Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 February 1881 — CUSHING’S CAPTURE. [ARTICLE]

CUSHING’S CAPTURE.

One of the Most Daring- Exploits of the Late War. William B. Cushing in many respects can justly be classed as one of the most extraordinary officers who ever saw service in the United States navy.. The writer was Cushing’s shipmate in the closing scenes of the Rebellion. At the close of the war Cushing was barely 22 J years of age, rather slight of figure, about five feet ten inches in height, boyish-looking, with large gray eyes, a well-shaped, prominent, aquiline nose, yellowish hair, worn long, and, withal, a rather-grave expression of countenance. Cushing was in command of the gunboat Monticello, off Wilmington, N. C., when he conceived the daring idea of entering the river, penetrating to Smithville, and picking up whatever he could find or the fortunes of war might throw in his power. On the 29th of February he left his vessel with twenty men, passed the forts at the entrance of the harbor, and proceeded up the river without experiencing the slightest trouble or molestation from the enemy. A bright lookout was kept for steamers, especially blockade-runners anchored in the stream, which it was his intention to surprise and take out of the river. But Smithville hove in sight without even a boat being sighted. Cushing effected a landing almost opposite the hotel. The men were hid under the overhanging bank of the river, finding a secure place of concealment among the grass, weeds, and thick underbrush. Hearing voices a short distance off, Cushing with e couple of his men crept cautiously forward and discovered some negroes at work making salt. Their capture was quietly effected inside of fifty yards of an armed sentinel, who in the bright moonlight was plainly visible as he slowly paced up and down on his beat. From the negroes Cushing succeeded in gleaning considerable information, on which he formed Iris plans accordingly. Leaving most of his men to guard the boats, Cushing, accompanied by Acting Ensign J. E. Jones and Acting Master’s Mate Howorth and one seaman, boldly left their cover, and walked rapidly across the green to Gen. Herbert’s house, a large, imposing mansion surrounded by a piazza. The barracks were nearly opposite, containing 1,000 men. It was close upon 11 o’clock. All was quiet and tranquil throughout the little town. Maj. Hardman and Capt. Kelly, of the General’s staff, were down stairs, on the eve of retiring, when a heavy step was heard on the piazza. The Major, supposing it was his servant, threw up the window, when the muzzle of it navy revolver was thrust in his face, followed* by a demand to surrender. The Major pushed the revolver aside, and escaped through a back door, calling upon Capt. Kelly to follow him. The Major was the Adjutant General, and, laboring under the idea that the troops had mutinied, took to the woods with great scarcity of clothing, neglecting in his haste to turn out the garrison. Unfortunately the commanding General had gone to Wilmington, aud Cushing was forced to content himself with Capt. Kelly, who was the Chief Engineer of the defences, and the negroes captured in the salt works. The boats were now regained, and the word given to pull down the river with all speed, as an alarm could not be long delayed. The moon was high in the heavens, yet the boats effected their retreat without receiving a shot. They passed within thirty yards of the Smithville forts and were abreast of Fort Coswell before, the signal light announcing the fact that the enemy had been among them was fired. The steamer Scotia passed down the river and steamed by the boats. Cushing had no opportunity to board the vessel, much to his disgust. He turned the Confederate Captain over to the Admiral, and resumed his duty on the Monticello.