"The cutters of the Shamrock, we omitted to mention, captured four
rebel soldiers on picket on the Southfield, and brought them along
safely to the squadron.

"THE ALBEMARLE.

"The Albemarle was an iron-clad vessel, similar in general features
to the Merrimac and Tennessee, but much stronger. It is said her
iron mail was twelve inches in thickness, and backed by several
feet of solid timber. She was armed with two two-hundred pound
Brooke's rifles, and was perfectly shot-proof. Her weak point
proved to be below. She could have been captured only by ramming,
and for that purpose much heavier vessels were needed than any that
could be got into the Sound. The torpedo was the only means of
destroying her, and that proved successful when tried.

"The Albemarle is probably the last formidable vessel that the
rebels have in the inland waters of North Carolina, and they will
hardly have an opportunity of building more."

"THE HERO OF THE ALBEMARLE IN WASHINGTON.

"WASHINGTON, NOV. 2, 1864.

"Lieutenant Cushing arrived here to-day, bringing with him the
official report of the particulars attending his destruction of the
rebel ram Albemarle. This act relieves all the sounds of North
Carolina from floating enemies, and thus leaves them free to the
operations of our fleet. Lieutenant Cushing is a citizen of, and
was appointed from, the State of New York. He is satisfied that a
large number of lives must have been lost by the blowing up, as the
Albemarle's guns were all manned. The Secretary of the Navy will
recommend to Congress a vote of thanks, and he will be promoted to
a Lieutenant Commander."

After landing Captain Wm. B. Cushing aboard the flag-ship of the fleet,
the Valley City the same day, at 2-1/4 p.m., weighed anchor, and
proceeded to Norfolk, Va., and from thence to the United States Navy
Yard at Gosport, Va., and was put there on the dry dock for repairs.
After the repairs of the Valley City were finished, on Sunday, November
27, at 4-1/2 p.m., we got under weigh, and arrived at Hampton Roads,
Va., at 6-1/2 o'clock p.m. On Monday, November 28th, at 11-1/2 o'clock,
a.m., we weighed anchor, and arrived at Hatteras Inlet at 9-1/2 o'clock
a.m., Tuesday, November 29. At 2 o'clock a.m., on Wednesday, November
30, the Valley City arrived at Plymouth, and at 3-1/2 o'clock of the
same morning the Valley