April 23, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
FROM PORT HUDSON.
PORT HUDSON, April 21. – The New Orleans Era of the 16th confirms the report of the destruction of the Confederate prizes, Queen of the West and Diana. The former got aground in Grand Lake. The Yankee fleet approached and a fierce bombardment ensued. A shell from the Cobham exploded on the deck of the Queen of the West, igniting a quantity of powder. The fire, communicating with the magazine, caused an explosion, blowing up the boat. The Diana is reported to have been burned by the rebels; 136 prisoners, including seven commissioned officers and three sergeants; eighty of them being from the crew of the Queen of the West, had arrived at New Orleans on the 15th; among them Capt. FULLER, the commander of the fleet, who was slightly wounded in the ankle, and is now at St. James’ Hospital. The prisoners report forty-five of the crew missing, supposed to be drowned or killed. A despatch from Berwick Bay, of the 15th, reports the Federals beyond Franklin. They had joined their forces and were marching on.
FROM BRAGG’S ARMY.
CHATTANOOGA, April 21. – A number of prisoners arrived today from Tuscumbia, captured by RODDY’S cavalry. The fight began at Deer Creek. The enemy, 5000 strong, drove our advance to Cave Creek, eight miles from Tuscumbia, where we made a stand, capturing, after a severe fight, 170 prisoners. Our loss is reported to have been 20 killed and 40 wounded. Enemy’s loss heavy. The Yankees have not yet advanced, our forces still holding them in check.
Seven more persons have been sent South through the lines by order of ROSECRANS. One family was allowed a half hour to go South or to a Northern prison.
Scouts from the Tennessee River report that 24 transports are landing troops at Eastport, eight miles from Iuka. The troops are chiefly cavalry.
All is quiet in front, with no immediate prospect of a battle.