Beaufort, who accompanied the expedition, estab- and Coosahatchie yesterday. They were gal lished a hospital almost under fire, by the roadside, beneath the shade of the stately pine woods, with Surgeons Merritt, of the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania, and McClellan, of the Sixth Connecticut, and these gentlemen soon had their energies taxed to the uttermost. It was a spectacle to make one shudder as the poor fellows, wounded and dying, were emptied from the ambulances upon the green sward. A striking instance of heroism came under my observation. During the thickest of the fight, Artificer Zincks, of Henry's battery, seized a shell which had fallen into our ammunition-box and threw it into a ditch, where it exploded, seriously wounding him. Had it not been for his bravery and presence of mind, the most serious consequences might have ensued. Lieut. Henry's horse was shot under him, and the shell that killed the animal also killed one man and wounded five others. It is a singular fact that Lieut. Gettings, of the Third United States artillery, whose section also did good service in the fight, also lost one man killed and five wounded by the explosion of a single shell. Lieut. Gettings himself was wounded in the ankle. Three howitzers from the Wabash, under command of Lieut. Phoenix and Ensigns Wallace and Larned, accompanied the land forces, and won a great deal of praise for gallantry and effective firing. Young Wallace was sent by Gen. Terry to cover the retreat from Pocotaligo bridge, which he handsomely accomplished. He had delivered two rounds of grape into the enemy's ranks, when a shower of rifle-balls were sent against him, wounding three of his men and perforating his own clothes. The heroic young fellow was then ordered to retire, which he reluctantly did, after vainly asking permission to fire another round. The rebels left fifteen or twenty of their dead on the field, and the inference is that their loss must have been severe, or they would have had time to remove all in their successive retreats. Two caissons filled with ammunition were captured from the enemy during the second battle. Our own supply of ammunition at this time having been well-nigh exhausted, this proved very opportune. Although the main object of the expedition failed of success, yet the benefits conferred were not of trifling value. We have made a thorough reconnoissance of the heretofore unknown Broad River and its tributaries, and ascertained the character of the country, which is knowledge of immense importance, in view of future movements in that direction. We have also demonstrated the necessity of heavy reënforcements if the Government desire Gen. Mitchel to strike heavily in his department. REBEL REPORTS AND NARRATIVES. CHARLESTON, S. C., Oct. 23. The abolitionists attacked in force Pocotaligo lantly repulsed to their gunboats at Mackay's RICHMOND "DISPATCH" ACCOUNT. RICHMOND, October 31, 1862. In the fight at Pocotaligo, it appears that the enemy's force consisted of detachments of eight regiments from Pennsylvania, New-Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Each detachment numbered four hundred men, so that the attacking force of infantry consisted of about three thousand two hundred men, beside which there was a full battery of field-pieces and two boathowitzers. These troops were commanded by Brig.-Gen. Terry. Having effected their landing at an early hour and driven in our pickets, the Yankees advanced rapidly toward the railroad. The Charleston Mercury says: They first encountered our forces about eleven o'clock A.M., and the fighting was kept up with more or less spirit from that time until five o'clock P.M., when the enemy began to waver, and finally fell back in disorder, leaving his dead upon the field. The action is described by an eye-witness to have been a second Secessionville affair, in the disparity of the forces engaged, in the stubborn character of the contest, and in the completeness of the repulse. Capt. Elliott's battery and the Virginia battery are said to have covered themselves with glory. A later report, though not official, places the number of our casualties at twenty killed and sixty wounded. The heaviest loss was suffered by the Virginia artillery, Captain J. N. Lamkin, a gallant corps, which has served on our coast ever since the fall of Port Royal. They had four killed and sixteen wounded, most of the latter slightly. The following are the names of the killed: C. Peters, J. F. Flucher, W. A. Thacker, T. J. Allen. Lieut. Massle was wounded in the head and arm slightly. The battery went into