New-York daily tribune., 1861-09-12
THE PRISONERS At FORT LAFAYETTE.
Decision Respecting Enlisted TIinors.
ARREST OF A NAVAL CAPTAIN.
ARMY OFFICERS RETIRED.
Special Dispatch to The N. Y. Tribune
WAsHISGT0N WednesdsV Sent H. nc


Official telegrams, our accommodating force was
opened upon by battery Of four pieces from q
side road, supported by regiment Of cavalry
and two or three regiments of infantry. We
replied with battery and halt, whose shells
fell among the cavalry, silenced their guns and
put the infantry to fight. Our men stood their
ground well, while the shells burst among them,
killing two aud woundiDg five. The good
conduct of the 10Th was particularly noteworthy.
As the men came into camp, they were met by
Gen. Mcclellan, whom tncy received with cheer
upon cheer. He visited and teoderly talked with
tally hurt, he remarked: "I was mistaken in
you; you are brave men," The dying man re-
piled: "NO, General, you were right We de-
served your punishment" Gen. Mcclellan ex-
pressed himself greatly pleased with the days
work, which augurs something different from
Bull Run. During the skirmisb, praetciDg was
going on at Fort Runyon, and lower down the
stream, and salute to Gov. Curtin at the Navy
Yard, so that the city seemed surrounded. The
practiciDg was telegraphed to be stopped when
the news of the skirmish was received
A Typographical reconnaissance was made to-
day at LewinsvIlle, by the forces under Con.
Smith, commanding at Chain Bridge, with
view 10 future occupation. / have the authority
OF Gen. Smith that the reconnaissance was success
ful, and the object thoroughly carried out. The
troops supporting the Engineers party consisted
of Lieut.. McLesns Company, Regular Cavalry,
Capt Robinsons Volunteer Company OF Black
Horse, the Pittsburgh, Pennsy yIyana, Grifiin's
and Monks Battorie, Of Artillery aud Infantry
numbering I,750, selected from Col. COchrane's
New-York Chasseurs, tho 9TH New-York, the 9th
Maine, the "a and Sd Vermont, the 9th and 2Oth
Wiscousio, and the l9th Indiana, all under Col.
Stevens of the 10Th. They arrived at Lewins
vile, about seven miles from the Chain Bridge
soon alter | o'clock.
The march was conducted with military regu-
larty, with skirmishers thrown out etc. They
took position at Lewinsyille, sent out pickets.
driving in the Rebels, aud renamed till o'clock
p. m., when, the Engineers, having completed
their survey, the scouts were called in, and
return ordered. Inmodiatey after fire opened
from the Rebel batteries, aud was answered by
Griffin and Monk. Gen. Smith, hearing the
engagement, went out with reGforcements, but
met the party returning IN perfect order. Az every
eminence Griffin and Monk opened on the Rebels,
and slleuced their guns several times. There was
very little infantry firing, and but little work
with cavalry.
While Lieut. McLean's company was scouting,
q private MINED Hess fell upon party OF forty
Rebels. Although alone, Hess fred upon them
twice. at the sound of which Mclean charged
with only ten men, and drove the enemy from
the field. Our loss, 80 far as as present ascer-
tanned, is two men from the Indiana regiment
killed one, Amos Meseryc, of the I'd Vermont,
Killed. and one, William ColburD, mortaly
wounded, A few others were slightly wounded
Lieut.. Hancock aud Sergeant Goodwin, both OF
Company I, 10Th Indiana, are missing. Ihe
Rebels did not pursue, and our troops are now
holding their Old positions. The above facts are
exactly as supplied BY the commanding oihcors
Of the expedition.
The Pennsylvania cavalry were for the hrst
time in action, and were cOmplimented for good
behavior by tho commanding officer. They sup
ported one battery in the withdrawal and Mc
Leans the other.
MINORS TO BE HELD.
Adiutant- General Thomas has decided that un
der no circumstances whatever will soldiers b.
discharged from the army on the allegation thai
they were minors when they enlisted. Thes'
discharges have a demoralizing influence IN th'
regiments.
DISCHARGE or MR.. SERRil.L.
Mr.. Serrill was Internationally discharged from
bis arrest at Fort Lafayette. He is the agent o
the Bank Of England, and held abundant proc
of his responsibility and loyalty at the time h
was denounced TO the police.
Mr. serrell had long interview this ovenint
with the President, the disclosures and sugges
tions he made were Of such importance that th'
Secretary Of State was sent for to receive
them.
MAYOR BERREr.
Mayor Berret is said to look ten years ode
than when he went to Fort Lafayette o
ARREST or 4 NAVAL CAPTAIN.
CAN'T. Dove of the PocahOntas is under arres
| on a charge Of reasonable intercourse.
OFFICERS RETIRED.
The following officers, having been found
she Board Of Examination to be physically ineom
petent to discharge the duties OF their respectiv
Offices, and the President bsving approved TN
finding, they win be placed, from the dates 50
opposite their several names, upon the iist OF rt
tired officers OF the class in which disability re
suits from long and faithful service, or ifol
some injury incident to the service;
Col. John j. Abort, Typographical Engineers ser'