Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1861-11-20
Flag Officer CONG. S. Atlantic Squadron.

Commodore DupoHt's Second Despatch
BLocKADING FLEET, FLAG SnIP WABASH,
Of Hilton Head. Port Royal Harbor,
November s. 1861.
Hon. Gideon IVelles, Secretary Of the Nary,
Washington:
Sri have the honor to infrOm you that
yesterday attacked the enemy's batteries en-
Bay Point and Hilton Head-Forts Beaure-
gard and Walker-and succeeded in silencing
them after an engagement Of four hours du-
ration, and driving away the squadron of
rebel steamers under Commodore Tatnall.
The reconnaissance Of yesterday made 10
acquainted with the superiority Of Fort Wal.
kor, and to that directed my special Efforts,
engaging it at distance Of first eight hun
dred yards, and afterwards six. But the plan Of
attack brought the squadron sufficiently near
Fort Bcauregard to receive its fire and the
ships were frequently fighting the batteries
on both sides at the same time.
The action was begun on my part at twel.-
ty-six minutes past nine, and at half past two
the american ensign scas hoiStcd on the jag
STAFF Of Font Vqiker, and this morning at
sunrise on that of Fort Beauregard.
The defeat Of the enemy terminated in their
utter rout and confusion their quarters and
encampments were abandoned without any
attempt to carry away either public or private
property.
The ground over which they fed was strewn
with tie arms of private soldiers, and officers
retired in too much haste to submit to the
! encumbrance Of their swords.
| Landing my marines and Il company of
seamen, | took possession of the deserted
ground and held the fort at Hilton Head til
the arrival OF Gen. Sherman, to whom | had
the honor to transfer its occupation.
u 6 Il, +
most Of them are of the heaviest caibre and
of most improved description. The bearer
of these dispatches will have the honor to
carry with him The captured flags and two
small brass field pieces lately belonging to the
State of South Carolina, which are sent homo
as suitable trophies of the success of the day
| enclose herewith a copy of the general or
der which is to be read in the feet tomorroW
morning at InpSteg.
A detailed account of the battle will be
submitted hereafter
have the honor, to be very respectfully,
Your most obedient servant,
LSigned S. f. DUPoNT,
Flag Officer Commanding
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
p. S,-The bearer of dispatches will also
carry with him the first American ensign
raised upon the soil of South Carolina since
TIC IeOel4iOu UfUAe Jul s. I. D.
General Order, No. 2.
FLAG SHIP WABASH, HILTON HEAD
Port Royal. November 8th 1861.
1t is the grateful duty Of the Commander
in-Chef to make public acknowledge of
his entire commentator of the cooness, dis
ciplne, skill and gallantry displayed by the
officers and men under his command at the
capture of the batteries on Hilton Head and
Bay Point after an action of FIVE hours dura-
tiQn.
The Fag Officer fully sympathizes with the
officers and men of his squadron in the salts
faction they must feel at seeing the ensign Of
the Union flying once more in the State Of
South Carolina, which has been the chief pro-
moter of the wicked and unprovoked rebel
lion they have been called upon to suppress.
lSignedl S. F. DUPONT,
Flag Officer Commanding
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.