The New York Herald Newspaper, January 18, 1865, Page 5

WILMINGTON. * very large army. I will report to you every opportunity. aervant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear Admiral. ‘ton, D. G. SECOND DESPATCH. #aow Ory Fort Fisusr, Jan. 15, 1865, Hon. Grow Wriues, Seeretary of the Navy :— Sin—Fort Fisher is ours, affair. been most cordial, “she army and navy go hand in hand. The navy loss in the assault was heavy, Tho army loss is also heavy. D. D. PORTER, Rear Admiral Commanding. THE HERALD DESPATCHES. | THE NAVY. _the Afternoon of the 13th Inst. BR. WILLIAM H. MERRIAM’S DESPATCHES. at rr New Isuet, N. C., Jan. 13—7 P. M. ‘That portion (2th (yesterday), and arrived off this inlet last evening. the naval columns from in shore one, two and three. On No. 4 Randing. THE GENERAL OFPICERS OF THE FLEET. eet:— Rear Admiral—David D. Porter. Feet Captain—K. B. Breese. ¥ Re ag Oficer—Licutenant Commanding H, A. nis, ‘ Fiag Tieutenant—S, W. Preston. Sigual Oficer—M. W. Sanders. Aid-de Camp—Licutenant 8. W. Terry. Liew:tonint Commanding the Flagship Malvern—Lioute- ‘ant &. H. Porter, -Liout. Comd’g Watmough, Lieut. Comd’g Ramsey. - Lieut. Comd’g Selfridge, Lieut. Comd’g Chandler. -Commodore Schenk. Lieut. -Commander -Captain Ridgely. pater Steedman. x in Pickerin; on r S g i Picondorega. . Vanderbilt. Lt. W. B. Cushing (Albemarle) Act’g Vol. Tet Lesaeee Commander Spicer. Commander lo. Act’g Vol. Lieut. Dunn. Commander John Guest, Keystone Sta Monigomety Yoseo. . New Irohsides. Monadnack, ® . Commander Cathoun. -Lieut. Com. Belknap. “ - Lieut. Com, Weaver. The iron-clad column alone silenced the north face of Fort Fisher this morning. THR LANDING COLUYN, Lieut, Com. Upshur. ‘ol. Lieut. McDarmiad, 10 Lamson. ct, Vol. Lieut. Green, Vol. Lieut. Harris, Act. Master Avery. ~Act, Master Crafts, -Act, Ensign Bennett, ‘Act. Vol. Lieut. Welles, TBRAIFIO BOMDARDMENT OF FORT FIStIRR, At five o'clock this afternoon the {ron-clad column, yelnforced by the heavy frigates, opened a most terrific ‘and galling bombardment upon Fort Fisher, which lasted until dark. The fort was immodtately allenced, and did ‘mo again open during the bombardment. The scene wag {ndeod « aublime ono, and, it may be safely said, was Dever, perhaps, paralleled in the annals of avcient or Taodern naval warfare, The Union shell rained upon the Cort unceasingly from the broadsides which the fleet Poured in with perfect range and appalling rapidity. Dur- ing all this time the long column of troops was marching smondily and briskly down the beach towards the fort, Uietoning to the most dreadful sounds that over saluted Moria! ear, and witnessing the effects of the most hellish enginery ever invoked to sabserve the dread purposes of war. I wastruly a grand illustration of the daring and resolution of an important arm of the public defence ‘when that arm rises promptly and unselilshly to the ‘road level of its capacity and duty. Night alone puta potiod to the absorbing spectacle, Fuacsmr McCiai.an, Ove New Ivuer, Jan. 14—2 P. M. T avail myself of the departure of the Commodore Drpont to send you news three hours later than that con- 4ained in my despatches by the R. R. Cuyler, In the bom- ‘bardmont of yesterday it transpired that the robels had @rectod two new and exceedingly heavy casemated guns, shots from which told several times upon the New Iron- sides, though no damage whatever was done her. These guns have been placed in position Bince the departure hence of the last expedition. As I Teft the flagship of Admiral Porter, a few moments since, ‘a fleet of the lesser gunboats was moving Into position, tinder the Admiral’s immediate orders, to assist in a grand attack on Fort Fisher, tobe made by tho nary, in co-operation with (he army, In the course of two hours. ji shall rend my messenger direct to Now York with full despatches at 0 the resalt ‘known, Licutonant William B. Cushing, commanding to Rear Admiral Porter, and it's understood he waa on ‘Ddoard the Malvern (ngship) for the purpose of submit- Qing a new plan to the Admiral, Tho gallant command. was looking exceedingly healthful and restful, Jon. 14—2:00 P.M, Gort Fishor, and the Admiral has just gone to the scone. THE ARMY. Mr. William H. Merriam’s Despatches. Ow Boat Usiten Stares Sreaemp ATLANTIC, Ore New Inter, Norrn Carouna, Tan, 14—4 A.M. af defence which would euable us to hold on against I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient To Yon, Grozon Wextzs, Secretary of the Navy, Wash- I send a bear of despatches with a brief account of tlie General Terry ig entitled to the highest praise and the gratitiide of his country for the manner in which he has conducted his part of the operations. He is my beaw ! ddeat of a soldier and ageneral. Our co-operation has ‘The result is victory, which will always bo ours when Terrihle Bombardment of Fort Fisher on of Adiniral Porter's squadron designed to ‘e0-operate in th's movement proceeded to soa in three lines from Beaufort on the morning of Thursday, the ‘Who transport fleet had position in the rear, numbering arriving off the inlet colamn No. 1 anchored close in along the beach just abreast Fiag Pond and Hal Moon batteries, works erectoil by the rebels, bat now abandoned. This line of ships at once opened fire and most vigorously @helled the beach and roads for several hours, in pro- Pparation for the landing of General Torry’s forces, whose ransports meanwhile steamed down abreast and to a fos a short distance outside of line No.1. Column 4 mposed of heavy frigates, anchored in close order ‘outsidé fhe transports; column No, 3 still out- ‘side of'yet dldso to Cofultin No. 2 Meanwhile the tron- clad flcot, composdd of the Ironsides, Monadnock, Saugus, ‘Cauonicus aud Mahopac, moved downward abreast of Fort Pisher,.and opened a severe fire of that work at short rance, for the purpose of concentrating the at- tention of the enemy to that point, in order to enable the success’ul covering of the open beach to the northward 0! Fort Fisher, as well as to prevent any of Hoke’s (rebel) division going from the rebel fortifications to oppose our The folowing is a list of the leading officers of the ‘The position of the navy to-night, in technical phrase- ology, 4s as follows:— the moment it is the United States gunboat Monticello, patd hia respects fant of tho Monticollo and destroyer of the Albemarle ‘All the (rigates are new moving in position im front of “1 The socond grand and combined military