Report of Acting Master Hotchkiss U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Putnam.

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U. S. S. GENERAL PUTNAM,

Off Elizabeth City, N c.,

February 11, 1862.

SIR: As I have the honor to report to you the proceedings of yesterday, I regret to say that owing to the bad condition of our boiler, and consequently the slowness of my boat, I did not arrive in time to take a part in the action, but rendered assistance in getting the Ceres and her prize afloat, they both being ashore. She steamed up to the city and received orders to anchor below. Sent a boat to put out the fire of the armed schooner, but the fire was too far advanced to be subdued. Seeing a flag of truce on shore, I sent a boat and brought off a man who was one of the crew of the schooner which was burned, he claims to be a pilot through all the waters of North Carolina.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. J. HOTCHKISS,

Acting Master,

Commanding U. S. S. General Putnam.

Lieutenant DAVENPORT,

Commanding Third Division

Navy Official Records

Series I, Volume 6

Atlantic Blockading Squadron

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

pp. 620-621