Report of Acting Master Giddings U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Henry Brinker.

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U. S. S. HENRY BRINKER

Off Roanoke Island,

March 1, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the vessel under my command in the engagement at Elizabeth City on the 10th instant.

At 8 a.m., the enemy's gunboats being in sight, was in the position assigned me by my commander, in the rear of the first division.

Owing to my position, I was unable to fire with either safety to our own vessels or effect on the enemy until nearly opposite the battery on Cobb's Point, when we fired three shots at the schooner battery on the northern shore of the river. The schooner ceasing to fire, approached the battery. Had fired but four shots when the order to "make a dash at the enemy" was given by the flagship Delaware. Closed in, but had no opportunity to engage, the enemy being completely routed by the vessels in advance. Came to anchor near the bar above Cobb's Point and awaited orders.

Ammunition expended, seven rounds; casualties, none. The vessel was not struck by the enemy's shot. My officers and crew behaved with their usual gallantry.

I have honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. GIDDINGS,

Acting Master, Commanding.

Commander S. C. ROWAN.

Commanding Naval Forces, Albemarle Sound

Navy Official Records

Series I, Volume 6

Atlantic Blockading Squadron

From October 29, 1861, to March 8, 1862.

pg. 620