and naval ex- ition against the fortified pieces known as the do- of Wilmington, North Carolina, and consisting of series of most formidable works, rendered so by the na- tur and tmportance to the rebels of tle town defended, is now well under way, and as the reagons why tho expe- dition was reundertaken are liable to miscomstruction in the public mind, if not early rightly shadowed forth, I initiate this despatch with somo explanatory statements. First of all, it is proper to state that many hold to the opinion that the present expedition against the fostering harbor and city of the blockade runners was in no wise suggested by the recent partial discomfiture of a similar well planned, and, so far as the military arm was concerned, admirably exe- cuted attempt to close up this leading artery of supplies to the rebels, In this relation it may be truthfully eaid, however, that this new offensive armada, sent to sea at a usually inclement and inauspicious season of the year, when sailors, according to tradition, experience but comparatively few halcyon dayd, furnishes an ad- ditional and vivid proof of the unbending and stubborn element in the character of the commanding General, from whose well diciplined army the present operating forces are wholly drawn. _It is, then, but another instance of that same intensity of stubborn military genius that has heretofore so often in this war compelled victory to our standards. Such being the truth touching the relations of this undertaking to the similar one culminating before Fort Fisher on Christmas evening of last year, we naturaily ask for the animating purpose suggesting the fitting out and sending forth of this offensive transport fleet under Brevet Major General A. H. Terry, in co-operation with the fleet under Admiral Porter. This question is answered in the statement that tho-expedition is believed to have been organized for the purpose of co-operating with General Sherman, who is known to be marching from Savannah into South Caro- lina, touching at ranchy jie, an important strategic point, artnet Brg of Se ae ae ane is capable of bearing useful and comprehensive results in two separate and totally distinct ways, It may operate to compel the retention of a large rebel force to defend the approches to Wilmington; in which event it is clearly discernible that Sherman’s chances of success, never few in numbers or hazardous in character, would be ma- terlally enhanced if not visibly heightened. On the other hand, the perilous exigencies of the rebel fortunes in’ South Carolina, Southern Georgia, and along the Atlantic coast, may imperatively demand the with- drawal of these identical rebel forces as well as others to oppose the progress of General Sherman. In which event, it is also equally clear to be seen, our occupancy and tenure of Fishor, Caswell and the other works defensive of Wilmington, and ultimately of the city itself, would be at once speody and easy of accom- plishment, On tho contrary, tho impression obtains, it is but considerate to state, among some, and general off. cers aro of the number, that this attempt against Wil- mington is but an effort to successfully accomplish what was sought to be done on Christmas. This view derives additional importance from the known opinions of Lieutenant General Grant bearing upon the Union po- sition on this Portion of tho coast, which are unde- Hably To the tffect that the Union cause will bo materially subserved by the clgsit y of Cape Fear river, and for this reason, efforts, no matter how many it may require to make the point, are in no wise to We fe laxed until the desired aim is attained. Atall events the military rescript has gono forth that the rebel port of Wilmington must be closed in behalf of the interests of the Union arms, and thus an estopel put upon the receipt from abroad by the rebels of immense supplies of storos, comprising many if not all of the necessaries of life and all the munitions of war. The operations of this morn- ing will doubtless determine tho result finally. At about eleven o'clock on the night of January 1, 1865, Major General Butler, accompanied by brevet Major Goneral Terry, returned to his headquarters, on the north of tho James, froma prolonged mterview with Lieutenant General Grant at City Point, whither they went early in the afternoon of that day. The doors of the commanding General’s quarters had scarcely closed before it was appa- rent that a military movement of no inconsiderable cha- racter was about to be inaugurated against the enemy. The next day the instructions for the guidance of the brovet Major General to be entrusted with the command of the expedition were Prepared by the competent authority, reviewed and approved by the commander of tho armies, and finally sealed for delivery to General Terry, to be opened off Cape Henry, just preparatory to their being acted upon. On the 2d of January also the orders for the preliminary movements of the troops weré issued, and on the evening of the 8d the several divisions and brigades, intended to compose the mili- tary part of the undertaking, wore well on their march to Bermuda Hundred landing, where they ‘were to rendzevous previous to joining the ocean trans- ports at Fortress Monroe, In most instances the same aumbers and the same men, save those incapacitated in the interim, as participated in the previous offensive movement on Wilmington, were selected for participancy inthe new movement, They were supplied with four days’ rations in addition to the food for the dinner and supper of the next day, the 4th instant, They also had forty rounds of ammunition, and wore their knap- eacks carried and shelter tenta, Especial caution was given to the commanders of divisions to observe all possible secrecy compatible with the preparations necessary to be made. Ali the troops reported to Brevet Major Genoral A. HL Terry, in accordance with special orders numbor two, from the headquarters of the Armies of the United States. By noon of tho Sth inst. through tho untiring labors of Colonel George & Dodge, Chicf Quai of the Army of the James, and Captain Walbridge, Chief of Water Transportation, all the expeditionary forces had left Bermuda Hundred Landing for the common rendezvous of the fleet at Fortress Monroe, General Terry arrving at the latter point in his flagship, the McClellan, on the evening of that day. At six o’clock on the morn- ing of tho 6th inst. the entire transport fleet set sail