New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-02-10
THE LOSS OF THE L. y. STEAMER
ISAAC SMITH.
OGlciai Report OF Renr-4dmiraI Dupont
The Vessel Entrappcd by Concealed
batteries Eallantry Of the steamer
McDouougt.

w,sniyGroy Monday Feb. Q, 1859.
The following is Rear-Admiral Duponts official
report of the loss Of the steamer Isaac smith, already
reported;
FLAGSHIP wABAsH Pom ROYAL H.RnoR, s ca
February 2. 1863
SIR: On Saturday. when i received information
of the affairs of Charleston, referred TO In my pre-
yious dispatch, No So, there were also vague ru-
mora that two gunboats holding Stone Inlet, had
been engaged. heavy firing having been heard In
,hs, direction ~ o'clock o. NJ OF the lsl lust.
the Commodore McDonough came into Pc; Royal,
and. regret to say reported the capture, by three
Rebel batteries, Of the United States steamer Isaac
Smith.
IL appears from Lient Commanding Bacon's re-
ports herewith nclosed tina, Oh the afternoon OF the
Both ult he rent the Isaac smith, Acting Lieut..
| Conoyer up Stone River to make reconnois'ance,
as had been frequently done for weeks previous.
She passed some miles beyond Lesareyille without
seeing tho enemy, aud WAS on her way bscki when
about mile above that place, and Ia bend Of the
river three batteries heretofore concealed opened
concentrated fire upon her, firing heavy Ililed guns.
Lieut.. Cong Bacon, who, with the Commodore
McDonougb, was anchored lower down tie river,
Immediately, on hearing the firing proceeded TO hef
assistance. Soon after he had got under way he
discovered that a white flag was flying from the
Isaac Smith, and that the firing from the shore had
ceased. On arriving abreast of LegareSille, she
was seen 10 be aground about quarter of Il mile
above tho bend in the river, and two OF Der boats
were observed going on shore, loaded with officers
and men.
The Commodore McDonough stood up toward the
bend with the intention Of either towing her of or
destroying her. Bat after reaching the bend, she
was fired upon by the same three batieries-One on
the bend, one half nile above the bend on st.
Johns leland, mounting six heavy guns and one
back and to the left OF Legareville. Lieut. CON-
manding Bacon Immediately returned the fire from
his rhed gums and by keeping his vessel in motion
going ahead aud backing, succeeded in escaping in
Jury from the enemys shell, which struck all around
the ship. II becoming dark, he ceased firing, and
dropped down TO the entrance Of tie bar
Lieut.. Commanding Bacon reports that the Isaac
Smith was under heavy cross-ire, and just before
| it ceased large cloud OF steam was ascending
from her, which probably rendered her unmanage
able and caused her TO run aground. Notwih
standing all the vigilance exercised by the com
manding officers OF the Isaac Smith and Commodore
MeDoncugh the enemy, who hold complete posses
sion of the surrounding country and Islands, sue
ceeded in erecting the batteries by which the lsaa'
| Smith was TAKEN masking them so skilliully tia
their existence was unknown.
| | have had no means OF ascertainipg the casual
ties on board the Isaac Smith, but 1t IS my purpos'
to do 70 by Il flag Of truce at the earliest moment
though presume tho Department will receive In
formation through Southern sources on this pOin
before 1t can be obtained here.
| Very respectfully your obedien. servant.
| 8. H. DUPONT, EearAdmrsl Commanding
South Atlantic BcekAdng Squadron.