Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-05-22
Correspondence Of the Pctersbwg Express.
NoRFolK. Nay 20 1861.


Correspondence Of the PctersJrg Express.
NORFOLK May ~, 1861.
The bail has been opened in this neishborhood, and
now il may he, the war will commence Ia c. rnest
Last Satudiy the steam tug .hokcc took down a
number Of negro AboTers TO complete fertilization
that had been conme.ced Sewels Point which is sit
usted medately at the mouth of Elizabeth river, aud
from which tie entrance into James iiv,r may be COM
manded The enemy bad an iHDrOUised war steamer,
the Aoaticello stationed of the point. Ths ,hokee
perccivng from certain demonstrations the part Of
the Monticello that il would be unsafe proceed to hr
destination landed her men at Boushs bluff point some
two niles this side OF Sewes where a small battery had
been erected. This had hardly been accomplish ed be
fore the Monticello steamed up and fir hos both
Of which passed the tug without inhicrg any dam
age The fire responded to by the battery at Bousb
buG shich had the effect Of causing the Montce
re aush the chase of the K4hokee dropping her
former position. She opened her guns the incom
pete battery at Sewtrs Point with the intention OF de
tToying the work She fred in al about thirty shCt
only two of which took effect; but serious damage
done Two companies Of soldiers at the point with
about hundred negro 4borers The soldiers stood their
ground bravely when the shells fell about them but there
vas sccmperiug among the darkies
During the nigh; several heavy pieces of artillery and
additional force of laborers sent down by land
from this pace, distance of nine miles. By o'clock
yesterday Sunday afternoon, three short 32pou1ders
and two riff Founders had been placed iu position and
brushwood by which the operations had been mssked
removed and no sooner the battery exposed 10
view Than at orcl the Monticello opened on it. She
mounts six guns of the heaviest cabre, and for about
two hours threw shot and she'll about the work with fear
full rapidty and often times with great precision. Our
men returned the fire with spirit, but wanting experience
the guns served with great skill. Sill several
slot from the rifle took eject, and about night
fall the steamer obliged to draw oa, evidently in
disabled state.
sin tha hat WA
line which she instantly signalzcd TO the vessels in
the Roads by sending rocket Later 10 the couilc
she sent up another rocket, when two steamers, the
Yankee aud the Young Americd, came to her assistance
The Yankee took part in tie engagement but receiving
shot in the stern which raked her deck and carried
away her flag staff she prudenty withdrew to safer dis
tance Her example quickly followed by the other
two steamer the Monticello making headway very so"
y and rolling heavily, if partially filed with water.
Thus in this first encounter in waters, victory re-
mains with u.s. The troops that achieved il a ccm
pany from Columbus Ga, Capt Coqltt and the Woods
X fes, from this place, Capt. Lamb. detachment Of
the Junior Rifles of this place also in the work.
The men, all agree exhibited the cooness and
courage Of veterans. No troops could have behaved
better.
When the affair was ended, Capts Coquitt and Lamb
both made speeches TO the command and c1mplmeuted
them on their gallant and soldery bearing Gen Gwynn
who present during part OF the engagement also
spoke high terms of the bravery tina: the troops eK
hbited.
As usual in the battles that have thus far occurred d
ring tie present singular war, nobody hurt" That
is nobody on side except who got bruised
shin from spent fragment of SHE'LL and Col. Collier
aid to Gen Gwynn, who learn raped so severely
over the kruckes by fling splinter, as to damage his
hand somewhat. These, believe, the only casual
ties great or small that occurred on our side.
On the part o, the enemy the lis it is 10 be hoped
presents a booder appearance.
Last night four o. tho heaviest guns, and force OF
nearly thousand men moved down to the point.
Il was expected that warm work would there this
morning but up the present wiring no a. ny every
| thing is quiet.
Among the troops moved last night, the five Pc
tersburg companies heretofore stationed Ferry Point,
| ard the Richmond GAYS all under command Of Col
Weisiger Let 'hesc boys have chance and they will
surely give a good account OF themselves. They march
ed with the greatest aacry, and shouted when the or
der vas given. They all have the proper metal.
Nichols Lewellen's and Branch's companies at
Craney Island from which point they had a fire view Of
the fay Yesterday but too distant 20 participate
Captain Fishers company Of Cavalry stationed at
Wises store on the seaboard road about l6 miles dis
| tant from Portsmouth.
Will keep you advised by Telegraph should anything
lively occur
| Yours. &c, CccxAnE.
P.S-Tt has been raining the greater prt OF the
night, and is still showery. Rather hard tho boys,
who were marching all light, and even now unpro
| vided with shelter.
| PS-l2 Col WCisger'5 ccmmlnd have just re-
turned in good condition. but disappointed at not having
a brush. They are all well soaked-but with water
| ouly