New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-05-04
The Escort Running the Rioekadc.

Qusriermaster Robert II. Eldredge arrived al thi.
port on Friday nigh, on board the transport steamer
Escort from Newbern. At the time the Escort now
brought here for rcpair, San the blockade on Pam.
leo and Tar Rivers, Mr.. Eldrcdge YVES on board
and participated in that heroic and succe,ul enter
prise.
The Escort started from Newbem with five
hundred men, ammunition and rations for Gen.
Fosters army, then hemmed in q: Washington by O
strong Rebel force. After passing through the
distractions, and when within two hundred yards OF
Hills battery of four guns, the Rebels opened fire
upon the vessel, bu, failed % bit her. The firing
was continued until the Escort came within the
range Of battery OF eight guns at Kodmans Point.
Sixty five shots were fired without effect. Two or
three hundred sharpshootsrs in the tree tops on the
shore and in ritepits, kept mp constant fire, bat
the weasel passed up TO Washington where she was
received with demonstrations Of delight by the half
starved earfison. Washington is only two miles
clsant from Rodnan's Point, aud the Rebels threw
the shells about the ship. bat without Injury.
After lying st Washington all day and all
night (unIoading the vessel ct night the next
morning, at O'clock, the gallant chip turned her
Prov toward Newbern. In ten minutes from the
time sue started, the pilot lshough warned Of the
daDgerl raised his mead above the bales Of hay TO
see how far he was from Rodmans Point, when he
was sho, by Rebel sharpshooter. At this moment
the Escort Was exposed TO TIE hottest fire from the
battery AID from the tharpshooios. After the piloi
killed our informant, Mr.. Eliredgc went 70 the
forecastle o the vessel in pursuit of negro pilot
and brought him TO the helm, but the poor fellow
was acquainted with tte channel and could render
no service. Henry Gallup, who had been left in
charge OF the helm after William Patrick the pilot
fell, resumed lis post the lookout. Mr.. Eldredge
took the helm in his own hand aud proceeded 70
Hills Point, where The Rebels kept up brisk fire
biting the pilot house and knocking down Henry
Gallup, who was attending the bells. The vessel
gong ri the rate Of about twenty knois an hour
but paced though the passage in tie distractions
striking frit gu tho starbOard -Ide against the piles
then on the larboard side, without stopping. The
fire continued until the Escort reached within range
Of our gunboats. Among others who deserve honor
able mention in connection with this deed OF
noble daring are Chief Mate Joseph Dennison %
Mate Charles Strong who heaved the lead,
aud whose coat was torn by the fragment OF she'll
Chief Engineer John Gross, who occupied his pos,
needless OF danger, and Assistant Engineer William
Ross, who stood there with his lie in bis hand
One hundred and sixty mine shots fred at the
Escort, less than 20 taking effect One shell came
through the galley, bursting in the gangwsy, aud
entering the crank-room. A negro Charley, g
brave fellow, had his arm shot away while In the
performance OF his duty. That day he was taken to
the hospital at Newbern, but returned TO the Escort
the next morning, and asked the privilege OF work
ing and fighting the boat. On the return Of the
Escort, Gen. Foster had q narrow escape, shell
striking bis pillow FIVE minutes inter he left It, On
the passage up to Washington the brave volunteers
of the 5th Rhode Island Regiment Frustrated them
selves upon the kegs Of powder on deck TO save II
from the fire of the enemy.