It is well known that the army vandals did not even respect the charitable institutions, but bursting open the doors of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' lodge, pillaged them both and hawked about the streets the regalia and jewels. And this, too, by United States troops! It is well known that both public and private stores were entered and plundered, and that devastation and destruction ruled the hour. Rebellion Record, XXXIII, p. 310.
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Bombshell, came down the river and met the vessels searching for her. These were the ‘double-enders’ Mattabesett, Sassacus, Wyalusing, Miami, and the smaller ships Whitehead, Ceres, Commodore Hull and Seymour.
The Miami was armed with a torpedo and watched carefully for an opportunity to explode it. These steamers circled around the Albemarle, firing, and then circling until again opposite the ram, and ready for a second broadside.
This plan of battle was carried into effect, but the heavy shot rattled off from the sloping decks of the Albemarle without doing much injury.
‘This terrific grand waltz’ continued for some time; the ram taking the fire with stoical indifference.
The little Bombshell was speedily forced to drop out of the fight.
Then the Sassacus backed away and ran into the Albemarle at a reported speed of ten knots.
The ram was materially jarred, but sent a shot through and through the Sassacus, and soon another shot filled the Sassacus with steam and drove her from the fight.
The Wyalusing signaled that she was sinking, and shortly afterward the command ‘cease firing’ was signaled.
The 100 pound Parrotts and the 9-inch Dahlgrens had produced little appreciable effect on the Albemarle, and she had fairly discomfited her antagonists.
The fall of Plymouth led to the Federal evacuation of Washington, N. C., on the 28th of April.
On the evacuation, the town was burned by the Federal troops.
General Palmer, in an order condemning the atrocities committed by his troops, used these words:
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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