OUR CRUISE IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES' WAR STEADIER, 'ALABAMA.'

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 65, 28 January 1864, Page 4

OUR CRUISE IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES' WAR STEADIER, 'ALABAMA.'

THE PRIVATE JOURNAL 01? AM OFFICER. {Continued.J 11th. —Light -winds and showery. 6 a.m. sail hove in sight. Boarding, found her to he an English brigantine, bound to Demarara. He had heard of the ' Alabama' destroying six vessels. Passed as the United States' Bteamer 'Kyoming.' 4 p.m. gave chase to a Bail. Fired a blank cartridge, and Bent a boat off to her. She not hearing to, a shot was fired at her, when to our astonishment 4 lights were seen. All hands were immediately called to quarters, and every preparation made for battle. On our boat returning, we learned that the vessel boarded was the .English barque ' Princess Royal,' from Demerara, the crew having been afflicted with yellow fever, that she had shown two lights as a signal of being hove to, the third light being the brigantine's previously boarded, and the fourth our boat's. Secured the battery.

Hth.—After general quarters had been gone through with a celerity highly gratifying, the men were highly eulogized by the cormnttnder nnd officer.

16th.—Moderato easterly wind. At daylight two vessels in sight. A three masted schooner, being hull down to windward ; did not chase. Tlio other proved to bo a Spaniard from Cadiz to Havana, we passing na the United States' steamer ''Octorota-.' 17th. 2.20 p.m., Island of Domi'nicS. IV. sight, 18th.—9.30, came to an Anchor in Port Royal Harbour, Martinique. Afte* the ftealth officers had visited us, arrangements Verc made to lay in a stock of provisions, &o. A. hiost enthusiastic redeption was given by the inhabitants, both civil and military. Ivitiitiiwi to the officers were given rid lit-.-, the clubs being placed at ohr disposal. Out store ship ' Aggripina' was lying laden \vith coal for our use. Letters were received by many on board. Landed all prisoners. . 19th.—6.30 a.m., n steamer was descried standing towards the harbour. On her coming neattir, we made her out to be a large barque-rig£<-u Vessel. At 7.15 all doubts as to her natiomlft'y was set at rest, the stars and stripca hoisted at her peak, and apparently a heaNrly aVmed vessel. On our communication with shore, it was found that the vessel (who To! how within a mile of us) was tlio United States' steamer 'San Jacinto,' 14 guns, viz.:—l 2 Sixty-eight pounders and 2 elcvcn-inch shell guns. The Governor issued notices about the toVvtt forbidding any communication with (lYvl prohibiting any supplies being sent to theVA. He also sent a communication to her coWmi.Vmler, to the effect that " either he must t'oVrfe to an anchor, and if so to remain 21 hunts iiftvS - our departure, or else to go out to soft : an'd remain outside of three miles." He adopts! llie latter course. The Governor stated that if We wanted to ship coal, it would he best for us to run down to St. Pierre and anchor under tho forts, but it was deemed advisable to send the barque awav to another rendezvous, she giving out that she was going to and clearing for Jrinida'd.. French gunboat ' Fata' gut Up steam ah/l 'ah'chored near us, to prevent titty dmo'nst.TatidTi oving made by the enemy whilst we wei'e'aVahchor. Her commander affording us every by showing us tho best plan of escape the bnrbour afforded. At first it had been our ciipt'.VCu's intention to go out and give the enemy brf&lti, but after deliberation he determined to wait ftntil darkness had set in. At 1 p.m. the English mail boat passed the harbour. Before Bundown every preparation had been made for battle, the enemy apparently pretty active in making preparation also. The broadside guns being loaded with shot, and the pivot guns with shell. 7.15 p.m., "all hands up anchor," which was soon accomplished. All lights wero then extinguished, and we steamed cautiously across the harbour along tho shore. 8 p.m. dismissed the pilot, and called all hands to quarters, ajid run out the fjutis, all expecting to hear a bang from the enemy. iMgnal lights were observed from n Yankee Vessel in harbour. The night was wry favourable to Us, the enemy's vessel not having been seen since the last particle of daylight allowed us to see anything, she then being about the centre of the harbour on the alert. After the pilot had left us, the engines wero set agoing and we steamed at the rate of 14 knots an hour. At 9.20 all danger of interception being over, the guns were run in and sccured, and all hands piped down. We then shaped our course towards Blanquilla, at which place we had made arrangements to meet the barque. We learnt afterwards that the ' San Jacinto' had two boats on the look-out that evening, and had a set of signals instituted, by which a Yankee vessel inside tho harbour could afford him information of our movements. 