Diary of Corporal David L. Day: March 11, 1862

ON A SHOAL.

This morning the clink of the windlass is again heard from all the boats hoisting their anchors. We steam out of Croatan into Pamlico sound; so here we go for new conquests.

The Burnside expedition, it did not end in smoke:

It captured Elizabeth City, and the isle of Roanoke.

About 11 a.m., the New York went on to a shoal and came to a dead halt. Here was a pretty fix, stuck right in the middle of Pamlico sound. We had the schooner Skirmisher in tow, with companies K and I aboard, but they thought they would leave us and go it alone. Accordingly they hauled in their hawser, hoisted sail and left us, sailing with a fair breeze gallantly down the sound. Three large steamers hitched on to us, to pull us off. After a good deal of hard work, lots of swearing and breaking hawsers, they finally succeeded, about 4 p.m., in hauling us off. We again started and dropped anchor at Hatteras inlet at 10 p.m.

SOURCE: David L. Day, My Diary of Rambles with the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, p. 41

The Great Burnside Expedition

(From the Newbern Progress of Tuesday.)

Nothing would afford us more pleasure at this particular time than to be able to give a strictly correct account of the strength and condition of the Burnside Expedition.  We doubted some days ago whether there really had ever been such a thing in existence, and began to think it all a Yankee lie, but more recently we have become convinced that there is such a thing, and that what is left of it is actually at Hatteras.

The Country is so situated about Hatteras that it is difficult to get close to the enemy to take satisfactory observations without being observed.  We saw, however, and conversed with a gentleman direct from Portsmouth having left that place Saturday and arrived here Sunday night, who went to Ocracoke before leaving, took a horse and rode down the bank as near to the enemy as was safe, within 10 or 11 miles, and took as good an observation has he could with a glass.  He says he counted 93 vessels, about two thirds of which were steamers, all inside the bar and about 20 inside the Sound, and puts down the number at least 100.

(From The Newbern Progress of Monday.)

THE BURNSIDE FLEET – ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE VESSELS – AN ATTACK THOUGHT TO CERTAIN – NEWBERN, WASHINGTON AND ROANOKE THE POINTS.

The Albemarle arrived on Saturday between 3 and 4 o’clock, having left Portsmouth early Saturday morning, and we have learned from Col. Singletary, who was in command of the expedition, that he arrived at Portsmouth Wednesday evening after the storm had set in, so that it was impossible for him to make any observations himself, but he saw a Mr. Samuel Tolson, a Mr. Williams, and others, who had been applied to by the directors of the fleet to act as pilots, and those gentlemen assured him fleet was at Hatteras, numbering about 175 vessels, and represent that their force is 30,000 strong.

About one third of the fleet was in the Sound on Tuesday, on third in the Roads, and one third outside.  They were busy lightening vessels over the Swash, and as they would clear the roads by entering the Sound, others would come in from outside.  They said that the Yankees were very anxious to get pilots for the Croatan Sound and the rivers, which makes it seem that Roanoke, Edenton, Washington, and perhaps other places east of us are to be attacked and it is rendered certain that we are to be visited from the fact that the vessels they were lightening over could not attack any place but this.  These gentlemen also learned from them that they had lost three vessels and three men since they had come to Hatteras.  Also that New Orleans is to be attacked simultaneously with the attack here.

It is impossible to tell what effect the storm of Thursday and Friday had upon them but it must have been severe.  The Colonel says that Portsmouth was completely covered with water.  He thinks they must have suffered severely, for the gale was terrific, but it was impossible for him to learn anything of their condition later than Tuesday.

He reports the people of Portsmouth under arms and determined to defend themselves as best they can.  The women are apparently much alarmed.

Capt. Crosson went down the river yesterday on the Albemarle, and will probably return to-day, if so, we shall be able to give something further in relation to the movements of the fleet in our next.

THE BURNSIDE FLEET

GOLDSBORO’, Jan 28. – The Tribune of to-day saw a man who left Portsmouth on Saturday. – He said seventy five vessels could be seen from Portsmouth on Saturday.  The storm on Thursday and Friday was very severe.  Portsmouth was wholly submerged.  Several vessels were reported as stranded and there were some on Chickamacomico beach.  The Tribune says the fleet is certainly at Hatteras, and the attack is expected at Newbern and Roanoke perhaps Edenton, Elizabeth City and at other places.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

O. Jennings Wise A Spy

The New York Commercial Advertiser publishes several very interesting letters from its correspondent, accompanying the Burnside Expedition from which we quote the following:

DARING OF THE REBEL SPIES.

A flag of truce from Elizabeth City with a communication from Gen. Wise, in relation to the remains of his son, Capt. O. Jennings Wise, arrived to-day, Feb. 10.  The body had been interred with those of several other dead rebels, and was disinterred by a number of the first battalion, Fifth R. I. volunteers, directed by Capt. Eddy, and delivered to his friends and removed to Elizabeth City.  An incident during the disinterment of the remains of Capt. Wise throws some light on the spy system of the rebels, and illustrates the character of this bold and unscrupulous man.

As the body was disinterred and the soil brushed from the face, several of the Rhode Islanders exclaimed, “See here, Captain, this is the old cuss that sold us paper and envelopes at Annapolis.”  Capt. Eddy scrutinized the features of the dead captain and acknowledged the identity of the performer in these two characters.  The men stated that on the day of their departure from the naval school grounds at Annapolis, an apparently old man, rather shabbily dressed, appeared within the grounds about the time they were busily engaged in striking their tents, selling letter paper and envelops bearing showy Union devices.  They were amused by the peculiar appearance of the man and his inquisitiveness.  He asked them were they were going, when they were going, and how may there were, which questions they were, of course, unable to answer.  Major Wright came up soon after and urged the men to use all possible speed in completing their preparations to embark. – They replied that they were having a little fun with the “old chap” who was selling them paper.

That Capt. Wise was in Annapolis, and within the naval school grounds, about the time of the departure of the Burnside expedition, I have not the slightest doubt, nor have the officers who recognized in his remains the old paper seller. – It is such an adventure as a man of his well known daring would be likely to undertake, the more especially as the destination of the expedition was pretty well known to Gen. Wise, who was in command of the department of North Carolina.  There was a double incentive for Gov. Wise’s son to ascertain the force to be opposed to his father.

