Daily Nashville union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-05-09
INTERESTING REBEL ACCOUNTS,
IIO,v Eorl : Iael..0a ,va. l,onDardea.
0EMLoHLLRsoFEoLAL D@PAgpAEs
From Lha New 49, pIca, bal.

Fort Jackson-one of the strongest de-
lenses of the Mississippi river below the
city-was, on Sunday last "under fire."
Awaiting ourselves of a courteous inYi-
tation we accompanied pleasant party
to the forts, leaving the city in a steamer
on Saturday night and arriving, after
some detention by fog on the river, in
the forenoon Of the next day. Just as
our boat touched the landing, we heard
the drum beat "the long roll" while
bugler standing on one of the bastions
sounded the call to quarters. At this
summons many of the soldiers who had
been engaged outside set off at double
quick, and made their way to the interior
of the fort, and when we entered we
found the various companies drawn up
in line or on their way to the casemates
or parapets. Soon all were in place be-
conflict, while Gen. Duncan and his as
sistant officers were seen pacing the par
apet spy glasses in hand, and casting
eager glances TO the point of woods about
two miles down the river, and behind
which they could already discern the
masts of the enemy's vessels coming up.
AT this moment red flag was raised
over Confederate banner, by way of
signal to st. Phillip, opposite, that the
enemy was approaching, and Immediately
( the blue crossed, white starred battle
! flag was run up ON the stats of beth forts.
Meantime the several gunboats lying
off the forts formed in readiness to take
part, if need were, in the contest One
/ 81 u "A
expedition, and having neared the point
of woods that yet hid the boats of the
enemy from our sight, returned, but not
without being honored on her passage
with compliment or two from the guns
of Commodore Farragut. She accom-
plished her return without injury, and
soon black hull was seen to emerge be-
hind the woods, and making her way
towards the left bank of the river. Hav-
ing attained what she probably consid-
cred an eligible position for her purpose,
| she came round and presented her broad
side to the fort, being then about two
miles distant.
A few moments of eager expectation,
and flash, followed by puff Of smoke,
was seen to issue from one of her guns,
and then there came whizzing and hurl-
ing through the air-heard by all, and
seen by many in its course-the first
shot ever fred at Fort Jackson. II was
a very creditable line shOt--a shetland
passed critically near the position OF
those who were watching its destination
1t passed over the fort and fell between
its walls and the river, smashing a small
foot bridge and making a formidable
3 splash in the mud and water thereabouts
The next was aimed with about the same
degree of precision, and fell beyond the
walls, within few feet Of the outer bas-
tion, facing the riYer. Some portions oil
this exploded shell were secured by the
spectators as relics, We have one We
should be pleased to show any curiously
inclined friend. ,....
Some twelve shells in all were bestOw.
ed upon US from different positions il
the course of the afternoon, including
, one fired from the screen the woods af'
forded, which we took for a mortar shell
This described lofty aerial curve, anG
/ when in mid air exploded, the fuse be.
ing too short to carry it TO its desired
: goal. Two Of the shots came in very
dangerous proximity to our pretty
steamer, which lay at the landing, on
passing over the pilot house, and tht
other dropping into the water just abaf
the stern. Another passed clear oyel
/ the river, beyond ST. Rhilip, into thu
prairie, and others were thrown, but lik,
the rest, all without accomplishing thei
Q hostile intent.
All this of course was done mainly
by way of "getting the range" thougl
il is not 10 be doubted that every sho
/ was intended to tell. From So. Philil
l some six or. seven of the enemy's yes
4 sells of different classes, were plainly h
, be seen, and from Jackson the masts 0
e the flagship Of tho feet, with the grid
iron flannting at the peak, were visibl
! over the tops of the wood.
] There were but three responses mad
. on our side TO these repeated cOmpli
I mepts of the enemy; but these were al
y mdt elegantly turned. After the gun
bdtt that opened the ball had amuso,
1 herself awhile in this way, seven incl
rhed gun was brought TO bear on her
L aud though not as effectively as desired
4 yet showed good practice, aad ilatter
; ingly prophetic Of "better next time.
: AT all events, the enemy deemed IL pru
a dent 10 retire for the time and, as b
s was making his way across to the poin
}. Of woods, to seek once more his lear
L shelter, lie was greeted with two NOR
e messengers that very closely neared, i
= indeed, one OF them did nc. Ii. h!1..
= Take il altogether, though but a re
n ! connoissanee on the one side, and read
i and prompt reception on the other, il wa
IJla brisk little affair. and greatly inter