action with thirty-five men. A large number of its horses were killed. The Old Dominion boys also lost a caisson, owing to the horses having taken fright, but captured one from the enemy, which made things even. The enemy burned the caisson which they took. The Charleston Courier adds the following to this account: The Forty-sixth Georgia and a detachment of cavalry, under the command of Colonel Colquitt, were ordered down Thursday morning to follow up the enemy, a courier having arrived, stating that the enemy was in force at Mackay's Point. The Georgians on the road gathered up quite large stock of overcoats and other articles found along the road. Two new-made graves were also discovered. The enemy's dead lie scattered along the route down to the point of landing. During the whole engagement they were carrying their wounded and dying to the rear. One man who saw them on their retreat states that he met a continued stream of ambulances going and coming from their boats. On their advance they had killed some sheep, but in the hasty retreat were obliged to leave their plunder. Our troops buried forty of the enemy's dead. The force that first met the enemy consisted of the Rutledge mounted riflemen, Capt. Trenholm; Charleston light dragoons, Capt. Rutledge; Beaufort volunteer artillery, Capt. William Elliott, and an infantry company, who stubbornly and successfully contested the enemy's advance until the arrival of reenforcements. The others afterward engaged were Nelson's Virginia battery, Morgan's squadron of cavalry, Major Abney's First battalion of sharp-shooters, consisting of Capt. Chisholm's company, Capt. Allston's company, and Captain Buist's company. Doc. 14. THE "SCOTIA" AND THE "ANGLIA." REAR-ADMIRAL DU PONT'S REPORT. FLAG-SHIP WABASH, PORT ROYAL HARBOR, S. C., October 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to the department the capture, on the twenty-fourth instant, of the British steamer Scotia, by the United States bark Restless, acting volunteer Lieut. E. Conroy commanding, off Bull's Bay. The steamer was discovered at daylight standing toward Bull's Island. Acting volunteer Lieutenant Conroy immediately got under weigh with his vessel, and at the same time sent two armed boats to the leeward of the steamer, which forced her to run ashore. He then ran in with the Restless to cut her off and keep her from running out should she get off before the boats could reach her. When the boats got alongside it was discovered that the captain, an old offender, named Libby, with a gentleman and a lady, (passengers,) had left the steamer in an open boat; the crew were in a state of intoxication, so that they became almost unmanageable, and Lieut. Conroy ordered them to be transferred on board the Restless, and put in irons. Lieut. Conroy did not succeed in getting her off until the morning of the twenty-sixth, during which time he was compelled to anchor with the Restless within gunshot of the prize, to protect her, and at low-tide his own vessel touched bottom several times, but without sustaining any any material injury. He reports the loss, by drowning, of John Martin, (seaman,) of the Restless, and a fireman of the Scotia, in consequence of the swamping of a boat in trying to get out a hawser. In getting off the Scotia, and afterward in bringing her to Port Royal, the engineers of that vessel rendered every assistance in their power, for which Lieut. Conroy promised that they should receive compensation. I have further the honor to report the capture at Bull's Bay, on the twenty-seventh, of the British steamer Anglia, by the boats of the United States steamer Flag. The Restless, then under the command of Acting Master Griswold, (Lieut. Conroy being temporarily under command of the Scotia,) had discovered the steamer entering Bull's Bay the evening before, but she having passed so far to the windward of her, the Restless could not prevent her getting in, and having only one small boat belonging to the ship, Acting Master Griswold did not think it prudent send her in pursuit, but he got the Restless in a position to command the channel, for the purpose of preventing the escape of the steamer. On the next day the Flag, Lieutenant Conroy on board, on his way to join his vessel, arrived at the anchorage of the Restless, and on receiving the above information, Commodore Strong, under the pilotage of Lieut. Conroy, ran the Flag close to the bar, which his vessel could not cross, and despatched four armed gunboats, under Lieuts. Carpenter and Conroy, inside of Bull's Island. The steamer was discovered on shore near Jack Creek, about four