from Hampton Roads, under sealed orders furnished to each one of the commanders, which wero to be opened off Cape Henry, when the next point of rendezvous would be made known. This point proved to be twenty-five miles of Beaufort, North Carolina, in the Atlantic Ocean. The transit of General Terry’s fleet from Hampton Roads to its point of rendezvous in the Atlantic was attended by a severe storm, which delayed its progress for a period of thirty-six hours, Tho gale, commencing on the night of the 6th, increased in onorgy until the night of the 7th, when ita greatest volume was attained, fte demise occurring {early on the morning of the 8th. On the night o€ the 7th the gale was exceedingly heavy from the northwest, compelling many of tite lesser trans- ports to find refuge ia anchorage under Hatteras, and with- in the placid lee of Cape Henry. The greatest danger inci- dent to this veryconsidoraglo storm arose from the strength and persistency of the great cross seas, which teased alike the major and the minor transports, eventuating in great delay in their arriving at the Atlantic rendezvogs, where many of the transport commanders roported the fact of the disablement of their ships and tho necessity of proceeding to Beaufort for repairs. Here was a new delay, extending from the afternoon of the 8th to the morning of the 12th, whon the entire fleet set impressive sail, in conjunction with the aavy, for a point five miles north of New Inlet, North Carolina. The following is the ordor of their sailing, in the wake of the navy :— ‘The United States stenmor McCletlan, flagship of Brevet Major Goneral Alfred Howe Terry, commanding the ex- pedition, The United States steamship Atlantic, Captain A G. Gray commanding, flagehip of Goneral Adelbert Ames, commanding Second division of the Twonty-fourth corps. ‘The Varuna, The De Molay, The Tonawanda, The Thames, The United States steamer Champion, Brigadier Gene- ral 0. J. Paine, commanding Third division of the Twen- ty-ffth corps. The Commodore Dupont The Weybossett. The Montauk, ‘Tho North Point, The Russia, The Governor Chase, ‘The Dudley Buck. Tho Prometheus. The Scott. The General Lyon. The Obarlos Leary. The California, r lone, jerry commanding. its aia sn seal oxeeae of te A. a ‘Burrell, surgeon, United States Voluntoers. In case of the dieperson of the fleet it was ordered that tho vessels should procood toa point from four to five miles above New Talet, North Carolina, ‘The arrangements for the disembarkation of the troops on arrival at their final destination, whioh took place yesterday morning, the 18th, were of the most complete and admirable character, and were, in every sense, suc- ‘Censfully carried ont, Admiral Porter placed a diviston Of his fleet close to and paraloll with the beach, to cover the landing. Of this division the United Statos steamer Brook lyn was the leading and southernmost yoasel, with General Ames’ flagship, the nobto old Atlantic, two hundred yards outside of her. The naval division having take up Its pos!- ton and anchored, all tho transports comprising General ‘Terry's fleet, with the exception of the North Point and the Blackstone, moved in and anchored in a line parailol with and two hundred yards outside of the line of the dfvision, of which the Brooklyn was on the loft. we | North Point @ud the Blackstone took up postiogep the right of the second line of the division of baal vessels, where they awaited orders. Tho North Pont transported two batteries, respectively commanded by Captain Lee, of the Sixteenth New York heavy artillery, ‘and Lieatenant Myrick, of the regular army. ‘he troops wore landed in the navy and surf boats, taken from the transports. The surf boats were prompt in having their hoisting tackle ready booked ou as the shore was approached, and were instantly in the water as the an- chors were dropped. They were manned by details of sailors from the navy, and the men landed most cheerily, as well as with the utmost expedition, in heavy march- ing order, with forty rounds of ammunition, and three days’ cooked rations, The commanding officers had their men in hand with great and commendable promptl- tude, there being no stragglers, andthe troops being ready to move on Fort Fisher at the instant, The troops composing the expedition, of which Brevet Major Gen- era] Terry, of Connecticut, is commander, consist of the Second division of the Fifth corps, General A. Ames commanding, which includes, for temporary purposes, the Second brigade of the First division of the oorps, General Abbott, of New Hampshire, im command. The ‘Twenty-fifth corps (colored) is represented by General Paine, Sixteenth New York Independent battery, Captain Lee, and battery E, of the Third United States, commanded by Lieutenant Myrick, of the regular army. The landing of General ‘Terry's forces commenced yesterday morning at about nine o’clook—an immense numbcr of navy and surf boats having been ranged alongside the transports, under command, among others, of Lieutenant George M. Smith, Of the Nereug; Lieutenant Goorgo Anderson, of tle No- reus; James EB. Brennan, of the Aries; Master Edward L. Haines, of the Nereus; Ensign E, @. Dayton, of the Nereus; Acting Master of the A. D. Vance, whose name I could not learn; and Master's Mato William Rustmore, of the Nereus. The landing, which wag really a great success, and unaccompanied by a shot from the enemy, was under charge of Fleet Captain K. B, Breese, and was wholly effected by three o'clock in the afternoon of the 13th. About an hour later the forces wore in motion, General Terry having transferred his headquarters from the McClellan to the shore, the Admi- ral intimating that he was ready to co-operate with the fleet. General Paino’s division (colorea) held position on the right, followed by General Amos’ division (white). After marching about a mile and o half Paine’s division filed to the right for the purpose of establishing a line from the ocean to Cape Fear river, with the view of cutting off all land communication with the city of Wilmington, the ultimate objective point. Throughout last night our forces were busily laboring, constructing a line of offensive and. defensive works, about three miles from Fort Fisher, respectively to the front and rear. Tho military operations of yester- day having been thus suocessfully concluded, the Henary decks‘on the Atlantic aro now clear for the chronicling of $ho operations of to-day, STAPP OF DREViEt MAJOR GRNRRAL