Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-04-29
Expedition I'D the Rappahannock.

It's Object AccOmpiished-A night ipiM The Enemy
-Diseovsry Of Rebel zorpsdoss, etc.
The Secretary of the Navy has received
the following communication, detailing the facts
Of recent expedition up the Rappahanuock
U. s. STEAMER COMMODORE REED,
CHEsAPEAKE BAY, April 90
SIR; Having learned from various sources
that the rebel Government had established
ferry at Circus Point, few miles below Tappa"
hammock, on the Rappahannock river, and was
busily engaged in collecting boats at some point
on the river for tho purpose of attacking the
bockading vessels, proceeded thither on the
18th inst, where remained until this evening,
visiting both banks of the river, and all its yari-
Gus creeks, (some Of which, was told, had not
before been entered during the war; from Cir
Gus Point TO Windmill Point, with the following
result:
Two ferries were broken up, seven large light
ers, each capable Of carrying one hundred men,
three pontoon boats, twenty two large skitfs and
canoes, two hundred white oak beams and knees,
large enough for the construction of sloop Of
war; five hundred cords OF pine wood, aud three
hundred barrels Of corn destroyed. twenty-five
fine bonts Tone Of which is fitted for carrying
small arms) one thousand pounds OF bacon, Vi :
~ bushels of wheat, chest of carpenter tools,
brought of.
Five refugees aud forty FIVE contrab lnds (men.
women, and chlldren,) were received on board
this vessel and landed in Maryland, with the
exception of five stout fellows whom shipped.
At BOhler's Greek on the south side Of the
Hsppahannock, the landing VI our meu was op-
posed by large force of cavalry, said to be 500,
which was kept at bay by the fire of the Eureka,
commanded by Acting Eusign llalleck, aud Il
howitzer launch in charge OF Acting Master
Mate EldriJge
Acting Master W. 4. Shock, who had charge
of the expedition, showed good Judgment, aud
proved himself a valuable aud efficient officer
lie speaks highly of Acting Ensign Roderick and
Acting Masters Mate Borden, VINO accompanied
him on shore Ia Parrots Greek eight seamen,
led by Acting Ensign Nelson, chased SIX Of the
rebel cavalry.
Yesterday afternoon, as the Eureka got within
thirty yards Of the shore, just below Ufbana,
where had sent her to capture two boats ha lied
up there, large number of rebels lying in am-
bush most unexpectedly opened upon her with
rifles aud piece of light artillery.
Thus taken by surprise, Acting Ensigu Hal
leck displayed admirable presence Of mind, and
l think that not more than five seconds elapsel
before he returned the FIRE from his light l2-
FOUNDER aud with small arms and, although the
little Eureka with officers and men, has but
sixteen souls on board, for come ten minutes
| during which time the fight lastedl she was one
as fast as man would discharge a pocket pistol
The rebels were we'll thrashed, and, think
must have suffered considerably. They fortu-
nateiy hred too high, so that their shells AnC
bullets passed over the Eureka without iniur,
to the vessel OF crew. 1t was quite gallan
affair, and reflects a great deal of credit upoi
the officers and men Of the Eureka, a list o
whom herewith enclose.
This morning, observing party of eighteel
n anf uln a 4
ship with muskets slung over their backs, crawl
ing on their hands and knees to get a shot
some OF our men then on shore, | directed q shel
to be thrown at them from one hundred.
pounder Parrott gun, which struck and exploded
right in their midst, killing and wouniing
think, large number Of them, as only four wer
seen after the explosion, who were, as might b.
supposed, running inland at the top Of thei
speed.
Lieutenant Commander Eastman, who had iii
detailing Of the various expeditions, we'll sus
tanned, in the performance of his duty the repu
tation which he had already acquired as an Off
Ger Of marked energy aud ability.
have it from tie best authority that the re
bells have placed tOrpedoes in the Rappahannoc
just above Bohler's rocks, where this ilotilla wa
anchored; of Fort Lowry; off Brooks barn
opposite the first house above Leedstown, and a
T Layion's, somewhat higher up.
All these are on the port hand going up.-
Others are said to be placed at various points 1
the river from Fort Lowry to Fredericksburp
They have also been placed in the Plankatan
river, aud in many of the creeks emptyinR int
Chesapeake bay F. a. PARKER
Commodore Commanding Potomac Flotiila.