Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-08-18
THE FLAG OF TRUCE AFFAIR AT SAVANNAH.

The Savannah Republican gives the following part-
cuars Of the capture and release Of the flag of truce
boat, General Lee, by the Yankees at Fort Pulaski:
II appears that the steamer approached within two
miles Of the fort with her white flag flying. Here
shot fired across her bows, which she took
intimaton to proceed further and accordingly stop
ped and lay the stream After the lapse OF some
time, steamer from the fort along sde was no.
tilted OF the object of the flag, and took oil lady who
went down TO proceed North. Our steamer was then
escorted 10 within mile Of the fort, and there ordered
to remain until the matter of her errand could be re-
ported at headquarters, the Federal officer on board
remarking 10 Captain that he had better not fall
down lower as the fort might open upon him. also that
II all was found to be right gun would be fired from
the fort
The General Lee remained there for sometime, keep
ing her engines in motion and moving slowly about IN
circumscribed space, but getting nearer or farther
oil, waiting for the return Of the Federal steamer
Presently shot was hired, which struck near enough
TO splash the water on her deck This Capt. Frazier
took for the signal gum though il was rather an unce
remonous way Of giving friendly notice In few
moments second gun was fired, the ball again coming
very near the steamer. Capt +. then concluded that
he must be too near and recollectng the injunction of
the Federal officer, he put CT steam with the view Of
moving little higher up. The firing then became
rapid and in earnest, until some twenty shots had been
SENT and the steamer moved 10 get out Of the way
Soon size discovered steamer making towards her,
when she stopped and awaited her arrival. At the
same time the fort ceased firing. The steamer coming
up, seized the General Lee, and owed her 10 Cockspur
wharf All the parties board we're then arrested
prisoners, or, they subsequently informed,
SpiS, aud taken TO the fort
Dissatisfied with the protests and representations Of
our men, they kept in confinement, and the next
day sent 10 the headquarters Of the commanding Gen
eral, at Hilton Head. Here they remained several
hours whilst the Federal officers went ashore 10 commu
ncae with General Hunter. Finally they returned 10
the steamer, which again made for Pulaski with the
prisoners or spies, and instructions with regard TO
them. Upon their arrival aud delivery of the papers,
the prisoners discharged and allowed TO return to
the city
Such briefly the facts of the related to Us
by Capt Frazier. II is understood that Hunter sent
communication to Gen. Mercer in explanation of the
affair, but it lame TO contain justification
for the breach of faith and outrage friendly flag.
We hear that our men, on returning TO their boat,
found that the Yankee thieves, left guard during
their absence had stolen almost every movable article
ON hoard. They made clean sweep, even down TO
the spoons and shoe brushes. An officer complained
of the loss of revolver, when Federal Immediately
went to the fort and returned with and better
one to supply its place.