TERRY. Tho following named officers comprise tho staff of the Brovet Major General commanding expeditionary forces operating against Fort Fisher:— Brevet Major Gencral Alfred Howe Terry, of Connecti- out com cheauk expeditionary forces. lonel George S. e, Chief Quartermaster, Surgeon Ye Se nee, Meee Director. Surgeon A, J. H. Burrell, Medical Inspector. Captain Adrian ‘Torry, Arhistant Adjutant General. Captain Charles M. pson, Assistant Quartermaster, Captain Charles H. Davis, Chief Commissary. Sad Gh & te a ip je ‘ow! General. tain A, B. Smith, Aid-de-Camp. Goan R. W. Woodbury, Aoting Ordinance Officer, Licutenant F. E. Beardsley, Signal Officer. Lieutenant Bradley, ‘Chiet 6 "6 the Ambulance Corps, Inspector STAPF OF AMES, Brigadier A. United States Volunteers, Captain C. A. Carlet j@ited States Volunteers, As- sistant Adjutant Gene: ‘D. H. Lentz, United States Volunteers, Assist- ibsistence. Captain H. C, Lockwood, United States Voluntecrs, Aid- A. G, Lawrence, Ce Captain a8 W. Dai ighty-afth nnsylyania Vol- ng Bn J. 8, Matthews, One Hundred and Twelfth New ‘olunt ese Wasi -socond New York Vi of Musters. Captain R. W. Woodbury, Third New Hampshire Vol- 5 Washburn, Qne Hundred and Twelfth New York Volunteers, Acting -in-Chief. Second Lieutenant N. B. R rta, United States Army, Signal Officer. On Board Fiagsur Matvary, Orr New Ixcar, Jan. 14—11:90 A.M. } ‘The Monitors and the Ironsides have just opened on the fort, that work replying at considerable intervals. The first troops to land on the 13th (yesterday) were the Third brigade of the Second (Ames’) division, Colonel Louis Bell commanding. Thoy at once took repossession of Half Moon battery, capturing three thirty-two pounders. The spikes were drawn and they were turned on the enemy after the reversion of the work. Colonel Bell also captured eighty head of cattle. We now havea firm footing on tho land, and shall doubtless remain. It 1s thought that there is considerable rebel force in the woods that skirt the beach to the right of Fort Fisher. They are cutting down trees and throwing up works, They will be shelled out. Our present position may be said to be in all respects favorable. The health of the troops is universally excellent, thero having been Dut one death from natural causes since the inauguration of the expedition—that of private Dunn, of the Thirteenth Indiana Two casualiies have ocourred on the picket live, Tho weather is all that could be dosired at this writing. The despatch boat R. R. Cuyler is just leaving for the North, . Desratcm Boat Exma Hancox, Jan. 14—3 P. M. A large column of our troops is now moving up the beach in the direction of Fort Fishor, and are being heavily shelied from two rebel gunbonts in the Cape Fear river. A truly bloody drama is immediately pend- ing. A large fire is now raging within the fort, THE PRESS DESPATCHES. Bavrrwons, Jan. 17, 1865, ‘The correspondent of the Baltimore American gives the following details:— ‘Towrapay, Jan. 12, 1804 At five o'clock the light draught gunboats were pouring out in a steady stream, winding their way through the sinuous channel across the bar. It was eight o'clock be- fore the last of those had crossed, the bright moonlight enabling them to thread their way among the buoys ‘Tho tide was by this time too low for the Monitors to come oat, and they remained inside until the morning, and at six o’clock, followed by the Malvern, the flagship of the Admiral, they were observed moving out. The Admiral throw out the signal, “Get undor weigh,” to the floet outside, and in the twinkling of an eye the work of raising anchor was in progress throughout the immense armada, The Malvern sailed out majestically through the squadron and stood out to sea, giving signal to the Boot, “Follow thé course indicated."” By eight o'clock the whole fleet was in motion, and presented o sight grand beyond description. Frigates, Monitors, iron clads, double-enders, corvettes, sloope-of- ‘war and gunboats, numbering sixty-two vosgels-of-war, carrying in all five hundred end ninety guns, bosidos small stoamers, tugs, tenders and army transports, were goon formed in four lines on the broad expause of the ocean, each led by the vessel of its divisional com- mander, The army transports, including the steamers Baltic and Pacific, and numbering not lees than fifteen eteamships, carrying not less than ten thousand troops, led by the fingship of brevet Major General Terry, their commander, also formed a fifth line of the great armada, ‘Thus the number of vessels visible from our deck was not less than eighty. The troops embrace the same that camo down with General Butler, with ono additional brigade and a now commanding officer, Tho navy are proud of this fact, and that the government hag sustained Admiral Porter and backed up hie opinion, not only that Fort Fisher can be taken, but that it muat be taken, and that it can be taken by the same troops under a different com- mander, The soldiers have had a rough time of it, hav- ing laid at anchor for three consecutive days of storm, rain and wind, closdly packed in their transporte. ‘Taw o'OL00m, ‘Wo are all fairly under way for New Inlet. The dis tance is only sixty-eight milea, and we expect to reach our anchorage before sunset, #0 a8 to be in readiness for active operations at daylight on Friday morning. The double twrretted Monadnock leads the © Monitor fleet, moving along finely without any tow, but accompanied by the guboat Mohican. The Santiago follows, towing the Monitor Canonicas, the Fort Jackson towing the Mahopac, the Alabama towing the Saugus, while the Vanderbilt accompanies the New Tronsides, ‘The Dictator had not arrived when thy, fleet sailed, non 7 expected, and hopes are stil entor- reach the sdene of action before w- thous Oo M4 ved Uygstam Merrow months, mant of a o Beker the cowwmes Waves. ag” APoraoRs om Friday momaing the folly a: Order from Admixal Porter was read on the qnarier da," 9f the Santiago de Code oy Lieutenant Norman H Far uhar, Executive Oflcer of the flagship Malvern;— Before go'ne into action the com will decides many of the men a 1 the guns as a landing party, that W® may have a share in the assault when’ it tam % Pisce — Boats Will be kept ready lowered near tae Water on the off shore “side of the versel, The a %!or8 wil be armed with outlasses, well sharpened, @ 4 with re. volvers, When the signal is mado to’ ma the men will get in, but not show themselves. signal is male to assault, the boats