“The enemy then continued his fire, at fifteen feet range, and demanded our surrender, which I twice refused, ordering the men to save themselves, and, removing my own coat and shoes, springing into the river, I swam with others into the middle of the stream, the Rebels failing to hit us. The most of our party were captured, some were drowned, and only one escaped besides myself, and he in another direction. Acting Master’s Mate Woodman, of the ‘Commodore Hull,’ I met in the water half a mile below the town, and assisted him as best I could, but failed to get him ashore.
“Completely exhausted, I managed to reach the shore, but was too weak to crawl out of the water until just at daylight, when I managed to creep into the swamp, close to the fort. While hiding, a few feet from the path, two of the Albemarle’s officers passed, and I judged, from their conversation, that the ship was destroyed.
“Some hours’ travelling in the swamp served to bring me out well below the town, when I sent a negro in to gain information, and found that the ram was truly sunk. Proceeding to another swamp I came to a creek, and captured a skiff belonging to a picket of the enemy, and with this, by eleven o’clock the next night, had made my way out to the ‘Valley City.’
“Acting Master’s Mate William L. Howarth, of the ‘Monticello,’ showed, as usual, conspicuous bravery. He is the same officer who has been with me twice in Wilmington harbor. I trust he may be promoted when exchanged, as well as Acting Third Assistant Engineer Stotesbury, who, being for the first time under fire, handled his engine promptly and with coolness.
“All the officers and men behaved in the most gallant manner. I will furnish their names to the Department as soon as they can be procured.
“The cutter of the Shamrock boarded the Southfield, but found no gun. Four prisoners were taken there. The ram is now completely submerged, and the enemy have sunk three schooners in the river, to obstruct the passage of our ships. I desire to call the attention of the Admiral and Department to the spirit manifested by the sailors on the ships in these Sounds. But few men were wanted, but all hands were eager to go into action, many offering their chosen shipmates a month’s pay to resign in their favor. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. Cushing,
Lieutenant, U. S. N.”
“Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter,
“Commanding N. A. Squadron.
“The name of the man who escaped is William Hoftman, seaman on the ‘Chicopee.’ He did his duty well and deserves a medal of honor.
“Respectfully, W. B. Cushing, U. S. N.”
Cushing, for this daring piece of service, was himself advanced to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander.