The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-02-21
The Naval Expedition to Biloxi.

The town of Biloxi, watering, place
in Mississippi, was captured some time ago
1t is situated on the main land, across the
channel from Ship Island. TIE correspon-
dent of the Boston Journal relates the fol-
lowing particulars of the capture:
The expedition got under way on the
morning OF the 3lst ult., and steamed across
Mississippi Sound toward Biloxi.
AS the steamer approached the place,
the Inhabitants were seen hurrying to and
fro in evident alarm at the demonstration.
The Lewis steamed up to within about
a mile OF the city, while the New London
and Water Witch, owing to their heavy
draft, were compelled to anchor outside,
but within range, to cover the movements
of the advance force. Not succeeding in
drawing the fire OF the battery, Commander
Smith decided to anchor the fleet, and pro-
ceeded with flag of truce to the shore.
Commander Smith, accom- panied by
Acting Master Ryder of the Massachusetts,
landed at the wharf near the light, and
were met by two or three men, of whom
they requested tosee the Mayor OF the city.
A crowd soon collected, one OF whom was
armed with double barreed gun an old
cavalry sword md silver mounted Colt 3
revolver, both of which he persisted in
wearing on the same side of bis belt, and
appeared to be the commander of the bat.
terry. ,....
After a short time the Mayor, an old
man about sixty, made bis appearance,
armed with shot gun, which be lett at the
head of the pier, seeing that bis visitors
wore only their sidearms. He inquired the
object OF the visit, to which Comma nder
Smith replied, I" have come to demand the
surrender oil the town, With all the fortified
tioDs, battery, and vessels in the waters, and
all the military aud warlike stores" HIS
Homer inquired what length of time would
be allowed them to remove the women and
children. Captain Smith replied that there
was no necessity for the women and chill
dren IT tirlDg unless they intended to tffer
resistance, and he would give him one -Four
in which to consult the citizens on the
subject. The Mayor wanted an armistice
of twenty iOur hours, but finding Captain
Smith ib1exible, be went eff to confer with
bis constituents, returning at the expiration
of the hour.
The Mayor. on bis return, was accompa-
MED by Judge Hooley, DR.. Frszsr, French
physician, and several citizens. The Mayor,
addressing Commander Smith, said " Sir,
] surrender you the town OF Biloxi and the
battery, owing to The utter impossibiIity Of
def ndlpg it; but cannot guaranty your
safety outside the limits of the town."
Commander Smith assured the Mayor and
the citizsDs that we came Tor the purpose
OF removing the guns from the battery, and
at the same TO protect them in their lawful
occupation. He had no oesire or orders to
interfere with their institutions or to land
troops.
Alter examining the battery, Commander
Smith returned 10 the Lewis and ordered
away two Ia:ge boats, and they proceeded,
under command Of Acting Master Ryder,
to the wharf for the purpose OF bringing Of
the guns. The crews dsmounted two guns
-one light and one heavy six-pounder-
and carried them to the boats, and return
ing took eff the carriages both pivots OF
"hOme manufacture "-and platforms.