will poll w stern of the Monitors and land right abreast of the, board the 1 on the river in a seamanlike way. marines wit! form in the rear and cover the sath "= While the soldiers are going over the parapet in front, t ® sailors will take the sea face of Fort Tisher, Wecan two thousand men from the fleet and not’feel it. Two thousand active men from the Heet will carry the day. ‘Two boat aa tkeepers will be kept in each boat, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear Admiral. Capt. Gilsson informed the men that he wanted thirty- five blue jacket volunteers, all that could be spared from the guns; and he wanted only such men as would go willingly, with the determination te plant the flag of the Santiago first on the ramparts of Fort Fisher, Thoso who desired to volunteer were invited to advance to the port side of the vessel, There was a pretty general rush, which Captain Glisson stopped, as there Wore some thirty-eight nore than were wanted already im the line. Ameng them were four swarthy, broad- shouldered Sandwich Islanders, and the entire crew of the captain’s gig. At the time I write the grindstone fs st work shoiponing their sabres, and the storming party exhibit as much gleesome hilarity as a party of children preparing for a picnic, ‘The same spirit has been mani- fosted on dll the vessels, If Fort Fisher is not taken there will at least be some bloody work. Captain Glisson and all the ofticers of the ship have yoluntecred to accompany the storming party, which, with the marines, is to consist of fifty-three men. But, as only two officers can go, the Admiral will probably de- cide who shall have that honor. Probably Executive Officer Farquhar and Acting Master Bowers will lead the party. The Santiago, with tho Canonicus in tow, at three o'clock this afternoon, had distanced all the vessels of the fleot some ten milos, when a signal from the flagship directed us to hold up and keep in line with the Brook- lyn’s division. In about an hour the line was closed, and again movea on slowly. The distance from our destina- tion was then twenty-eight miles. The weather con- tinued clear and beautiful, and the sea calm. At six o’clock the flagship joined us, and directed the Captain to hoist two white lights, and take the lead to the anchorage off Flag Pond Battery, two miles north of Fort Fisher, A! nino o'clock we reached the point indi- gated, and soon the immonso fleet sproad over the ocean fn our wake, closed up, presenting @ most magnificent spectacle with its dispiay of innumerable lights. Nota cloud was to be seen overhead, and the meon shone out -go brightly that tho shore, five miles distant, was dis- tinotly visible, Lights could also be seen on the shore, and rebel eyes wero, doubtless, gazing ou the grand pano- rama Jaw. 4, 1865. vnander of each vessel he can spare frum Farmar, Jan. 18, 1865. At eight bells (four o'clock) this morning we were aroused from ourslumbers by a gun from tho flagship and the burning of the preparatory signal of red and Green ag an indication that it is time to be up and stir- ring, preparing breakfast and [getting through with the routine of morning duty, so as to be in readiness at dawn to commence the serious work of the day. The moon is still shining brightly in a colorloss sky brilliant with stare, The throng of vessels rest calmly on the sea, the wind betng too light to stir or even ripple its surfaco; this, too, it should be remembered, just out of cannon-shot of the dreaded const of North Carolina. Truly the elements promise to favor this great enterprise. At five o’clock the second signal was given by the fiag- ship, “Get under weigh,” when the work of weighing anchors commenced, and at half-past five the signals of the divisional commanders to move forward were given and responded to, causing a brilliant pyrotechnic display. ‘Tho gunboat Tacony was sont ahead lost night to anchor off Flag Pond Battery, and, the day not having yet dawned, her-lights can be seen as the steering point of the fleet in shore, about threo miles abead of us. Tho three frigates—Wabosh, Minnesota and Colorado— moved off first, led by Admiral Porter’s flagship. They were followed by the New Ironsides and Monitor fleet. The signals from the army transports added to the scenic display. At the first dawn of day the whole armada was in motion. The wind has changed to due west during the night, and, coming off shore, tends to render the land ing of troops comparatively easy. Ata quarter to seven the Admiral signalled, “Form Mne of battle.” Whereupon the Brooklyn, with bor line of vessels, moved along cloge to the beach in the follow- ing order:— Thia division was ordered to propare fowaction and move in close to the beach to shell the woods at the point decided upon for the landing of the troops, about three anda half miles from Fort Fisher, near the de- serted Half Moon battery. In a few minutes the whole division was in position, throwing shelis into the narrow strip of woods separating the sea shore from Cape Foar river, about a mile inland, parallel with the boach, In the meantime tho tron-clads movod into position directly in front of Fisher, the Ironsides about three- quarters of a mile and the Monitors «bout half a mile off, in the following order:—New Ironsidos, Commander Rad- ford, twenty guns; Monadnock, Commacder E. G. Parrott, four guns; Saugva, Commander E. R. Colham, two guns; Canonicus, Lieut, Commander Geo. 8. Belknap, two guns, and Mahopac, Lieut. Commander ©. E. Potter, two guns. Before they got into position the fort opened on thor; but they heeded it not until they had secured their an- chorage, when, at half-past eight, the Ironsides opened on the fort, and was followed by the Monitors with their tremendous shells, Every shot struck in the embrasures, and, exploding, threw clouds of sand high {nto the air, The fort occasionally responded, but did not sena more than one shot every ten minutes, and at times so rapid was our firing that they found i impossible to work their guns. At nine o'clock the boate of the fleet wero called away to assist in landing tro6ps.