After the expedition
started from Fort Monroe, three days of fine weather were
squandered, during which the enemy was without a force to
protect himself. Who is to blame, will, I hope, be known."*
[Footnote]
* Ibid., p. 318.
[End of Footnote]
Grant's statement, just quoted, was made when he had heard
Butler's side of the story alone. What he thought when he
had heard the whole story will appear a little later.
Admiral Porter said, in his official dispatch: "My dispatch
of yesterday will give you an account of the operations,
but will scarcely give you an idea of my disappointment at
the conduct of the army authorities in not attempting to take
possession of the fort .... Had the army made a show of surrounding
it, it would have been ours; but nothing of the kind was done.
The men landed, reconnoitred, and, hearing that the enemy
were massing troops somewhere, the orders were given to reembark
.... There never was a fort that invited soldiers to walk
in and take possession more plainly than Fort Fisher ....
It can be taken at any moment in one hour's time if the right
man is sent with the troops.
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