Fireman James Sullivan, C. S. Navy.

I have no personal information on James Sullivan, but would like too, if any one as and information on him drop me a line.
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CHARLESTON, S. C., October 6, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Monday evening, 5th instant, Lieutenant W. T. Glassell, Confederate Navy, in charge of the propeller David (a small submerged steamer), with the following crew, viz, James H. Toombs, acting first assistant engineer; the city and proceeded down the main ship-channel, passing through the entire fleet of the enemy's vessels and barges, until we arrived abreast of the U. S. frigate Ironsides,a at 8.30 p. m. We then stood off and on for thirty minutes waiting for the food tide to make. At 9 p. m., everything being favorable and every one in favor of the attack, we headed for the Ironsides. When within 50 yards of her we were hailed, which was answered by a shot from a double-barreled gun in the hands of Lieutenant Glassell. I in two minutes we struck the ship (we going at full speed) under the starboard quarters, about 15 feet from her stern-post, exploding our torpedo about 6 1\2 feet under her bottom. The enemy fired rapidly with small-arms, riddling the vessel, but doing us no harm. The column of water thrown up was so great that it recoiled upon our rail bank in such force as to put the fires out and lead us to suppose that the little vessel would sink. The engine was reversed for backing, but the shock occasion by the jar had been so great as to throw in iron ballast among the machinery, which prevented its working. During this delay the vessel, owing to the tide and wind, hound under the quarter of the Ironsides, the fire upon us being kept up the whole time. Finding ourselves in this critical position, and believing our vessel to be in a sinking condition, we concluded that the only means of saving our lives was to jump overboard, trusting that we would be picket up by the boats of the enemy. Lieutenant Glassell and the fireman (James Sullivan) swam off in the direction of the enemy's vessels, each being provided with a life-preserver, and were notre seen afterward. The pilot stuck to the vessel, nd I being overboard at the time and finding that no quarter would be shown, as we had called out that we surrendered, I concluded it was best to make one more effort to save the vessel. Accordingly I returned to her and rebuilt my fires; after some little delay, got up steam enough to move the machinery. The pilot then took the wheel and we steamed up channel, passing once more through the fleet and within 3 fleet of a monitor, being subjected the whole time to one continuous fire of small-arms, the Ironsides firing two 11-inch shot at us. The pilot (Mr. Cannon) has won for himself a reputation that time cannot efface, and deserves well of his country, s, without his valuable aid, I could not have reached the city. The conduct of Lieutenant Glassell was as cool and collected as if he had been on an excursion of pleasure, and the hope of all is that he may yet be in safety. The fireman (James Sullivan) acted in a manner that reflected credit upon himself, having remained at his post until relieved by me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,J. H. TOOMBS.

Numbers 4. Extract from Journal of Operations in Charleston Harbor, S. C., September 1, 1863-January 21, 1864.Acting Fist Assistant Engineer, C. S. Navy.

Lieutenant W. T. Glassell, C. S. Navy, in charge of the propeller David (a small submerged steamer), with the following crew: James Hl. Toombs, acting first assistant engineers; Walker Cannon, pilot, and James Sullivan, second fireman, started from the city and proceeded down the main ship-channel, passing through the enemy's fleet of vessels, barges, &c. Arriving abreast of the United States frigate Ironsides at 8.30 p. m., the David stood off and on for thirty minutes waiting for the flood tide.

At 9 p. m., everything being favorable, the vessel was directed toward the Ironsides. When within 50 yards of her they were hailed, and answered by a shot from a double-barel shot-gun in the hands of Lieutenant Glassell, and in two minutes afterward the David struck the Ironsides under the starboard quarter, about 16 feet from the stern post, exploding the torpedo about 6 1\2 feet under the bottom of the Ironsides. The enemy immediately commenced firing rapidly with small-arms, riddling the vessel, but injuring no one. The column of water thrown up by the explosion of the torpedo was so great as to recoil upon the David, put out the fires, and induce the belief that she would sink. The shock also disarranged some of the iron ballast, which, becoming entangled with the machinery, prevented its working.

In the meantime, the enemy had kept up their musketry fire; the crew of the David, with the exception of the pilot, therefore jumped overboard in the hope that they would be picked up by the enemy's boats. Engineer Toombs, finding no quarter was being given by the enemy, returned to the vessel, rebuilt the fires, got up steam, and, with the assistance of the pilot, brought the vessel, back to the city, after running the gauntlet of the enemy's fleet, passing within 3 fleet of one of the monitors, and subjected during the whole time to a continuous fire of small-arms. Lieutenant Glassell and James Sullivan, fireman, were last seen swimming in the direction of the enemy's vessels, and it is believed were captured.

The conduct of all engaged in this affair is deserving of commendation, and thought the attempt to destroy the Ironsides was not successful, the practicability at some future period was demonstrated. The want of success is believed to be owing to the small charge of 70 pounds of powder used in the torpedo.