[Inclosure.]

I.

U. S. STEAMER BROOKLYN, August 5, 1864 - 7.25 a. M.

Admiral FARRAGUT:

The monitors are right ahead. We cannot go on without passing them. What shall we do?

JAMES ALDEN,

Commanding.

II.

U. S. STEAMER HARFORD, August 5, 1864-7.30 a. M.

Captain JAMES ALDEN,

Commanding U. S. Steamer Brooklyn:

Go ahead.

DAVID G. FARRAGUT,

Rear-Admiral.

III.

U. S. STAEMER BROOKLYN, August 5, 1864 - 7.35 a. M.

Rear-Admiral FARRGUT:

Our best monitor has been sunk.

JAMES ALDEN,

Captain, commanding.

IV.

U. S. STEAMER ARTFORD, August 5, 1864 - 7.40 a. M.

Captain JAMES ALDEN,

Commanding U. S. Steamer Brooklyn:

Tell the monitors to go ahead and then take your place.

DAVID G. FARRAGUT,

Rear-Admiral.

V.

U. S. STEAMER HARTFORD, August 5, 1864 - 8.30 a. M.

Captain JAMES ALDEN,

Commanding U. S. Steamer Brooklyn:

Haul up your cowcatcher.

DAVID C. FARRAGUT,

Rear-Admiral.

VI.

U. S. STEAMER HARTFORD, August 5, 1864 - 9 a. M.

Captain JAMES ALDEN,

Commanding U. S. Steamer Brooklyn:

Hail the monitor and tell her to run alongside of us. Prepare to run down the ram.

DAVID G. FARRAGUT,

Rear-Admiral.

VII.

U. S. STEAMER HARTFORD, August 5, 1864 - 10 a. M.

Captain JAMES ALDEN,

Commanding U. S. Steamer Brooklyn:

Send the Loyal here at once. Send the fleet surgeon on board immediately.

DAVID G. FARRAGUT,

Rear-Admiral.