Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1861-10-17
Latest War News.
Bold Exploit on the Lower POtO.
mac.

| " hohhNoiONt oSe' ~ 4NaN
! Department, this morning, received til
: following dispatch
: U. S. STEAMER UNION,
Off Acquia Creek, Oct. IL. 1861.
/ Sir:-I have the honor to submit tn
following report for your information
, Being informed of large schooner ly
ing in Quantico or Dumfres Creek know
, ing also that large number of troop
were collected at that point with th,
I view of crossing the Potomac river, a.
was reported to me, | conceived it tt
be my duty to destroy the schooner.
With this object in view I took two
launches and my boat, and pulled in fol
the vessel at half-past two clock this
morning One of the launches was
commanded by Midshipman W. F. Stew.
art, accompanied by the Master, Ed.
ward l.. Haynes, of the reissue. and the
other by acting Master Amos Foster, Of
the Resolute. l took with me the pilot
of the vessel, Lewis Penn.
Some little difficulty was experienced
in finding the entrance to the creek,
which you will remember is very mar
row but having found it, we pulled
up this crooked channel within pistol
shot of either shore until we discovered
the schooner She Was close to the
shore, in charge of sentry, who fled
at our approach and alarmed the camp
She had new suit of sails and all
the furniture complete in the cabin, which
was collected together and fired. produc-
ing beautiful conhagration
But unfortunately the flames revealed
our position to the enemy, who COM
menccd rapid fire from both banks of
that narrow and tortuous stream, inter-
mingled with opprobrous epithets, until
we were beyond their range. Our crews
returned random fire from the boats
and gave three cheers. which were re-
peated from the steamers, and pulled
for their vessels-the light from the
burning schooner guiding them on their
way. Her destruction was complete,
aud although the clothes of the men
and the boats were perforated with balls,
not man was killed.
The officers and men We'd with each
other in the performance of their duty.
Acting Master Ford applied the match
in the cabin of the doomed vessel. AS
sistant Surgeon w. R. Bonsali accom-
panied the expedition should his servi-
css be required.
hope what l have done will meet
your appreciation, Notwithstanding |
have acted without orders.
This little affair, will show the enemy,
at least, that we are watching him, and
ready to meet and destroy his prepare
tions for crossing the river a. all times.
l have the honor to be your ob't serv't,
A. d. HARRELL,
Lieutenant Commanding.
Captain T. T. Craven, Commanding
Potomac Flotilla
THE POSITION OF THE ARMY
ACROSS THE POTOMAC.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12.-Up to the
latest advices last night, there was no
change in the position of Gen. Smith S
division, excepting that he has moved
his Headquarters to Swartz's house, a
mile and half from Lewinsville.
Gen. McCalPs Headq are at
the tavern in Langley, and his division
occupies the line of the Little Rock
turnpike to Prospect Hill.
There are but few houses in Lewins-
vile, and these are deserted.
On the day our forces advanced to
that village, our skirmishers surprised
cavalry picket guard at the cross roads,
and succeeded in killing two of them,
the others escaping
Gen. Mcclellan and staff visited yes
terdaA Ill the outposts beyond Chain
bridg y, including Lewinsville, and made
a reconnaissance of the section of coun-
try lying between Townsville and Falls
Church, returning late at night.
Capt. Barker, of the Mcclellan ORA
goons, has been promoted to a Major,
and authorized to increase his company
to squadron.
The rebel cavalry pickets made their
appearance this morning about mile
from Townsville, but soon retired.
Our picket stationed beyond Prospect
Hill were driven in last night by the
rebels in force, their object being doubt
less to ascertain the position of our ad-
vance.
All our troops are now in comfortable
condition, those who recently changed
their positions being tented and their
general wants supplied.
ADVANCE OF THE REBELS.
WASHINGTON, Oct. Up. M.-Dur-
ing to-day the rebels advanced in large
force in the direction of Prospect Hill,
driving in our pickcts to that point.
The result was, the Division of Gen.
Mccall was soon formed in line of battle,
with orders to advance. 1t was sup
ported by cavalry and artillery. Several
shots were fred by the rebel battery,
but being out of range, no injury was
sustained by our troops. The Division
of Gen'ls Smith, Porter and Mcdowell
were also soon prepared for an appre-
hended emergency. but nothing further
in addition to what is already stated oc-
cured to induce an advance hostile