Several others among the captured prisoners were recognized by our soldiers, who had purchased various articles from them.  One in particular, who had sold illustrations for the public buildings of Baltimore folded in the form of a rose, was recognized among the prisoners, and was asked by our men if he had “any more roses of Baltimore to sell.”  Lieut. Richter, one of the 25th Massachusetts, recognized in Lieut. Selden, who was killed inside the breastwork on the 8th, a man from whom he purchased a silver watch at Camp Hicks, near Annapolis.  Selden represented himself to be a Baltimorean, and was engaged in selling various articles of jewelry.  This is perhaps the most effective source of information the rebels possess.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 2

While every heart must feel deeply the loss of . . .

. . . the thousands of our gallant soldiers who are laying down their lives in hospitals and upon battle fields, yet we cannot but glory in their heroism and feel proud that our flag has so many legions of true men willing to die for it.  History never recorded deeds of more heroic daring than those which have recently been enacted upon various battle fields.

The fidelity and bravery of John Davis, gunner’s mate, on board the steamer Valley City, on the occasion of the attack on Elizabeth City, in covering with his body an open barrel of gun powder in a magazine, while the flames kindled by an exploding shell were burning around him, is an act of self-sacrificing courage, the recital of which thrills every heart.  It is near akin to the act of the Dutch officer at the siege of Antwerp, who fired the magazine and perished in the explosion.

The account which is brought us of the naval engagement at Fortress Monroe, where our brave sailors, on their wooden hulks, fought at such fearful odds against the iron-clad Merrimac, will impress all readers with the gallantry and heroism of our tars.  We are told that the Merrimac lay off at easy point blank range and discharged her broadsides alternately at the Cumberland and Congress, both helpless, every shot telling fearfully upon them, while they were unable to penetrate the iron plating of their adversary.  The Cumberland began to sink.  Her forward magazine was under water, but powder was still supplied them from her magazine and the firing kept steadily up by the men who knew the ship was sinking under them.  Amid the din and horror of the conflict, the decks slippery with blood and strewn with dissevered legs and arms and chunks of flesh, the men worked unremittingly and cheered the flag and the Union, the wounded joining in.  Some of the men in their eagerness remained in the after magazine passing up ammunition and several were thus drowned.  When the water had reached the main deck it was felt hopeless to continue the fight longer and the word was given for each man to save himself as best he could.  After this, Matthew Tenny, whose courage had been conspicuous throughout the fight, fired his gun, the one next it being under water.  As his port was left open by the recoil of his gun he jumped to scramble out, but the water rushed in with such force that he was washed back and drowned.  While we contemplate the fearful and needless sacrifice of life at Fortress Monroe, the exhibition of courage and heroism such as this must challenge our admiration and inspire our confidence in a Government and a country thus devotedly loved and served.

But the gallant conduct of our tars at Fortress Monroe is equaled by the small force of our regular army at Fort Craig, New Mexico, in a recent battle with the Texan desperadoes who had determined to overrun and conquer that territory and annex it to the C. S. A.  We are told that a force of picked men charged desperately upon our artillery – the Mexicans run panic-stricken, of course – but Capt. Plympton’a infantry stood and fought desperately till half were killed.  Lieutenants Michler and Stone were killed.  With his artillerymen cut down, his support either killed wounded or driven from the field, Capt. McRae set down calmly upon one of his guns, and with revolver in hand, refusing to fly or desert his post, fought to the last and died the death of a hero, the last man by his guns.  If we are to credit this account, Capt. McRAE exhibited on this occasion a courage and devotion never surpassed in any age or country.

Capt. Alexander McRae was a graduate of West Point and a native of North Carolina, about thirty years of age.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 1

Valuable Documents Captured On The Rebel Flag Boat Taken At Elizabeth City

Among the many valuable documents captured for publication – is the famous Breckinridge letter, which was written to Mr. Calhoun, of Elizabeth City, in October, before the Presidential election; in which letter he says he loves the Union, but the South he loves better.  His letter found its way into the North Carolina papers, and created great excitement, and, as soon as it became evident to his friends that he would lose the vote of the State, he authorized the editor of The Southron to pronounce it a forgery.  It is an autograph letter, and Mr. B. knew it was no forgery.

From the papers found on the rebel flag ship, we learn that they are building six gun boats at Norfolk; also that a contract was signed in Charleston the day that city was so nearly burned, for building ten gunboats there; the machine shops were all burned, which prevents the boats from being built.  We also learn from the same source that everything is to be got in readiness by the rebels to burn Norfolk the moment it becomes evident to them that they cannot hold it.

The letter from President Davis to the Rebel Flag Officer goes on and urges “the importance of suppressing the Union sentiment existing among the people on these sounds, without a moment’s delay; a growing danger springing up in different sections of the Confederacy, which will soon, if not put down give us more trouble than the Northern foe.”

Letters, I am informed, have also been found from the different members of the Rebel Cabinet, on the rebel flag ship, and the rebel Commodore’s letter book, which disclose a highly interesting state of things, together with many important plans and secrets, which, of course, will not answer to publish.  Rest assured that the “happy family” are in an unusual state of suspense and commotion at the present time, which exercises them nearly, if not quite to a spasmodic degree.  Private letters from prominent and influential person, from all parts of the South, were found, which disclose much valuable news, which we were much in need of.  It is difficult to get hold of these choice documents for publication, owing to the strict manner in which they are held in seclusion by “the powers that be.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

There is the same material for . . .

. . . reconstruction in North Carolina.  Letters from the Burnside expedition speak of the Union demonstrations made at every point on the main land explored by our troops.  Among the documents captured at Roanoke was a letter from Jeff Davis to Com. Lynch, strongly urging “the importance of suppressing the Union sentiment existing among the people on these Sounds without a moment’s delay, a growing danger springing up in different sections of the Confederacy which will soon, if not put down, give us more trouble than the northern foe.”  The danger foreseen by Davis has already grown beyond his ability to suppress it.  A letter from Edenton, N. C., says –

“The authorities said the city was all Union, and that if we could protect the people in these counties we would have all the support the Government could desire, not only in Edenton, but throughout the entire State.  They said that they had not taken up arms against the Union, or suffered any fortifications to be erected about or near the city, or menaced the Government in any manner whatever.  On the contrary, they organized a Union company at the commencement of the rebellion, and continued to keep it up until a late day, when they were finally obliged to take a neutral position in order to save their lives and property from the vengeance of the Virginia rebels.  The county it appears is Union, two to one; as also are the eastern counties of the State, we are informed by the people, though they dare not openly express their sentiments.  It is truly an affecting scene to see with what reverence these oppressed Union people looked upon the stars and stripes.  I saw a group of men at Elizabeth city weeping under its ample folds, relating how much they had suffered since they had been deprived of its protection, kissing their hands at the proud emblem as they took their departure, wishing that their eyes might never again be insulted by the sight of the piratical flag of the rebellion.  I have been informed by many prominent Union men that just as soon as our forces can assure the people of this section of our ability to afford them permanent protection, that not only will we see at least two-thirds of the people arraying themselves openly on the side of the Union, but any number will volunteer to fight for the old flag.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Commodore Goldsboro’s Report

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. – The Navy Department has received dispatches from Commodore Goldsboro, dated the 20^th inst.  He had received the official accounts of the visits of our vessels to Edenton and to the Carrituck canal.

