Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-12-01

Under these disadvantages she came to the
score pressed by three cruisers chosen no for the
present service on account OF their speed As have
before remarked the Lillian was holding on like q
beagle and forging ahead to block the way to seward
Oircnmstanced as were there but one thing to
do wear round and head to the Northard and West
ward thus making stern chase for the Lillian and
bringing our immediate competitor the Montgome
~. It should be born in mind that the land lay to
Northward and Westward distant not more than 80
miles, which prevented us from bearing up in line
perpendicular to that Of the squadron in chase and
compelled us to steer nearly parallel with them. In our
reversed position the "Mongomery'' was brought on
the port bow and Immediately edged down our quar-
ter to get in range, when che opened making very ex
oelent practice scarcely shot fell out of line several
passed over between the mass and four or hVe I'll but
few yards short, making slight r'eoehet All of her
shell were detective. The Lillian also opened but
her shots fell short The about the Engine room
was now very exciting and interesting. Our energetic
chief engineer, Levy, travelled between the rerooms
and the engines threatening aud encouraging whilst his
Assistants baed up waste and junk to be saturated in
turpenne and thrown top of the coal in the urna
ces. Mr.. Hall stood over the tub dipping in the balls,
praying no doubt for the imaginary sped of bis ia
vorite :" Patrick Henry" MT. Green cheered and in.
sttuced the fremen to shovel in coal he not having
attended faithfully aud .ealously to their re-
spective duties. All did excellently we'll
The guage began to move upwards, as it always had
way OF doing when Green was on watch, but it was
evident that the troublesome montgomery was cong
his utmost for be still hung upon our flank like CAD
fy splitting out bis 30 pound parrot bolts in very
spiteful manner We refrained from firing for some
Time in order to conceal the character of the vessel but
believing that known, tie order was given to
uncover the after gun set the coors and pennan and
return shot for shot. The sight OF Confederate bunting
and the sound of our own gun made new crew. The
"READYF1RE !" of Lieut. Gardners clear distinct voice
acted like charm throughout the ship, and the shells
be sent buzzing away bad wonderful efect upon the
| enemy The montgomery" suddenly discovered that
the nearest road to New Inlet flor which were
krg) straight line, and not the curved one we
were steering and consequently commenced widening
the space between Us. The " Lillian" had made one
very creditabe brush to get up but now she began to
Lag like tired hound, and what was our best surety
steam was fast rising and at four O'Clock we were
knocking eff 12 knots, large, dropping our pursuers
very perceptibIy. At O'Clock, P. M. arrived at
the bar and finding tie water too low to cross remain
ed until half past nine, entirely unmolested and uudis
turbed. Taking all things into consideration the es-
cape of the vessel very remarkable and the perform
ance of the ship and machinery unequaed The lighting
part was play 1t is not probable that either party
was greatly annoyed by the firing. The charge of COW
ardice on the part of the Yankees is The
Tallahassee is not fighting ship, ard if she were
it would have been folly to engage in combat with
the odds three to against her, and even on equal
footing it would be improper for her to fight she is
OF more value to than is twenty OF the best vessels
in the Yankee Navy to that Government
MATELOT.