The New York Herald Newspaper, May 10, 1862, Page 5

. Tacs eit toe tates need, saa Durned op, wards Gnely, looking very much like s prairie fire. Sige mal was made for boats to tow the raft away from the and fred one or two shells in it, but the Westfield went ‘@p and raa hor bow into it, and then played a powerful stream of water on it. Now the beats found av oppor- tunity, and went alongside and boarded the fire raft and ‘Gommenced baling water into it, and in twenty minutes ‘Whey. putrhe fire out, They then towed it ashore near short order, and ‘ed the hearty pamed along. With their two fire THE BOMBARDMENT. First Day’s Bombardment, n Fiagsmir, Faipay, April 18, 1862. @ecd Friday, We have rested quietly all night, and ‘gecesh has concluded his rafts are of no account; or if he “"ikag not come to that conclusion he ought to hayedone 0. At carly dawm the. towing vessels of Porter's fleet toek each four versels in tow and proceeded up the : to their Sighting stations. It was asplondid sight— ‘masts and rigging covered with green boughs; the @eger number were apchored on the right bank of the “ giver, while five were put in position on the left bank. ‘Their every movement was watched with great interest ‘By the offcersand men in our squadron. THE REBELS OPEN FIRB, At mine o’clock precisely, and before all the mortar ves eels had taken their position, the rebels opened fire” ‘Which was instantly returned by the mortars, and thug ‘pened the bombardment of Fort Jackson. The fire of @e rebels at firat feli short, but after an hour’s practice @ey exceeded the range. THE MORTAR BOATS DO KXBCTTION. ‘The firat half hour of mortar practice their shells burst eo high, but after that time they succeeded in getting ‘Qretty near the right range. This having been done the * Bemabs flew at a fearful rate, and from the mastheads or { : } ear vessels we could sce that they were doing good exe- wation. TSE SHIPS OFEN FIRE. ‘The Iroquois, Cayuga, Sciota and Wissahicken opened’ @ ten o’clock with eleven-inch shells and fifteen second ‘Tasos. ‘ ‘OTUER FIRE RAFTS. At twenty-five minutes past ten o’clock a fire raft was @imcoveréed coming down the river. It did not disturb We equanimity of a single person in our party. After rifting out clear of the point it went ashore a few huns ‘Grea yards below the chain, and remained there, burn- fag for hours. About this time the heavy explosions of ‘the mortars had the effect to drive the bees out of the ‘woods, and they came off in swarms to the vessels. At @even o'clock auoiher raft was towed down, and the @eamer doing tiat duty was reminded of the ck fmity of our gunboats by having tho shells thrown @reand ber in » manner! should think might be called ‘@mpleasant. Notwithstanding her efforts under such a Se of shells she was forced to xbandon her project, and the fire raft went ashore. This makes tho fourth have seat down, and they allbaye met with the @ame fate. In our opinion fire rafts are ‘‘played out.” ‘TUE BOATS OF THR CHAIN, Wewas currentiy that the remaining four of eo origival cight re supporting the chain are with howitzers, and that they exercised them- ‘in Gring at eur boats scnt out to take charge of five rafts, and also that one of these schooners mounts @leven-inch mortar. I think thereport is true. I ‘we wili sink the schooners to night. ‘WLGET OF THE SYR(18-~TUB RARSETI“ GUN} DB- ome @ots. Several vessels have perreuly ee Se hit by them—our ship among the number. ‘moon the squadron moved up close to the scene of ‘eation and j1 st outside the range of the fort. - ‘THE ARRIVAL OF GENERAL BUTLER. At four o’clock General Butler arrived with five thou- vette: ti § & i 1 i eft t } Thus far you have the notes of the day. All are tired out and gladly seek their hammocks to weorait their energies for the morrow. Second Day’s Bombardment. Satcrpar, April 19, 1862. ‘The night passed away without anything of note oc- quaring, and the men had an opportunity of obtaining @hatr. much-needed rest. It seems to me that the bom- ‘Wardment should have been kept up during the entire even if we did not throw but one shell in the @uurse of ten or fifteen minutes. ‘This day was ushered in upon us in beauty, with a Might southeast wind, which gradually increased until @bout teno’clock, when it had attained its maximum. She sun was very warm and tho heat was at times quite oppressive. At half-past six o’clock the mortar vessels qpened the second day’s bombardment. The fire at first wes slow, and the vessels which were on the left bank of the river yesterday have been placed in position em the other bank nearour anchorage. At seven o'ciook Wyesahickon and Cayuga opened fire on the Jt was rcpor ted thet the epemy had during the e's battery on the point, aud were throwing ‘at the mortar vessels. At the samo time i i? i! es f gs i. i . H E & the Vattery and Fort 8. Phili work, Our mortar shetls were falling all aroun lap apcer mehr gy rp ny ep meng He in confirmation, that gun i was a ton-inch columbiad, and” had much trouble, Our gunboats were throwing ith foe effect, the Kinee ia particular, I: is a tter to tell exactly the effect of our shells, but a fatr proportion do their duty. At five o'clock Gener. 1 Butler aud his staff came on board of this ehip to conier th the Flag Uiticer. ‘CVIPTEEN-SRCOND FURR? WANTED—WHY? But to return tonayal ailairs, The fire of the gun oate was kept up enti! half-past six o'clock, whon thoy ore orderod to discontinue action, We are havin muh diMculty here va account of a lack of fi teen-se.ond The fait i# wt oure, The people at home cre fo Liane. fe are ow using thirty-second thirteen-incli mortar funes, out in iwo, and whittled down to fit our shells, We have oxpended a very large number of shella; He now in wact of these vory fuses. I supose they” as home we wore gring odo as Lupons did— ERT TEE : i i i Hi : i i # iH 3 a nade it HG BReS a it i i i ef HH 4 afd H 5 5 i i tervals by divisions, Some of the mortar vessels lay within thirty yards of us; buteo tired are we and so ac. ‘Customed to the noise of the heavy explosions that they do ‘not disturb us in the least; but with so much excitement aboutus it is impossible to