Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-06-11

Official Reports.
We are enabled to my before our rtdcrS
the following interesting official reports
NAVAL BATTERY No. l,
AQUA CREEK. June End, 1SG1.)
Sir: On Thursday, P. NJ, as my telegram
the rcxt ~norning a~pprized you, the eemy
engaged rs for o short time, and .henSVlth-
drew. The Washington papers state thu one
OF them had II Massachusetts regimet on
buard for the purpose CT landing. Onef the
steamers was crowded with men.
On Friday. NJ 10 80 P. NJ, two out ofthree
steamers abreast of the battery opene fire
upon us, and continued the cannonade fothree
hours, when they withdrew. The Fgest
steamer very much resembled the Cruader.
As they kept at long shot, mostly beyop our
range, I ccononised ammunition, and onl,hred
fifty six times. One Of the steamers nd n
rifed gun, the shell from which penetrated
through our sand.bank and one Of thsi e1-
ploded in, and completely demolished theoom
occupied by the officers and myself. UpoI our
part no ore was %injured,; but lockers onfrom
the hills and the opposite shore state tht tho
enemy was repeatedly struck.
Yesterday the steamers which had laid oil
during the night were reinforced ly the
Pawnce, and at l1.30 A. NJ. they commenced
a brisk %cannonade, which continued WIN little
interruption, until about 80 P. NJ. ,fluring
which the Pawnee fred S92 shot and shell,
and the other steamer 20T, the g~reaterYortion
OF the latter being rih:d shells.
Our sand banks not being en- barbtte, we
could only fire. as the enemy camefwithin
range through the embrasures. This added
to the long distance at which he kept, ind the
necessity Of occasionally repairing dadiges- to
the breastwork, combined with my dslre to
save ammunition, constrained me to Withhold
fire except when something like q fr shot
presented. The houses in the red we're
very much knocked about, and the iailroad
track torn up in three or four plaes, but,
thanks to a kind Providence, who sens to
smile sssis1lS q sss'
As the enemy had on Friday n4as the
buildings at the extremity Of the wharf his
line of sight upon the battery, | had Ill the
furniture, &C., together with the WEATHER
boarding, conveyed to the rear Of the 4attery,
and in the course Of the forenoon set fire to
and blew up the platform and outer end OF the
bridge.
I have spoken Of Commander Thdburn's
zeal in the first engagement and canpt too
highly applaud the spirit and alacrity, tappered
by difference to orders, of Commander Cooke
and Lieutenant Trobcl. With the exception
Of Gunner's Mate Cunningham and Mpster's
Mate Larmour, whose services were Of incsti.
mable value, our guns crcws consisted only OF
volunteer militia, who stood their round
bravcly.
We had yesterday, in addition to on guns,
4 small riaed one from Captain Walkers bat
terry, under the immediate command Of Lieu.
tenant Robertson, Of Tennessee, which nnder-
ed efficient service.
In connection with tie transportion At tic
Colulnbiads TO the summit ola lofty HILL can
not speak in too highly commendable teams Of
the zeal and uatiring energy OF Licnt. Chas.
Q. Simms.
One Of the enetny'S teamcrs went p the
river yesterday afternoon, We think for annu.
milton or additional force. The Pawne and
another steamer remained at anchor al night,
near the Maryland shore, and at this: time,
a.l5, 4. NJ. occupy the same position.
am, respectfully,
Your obedirnt servant,
(Signed) W. F. LYNCH,
Captain Virginia NHy.
Capt. S. BARRON, Virginia Navy,
In charge Of Office Of Naval
Detail and Equipment
Richmond, "a.
Pre- poIST BArTEEy,
June ], 1861.
Commander FRENCH FORREST, Virginia "avy,
Commanding Naval Station, Norfolk.
Sir | have the honor to report thai the
Federal steamer Harriet Lane stood within
range of this battery at 9 \. VI. to da., and
taking u position At the distance OF one md a
half miles, commenced firing upon us with
shot and shell from her eleven inch shell gun
and thirty-two FOUNDER. She frcd shout
thirty three shot and shells, many them well
directed, but 10 enc OF. our party udS lurt;
nor did the fertilization sustain any injmy.-
a .thirty-two FOUNDER shot struck the m'zzle
Of one Of our eight inch shell guns, and
c-1rlpa ir 4-nm the face 10 ,hR rp""o;an=
The gun, at the time, was run in tur loa1iqg,
and, although the shot was broken into hree
fragments IN the midst Of cur men, ncione
the slightest injury. A numler OF
exploded near and around us, but al fell
harmless 10 the ground.
In return, we fired % shot aud shell. Fur or
five were seen to take effect in The hnll # the
steamer, and, ! an inc!rtd TO believe, ID her
injury, from the manner III whic. shr
off.
For men who Ind never before been n ac-
lion, the Portsmouth Rifles were remarkably
cool and self possessed, and, after 4 few runds,
got the range Of the enemy, and fired amira.
big well. Every officer and man behaed in
the most spirited and crcditahle nlanneI anu
were so regardless Of danger, that | hheoiten
TO intcrpose my authority to prevent thir eX.
posing themselves unnecessarily 10 tht enc
my's lire. The action lasted about ffIen or
minntcs.
am. very respectfully,
Your obi. servant, J
+. 3. PEGEA,
Commander Va. MY.
~CuMMAEDANTs OFFICE,
SAvL DsrzScEs OF THE PoToNA,i
AQaIA CREEK, June 6, 1861. y
Sir: In ny report nl the engagemcns:wih,
his battery. | ain hot certain Of har!rg,tatcd
hat, on Friday, Walkers battery Of fouthree.
nch riHed guns opered fire from an crrncnce
N our rear; and. although their shot felshort,
hey evidently diverted 4 portion Of thcHre 81
he enemy.
On Saturday, one of the four guns was2taced
IN battery here, AMI was well and fayely
under the immediate commnd OF