The Daily Dispatch: May 5, 1864., [Electronic resource]

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The Danger of a cannonade.

--The bloodlessness of a cannonade was shown on the North Carolina coast a few weeks since, when the blockade runner Lucy got aground. The authorities at the fort promptly sent down guns to protect her.--A letter says:

‘ Preparations were at once made by the crew and soldiers from the fort to bale and float the Lucy, which had been purposely filled with water to prevent the enemy from towing her off. In the course of the afternoon seven vessels advanced to attack the Lucy, feeling their way by the lead and forming in line of battle. From five o'clock until dark they continued to rain shot and shell at the unarmed and stranded little blockade-runner. The greater proportion of the crew of the Lucy declined to leave her, thereby displaying sound discretion, as not a single shot struck her. For an hour and a half this farcical and harmless discharge of shot and shell continued, and was repeatedly replied to by the cool tars of the Lucy with round upon round of laughter. While the balls were whistling over head and tearing up the beach the sailors on board the Lucy were comfortably enjoying their tea, and such of them as were on shore had much amusement in running after the spent shot on the beach.

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