The New York herald., 1862-12-04
A Brilliant Fight Near the Mouth OF the
New River Between the Gunboat
Ellis and a Rebel Battery.
Spirited Conduct Of Captain Cushing, who
Blows Up His Vessel Rather Than
Surrender Il 10 the Rebels
ne FIRES THE VESSEL HIMSELF
The Last Gum and Explosion Of
the Magazine, :
ts.s Ac, ~.
Our Naval Correspondence.

Ouf N0v0l COrrespOnOcnCcs
BoeuE ISrEr, N. o., Nov. rs, 1862
Departure of he Gs,.boal Es-Ayral at Beaufort and
Nep Rircr Inlei-Capsurs Of Valuable PriseA riuai at
Onso,c and Occupation Of the Psacs-Arms Captured od
Tco Sehooneys Take-R Retreat of the Retet Guard-A Ca
pairy Crnsp Shclied-The Boo, Fred Upon by Aslsery
aad Anaery--The Rebels Dr1oen Back by tie Missiles
from The Eas--7He Enis Gsouaded-Loading Of ats
Uaioa Troop. 9i5a Of Ten Whoit Boats and me
Sak Works--.spB< Girsss of Captain Cushing-A
Fine Fyght Betueen n ogouadtd Vessel and Fo, te
Baaeries-7he Vessel Set Fire to--7he Last Gma-Er-
rlosion Of the Mogarine-The Escape, de-.
Tuesday last the 18th instant order received
frsm Rear Admiral Lee for the United States guaboat
Ellis, Lieutenant Commanding VIM. Parker Cushing 10 go
particular expedition. We therefore left Newbcrn at
anchored that night at the mouth Of the Neuse
river On Thursday, November 20, arrived at Beau.
fort during heavy gale, and early Sunday morning,
the 23d, started from this point, which had bcen
gained for New River Inlet, where arrived s about
nine O'Clock A. NJ We succeeded crossing the shoal,
which Ii mile and half from the bar, and started up
the river. This stream is wide and beautiful and,
behcd it, seemed more inviting for navigation than
the Neuse river.
Five miles up the river came across schooner,
prize with cargo board valued at $40 600 About
one P. NJ reached the town Of Onsow, the capital o.
Unsow county and large and rather pleasant place.
situated forty miles the mouth of New river,
the right bank. As approached the town chvarlc
cavalry company made preparation to save and did 3d.
Lieutenant Gushing landed with force from the gun
boat and took possession OF the townCeurt House, Po
Office and other pubic buildings.
Captain Cushing captured twenty-five stand OF public
State arms. He also "conlscated" the negroes OF the
Postmaster although the latter offered him good OF
money to leave the aforesaid sabes alone. We also cap
tured two fine schooncrs, in sailing trim.
The rebel Captain Ward, with his company, was In
town; but they skcdadd!ed like the rest. He out
driving in buggy, heard that the Yankees were CON-
ing cut the from the buggy, mounted horse,
harness and ALL and left ior-dsar life.
We took possession Of tho buggy, but didn't use IT,
Reason: the roads in bsi condition
Our next military was to station around the
town number Of pclei aud thon to rase the American
flag Tor tho first time onsow since the commencement
Of this struggle During this time several persons
escaped and went couriors Wilmington TO tell all
tina, they saw, no doubt and more too
At a quarter past twelve Sunday sftsrnson left
that town and started down the On way down
we o. ied the lett bank rebel cavalry camp, which
We shelled with good effect.
Towards dusk as going down the river, thu
enemy opened win musketry. Their shots took
effect in sl parts the wood work OF the vessel bat
strange tell, did not really injure any This firing
We soon silcnced with shell.
Two miles below this anchored for the night, max
ing all preparations to r.pel boarders. Al this time
enomys trooqs swarning around both sides
Of the river.
Al point three miles from It's mouth the river is
quite crooked The enamel lies directly through sand
bar, and approaches at place within hundred
yards Of high biun. This channel drcdged out
TO laciate mercantile vessels their progress towards
town; but 1t is evident IL intended for tie
benefit OF Yankee warfare. Once vessel cutters this
channel IL cannot around II has either TO back out
or proceed onward until Is the point within
one hundred yards Of the blun.
TIE SCENE OF OPERATIONS