The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-04-04
The BLACK Bayou Expedition
Failure-The Whole Federal rec
Falling Rack 10 YOung's Pint.

A~NN%@~ ~
BLACK BAYOU via CARo, March 81.
The expedition through Steele's and
Back Bayou into the Upper Yazoo, is a
failure Admiral Porter succeeded in
getting through both bsyous with the
gunbOats, aud proceeded twenty-iiv or
ihi'ty miles further in Deer aud Rolling
Fork, when be encountered small force
OF rebels, who sh annoyed him with sharp
shooters and by placing distractions in
the channel, that further progress was
impossible without the cooperation of
infantry, which came up the next day.
The enemy had in the meantime cut trees
in the stream, making it impossible.
They annoyed the gunboats otherwise,
and seemed to be gathering in conside-
rable force. ReiniOrcements of infantry
were marched rapidly TO their assistance
on Sunday, and came up with the be-
leaguered gunboats on Monday. The
latter were completely hemmed in by oh.
structions in front and rear, and would
have fallen an easy and speedy prey TO
the rebels, unless destroyed, Skirmish-
ing continued all day, when, the rebels
being reinforced, the gunboats were with
drawn. The guhboat fleet commenced
its retreat to-day. The whole force has
re-embarked on transports, near the head
OF Black Bayou, for return TO Young's
Point. The enemy's force was probably
FIVE thousand, with heavy artillery.
Federal loss, ten or twelve priyates killed
and wounded, including sullivan, an en-
gineer on tug, killed by she'll The
rebel loss is unknown, but supposed 90
be incoDsiderable.
Admiral Porter and General Sherman,
respectively, commanded the naval and
land forces.
MEMPHIS, March 20, via CAIRO. 81
The Argus Of to-day says the Southwest
ern arrived last night from the fleet. She
brings important intelligence from be-
low.
On Wednesday morning last the rams
Lancaster and Switzerland were put in
readiness, and started from the fleet, to
pass the Vicksburg batteries. As soon
as they came within shooting distance
the Confederate batteries opened ire
mendous fire upon them.
The Lancaster was struck some thirty
odd times, and her entire bow was shot
away, causing her 10 take water 80 rap
idly that she sunk Immediately opposite
the city, turning complete somersault.
All her crew escaped 10 small boats ex-
cept Two.
The Switzerland kept on her course,
defying the batteries until her steam
drum was struck by sixty-four pound
err. rendering her totally helpless. She
loated down below the city batteries,
still belching forth shot and shells, and
striking her repeatedly. The Albatross,
Of Admiral FarraguGs feet, ran along
side the Switzerland and took her in tow
in crevasse, just below the mouth Of
the canal, whore she was lying when
our informant left.
The loss Of life on the Switzerland was
not known.
The object Of getting the rams by
Yicksburg was 10 reinforce Farragut,
who has been below Warrenton, with the
Hartford and Albatross, since he ran the
Port Hudson batteries.
At Grand Calf Farrasu's ships en-
counlered a more formidable battery
than the one al Port Hudson. The Hart
ford was struck fourteen times at this
place. Three men were killed on her.
Both vessels kept up steady fire while
passing the batteries The Grand Gulf
battery did considerable eqeculiou TO
both boats.
The expedition upon the Yazoo, through
S'eele's Bayou had returned TO the feet,
being unable 10 accomplish the object
which was intended, ilanking Hainos'
Bluff.