CHAP. XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

approval. I believe that such creatures as these will do our cause more harm than good, and that they are disgrace to the arms they bear and the flag which is over them.

Suggestions.

First. Roanoke Island, which command the channel between Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, should be occupied at once. It is now held by the rebels. They have a battery completed at the northern end of the island and another in course of erection at the south end.

Second. A small force should be stationed on Beacon Island, which is in the mouth of the Ocracoke Inlet, and commands it.

Third. Two or three light-draught vessels should be stationed between the mouths of the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers; this would shut out all commerce from New Berne and Washington, both of which have been entrepots for privateers.

Fourth. There should be at least eight light-draught gunboats in Pamlico Sound.

Fifth. Beaufort should be occupied as soon as possible. All of these things should be done, if at all, immediately. Seven thousand men, judiciously placed upon the soil of North Carolina, would draw 20,000 troops from the State of Virginia. I wish, if you agree with me, and if you should deem it consistent with you duty, that you would press upon the Government the importance and necessity of immediate action in this department.

If it is proper for me to report to you, you will in that event please receive this as a report.

Most faithfully, your obedient servant,

RUSH C. HAWKINS, Colonel Ninth Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Commanding Fort Clark.

Major General JOHN E. WOOL, Commanding Department of Virginia, Fort Monroe, Va.

FORT CLARK, Hatters Inlet, North Carolina, September 11, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report the reception of your favor of the 10th, the contents of which have been carefully noted; also the orders forwarded by Captain Taylor. For my answer, in part, I would refer you to my inclosed report of the 7th, which should have been transmitted by the steamer George Peabody.

I take great pleasure in announcing to you the continued strengthening of my belief in the loyalty o the citizens of this State who inhabit the counties bordering on the Pamlico Sound. The sincerity of the people who live upon the strip of land running from Hatters Inlet to Oregon Inlet is not to b doubted; they have al taken the at of allegiance, which you will perceive is a strong one, and have shown every disposition to assist me in every manner possible, such as furnishing me with supplies, giving information of the movements of the enemy, &c. I have sent three of the most intelligent of their number of the other side of the sound, for the purpose of informing the inhabitants of the real intentions of the Federal Army and ascertaining what the real feeling is among the people.

My belief is that troops could be raised here for the purpose of suppressing rebellion in North Carolina upon the assurance that they would not be called on to out of the State. I have been unable to secure any considerable amount of property plundered from inhabitants. That which I have been able to get hold of has been returned. I presume

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