Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-05-02

The past week has been one Of more than
ord nary stir, and it seems now that the
burning efpOwder has commenced, although
in a trihing manner; but "great oaks from
| little aeoFns gfoE % Friday, 2sth March.
the gun. boats "Kenuebeck," Capt. Russell,
and the uWissahickou, Capt Smith, went
up the river on q Reconnaissance. Fleed
Captain Bell was IL command, and Mr. 0s-
born, the Signal Officer Of the heet, who Is
an artist went up to sketch the forts, sc
On arriving within the range OF Fort Jack
son, they were received with heavy FIRE from
42-pounder guns, and two riaed guns of 100
pounds from Fort st Philip. These litile
vessels, parlicnlsFly the aKednebec," were
under heavy FIRE ior over twenty minutes,
during which time the shells fell thick and
fast around her, and strange to say, she was
not hit am informed that her escape was
truly miraculous. During this fire the party
made eopious notes and graphic sketches,
which tend very much to post US on the
stste Of affairs at that point They saw
eight dismantled vessels, and q large raft
supporting a chain, which forms a strong
barrier across the river. The rifed guns are
situated in Fort st. PhiGo, and are of a very
long range, aud exceed those Of Fort Jack
sen BY over q half mile. Captain Bell ex-
pressed himself gratihed with bis reconnois
snce, and the news brought down gave us
much satisfaction, and now we think Il will
be much easier 10 take the forts than we had
supposed,
APPEARAECR OF THE ENEHTs FLEET.
Everything remained quiet until the 4th
instant whom the enemy made his appear
snce with his vessels We had not seen b fore.
Chase was Immediately made by the Iro-
uuois and "KimeO" The "Kimeo" closed
upen q rebel steamer carrying q large blne
Gag, indicating that the rebel Commodore
was on board. 1t is thought the COmmo-
dOre was hit at least tWice-some say three
times. In the chase, for they chased them
we'll up the river, tha Commodore gignaled
to his feet, which consisted OF two steel
plated steamers, which looked like Foote's
steamers, the veritable Ram, and ssversl
wooden gun-boats. The appearance of this
formidable feet caused our vessels 10 turn
around and come down TO the aucbOrage-
News was Immediately sent to the Flag-offi-
Ger, who ordered up from Pilot Torn several
vessels.
On Saturday morning the JEOquois, Ken
nebec, Wissahickon, Sclots, KlmeO and
Kalhidin went up the river. The Flag Off
Ger hOisted bis flag on board the IroquOis
and led the feet. They went up to the forts
and went in range. One of the ri1ed shells
nearly brought the Flag Officer out of his
lookout position at the main-top Of the Iro-
quois. The Flag Officer challenged the rebel
feet to 6s6t, but they were unwilling to sc-
cept it, although he laid there several hours
waiting in vain for them to come out. This
shio (Hartford), Brooklyn, Richmond, and
some Of the reserve division came up, but
too late to see any Of the firing.
TIE DEFEEcEs OF NEW ORLEANS.
We are getting into shape nicely, and
know full well we have a desperate enemy
to contend with; one who is well posted in
war matters. We find that they have two
well armed and gsrrisoned forls, with heavy
batteries, q heavy chain across the river,
fre-rafts prepared to send down upon US
when they are ready; in fact We feel that
We have one Of the hardest positions TO take
in the country. Notwithstanding all these
disadvantages, We have, I think, we'll drill
ed and efficient force of ships and men; those
VII are willing to do all they can towards
suppressing the rebellion. We are cheered
from time 10 time with good news, and trust
that our future movements May be il due
time considered "good news" We feel that
our every movement viii be watched with
great interest and We trust to be able to rem
der good account Of ourselves.