Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-04-02
THF PASSAGE OF FORT HUDSON

Port Hudson by General Banks and Admi-
raj Farragut. By these it seems that the
design was not at all the reduction Of the
enemy's works at Port Hudson, but the
passage Of a portion Of the feet, that the
river between that point and Vicksburg
may be under Federal control. In this
way the immense shipment of stores and
supplies which has been carried on from
the western to the eastern bank Of the
Mississippi can be stopped. This will be
a tremendous blow to the Confederacy, as
from Texas and Mexico the rebels have OBJ
tained the greater portion Of their cattle
and other supplies. It is also known that
large quantities of guns and ordnance
stores have been received by them from
Texan ports. With the Mississippi in our
possession, the value of the two points, at
Vicksburg and Port Hudson, will be great
ly lessened.
Regarding what has been accomplished,
the correspondent of the Times writes
The lOng-expected demonstration
against Port Hudson has commenced at
last. say commenced, because while many
may be induced to think that the event l
am about to record forms a complete drama,
and are already recording their verdict Of
success or faITUre, just Jneir predllee-
tions may lead them, feel persuaded that
it is only the first scene Of a great plot, the
intended denoueRent of which is known only
to the author himself, Msjor-General
Banks"
The feet, consisting of the Hartford, Miss
issippi, Monongshela, Essex, KeneO and
others, left Baton Rouge on the night of
the 18th of March. On Friday, the l4th,
the land forces took up the line of march
from the same place, Growers division
leading, followed by General Emory and
General Augur. As they marched out, the
soldiers were very enthusiastic; they filled
the air with cheers and patriotic songs, and
startled the groves along the way with the
new and magnificent strains of " Old John
Brown" General Banks was in command
of the forces, Colonel Chiokering, Of the
41st Massachusetts, being left in command
at Baton Rouge. During Saturday after
noon, there was some skirmishing, in which
COlenel CLARK, Chief Of General Banks
staff, was wounded. The troops bivouaced
for the night about eight miles from Port
Hudson. At half past 10 o'clock that night
esnnonading was heard in the
direction of Port Hudson, which continued
for four hours. Toward morning the ex-
plOsion of the Mississippi was seen and
heard, and shortly after, word came that
he feet had passed Port Hudson, and the
object of the expedition was accomplished.
Orders were issued to return, which was
obeyed in wondering and dissatisfied ST.
.ence by the troops, who had hoped for ac-
i've work.
So much for the land force. The feet
lad far more exciting and active time.
We quote from the report of the Times
THE FLEET UNDER WAY.
C. AT about 4 P. n, on Friday, the l4th
nst, the following vessels Of the feet of
admiral Farrsgut left Baton Rouge and
proceeded up the river in the order in
which they ara given: The HorJfUEd,
fagship,) Captain Palmer; Richmond,
commander Alden; Monongahela, Captain
deKinstry; Keneo, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
e Waters, and the Mississippi, Command
# Melanethon Smith. They anchored at
lark that evening, about eight miles from
Baton Rouge.
At daylight on Saturday they all
,Ot under weigh, and proceeded up the
liver, arriving within sight Of Port Hud-
on at 8 A. n, when they anchored just
ut OF range Of the batteries. Found the
Essex, Commander Caldwell
he Genesee, Captain Macomb; the Alba
ross, Lieutenant Commander Hart and
he Saehem, Commander Johnson, at that
lace, with six mortar vessels, all under
Command Of Commander Caldwell, of the
Essex.
"The Essex and mortar vessels had tax
n a point close in shore, screened by the
rees, from which position they were to
'perate; the remaining vessels being an
hOred in the rear Of them and in the
,tFesm, in the order above mentioned
About 2 P. N. the mortar vessels opened on
be batteries for the purpose Of establish
ng their range, and the Sachem, Captain
stood out in the stream, above
he others, to draw the enemy's fire and
.seertain his range, sc. The enemy not
hoosing to reply, she returned to her for
ner position, and the mortar boats ceased
iring.
"Just before dark the gunboats went
.lengside the larger vessels, on the port
ide. The Albatross went up TO the Hart
ord, which led the van; the Genesee to
he Richmond, which came next; and the
Keneo to the Monongahela, which was
hird. The Mississippi brought up the
ear, and being a sidewheel, could not take
gunboat alongside under her protection"
PASSING THE BATTERIES.
"AbOut 10 P. N. the signal was given to
get under weigh, which was two red lights
Inder the stern of the flagship Hartford,
o be repeated at the stern of all the ves-
iels following This was Immediately
lone, and they all steamed up toward the
4" As soon as the flagship came within
-ange Of the batteries (about l0:45 P. n,
rocket was sent up from the shore oppo-
lite Port Hudson, which was Immediately
answered by another from the batteries,
nd they commenced firing upon the flag
hip-she returning their fire admirably.
The other vessels following close upon
Ter, the action became general.