Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-10-25
THEayAVAL FIGBT AZ THE MOUTH
OF THE MISSISSIPPI
THE FIGHT ON SANTA ROSA ISLAND.


NEW York, 24-The Mcclellan brings a
reliable account of the fight at the mouth Of
the Mississippi river. The rebel fleet consist
cd OF six gunhonts the Ram the Manassas,
and a large number OF fire ships, which filed
the river from shore to shore. Our squadron
comprised the Richmond, huntsville, Water
Witch, Preble, and Vncemes, and slorcship
Nightingale, which were at anchor in the
Southwest Pass. The Manassas drIted aloul
of the Richmond, knocking Il hole in her quar-
ter and stern, and doing but little damage.
To avoid the f. sLIps the squadron got un-
der way Immediately drted down the river.
The Richmond, Preble, Nmceunes, and
Nightingale got ashore on the bar, aud wnlle
asaie were attacked by the rebels. Only one
OF their shots took effect, and that struck The
Richmond on her quarter They were beaten
of hv the NlnctnueS with two guns, She iav
ing thrown the rest overheard, and the rest OF
hen armament, with her chains, anchors &c,
to tighten her, she being much exposed to HE
rebel fire There was not one person killed or
wounded in the squadron The Richmond,
Prehle, AMI Niucenu,s, were towed of next
day by the Mcclellan The Nightingale was
sti ashore, tut probably got oil next day.
The details OF The fight on Santa Rosa Island
say lie rebel forces, fifteen hun fred strong,
landed on the island from three steamers four
miles above Wilson's camp. Ii was about two
il tile morning aud very dark. They rapidly
formed in three columns, and proceeded silent
ly toward the ZouaYe camp hoping to effect a
total surprise, but were only partially success
tul The picket guard, about six hundred
yards oil, discovered and fired upon them,
and gave the alarn and saved the regiment
from annihilatiOi.
The attack by the enemy's columns was
simultaneous, and volcy after volley was fired.
upon the Zouaves, who were forced to tall back,
leaving the camp IN the hands OF the rebels,
which they commenced burning.
Fort PjCkens WAS by this time thoroughly
aroused, and three companies ui regulars came
to their assistance. The rebels then retrCated
to the boats, closely followed by the regulars
and small number OF volunteers, keeping up
destructive fire upon them, and killing and
w0unding large number. The rebels finally
reached the boats, but the steamers were over
five hundred yards from the beach, and our
men poured repeated yolleys into the crowded
m ISIS. Every bullet told and, by the shouts
snd co fusion among the rebels, it was evident
that we had Obtained ample satisfaction tor
the insults TO our flag. The regulars behaved
noby. Great credit is due to Captains Rob
prtson and Hill, and 10 L;eule nants Sreiy and
Taylor.
The ZUuaves were badly managed, and Col.
wilson is very much cehsuIei iOr lheluGlcHcy.
He did not reach the scene until it was all
over. Tue camp was almost destroyed, the
officers and men losing ever: ding. Major
Newly had very narrow cscapc, being con-
fined 10 his bed from dangerous illness. One
of his servants was killed and the other taken
prisoner. Newly shot one rebel with a TO-
v0lyer, got out Of the house, mounted horse,
and escaped through storm OF bullets
The regiment lost 10 killed, 20 wounded,
aud . taken prisoners. The regulars lost
killed, 20 wounded, and 10 taken prisoners.
The rebels lost by their own statement $50
killed, wounded and missing. We took 50
prisoners, including three doctors, who were
released