June 22, 1861
Page 2
FROM THE COAST—The following is a statement of marine observations at the Headquarters of the Princess Anne Cavalry, Captain John Fentress, now stationed on Cape Henry Beach, and doing hard and effective service:
June 9, 10 A. M.—A large steamer went out to sea, two large steamers passed at 4 P. M., and at 7 P. M. a large merchantman came in the Capes and proceeded up the bay.
June 10, 6:30 P. M.—The Quaker City came down from the Capes and stood opposite our encampment. She fired four shots at out quarters, doing no damage, except the cutting down of several pine trees.
June 11 and 12—The meddlesome Quaker City passed up and down the bay without molesting anything.
June 12—The steamer Monticello passed up to Fort Monroe at 7 A. M. Two large ships passed out the Capes at 10 A. M. One large merchant ship went out at 3 P. M. The Monticello fired three times at three schooners and brought them to. At 6 P. M. she drifted out the Capes with a large ship. She fired several shots and shells towards our quarters. Some of the shells exploded and we “saved the pieces.” She also fired ten or twelve shots at sea in rapid succession, but for what purpose we were not able to ascertain with certainty.
[Norfolk Daybook]
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]