accompany him. The latter soon returned with the report that Lieut.-Col. Weiss took one cannon, (dismounted,) and that the troops commenced to evacuate the first fort. I then ordered Capt. Von Doehn and Capt. Hoeffling's company of the Twentieth regiment to reinforce Lieut.-Col. Weiss, and to take possession of the fort, (Clark.) This order was carried out immediately. Lieut.-Col. Weiss occupied the fort, took himself the first secession flag, and hoisted the American. Myself followed with the rest of the troops, when the navy commenced firing upon us, shells bursting right over us and in our midst, so that a further advance was impossible. Two shells burst in the fort, wounding one of my men slightly on the hand. I still held the fort occupied, sent an American flag along the beach, and the firing ceased. it still my duty to say that all of them did their duty in every respect. I have the honor to be your most obedient servant, MAX WEBER, Colonel commanding Fort Hatteras. CAMP HATTERAS, September 3, 1861. above regiment, certify herewith, upon honor, We, the undersigned, officers and men of the that Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Weiss, of the above regiment, headed us in the assault on Fort Clark, near Camp Hatteras, on Wednesday, August 28th, between the hours of three and five o'clock in the afternoon; that he was the first one who entered, taking the secession flag from the rampart, and securing two six-pounders and five thirty-two pounders, during a very heavy fire between the enemy and our fleet for more than one hour and a half, in behalf of the United States of North America. upon representation of this regiment, as a important service so rendered. token of respect and acknowledgment for the We further testify that nobody except this I then ordered Capt Nixon, with eighty men body, respectfully signed, ever before us entered of his command, to take possession of the fort the above-named fort, and declare herewith, during the night, put out pickets toward the upon oath, that the flag which was taken persecond fort, and to watch the enemy very care-sonally by Lieut.-Col. F. Weiss is the true fully. Capt. Jardine, with his company, occu- and right one which waved upon the fort, and pied the beach near the second fort, in order to was given them back by the United States Naprevent the eneiny from cutting off our troops in the first fort; and myself, with the rest of the troops, retreated to the landing place, where we bivouacked. During the night nothing of importance occurred. The next morning, as soon as the firing of the fleet commenced, I advanced with all my forces, ready to take the second fort as soon as the firing would cease. I ordered Capt. Myers' company and Adjutant Kluckhuhn of the Twentieth regiment, to cross the beach where the camp of the enemy was evacuated. A color and quartermaster's stove were found there. (The color was afterward delivered to Com. Stringham, who claimed the same.) I A rifled six-pounder was also landed, and ordered Lieutenant Johnson, of the Union Coast Guard, to advance with it as far as possible, and to fire upon the secession steamers, which was done with great success; they soon left entirely. We remained thus four hours in this position, the shells bursting over us, when at last the white flag was hoisted on the second fort. Captain Nixon, the nearest to the fort, prepared immediately to meet the enemy, and was the first who entered the fort. Lieutenant-Colonel Weiss, Captain Van Doehn, and myself followed; the troops remained at fifty yards' distance from the fort. I ordered also the surgeons, Dr. Fritz, of the Twentieth regiment, Dr. Humphrey, of the Ninth regiment, and Dr. King, of the Navy, to assist dressing the wounded. I take also the opportunity of mentioning Captain Larner and Lieutenant Loder, and the marine officers, who have rendered me great assistance; and I am greatly obliged to them for their support during the whole expedition. Though the troops of my regiment had but little occasion to distinguish themselves, I think We further declare, upon oath if necessary, that if any other person has reported otherwise, this person, whoever he was, made a gross misrepresentation-all being due in Fort Clark only to Lieutenant-Colonel F. Weiss, of the Twentieth regiment, and the officers and men then under his command. Joseph Hoeffling, Capt. of Co. K, Twentieth; COMMODORE STRINGHAM'S REPORTS. U. S. FLAG-SHIP MIANEBAS, IN Ust 30, 1861. I have the honor to inform you that we have been eminently successful in our expedition. All that could be wished by the most hopeful has been accomplished. This morning we are taking on board the Minnesota officers and men, numbering six hundred and fifteen, which surrendered yesterday after bombardment from the fleet of parts of two days. I shall forward a full account immediately on my arrival at New York, whither I have con cluded to land them, as requested in your com- | 26, 1861, the earliest moment the weather munication in reference to prisoners coming would permit, with the flag-ship Minnesota, into possession of the navy. After landing Captain G. A. Van Brune, having in