We had calm and
delightful weather. Were amused as persons on shipboard usually are. Off the
entrance to Cape Fear we had some fishing. Saw and signalled a steamer on the
inside near Fort Caswell, which came out to us. Two or three Treasury agents
were on board, and Judge Casey of the Court of Claims, who is here, I surmise,
like many others, for speculation.
During the night we
were serenaded by a fine band, which had come off in a steamer. We ascertained
in the morning that it was General Hawley and staff in an army boat, they
having come down from Wilmington to meet us. By invitation we went on board
with them and proceeded up the Cape Fear to Wilmington. The Santiago was
directed to proceed around Smith's Island opposite to Fort Fisher and await us.
The beach for some distance was strewn with wrecks of blockade-runners, — or,
more modestly and correctly speaking, several were beached. Our jaunt to
Wilmington was pleasant, and our ride through various streets exceedingly warm.
We returned early in order to visit Fort Fisher by daylight. These formidable
defenses, which we finally captured, have given me exceeding annoyance for
several years. The War Department and military, so long as Halleck controlled,
had no comprehension of the importance of capturing this place, and by so doing
cutting off Rebel supplies.
We stopped a few
hours at Fortress Monroe and walked round on the ramparts. Jeff Davis was a
prisoner in one of the casemates, but I did not see him.