Today in History:

856 Series I Volume XLII-I Serial 87 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part I

Page 856 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 24, 1864.

General Bragg reports that enemy's fleet moved in about 1 p.m., Ironside leading, and opened fire on Fort Fisher. A gun-boat last night in pursuing one of our steamers grounded, was abandoned and blown up.

R. E. LEE,

Honorable J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 25, 1864-12 m.

A dispatch from General Bragg, dated 10 p.m. yesterday, states that the bombardment of Fort Fisher was kept up by some fifty vessels, including two monitors, until after sunset, when the ships withdrew. Our casualties were 23 wounded, including 2 officers. Damage to work and armament slight.

R. E. LEE,

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 27, 1864-9.30 p.m.

General Bragg reports the enemy having re-embarked under cover of his fleet. The damage to Fort Fisher slight, though the bombardment was very heavy. Major-General Whiting, commander at the mouth of the river, Colonel Lamb, commander of the fort, and the officers and men of the garrison, deserve special commendation for the gallantry efficiency and fortitude displayed on the occasion.

R. E. LEE,

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.


Numbers 352. Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia, of operations August 15-19.

NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., August 16, 1864-8 a.m.

All quiet yesterday and last night. Scouts report Second Corps marched with five days' rations; expedition must then be only a diversion to prevent Early being re-enforced.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

General R. E. LEE,

Chaffin's Bluff.


Page 856 OPERATIONS IN SE.VA. AND N.C. Chapter LIV.