The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-02-22
Destruction of the Rebel Fleet aud
Capture of Elizabeth CITY.
by The Tribune's Special Correspondent.

Capture of Elizabeth City.
BY The Tribuns's Special Correspondent.
After the great victory of Roanoke
Island, and as soon as liable prepare
tions could be made, portion of the
fleet proceeded to Elizabeth city, for the
purpose of capturing the Rebel Navy,
which, 1t was said, had made stand at
that point, with the intention of resist
ing our force to the last. Orders we're
also given to burn what steamers the
Rebels were building at that place, but
not to destroy or modest any other pro-
pcrty belonging to the citizens.
The distance to Elizabeth City, from
Roanoke Island, is some thirty-fvc or
forty miles. About an hour af,cr the
Squadron left the Island, We discovered
two Rebel s Gamers some five miles off,
making for Elizabeth City with all pos
sible speed: and were doubtless carrying
the news of our approach.
This was about an hour before sun
down, and under full head OF steam all
hands gave chase, in hopes we might
capture the two steamers before dark ::
bat afer hard run of over an hour,
we were satisfied that the job could not
be accomplished, and on arriving at the
mouth of Pasquotank River, on which
Elizabeth City is situated, it was decided
to anchor for the night, and proceed to
give the enemy ba tie early in the morn
ing. We were then some twelve or fifteen
miles from Elizabeth Ci.y.
The squadron anchored across the
river so that noling could pass in the
night, and all hands were ordered to
have their sdc-arms by them, so as to
be ready for the enemy, should he
attack us before morning. 1t was a
beautiful moonlight night, but no enemy
came in sight until morning; when just
at the break of day a loaded schooner
was discovered coming down the river,
and of course was an easy prize. She
was taken by the steamer Seymour
The steamer Shawshccn, which also gave
chase. fired a gun across the schooner's
bow; which brought her to; but the
Seymour, having started first, reached
the schooner just in time to nab her,
and carry off The honors, which of course
she was entitled to. At this writing
have not learned what the schooner is
loaded with doubtless with supplies
for the enemy. The Seymour took her
prize in tow, and was soon in company
with the squadron.
We came in sight of Elizabeth City
about 8 o'clock, and, as we approached,
we discovered the encmy's steamers-
seven in number-in line of battle, in
front of the city, ready to receive U.S.
a force was also discovered on point
which projected out some considerable
distaDce-one fourth of mile, perhaps
in front of the rebel line Of steamers ;
and directly opposite of this fort was a
schooner, anchored, on which were two
heavy rifle guns the distance between
the fort and this schooner being about
half a mile. Four large guns were
mounted on the fort, and it was thought
by the rebels that no feet of ours could
pass this narrow channel; consequently
they considered themselves safe, with
the assistance of their navy, drawn up
between the city and fort.
At the sight of the enemy, everything
was in readiness for battle. To describe
the Wild delight of 'ogr brave blue
jackets, when they first discovered the
enemy, is more than the pen can do.
The charge was short and desperate,
and without any exception is one of the
most brilliant ever made by the American
Navy. All eyes were on the Comman-
der, Rowan, to see what the first order
would be, as we were rapidly approach
ing the foe.
In due time he ran up the signal to
engage the enemy in close action, hand
to hand. We were then about two
miles from the enemy. This was a
signal for test of speed as well as the
signal for deadly encounter with a
desperate foe; whose all was staked
upon this final engagement. For dis
lance of two miles it was race between
our steamers in their eagerness to out
strip each other, and to be the first to
meet the enemy OF tho Republic face
to face.
The river began to narrow as we
approached the city. The point where
the fort was situated necessarily brought
our steamers nearer together, making
them sure marks for the enemy's guns !;
indeed, it would be miracle if shot
from one of the enemy's guns did not
strike some one of our steamers. Under
the circumstances, most any oher COM