The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-11-14

OOxIe9VO0Oeuce
HArrERAs INLET, Nov. 2, 1861.
The land forces at this point are now
In the midst of another engagement,
which is of more serious character
than any of the conflicts that have vet
taken place on this coast. II isa con-
test with the elements. Agreat deluge
is upon us. Last evening a Gale sprung
up, which continued to increase in fury
every moment until morning, when it
assumed the form of a perfect whirl-
wind, accompanied with rain which at
times fell in torrents. About o'clock
this morning, the waves from the ocean
began to sweep over the island (half
mile wide) into the Sound, and before
daylight these two bodies of water
were united. Not a spot of land was
to be seen. All the lower portion of
the island, where Forts Hatteras and
Clark are situated, was under water,
and so sudden was the upheaving and
so violent the storm, that all chances
of escape were cut off before the
morning light came. 1t was utterly
impossible for any assistance to reach
them from our fleet, SO terrible was
this Hatteras storm. And it was not
until breaker swept across the island,
carrying men, tents, sb antics, and eTery
creeping thing with it, that the soldiers
were aware of the presence of a great
Hood. Men were suddenly washed out
of their beds and found all their clothes
(what few had undressed) borne by the
water to the Sound. Livestock, such
as pigs, chickens, horses, cattle, dogs,
cats, and cooking utensils, lumber,
driftwood, boxes, barrels, trunks and
shanties, were carried forward, together
with men on them and in them, some
jumping out of windows, some cutting
their way through the roof, others
jumping off into the water, which, in
many places, was over their heads in
depth, aud making for box or barrel
In order to reach the roof of a shanty
still standing. Officers on horses were
riding or swimming through this NOV
ing mass, giving orders to this floating
army of men, who, with a gun in one
hand, and with the other hanging on
to some kind of an object kept them
selves above water. The most mourn
full sight of all, however, was to illness
tho moving of the sick, some of whom
were in dying condition before the
storm came. They were carried on
cots from place to place on the shout
ders of men who were wading through
water nearly neck deep. 1t was also
q sad sight to witness such destruction
of property. At the wharf where all
the Government property is stored,
wholesale destruction took place. Pro-
visions of every kind were seen afloat
barrels of crackers, bread, sugar,
pork, beet, molasses, beans, potatoes,
fish, boxes of soap, candles, clothing,
and in fact everything required for an
army was seen to go with the flood,
with the buildings containing them in
q very dilapidated condition. The
steamer Spaulding arrived the evening
before with large load of provisions,
clothing, lumber, &C., and as good luck
would have it, she was unable to land
but small portion Of her cargo the
night she came in. Unfortunately,
there was, however, some clothing
landed for the naked goth Indiana
Regiment. Nearly half of this much
needed freight was placed on the pier,
and went with the waves of the ocean
within view of the soldiers, who, with
fearful eyes and shivering forms, beheld
this, to them, the most melancholy
sight of all. About 6 o'clock this
morning the flood was at its hight, and
for two hours Col. Brown of the goth
Indiana Regiment and officers were in
great suspense. 1t was very evident
that a new inlet below Fort Clark had
been made during the night which
entirely cut off their escape; and as
the waves were rushing into Fort Clark
by six o'clock in the morning, it was
apparent that all must meet with
watery grave if the water continued
TO raise at the same rate for two hours
to come. Fortunately, the country
was spared from hearing of such terri
bic fidings as was momentarily threat
ened the lives of these loyal soldiers.
The storm began to abate at seven
"A. M. tuIS E1Ornlilg, anu ny Hills " CiocS
q narrow ridge of sand beach was dis
covered above Fort Clark, which was
hailed with wild delight by the Goth
Indiana regiment, who, but a few
minutes before, were making prepare
tons to save themselves if possible,
from fearful fate. By noon the tide
had gone down, and left quite little
SPOT for the half-drowned and exhausted
men to walk upon and build some camp
fires, which enabled them to cook a
seanty meal from what few fragments
of provisions had been rescued from
the water. What a sight to behold /!
All was devastation and ruin; the entire
camp was made desolate. Several feet
Of sand are taken from the surface of
the island, leaving it in such condition
that It is sure to be under the water as
often as the tide comes up.
Southwest MissOuri..-Gen. Price with
30, 900 Men at Cassville, so Miles Dis
tant from Springfield, Moving Away.
RoLLA. Mo-, Nov. IL.