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of Midshipman Porter, came up for the same purpose.
Master's Mate J. H. Hammond, of this vessel, then assumed the command of the launch Delaware.
At this time the Captain called away his gig, and, together with his aid, Acting Assistant Paymaster F. R. Curtis, made the first landing on Roanoke Island, for the purpose of reconnoitring and capturing a rebel tent, which was accomplished and brought on board.
After which, believing that there was a large body of rebel troops in the woods, we fired several shell from our nine-inch Dahlgren, commanded by J. H. Kerens, which it was afterwards ascertained lodged in the midst of their encampment, compelling them to disperse and desist from throwing up intrenchments.
At a quarter past five P. M. reported to flag-ship, and requested permission to land troops from the transports, which was granted, and we landed the Fifty-first Pennsylvania regiment, accomplishing it by eight o'clock P. M., when we hauled off and anchored, distant some hundred yards from the shore, where we remained during the night.
The following morning, at the request of Gen. Burnside, sent Acting Master Chase, with the command of ten soldiers of the Ninth New-Jersey regiment and two boats' crews, on shore for the purpose of reconnoitring.
They returned at eleven o'clock A. M. Previous to this, Paymaster's Clerk Charles T. Hallowell, landed for the purpose of ascertaining if he could procure compressers' screws for our rifled howitzer, which was disabled during the action.
He was unsuccessful in procuring them, owing to the engagement at the time.
Capt. Quackenbush and his aid, F. R. Curtis, went on shore at half-past 1 o'clock to offer assistance to the army; ascertained that they required warm fresh water and surgical attendance to dress the wounds, and had the same sent to their hospital, together with the Surgeon, Le Traver, who rendered efficient service on the transport steamer Union.
Afterwards weighed anchor and went within one hundred yards of Fort Sullivan, when Commander Rowan and Lieut.
Commanding Quackenbush landed at the fort, and witnessed the raising of the glorious Stars and Stripes on the rebel battery, amid tremendous cheering.
On the ninth, at half-past 2 P. M., this squadron, consisting of fourteen vessels, under command of S. C. Rowan, weighed anchor for Elizabeth City.
During the afternoon discovered three small rebel steamers, which we chased until dark, and then came to anchor eighteen miles distant from this place, receiving on board two fishermen from a small sail-boat, captured by the United States steamer Ceres.
On the tenth inst., at six o'clock A. M., weighed anchor for Elizabeth City.
At eight A. M. discovered the enemy's gunboats, consisting of seven steamers and one schooner; gave chase and found that the enemy had a battery of four guns on our left, and one of one gun in the town facing us. At six minutes past nine A. M. engaged gunboats and battery, and closed in fast upon them, filling the air with shot and shell.
At twenty-five minutes past nine A. M. the schooner struck her colors, and was found to be on fire.
About the same time the rebel flag on the battery at Cobb's Point was taken down and waved apparently as a signal for the rebel gunboats.
Wm. F. Lynch, Flag-Officer, was commanding at the fort.
This signal was afterwards ascertained to be an order for the evacuation of the rebel gunboats.
They immediately ran close in shore, and were instantaneously abandoned and set on fire by their crews, some of whom escaped in boats, and others, jumping overboard, swam and waded to the shore.
Lieut. Commanding Quackenbush now gave the order to his aid, F. R. Curtis, to man the cutter and bring off a rebel flag for Commander Rowan. J. H. Raymond, Acting Master's Mate, together with a part of his division, immediately jumped in the boat with F. R. Curtis, and boarded the rebel steamer Fanny, which was at the time on fire, and hauled down the rebel flag; then proceeded on shore to the battery, and Mr. Raymond then planted the Stars and Stripes, and returned on board the Delaware, which was moored to the wharf at Elizabeth City, at forty-five minutes past nine o'clock in the forenoon — thus ending one of the shortest and most brilliant engagements which has occurred during this unfortunate civil war. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officers and men attached to this vessel.
Mr. Gabandon, signal officer attached to this vessel, rendered efficient and valuable service during the engagement.
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