, 1861-09-12
Perils of Priva.eerine.


We copy from the Philadelphia Pres Of the
9Th some particulars Of the late engagement Oh
Charleston, between the U. S. ffgate 81. LacTsnea
and privateer AIea. The officers Of the 81. Lgip;
renoe wisely judged that many PFivatesFSmsl
would not know her true character, and, 10 still
further conceal her armament and object, the
portfolios were kept closed and The men put out
Of sight.
She cruised for month along the Atlantic cost
between Cape Henry and SaVapp6bsand on the
morning Of the 1st Of August, while Just outside
the harbor Of Charleston, espied q long Taksh
schooner, flled with men, and mounting three Or
four guns, smiling rapidly down upon her. The
port.holes were still shut but the Gag was atthe
peak. and the 81. LdIrTenee looked like great
iunIberly merchantmen beealmed n ( strange
latitude, and too unwisldS for any paFposs sAFO
the holding Of a big cargo for the asAriee Of an
enemy 70 court and q daring pritateer 70 secure,
. As the stranger came down, the 81. LqieTancs
hoisted all sail and affected to be anxious 10 get
out to sea. In reality, however, she was sdging
closer In 10 shore, and making arrangements be-
low to receive the reckless visitors with appro-
pirate largess. Directly shot came skipping
over the water. falling into the seq : few Fod8
ahead Of the frigate. and number f0llowcdi In
quick succession, but nearly eli either striking
beyond or passing over. The hnal discharge
eonsiSeu oi grape Anu canlsteTg winch uAoe 1o1lg
little dalfance with the frigates rigging and I'd.
monished the commander that the play Uas
growing serious 4...y .l.lgsl ll..5gg
At this time the vessels Wero within speaking
distance, and man in uniform was seen mounted
upon the pirates deck, who shouted to.the G
Laurence TO lay to and send over boat. The
crew were distinctly seen heariShilg their cut
lasses, and the gunners ramming and pointing
their guns. She carried three guns, Supposedto
be ritied cannon. Then the 81. Ldstrenee threw
up her ports and disclosed whole broadside q
cannon, with the gunnefs ct tho brooch Of th0
guns. holding lighted fuses, and directly the broad
decks were Tiled with seamen ig blue jackets,
armed with muskets, who sprang into the shroudS
and ran out on the yards lying prone 10 the malnt
top, on bowspIii In iorecaste, and At every point
where aim could be taken with advantage. Ina
word, the ugly msrchantman was metamorphosed
into bristlng war ship, with . man d every
point, and broadside 0f cannon looking into The
very eyes Of the pirates. 4.,. ag,
The latter, t.keA abackj jrecoiled moment but
before they had time for action, even for thopfht
the guns isiched forth iron and Gre, splintsring
the nIasts cutting the rigging and sails Is with
knives, breaking the spafs and the boolns, and
literally carving the schooner into pieces and
opening golls into which the water rushed g
through suices, hlling the hold and admonishinf
the rebels that their s0e hopes OF NE lay N tno
ships boat or Wrestling with tbe SCI.
The Gre still continued, and the yeier. was FILL
Of driltwoOd Many Of the men jumped over.
board, and the rest, Launching the lile-boat jump.
ed in and held up white handkerchief as sign
Of surrender. 'AA'ea' 1a
But one man had au opportunity 10 70 down
into the cabin for bis prnpeTty, and be was thr
Lieutenant, fellow named Harvey, formerly .
MdshipnAn 10 the q. s. service, under command
or Capt. Sartori. Harvey recovered bis tfdik.
The 81. Lderehee sill continued the irt with
small arms, bot directing The aim Al the hulk. and
not at the small boat. The efuW, excepting four
men, we're not injured. IN Ten minutes from thc
time Of the discharge Of the irst gun, the vessel
sWayed heavily and went under; carrying d0un
four men, one 81 whom. named Carnoht-f. wisa 4