The blockade-runner General Rusk, though in Spanish waters was boarded and captured. Somehow a fire broke out and destroyed the vessel.
Commander Charles S. Hunter of the USS Montgomery thought he had clear orders from Farragut to end the Rusk's blockade-running days and he was extremely proud of his accomplishment. He boasted of it and went on to capture two more runners.
What he didn't know was that the Spanish government was enraged and even went so far as to threaten war if something wasn't done, something the Lincoln administration definitely didn't want at this point. The good commander was court-martialed and Secretary of State Seward was forced to issue a formal apology and pay $300,000.
Hunter was cleared of military misconduct at the court martial, but guilty of violating neutral waters and removed from service.
Oh Well. --Old B-Runner
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