1 believe Ihe authorities arrested her captain for signalling our departure ; yet, notwithstanding' the facilities at the ' San Jacinto's' command-, they blockaded the port four days and nights after we left. The previous evening a drunken disturbance took place on board, by which it was found necessary to call the hands to quarters to quell it. It appeared that the deserter from tho 'Sumter' (of whom mention has been made previously) had slipped down tho cable, swan to a boat, and returned on board with a great quantity of spirits, arid had handed it round to the crew, and all unknown to a single officer, he not tasting a drop himself—thus showing that his aim was to cause a mutiny on board. Those of the men that were inflated, or rather infuriated, with liquor were placed in double irons, with few exceptions; these, in addition to irons, were gagged, and bucket after bucket of water thrown over them, until they became partially sober. A short time previously one man had been stabbed severely in the arm. Tho officers and some of tho petty officers were fully armed —tho captain having given orders to that effect, and to cut down the first man that hesitated to obey an order. The scoundrel Forrest was triced up in the mizen rigging two hours on and two off. 20th.—Fine. No signs either of ships or land. 21st.—Reduced sail to top-sails, and hove main-top-sail to the mast. 5.10 a.m., tilled away again; 10 a.m. saw the ' Aggripina,' and signalled her to follow. Saw tho land and a ship at 1 o'clock. At 3, got up steam and stood in towards Blanquilla. Drawing in towards the harbour we observed a schooner at anchor. On coming within signal range she hoisted the stars and stripes; we answered by | hoisting the same. Shortly after a boat from her. Coming on board (without undeceiving him), we asked him about the anchorage ; after receiving satisfactory replies, we hauled down the Yankee flag and hoisted the Confederate ensign. Great, indeed, was the poor Yankee's astonishment. Captain Senmies told him that as he was at anchor he should not destroy the vessel; but that, for our own safety, we should detain him, ordering the captain and mate to come on board even- evening, and depart each morning to his own vessel. She proved to be tho ' Clara L. Sparks,' whaler, of Province Town. At 4.30, anchored in 17 fathoms, j.30, 'Aggripina' anchored. 22nd.—At daylight commenced coaling ship, which operation was finished by -Monday at noon. Blanquilla is nearly barren, producing absolutely nothing. The inhabitants, threo in number, occupy themselves in rearing a few goats, &c. A small quantity of water is obtainable, but so brackish as to be nearly unfit for domestic purposes. 25th.—Whilst on shore wc observed a schooner standing in. She showed English colours, and on boarding stated that she was four days fron Barbadoes and bound to Curacoa, and that the ' San Jacinto ' had left Barbadocs the day previous to her departure. Tho latter part of the story we credited, although believing him to be a Yankee scout. Exchanged three men with the barque. 26th.—7.15 p.m., "All hands aft to muster." Sentence of naval general court-martial read to prisoner, who had this day been tried lor insubordination, and inciting part of tho men to mutiny, tho men being in a state of intoxication at the time, and the prisoner perfectly sober. Said offenccs being committed in the harbour of Port Royal, Martinique, on the evening of the 18th November. Tho sentence was that George Forrest, A.8., forfeit all pay, prize money, &c., due to him; that all wearing apparel (except that belonging to him when previously captured) be taken from him, and that he bo ignominiously dismissed the ship and service, placcd in the hands of tho master-at-arms, and convoyed on shore on the Island of Blanquilla, with a stain of infamy upon him. A few appropriate remarks were then made by Captain Semmes, and tho sentence carried out. 8.15 p.m., got imdcr weigh and hoisted propeller. 29th.—Considerable excitement was caused by the look-out reporting a steamer on lee bow standing towards us; made her out to be a barque-rigged sidewheel steamer. From, or rather in the direction she was steering, wo concluded sho was was a French war steamer bound to Martinquc. 10.30 a.m., saw land on weather bow, the S.W. part of Porto Rico. Saw two vessels, one a schooner hugging tho shore ; tho other a barque standing to the northward. Shortened sail to allow her to come up to us, hoisting U.S. colours; tho stranger hoisting English. Found her to bo the ' Barbadoes.' 30th.—6.10, sail reported on starboard bow. 8.15, another in sight, two points on starboard bow; chased tho latter. 10.30, hove her to with blank cartridge; found her to be tho Spanish schooner ' Neveaux.' 11.45, saw two more ; chased the one right ahead. 