miles from the entrance of Bull's Bay, but was soon safely got off-all of her officers and crew being on board, except the pilot and six men, who had gone to Charleston the evening previous. The crew rendered every assistance in getting her off. Lieut. Conroy then piloted the Anglia out of Bull's Bay and over the bar. The Anglia, when captured, was almost out of coal, and was sent by Capt. Godon, senior officer off Charleston harbor, to be supplied. She is the same vessel which attempted on the night of the nineteenth of September last, to enter Charleston harbor by Sanford's channel, but was headed off, though she succeeded in escaping in the darkness. I shall despatch both these steamers North as soon as possible. Before closing this despatch, I cannot forbear calling the attention of the department to the energy and activity displayed by Acting Lieut. Conroy, of the Restless. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LIEUTENANT COMMANDING CONROY'S REPORT. ON BOARD BARK RESTLESS, OFF BULL'S BAY, NEAR CHARLESTON, October 29, 1862. On Friday morning last, at daylight, a steamer was discovered trying to get in this- Bull's Bay channel. I got the ship under way, and sent two armed boats, and with the bark cut her off. The captain of the steamer, finding himself intercepted, preferred running his vessel on shore to being sunk by my guns. We captured her at seven o'clock in the morning. She proved to be the famous steamship Scotia, which has run the blockade many times. We had very hard work getting her off. We were obliged to throw over board almost all her coals and every thing heavy, even her machinery, that could be spared. On Sunday morning she was sufficiently lightened to be taken off the coast. She was immediately sent, with an officer and a prize crew, to Port Royal. On my return on Sunday to my ship on board the steamer Flag, (the Restless had been lying off the Bay, where the Scotia was captured,) I found that another steamer had run in on the day we had left, and that she also was in a trap. I manned two boats from my own vessel (the Restless) and two from the Flag, and in command of the first division of the boats we went in and "cut her out" also. At half-past six P.M. we captured her. Steam was up and she was ready to start for Charleston as soon as the night came on. We brought her out and anchored her under the guns of the Restless and the Flag. She proved to be the English steamer Anglia, with a very valuable cargo. This, with the cargo of the Scotia, will be worth half a million of dollars. Both steamers are very fine vessels. The cargoes consists of Sharpe's rifles, powder, teas, coffees, brandy, boots and shoes, linen goods, and drugs. I am much elated at my success in depriving the rebels of supplies which were so important to them, and this thought gives me much greater satisfaction than any pecuniary interest I may have in the captured vessels. EDWARD CONROY, Lieutenant Commanding United States Sailing Bark Restless. Doc. 15. field, staff and line-officers were in their respective proper positions; Colonel C. C. Dodge, Lieut.Colonel B. F. Onderdonk, Majors Wheelan and Schiefflin, Surgeon Bennett, Assistant Surgeon Wright, Adjutant M. A. Downing; Captains Terwilliger, Poor, Gregory, Sanger, Masston, Ellis, and Dean; Lieutenants Harman, Penny, Freeborn, Adams, Disosway, Varick, Simmonds, Wheelan, Warren, Ball, Wright, Ergelke and Cronin. Upon passing their camp the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry, under Colonel Spear, fell into column, having two howitzers along. Our own howitzer battery, under Lieutenant Thomas Fairgraves, formerly Adjutant of the First Fire Zouaves, also was in position in our own regiment. As we moved on we discovered infantry regiments in motion, and soon learned that the cavalry force under command of Colonel Dodge was to be supported by a full infantry brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Ferry, com manding the reconnoissance, and two regiments of Acting Brigadier-General Foster's brigade; also, a Captain Howard's battery of United States artillery, acting Brigadier-General Foster, second in command of the expedition. The column now moved steadily on, the NewYork Mounted Rifles leading, taking the most direct road for Windsor, on the Norfolk and Petersburgh Railroad, which place we passed at or about ten or eleven o'clock at night, securing guides as we passed on. Col. Dodge moved rapidly forward until within four miles and a half of Blackwater bridge, or rather where Blackwater bridge stood when the rebels fled from Norfolk before our victorious forces. When