, which having been done, the 64-pounder, “Lady Grant,” in battery on the extreme left, returned his fire, dropping the first shot within 200 yards in advance of the boat. The second boat returning our fire plainly showed the inadequacy of both guns and artillerists to cope with us at any shorter distance. The 64-pounders, commanded by Lieutenant Wood (McAllister’s artillery), was managed with marked ability, although laboring under great disadvantages, the piece being only provided with ammunition for 32- . pounders.

I am confident that had we been supplied with the ammunition adapted to the caliber of the gun we could have done much damage to the enemy before he could have retreated. To elevate to such an extent as would enable us to reach him with a shot (there being no known rule to estabiish the angle), caused us in two instances to overshoot him, the shot from the gunboats always falling greatly short of us.

On the approach of these rebel eraft a detachment from Captain Delano’s cavalry, together with one company from the Twenty-eighth Illinois, were ordered to proceed, the former as far as Fort Jefferson, as a reconnoitering party, with instructions to report by messenger anything that would reveal the intentions of the enemy,and the latter beyond the picket line, deployed as skirmishers, to guard against an unexpeeted attack in the rear of the fort, both of which have returned, assuring me of the entire absence of any armed force about or around the camp.

All of which is most

respectfully submitted.