Captain Boggs, of the Varuna, tells a story of a brave boy who was on board his vessel during the bombardment of the forts on the Mississippi river. The lad, who answers to the name of Oscar, is but thirteen years of age, but he has an old head on his shoulders, and is alert and energetic. During the hottest of the fire he was busily engaged in passing ammunition to the gunners, and narrowly escaped death when one of the terrific broadsides of the Varuna‘s rebel antagonist was poured in. Covered with dirt and begrimed with powder, he was met by Capt. Boggs, who asked “where he was going in such a hurry?” “To get a passing-box, sir; the other was smashed by a ball!” And so, throughout the fight, the brave lad held his place and did his duty.
When the Varuna went down Capt. Boggs missed his boy, and thought he was among the victims of the battle. But a few minutes afterwards he saw the lad gallantly swimming towards the wreck. Clambering on board of Captain Boggs’ boat, he threw his hand up to his forehead, giving the usual salute, and uttering only the words, “All right, sir! I report myself on board,” passed cooly to his station. So young a lad so brave and cool in danger will make himself known as years go over his head.
Urbana Union, Urbana, OH
Oscar Peck
Oscar Peck (1848-1906) was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip. His citation reads:
“Peck served as second-class boy on board the Varuna during an attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, 24 April 1862. Acting as powder boy of the after rifle, Peck served gallantly while the Varuna was repeatedly attacked and rammed and finally sunk. This was an extremely close-range action and, although badly damaged, the Varuna delivered shells abaft the Morgan’s armor.”