The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1861-08-30
Attempt of the Blockading Squadron to
Shell Galveston.

Shell Galveston.
The schooner Dart and the steamer
South Carolina, both belonging to block
aiding squadron, have been hotly engaged
with the rebels Of Galveston, and have
greatly scared, if not hurt, the people of
that rebellious city. On the Sd inst. the
Dart commenced tn attack, but her guns
were not of sufficient range to do any dam
age On the 5th the attack was resumed.
We quote the following account of the
affair in the Galveston News. promising
that due allowance must be made for the
indignation of the narrator: s
"The Dart came sailing down in front
of the batteries, doubtless to draw their fire
but this was of no avail. The steamer
had now come almost to stand still. She
was within range, and seemed to dare at
tack. She had not long to wait. Col.
Moooe sighted No. ! at her, and in a mo-
ment after he white smoke rose above the
the breastworks, and the laundering report
that shook the earth and filled the air
announced that the contest had begun.
All eyes now turned to the steamer
In minute puff of white smoke issued
from her brow, as she still continued to
move slowly on; the heavy report rang
out, and then sharp hum of shell was
distinctly heard.
Again, again, and again this slow inter-
change of shots took place, the intervals
pretty regular between each. Our first
shots were delivered steadily, and evident
ly with care they were in line, and went
nearer the propeller each time, and one
struck so near her, amidships, that from
various parts OF the city, far distant from
each other, as we have since Iearned. the
remark was simultaneous That hit herr
Capt. Alden now began, however,
much to our mingled astonishment ard
indignation fire shells over the city.
He had endeayored to enfilade the guns
in the batteries, but his gunners failed to
hit either the sand bags or the men around
and near them. He doubtless then be-
thought him that, as he had succeeded so
we'll in opening ladies letters, he would
be as triumphant in frightening or injur-
ing some of our women and Children
May his name be infamous for the das-
tardy deed.
Several large shells exploded high in
the air, the pieces flying in all directions
far and near. One piece traversed the
roof of Mr.. Tankerslep's house one square
in the rear of Mr.. Browns and Gen.
Nichols resdence,on Broadway. I went
through the pantry next to the kiteeen,
and through the outer plank wall into
the yard. We heard of piece falling at
the south side of the public square, ,penetra-
ting the roof and floor of Mr.. }. Dy keman's
portico; and an entire bomb at Mr.. Closes
foundry, piece going to the First Ward
market and one shell burying itself near
Smyth's garden, but one, fortunately, hit
ting any one. though some narrow escapes
were had. We were shown 32-pound
ball that vas said to have been picked up
in the street, near Broadway and Tre>
mont"
The News states that two consular flags
One the British-were flying, but were
not respected by Captain Alden.
The News continues:
"a large number Of people having col
lected on and near the sand hills, little
to the eastward of the batteries, to crafty
their curiosity, shell fell among them
apparently directed for that purpose, cut
ting one man in two, and carrying away
most of his body between the shoulders
and hips, and exploding abont the same
time. Some two or three others were
slightly wounded with the pieces.
"This, we believe, was all the harm that
was done by this first attempt to lombard
our city. The firing continued about half
an hour. Some Of the shells measured
ten inches in diameter, and must have
been thrown from 6S FOUNDER, said to
be the steamers pivot gun.
Some twelve or fourteen shots we're
exchanged between the shore and the
steamer. She then moved out to sea, firing
a last shell, and our guns replied. A
number of careful lockers on report that
with their glasses. they distinctly saw a
boat, or something like it, lowered over
her side as she turned away, and this, a,
though, to plug or examine shot hole
in her side. 1t is also thought that hel
pivot gun was capsized, from being raised
at too great an angle, as a large number o.
men and officers were seen bending over i
as they were Sunday. ...-s
"The Dart soon got out Of range ant
follow ed the steamer, which speedily re
sumed her old position off Bolivar PENN
sula. There she has remained up to the
time of writing-Monday afternoon"