2 p.m. brought her to. Boarded and took possession of the barque 'Parker Cook,' of Boston, bound to Ilayti. Engaged until 9 p.m. transferring stores, then set fire to her. Filled away and stood north-westerly. Shipped one hand. Ist Dec. 2.30 a.m., hova to. Filled away in chase of a vessel on starboard beam. 7 a.m., made another astern; found both to be foreign. 9 30 p.m., made a vessel under sail and steam on port quarter. Called all hands to quarters, and loaded the battery with shell, expecting ever minute to hear a Bhot, a broadside whizzing over or into us. The stranger showed two signal lights. Receiving no answer quietly steamed past us. Conjecture was busy as to his nationality, and as to his being a vessel of war or not. 10.15, piped down and secured the battery. We now man six guns on a broadside, transporting one of the midship thirty-twos to a port-hole near the bridge. The state of efficiency the men have arrived at reflects the highest credit upon both officers and men. 2nd.—Saw tho land and several vessels. ?rd.f-7.4fl p-m., sail discovered on starboard tow:

gave chase. At 9.10 fired a blank cartridge; no notico being taken of it, a shot was fired at him. This pwduccd the dssired jsfftsA. On boarding I found it to bs the French barq'Ue ' Eeu Sacre,' of panics, from Port a Prince to Ealmoutli, wo passing lis tho United States' steamer ' Wynona.' Her captain protesting against the United States' vessels ahnoying him. 4th.—Light winds and fine. Cruising in tho windward passage, hoping to meet one of the Californian mail steamers, one being expccted about this date. sth.—Still cruising in the passage between Cuba and S't. Domingo* *''a\v several vessels, amongst which Wiie a Sciioonor showing Yankee colours. Boarded mid took possession, tho ' Union,' of and from Baltimore, to Jamaica. His cargo being English, sho was ransomed, tho crew of ' Parker Cook ' being transferred to her. Keeeived news of Bragg's successful capture of baggage waggons, &c.; and also that seven United States' vessels of war wore off the Northern ports, cxpcctili'g that we were going to attack their sea ports. 6th.—p *A.Vu., hoisted up the propeller. 7th.—Several sails seen. At 2.15 p.m., a sail descried on starboard bow; in a short time made her out to be a brigantine-rigged side-wheel steamer. Steam was immediately got up, the propeller lowered, sails taken in and furled. All hands called to quarters, the battery loaded with shell and run out, and every preparation made for a "mill." Everybody in the best possible spirits ntitl eager for a fray. The celerity of tho men ill the preparations for battle was remarkable-, giving proof of the spirit that actuated tteih. Tho steamer kept heading for us until £.45, when we fired a blank cartridge and hoisted the Confederate flag. No notice being taken of it, a broadside of six guns wero trained on her, awaiting the order to fire. Wo recognised her as tho United States' mail boat ' Ariel,' of and from New Yurk, to Aspinwall. Tho steamer turned and made for off. The order was then given to train and fire tho pivot guns at her; a second order was given to fire at her smoke stack. In the position she then was her foremast was in a lino with her smokestack. Both guns were then fired, ono shot of which struck tho foremast about 10 feet from the deck, taking away two-thirds of it) the slick still standing; fortunately they did not explode at tho titne, else the carnage amongst the passengers would have been frightful. She then hove to. A boat wiis sent on board, and the raptnin brought on board with his papers. Three boxes of specie, a 24 lb. rifled gun, 125 new rifles, 10 swords, and about a 1000 rounds of ammunition were quickly transferred to our vessel, —there feeing on board 140 officers and men (marines), going out to join the U. S. Pacific Squadron, and about 500 passengers, men, women, :pid children . several naval and military officers being also on board. The military were paroled. On boarding, tho marines wero found drawn up in fighting order. From the captain of the steamer 1 learnt that tho marine officer first advised the surrender of the vessel. The Yankees said that they had not the remotest idea wo should dare show ourselves in that part of tlio world. Received newspapers up to the Ist December. In tho evening, 2 officers, 5 eligineors, and 10 men were sent on board as a prize crew. Ilcr captain remaining on board olir vessel. Bth.—-Sttll cruising in tho same passage, on the look out for the homeward-bound steamer duo about this time. Prize being near us, 1 p.m., our chief engineer went on board to disable her machinery— orders also being sent to throw overboard her sails, so that in the event of our being engaged with any other vessel she could not escape. It was our intention to tow her into some port and land the passengers, then to destroy her, first replenishing our stock of coal, provisions, .fee. At 7.15 p.m., on account of the women and children, we determined to run for Jamaica. Accordingly the "bonnet of the steam «hest and a steam valve " wero sent on board the ' Ariel' again, with orders to get up steam and follow us as quickly as possible. Whilst doing tho above, a steamer was reported on our starboard quarter. All hands to quarter, making towards her ; nearing her it was found to fce a barque. On boarding, found her to lie a German. Secured the battery and stood for prize. 