The New York herald., 1861-12-17

chance Of reaching those for whom IL was designed, but
learn that copy Of IL in the hands Of officer who
sympathzcs with it's views and who has undertaken TO
get u over TO the mainland,
General Phelpe aiusOn 10 the church question the
French revolution Ia most unfortunate one lie seems
entirely have forgotten only tho patriotism OF
Catholic felowcixens but also that regiment (the
Ninth CounsctiCut) Of his brigade composed Of Irish
are nolsRounn Ca,holcs This paragraph 10 very ofYen
sve 10 then and especially so 70 their cbaplsD, Father
Mooney.
aUNBOAT DE soTo.
FRIDAY, Dec 0, 1901
Everything is quiet today. This morning the gun
boat De Soto arrived from Fort Pcens with gums for the
gunboats now in Mississippi Sound She will probably
remain here FOR few days and then be ordered 10 soe
Our soldiers are still occupied in establishing a camp
This afternoon the Ninth Connecticut regiment received
their They the Enfield rife Of the pattern Of
1851 and the men exceedingly pleased with them.
RECoNNOIssANCB OF THE ISLAND.
After dinner to-day General Phelps, with Captain
Fletcher Of the Constitution and few other gsnemen
went board the New London and spent several hours
in reconnaissance OF the eastern end Of the island
There will probably be no change Of the sncampnent
island better than West Point Az West Point the sand
50 white snd gscnng that the eyes of the soldiers
are likely 20 DC Affected oy u TINS ansy VII escape o.
cause good deal Of the ground covered with water
which with tins heat Of the sun in spring and summer
will be likely to breed malaria There nothing very
important obtained by tho reconnaissance.
CASE FOR COURT MARTIAL.
One OF the prvates in the Ninth regiment has bcen ar
He heavily roncd and confined In the fort, awaiting
trial by court martial
CAMP CONSTITUTION.
The camp AT Ship Island has been named Camp Consti
tuition title that aside from the compliment to the sy
nonyme Of American liberties, peculiarly appropri
ate, and will always recall associations connected
with tho splendid ship that has been 80 prominent =
feature in 6nr expedition
Captain Fletcher acknowledged the compliment TO his
ship by presenting the brigade with the nne bnrgee
bearing tho word that has foatcd from our
main peak.
T,o
transport tho passing OF the cattle from the Const
ttion 10 tho steamer Lewis Thie accomplished in
animals swinging them on by the tackle The per-
feet complacency OF the beef critters, during this
proccss very divorns 10 large con'oorss Of spec
ALH0sT A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.
SATURDAY, Doc. moon
We have landed the last package Of freight and
waiting only for our sailing orders from General Phelps
before the stem Of vessel will be turned toward the
active, bustling cities Of the loyal North
We are now watching something that IN its commence
ment gave promise Of an excitement 10 which most all of
US are srangersa naval engagemen-but from present
Appearances we Ahail be almost, but not wholly dsap
pointed Early this morning. rebel gunbost that has
been prowling around since arrival OF the opposite
snore and which supposed 10 be the Florida vcDtursd
rather further Than The gnboats Naw London
and Do Soto ordered to give chase, and Mr. Wggn
was sgnaled to perform hin usual duty such occasions
that o. plotting TIE expedition The two steamers i'm
medatey got underway aud far the sound
81 their draft OF water would permit the being
obliged 70 lay to Soma distance this side Of the New Ion
woaa come within range :" her heavy guns
suddenly the intentions o bo seccshp discovered
by the appearance Of fine white steamer which started
out from some met which had previously concealed her
from our view. Her object evidently 60 try and
pass ~ under protection Of the Florida and Of her
guns. aud then make her way TO Mohi. When great
distance she and the New London opened re upon each
otAef hoGgh Tor what purpose cannot imagine the
shot fell short The Florida from stl greater dis
tance, then threw few shot, which dropped armessy
nto tho water After this little Interchange Of courte.
sizes the two rebels held conference which resulted IN
westward where she watched the progress Of the came
while the Florida made chow of giving the New London
an opportunity OF cOntestiDg the ground she very
soon oy 70 beyond the range of the guns II that snnnky
listc = a The New london, beng unable 10 cross The
par; r''" unig Walt where che WIS trusting to the
coafs q me florida for hght but n ,his she was die
spr intod, Tor tseccsf" gave signs that sh. yos
''spoiihB 'or a light" After waiting some time and
benz satsfed that there no chance TO displ,y nor
van a. lne expense o. the Florida sho shaped her
cou theast away from the nnony probably 10 trv
her Mana ~ ,omehng which the distance proyented on
seel& IN ugthis little entertainment the little marty
whthfhe were not the loast Interested obse tof
ooar ", Constitution watched tho prece version
glass w4tH great gratif'aon until " ajny through
battle 80 sea became hopeless who ,s nrnsract o A
fegre were deep aud earnest :, their cYnressons og
uEhRrr~
ph. GU - re OF fBE CONSTITUTION.
" O'Clock the dispatches came from Gsncras
ordsring the Constitution to proceed TO Boston bS
way Fortress lIenroe which means that the ship may
receive orders at he latter point 10 no further bt To
take the roopf which may have been brought tb"i1
from New EHgtn 10 save time.
For the ncEt hour there great hurry among thcse
who had gone ashore determined TO be- with their friends
till Tho last minute and then tho last worus o part
ing between the ladies and their husbands
10 their credit be said that sad AZ they must nave
been heart aud bitter tears III warrant, Were sne"
in the privacy q beg own rooms Of Separation W oyer