December 30.
A skirmish took place in the outskirts of St. Augustine, Fla., between a detachment of the Tenth Connecticut regiment, detailed to guard a party of wood-choppers, and a squadron of rebel cavalry, who attempted to seize the teams. The rebels were unsuccessful, but in the fight three privates of the Tenth were killed, and Lieutenant Brown, the officer commanding the detachment, was so badly wounded, that he afterward died.
Yesterday an affair occurred, at Matagorda Bay, Texas, between the Union gunboats, a company of the Thirteenth Maine regiment, and a large force of rebel cavalry and a rebel gunboat. The small party of Union troops, under General Herron, had landed with the object of cutting off the rebel pickets, but were attacked by the cavalry, who were driven off by the gunboats. The cavalry, aided by the rebel gunboat, subsequently attacked the Nationals, and caused them to vacate their position; but, this morning, a strong gale of wind drove the steamer ashore, and she was destroyed by fire.
Colonel McChesney, commanding Pamlico Sub-District, N. C., while reconnoitring within six miles of Greenville, with about one hundred and forty men of the Twelfth New York cavalry, First North-Carolina volunteers, and Twenty-third New York artillery, was attacked by a superior force under Major Moore, who attempted to cut off his return to Washington. After a hand-to-hand conflict the enemy retired, leaving one lieutenant and five men dead, with one piece of Starr's fine battery, caisson, and horses. Darkness prevented further knowledge of the injury sustained by the rebels. The National loss was one killed, six slightly wounded, [29] one missing, and three horses disabled. Lieut. William K. Adams, of company L, First North-Carolina volunteers, a gallant and dashing officer, was killed while making a charge at the head of his command. The Commanding General, Peck, thanked in general orders, Colonel McChesney, the officers, men, and guides, for this bold and successful affair.
