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
