Litchfield enquirer., 1862-05-15
THE SIEGE OF FORT MACON.

! FRrExD HuMpHHEr:-Matters arc coming to crisis on Bogue Island, and in all probability within the next eight and forty hours, Fort ] Macon which stands at the head of the aforesaid island, will receive number of unwelcome vis- itors. It is nearly or quite. 6 month since Gen. Burnside demanded the surrender of the Fort, which demand was refused. Soon he will make another appeal for its surrender into loya hands, and your correspondent "reckons'' the appeal will be acceded to. It may be well to state that the last appeal differs from the first, inasmuch as the first was made under flag of truce, while the-last will be made through the medium of number of eight and ten inch siege mortars, accompanied by party of 32fb Parrott field pieces, and riaed howitsers. ,-.s. .. .. The work of planting the guns and mortars, of throwing up the Notifications, of digging en- trenchments and riae-pits. and of bringing over shell, powder and playthings of like character, has been going on as rapidly as possible for nearly two weeks. The last of the ammunition came over to the island tonight, and now we take long breath and await the result.
 The forces on the Island consist of seven com panies of the 9th Conn.,, seven of the 4th R. l.. and five of the 9th R. l., also the Sd N. Y. (sap pers and miners) and few regulars. General Parke is in command.
 Five companies are stationed daily between our batteries and the Fort, and our men are often exposed to severe fire of shell from the Fort, but up to the present time we have lost not man, though we have had some half dozen wounded.
 Last evening Major Appleman who is in com mand of our regiment during Col. Harlands ill., ness, made an advance toward the Fort to dig a riae-pit, but the darkness was not sufficient protection for him, and the rebels poured canis- ter at him md the company with him, so care. lessly that he ordered @ retreat when a second discharge of canister overlook them, and am sorry to say that the Major was struck on the Aeshy part of his thigh by bounding canister shot. The wound is not considered dangerous and the Major will probably be able to be | about in two or three weeks. His loss at this time to the Regiment is very unfortunate, as the Colonel is unwell and the Lieut.. Colonel gone home to prepare for the Corn Aaruest. (How he did cut the poor corn stalks with his long sword at Roanoke Island, on the morning of the battle, because Gen. Burnside wouldn't let him go into the battle J Major Applemau remained with the Regiment through the night though his wound was very painful, and showed us splen- did example by his fortitude. To-day he has gone to the hospital at Morehead City and Capt. Ward of Norwich takes command of the Reg pro tem. will endeavor to give you an &C., count of the bombardment before send this
 April 24th, 10 P. M.-Before to morrow's sun shall set, Fort Macon will be hotter place than lEneas ever visited, or Dido ever died on At day -break tomorrow, every thing will be ready, and the ball will open. Aurora viii be greeted by salute of S4 guns, and such Q salute as never disturbed the slumber of mortals since '76. General Burnside visited the batteries this afternoon, and it was reported at o'clock that all vas ready. The sth Regiment occupies the post of honof, and it's two flank companies, G. and K., are to be in the advance as sharp shooters. They will be stationed in ride pits 900 yards from the Fort. At 900 yards is a howitzer battery-l, ,250 yards, a battery of 4 8 inch mortars-l, $50 yards, a battery of 8 Parrott guns, (32 pounders,) and ,45O yards, a battery of 10 inch mortars. The batteries are commanded by Lieut.. Flagler, West Point graduate, and he thoroughly understands his business. Tomorrow evening, will endeavor to inform you further as to the progress of af- fairs. '''i i5'g.Aa- 3'.4 .'.@H &.f-, gsa'r
 April 25th, 8 A M.--The bombardment of Fort Macon commenced this morning at 6 o'clock. and while am writing, the booming of cannon tells us that our men are working in right good earnest. Our shells are bursting directly over and within the Fort. The two flank companies of the 9th Regiment are nearest the Fort, in rife pits, and as the gunners appear on the par apet, they send well-aimed shots through them, whom there is sudden scattering. Our Parrott guns are doing terrible execution, and prevent the barbette guns from being used to . great extent. z sa . 5
 1P. M.-The bombardment goes on without teasing. Upto the present time, our mortars and Parrott guns have fired 800 shots, and the Parrott guns, l86. t- The firing from the gunboats was very rapid, | and lasted only 45 minutes, but the execution was terrible. 5 P. M,-The firing ceased an hour ago, and Q flag of truce came out of the Fort, and was met by Lieut. Hill of Norwalk, Aid to, General Parke. Col. White, commander ot ins Fort. accompanied the flag, and wished 10 surrenderon conditions. General Parke was sen. tor' and named the conditions as rncond,.
 f'onas surrender, and allowed till 8 to-morrow morning for an answer E n r 10 A. M.. 26th.-The terms of snrr.na.. < = ibesn accsded to, and the Stars and sr;ns. h... Ijust been run up the flagstaff at the For, ,. ] salute from the gun-boats was fired aa *. a.- was raised. The wharves in Beaufor. .s .ss Morehead City are crowded, and the cheer, o, the multitude, the ringing of bells. and boom ing of cannon, give evidence of the joy of tn, people as to the result. The prisoners at th, 1 Fort have been released on parole of honor I Their loss of killed and wounded is reported . 26, while ours is one killed. and tro wounded l hops to be able ts visit the Fort tomorrow. jya Yours truly, v.
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