11 p.m., stood on course. 9th.—ln the evening Moi-mt light was distant about 5 miles. 7.15 a.m., slowed the engines, intending to run in on tho morrow. 8.15 p.m., a sail hove in sight. Got ready for action. Coming up with her and hoarding, we found she was a foreigner from Kingston, Jamaica, bound to Europe. Understood from her that the yellow fever had broke out, so it was determined to ransom tho ' And' and let her go. Just, however, as the order was given to go ahead, the chief engineer reported that " the brackets and guides of the safety valve" were broken. The utmost caution was observed to prevent any one on board tho ' Ariel' knowing the disaster that had befallen us. Whilst the boat was despatched to bring off the engineers (who had been on board the 'Ariel' to take charge of her engines) and tlio captain to make arrangements relative to a bond, the propeller was hoisted up and sail made upon our vessel. Shortly after she was ransomed, and the prize officers and crew returned on board. The ' Ariel' when last seen was steering S.S.W. The passengers, civil and military, highly eulogized our prize-crew for their quiet, orderly, respectful conduct. From the papers taken wc read some important news; foremost of which was, the proposal of Franco and the rejection by England of the intervention question. Its rejection we supposed arose through tho discord that was known to exist upon this question in the British cabinet. Then, again, the immense navy possessed by the United States caused us to feci considerable uneasiness for our seaboard cities. The fearful disadvantages under which we labour compared with the vast resources of tho United Stiles is in itself fearfully alarming. Our only trust is in God and our strong arms—" T)h:v. el mon droit." Soon after the departure of the ' Ariel,' we steered to tho north and east, standing off and on the island of Jamaica, eloso under the land, keeping as much as possiblo out of the track of vessels. The whole staff of engineers had, up to about midnight of the lltli, been working night and day repairing the machinery. Great indeed was our joy on its completion. Steering to the north and west, nothing to vary tho monotony of a sea life, cruising under small sail. 15th.—Noon, hauled up towards Capo St. Antonio, on tlio western extremity of the island of Cuba. 10th.—8 a.m., hove to on port tack ; wind E.X.E., quietly awaiting tho arrival of anything in the shape of a hoineward-bound California!! mail steamer, or in fact anything that might turn up in our way ; until the 19th, strong gales with heavy sea from the N.E., heading north-westerly. 21st.—A steamer descried on starboard bow, steering east, supposed to bo a French vessel of war, making for an anchorage or rendezvous. 22nd.—Moderate breeze. On account of the many dangerous reefs it was deemed advisable to lot go the kedgo anchor. A breeze springing up, wo let go the port anchor. 23rd.—About 10 a.m. hove up and got under weigh; moderate breeze. 2.30 p.m., sail discovered on port bow. It proved to bo tho ' Aggripina.' 3, land doscriod on starboard bow, our course being south-westerly. At 5.15, came to an anchor in 10 fathoms. Las Areas rocks bearing N.N.W., being about 100 miles W.N.W. of Campcche. 6.30, tho ' Aggripina' anchored near us. 24tli.—Desirous of being protected from tho strong northerly winds that blow here, an expedition, consisting of the cuttcr, gig, and whale boat, under the immediate command of Captain Semmes, sailed to discover the best anchorage. 12.30, the boats returned, having successfully accomplished tho desired object. 1.45, got under weigh, and anchored at 2.35 in 9 : |- fathoms, between the threo islands of Las Areas; tho barque following and anchoring near us, —the propeller being kept down in case of an emergency. 25th.—Christmas Day. Nothing to mark tho difference between this and any other day, save the men being exempt from work ; and in the evening all hands spliced tho niain-braco. Oh! for a good old English Christmas, with it merry associations and innocent pleasures. The three islands wero of coral formation; and with tho exception of a few gulls, no sign of life, either animal or vegetable, was seen. Employed coaling and caulking ship. Sunday, mustered as usual. 30th.—2 p.m., finished coaling. A sail discovered on starboard bow. Made her out to bo a brig beating to windward. Fresh easterly wind. Nothing unusual showed that 1802 had passed away. 1862 came in with bright, clcar weather. An omen, I trust, of our future career. May this fearful war cease, that peace and prosperity may bo seen again. Still coaling, and refitting ship generally. January 4th.—Sunday, expecting a gale from the S.E., and being in a dangerous position, it was deemed advisable to make every preparation for sea. Hands receiving coal, and supplying the barque with water. 5th.—6.30 a.m., in anticipation of news being received of Lincoln's proclamation, a tombstone, consisting of a board about four feet in length and two in breadth, was sent on shore and placed in the most prominent position the largest- island afforded. Tu

