A correspondent of the Richmond Whig says that on Wednesday evening last, about sunset, a war steamer—supposed to be the Pawnee—opened fire on the batteries at Acquia Creek, on the Potomac river, which compliment was returned by our batteries.
The firing was continued by the Pawnee until fifteen shot, shell and grape and cannister discharges had been made. On our part, twelve shot—solid and shell—paid their respects to the Pawnee. The steamer was about two miles out, so that the effect could not be told, but it was believed that several struck, particularly the twelfth, which was a shell, and it is thought fell on the deck—after which she quickly moved off. The Richmond Examiner says that our battery fired two solid shots (64 pounders) and ten shells. The shots took effect in the foremost steamer’s hull, and a shell burst upon her deck. The gun on our battery was under the direction of one of the best gunners in the world, Mr. Cunningham, formerly of the Washington Navy Yard. A gentleman from the Maryland side, after the shell exploded, saw, with a glass, the crew pick up from the deck of the steamer some twenty-five or thirty dead or wounded persons. Only one of our soldiers was wounded—a gentleman (McDougall) from Fredericksburg-which was a slight wound on the arm, caused by one of their shells exploding. The steamers fired 12 or 14 shells at the battery. One of the steamers was supposed to be the Pawnee. Only one of our guns was used.
The Richmond Blues, who were some four miles off, hearing the firing, were marched, under Capt. Wise, to the Creek in 25 minutes. Company F, from Richmond city, being only about a mile off, were soon on the ground. A courier was sent down to Fredericksburg, when the Second Tennessee Regiment and several other companies, in all, some 1,500 men, went up to Acquia Creek. The steamers went off, and have not since been heard from. It is supposed these steamers were sent up to try the power of our battery. The steamers were two or three miles off when the firing took place.
On Friday, the 31st ult., the firing was renewed. The Fredericksburg News of Friday last says:
“Four vessels appeared off Acquia Creek this morning at 10 o’clock—2 steamers, a Tug and a Schooner—and opened fire upon our Battery which continued till 1 P.M.
When the troops from here arrived it was all over. We learn from Edward White, Esq., private in the Artillery, who has just returned on a hand car, that none of our men are hurt, the officers’ quarters were injured by a shell, the enemy fired wild, big shot, but often over the hilltops, no attempt to land.
Walker’s Battery fired on them from the Tump, the elevation below, and killed some with shell, as was distinctly seen with a glass. Walker fired 12 shots in two minutes with three of his guns and 150 times in all. A Marylander came over and says they brought some ashore to bury.
At 1 o’clock they withdrew, hauled off, had enough—but still in sight. Our men are still there.”
A correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch gives the following account of the renewal of the firing on Saturday:
To-day (Saturday) about 11 o’clock, the “Anacosta,” a large three-masted steam propeller, supposed to be the Pawnee, and four other vessels, came in sight, three of the steamers opening on our battery. The fight was continued for six hours, the vessels firing 599 shot at us without doing the slightest injury, notwithstanding the fact that the shell fell thick as hail around our battery, and one of them passed through a port hole and exploded in our midst. Our battery fired 100 shots, many of which took effect on the vessels, one of them carrying away the flag of the Anacosta, and another cutting down the mast of the large propeller. The last shot fired was from one of Walker’s rifle pieces, which ricochetted and struck the large steamer just above the water line, immediately after which the fleet got underway and moved off, probably to repair damages.
During the fight our men were as cool as icebergs, every one exhibiting a bravery and determination that would have done credit to veteran soldiers.
During the fight none of our men were killed, only one of them slightly injured—not enough to prevent his taking part in the fight. — Should the enemy attempt to effect a landing at the Creek hereafter, you will then learn with certainty that SOMEBODY HAS BEEN HURT.
Staunton Spectator, Stauton, VA