The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-04

the Marshal To remove them.
Dunissyy on going down stairs said "there is no mod
THE FIGHT AT AQUA CREEK.
OUR POTOMAC RIVER CORRESPONDENTS.
Potomac RIVER, Nay 81, 1861.
Gallant Acton at A9id Oreek-he Thomas Ffcebor and
Anoccad BornJard Faw Batteries and Silence Three
Effects of the Shot and Shell from Both veasels-Pecaliar
Scand of the Enemys Rife Bdlls-Sercrdl Killed or
Wes'wded or Both on the Side Of the Rebcs--One Nan
Hit on Board the FSecomn-fhe Repolate Proceeds to
and Arrives at Washingon-What the Notyla Is TO
Do, de-, dc.
spirited action has just come of at the mouth Of
Aqua Creek between the gunboat Thomas Freedom and
the steamer Anaoosta one side and the rebel bat
tcries the other which lasted for hour and forty
minutes and resulted In completely aencing three OF the
enemys batteries, and there be no doubt in killing
and wounding several Of their mon.
last night the Freeborn spoke the Auacosts little
below Aqua Creek whom ascertaned that the lat
ter vessel had been sent from Washington weeks
cruise down the Potomac upon which Captain Ward, as
commander OF the aotia informed Lieutenant Collins,
the commander Of the Anacosta, 10 consider him.
self under his orders, as part OF the flying
aotila. This morning the whole squadron, con
sstiDg Of the Freeborn Resolute, Reliance and Ana
costa weighed anchor and stood up the river for Aqua
Creek where the Reliance left the otia and proceeded
search Of the rebel soop mentioned in former letters
Az neared the entrance Of the creek distinctly
the ferry boat Page which has been seized by the rebels
at anchor at little distance from the pier was now
apparent that we were prevented from seeing her ON
Wednesday evening, when we had arst brush with
the enemy in consequence of point Of land having shut
haro mt An Cd fr0nN
opposite directionup the river instead Of dowushe
stood plainly revealed.
Nearer and nearer the vessels approached till the
teries were plainly distinguished by the naked eye and
the secession flag haunting in the breeze But
what Is that brown spot on the summit Of a hill,
that contrasts SO strongly with the surrounding
greens Glasses are eagerly directed towards the sus
pcious looking spot, and it is discovered TO be
battery. Some Of officers thought they could
the guns, in which impression shared. Certainly
the works swsrmed with men, and distinct
IL sesn going through the motions OF using pickaxe
SINE such implement.
within hail. when Lieut. Collins, In obedience to the
MONS came board the Freeborn, bringing with him
experienced pilot well acquainted with the ptrcaces Of
the river aud creek On gaining the deck of the Free
born Capt Ward and Lieut. Collins consulted for shor
time and the plan Of operations agreed upon
Capt. Ward then took up poaton about two Thousand
five hundred yards from the batteries the pier,
nearly stern on with his forward gun trained sharp for
ward on the port side, to bear the shore This
position different from that assumed Wednesday
evening, when We had the brush at the same place,
Then had guns the starboard SIDE It requires
very superficial knowledge Of seamanshp to understand
tbese slight details.
"Clear ship for action y and call hands at quarters
were now the orders given by gallant commander.
These orders were soon obeyed, and prepared
for the very pleasant pastime that about to
take place. The Anacosta took up position little
port side, and somewhat further from shore. We
that is, the Freeborn-were in a quarter less two
tathoms, as near could approach the
enemy with prudence, in consequence Of the
shoai water. That solemn silence which always
precedes the opening Of fire naval engagement now
ensued was at length broken by the CHEEKY voice Of
Captain Ward, saying q" about to fire on the steam
err BOOM went the forward gun, and the shot pitched
right ahead Of the steamer about her length from
the depot led building at the end OF the pier ten
second shell was accordingly sent on it's errand Of de-
bursting in mid air The Anacosta now opened fire
from her solitary thrytwo FOUNDER, but the shot fell
UsHa, ha, hs!' laughed Captain Ward "that is one OF
their new guns, eh? Why, my old gun beats II complete
ly." Captain" observed one OF the officers, "the
q
gone to BEFORE At this sally there general
roar OF laughter. The Freedom now fred number Of
round Shots st from her forward gunor the after one
bad not yet openedus to get the proper elevation One
or two fell short in consequence Of too great depression
but the greater number went clear over the pier and the
battery itself, of them pitching into small white
house the beach. The proper elevation having been
obtained, shell was fired right into the depot,
where II burst It was followed BY another immedi-
ately after completely shatering considerable portion
Of the building Another shell exploded right into Of
the batteries 70 the left Of the depot doing great damage
Long before hs the soldiers were seen clearing out Of
the depot which they had occupied as barracks and by
the aid Of glasses bodies seen carried
tters by the soldiers but whether Of men killed by our
shot, or simply wounded, were Of course unable TO
ascertain.
We had fred about eleven rounds before the enemy
opened fire. His first shot WAS round thirty two pound
er, which struck the water and ricocheting SKINNED
along the surface buryng itself at some distance from
or port side His next shot approached within about
thirty feet Of our bow but the force being spent sank
The Anacosa occaeionay put in shot or shell. One
OF the latter struck corner of the depot which it COM
petely tore away. The engagement now became gene
raj shot and shell were poured in both sidee;
prt with considerable effect, while those romthe enemy
or three Of shells actually burst under water throw
ing up the spray to consider sbe height do not pre-
tend to explain how this could be on any principle OF
physics. simply state fact that, perhaps, every man
on board Witnessed, and can vouch for
All this time was the hurricane deck, near the
pothouse king the eject Of the Shots and haug
Ing remarks with the pilot Lewis, who was near me
The ADacostas pot-whoee name regret to say have
forgotten, as he deserves credit for ms cooness and
skil-was at the Wheel assisted by pilot A. B. (Ths
gentlemen has requested not to name him, as, II do,
the secessionists may hang him be falls into their
cluches) was beginning to congratulate myself on the
absence Of danger, when, whzl ball went right
our deck between the pilot house and the smoke stack
and right the head Of Mr. Lewis and my SELF II
was decidedly new sensation. !" Halioa!' exclaimed
there" ssYes . responded, and we must take care
of our heads, or may chance 10 lose those inds-
peDsable artices.n
The sight was solemn one but NO. devoid of sort OF
terrific beauty. The smoke from the enemy's gums the
Hight OF the shells, occasionally burstog In mid air,
& beautiful wreath OF smoke where the expiosoo
the surface Of the CLASSY smooth river, all mAde up
tableau that should be seen TO be appreciated.
It cannot be understood by mere description. The
programme followed thls-On seeing the smoke
from the enemys gun would wait for the report, and
then look out for the shot, which was easily avoided at
that distance, long the enemy fred from his lower