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[94] regiment, secured by the Twenty-third on the same field.

These worthy sons and heroic soldiers of Massachusetts, in the hour of their triumph, dearly bought, offer to her these trophies.

They shall be preserved in honor of their fortitude, their fidelity and their achievements.

And if, as they behold them, the eyes of their countrymen shall moisten with tears, remembering the hardships, the sufferings, and the losses by which they were won; their hearts shall be strengthened also by the precious memories of that heroism and valor which so proudly illustrated, in the very van of battle, the perpetuity of the Republic.

The Commander-in-Chief, in congratulating and thanking in the name of the People of Massachusetts, the Twenty-first, the Twenty-third and the Twenty-fourth volunteers, joins with these regiments, in equal honor, the Twenty-fifth, commanded by Col. Edwin Upton, and the Twenty-seventh, commanded by Col. Horace C. Lee.

Sharing alike the hardships and the fortunes of the engagement, all of these noble regiments participated in the honors of the victory, and by constant endurance, prompt obedience and unflinching fortitude, under the fire of the enemy, exhibited the best qualities of citizen soldiers.

These flags (with the consent of the Honorable House of Representatives) will be conspicuously displayed in the Hall of the House, and will there remain in the care of the Quartermaster General, until further orders.

The Adjutant-General will cause a copy of this order to be transmitted to the commanders of each of the regiments and batteries of artillery now at the seat of war from this Commonwealth.

By order of His Excellency,

John A. Andrew, Governor and Commander-in-Chief. William Schouler, Adjutant-General.


Official report of Com. Lynch, C. S. N.

Flag-Ship Sea Bird, off Roanoke Island, February 7, 1862.
sir: I have the honor to report that the enemy, at ten A. M. to-day, with twenty-two heavy steamers and one tug, made an attack upon this squadron and the battery at Pork Point.

As his numerical force was overwhelming, we commenced the action at long range, but as our shells fell short, while his burst over and around us, (owing, I think, to the superior quality of his powder,) we were eventually compelled to shorten the distance.

The fight lasted continuously from ten A. M. to half-past 5 P. M., throughout which the soldiers in the battery sustained their position with a gallantry which won our warmest approbation. The fire was terrific; and at times the battery would be enveloped in the sand and dust thrown up by shot and shell.

And yet their casualties was only one man killed and three wounded. The earthwork, however, was very much cut up. I mention the battery, because, in all probability, communication will reach you before intelligence will be received from the appropriate official source. The enemy approached in ten divisions, the rear one having the schooner trans ports in tow.

The advance, which was the attacking division, again sub-divided, and one portion assailed us and the other the battery. Repeatedly, in the course of the day, I feared that our little squadron of seven vessels would be utterly demolished, but a gracious Providence preserved us.

Master Commanding Hoall, of the Forrest, received a wound in the head, which is pronounced serious, if not mortal. I yet trust that this promising young officer, who so bravely fought his ship, will be spared to the service. Midshipmen Camm of the Ellis, and----of the Curlew, each lost an arm, which, with three others slightly wounded, constitute the sum of our personal casualties.

I am sorry to say that the Curlew, our largest steamer, was sunk, and the Forrest, one of the propellers, disabled. We have received other injuries from shot and shell, but comparatively of light character, and could, with the exception of the Forrest, renew the action to-morrow, if we only had ammunition. I have not a pound of powder nor a loaded shell remaining, and few of the other vessels are better off. During the latter part of the engagement, when our ammunition was nearly exhausted, I sent to the upper battery for a supply, but ten charges were all that could be spared, and those were expended at dark, as the enemy were withdrawing from the contest.

In all probability the contest will be renewed to-morrow, for the enemy having landed a force below the battery, will doubtless endeavor to divert its fire. I have decided, after receiving the guns from the wreck of the Curlew, to proceed direct with the squadron to Elizabeth City, and send express to Norfolk for ammunition. Should it arrive in time, we will return to aid in the defence; if not, will there make a final stand, and blow up the vessels rather than they shall fall into the hands of the enemy.

These are reasons for retiring upon Norfolk, but it would be unseemly thus to desert this section of country. If I have erred in judgment, by a speedy notification, the error will be corrected. Commander Hunter, Lieut. Commanders Cooke, Parker, and Alexander, and Masters Commanding McCorrick, Taylor, and Hoole, bravely sustained the credit of the service, and every officer and man performed his duty with alacrity. Lieut. Commanding Simms, although absent on detailed service, exhibited such an eagerness to participate in the conflict as to give full assurance that, if gratified, he would have upheld his high reputation.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient,

W. F. Lynch, Flag-Officer.


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