Feb. 7, 1862

Feb. 7, 1862: THE BATTLE OF ROANOKE ISLAND, Day 1 - Confederates have about 3,000 troops on this island, commanded by Gen. Henry Wise, who happens at this point to be flat on his back with pneumonia, and command devolves upon Col. Henry M. Shaw, who has no military training. Burnside has over 10,000 troops with him. Goldsborough steams his squadron into Croatan Sound, between Roanoke Island and the mainland, and opens fire ono Ft. Bartow. He splits part of his flotilla to chase away the Confederate Navy squadron of light coastal vessels, under command of Commodore William Lynch, that come into range. Two vessels, the CSS Forrest and the CSS Curlew, are driven aground. Fort Bartow’s guns are soon bested by the U.S. Navy, and the fort’s only rifled cannon is hit and disabled. Meanwhile, Burnside (advised by an eager escaped slave), decides to land in a small bay on the southwest end of the island. He lands 4,000 men, under Brig. Gen. Jesse Reno, and secure their position. Night falls. By 9:30 PM, Burnside has landed 6,000 men by this point, twice the amount of the defenders.

David L. Day, of the 25^th Massachusetts Inf., describes the attack on the fort:

Feb. 7. A thick fog prevailed this morning and continued until about 9 o’clock, when it lifted and the gunboats got under way. Slowly they steamed towards the island and took their positions before the forts, but at a sufficient distance not to incur much damage from them. We were all eagerly watching the movements of the boats, when at about 10 o’clock, we saw a white cloud rise from one of the boats, and the next moment a huge column of dirt and sand rose from the enemy’s works, showing the effect of the shot. The fort replied from all its guns, but their shots fell short as the boats lay beyond their range. The bombardment now commenced in earnest, the boats’ sailing in a circle, and delivering their fire as they passed the fort. Their firing was not rapid, but well directed. The fort’s guns blazed away as rapidly as possible, doing some damage to the boats. . . . It was truly a grand and fearful exhibition! Thousands looked on with breathless suspense, expecting every moment to see the magazine blow up or the rebels strike their colors.