Some say nothing was surrendered, but taken - that is, we fought to the last.

Autograph letter signed by Acting Master's Mate John J. Allen, Jr. U.S. Steamer Tacony, Roanoke Island, North Carolina, 25 April 1864. 4 pages, folio, 8 x 12 9/16 in.

An extremely detailed account of the Battle of Plymouth written by Acting Master's Mate John J. Allen, Jr. (1842-1920), who was aboard the Southfield when she was rammed in the early morning hours of 19 April 1864 — a day that Allen said "will ever remain fresh in my memory."

Born in Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island, Allen was appointed Acting Master's Mate on 18 May 1863 and initially served on the U.S.S. Sumpter, serving in the North Atlantic Blockade Squadron and fighting at the Battle of Hampton Roads. She sank on 24 June 1863 after colliding with the U.S.S. General Meigs. After rescue by the Jamestown, Allen was assigned to the U.S. steamer Southfield in 1864 shortly before the Battle of Plymouth, which Allen describes in exquisite detail here.

His letter was written to Henry Martin Lowe (1840-1907) of Rockport, Massachusetts, who had also served in the Navy, stationed aboard the U.S.S. gunboat Penobscot and the Southfield.

Allen opens dramatically, telling his former comrade of the fate of the Southfield: "How I wish that I could be writing this letter from the Southfield at Plymouth today but fate has destined it otherwise and we must calmly submit to it. Ere this reaches you, you will have undoubtedly been made acquainted with all the particulars of the late battle and fall of Plymouth and the sinking of our gallant Southfield by that infernal ram [C.S.S. Albemarle] of which we joked so much about and ever doubted such an ideas as her appearance at Plymouth which we had fortified so well. Henry, what do you think of it & was it not a shame that we were whipped so badly after the confidence we always entertained on our fortifications if the place was attacked?"

He continues with an hour-by-hour description of the battle: "A week ago last night [17 April 1864] on 3:30 P.M. the attack was first made. The pickets were driven inside and Fort Grey was the recipient of the first fire from the enemy's batteries erected about a mile up the river from the fort opposite...The Whitehead, Ceres and Bombshell took an active part that night....At daylight the next morning the battle again commenced from up the river and back of the town at all points. Bombshell...was sunk by the enemy early in the morning while carrying a dispatch to 'Grey.' In the afternoon I went with a party of men to bury the two killed on the Ceres and after performing that duty, we went over to the breastworks to see the sport there. When returning to the ship, the enemy (a force estimated at 12,000) made a powerful assault with the intention, I suppose, of taking the town by storm, but they found their mistake for the Southfield and Miami cut adrift (as we had not at that time taken any part) and poured upon them our shell as fast as we could load and fire - Miami below the town and we above - and making a cross and terrific fire upon them. It seemed as though the whole strength of the enemy's shell fell in the river for it actually boiled with them. And though we were struck, not one of our men was injured that I know of. Some were knocked over but not hurt."

He continues, recounting the arrival of the Albemarle: "As the Ram up that time was not heard from, we felt sure of success and did not expect another attack. But at one the next morning (Tuesday) - and one which will ever remain fresh in my memory - the Whitehead came down reporting that the Ram was coming, called all hands, and commenced making fast to Miami...just as we were getting the last fast secure, the infernal thing came right down past the town and made straight wake for us (we were laying them down to the picket station). I can't tell how the vessel passed all the torpedoes, blockades, forts &c. no more than a man in the moon. Besides, I am unable to see how it was we didn't slip cables and run before her to lessen the blow, but there she appeared coming full speed with that Cotton Planter steamer with her with two hundred sharpshooters in her. The Ram struck the Southfield on the starboard bow and cut her through to the boilers. From both of our vessels we gave her 13 shots which made no impression upon her whatever. Capt. Flusser was killed by the reflection of one of his shells that could not be drawn and was forced on the Ram."

The battle report concludes with the taking of the town of Plymouth, North Carolina: "Well the town could not hold out after we were drove out and at noon on Wednesday they then surrendered to the Confederates. Some say nothing was surrendered, but taken - that is, we fought to the last." He reports what he has heard of the aftermath: "I have heard that the entrenchments around Plymouth were filled three and four deep with the dead bodies of the rebs who were killed when trying to scale the breastworks. Tough old battle, I assure you."

Allen concludes with the Union retreat, his plans for resignation, and his hope "to get into business with such a valuable friend and agreeable companion as you have been to me." A few months later, Allen left the Tacony at New Bern on sick leave and returned to Rhode Island, where he officially resigned on 22 August 1864.

A rare and thorough letter reporting on the Battle of Plymouth with incredible naval details.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]

Small pinholes along old folds. One panel with toning.