The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-09
Our Naval Correspondence.
UNITED STATES STEAMER ALABAxA, I
Orr CHARI RsT0N Nav % 1890


UNITED STATES STEAMER ALABAMA,l
Orr CHARLESTON, May 20, 1852. !
Oprdtioso of the Atlantic Blockadng Flce-ReeI Schooner
Run Ashore-Atempt TO Fire the Cdtawba-H IS Not
Worth the Rsk-Aaack on Tsoo Of the Aia6ama's Boats
Crews-Rebel Caralvy Dispersed BY Shot from the Poca
LontGs, de-, dc.
After extended period OF humdrum, monotonou-
blockadng experience matters in this quarter begin to
assume decidedly interesting and exciting appearance
Within comparatively short space Of time, the squad
cruising on this place captured three steamers
and juvenile fleet Of sailing craft, besides running
ashore and destroying several more
On the night Of the 7h inst slipped cable and
chased schooner into Lighthouse Inlet between Morris
and Folly Islands firing twenty pound red gun
at her three times shot striking her and killing
men. AZ daylight the following morning discovered
that she hard and fast among the breakers, with
crowds Of men about her removing the cargo The rebel
tug Aid also her she could get trying to
haul her of; bat in and commenced firing she
acknowledged precedence, and concluded that ds-
tance lent enehantment to the vew.n The depth Of
water, however, would not admit Of proceeding
within effective range but the Poeahontas Of lighter
draught, down and presented her compliments 70.
osving reply the fire Of small battery up the inlet
shot from the Aid which under the guns OF
Fort Sumter. Total result OF the days entertainment
the stersotyped rssut-"Nobody hurt on both sidesn
On the 9th we received orders from Captain Mar
chand Of tho James Adgsr, to run into Beach Inlet be-
tween Suvans and Williams islands, and destroy the
robe steamer chased In and ashore by the
blockaders while attempting to run into Charleston.
Accordingly, at p M the tide proving favorable the
Alabama aud Pocahontas got under weigh and steamed
slowly In until within gun range, when We sheled tho
woods and hills on Sullivan's Island 70 discover, possi
be the locality and range the batteries that were
known TO exist at that point We elected response
however and the only specimen OF animated that
was visible TO the naked eye was q single sentinel su
tary and alone standing post at what appeared
guardhouss or soldiers quarters. "rotsn shot'
bursting him caused him 70 leave his post without
the assistance Of the corporal Of the guard Going still
further in, paid compliments to the Catawba,
throwing shot and shell for about hour making beau
tful line shots but IN consequence Of long ground
swell setting IN from the sea the vessels rolled quite
heavily, which very materially inerered with the accu
rncy Of the aim OF our gunners.
Although the steamer struck several times, our
shell failed set her on fire. as she had already sunk 10
the guards and the breakers washing over her
decks Therefore it deemed advisable send boat
expedition IN TO burn her, unless attended with much
risk. Accordingly two or the Alabana's boats were
lowered, armed and manned under respective CON-
H. Worth, and, company with three from the Poca-
hontas pulled steadily n for the steamer. We about
half the distance rebel artillerymc opened upon
than from their conceaiment at tho head VI the inlet
their missiles dropping among the boats great deal too
close for comfort equanimty Of mind From their
close vicinity to the Catawba tho boat officers could
plainly see that she completely rddlod, aud that
she would TO pieces. and not feeling authorized
hazard the lives Of the under their charge put
their boats about and returned board The Of
the boats steady and in good order the ad
vance although, until they OF range, the
continued TO strike in very unpleasant proximity TO
them.
One Of the farewell messages from the Pocahontas was
despatched TO party OF scampering horsemen making
the best OF their way along the beach in the direction OF
Charleston and bursting In their very midst Accelerated
their homsward bound speed very materially. While
this work going rebel flag OF truce
communicating with the British steamer Racer and
have been much sdiasd Al tho sight OF opera
tions