The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-06


the Usage, he opened q cross-fre on tho
infuristed Rebels, who fought will
such desperation and courage agains
certain destruction that it could ONLY
be accounted for in one way. Oul
opinions were verified on inspection o.
some of the slain, the men actually
smelling Of Louisiana rum. This affair
lasted nearly two hours before the Reb
els fled They brought up two pieces O
artillery, one Of which was quickly
knocked over by the Lexingtons guns
the other they managed to carry off
The cross-fire Of the Lexington fnal
ly decided this serious affair of fight
between infantry and gunboats. The
Rebels were moved down by our CAMS
ter, and finally retreated in as quick
haste as they had come TO the attack
leaving the space Of e mile covered
with dead and wounded, muskets anC
knapsacks. A dying rebel informed
men that General Green had his heaC
blown off, which l. do not vouch for a!
true; if true, it is a serious loss to tn.
Rebels. Night coming on, we had nC
means of asceFtaining the damage done
to the Rebels. We were troubled nc
more from the right bank of the river
and party of FIVE thousand men, who
were marching to cut us off, were per
suaded to change their minds fer hear
ing of the unfortunate termination of
the first expedition
That same night l ordered the trans
ports to proceed, and, having placed the
gunboats at point where the rebels
had a battery, all the transports were
passed safely, the rebels not firing a
shot in return for the many that were
bursting over the hills. The next morn
ing, (the 18th inst l followed down
myself, and finding at Canette, six
miles from Grand EcOre, bv land, that
they had got aground, and would be
some time IN getting through, I pro.
ceeded down in this vessel to Grand
Ecore and got General Banks to send
up troops enough to keep the guerrillas
away from the river. We were fired on,
as usual, after we started down; but
when | had the troops sent up the
transports came along without any
trouble.
This has been an expedition where a
great deal Of labor has been expended,
a great deal 0findividual bravery shown,
and on such occasions the Commander
in-Chief IS apt to find out the metal Of
which his officers are made, and on fu-
ture occasions it will enable him to Sc
lect those who will not likely fail in the
time offered. To Lieutenant Command
er L. o. Selfridge, commanding Usage,
and Lieutenant George n. Bache, com
manding Lexington, am particularly
indebted for the gallant manner in
which they defended their vessels, and
for their management during the expe-
ditioD, always anticipating and intelfi-
gently carrying out my wishes and or
deTs.
l found the fleet at Grand Ecore
somewhat in an unpleasant situation,
two Of them being above the bar, and
not likely to get away again this season,
unless there was a rise Of foot
could not provide against this when
over a hundred miles up the river If
nature does not change her laws there
viii no doubt be a rise of water, but
there was one year, 1916, when there
was no rise in the Red River, and it may
happen again. The rebels are cutting
off the supply by diyerting different
sources of water into other Channals,
all of which would have been stopped
had our army arrived as far as Shreve-
port have done my best land so have
the officers and men under my COM
mand, to make this expedition sue
cess throughout, and do not know that
we have failed in anything we have un-
dertaken
Had we not heard Of the retreat of
the army, l should have gone on to the
end. A wise Providence, which rules
and directs all things has thought prop
er to stay our progress, and throw inn
pediments in the way for some good
reason
We have nothing left but to try it
it again, and hold on to this country
with all the force we can raise. 1t is
just as valuable to US, and important to
the cause, as any other portion Of the
Union Those who have interests here
and are faithful to the Government,
have a right TO EXPECT our protection;
and when this part Of Louisiana is con
quered, we hold Arkansas and all the
right bank Of the Mississippi without
firing another gun.
There IS a class of men who have, du-
ring this war, shown good deal Of
bravery and patriotism, and who have
seldom met with any notice from those
whose duty it is 10 report such matters.
I speak of the pilots on the Western
waters. Without any hope Of future
reward through fame, or in pecuniary
way, they enter into the business of
the transports through dangers
that would make a faint-bearted man
quail. Occupying the most exposed
position, fair mark for a sharpshOoter,
they are continually fred at, and often
hit, without 50 much as a mention
being made Of their gallantry. On this
they have been much expo
sed, and have shown great gallGntry in
managing their vessels while under FIRE
in this, to them, unknown river ! beg
leave 10 pay this small tribute 70 their
bravery, and must say, as a class, neY-
er knew a braver set Of men.
l beg leave to mention favorably Act
ing Master II. H. Garringe, command
ing this vessel He has shown great
zeal, courage and ability during this
expedition; serving mis- guns rapidly
and well, at his post night and day,
ready for anything, and assisting mate
rally in getting Transports by danger
Gus points Mounting one Of his two
l0-pound howitzers on MS upper deck.
he was enabled TO sweep the bank in
all directions, and one OF two fires mad
tFe desired effect He was of great
service 10 me throughout the expedi-
ton, was slightly wounded, butnothing
Of consequence, owing TO his exposing
himself 80 much.
have the honor TO be, very respect
fully, your obedient servant
DAVID D PoRTER,
Rear Admiral
Hon. GIDEON WILLIS,
Sec'y Of the Navy, Washington, d. g.
FEAKFUL ESCoCSTER WITH bad Bull
Mr. John Warren, a man sixty-fOur
years Of age, living in the town Of Sere-