Tinclad USS Whitehead was lashed to the port side of the Tacony, with tugs Bazely and Belle lashed to the Shamrock and Ostego. The fleet sailed boldly up and engaged the Plymouth batteries and rifle pits at close range.
A violent battle ensued in which the Commodore Hull sustained heavy damage. The Union cannonade detonated a large magazine ashore with a tremendous explosion shortly thereafter. The Southerners began to evacuate their fortifications.
Macomb reported: "I then made signal to cease firing, and then to land and take possession of the batteries, which was done without resistance." A landing party from the Wyalusing entered Fort Williams, captured prisoners and raided the Stars and Stripes again over Plymouth.
Macomb captured 37 prisoners, 22 cannon, a large quantity of stores, 200 stand of arms, and the sunken, but still important CSS Albemarle. For his dashing and timely action, Macomb was praised by Secretary Welles and advanced ten numbers in grade by Congress.
President Lincoln enthusiastically recommended the advancement, speaking of Commander Macomb's "distinguished conduct in the capture of the town of Plymouth, North Carolina...."
The Union again held this strategic town and thus commanded the Roanoke River, Albemarle Sound, and threatened the interior of North Carolina from the sea.
--Old B-R'er
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