The Sun.
London, England, 1864-03-28 00:00:00

THE NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.

Paedreiandet contains the following report from
an eyewitness of the naval engagement off
Greifswalte :
The Sjalland, Heimdal, and Thor had been lying several
days off Rugen. On Wednesday morning Prussian gun.
boats were visible, but immediately turned back. The
Skjold and Heimdal were engaged in the course of the day
in coaling from the transport Newsky, when at ten o'clock
two Prussian frigates, the Arcane and the Nymph, one
paddlewheel steamer, the Loreley, and eight gunboats hove
in sight. The Sjalland was forced .to engage the whole
hostile force alone for half-an-hour, and opened fire upon
the frigates and gunboats. When Skjold, Thor, and Heim-
dal came up the Prussian steamed eastward round the
island of Greifswalde. The Loreley sent the Sjalland raking
shots, but took to flight after two well-aimed shots from
the frigate. The Prussians must have thrown ballast over-
board to obtain unusual speed, for one of the frigates seve-
ral times heeled over on her side.

The paddlewheel steamer must have suffered very consi-
derably ; several of her boats were shot away, and we picked
up a handsome jolly boat. The gunboats kept quite close
to the land, and fired upon the Thor and Heimdal, though
their shot fell short. We chased the enemy eastward ; at 7
he had reached Swinemunde, while we were about a mile to
the north. The damage to the Sjdlland will not compel her
to quit the station. The Skjold had her plating penetrated,
but none killed nor wounded. As a proof of the eagerness
of the men to take part in the fight, it may be mentioned
that the Hein:dal had 20 men on the sick list in the morn-
ing, 15 of whom reported themselves ready for service the
moment the affair began.

Correspondence Found on the Body of
Colonel Dahlgren,

Several papers were found in the pockets of
Dahlgren, copies of which are subjoined :

ADDRESS TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN.

The following address to the effie A-s and men of the com-
mand was written on a sheet of paper, having, in printer;
letters, on the upper corner, " Head-quarters, Third Divi-
sion, Cavalry Corps, 1861:"
" Officers and Men,—You have been selected from
brigades and regiments as a picked command to attempt
a desperate undertaking—an undertaking which, if suc-
cessful, will write your names on the hearts of your
countrymen in letters that can never be erased, and which
will cause the prayers of your fellow-soldiers, now confined
in loathsome prisons, to follow you and yours wherever you
may go. We hops to releas3 the prisoners from Bella Isle
first, and, having seen them fairly started, we will cross
the James River into Richmond, des7roy the bridges after
us, and exhorting the released prisoners to destiny and burn
the hateful city, will not allow the rebel leader Davis and his
traitorous crew to escape. The prisoners must render
great assistance, as you cannot leave your ranks too far or
become too much scattered, or you will be lost. Do not
allow any personal gain to lead you off, which would only
bring you to an ignominious death at the hands of citizens.
Keep well together and obey orders strictly, and all will be
well ; but on no account scatter too far, for in union there
is strength. With strict obedience to orders and fearless-
ness in their execution you will be sure to succeed. We
will join the main force on the other side of the city, or
perhaps meet them inside. Many of you may fall; but it
there is any man hero not willing to sacrifice his life in
such a great and glorious undertaking, or who does not
feel capable of meeting the enemy in swth a desperate fight
as will follow, let him step out, and he may go hence to the
arms of his sweetheart, and read of the braves who swept
through the city of Richmond. We want no man who
cannot feel sure of success in such a holy cause. We will
have a desperate fight ; but stand up to it when it does
come and all will be well. Ask the blessing of the Almighty
and do not fear the enemy.
" U. DAHLGREN, Colonel Commanding."