proceeded on their way unmolested, ranging past the wharf,
and apprehending no danger. Suddenly from the woods on the bluff a
terrific fire was poured upon the vessels. The negress, having served
her end as a decoy, fled hastily to shelter. The bluffs seemed to be
held by two batteries of light artillery and a considerable force of
armed men. Fortunately the aim of the artillery men was bad, and the
vessels sustained no severe damage. Still, they were in a precarious
position. The "Delaware" was too near to bring her battery to bear,
and was obliged to turn slowly in the narrow channel. The "Perry,"
more fortunately situated, opened at once on the enemy with shrapnel.
But the contest was unequal, and the two vessels were forced to
retreat down the river about seven miles, there to await the remainder
of the squadron.

Two days after, the flotilla began the advance up the river, shelling
the town as they ascended. Once opposite the town, the troops were
landed, and the Hawkins Zouaves soon had possession of the bluff and
town. Knapsacks, ammunition, and muskets in considerable quantity fell
into the hands of the victors; and, after burning the barracks of the
enemy, the squadron returned to the base of operations at Roanoke
Island.

CHAPTER VI.

REDUCTION OF NEWBERN. -- EXPLOITS OF LIEUT. CUSHING. --
DESTRUCTION OF THE RAM "ALBEMARLE."

After the destruction of the Confederate flotilla at Elizabeth City,
and the affair at Winton, the Union fleet remained quietly at anchor
off Roanoke Island, or made short excursions up the little rivers
emptying into the sounds. Over a month passed in comparative inaction,
as the ships were awaiting supplies and particularly ammunition. When
finally the transports from New York arrived, and the magazines of the
war-vessels were filled with shot and shell and gunpowder, they again
turned their attention to the enemy. The victories already won had
almost driven the Confederates from that part of North Carolina which
borders on the sounds. Roanoke Island, Elizabeth City, Edenton, and
Plymouth had one after the other yielded to the persuasive eloquence
of the ship's cannon, and there was left to the Confederates only one
fort,--Newbern, on the River Neuse. As a city Newbern is
insignificant; but as a military post it was of a good deal of
importance, and the Confederates had made active preparations for its
defence.

It was on the 12th of March, 1862, that Commander