Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-10-12
A GALLANT NAVAL EXPLOIT.
(Signed)
GOafsCHARCPF.

NobuS"J NV'iSNnNN'F''
A GALLANT NAVAL EXPLOIT.
Tie Charleston Courier Of tho 9TH brrgs US full
account OF the attempt to blow up the Yankee
Ironsides, lying oil Morris Island. We copy the fol-
lowing particulars:
The torpedo steamer David, with crew Of four 20
untesrs, consisting Of Lieut. Vim. I Giassel j. IL.
Toomes, Chief Engineer, and James Sullivan, Fireman
OF the gunboGt ChcOra With j. w. Cannon, Assistant
Pilot Of the gunboat Palmetto SaIe left South Atlantic
wharf between and o'clock on Monday evening" for
the urpose Of running TO the Ironsides exploding
torpedo under that vessel near amidships, and pos
Sible, blow her up.
The weather being dark and hazy favored the enter.
prise The boat with It's gallant little creN proceeded
down the hArbOr skirtng Along the shoais the To-
side OF the channel until nearly abreast Of their form
dable Antagonist, the New lroEsides
They remained in this position for short time, cir
cling around the large sboel near the anchorage OF
the object of their visit. Lieut. Ola SELL with double
ba relied gun tat in front Of Pilot Cannon, who had
charge OF the helm Chief Engineer Ttonbs wGs at
the engine With the brave aud uniaunted Sullivan the
VoluDt, or fireman.
At O'CLOCK the boat was put bow on, and aimed
directly for the lronsides As the little steamer datted
forward the lookout the IrOnsdes hailed them with
take care there, you will run INTO u.s. WHAT ca
IA thstp Lieut.. Glassell replied by discharging one
barrel at the Yankee sentinel.
The next moment they had struck the Ironsides and
exploded the torpedo about fifteen fee. from the Keel
on the starbOard side An immense volume OF water
Was thrown up, covering our little boat and, going
through the smoke sack entered the furnace and com.
pletey exiugushed tie fie.
In addition to this pieces Of the ballast had fallen in
the works Of the engine, rendering unmanageable at
that time. Voley after Voley of musketry from the
crew Of tho Ironsides and fro the launches began TO
pour in upon them LieuterRa GlaSse gave the order
10 OK, but it found impossible In tLs condition,
With no shelter and hope of escape the thought
best 10 surrender and hailed the enemy to that eff CT
The Yankees, however, paid attention to the call,
but barbarouSy continued the FIRE. 1t was then pro-
posed 10 put their life preservers jump overheard
and endeayOr to swim 10 the shore ALI but Pilot Can
non consented The latter, being unable 10 SWIM said
be would stay aud axe his chances in the boat Lieut.
G,asse, Engineer TOombs and Sullivan the fireman,
left the boat The two fret having on lie preefYers,
and the latter Importing himself of the haichcs
thrown to him by the Plot Engineer TOombs becom.
ing embarrassed with lis clothing the water, got back
10 the boat and was assisted in by Cannon.
The boat then rapidly drifting from the Iron
sides He now fortunately found match, and lighting
TORCH c,ept back to the engine, discovered and
moved the cause of lis not working, aud got it
in order They then commenced 10 the gauntlet Of
the Monitors and launches The latter seemed Inspired
with A seeming dread Of something supernatural and
opened path tight and lefs for the little steamer he
Ifousdes fired elevennoh shot the party as they
sped away, but fred completely over them The crews
Of the Monitors which the steamer obliged TO pass
on her return, were also cut aud commenced heavy
fire Of muskstry upon her as she Was passing The
launches made way evidently from a wholesome regard
for her explosive characer Engineer Toombs and
Cannon reached their wharf in the city about midnight
fatgued, and presenting WOrnout appearance but re-
joicng at their fortunate and narrow escape.
The David bears the honorable marks Of thirteen
bullet holes
18th regard to the damage of the Ironsides nothing
positive known At the moment OF striking there was
great CONSERVATION board. IL reported that tie
crew in gangs hard at work at the pumps all day
yesterday. Small boats were seen continually passing
between the ronsdes aud the Monitors. At n'ghtfal
however she remained at her old anchorage
general feeling of deep anxiety prevails to learn the
fac ofthe gaantspr,s WhoWent with he eXpe-
ditiOn. There IS every reason to believe, however that
these gallant men, with the OF safety about their
persons endeAVored to reach shore and have been pick
ed up by some OF the enemy's launch s.
----------
GENERAL PoLK'S FAREW ELL ADDRESS TO HIS
CORPS.
The following address issued by Lieut.. Gen. Le-
Ondas Polk on being relieved of his command by Gen.
Bragg:
To the Offers and Soldiers Of PolPs Corps;
HElDQ'Rs POLK's CORPS, TENx.,
Missionary Ridge, September SOtb, 1868.
In consequence Of an unfortunate disagreement be-
tween mJ self and the Commander-inChiefo of this De-
parlment, | have been relic ed of my command and
about to retire from the army. Without attempt
log TO explain the circumstances of III disagreement
prsjudicDg the public mind by premature appeal
TO is Judgment must be permitted TO express my un-
qualified conviction of the recttude of my conduct and
that time and investigation will amply vndicate my
act on on the field Of the ChickamaugL
cannot, however part temporarily with the
gallant officers and soldiers Of my old corps without the
deepest feeling of regret and HEARTFELT eXpr; ssion Of
my gratitude for the courage, conduct and devotion
they have always manifested while under my com.
mand
Belmont, Shiloh Penyville, Murfeesboro and Chick
amauga all attest your part the very highest SOL
dierly qualities and are crowded with precious men,
cries.
Contending with numerous, we'll appointed and mer.
cets enemy for all that hol DEAR you have borne
unexamped prvations With foritude, fought with IN
daunted bravery, aud yielded ready and cheerful
obedience 10 your officers.
So diers who struggle in such cause and with such
hearts can never be cOnquered Clouds and darkness
may enshroud you for time, but the sunlight Of the
future il bright and glowing the blood OF patriots lie
never shed N vain aud bur final victory certain and
assured
Whoever commands you, my earnest exhortaton and
request to is, TO 6ght and fight with true
hearts until your independence 10 achieved Thousands
Of hearts may fall crushed and bleeding under the
pOns Of the foe or the passions mistakes of friends
but the great must be sacrificed or our flag
abandoned OR cause Is just and your duty to your
country and God is clear the sun in the heavens
IieAve my commlnd In the of the bIavest oil the
brave who has often led them in The darkest hour OF
their trials he aud you will have my hopes and prayers