receive much refreshing sleep. This morning bas broken im wpon us in murkiness and an occasional shower of rain; the sun is entirely ob- ecured, the air damp and heavy, and, the wind having changed to the northwest, the smoke from the mortars keeps us in a continual fog. A small rebel steamer came down this morning and communicated with the chain schooners and got off before we could bit her. It wasa daring trick. THR WOUNDED TAKEN TO 4 PLACE OP SAFETY, ‘The wounded have been all put om board of the Katah- dim and sent te the hospital at Pilot Town. ‘The Pinol and Itasca are to have their masts taken out and other- wise fitted for desperate work, The et boats of yesterday were recalled at nine ges morning, and the Iroquois, Kennebec and Winona sent up todo duty, with orders not to waste @ shot. They will do their work, you may rely on it. 4 REORL DESERTER. ‘This morning a deserter from Fort Jackson to one of the headmost and hail i tH He i Hel! Boeegs aleve sgt HEH i i $ ne H i i 3 i E i magazine wildest consternation, and in the he passed the sentries, jumped into a skiff and the water ditch, and from he out for the swamp which lies between the fort and our vessels, his only guide being the but shells we wore throwingover his head. states that when an interval would elapse between the shells his heart would nearly fail him lest they should coase firing. ‘Thus hoping, thus fearing, he wended his way through the dismal and dreary swamp and morass. sometim’s waist deep in the mud. His trials lasted until five o'clock. this morning, when he come up with the bombarders, OUR SHELLS WORKING FINELY. He reports that our shells are working finely and that we set the ci'adel om fire the first night, and thinks that if we had kept up the fire of shells wo would have driven them out of Fort Jackson. It appears from his:state- meni that the magazin« s and other po tions of the fort are protect d by a large quantity of cotton bales, and that these have been seton fire agreat mapy times. ‘TOR CASHMATTS O° THR FORT SHATTERED. The work is terribly shattered, end the casomates are nearly broken in many The gmmboats yesterday entirely destroye! one. Only afow men have been killed as yt We have nearly silenced the water battery, ten-ivch columbiad and knocked the carriage of another to pisces. Our fire is represented as boing terrific, and the least causes so much consterna- tion that it requires the utmost efforts on the part of the officers to quiet the men. Gur sbelis, when they fall, bury themselves from twelve to fourteen feet in the earth close to the fort, then explode, and make the whole Tort fairly tremble with the shock. Occasionally one bursts in the fort; but those wh:ch burst ontside do the most execution, ‘There are about 1,500 men in both forts, mostly foreigners, ‘but commanded by ‘gentle Southern ‘THE RAM MANASBAS DISABLED. The ram Manassas is disabled, and has to be towed about; but they have another ram affair, which he thinks they will send down to-night. This is about the sum of his. news which has as yet come to my notice. Our anchor poe, er morning, and we were obliged to shift our ‘We have gone up the river about a quarter of a mile further, and are now in fine range of a thirteov- inch mortar in Fort St. Philip. 3 would rather lea few hundred yards lower down. The deserter says they cannot see the morter vessels, aud they fire at thead: wah torn shes ‘them a excellent Tange. While Tam wri captains of our ron board this ship receiving their orders. itr or following general order was promulgated this 7% GENERAL Unrtep States Fuacsmir Hartrorp, Musissirri River, April 20, 1862. The Flag Ofer having heard ail the opinions expressed Dy the di commanders, is of the opinion that what- ever is to be done will have to be done quickly, or we will be again reduced tos blockading squadron, without the meaus of carry! the bombardment, as we have nearly expended all tho shells and fuses and material for making cart }. He bas always entertained the same opinions which are expre-sed by Portor—that is, that there are three modes of attack, and the ques- tion is, which i¢ the one to be adopted? His own opinion is that ® combination of two should be made, above the forts to tect the troops, they should be landed at Quarantine the Gulf side, by bringing them through the bayou; and then our forces should move up the river, mutually aiding eack other, as it can be dons to advantage. ‘When, in the opinion of the Flag Officer, the propitious time has arrived, the signal will be made to weigh and advance te the conflict. if, in his opinion, at the time of arriving at the respective positions of the different divi- sions of the fleet, we have the advantage, he will make the signal for‘'ciose action,” and abide the result, con- ! quer or to be conquered, drop auchor or keep under | weigh, as, in his opinion, is best. Unless the signalabove | mentioned is made, it will be understood that the first | order of sailing will be formed after leaving Fort St. Philip, aud we wiil procoed up the river in accordance with the original opinion expressed. The ramme of the orders of sailing accompanies this general order, and tho commanders wil! hold them. , selves in readiness for the service as indicated. FIRST ORDER OF FLEET—LINR AHRAD. Second Division of First Division of Guntoate. Gunboats. Pirst o Ships. of Ships. paternity past Deten, "Pan Birst Division @ Division of ‘Gunboats. Ships. ——S ee ied eece eee Very respectful our obedient servant, bo My NG DARRAGUT, Flag Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Sq 7 ‘The mortar vessels are hard at work. The rebels are firing slow, but far, and our gundoats are firing eccasion- ally and as circumstances dictate, mm Noom, FORT ST. PHILIP OPENS FINE. As Thad expected Fort St. Philip saw our mastheads ‘and blazed away at us with rifled guns, and for twenty minutes they the abot wround us like hail. It is & wonder they did not hi We up anchor and ‘shifted Derth econ, 1 can tell you. We are Low lying near our old berth.