Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

RICHMOND, June 25. Norfolk, Tuesday. 10 o'clock. P. M. About day-break the enemy were discovered with their barges pulling to shore, about two and a half or three miles above the upper point of Craney Island—about 400 effected their landing without any opposition or loss, there being no force to oppose them, and being out of the reach of the artillery on Craney Island; but another detachment which pulled directly for Craney Island, met with a different reception. The batteries were manned with the troops stationed on the Island, and a detachment of seamen commanded by the officers of the Constellation, who opened a heavy fire, that compelled the enemy to retreat with great loss. Three barges were sunk—one was taken with 18 men on board, belonging to a foreign regiment. Our officers, seamen and marines exhibited the utmost coolness and enthusiasm. Foiled in the attempt on Craney Island, the enemy has landed the whole of the force embarked about three miles above that island, where he remained when this article was writing The prisoners state that the expedition was commanded by Admiral Cockburn. They also report that the Junon received 9 shot in her hull, had many men killed, and her rigging much damaged.* The enemy threw many rockets, but without effect. The infantry and riflemen have not had their share of the action, as the enemy was so roughly handled by the artillery that he did not come within the reach of small arms. An attack is expected to night, but the island will be defended to the last extremity. The number of troops including marines for landing are said to be about 3000—those already landed from 1000 to 1200—This we give as report. Ledger. * We suppose in the action with the gun-boats. Enq. We understand that the Executive have this day received information from Norfolk, that the enemy after an ineffectual attempt upon our works at Craney Island, in which they were gallantly repulsed with considerable loss on their part in boats and men, succeeded shortly afterwards in effecting a landing of about 1000 men on Pig Point, about 3 miles to the west of Craney Island—their object presumed to be either an attack on the rear upon our works there: or, after being reinforced from the squadron, to march to Norfolk. The letter containing the above intelligence is dated the 22d inst. at 2 P. M. it states that 17 prisoners, taken in the affair of Craney Island, had been sent up to Norfolk—no loss on our side; and that it was understood there were 5000 land troops on board the squadron. We understand that the letter is written by a gentleman of the first respectability, at the request of General Taylor, who is otherwise engaged. (A Letter From an intelligent citizen of this City, now in Norfolk, states that on Monday the British "brought a great part of their present immense naval force into the Roads and manoeuvred with between 60 and 70 boats filled with men" in each boat supposed to be about 50. "To day (Tuesday) they are engaged in attacking Craney Island. The Guns are roaring at this moment." The same Gentleman adds, that before this alarm there were many on the sick list—"tired (he believed) of doing nothing—but that nine out of ten who had been reported sick, are at their posts, and quite alert.")