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Doc. 145.-the capture of the Teaser.

United States Steamship Maratanza, James River, Saturday, July 5, 1862.
Yesterday being the Fourth of July, we wanted to have a celebration, so at three o'clock started under moderate steam for a reconnoissance up the river. Just as we reached “Haxall's,” where it has been our custom to anchor, our member of the signal corps cried out from aloft: “Rebel flag in sight!” “All hands to quarters, and let her go ahead full steam!” said Commander Stevens, (who has, by the way, a quick eye and ready will for his business.) We soon hove in full sight of the stranger; she was flying the “Red, White, and red.” We trained our one hundred-pounder on her, and got all ready to fire, when down came her flag. It was a clever subterfuge for escape, but our glasses did not deceive us; her guns were being trained at us, and it was evident they didn't mean to surrender honorably. Bang went our gun, making a beautiful shot, and knocking overboard several loose articles from the enemy's deck. [549] Then they tried to return the compliment, but missed us completely. Bang went our second shot, and never did the fatal messenger take a truer course, tearing straight through the enemy's vessel, and blowing her half to pieces. The remains were soon at our disposal, and proved to be what was left of the rebel gunboat Teaser. The officers and crew, after firing their gun, jumped into a small boat, taking with them their flag, but our second shot frightened them so they jumped out again, leaving every thing behind. We got the officers' uniforms, swords, belts, pistols, muskets, silver, china, bedding, clothes, letters, and papers; among the latter a full description of the submarine batteries at Drury's Bluff, and a diagram of all the fortifications. We also found a balloon made of silk dresses, and a commission from the confederate States navy, running to Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, formerly of the United States Navy.


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