American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-07-13
The Fight at Ship Island.

We are indebted to Capt. Myers, of the
steamer Oregon, for an account of the fire at
Ship Island, by which one of Lincoln's chick
en thieves was sent of with flea in his
ear, and it is hoped; with hole in his hide.
Our indefatigable commandment General
Twiggs, tired Cd hearing the reports of the
presence Of Lincoln vessels i'm the Mississippi
Sound, sent Capt. Higgins late Of the United
States Navy, and now aid to Gen. Twiggs,
to scare them off. The expedition left on
Friday last, on the steamer Oregon, Capt.
Myers. They stopped at Bay ST. Loais,
where they took on quantity of sand bags
10 protect the boilers, &c. Hhis work oc-
cnpied them until Saturday morning at 8
O'Clock when they proceeded to the enemy's
haunt of Ship ISLAND. The steamer Swain,
under the command of Lieutenant Marley,
with a force of Go men, and properly armed,
svas sent to scour tile inside reste, while the
Oregon took the outside. Finding no game
the Oregon proceeded ont to sea through
Ship Island Pass. saw two small craft, and
gave chase. After renning about eight miles
s,verbauled them and found them to- be
friends. The Oregon then went back to-
Ship Island, and Capt. Higgins having deter
mined to take possession cd and fortify the
lsIand, signaled the Swain to -eeme along
side. The guns, ansnuntion, men, proxis-
ions, etc, etc, on the two boats were land
Gu, anu tue tiiitiC IttItt, anu iISfl,
under command of Lieut. Marley, immedi-
.ateIy went to work erecting batteries, noun
ting guns, etc.
Capt. Higgins then left the Swain with
the marines, and came to New Orleans on.
the Oregon, to hurry on provisions, ANNA
ntion &c. The Oregon arrixad in New Or
leans Sunday morning, and found the.
Grey Cloud loading with war materials fer.
Ship Island. Orders Were immediately Civ.
q Il II.
readiness to move at a moments notice with
the kind of cargo. The Grey Cloud
left for Ship Island on Monday morning at !
Ii O'Clock Monday night, the Oregon took
her departure, with Major Smith on board,
for the same place.
The Oregon passed the Grey Cloud and
arrived within eight miles OF Ship Island at
about six O'Clock on Tuesday morning, when
they found steamer with tender,
lying off about a fniie and a BAH from the
island. Our battery Immediately opened
fire on the steamer, wilich was returned.
After 8irfag few shots there was short
cessation, during which Capt. Myers, by
command Of Major Smith, proceeded to the
Grey Cloud, which was heavily freighted
and of necessity running slowly, and took
fron her a quantity of ammunition The
Oregon then proceeded to the island, lower
ed yawl, and placing the ammunition into 1t,
Major Smith, Capt Myers and four men
rowed to the island. The firing commenced
again almost Immediately, and continued
until 10 o'clock, when the steamer drew
off, apparently injured.
Some thirty she'll and 50 pound shot were
fired by the steamer, and eighteen by our
batteries. The men worked like beavers, |
and fought with wild delight. Four of the
enemy's balls fell successfully near one
battery, and within space of thirty feet
square. The balls were picked up by our
boys, placed in our 32pounders, and sired |,
back at the scamps, with the compliments
of our brave gunners.
The shells from the enemy fell thick /
about our troops, but the men would throw |
themselves fiat upon their stomachs, and
when the Internal machines had burst harm
lessly upon the sand, the men would laugh
ingly respond with heir heavy guns.
1t is thought that she'll from the island
fell upon the deck Of the steamer, and dis
ablet her. At any rate, she made tracks,
with her heels towards the island, and took
refuge under Chandelier Island, where she
was still lying at last accounts.
: The fight over, Maj. Smith landed the
,argoes of the Oregon and the Grey Cloud
IN the Island. The Oregon left there at
o'clock last evening, and reached New
Orleans at 6 o'clock this morning.
The result of this expedition reflects great
credit upon the shrewd commandant OF
this military ditrict, and tho brave, active
md industrious officers and soldier whom
be sent in it. t
The conduct of the men is spoken in the
highest terms, and an example in the labo-
rious art of stufiing sand bags and throwing I
np q battery was set them most worthily
By Major Smith and the other officers of
The expedition, which example they followed
with will.