The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-05-24
A Brilliant Feat.
CUTTING OUT A LIGHT-sHIP.

WASHINGTON, May Is.
A brilliant feat is reported to-day to tn,
Secretary of the Navy, performed by party
from the New York Eighth and Thirteenth
Regiments.
The light-ship, stolen by the revolution
lists, is now anchored on the naval grounds at
the Washington navy yard.
An expedition was sent to recover the
Smith Point light ship, removed from Ches-
apeake Bay by the seccssionists, and it re-
turned to-day in safety. The party OF the
expedition were two attachments from the
New York Eighth Artillery, and one compa-
ny from the 18th Regiment.
The light-ship was found in the Wycomb
River, and as the troops were leaving they
were fired upon by company of rebel SOL
,iiers called the Lancaster Grays.
None Of the United States soldies were
hurt, though bullets were dug out of the
woodwork Of the boat. Heavy guns could
not be used. The 18th fired several volleys
into the bushes, and it is supposed some Of
the enemy were killed or fed, as their firing
soon ceased. The enemy could not be seen
except by lodging from bush to bush.
The Herald's dispatch says that the 9th
Massachusetts, Regiment seized at Elliville
cases Of grey uniforms and s bales OF grey
cloth from the rebels, that were on the way
from Baltimore to Virginia.
Ringgold's Artillery, while passing thro'
Baltimore, was grossly insulted.
The health Of the volunteers in and around
Washington is unusually good. The twelve or
fifteen regiments are already encamped in diff
ferent localities, manifest the most friendly
feeling toward each other, and their general
good conduct is remarkable.
The Washington correspondent OF the Jour-
nal Of Commerce writes as follows
We have now ffty thousand troops in WASH
ington, Annapolis and Baltimore, and fort
night hence there will be twenty thousand
more. II is evident that the government con-
siders the safety ofthis capital to be para
mount object, but. while providing for that.
they will be prepared TO extend military opera
tons to the South and West, from this posi-
ton rs q basis. The government, II Is said,
has received such assurances OF financial and
military support, that II win proceed. with
much confidence To leyelope plan Of opera
ton which, while 1t win subject the seceeded
states To much Inconvenience, will test the
question whether there Is a union party any
where in those States OF not. IL Is also intend
ed, by the same movement, To promote and
confirm the existing Union sentiment in West
ern Virginia. in Maryland, Kentucky, and
Missouri.
The Tribune states that a gentleman who has
Just arrived at New York from Virginia, where
he has been for the last two months in all its
principal cities, estimates from his own obser-
walton, that there are not less than forty thous-
and men, well-armed and equipped, now in the
field in that state. From Winchester to Har-
pcr's Ferry, he travelleiin company with three
regiments from Tennessee, as well armed and
drilled Is our Northern troops These men
said they were to be followed by 10000 more
from that state rs fast rs the capacity OF tho
Railroad will permit The impression among
the soldiers Vas that Washington was their