} The woodsjhad in the meantimo been thoronghly shelled, and no enemy had appeared. The tranzporte were enabled to go within half a mile of the shore, and they were soon surrounded by not lose than two hundred boats, supplied from all the vessels of the fleet. Several tugs also joined in the work, and carried the soldiers to within one Hundred yards of "the beach, where they wore transferred to amall boate. ‘The tents and camp equipage wofe also landed, with several days’ provisions for the ontire force, which was oight thousand strong, ‘is At nine o'clock the boats from all the transports moved simultaneously for the shore, and ina few minutes the first five handzed men stepped on the beach and planted their regimental flag on one of the highest sand hills, amidst cheering from the transporte and the feat. The mon were overjoyed to again got from shipboard, and in a few minutes had cut down cedars sufficient to make a routing fire to dry their clothes, some of them having got wet to thoir knoosin getting through the surf. ‘Tho bands of music soon commenced playing, while the men could be seen running about and folling in the warm sand, l!ke school childron enjoying a holiday. Not asiga of any enomy could be seen at this time in any direction, ADVANCE OF SKIRMISHERS. At ton o'clock, about four thousand troops having been Jandod, « ekirmiah line was sent forward on the beach. Admirat Porter signalled to Captain Glisson, command ing the Saratoga, to move with his gunboat division inside of the line of the frigate, and shell ttre beach in advance of the skirmishers, The division moved in the following ordor:— The woods in advance of the pickete were thoroughly shelled up to within a mile and a balf of Fort Firser, whon wo dropped anchor about a mile in the rear ‘4 the iron-clad foot, and fully two milos in cAvance of all the balance of the fleot, whish were in, ‘ihe visini<y of the landing of tho troops, where they remained ‘ip to four o'clock in the aftarngots, : —_ HBRALDT AVP MISDA Ly JANUARY 18, 1865 } 240 workof the tron-clats, which was the main business ofthe day, though Pena Fines Bt ¥, though sou hem cevep aoe = or, red at ihe Mo wet the ’ i 4 { uilors, caine in rather elose proxunity, 403 8 tho fort fro. the Monitors and New Lroa- Giles was a magnificons sight. | From eight o’elook in the mor uy " in the afternoon the Monitors pear 2 p Bee sey Shells at the rate of four per minute, the whole uumber thrown in that time belug not less than two thousand. Every shot strack tho embrasures or parapet of the fort, aud tho gunnery exbibited was never surpassed, During this time the fort probably threw three hun dred shells in return; but the difliculty they had in managing their guns, amid the expluoion of our shells abdthe clouds of sand that consiantly enveloped the Work from our well directed shots, doubiless marred elr gunnery, as most of their shells struck beyond or of the mark. All of our vessels, however, received rable scars in tho fight, and we could see that seve- of thoir smokestacks had been perforated and armor s ‘Tr? damage to the fort, by outward appearance, was mast aStinet’ What tho iuternal damage may be ia, of course, n't yet known. About fob' o’clock @ dense and cotinued smoke from the inside of the fort indicated thatsome of the rebel huts had been fired. 4 GENERAL BOMDARDMENT. At four o'clock the Admiral signalled to the vessels in the line of battle No. t to take the positions marked out for them op the chart and join in the bombardment, They movod forward in the order given above, the four- toon vessels, led by the Brooklyn, carrying ono hundred and thirty-six guns. Following rapidly was an order to the line of battle number two to take position and join in the bombard- mont, It immediately moved forward, as follows, pre- senting an array of tho largost vesscls in the service, a Magnificent spectacle of old wooden walls, with their ponderous armaments:. Minnesota . At twenty minutes to five o'clock these two immense divisions, carrying three hundred and twelve guns, in addition to the iron-clads, joined in tfe grand and awful yet terribly brilliant cannonade—a spectacle that will probably never be witnessed again during the presont ago, The number of shots fired while this great bombard- ment lasted—one hour and a half, closing at ten minutes Past six o’clock—eould not have been less than four per second; broadside after broadside boing poured in with- out the slightest intermission, occasionally interspersed with tho dense bass of the fifteen-inch guns of the Monitors. Four shots per second, during this time, counts up éwonty one thousand six hundred shots, Indeed, Ihave no doubt that up to the withdrawal of the wooden walla, this evening, not less than twenty-five thousand shell were fired into Fort Fisher. After the general bombardment commenced but one shot was fired by fort in return; consequently none of the wooden Veasols Wore injufed. ‘Tho Ironsides and the Monitors did not withdraw when tho signal was for the wooden walls to cease firing, but kept st work it the night, throwing ono shell every ten minutes into thé a to prevent the re- pairing of damages by the ~ us shore, together The camp fires of our troops on the with the burning of signals and tho display of white and green lanterns by the ficet, prosented a grand spectacle, To-night the troops have advanced up to within about @ mile and a half of Fort Fisher, their camp fires extond- ing down the beach for more than a mile. An order bas been received from the Admiral—it being found impossible to bring our division into the fight, the anchoring room being too contracted—to proceed in shore ‘ cover the encampmoents of the troops from any assault by Bragg from Wilmington. The troops, as I learn from officers who assisted in, landing them, aro tm high spirita, and anxious to be led forward to the assault of the fort. They wish to wipe out the stain cast upon them by the withdrawal of General Butler, and to prove to coyntry that they did not believe the fort could not be taken. The announcement received here to-day that General Butler had beon relieved frem the command of the Army of the James and directed to report at Lowell, Mass., caused great rojoloing throughout the fleet. I regret to learn that one of the @fteen-inch guns on the Mahopac burst to-day, but am pleased to add that none of her iren-clad crew were injured by the explo- sion. She remained in the fight throughout the day. Some good shooting waé made by the rebels, and all the iron-clads have numerous indentations of their armor and perforation of their smokeatacks, Second Day of the Battle. Saturday Moana, Jan. 14, 1865. Another bright and beautiful day has dawned—Dbeing the third since we loft Beaufort—scarcely # cloud dimming the heavens. The night was magnificently brilliant, the