The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-24
THE JAMES 1IVER CLAD EXPEDITION.


Our Fortress Monroe CorresPondence.
FORTRESS Mosaos. May 20, 1862.
zAs Epcdiiow IN the JAMES Rsvy Not Rpssd
Repors-Niaeteem RoAsds Fired BY ue Gun ON The X
A. Sscuens-Order Of the Adyance-Firs from the Rebel
Batevy-Rebel Vessels ysnak In the CAanna TO RicA-
m0nd-7As KilLed and WoE~dsd--ne Work Of the
Aonstor-skacA Of the Scene Of Action. 9c., DC.
The greatest indignation and astonisnent are expressed
by the navy officers at the random statements published
In relation 70 the action Of the 18th inst in the James
river The operations OF feet beyond City Point
were nothing than reconnaissance In force and
having accomplished the object the naval authorities
had in Wow, vessels fell back position but were
by means repulsed.
The statement that the PARROT gun Of the Ste
(lae Naugatuck) burst after the FIRST re is do
ing the commander, D. G. Constable officers and
injustice, inasmuch nineteen rounds wsro fred with
good effect before the weapon rho assigned
for this catastrophe is that the gum being the very first
one made by Mr.. PARROT. had stood too much
testing, and, consequence, two flaws were made the
breech, the vent and while trained seven
degrees elevation the accident occurred.
When the order was givon by Commander Rodgers 10
get undor weigh the vessels OF the nghtest draught
required advance. The Stevens, therefore was
ahead most Of tho time, and By code Of signals kept
Captain Rodgers posted the depth or the channel
When vessels into position the practice OF their
Bun, about miles from Richmond, and owing 70
its immense height. 120 feet, did great deal Of
damage.
When the Northampton and Curtis Peck came from
Richmond last week with released Union prisoners,
under Tag Of truce they boarded by vessels.
The channel Richmond had boon obstructed With
the exception Of sufficient room for one vessel TO move
Finding our vessels in such close proximity to their
capital the rebels closed their port eectuay and tho
jamestown Patrick Henry scutted and sunk,
and when the Curtis Peck and Northampton returned
from Old Poiat they shared tho same fate.
liza ptnhD TauaA vuh irh hav cNrih
having boarded flag Of truce In the James river, being
inside Of tho distractions, showed fght but the stern
one Of the Gaiena shortly after engag
ing, sunk her.
Tho casualties about twenty wounded, all OF
whom will shortly recover, and fourteen killed. The
Galena was fought by Captain Rodgers with great skill
and bravery anu, Notwithstanding his vessel stood the
brun. OF the rebel nre, he did not withdraw until the
almost exhausted magazine admonished him TO 20 so
Tho Monitor did most excelient service. One Of her
shells was seen 70 explode about fifteen feet over the
attained considerable elevation.
On the Port Royal none were wounded except Captain
g. T. Norris, her commander.
Tho wounded from tho r. A. Stevens were James Will
ton, shot through the arm, at present in the marine
hospital at Norfolk.
weeks.
Gunner shankland, shot through the leg by rife
bail only flesh wound.
Tho pilot on board OF the Stevens Mr. c. s. Barklew, is
completely deaf from the effects OF tho bursting OF tho
gun
The most miraculous affair, however, Is the escape OF
Captain Constable the commander OF the Stevens He
standing the port side OF the gun whom burst,
piece weighing at least thousand hundred
pounds ew about ten feet his head and the
caused rent in his coat and dizziness in the hoad
The broken piece u tho Tell haressly at the side
Of Captain Consiabe but the captain OF the gun Peter
Dixon, whired in the air to s.svaon OF twelve
fifteen feet.
In my account Of tho affair dated from here Sunday
forebOro mentioning the OF tho Stevens gun burst
ing Had Captain Constable been able TO work the
only hall hour longer, the rebel batteries would have
been As vessels sisnced them for
upwards of three quarters or I'm hour.
Enclosed send you rough sketch Of III, scene Of
STRIFE II conveys idea under what disadvantages
vessels coping. They were compelled hight
at anchor and the shaowness OF the channel compelled
them TO maintain steady front go ashore. The fight
at this point will not be recommended the
that " the 18th instant; but when
attempt to 60 to Richmond they will have obstruc-
lions 10 encounter.
In day two Commander Rodgers will make his off,
cal report, from which it viii be that tho advance
Of our vessels was nothing more nor lass than
noissapce force