OPERATIONS IN N. C. AND S. E. VA. [CHAP. XIII.

that $5,000 will pay for al the property taken, and I would suggest that the Government make provision for paying it as soon as possible.

The people upon this strip of land have been peculiarly situated. Since the secession of this State their means of subsistence have been completely taken away from them, and now they are mostly without food or clothing, and in the winter, unless something can be done before, there will be great suffering among them. Cannot the Government send them flour, meat, cloth for clothing, and some shoes? Each dollar spent in such acts of charity would bring scores of friend over the whole South.

If Fort Clark is to be occupied, two of the 32-pounders should be removed, and in their place two 9-inch guns should be substituted. This would make the defense on the water side complete, and these guns could be brought to bear on the land approach. A field howitzer and one 12-pounder gun should be added to the face fronting the land. I have mounted in this fort the two 6-pounders captured from the enemy and two more loaned me by the flag-officer of the squadron, which make eight guns ready for service.

Fort Hatters should have at least six of the 32-pounders removed, and substituted in their place at least three 9-inch guns, two 8-inch, and one rifled gun of large caliber and longest range. The number of troops to remain at each front should be designated at once, and suitable backs built immediately for their accommodation. The soil is of sand; the tides rise very high; strong winds prevail here during the winter, and, in my belief, tents would be of no service whatever. There should be sent he, for the exclusive use of Forts Hatters and Clark and the encampments in the immediate vicinity, a strong light-draught (say from 4 to 6 feet) steamer, with four or five substantial row-boats and one light one for the officer in command.

The sand is so deep that horses are of little or no use, and all communication and transportation must be by water. An abundant supply of fuel should also be sent without deadly. I cannot see the use or necessity of holding Fort Clark. It is a mere outpost at best, and could be easily taken by surprise in the night.

Fort Hatters, with the guns mounted as above mentioned, the Pawnee inside an done vessel with heavy guns outside, could defend itself against the combined Confederate force int he daytime. Perfect security could be gained by digging a ditch across a neck of sand to the south of the fort, and thus surrounding it completely by water.

I still as here to all of the suggestions contained in my former report, and would most respectfully urge the importance of immediately occupying Roanoke and Beacon Islands. The ball moved too slowly; one success should follow another in quick succession.

Four prizes have been taken since our forces landed-three from Saint Martin's, W. I., and one form Halifax, N. S. The latter had a valuable cargo of army supplies, and the three former had salt and molasses; all owned in North Carolina. The total value of vessels and cargoes is about $225,000.

The detachment which came here with me is in good halt and spirits. The men have worked willingly and well, and have undergone all privations without a murmur.

I am, dear sir, most faithfully, your obedient servant,

RUSH C. HAWKINS, Colonel Ninth Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Commanding Forts Hatters and Clark.

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