The light house at Cape Hatteras may now be lighted with perfect safety.

The name of the men of war destroyed by our vessels since the fleet reached Hatteras Island are as follows.  The Sea Bird, flag steamer; the Curlew, and the Fanny, steamers; the Black Warrior, a schooner, the steamer Ellis, captured; a new gun-boat on the stocks at Elizabeth City was also destroyed, making seven vessels in all.  Each of the first six were remarkably well armed as gun-boats.  All of them, excepting the Curlew, were destroyed or captured in the attack on Elizabeth City.

As our forces took undisturbed possession of Edenton, part of a flying artillery regiment, variously estimated at from one hundred and fifty to three hundred, fled precipitately without firing a shot.  Many of the inhabitants also left in consequence.  There are no fortifications at or in the water approaches to Edenton.

Among the results of the expedition are the destruction of cannon and one schooner on the stocks at Edenton.  Two schooners were captured in the Sound – one having four thousand bushels of corn.  Six bales of cotton were taken from the custom house wharf.  There were no public stores in the town.  The custom house was empty.

Commodore Goldsboro says he remained two hours abreast the town and was visited by the authorities and others, many of whom professed sentiments of loyalty to the old Union.

A proclamation dated the 18^th inst. and signed jointly by Commodore Goldsboro and General Burnside, to the people of North Carolina says, the mission of the joint expedition is not to invade any rights, but to assert the authority of the United States and to close with them the desolating war brought upon the State by comparatively few men in their midst.

The Proclamation concludes as follows:  We invite you in the name of the Constitution, and in that of virtuous loyalty and civilization to separate yourselves at once from their malign influence and return at once to your allegiance and not to compel us to resort further to the force under our control.  The Government asks only that its authority may be recognized, and we repeat that in no manner or way does it desire to interfere with your laws, constitutionally established, your institutions of any kind whatever, your property of any sort, or your usages in any respect.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, Feb 25. – The steamer S. R. Spaulding arrived here this P. M., having left Roanoke Island the day before.  No news was received by her.

We learn of the failure of the attempt to lay the telegraphic cable across the Bay.  On the day the Hoboken sailed, sixteen miles of the cable were laid in the most successful manner, when operations ceased for the night.

On yesterday, the Hoboken was occupied in taking soundings, when a severe gale of wind which sprang up that day, struck her about noon.  Her steam pipe broke soon afterwards, and she became unmanageable, drifting  upon Cape Henry where she went ashore and broke in two last night.  She is a total loss.  All on board were saved.

The remainder of the cable, about 15 miles, was destroyed before it was abandoned.  About an equal quantity is laid in the Bay, and the end is buoyed up.

The Gunboat R. B. Forbes, was seen by the Spaulding ashore near Nag’s Head this morning.

White flags were displayed in all the houses in the vicinity.

Maj. J. T. Sawyer arrived at Norfolk yesterday, having left Elizabeth City on Sunday at 12 M.  He represents everything quiet in that locality.  He says that the entire Federal fleet left the waters of the Pasquatuk on Saturday morning, but that two of them returned in the evening.  He also states that but few of the inhabitants remained in the place.

The Wilmington Journal of yesterday, says that five or six of the federal gunboats have entered the Roanoke river.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, Feb. 18. – A flag of truce carried several passengers to Norfolk this morning, but brought no news back.

Burnside’s forces still occupied Edenton, and had thrown out pickets some six or eight miles.  No mention is made of any further advance.

FORTRESS MONROE, Feb. 19. -  No further advance had been made by Gen. Burnsides [sic], nor was any immediately expected.

The gunboats had returned from Elizabeth City.  All the fleet were at anchor off Roanoke Island.

An immense amount of trophies had been captured, including the splendid state flag of North Carolina, worked by the ladies of that State.  Also quantities of antiquated arms.

Col. Corcoran and 700 other Federal prisoners are expected hourly to arrive at Old Point.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

The Capture of Roanoke Island

Particulars of the Battle

(Special Correspondence of the Baltimore American:)

FORTRESS MONROE, Feb. 13.

The steamer Stars and Stripes came in at noon to-day with a flag at her mainmast and stern, bearing all the evidence of bringing glorious tidings direct from the Burnside expedition, and as the boat reached the wharf those who landed were soon surrounded with eager inquiries of the result of the expedition, and the following questions were propounded and quickly answered.

Q. – What’s the result of the expedition?

A. – We have cleaned the rebels out of the island and captured and burnt most of their fleet – taking three thousand prisoners.

Q. – How many were killed on the Federal side?

A. – About forty.

Q. – How many wound?

A. – The number of wounded was not definitely ascertained when we left but one hundred and fifty was considered a large estimate.

Q. –  How about Gen. Wise?

A. – He is reported to have been carried off from Nag’s Head towards Norfolk, but Commodore Goldsborough had started up Currituck Sound towards Norfolk with a gunboat and several armed cutters in the endeavor to overtake him.  The anxiety to capture him was very great.

Q. – What became of his son Capt. O. Jennings Wise, of the Richmond Blues?

A. – He was slightly wounded on the field at the head of his battalion, and was endeavoring to escape in a boat with some others, when he was hailed to surrender, but refusing to do so was fired upon and mortally wounded.  They then surrendered, and he was taken prisoner and died next morning from the effect of three bullet wounds.

Q. – How many of the rebels were killed and wounded in the engagement?

A. – Their killed and wounded are not very heavy, for the reason that they broke and ran as soon as our men captured their main battery at the point of the bayonet.  This was done by Hawkins’ Zouaves and the Twenty-first Massachusetts, who made a brilliant charge directly in the face of their guns, driving the whole garrison out of the intrenchments [sic] in the centre of the island.  The number of rebels killed was estimated at about sixty, and the wounded at two hundred.

Q. – How many prisoners were taken?

A. – We have taken nearly three thousand prisoners, who will probably arrive at New York on Friday or Saturday, on the steamers Spaulding and George Peabody.

