A naval force under Commodore Stringham and a detachment under Maj. Gen. Butler which sailed some days ago from Fortress Monroe, destination unknown, is now heard from in North Carolina where they have captured Fort Clark and Fort Hatteras, taking their arms and ammunition and about 700 of the enemy prisoners. The point is an important one, and is to be held by the Federal troops. The rebel prisoners were sent to New York.
The newspapers intimate that Secretary Chase, having an eye to the future, is failing to afford Gen. Fremont the aid he needs. Any man in these times who will work to advance his own personal interest to the detriment of his country deserves to be denounced. Those who know think Chase equal to it. Members of Congress are said to be jealous of prominent Generals and this is disgraceful. Let every man do his duty or we shall have no country to fight for, no government offices to strive after.
Peggy's comments:
Here is Commodore Stringham's official report published in the NY Times on Sept. 2, 1861.
Influential Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, was a prominent Republican with an eye to further political power. A former governor of Ohio, he had run for President in 1856. Gen. Fremont was currently commanding the Union army, the western department with headquarters in St. Louis. After the Battle at Wilson's Creek, Fremont declared martial law in Missouri as well as emancipation for the slaves of pro-secessionists in Missouri.
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