The national Republican., 1861-06-03
NAVAL ENGAGEMENT AT AQUA
CREEK.
Official Report.
U. s. STEAMER THOMAS FREEBoRN,
ar. 4 n NJ II a


SIR: My immediate commanding officer,
Flag Officer stringham, not being present TO
receive it, communicate directly to the De.
partment the report of serious cannonade
made by this vessel, supported by the Anacos.
tia and Resolute steamers, upon the batteries
at Aqua creek this morning.
After an incessant charge, kept up for two
hours, by both our thirtytwo Founders, and the
expenditure of all the ammunition suitable for
distant firing, and silencing completely the
three batteries at the railroad terminus, the
firing from shore having bsen rapidly kept
up by them until so silenced, and having been
recommended from the new batteries on the
heights back, which reached us in volleys,
dropping the shot on board and about US like
hail for nearly an hour, but fortunately wound
ing but one man, hauled the vessel oil, as the
heights proved wholly above the reach Of our
elevation.
Judging from the explosion Of our ten.second
shells in the sand batteries, two Of which we're
thrown by the Anacostia, It is hardly possible
the enemy can have escaped considerable loss.
Several others of the Anacostia's shells dropped
in the vicinity of the battery.
cannot speak in too high terms of the Off
GERS and men, whose coolness and activity, un
der great exposure, are beyond praise. As the
from civil life, none but myself being of the
regular navy, beg leave to ask for them ia
vorable consideration by the Government.
The long thirty.two FOUNDER in use, is of the
old pattern, cast in 1919, and cannot be excel
led in precision. Both the guns were on car.
riages of new construction, devised by myself,
and answered admirably, working. with such
ease that the crews came out Of action wholly
unfatigued. To the extreme sweep of l40 de-
grees which these carriages have, together with
the ease and rapidity Of movement, enabling
the vessel to constantly change position, yet
keep up accurate FIRE, which impaired the enc.
my's range and direction, he firing always with
rihed cannon, is to be materially attributed
| our escape without loss of life or damage to the
vessel or machinery. The men say they are as
free from fatigue as when they entered action.
We cannonaded for an hour before the same
batteries the day before yesterday; but the tide
| being out, neither party reached with any con-
siderable certainty. doubt if it is possible to
reduce the batteries, now established on the
heights, from ships, nor is it at all important,
considering that they are remote from the ship
channel OF the river, and command only the
railroad terminus.
Master Budd and Masters Mate Lee, and a
|
mute exploration, extending over the whole Of
Matthew'S Point. am therefore able to speak
with ocular certainty, and to say that not a
sign of movement, the cutting Of q sapling,
driving stake, or casting q shovel full oi
earth towards the erection Of battery, exists
The jungle is very thick, but we penetrated a
belt of it 800 yards wide from the shore, and
three miles in length, assuring ourselves Of the
facts as stated in this report.
have especially to ask for the steamers Re
lance and Resolute, of this aotilla, each q
small riaed cannon, in addition to the smooth
bored gun with which they are provided. Fol
the want of rihed gun in them, was obliged
to forbid their coming closely under fire te
which they could not reply with even an ap
proximate effect.
Lieutenant Commanding N, Collins, of the
Anacostia, will make his own report.
have the honor to be, sir, your ob't
j. H. WARD, Com. .. S. NJ
Hon. Gideon Welies,
Secrelaru of tie NdvY