The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-02-28
Cutting Out Blockade Runners.

Lieutenant Cushing, on account o
his brilliant and daring record, was Sc
lected to command an expedition al
the Roanoke River for the purpose o
destroying the Confederate iron claC
ram Albemarle. This vessel caused
much alarm to our blockading fleet a
that point, and Captain Melancthor
Smith (who commanded the frigatt
Mississippi under Farragut, on thu
Mississippi River, and assisted in thu
capture of New Orleans wat instruct
cd to destroy this pest at all hazards
The means that were to be employed
was the torpedo, which was attached tC
a steam launch used as a picket boat
The torpedo was the invention of Chiel
Engineer w. w. Wood, of the United
States Navy, and was one Of great de-
stroying power, and much reliance was
placed upon this new engine Of warfare
provided it could be placed in proper
position. The whole scheme was left
to Lieutenant Cushing, who, with four
teen officers and men, volunteers for
this perilous service, started on the
night of October 27, 1864, to accomplish
that end.
Their mission was, if possible, to cut
the ram loose and let her float down
with the current in case of failure to
blow her up. The ram Albemarle was
tied up at her wharf about eight miles
from the mouth of the Roanoke River,
which was not over two hundred yards
wide and was lined on both banks with
the enemy's pickets. Lieutenant Cush-
ing took along with him as an assistant
one of the cutters belonging to the U.
S. steamer Shamrock. The launch and
cutter succeeded in passing the pickets
and were not hailed until almost abreast
the ram, when their look-outs hailed
the approaching boats. The cutter was
cast loose and ordered to drop down,
and with a full head of steam the launch
made for the ram. The rebels sprang
their rattle, rang the alarm bells and
opened fire upon the launch.
The shore pickets hearing the din
lighted up bonfires, which discovered
the ram tied up to the wharf, surround
ed by pen of heavy logs about thirty
feet deep. Nothing daunted, the boy
hero, Notwithstanding the heavy fire
he was subjected to, the launch steamed
on to the bow of the ram so as to strike
a fair blow. The rebel shells becoming
uncomfortable, the howitzer in the
launch gave the rams crew dose of
canister, which slightly demoralized
them and caused a moderation Of their
zeal.
The launch was now abreast of the
log impediment, and her bow resting
upon them. The torpedo boom was
lowered, and vigorous pull drove the
torpedo under the overhang of the yes
sci and exploded it. At this time a
gun was fired, the conclusion of the
gun and exploding torpedo filling the
launch, and completely disabling her.
The enemy demanded the surrender
of Cushing and his party, which was
refused, the crew and officers of the
launch springing into the water and
swimming for life. The whole party
excepting Lieutenant Gushing and Or
binary Seaman E. j. Horton, were
either captured or drowned. Cushing
swan until nearly exhausted, when he
made for shore and concealed himself
among some bushes. Several Of the AL
bemarle's crew passed within short
distance Of his hiding place, and from
their conversation he first learned of
the rams destruction. He succeeded in
escaping and joined his ship, much to
the Joy of his comrades. The ram qui-
etly filed and sank where the blow was
struck, and in a short time she was
completely submerged. With the de-
struction of the Albemarle, Plymouth,
N. c., soon fell into our hands, with its
batteries, ordnance and general stores.
This capture put an end to blockade
running at this point and cut off an i'm
portant depot of supply. Hon. Gideon
Welles, Secretary Of the Navy, with his
usual promptness, congratulated Lieu
tenant Cushing and sent his name to the
President for vote of thanks and sub
sequently advanced him one grade
higher. This was the fourth time Gu
shing was congratulated for his daring
deeds and unselfish devotion to duty.
When volunteers we're called for on any
of Cushing's expeditions there was no
lack of material to select from, as Ell
were anxious to 60. an a number Of
cases the disappointed ones offered a
months pay for the successful volun-
ers to back out and allow them to fill
their place.