The Nevada Democrat., 1862-05-13
r.--,ne Nnvnl Flght on the nIlsslssIppI.

Terrific Naval Fight On the Mississippi
A terrific naval engagement took place
on Saturday last, near Fort Wright, on the
Mississippi river. The following partcu-
lars are given in the dispatch TO the Asso-
ciated Press, which we copy from the Jour-
nal extra of this morning:
CHICAGO , May l2th-5 P. M.-On Saturday
the rebels, seized with desperation, made an
attack on our feet in the Mississippi. Inc
rebel ram Louisa rounded the point accompan-
led by four gunboats. They Immediately OPEN
ed fire on the gun boat Cincinnati, whicn was
stationed in advance. The rebel gunOoats
were held in check by the yigorus resistance OF
the Cincinnati alone, uutil the Federal meet
came to her assistance.
Meantime, the rebel ram finding her guns IN
effectual against the armor OF the Cincinnatl'
approached with the evident intention OF run
ming her down. Captain Stemple, command
ing the Cincinnati, prepared to meet the as
sault by putting his steam batteries IN readiness
yor immediate use. As the ram approached
within close range, the Cincinnati turned her
head about, causing the ram to run along side,
when Captain Stemple drew his pistol and shot
the pilot of the ram through the head. AT TINS
time the contest was intensely exciting: Inc
crews Of each boat were armed with cutlassess,
carbines and boarding pixies, discharging vol
ley after voey in quick succession.
Just then the steam battery of the Cincinnati
opened with terrible effect, throwing volumes
OF steam and scalding water into the midst OF
the rebel crew,placing all who appeared on deck
horS du combat instantly, causing their craft
to withdraw hastily. Meantime the rebel fleet
had been reinforced by three other vessels,
among them new iron clad gun-boat, the
Mallory, lately built at Memphis. These three
boats immediately engaged the Cincinnati; she
withstood the shock nobly-the shot Of the en-
envy glaneing from her iron plating without
caus ing the slightest dalnage-while her guns
were pouring shot and shellinto the enemy with
fearful effect. During the engagement the MAI
lory approached the Cincinnati with the design
of accomplishing what the ram failed to do. AS
she came in close proximity, the Federal gun.
boat st. Louis bore down upon her with full
head of steam, and struck her amid ships, cut
ting her nearly in two, causing. her to sink in a
few minutes.
While this work was in progress, the Other
boats Of our feet engaged the remainder of the
rebel fleet. A most terrific battle ragged; report
followed report, causing continuous roar
dense volumes of smoke covered the broad rv'
er, for a time completely enveloping both fleets
from view. 1t was at this time that a report
louder than usual attracted general attention.
when the smoke left little, it was found that
one of the enemy's boats had been blown to at
oms. Scarcely had the excitement caused by
this event passed, when second like report
was heard, and an other rebel boat with crew
disappeared. Both vessels were blown up by
the explosion of our shells on their gunbOats
firing their magazines.
Under cover of the dense smoke the remain
der of the rebel feet retired-at 20 minutes af
ter seven-the fight lasting but little over al
hour.
The Cincinnati bore the brunt of the fight ant
was so little damaged that "a hours will fit he
for action.
The St. Louis, that ran down the Mallory
was but slightly injured, and is again ready fO
duty.
No other of our boats were injured in tn,
slightest degree. The loss of life on either sid
is not yet ascertained.