Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-04-25
OFFICIAL REPORT FROM COMMANDER PAR
KER. as So
The Secretary of the Navy has received the

The Secretary of the Navy has received the
following: -. ,.a-.tfer ~ FL.
u. S. STEAMER COMMODORE REED, Chesa-
pea1e Boy, April 22.-Sir: Having learned from
various sources that the Rebel Government
had established ferry at Circus Point, few
miles below Tappahannock, on the Rappahan-
mock river, and was busily engaged in collect
ing boats at some point on the river for the pur-
pose Of attacking the blockading vessels,
proceeded thither on the 18th instant, where I
remained until this evening, visiting both
banks of the river, and all its various creeks
,(some of which was told had not before been
entered during the war; from Circus Point to
Windmill Point, with the following result:
Two ferries broken up, large lighters, leach
capable Of carrying 100 men,l 3 pontoon boats,
% large skiffs and canoes, 200 white oak beams
and knees, (large enough for the construction
OF sloop. of.war,) 500 cords Of pine wood, and
800 barrels Of corn were destroyed.
Twenty two fine boats, Zone Of which Is fitted
for carrying small arms,) LOCO pounds of ba-
con, . horses, 60 bushels Of wheat a chest of
carpenters tools, and many other articles,
were brought of. r.s.-'. --r.-.. ~.
Five refugees and forty five contrabands
(men, women and childrenl were received on
beard this vessel and landed in Maryland, with
the exception Of five stout fellows, whom
II Boilers Rocks, ON the south side of the
Rappahannock, the landing of our men was
opposed by large force of cavalry, said to be
$40, which was kept at bay BY the fire OF the
E Eur a. cop p1 by Acting Ensign Hal
ing Masters Mate Eldridge. *
In Parrots Greek, eight seamen, led by Act
ing Ensign Nelson, chased six OF the rebel
Yesterday afternoon, as the Eureka got with
in 30 yards of the shore, just below UIbanua,
Wnere l mad sent her to capture two boats
IL gin ambush, most Unexpectedly opened upon
her with rifles and piece of light artillery.
Thus taken by surprise, Acting Ensign Hal
lock displayed admirable presence of mind,
and think not more than five seconds had
elapsed before he returned the fire from his
hght l2-pounder. and with small arms; and al
,nongh the little Eureka, with officers and men,
has but 16 souls on board, for some 10 minutes
{durlng which time the fight lasted) she was
one sheet Of flames, the IL FOUNDER being fired
ABOUT as fast as man would discharge a
pocket pistol. The rebels were well thrashed,
and think must have suffered considerably
They fortunately fired too high, so that their
shells and bullets passed over the Eureka
This morning observing party of Is men at
q distance OF about two miles from this ship
with muskets slung over their backs, rawling
OF our men then on shore, 1 directed q shell to
be thrown at them from 100 FOUNDER Parrott
gun, which struck and exploded in their midst,
ony ana ao wonna,ng large number Of them
who were, as might be supposed, running
inland at the top OF their speed.
Lieut.. Com. Eastman who had the detailing
of the various expeditions, we'll sustained in
the performance OF this duty the reputation
which he had already acq uired, Of an officer Of
marked energy and ability.
have it from the best authority that the
rebels have placed torpedoes in the Kappa
hammock just above Boilers Rocks, where this
fotilla was anchored; off Fort Lowry, OF
Brooks barn, opposite the first house above
Leedstown, and at Layton's, somewhat higher
up. All these are on the port hand gong up.
Others are said to be placed at various points
in the river from Fort Lowry to Fredericks-
burg. They have also been placed in the
Piankatank river, and in many OF the creeks
emptying into the Chesapeake Bay
nave the honor to be, very respectf'y your
obi servt FoXHALL A. PARKER,
Com. Com'd'g Potomac Flotilla
Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary OF the Navy.