Not only did the Fawn carry mail, but also paymaster's funds.
Report of Rear-Admiral S.P. Lee to Gideon Welles of the Fawn's capture and destruction.
He had received the report from Commander Macomb that the Fawn had been captured on September 9, 1864. Naval assistance was requested to capture the group of Confederates that had captured it. Macomb had sent the USS Wyalusing under Lieutenant-Commander Earl English to Elizabeth City thinking that he might catch the rebels there.
English was also ordered "to bring off some principal citizens of that place" because of an understanding that Elizabeth City would protect vessels passing through the canal.
English had with him some Marines from the Shamrock and Chicopee plus some men from the Wyalusing (not sure if English went to Elizabeth City on foot or in the ship). Anyway, he arrested seven prominent citizens and found out that the rebels had at least an eight hours head start and thought it useless to continue pursuit.
--Old B-Runner
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