The New York herald., 1862-03-21
geon the Confederate army and number OF mules and
wagons belonging TO the Quartermaster's department


wagons belonging 10 the ouartermasters department:
As had been done that could be in this
direction. and as il was quite dark being near eight
ocGck, returned of the Town OF FeTnandina, where
left the Ottawa and board Of the steamer lhat
had captured for the purpose OF returning with
pilot 10 bring mp the pswnee and Huron.
Soon after Commander Rodgers, with the Ot-
tawa, proceeded 10 occnpy the town Of st. Mary's,
Ga, small place the 81. Marys river, distant ten
miles from here. and where supposed some or the
guns removed from Fort Clnch, had been taken. Ow-
ing to various deteniions not able TO reach the
Pawree until midnight, 10 bring her Till day light;
when with the Huron, anchored off this town.
nnring the night an armed launch of the Wabash, IN
der charge or Acting Master r. H. Lawson had been left
for the protection OF the railroad bridge, the draw OF
VII hch had been opened Towards morning, however,
number Of soldiers came down, and under cover
Of the bushes, set the farther end on hro.
They we're repeatedly fired and driven Oh,
but succeeded in very much inurng its western posi-
tion. On seeing the smoke sent the Huron up pre-
vent the remaining part from being injured, a which
Lieutenant Commanding Downes was successful.
1he batteries on and noar Fort Cnch on the southern
part Of Cumberland Island and Mt New Fernsndna, al
though many guns bad been removed might have Of
fcred serious obstacles TO approach, viii be
seen by my detailed report OF them. They were, how
ever, being rapidly dsarmed in obedience 10 orders
from the War department bu IL determined 10 de-
fend them from any attack by sea until the place
could be regularly evacuated; and the bar being very
intricate one, and well under re They mi h have gyen
great deal of trouble had our advance been made
At eight O'Clock Of the night previous to my arrival
however Ohio 2d), telsgraphc despatch came from
Brunswick mentioning that twentyfour OF our armed
vessels were in Cumberland sound This news soems t.
have produced perfect panic as by twelve o'clock the
next day, The garrison, which consisted Of fifteen hun
drcd men, well almost all OF the Inhabitants had
gone of.
Shortly after bringing up tho Pawneo aud at about
O'Clock this morning, occupied the town with
marines and the Wabashs company of rifles, and
desvored much as possible TO quiet The few people
loft and TO prevent any injury TO public or pivsts pro-
perty. hidshpman H. l.. johnson pushed along the rail
road with NJ his men, and in the OF the day
brought IN two locomotives and three railroad He
also collected and put guard over quantity of rosn
q q heir lad
of injured. At nine O'Clock the Isaac Smith arrived,
when Immediately seat her out 10 communicate with
your vessel, which she met however, tho way in.
Ths report Of Commander Rodgers accompanies this
we'll description Of tho dselces o the harbor
In conclusion have only express the srea, obliga-
tons under to Commander Rodgers and Lieutenant
Commanding stevens. Except FOR me former and his
steamer and had not been for the constant watchful
and good management OF the latter his vessel woud
have been able 10 follow the Pawnee far she did
without pilot and thus al last enable ac on the
afternoon Of the third instead oil waiting for the
morning, which would otherwise have been necessary.
VERY respectfully, your obedient servant,
7. DRAYTON, Commander,
Commanding the tawn.e.
To Flag Officer s. j. Dupont, Commanding Souh At
antic Squadron, United states steamship Mcbgan Fer.
nandins harbor.
COMMANDER ROGERS REPORT
lNlTED STATES STEAMsIIlp IAwNKE,
FKRSASpIyA, March 4, 1867. (
SRI beg leave 10 report that after leaving the OF
tawa entered Kngsleys Cut and proc eedng rapidly 20
the railroad bridge, with the second launch Of the Wa
bash, passed through tho draw and Just after dark cap
urod The steamer narlington which was cndeavorng 10
escape from Fernsndna with military wagons mules,
forage, &c.
ON board were several passengers aud among them
Assistant surgeon a. g. Ihngreau Of the Confederate
forces. We also captured small schooner.
left the second launch OF the Wabash 10 secure the
srawbridSo aud hold the passage during the night.
As soon as the prizes could be taken to Pernsndns
le that place the ottawa with the armed cutters OF
tho Wabash aud reached the town of 81. Msrys soon
after midnight, which at proceeded to occupy.
AZ the time Of our arrival the place held by
picket OF cavalry, which made its escape but we seized
their horses aud equipments
The greater part Of the inhabitants had left hs town.
Leaving the Ottawa aud one Of the cutters OF the
Wabash IN session of ST. Mary's hsvo returned to
FoTnsndus.
very cordial and efficient coopsTsto Assistant W. II.
Dsnnis, Of the Coast survey, accompanied me 20 81.
Msry's aud rendered me much valuable aid am,
very respoetluy your obcdent servant,
G. X. p. RODGERS, Commander,
Commodore PEeovAt DsAYroS, United states Navy
EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT OF LIEUTENANT CON.
MANpTSG STEVENS, OF TIE OTTAWA
REcoSSorSsANC UP 81 Mays RIVER
UNITED STATES GuyBoAT OTTAWA, March I, 1862.
sR-upon the arrival OF the Isaac Smith al ST. Msrys
proceeded In this vessel under your instructions on
reconnaissance up the ST. Nsrys river and reached
point called Woodstock Mills about Gfty miles from, tbs
place landing at the plantation OF Mrs Campbell and
that Of Mrs. D0wnes called the Brickyard and III
woodstocki owned and occupied by Mr. Alburti mott
Tying those whom Hst (Which seemed to rcassure
them) Of your intention 10 protect all psacoable citizens
10 their persons aud property and inviting those Who'll
fed TO return TO their homes enclose beneath COPY
Of the communication left with Mrs Campbell and Judge
Mbur, 10 signify the same 10 the people GENERALLY.
Before leaving Woodstock Mills learned through negro
that was the intention OF the rebels to cut o with
their light batteries and infantry of tbs Mississippi regi
ment which had been stationed here.
when near the brick yard the enomy's rhcmen as
Tackled us in force from both sides Of the river. 4
opened upVR hsp wiie sg bet'cy, using gepe aOa