The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-26

vessel Hatteras arrived here yesterday in
the Star Of the South from Key West, to which
place they had been conveyed by the ship
Borodino. from Kingston. Jamaica, where they
had been set ashore by Semmes, Of the Confede-
rate privateer Alabama. In another column
we publish u statement Of the engagement be-
tween the Hatseras and the Alabama. obtained
from some of the officers and crew. We call tue
attention Of our readers TO this recital Of what
wo deem one Of the most gallant exploits in the
history of naval warfare. The Hatteras was
sgnaled to chase vessel far In the distance.
She steamed for her, and when, at sunset, she
was quite close to her, 1t became evil
dent to Captain Blake, Of the Hatteras,
that he had before him the rcnown-
ed Alabama vessel which, compared to
his small, slightly armed blockadiny steamer,
was AZ q giant to dwarf He felt assured that
an engagement between item could but result
IN the destruction Of the Hatteras, and yet lie
determined he wculd attack her. He fully made
up his mind that lie wa going to certain death;
but still he determined to board her, or at any
rate to keep her battling as long ~ possible,
to detain her till the feet could have time to
come up and capture her.
For that purpose Captain Blake was willing
to give up his life, and found the same scnti-
ment shared by his officers and crew. He was
anxious to board the Alabama, rs he felt sure
he should master her crew with his brave
men. 0ur readers are aware that the
rebels took u cowardy advantage Of the
Hatteras and fired into her q terrible broad
side after having announced that they were
The British man-of-war Vixen. CAPTAIN Blake
fought the Alabama for twenty minutes. during
which time he put sixteen shots into her. some
Of them passing throug ht and through. one
shot pierced her stcrnpost which is thus much
weakened. The Alabama fired severa. times
large gun which sent shot weighing within
few pounds of Us much ~ TIE whole broadside
% tie Hatteras. One o. these shells struck the
cylindcr ct the United States vessel and rendered
her helpless She took Are and was sinking while
IN flames The Alabama, when she found her
opponent helpless assumed \ position which en-
abled her to fire rakng broadside, and then.
and no. TIL then, did Captain Blake order that
the boat, be lowered. He was determined that
the Hatteras should not fall into the possession
Of the rebel privateer, aud not till she was
sinking did he abandon her. lie never struck
his dag. The Hatteras, whea she disa2 cared
in the waves had Lcr pennant still attached
TO tie masthead.
The fatal shot which destroyed the machinery
OF tie Hatteras prevented the accomplishment
Of al xvf,; ,,h nj, ltlal.a
officers and crew had devoted their lives Tn
able t. move his vessel. Captain Blake could
not detan the Alabama. so that he might render
her capture by our feet inevitable. " But
although he did not succeed in this. the GAL
iantry oi his conduct, the merit OF his brave
action, are rs great a. though he had. No one
could lave cas-. IA shadow of blame upon Cap
lain Blake had he determined to avoid all en-
counter with the Alabama. TIE disproportion
between his ship aad the rebel prvateer was
enormous, and that he should have fought her
sheds glory upon himself and those he COM
manded. Heroes all, they deserve much ri the
hands of the government for whose honor and
glory they devoted their lives. The conflict
they went through was terrible while it
lasted. They bore their part in it with
honor. The country owes them a debt Of
rrattude for proving to the world that the
officers of th United States Navy are still Of
thai met;le hich furnished Paul Jones Sure
.y tie desperate stsu lie between the Hat,eras
and the Aabans was as gallant exploit as
that which immorta'ized RAUL Jones. The coun-
try will hear with pride Of tie gallant conduct
% Captain Blake, his officers aid men, The
example will be beneficial to those now serving
their country. either on land orsca All alike will
be stirred 10 emulation OF the calm, courageous
devotion o. the commander and crew OF the
Ia llerss, WHO. to destroy an enemy OF our
government were willing 10 lay down their
lives. All honor 10 these brave men, whose
aancs shall live in cur natioaal history
Tux CoNscaIpTroS BnL-CLEEGYxEN, SHAK-
ERA, IUAEERs, INDIANS, NiaGElls AND AlL--The
Consumption BILL wnich has passed both houses
oil Congress, ard which may now be considered
Jaw OF the land, is q sw coping measure. II
embraces men Of all colors. all parties all creels
AL professions. all pursuits congressman, As
sembymen, Aldermen, clergymcn, Shakers,
Cuakers, Indians, nivgers and all. Mr.. Thad-