New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-05-21
THE ATTACK ON THE JAMES RIVER
BATTERIES.
Another Account Of the Engagement Gsl-
lantry Of the (salcna--herioUs Accident
Aboard Of Her--Terribic Slaughter Of
the HcbcIs.
Di.patch to The Philsdelphi. Press.

Special Dispatch to The Philadelphia Press.
FoRrREss MONROE, May lS-p. m.
The Stevens Battery, known as the Naugatuck,
has Just arrived here from the scene Of action in
front Of Richmond, and have some interesting de-
tails of the important operations of Commodore
Rodgers's feet in the upper waters Of the JAMES
River.
II seems that our iron-clad sloop-of-war Galera
proceeded mp the river leading the feet and tilenc-
ing the many minor batteries that lined the shore,
until the fleet had arrived at point in the James
River about eight miles below Richmond, where
there is a bluff, upon which series of strong bat
teries have been constructed up TO the city.
These batteries were found TO he mounted with
superior rifed guns of very heavy oalibre,
The Calena was moored ia close TO these shore
batteries Yesterday morning, and opened terrific
ire upon them, the Monitor, Naugatuek, and other
vessels assisting.
At irst tie s1ot Of the Rebel guns rolled off the
side, OF the Gaeoa, making only dents in her mail,
bot gradually, after five hours Sighting it found
that the steelpoined balls used by the Rebels were
piercing her.
Thirty shots struck her and lodged, while two
went entirely through her, tumbling ont on the
other eide.
shell burst in the Galena during the engage
meut which unfortunately killed seventeen of the
crew ana wounded nineteen. But even this sad ac-
cidcnt did not dishearten the brave Capt. Rodgers
and his crew. They fought on until dark, and until
their ammunition had nearly given out.
The Naugsiuck was ably handled by Capt. Con-
stable, but after frng magnificent shois her
splendid bow gun burst, kilhog two men and wound
ING three others, including Capt. Constable, who
was struck in the head by piece Of the flying
metal We are happy to learn that he is not seriously
injured.
a flaw was discovered in the metal, and this was,
no doubt, the cause Of the explosion.
Lieut.. MCrris, in command of the gunboat Port
sl..rla Ill.
wounded
Commodore Rodgers wac wounded painfully, but
not seriously, in the left cheek.
These are all the casualties heard Of up 10 the ea
ing Of the Nauga,uck for Fortress Monroe.
The slaughter among the Rebels in the batteries
ia said to have been terrible, although they had be
advantage Of our gunbo.ts in having the batteries
situated on bluff.
dore Rodgers hopes 20 silence the Rebel forts. and If
he can pass the distinctions known 10 be placed in
the river above the batteries, he will take the city,
! A mortar-boat was greatly needed during the
action, IA with 1t tie batteries could have been
| taken quite easily.
| The Monitor At last accounts was ahead, no ball
yet fred By the enemy having any eject upon her
iron-cad turret.
| Secretaries Weles and Seward took a trip up the
James River, yesterday, on the steamer Baltimore,
as far as jamestown, accompanied by Commodore
Goldnborough and Capt. Dablgren. The e4cursion
party returned this morning looking little troubled
| after reading Commodore Rodgers private
degpatches, which are said 10 reflect "a little upon
certain dignaries bereabOuts.
| Senator Lane Of Indiana, the Hon. Joseph Segnr,
and several other Congfessmen and distinguished
gentlemen from Washington, accompanied by few
ladies' arrived this morning and paid whit to Nor
folk aud Portsmouth.
The Nsugatuck will take another gun on board,
and proceed up The james River TO renew the light
az soon as possible.
The reports from Gen. Mcclellan army to-day
place bis advance within ten miles Of Richmond,
and he is moving
All il quie. here and at Norfolk. L. W. W.
wAsmsGTos, Tueldsy Nay 20. 1869.
A private letter from officer Coan OF one Of the
vessels belonging TO Commodore Rodgerss fotilla,
speaking Of the recent engagement, says
The Gsena lron-cadl was admirably mancu-
yered 90 beautifully and saucy that she passed five
or six times ar close as sbe could get and slsnced
one Of the batteries.
She then passed ard repassed the second battery
six times, but finding they were using so much
ammunition, for which we expect TO have better use
higher mp, Com. Rodgers ordered the wooden vessels
to run up while he in the Galena lay abreast OF the
battery and Disconnected the Rebel gunners. The
Galens then followed; but tie buoys have been
displaced and misplaced, that the pilots last even
ing run the Calena ashore and she il sil aground.
None Of our vessels were seriously injured.