The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-08-14

EXPEDITIONS OF THE BLACK REruRLfCANs.-TheN New
York papers Of the 9th ut contain account Of a
successful expedition TO Back river about midway be-
tween Old point and ok river in which the propeller
Fanny commanded by Lieut., Crosby, with 500 men,
seven field pieces, aud six launches belonging to the
federal fact Off fortress Monroe succeeded i'll surprising
aud burning nine Of sloOps and schoonCrs and
bringing off one schooner wtha vauaheCargo prize
We alluded to this fact simply call the attention OF
civil and military authorities to the evident dctermi
nation Oh the part Of the abolition government to make
like expeditions and ucursions on our own coast, as
soon the and opportunity shall be afforded
them There Is no shut eyes and allow our
selves be lued into false security, only to awaken
some day to the realisation Of the fatal and disastrous
burnings, murders and plage Of the enemy mcursions
along our coast.
We learn that information wasreceived here yester
dav from citizen of Calcasieu stating that the schooner
Dart and others captured by the federal steamer
South Carolina, off the coast of Cacusicu, now
armed gun boats and that they had sent two armed
barges ashore to demand provisions, threatening an
attack on the inhabitants if refused and to obtain the
same offered to pay the frightened people They sue
cceded in getting quantity of vegetables and said they
should return again for beef We learn the inhabitants
of that portion of coast have petEoned our COVER
nor for il riece ofartillcrv for thcir defence
This shows the absolute necessity ,ef our lsring at
once number Of small gun boats for coast defence
If the enemy by sczing few OF our schooners, can
blockade coast passages and page along shore, We
certainly ought to be able to cope with such crafts II
there be any true enterprise spirit among us. We
have already at wharves some seven OF eightsma
tug boats each of which, with a rife cannon would be
very efficient for this service. The steamer Mobile at
Berwick's bay, would also make splendid gun boat
she being sea going vessel We have plenty Of gallant
Young naval officers among who are painting tor all
opportunity to distinguish themselves, and who are
anxious and ready this service. We have also
some eight or ten Texas which could be fitted
I'D immediately with at least six heavy guns each and
manned very formidable The argument that these latter
vessels have wall ug-beam engines, is no objection
against their utility The jamestown, now fitting out
at Richmond for service, to cope with the federal
war ships las also walking-bcam engine, and is con
sidcred very efficient for this service.
ii anv naval authorities here would but call the
governor to procure these vessels for immediate service
we have no doubt that he ould Immediately comply
with their request sceinghe absolute urgency for the
same But if they do not feel authorised to take this
responsibility let the attention of ourrcpresentatives
in congress be called at to the necessity of mme
dac action and the secretary Of the navy be asked to
send on the authority and request.
We think our citizens should urge this,on the imme
date acknowledgements. Something must be done
and that speedily or else fearful responsibility will
rest somewhere. As for the gun boats already con
tracted for there should be the expeditions move
mcnts made for their completion.
Another consideration is that, with these gun boats
aaoat which can be SO tedo out could greatly annoy
the enemy, and keep the coast clear besides making
valuable captures, the enemy not having sufficient
sells to prevent US The bockading vessels would not
be able leave their positions, orhe blockade would
be considered raised The only vessosnow on our coast
are the Brooklyn and Bo~haten off the Southwest pass
the Massachusetts, of Ship island and the South Caro-
lima off Galveston These gun boats therefore, at the
present time will be Of immense service to US it is
not expected that build forts at the mouth of
every bayou and river coast. Ne hope that
these suggestions will be fully appreciated and promptly
acted upon. y. o. Plcayune.