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Wrested from the Federals, April 17, 20, 1864, while occupied by Wessells, commanding a garrison of 2400 men, by Hoke leading 7000 Confederates. Hoke came upon the town in the night, thus surprising Wessells. The Confederate ram " Albemarle " took part in the fight, driving away the Union gunboats "Southfield," "Miami" and "Bombshell," while Hoke took the town. Forts Wessells and Warren were also taken by Hoke. Fort Warren was valiantly defended against numerous assaults, but it was lightly garrisoned, and was finally forced to surrender. Fort Wessells also held out bravely, but having lost the protection of the gunboats, it too succumbed.