Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-05
| true copy ". R. CAswELL, Clerk.
Geographical sketch OF Hatteras and the


We have prepared a brief sketch of that section
of our sister State which has been invaded by the
Lincoln army. With the assistance of very large
map, which may be found in our Office, the great
importance Of this movement of the enemy viii be
seen at glance. The excellence Of this map viii
at once indicate the draughtsman, who has anticI-
pated our wants on several occasions.
Cape Hatteras is the elbow of triangular island.
forming the seward limit of Pinlico Sound. The
whole series of islands which gIrdie the coast of
North Carolina are desoate and barren. To the
northward, between the man island and Narrow
Beach Islands, stretching down from Cape Henry,
lies Currituek Sourd, fifty miles long, and two to
ten mules broad. West of this, running inland, is
Albermarle Sound sixty miles long, and from FIVE
to fifteen miles broad; its waters fresh aDd not
subject to tidal influences. These two sounds com
muDieate with Pimlico Sound. which lies South of
Currituck; it is eighty six miles long, and from ten
to twenty bread with a general depth Of twenty
feet. But nav gIiion is much impeded by shoals
within it. 1t opens to the ocean through Ocraeoke
Inlet, which is considered the best nsvigable pass
north of Cape Lookout. ~
The entire shore of these sounds is indented By
rivers and branches, which are nsYigable for Vts.
sells Of light draught. The Chowan and Roanoke
Rivers empty into AlbermArle Sound the former
which is made by the union of the Nottoway and
Meherrin, admits small vessels to Murfreesboro in
Hartford county, and the latter is Havigable, for
similar craft for thirty miles only. Elizabeth City
on the Pasquotank River, is also place import
licO Sound Washington is the principal port on
the former, and Newbern on the latter. From the
last named port large trade in grain trsnsac-
ted with Charleston. Besides, there wRs q very
large foreign ard coast wise trade in naval stores
lumber and grsin from the ports of Beaufort, Elem
ron Elizabeth City, Washington and Plymouth.
Inland navigation is open TO Norfolk from ia
beth City by the Dismal Swsmp Canal. The most
important point, within reach of the Yankee forces
Is Beaufort, port of entry, the best on the coast
having twenty feet water on the bar. The channel
runs quite near the ShGckelford Banks on the point
of which is an earth work Of the calibre Of the
guns we have no information. Opposite, on Bogue
Island, stands Fort Macon. This is regularly con-
s'rueted work of considerable strength At the
time of its seizure by the Governor of North Caro-
lima, it was like Fort Pulaski, in Georgia in a vey
unmilitsry condition-but considerable work has
been done since, and it should be able with full
garrison, and plenty Of powder and shot, to make
q protracted defence. From Morehead City, OpRO-
site Beaufort, there is railroad to Goldsboro, on
the Weldon and Wilmington road. THIS will enable
the authorities to throw large bodies of troops on
the coast; and from reliable sources we learn that
an immense flotilla Of coasting vessels, including
some steamers are available for any movements
by water that may be decided upon.
We learn that large number Of families are leaV
ing their homes on the coast with their sla-e and
personal effects. Prompt and decisive steps should
at once be taken for their protection Charleston
ATe1sry Sept 2.