Destruction of the Arkansas.
No little sensation was yesterday created by the announcement on the streets that the Navy Department had received intelligence of the destruction of the Confederate ram ‘"Arkansas."’ Without any direct information to confirm the announcement, we are sorry to state that little doubt exists of its correctness. It seems that she left Vicksburg to co-operate with the land forces under General Brecktaridge in the attack on Baton Rouge. When within about fire miles of the latter place, she unluckily grounded, and all efforts to get her off were unavailing. But two alternatives were left — to blow her up, or suffer her to be captured by the Federal gunboats. The former, was resorted to, and this proud achievement of naval architecture show a wreck in the Mississippi river.P. S.--Official dispatches have been received at the Navy Department confirming the disaster. The Arkansas left Vicksburg last Monday, to co-operate in the attack upon Baton Rouge. After passing Bayon Sara her machinery became deranged, or disabled. While engaged in repairing, a fleet of gunboats from below attacked her. Gallant resistance was made, but the vessel had to be abandoned and blown up. The officers and crow reached above in safety. Lieut. Stevens, of South Carolina, commanded the Arkansas, Com. Brown being detained at Vicksburg, not having recovered from his wounds.
