Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-02-15
FoR rHK WHIa.
CAPTURE AND DESTRUCTION OF THE YANKEE
GUNBoAT UNDERWATER. NEAR NEWBERN.

GUNBOAT UNDbhW hlIAh, MEAN AVE" oA1A'''
The expedition commanded by Commander J. Taylor
Wood. c. 8. n, reached KinS,on Saturday night slst
alt, and sailed next morning for NeWbefn We halted
at little creek about twenty-five miles from knson,
and received aEms aud ammunition. The boats we're
then tgain manned aud oar course down the river
resumed just before dark We came together and re-
ceived orders from the commander, after which he Of
fered up ferYent prayer 10 Him who decdeth the result
of battles, and who not always gVeh the victory to the
strong.
The expedition was then formed into two divisions
the 6rss commanded by Commander Wood; the second
by Lieut. Loyal We reached Nswbern, between and
O'Clock Monday morning, and, AFTER cruising around
unit. nearly daylight without discovering the enemys
steamers anchored in Bachelors Creek, aud remained
there until night. One Of the boats which had been
sent out 10 rsconnore returned and reported steamer
tho "Underwriter" lying of the wharf At NeWbern,
close under the forts. Accordingly, about IL o'clock,
the order was given TO man the boats which was done
With good spIris on the part Of the officers aud crew.
Amer sgain receiving orders, and Offering up prayer
that wo migh be- successful Ia our desperate underta
king the word was given "give way at the oars" and
wa proceed once more down the Neuse towards our
destination.
Between and o'clock A. NJ, We came upon the
guuboat and were hailed by the watch who, receiving
no response, sprung his rattle. Ia very foW minutes
wo were greeted with shower of minnie and pistol
bae but, nothing daunted and tho voice of our brave
commander being once more heard, "GVe way at the
oars, bOyJ give way" We vera soon along side, and
direc,ly tho boats touched the crews were board
severe struggle ensusd. The Yankees fought WELL but
were ut last compelled to surrender. Tho on deck
was awful The groAns of the dying and wounded were
audible above abe clash of the sabre and report Of the
small arms There some bali dozen negroes on
board and from information derived from the Yankees,
all Of them we're killed except one, who escaped 10 one
of tie small boats.
IL was tho intention OF our commander to carry oil
the PRICE bat as ale did not have up steam, and the
forts were raking her with shot and shell, We had to
burn her, which was done after the removal of our
killed. wounded and prison ers to the boats. Our loss
vas twenty killed, wounded and missing Aidshipman
Saunders was killed. In a hand 10 hand fight with Yam
kee He was cut through the head with battle axe,
and afterwards shot Ho was very promising young
officer, and his loss will be deeply felt by bis country
and friends
The Underwater was wooden steamer carrying
four guns-tWo sixty eight and two twelve pounders.-
She was anchored iin thirty yards Of tOo forts, and
the enemy had no idea that they would b, attacked in
such potion. One Of her captured officers remarked
that they thought they were safe for the war; as no ole
would ever dare to attack them. But resOute hearts
aad strong arms accomplish great deal when oc-
clson requires.
After setting fire to the steamer We turned our course
up tho river and anchored In Swift Creek about eight
miles from bern where took wounded ashore,
and gave them all the attention could render. Soon
after landing, two of tho died. We buried them
in the alteInoon--the funeral services being read by
Lieutenant Loyal. II was one Of the most solemn
scenes ever witnessed. The boats formed
in square around the graves, and the officers in the
centre After tho funeral services, Lieutenant Loyal
offered up beautiful prayer, thanking God for our vic.
tory and our safe return.
We remained all night in Swift Greek, and next morn
lug received orders 10 return 10 Knston. Your
pondent Is not connected with the Navy and this is the
first time he has participated in expedition Of the
kind He as however, served three years in the Army
and during tina. time mover witnessed so daring and
desperate an act the capture of the Underwater
We have every cause to be proud OF our Navy, and
need have no fear Of gunbOSti whilst we have such
officers and men those composing the recent eIped-
ton against NeWbern. could mention various Incl
dents, but have neither time nor space to do so.
CONFEDERATE.