The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-06-14
WAR NEWS.
Capture Of Memphis.

DESTRUCTION OF THE REBEL FLEET.
The following account describes the naval
engagement on the Mississippi, which 5000
people Witnessed from the banks of the
river before Memphis. 1t must have been
apleasant sight to secession eyes,
Cairo, Jnne S.-The steamer Platte Valley
the first boat through from Memphis
arrived here this morning. The holilla.
consisting OF five gunboats and eight rams.
left Fort Pillow on Thursday morning.
Finding no distractions Mt Fort Randolph.
the totilla pushed on, and at eight O'Clock
on Thursday evening our gunboats anchored
two miles above Memphis, the rams remain.
ing short distance above. A reconnos-
sance was then made.
The Rebel fleet consisted of the following
vessels: General Van Dorm, alag. ship, J
General Bragg, General Lowell, jeff. Thomp-
son, Beauregard, Little Rebel and Sumter,
were discovered lying near Memphis. Dur
i9x the night the Rebel fleet moved down
therlyer and at daylight were seen coming
up in line Of battle
Our gunboats had in meantime weighed
anchor, and, followed by several rams,
moved slowly towards the Rebel fleet, when
a shot from the Little Rebel from her rihcd
gun, at long range, fell within short dis
lance OF the Cairo, which was in the advance.
The Cairo replied with a broadsidc, and
soon the engagement became general at
long range.
The Rebel ram Bcauregard, being in the
advance, was singled ont by the Federal
rams Monarch and Queen. each striving to
be first to strike her The Monarch sue.
ceeded in striking her amidships, almost
cutting her in twain, causing her to fl II and
sink immediately in the channel.
At this juncture the Little Rebel made a
dash at the Monarch, which by this time
was in the midst of the Rebel fleet, but by
skillful movement of the pilot she dropped
out of the way. and the blow intended for
her struck the Rebel boat General Price,
taking away her wheelhouse and running
her ashore, she sent shot, which, unfor.
tunately for the Rebels, struck the General
Lowell. rendering her unmanageabc.-
Immediately afterwards she was run down
by the Federal ram Queen.
A broadside from the gunboat Benton
took effect in the jeff Thompson, when she
was run ashore and burned.
-Four of the Rebel gunboats being thus
disabled, the remainder retreated down the
river, pursued by our boats, resulting in the
capture of the Sumter, Bragg, and Little
Rebel. Capt. Montgomery, with most of his
officers and men, succeeded in making their
escape on the Arkansas shore.
The Federal ram Lancaster was struck
during the fight by the Rebel ram Bcaure-
gard, and slightly disabled.
Our rams were manned by the sharp.
shooters, who did good execution in picking
off the Rebel gunners.
The enemys loss in killed and wounded
and prisoners is heavy, but not yet asccr
tanned.
Our tugs were all busily employed in pick.
ing up the crews of the disabled boats.
Memphis was quietly occupied. There
was no demonstration. The people seemed
satisfied. There are two Unionists to one
Scccssionist here. The Rebel flag on the
bluff was cut down with applause. The
Stars and Stripes have been raised over the
Post office.
The stores are all closed. Only 500 balss
of cotton and but little sugar were destroyed.
Large quantities are yet concealed.
The citizens are respondent of the Rebel
cause. Beauregard declared at Columbus,
Miss, that there would be no more regular
fighting, but that guerrilla warfare would
be wagcd.