Correspondence of the N. O. Delta.
OFF MOBILE, Jan. 16, 1803.
There was great commotion among the blockading fleet off this harbor last evening. The rebel steamer Oreto, which has been lying in Mobile Bay for some months, succeeded in escaping to sea in presence of seven blockading vessels. The R. R. Cuyler, one of our fastest steamers, immediately gave chase and was gaining on her when the two disappeared in the distance. The Cuyler was firing at her continually during the chase from her long range guns, and as she was gaining rapidly, great hopes are entertained that she will bring the audacious Rebel to. The Oreto is commanded by Maffit, formerly of the United States Navy.
The other day, the British Consul came out. of Mobile, under a flag of truce, and went on board the Susquehanna, to await communication with an English ship. Towards nightfall a Rebel armed vessel, filled with men, came out under a flag of truce. She was hailed, and responded that she wanted to see the British Consul. A boat was sent aboard, but the commander of the Rebel vessel would not give further explanation of his audacity than that he wanted to see the British Consul.
It is just to say of the British Consul, who, during this “interlude,” was on board the Susquehanna, refused to see rebel commander, and declared that he could not account for his assumption and presumption in asking for him.
Undoubtedly the Rebel boat came out with the intention of surprising the blockading fleet, just as the Buffalo Bayou Rebels surprised the fleet at Galveston, Jan. 1, 1863
Civilian & Telegraph, Cumberland, MD