Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-10-31

impossible to discover owing to the darkness
A red light was shown as signal of danger, and
the squadron was ander way in a very few
minutes, having slipped sheir cables order
sd the Preble and Vucenues to proceed down
the South West Pass, while | covered their
retreat. which they did at about 4:5O a. I'M
At this time, three large fire RATS, stretching
across the river, were rapidly nearing us,whIe
several larger steamers ard bark-rgged pro-
pciler were seen astern of them.
The squadron proceeded down the river in
the following order First, the Preble. second
the Vincenaes. third, the Richmond, fourth
the Water Witch with the prize schooner Froc
in tow. When abfeasI of the pilot settlement,
the pilot informed me that he did not consider
it safe to venture to turn this ship in the river,
bot that he believed he could pass over the
bar accordingly attempted to pass over the
bar with the squadron, but in the passage the
Vincennes and Richmond grounded, while the
Preble went over clear. This occurred about
s O'Clock, and the enemy, who were now down
the river with the fresteamerS, commenced
firing at US, while we returned the fire from our
port battery and rided gun on the poop, our
shot, however, falling short of the enemy,
while their shall burst on all sides of US, aud
several passed directly over the ship
At $50 Commander Handy of the Vincen-
mes, mStakng my signal to the ships outside
the bar, to get under way, for a signal for him
to abaLdOn his ship came on board the Rich
mond with ali his officers and large numoer
of the crew, the remainder having gone on
board the Water.W itch. Capt. Handy before
leaving his ship had placed lighted slow
match at the magazine Having waited
reasonable time for an explosion, | directed
Commander Handy to return to his ship, with
his crew, to start his water, and, if necessary,
at his own request to throw overheard his
small guns, for the purpose of Tightening his
ship, and to carry out his kedge with cable
to heaVe off by. At 10 Il. m. the enemy ceased
firing, aud withdrew up the river. During the
engagement shell entered our quarter port,
and one of the boats was stove by au ther
she'll
have this morning succeeded in getting
this ship over the bar. The Mcclellan and
South Carolina are using all exerlions to get
the Vincennes of. The Nightingale is hard
and fast ashore to the end of the bar. have
succeeded in reducing the leak of this ship so
that our small engines keep the ship free
This is only temporary and tie ship will have to
go to some place and have three planks put
in. have received rifle guns and placed the
- FOUNDER on the torecaStle, and the l2poun-
der on the poop. Could | have possibly
managed this ship 10 any other way than keep
ing her head up and down the river, | would
have stopped at Pilot Town to give battle, but
this was found too hazardous, owing to her
extreme length. The attempt was made, but
a broadsde could not be brought TO bear with
out running the ship ashore. | then conclud
ed, as advised to start for the bar, and trust
to the chance of finding water enough to cross.
In narrating the affair of the river, | omit
ted to state that the ram sunk one of our
large cutters and shot from the enemy stove
the gig.
AIN pleased to say that the Vincennes is
aaoat, aud at anchor outside on my starbOard
quarter. Assistant Surgeon Robinson. from
the Vinceunes, is ordered to temporary duty
on board the ship. Assstant-Surgeon Howell,
condemned by survey, will return in the Nc
CielIan. The Master of the Nightingale will
deliver so tuus of ccal to the McCle Ian. This,
together with what | will take out, will, |
trust, tighten her so that we can haul her off.
Very respectfully,
JOHN POPE, Captain,
To Flag Officer WM A. MCkEAN,