CHAP.XIII.] AFFAIRS IN NORTH CAROLINA.

defensive works in General Branch's district were pushed forward with industry, and that gallant officer spoke hopefully of his ability to defend New Berne.

On the 30th of January I wrote to the War Department relative to the high stage of water in the Roanoke, and the capability of the enemy's gunboats ascending that river as high as the bridge at Weldon, should they pass Roanoke Island; requested that, in the event of the island falling into the hands of the enemy, upon the news reaching Richmond, that at least a light battery be sent to Halifax, to which point I would send a regiment of infantry, the only troops I could spare; represented my deficiency of troops, and requested to be informed what re-enforcements I might expect in case of the fall of Roanoke Island or an attack on New Berne.

On the 10th of February a telegram from General Huger announced the fall of Roanoke Island. The Thirty-fourth Regiment was at once ordered to Roanoke for the defense of that river, and the governor having sent down the Thirty-eighth Regiment, it was dispatched to Weldon, to protect the bridge at that point. Two pieces of artillery, with an undrilled detachment, having been sent to me, were ordered to the same point; also Captain Tucker's company of cavalry. I wrote to the War Department what had been done, and requested additional forces be sent to that section, as the force then en route were only sufficient to check the enemy should be attempt to ascend the river. Finally, Captain Meade was sent to locate batteries on the Roanoke. This officer had been sent by me a few weeks previous to examine that section of the country. He furnished me with a map of the country and a memoir of his observations. On the 26th of February I received an order from the War Department transferring the counties of Martin, Halifax, Bertie, and Northampton to the department of General Huger.

The headquarters of the Tenth Regiment (artillery), Colonel J. A. J. Bradford commanding, was established at Goldsborough February 16, 1862.

With the view of concentrating the forces in the District of the Pamlico the Seventh and Twenty-sixth Regiments were sent to New Berne. Major Hall's command was withdrawn from Hyde County, and the two companies of the Seventh and the three companies Thirty-third Regiment sent to New Berne, and the two companies of the Seventeenth to Washington. The batteries on Huggins' and Harker's Islands were withdrawn, and the garrison of Fort Macon reduced to five companies of artillery, the greatest number that could be sheltered in the fort in case of siege, the surplus troops sent to New Berne, and the fort supplied with seven months' provisions.

On the 27th of February I made, by direction of the War Department, a report of my forces, their disposition, and my means and plans of defense. In it was stated, "You will perceive that a large increase to the force at New Berne should be made to place it on an equality with the force that attacked Roanoke Island," and concluded by, "You will perceive that the force under my command is very inadequate to the defense of so extensive a coast against an enemy who has possession of our sounds and can direct his large columns against any point he may elect." On the 3rd of March I received a telegram from the Secretary of War, directing the withdrawal of the troops from Washington and the sending them to Suffolk, Va.

To satisfy myself that the defensive works at New Berne were such as they should be, I ordered a board of officers, to consist of Colonel Lee,

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