The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-10-18

THE HATTERAs AFFAIR.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE ENGAGEMENT.
------- 70 p9.s4
REPORT OF CAPTAIN LARDNER, OF THE
sUsQUEHANNA.
UNITED STATES FRGATE SUsoUEHANNA,
Off Hatteras Inlet, Oct. 8, 1861.
Su-Late in the afternoon OF the 4th
inst. received information that the enemy
had landed in large force at Ohicamacomico
and Kline Keel, and that the Indiana regi-
ment, posted there, was in full retreat be-
fore them. Also, that our three tugs in the
Inlet were aground or disabled. The Fanny
had been captured the day before. l st
once got under way with this ship and the
Monticello, and anchored for the night close
to the shore in Hatteras Cove.
At daylight found our troops in and
about the lighthouse, and in distress for
want of provisions, which they had been
without for twenty~four hours. / supplied
them with food, and, at the request OF the
commanding officer, remained for their pro-
lection during the day. Learning that the
enemy was in large force at Kline Keel,
sent the Monticello to drive them off, which
important service was performed by Lieu
tenant Commanding Braine, with great
effect and good conduct. His report is
enclosed.
am, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
j. l.. LARDNER, Captain.
To Flag Officer l.. NJ. GoLDsBoRoUGH, &c.
REPORT OF COMMANDER BRAINE, OF THE NON
TICELLO.
UNITED STATES SHIP MONTICELLO,
Of Cape Hatteras Oct. 5, 1861.
SRI have the honor to inform you
that, in obedience TO your order of this
morning, stood through the INNER chan
mel of Hatteros shoals at half past twelve
P. NJ, and stood along the shore to the
northward, keeping a bright lookout from
alott. At halt past one P. NJ. we discovered
several sailing vessels over the woodland
Kline keet, and at the same SINE regi-
ment marching to the n0rthward, carrying
a rebel flag in their midst, with many
stragglers in the rear, also two tugs ins de,
flying the same flag.
As they came ont OF the woods of Kline
Keet, we ran close in shore and opened
deliberate are upon them, at the distance
of three quarters OF mile. AT our first
shell, which fell apparently in their midst,
they rolled up their flag and scattered, nov
ing rapidly up the beach to the northwest.
We followed them, firing rapidly from three
guns, driving them up to the
clump of woods, in which they took
refuge, and abreast of which their steamers
lay. We now shel,ed the woods, and could
see them embarkine in small boats after
their vessels, evidently in great confusion
and suffering greatly from our fire. Their
steamers now opened fire upon US, firing,
however, but three shots, which fell short.
Two boats filled with men were struck by
our shells and destroyed. Three more
steamers came down the Sound and took
position opposite the woods. We were
Smelling also two sloOps. We continued
firing deliberately upon them from half past
one P. N. until half past three P. NJ. when
two men were discovered on the sea beach
making signals TO US. Surprising them to
be two OF the Indiana regiment, we sent an
armed boat and crew to bring them off,
covering them at the same time with our
fire. Upon the boat nearing the beach
they took to the water. One of them Was
successful in reaching the boat-private
w. o. Havre, company I'll, Goth regiment
OF Indiana troops. The other man--pri
vate Chas. White, company II, 10th regl.
ment Indiana troops was unfortunately
drowned in the surf.
Private Haver informs me that he was
taken prisoner on the morning of the 4th
/ that he witnessed one shot, which was very
destructive. He states that two of our
shells fell into two sloops loaded with men,
blowing the vessels to pieces and striking
them. Also that several of the officers
| were killed and their horses seen running
about the track. He had just escaped from
his captcrs, after shooting the captain Of
one OF the rebel companies. He states that
the enemy were in the, greatest confusion
rushing wildly into the water, striving to
get off to their vessels.
Private Haver now directed me to the
| point where the rebels were cougregated
awaiting an opportunity to get off
! opened fire again with success, scattering
them. We were now very close, in three
fathoms water, and the FIRE OF the second
shell told with effect.
Six steamers were now OIL the point one
of which | recognized as the Fanny.
At twenty five minutes to five P. NJ, We
ceased firing, leaving the enemy scattered
along the beach for upwards of four miles
l fired repeatedly at the enemy's steamers
with our riiled cannon, Parrot thirty
FOUNDER, and struck the Fanny, I think
once. found the range OF this piece much
short of what had anticipated, many Of
the shot turning end over end, and not ex.
ceeding much the range of the smooth bore
thirty two FOUNDER.
enclose herewith the memorandum of
the amount of ammunition expended to day
am, most respectfully, your obedient SER
want,
Lieutenant D L. BRAINE,
Commanding U. S. steamer Monticello.
To Captain ]. L. Lardner, commanding United
States steamer Susquehanna, off Cape Hat.
teres, North Carolina.
.u Tpy