Hillsborough Recorder

Sept. 18, 1861

Page 3

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HATTERAS

We stop the press to announce the following:  A gentleman in town, who left there on Thursday last, gives us these facts.  Col. Hawkins is in command—has 1,300 men and but few boats—cannot make an advance now—says he will be reinforced in two weeks and then move.  He gave the inhabitants of the island the privilege of leaving or taking the oath of allegiance to support Lincoln’s Government.  All but five or six have taken the oath!  Old Mr. Jennett, a former representative, and several of the prominent men are among them!  A Company that had been organized and offered its services to the former Governor, and which Warren Winslow rejected, has been accepted by Col. Hawkins and is now marshalled against us.  Many of them thought that our Government cared nothing for them and would not protect them!  Col. H. promises protection and to carry them away on his vessel, if compelled to retreat.  So much for the miserable management of the Military Board.

The scouting, marauding parties have broken up the furniture, burnt the clothing, killed the poultry and fat pigs of those who would not take the oath.

Portsmouth nor Oregon was taken possession of by the enemy up to that time.  This information is perfectly reliable.

--Washington Dispatch--

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]