Q. – When did the fight commence?

A. – We commenced with a reconnaissance by the gunboats on Friday afternoon, shelling the lower end of the island, partly silencing the guns at that point.  Night closing in, we ceased firing until Saturday morning, when the bombardment was recommenced, and about ten thousand troops landed on the southern end of the island.

Q. – After the landing was effected, what became of the gunboats?

A. – They steamed up the channel alongside of the island, and drove the rebels from them into their intrenched camp at the upper end of the island.  The army having landed, about seven thousand of them marched in three divisions towards the centre of the island to attack the main body.  As they approached the earthworks of the enemy, they were found to have several guns in position to cover the approaches.  When within a mile of their batteries the rebels opened fire and the Federal troops fell on their faces, allowing the balls to pass over them.  They continued thus to approach the batteries for a mile with but slight loss, and finally, when close enough, charged the earthworks at a double-quick, first firing a volley and then rushing with charged bayonets over the intrenchments.  As the Federal troops entered they abandoned their guns and ran out at the other side, towards the upper end of the island.  They had put a poor fight, and ran at Bull Run speed as soon as they were brought to close quarters.

Q. – Did any portion of these troops exhibit bravery?

A. – A battalion in charge of their principal guns, the Richmond Blues, showed some bravery; but the balance fled without scarcely firing a gun, so soon as the intrenchments were stormed.

Q. – What became of the gunboats?

A. – As soon as the landing was safely effected Com. Goldsborough steamed up the channel firing at all the rebel troops that were in sight, and driving them out of the earthworks commanding the channel.

Q. – Did the rebel gunboats make any fight?

A. – Very little.  When Com. Goldsborough’s fleet appeared at the upper end of the island they turned and fled, and were hotly pursued towards Elizabeth City.  So soon as overtaken armed cutters were sent to board them, and some severe fighting is said to have taken place on the rebel decks.  They were nearly all of them captured, and most of them burned, the victors continuing on their pursuit to prevent any of them escaping.  Three or four were captured and retained, and the balance burned.  The crews of most of them made their escape to the shore by swimming, without even an attempt at resistance.

Q. – Was Elizabeth City burned?

A. – There was an earthwork defending the approach to Elizabeth City, which was feebly worked from some time, doing little or no damage.  So soon as the gunboats got the range of it and commenced dropping their shells in and around it, the military abandoned it, and soon after the flames burs out in the lower part of the city.  A flag of truce from the citizens was then sent out to Commodore Goldsborough, asking him to send a force on shore to extinguish the fire, which they stated had been kindled by the retreating soldiers.  Their request was respectfully declined; as they had come neither to burn or destroy, nor to commit any outrage on private rights, and must hold those responsible who committed the outrage.  Not more than one-third of the city was burned.

Q. – How many troops were on the island?

A. – When we first commenced the attack on Friday night the whole number did not exceed three thousand, but during Friday night and Saturday morning two thousand from Norfolk were landed, making the whole force about 4,500.

Q. – How many of them escaped?

A. – It is supposed that nearly twelve hundred escaped to the mainland in schooners. – They effected their escape by means of an obstruction in the channel, which prevented our gunboats from approaching the upper end of the island within range of them.  All their energies seemed to be devoted to the effecting of an escape.  If the gunboats could have passed the obstruction and have got within range of the point from which they were embarking, not a man would have escaped.

Q. – Of the three thousand prisoners captured, are there many Carolinians and Virginians?

A. – Yes, nearly all from these two States. – There were several battalions from Richmond, and parts of regiments from North Carolina, but the majority of the troops were picked men from the Virginia regiments.  The McCullough Rangers are From Louisiana, under the command of Lieutenant Hazelett, supposed to be Robert Hazlett, of Baltimore.  A regiment of six hundred men from North Carolina reached the island on Saturday morning, and had scarcely got landed before they were run down by the stampede, and the boats seized by the fleeing rebels from the entrenched camp, who left them as prisoners in our hands.  They arrived just in time to be captured.

Q. – What kind of arms had the rebels?

A. – The whole island was strewn with arms of every description; flint-lock muskets, double barrel shot-guns, and all descriptions of rifles, and good, bad and indifferent bowie-knives, rusty swords, flint-lock horse pistols, and Sharp’s and Colt rifles.  At least a cart load of powder horns had been gathered up with shout pouches to match.

Q. – Did any of the Federal gunboats receive any injury or where any of them lost?

A. – The only shot that took effect on any of the gunboats was a round shot that entered the bow of the gunboat Seymour, doing no damage that cannot be repaired in an hour.  Another boat had a portion of her rigging cut away. – The Hetzel had six men killed by the explosion of a riffle gun, and two or three wounded.

Q. – Was there any hand-to-hand fighting among the gunboats?

A. – Only in the case of the Federal gunboat Ceres, Capt. McDermaid, who ran up along side the rebel flag-ship Sea Bird, of Commodore Lynch, and drove the enemy before them on his own deck.  Com. Lynch succeeded in making his escape by jumping overboard and wading to the shore with most of his officers.

Q. – Did any of the rebel gunboats escape?

A. – Yes, two of them ran into the canal, on learning which Com. Goldsborough landed a force and destroyed the gate of the canal, letting the water out.  They were reported to be aground in consequence.

Q. – How many gunboats went up to Elizabeth City?

A. – There were fifteen of our gunboats in the fleet that started for Elizabeth City on Sunday.  Most of the enemy’s gunboats were now ashore and abandoned, and we fired several of them.  Three were captured, and one is now in the Federal service.

Q. – Were any of our officers killed?

A. – Yes, Colonel Russell, of the Tenth Connecticut Regiment, was killed, and Lieut. Col. Viguer de Monteil of the D’Epineuil Zouaves, who was a volunteer, were killed, no other officer was killed above the rank of Lieutenant.

Q. – How many officers are among the prisoners?

A. – We have about fifteen Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors, and fifty or sixty Captains and Lieutenants.

Q. – Were all the military in the fight?

A. – No.  The Eighty-ninth New York, the Eighth and Ninth Connecticut, the Sixth New Hampshire, and the forty-eighth Pennsylvania were left at Hatteras.

Q. – How many guns were captured?

A. – Forty-two large guns, and about a dozen field pieces.  There were also captured about 4,000 stands of arms of all descriptions.

Q. – How many field pieces were landed by Gen. Burnside?

A. – Five or six, principally field howitzers.  They were landed on the edge of a marsh, and the men were compelled to drag them for about one hundred yards through the water up to their breasts.  They were finally served, and did good execution in covering the approach of the storming parties.

