Capture of the U. S. Steamer Water Witch.
The Savannah
Republican, of the 4th instant, contains the particulars of the recent gallant capture of the
United States steamer
Water Witch, lying in Oshawa Sound.
It says:
‘
The expedition went out on Wednesday night, but from some cause unexplained the vessel they were after suddenly weighed anchor and put to sea about an hour before their arrived in the
Sound — The following night the
Water Witch lying in Oshawa sound, presented game worthy of the pursuit.
One hundred and ten men, in seven barges, started out about midnight, and boldly pulled up to the steamer, which was lying quietly at anchor, and commenced the assault.
The boats got within thirty steps of the
Water Witch before they were hailed.
All was quiet on the vessel, which had just enough steam on to move the wheels without propelling her forward.
Our men made no response, but ran their boats up against the steamer and commenced clambering up her sides.
Not one of the guns was fired, the fuses being all down below and the crew asleep.
Most of the fighting seemed to be done by the officers, with revolvers and sabres, which were used freely over the sides of the vessel and through the ports.
Our men heeded it not but pressed forward, reached the deck and clambered over the netting, some six feet in height, all the while fighting desperately, hand to hand, with the enemy.
Lieut Pelot was the first man on board, and received a shot through the heart soon after reaching the deck and whilst dealing blows thick and heavy all around him. The command then devolved on
Lt. Price, who had received a severe sabre cut on the head, but although covered with blood, led forward his men most gallantly, and battled with his own hand until the enemy surrendered.
The prisoners number about sixty, and were brought to the city last evening.
The attacking party were only about eighty in number, two boats, we regret to say, having backed out at the first fire and returned.
The latter parties sent forward a report that the entire expedition, except themselves, had been killed or captured, though they failed, as the sequel proves to remain long enough at their post to know the result.
The Water Witch is a flue side wheel steamer, is fully equipped, and provided with every convenience.
’
A letter from battery Deauliere gives a list of the losses in the expedition:
‘
I deeply regret to state that
Lieut Pelot,
W. R. Jones,
Jas Stapleton, ordinary seamen; --
Crosby, landsman;
Patrick Lottle, quarter gunner, and
Moses, colored pilot of the expedition, were killed, the first named shot through the heart.
Midshipman Minor,
Lieut B. Price,
boatswain Seymour, surgeon's steward
Harley,
G. R. Rice, J
Burnett, A McDonald,
E. J. Murphy,
E. Lee.
A William,
T. King, and — Champton, were wounded.
’
The following named officers and men belonging to the captured steamer were killed:
‘
J Sells and
J. Sills, said negroes, and the following wounded: Lieut Commanding A Pendergrast,
Acting Assistant Paymaster Sillings,
Ensign J. Hill,
Ensign A. D. Store,
U. P. Wesson,
H. R. Marphy,
C. W. Buck,
Henry Williams,
John Parker,--
Hazleton,
J. Smith, and
Wm Dickson, negro.
The bodies of the slain and the wounded were brought to this post, and, together with the prisoners, forwarded to headquarters.
’
