Blockade of Mississippi Sound — narrow escape of the Mail-boat Oregen.
Dispatches have been received from Mississippi City, Ocean Springs, Pass Christian and Fort Pike, announcing that a United States man-of-war had appeared inside of Ship Island, with several smaller vessels in attendance; had commenced the blockade of the Mississippi Sound, and had fired several shots at the Mail-Boat Oregon, which was on her way hence for Mobile, and also at the steamboat J. D. Swaim, hence for Ship Island, both of which were obliged to return to New Orleans.Captain Walker, of the Lake steamboat Creole, at Ocean Springs, telegraphed to Mr. Geddes, agent of the Lake steamboats, that a United States schooner was off Deer Island, and had already taken three schooners.
The mail steamboat Oregon returned last night, having had a narrow escape. The New Orleans Bee learns from a passenger the following particulars:
About half-past 1 o'clock P. M., with a strong southerly wind, the Oregon came in sight of a large propeller war steamer, two-masted, the foremost square rigged, and the mainmast fore and aft rigged, flying the U. S. flag. Capt. Myers determined to run by if possible, and at all events to run the steamer ashore, land his passengers, and then set her on fire before allowing her to fail into the enemy's hands. The only weapon on board the Oregon was one revolver, belonging to a passenger. No troops could be seen on Ship Island, nor was there any flag floating there.
In going by the war steamer she fired two shots at the Oregon, both of which fell astern. A schooner-rigged tender to the man-of-war had now hoisted sail and put after her. Running on some distance further, Capt. Myers descried three more tenders, with launches full of armed men, inside of Deer Island, and within one hundred yards of the channel.--Finding that he could not run through, he turned back, and had to run the gauntlet of the first-named tender, which chased him three miles, firing at him continually, but unsuccessfully. At length the tender gave up the chase in despair, and the Oregon returned safely.
The Bee also has the following:
‘ The small stern-wheel steamer Anna, Capt. Sarazin, from Pascagoula river, with lumber, and passengers for the New Basin, reported having been chased all the morning by the tender, but unsuccessfully. Capt. S. signalled the Oregon to turn back before the latter boat reached the neighborhood of the U. S. steamer, but the signal was not understood. The Anna got in safely last night.
The steamer Grey Cloud was at the wharf at Mississippi City, not having taken any troops from thence in any direction. The steamer Creole was at Ocean Springs. It was thought she would attempt to run out last night in the darkness, and make either Mobile or Lake Routchartrain. The steamer J. D. Swain was at Fort Wood, with steam up — The California had luckily been telegraphed on Saturday, by Mr. Geddes, not to leave Mobile, on account of the lack of business.--The enemy had evidently set a trap to catch the mail line steamers each way, but they have failed in the attempt. Great praise is due to Capt. Myers for his coolness and decision of purpose evidenced in this affair.
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