But
Butler seems to have lost sight of this part of his instructions,
and was back at Fort Monroe on the 28th."*
[Footnote]
* Grant's "Memoirs," Vol. II., p. 394.
[End of Footnote]
The Admiral, however, was of a different mind from Butler
and replied to him: "I have ordered the largest vessels
to proceed off Beaufort, and fill up with ammunition, to be
ready for another attack, in case it is decided to proceed
with this matter by making other arrangements. We have not
commenced firing rapidly yet, and could keep any rebels inside
from showing their heads, until an assaulting column was within
twenty yards of the works. I wish some more young gallant
fellows had followed the officer who took the flag from the
parapet, and the brave fellow who brought the horse from the
fort. I think they would have found it an easier conquest
than is supposed."*
[Footnote]
* Ibid., Badeau, p. 318.
[End of Footnote]
"The Wilmington expedition has proven a gross and culpable
failure. Many of the troops are back here. Delays and free
talk of the object of the expedition enabled the enemy to
move troops to Wilmington to defeat it.
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