New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-06-24

this field and cur boat the bank is skirted by n
thick growth OF timber and underwood. just as
we came into line with this field battery Of rled
gnns opened their fire upon us, raking us fore and
aft, while from all along the bank from behind this
thicket came perfect aud continuous shower OF
bullets falling upon and around our boat like hail
stones from the air. Our commander very properly
thought it the better course to keep on the even
tenor of our way. We therefore steamed on up
the river the battery and niles still pouring their
shower of hail upon and around us. As we were
approaching the battery already opened upon us, snd
just as passed the wood seco1d battery ofrfied
held-guus opened upon us, raking Va abeam from
above and behind the forest of woods last mentioned
not more than 800 yards distant. We passed through
this cross-re without any material injury unl
we cane mp abeam Of the upper battery, when
shot passed through the port side Of the hurricane
deck cutting away the wheel-chiD, and from thence
through the hammOck-room aud Pursers room, pass
ing within two feet OF the head Of Paul Armadt, the
Pursers steward. This was the only rel serious
shot the boat received. AID az our port wheel chain
was disabled the boat, for nearly mile and until
we were out OF the range of riiles could only be
stored by the starbOard leading tackle and
then by relieving tackle to our anchor
age in Curles Neck. Two shots went through the
gallows-iIarne from the port side, covering with
spnters the officers heretofore mentioned rs standing
near it, Another shot passed through the forward
port railing, carrying away one OF the lighting
tackle. Another struck our port quarter-guard, do
Ing, however, DO special injury. One passed
through the port edge OF the deck Of
the state-room occupied by the Executive
officer and surgeon. Another PASSED through the
port paddlebox, the port quarter Of the hurricane
deck, and thence through one corner Of the wheel
house, passing through two PLACES OF the boiler iron
and by the third turned from its course so "a 20 pass
through the forward awning lodging in the fore
castle hatch. This shot, to the officers in the wheel
house, was pretty close cali, and especially to the
commander it almost grazed bis person. Oae
shot passed fore and aft through The sarboard gang
way of the hurricane deck. wlizziDg by the officers
standing thereon III rather I'm uuwelc0me manner.
These comprise the only shots from the iieldpieces
we are sble TO describe, from any effects upon
boat.
The muskets were loaded with one round bullet
and three buckshot. The rifles were Sharp's, and
while the former fell like hail all about and over the
boat the latter penetrated In their usual siyle do
ing, however, no material damage, except an ocea'
sIJnal perfOration Of the upper works. lie boat
was hit about $50 times. IL is remarkable fact,
under the circumstances, that not single officer nor
one of the crew was injured IN the least, except
the pilot, who was nit OIL the shin by splinter or
something OF the kind which produced tlith abra.
sion. A spyglsss was knocked into pieces by rifle
ball while in the bancs OF Qdarieuuaster Dressler.
TIE off ,ers and crew behaved admirably dling this
raking fire, and it would seem tuat 10 power but
that Of Divinity itself could have brought through
in such perfect safety.
After having repaired the wheelchain, we stood
down the river 10 try the metal Of The batteries IN
case they were still in position, keeping out OF
range Of the fma-arns, 20 TINT our mes could NAH
our glDs in safety. But not d Rebel could be seen
or heard from, but as we have since learned, linn
bercd their guns, and put out 10 arts unknown -
Us. The effect Of our fire ID would be impossible %
give, but il wonld DC very remarkable indeed If il
should prove no more successful than that u this
guerrilla band.