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

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., September 25, 1861.

HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Attorney-General and Acting Secretary of War: SIR: Since the fall of Hatteras, with a few exceptions, the inhabitants of the island commonly called the Banks, under the fear of the enemy's guns, have taken the oath of allegiance to Lincoln's Government, but the people of the main-land, separated from these Banks by Pamlico Sound, remain firm in their devotion and loyalty to the Confederate cause. The enemy has attempted communication with the people in Hyde County, and, though the spot-office in that locality, to disseminate documents to influence the public mind in North Carolina. Major Hall, of the Seventh Regiment North Carolina State troops now in the Confederate service, and in command of the forces in Hyde County, has recently arrested eight men from the Banks, most of whom had been at the headquarters of the enemy and taken the oath. They had in their possession manuscript proclamations (one of which is herewith transmitted) issued by the officer in command to the authorities of towns and villages, as well as certain private citizens in the State. It is very desirable that the prisoners thus taken should be removed from that section of the State. I suppose General Gatlin has reported to the War Department in full on this subject, but I wish especially your opinion as to the legal course to be taken against these prisoners. I herewith inclose a copy of our law of treason against the State, as defined by the recent Convention of our State. It may not reach the offense of all, if any, of the prisoners who have taken the oath to support the Constitution of the United States or others who simply had the proclamations referred to in their possession, besides a letter addressed buy one who had take the oath to a citizen of the State advising submission to the Federal Government.

As to the military defenses of this (eastern) part of the State, I am doing all in my power, in conjunction with Generals Gatlin and Anderson. I take it for granted that they keep you fully advised on the subject, but I cannot refrain form referring you again to the urgent necessity which exists for more arms and munitions of war for the troops destined for the defense of the coast. The President has informed me that no troops for this defense can be withdrawn form Virginia, but I earnestly trust that if soldiers cannot be spared, I may at least hope that the requisitions for arms and powder and other munitions may be speedily and favorably attended to. I desire to impress upon the Confederate Government the great and pressing importance of defending the coast of North Carolina against actual and threatened invasion.

I have the honor to be sir, your obedient servant,

HENRY T. CLARK.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

HEADQUARTERS, FORT CLARK, Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, September 17, 1861.

To the People of North Carolina:

The colonel commanding the Federal forces now in North Carolina, having heard of the erroneous impression which exists among the inhabitants as to the object and purpose of said forces, would state that inhabitants as to the object of said forces to pillage and plunder. We come not to destroy, but to secure peace and uphold the law of the