CHAP.XIII.] CAPTURE OF BATTERIES AT HATTERAS INLET, N. C.
lina to Bogue Inlet, extending many miles inland to Washington, New Berne, and Beaufort. In the language of the chief engineer of the rebels, Colonel Thompson, in an official report, "it is the key of the Albemarle." In my judgment, it is a station second in importance only to Fortress Monroe on this coast. As a depot for coiling and supplies for the blockading squadron it is invaluable. As a harbor for our coasting trade, or inlet from the winter storms or from pirates, it is of the first importance. By holding it, Hatteras light may again send forth its cheering ray to the storm-beaten mariner, of which the worse than vandalism of the rebels deprives him. It has but one drawback, a want of water; but that a condenser, like the one now in operation at Fortress Monroe, at a cost of a few hundred dollars, will relieve.
I append to this report a tabular statement of the prizes which have been taken into that inlet within a few days, compiled from the official documents captured with the fort. [See Appendix C.] I add hereto an official report of the chief engineer of the coast defenses of the rebels. [See Appendix B.] Please find also appended a statement of the arms and munitions of war captured with the fort, as nearly as they can be ascertained.*
While all have done well, I desire to speak in terms of especial commendation, in addition to those before mentioned, of the steadiness and cool courage of Colonel Max Weber, whom we were obliged to leave in command of a detachment of 300 men on a strange coast, without camp equipage or possibility of aid, in the face of an enemy 600 strong, on a dark and stormy night; of Lieutenant-Colonel Weiss, who conducted a reconnaissance of 20 men; of the daring and prompt efficiency of Captain Nixon, of the Coast Guard, who with his men occupied Fort Clark during the first night, although dismantled, in the face of an enemy of unknown numbers.
I desire to commend to your attention Captain Jardine, of the New York Ninth, who was left in command of the detachment of his regiment when the unfortunate casualty to the Harriet Lane prevented Colonel Hawkins from landing.
Permit me to speak of the efficiency of the regulars, under Lieutenant Larned, who worked zealously in aiding to land their comrades of the volunteers overwhelmed with the rolling surf.
I desire especially to make acknowledgments to Messrs. Wiegel and Durivage, volunteer aides, who planted the American flag upon Fort Clark on the second morning, to indicate to the fleet its surrender, and to prevent the further wasting of shells upon it; a service of great danger from the fire of their own friends. I make honorable mention of young Fiske, who risked his life among the breakers, being thrown on shore, to convey my orders to the troops landed, and to apprise them of the movements and intentions of the fleet; also my thanks for the valuable aid of Captain Haggerty, who was employed in visiting the prizes in the harbor while we were agreeing upon the terms of capitulation.
Of the services to the country of the gentlemen of the Navy proper I may not speak, for one ought not to praise when he was no right to censure, and they will be appropriately mentioned, I doubt not, by the commander, who is capable to appreciate their good conduct. But I am emboldened to ask permission, if the Department shall determine to occupy the point as a permanent post, that its name may be changed by general order from "Fort Hatteras" to "Fort Stringham."
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*Omitted, but see p. 592.
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