Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-11-22

verabiy noticed BY his commander
| On passing Charleston, I sent in the Seneca,
Lieut.. Commanding AMMEN, to direct captain
| LARDxER TO join me with the Steamer SWsqwehaana
/ off Port Royal without delay.
/ On Monday, at O'Clock in the morning, anchor
| ed off the bar with some twenty-five vessels in
company, with many more heaying ia sight. The
Department is aware tnat all the aids to naviga-
tion had been removed, and the bar lies miles
sesward, with no features on the shore line with
sufficient prominence to make any bearings reliable.
But to the skill of Commander DAVIS, the Flag
Captain and Mr.. BoUFELLIE, tile able assistant Of
the Coast Survey, in charge of the steamer Viren,
the channel was Immediately found, sounded out
and buoyed
By three O'Clock / received assurance from
Capt DAv Is that I could send forward the lighter
transports (hose under Is feet) with all the gum
boats, which was Immediately done, and before
dark they were securely anchored in the Roadstead
of Port Royal, S. C.
The gun-boats almost Immediately opened their
batteres u pom two three Rebel steamers, under
Commodore TATEALL, instantly chasing him under
shelter of the batteries. In the morning Com
1nander JOHN RoDGERs, of the U. S. steamer Flag.
temporarily on board this ship, and acting on my
staff, accompanied BrigadeT-General WRIGHT ia
the gun-boat OttoaeG, Lieutenant Commanding
STEVENS. aud supported by the Seneca, Lieutenant-
Commanding NICHOLSON, made reconnaissance in
force and drew the fire of the batteries on Hilton
Head and Bay Point sufficiently to show that the
Notifications works Of strength, and scentih-
cally constructed.
In the evening of Monday, Captain DAVIS and
Mr. BoUTELLE reported the water deep enough for
the Wabasb 70 venture mp.
The responsibility of bazardiHg so noble frigate
was not light one over prolonged bar Of over
two miles. There about foot or two of
water spare, and the fall and rise Of The TIDE is
such that IL she grounded she would have sustain
ed injury from straining, If not total loss. Too
much, however. at stake TO hesitate, and the
result was entirely successful.
0n the morning of Tuesday, the Wabash crossed
the bar, followed closely by the Susqueaaana, the
atlantic, the PzaderbiH and other transports of
deep draught, and on running through, that portion
of the feet already in, the safe passage Of this
great ship over the bar hailed by gratifying
cheers from crowded vessels. We anchored, and
Immediately commenced preparing the ship for ac-
ton, but the delay OF planting buoys, particularly
on Fishing Rip a dangerous shoaI we had to
avoid, rendered the hour late before II was posi-
bic to move with the attacking squadron. In our
anxiety to get the outline of the forts before dark
we stood in the shoal, and the ship grounded.
By the time she was taken on it was too late to
proceed, and | made signals for the squadron to
anchor ont of gun shot from the enemy.
To day the Wind blows gale from the south
ward and westward, and the attack is unavoidsbly
postponed.
have tho honor to be, sir. respectfully, your
IF. DUPONT.
Flag Officer commanding the South Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIpEov WELLS, Secretary o. the Navy.
Washington
FLAG snIPWABAsH, OFF Huron HEAD,
PoRT ROYAL HARBoB, Nov. s 1861.
SIR:--I have the honor to inform you that
yesterday l attacked the enemy's batteries on
Bay Point and Hilton Head, Forts Beaure-
gard aud Walker, and succeeded in slencng
them, after an engagement Of four hours dua
ration, and driving away the squadron of Reb- |
ell steamers under Comaodore TAFNALL.
The Reconnaissance Of yesterday made Us ac
quainted With the superiority of Fort Walker, !
aud to that directed my special efforts, en-
gagiug it, at first, at distance of eight huns |
ired, aud afterwards six hundred yards; but |
The plan of attack brought the squadron sufi, |
,iently near Fort Beauregard to receive its
IRE, ard the ships were frequently fighting the
batteries on both sides at the same line.
The action was begun 90 my part at twenty
tx minutes after nine o'clock, aud at half>past
NO the American ensign vas holsted on the
lag-staff OF Fort Walker, and this morning at
unrise on Fort Beauregsrd.
The defeat of the enemy terminated in their
utter rout and confusion. Their quarters and
ncatDpments were abandoned without any at
empt on their part TO carry away either pub
lc or private property The ground over
phich they fled was strewn with arms OF pri-
ate soldiers, aud the officers retired 10 too
luch haste to submit to the circumference of
heir swords. Landing my marines and
ompany OF seamen took possession Of the
oserted ground, and held the Forts on Hilton
lead, until the arrival OF General SHERMAN,
. whom had the honor to transfer its occus
alton.
We have captured forty three pieces of can
on, most OF them of the heaviest calibtie and
t the most improved description.
The bearer of these dispatches will have
be honor to carry With him the captured flags
I'D the tRo snail brass pieces lately belongs
ng to the State of South Carolina, which we
end home as suitable trophies to the success
f the Navy.
enclose copy Of the General Order which
J to be read to the feet tomorrow morning at
MUSTER.
A detailed account of this battle will be
admitted hereafter
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
our most obedient servant, S. Z. DUPONT,
Flag Officer, Commanding the South Allan.
10 Blockading Squadron.
S. Tue bearer of dispatches will also
AIRY with him the FIRST American ensign rails,
4 upon the soil of South Carolina since the
obellion broke out.
SID.
To Hon. GIDEON WELLS, Secretary of the
Iavy Washington.
GENERAL ORDERS NO 2.
FLAGSHIP WABASH HILToN HEAD, +,
PoRg Royal Bay, Nov s, 1861. +
L is the grateful duty of the Commander
l-Chief to make public acknowledgement !
his entire commendation Of the coolness
isciPline, skill and gallantry displayed by the I
Ulcers aud men under bis command 10 the
lpture Of tho batteries on Hilton Head aHd /