Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-05-04
The RACE OF THE REBEL RAM
WEBB.
Particulars Of Her Destruction-State.
ment of an Kye-Witness.,

ment Of an Eye-Witness.
(From the New Orleans Times, April ISL
rebel steamer W. H. Webb to pass the gaunt-
let Of the Federal fleet on the Mississippi,
we'll nigh proved successful, but owing to
effert failed The webb was seen passing the
city under full head of steam Monday morn.
ing The excitement was intense, and aston.
ished crowds ran on the levee to witness the
The first we believe that discovered the
sinister purpose of the ram and compelled it
to show its true 'colors, were the officers on
the point, some old rars, possessed with
sharp lookout for things and matters in q very
general nautical way, squinted q far of a
"black squall." Officers at the same time
thought the craft coming on, smoking and
pufhng SO savagsly, should have a sort of
passport to show the honest intention of such
cordingly, as a sort OF gentle hint, sent two
hundred and fifty pound ball, which struck
her on the port bow, and piercing through,
still, and with the rebel flag now holstsd, an.
peared to defy every thing and every body else
in general. The only boat that was actually
was the Hollyhock, Lieutenant Commander
Gherardi, with a detachment from the Lacka-
wanna, under the command of the Assistant
Engineer, J. B. Fort, on board as we'll. The
boat dashed after the flying foe.
The race was tie and tie. The Webb, as is
well known, was always a fast boat, and GAL
lantly maintained Its reputation upon this tre-
mendous occasion, but the noble Holly hook
clung to her like an avenging Fate. In vain
were the efforts of the rebel ram to elude the
fast-coming ruin. Mile after mile was passed;
the boats throbbed their fierce and fiery way
and apparently no advantage was gained on
either side.
Suddenly, about twenty EIGHT miles below
the city, the gallant Hollyhock close behind
her, near St Clair's Pass, the Webb beheld the
vast proportions of the Richmond looming up
like lion OF the sea in her path.
The Webb turned, but when the Hollyhock
dashed straight at her she ran in shore and
the ofi GERS and crew. springing on the leyee
fled into the swaLnps, first rlring the vessel IN
several places. Thus ended this strange and
eventful history. The United States vessel
sent out boats, and the Webb was boarded and
every effort made to subdue the flames, but all
was in vain.
Upon entering the engIne.room q man was
found lying asleep, who had been cruelty
abandoned by his comrades to q fiery death.
Happily he was saved by our gallant seamen
His name is Charles Preston.
The ram carried q most destructive tornado
rlgged forward, and attempted to destroy the
ordnance ship Fearnaught, but happily failed
in her attempt.
The Webb left Shreveport on Monday, the
10th instant. When she arrived at Cote's Land
ing, which is about twenty-five miles above
Alexandria, she stopped and took in two hun.
dred and fifty cords OF pine wood. At 43O q,
m, Saturday, she left Alexandra, and after
last Sunday she passed the fleet at the mouth
OF Red river. 1t Is said that several shots were
fired at her on this occasion, but without effect
She then pr ssed down unchallenged until she
arrived in front Of this city. 1t was here that
her troubles commenced. She was armed with
castle, and two 12-pound iron cannon on the
quarter deck.