«? The weather is very cold, the wind blow: astrong gale. Anorther has set in, but I trust it will not inst long. We took the masts out of the I’inola this afternoon, At four o'clock most of the mortar vessels wore ongaged in replenishing their magazines, but the fire was kept up steadily from some of them, "A little rebel steamer caine down to do something to the chain, but she was quickly driven from her work. FORT JACKSON PORS NOT IRR. Fort Jackson has not fired # gun this afternoon, and three or four steamers dodging about in the ey of the fort leads many to believe that it is evacuated. Fort St. Philip oceasioually fires, but they both soem to,act cautiously, and as if they wore short of ammunition, GPORT JACKSON LETS IN WaTER. They canuot keop much in Jack#on at any time, but wo learn that now fhey are obliged to pump the water out of it to keep their prec diy. L have heard of no casualties to-day, either to mon or vessols. ‘THR EXPEDITION To DESTROY THB CHAIN. An expedition is being fitted out now to blow up all the ain voseo 8, Ihave sven four barrels of powder pro- pared on beard of this shin to be usod on the I know tha: the Pinola is to boord one of Ht will be a desperate job, A gentleman who ‘0 for the purpose is now on board of the ad will uso soine submarine apparatus on one of the vessels. Captain Beil is to take charge of the | allsir, Brory one is on the gui pine for the caypieisg Setar. and everything, I trust, will aN A forts opened fire uns, Notone of our vessels fired a blazed away at a fearful rate. Hun- pri j toa dreds of anxious ts were beating fast, and quiet prevailed on deck and aloft, ay : wer ‘THE CHAIN AQROSS THE MISSISSIPPI chain broken, and that the Itaska was hard and fast ashore, The firing atthe forts had now slackened,and ‘we wore afraid that if she did not get off before the moon rose they would her, so we sent orders to the ee, tow her of trpmaciataly ane. it pees, sary, tothrow ‘as we could suppl; deficiency in that line of ordnance shores, j ‘Tk OVERATION OF BREAKING THE CHAT. Tt appears of our vessels had selected a par. ticular veasel to gpecakenpon ped in the darkness and to the strength current, it was found im- possibleto get into the position desired. Two vessels ‘were boarded and cut adrift, but none was blown up, a8 ‘wus intended. ‘THR TORFEDO A PAILURS, ‘The submarine gentleman loca’ pment eh course his affair complished, although not so great ss could be desired, is of vast importance, and will enable us to pass this much dreaded barrier. At midnight all returned, and the mortar fire was alackexed down to its regular Fourth Day’s Bombardment. Mornay, April 21, 1862, ANOTHER FIRB RAFT. At two o'clock this morning, and jusi after the moon began to light up everything beautifully, the enemy set fre to ao raft, near Fort Jackson which was much larger than any one they had sent down. Owing to a fair wind apd a very swift current, it came down with terrific fury and speed. ‘The fleet prepared for ft, and it drifted by us, crackling ‘and emitting dense volumes of black smoke, It passed within fifty feet of us. The Svicta was slightly injured by coming in contact with it. Porter’s vessels and our picket boats took it in charge, and put the fire out and drove it ashore. ‘The norther still continues blowing hard, the weather is extremely cold, and the current of the river is still running very swiftly. . Attwenty minutes past eight o’clock this morning a rebel steamer came down, we sup- pose, to get hold of one of the chain schooners; but one of our gunboats is reported tohave hit her, At any rate her stay was very short indeed. ‘THE FORTS REINVORCED. The forts sow commenced firing, and from the mast- heads it is reported that steumors are just above the forts, and are supplying thom with powder and pro. visions. A ten-inch columbi.d and a heavy rifle are at work at our. gnuboats, but do not hit anything. dt is true they throw their shots all around them. At nine clock the Varuna, Wissahickon and Cayuga were or dered up to relieve the Iroquois, Winona and Kennebeck* As s00n as the relief wis being made the enemy opened very heavy fire, and threw their shots all around us, The Sciota and Kineo are being repaired ef the damage done to them by colliding this morning when the raft came down. Onur mortar vessels aro working well, and I learn they fireonan average eighty shelis per day. According to that estimate they must have thrown already about four ‘wp to noon to-day. It is becoming very tedious to hear nothing but bang, bang, bang, all day and all night without ie a knowledge of the eifect of quiremensa of my kealth and. Gutta: eT sedan: ns Of my y ‘must console my- self by knowing if we are victorvous that it will be honor two heavy forts ty » 'e have great odds aguinst us, but if ‘dx atomnaition holds cut we are all sight, Our supply is exbaustibie,and already we have made large i into It, inroads TRE TERRIFLE FIRE OF THE FORTS CONTINUED. From ten o’clock up to noon the forts kept up a terrible fire on the mortar vessels and our gunboats. Since the bombardment commenced they have not fircd as flercely ‘as they have done during that time. At times their shot fell around us quite fast. Shortly after noon their fire slackened, but by two o'clock they had again increased their fire and were working with redoubled fury. ‘TAR REBEL WOATS DRIVEN OFF. At three o’clock a steamer came down to the fort, and shortly after the firing again sizckened. Our gunboats threw rifled shells and eleven-inch shells at and drove her off. The enemy’s boats cannot lie around the fort as they formerly did, as our overreaching mortar shells fall s2 thick and (ast as to render it highly danger- ous, The wind is going down and Iam of the opinion that our shells go toofar and do not doas much execu- tion as could be desired. At four o'clock it was reported a new battery was opening fire and throwing shelis over Fort Jackson at our mortar veascls. A MORTAR VESSEL. SUNK. A mortar vessel is reported to have been sunk this afternoon, bat the report as yet lacks confirmation. One thing fs very certain, that ove of them has been made a target of by the enemy this afternoon, and in self-defenco she sndved off shore a little aud opened her mortar on two heavy guns in Fort St. Philip, which