U. S. SHIP CUMBERLAND,
Hampton Roads, May 6, 1861.
SIR: In pursuance of your order I beg leave to submit the following reports of separate reconnoissances of the neighboring shores in the steamer Yankee on April 29, May 1 and 5:
On April 29, as directed by you, I carefully surveyed the shore from Sewell’s Point to Cape Henry and was convinced that no batteries or obstructions against landing had been erected. Five miles inside of Cape Henry I discovered a party of cavalry that, from their movements, I should judge was a patrol kept to observe proceedings in the bay and Roads. From Willoughby’s Spit to Cape Henry the water is sufficiently bold to allow vessels of 7 feet draft to approach within 200 yards of the shore. Above this, toward Sewell’s Point, on account of a flat which makes off some distance, landing would not be so easy. The coast along I found cut up with numerous creeks, which penetrate into the interior.
On May 1, I examined the shores from Fortress Monroe to the mouth of James River and could discover nothing of a hostile nature. The shore of the creek that separates Old Point Comfort from the mainland was examined in a boat, but the density of the woods that skirt the bank of this creek does not admit of a naval reconnoissance, but should be made the subject of military attention, as batteries could be placed in these woods without the knowledge of the garrison.
On May 5, I proceeded in the Yankee with Colonel De Russy, of the engineers, for an examination of the shore from Fortress Monroe to Back River light house, a distance of 5½ miles. We could perceive no attempts at military demonstrations. The ground a mile from the fortress is hilly, and in the possession of an enemy might seriously menace the fort and anchorage.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. O. SELFRIDGE,
Lieutenant, U. S. Navy.
Flag-Officer G. J. PENDERGRAST,
Commanding U. S. Home Squadron.
Sources
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series I, Vol. 4. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1896.
Spirit of '61 