Q. – How was the weather during the fight?

A. – It was dull and cloudy on Friday evening, when the works were first shelled by the gunboats, and on Saturday the rain fell steadily all day without any intermission.  The men landed at daylight on Saturday morning, and it was about 11 o’clock when the action commenced.  At first it assumed somewhat the character of a brush fight, until the rebels were driven to the centre of the island and the artillery was brought into requisition.  The island is about twelve miles long, and the landing was effected on the mainland said, about four miles from the lower end.  At their earthworks in the centre there were some fine barracks and storehouses, the latter of which with all their contents were burnt by shells from the gunboats.  The main camp was at the upper end of the island, where there were fine barracks and an abundance of the necessaries and comforts of camp life.  Owing to the destruction of the storehouses, food was very scarce on the island, and, had it not been for the abundance of pigs running about, there would have been much suffering on Sunday and Monday.

Q. – What was done with the prisoners?

A. – They were allowed to continue in possession of their camp and barracks, whilst the Federal soldiers, both officers and men, roughed it as best they could on the damp earth. – The prisoners were, however, when the Stars and Stripes left, being conducted to the lower end of the island to be embarked for New York.

Q. – Had the navy or army the most credit in the capture of the army?

A. – Both acted admirably throughout, though both evinced too much headlong impetuosity.  The island was undoubtedly taken by the land forces, and the rebel batteries in the centre of the island, behind which they made a stand, could not be reached by the shells from the gunboats.  In making the advance to these earthworks the Federal troops had to pass through the deep marshes, sometimes up to their armpits.  All seemed inspired with a determination to take the island, despite all contingencies.

Q. – There was no faltering among our men?

A. – Not in the least.  The whole work could have been done with less loss of life had it not been for the impetuosity of the men, who could not be controlled by their officers.  The navy did all that was required of it in covering the landing and silencing of the shore batteries, and ultimately disposing of the rebel fleet.  It may, therefore, be regarded as a joint victory of the army and navy.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

Report of Com. Goldsborough

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.

The Navy Department has received dispatches from Com. Goldsboro [sic], dated 20th inst.  He had received the official accounts of the visit of our vessels to Edenton and to the Currituck canal.  The light house at Cape Hatteras may now be lighted with perfect safety.

The names of the men-of-war destroyed by our vessels since the fleet reached Hatteras Island, are as follows: The Seabird, flag steamer, the Curlew and the Wanny, all steamers, and the Black Warrior, a schooner.  The steamer Edisto was captured.  A new gunboat on the stocks at Elizabeth City was also destroyed, making seven vessels in all.  The first six were remarkably well armed as gunboats.  All of them, excepting the Curlew, were destroyed or captured in the attack on Elizabeth City.  As our forces took undisturbed possession of Edenton, part of a flying artillery regiment, variously estimated from 150 to 300, fled precipitately without firing a shot.

Many of the in habitants also left in consequence.

There are no fortifications at or in the water approaches to Edenton.

Among the results of the expedition ware the destruction of 8 cannon, and one schooner on the stocks at Edenton.  Two schooners were captured in the sound; one having 4,000 bu. of corn.  Six bales of cotton were taken from the custom house wharf.  There were no public stores in the town. – The custom house was empty.

Com. Goldsborough says he remained two hours abreast of the town, and was visited by the authorities and others, many of whom professed sentiments of loyalty to the old Union.

A proclamation, dated the 18th inst., and signed jointly by Com. Goldsborough and Gen. Burnside, to the people of North Carolina, says the mission of the joint expedition is not to invade any rights, but to assert the authority of the United States, and to close with them the desolating war brought upon the State by comparatively a few men in their midst.  The proclamation concludes as follows: “We invite you, in the name of the Constitution, in that of virtuous loyalty and civilization, to separate yourselves at once from their malignant influence to return to your allegiance, and not compel us to resort further to the force under our command.  The government asks only that its authority may be recognized and we repeat that in no manner or way does it desire to interfere with your laws constitutionally established, your institutions of any kind, or your property of any kind whatever, or usages in any respect.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

Arrival of the Steamer S. K. Spaulding

FORT MONROE, Feb. 25.

The steamer S. K. Spaulding arrived here this p. m., having left Roanoke Island the day before.  No news by her.

We learn of the attempt to lay the telegraph cable across the bay, on the day that the Hoboken sailed.  16 miles of the cable were laid in the most successful manner when operation stopped for the night.

On yesterday the Hoboken was occupied in taking soundings when a severe gale of wind which sprung up on that bay struck her about noon.  Her steam pipe broke soon afterwards and she became unmanageable, drifting upon Cape Henry, where she went ashore and broke in two last night.  She is a total loss.  All hands saved.

The remainder of the cable, about fifteen miles, was destroyed before it was abandoned.  About an equal quantity is laid on the bay and the end is buoyed up.

The gunboat R. B. Forbes was seen by the Spaulding, ashore near Nags Head.

This morning white flags were displayed on all the houses in the vicinity.

Maj. J. T. Sawyer arrived at Norfolk yesterday, having left Elizabeth City on Sunday the 12th inst.  He represents everything quiet in that region.  He says that the entire federal fleet left the waters of the Pasquotauk on Friday morning, but two of them returned in the evening.  He also states that but few of the inhabitants remained in that place.

The Wilmington Journal, of yesterday, says that five or six federal gunboats have entered the Roanoke River.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONORE, Feb. 18.

A flag of truce carried several passengers to Norfolk this morning, but brought no news back.

Burnside’s force still occupied Edenton, and had thrown out pickets some six or eight miles.  No mention is made of any further advance.

No further advance has been made by Gen. Burnside, nor was any immediately expected.  The gunboats had returned from Elizabeth City.  All the fleet were at anchor off Roanoke Island.

An immense amount of trophies had been captured, including the splendid State flag of North Carolina worked by the ladies of the State; also quantities of antiquated arms.

Col. Corcoran and 700 other Federal prisoners are expected hourly to arrive at Old Point.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Victory at Roanoke Island

As Roanoke Island has recently fallen into the hands of Government there is a natural desire to become fully acquainted with its geographical position in regard to important points still in the hands of the rebels.  From a lengthy article on the subject in the Cincinnati Gazette we compile some interesting facts.