black letters, on a white ground, was the following: —" In memory of Abraham, President of the United States, who died of nigger on tlio brain, Ist January, ISG3."—" 290." Upon a piece of paper, protected from the wfeather, wits written in Spanish the following :—" Will the finder kindly favour me by forwarding this tablet to the United States' Consul at the first port ho toiiehcs at." This affair originated and was executed by the steerago officers. 10.40 aim. got under weigh, leaving the barque at anchor. 11, made sail and hoisted propeller. Fine; E.S.E. wind. Making towards Galveston, Texas. Pretty certain of falling in with something, either a merchantman or a vessel of war. lltli. —Sunday. Fine moderate breeze from the eastward. Read articles of war. Noon, 18 miles from Galveston. As I write this, some are discussing the probabilities of a fight before morning. 2.26 p.m., light breeze. Sail discovered by the look-out on lee bow. Shortly after, throe, and at last five vessels were seen, two of which were reported to be steamers. Every ono delighted at the prospect of a fight, no doubt whatever existing as to their being war vessels; blockaders wo supposed. The watch below came on deck, and of their own accord commenced preparing the guns, &c., for action. Those whoso watch it was on deck were employed in getting the propeller ready for lowering; others were bending a cable to a kedge—the engineers firing up for steam. Officers looking to their side-arms, i:c., and discussing the size of their expected adversary or adversaries. 2.30, shortened sail and tacked to the southward. 4 p.m., a steamer reported standing out from the fleet towards us. Backed main topsail and lowered propeller. 4.50, everything ready for action. Chase bearing N.N.E., distant 10 miles. Twilight set in about u.45. Took in all sail. At 6.20, beat to quarters, manned the starboard battery, and loaded with five-second shell, —turned round and stood for the steamer, having previously made her out to bo a two-maslcd side-wheel steamer, of apparently 1200 tons, though at the distance she was just before dark we could not form any correct estimate of her size, &e. At 0.30 the strange steamer hailed and asked " AVhat steamer in that ?" Wu replied, (in order to bo certain who,he was) "Her Majesty's steamer 'Petrel!'" "What steamer is that?" Two or three times we asked the question, until we heard, "JThis is file United States' steamer not hearing the name. However, United States was sufficient. As no doubts existed as to her character, we said, at 6.35 that this was the " Confederate States' steamer 'Alabama,'" accompanying the last syllable of our name with a shell fired over him. The signal being given, the other guns took up the refrain, and a tremendous volley from our whole broadside given to him, ever)- shell striking his side, the shot striking being distinfctly heard on board our vesselj and thus foUnd that she was iron. The enemy replied, and the action became general. A most sharp-spirited firing was kept up on both sides, our fellows peppering away as though the action depended upon eaoh individual. And so it did. Pistols and rifles wore continually pouring from our quarter deck messengers most deadly, tho distance during the hotest of the fight not being more fhan 40 yards. It was a grand though fearful sight to see the guns belching forth in the darkness of the night sheets of living flame, the deadly missiles striking the enemy with a force that, we co\dd feel. Then, when the shells struck her side, especially the percussion ones, her whole side was lit up, and showing rents of five or six feet in length. Ono shot had just struck our smokestack, and wounding one man in the cheek, when the enemy ceased his firing, and fired a lee gun; then a second, and a third. The order was then given to " cease firing." This was at G. 52. A tremendous cheering commenced, and it was not until everybody had cleared his throat to his own satisfaction that silence could be obtained. We then hailed her, and in reply ho stated that he had surrendered, was on fire, and also that ho was in a sinking condition. He then sent a boat on board, and surrendered the U. S. gunboat 'llatteras,' 0 guns, Lieut. Commander Blake, 140 men. Boats were immediately lowered and sent to her assistance when