February 2, 1863, The New York Herald
The Navy Department received a despatch last night announcing that the Union gunboat Isaac P. Smith – one of the recent government purchases – went ashore in Stono river on Saturday, and was captured by the enemy. She was commanded by Lieutenant Connover. The Richmond Examiner of that date gives a different version of the disaster. It represents that the gunboat, with a crew of two hundred and thirty men, surrendered unconditionally after a sharp engagement, and with heavy loss on our side. This story comes to Richmond from Charleston. It is said that another Union gunboat was engaged, and in a crippled condition. The Navy Department had no details of the affair up to this morning, except those contained in the brief despatch referred to. We give today a map of the locality where the disaster occurred.
An important rumor was prevalent in Havana when the Columbia left there on the 28th that the rebel steamer Florida had been destroyed. The facts of the case appear to be thus: – On Tuesday, January 27, it was reported in Havana that heavy firing had been heard at Matanzas and Cardenas, as if coming from vessels of war engaged in a serious contest at sea. It was also stated that the Florida or some other rebel vessel had been chased by several Union gunboats; but with what result had not been learned. It was then believed at Matanzas that the firing and chasing were connected with the same vessel. This rumor was strengthened by the arrival of the Creole, from New York, on the following day, which reported that she had been spoken by the Union gunboat Cayuga, which vessel reported that she had observed a steamer on fire, supposed to be the Florida, and that three other vessels were firing into her with great rapidity. The locality of this engagement was not definitely stared; but that it was in the vicinity of the Cayes, off Cardenas and Matanzas.
The excitement in Havana was very great on the receipt of this news. Our correspondent there gives us some interesting news from that city, and details the particulars of the firing of a Spanish war steamer into a federal vessel.
Latest news from Fortress Monroe brings no further reports of the late action between Generals Corcoran and Pryor on the Blackwater. The fighting was not continued.
A reconnoissance of the First Mounted New York Rifles went to Zuni, in the direction of the Isle of Wight, yesterday, to within half a mile of the Blackwater bridge, but could not find the enemy anywhere in that neighborhood.
The news from the Army of the Potomac is without interest. General Hooker had returned to his command. There were indications yesterday of another storm, which might delay further military movements.
Another attempt to get possession of Vicksburg may be heard of at any moment. General Grant will take command in person, with the great bulk of his fine army of West Tennessee. The squadron of Commodore Porter will also be strengthened by the addition of new iron-clad gunboats, some of which are already completed.
Our news from Tennessee is important. The rebel General Forrest, with a thousand cavalry, was watching the Union fleet on the Cumberland river which left Franklin for Nashville on Friday night. He was determined to spare no efforts to capture the boats if possible.
Despatches from Murfreesboro recite the story of a brilliant little action near Woodbury, by Gen. Palmer division, on Sunday last, in which he captured one hundred rebels and killed their commander and thirty-four others. The rebels are again intrenching themselves at Grenada, and repairing the railroad between Holly Springs and Tallahatchie.
A successful raid was made by our troops in Missouri, under Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, in which they took the rebel steamer Julia Roan, with two hundred of the enemy on board, near Van Buren.
The intelligence which we publish today from New Orleans and Baton Rouge will be read with very great interest. The letters of our correspondents are ably written, and give the most important information concerning affairs at Port Hudson and the movements of the Union and rebel forces. The condition of the rebels in Texas and their vast trade with Mexico will open the eyes of the government and the public.