get him ashore. Completely exhausted, I
managed to reach the shore, but was too weak to crawl out of the
water until just at daylight, when I managed to creep into the
swamp close to the fort.

"While hiding close to the path, the Albemarle's officers passed,
and I judged from their conversation that the ram was destroyed.
Some hours traveling in the swamp served to bring me out well below
the town, when I sent a negro in to gain information, and found
that the ram was truly sunk. Proceeding through another swamp, I
came to a creek, and captured a skiff belonging to a picket of the
enemy, and with this, by eleven o'clock the next night, I made my
way out to the Valley City.

"Acting Master's mate, William L. Howorth, of the Monticello,
showed as usual conspicuous bravery. He is the same officer who has
been with me twice in Wilmington Harbor. I trust he may be promoted
when exchanged, as well as Acting Third Assistant Engineer
Stolsbury, who, being for the first time under fire, handled his
engine promptly and with coolness. All the officers and men behaved
in the most gallant manner.

"The cutter of the Shamrock boarded the Southfield, but found no
guns there. Four prisoners were taken there. The ram is now
completely submerged, and the enemy have sunk three schooners in
the river to obstruct the passage of our ships.

"I desire to call the attention of the Admiral and department to
the spirit manifested by the sailors on the ships in these sounds.
But few hands were wanted, but all hands were eager to go into the
action, offering their chosen shipmates a month's pay to resign in
their favor.

"I am sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

"W. B. CUSHING, U.S.N.

"Rear Admiral D. D. Porter, Commanding the North Atlantic
Squadron."

"The name of the man who escaped was William Hoffman, seaman on the
Chicopee. He did his duty well, and deserves a medal of honor.

"Respectfully,

"WM. B. CUSHING, U.S.N."

THE HERALD DESPATCHES.

[Mr. Galen H. Osborn's Despatch]

"FORTRESS MONROE, VA., November 1, 1864.

"The United States steamer Valley City arrived at Hampton Roads
from the blockading squadron of the Sounds of North Carolina, this
morning. She brings the glorious tidings of the destruction of the
rebel iron-clad ram Albemarle. The t