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of the department at Richmond, relative to the plans to be pursued, and also advice in regard to the transfer of rebel soldiers from the Army of the Tennessee to what they call “Navy.”
The assaulting party were clad in the uniform of the United States troops.
For the better purpose of deceiving the enemy, each man had a “Sharpe's rifle,” with sword-bayonet, the latter sharpenened to the keenness of a razor, for the double purpose of cutting boarding nettings, should that obstacle present itself.
The scheme was well planned, and must have succeeded had not the intervention of the obstacles mentioned taken place.
The United States steamer Adele was to be boarded with the least noise possible, and, when fairly on deck, to engage the men, and quickly overpower all resistance; twenty men were detailed for the special purpose of immediately securing the captain.
Their next move was to seize the code of signals; with these their true character could be concealed from our cruisers for a short time.
The anchor was then to be hove up and, getting under weigh, they were to deliberately make for the Somerset, hoisting the signals and American colors; thus deceiving their enemy, they were to attack, grapple, and board, and take possession; the Chambers to be served in the same manner; and the Confederate flag run up to the peak, and, with this addition to the piratical crafts already afloat, more depredations were to befall our commerce.
Happily this diabolical scheme was frustrated.
Had it been otherwise, who can surmise the amount of damage which would have been done?
It is only another illustration of the watchfulness and vigilance which should be exercised at all times by blockaders.
An expedition was started to Appalach, upon the Hudson's arrival in the harbor, trusting to capture some representative of this late enterprise.
After searching the town thoroughly, without any signs of the fugitive, the bugle announced the recalls; and two hours time, saw us on board of our respective vessels,
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