September 28, 1861 — Important from the Head of the Passes

Shreveport Daily News, Shreveport, LA

The following dispatch, by the Balize Telegraph Line, from Fort Jackson to Major General Twiggs, was received yesterday :

Fort Jackson, Sept. 2–0, 1861. Major General D. E. Twiggs:

Mr. Fulda, the telegraphic operator at the head of the Passes, arrived here this morning from that point. He reports an engagement between the C. S. steamer Ivy and the U. S. steamer Water Witch, without injury to the Ivy.

The Ivy was down the South Pass when she discovered the Water Witch. She came out of the Pass taking the C. S. Cutter Pickens in tow, and proceeded up the river. In the meantime the Water Witch came up the Pass directing a constant fire of solid shot and shells at the shores, apparently feeling for masked batteries. Arriving at the Telegraph Station she sent a boat ashore and took away their battery and other instruments. After visiting the lighthouse, opposite that place, she again proceeded to sea through the same of pass. The Ivy, having put the cutter beyond reach, returned and followed the Water Witch as far as the bar.

W. B. ROBERTSON,
Captain Artillery Comd’g.

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