company them I shall return to Hampton Roads. the United States steamers Wabash, Captain Respectfully, your obedient servant, Samuel Mercer; Monticello, Commander John P. Gillis; Pawnee, Commander S. C. Rowan; Harriet Lane, Captain John Faunce; United States chartered steamers Adelaide, Commander Henry S. Stellwagen; George Peabody, Lieutenant R. B. Lowry; and tug Fanny, Lieutenant Pierce Crosby, all of the United States Navy. S. II. STRINGHAM, Flag-officer Atlantic Blockading Squadron. OFF HATTERAS INLET, U. S. SHIP MINNESOTA, August 30, 1861. } Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy: SIR: I have the honor to enclose the articles of capitulation agreed upon at the surrender of the forts at the Inlet of Hatteras, North Carolina. If the Department have any orders, I should be pleased to receive them at New York. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H.STRINGHAM, Flag-officer Atlantic Blockading Squadron. OFF HATTERAS INLET, U.S. FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA, August 29, Á. D. 1861. } Articles of capitulation between Flag-officer Stringham, commanding the Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and Benjamin F. Butler, United States Army, commanding on behalf of the Government, and Samuel Barron, commanding the naval force for the defence of North Carolina and Virginia, and Colonel Martin, commanding the forces, and Major Andrews, commanding the same forces at Hatteras. It is stipulated and agreed between the contracting parties, that the forces under command of the said Barron, Martin, and Andrews, and all munitions of war, arms, men, and property under the command of said Barron, Martin, and Andrews, be unconditionally surrendered to the Government of the United States in terms of full capitulation. And it is stipulated and agreed by the contracting parties on the part of the United States Government, that the officers and men shall receive the treatment due to prisoners of war. In witness whereof, we, the said Stringham and Butler, on behalf of the United States, and the said Barron, Martin, and Andrews, representing the forces at Hatteras Iniet, hereunto interchangeably set our hands, this twenty-ninth day of August, A. D. 1861, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth year. S. H. STRINGHAM, Flag-Officer Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer C. S. Navy, COM. STRINGHAM'S OFFICIAL REPORT. UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA, NEW YORK HARBOR, September 2, 1861. Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of Navy: SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I left Hampton Roads August The transports Adelaide and George Peabody towing schooners with surf-boats on them, and the Monticello and Pawnee surf-boats only. Major-General Butler took passage in this ship; the transports having parts of two regiments, and one company of regulars, under the command of Colonels Max Weber and Hawkins, and Captain Larnard, United States army. At P. M., passed Cape Henry, and discharged pilot; light airs from south and east, with a ground swell. Tuesday, 27th-Light airs from south and east, with a heavy ground swell. At half-past nine, A. M., Cape Hatteras light in sight, rounded the shoals off Hatteras, and at five P. M. anchored at the southward of the cape-the squadron in company. Hoisted out the surfboats, and made preparations for landing troops in the morning. Wednesday 28th-Southerly winds; heavy surf rolling on the beach. Calling the men at four A. M., we gave them an early breakfast. Put twelve-pound riflegun and twelve-pound howitzer in one of the surf-boats, and sent it to the Adelaide. Major-General Butler and the marines of the Minnesota, the latter under command of Captain Wm. S. Shuttleworth, U. S. M. C., are sent to the Harriet Lane. At forty-five minutes past six A. M., made signal to disembark troops, and ordered the Pawnee, Monticello, and Harriet Lane to cover and assist in landing them. At forty-five minutes past eight, the Wabash with the Cumberland, Captain John Marston, in tow, led in toward Fort Clark, the Minnesota following. At the same time the Monticello, Pawnee, Harriet Lane, and the transports, stood in toward a wreck about two miles east of the fort, and commenced landing the troops at half-past eleven o'clock. At ten o'clock, the Wabash and Cumberland opened fire on Fort Clark. The fire was returned by the fort. At ten minutes after ten the Minnesota passed inside the Wabash and Cumberland, and opened fire. The vessels continued passing and repassing the fort until it was abandoned by the enemy. The fire was returned from the fort, the shot falling short or passing over the ships. At eleven o'clock the Susquehanna, Captain J. Chauncey, made her number and was directed to engage the battery. At twenty-five minutes past twelve P. M., | At ten minutes past eleven A. M. a white flag flags down on Forts Clark and Hatteras, the was displayed from the fort. Made signal, first apparently abandoned by the enemy, who "Cease firing." were running toward Fort Hatteras, and leaving the shore in boats. The enemy returned our fire through the engagement, but