Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series 1, Volume 6. Page: 23
xix, 896 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this book.
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ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON.
tried so hard to have, one 12-pounder rifled cannon I am confident we
would have annihilated her. The enemy fired no guns after we got out
of range, and after lying for some time off the light-house, dropped
slowly down the coast, keeping near the beach in shallow water, which
would argue that her pumps were at work. When off New Inlet she
headed in for the entrance, but finally proceeded down toward Hat-
teras, and thus ended the engagement. The enemy with all his supe-
rior force and choice of position was compelled to draw off and drop
behind a sand hill, where he knew it would be impossible for us to
injure him, and from which position he could throw his heavy shot and
shell into us unanswered. I therefore have the right to claim a victory
to the Beaufort, which, under the circumstances and disparity in ves-
sel, armament, and crew, will not unfavorably compare with any that
has yet fallen to our arms. We received no damage in any respect
from the enemy, though the wind from some of his shot was felt as
they passed harmlessly through us. We fired eight shots, equal to 256
pounds of metal and 56 pounds of powder. The enemy fired about
thirteen shots-rifle cannon, solid 32s, and shell. I have nothing more
to say than to reiterate my expressions in behalf of the officers and
crew of the Beaufort for their gallant conduct during the entire engage-
ment, and to express the hope that you will be pleased to bring them
favorably to the attention of the executive. I send you enclosed a list*
of their names. I forgot to mention that during the firing a burning
cylinder was blown from the gun on to the hurricane deck, which set
fire to some hammocks, cots, sails, and tents stowed away to give room
on deck. We soon extinguished it by throwing the most of them over-
board. My water being nearly out, I am compelled to leave to-morrow
morning for fresh water, and shall send this report from Elizabeth
City. I will return here immediately after filling up with water. My
steamer is so small that I have not room for more than twelve days'
water. I can conscientiously leave now, as the fort has, or will have by
to-morrow, four guns mounted. A large sail is beating up from the
northward, or I would leave this evening. I am very anxious to hear
from you, and hope that what I have done will meet your approbation.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. C. DUVALL,
Commanding Steamer Beaufort.
Hon. WARREN WINSLOW,
Naval and Military Secretary, Raleigh, N. C.
Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Marston, U. S. Navy,
commanding U. S. ship Cumberland, to report for duty in the Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1861.
SIR: As soon as the Cumberland, under your command, is repaired
you will return with her to Hampton Roads and report to Flag-Officer
Stringham as a part of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES.
Captain JOHN MARSTON,
Commanding U. S. S. Cumberland.
* Not found.23
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Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion: General Index (Book)
General index listing persons, naval units, ships, battles, and major subject headings mentioned in the "Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion" volumes. Listings include the numbers for the series (Roman numerals) and volume (Arabic numbers) where the reference(s) can be found.
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United States. War Department. Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series 1, Volume 6., book, 1897; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth192841/m1/46/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.