The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-20

Communications the Ottawa being rather crampcd, ON
Of the large number of guests ysur special
ceptod Captain Bankheads courteous Invitation, and
went on board with him to his vesssl-the Pembina-
calling on Commander Jean Rogers, Of the
Flag on our way, who set before MS some
gooa cheer AS IT rs dosirsbe afford the rebels
conspicuous mark for their artillery all tho lights
out in the harbsr but the moonlight strong
tina, each hull brought out quite distinctly. Commo
tore Tanal, having already enjoyed taste Of metal
keeps safely out Of the way and troubles not feet
Al four o'clock this morning three white lights we're
displayed from the Ottawa, signal for getting under
weigh and in few moments she had her anchor up and
steamed out Of the harbor The Seneca followed her and
Ohe Pembina) took our position astrrn OF
her, the Mary Andrews bringing up the rear,
in line. Daylight found at sea, standing
SOUTH and about eight O'Clock stood in toward
the low marshy shores that lie either side OF the en-
trance TO 0ssabaw sound about eighteen miles south OF
Tybee Our engine slowed down, and, following the
Ottawa and Seneca, tho Pcmbna cautiously in over
the bar the lead going constantly to guide as there
no buoys spars 10 mark course We carried
nearly Ave fahoms the bar, which passed at
nine O'Clock, and nearly much clear up 70 the mouth
Of the Vernon river. When entered the river taking
the north channel every engaged scrutinizng
the wooded shores and the marshes 10 find batteries
Nothing OF the kind was seen until we reached a
point about ten miles from the bar, when we
discovered tents upon a point Of Green Island,
and on approaching nearer made strong field york,
over which flew tho dirty rebel stars and bars The
here winds about through marshes and low lands,
and the channel very intricate. sandbars putting out
either side at frequent intervals making navigation
somewhat difficulty We proceeded cautiously and
y on guided by tho lead and stood towards battery
the island bend Of the river, and commanding the
Inv Thor he euut CHI On
mon quarters; the huge eleven inch gun cast
loose looked hcrcey towards the rebel encs,npment and
the ried piece the forccaste pointing the way
ready for the fray Slowly steamed until reach
ing point in the river less than two miles from the battery
After had counted the in position ascertaned the
character of the work. and satisfied ourselves OF
ability to shell them out, the Ottawa turned and steamed
the river again The Seneca close behind her be
gan turn and while presenting her broadsde to The
battery flash seen, cloud Of thick white smoke
arose over tho rampars and in an instant raed shot,
probably sixty FOUNDER, struck the water about fty
yards from the Senecas Side The sound Of the shot
striking the water heard in the twinkng OF eye
followed by the hum of the proectie and lastly the
posion OF The gun The Seneca made no repyto this
| shot, but turned down the river. The Pembina had
he but t' foil va" far short Of rs We did not burn
grain Of powder but passed along in dignided silence
The Mary Andrews in obedience to orders had stopped
at the first discharge and when passed by her she
turned and followed the line down the river. The bat
terry on Green Island was an open work mounting eight
nine guns one two OF which raed and ali OF
heavy calibre. To the right Of the battery
campment of seventy two tents, with small building
| the extreme right occupied as a hospital gfe troops
| manning the works undoubtedly members Of the
Georgia Coast Guard and doubtless very glad
us turn without firing shell of which they have well
founded fear. While were approaching within range
| the greatest commoon among them visible
They ran to md fro in the most hurried manner, and
otherwise exhibited most extraordinary state Of alarm
We could the CLEAN of bayonets above the ramparts
and the men at their guns As only desired TO learn
their strength aud the calibre OF TIER guns drew
their fire and retired, having accomplished object
We shall hear OF victory from rebe! sources; but
what it was based upon you now know
After had reached the confluence the Vernon and
Ogeechee rivers the latter point abreast of
Racoon Key, opposite Bryan More's plantation where
boats sent ashore from the g1nboas after
they had come to anchor. The boats penetrated the
island through creek, and landed al Morel's
living soul, man beast upon the plantation.
All the negro cabins were vacant and empty On their
flight they had rsmoved household furniture poultry and
pigs, and every thing moxeahle 1t desolaton Itself
The party soon returned and, the Pembna to
into Tybee to get dispatches again went board the
Ottawa, and the fotia steamed rapidly towards Port
Royal short time after dark while be-
tween Tybee and Port Royal, strange steamer
the guns cast loose, and the ship prepared for
action We ran down towards her, and an officer
despatched in the TO ascertain her character While
on the way he met by boat from the steamer
Ing towards VS.. An officer stepped aboard aud stated
the Rhode Island bound from Port Royal rybee
Having lost her way, he wished directions. They
given and wo both went on respective ways. We
rived at anchorage at nine o'clock, after de
lghtfultrip Of two days. The weather throughout
loveiypcrfect June neutrality-suspicious. trfe too warm
IN the monday sun for comfort but altogether very des
rabe weather The smooth aud the sail delightful
OF one thing all fully convinced, and that is
that the gnboas the efficient and service
| able yesscle that we have in the navy. Their light
drangt enables them to penetrate into the waters that
lead into the states along the coast nod go anywhere
they can he Of the least service. Unfortunately they
not put together well as they might have BEEN
aud their cngnof fall Far short Of the standard
In short, they moi what they ough: 10 he aud what
they CONTRACTED 10 be. But with all their faings
wish we had hfeen,or twenty more in these waters this
very day We eord then accomplish mucn When
shall we have them?
would express appfecia ion Of the hospitslities
tended ms by Captain Sepens of the Ottawa aud Captain
Bankhead Of the Pem0na and by the wardroom officers
OF the former Every facility afforded by the
gentlemen both vessels and ] hut publicly
knowledge their poteness and kind attention TO the
HKRLD's special