The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-09-02

only in width and which commanded by two
! 80 pouudrrs loaded with grape and canister "hch
| we expended in our salute
1t had a bomb. proof, capable of sheltering three
| or four hundred men. The parapet is nearly of
| octagon form, enclosing about two-thirds of
acre of ground we'll covered with sufficient traverses
and ramparts, and parapets upon which our shells
| had made but little impression. Th- larger work
nearer this Inlet, known as Fort Hatteras.
| Fort Clark, which was about 100 yards northerly,
is square redout numbering five guns and two six
Founders.
! The enemy had spiked these guns, but in a very
imperfect manner. Upon abandoning the fort the
| day before, had ali the troops shore at the
time of the surrender of the forts, but re-embar-
ed the regulars and the marines. Finding it i'm
possible. without delay of the fleet, which could
not be justified under the state Of facts at Fortress
| Monroe, and owing to the threatening appearance
of the weather, ] disenhsrked the provisions.
ing, with the provisions captured, about We lays
| rations for the use of the troops
| On consultation with flag officer Stringham and
Commander Stiilwagen, determined to leave the
troops and hold the fort because of the strength of
the Ortificatons, its Importance, and because if
again in possession OF the enemy with sufficient
! armament, the very great difficulty OF its capture,
until | could get further instructions frGm
| the Government.
| Commodore Stringham directed the steamers
Monticello and Pawnee to remain inside, and these,
with the men in the forts are sufficient to hold the
position against any force which is likely, in
deed possible, to be sent against it, The import
| ance Of the point cannot be oveTrated. When the
|
feet of water over it with 0nce inside, there
| is safe harbor and anchorage in all weathers.
! From here the whole coast Of Virginia and North
| Carolina from Norfolk to Cape Look Out is within
| our reach by light draught vessels which cannot
possibly live at during the winter months
From it offensive operations may be made upon the
whole coast of North Carolina TO Bogue Inlet ex-
| tending many miles in to Washington and Beau
| fort.
| In the language of the Chief Engineer of the re-
| bells, Col. Thompson, in official report at is
| the key Of the AIbemare.' In my judgment it is
! a station second in Importance only to Fortress
| Monroe the coast. As depot for coasting and
| supplies for the bockading squadron it is inva!ua-
| Bile. As a harbor for our c0asting trade or
inlet from the winter storm. or from pirates, it is
of the utmost Importance. BY holding it, Hatteras
| light may again send forth its cheering ray to the
storm bea en- mariner of which the worse than van
dalism of the rebels deprived him. 1t has but one
| drawback, want of good water, but that con-
denser, like the one in operation at Fortress Mon
roe, cost of few hundred dollars, will relieve
| append to this report tabular statement OF the
prizes which have been tHken into the Inlet within
a few DAYS, compiled with official documents cap
| tured with the Fort.
| add hereto an official report of the Chief En-
qineer Of the coast defences of the rebels Please
find also appended statement OF the arms and mu-
nitions OF captured with the Fort, nearly as
| they can be ascerta aimed.
While all have done well, desire to speak in
| terms Of especial commendation of the steadness
and cool courage OF Col. Max Weber who we were
| 300 men on a strange coast, without camp
equpage possibility of aid in face Of
an enemy six hundred strong, on dark and
stormy night; of Lieutenant Weiss who con-
Quoted reconnaissance OF twenty men; of the
daring and prompt efficiency of Capt. Nixon, of the
Coast Guard who, with his men, occupied Fort
| Clark during the first night, although dismantled
and in the face of enemy of unknown numbers.
| / desire to commend to your motto, Captain JUS
| tin, of the New York ninth. who was left in COM
mand of detachment of his regiment when the
unfortunate accident 10 the Harriet Lane prevent
| ed Colonel Hawkins from landing.
Permit me to speak also of the efficiency of the
regulars, under Lieut.. Larned, who worked zeal
ously in aiding to land their comrades of the vol
unteers, overwhelmed amid the rolling surf.
| desire especially to make acknow dgements to
Messers. Creigel and Dunvage volunteer aids who
planted the American flag upon Fort Clark on the
second morning to indicate the feet its surren-
der and to prevent the further wasting of shells
upon it, service of great danger from the fire of
their own friends.
/ make honorable mention of young Fiske, who,
riskng his life among the breakers, being thrown
on shore to carry my orders to the troops landed,
and to apprize them Of the movement and inten-
tions of the fleet. Also my thanks for the valuable
aid of Capt. Haggerty, who employed in visit
ing the prizes in the harbnr, while we were agree
ing upon the terms of capitulati0n.
or the services to the country of the gentlemen of
the Navy proper | may not speak, for ought
not to speak when he has no right to ceusure, and
they will be appropriately mentioned in the re-
port of Com StrDgham.
(Signed,) B. F. BUTLER