Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1862-05-24


FoRTREss MONROE, May 1S-P M-The
Stevens battery, known as the Naugatuck,
has just arrived from the scene of action in
front of Richmond, and l have some inter
esting details of the important operations of
waters of the James river
1t seems that our iron clad sloop- -ofwar
Galena proceeded up the river, leading the
fleet, and silencing the many minor batteries
that lined the Shore until the fleet had ar
rived at point in the James river about
eight miles below Richmond, where there is a
bluff, upon which series Of strong bat
terles have been constructed up to the
city.
The batteries were found to be mounted
with superior guns of very heavy calibre.
The Galena was moored in close to these
shore batteries yesterday morning, and
opened terrific fire upon them, the Mon
itor Naugatck, and other vessels assisting
AT first, the shot of the rebel gnns rolled
off the sides of the Galcna, making only
dents in her mail, but gradually, after five
hours fighting, it was found that the steel
pointed balls used by the rebels were pierce
ing her.
Thirty shots struck her and lodged. whilst
two went entirely through her, tumbling out
on the other side
A shell burst in the Galena during the
engagement which unfortunately Killed
seventeen of the crew and wounded nine
teen. But even this sad accident did not
dishearten the brave Captain Rodgers and
his crew. They fought on until dark, and
until their ammunition had nearly given
out.
The Naugatuck was ably handed by Capt
| .,1 4, I,,, g. c.. -
cient shots, her splendid bow gun burst
killing two men and wouning three others
including Capt. Constable, who was struck
in the head by piece of the flying metal
We are happy to learn that he is not serious
ly injured
A flaw was discovered in the metal ant
this was, no doubt, the cause of the ex
plosion.
Lieut.. Morris, in command of the gunboa
Port Royal, and late of the Cumberland, wa
slightly wounded.
Commodore Rodgers was wounded pain
fully, not seriously, in the left check.
These are all the casualties heard of up I,
the sailing of the Naugatuck for Fortrcs
Monroe.
The slaughter among the rebels in the bat
teries is said to have been terrible although
had they the advantage of our gunboats il
having the batteries situated on bluff
The fight will be renewed shortly, whcr
Com. Rodgers hopes to silence the rebel fort
and if he can pass the distractions know
to be placed in the river above the batteries
he will take the city.
A mortar boat was greatly needed durin,
the action, as with it the batteries coul,
have been taken quite easily.
The Monitor was at last accounts ahead
no ball yet fired by the enemy having an
effect upon her iron-clad turret.
Secretaries Welles and Seward took tri
up the James river yesterday, on the stea
) mer Baltimore, as far as jamestown, accom-
panied 10y Commodore Goldsborough an
Captain Dahlgren. The excursion part
, returned this morning looking a little trou
bled after reading Commodore Rodger
private dispatches, which are said to retec
little upon certain dignitaries hereabouts
Senator Lane, of Indiana, Hon. Josep
Segar, and several other Congressmen an
|, distinguished gentlemen from Washington
accompanied by few ladies, arrived thi
morning, and paid visit to Norfolk an
Portsmouth.
The Naugatuck will take another gun o.
board, and proceed up the James river (
renew the fight as soon as possible.
The reports from Gen. McClcllan's arm
to-day, place his advance within ten mil
! of Richmond, and lie is moving on.
l All is quiet here and at Norfolk.
L. w, w.