[127]
Thompson, the Colonel Lovell and the General Beauregard, were entering boldly into the contest in their prescribed order, I perceived from the flag-boat that the enemy's boats were taking positions where the water was too shallow for our boats to get at them, and as our cannon were far inferior to theirs, both in number and size, I signalled our boats to fall back, which was accomplished with a coolness that deserves the highest commendation.
I am happy to inform you, while exposed at close quarters to a most terrific fire for thirty minutes, our boats, although struck repeatedly, sustained no serious injuries.
(Signed)
J. E. Montgomery, Senior Captain Commanding River Defence Fleet.
N. B. Our casualties were two killed and one wounded, (arm broken.)