with no effect, their shot falling short. Almost at the commencement of the engage At half-past twelve P. M. made signal to "cease firing." At ten minutes after one P. M. our troops moving up the beach. At two P. M.ment they hauled down their colors, and showed American flag displayed from Fort Clark by our pickets, who were in possession. At four o'clock, Monticello, Captain Gillis, was ordered to feel his way into the inlet and take possession, but he had advanced only a short distance when fire was opened on him from Fort Hatteras, toward which a tug-steamer, towing a schooner filled with troops, was seen coming from the southward for its relief. General signal, "Engage batteries," was immediately made. The Minnesota, Susquehanna, and Pawnee opened fire at once, the Wabash having towed the Cumberland into the offing. The Monticello, from her advanced position, was much exposed, and was struck several times; but finally hauled off without serious damage. At a quarter past six o'clock signal to cease firing was made, and the squadron hauled off for night with the exception of the Monticello, Pawnee, and Harriet Lane-they being ordered to go in shore and protect the troops during the night. Wind from S. and weather looking squally. Thursday, 29th-S. W. wind, and pleasant weather. Sea more moderate. At half-past five A. M. made general signal, "Prepare to engage batteries, and follow my motions; " weighed anchor, and stood in shore; discovered the main body of our troops near where they landed. At a quarter past seven instructed Commanders of Monticello and Pawnee to attend to the troops on the beach, and embark them if they wished to come off; if they did not, to provision them. At half-past seven made general signal, "Attack batteries, but be careful not to fire near the battery in our possession." At eight A. M. Susquehanna leading, opened fire on Fort Hatteras, the Wabash following; Minnesota passing inside of the Wabash, anchored between her and the Susquehanna and opened fire at a quarter past eight o'clock. At nine the Cumberland came in under sail, handled handsomely, and anchored in excellent position on the starboard bow of the Minnesota, and commenced firing with effect. Observing our shot to fall short some, made signal, "Cease firing; use fifteen fuses only with ten-inch guns." At thirty-five minutes past nine recommenced firing, our shot now falling in and around the battery with great effect. At forty-five minutes past nine the Harriet Lane came up and joined in the fire with her rifled guns. none until the white flag was displayed. When the flag was hauled down, it was thought by many they had surrendered; but as the same thing had been done yesterday, and they afterward fired on the Monticello, no attention was paid to it. They soon recommenced firing and continued so to do until they surrendered, without (as I have stated above) any colors flying. Upon the appearance of the white flag, our troops marched toward the fort, and, as if by preconcerted signal, but without any order or request, the officers and crews of the squadron gave three hearty cheers for our success. At half-past eleven Major-General Butler, in the tug Fanny, went into the inlet, to the rear of the forts, to take possession. Three steamers and several schooners, with troops on board, were in the Sound, watching the engagement. They all left as the Fanny approached. She fired at them with her rifled piece. I directed the Harriet Lane to go in the inlet, giving her my best pilot. She grounded but soon got off. The chartered steamers, with the remaining troops on board, went into the inlet. The Lane, in following these steamers, grounded a second time, and had been unable at the time of my departure from the inlet (three P. M. of the 30th) to get off. The weather being fine and the sea smooth, and having the assistance of the Susquehannali, Monticello, and Pawnee under my direction to render every aid, I am in hopes that she has ere this succeeded in getting afloat again. In this connection I may very appropriately apprise the Department, and congratulate myself, that I have no accident to record to a single officer or man of the navy, army, or marines. At about half-past two P. M. of the 29th, Major-General Butler came to this ship, bringing with him three senior officers, viz.: Samuel Barron, Flag-officer Confederate States Navy, commanding naval defences of Virginia and North Carolina; Wm. F. Martin, Colonel Seventh regiment of infantry, North Carolina Volunteers; W. S. G. Andrews, Major, commanding Forts Hatteras and Clark; informing me the enemy had surrendered under the stipulations contained in the original agreement between myself and Major-General Butler on behalf of the United States Government, and the officers above named on the part of the enemy, which agreement I had the honor of inclosing with my despatch, No. 134, under date Aug. 30, off Hatteras Inlet. I have the honor to enclose a copy of the re port of Com. J. P. Gillis, of the Monticello, and I here take the opportunity of mentioning with great pleasure the name of Com. A. Ludlow Case, my Fleet Captain, for very prompt and efficient services during all the time we have been occupied in the expedition so successfully terminated. In conclusion, I beg leave to state to the Department and to my Government that I have naught but praise to accord to officers, seamen, and marines, and officers and soldiers of the Army who were present, for gallantry and cheerful devotion to duty and to their Government, "The United States of America," which they all cheerfully and heartily serve. That it may be perpetuated, is their wish, and the wish of, Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. STRINGHAM, Flag-officer Atlantic Blockading Squadron. COMMANDER STELLWAGEN'S REPORT. U. S. CHARTERED STEAMER ADELAIDE, August 31, 1861. Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy: .SIR: I have to report that the expedition to Cape Hatteras Inlet has resulted in a signal victory over the rebels, the capture of two forts, twenty-five cannon, one thousand stand of arms, and seven hundred and fifteen prisoners, amongst whom are Capt. Samuel Barron, Lieut. Sharp, and Dr. Wyatt M. Brown, all late of the United States Navy, and Major Andrews and other officers late of the United States Army. The amount of loss on their side is not exactly known; five are ascertained to have been buried, and eleven wounded are on board this vessel. Many were carried away. Lieut. Murdaugh, late of the United States Navy, among the number, with the loss of an arm. We met with no casualty of any consequence whatever. The surrender was unconditional. For full particulars I beg to refer to the reports of Flag-officer Silas H. Stringham and MajorGeneral B. F. Butler. Although the Adelaide and George Peabody were chartered for other special service, yet, to further important operations, I consented to take the troops on board from Newport News and Fortress Monroe, nine hundred men, with arms, provisions, and munitions of war, and landed part of them, about three hundred, amidst a heavy surf, until the boats filled and became unmanageable. The men-of-war hauled in and commenced a heavy cannonade at 10.15 A. M. on the 28th, and kept it up at intervals all day. Recommencing on the 29th at 8.15, with increased effect, the enemy's reinforcements endeavoring to land 1,000 or 1,500 men driven back, and at 11.30 they displayed a flag of truce, and were forced to surrender at discretion. On the appearance of the white flag I steamed into the inlet and laid behind the fort, ready to throw the remaining troops ashore, either in case of a commencement or cessation of hostili ties: the Geo. Peabody, Lieut. Lowry, did the same. At the surrender we officiated in the ceremonies, after which the prisoners were brought to this vessel, and next day, the 30th instant, placed them on board the Minnesota, which vessel sailed at 2.30 P. M. for New York, and we left for Annapolis with Major-General Butler, U. S. A., and the wounded prisoners. I hope my endeavors in the case may meet your full approbation, and beg to recommend to your consideration the conduct of Lieut.Com. R. B. Lowry, associated with me on this work and placed in charge of the Geo. Peabody; of Dr. Win. M. King, U. S. Navy, who vol unteered for the expedition. I have also received valuable assistance from my corps of pilots, and from Dr. T. C. Stellwagen and James Forsyth, who acted in the place of junior officers. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. SURGEON W. M. KING'S REPORT. Com. H. S. Stellwagen, U. S. Nary, Commanding Steamer Adelaide, on special service. SIR: In obedience to your order, I have the honor herewith to furnish you a complete list of the wounded prisoners taken at the surrender of Fort Hatteras. The whole number is thirteen, and eleven of these were transferred to this steamer by the order of Flag-officer Silas H. Stringham. The two remaining men were found to be too seriously injured to permit of being moved, and were consequently left in the fort, in charge of a medical officer. From the information which I have received from a credible source, I have formed the opinion that many of the wounded, and perhaps all the killed, were sent on board the rebel steamers in the Sound prior to the capitulation. Only two killed were found, and these were discovered in the out-houses of Fort Clark the day of the evacuation of that work. I understand, from Surgeon Wyatt M. Brown, formerly of the U. S. Navy, and at present holding a commission in the army of the Confederate States, and in charge of the medical department of Forts Hatteras and Clark, that ex-Lieut. Murdaugh, of the U. S. Navy, was very badly injured-a fragment of shell striking his forearm and making a compound fracture of both bones. This gentleman escaped from Hatteras prior to the surrender in the privateer Winslow. 1. Willoughby Davis, aged 22, a native of North Carolina, "Jonesboro' Guards;" lacerated flesh wound of instep. Not serious. 2. William E. Clark, aged 17, a native of North Carolina, "Tar River Boys;" lacerated wound one and a half inches deep, external surface of upper part of lower third of right thigh. Doing well. 3. James A. Corry, aged 23, a native of North Carolina, "Tar River Boys;" deeply |