The New York herald., 1863-04-10
THE DIANA AFFAIR.
Our bayou Boour Corvsspondence.
hHADquARrKRs, 0Es. MEnzkI's COMMAND,

Our bayou Boour C0rvssp0ndence.
hHApquARIKRs, 0Es MBrzK.s COMMAND,
BAYOU B0uy, La, iarch 30, 1868
Oar Position at Bayos BasyAa Expedition to learn ne
Whereabouts Of TIE Enemy-Hs Unfortunate ResuIt-Loss
q &e Unitd &a.es S<dnsev Dsana- Dsa.A Of Her Com
~anoer and OAer 0fcers-ONs Hundred and Seventy Of
Our People Talen Prssoaeys--Hoso IL Oceurred- Yaa Of
u Capture 10 ne Enensy, dc, 6e.
Aithoughth main body OF ths division of the Nine
teenth army corps has fallen back 10 this point, still
strong force occupies Brashear city miles in 'front.'
from which point the enemys pckets be frequently
seen aud information often had Of their movements
Their attempts 70 get into with small parties and
annoy by burning bridges, tearing up track, &C.,
effectively checkmated by the movements Of our ever
watchfnl commander, and now hold position from
which we can observe all they do, and whore 10 impos
sibe for them 10 annoy by raids Venture upon
attack they dare Nothing would please US better f
they would but they prefer 70 burrow in their inrench
ments never coming out except In small parties forag
ing, rather stealing excursions, and hopes Of picking
up occasional venturcsome picket obtaining few
conscripts.
Iregret however, to have TO record affair that
Cured on Saturday last which the loss Of
valuable boat, with her armament, several valuable
lives, and number OF best troops taken prisoners
This disaster caused by failing carry the
structens q the Commanding General. who knew the
plish all he desired without ncurring any risk Nothing
proves more certainly that bravery without prudence
and discrimination vauless Than the result Of
pedton. The facts OF the as folows-General
weitzel received Information last week that steamer
river and escaped into the upper rivers through Grand
Lake. also that q force OF the enemy in position
acrossthe narrow neck Of land between the Atchaaaya
river and Grand Lake Wishing 10 learn II II true
and believing that f the reports correct he could
succeed in capturing the entire force Of the enemy he
organized an expedition for that purpose, and il the
plan he proposed had been carried directed
portan information would have been gained without
loss Of life or oven man wounded.
The United States steamer DIANA Acting Master Peter
son commanding was detailed for that purpose and two
companies embarked on board Of her. one Of which
was Company A. Twelfth Connecticut regiment, under
command OF Lieutenant Bukley, and the other Company
=, One Hundred and Sxtieth New York regiment Capt
lewett commanding Lieutenant Francis, OF the Twelfth
Connecticut went with the party volunteer General
Weitzels instructions proceed into Grand Lake
by the right branch Of the chaalaya and then to
along the south Shore endeavoring communicate
any one from whom they might obtain information
and to 60 as lar as where the left branch Of the Achafa
aya emptes into Grand Lake, but further and
turn the same way. The expedition left Brasbear City
ten O'Clock A. NJ. the 2Sth, and reached the end OF
the without accident having obtained all tho inor-
maton desired which proved the reports General
Weize had received TO be untrue. When ready 10
turn, Acting Master Peterson determined TO return by
way OF the Achaiaaya river passing the village Of Pat
tereonville He was demonstrated with by Lieutenant
Aen OF General wetzes staff. and cautioned regarding
his not carrying out instructions and the risk he
running; but all purpose he saying that with his
battery he could whip anything the enemy could bring
TO bear against him.
You will observe on the accompanying sketch that
the Achafaiaya where IL runs by pattersonvile very
narrow boat 10 the channel way is within short pistol
shot OF either shore aud every advantage with
tacking force land. the Diana proceeded her
way Captain Peterson frequently urged 70 return
but he turned deaf 10 everything said TO him. After
they had passed large force Of the cnomy
was observed on the river bank, composed Of artillery,
cavalry and infantry. The attention Of the captain was
called 70 the fact but he laughed at the idea OF their
being able 70 do him any harm The boat had gone but
little distance further before Il was opened upon from
ahead, abeam and astern with murderous fire OF shot,
SHE'LL grape, canister and muskery, which promptly
returned by our forces But IL onesided affair.
Captain Peterson shot through the heart, and fell
dead the deck hts executive officer Acting Masters
Mate Hail. shared the same fate Lieutenant Francis, OF
tho Twelfth Connecticut, killed. and Licuteuant
Aen Of the Generals star, badly wounded In the
back and arm. The fight was hotly maintained BY
side, and the action continued until tho
Diana ran ashore and became unmanageable. whom
further resistance found be in vain and she
surrendered, with all on board, few only escaping 70
the other side Of the river.
THE CAPTURE OF THE DIANA.
IHE VICINITY BERWICK BRAsHEAR CITIES,
SHOWING THE poAros wHERE IBE DIANA WAS cArTuRxD.