WASHINGTON, Feb. 14.
A special messenger arrived this morning bring the following dispatch:
U. S. FLAG STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
off Roanoke Island, Feb. 9.
Roanoke Island is ours. The military authorities struck to us yesterday. Their means of defence were truly formidable, and they were used with a determination worthy of a better cause. They consisted of two elaborately constructed works, together mouthing 22 heavy guns, 3 of them being 100-pounders rifled; four other batteries, mounting together 20 guns, and some of them rifled; 8 steamers, mounting 2 guns each and each having a rifled gun with a diameter of a 32-pounder; a prolonged obstruction of sunken vessels and piles to thwart our advance, and altogether a body of men numbering scarcely less than 5,000, of whom 3,000 are now our prisoners.
The fighting commenced on the morning of the 7th about 11 a. m., and was continued till dark. It was resumed at an early hour and lasted until late in the afternoon, when by a bold charge by our army the rebel flag was made to succumb and our own was hoisted everywhere on the island in its place. No attack could have been more completely executed, and it was carried out precisely in accordance with the arrangements made before the expedition left Cape Hatteras Inlet.
(Signed,)
J. [sic] M. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Flag Officer.
SECOND DISPATCH.
Just as I closed my dispatch of yesterday I received reliable information that the rebel steamers which escaped had gone to Elizabeth City, and thereupon I immediately ordered Com. Rowan to take thirteen of our steamers under his command and go in pursuit of them, and also, if practicable, to execute another service, namely: the destruction of the North river – a link of the Albemarle and Chesapeake canal. The way he has already accomplished the first part of it his own preliminary report – a copy of which I herewith inclose [sic] – will inform you.
I am, &c.,
J. M. GOLDSBOROUGH.
U. S. STEAMER DELAWARE,
Off Elizabeth City, Feb. 10.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I met the enemy off this place this A. M. at 9 o’clock, and after a very sharp engagement, have succeeded in destroying or capturing his entire naval force, and silencing or destroying his battery on Cobb’s Point. The only vessel saved from destruction is the Ellis, Capt. J. M. Cook, who was wounded, and is at present on board the ship. I have other prisoners. I am happy to say that our casualties are few, considering the warmth of the enemy’s fire – say two or three killed and some wounded. The conduct of the gallant men I have the honor to command is worthy of all praise. None of our vessels are severely injured. I shall leave here a small force, and visit the canals, and have a look into other places before I return.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
J. [sic] C. ROWAN, U. S. N.
No official report, but merely a private letter, up to 1 o’clock to-day, has been received from Gen. Burnside.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1
