The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1901-02-28

0WIIt anu tuoHOuSu WAS tuo WOrK o
our little boat. In short time tht
entire feet of the enemy were eithe
sent to the bottom or driven out o.
the harbor. The Albemarle succeeded
In Withdrawing to place of safety
and the remaining forces Withdrew TO
the evening.
! But the work OF capturing Plymouth
was by no means accomplished. All
of Its lines of defense were still intact
Fort Williams, a powerful earthwork
thrown up to considerable height
commanded the field directly soutf
and enfiladed the approaches, both east
and west. Extending from this fort tc
the river, and enclosing the town, were
lines of breastworks. The roads lead
ing into the enclosure were protected
by stockades, or timbers firmly set in
the ground. Tho day time of April II
and 10 was occupied In resting by 4
portion OF our forces, and in reconnoit.
ering by others. General Hoke select.
Cd the eastern front as the most feasi-
bic point OF assault along the river side
since the feet was not there to inter
fere. To this work Rfnsom's brigade
was assigned. Late in tho evening of
the 18th. Ransom approached a crock
of some depth but little width, which
was stoutly defended by an outpost of
the enemy. By the aid of Branch's bat
terry these were forced to move back
quickly-a pontoon having been laid
line of skirmishers passed over and
took position at the crest of a gentle
rise from the creek. As soon as posi-
BILE the brigade passed oyer and took
position. A detachment of ona COM
pany from each regiment had been
made, Company A of the 18th being OF
the number. These were deployed as
skirmishers and advanced some dis
tance in front OF the principal line.
We inferred from these arrangements
that An assault upon tho enemys works
was contemplated and that We of the
skirmlsh line were expected to lead.
Soon word came along the line of skir-
nishers that Captain Durham, of the
10th, would comm us. From this
we know that serious work was ahead.
I must pause here and pay q passing
tribute to the memory of this officer.
He had already distinguished himself
for skill and courage in the service.
However on account OF his superior
business qualities he was offered the
post of quarter-master TOR his regiment
This he would accept only on condi-
tion that he should be permitted to
participate In all the dangers to which
his command might be exposed. Thus
1t came about that the quartermaster
of the 10th regiment was frequently
placed in command of detachments
both of infantry and cavalry, which re-
quired cool courage and skillful leader
ship. Young, handsome and lovable,
he was popular with the men. A few
weeks later he gave his life to
the cause near Drewry's Buff, and rare
ly has q braver spirit ascended from q
battlefield than was that of Captain
n,,vhc,n 81 <A~ AOkh
The information that Captain Dur
ham would command inspired us with
the faith that We would be we'll led.
But there were long hours OF waiting.
The disposition OF the forces was COM
pleted by 9 O'Clock. The moon was at
her full and not cloud obscured her
light. We had not more than fairly
taken position before the enemy turn
cd its batteries upon us. All night
long lis shells hurled above and around
US, and sometimes exploded in our
vory midst. But no response did We
mako dead silence reigned throughout
onr lines. Action under such circum-
stances enhances the courage of mon
inaction weakens it. Then it is that
thoughtful men engage in introspeo-
ton and sit in judgment upon their
past lives.
They realize fully the force of Ham
let's conclusion that
"Thus conscience does make towards
of US all,
And thus the native hue OF resolution
Is sicklied DER with the pale cast OF
thought;
Aud enterprises of great p,th and mo-
ment,
With this regard, their current. turn
away
And lose the name of action"
But the longest night, no matter
what Its horrors, must haye an cad.
At the first appearance of light In the
east tho quiet but firm command OF
Durham, Forward, men /" was given.
Instantly every man of tho skirmishers
was upon his feet and began to press
forward.
The ground over which we were to