MAY 25TH, 1865: An ordnance explosion and the resulting fire caused extensive damage in Mobile. The explosion originated in Marshall's warehouse, which contained surrendered Confederate ammunition. Rear Admiral Thatcher noted that although the explosion occurred three quarters of a mile from his flagship, fragments of shell fell on it.
Commander Edward Simpson was immediately dispatched with a number of sailors to render all possible aid. He reported: "I visited the scene of the fire, and with a large force of sailors was enabled to do some service, the presence of the sailors in the neighborhood of the exploding shells tended much to restore a partial feeling of confidence to the firemen and others."
He called particular attention to the bravery of Quartermaster John Cooper who "at the risk of being blown to pieces by exploding shells" entered the fire and carried and carried a wounded man to safety on his back. For this heroic deed, Cooper was awarded the Medal of Honor for a second time -- his first award was for courageous devotion to duty on board the USS Brooklyn at Mobile Bay in 1864.
The tug USS Cowslip towed three vessels to safety.
--Old B-Runner
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