The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-01-22

small remnant of the wounded and surviving
crew of the Harriet Lane were observed upon
her decks, placed in such position that any
fire from either of the gunboats must be fatal
to them; while a small boat was seen leaving
her, flying flag of truce, and containing the
only surviving officer of the devoted crew.
The boat boarded the Clifton, informing the
officers that continued firing could only re
suit in the entire destruction of the small rem
nant still left of those who few moments be-
fore, so CALAMITY offered their lives in the de-
fense of their country's flag. A boat was now
dispatched from the Clifton to the flagship,
where an interview was held bewteen Captain
Law and Commodore Renshaw, the result of
which is not known, and during which the
Owasco, the Sachem and the Clifton all hoisted
flags of truce. Commodore Renshaw soon af-
terwards sent boat to the Mary Boardman,
requesting the privilege of transferring his
crew and portion Of the ships furniture,
personal effects, and such articles as could be
easily moved, on board of that vessel, at the
same time informing Captain Weir, of the
Boardman, that he intended to blow up his
ship to prevent her from falling into the hands
OF the rebels, who were now preparing to ad-
vance in full force upon us. The request was
granted, and the crew and luggage were trans
ferred to the Boardman, while the decks of
the flagship were saturated with turpentine,
trains laid connecting with the magazines.
and saiety-yalve chained down to render the
destruction more complete. CON- Renshaw,
with his lst Lieut.. Zimmerman, and Chief
Engineer Green, together with the boats crew
of the commodore's gig, remained behind to
make more certain the destruction of the ill
fated Westield. The match having been
touched, the commodore and his officers de-
scended into the gig, when, horrible to relate,
premature explosion took place, completely
destroying the fore part of the vessel, and at
the same time those in the gig alongside.
The other vessels not knowing that Com.
Renshaw was killed. soon hoisted the signal
for "What's the matter?" and that being re-
piled to, "What shall do?" appeared from
the mastheads of all. The Mary Boardnan
started out the bay, tightening by throwing
over hay and other parts of the cargo on deck
TO cross the bar. Soon party of rebels were
seen hauling artillery down to the roint with
ten-mule team. The rebel steamers, with
the Mississippi steamer laden with sharpshoot-
ers, were also coming down. As many as six
pieces Of heavy artillery were along the shore.
They directed their fire against the Sachem,
following along the beach.
The feet left Galveston harbor in the fol-
lowing order for New Orleans: Mary Board
man. Saxon, Corypheus, Owasco, Clifton, Sa-
chem.
The rebel cotton steamer followed, and
when near the bar the Clifton turned and sent
her shell, which had the effect of turning
her back to Galveston. While coming out
the Honduras. was met with a part of the
troops on board. She headed again for New
Orleans on learning the news.
THE FIGHT ON SHORE
The little band on shore was soon captured.
OF the whole number it is only known that
one, the adiutant, escaped. He. by swimming
or otherwise, reached a small boat. from which
he was taken by one of the gunboats. 1t Is
said that when the troops were landed on the
wharf on Christmas day, the planks were torn
up between them and the shore to prevent
their rambling in the town. Hudded togeth-
er in this exposed situation they received an
incessant fire Of musketry from every window
in the vicinity, while the enemy's cannon kept
up continual shower of balls. Some fell up
on the planks, already wet with their own
blood, and Others jumped into the water, pre-
ferring to drown. They had tried to build
breastwork Of timber, and for while 1t SEEM
ed to protect them, but they could not hold
out against such superior numbers.