at this distance from the point where we were assured of meeting resistance to our crossing, Colonel Dodge halted to wait for the infantry, and to give his men and horses time to SKIRMISH AT BLACKWATER RIVER, VA. feed and rest preparatory for action. The night BALTIMORE AMERICAN" ACCOUNT. IN HEADQUARTERS FIRST MOUNTED RIFLES, THE regiment returned at a quarter after four P.M. from the reconnoissance upon which it started at four P.M. on the twenty-fourth instant. The following will be a concise and veritable report of all that has been important in the movements of the regiment during its absence, particularly the occurrences which passed under the direct observation of the writer of this journal. At five P.M. on Friday afternoon, eight squadrons responded to the call to "boots and saddles," the other squadrons being unavoidably absent on guard and picket-duty. The rumor having been spread that a fight was surely expected, men and officers who were really ill were seen to rise and hastily prepare to move, determined to share in the perils and honors which they fondly hoped were before them. Such was particularly the case with Major Wheelan, who had been severely indisposed for several days, but who now, against medical advice, was seen upon his horse, willing and ready for any duty which his physical strength would enable him Upon moving had been dark, and a film of clouds drawn over the faces of the stars betokened an approaching storm. The column waited impatiently for daylight and the order to advance, the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry being immediately in our rear. As soon as it was light enough to discover objects ahead distinctly, Lieutenant-Colonel Onderdonk was sent forward at a gallop with a strong detachment under Captain Sanger and Lieut. Wheelan to feel the enemy, and discover, if possible, his position and strength; also one company of the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry accompanied them. A rapid ride of twenty minutes brought our extreme advance in sight of the enemy's pickets, who fired and instantly retired beyond the river. Lieutenant-Colonel Onderdonk, now in a cool and soldierly manner, proceeded to take measures to learn the enemy's position and forces as nearly as possible, a most difficult matter, as the opposite bank of the Blackwater River, where the enemy held position, was densely wooded. He sent a messenger back to report that we had found the enemy, deployed flankers and placed advance. guards, and ordered a private from squadron A, to advance and reconnoitre the position of the enemy. It was done, and the enemy found to be possible they were brought into play, while an advance of skirmishers of the Thirty-ninth Illinois regiment was gallantly made to the bank of the river. The enemy could not stand the rain of shot and shell which now fell among them, and fled, bearing back their dead and wounded to light carts in the rear, and mounting their fresh horses. The river was reported by our guides not to be fordable, the banks were precipitous and steep, and intrenched in a force of from twenty-five to thirty in a rifle-pit, behind the abutments of the burned bridge on the opposite shore. Others were seen lurking in the dense forest in the rear of the breastworks. Having drawn the fire of the riflemen in their intrenchments, the pilot of troop A returned and reported the position of the enemy to Colonel Onderdonk, who immediately ordered an advance of sharp-shooters, which was made by Captain Sanger and Lieutenant Wheelan with great gallantry. Under the personal super-but one spot where a crossing was possible could vision of Lieut.-Colonel Onderdonk, our forces ad- be seen, and that directly in front of these desertvanced under such cover as they could get, poor ed intrenchments. at that; for on our side an open field, with a tree here and there, and two or three dilapidated houses, gave little chance for cover. When within twenty yards of the enemy our troops opened fire with their Sharpe's rifles, the enemy pouring upon us a galling fire from their intrenchments and opposite woods. For ten or fifteen minutes a most rapid fire was kept up on both sides, several of the enemy being seen to fall, having incautiously exposed too much of their carcasses to the aim of our practised rifle men. Col. Dodge rode up to the head of squadron C, now in advance, and asked for volunteers to cross the river and test the possibility of its passage. In an instant every officer and man moved forward in response. Col. Dodge selected the first three in front, who were Sergeant James M. Eaton, Corporal