an alarm was given that another steamer was bearing down for us. The boats were recalled and hoisted up, when it was found to bo a false alarm. The order was then given, and the boatswain and his mates piped " all bunds out boats to save life," and soon the prisoners were transferred fo our sliip,—the officers under guard on the quarter-deck, and the men in single irons. The boats were then hoisted up, the battery run in and secured, and the main bractNjpliced. All hands piped down ; the enemy's vessel sunk, and wo steaming quietly away by 8.30; all having been done in less than two hours. In fact, had it not be.en for our having the prisoners on board, we would have sworn nothing unusual had taken place, the watch below quietly sleeping in their hammocks. The conduct of' our men was truly commendable. No flurry ; no noise,—all calm and determined. The coolness displayed by them could not be surpassed by any old veterans, —our chief boatswain's male, apparently in his glory. "Sponge"—"Load with cartridge"—" Shell, five seconds " —"Run out" - —" Well, down compressors " —'' Left, traverse." "Well, ready, fire." "That's into you." "Damn you, that kills your pig." " That stops your wind," &e., was uttered as each shot was heard to strike with a crash that nearly deafened you ; the other boatswain's mate equally enjoying the affair. As he got his gun to bear upon the enemy, he would take aim, and bang-in would plug her, he exclaiming as cash shot told —" That's from the scum of England." "That's a British pill for you to swallow." The New York papers having once stated that our men were the " scum of England." All the other guns were served with equal precision. We were struck seven times, only one man being hurt during the engagement, and he receiving only a Blight flesh wound in the check. One shot struck under the counter, penetrating as far as a timber, then glancing off; a second struck the funnel; a third going through the side, across the berth deck and into the opposite side ; another raising the deuce in the lamp room ; the. others lodging in the coal-bunkers. Taking a shell up and examining it, we found it filled with sand instead of powder. The enemy's fire was directed chiefly towards our stern, the shots flying pretty thick over the quarter deck, near to where the captain was standing. As they eauio whizzing over him, he with his usual coohicss would exclaim —" Give it to the rascals." " Aim low, men ; don't, be all night, sinking that fellow ;" when for all or anything we knew she might have been an iron-clad or a ram. On Commander Blake surrendering his sliord, he said that "it was with deep regret he did it." Captain Seiumes smacked his lips, and invited him down in his cabin. On Blake giving his rank to Captain Scmmes, he gavo up his state-room for Blake's special use, the rest of the officers being accommodated according to their rank, in the wardroom and steerage—all having previously been paroled, the crew being placed on the berth deck; our meu sleeping anywhere, so that tho prisoners might take their places. Of the enemy's loss we could obtain no correct accounts. A difference of 17 being in their number of killed, the ' Hattcra b ' having on board men 6hc was going to transfer to other ships. Their acknowledged loss was two killed and seven wounded. A boat had been lowered ju6t before the action to board us, as we anticipated and learnt afterwards ; it pulled in for the fleet and reached Galveston. From conversation with the first lieut. I learnt that as soon as we gave our name and our first broadside, the whole after division on board her left the guns, apparently paralized ; it was some time before they recovered themselves. The conduct of one of her officers was cowardly and disgraceful in the extreme. Some of our shells went completely through her before exploding ; others burst inside, and set her on fire in three places ; one went throught her engines, completely disabling her ; another exploding in her steam chest, scalding all within reach. Thus was fought, 28 miles from Galveston, a battle, though small, yet the first yard-arm action between two steamers at sea. She was only inferior in weight of metal, her guns being 9 in number, viz.: -1 thirty-two pounders, 2 rilled thirty pounders earning 68 lb. shot (conical), 1 rifled twenty pounder, and a couple of small twelvo pounders. On account of the conflicting statements made by her officers we could never arrive at a correct estimate of her crew. Our prisoners numbered 17 officers and 101 seamen. We further learnt that the ' Hattcras' was one of seven vessels sent to re-capture Galveston, —it- being (although unknown to us) in tho possession of our troops. We also found that tho flagship ' Blooklyn,' 22 guns, and the 'Oneida,' 9 guns, sailed in search of us ; by their account of the course they steered they could not. fail to have seen us. ' !To br mntlnwrfl.i