Battle at Plymouth, North Carolina

MAY 7, 1864.]

HARPER'S WEEKLY.

301

THE SHAKESPEARE MONUMENT IN CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK.

THE SHAKESPEARE TERCENTENARY.

THE, three hundredth anniversary of the birth of SHAKESPEARE was commemorated (April 23) in New York by laying the corner-stone of a Monument to his memory in Central Park. The ceremonies were witnessed by a number of distinguished citizens. The principal features of the occasion were addresses by Judge DALY and Mr. WHEATLEY, who recited an original poem, and the formal laying of the stone by Mr. HACKETT. The cere

monies closed by the formal acceptance of the monument by Mayor GUNTHER on behalf of the city. The site of the proposed statue is at the south end of the Mall, one of the most attractive and delightful within the limits of the grounds. A space staked off and surrounded with ropes protects the excavation, in which rests an oblong block of granite, bearing the following inscription :

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE,
APRIL 23, 1864.

The Monument will add another permanent attraction to the Park.

THE REBEL RAM AT PLYMOUTH,
NORTH CAROLINA.

WE give on this page a sketch of the encounter between the Rebel Ram and the Federal gun-boat Miami in the Roanoke River, near Plymouth, North Carolina. Our sketch shows the gun-boat Southfield in a sinking condition, having been run down by the Ram. The Southfield was formerly a ferryboat, and carried a battery of six guns. Upon finding the Southfield disabled, the Ram gave chase to the Miami. Captain FLUSSER stood by the large

gun, and asked what charge it contained. He was answered, "A shell;" and he made the remark, "Let us fire this, and afterward we will give him a better dose, solid shot." Captain FLUSSER sighted the gun himself, the iron-clad being only a half length from him. The shell fired was a 10-second fuse, which struck the roof of the Ram, rebounded, and hit Captain FLUSSER. In striking him the shell exploded, and killed the gallant officer instantly, almost tearing him to pieces. The Miami then retired below Plymouth, having succeeded in picking up a number of the officers and crew of the Southfield.

THE REBEL RAM ATTACKING FEDERAL GUN-BOATS AT PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA.