Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-10-24
BRILLIANT EXPLOIT AT HATTERAS
INLET.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE AFFAIR

u. S. STEAMER MONTICELLO
Orr CAPE HATTERAs, N. c., Oct. 5, '6l.
SpR:-I have the honor to inform you that
in obedience to your order of this morning,
stood through the inner channel of the
Hatteras Shoals at II 80 p M., and stood
close along shore to the northward, keeping
bright lookout from aloft.
At l.3O P. NJ. we discovered several sail
ing vessels over the woodland Kline keet.-
At the same time a regiment marching to
the northward, carrying rebel flag within
their midst, with many stragglers in the
rear also two tugs inside, flying the same
flag.
As they came out of the woods at Kline
Keet, we ran close m shore, and opened
deliberate fire upon them at the distance of
three quarters of a mile.
At our first shell, which fell in their midst
they rollod up their flag and scattered, NOV
ing rapidly up the beach to the northward.
We followed them, firing rapidly from three
guns, driving them up to clump Of woods
in which they took refuge, and abreast Of
which their steamer lay.
We now shelled the woods, and could see
them embarking in small boats for their ves-
sells, evidently in great confusion, and suf-
fering greatly from our fire. Their steamers
now opened fire unon us; firing, however,
but three shots, which fell short. Two Of
their boats filled with men were struck by
our shots and destroyed. Three more steam
ers came down the sound, and took posi-
ton opposite the woods. We were also
shelling two sloops. We continued firing
deliberately upon them from 80 till $3.50
P. NJ, when two men were discoved on the
sea- beach making Signals to us Supposing
them to be two of the Indian regiment, we
ssnt an armed boat and crew to bring them
off, covering them at the same time with our
fire.
Upon the boat nearing the shore they took
to the water. One Of them (private Warren
o. Haver, of Company H. 10th Indiana Reg
iment) was successful in reaching the boat !;
the other man tprivate Charles White, Com.
pany II, Goth Indiana Regiment) was unfor-
tunately drowned in the surf.
Private Have informs me that he witnessed
our fire which was very destructive. He
states that two of our shell fell into two
sloops loaded with men, blowing the vessels
to pieces and sinking them; also that sever
al of the officers were killed. The horses
were StcH TuuulfiB 0OOuS skAu OCaSu' DS
had just escaped from his captors afSer shoot
ing the captain of one of the rebel compa-
nies. He states that the enemy were in the
greatest confusion, rushing wildly to the
water stri. ing tu get of to their vessels.
Private Haver now directed me to point
where the rebels were congregated, awaiting
an opportunity to get off. / again opened
fire with success, scattering them. We were
now close in three fathom of water, and our
told with effect.
Six steamers were now Oft the Point, one
of which recognized as the Fanny.
At525 P. NJ. we ceased firing, leaving
the enemy scattered along the beach for up
wards of four miles. fred repeatedly at
the enemy's steamers with our rified cannon,
Parrot 32-pounder, and struck the Fanny,
think, once. found therange of the gun
much short of what antic pated, many Of
the shot turning end over end, and not ex
ceeding much the range of the smooth bore
80 FOUNDER. / enclose herewith memo
randum Of the ammunition expended to.day
/ am, very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
LIEUT.. ID. s. BRAlNE,
Commanding U. S. S. Monticello.
To Captain J. L. Lardner.
Commanding U. S. S. Susquehanna,
Off Cape Hatteras, N. y.