The Federal fleet off Hatteras — their
probable destination.
Wilmington, N. C., Jan. 18
--Noon.--A letter has been received here from a reliable source in Newbern, N. C., dated on the 17th inst., which states that a steamer had just reached there from Pamlico Sound, with the intelligence that there were forty-three Federal vessels at Hatteras.
It was believed that the destination of the vessels was either Roanoke Island or Beaufort.
[Second Dispatch.]
Wilmington, Jan. 18
--P. M.--Further and official intelligence, derived from passengers from Portsmouth, N. C., on yesterday, state that forty-two steamers and three sail vessels are at Hatteras.
The majority of them, however, have been there for a week past.
No further news from that quarter to-day.
The above dispatch was received here from Goldsboro' this afternoon.
There is no definite news here about the fleet.
The weather is mild this evening.
[third Dispatch.]
Wilmington, Jan. 19
--The following dispatch was received from Goldsboro' last night: ‘
On the 16th inst. there were twenty-four small steamers and sixteen sailing vessels inside and seven large steamers outside of Hatteras bar. More are reported to be in Pamlico Sound.
The above may be relied upon, as it comes from an officer in Hyde county. ’ 