Year: 1862

had its origin in firing which twas heard near the
walls Of the fort; but Of obtains credence


On the following Thursday night lieutenant and
eight deserted from the FORT and coming within our
lines gave themselves up prisoners. They had hear
ing before General Parks and stated that Colonel whit
(who by the way is the Magrudsr Of North Carolina)
had been taken down i'll with Of his nis and the
garrison now charge Of the second officer In com.
nand one Of the capsains Considerable dissecton ex
istsd, and . great number Of the men were desirous
Of having the fort surrendered. 10 increase
shis feeling, . letter was sent within the
rebel lines NEXT morning. rsitsrating in q
few words the sentiments contained in General Burn
sides proclamation 10 the people OF North Carolina
vz-That the Union forces had not destroy life
unless necessary pllago waste property but 10
restore tho authority Of the federal government in all
revolted territory. The letter contained besides an
expression Of desire attain this end with as little
bIoodshed possible II observed 70 be carried OF
by tho rebels, and no doubt il has worked beneficial
effect BY this time.


The position Of affairs in the immediate vicinity Of Fort
Macon invests this letter with some importance The
garrison cannot complain Of any unfair conduct Their
sub ecton s merely matter Of time though should II
DO necessary gallant boys could carry the fort by
storm at any time But such an achievement would in
volve bloodshed and serious loss Of lfea thing which





Matters are now rapidly approaching crisis. On Fri
day Captain Wheeler, with . detachment Of the Fifth
Rhode Island regiment, and under the supervision Of
General Parks and STAFF and Capt. williamson Of Gen
Burnsides sta out 70 drive In the rebel pckets
preparatory the establishment Of the hostile lines dur
ing the approaching SIEGE Asgna made 10 one Of the
bockadng vessels TO open IRE ahead ana in a short time
her shells were bursting among the rebels in n most
lively Then forces advanced and a ratber
brisk skirmish ensued. From sand hill to sand hiI
from bush to bush soldiers drove and pursued the
dying robels until they were within short distance of
the fort which, in the meantime had opened with she'll
kept the sand flying clouds around them Singular
10 relate injured side and traces Of
blood would Indicate that the had been moro uu
fortunate This little incident but the prelude to the
drama which soon tocommsnce here. Tho actors have
saken their places and when tho Of the st bone
rings up the curtain then will begin the tragedy Lot No
hope that the obstnacy Of the rebels win make
100 bloody one.


send you tho following letter, which found upon
the person OF rebel soldier mado prisoner BY our pckets
between hero and Newbcrn-


FoRr MAuoS N. G. March "a, 1862.


NY DEAR MARy-With great pleasure set myself down
this morning For the Last am afeard think shall
take shot Trip to the North Before you But hope
shall sure Return to my Dear Home Mary let mo
Loves you an he Loves his own hart Mary the yankee
ao at More head on Caralne City thicker than Fdders
In hell But wo are the Boys ten TO thear Case We
WIN sune no What VIII Become OFT Livone ato az
hard as he'll Nothing to yeat But old hors Flour
Bread But wo Can stan il fer whiJo lks yanksc arc