The Charlotte Bulletin of the 11th in copying our remarks made some days ago headed “Render Unto Caezar,” &c., makes the remark which follow :
Col. Singletary.—We truly regret to learn that the brave, humane and dashing officer, whose name heads this notice, has been arrested by order of Gen. Hill, for having gone on an expedition without orders, but which has resulted in a way a thousand times more important than would have been the recapture of Hatteras, the Federal soldiers there, and the total destruction of the fort.
Had Col. Singletary, instead of saving the officers and crew of the French war steamer, numbering some one hundred and forty souls, captured Hatteras, notwithstanding it would have anticipated the hope and expectation of others higher in command, he would have been instantly proclaimed a hero by the people.
But he has done what will be regarded in the eyes of Napoleon and the people of his realm of vast more importance than the taking of fifty such places as Hatteras. But, having done so without orders, he is arrested, and, if possible will be disgraced. So much for military etiquette.
We regret Col. Singletary, (with whom we are unfortunately not acquainted,) has, by his noble daring, subjected himself to the ordeal through which he is doomed to pass, but we are confident that the people, as well as the soldiers under his command, if not the entire army, will say “well done.” In that he will have his consolation.
Besides, taking all the facts into consideration and admit, for argument sake, that Col. Singletary had also recaptured Hatteras how will the conduct of the Confederate officer and the States, be regarded, on the other side of the Atlantic, when it is known too that the Federal fleet did not or would not render any assistance to the officers and crew of the Prony, shipwrecked off Ocracoke. The recapture of Hatteras would be nothing compared with the rescue of the crew of this National vessel.
We hope, therefore, Col. Singletary will be leniently dealt with by his superior officers, for his conduct and that of his officers and men, will do more in the way of proving to the French people and emperor that we are a noble and honorable race, than would the retaking of Hatteras, the capture of the garrison and the destruction of the work.
Newbern Weekly Progress, Newbern, NC