The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-18
MAY IL. 1862,

MAY IL looZ
The Strength Of Me RsDss Flee.-7ae Union Fleet Again
Ready for Action--Ies Wanted, dc.
reconnaissance yesterday afternoon, discovered that
the cnemys feet lying at Fulton, few miles below
Fort Wright and consisted Of only vessels including
tug.
This proves the report Of OF them having been
to sink by people, aud Of three Of them at least
being disabled by our fleet, to have been correct.
Our feet ready for another action and for It
expecting to finish the business next time Je Thomp
SON At Fulton, with his troops on beard Of Transports
which iron eased Ed. Montgomery 10 on board Of
one OF their gunboats or rams.
In speaking Of this action must mot forget the great
usefulness Of steam tugs which wore ever ready in
OF disaster to boats to render assistance
They valuable 10 the squadron.
The rebels must breakfast at very unreasonable hour
They very Questionable TO pay US SO early call and
man -o.war's man) Of Of the gunboats had just
"ssrvsi out the tea water yesterday when the beat 70
quarters spoiled his arrangements. This morning no
walked aft O'Clock, heard him say, no
locked at Craighcad Point al wonder II those raseals
will make me serve out two tea waters this morning"
Tho weather IL very warm, and the gunboats iron
eased with poor ventilation The crews must sool
suffer much unless ice lie freely supplied to the feet
Wll not this cheap article ba sent down 10 the
gunboat squadronY' is question frequently asked by
the sufferers
OMcial II eport or Captain Davis, Conn
mandcr Of the Flotiiia.
WASHINGTON, May II, 1862
The following report from Capt. Davis, commanding
the Mississippi gotia received this morning at the
Navy Department
tN.rEp STATES FLAG STEAMER BENTON,
Orr FoRr Pillow, May IL, 1862
Hon GIDEON wEILEs, Secretary of the Navy
Ihave tao honor TO inform the department that yes
terday morning. little after O'Clock, the rebel
squadron consisting Of eight roncad Steamers four OF
tho bend above Fort Pillow calamity up
the river fully prepared for regular engagement.
The or this squadron lying at the time tied
up to the bank OF the river three the aud
four the western side, aud they transferred
to by Flag officer Foole ready for action. Most Of
the vessels prompt in obcying the signals TO follow
the motions Of the commander. inchicf
The leading vessels Of the rebel squadron made directly
for mortar boat No 10, which for moment unpro
tscted.
Acting Master Gregory and his crew behaved with
great spirit during the action. lie fired his mortar eleven
times at the enemy reducing the charge and diminish
ing the elevation.
Commander Stsmbei in the gunboat Ciscinnati, which
was the leading vessel in the line that side Of the
river followed i'm modiately by Commando Kitty, the
gunboat Mound City fastened to the suppor Of tho
tar boat, and they were repeatedly struck by the
enemy and drove him away.
The two leading vessels in the middle Of the enemy
Inns successfully encountered by this ship. The
boiler stcsmchest Of one Of them exploded by our
shot and both Of them we're disabled.
They, well as the first naval vessel encountered by
the Cincinnati, drfted down the river. Commander
Wake informs me that he fred fifty pound rife shot
through the boilers OF tho third Of the snemys gauboats
below the water line and rendered her for the time be-
ing helpless.
The action lasted during the better part Of an hour
and took place at the closest quarters. Tho enemy hnal
~ retrsatsd With haste below TIC guns OF Fort Pillow.
have 70 call the especial attention Of tho department
the gasntry aud good conduct sxhb..cd by Com nd
stembe and Kitty, and Lieutenant Conmailing 5.
l.. Phelps.
regret to say that Commander stembel, Fourth Mas
ter Reynolds and of the Of the Cincinnati
and OF tho Mound CITY, severely wounded The
other accidents or the day slight.
have the honor 10 be- very respectfully your obedi
ont servant c. II. DAVIS,
Captain Commanding Mississippi Flotlla pro tenn.