Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-03-06
CUSHING'S CAPTURE.
One of the Most Daring Exploits OF
the Late War


the Late War.
William B. Gushing 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 Gushing was barely 223
years of age, rather slight of figure,
about five feet ten inches in height,
boyish-looking, with large gray eyes, q
well-shaped, prominent, aquiline nose,
yellowish hair, worn long, and, withal,
a rather grave expression OF counte-
nance.
Cushing was in command of the gun
boat Monticello, off Wilmington, N. c.,
when he conceived the daring idea OF
entering the river, penetrating to Smith
vile, and picking up whatever he could
find 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
molestation from the enemy. A bright
lookout was kept for steamers, especially
blockade.runners 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 O
landing almost opposite the hotel. The
men were hid under the overhanging
bank of the river, finding a secure place
of concealment among the grass, weeds
and thick underbrush. Hearing voices
a short distance off, Cushing with a
couple of his men crept cautiously for
ward and discovered some negroes at
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 his beat
From the negroes Gushing succeeded in
cleaning considerable information, on
which he formed his plans accordingly.
Leaving most Of his men to guard the
boats, Gushing, accompanied by Acting
Ensign j. E. Jones and Acting Master S
Mate Howorth and one seaman, boldly
left their cover, and walked rapidly
across the green to Gen. Herbert's
house, large, imposing mansion sur
rounded by a piazza. The barracks
were nearly opposite, containing 1000
men.
It was close upon II o'clock. All was
quiet and tranquil throughout the little
town. Maj. Hardman 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, supposing 1t 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 Adjutant General, and,
laboring under the idea that the troops
had mutinied, took to the woods with
great scarcity Of clothing, neglecting in
his haste to turn out the garrison. I'm
fortunately the commanding General
had gone to Wilmington, aud Cushing
was forced to content himself with Capt.
Kelly, who was the Chief Engineer Of the
defences, and the negroes captured in
the salt works. The boats were now re-
gained, and the word given to pull down
the river with all speed, as an alarm
could not be long delayed. The moon
was high in the heavens, yet the boats
effected their retreat without receiving a
shot. They passed within thirty yards
of the Smithville forts and were abreast
of Fort Coswell before the signal light
announcing the fact that the enemy had
been among them was fired. The
steamer Scotia passed down the river
and steamed by the boats. Gushing
had no opportunity to board the vessel,
much to his disgust. He turned the
Confederate Captain over to the Admi-
raj, and resumed his duty on the Mon
ticello.