Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-09-05
Ssuth ern Account Of the Capture Of Fsrts
HatteFas and Clark.

ssuthe rn Account Of the aptufs Of Fsrts
Hatteras and Clark.
The Petersburg Express, Of Tuesday, say, Il oh.
tained the following from two soldiers, who were
present at the bombardment Of Forts Clark and
Hatteras.
full gun. opsny TS, s , H.
ships keeping out at distance almost beyond the
range Of our guns. This they were enabled to do
by means Of their 64-poun ders: while the largest
stated that one Of the Federal steamer became
little bold, and ventured within range OF our
guns. A well directed shot was immediately
hired, which struck small boat hanging from
II Into fragments. Another shot speedily from
Hatteras, which struck the hull Of the steamer
fair and square, producing an opening which
more than the Federal craft had barpained for
and she instantly directed her bow to seaward
and made far deeper water.
The wounded soldiers say that about II O'Clock
our magazine was exploded by shell from the
enemy, which scattered death and destruction ali
around. 1t is to this unfortunate and unexpected
casualty that the capture Of the fort IL attributed
and not to lack Of ammunition, as has been er-
roneously stated. BY this explosion, we have
been Informed. the great majority Of deaths on
our side were effected. The wounded were
speedily hurried to the Winslow, and the steamer
sent on to prevent her from falling into the hands
Of the enemy.
Among the wounded we regret to hear of Lieut..
w: n Murdaugh, native Of Portsmouth, Va :,
and for several years member Of the U g. NAVY
Lieut. nj. was al Goldsboro' on Saturday and we
learn that be was in much pain, his arm having
been badly hurt. 1t II feared that am putation
Will be necessary.
II 4: generally believed that the killed and
wounded Will reach eighty or ninety. But fifteen
escaped on the Winsow. Lieut. VIM. sharp,
late OF the U 8. Navy, Is known to be among the
prisoners. He Is a native of Norfolk, Va, where,
friends. ~
Com. Samuel Barron, formerly of the U. 8.
Navy, and nephew of old Com. James Barron,
10 also among the prisoners.
gentleman now In this city, who visited r o,t
Hatteras last Tuesday, two weeks since, inform.
us that 1t was scientifically arranged and substau
TALLY built. The timbers used were of the most
massive and durable kind, and the whole was
covered with earth to the thickness If twelve or
more inches, and then turfed, the grass being
already verdant and luxurious. The same gentle
man informs US that there was an abundance of
acknowledgements, shell, and solid shetland
that the magazine, located between the fort and
the shelter in the rear was considered by skilful
engineers as bomb proof. II this be 90, the
wounded soldiers may have been mistaken as to
the explosion Of the magazine.
All accounts agree that the Yankee soldiers now
CHARTERED on hatteras Island will have most nm.
pleasant situation, II they can be confined to that
n IJCs.y IL Is dseary, barren spot, composed
early fall months Ii abo1nds with moso uitoes re-
Variable alike for size and bloodthirstincss. and
curing the winter the winds from Old Neptune
sweep across the island with fury and keenness
against which the thickest Of garments offer but
poor and inadequate protection. Another insur-
mountaole obstacle IL the entire absence of fresh
water, 30 important for drinking and culinary
purposes. Every drop used by our troops has
been carried from Newbern, a source to which
the Yankees cannot resort. All that the YANKEES
procurs must be brought from Old Point, where
the article Is already scarce. In fact we believe
the supply at Fortress Monroe is obtained chiefly
from Baltimore.
An army to protect Washington, within 10 stu.
ated 1t tie head Of Pamlico river and strong
garrison at the mouth of Neuse river which com.
mands the approach TO Newbern. will secure these
places from any maraudlng expeditions which
the vandals may attempt Notifications have
been already thrown up at the mouth Of Neuse
river and there is nothing now to do but to place
the guns in battery
The waters Of Pdmlico Sound which the coun.
Ties OF Tyrrel and Hyde, are entirely too shallow
Tor several miles out to admit the approach Of any
but the smallest OF boats and the citizens of those
counties need apprehend no danger Of molesta.
ZION. Further down, distance Of 40 or 3d. are
Beaufort and Carolina city, where the blockade
has been so repeatedly run without trouble; but
the entrance to these harbors is commanded by
the guns Of Fort Macon-a fertilization of much
greater and more formidable dimensions than
Fort Hatteras.