Hatteras and the coast defence.
--The
Charlotte (N. C.) Democrat, of Monday, says:
‘
A great deal has been said about who is to blame for the loss of Fort Hatteras.
We find in the
State Journal the message of
Governor Clark, and report of
Hon. Warren Winslow,
Military Secretary, submitted to the House of Commons on the 6th of September, in response to a resolution of that body calling for information on the subject.
We have been one of those who thought the
State authorities at
Raleigh were very much to blame for the unprepared condition of the coast, but the message and report, we are bound to say, do not justify such a belier; for, according to those documents, the
Governor and
Military Secretary did all they could do towards preparing the coast for defensive operations.
If they are to blame for anything, it is for not making known to the people of the
State that their requisitions on the Confederate Government were not acceded to.
We learn that
Gov. Clark is now doing all he can to defend the coast, and is sending forward companies and regiments as fast as they can be equipped.
He made a request recently of the
Secretary of War, that a few well drilled regiments be sent to our coast, promising to send forward into
Virginia an equal number of new regiments of
North Carolina troops.
But the request has not been complied with by the Confederate Government.
We suppose
North Carolina is expected to defend her coast herself, and therefore vigorous exertions should be made for that purpose without delay, which we are assured is being done, and that liberal citizens of the
East are aiding the authorities all they can by private funds and force.
’
