Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1865-01-12

feet Of the shock such to some i've or Six
of their vessels to sink and to make all the Others
leak. One thing is certain. The fleet did not after
leaving here, return directly TO Fortress Monroe. Ii
put into Beaufort and it il only within day or two
that Information u its departure for the North has
been received here. Many OF the vessels had their
MINING poipe constantly. That feet was unfortunate
in every way.
Fort Fisher is unchanged, enlarged and strength
eped sncs the occasion OF former visit to that work
We felt curiosity to ascertain how the casema led
battery batteries had stood the ordeal of fire, bat
fonnd that there such batteries remaining, the
embrazures being closed and the guns removed. The
classmates used during the fight for quarters for
the wounded and for various eff ,ia purposes II
that the casemated batteries not popular. Their
range was limited and the embrs would not stand
the jar occasoned by tie firing of guns to say
Eothing of the ptojectiles of the enemy.
Col. Lamb concurs in our opinion previously ex-
pressed that twenty thousand shell were thrown
at the Fort. We believe that General Whiting also
entertains the Fame view. 1t was the heaviest nava
bombardment while it lasted, of which any account Ia
given.
Having once got on to the subject of the fights at
the Fort we thought it better to dispose it at once
so as not to mix it up with the more pleasing topic OF
the day-the ladies' visit to Fort Fisher-which YVES
essentially surprise party, as. from some arrangement
of the telegraph the despatch announcing the Intended
visit of the Ladies of the Soldiers AID Society," and
their object namely, to thank the soldiers aid tender
to them New Years dinner, did not arrive until after
the ladies had arrived in person. Howtver, the Sol
ders were glad to see the ladies, and the ladies were
glad to see the soders and they were proud OF them
too as the gallant line formed of of whom their
commander could truly say-not one man left bis gun
not one man shrank from bis duty.
The troops as drawn up formed three sides of square,
The ladies formed the fourth. Major Strange as their
representative rendered to the officers and soldiers OF
the garrison Fort Fisher the thanks and the con-
gratuatons of those whose homes had been saved by
their gaIlantry-between whom and the ruthless inva
der they had stood like wall of fire. The ladies' had
labored for the soldersthey had prayed for them they
came now in person to thank them. To Col. Lamb,
the leader and commander of these gallant men, their
thanks were in an especial manner due. They had
lied upon his skil-his GOODNESS and his undaunted
courage Hhey had felt that while be and bis brave
men stood between them and the enemy, Wilmington
was safe, and their reliance was not in vain
Colonel Lamb in reply, said that tie ladies had done
what the enemy failed to do. They had surprised the
garrison and taken the Fort by storm.
The victory which he'd crowned Our arms was hea-
ven-sent victory-a providentia deliverance. Undtr
Providence it due to the bravery of the gallant
men by when be WIS surrounded-men Of whom be
could truly say that in the hour Of trial not had fall
tered or failed He and bis garrison appreciated the
kindness Of the ladies' They knew that they had work
ed for the soldiers They had the benefit of their best
exertions their kindest Wishes and above ALL of their
fervent prayers For this last token of their regard be
thanked them sincerely on his own behalf and be-
half of bis men.
We do not pretend to give any accurate report OF
the remarks of Mejor Strange or of Colonel Lamb
Neither pretended to make set speech since both
were taken comparatively by surprise. That they both
acquitted themselves WE'LL the lades-h9 sole arbters
on this occason-Will bear witness.
Owing to the fact that due notice had not been
ceved at the Fort and to the further fact that the tide
which, like time waits upon man, woman either
rendered early return to the boat necessary din
ner table could be spread and the ladies unable
personally to superntend the dinner which they had
prepared for the troops. The dinuer We know had
been provided literally, and We trust that it relish
ed by the soldiers not simp as welcome addition to
their usual fare but as testimonial of gratitude and
appreciation vi luC Pai1 Vi IIO A0oCo'
Where every man did his duty and did well, from
General Whiting down to the most recently joined pri
vate, it would be difficult if not imposs to discrimi
nate. We may mention, however, that We heard fire.
1uent reference made to private Rand of Company Z,
56th Regiment who twice replaced the flagstaff on the
mound when shot away by the enemy. We think we
correct in the Company, but not certain. In
due of time the official reports will probably be
given to the world, whep, feel assured, due credit
will be given to all.
On the boat all passed eff pleasantly This day was
beautiful, the party board seemed willing to make
the best of everything and accident or other unto
ward circumstance occurred to the pleasure of the
occasion. There being no "Jenkins " along to date
npon the presence of the stately Mrs DASH and the
lovely Miss Blank and so forth, and 30 on, all these
must be Eameless evermore." 1t is no harm, how
ever, to say that the commanding General was along
since General Bragg is somewhat of public character
nor do think it wrong to add that the General SEEM
ed to enjoy himself and that he further exered himself
to promote the comfort and add to the enjoyment of
others.
The boat got to town by sunset, and all the excur-
ionsts if so they may be called retired to their homes
little fatigued and very much gratiad by their trip
ONE thing connected with the attack 1pon the de-
fences of this place. rather with their Defence is of so
gratifying a character that we cannot forbear calling
attention to it because of its pleasing contrast with
things elsewhere occurring since the by which
the people have panied and the injured. The ea
lures to which refer is the liberal AMI candid ascrip
ton Of honor by General Bragg to General Whiting,