Roanoke Island commands the strait between Pamlico Sound on the south, and Albemarle and Carrituck Sounds on the north, being about midway between them and all being separate from the ocean by the narrow sand spit which runs the whole length of the North Carolina coast.  The first English settlement in America was made on this island by Sir Walter Raleigh, in 1585.  The island is about fifty miles north of Hatteras Inlet, and nearly twenty miles long.  The rebels had an intrenched camp in the center, and five forts at the most commanding points.  They had been fortifying this island ever since the capture of Hatteras and owing to the treason, which notwithstanding the efforts of Government, still exists at the North, they were fully advised of the destination of the Burnside expedition long before it sailed, as they have been by the same means of every movement made or contemplated in this war.  Our soldiers fight treason in front and treason and treachery in the rear.

The question which now occurs to the people is, what is the strategic value of this situation?  As the natural advantages of it to an invading army, North Carolina is open before it, “where to choose,” for two hundred miles north and south, penetrated by numerous rivers, bays and lagoons, giving access to many important towns, but of course we cannot appropriate all this wealth of opportunities, nor do our expeditions go about destroying towns.  About twenty miles north of the island is the foot of Albemarle Sound, which stretches west sixty miles, and from five to fifteen miles broad.  At the head of the bay, Chowan River enters from the north-west, by which our lightest draft boats could probably ascend to a point forty or fifty miles below the line of the railroad, which runs from the great North and South line at Weldon, N. C., to Norfolk, Va.  Carrituck Sound runs along the coast from the foot of Albemarle Sound to within thirty miles of Norfolk.  It is navigable for vessels of light draft, but cannot be regarded as much more commanding than the sea itself, near and parallel to which it runs.

Near the foot of Albemarle Sound Pasquatunk river, a broad, shallow arm of the Sound, enters from the northwest.  At the head of this, twenty miles from the Sound, is Elizabeth City, where our vessels captured the rebel gunboats, and which the rebels set on fire.  This place is connected with Norfolk by navigation, partly by a small stream and partly by the Dismal Swamp Canal.  At the head of Albemarle Sound is Edenton, which has also surrendered to our forces.  There are many towns accessible by the various streams and sounds but the country from the coast to near the head of Albemarle Sound is generally swampy, except near the margin of the sounds and lagoons.  For sixty miles from the cost the country is a chaos of land and water.

The enemy has railroad lines for transferring troops from Petersburg, to Richmond and Manassas, to resist any advance of our troops into their interior.  Therefore it will be seen that an advance must be supported by large re-inforcements, or by an aggressive movement from the Potomac that would prevent the diversion of troops from Manassas or Richmond to resist Burnside.  His force is supposed to be from 15,000 to 18,000.  It is not sufficient to advance far into a hostile country which has railroad communication with an army of 100,000 to 200,000 men, unless it is supported by a general movement from the Potomac.

The railroad lines below Petersburg give the rebels means of concentrating their forces either in the direction of Norfolk or Weldon.  It is presumed that other movements are to be made in combination with this; and that warned by the inadequate result of the former expedition to that vicinity, the general in command has made arrangements to support this by the general movement of his strategic plan, which will result in the capture of Norfolk and Richmond.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

The Recent Federal Victories and their Result

At the time Gen. Scott had command of the American forces he was heard to remark, that of all the Generals the one he most feared was General Impatience.  The old chieftain knew that it would require weeks and months to get together a large army and discipline them sufficiently to carry out the plans he had matured in his mind; and he knew the impatient disposition of the American people, and that our Government was ignorant of the preparations it would require and the time it would necessarily consume, to collect and equip so large a force as the extend of the rebellion demanded for its suppression.  Gen. Scott seems to have foreseen all this, and with the weight of years and bodily infirmity pressing upon him, he was unwilling to undertake a labor that would necessarily expose him to the taunts and reproaches of his countrymen.  It came to pass as he had predicted, and one feeling of impatience at the long delay seems to have animated the people from the President down, with the exception of a few whose patriotism it were well to doubt.

Whether it were the expression given to this impatience, or that the plans so long projected were fully matured, certain it is that just at this time the Generals of the Federal forces began to move and their movement has been attended by several of the most decisive victories that the Government troops have yet obtained over the insurgents.  The capture of Fort Henry was a brilliant achievement, and had it not been for the unfortunate accident that befell the Essex, would have been an almost bloodless one.  Even the enemy confess to the strength and importance of this post, and so far as Tennessee is concerned, the traitor-leaders begin to despair of long maintaining a foothold there.  The advance of the gun boats up the Tennessee river was a triumphal procession, everywhere they were received with manifestations of joy, old men wept, young men shouted and women hailed them as their deliverers from a worse thralldom than negro slavery itself.  The fact was proclaimed, that Tennessee was virtually loyal, that the mass of her citizens but awaited the opportunity gladly to announce the allegiance, which in their hearts they had never disowned, to the Government that so long had protected them.  This fact established and it but remains to the Government to see that the horde of vile demagogues that have so long polluted her soil, either leave it or be laid beneath it, that the stars and stripes again wave in their original beauty and authority over it.

Again, from the eastern shore of North Carolina comes the welcome intelligence of another great victory.  The Burnside fleet, from which so much was originally expected, but for which so much latterly has been feared, has made an attack on one of the strongest and best manned points of the enemy, has defeated them with great loss and taken many of them prisoners. – But the best feature of this engagement, as well as that on the Tennessee river, and which as completely taken captive old General Impatience, is, that no sooner is one success achieved, than without stopping for the enemy to rally and reinforce, our Generals immediately follow in pursuit.  Elizabeth City was the next point that fell before Burnside’s forces and Edenton, it will be seen, has shared the same fate. -  In the West, no sooner is Fort Henry captured than gun boats advance on to Florence, Ala.; return from their bloodless conquest and forthwith start for the stronghold of Fort Donelson.  Even from Port Royal, where the most hopeful had ceased to look for anything encouraging, the news received is flattering, and an advance on Savannah may soon be expected.  The loyal heart would be better pleased were it Charleston, as every patriot in the land longs to see that city as are the ancient “cities of the plains.”

The next thirty days are big with the fate of the rebellion.  A succession of Federal victories on the eve of the expiration of the time of the rebel soldiery, will so dishearten them that not one in ten will have the stamina to re-enlist, but will seek their homes and leave the heartless demagogues to conduct the war they themselves brought on the country.  The vigorous measures adopted by the Government, the concerted attacks on so many points at the same time and unaware where the next blow may fall, will cause very many of the rebel soldiers when their time shall have expired, to leave the grand army and be in readiness to defend their own homes.  The love of home – of the little spot where first we drew the breath of life, where the innocence of childhood invested every scene with a romantic beauty that never loses its freshness – glows brightly in every heart, though rough be the mould in which it is cast, or rude the world with which it has mingled.  Not a rebel soldier but has a longing to return to his home, and of many an one of them it may be said:

“The touch of kindred too and love he fac’s,

The modest eye, whose beams on his alone

Ecstatic shine: the little strong embrace

Of prattling children, twined around his neck,

And emulous to please him, calling forth

The fond paternal soul.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Official Report of the taking of Roanoke Island

FT. MONROE, February 13.

