Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-05-31

had shot out at her water-line Oh the side away
from the batteries. A ball had gone through the
coalbunkers, thought and through both sides.
We saw men over the side attempting to patch
with canvas the ragged hole, which seemed some
two feet square.
The Almanac moved to join the first division
engaged with the Southern batteries. The Reso-
luclon and Blanca about 2. 80 steamed away from
the Southern division, leaving the Almanac and
the Numanca still engaged. These vessels drew
Off at fifteen minutes before o'clock. the Peruvi-
ans firing after them as long as their guns could
reach. The vessels were fought under way by the
Spaniards. The fight was urged OH both sides
with courage and persistence.
The Peruvian guns, which were IN bnrbeHe never
ceased firing and the Spaniards believe, only
left off when their ammunition was exhausted
The killed and wounded in the batteries were said
to number eighty. In one of the iron-clad bate
ries shell exploded, igniting other powder and
disabling the guns. By this explosion Senor Gal
vez the Peruvian Minister Of War and Marine,
was blown to atoms. Next to the Dictator in pow
er Of liberal views and marked ability, his loss
will prove q serious one to the country.
His Exccllency the Dictator is said to have been
everywhere in the thickest OF the fight, animating
encouraging and directing the Peruvian batteries
do not know the damage to the Spanish fleet,
but the loss was no doubt heavy. It was obvious
that several of the vessels had been badly pun
ished. The Spaniards, we thought, did not go
the batteries, many of their shot falling
into the water. The presence of torpedoes may
have inspired caution.
In coming away from farewell visit to Admi-
raj Pearson, picked up one floating adrift near
our vessels. It was red keg, containing about
fifty pounds of wet powder, with some yards of
insulated wire attached, and inside the arrange
ment for exploding by galvanic battery.
The senior surgeon, DIR. Peck, sent to the
Villa de Madrid and Berenguela as soon as they
anchored, with offers of assistance His services
accepted by the surgeon of the Villa de
Madrid, but on board the Berenguela the officers
gathered around him at the gangway and said they
were deeply grateful, but needed no help. When
the Numancia anchored DR. Johnson was sent on
board, while DR.. Peck, who had returned to the
Vanderbilt, went on shore to tender his services
to the Perulyians.
I was sorry to learn through DR.. Johnson that
Admiral Nonez had been badly wounded by splin-
ters, fewer than eight injuries having been
ceived in the head, arms, legs and side. The DR..
was not permitted to see the Admiral, and I ap
prehend that he has been seriously hurt.
The Peruvian batteries were but little injured.
The authorities on shore were Confident that on
the morning following the bomhardment they
would be better prepared than at first to resist
attack. There two iron-clad vessels on the
side of the Peruvians one the Monitor Sox, with
single gun--st 6S-pounder-in turret ; and one
the Vittoria, built in the shape Of the Confeder-
ate iron-clads, covered with railroad iron, and
having a 68-pounder at each end.
The monitor was struck ten times, but received
no damage. I do not know how the other Jared.
There were several small men of war; but their ar
tllery was too light to be used and they were Sc
cured inside
[ have the honor to be,
Your obedent servant,
JOHN RODGERS,
Commander.
tn Hon Gideon Nelles Secretarv Of the Navv