uadron continued
until when within three-quarters of a mile the signal was flung out
from the mast of the flagship, "Dash at the enemy." Then full speed
was put on, and firing commenced from bow-guns. The Confederates
became totally demoralized. The battery was abandoned when the first
vessel poured her broadside into it as she passed. Before the enemy's
fleet was reached, many of his vessels were fired and abandoned. The
United States steamship "Perry" struck the "Sea-Bird" amidships,
sinking her so quickly that the crew had scarce time to escape. The
crew of the "Delaware" boarded the "Fanny," sabering and shooting her
defenders until they fled over the side into the water. The victory
was complete and overwhelming. Three or four of the victorious vessels
at once proceeded to the town, where they found the enemy in full
retreat and compelling the inhabitants to set fire to their houses.
This was quickly stopped, and the invaders became the protectors of
the conquered people.

The power of the Confederates in this part of the country being so
effectually destroyed, the navy was divided into small detachments and
sent cruising up the lagoons and rivers opening into the North
Carolina sounds, merely to show the people the power of the United
States Government, and to urge them to cease their resistance to its
authority. Three vessels were sent to Edenton. As they came abreast of
the village, a company of mounted artillery precipitately fled. A
detachment of marines sent ashore found a number of cannon which they
destroyed, and a nearly completed schooner to which they set fire.
Other small places were visited, generally without any opposition
being encountered.

A somewhat larger force was sent to a small town named Winton, as it
had been rumored that a force of Union men were there disputing the
authority of the Confederate Government, and the navy wished to go to
their assistance. The "Delaware" and "Hudson," in advance of the
squadron, came within sight of the landing and warehouses of Winton
about four in the afternoon. The town itself was hidden from the view
of the vessels by a high bluff. It was a clear, quiet afternoon, and
all seemed peaceful. The long wharf, running out into the stream, was
deserted by all save a negro woman, who, roused from her occupation of
fishing, gazed inquisitively at the strange vessels. The place looked
like a commercial port going to seed on account of the blockade. The
two vessels