The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-25
BY TELEGRAPH
TOTHE
Portland Daily Press.
capture Of Fort De Russey, Id Glorious
Federal TictOry.

capture Of Fort De Russey, Id Glorious
Federal pictOrU.
CAIRO, ILL.,, March 20.
The ram Avenger arrived this morning
from the mouth of the Red river, where she
was met by the gunbost Cricket, from which
she received dispatches, and an order from
Admiral Porter to return TO the fleet which
reached Chalalaya river on Monday the l4th,
where Gen. A. j. Smiths force disembarked
to operate on the land against Fort DeRusy,
where Gen.Dick Taylor was encamped with
1,250 men. As soon as Taylor heard of Gen.
Smiths landing, lie attempted to reach the
rear and attack. Skirmishng commenced on
Gen. Smiths left flank before he was aware of
the exact whereabouts of the enemy Being
informed of Taylor's designs, he exclaimed.
snow for race between the rebels and the
United States to the fort" BY quick move
ment Gen. Smith and his army succeeded in
reaching Fort DeRusy three hours before
Taylor came up. A charge was made, and
some fighting occurred, during which the
Federals had about 40 killed and wounded.
The fort was easily taken with 2S3 prisoners,
one 1l-inch gun, which the rebels had taken
of from the gunboat Indiana and mounted,
. also two 30-pounder Parrots from the ram
Queen OF the West, two long 22-pounder from
the Harriet Lane and four guns. The fleet
In the meantime steamed up Red river, and
the Eastport fired twenty three shots after the
capture of the Notifications. The expedition
moved on to Alexandria, where the boat Law
when the Cricket left.
Fort DE RUssEY, La, March Is.
Via Cairo March "a
The expedition under Gen. A. j. Smith.
which captured Fort De Russey, La, left
Vicksburg on the 10th inst and landed at
Summersport La, on the 18th, and marched
to Bayou Glore, where rebel brigade had
brar ...I. n n
of our transports, leaving considerable camp
equipage. Gen. Smith pushed forward to
Yellow Bayou, where strong Notifications had
beenRrected, but the rebels again fled as we
came up. The enemy was pressed and some
skirmishing occurred, resulting in the capture
of several prisoners.
At daylight yesterday the entire command
started for Fort De Russey, twenty-eight miles
distant, and at four O'Clock this afternoon our
batteries opened on the fort, which replied
vigorously. The cannonade continued An
hour, when Gen. Smith ordered our troops TO
charge on the enemy's rifle pits and storm the
fort. The charge was made over deep ditch
es and through thick abrttis in the face of
CALLING fire; and within twenty minutes after
the order was given the American flag was
planted on the enemy's works.
The victory was complete, and resulted in
the capture of 325 prisoners, including twen-
t1-ipui OIlCtEs, u lOt oil arms.
2000 barrels powder, and several thousand
dollars worth of commissary stores
- Fort DeRussey is most formidable work
1t is quadrangular in shape. with bastions and
bomb proofs covered with railroad iron. A
powerful water battery connects with the fort.
the easements of which are capable of resist
ing the heaviest shot and she'll About 800
negroes were employed year in constructing
the earthworks. Gen. Smith will superintend
the thorough destruction OF the fort to-mor-
row.
Glorious news may be expected from Gems.
Banks and Smith within two weeks.
The rebels boast that their ron-pated ram
Missouri, now on this river, can sink any gun
boat in our navy.
The Webb and Mary Jane are still consid-
cred impregnable.
Admiral Porter has been busily engaged in
removing distractions from the Red river,
The transports are now proceeding up the
river.