J. H. Cintler, and private Vanduser, and ordered them to cross. Nobly and gallantly they spurred their horses in the dark and treacherouslooking water, and among logs and old tree-tops, swimming in some places, they plunged through and gained the opposite bank while the shells from Captain Howard's battery were crashing through the trees, tearing away limbs and trunks but a few feet from them. In about twenty minutes from the commencement of the action Lieut. Wheelan, who was in the extreme advance of his men, encouraging them by his words and deeds, received his death- Finding it possible to cross, Col. Dodge requestwounds from the enemy, who had evidently mark-ed Capt. Howard to cease firing, and Lieut. Hared him by his uniform, as they had LieutenantColonel Onderdonk, who narrowly escaped death from a volley fired a few moments previous di rectly at him. Though struck in four places at the same instant, the brave Lieutenant pushed in front, but Capt. Sanger and Sergeant Major Fairgraves, aided by two privates of company F, whose names I have not yet learned, gallantly rushed in under fire and bore the brave officer to the rear, being covered as much as possible by the fire of our riflemen, who gave the enemy no rest. man, Acting Quartermaster, bravely led a volunteer platoon of company C across, and dashing forward formed an advanced-guard to keep in check any force that might attempt to prevent the crossing of our howitzers and ammunition. He was followed as rapidly as possible by the entire regiment, Col. Dodge and Lieut.-Col. Onderdonk, with Majors Wheelan and Schiefflin crossing also in front. In a very short space of time the force had crossed, and as soon as possible was formed and in pursuit of the enemy. The latter had the advantage of fresh horses and a thorough knowledge of the country, and made such good use of both, that though repeatedly in sight, it was impossible to come up with them. After the Lieutenant had been moved out of range, Lieut.-Col. Onderdonk ordered the men who had held the advance to fall back a couple of hundred yards to await the reënforcements for which Lieut. Harman, with his usual gallantry, purhe had sent, the advance having nearly exhaust- sued this force with only a platoon for over five ed the ammunition in their cartridge-boxes. He miles beyond the river on one road. A portion, threw out flankers and guards at every point evidently a large body by their tracks, having which the enemy could assail; he sent Sergeant taken a road to the right of that taken by Lieut. Kavanagh, with four picked men, to a point where Harman, Col. Dodge led the pursuing column in he could enfilade the river, which the enemy were that direction. Within two miles of the river he preparing to cross in boats which they had drawn came to an unfordable creek, with swampy ground up at the base of their breastwork. Sergeant on both banks, crossed by a bridge which the flyKavanagh gallantly opened fire on the enemy,ing enemy had just rendered impassable by castthus attracting their attention to his point, while our advance-guard on the right occasionally sent in a shot, to show them that we were still on the ground. Colonel Dodge now came on the ground at full speed, closely followed by Capt. Howard and his battery. A section of the battery was immediately placed in position on the left, under command of Lieut. Bucher, and another on our right, under command of Lieut. Hasbrouk. As soon as ing the planks into the water, carrying forward a part of them to prevent our repairing it. This caused a delay which undoubtedly prevented our capturing a portion of them, for their carts had evidently just crossed there. By tearing down the railings of the bridge the footing was made sufficiently strong to enable the force to cross, but the enemy had gained their point, and were now temporarily beyond our reach. Learning from a negro that at Joiner's Ford, Doc. 16. BATTLE AT LABADIEVILLE, LA. OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL BUTLER. Major-General H. W. Halleck, Commander-in- on the Blackwater, a short distance below Zuni, a picket-guard of rebels was stationed, by order of Col. Dodge, Major Wheelan dashed forward to that point and succeeded in surprising the party, capturing five of the partisan rangers from Georgia, under arins, and dispersing the rest, who escaped in the dense forest, where it was impossible to find them. Having positive written orders only to remain one hour over the river, and having I HAVE the honor to recount a very successful been unavoidably detained over three hours be-expedition, under Gen. Weitzel, of