October 22, 1864-- Part 1: In Case the Albemarle Attacks Again

OCTOBER 22TH, 1864:  Rear Admiral Porter, in a confidential letter to Commander Macomb, commanding naval forces in Albemarle Sound, set down instructions for engaging the CSS Albemarle, should the ram again come out to challenge Union control of the Sounds:

"There is but one chance for wooden vessels in attacking an ironclad.  You will, in case she comes out, make a dash at her with every vessel you have, and 'lay her on board', using cannister to fire into her ports, while the ram strikes her steering apparatus and disables her.

"You will see that every vessel is provided with proper grapnels, to hold on by while going alongside, and a boarding party will be appointed to lash the vessels together."

That Problem beginning With the Letter "A".  --Old B-Runner