March 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
COMPLETE REPULSE OF THE ENEMY’S FLEET.
A YANKEE STEAM SLOOP-OF-WAR BURNED TO THE WATER’S EDGE.
PORT HUDSON, March 15 – 3 a.m. – The bombardment of this place began at 2 p.m., yesterday, and was continued for three hours. The enemy fired slowly, and our batteries did not reply.
At 12 o’clock last night a most desperate engagement took place. The enemy endeavored to pass our batteries under cover of the darkness. For two hours the firing was terrific.
One gunboat succeeded in passing the batteries, in a damaged condition.
The United States sloop-of-war Mississippi was set on fire and burned to the water’s edge, just in front of our batteries.
One large vessel was completely riddled. Another was badly crippled, and, with the rest, was driven back.
At 2 o’clock this morning the enemy withdrew.
Our victory is complete and glorious. So far as known, there are no casualties on our side.
Our cavalry has brought in thirty-six men and one midshipman of the destroyed steamer Mississippi. Several of the prisoners are severely wounded.
The gunboat that passed the batteries is doubtless so disabled as to render her achievement fruitless.
RICHMOND, March 16. – Official despatches received at the War Office confirm the reported victory at Port Hudson.
The Mississippi was burnt. The Richmond, FARRAGUT’S flagship, went back down the river disabled. Two of the fleet, the Monongahela and Hartford, succeeded in passing our batteries in a crippled condition.
The land forces advanced on our works, but failed to make an attack. No further attack has been made at Fort Pemberton by the gunboats, but the land battery has fired some shots at the fort.
The Mississippi was one of the best steamers in the Yankee navy. She was built at Philadelphia in 1841, and carried twelve heavy guns. In September last she was commanded by MELANCTHON SMITH, of New York.