Transcript (excerpt):
[special despatches to the Inquirer]
Washington, Jan. 15, 1865-From the Richmond Papers of Friday, received at the office if the Philadelphia Inquirer here, we extract the following:-
The Wilmington Affair-General Whiting’s Official Report.
“Headquarters, Wilmington, Dec. 31, 1864
-Lieutenant Colonel A. Anderson, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General, Head-quarters of the Department of North Carolina.-Colonel:-For the information of the General commanding, I forward the respect of Colonel Lamb, commanding at Fort Fisher in the action of the 24th and 25th of December. On receiving information at 1pm on the 24th, that the fleet was moving in to take position, I at once ordered the steamer, and reporting to headquarters proceeded to the point of attack, reaching Confederate Point just before the close of the first day’s bombardment, which lasted four hours and a half.”…
“…The garrison, however, at the proper moment, when the fire slackened to allow the approach of the enemy’s land force, drove them off with grape and musketry. At dark the enemy withdrew. A heavy storm set in, and the garrison were much exposed, as they were under arms all night. At three A.M. , on the 26th , a reported advance in boats was opened on with grape and shell. The garrison remained steadily awaiting a renewal of the assault or bombardment, until Tuesday morning when they were relieved by supports of Major-General Hake’s troops, and the embarkation of the army.”…
“…Very Respectfully
(signed)
W.H.C. Whiting.”
Citation: Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, 16 January 1865. Gift of Steven and Susan Raab. AN.P5446