The CSS Palmetto State attacked the Union fleet on Jan. 31, 1863.
There were an estimated 30,000 Union troops at Hilton Head, SC.
On Feb. 21st, a gunboat approached Sullivans Island with a white flag flying. It was the USS Flambeau trying to deliver mail to the captured crew of the USS Smith.
On March 12th, there was much firing in the harbor for two hours. It turned out to be Confederate batteries testing for a possible attack. One battery did not hear about the test and opened fire for real. One shot damaged a house on Sullivan's Island.
RULES OF BLOCKADE
In order to establish a blockade, the enemy has to give ample notice of intent. Afterwards, if the enemy fleet is dispersed even for a brief time, they have to give notice.
The attack by the CSS Chicora and CSS Palmetto State on Jan. 31st did cause some blockaders to withdraw, but the US Navy refused to give notice again. On March 7th, the Charleston Mercury published a letter from the officers of the blockading fleet saying, "No vessels were sunk and none set on fire" during the attack.
Meanwhile, the blockading fleet continued to build up. Even so, blockade-runners continued to come and go.
City at War. --Old B-R'er
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