The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1881-02-24
CUsHING,y CAPTURE.
One o4 tho Mest Daring Exploits Of
thc Late WAR;


the Late WAR;
William B. Cushing IN many respects
can Justly be classed as one Of the most
extraordinary officers who ever saw ser
vice in the United States navy. The
writer was Cushing's shipmate in the
closing scenes Of the Rebellion. At the
close Of the war Cushing was barely 22l
years Of age, rather slight Of figure,
about Ave feet ten inches in height,
boyish-looking, with large gray eyes,
well-shaped, prominent, aquiline nose,
yellowish hair, worn long, and, withal,
. rathcr-grave expression Of countc-
nance.
Cushing was in command Of the gun.
boat Monticello, OF Wilmington, n. O.,
when he conceived the daring idea of
entering the river, penetrating to Smith.
vile, and picking up whatever he could
And or the fortunes Of war might throw
in his power. On the Goth Of February
he left his vessel with twenty men,
passed the forts at the entrance Of the
harbor, and proceeded up the river with
out experiencing the slightest trouble or
molcstation from the enemy. A bright
lookout was kept for steamers, especially
blockatle-r,lnner anchored in the stream,
which it was his intention to surprise
and take out Of the river. But Smith
vile hove in sight without even boat
being sighted. Gushing effected a
landing almost opposite the hotel. The
men were hid under the overhanging
bank Of the river, finding secure place
Of concealment among the grass, weeds
and thick underbrush. Hearing voices
short distance OF, Cushing with 2
couple Of his men crept cautiously for
ward and discovered some negroes ut
work making salt. Their capture was
quietly effected inside Of fifty yards Of
an armed sentinel, who in the bright
moonlight was plainly visible as he
slowly paced up and down on lis beat.
From the negroes Cushing succeeded III
cleaning considerable information, on
which he formed his plans accordingly.
Leaving most Of his men to guard the
boats, Cushing, accompanied by Acting
Ensign ]. +. Jones and Acting Masters
Mate Howorth and one seaman, boldly
left their cover, and walked rapidly
across the green to Gen. Herbert i
house, large, imposing mansion sur
rounded by piazz. The barracks
were nearly opposite, containing 1000
hsen.
II was close upon II o'clock. All was
quiet and tranquil throughout the little
town. Mai. Harlman and Capt. Kelly,
OF the Generals staff, were down stairs,
on the eve Of retiring, when heavy
step was heard on the piazza. The
Major, snpposing it was his servant,
threw up the window, when the muzzle
of navy revolver was thrust in his face,
followed by demand to surrender. The
Major pushed the revolver aside, and
| escaped through back door, calling up
on Capt. Kelly to follow him. The
Major was the Adiutant General, and
!; laboring under the idea that the troop.
had mntinied, took to tl.e woods with
great scarcity Of clothing, neglecting ii
his haste TO turn ont the garrison. Tn
fortunately tho commanding Genera
! had gone to Wilmington, aud Cushing
was forced to content himself with Capt
Kelly. who was the Chief Engineer Of tn,
| defences, and the negroes captured il
the salt works. The boats were now re
gained, and tho word given to pull dow
| the river with all speed, rs an alarm
could not DO long delayed. The mool
was high in the heavens, yet the boat
/ effected their retreat without receiving
shot. They passed within thirty yard
Of the Smithville forts and were abreas
Of Fort Coswell before the signal igh
announcing The fact that the enemy ha.
been among them was fired. TIL
steamer Scotia passed down the rive
and steamed hy the boats. Cushing
had no opportunity to board the vessel
much to his disgust. He turned Iii
Confederate Captain over TO the Admi
ral, and resumed his duty on the Mon
ticello.