The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1861-11-14


breakers. and two vessels struck, but With
out injury.
On Friday. Nov. LAT the rough weather In
creased into gale and We had 10 encounter
one Of great violence. The feet was utter
IN dispersed, on Thursday morning one sail
only was in sight from tae deck Of the Wa.
bash. On the following day the wsnther
moderated and the steamers and ships began
- rcappear.
The orders we're opened except those in
cass of separation. These were furnished TO
the men OF war by myself and 10 the trans
ports by Brig. Gen. sherman. As the vessels
rejoined. reports came ia of disaster.
In reference 10 the men Of war, the Isaac
Smith, a most efficient and well armed vessel
for the class purchased. but not intended 70
encounter such sea and wind hadsto throw
her formidable battery overheard 10 keep
from laundering. bat thus relieved. she was
enabled 20 20 20 the assistance ofthe steamer
Governor. then In very dangerous condi-
ton and on board of which IRE
batalions OF Marines under Maj. Reynolds.
/ They we're finally rescued By Capt Ring
/ gold OF the Sabine under difficult circum
stances after which the Governor went alone.
| believe seven of the Mariners were drawned
| by their imprudence.
Lieut.. Commanding Nicholson's conduct
In the Isaac Smith has met my warm com
mendation-
The peerless transport Ia a sinking eandi
ton was not by the Mohican, Commander
Gordon and all the people on board 20 IN
number were saved under very pecnlias
circumstances ia which service Lieut. IL. W
Miller Was very favorable noticed by hi.
Commander. La passing Charleston sent
in the Seneca. Lieut.. Commanding Ammen
10 direct Capt. Gardner 10 Join me with the
steamer Susquehanna of Port ROYAL without
delay.
On Monday at 3 clock ia the morning.
anchored of the bar with some vessels ia
COMPANY with many more heaying In sight
The Department Is aware that all the aids "a
navigation had been removed and the baI
lies ten miles 10 seward, and no features
on the shore line of sufficient prominence e
make any bearings reliably, but 10 the skill
Of Commander Dove, the fleet Captain, ana
Mr.. Boulette. the able assistant ef the Coasi
Survey, in charge OF the steamer Vixen. q
channel was immediately found. BY three
o'clock receiv ell assurances from Capt. Dove
that could send forward the lighter trans
ports, those under eighteen feet, with all the
gun boats. which was Immediately done, and
before dark they were securely anchored ia
the rcadstead OF Pert Royal. >. L.
The gunboats almost Immediately opened
their batteries upon two or three rebel steam,
ers under Com. Tatnall, instantly chasing
him under the shelter of the batteries.
On the morning Of Tuesday the Wabash
crossed the bar, followed closely by the frig'
ute Susquehanna. The Atlantic. Vanderbilt
and other transports of deep graft. rundne
through that portion OF the fleet. The safe
passage of this great ship over the bar. wal
hailed with gratifying cheers from the
crowded vessels We anchored and imme
diately commenced preparing the ships foi
action la our anxiety 10 GET the outline o1
the forts before dark. we stood in too neal
those shoals and the ship grounded. BY the
time she was got of it WAS too late. in my
Judgment, 10 proceed. and | made signals fol
the squadron 10 anchor out Of gun shot Of the
enemy.
To-day the wind blows a gale from the
outward and westward and the attack Is
unavoidably postponed.
have the honor TO be, sir. respectfully
your obedicnt servant,
s. b. DUPONT, Flag Officer.
Comd South Atlantic Blood Squadron.