The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1886-03-06

scooPiNa A MASKED BATTERY.
How the Pawnse Happened to Esc.pe nm
Unpleasant Christmas Present.

How the Pawnse Happened to Escape an
Unpleasant Christmas Present.
@Yes, said a well known naval officer in
town, II did have remarkable Christmas
Day; it was Dec. Is, 1861
u was the executive officer Of the Pawnee.
and we were in the Stone river anchored off
place called Le Gareville. On Christmas
Eve went to Capt. Balch and asked him
whether I could not take the ship down to
Stono's island, 80 as to give the officers who
were there stationed chance to have
good Christmas dinner. They belonged to
Gen Gilmore's command, and knew we'll
how they would have appreciated such a
kindness.
"Capt Balch said: .All right. but we
must take the ship down after dark, SO that
the rebels won't see u.s.
"Stono's island was only seven miles down
the river, and it was not long befo.o we
were anchored there, and making every
preparation for jovial spread
Before daybreak on Christmas morning
we were all startled by the sound of a heavy
firing in the direction from whence We had
come and soon realized that III, Confeder-
ates were peppering the Marblehead The
brave little boat was receiving the fire OF
sixteen pieces OF artillery, supported by
StrOnR lnIanGry fOrce.
Running into the Stone river and right
opposite Johns island was a creek, and as
we came sailing up the river l noticed this
creek, and also observed that if we could
run the Pawnee into it we could enfilade
masked battery which was situated on the
point Of land between thu creek and the
river.
"sCaptain,' said, IL we do get in there
,:,,l,
eco ahead, replied the captain; do as
you say
"As we came abreast OF the creek, down
went the ships helm, and in we ran, high
and dry and commanding the rear Of the
batteries Two broadsides settled tho but
terry. They did not wait for any more, and
began to timber up their guns and hurry
away. When they loft we went ashore and
captured two sea-coast eight inch howitzers
We were also assisted by the Will
Jams, mortar schooner. You car under
stand how hard the fighting was wh,n tell
you that the Marblehead was struck no less
than thirty times. Our work was then to
get the Pawnee off from where she was stuck
Thus you see we lost our Christmas dinner
Capt Balch was highly praised for this
service. He was officially thanked, and the
orders were read on every quarter deck of
the feet
Thirteen years afterward," continued the
captain, Il was travelling on the railroad
toward Charleston when asked of man
who was sitting next ME what river it was
we We're passing over.
The $ ono, ho replied.
"'Great Scott" l shouted, looking out
through the window; lis that the Stonos
"'What do you know it:.' asked the
stranger
"'Giuess so, remember it well In the late
unpleasantaes;,' was my response Il was
the executive officer Of the Pawnee, and
helped to scoop that battery
eyes, and was the captain of one Of the
batteries Do you know we had for months
been planning that battle We intended to
sink you on Christmas morning, but for
sos1,ss s.eason uu lsft, ana tfs
Marblehead received your Christmas pres
ent-San Francisco Call