this letter to the Navy Department. "I endeavor to do justice to all officers under my command, but have failed to mention the gallant conduct of Ensign S. W. Terry on the expedition up Red river. He was placed on board the transport Benefit to take dispatches to me at Springfield Landing. I had a field-piece and a twenty-four pound howitzer placed on this vessel and a part of the crew of the flagship to go in her. About fifty miles above Grand Ecore Mr. Terry discovered a battery of four guns facing down the river on which he opened fire with his howitzer and steamed on. The battery opened a quick fire on him striking the little vessel almost every time. The river captain was killed together with three other men, but the little transport fought her way through and brought me the dispatches which were important. Such cool and brave conduct gives promise of a good officer. I commend him to the notice of the Department." In July, 1864 Lieutenant Terry received this letter and its enclosure from the secretary of the navy, dated 22 July, 1864.
"The President of the United States by and with the advice and consent of the senate having advanced you five numbers in your grade, to take rank next after Lieutenant O. A. Batcheller, for gallant conduct on the expedition up Red river, I have the pleasure to transmit herewith your commission, dated 30 June 1864, the receipt of which you will acknowledge to the Department.
Very respectfully,
Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy."
He was assigned to the staff of Admiral Porter in an order dated May 20, 1864 as follows: "You are hereby placed in charge of the office of detail, and will be a member of my staff. You will be excused from all other duty on the vessel; your duties will consist in attending to all affairs relating to officers in this squadron, dismissals, appointments, resignations, leaves of absence, examinations, etc., receiving officers when calling on business connected with your office, and otherwise performing all the duties appertaining to the office of detail." This assignment continued to the close of the war. He participated in the attacks and capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, North Carolina, and subsequently in the operations resulting in the fall of Richmond. He was one of the
