brought in to compete with the enemy when
finished. The naval authorities repeatedly urged the army to send an
expedition to burn the boat; but Major-Gen. Foster, in command of the
department of North Carolina, declared it was of no importance, as the
Confederates would never put it to any use. Time showed a very
different state of affairs. In April, 1864, the ram was completed, and
named the "Albemarle." Her first work was to co-operate with ten
thousand Confederate troops in the recapture of Plymouth, which was
accomplished with very little difficulty. Lieut. Flusser was at
Plymouth with four small gunboats, and remained bravely at his post
as he saw the powerful ram bearing down upon him. It was half-past
three in the morning, and the chill, gray dawn was just breaking over
the earth. Above the river hung a mist, through which the great body
of the ram could be seen coming doggedly down to the conflict. The
"Miami" and "Southfield" were lashed together; and, at the order of
Commander Flusser, they started to meet the iron-clad, firing quickly
and with good aim. The "Albemarle" came on silently, disdaining to
fire a gun. With a crash she struck the "Miami" a glancing blow on the
port-bow, gouging off two great planks. Sliding past the wounded
craft, she plunged into the "Southfield," crushing completely through
her side, so that she began to settle at once. The lashings between
the gunboats parted, and the "Southfield" sank rapidly, carrying part
of her crew with her. As the "Albemarle" crashed into the two vessels,
she fired her bow-gun several times, killing and wounding many of the
Union sailors, and killing Lieut. Flusser. When she turned and made a
second dash for the "Miami," the latter fled down the stream, knowing
that to dare the power of the enemy was mere madness. The "Albemarle"
steamed back to Plymouth, and by her aid the town was easily
recaptured by the Confederates.

The squadron in the sounds was now in a state of the greatest anxiety.
At any moment the impregnable monster might descend the river and
destroy the frail wooden gunboats at her leisure. Preparations were
made for a desperate battle when the time should come. Captains were
instructed to bring their ships to close quarters with the enemy and
to endeavor to throw powder or shells down her smokestack. Every
possible means by which a wooden steamer might cope with an iron-clad
was provided.

[Illustration: Destruction of the "Albemarle."]