New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-14
To the Associated Press.
WAsHrseros, Saturday, Oct IL, 1861.


! DESTRUCTION OF A REBEL SCHOONER,
The Navy Department this morning received the
following Dispatch
US sTEAurx UNION Acou1I CRssE. Oct II. 1861.
/ SIR: have the honor TO submit the following re-
port for your information:
Being informed Of a large schooner lying IN Quant-
co or Dumfies Greek, and knowing also that large
number Of troops were collected at that point with
the view of crossing the Potomac River, az was re-
ported TO me- conceived it 10 he my duty to destroy
| her. With this object in view took two launches
and my boat and pulled ia for the vessel Ut q O'Clock
this morning,
One of the launches was commanded by Midshp-
man w. 4. Stewart accompanied by the Master,
Edward l.. Haynes, of the Rescue, and the other by
Acting Master Amos Foster of the Resolute. also
took with me the pilot Of the vessel Lewis Penn.
Some little difficulty was experienced in finding the
entrance 10 the creek, which you viii remember is
very narrow but having found il we pulled up this
crooked channel within pistol shot of either shore
until we discovered the schooner.
She was close to the shore in charge OF q sentry,
who fed at our approach and alarmed the camp.
She had a new suit Of sails and all the fuIIitare
complete in the cabin, which collected together
and fired, producing beautiful confagrauon, but
unfortunately revealing our petition to the enemy,
who commenced rapid ire from both banks OF that
narrow and tortuous stream, intermlngled with Op-
probrious epithes, until were beyond their range
Our crews returned random fire from the boats and
two steamers gave three cheers and pulled for their
vessels the light from the burning schooner guiding
/ them on their way. Her destruction was complete,
and although the clothes Of the men and the boats
were perforated with balls not man was killed.
| Officers and men Wed with each other in the per-
| Torrance Of their duty. Acting Master Foster
applied the match in the cabin Of the doomed vessel
Acting Assistant Surgeon w. X. Bensali accom-
panied the expedition-ready should his services be
| required.
ihope what have done will meet your sPproba-
ton, although have acted without orders.
This little affair will show the enemy at least that
we are watching him, and ready 70 meet and destroy
his preparations for crossing this river AT all mes.
Ihaye the honor 70 be, your obedieDt servant.
A. D. HARRELL, ,Lieatenan, Commanding
Capt. T. T. CRAVEN, Commanding Potomac notla.
CHARGES AGAINST COL. HECKER.
Col Hecker, who came bither on business
nected with troubles in his regiment, now in Ken
lucky, has left Washington. Major Kune, Capt.
Maui and Lieut.. Kloke, representing their own in
terests and those Of the other four officers who
discharged through Col Heckers fundamentally,
arc still in Washington. They have preferred seri-
ous charges against Col. Hecker, and asked to be
court martialed, but no decision has been made.
ADVANCE BY THE REBELS.
During the day the rebels advanced in large force
in the direction of Prospect Hill, driving in our
pickets to that point. The result waf that the
Division of Gen. Mccall was soon formed in line Of
battle, with orders TO advance. Il was supported
by cavalry and artillery. Several shots were fired
by the rebel battery but being out Of range, no in
jury was sustained by troops. The Divisions Of
Generals Smith, Porter, and Mcdowell, were also
soon prepared for an apprehended emergency, but
nothing further in addition TO what is already stated
occurred to induce an advance hostile movement.
GEN. MCCLELLAN on THE VIRGINIA SIDE.
Gen Mcclellan was on the Virginia side Of the Po-
tomac during the greater part Of the day.
FALSE ALARM.
WAsHS0IoS, Oct 10, 1861.
1t was stated in yesterdays dispatch that the rebelf
were seen in large force west of Lewinsyille, and
under such circuma as induce the belief that
they meditated an attack, and that accordingly the
various div isons the Virginia side Immediately
placed themselves in proper position to meet the
enemy should he enter on hostiities Early this
morning new observations were made, but it could
not be discovered that the rebels had taken any steps
TO indicate an intention Ia advance upon our troops.
UptO noon the excitement in this city was intense,
consequent upon anticipated, as well as reported,
tual hostltes, but indications which none could mis-
take gradually quoted the alarm.
One of the balloons used for observation purposes
broke its netting early this morning. and took an