The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-05-19

found the dead body Of Surg. Buist formerly
of the United States Army. This officer had
deserted his country's flag after receiving
an education at the public expense. Ap-
parently afraid or not wishing to face his
old comrades-in- arms, he had retired to the
| bomb-proof or magazine in Fort walker,
doubtless thinking that its massive walls,
strengthened bv great beams Of wood, would
prove place Of safety. large shell haa
| Whizzed into the small room through the
small diagonal aperture and struck heavy
piece of timber, tearing away It's supports
and tumbling down the wall on his head.
4 splinter from the fractured beam struck
him on the head, killing him instantly, as
be had apparently thrown up his hands to
shelter himself from the falling walls. His
watch was still keeping correct time IN hls
pocket when q Federal soldier pointed out
the fearful tableau of death.
During the bombardment of the rebel works
the trite c0mmonplaciSm about brother De-
ing arrayed against brother" was literally
realized. Capt. Percivai Drayton, OF our gun
boat Pocahantss and Brighten. Thomas a.
Drayton, the chief of the rebel forces on shore
were brothers, and though the fire from the
batteries was at times concentrated on the
Pocahontas, and though the Pocahontas TOOK
her share in the battle with all possible merry
eloquence from the iron mouths Of her largest
guns. the brothers are gultless of fraternai
bio0dshed, for both escaped unhurt.
FLAG OFFICER DUPoNT's REPORT.
Flag Officer Dupont, in his official report to
the Hon. Gideon Weles, Secretary of the Navy,
under date of Nov. S, 1861, says:
] have the honor 10 inform you that yesterday
cff l-.l hate e Y1.a on
and Hilton Head, and Forts Walker and Beaure-
gard, and succeeded in silenciDg them after an en-
gageEent of four hours duration and driving
away tie squadron of rebel steamers under COM
mandcr TstnAi. The reconnaissance OF yestarasy
made satisfied with the superiority OF Fort Walk
er, and TO That directed my special efforts. engaR
ing il a. distance of SEQ and afterwards coo yards
Bu' The plan of the attack brought the squadron
sufficiently Fort Beauregard 10 receive ITS hre
and The ships frequently fighting tho batteries
on both sides ut the same time The Rctlon was
begun part at 26 minutes after 9, ana at
p. IN. the American ensign was hoisted on the nag
stat OF Fort Walker aud this morning NJ Sunfise
on that of Fort Beauregara. The defeat oil the
enemy Terminated in utter rcut and CONFUSION;
Their qnariers and encI,npment were abandoned
without attempt to carry away either ptolc OF
private property. The ground over which thes
fed was s'rewn with The arms OF private soldiers
Rnd the officers in much haste TO submit 10 the
incum branee Of their swords. Landing my marines
aUG a company OF seanen,
TOOK POSSESSION OF THE DESERTED GROUND
and held the forts Hilton Head until the arrival
OF Gen. Sherman, 10 whom had the honor 10
transfer the command We have captured 81 pieces
Of cannon, most OF them OF thee heaviest ca!iber,
the rebel flags, and two small brass heidpieees
lately belonging to the State Of South Carolina.
1t IS the gratifying duty of the Commander-ln-
Chief 10 make public acknowledgement OF his en-
lire cOmmend6tion OF the coolness, d'seiriine,
skill and gailantry displayed by the officers ana
men under his command in the capture of the
batteries at Hilton Head and Bay Point after an
action IF four hours duration.
The Flag Officer fully sympathtzes with the ON
pf 10 Satisfaction
which they must fee! at seeing The ensign OF me
United States more in The State of Souih
Carolina, which has been the chief promoter oi
this wicked and unprovoked rebellion they have
been called upon to suppress.
s. T. DUPoHT, Flag Officer
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron
The following letter was sent to Flag Officer
Dupont BY Secretery of the Navy Wells:
navy DEPARTMENT.
Washington ID. C., Nov. 16, 1851. }
SIR: It Is with ordinary emotion that tender
10 your command the heartfelt congratulations and
thanks of the Government and the country for
their brilliant success achieved at Port Royal.
Ia the war raging against the Government
i'm the most causeless and unnatural rebellion that
ever afflicted country, high hopes have been
INDUCED in the Navy, aud great confidence re-
posed ia lis efforts The results of the skill and
bravery of yourself and others have equaled and
you and your associates, under the providence OF
God, indebted for this great achievement,
10y the largest squadron ever fitted out under that
flag which YOU have SO .Rllantly yindicated, and
which you VIII bear onward to continued success.
The Department Announces 10 the Navy and TO
the country its highest qualification a the brilliant
success Of the combined Navy and Army ferces, in
the capture OF Forts Walker and BeEuregayo, com
rnanding the entrance tn Port Royal HaFbor, s. q.
To commemorate this signal victory. il Is ordered
that a National salute be fired from eaci, Navy
yard al meridian On the day after he reception OF
this order. GIDEON WELLEs
Secretary of the Navy.