Commences and till 4 a. m.; making preparations for setting fire to the ship houses, ships, and storehouses, and destroying the dry dock. Landed all the turpentine, powder, and waste received on board from the Anacostia on Friday last. Reembarked the marines and the Massachusetts regiment. Sent parties in charge of Captain Wilkes, Commanders Sands, Rodgers, and Alden, and Captain Wright, of U. S. Engineers, for carrying on the preparations above mentioned. At about 2 a. m. the marine barracks were set fire to. At 3:30 hauled off from the wharf and prepared to take the flagship Cumberland in tow. At 4:15 a. m. the Cumberland, having the steam tug Yankee alongside, succeeded in getting a hawser to this ship and slipping her cable. We got underway and commenced steaming down to Hampton Roads. At 4:20 sent up a rocket, and the ships, buildings, etc., were fired. Sent all hands to quarters, opened the magazine and shell rooms and manned the starboard battery, the marines being all on deck under arms. Steaming slowly down, passed by the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk unmolested, the flames of the burning buildings at the yard illuminating the vessels and the town perfectly. Steaming slowly to allow the boats to come alongside. Captain Wilkes and Commanders Sands and Alden and their parties returned on board, but reported their inability to bring off Commander Rodgers and Captain Wright, U. S. Engineers. At 6 approached barriers in the channel, and found new obstructions placed there since we passed last evening. Determined to anchor the Cumberland and examine the channel, which was done. This ship passed the obstructions without touching anything. At 6:15, when near the wharf at Fortress Monroe, discovered the steamer Keystone State, with men and marines on board, under command of Lieutenant M. Woodhull, standing in. Spoke her. At 8 came alongside of wharf. From 8 to meridian: Debarked the Third Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, who returned to Fort Monroe. Keystone State went to assistance of Cumberland. Lieutenant Chaplin went aboard to pilot her through the barriers. At 2:30 p. m. Flag-Officer Paulding left this ship. Hauled down the blue flag. At 3 the Keystone State, bearing the flag of Flag-Officer Paulding, got underway.
Pawnee Log, April 21, 1861
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