Wilmington journal., 1864-11-10
From the Goldsboro' State Journal.
THE FALL OF PLYMOUTH.

L
was taken prisoner by Charles v be wrote to bis moth
er Madam, nave lost everythi except honor"
The unfortunate monarch fully realized the value of this
consoatary reflection, and in true Spartan style thus
addressed bis mother AS all offset to our recent dsas
ter we fan would tfer the words of comfort to
our noble mother the State. We have lost Plymouth,
but our honor is safe.
Various and co; fcting the rumors which have
come to our ears relating to tie causes which led to
this recent and unexpected misfortune, but careful
journalists desiring propagate the truth only, and
leave elimination TO court martial we have endeavored
to avoid the Scya aud Charibds OF popular ment
naturally incident to such occasion That somebody
is to blame the matter has been obscurey hinted at
By some papers, aud ourselves caunot dvest en-
tirey of like suspicion
From all the Information We cen gather, 1t seems
pretty clearly made out that the night which the al
fair occurred dark peculiarly favorable one for
the enterprise. That torpedo boat of the simplest
construction, maDned by thirteen daring volunteers
from the enemys feet, and commanded by one Captain
Cushing steamed up to Plymouth, capturing on their
way the pickes on board the Soushhed at the mouth
OF the river who must have been either drunk asleep,
or both and surprised ard destroyed the Albemare at
the foot OF her own wharf. Though forewarued that
such an expedition afoot against the Albemare the
Inflated steamer was inadequatey projected. weak
pen of logs was thrown around huk and the guard
on board though doubled, could not have been made
sensible of their responsibility. The comma ding Of
6ctr of the bat slept on Shore and strange to say
omitted to throw out pickets in boats around her.
| Z
day morning, and the reckless gang eaved themselves
from being shot by jump ovcrboard aid crying out
that they surende- 10 the dismay of the moment,
Capt. Gushing, ua down Easter like made his escape
| by swimming, and carried the welcome intelligence of
the success Of his expedition the feet and received
the cheers OF bis comrades. Tue rest were all taken
prisoners and turned to the authorities, and the
torpedo boat wae captured and s.nt up the Roanoke
for safety.
Col. Whitford Immediately apprised Gen Baker, by
| Z Ifu vhath haH WI
hold the town st all hazards, until attempt should
be made to raise the gunboat, and started CT immed
ately to the spot. Meantime, the commander OF the
Albemarle judging the gunboa to be wreck, drecud
her to be more completely destroyed, to prevent her
from being again made available in the town should
fall into the hands of the Yankees. This accordingly
done by blowing her up second time with torpedoes
at IL O'Clock on Friday morning the enemy steamed
up the river and attempted to upon the town by
the front entrance, but nobly aud eecually pre-
vented by the batteries under the direction of the gal
liant Col. Whitford They then put back and ascend
ed Middle River. few obstructions here, for time
impeded their. progress, which they soon removed.
On Saturday night they re-entered the Roanoke from
this direction, aod attacked the town in reverse But
only two guns bore upon this channel from Shore the
chief reliance against this attempt having been justly
placed upon The Abemarle. Our au tborites had no
more for apprehendng such disaster to the gun
boat and to be deprived of her aid in the defence o
the town, than they had to expect au earthquake to
swallow up the land batteries. The rest of the guns
being fixed batteries, they could not, in the emergency
be trained round in time to be of service From this
point the feet, consisting OF nine vessels of sx
each and two double euders poured an nces ant voey
grape canister aud shell upon the town and batteries
Our gunners sood bravely to their guns until by wei
directed shots during Sunday, these finally Gs
mounted ard the magazines exploded, when our men
were compelled to retreat to the town. which was done
in good order
| At this critical juucture which was at about z
o'clock p. m, General Baker entered the town 10 the
midst of generous shower OF death missiles from the
enemy
The cool courage and confident bearing of this re-
doubted veter,u reknde afresh the spirit OF all around
him, and he greeted with enthusiastic welcome by
his devoted troops. Every felt the influence of bis
presence and stood ready to act with credit the part
assigned him.
Gen. Baker Immediately ordered line of sbarpshoot
ers to be thrown out along the river but the heavy
accurate fire OF the gunboats drove them back and the
enemy came down upon the town, passing Warrer
Neck
As they approached they fred the town in severa
lpaces. killing three four men, including en- old
citizen, and wounded about the same number Nothing
more being left to do in this emergency but to
treat with honor Gen Baker issued his order to blow
up our magaznes and withdraw the garrison. This or
der was effected by the gallant Whitford, who with
General Baker the last to leave the town Twen-
ty FIVE thirty it has been confidently stated, viii
cover our whole loss.
General Baker still holds Washington for the pre-
Of Plymouth necessarily endangeIs that of Washington
The General has retreaed further than he has beer
compelled to do. An efficient force occupies the pas
at GAINESVILLE, and Fort Branch at Hamilton, briste
with defiance. General Baker has established BIZ
headquarters at Wiliamston where doubtless he il
remain until quiet and security is again restored
to the unforu nate residents of that section of ou
State
From deserter who came in from the feet sbortl,
after the fall of Plymouth, learn that all the prison
ers who captured in Plymouth were hardcutec
and taken aboard OF the gun boats to be transport
ed North. He also informs u.s. that the gun boat th
Commodore 81 ul was severely damaged by our artil-
ery, and that the Qswego, which be aboard hat
been several times struck though not materially hurt
1t is the intention of the Yankees he declares
brigade to Plymouth to garrison the town and th
fleet is to operate with other vessels shortly in th
capture of Wilmington. We merely mention thes
statements Of this deserter, intending that readers
may attach to them what imp orance they please. W.
have not been "born in the woods to be
by an owl"
Doubtless the capture of Wilmington would be desr
able to old Abe ard his mnions, especially about th
time, but they will not be likely always to catch Cap
tain reckless and crew asleep, and mistake greatly
if an attempt on Wilmington will not like Charleston
naugurate ther years siege, the quiety flowing
river which aves its Shores like another Zanthis or ST.
mos shall be choked with the bodies of willing martyrs
in its defence.
Some men, and many officers too, we regret to say
seem haunted by spectres always in terror Of
calamity Such are only fit for old women's fresides
or to retail bugaboo stories to children Let usicease to
dread these cowady hreugs and be true to ourselves
and bravey act our part and the day of deverance is
not far distant.
We feel assured, that upon this occasion, all that
bravery, sagacity and earnest zeal could accomplish
done. Zen. Baker deserves, he should receive the
cordial weldone by every citizen of our S. te and to
rH uhnc l1oIb