CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY: THE BATTLE OF SABINE PASS

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Submitted by Doris Peirce - ginlu@charter.net
24 February 2002 
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson 
THE BATTLE OF SABINE PASS.

One of the most brilliant achieveents of the Confederacy was 
the battle of Sabine Pass, on the coast of Texas.  The commander 
of the Mud Fort, Lieut. R. W. Dowling, an Irish lad, was the hero 
who deserves special mention.  We quote from the Confederate 
Military History the following which clearly and justly gives 
credit to the heroes for their gallant defense of Texas.  Forty 
three men in handling the guns made a history that will go down 
to generations for their gallantry, bravery, and the good results 
in this wonderful and historical fight:

"The roster of Company F, First Texas heavy artillery, present 
at the battle, is as follows: First Lieut. R. W. Dowling; 
Sergeants, Corporals and Privates:  Jack W. White, Timothy 
McDonough, Thomas Dougherty, David Fitzgerald, Michael Monohan, 
John Masset, John McKeefer, Patrick McDonald, Willaim Gleason, 
Michael Carr, Joseph Wilson, Thomas Hagerty, Thomas Huggins, 
Abram McCabe, James Fleming, Patrick Fitzgerald, Thomas McKernan, 
Edward Pritchard, Charles Rheims, Timothy Hurley, John McGrath, 
Matthew Walshe, Patrick Sullivan, Patrick Clare, John Hennessy, 
Hugh Deagon, Maurice Powers, Abner Carter, Daniel McMurray, 
Patrick Malone, James Corcoran, Patrick Abbot, John McNealus, 
Michael Eagan, Daniel Donovan, John Wesley, John Anderson, John 
Flood, Peter O'Hara, Mike Delany and Terrence Mulhern.  The 
above were enlisted men.  Lieut. N. H. Smith, a Lousianian, 
and Dr. George Bailey, assistant surgeon, volunteered to aid 
the gunners in the fort, both taking their places at the guns.  
These names deserve to go down in Texas history as of men who 
were heroes in a naval battle in defense of the State.

"Lieut. Henry Dane, previously quoted as a prisoner, had an 
interview with Lieut. Dowling, which he reported as follows: 
'The commander of the fort was a modest, retiring,, boyish 
looking Irish lad 19 years old.  I could not refrain laughing 
in his face when he was introduced to me as Lieut. Dick Dowling, 
in command of the fort.  'And are you the shaughran,' I asked, 
'who did all this mischief? How many men and guns did you have?'  
'We had four 32 pounders, and two 24 pounders, and 43 men,' was 
the reply with a blush.  'And do you realize what you have done, 
sir?'  I asked, 'No,' he said frankly; 'I do not understand it 
all.'  'Well, sir, you and your 43 men, in your miserable little 
mud fort in the rushes, have captured two gunboats, a goodly 
number of prisoners, many stands of small arms, and plenty of 
good amunition, and all that you have with six popguns and two 
smart Quakers.  And that is not the worst of your boyish tricks.  
You have sent three Yankee gunboats six thousand troops and a 
general out to sea in the dark.'"

"By resolution, approved February 8, 1864, the thanks of the 
Confederate Congress were extended to Captain Odlum, Lieut. 
Richard W. Dowling, and the 41 men composing the Davis Guards, 
for their gallant defense, which was characterized as 'one of 
the most brilliant and heroic achievements in the history of 
this war, and entitles the Davis Guards to the gratitude and 
admiration of their country.'"