were trou ber. A half dozen well directed shells had tho desi effect, and the guna were silenced. Reports came iu this evening that the Iroquois hit @ rebel steamer this morning. A REBEL SUITLY STEAMER BLOWN UP. At about six o'clock a rebel steamer came down to land provisious and powder at Fort Jackson, and before she had finished one of our mortar sholls burst either on her or over her and a tremendous explosion followed. It is supposed that hit one of their supplies of powder. Tho explosion was seen from aloft and from the-deck by scores of our people, and the general impres<ion is as I have stated, Some cf the Harriet Lane's oflicers, in comprny with the deserter who came down from the fort, went off this afternoon to seo what effeet cur sheils were having upon Fort Jackson. At tho time T'write (ton o’elock) we have not heard from them, TH? REELS TRY TO MEND THEIR CHALY., At Cight o'clock a fire raft was reported avd we wont to‘‘quartors.”’ It turned out to be a bright a up the river in the vicinity of the chain vessels, probably tor tbe double purpose of the enemy to repair tho chain, approaching danger. Five or six of ‘the enemy'ssteaincrs are about three milos abeve tho forte dodging around. TAR PLAN TO SIORM THE FORT!. General Butler is very anxious ia regard to the arrival of the steamer Feary ‘is, which broke down on her ‘way here from Ship island, She bas all, the scaling lad. ders on board, and 1 soon he comes we may expect astormy timo, On the weather now depends much in relation to our movements. We know not now what an hour may et bag ae anne ae most anything. are uy evening, and the Dembsrders ate thtowlug their usoal quota ‘Of rhatls. 1 should think they would be heartily tired by Luis time. Our launches areat work to-day supplying them with and shells. [forgot to say that the ferry boat arrived here last evening, and has already dove ‘much valuable service. ‘THR CURIOUS EFFRCT OF THR Firing. One curious fact I noticed to-day—that the explosion of Sieny freeaun tar ine ship saore heavily tna the w from us, jar ip more heavi mortars do, which lie Within one hundred yards of is. other fact came to my notice also—that when there ina heavy cannonading going on between our boats and Rae large quantities of dead fish Past our vessels, T learn to-day that where the chain schooners lay the current is very swift, and that the schooners are moored ahead and one Fifth Day’s Bombardment. ‘TomepayY, April 23. Nothing of striking importance occurred during the night, the mortar vessels keeping up their usual amount of bombarding. Noraftsor rains disturbod our slum. bers, After sunrise not a cloud was to bé seon, and the day promised to be fairand warm. The Oneida, Kineo and Kutahdin were ordered on guard, and the boats which had been up the past twenty-four hours gladly oboyed the recall signal. The enemy hal been busy at the chain all night, but daylight showed that they had accomplished nothing. ‘THE RENE HEAVY GONS SMIFTRO TO A WATER RATTREY. It appoars the enemy have shifted one or more of their heavy gans toa small outwork at Port St. Philip, a annoyed the mortar vessels go much that two or three of thom turned their attention to the said stall battery. A SHEL. DISMOUNTS A REHET COUN, In the course of their practice eyo-witnersus tell me that one of the thirteen-inch shells bit the breech of a vory heavy gan on the battery, capsizing it, and then exploded. The mortar men deserve much praise for their steady and heavy fire. [ cannot seo howgthey endure it; but Iam told that so many shots have hi; around thom, doing no damage, that they begin to think they have charmed lives and will not be bit atall, The story is, wo go up past the forts to-night. A’ any rate THR ONEDA 46.0 BIT. The Oneida hag been hit ; ® nine-inch shell passed th-ough her ee el ae unending ae OS My and no was dowug wall; and be being ty man, it ishoped t! Bizas ait ifs i i & i forts have becn firing pretty briek!y to. and.ag Spicinemee see encosee 5 ‘Be Fowly ésca| e@ten- inch shot 4 eae us, aud shortly afterwards a raft aud scow, bottom up,came down. I had the fortune w get in @ boat and get ou'the raft, It was built of eleven logs, whose five fect lopg. These were secured together by threeoue aad one-quarter inch ebains, cach 80 a8 Lot to slip out. Another heavy chain was fastened to one end of the raft wo moor it by, and the whole structure was crossed by the chain which was stretched across the river. Marks of recent work upon it were visible, spikes, just driven in and others not in place, were lying iu the crevices of the bark. it was a good idea, save in one particular—a shackle lay on the raft, and had avy one attempted to eut it, his trouble would ‘have beon les- sened by knocking the shackle pin out. HOW IB GOT Loose. The scow had been by some means Was filled with holes caused by The raft also bore marks of ploces of {5 nis atvrape. to repr to the had shells thrown around him so fast as vo cause him to quit work; and the mainstay of the work—the raft—got away belore they could secure it, We wwed it noar the shore, and left it to seck a reating place at leisure. ‘The Kennod.¢ and Winona were dismasted to-day. Up to nalf-past eight o’clock this eveniog there bas deen nothing of the officers who went off with the deserter last night to cut the levee above the fort. We are anxious as to their fate,and fear ill has befallen |, and of -shelis. shells. KHOBL'S SUBMARINE PLAN DOES NOT SUCCEED. At-nino o’clock—the time I write Lhis—there is a wide- Jy circulated rumor that Mr. Khvel, the submarine man, has gexe to biow up the remaining vessel,and her ex- plosion will be the signal for our advance. 4 SUNKEN VESSEL FOULS TOR FLAGSHIP. Thad not tinished the above sentence before a heavy crashing noise under our bow startied us, and the ship ‘was liftedand then rolled from side to side at the same time. The chain cable run out atatearful rate, and before it could be stopped one handred and twenty fa:homs had gone through the hawse holes. ‘the capstan bars were shipped,and the rapidity with which the capstan revolved threw them out, seriously wounding several men. Une had his arm broken, one was hit in the abdomen, and his life was despaired of for sometime, andothers were injured moreoriess, It is a great wonder that scores were not killed outright. Jt was midnight Defore the ship was again at her anchor jn safety. Sixth Day’s Bombardment. ‘Wepnespay, April 23, 1862. ANOTHER FIRE RAFT. At two o'clock this morning another fire raft was sent down to burn us up, but the ill success of previous ones attended it, and no one was disturbed by its presence. 