ed by Lieutenant William B.
Cushing, of the Navy. The great mailed monster that has so long
excited the apprehensions of the Navy Department, and held in the
Sound a force greatly in excess of that which was usually stationed
there, now lies quietly at the bottom of the Roanoke river, a
subject of curious contemplation and dread to the fish that
frequent these waters. In the squadron every one feels a sense of
relief in realizing the fact that the Albemarle is no longer
afloat, or capable of doing further damage; for it is no secret
that she was one of the toughest customers for wooden vessels to
confront that has yet floated. Her raid on the flotilla, on the 5th
of last May, proved that fact beyond a shadow of a doubt. She then
encountered and fought to great advantage three heavily armed
double-enders--the Sassacus, Mattabessett and Wyalusing--and
retired, after a long contest, but slightly damaged. While she
floated, no post held by us and accessible to her was safe. She
could go her way as she chose, in spite of the efforts of our
wooden vessels, unless some accident occurred to her which should
prevent her steaming. None of the light-draft monitors were ready
to confront her, and she threatened to clear our forces out of the
State of North Carolina.

"Such was the state of affairs subsequent to the 5th of May. Our
squadron in Albemarle Sound had been largely increased by the
addition of several light draught, heavily-armed vessels; but, even
with these, it was somewhat doubtful whether the possession of the
Sound was insured us; so it was determined to get rid of the
monster in some more expeditious and certain way.

"Lieutenant William B. Cushing, a young officer of great bravery,
coolness and resource, submitted a project to Admiral Lee, in June
last, by which he hoped, if successfully carried out, to rid the
Sound of the Albemarle, and insure us its possession. Admiral Lee
entered warmly into the scheme, as did the Navy Department, which
immediately detached Lieutenant Cushing from the Monticello, and
placed him on special duty, at the same time giving him every
facility to carry out the object in view.

"Lieutenant Cushing at once proceeded to New York, and in
conjunction with Admiral Gregory, Captain Boggs, and Chief Engineer
Wm. W. W. Wood, fitted one of the ne