January 28, 1862: Goldsborough's Ready at Roanoke Island, Where's the Army?

JANUARY 28TH, 1862:  "On the 28th..." Flag Officer L.M. Goldsborough reported to Secretary of the Navy Welles, "all the vessels composing the naval branch of our combined expedition, intended by my arrangements to participate in the reduction of Roanoke Island and operate elsewhere in its vicinity, were over the bulkhead at Hatteras Inlet and in readiness for service, but ... it was not until the 5th [of February} ... that those composing the army branch of it were similarly situated."

Goldsborough, however, used the time lapse to good advantage:  "During our detention at the inlet," he wrote, "we resorted to every means in our power to get accurate information of the enemy's position and preparation...."

--Old B-R'er