The gun-boat Stars and Stripes arrived this noon from Burnside’s expedition with a bearer of dispatches for the Government.  They report the rout of the rebels as complete.  Three thousand prisoners were captured, and all their gun-boats burned or captured except two, which escaped in the canal.  The Federal loss in killed is 42, wounded about 140.  Rebels killed about 30 and their wounded less than 100.

The advance from Hatteras took place on Wednesday morning, consisting of about 60 vessels.  The fleet anchored off Stumpy Point that night and the next day proceeded to the entrance of Cotton Sound.  After a reconnoisance the attack commenced.  On Friday morning the Underwriter led on the column.  The rebel fleet was attacked and dispersed in half an hour by the navy, while the remainder attacked the lad batteries.  The fight continued till dark.

During the night ten thousand men were landed, and on Sunday morning 7,000 more.  A masked battery of three guns was soon discovered by skirmishers, and was attacked in front and both flanks.

The 21^st, 25^th and 27^th Mass., the 9^th and 51^st N. Y. and the 10^th Conn. Were particularly engaged.  The 25^th Mass. And the 10^th Conn. suffered most severely.

The fight lasted only two or three hours, when the battery was abandoned.  Our troops pursued, surrounded the rebel camp and took nearly the whole command prisoners.

O. Jennings Wise was shot twice while endeavoring to escape in a bot.  Col. Russell, of the 10^th Conn., was killed at the head of his regiment.  Col. D. Montelle, of the Depennel Zouaves, whose Zouaves were voluntary, was killed.  No other officers were killed above the rank of Lieutenant.  Our total loss in killed and wounded is less than 200, and the number of killed less than 50.

On Sunday P. M. a fleet of fifteen gun-boats started for Elizabeth City.  The place was shelled, and having been evacuated and partially burned by the rebel troops, was occupied.

The Sea Bird, which was the flag ship of Com. Lynch, was run down and boarded, and the gallant Commodore escaped by swimming to shore.

The news from Elizabeth City was received at Roanoke Island on Monday eve.

Gen. Wise was at Nag’s Head and succeeded in escaping to Norfolk.

The rebels made no fight after being driven from their entrenchments, which was done by the Hawkins’ Zouaves and the 21^st Mass.  Young Wise resisted the storming parties till he was wounded and carried off, when his command retreated with the others to the upper part of the island, where they laid down their arms.

Elizabeth City was about half burnt by the rebel soldiers.  The people sent a delegation to Com. Golsborough, asking him to send a force to assist in extinguishing the flames.

Edenton was taken possession of on Wednesday, by Com. Goldsborough, no opposition being offered.

Norfolk and Richmond papers attribute the loss of Roanoke Island to the blundering inefficiency of the navy.  They still persist in asserting that 1000 Federals were killed; they also charged some Roanoke Island farmer with directing and piloting the Yankees to the only point they could effect a landing, the landing being flanked on all sides by an extensive march.

A dispatch from Memphis to Norfolk, admits the Federal flag was cheered on Tennessee River, by people, and assert that the Federals neither seized nor destroyed any private property, not even cotton.

Gov. Letcher issued an order for the formation of home guards, for the defense of Norfolk, Petersburg and Richmond.

Bishop Ames and Hon. H. Fish returned to Baltimore, the rebels refusing to receive them.

The Richmond Dispatch says, our Tennessee exchanges give us gloomy prospects for the future in that part of the Confederacy.  Several leading journals intimate plainly that there is really a threatening state of affairs in East Tennessee, growing out of the idolatrous love of many of those people to the old Union.  The correspondent of the Memphis Avalanche writes that the condition of the interior counties is not improved by the lapse of time.  The people apprehend an immediate advance of the Northern men, and traitors to the south evince their joy.  In every village and neighborhood, the Unionists are making demonstrations.  In many of the Northern counties and even at Memphis there were exhibitions of joy on the arrival of the news at Beach Grove.  Armed bands of Johnson’s and Maynard’s followers are prowling about all directions through the mountains.  In the remote counties in the State men have been shot at night in their own houses, who adhered to the fortunes of the South.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

The War News

Particulars of the Battle at Roanoke Island.

OUR VICTORY COMPLETE

The Rebel Gun-Boats All Captured or Destroyed.

300 Confederates Killed and 1,000 Wounded.

OUT OF 3,000 REBELS ON THE ISLAND ONLY 50 ESCAPE.

Elizabeth City Totally Destroyed.

CHEERING NEWS FROM TENNESSEE.

The Stars and Stripes Welcomed by the Loyal Inhabitants.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 1

Glorious News!

The telegraph, this morning, brings us news that will send the blood of the patriot heart bounding through every vein in his body. As the Richmond Examiner says: “It is a repetition of the Hatteras affair on a large scale.” Our dispatches received at the time of writing this do not give the number of Federal troops killed and wounded, but we presume it will be insignificant compared with that of the rebels, although they fought well for men engaged in a bad cause.

The towns of Elizabeth City and Edenton, mentioned in the dispatches are both on the north side of Albemarle Sound, the former on the arm jutting up into Pasquotank county, and the other in Chowan Co., N.C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 11.

By a flag of truce to-day we learn the complete success of the Burnside expedition at Roanoke Island. The Island was taken possession of and Com. Lynd’s fleet completely destroyed.

Elizabeth City was attacked on Sunday, and evacuated by the inhabitants. The city was previously burned, whether by our shells or the inhabitants is not certain.

The first news of the defeat arrived at Norfolk on Sunday afternoon, and caused great excitement.

The previous news was very satisfactory, stating that the Yankees had been allowed to advance for the purpose of drawing them into a trap.

The rebel force on the island is supposed to have been little over 3,000 fighting men.

Gen. Wise was sick at Nag’s Head, and was not present during the engagement. – when the situation became dangerous he was removed to Norfolk.

All the gunboats but one were taken, and that escaped up a creek, and was probably destroyed.

