The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1861-11-19
Il w. SHERMAN.
Brig. Gen. Commanding.
REPORT or cor. DUPONT.

Flagship Wabash, of Hilton Head, }
Port Royal IIarbor. Nov. sih, 1861.
hon. Gidton Uciles, .Sscrsfory Of Ma
". Washington
SiR,--l have the honor 10 inform you
that yesterday attacked The batteries at
Bay Point and Hilton Head, and Forts
Walker and Beauregard, and succeeded
in silencing them after an engagement Of
four hours duration and driving away the
squadron OF rebel steamers under Com
mander Tmu,ll. The reconnaissance Of
yesterday made US satisfied with the SUI
periority Of Fort Walker, and TO that |
directed my especial efforts, engaging it
AT a distance OF eight hundred and after
wards at six hundred yards. But the
plan Of attack brought the squadron suili-
cienily near Fort Beauregard 10 receive
the lire, and the ships were frequently
fighting the batteries ON both sides At the
same time. The action was begun on my
part at twenty minutes past nine, and at
half past two the American ensign was
hoisied on the flag staff Of Fort Walker,
and this morning at sunrise on that Of Fort
Beauregarl.
The retreat of the enemy terminated in
utter rout ard confusion. Their quar- ers
and encampments were abandoned without
al attempt TO carry awiy either public or
private property. The ground over which
they fled was strewn with the arms Of pri-
waite soldiers, and the officers retired in
TOO much haste 10 submit to tie incum-
branee of their swords.
Landing my marines and company Of
seam"n. | took possession OF the deserted
ugrond and hcd the Forts on Hilton
Head till the arrival of Gen Sherman, to
whom had the honor to transfer their
command. We have captured l3 pieces
Of cannon, most Of them Of the heaviest
calhre OF the most improved kind.
Tie bearer Of these dispatches will have
the honor to carry with him the captured
flags and Two small brass field pieces, late
Is belonging to the State of South Caro-
tint. which are srnt home as trophies OF
the success Of the day.
] enclose herewith copy Of The gen
eral order which is to be read TO the fleet
tomorrow morning at muster.
4 detailed account of this battle will be
submitted hereafter. have the honor 10
be very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
s. i. DUroNT,
Commanding south Atlantic blockadng
squadron.
p. S.-The bearer Of dispatches will
also carry away with him the first Ameri-
can ensign raised upon the soil of South
Carolina since tie rebellion broke ont.
S. F. ID.
Hilton Head, Port Royal Bay,
Nov. Sth.
Il is The grateful duty of the comman-
der-in-chief 10 make public acknowledge
ment OF his entire commentator of the
GOODNESS, discipline, skill and gallantry dis
played By the officers and men under his
command in lac capture Of the batteries
AT Hilton Head and Bay Point after au
action Of four hours duration.
The fla officer full; sympathizes with
the officers aud men OF his squadron in the
satisfaction they must feel at seeing the
ensign Of the L. S. flying once more in
the State Of South Carolina, which has
been the chief promoter Of the wicked and
unprovoked ebellion they have been called
upon 10 suppress.
S. +. DUpoST,
Flag Officer.
Boston, Nov. l3.
The Transcript is furnished with an
extract from letter written by an intelli-
gent soldier in the naval brigade at Fort
rcss Monroe, under date Of Nov. 18th, as
follows:
This morning news reached here that
5000 soldiers OF the rebel army had mutt
MED al Norfolk, and most Of the citizens
who had determined TO fight only for the
Union under the old gridiron. In confir-
nation of this intelligence, Capt. Lock
wood Of the United States, tug boat, re-
ports that the stars and stripes were flying
gloriously from Pigs Point, opposite New
Fott views, hNtIe int TcDtiA nave IOf
long time had formidable battery.
Friday.
Fortress Monroe. Nov. 18th.
The flag Of truce from Norfolk brought
down passengers.
From Southern papers We learn the fol-
lowing: The Charleston Mercury is
quoted BY the Norfolk Day Book OF yes
terday, as follows: The regular News
dispatches from the scene Of invasion are.
We presume, suppressed by military au-
tlIorily.
Richmond dispatches OF the iilh state
that Col. Corcoran, three Captains, and
eighteen Liemenanis. all Of whom we're
captured ia the action at Manassas, and
confined in Jail a; Richmond had been Sc
lectrsi by lot, 10 he hung by WAY Of reiri.
button To- the hanging cf Capt. Barker and
crew Il the southern priyaieer Savannah.
The Hon ". Fly, Member ofcaugress