FORT CASWELL, N. C., January 11, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to report herewith that this post is reoccupied by a party of citizens from Wilmington and Smithville. They took possession at 7 o’clock on the night of the 10th instant. The individual who represents them as commanding officer is a Mr. Hedrick, from Wilmington; he has signed receipts to me for all the ordnance stores at the post, and is using such of them as he needs.
I would have used every effort to communicate this matter to the Department before this, only that Sergeant-Reilly was pleased to write on the night of its occurrence. Please send me instructions how I am to act, and if I am to receive what portion of the stores that is left; and how I am to expend the property they have destroyed, in the event of my receiving the stores back.
…………..I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FREDERICK DARDINGKILLER,
Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.