mander said to General Hoke, that if he
surrendered he would be sacrificed by his Government, and, he
feared, would be retired from the service. "Then," replied
General Hoke, "I understand that you are fighting for your
commission and for no other cause. If such is your reply, I have
only to compel your surrender, which I will do if I have to
fight to the last man." The general assault followed Wednesday
morning. It was made by all our forces. As our troops came
within range of the enemy's artillery, they suffered very
severely, as the ground in front had been surveyed and was
staked off with target posts for artillery practice. Latham's
battery had been placed just by one of the targets, and was
shelled with such skill by the enemy that all his horses had
been killed. The accounts of his casualties are deplorable, and
we trust they may be reduced by the more exact statements, which
will be officially given."

From the _Examiner_, April 30th:

"_The Capture of Plymouth in the North._ The news of the fall of
Plymouth had reached the North. Of course, after their several
days of felicitation that "the fort would surely hold out," this
news was sudden and unwelcome to them. The _Tribune_ announces
it under this imposing head, in very large capitals: _Surrender
of Plymouth. General Wessels and one thousand five hundred men
prisoners. Our loss one hundred and fifty killed. The rebel loss
one thousand and seven hundred killed. North Carolina troops
taken out and shot after surrendering. All negroes in uniform
also murdered._

* * * * *

It is positively affirmed that the rebels in taking possession
of Plymouth, ordered out the North Carolina (Union) troops, who
formed part of the garrison, and shot them; and that all negroes
found in uniform were murdered. We presume the account is
correct, and it only proves that what was supposed to be an
exceptional barbarity at Fort Pillow, has been adopted as the
deliberate policy of the rebels. As the issue is to be made it
must be met."

From the _Examiner_, May 3d:

(Extract from a letter on the _Victory of Plymouth_, dated
Plymouth, N.C., April 24, 1864.)

* * * "During Monday night Hoke's and Kemper's brigades slept on
their arms in the position they had gained. Before day break
next morn