The National tribune., 1881-09-03
A DARING EXPEDITION.

William B. Cushing in many respects, can justly
be classed as one of the most extraordinary of
ficers who ever saw service in the United States
Navy. The writer was Cushngs shipmate in the
closing scenes of the Rebellion. At the close of
the war Cushing was barely twenty-five and a
half years of age rather slight of figure, about
five feet ten inches in height, bOyishloOkng with
large gray eyes, well-shaped, prominent, aqui-
line nose, yellowish hair, worn long, and withal
rather grave expression of countenance.
Cushing was in command of the gunbOat Mon
ticello off Wilmington, n. c., when he conceived
the daring idea of entering the river, penetrating
to Smithville and picking up whatever he could
find or the fortunes of war might throw In his pow
er On the Doth of February he left his vessel with
twenty men, passed the forts at the entrance of
the harbor and proceeded up the river without
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 Smithvlle hove
in sight without even boat being sighted. Cush-
ing effected landing almost opposite the hotel.
The men were hid under the Overhangng bank
of the river, finding place of cOncealment
among the grass weeds, and thick underbrush.
Hearing voices short distance off, Cushing with
a couple of his men, crept cautiously forward and
discovered some negroes at work making salt.
Their capture quietly effected inside OF fifty
yards of an armed sentinel, who in the right moon
light was plainly visible, as he slowly paced up
and down on his beat From the negroes Cusl-
ing succeeded in cleaning considerable int0rma-
ton. on which he formed his plans accordingly.
Leaving most of his men to guard the boats CusI-
ing accompanied by Acting Ensign J. E. Jones,
and Acting Masters Mate Howorth and one sea
man, boldly left their cover and walked rapidly
across the green to General Herbert's house, a
large imposing mansion, surrounded by a piazza.
The barracks were nearly opposite, containing
one thousand men.
1t was close upon eleven o'clock. All was quiet
and tranquil through the little town. Major
Hardman and Captain Kelly, of the generals
staff, were down stairs on the eve of retiring,
when a heavy step was heard on the piazza. The
major supposing it was his servant, threw up the
window. when the muzzle Ofa heavy navy revolver
was thrust in his face followed by demand to
surrender The major pushed the revolver aside
and escaped through the back door. calling upon
Captain Kelly to follow him. The major was the
adiutant general and laboring under the idea
that the troops had mutined, took to the woods
with great scarcity of clothing, neglecting in his
haste to turn out the garrison. Unfortunately
the commanding general had gone to Whining
ton and Cushing was forced to content himself
with Captain Kelly, and the negroes captured in
the salt works. The boats were now reganed,
and the word given to pull down the river with
all speed, an alarm could not long be 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 Caswell 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, but Cushing had no opportunity to board
the vessel much to his disgust He turned the
Confederate captain over to the admiral and re-
sumed his duty on the Monticello.-.San Francis-
60 ChrOaicIe.