The Daily Dispatch: November 7, 1864., [Electronic resource]

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The loss of the Albemarle.

Captain A. F. Warley, commander of the Albemarle, in his official report to the Navy Department, says that the night being exceedingly dark, he had the watch doubled on the Albemarle, and took extra precaution to prevent mishap. About 9 o'clock a boat was discovered coming towards the vessel; it was hailed, but gave no satisfactory answer. All hands were mustered as quickly as possible and a fire of musketry directed to the boat, which, owning to the darkness, was ineffectual. The after gun was loaded with grape and fired, but could not be sufficiently depressed to take effect. The boat struck under the port bow and exploded a torpedo, smashing a hole in the Albemarle just under the water line, our men pouring upon them a heavy fire of musketry. The officers in charge of the torpedo boat instantly surrendered and were sent ashore.--The pumps were set to work, but could not save the vessel, and she went down in a few moments, only her smoke-stack and shield remaining visible above the water.

Captain Warley says, further, that he received no notice from the picket boat below, nor did the artillery on the shore give him any assistance.