Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-06-08
SECOND EDITION,
THREE O'CLOCK p. M.
DESTRUCTION OFAREBEL FOUNDRY
AT AYLETT's, ON THE MAT
TAPONY RIVER.
LARGE QUANTITIES OF FLOUR AND GRAIN
DESrROYED. AND HORSES AND
CATTLE CAPTURED,

A communication from Admiral Lee to the
Navy Department, dated yesterday, and en-
closing report Of Lieut.. Commanding Gillis,
gives the details Of joint expedition of the
army and navy forces up the Mattapony river,
was received this forenoon.
The main object of this expedition was to de-
stroy foundry at point on the Mattapony
river, some ten miles above Walkerton. where
it was said ordnance matter was manufactured
for the enemy.
With this object in view, 400 infantry, on the
morning Of June 4th, embarked at Yorktown,
on board the U. s. s. Com. Morris, Lieut..
Comd'g ellis; u. S. s. Com. Jones, Lieut..
Oond'g Mitchell; the army gunboat Smith
Briggs, and the transport Winnissimmet.
The expedition proceeded to Walkerton,
about twenty miles above West Point on the
Mattapony river, where it arrived at two g. m.
Of the 5th. Here the troops were landed and
marched to Aylett's, where the objects Of the
expedition were successfully accomplished,
and the foundry, with all its machinery, to-
gether with mills, grain, &C., destroyed.
THETA forces also destroyed grain at other
places, and captured horses, mules and cattle,
and at $50 p. m. re-embarked.
The vigilant dispositions Of Lieut. Com'd'r
ellis kept the river below clear, and the rebels
attempting demonstrations at several points on
the banks were dispersed by the gunboats.
The Navy had no casualties.
Admiral Lee thinks the entire success Of the
expedition owing in great measure to our
evacuation Of West Point only five days be-
fore, thus precluding the probability of any
movement in that direction, and throwing the
enemy off his guard.
The following is Lieut.. Commanding Gillis's
report:
U. S. GUNBoAr Cox. MORRIS, of Yorktown,
P1., June 9th, 1863. At D. m ION
the 4th we started up the York
river, passing West Point at 1O.45, without
noticing anything that would indicate the
presence of the enemy. " \ We arrived
at Walkerton at a. m. The troops were
landed with all expedition, and reached their
destination (Aylstts) at 8 a. m. At that place
they found the information they previously
received was correct in every particular, and
the work Of destruction was soon accom-
plished.
An immense arsount Of machinery Of all
kinds and also very large quantity of flour
and grain,' which was in large Touring mill
belonging to the rebel government, was soon
rendered useless Col. Lewis then started on
his way back, stopping at different places to
destroy grain, capture horses, mules and cat
tie. y Having received information
that the rebels. were making preparations to
obstruct the river at Mantapoke, I sent the
Smith Briggs down at , p m. to keep the river
clear, and to remain at that place until my
arrival.
Capt. Lee, of that vessel, reports that when
he came in sight OF Mantapoke there were about
sixty or seventy rebels collected on the bluff at
Indiantown, but few shell dispensed them.
I am,happy to state that so far as
the naval portion of the expedition was con-
cerned everything passed off IN the most ad-
mirable manner, and without a single cas-
ualty. X
The land forces were not 80 fortunate-one
man being killed and two wounded; also, one
missing-but, In consideration of the tact that
Longstreet's corps was at near Newton, 10
miles from Aylett's, and Pickett's division at
the White House, IL miles from where we
landed, / think they were as fortunate as could
be expected.
J. H. GILLIs,
Ii. Comsg and Sen. Officer, OFF Yorkt'n.
To A. r. Admiral LEE.