m a
short leave.

"The destruction of the Albemarle will release the large squadron
of powerful light-draught vessels which have, since her _debut_
last May, been maintained in the Sound. They can go elsewhere now.

"On a reconnoissance by the Valley City, to within a mile of
Plymouth, it was discovered that the enemy had sunk the schooners
which were engaged in attempting to raise the Southfield, directly
across the channel, thus temporarily blockading the river. Although
the town was in sight, not a trace could be seen of the rebel ram;
and it is proved in other ways, beyond a doubt, that she lies in
thirty feet of water, from which it will be impossible to raise her
again.

"Captain Walley, who had assumed command of the ship only three
weeks ago--relieving Captain Cook, who commanded her in the action
of May last--began his duties in a very bombastic style. He
mustered his officers and men, and assured them that in three weeks
he could again attack the enemy and sink and scatter his fleet, and
then he would re-take Newbern and drive the Yankees from every foot
of North Carolina soil. With the Albemarle and their aid, with the
co-operation of the gallant army, he would, before the new year,
regenerate the state, and leave not a trace of a Yankee within its
borders.

"It is not improbable that he might have effected a good deal of
damage, and perhaps have endangered for the time being our tenure
of Newbern and Roanoke Island, as he was nearly ready for his raid.
Thanks, however, to the gallant Cushing and his brave comrades,
through whose coolness, courage, and skill the _coup de main_ was
so admirably administered to the mailed monster, all danger has
passed, and another destructive blow has been given to the
declining rebel navy.

"A meed of credit and praise should be awarded to Chief Engineer
William W. W. Wood, of the navy, to whose inventive abilities and
experience in submarine warfare we owe the contrivance of the
torpedo and the successful arrangement by which it is handled and
exploded. The one fired by Lieutenant Cushing contained but fifty
pounds of powder; but it did its work to a charm. There was no
chance of its failing in his hands. The entire arrangement is
exceedingly ingenious, and it would be manifestly improper to
describe at this time.