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occupied in making a thorough examination of the obstructions three miles below the town.
At daybreak he moved up one of the creeks, until he found a road.
Leaving a few of his men with the boat, he landed, and followed the road until he came upon the main road between Wilmington and Fort Fisher.
Presently, by lying in wait, he captured a mounted courier with the mail from the fort, which contained much valuable information.
The courier from the town came along two hours later, but, catching sight of a blue-jacket, made off with all speed.
Cushing galloped after him on the captured horse, but the second courier was better mounted than the first, and made his escape.
Cushing had now been away from the boat for some hours, and his men had had nothing to eat. He therefore set about in a characteristic way to obtain provisions.
After capturing other prisoners, he learned that a store was to be found two miles off; and mounting Howarth on the captured horse with the courier's coat and hat, he sent him to market.
Howarth, who was a man of easy manner and a fine assurance, engaged freely in conversation with the people whom he met on the road, and passed without suspicion.
Presently he returned with a supply of provisions.
After dinner, the party amused themselves by cutting the telegraph wires, and at dark they rejoined the boat.
The third and last night in the river had now begun, and Cushing prepared to return.
Embarking with the prisoners, he went to examine the condition of the Raleigh.
She was found to have been destroyed, and was now a total wreck.
Proceeding down the river, Cushing set his prisoners adrift in boats, without oars or sails, so that they might not report his presence too early.
The moon had now risen, and as he reached the mouth of the river, he was discovered by a guard-boat.
Just as he was preparing to attack her, three
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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