Weekly Delaware State journal and statesman. (Wilmington, Del.) 18??-18??, 1862-03-21
THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF FLAG OFFICER
DUPONT



on 81. Augustine, Fla. March 10, 1862.
Sir; Having on the 9TH dispatched a division
OF my force to hold Brunswick. consisting Of the
Mohcan, Pocahontas, aud Potomska, under
commander Gordon, shifted my flag from the
first named vessel to the Pawnee, and organized
another squadron Of light vessels, embracing the
four regular gunboats, the Ottowa, Seneca.
i sh, dudtq d tStoe s with Toe Isaac Smith and
without delay to the mouth of the 81. Jobns
river, and cross, il possible, its difficult and
shallow bar shell the forts il still held and push
on to Jacksonsllle-ndeedt to 40 as far as Pint
kn, eighty miles beyond, to reconnoitre and
capture the river steamers This expedition
WAS to he accompanied by the armed launches
ana cutters Of the Wabash, under Lients. Irwin
ana Barnes, and by light draft transport, with
the 9Th New Hampshire regiment.
AFTER arranging with Brigadier Gen. Wright
our joint occupation OF the Plur.d aud Oaorga
coasts, including the protectioa from injury of
the mansion and grounds of Dungennes, on
cumberland island, originally the property nf
the revolutionary hero and patriot. General
Greene, ard still owned by his Descendants. and
leaving Commander Percival Drayton in charge
OF the naval force. rejoined this ship, waiting
ior me on fernandina, and proceeded with her
TO ~. johns, arriving there on the OH, Tbe
gnnhoats had not been able to cross the har
but expected to do so the next day, the Ellen
only getting in that evening AS at Nassau
which was visited by Lieutenant Commanding
abandoned N'
There being no probability that the Huron
could enter, dispatched her off to St. Aucus-
tlne, where followed her, arriving on the litb
Immediately sent on shore Commander @. r
r. Rodgers with hig Of truce, having reason
to believe that il there were any people on mis-
soasl likely TO remain in their houses il would
be at 81. Augustine. enclose Commander
hougers' most Interesting report, which am
sure the Department will read with satisfaction.
The American flag is flying once more over
'hat old city, raised by The hands of its own
people, who resisted the appeals, threats and
falsehoods Of their leaders, though compelled 10
witness the carrying Of of their sons in The
ranks of tho flying enemy.
rms gives us possession Of second national
fort Of strength and importance
since writing the above, have received. by J
tue Isaac smith, report from Lieutenant Com |
Johns River giving details of great Interest," |
learn. with regret, of acts Of vandalism on the
part OIL the rebel commanders, if not the people.
10 settng hre to vast quantities OF lumber and
the sawnils 10 that region, owned by northern
men supposed to have Union sympat6es.
In all this varied and difficult service, having
,o contend with surf shores dangerous bars and
,n'snu Navigation IN an enemy's country, think
1t due TO the officers aud men under NV cam.
mnnd to say that they have on all occasions
displayed great spirit and ability, fully coming
up TO my requirements and expectations.
Very respectfully. &C..
q, S'gneu, >. y, DUPONT, Flag officer
To Hon. Gideon Weles. Secretary of the Navy.
COMMANDER RODGERS REPORT
U. 8. FLAo Sur, WABASH,
Oh 81. Augustine, Fla, March, IL, 1862
Sir--Having crossed the bar with some diff.
Guilty In obedience to your orders, approached
~. Augustine under a Gag of truce, and az
drew near the city white flag was hoisted upon
one OF the bastions Of Fort Marion
Landing ut the wharf, and enduring for the
chief authority, was soon Joined by The AIayor,
and conducted 10 the City Hall, where tho
municipal authorities were assembled. in
ormed them that having come to restore the
authority OF the United States you had deemed
! more Kind to send an unarmed boat to inform
he citizens Of your determination than TO occu-
'y the town at once by force Of arms that you
we're aeslrous TO calm any apprehension OF harsh
reatment that might exist in their minds, and
hat you should carefully respect the persons I
nd property Of all citizens who submitted to the
nthority Of the United States; that you had a
ingle purpose, TO restore the state of affairs
which existed before the rebellion.
also informed the municipal authorities that
o long as they respected the authority of the
government We serve, and acting in good faith, /
be municipal affairs would be left in their hands
o far as might be consistent with the exigencies I
the times. The Mayor and council then In.
ormed me that the place had been evacuated {
he proceeding night by two companies Of Florida q
roops, aud that they gladly received the assur- /
nee gave them, aud placed the city ia my
anus recommended them to hoist the flag Of i
he Union at once, and in prompt accordance 4
mn the advice, by order Of the Mayor, the il
auonal ensign was displayed from the flag d
taft Of the fort.
Ihe Mayor proposed to turn over to me the v
We cannon mounted at the fort, which are in b
GOD condition and not spiked, and also the few o
'unlnohs o. war left by the retreating enemy
desired him TO take charge Of them for the Il
resent, 10 make careful Inventories aud estab- g
sh patrol and guard, informing him that he 8