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

A.

To the COMMANDER OF THE FEDERAL FORCES AT HATTERS INLET:

DEAR SIR: We, the citizens of Cape Hatters, do ask of your honor that you will allow us to return to our homes and property and protect us in the same as natural citizens, as we have never taken up arms against your Government, nor has it been our wish to do so. We did not help by our votes to get North Carolina out of the Union. Believing that your clemency will not allow you to treat us as rebels, who have always been loyal citizens, we do earnestly request, for the sake of our women and children, that you will comply with our shies, as we seek protection from your honor.

Yours, very respectfully,

CITIZENS OF HATTERS.

P. S.-Please let us know by the bearer what we can depend upon.

B.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, Hyde County:

We, the undersigned, do solemnly swear that we will true allegiance bear to the United States of North America; that we will not take up arms against said Government, or hold any communication with its enemies, or aid or comfort its enemies in any way whatever, and that we will give to the commandant of Fort Clark any information we may obtain or receive of the approach of the enemy; and in case we are called upon we will assist the commandant of said United States of North America, and we will always, under any and all circumstances, support the Constitution of the said United States.

C.

FORT CLARK, N. C., September 2, 1861.

Colonel MAX WEBER:

DEAR COLONEL: I learn with great regret that your men and others under your command still continue to commit depredations against the property of the inhabitants of this island. It seems that they pass from the fort, over which you have command, to the land above by boats. This must and shall stop. These people are worthy, loyal citizens, and have taken the oath to support the Constitution of the United States, and they ought to and shall be protected in their rights of property and person, and I shall in future use all the power under my control to see that they are protected. This passage by boats must cease from this date, and if it cannot be prevented by any other means, I shall use my artillery against all the boats I may see pass. I have promised these people protection, and intend to keep my promise good.

Yours, very truly,

RUSH C. HAWKINS, Colonel, Commanding.

D.

FORT HATTERS, N. C., September 3, 1861.

Colonel R. C. HAWKINS:

DEAR COLONEL: In reply to your letter of yesterday I have to state that I am just as much displeased as you are when any of the troops