1 did not see it or know of it until I turned out this morn- ing. The wind is favorable, and I have no doubt but we willm ve up to-night. Tne Iroqnois, Pinola and Itasca were ordered on duty to-day. The Iroquois has obtained @ Sawyer rifle, and will at once try its range. The deserter has returned with the party of the Harriet Lane’s officers. They were unable to accomplish anything. Their return takes a great load off from our ninds, as we Lad feared some ill luck hud befallen them. Up to eleven o'clock the forts had not aoe but the mortar vessels wero keeping up their fire. Reports from the mastheads say our shells are dojug exe- eution in Fort St. Philip. The enemy have twei steamers in sight from the masthead. 1 foar they are throwing another chain acrogs the river at the Quaran- tine. The Miami raa inte one of our ships this morning and lost one of her masts. Our men aro all in good spirits in anticipation of the coming struggle. ‘THR SUSPICIOUS SILENCE OF THE ENEMY. Up to three o'clock P. M. the forts have not fired a gun. This silence betokens movements yet to come. The Iroquof and cue of Porter's st-ame.s have been ‘try ing the range of their rifled guns, but tne one in the Troquoia is reported to be very unsatisfactory in its per- formance. Many think the forts are evacuated, Jackson in , her battle flag being hauled down; but 1 doubt it. We havo bad the quictest time yet siuco we Qpened the struggle. ‘At a quarter before six o’clock this evening a small steamer camo down and took a good look at us. As soon as sho loft we began to get into line of battle. the pen Gn Ca bay i 8, io y's. division engage Fort St. Philip, zr ae only his ‘starboard guns, and the Ping " division Fort Jack- son, while Commander Bell will endeavor to run b; and Fort 8t. Philip in the rear and see the river is cloar and drive off the enemy's gunboats. ‘There is much speculation and enthusiasm in tho fleet, but all are confident of success, ‘Tho Itasca will goahoad and first sco if the way isclear at thechain, and at a given ‘signal wo will advance. Our battle flags are bent on, and wewill fly an ensign teach masthead and a larger one at the mizzon peak. ‘As the sun set in tho west tonight it was watobed with interest, and that it micht possioly be our of that glorious orb. Determination is stamped in every face, and some hard fighting will be done before the sun ‘will rise On the morrow. THR UNLCOKY MIAMI. ‘The Miami ran foul of the Brooklyn to-day and carried ‘away her mainmast, killing four men and seriously wounding several others. ‘the time for starting has been fixed for onc o’cleck in the morning, and I trust that to-morrow at breakfast ume we shail be ab ve the forts, lying quietly at aach r. ‘A few hours more and the great crisis comes—victory, or retreat and again become blockaders, instead of bom- barders. The Glorious Advance of the Fleet. Frcnreny Maine Betow New Onveans, April 24, 1862, lelosed my letter last evening at seven 0 kK, not knowing that I should ever have an opportanity to again pit apen to paper. In vain Tattempted to obtain sume sleop, so as to be physically prepared for the contort which was to come off in the course of a fow hours: All hands seemed cheerfal, but there was a marked foel- ing of awe and resolution manifest in every countenance, I will not attempt to describe the feelings of any one whose face showed the inward workings of their mind, We all felt that. most terrible battle was before us, and how we wore to oscape being terribly cut up was tous a mystery not easily solved. Two heary works, mounting inthe neighborhoot cf two hundred pieces, a chain cable, half @ dozen hulks, @ doren or more steamers, swell armed, @ ram or too, firerafte without number, a swift current, auda desperate foe, were among the number o¢ things against which we knew wo were te contend. An accident to engines or @ serious collision and we must all be lost, You cannot imagine how formidable each of these things were in themsolves, but, combined, the odds against us seemed overwhelming. But trusting in our yeaders, and, more than all, in that wise and overruling Provklence who favors the cause of right and justice, we felt almost sure of winning the contest. ‘TR CHAIN CLHAR—THE SIGNAL POR ADVANCE, At about eleven o’clocg the Itasca signalized that the chain was clear and that we could go ahead when reaty. Everything was quiet around the fleet, save the hissing sound of the steam escaping from the boilers. The night was moderately dark and a gentle southorly wind made the weather rather hazy. The mortar vessels kept up ‘an incessant roar, and bright globes ascended high aloft to again descend in fury at the forts. Tho second divi, sion, under Captain Baily (of the Coloradc), formed on the left bank of the river, while the third division was in centre of the lines, the first division lying on the right bank of the river. ‘The fleet were to sail in the following order:— Portemouth, Towed by J.P Jackson, Phird Division—Captain mRteemntns % Pinola, Itasca. ‘Winona. Kennebec. At ofte o'clock all hands were called, haramocks stowed, and everything put in readiness to weigh auchor at two o'clock. It was a solemn time, Tassure you. The hour seemed hut a few moments. The memories of a score of yoar® fitted through the mind, and all the courage we possess ed was screwed up for the event, ‘THe BATTLE SIGNAT. At two o'clock two red lights at our peak announced the time to got under weigh. I had the honor to hoist the signal with my own hande, Owing to some unforo. neon delays the second division did not start at the sig- nal, and as they had the longest road to travel, it wa® nocesssary for us to wait until they