CHAP.XIII.] AFFAIR AT CHICAMACOMICO, N. C.

vantage. The gun of the Curlew was manned by a crew from Captain McWhorter's company of this regiment, and worked their gun beautifully. All behaved well. We had to return for want of fuel, and I am now engaged with all my men cutting wood, and as soon as I can get a supply we will return and endeavor to capture the Federals who are encamped at Chicamacomico. We cannot send the prisoners up to-day for want of fuel. Indeed, we are almost helpless here on this account. We will demolish the light at Hatteras if we do no more. The captured Federals report a large force at Hatteras, but I think we can manage them.

Among the captured stores are a number of coats (over), which my men need very much. May I not distribute them among my men? I am taking an inventory of the stores, and will send it on to you when completed.

Look out for something stirring in a few days. Commodore Lynch and myself get along finely, each cheerfully co-operating with the other.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. R. WRIGHT.

Brigadier General BEN. HUGER.

No one injured on either side. We captured a large quantity of fixed ammunition, powder, shells, &c. Colonel Butler, who will hand you this, can give you some particulars.

OCTOBER 4, 1861.-Affair at Chicamacomico, N. C.

REPORTS.

Numbers 1.-Major General John E. Wool, U. S. Army.

Numbers 2.-Brigadier General Benjamin Huger, C. S. Army.

Numbers 1. Report of Major General John E. Wool, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, October 8, 1861.

GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that in an attempt on the part of the rebels at Hatteras Inlet to cut off and capture the Indiana regiment, out of place, the enemy were completely defeated, and many killed and wounded. The enemy have, it is said, five or six armed steamers on the sound.* To meet these, which I have heretofore urged, a number of light-armed steamers, with rifled guns, should be immediately sent to Hatteras Inlet. I implore you to return to us the artillery companies recently sent to Washington.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

Lieutenant General W. SCOTT, General-in-Chief.

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*See also in "Correspondence, etc.," Wool to Scott, October 11, and its inclosure, Mansfield to Wool, October 8, pp. 622, 624; and Mansfield to Scott, October 14, p. 626.

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