the preparayond the time specified, and the object of the re- tion for the march of which I have previously inconnoissance having been fully accomplished, Col. formed the Commanding General. Dodge reluctantly gave the order to recross the river at Joiner's Ford, moving over just before dark to a position a mile or two beyond, where men and horses were allowed a few hours' rest, which they much needed. Our surgeons, Bennett and Wright, were exceedingly attentive to their duties, and were accompanied by the gallant and accomplished first assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Twelfth New-York regiment of infantry, Dr. Boyd, of Chautauque County, a volunteer on the expedition, whose zeal and enthusiasm cannot be too highly commended. I should have mentioned before that Adjutant Downing crossed with the Colonel, and used great exertions in hurrying across the howitzers, both officers, with Lieut. Fairgraves, personally tugging at the ropes to drag them through the water and mire, thus by example encouraging the men to greater efforts. It is impossible in this report to speak particularly of all who exhibited the qualities of true soldiers on this occasion. It is sufficient to say, not an officer or man faltered or blanched under fire, and that Colonel Dodge received convincing proof that his regiment is fit for service on any field, and will fall to a man before they will turn from the flag and cause which they have pledged themselves to uphold. General Weitzel landed at Donaldsonville, and took up his line of march on Sunday, the twentysixth of October. About nine (9) miles beyond Donaldsonville he met the enemy in force; a sharp engagement ensued, in which he lost eighteen (18) killed and sixty-eight (68) wounded. Full lists of the casualties have been received and published. The commanding officer of the enemy, Colonel McPheeters, was killed, and the enemy lost quite a large number in killed and wounded. Two hundred and sixty-eight prisoners were captured, and also one piece of artillery. Since then he has met with no opposition, and the whole of that country is now open to him. The enemy has evacuated Brashear City, having by means of the railroad got away before our gunboats could cut off their retreat, the naval force having been delayed by a very severe storm. I send you Gen. Weitzel's report, received today, and will forward by the next mail my letter of instruction to Gen. Weitzel in answer to his despatches herewith sent. I am just informed that our railroad communications with General Weitzel are opened, and his messenger has just come in, bringing a despatch while I write, which I inclose. I cannot too much commend the energy of Col Thomas, with his regiment, the Eighth Vermont, The Colonel was gallantly seconded by staff who have in six days opened fifty-two miles of and field-officers, Adjutant Downing tiring down railroad, built nine culverts, rebuilt a bridge horse after horse in his arduous duty. The non-burned by the enemy, four hundred and thirtycommissioned staff, encouraged by the example of their superiors, did all that gallant men could do to fulfil their duty. I noticed great gallantry displayed by Lieut. Snowden, of Pittsburgh, Pa., in command of infantry skirmishers who advanced to cover the gallant Capt. Howard while placing his battery in position. Orderly Sergeant Burton, of troop F, displayed great bravery under fire also. Our return to camp was cheerful, though made in a drenching storm, but officers and men were saddened down when they learned that Lieutenant Wheelan, who had been sent back in an ambulance, had died of his wounds at noon of this day. We all mourn for his loss, but are resolved that the enemy shall be made to feel it as deeply as ourselves when we strike them again. five (435) feet long, beside pulling up the rank grass from the track, which entirely impeded the locomotive all the way; in this work they were assisted by Col. Stafford's regiment, native guard, colored. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, REPORT OF GENERAL WEITZEL. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRIGADE, BAYOU LAFOURCHE NEAR THIBODEAUX, LA., October 29, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that this morning at six o'clock I despatched Col. Birge, in command of his regiment, (the Thirteenth Connecticut,) Barnet's cavalry, and one section of Carruth's battery, down the Bayou Lafourche, to open communication with the city. I have just received a despatch from him from Raceland Station, in which he says that he has communicated with Col. Thomas, who is one mile and a half |