started. At three o’clock the moon rose, and « silvery path was marked outon the ewift waters of tho river, so soon tobe the stage on which the greatest naval fight has ever trans, we haye bad another counsil of war today, and | pired. Tho moon had jfted fieclf above the hori ORK HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 10, 1862—THIPLE SHET. sum just thirty minutes when away we went for the pattie ground. im the dim distance could be seen the signal dres of the enemy, built to light ap the river ‘and reveai our position to him. On we steamed, with hearts big with expectation. ‘TUB REBELS OFEN FIRB. At precisely twenty minutes of four o'clock theenemy opened fire {rem Fort St. Philip. At that moment I Dvisted our largest Star Spangled Banner at the peak, and then hastening forward, aecked the fore and main each with an emblem of power and justice. Three Ameri, can ensigns were floating tn a gentle breeze. Full speed was given to the ship, the engineers did their duly nobly, and om we went, as if were, into the jaws of death. At vac time the enemy opened fire the mortar vessels went to work, and the rapidity with which they threw shells at the rebels was truly wonderful. TE FLAGSHIP JOINS IN THR FIGHT. At five minutes of four o’clock our bow gun belched forth fire and smoke, anda messenger, in the shape of Anine ineb shell, was sent to Fort Jackson—the works by the way, which we were to attend to. Ina few minutes more the broadside firing was commenced. Toth forts were replying ag fast as they could. Broad- side after broadside was being delivered to thein im Tapid succession, while the mortar vessels were adding to the dreadful noise. THE HEIGHT OF THE BATTLE. Shot, shell, grape and canister filled the air with deadly missiles. It was like the breaking up of a thousand = worlds—erash—tear—whiz! Such another scene was never wilnessed by mortal man. Steadi- ly we steamed on, giving them sholl, the forts firing rifle shot and shell, ten inch columbinds, forty-two, thirty-two and twenty-four pounder bzl's ; and, to aid to this state of affairs, thirteen steamers and the floating battery Louisiana, of the enemy, were pouring into and around us @ hail storm of iron perfectly inde. seribable. Not satisfied with their fring, fire raft after fire yaft was lit and set adrift to do their work of burn- ing. The Ram was busy at work trying to shove them under the bows of our vessel. ‘TR BARRETTE GUNS SILENCED. As we drew near abeam of the forts we intermingled grape with shell, which had the effect to silence in a measure the barbette guas. The shot from the enemy, which for sume time had gone over us, now began to cut us through. NARROW BSCAPE OF THE FLAG OFFICER. White in the port mizzen rigging the Flag OM- cer narrowly escaped being hit with «@ rifle shell, A shell burst on deck, and the concos- sion stunned Licutenant George Heisler, of our Marine corps, 80 that for a time his life was despaired of. I started to go forward to see how things weré working there, and the wind of a huge rifle shell knocked the cap off my head. It was a time of terror our guns were firing as rapidly as possible, and the howttzers in the tops were doiug excellent execution. REBEL SARPSHOOTER. ‘The rebel steamers were crowded with troops, who fired volicys of rife balls at us, most of which did us no harm, (ne of them came near us, and I think Iam safe in saying she contained two bunared men. Our howit- zere opened on them, and Captain Broome, of the Marine corps, openod into her with two nine-inch guns. A REGED. VESSEL BLOWN TO PIRCES—ALL HANDS 108T, ‘An explosion—terrific yelis—a eareen, and that fellow was done for. Their steamers were bold and fearless; but no sooner did they come in sight of our gunners than they were sunk. The Varuna sunk six of tuem ove after another. THE FLAGSHIP AGROUND AND ON FIRE. In the midst of this awful scene down came a tremen- dous fire raft,and the ram shoved hor under our port quarter. Tho flames caught our rigging and side, and for © momont tt ecemod we must falla prey to th vages of fire. A fire was also burniog on the berth deck. The fire hose was on hand, and we soon subdued the flames, and gave the ram a dose of rifle shell. She, how- ever, came up for us again, but some other vessel tackled her and she hauled off. During this stage of affai.s wo ground.d, and our fate seemed scaled; but our men worked like beavers, and the engineers soon got the ship astern and afloat. It defies the powers of my Drain to describe the sceae at this time. Tho river and its banke were one sheet of flame, and the messengers of death wore moving with lightning swiftness in all directions. Steadily we plied shell and grape, interspersod with shrapnel. Rebeldom began to quake; her boats were fast being ridilce® by well directed broadtides, and they who wero able made fur the shore to run them on, so that they could save their lives. Some were on firoand others were eiuking. Our boys were cheering with a hearty good wii], an@ well they might, for we had almost won the day, and we wore nearly past the forts, Our ship had been on fire three times, and she was riddled from stem to stern. The cabin was completely gutted, the starboard steerage all torn upand the armory all knocked into “pi? My clothing was atrewn abaft decks, and 1 was obliged to pick Kup piece by picce. The manwscript of the bom- bardment came near to d struction by a rifle chell, which tore up my room and killed one man. WE ARE PAST THE FORTS. After being under a territic fire for one hour and twenty ‘minutes we were past the forts, badly cat up, a shot hole through mainmast, two in siern and several throuch us. I frankly confess I am unable to describe the scene. Words carnot express any adequate idea of the cugage- mout. Wrapped up in smoke, firiag and being fired at, shot and sholl whistling like locomotive demons around, above, before and in the rear of you; flames from fire rafts oncireling you, splinters flying in all directions and shelis bursting overhead! Can you imagine this scene? If you can, it is more than I can describe as 1 would wish to. ELEVEN REBEL STEAMERS ON FIRB. At baif-past five