Page:Annual report of the superintendent of Negro Affairs in North Carolina, 1864.djvu/37

Rh shell struck the iron plating of the Ram, broke in pieces and rebounded, one piece of it striking and instantly killing the brave commander. This shot decided the fate of Plymouth. The Southfield (gunboat) was immediately sunk by the Ram, and the whole fleet driven from the river, leaving the town open to a raking fire on its undefended side. Unfortunately, Captain Flusser left no peer.

It was a hard day for the poor negroes. The garrison, of Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts troops, were taken prisoners. The few colored men found in uniform were treated with shocking barbarity, as were the colored employesemployees [sic] of the government. Some few, who escaped by swimming and taking to the swamps, found their way at length to our gunboats, or to the Union lines. The remainder were remanded back to slavery in the interior. But many of the women and children were sent, by the thoughtful care of Gen. Wessells, to Roanoke Island, the evening before the fall of the town. At the same time were removed our three northern teachers, Mrs. Freeman and daughter, and Mrs. Croome, with the wives of several officers. The transport which bore them to a place of safety left Plymouth not six hours before the "Albemarle" obtained possession of the river. The schools at Plymouth were of especial interest, and full of promise. The earliest instruction to the Freedmen at this post had been given, more than a year previously, by the chaplain of the 25th Massachusetts Regiment, then stationed there. In no place in the District were the negroes more in earnest to obtain knowledge. The ladies had the hearty approval and kind assistance of Gen. Wessells, and were especially aided by Lieut. D. B. McNary, quartermaster of the 103d Pennsylvania Regiment, who volunteered to act as my assistant in Plymouth, and performed the duty with efficiency and promptness.

The sudden flight of the ladies compelled them to leave behind school-books, school-furniture, house-furniture and much clothing, but they were courageous and unterrified. They did not desert either their schools or their colors, but stood guard faithfully at their post, only marching when they were ordered to do so, and going where they were directed to go. This reverse to our arms cut short sundry peaceful enterprises