One report says that only 70, and another that only 25, of the rebels escaped from the island. Gen. Huger telegraphed to Richmond that only 50 on the islanded escaped.

There appears to be no bright side of the story from the rebels.

The Richmond Examiner, this morning in the leading editorial, says:

“The loss of our entire army on Roanoke Island is certainly the most painful event of the war. The intelligence by yesterday’s telegraph is fully confirmed. Twenty-five hundred brave troops, on an island in the sea, were exposed to all the force of the Burnside fleet. They resisted with the most determined courage; but when 15,000 Federal troops were landed against them, retreat being cut off by the surrounding elements, they were forced to surrender. – This is a repetition of the Hatteras affair on a large scale.”

The following dispatches on the subject are taken from the Richmond papers of this morning:


NORFOLK, Feb. 10.

The latest news states that O. Jennings Wise, son of Gov. Wise was shot through the hip, and disabled.

Maj. Lawson and Lieut. Miller were mortally wounded. About 300 Confederates were killed. The wounded number over 1,000. The number of Yankees wounded is about the same.


SECOND DISPATCH.

A rumor has prevailed that Com. Lynd’s fleet of gun-boats had been captured. It is not regarded as true, but it is believed that all were burned by the Confederates to prevent their capture, with the exception of one, which was endeavoring to make its escape. The fleet went to Elizabeth City from Roanoke Island, and was probably burnt at the former point.


THIRD DISPATCH.

NORFOLK, February 10.

A dispatch was received at Richmond at midnight, stating as follows:

A courier arrived here this p.m. at four o’clock, and brought the intelligence that Elizabeth City was burned this morning by its inhabitants. During the conflagration the Federals landed a large force. All our gun-boats, excepting one, were captured by the enemy. Gen. Wise has not yet arrived at Norfolk.


The following – the very latest – we copy form the Norfolk Day Book:

A courier arrived here yesterday p.m. at about three o’clock, from whom we gather the following information: The enemy advanced in full force upon Elizabeth City yesterday about 7 o’clock and began an attack upon the place. The citizens thinking resistance vain evacuated the place, but before doing so set fire to the town, and when our informant left it was still in flames. We have also to record the capture by the enemy of all our little fleet except the Fanny or Forrest. Our informant is not certain which eluded the enemy. She was pursued, however, and fears are entertained that she was captured. It is said that before our boats surrendered they were abandoned, and that their crews succeeded in making their escape. If so, we are at a loss to conjecture why the boats were not fired before they were abandoned.

This disaster to our little fleet is attributed to the fact that having exhausted their supply of coal and ammunition, they proceeded to Elizabeth City for the purpose of obtaining supplies. Every effort was made to obtain coal, but without success, and the boats could not therefore return to the Island and send any assistance whatever to our forces.

All the details, as published with reference to the capture of Roanoke Island, are confirmed by the courier, who represents our loss at 300 killed and 1,000 wounded, and that of the enemy not less than 1,000 killed.

Great havoc was made among the enemy while coming up the road leading to the Fort. Our soldiers brought to bear upon them two 32-pounders, and at every fire their ranks were terribly thinned. The places of the fallen, however were quickly filled.

The Park Point battery was manned by the Richmond Blues, and most nobly did they defend it during the conflict. They were attacked by a whole regiment of Zouaves, and though completely overpowered, they stood their ground; they did not yield a foot till all but seven of them had fallen bleeding to the ground.

There is good reason to believe that had Col. Henningsen, with his artillery, been on the island it would not have been forced to surrender.

It is reported that one regiment from Massachusetts was badly cut up, but it is impossible to ascertain which of the five it was that were attached to the expedition.

All the Southern papers received to-day are unanimous in admitting a complete victory for our troops, and in saying the loss of the island is a very serious one. The news received to-day occasioned great excitement at Old Point.

A steamer with official dispatches from Gen. Burnside is hourly expected.

The prisoners captured, numbering at least 2,000, will be here in a few days.

A flag of truce was sent to Craney Island early this morning, to inform Gen. Huger that the prisoners of war from Ft. Warren had arrived. The rebel Steamer West Point came out from Norfolk, and the prisoners were transferred. They numbered 4 Captains, 3 1st Lieutenants, 6 2d Lieutenants, 2 3d Lieutenants and 384 privates and colored servants. They were taken at Hatteras and Santa Rosa, and are the last of the prisoners of war at Ft. Warren, except. Com. Barron.

The Norfolk boat brought here the Captain of the transport Osceola, which was part of Gen. Sherman’s expedition, which was wrecked on the coast of Georgia, Nov. 2d, and the Captain and the whole crew taken prisoners.

The latest intelligence from Savannah is that the Federal gun boats were at Wall’s Cut, and opening which [communicates] with Savannah without passing Ft. Pulaski.

A dispatch from Charleston to Richmond says that, on the 9th, Fort Pickens, with the Niagara and Colorado, opened fire on Forts McRae and Barrancas and the Navy Yard. After some hours’ bombardment, both vessels hauled off. Both are said to be badly damaged.

There has been some skirmishing between the Federals and the rebels at Port Royal.

The city of Savannah was being strongly fortified.

We find the following additional news from various points of the South in the papers received to-day:

Ex-Gov. Campbell declines the tender of the appointment of a Brigadier General, and assigns as a reason his physical incapability to perform the duties of the office. He was to have filled the place vacated by the death of Gen. Zollicoffer.

The bill to raise troops to meet the requisition of Virginia by the President of the Confederate States, passed both branches of the Va. General Assembly on Monday in secret session. The bill provides that all companies now in the field shall be filled up to the number of 100 men; that the Governor shall call for volunteers for this purpose, and that if the requisite number be not thus enlisted the deficiency is to be made up by draft from the enrolled militia.

The injunction of secrecy has been removed from the bill passed by Congress appropriating $2,000,000 for the benefit of the State of Kentucky.

James Lyons is probably elected to congress, to supply the vacancy caused by the death of John Tyler.

The War department has issued an order for the seizure of all corn in the hands of distillers or others for the purpose of distillation. This step is taken not only on account of the pernicious effects of the unlimited manufacture of whiskey, but also because of the exorbitant prices that Government is obliged to pay for an article indispensable to the subsistence of the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONORE, April 24.

A flag of truce was sent to Norfolk on Wednesday, with dispatches. No newspapers were received.

On the return of the flag of truce, the steamer Nellie Baker proceeded with a flag of truce to receive a number of wounded taken by the rebels in a recent skirmish near Elizabeth City. They were brought down from Norfolk in a schooner in tow of a rebel tug.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 1