From NC historic sites.
1 AM-- Gen. Bragg writes Lee, Jefferson Davis, and NC governor Zebulon Vance: "I am mortified at having to report the unexpected capture of Fort Fisher, with most of its garrison, about 10 o'clock to-night. Particulars not known."
Davis is stunned, and replies, "The intelligence is sad as it was unexpected. Can you retake the fort?"
First daylight reveals the carnage of the day before. The fort's main magazine blows up, killing 200.
In the afternoon, Lincoln's Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, en route to Washington, DC, makes an unexpected stop at the fort and Gen. Terry presents him with the garrison flag.
Of course, Bragg made no effort to help the fort as it was falling and no attemp afterward.
Sad Day for the Confederacy. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