o’clock no less than eleven rebel steamers were iu Qumes along each side of the river, ‘We steamed up to the Quarantine to anchor, when Jo! the Rama made his appearance, and saucily fred at the Richinond. ‘THE MISSISSIPPI DISABLES THE MANASSAS. ‘The Mississippi being near at hand, about ship for the black devil, and at him she went with the idea of running him down. The Ram ran, but finding the Mississipyt gaining on him, he run his nose into the bank of the river, and immediately about thirty men camo up out o¢ the hatch and ron on shore. The Mississippi fired two or thrée broadsides into ber and boarded her, but finding she was of no earthly account again fired into hor, and she drifted down tho river sinking very fast. On reach ing Quarantine we found that the Varuna had been sunk, and that, after ber brave exploiis, she fell, crippled ina glorious cause. ‘THR VARUNA AND THE REBEL VESSEL, Captain Boggs of the Varuna, finding that « steamer (name unknown), was about to rum into him, put the vessel in such position that in being damaged he could repay it with interest, On came a largo steamer ail clad with iron about the bow, and hit the Varuna in the port waist, cutting and crushing in ber side. She dropped alongside and cleared out to butt ogain. She hit the Varuna a second time, and while ina sinking condition the Varuna poured the eight-inch shelis into him cofast ‘hat the rebel was set*on fire and driven on shore. CAPTURE OF THR RERRL VEMEL GOVERNOR MOORS. No sooner had the Varuna cleared herself of this cus- tomer, and while endeavoring to reach the river bank, than the steamer Governor Moore (formorly the Morgan), com- manded by Lioutonant Beverly Kennon, came along ina crippled condition, and endeavored to run away up the river, The Oncida gave chase and she surrendered to her, She was then found to be on fire, and, before the flames could be subdued, was burned up. ‘The Varuna’s exploits rank among the brightest of those of the engagemont. Sne fought her guns untila portion of the gna carriages were submerged in the wa- tor, Captain Boggs saved all his wounded, but his dead wont down with tho vessel. The Starsand Stripes were waving from her mastheats as she sunk. ‘CAPTURE OF A REBEL Caur, Opposite tho Quarantine we found several companies of robei sharpshooters, belonging to the Chalmette re, Giment, who were vaving white (lage while others were Joaving as fast as thoy could. This camp fell a priteto Captain Bailey's flagship, the Cayuga, The oMee rs were brought on board here, and put on their parole. vur fleet was found to be all proseut, except the Winona, Tasca and Kennebeck, the Portsmouth not hay- ing entered the fight. It is rumored that the Wiuona | sunk during the fight. They all may be safe below the forts, We hope so at least. As soon as we could bury our dead wo prepared to go up to tho city of Now Orleans. We have lost quitea number of mon in the fleet; but, as yot, I am unable to learn the namber or names, The following is the list of | oanualtios on board of this ship during the engagement of | this moraing:»— Killed. Joseph Lawrence, seaman. ‘William Brown, laodsman—Total, 2, high glee. of smoke in New Orieans, and wo judged from that something was on fire, evening, At eight o'clock we came to anchor about eighteen miles below the city of New urieans. Wounded. Phillip Morgan, seaman, severely. Charles Binks, landsman, severely. ‘Theo. Douglas, officer's steward, severely, Randal Tullafareo, landsman, severely. Henry Manning, ordimary soamas , severe! Henry King, marine, severely. J. 8, Conoly, carpencer, severely. Salnia Doane, seaman, slightly. Geo. Whito, marine, slightly. George Keisher, Lieutenant of Marines, slight eoncas- sion—Total, 12. The wounded are doing weil. am unable togive a: present any details of the en gagement beyond my personal ubservation and recollec- tion. Ihave not slept any for nearly thirty hours, an@ when rested will resume. Fracemp, April 24—P. M. THR START YOK NEW ORLEANS. At eleven o’clock this morning we up auchorfor New Orleans, leaving the Kinev and Wissahickon to guard the Quarantine and keep possession of the canais, which lead out seaward. Captain Boggs, of the Varuna went down to let Gonoral Butler kuow of our success. As we soft our anchorage we found for some miles the houses om each bank decorated with wiile flags, and in several ine stances tattered and torn American ensigns waved over fishing loggers and houses. waving of handkerchiefs, and the people seemed glad te see us. In some instances a rabid secesher acted with utter contempt at our presence. Everywhere along the river we saw people on horseback, riding to and fro im great haste, telling the news of our advance. The telegraph wire was cut evel ple in New Urloans were wi the fort, and were preparing for us. As we advanced up the river tho piantations beauty; the negroes left leveo, and seemed in movements, Jn some pluces their demonstrations were truly \udicrous; they toxsed their hats in the air, bowed, curt.sied, and showed by We wore greeted Dy the few miles; bus the peo- early of our suceess at spose themeelves out in great. labors and came to the eostacies at our advancing very possible means their joy ~ tures o’clock we wer off Point La Hache. It At Deen reported to us that the river banks were lined with batteries, but we touud no traces of # ything in the Duttery line. At a plantation named ‘‘Magnolia,”” we saw a lead thirty teams plowshing, ana over two hundred came to the ‘They were im uring the afternoon we saw dense volimep the direction of the city of appearances ‘The flames continued all the greet us. Of the City New Orleans, Fiacsme Haetrorp, Friday, April 25, 1862. SHIPB AND COTTON ON FIRE. At a few minutes past midnight the cry of ® “fire raft” startled us, and looking up the river three large any danger about the river for an hour or so, till we found that the lights became stationary. By the time we had dropped asleep the order came to up anchor; but it was not untib haif-past five o’clock that we were all under way. As wo steamed along we found that our fire rafts were five large ships with full cargoes of cotton, nearly