June 25, 1861
Page 1
CAMP JACKSON, PIG’S POINT
Wednesday, June 19, 1861
The news received here concerning the evacuation of Harper’s Ferry, has caused a general depression; but with implicit confidence in the ability of our Generals, we are willing to trust our destinies in their hands. This movement is not understood, but many conjectures are offered for explanation.
The Rip Raps, you remember, is situated nearly at an angle with Sewall’s Point battery and Old Point—to the right of the former and opposite the latter. Unexpectedly this old pile of fortifications is occupied by Federal troops, with several pieces of cannon—one a rifle piece, which threw yesterday, shell towards the camps of our troops stationed at Sewall’s Battery. I saw a sugar loaf shaped concern, about eight inches long (weighing thirty odd pounds, I suppose,) which did not explode. It is a dangerous looking missile. I saw another small piece of shell not larger than my hand. Capt. Dayal, of the Georgia Battallion, who is stationed at Sewall’s Point, informed me that nobody was hurt, and that little harm could be done at the distance of four or five miles. Our boys, in the meantime, will stand firm by their battery.
An amusing chase took place between one of our tug boats and old Abe’s steamer Catiline, on Sunday, near Newport News, the latter flying at full speed and the Confederate steamer Empire close behind her. The Catiline received one or two shots, and would have been captured by the daring conduct of Capt. Parrish, had not the guns of the Cumberland been brought to bear upon her.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]