Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-05-24

The war commenced in Virginia.
Correspondence OF the Pe.srsburg Ezprsss.l
NORFOLK, May 90, 1661.-The ball has been
opened in this neighborhood, and now it may
be, the war will N in earnest.
Last Saturday the steam-tug Kahokee took
down a number Of negro laborsrs TO complete
a fertilization that had been commenced on
Sewel1s point, which is situated Immediately
at the mouth OF Elizabeth river, and from
which the entrance into James river NAV be
commanded. The enemy had an iHpr01is.d
war steamer, the Monticello, stationed of the
point. The Kahokee pereeiving from certain
demonstrations on the part of the Monticello,
that it would be unsafe to proceed TO her des-
t~ination, landed her men at Boush's bluff, 4
point some two miles this side Of SeWell's,
where . small battery had been erected. This
had hardly beer accomplished before The Mon
ticello steamed Up and fred two shots, both Of
which passed over the tug without i~nficting
any damage. The fire was responded to by
the battery at Boush's bluF, which had the ef-
feet Of causing the Monticello to ~relinquisb
the chase Of the Kahokee and dropping to her
former position. She opened her guns on the
incomplete battery at Sswsil's point, With the
intention Of destroying the work. She fired
in all about thirty shots, only two Of which
took effect, but no serious damage was done.
Two companies Of soldiers were at the point,
with about a hundred negro laborers. The
soldiers stood their ground bravely when the
shells fell about them, but there was scampsr-
ing among the dsrkiss.
During the night several heavy pieces Of ar
tillery and an additional force Of laboreus were
sent down by land from this place, a distance
OF nine miles. By four O'Clock yesterday
Sunday afternoon, three short 30 FOUNDERS
and two rife 6 Founders had been placed in
position, and were ready for action. They
had not long 20 wait. Som brushwood by
which the operations bad been masked was re-
| moved, and no sooner was the battery exposed
to view than at once the Monticello opened on
It. She mounts six guns OF heaviest c2libre,
! and for about Two hours threw shot and she'll
about the work with fearful rapidly, and often
times with great precision. Our men returned
the fire. with spirit, but wanting experience, the
guns were served with no great skill. Still
sever shot from the rife cannon took effect,
| and about nlghtfall the steamer was obliged TO
draw of, evidently in a disabled state.
The second shot from the battery struck near
ts water Line, which SIZE instantly signslized
to the war vessels in the Roads by sending up
a rocket. Later in the conflict she sent up
another rocket, when two steam tugs, the Yam
kee and the Young America, came to her as
s~istance. The Yankee took part in the engage
ment, but receiving a shot in the stern, which
raked her deck and carried away her flagstaff,
she prudentiy withdrew to a safer distance.
Her example was quickly followed BY the other
two steamers, the Monticello making Roadway
very slowly, and rolling heavily, as if partially
filed with water.
Thus in this FIRST encounter in our waters,
victory remains With rs. The troops that
achieved it we're a company from Columbus,
Ca, Capt. COlquitt, and the Woods Rifles,
from this plaza, Capt. Lamb. a detachment
OF the Junior Rifles Of this place were also in
the work. The men, all accounts agree, ex-
hibited the GOODNESS and courage Of veterans.
No troops could have behaved better.
LATER-soMEBoDY HURT.
NoRro1K. Nav %. 81. M-6U Is ouiet here