New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-04-18
PROM SUFFOLK.
Progress Of tho siege-Tho Rebels Plant
ing Battcries-Attacks on our Gunbosfs
Efforts TO Cross the River.

Progress Of tho siege-Tho Rebels Plant
ing Bnttcrics-Attacks on our Gunbosfs
Efforts to Cross the River.
From Our Special Correspondent
SUFFOLK. April IS. 1859
Yesterday was the fourth day Of our siege--f
siege it is-and very little was done by either army
TO damage the other. The Rebels succeeded In
planting battery six or eight miles down the river
and all day long they waged war with our gunboats
Thoy succeeded in putting x-pound shot through
the boiler OF the Mount Washington, but inflicted no
other damage. The shsrpshooters and administers
continued their animated discussions, and SMALL
number Of casualties occurred.
Whenever any considerable indications Of the
enemy appeared our guns sent shells or shot among
them, often making the finest bits and, beyond
doubt, doing good deal Of damage. All Last night
huge fres sent their renectionsup the sky, In semi.
circle around us, and quite SYSTEMATICALLY announced
the gathering of an immense force. Still there are
those who are yet slow to believe that any serious
demonstration Is intended. One theory is, that the
enemy is taking up the railroad tracks between this
and Blackwater In order 10 procure materials with
which TO repair their roads, very much used up,
and by cheaper process than importation. You
see how cheap and plenty theories are. The most,
however looking for great battle, for If thers
10 any fighting at all, there win be great deal
During the day they showed themselves for the
first time, and drove in pickets on the Edenton
Road, killing one Of the LIST New-York Mounted
Rifes. They now threaten Us on arc somewhat
larger than BEFORE as though they were slowly get.
ting their artillery into position Prominent officers
suppose that they will DO ready to attack US about
Friday.
1t IS raining hard to-day bu: the boys in the forts
and rife pits snugly under canvas, getting what
repose they can, preparatory TO future exertions
As write, hear the constant conversation Of can
non around q seIoi-circle extending from Fort DIX,
on the Edenton Road, TO the Nansemond River,
where our guuboats are having il with the Rebel
batteries, distance Of some five miles.
Since writing the above, learn that all OF our
gunboats but one have teen disabled, and that the
enemy are making desperate Efforts to cross the
river. The gunboGts' are little steamers, mount
ing gun or two each, OF no great power Of re-
sstanee. II they should all DO disabled, We shall
have 10 depend on an iron-cad from Fortress Mon
roe or perhaps allow them 10 cr0ts, and then, after
they enter the swamp and the Norfolk road keep
them ON our side Of the river.
Last night tho enemy bad opportunity 70 cross
in the temporary disability OF the gunboats-
which will not be given them again, as others sui.
heiently protected are now on their way.
All Is quiet, yet busy with preparation.
Mai. Foster, Gen. Pecks Chief Of staff, oppoT.
timely arrived night before last and is At he post
sOJoURNER
HEADquAKrxK. USITKD srAr4s fOKcHs,
sUFFoLH, April 10, 1853.
GENERAL onpEKs No 13.-The Commanding General con.
guass the troop. the patience and f9f1isade with
wheh the Of hs three DAP. hSve been met a. q
befsysr be has appeared n. believes the gallant soldiers
Of h eomm'Dd vii ehe.ruly oia BIN in acknowledging the
valuable so@ ~ ss Of a. Gen PECK.
Benz. u. Forms, A. A Gsn,