RICHMOND, May 20, 1861.
L.P. WALKER:
About fifty shots exchanged yesterday afternoon between our batteries at Sewell’s Point, eight miles [from] Norfolk, and steamer Star (late Monticello), mostly from the latter. Steamer disabled. Two steamers came to rescue about night, but firing had ceased. I leave for Norfolk in an hour–3 a.m.
D.G. DUNCAN
RICHMOND, May 20, 1861.
(Received 21st.)
L.P. WALKER:
Supposed Douglas dead. Federal steamers on Potomac carry flags half-mast. Steamers Monticello and Minnesota renewed attack on Sewell’s Point to-day.
D.G. DUNCAN
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. LI, Part II. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1897.
Spirit of '61 