February 9, 1862 (Sunday): "Regret and Mortification" at Roanoke Island

Fort Huger (NC Highway Historical Marker Program)

ROANOKE ISLAND,

February 9, 1862.

   SIR:  On Friday the 7^th instant, at about noon, the enemy opened fire on our squadron and Fort Bartow.  In obedience to your orders I took charge of Forts Huger and Blanchard, and awaited the approach of the enemy; but as they did not come within range of our rifled guns (which I fired eight times) and seemed to concentrate their fire on the left flank of Fort Bartow, I immediately rode to that battery where I remained until the enemy ceased firing, assisting Major Hill, the commanding officer of that post.

   On the morning of the 8th, about 10 a.m.., Fort Bartow fired a shot at the enemy's ships, to prevent what seemed to be an attempt to cut off re-enforcements approaching the island from the northward (the other batteries being manned to drive back the enemy should the attempt be persevered in), when their fleet commenced a desultory fire upon Fort Bartow. I immediately repaired to that post, where I remained until the battery was evacuated, in consequence of our land defenses having been forced by the enemy’s troops.

   I then returned to Fort Blanchard, thinking the fleet would attempt to pass through Croatan Sound, which, however, they did not.  Leaving orders to fire upon them should they attempt to pass or come within range, I went to Fort Huger, where I soon received your order to spike the guns and send the men to your encampment.  This was done, the powder destroyed, and the gun-carriages somewhat injured, about 2.30 p.m.

   I should have entirely dismantled the batteries at Fort Huger and Blanchard but for two reasons; First, because, in doing so, the enemy would have been made aware of it, and would, no doubt, have sent their ships up to take your position in the rear; and second, because I had not time; for while we were throwing shells into the water a sharp conflict was heard in the direction of the encampment of the Thirty-first Regiment; so I immediately dispatched the companies to go by the beach and through the woods to your support.

   While on my way to your headquarters I heard that a flag of truce had been sent out, and received orders not to spike the guns; but it was too late.

   I do not hesitate to say, from the service done by the three barbette guns at Fort Bartow (the only guns brought fully into action), and the little damage sustained by that battery, notwithstanding the incessant and terrible fire kept up against it for more than six hours by perhaps sixty guns, that if all our batteries had been brought into action the enemy’s fleet would have been destroyed or beaten back.

  I desire to say that the officers and men brought under fire behaved in a highly creditable manner, and that they seemed to be in better condition the second day, notwithstanding their fatigue and loss of rest, than they were during the first.  I would also say that the officers and men at the batteries not engaged evinced a fine spirit; and I have to regret for them, for myself, and for our cause, that they had not an opportunity to illustrate their skill and patriotism against the gunboats of the enemy.

   I understand that the loss in the enemy’s fleet was about five times as great as ours in the battery.  Ours was 1 killed and 3 wounded.  Major Hill will no doubt pay a just tribute  to the services of Lieutenant Loyall of the Navy, and Lieutenant Talcott, of the artillery, which cannot be too highly commended.

   Allow me to join in the regret and mortification which I know you feel that our cause should have sustained a defeat while in our hands.

   Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                                                    JOHN S. TAYLOR,

                                                            Captain, C. S. Army, in charge Heavy Artillery.

Col. H. M. SHAW,

     Eighth Regt., N. C. State Troops, Comdg. Forces Roanoke Island.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 9, Part 1, Page 182.

The Burnside expedition arrived at Pamlico Sound on February 7 with 65 vessels (19 warships and 46 transports).  A naval action commenced against the forts around 11:30, continuing into the afternoon.  Burnside landed his troops near Ashby’s Harbor and defeated Henry Wise’s force of 2,500 (taking them prisoner).  Federal losses were 14 from the Navy and 264 in the landing parties.  The Confederates had six wounded on their gunboats and 143 killed, wounded, or missing in their land force, beyond those taken prisoner.  While the victory passed with less notice than the taking of Forts Henry and Donelson, it gave the Union a foothold in eastern North Carolina and another morale boost.