Daniel Ammen, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 7.2, The Atlantic Coast
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[182] to prevent the debarkation of troops. On the mainland, nearly opposite Fort Bartow (Pork Point), was Fort Forrest. This was placed on hulks sunk in the sand, and to enfilade vessels that might attempt to remove the double row of piles beyond which the eight Confederate vessels were placed. It was stated in a post return, made ten days previous to the attack, that the defence for Roanoke Island was forty 32-pounders, seven rifled guns, and five days ammunition.

The naval casualties, including the howitzer battery of six guns operating with the army, were 6 killed, 17 wounded, and 2 missing.

Flag-Officer Goldsborough speaks in terms of great commendation of all under his command, and especially of officers commanding vessels. He adds, ‘It is really difficult for me to state in adequate terms how largely I feel indebted to Commanders Rowan and Case for their constant and signal services throughout, from the very inception to the consummation of the achievement in view.’

This victory was most important; the proximate result left no ports or inlets unoccupied by our forces along the entire North Carolina coast except Wilmington. Including what was soon after achieved by Flag-Officer Dupont, on the coast of Georgia and Florida, Charleston and Wilmington were the only entrances unclosed from Cape Henry to Cape Florida.¹

With untiring labor and zeal we find that at 3 P. M. of the day following the surrender of the Confederate forts, Commander Rowan had taken on board all of the ammunition