The Confederate cruisers advertised their regular days for departure, and they ran upon schedule time, even women and children taking passage upon the swift steamers with scarcely a fear that they would not be able to steam in and out of the river whenever the navigators of the craft chose to do so.
The first attempt against Fort Fisher was in the latter part of December, 1864, but, though the fleet was numerous and powerful, and the greatest gallantry was displayed, the attack was unsuccessful.

General Butler, in command of the land troops, after a careful examination of the Confederate works, pronounced capture impossible and refused to sacrifice his men in a useless attack.

Nevertheless the attempt was renewed January 12, when General Alfred Terry had charge of the land forces.

The garrison made one of the bravest defences of the whole war, and the hand-to-hand fight was of the most furious character.

It lasted for five hours, when the fort was obliged to surrender, the garrison of 2,300 men becoming prisoners of war.