The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-03-20
The news from Port Hudson.

The reports OF the burning OF the Mississippi
and the disabling of the Hartford, which have
reached us through rebel sources, have led to
many suppostions among naval officers. 1t is
evident that Admiral Farragut intended to run
the batteries at Port Hudson under the cover
of night-a favorite and hitherto successful
.man9uvre with him-and when above the
rebel Notifications to work upon them from
above, while the land forces should attack
from below. If the map of the river is con-
suited it will be seen that the Union feet
must advance up long reach and against
strong current; and no doubt the vigilance of
the rebel pckets gave the different garrisons
timely warning, 30 that their guns opened
upon the fleet as soon as they were within
range.
To this raking Gre the Hartford could only
reply with two guns, the Mississippi one, and
the Richmond one; SO that this small return Of
metal would affect but little the steadiness and
accuracy of the enemy's fire. Owing to the
strong current and the slow speed of the
vessels, OF course they were subjected to a
terrible fire for considerable length of time;
and experience has long since taught us that
under such circumstances it is fair to presume
that the vessels were in some measure
damaged.
The Mississippi is large side-wheel steamer,
and even in the darkness OF the night she makes
good target for disciplined gunner. Her
machinery has always been liable to be injured
by shot, while her paddle wheels were in no
manner protected, nor could they be. In pass
ing the forts below New Orleans she had mar
row escape from being disabled by shot
striking her wheel; but fortunately it struck at
| such an angle as to glance off. She may have
been crippled in her wheels, and been unable
to move, or her steam may have given out, SO
that when she was set on fire by the enemy's
shells there was no motive power to work the
fire engines.
AS to the Hartford, the rebels have no more
positive knowledge of her being disabled be-
cause she withdrew from action than they had
for saying that the Montauk was disabled at
Fort McAllister. Some steering gear may have
given way, which, owing to the strong current
and the impracticability Of anchoring under the
fire Of the batteries, led her commander to with
draw from the action until it could be repaired
All this would occupy time, and, daylight
coming on, it would be the height Of foolish
| ness to attempt to go up by sunlight What the
rebels may report to be backing down may
be only a ruse, or reconnaissance in force, or
an effort to have portion Of the feet above
the batteries. The rebels say that one gunboat
passed above in safety They said only one
passed the forts at New Orleans, when in truth
fourteen not only passed the forts, but reached
the city,
Of late the rebels have been startling us with
monstrous stories, evidently to scare nervous
old people, ignorant middle aged people, and
create sensation in Europe; so that, after such
sell as the Charleston affair, we should not
give too much credit to the news via Richmond
papers. We do not hesitate to credit the rebel
journals so far as that the Mississippi was de-
stroyed. She may have grounded and have
been fired by her own people to prevent her
falling into the hands Of the enemy. Nothing is
easier in a dark night, with strong current,
and while endcavoring to clear another vessel,
than for her TO have taken q broad sheer, and.
despite the action Of the helm, gone ashore. In
such an event her commander would certainly
set her on fire. Blowing up vessel is at all
times hazardous. as the case OF the Westfleld
fully exempliies.
A week or more will elapse before We can
learn the truth Of these reports.