consumed, with ship carpenters’ stage, and we were of w v,inion that they had been used in the construction of the great ram whieh was to. ¢ She yas launched on Saturday last. lights were seen, and to avokb we got under way and cruised and they were ‘The river was dotted here and Ded twenty guns. We received the same yrecting from the negroes as we did yesterday. One wo dressed darkey, wich a carpet bag i his hand, shouted fom the bank, “Hwirah, hurrah for Abra- ham.” It causod g eat laughter Tecan assure you. AS wo drew near the city we saw the smoxe of steam- e-8 going up the r v.r. ‘TUR BATTERIES NEAN NEW ORLEANS—THRY OPEN FIRE, At a quarter of eleven we discovered two works known as the Chalmette batteries, one on cach side of the river, One, I should judge, contained ten and the other eight guns. ‘yh signal oe lcarocsiataly made to propare for battie. No.flay was fying on either work, nor Ud they hotel one at any tine, Ab eleven o'clock both ste teries opened freon the Cayuga. wing to tho very swift current we were unable to go ahead very feat, a@ it was five minutes after they opened fire befo e we could firea bow gun. The enemy cracked away at us and the shot flew around us very rapidly. most of their shot raking along our deck and striking on or near the poop. For twenty minutes we stood the fire without be- ing able to retarn a brontsiae, which wo knew would svon silence them, In the meantime theother vessele were working with their bow guns on both works. ‘THR FLAGSHIP ANSWE2S—TH® RATTERIES SILENCED AND DB> STROYED. At the end of the twenty minutes we were within about Abs rende of the battery of ten guns,one being a mortar. en we jet drive a broads Its effect was terrible, and nearly sienced the work. Another broad- side of grape, five second shell and a sprinkling of ehrap- nel finished that work: but as the rebels di not hoists white flag,as they should do, wo gave them auothor touch up, three cheers, and then left them to run as fast. as they chose. The ovber Lact was soon silenced, this «hip throwing in a broadside to ail in the good work, The enemy firot at us AG injentey and “ artillery company was com) two ir sul " when they found it was of no use. 1 bing the enemy lost quiic a number of pe ple in the engagement. We lost one man, Thomas, captain of the forecastio and of a ritle Parrott. It is suposed he» as blown overboard by the wind cf a passing ball apd. reached the shore in safety. I heard of one man blown overboard frem the Brooklyn. Your correspond- ent was hit by @ splinter, but not seriously red. From the time tho batterios fire on us till we had taki them and were on our way again to the city it was jess than au hor, TMB DRSLUCTION OF TRE OMIPEING IY THe REBELS. Ths rivex was filied with ships on fire, aud ali along ther levee wore burning vessels, no less than eighteen vesse's being on fire at wae fim, ant the enemy were firing ns insta: they could apply the torch. Such van- Thover Was he td of, ‘ihe aim sphere wes thie with smoke aid the air het with dams. Ttwis a grand Dut swtaght. far rae of dowwade of do lars wort oO prt abd nonly des'r yd. At tue levoe, gosd by vbo Custom Hoore, lay « burning ram (the Amgio- Norman). The unfluishod trames of two or three more wore on (he stocks at Al A ter ible ran came on, and after ¢ ound the river fo. time we came t an as then one o'clock. Tus RSE YUE CAPTCRED. Orr. aS one such ag wid never" ‘The view from our in ail hnuian probability be witneseed again, A large city lay at our mecey. Its Jovo was ‘ed by an excited mob. ‘Tho smoke of the ruins of miltions worth 0. ¢ tion and shipping at times hali ecncealed the pouple, While men were hastenivg up tho loves, firing ships aud river craft as fast ag porsible, the peovie were ruslung to and fro. Someof them cheered fur the Union, when tury were pret upon ty the crowd. Men, women and thildren were armed with pistols, knives . and ali manner of woapons, Some cheored for Jeff. used the most vile and ob- ‘ds as and the good olf flag. Tande- monium was here 4 living pivture. Order was to them a thing past and forgotten, and the air was reut with yells of dellanee, CAPTATN BAILEY GOES CN SHORE, At two o'clock Captain Bailey wont on flying a flag of truce, to communicate with the authori- ties. AS the boat drew near the lovee the mcb cursed the flag and everything pertaining to it. It wag with the greatest dificnity thet the naval officers reached'the Hail, where the City Council, the Mayor and Major ral Lovell were awaiting the arrival of our communi- cations. ‘THE DEMAND TOR THE SURNENDRR OF THE CITT AND REPLY. Farragut sent word tothe and asanred them of the protection of city being under martial law, she civil aa course could do nothing; but Major General . all the pomposity he could command, and with all bluster he could make, said, “Sir, I will never the city.” He was polit maces Chat the oily wan wer, aud, a8 much as we regre ‘wanton destruction of “rty, we would not distarb them, sectienmens to evacuate the eity iis trout Roan eight to iifeen leery and the sity over te tbe civil authorities, ‘Whey might do as they pleased. ‘The interview wa: on with Bailey , and Lieut Perkins, his aid, ana returned to the i So firs, and thoy were backed however, devies it; but he tee ple by Bring hie own cow fr iy 18 Own fe side of the leveo, partiaily sunk, end her wood on fire. Anothor ram affair was sunk on side of the river. Tam unable ts btain the tie loss by fire 0 shipping and cotton. It will before it can be ascertained, and Thave @ right to pose that wo never will be able to give the fuil partica- Jara of the wanton deetroction property which hae ocourred in and around this clty curing the last two days. ay reftisl iiidss DEMOR LIZATION OF THR REVEL ARMY. The rebel army in this vicinity are panty strickon, and It ia reporied the most disorderly ¢enes hays oceurred 1 tho last twentytowr houvs. lam unable to ond a gie@ person who thinks binseif qualified to give an accurate statement of the scenes tiroug which we havo just passed and witmersed, THR MODERATION OF THR VICTORS, But T myst say, that alt hough our way has been marked [CONIINURD ON GENTH PAGE)