New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-03-31


ETcEn Occasional Couespoucspt-
NKw-ORLRAN, March 20. 1853
Since your last adSices, Admiral Farragut and
Gen. Banks have had stirring engagement at Port
Hudson, resulting in the safe passage of the Rebel
batteries by the Hartford and Aibaross, the total
destruction Ofthe Mississippi ard slight dsnsgeto the
Richmond and Monongshels. The announcement Of
tie sudden departure Of the Mcclellan finds me un.
prepared however. to give You as full and accurate
accounts OF the conflict as could wish.
The engagement took place on the night OF the
] It'll inst. Admiral Esrraguts feet comprised the
fag-ship Hartford, Richmond. Mississippi, Monon'
gahsla, Genesee, Albaross. and hinio The mortar
feet, under Commander Caldwell Of the Essex,
consisted OF the irOD-clad E,sex, the gunboat Sa-
chem and xix schOOners On the night Of the 18th,
the mortar feet proceeded to within sheng dis
lance Of the Rebel batteries and the Admirals
feet advanced for action about 10 p. Oh the 18th.
From the shore opposite Port Hudson the Rebels were
apprised by signals, Of the approach OF the fleet,
and AS soon as the Hartford came within range Of
the batteries they opened briskly fire upon her.
She returned the fire with broadside, and contin-
ued pouring shot and shell into the enemy's works
until she had passed the batteries.
The Richmond followed the motions Of the Hart
ferd, and had passed the principal batteries when
shot Went through her steam chest, temporarily
disabling her, and compelling her to drift down
ttresm. In the action, Lieut. Commander a. Is.
Cummings received fatal wound, the left leg, be-
low the knee, being severed from the body. The
loss on the Richmond was three killed aud ten
wounded. The ship received several shots IN the
aide, but was only temporarily disabled.
The Geuesee, which was dashed alongside the
Richmond, found herself unable IL stem the current
witt heI in tow, and was therefore headed down
stream.
Next in line of BATHS was the Mouongahela and
Kiuio. Capt. MoKinstry, Of the former ship. Was
wounded early in the sclioD. From the smoke
which enyeopcd the flagship it was found to be
ain Js impossible to follow her leadership, and the
sbp grounded directly under tho hottest fire of the
Rebel batteries. Through the aid Of the Kinio she
ultimately succeeded i'll escaping from her perllons
position. Afterward, attempting to steam up the
river, her crank-pin became so heated DIS TO make
her unmanageable and she wss forced TO retiie 10
the position Of tho mortar feet. The loss on tho
Honongshela was ten killed ana twenty wounded.
The Mississippi next advanced TO the scene Of
conflict. She reached a point opposite the town in
safety, but the binding smoke rendered her officers
ubdDle 10 uhCefh tDelF course, and she grounded
the Iisht bank Of the river, directly opDo,ite the
terminus Of the Port Hudson and Clinton Railroad.
Her engines were immediately reversed but all ef.
forts to get her ehost were unavaAng. In thirty
five minutes $50 shots were fred from her guns. IL
being ioand impossible 10 cave her, however, Can't.
Smith ordered instant preparation TO be made to res
cue the crew and destroy the ship. The sick and
wounded were placed on board the Essex, and the
remainder Of the crew were landed Oh the right
bank Of the river. The engines were destroyed.
AID combuStbles were collected and fred upon the
deck Seven Of the crew fell into the hands Of the
Merchandising Marine Captain Fontane Assist
snt Engineer Brown, and Master's.Mate Francis.
Acting Master Kelly was killed. The loss on the
Mississippi is not accurately known, but part Of
tie crew, who have arrived at Baton Rouge, state
that about thirty were killed and wounded Capt
Caldwell Of the Essex saved the lives Of many Of
TIE crew Of the Mississippi by fastening to their
\ fescre ilom the Iiyer bank.
II The naval engagement occupied but three hours,
.no It's results stated by Gen. Parks to have
0sen all that was anticipated, with the exception of
as ioss oil the Mississippi. To cut off the supplies
lae Rebels from above Port Hudson was the OBJ
!.e' 81 The movement. In support OF the operations
fHL IL a.