Mobile Register

July 3, 1861

Page 2

 

Later from Washington

            The Washington Star of Wednesday evening puts down the total number of troops which have arrived there at 48,845, exclusive of recruits, numbering about 2,000, and several independent companies, so that the aggregate is over 50,000, without counting regulars, marines and District of Columbia troops, the latter about 4,000 strong.  If this is true, the total aggregate of troops already on that line amounts to between fifty-six and fifty-seven thousand.

AN ENGAGEMENT AT MATHIAS’ POINT

The Star has the following letter:

U.S. SHIP PAWNEE, POTOMAC RIVER

June 25, 1861

            This ship, commanded by Commander Rowan, accompanied by the tender, James Guy, left Acquia Creek this morning for Mathias’ Point, carrying Capt. Woodbury, U. S. Engineers, and Capt. Palmer, U. S. Topographical Engineers, to make a reconnaissance there, to learn whether batteries were or were not being erected there.

            At 5 A. M. Capt. Rowan sent an expedition of 40 men, sailors and marines, ashore in two boats, in charge of Lieut. Chapin and Master Blue, all under Capt. Woodbury’s command.  As the steamer approached the enemy showed themselves in considerable numbers, but they scampered over the hills when the ship directed a few shells against them, and they were kept in check by an occasional shell while the expedition was ashore, enabling it to complete its work unmolested.  Its sailors captured two horses, saddled and bridled, compelling the riders to seek safety in flight.  One of our men received a slight wound in the wrist from a revolver shot.

            During the reconnaissance the Pawnee threw thirty shell, which kept the enemy in check, though their reported force there is six hundred men, one hundred or more mounted.  The party that landed saw the enemy’s camp from Grimes’ house on the hill; and having on their own return to the Pawnee pointed out its direction, Com. Rowan put the ship in a proper position within the shoal, and shelled it, completely dispersing the camp, and setting fire to something behind the hill.  A negro man came off to the ship and gave information that two hundred of the enemy are kept constantly on the beach, and the remainder in the camp.