Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-06-12
OFFICIAL REPORTS.
We are enabled TO lay before readers the following
interesting official reports:
NAVAL BATTERY NO. L,
AovtA CREEK. June %. 1861.

sir-On Thursday, ?. ~, as my telegram the next
morning spprzed you the enemy engaged US for short
time and then withdrew. The Washington papers state
he one of them had Massachusetts regiment on board
for the purpose OF landing. One OF the steamers was
crowded with men.
On Friday at 1880 P. NJ two out Of three steamers
abreast OF the battery opened fire upon u.s. and continued
the cannonsde for three hours, when they withdrew
The largest steamer very much resembed the Crusader
As thew kept at long shot, mostly beyond our range,
economsed ammunition and only fired Gf.ysix times
One of the steamers had rhsd gun, the shell from
which penetrated through sand-bark; and one OF
them exploded in, and completely demol the room
occupied by the officers and myself Upon our part no
one was injured; but lockers on from the hills and the
oopoe shore state that the enemy repeatedly struck
Yesterday the steamers which had laid Off during the
rg5t we're reinforced by the Pawnee, and ct IL 30 A
NJ thew commenced brisk cannOnade, which continued
with little interruption, until about 30 ?. H., during
which the Pawnee fired 92 shot and shell and the other
steamer ZO7 the greater portion OF the latter beng Filled
shells
Our sand banks not being en- barbcte, could only
fire as the enemy came within range through the embrA
suces This, added 10 the long distance at which he
kept. aud the necessity OF occasionally repring damages
10 the breastwork combined wish my desire to save am
munition constrained me TO withhold hre except when
something like fair shot presented. The houses IL the
rear were very much knocked about and the railroad
track torn up in three four places but thanks 10 kind
Providence who TO smile beEigny On our cause,
no one with us was Injured
As the enemy had on Friday, made the buildings ct
the extremity OF the wharf his line OF sight upon the
battery had all the furniture &c, together with the
notwithstanding conveyed 70 the OF tie battery,
and IN the course Of the forenoon fire to and blew
10 the platform and outer end OF the bridge.
have spoken Of Commander Thorburns zeal in the
FIRST engagement, and cannot too highly applaud the
spr. and acrty tempered By Difference to orders, OF
commander Cooke and Lieutenant Trobel. With the e1-
cention Of Gunuers Mate Cunningham and Masters Mate
L.rmour whose services OF inesmable value, our
guns crews consisted only Of volunteer militia, who
stood their ground brayey.
We had Yesterday in addition 10 our guns, small
raad oae from Capt, Walkers battery under the mmt
date command OF Lieut.. Robertson of Tennessee, which
rendered efficient service.
In connection with the transportation Of the Columbi
ad, 10 the SUNNI. Of lofty hill cannot speak in too
highly commendabe Of the zeal and untrng ener-
gy of Lieut.. Chas. O. Simms
One OF the enemy steamers went up the river yester-
DAY afternoon, think for ammunition or additional
force The Pawnee and another steamer remained al
anchor all night near the Maryland Shore and at this
time, 9.l5, a. NJ. occupy the same position.
am, respectfully,
Your obedi-nt servant
(SigneD W, F. LYNCH,
Captain Virginia Navy.
Capt s. BARRON, Virginia NAVY,
Ia charge OF Office o. Naval
Detail and Equipment,
Richmond, Va.
PIG PoINT BATTERY,
June /, 1861.
Commander FRENCH FORREST, Virginia Navy,
Commanding Naval Station Norfolk:
Sir: / have the honor to report that the Federal
steamer Harriet Lane stood wit in range Of this battery
at A n. today aud taking position at the distance
of one and half miles, commenced firing upon us with
shot and shell from her eleven inch shell gun and thirty
Two FOUNDER SIZE fred about thirty-three shot and
shells many of them we'll directed, but no one OF cur
party oas hurt nor did the fertilization sustain any in
jury. thirtytwo FOUNDER struck the muzze OF one OF
our eight inch shell guns and cracked it from the face
20 the chase ring The gun, at the me run in for
loading and although the shot was broken into three
slightest injury number Of shells exploded near and
around US, but all fell harmless to the ground
In return, we fired % shot and shell. Four or five
were seen to take effect in the hull of the steamer, and
am inclined TO believe did her some injury, from the
manner in which she moved off.
For men who had never before been in action, the
Portsmouth Rifles were remarkably cool and self pos
sessed and after a few rounds got the range OF the
enemy, and fired admirably well. Every officer and
behaved in the spirited and credtable manner
and regardless of danger that had often to intepose
my authority to prevent their exposing themselves un-
necessarily to the enemys fire. The action lasted about
fifteen or twenty minutes.
/ am, very respectfully,
Your obi servant,
r B. PEGRAM,
Commanding Va. Navy.
CoMNANDANr's OFFICE,
Naval Delences of the Potomac,