Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-11-14
FLAG SHIP WABASH,
off Hilton Head, Port Royal,
Kouar,ba- Itb

sIR,-The Government having determined
to seize and occupy one or more important
points upon our Southern coast, where our
squadrons might find shelter, and possess
a depot and afford protection to loyal cjti-
zsns, committed to my discretion the selec-
tion from among those places It thought
available and desirable for these purposes.
After mature deliberatiOn, aided by tae pro-
fessionsl knowledge and great intelligence
Of the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Fox, and
upon taking into consideration the magni-
tude to which the joint naval and military
expedition had been extended, to which yOn
have called my attention, came to the con-
clusion that the original intentions of the
Department, if carried out, would fall short
Of the expectations Of the country, and of the
capability of the expedition; while Port
Royal, thought, would meet both in high
degree therefore submitted to Brigadier-
General Sherman Commanding the military
part Of the expedition, this modification oi
our earliest matured plans, and had the salts
faction to receive his full concurrence.
On Tuesday Oct 2sth tae feet under my
command left Hampton Roads, and with the
ar ny transports, Numbering fifty vessels
On the day previous l had dispatched
the coal vessels, twenty-five in qumber, under
convoy of the Vandalis, to rendezvous of
Savannah, not wishing to give the true
point of the feet. The weather had been
unsettled in Hampton Roads, though it prom.
ised well when we sailed, but of Hatteras il
blew hard. Some ships got on to the break
ers, and two struck, but without injury.
On Friday, Nov. lst, the rough weather
increased into a gale, and we had to en-
counter one Of great violence. The feet
was utterly dispersed, and on Saturday
morning one sail only was in sight from the
deck of the Wabash. On the following day
the weather moderated, and the steamer.
and ships began to re-apPsaF.
No orders were opened except those il
case ot separation. These last were furnished
to all the men of war by myself, and to the
transports By Brig. Gen. Sherman. As the
vessels rejoined reports came in of deserters
In reference to the men of war, the Isaat
smith, a most efficient and well armed YES.
sci for the class, purchased, bgt not intended
TO encounter such sea and wind, had t.
throw her formidable battery overheard Il
keep from laundering, but thas relieved shI
was enabled to go 10 the assistance OF thi
steamer Governor, then In a very dangerous
condition, and on board of which was ou
fine battalion of marines under Major Rey.
nolds. They were finally rescued by Capt
Ringgold in the Sabine, under difficult cir
| cumstsnces, after which the Governor wen
down. / believe that seven of the marine.
were drowned by their own imprudeuce.
Lieut. Commanding NicholsOn's conduct il
the Isaac Smith has met my warm commen
datiOn.
The Peerless transport, in a sinking condi
ton, was met " the Mohican, Commando
Gordon, and all the people on board, 20 il
number, were saved under very peculiar cir
cumstances, in which service Lieut. q. W
Miller was very faVorsbly noticed BY hi
commander.
On passing Charleston 1 sent the seneca
Lieut. Commanding Anmen, to direct Capt
Lsrduer 70 join me with the steamer Susque
hanna of Port Royal without delay.
On Monday, ct 8 o'clock in the morning
[ anchored of the bar with some 25 vessel
in company, with many more hesvipg il
sight 81
The Department Is aware that all the aid
/ to nsFlgatlon had been removed, and the 0s
lies ten miles to seaHard, and no features OF
The shore line Of sufficient prominence t
make any bearings reliable, but to the skii
of Commander Dove, the feet Captain, snt
/ Mr.. Boulette, the able assistant Of the COas
Survey, in charge Of the steamer Vixen,
channel was Immediately found. By threl
/ o'clock / received assurances from Capt Dow
that could send forward the lighter trans
ports, those under eighteen feet, and ell thl
qunboats, which was Immediately done, anC
before dark they were securely anchored il
the roadstesd of Port Boyal, ). @.
The gunbosts almost Immediately openei
their batteries upon two or three rebel steam
ers under Com. Tatnall. instsutly chasing
him under the shelter of their batteries.
On the morning Of Tuesday the WabasI
crossed the bar, followed closely By the fri
gate Susquehannah. The Atlantic, Wander
bilt, AID other transports Of deep draft, run
ming through 70 that portion Of the feet al.
ready IN. The azie passaga Of this Rreai