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Doc. 40.-the capture of Edenton.


Lieut.-Commander Maury's report.

United States Steamship Louisiana, off Elizabeth City, N. C., February 12.
sir: In obedience to your orders, I proceeded with this vessel, accompanied by the Underwriter, Lieut. Corn. Jeffers; the Commodore Perry, Lieut. Corn. Husser; and the Lockwood, Acting Master Graves Commanding, to the city of Edenton, west end of Albemarle Sound.

At half-past 8 o'clock this morning, we arrived off the entrance to the harbor, and, after careful reconnoissance, we passed in — the Lockwood in the advance, to keep the large vessels informed from time to time of the depth of water in the channel, or of the appearance of earthworks on the banks.

At ten A. M. we had undisturbed possession of the town; part of a flying artillery regiment, variously estimated at from one hundred to three hundred, fled precipitately, without firing a shot. Many of the inhabitants also left, in consequence. I was told, of a vile rumor having been put in circulation by the panic-stricken enemy, that our havoc was indiscriminate at Elizabeth.

I was happy in being able to stigmatize such a report as it deserved, and to restore quiet to a very excited population.

There are no fortifications at or in the water approaches to Edenton. At Hornblow's Point trees have been felled, possibly with a view to the construction of works.

Among the results of the expedition are the destruction of eight (8) cannon and one schooner, (on the stocks,) at Edenton. We captured two schooners in the sound; one loaded with four thousand bushels of corn. We also took six bales of cotton from the Custom-House wharf.

There were no public stores in the town. The Custom-House was empty.

We remained two hours about the town, and were visited by the authorities and others; many of them professed sentiments of loyalty to the old Union.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A Maury, Lieut. Commanding Second Column Naval Division. Corn. Rowan. Commanding Flotilla Albemarle Sound.

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