The Third assault at Sewell's Point.
two steamers engaged.
shots exchanged, but Nobody hurt.
[Special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Va., May 22d, 1861.
Another attack was made on Sewell's Point yesterday morning, by the steamer Minnesota. Two shots were fired from the battery and three from the steamer, after which she moved off in the direction of James river.--Later in the day another attack was made by the tug. Young America.
A few shots were fired from the battery, causing the tug to retreat.
Thus several unsuccessful attempts have been made to prevent the erection of our works; and what is fortunate, so far we have sustained no injury of any note.
On the other hand, in the engagement of Sunday, the Monticello is reported to have lost six men.--Capt Hunter, of our Navy, who visited her after the fight, brings to us this statement.--It is thought no one was killed on either side in the last skirmish, but the readiness of our men in fighting evinces a spirit of resistance worthy of comment.
The Monticello, it is said, has gone seaward.
It is presumed she sustained heavy damages in her engagement, which induced this move.
I rather believe she was mistaken in our strength.
It is numerously thought the design of our enemy in making these little "brushes," is to invade us by land, and finally to take possession of our Yard.
This, I regard, impossible.
Under the eye of Major Gwynn, it has undergone the strongest fortification, and Lincoln's cohorts can never prevail.
I am pained to say another one of the young men Smiths, of Georgia, has died.
Out of the three brothers who nobly came to the rescue of our beloved State, only one survives to mourn their loss.
God be with the parents to strengthen and sustain them in this their deep affliction.
In a distant land, our sympathies respond, and we consign, with bitter tears, this loved one to the silent grave.
Luna. 