The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-11-11
Sinking OF the Rebel Ram Albtmarle.
OFFICIAL. ACCOUNT.

WASHINGTON, Nov 9. Admiral Porter
has communicated to the Secretary of the Ma
Wy the following interesting particulars from
Lieut.. Gushing in regard to the sinking OF
the rebel ram Albemarle:
ALBENARLE SOUND. Oct 30, 1864.
Sir: l have the honor to report that the
rebel iron clad Albeuarlo is at the bottom OF
Roanoke river On the night of the 9th,
having prepared my steam launch, proceed.
ed up toward Plymouth with thirteen officers
and men, partly volunteers from the squad
ron. The distance IRON the mouth OF the
river to the ram was about eight miles, the
stream averaging in width some 200 yards,
and lined with the enemy's pickets. A mile
below the town was the wreck of the South.
field, surrounded by some schooners, and it
there to command tho bend. therefore.
took one of tho Shamrock's cutters in tow,
with orders to cast oil and board ut that
point il we were hailed. Our boat slicceed-
ed in passing the pickets and even the South
fold, within twenty yards, without discov-
cry, and we were not hailed until by the
lookouts on the ram The cutter was then
cast of and ordered below. while we made
for our enemy under u full head of steam.
The rebels sprung their rattle, rang tho bell
and commenced firing ut the same time, re-
peatiug their hail and seeming much con-
used Tho light Of u fire ashore showed mo
tho iron.clad made fast to the wharfwith logs
around her about thirty Ieet from her side.
Passing her closely we made complete cir
Gle so as to strike her fairly, and went into
her bows on. by this time tho cncmy's fire
was severe, but q dose Ut canister ut short
range seemed to moderate their zeal and
disturb their aim. Paynaster Swan, OF the
Olseso, was wounded near me, but how ina-
nv more know not. Three bullets struck
my clothing, and the air seemed full Of them.
In q moment We had struck the logs just
abreast of tho quartcr-port. breaking them
in some ioet. our bows resting on them.
Tho torpedo boom was then lowered, and by
a vigorous pull succeeded in diving the tor
pedo under tho overhang, and exploding ii
nj tho Same time that the Albemarle's gun
was fred. A shot seemed to 90 crushing
through nv boat. and dense mass Of water
rushed in from tho torpedo, filling the launch,
and completely disabling her. The enemy
then continued his ERE at fifteen feet range,
and demanded our surrender. which | twice
refused, ordering the men to save themselves,
and removing my overcoat and shoes.
Springing into the river, swan with others
into the middle Of the stream, the rebels fail
ing to bit us. The most of our party were
captured, some were drowned, and only one
escaped besides myself, and no in another di
rcction. Acting Masters Matc Woodman,
Of tho Commodore Hull. met him in the wa.
ter halt milo below the town. aud assisted
him us best no could, but failed to 20. him
ashore. Completely exhausted, | managed
to reach the shore, but was too weak to crawl
out Of the water until just at daylight, when
I managed 70 creep into the swamp. close to
the fort. While hiding, close TO tho path.
the Albcmarle's officers passed, and Judged
from their conversation that the ship was de-
stroyed. Some hours travelling In tho swamp
served to bring me out we'll below tho town.
when sent Ia negro to gain Information,
aud found that Cue ram was truly sunk.