first quarter of @ waning moon shedding its stivery rays over land and water, while a light southwest wind, which seemed hardly to cause a ripple, made everything particularly pleasant. ‘This morning the eun has risen in splendor and beauty. Not a cloud is perceptible in the sky, The choering rays of “Old Sol’ have already driven off the chilliness of the morning atmosphere. The Monitors and the Ironsides havo continued throughout the night to throw a shell every ten minutes into the fort, discontinuing only as daylight approached. ‘The troops on shore are having @ fine time, and are in the most splendid spirite, A foraging party has just returned to camp with nearly one hundred head of eattle and horses, which they suc- coeded in picking up during the night, A number of the troops advanced during the night to the abandoned rebel Fort Anderson, and now hold pos- session of the whole breadth of the peninsula to Cape Foar river, The advanced pickets aro alroady within @ mile of Fort Fisher, proparing to storm it whom the proper mo- mout arrives. Tho fantiago, with the division of Captain Glisson, con- sisting of fourteen gunboats, is anchored this morning Close into the beach, with inatructions to protect the troops as they advance, and follow them as they move forward- Our position for witnessing operations to-day is, if pos- sible, more favorable than that of yesterday. The wind {a in the right quarter, and will drive the smoke off shore and give us ar unobstructed view of the effect of the shot of our vessels upon the fort, ag well aa the operations of our eager storming party. Fracemtr Matveas, Jan. 14—11 A. M. T am Just informed that the Gettysburg will startin a few minutes for Fortress Monroe, and I close hastily. Up to this hour nothing bas bean done this morning. ‘The Monitors aro lying quietly with the Ironsides un- der the guns of Fort Fisher. Not a shot has been oxchangod since four o'clock. A gua buret on the Mahopac yesterday, slightly wound. ing two officers, and one man seriously, These were the only casuaitios in the fect. ‘The weathor ot this moment is not so bright as it has been. The sun is somewhat clouded, though the wind continnes from the westward, giving us @ calm sen. We hope to finsh the wark up to-day or to-morrow by @ glorious rictory. Oxm o'Cvock P.M. ‘The Tronsides and Monitors have just opened again rt Fisher. > ean Two o'Cwor P.M. Tho division of wooden vossels are in short range of Kort Fishor, and friag rapidly upom it, but olictting no reply. ‘ Wasuevoron, Jan. 17, 1965, An official despatch pays that only one person waa wounded by the explosion of the ffteon-iach guns on the Monitors. Fortanss Moxaor, Jan 17—6:90 P.M. After three days aud nights of bombarftment Fort Fisher t outs, With all the contiguews works command ing New Inlot, Tho assautt was made by the army and the Naval Brigade at three o'clock on Bunday afternoon. One comer of the fort was seoured in half an hour; but we bad # hand to hand fight with the garrison. which lasted until nine o’alocR at aight. Tt waa a very stubborn ‘and bloody resietance, and the fort and tho approaches wore strown With dead. Tho garrisow had been heavily reinforced, The nttmber of pfigoners taken was over two thousand. Tho number o® guns captured wae soventy-tere, . All the forte, including Mound and Leok's Inland baWerien, suftendered. The rebel low in the as- fault was five hundred dead, besides tho wounded Our loss (emy Qnd wacy) le bent nige bucdryd kiled and 5 ! From oar advanced position I had asplendid view of Wounded. Flest Lieutenant Prestou and Portor, commandant of the dagship, were both killed im | The agawilt, Gonoral Wh ting and Cotons! Lamb are both, Priconers 24 weuded, aur? | ‘The rebel pirates Tuliahassee dud Chikameuge bath in the ight, and were driven up She nee = Our gunboats weat up the river on Monda/ rtormmng: ~ Our prisoners will bo iunmediately sent north. We had sovoral days of delightful weather. ‘Tho magazine in the fort exploded by accilent on Mask. day morning, killing and wounding two hundred of ous” mea. ‘The Santiago do Cuba brings the bodies of Licutonants Preston and Porter, and the wounded of the navy. THE HEROES OF FORT FISHER. a. The miserable fatlure of the first expedition has hardly been forgoiten before wo are called es og rejoice tn the, Drliliant triumph of the national arms im a renewed an@ well managed attack upon Fort Fisher, the key to the defences of Cape Fear river, North Carolina, As weare informed by official bulleting, dated om Federal Point, the fort was carried by storm between the hours of half-pest three and ten P.M., January 11, by Brigadier General Adelbort Ames’ division and the Second brigade, Coloueb Abbott, First division of the Twenty-fourth corps, aided by # Dattalion of marines and seamen from the navy. The conduct of all tho officers and men, as General Tersy states, was “‘most admirable.” We give the biographies Of those most conspicuous in the capture, Sketch of Major General A. H. Terry, Commnnding the Land Forces. Alfred Howe Terry, Major General of United States / Volunteers, and commandor of the United states forces on Federal Point, North Carolina, was bora in the State Of Connecticut about the year 1828. He was a lawyer by Profession, and at the outbreak of the war wus Clerk te the Gity Council, and resided in New Haven. Immediately after the call of the President of tho United States for troops, Mr. Terry commenced the recruitment of the Second Connecticut Volunteers for three months, and was commissioned colonel. On May 9, 1861, the regiment, seven hundred and eighty strong, took tte departure for tho field. In July it participated in the battle of Bull run, acting during the earlier part of the day with the reserve, being brought into the action in the afternoon. Its losses in killed and wounded were sixtees, officers and men. Tho term of service of the regiment having expired, it returned home, and Colonel Terry recruited the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers for three years, of which he wae made colonel, and departed for the seat of war near Washington, September 18, 1861, one thousand aad oighteen strong. In the naval and land expodition, under Flag OSicer 8, F. Dupont and General T. W. Shermsn, against Port Royal, South Carolina, in December and January, 1862, Colonel Terry commanded his regiment, and participated with great gallantry. In the expedition of Major Geueral Hunter against Fort Pulaski, Cocksper, Island, Georgia, Colone! Terry also took part, and his ment, September 8, during the investment of the fort Acting Brigadier General Q A. Gilmore, was distributed and manned Batteries Totten No. 1, Halleck No. 5, Sherinaa, No. 6, Grant No. 10 and Stanton No. 11. On A) bombardment opened, the commander of the fort havi refused to surrender. After thirty hours continuo’ firing a breach was made, and pe tions for storming, were completed whey thé ebom} struc ‘is colors and C4 f as ‘ armament and equipage. Midi offfcl ye Fae torge the “evoth cpa necticut bis 3 jor bi neg . W. Be ny Natal fag @ Seventh Connecticut regiment, under Colonel T vhs abe hadhed the batteries mph ey ad moob igppriously constructed; so that I them, asf wi nse 0 boon (unk to me) the’ pre: vious fe Hon ¢ General Gilmore, for the honor of boing the first to the surrendered fort.'’ Cole nel Terry's conduct o@ this occasion elicited the merited | sige cag wo fave Erg f volunteers, in which rane Je waa commietigaed 4 fi 3862, and on pey38 b assigned to the cémi of the bits i ta General H.W. Benham’s div “irsivot the fouske: In tie expedition of jon of the Tenth armty corps, “Brigadier General J. ba Brannan, senior COR to the bridges of the Chi ane Savantah Raliroad in the vicinity of Pocotaligo and Coces whatchie, October 18, 1863, Gensral Terry commande Second brigade, and as usual was conspicuous in his owe and the conduct of his command. In the operations James and Morris Island, in “eptember, 1863, in the wes icuous. He figu rate conflicts incident to Gen. Gilmore's ud. harbor, and on the south by St. Helema Sound In Mase ho was_member of the court martial to 2 ys Db Brooks and returned to bis division. 4gin a Gon Teng in turn relieved General Brooks, and was bi og relioved by the lamented Major General D. Birney, and again resumed command of hirdivision. In Au he took & prominent part inthe action at Deep Bot on the north side of the James river, and in the follow) month Jed his division in the assault on the enemy's pe sitions at Chapia’s farm, For his conduct on both al sions he was immediately brevetted Major General Voluntecrs. Upon the retirement, October 10, on am count of illness, of Major General Birney, General Terry again found himself in command of the Tenth ca During the absence of Major General Butler in New Y« olty in November, ho was temporarily assigned to the command of the Army of the James, and returned to command of the Tenth corps upon the return of Gen Butler, On the consolidation, or rather reorganization of the troops of the Tenth and Eighteenth corps into twe new corps, designated the Twenty-fourth and Twenty. fifth corps, General Terry was assigned to the commané of the First division, Twenty fifth corps. Tho greatest evidence of the confidence reposed tm General Terry was his assignment to the command of the expedition which he bas led to so grand and docisives result. ‘The undertaking was doubly difeult in conse uence of the Le peepee J effect on the troops of we Aefont which attended the frst attempt. In physical appearance General Terry isa trifle over six foot in height, very slim and ae straight as an arrow, with a large head, brown hair and bine had He is a per. son of gentle manners and ready intellect. In the pre fession of law he was as rapidly rising in eminence as he has since risen in the profession of arms. General Terry is unmarried, and the brother of Mies Terry, well known as an angel of mercy to the sick and wounded soldiers 6 the Department of the South. in nino the cousin te Rose Terry, poetess, residing in the vicinity of Boston, Brigadier General Adclbert Ames, Com- manding Storming Division. Adelbert Ames, Brigadier General of Volunteors, First Lioutenant Fifth United States Artillery and revet Myer United States army, was bora in the State of Maine, Im 1858 he was admitted to the National Military Academy at West Point, and was transferred with his class to the field in advance of the regular order of graduation, having beem commissioned May, 1861, Secoud Liew tenant Company G, Second United States artillery. Om the 14th of the same month he was promoted to First Lieutenant, Fifth United States artilfery, newly created. During the recruitment and organization of the regiment he was stationed at Harrisburg, Pa, its place of rendes vous, During MeClcllan's peninsular campaign he partiel- 6 of Yorktown, Va.., May, 1862; and far jamnd et ap nt hy ems (hid oceseben Wan: Segretien captain, He also took part in the battles of Malvero Hi and Garnett’s Farm; and, for meritorious services, wae brovettea oi July 1. In August Lieutenant Ames was tendered the coloneley of the atieth regiinent Maino Vetunteers, which be ac t 6, The regh was commissioned A) | a nine hundred ar@ = jf ‘ ment was mustered into the serv seventy-nine strong, August 20, and at once left for the seat of war, Colonel Ames subsequently participated im the campaigns of the Army the are won @ largo repuiation for for which he wae promoted to brij volunteers, commission dated May 20, ntly confirmed in t isos On June @ General Ames coumanc infantry column supporting Ger airy movement south of the Rap, part inthe ection at Bi Station, Virginie, in which thefenemy waa worsted. Bw G Grant's oom bined movements against Richmond General Ames com- manded the Third division, Tonth army operat the south side of the James in the demonstrations: Petersburg, in May, 1804 Boe alro took battle of Coal Harbor, June 3 a division in the Bighteenth Devine, sick. On June 16 be was mand of the Second division, Teuth 4 ber 10 he was temporarily aasigned to the command ef/ the Piret Moi oy in place of General Terry, ee Fotmec, ‘ability and bravery, ler general oe commanding the Tenth corps. Iu ail epee on tho tide of the James General Ames took prominent past with the Tenth corps, cack time udding new glory t his career aaa soldier, Upoahe consolida- tion aud reorganization of the Touth and Bighteeath corps General Ager was aapigned @ (be ommand of the Third division, Twenty-fourth i. division wee one of those chosen to take part in ion againet Yort Fisher, and op the aseat Ben een hip pareve on the w rt, bins P. Y old ball of Jan 4 General Ames a oy a) re in hie profeesion, an ractical @ quer ond the pod hh ofa Cylimanler thas largely bis senior, — Colonel J. C. Abbott, © = Colonel of the Sevesth Now Hamgshire Volunteors, which he reeraited ty authary.y from the United States govern CONTIN A ON EIGHTH PAY.2