Boston Herald, US
TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

THE WAR IN ARKANSAS.

GUNBOAT EXPEDITION UP WHITE RIVER.

DETAILS OF THE CAPTURE
—OF—
TWO REBEL BATTERIES AT ST. CHARLES.

The Gunboat Mound City Disabled
And her Crew Scalded.

THE BATTERIES STORMED
—BY—
THE 46TH INDIANA REGIMENT.

CHICAGO, Ill., June 21. The following is a fuller account of the fight with the rebel batteries on White River, just received:

MEMPHIS, June 19. The gunboat Cotestoga has arrived with dispatches containing the particulars of the engagement at the rebel fortification, below St. Charles, 85 miles from White River. On the 17th, the gunboats St. Louis, Mound City, Lexington and Conestoga, and transport New National, having on board the 46th Ind. Reg., Col. Fitch, which left here a week ago to open communication with General Curtis’s army, and remove the obstructions from White River, ascended that stream. The gunboat Mound City, Capt. Kelty commanding, was about a mile and a half in advance in the bend in the river near St. Charles, when two concealed batteries opened on the Mound City. Her decks were immediately cleared for action, and as soon as the range of the works was obtained, fire was opened. Captain Kelty signalled Colonel Fitch to land his force below the Fort, which was successfully accomplished. The gunboats Lexington and St. Louis shelled the works, under cover of which Colonel Fitch gained the rear of the rebel position. At this juncture a ball from a siege gun struck the forward and port side of the Mound City, penetrating the casements, and passed through the steam drum. The vessel was filled with escaping vapour. Nearly every man on board was scalded. Only 23 of the officers and crew, out of 175, escaped from injuries.

The scene which ensued was horrible. Many of the crew, frantic with pain, jumped overboard, and some were drowned. The boats from the Conestoga, which were coming up at the time to support the Mound City, were sent to their relief, but the rebels fired on the men in the water with grape and canister from their field pieces, murdering most of those who were attempting to escape. Being apprised of the state of affairs in the river, Col. Fitch’s regiment pushed forward and carried the fort by storm at the point of the bayonet.

The rebel works consisted of two batteries, the lower one mounting 6 field pieces, managed by from 300 to 400 men, under command of Col. Frye, late of the U.S. Navy. About 200 rebels are said to have escaped; over 150 are reported killed and wounded, and 30 taken prisoners. Among the prisoners is Col. Frye, who was wounded in the shoulder. He was brought here by the Conestoga. Capt. Kelty of the Mound City, was severely scalded about the face and hands. He will recover.

Second Master Heath, 3d Master Kinzie, 4th Master Seaville, Master’s Mate H.P. Browne, Paymaster, Chief Engineer John Cox and Assistant Engineers John McAfee and Hollingsworth, were killed. Pilot Chas Young, was severely scalded and reported since dead. Surgeons Jones and Carpenter Manning were slightly scalded. From 18 to 100 of our Sailors have already been buried and over 20 are missing.

Col. Fitch reports but few of his men wounded and none killed, and but for the unfortunate accident on the Mound City the rebel work would have been carried without loss on our side. The Mound City can easily be repaired. The flag officer has sent to Cairo for another crew. The rebels have obstructed the channel above by sinking two large steamboats and a gunboat, believed to be the Maypole.