Capture of Plymouth

The Capture of Plymouth was a battle of the American Civil War, fought in October 1864. Following the sinking of CSS Albemarle during a commando raid led by Lieutenant William B. Cushing, Union naval forces attacked Plymouth, North Carolina, which was defended by Confederate artillery. After three days of fighting the Confederates retreated from the area, allowing the Union navy to land men and occupy the town.[1]

Capture of Plymouth
Part of the American Civil War
"Capture of Plymouth, N.C. Oct. 1864" by Alexander C. Stuart.
Date October 29–31, 1864 Location Plymouth, North Carolina, Roanoke River, Middle River Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
William H. Macomb William B. Cushing	unknown
Strength
9 gunboats 1 torpedo boat	3,500 22 artillery pieces 3 shore batteries
Casualties and losses
6 killed 9 wounded 3 gunboats damaged	37 captured 22 artillery pieces captured 3 shore batteries captured

Order of battle

United States Navy:

• USS Wyalusing, gunboat, 1,173 tons, 14 guns
• USS Shamrock, gunboat, 974 tons, 11 guns, flagship
• USS Otsego, gunboat, 974 tons, 10 guns
• USS Tacony, gunboat, 974 tons, 9 guns
• USS Chicopee, gunboat, 974 tons, 10 guns
• USS Commodore Hull, gunboat, 376 tons, 6 guns
• USS Valley City, gunboat, 190 tons, 4 guns
• USS Whitehead, gunboat, 136 tons, 1 gun
• USS Bazely, gunboat, 50 tons
• USS Belle, torpedo boat, 52 tons, 2 guns, 1 spar torpedo

See also

Media related to Capture of Plymouth (1864) at Wikimedia Commons

• Naval battles of the American Civil War

References

1. United States. Navy Dept, United States. Naval War Records Office, pg. 12–27

• United States. Navy Dept, United States. Naval War Records Office (1990). Official records of the Union and Confederate navies in the war of the rebellion. University of Michigan: US Government Printing Office.