THE FALL OF HATTERAS.

29 AUGUST, 1661.

Diary or MAJOR THOMAS SPARROW, Tenrx ReeiMent, (1 Arr.)
Norra Caroitna Troops,

Portsmouth, N. C., 27 August, Tuesday. The privateer
steamer Gordon ran into the inlet some time in the afternoon,
and put David Ireland and two others of the crew on the
shore. They reported in camp, the appearance of a fleet of
United States steamers, seen off Hatteras, after they left that
inlet. This news corresponded with a letter previously re-
ceived by Captain W. T. Muse, of the navy, giving notice of
the expedition.

Captains Lamb and Clements were at Portsmouth from
Hatteras attending a court-martial. These gentlemen ex-
pressed their desire to return to their commands at Hatteras
that night. I detailed Privates Wm. H. Hanks and Wood-
ley to take the steamer M. EF. Downing to carry them. They
left in the steamer about 10 o’elock.

During the afternoon I went to Fort Ocracoke with Lieu-
tenant-Colonel G. W.. Johnston, Major H. A. Gilliam, Cap-
tains Like, Company D; John C. Lamb, Company A, and
Clements, and took with me Sergeant William H. Von Eber-
stein to assist in the defence of the fort, and to act as Ord-
nance Officer. He went immediately to work preparing car-
tridges and putting things in order.

August 28, Wednesday.—I rose and dressed at reveille and
went on drill with the company on the parade ground, near
the church. Drilled two hours.

On return from the drill, Major Gilliam called me to the
front fence and stated that Colonel Martin had sent a dis-
patch, ordering all the forces at Ocracoke to Hatteras, and
requesting me to go. (I had been released from service in
the Seventeenth Regiment, and was expecting orders to join
Colonel Tew’s Regiment in Virginia.) I at once gave or-