Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

June 12, 1861

Page 3

FIGHTING AT AQUIA CREEK

Washington, June 1—The steamers Freeborn and Anacostia are engaging the battery at Aquia Creek. Two war vessels have been ordered to their support. After firing some ten or twelve shots, the steamer withdrew. None of the Confederate forces were hurt. On Friday the fight was renewed. The Fredericksburg News in a postscript dated at half-past six P. M. of Friday, says:

Four vessels appeared off Aquia Creek this morning at 10 o’clock—two steamers, a tug, and a schooner—and opened fire upon our battery, which continued until 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 hill tops. No attempt was made 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 3 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.