The National tribune., 1894-09-06

head, c. A. French; Lockwood, 6. W.
Graves; Brincker, j. E. Giddings; Sey'
mour, F. S. Wells; Ceres, John Nc
Diarmaid; Putnam, w. j. Hotchkiss
Ehawskeen, T. j. Woodward; Granite,
Edward Boomer; Picket, I. 7. Ives
Huzzar, Frederick Croker; Pioneer,
Chas Z. Baker; Vidette, Samuel En-
erson; Ranger, NJ. B. Morley; Lancer,
John J.. Foster; Chasseur, John West.
About the middle of January the fleet
sailed from Hampton Roads for its des-
tination, and when in the vicinity of
Cape Hatteras it
ENCOUNTERED STORM
of unusual severity, which continued
nearly three days, resulting in the loss of
two transport steamers and two schooners,
ali loaded with army supplies for Gen.
Burnside's forces. About the LIST of Feb
ruarv the remainder of the feet had
reached lis anchorage and was ready for
business On the morning of the 9th
the feet was put in motion for Roanoke
Island, distant about 80 miles. About
5 p. N. the island was distant about 10
miles. when signal was made for the whole
feet TO anchor near the flagship Philadei-
phia. Brilliant lanterns were suspended
from the rigging of each vessel, and their
commanders, in swiftly-rowed cutters,
were moving through the silent yet
splendid and imposing scene, exchanging
visits and preparing for the contemplated
battle
The morning of Feb. 6 was ushered
in with heavy clouds gathering in the
sky, giving rise to fear Of another
such storm as had been previously ex-
perienced. The clouds soon dispersed,
however, and about 10 a. NJ the long
looked-for signal " Prepare for action "
was displayed from the flagship. In
stantly throughout the squadron there
was a general call to quarters. The hour
for which we had been long looking at
last arrived, and it was hailed with
enthusiasm by all, when within three
miles Of the island another storm arose
which compelled the feet to anchor for
the night
About 8 a. m. on the morning of the 9TH
the feet again got under way. Entering
Croatan Strait, which was about one
mile wide, we soon came in sight Of the
Notifications, and the whole island
seemed TO be lined with heavy batteries,
the first which We approached being on
Pork Point, opposite to which the main
channel was closed by piles and sunken
vessels Behind this barricade the rebel
gunboats were anchored, and part Of our
feet opened on them, firing across the
barriers, while other vessels opened their
broadsides on the Pork Point battery.
Soon the gunboats retreated beyond our
range
The rebel troops for some reason did
not vigorously respond to our fire, hav-
ing evidently sought shelter in the case
mates. Many of our vessels had mean
time approached as close to shore as the
depth of water would permit, pouring
In with wonderful rapidity and precision
their destructive fire. While the bonn
bardment was going on
BURNsIDE's MEN WERE QUIETLY LANDING
on the southern end of the island They
encountered a rebel force of about 1000
men, evidently determined to dispute
their advance. A few well-directed
she S from the gunboat Delaware COM
pletely routed them, leaving their can
non and muskets SO as to run more
swiftly.
Our men, on landing, had to wade
through the water with arms and KNAPP
sacks, and, the weather being extremely
cold, their condition can be better i'm
agined than described.
About the middle of the afternoon
our cOlors were raised by Burnside's
men at Ashley's Harbor; meantime our
fire on Pork Point battery continued
unabated, and, as the range was perfect, |
it did not cease with the going down of
the sun. Nothing can be imagined
more sublime than bombardment by
night-the glare of the guns, so passion
ate and spiteful in expression, the roar
of the explosions and shrek of shells, as
if demons were bowling through the
air-all these blended with the gloom of
night presents a scene which once wit
messed can never be forgotten.
The feet ceased firing about an hour
after dark and withdrew from action for
the night We sustained some damage
TO our vessels and the loss of several men
during the first days fight. Many of
Barnside's men had effected landing
and were now In position to cooperate
with the navy in the reduction of the
eDemy's works
The feet resumed operations again
about daylight on the morning of Feb.
3, and the troops under Gen. Reno ad-
vanced toward the battery their move
ments were slow but firm and steady,
indicating very plainly that they meant
business, and about noon a grand charge
was made on the enemy's works, com
pelling their surrender About 5 y. m.
our iiag foated over Pork Point battery.
and soon after on all the defenses of
Roanoke Island One of the rebel
steamers, called the Curlew, was blown
up and DESTROYED the remainder inglo-